08/27/2026
The VA has streamlined the disability claims process for Veterans whose military personnel or medical records were damaged or destroyed in the 1973 fire at the National Personnel Records Center in St. Louis.
The fire primarily affected:
* Army Veterans discharged between 1912 and 1960
* Air Force Veterans discharged between 1947 and 1964 whose last names begin with Hubbard through Z
Under the new process, affected Veterans will receive one comprehensive packet containing NA Form 13055 for medical-treatment information and NA Form 13075 for service-history information. Once completed, these forms will be saved and reused during future claim development. Veterans should no longer receive repeated requests for the same information unless the National Personnel Records Center specifically needs additional details.
When records were lost in the fire, the VA may use alternative sources such as unit morning reports, hospital admission records and Surgeon General’s Office records. The VA can also consider credible statements from the Veteran, fellow service members, family members or others with firsthand knowledge. Veterans should not be denied solely because official records were destroyed through no fault of their own.
Veterans who believe their records were affected—including those previously denied because records could not be located—should consider filing a new claim or reopening a previously denied claim.
Do not assume you are ineligible simply because your military records were destroyed. Alternative evidence may still be used to establish your service, injury, illness or treatment.
