How far back should a PCS record review extend?

• A. 5 years
• B. At least 3 years
• C. 1 year
• D. 2 years

Answer: (B)

When reviewing records for a PCS move, you want enough history to catch conditions and treatments that could affect current readiness or ongoing care. The recommended minimum look-back is at least three years. This window helps uncover chronic conditions, long-term medication use, hospitalizations, surgeries, and preventive care that might influence deployment status or require a referral or follow-up at the gaining facility. Looking back only one or two years can miss earlier issues that are still clinically relevant, while extending further than three years isn’t typically necessary for this purpose and can add unnecessary burden. If older records aren’t readily available, obtain what you can and note any gaps for the receiving medical team to address.