VA Changes How It Handles Medical Records Lost in the 1973 St. Louis Fire
For decades, Veterans whose military records were destroyed in the 1973 St. Louis National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) fire have faced additional challenges when filing VA disability claims. Without service treatment records documenting an injury, illness, or medical treatment, establishing service connection can be more difficult.
In 2026, the Department of Veterans Affairs announced changes intended to streamline the claims process for Veterans affected by the fire. The new procedures focus on reducing duplicate requests, improving records reconstruction, and making it easier for VA claims processors to access information Veterans have already provided.
Here is what Veterans should know about the changes and how to obtain or reconstruct military medical records affected by the St. Louis fire.
What Happened in the 1973 St. Louis Military Records Fire?
On July 12, 1973, a massive fire broke out at the National Personnel Records Center near St. Louis, Missouri. According to the National Archives’ history of the 1973 NPRC fire, approximately 16 to 18 million Official Military Personnel Files were destroyed.
The records most heavily affected belonged to:
- Army Veterans discharged between November 1, 1912, and January 1, 1960: Approximately 80% of these records were destroyed.
- Air Force Veterans discharged between September 25, 1947, and January 1, 1964: Approximately 75% of records involving Veterans with surnames beginning with “Hubbard” through the end of the alphabet were destroyed.
Some of these personnel files contained military medical information, making the loss particularly significant for Veterans who later needed evidence to support VA disability claims.
What Changed with VA Claims in 2026?
In August 2026, VA announced a streamlined process for disability claims involving records believed to have been destroyed in the NPRC fire. According to VA’s announcement, Claims Process Streamlined for Veterans Affected by 1973 NPRC Records Fire, affected Veterans historically could be asked to complete two forms used to help reconstruct their records:
NA Form 13055 – Request for Information Needed to Reconstruct Medical Data
NA Form 13075 – Questionnaire About Military Service
Under the updated process, VA provides one comprehensive packet containing both forms at the beginning of the records-development process. Once completed, the information can remain available for future development rather than requiring the Veteran to provide the same information repeatedly. VA claims processors will also have better visibility into previously submitted fire-related forms and information.
An additional request may still be necessary if the NPRC determines that it needs different or more specific information to conduct a records search.
How Does VA Reconstruct Medical Records Destroyed in the St. Louis Fire?
A destroyed service treatment record doesn’t necessarily mean there is no evidence of the Veteran’s treatment or military service. When records are believed to have been affected by the fire, VA and the NPRC may search alternative government sources to reconstruct portions of the Veteran’s history.
According to VA guidance on reconstructing military records destroyed in the NPRC fire, these sources can include:
- Unit records
- Morning reports
- Military hospital admission records
- Surgeon General’s Office records or extracts
- Other military and government records
The National Archives also maintains extensive Auxiliary and Organizational Records that can assist with reconstruction. These include millions of Final Pay Vouchers and U.S. Army Surgeon General’s Office hospital and treatment-facility admission records.
Do Veterans Need to Request Their Own Medical Records Before Filing a VA Claim?
Not necessarily. A Veteran generally does not need to wait to obtain their military medical records before filing a VA disability claim. When appropriate, VA can request military records from the NPRC as part of developing the claim.
This distinction can be especially important for Veterans affected by the 1973 fire because locating or reconstructing records may take additional time. Veterans who want copies of their own records can still request them through the National Archives military service records portal. Records can also be requested using Standard Form 180 (SF-180), Request for Military Records.
What Evidence Can Veterans Use When Military Medical Records Are Missing?
If service treatment records can’t be reconstructed, Veterans may still support their VA disability claims with other evidence.
Depending on the claim, useful evidence may include:
- Buddy statements from people who served with the Veteran
- Statements from military medical personnel
- Letters written during military service
- Photographs
- Accident or police reports
- Civilian hospital records
- Private medical records
- Employment physicals
- Pharmacy or prescription records
- Insurance medical examinations
- Medical records created shortly after separation
- Copies of military records retained by the Veteran
Veterans can also submit lay evidence using VA Form 21-10210, Lay/Witness Statement, or VA Form 21-4138, Statement in Support of Claim. VA provides additional information about acceptable supporting documentation on its Evidence Needed for Your Disability Claim page.
Be Specific When Helping VA Reconstruct Missing Records
The more information a Veteran can provide, the easier it may be for the NPRC to search for alternative sources.
Veterans should provide as many details as possible, including:
- Branch of service
- Unit and company
- Battalion, regiment, squadron, group, or wing
- Duty station
- Approximate date of the injury or illness
- Location where the event occurred
- Military hospital or treatment facility
- Approximate treatment dates
Exact dates may not always be available, particularly when the events happened decades ago. Even identifying an approximate month, year, location, and unit can help narrow a records search.
What If a VA Claim Was Previously Denied Because Records Were Missing?
Veterans who previously filed a claim but couldn’t locate their military records may still have options. In announcing the streamlined process, VA specifically encouraged Veterans who believe their records were affected by the NPRC fire—including those who previously sought benefits but couldn’t locate their records—to consider pursuing their benefits.
The appropriate next step depends on the history of the individual claim. In some circumstances, a Veteran may be able to submit additional evidence through a Supplemental Claim. Veterans should not assume that a previous inability to locate service treatment records means there is no longer a path forward.
VA Is Also Making It Easier to Request Records
VA has also updated how Veterans locate and request records. In August 2026, VA highlighted improvements to its records-request system designed to direct Veterans to the appropriate process based on the type of record they need.
The updated system covers commonly requested records such as VA medical records, Veterans Benefits Administration records, military service records, and DD214s.
Veterans can learn more through VA’s updated records request and FOIA guidance.
What the New VA Process Means for Veterans
The 2026 changes cannot replace the millions of documents destroyed in the 1973 St. Louis fire. However, they can reduce unnecessary administrative hurdles for Veterans whose claims depend on records that no longer exist.
Instead of repeatedly requesting the same reconstruction forms, VA is moving toward a more centralized process in which it collects information once and makes it available throughout claims development.
Most importantly, missing military medical records do not automatically prevent a Veteran from establishing service connection. Alternative military records, medical documentation, witness statements, and other evidence may help establish what happened during service and support a VA disability claim.
Final Thoughts
For Veterans who previously stopped pursuing benefits because they believed their records were destroyed in St. Louis, the VA’s updated process may provide a reason to take another look at their claim.
If you believe your condition is connected to your military service, review your eligibility and gather the medical and service records needed to support a claim. Taking that step can help you determine whether you qualify for VA disability compensation.
Veterans Guardian is here to help you get the VA benefits you have earned. If you need assistance with your claim and the VA disability claim process, contact us by filling out the form below or clicking on the link above.
