If you were told your military records “burned in the fire,” you may have given up on VA benefits. Maybe you were denied because VA couldn’t prove what happened during your service. Or maybe you never filed because you figured there was no point.
Here’s the good news: missing records don’t automatically mean you’re ineligible for benefits. VA changed how it handles these claims in July 2026, making it easier to provide information needed to reconstruct missing records.
Whether you’re filing for the first time or asking VA to reconsider an old denial, here’s what you need to know.
What Happened in the 1973 Fire?
On July 12, 1973, a fire at the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) near St. Louis destroyed an estimated 16 to 18 million military personnel files, according to the National Archives. No backup copies existed.
The fire hit two groups hardest:
- Army veterans discharged from Nov. 1, 1912, through Jan. 1, 1960. About 80% of these records were destroyed.
- Air Force veterans discharged from Sept. 25, 1947, through Jan. 1, 1964, with last names alphabetically after “Hubbard, James E.” About 75% of these records were destroyed.
The fire did not involve records for retirees and Reservists who were still alive on July 12, 1973, according to VA.
Many veterans from these periods are now in their 80s and 90s. Some surviving spouses may also qualify for VA benefits, depending on their circumstances.
If that’s your family, it’s worth finding out what records may still be available.
What Did VA Change?
When military records are missing, VA may ask veterans to complete two forms so the NPRC can search for other evidence of their service.
- NA Form 13055 asks about medical treatment received during military service.
- NA Form 13075 asks about military service history, including units and locations.
In the past, veterans sometimes had to complete these same forms repeatedly, even when they had already provided the information. That caused unnecessary delays.
As of July 2026, VA says affected veterans will receive one packet containing both forms at the beginning of the process.
VA saves the information and reuses it throughout the claim. Veterans generally won’t have to provide the same details again unless the NPRC needs additional information.
VA also says it applies a more sympathetic standard when military records are confirmed or reasonably believed to have been destroyed in the fire.
That means VA can consider credible statements from veterans, fellow service members, and other witnesses when official records are unavailable.
The new process doesn’t guarantee approval, but it can reduce repeated paperwork and help VA evaluate claims even when important records are missing.
How Does VA Rebuild My Records?
Even when your main personnel file is gone, other records about your military service may have survived.
The NPRC and VA can search alternative sources, including:
- Unit morning reports, which recorded personnel changes, illnesses, and other events
- Hospital admission cards and old Surgeon General’s Office records
- Military pay records and Selective Service records
- State records and older VA claims files
- Entrance and separation X-rays, when available
You can help by providing as much detail as possible about where and when you served.
Include your unit, company, battalion, regiment, squadron, group, or wing, along with approximate dates and locations.
The more specific you can be, the easier it may be for the NPRC to search for surviving records.
You don’t need to remember every detail perfectly. Start with what you know and ask VA what additional information would be helpful.
What Evidence Can I Gather Myself?
You don’t have to wait for the government to find everything.
VA recommends gathering any surviving documents that may help establish your service history, injuries, or illnesses.
Useful evidence may include:
- Your own discharge papers, letters home, and photographs from military service
- Statements from medics or other medical personnel who treated you
- Buddy statements from people you served with
- Military accident reports or police reports
- Medical records from during or after your service, including old prescription records
A buddy statement can be especially helpful when official records are missing.
VA has a form for this called the Lay/Witness Statement (VA Form 21-10210).
A fellow service member who witnessed an injury or incident can describe what happened. A spouse, family member, or another person who knows about your condition may also provide a statement describing what they personally observed.
For example, if the people you served with have passed away, a family member who remembers how your health changed after you returned home may still be able to provide useful evidence.
Statements should explain what the person actually saw or knows, rather than guessing about events they didn’t witness.
These statements don’t automatically prove a claim, but VA can consider them alongside other available evidence.
How Do I File a New Claim?
If you’ve never applied for VA disability compensation, you can start a claim through VA.gov.
You can also apply by mail, in person, or with help from an accredited representative.
Tell VA that you believe your military records were affected by the 1973 NPRC fire. Provide whatever service information and supporting evidence you have.
If you’re not ready to submit everything today, consider filing an intent to file.
An intent to file tells VA that you plan to apply for benefits. It may help protect an earlier effective date while you gather your paperwork.
You generally have one year after submitting an intent to file to complete your application. If VA approves your claim, that earlier date may affect how much back pay you receive.
If you begin an online disability compensation application through VA.gov, the system may automatically establish your intent-to-file date. You don’t necessarily need to submit a separate form.
How Do I Reopen a Claim VA Already Denied?
If VA denied your claim before because it couldn’t find your military records, you may still have options.
The new procedure doesn’t automatically reopen old claims. You must ask VA to review your case.
One option is a Supplemental Claim using VA Form 20-0995.
A Supplemental Claim generally requires new and relevant evidence. That means information VA hasn’t previously considered that tends to prove or disprove something important to your claim.
Examples could include:
- A new buddy statement describing an injury or incident
- Military records that the NPRC recently located
- Old letters, photographs, or medical records that help establish what happened
VA’s 2026 announcement also encourages veterans affected by the fire to file another claim.
However, the correct filing procedure depends on whether you’re applying for the first time, challenging a recent decision, or returning after an older denial.
An accredited Veterans Service Organization (VSO) representative can help you determine which process fits your situation.
Don’t overlook the deadlines. Filing a Supplemental Claim within one year of a previous VA decision may help preserve an earlier effective date. Filing later may still be possible, but it can affect potential back pay.
Where Can I Get Free Help?
These claims can be a massive headache, especially when you’re trying to reconstruct events from decades ago.
You don’t have to figure everything out alone.
We recommend starting with an accredited Veterans Service Organization representative, such as someone affiliated with:
- The American Legion
- Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)
- Disabled American Veterans (DAV)
- A county veterans service office, if it has an accredited representative available
Help with VA benefits claims from an accredited VSO representative is free, according to VA.
Accredited attorneys and claims agents may charge fees for certain services after VA has issued an initial decision, subject to VA’s fee rules and required agreements.
You can use VA’s accredited representative finder to locate someone who can help you prepare your claim, gather evidence, or request a review.
You can also contact VA directly using the information in its August 2026 announcement.
If someone contacts you offering to “fix” your claim in exchange for an upfront fee, be cautious. Verify that anyone offering paid claims assistance is properly accredited and that the proposed fee is permitted.
Relief Recap
Your military records may have burned in 1973, but your service still counts.
VA’s updated process makes it easier to provide the information needed to search for alternative records without repeatedly completing the same paperwork.
If you’ve never filed for benefits, you can start a claim through VA.gov. If VA denied you before, ask whether a Supplemental Claim or another review option is appropriate.
Gather any old military documents, medical records, letters, or buddy statements you can find. And don’t hesitate to ask an accredited VSO representative for free help.
Missing paperwork doesn’t automatically end your chance at VA benefits. You may still have a path forward.
