Documents That Can Help Reconstruct the History
You do not need to gather a file cabinet before asking for help. Start with what is easy to find. Ordinary records can confirm dates, places, employers and relationships that later become important.
Look for records that establish time, place and activity
Employment
Social Security earnings, union records, pension papers, W-2s, resumes, licenses, personnel documents and coworker names.
Military
DD-214, service personnel records, rate or MOS, ship/base assignments, photographs and repair or maintenance records where available.
Home & family
Old addresses, photographs, deeds, renovation records, family employment information and records showing where people lived together.
Products & equipment
Old photographs, receipts, manuals, catalogs, packaging, containers or remembered brands. Do not discard an original item merely to create a record of it.
Keep the diagnosis information organized too
Pathology reports, imaging reports, discharge summaries and the names of treating facilities can make it easier to understand what has already been established medically. Questions about diagnosis and treatment belong with qualified clinicians.
Use the timeline to decide what records matter
A document is useful because of the question it can help answer. Build the broad chronology first, then identify the gaps worth researching.