
Info for Illinois veterans
The challenges of life after military service can be difficult to navigate, and we're here to help. From the potential to alleviate the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to provide an alternative to opioids for chronic pain, medical marijuana holds numerous possibilities to help the many men and women who have served this country.
Veterans can obtain medical marijuana the same way as other patients. Veterans need to confirm through the office of Veteran Affairs that they are permitted to use medical marijuana as part of their certified provider recommendation without consequence to their current position or health care system.
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Info for Illinois veterans receiving care at a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) facility
You do NOT need to provide a physician’s written certification. But, you do need copies of the following forms:
You can get your VA form 10-5345 from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Simply make a “Request for and Authorization to Release Medical Records or Health Information.”
Below are the steps to request a release of your VA medical records:
- Mark “OTHER” under “INFORMATION REQUESTED.”
- Specify that you are requesting information about the treatment of your debilitating medical condition for the most recent 12-month period.
- Write “PERSONAL MEDICAL PURPOSES” under “PURPOSE(S) OR NEED FOR WHICH THE INFORMATION IS TO BE USED BY INDIVIDUAL TO WHOM INFORMATION IS TO BE RELEASED.”
- Write your address under “NAME AND ADDRESS OF ORGANIZATION, INDIVIDUAL OR TITLE OF INDIVIDUAL TO WHOM INFORMATION IS TO BE RELEASED.”
- Once you receive your official medical records, simply submit them with your application to the Illinois Department of Public Health here.
You can get your VA Form DD214 in one of two ways:
Free Electronic Copy of DD-214 - Get a free electronic copy at eBenefits. An eBenefits Premium Account is required. You’ll receive your electronic copy within 48 hours of your request.
Free Paper Copy of DD-214 - Most Veterans who separated from service prior to 1992 may request free paper copies of their DD Form 214 from the National Personnel Records Center in one of two ways:
- Submit a Department of Defense Standard Form 180 (“SF180”) to the facility via mail or fax
- Request in-person at the facility
The National Archives also maintains a list of independent researchers who will physically visit the St. Louis facility to request records in-person on behalf of the veteran.