What must accompany VA Form 21-4142 when requesting treatment records?

When requesting treatment records using VA Form 21-4142, it is essential to include written authorization from the claimant. This authorization serves as a legal document that allows the VA to obtain the medical records from healthcare providers. It ensures that the claimant's privacy is respected and that the VA can access the necessary information to process claims accurately. Without this written authorization, healthcare providers are generally unable to release medical records to the VA, potentially delaying the claims process or making it impossible to gather the required medical documentation. Thus, including this authorization is a critical step in facilitating the collection of treatment records needed for successful claim processing.