Burned Military Records? VA Streamlined Process Explained

VA Streamlined Claims Burned Files Virginia: Complete Guide

If you are a veteran in Virginia whose military records were destroyed in the 1973 National Personnel Records Center fire, the VA has streamlined the claims process to make it easier for you to get benefits. The key change is that you no longer have to repeatedly submit the same information. You now receive a single packet containing both required forms at the start, provide the information once, and the VA saves it for the rest of your claim . If you were previously denied because your records could not be found, you should file a new claim or reopen your existing one .

Quick Facts

What Was the 1973 National Personnel Records Center Fire?

On July 12, 1973, a catastrophic fire broke out at the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) near St. Louis, Missouri . The blaze burned out of control for 22 hours and destroyed an estimated 16 million to 18 million military personnel files . No duplicates or microfilm copies existed, so when these records were lost, they were gone permanently .

Who was affected: The fire primarily destroyed records for:

• Army veterans discharged between November 1, 1912, and January 1, 1960 (approximately 80% destroyed)

• Air Force veterans discharged between September 25, 1947, and January 1, 1964 (approximately 75% destroyed)

• Veterans whose last names fall alphabetically from Hubbard through the end of the alphabet 

Why it matters today: Because these discharge dates reach back more than a century, the veterans affected are often elderly or deceased. The people who stand to benefit from the streamlined process are often surviving spouses, children, or caregivers .

What you should know: The VA’s new process removes a burden that fell on veterans through no fault of their own . Even if records are completely burned, VA staff use preservation techniques—including infrared photography to read blackened pages—to recover what they can .

What Has Changed in the VA’s Process?

The VA recently implemented a streamlined process specifically for claims affected by the 1973 fire . Here’s what changed:

Before the Change

• Veterans were asked to submit the same forms repeatedly

• Claims processors could not easily see what information was already on file

• This resulted in significant delays

• Information was often requested multiple times

After the Change

• A veteran receives a single packet containing both required forms at the start

• The veteran provides the information once

• The information is saved and reused for the rest of the claim

• Processors are instructed not to request paperwork already submitted unless the records center specifically needs something new

• The department reorganized how it displays fire-related records internally so staff can find them in one place 

Evidence Standard

Even before the latest changes, the VA applied what it calls a sympathetic evidentiary standard when a veteran’s records are confirmed or reasonably believed to have been lost in the fire . Under this standard:

• The VA can accept credible statements from the veteran

• Statements from fellow service members with knowledge of the events are accepted

• A claim is not automatically denied because of missing official paperwork 

Preservation and Reconstruction

When the NPRC receives a request for burned files, the records are sent to a restoration team . Restoration procedures depend on the damage type:

• Burned records can be treated with infrared photography to make ink “rise” so it can be read again 

• Water-damaged records are rehydrated

• Records are placed in protective sleeves for safe handling

• Once restored, records are scanned into the veteran’s electronic file 

Records that receive treatment are converted to “S files” (safeguarded files), meaning they can be requested and utilized without going through preservation again .

The Streamlined Claims Process for Virginia Veterans

Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Determine if You Are Affected
You may be affected if:

• You served in the Army or Air Force

• You were discharged during the affected periods (Army: 1912-1960; Air Force: 1947-1964)

• Your last name falls from Hubbard through the end of the alphabet 

• Your records were confirmed or reasonably believed to have been lost in the fire

Step 2: File or Reopen Your Claim

• File a new claim at va.gov 

• If you were previously denied, you can reopen an existing claim

• You can also get help by calling 1-800-827-1000 or working with an accredited representative 

Step 3: Receive Your Single Packet
You will receive one packet containing both required forms—one for medical treatment and one for service history. You provide the information once, and the VA saves it for the remainder of your claim .

Step 4: Provide Supporting Evidence
Because your records may be unavailable, you can provide:

• Credible statements from yourself (a personal account of your service and condition)

• Statements from fellow service members who can corroborate your service

• Any other available evidence of your service and medical condition 

What Not to Do

• Do not assume you are ineligible because your paperwork cannot be found

• Do not assume a previous denial means the door is closed 

Record Reconstruction Alternatives

If your records were destroyed, alternate sources may exist:

• Records previously lent to the Department of Veterans Affairs may still exist at VA facilities 

• Morning reports (over 100,000 reels were recovered from the fire) can provide basic service information 

• Unit records, travel orders, and buddy statements can help establish service 

Filing a Claim in Virginia

Virginia-Specific Process

Virginia veterans can work with County Veterans Service Officers (CVSOs), who are state-employed and provide free assistance for first-time claims .

Key Virginia Process Steps:

1. Contact your Virginia CVSO (free, state-employed) – Every Virginia county has one 

2. Gather your DD-214 + medical records – You need these to file 

3. List ALL conditions on the claim – Filing without listing all conditions adds 6+ months to your claim timeline 

4. Submit at va.gov – Online submission via VA.gov is fastest 

5. Track status – The VA decision goal is 125 days 

For Burned Files Specifically

If your records were fire-damaged and you are filing in Virginia:

• The VA will reconstruct your service using alternate records 

• You will receive the streamlined single-packet process 

• You can use the sympathetic evidentiary standard if your records cannot be found 

Processing Times for Virginia Claims

Source: 

The PACT Act and Burned File Claims

What Is the PACT Act?

The PACT Act (Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2022) established dozens of new presumptive service connections for veterans exposed to toxic substances—burn pits, Agent Orange, and other environmental hazards .

Who the PACT Act Covers

The PACT Act covers veterans who served in :

• Southwest Asia (Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, Djibouti, etc.) after August 2, 1990

• Vietnam and surrounding areas with Agent Orange exposure (1962-1975)

• Areas with radiation exposure from nuclear testing or Hiroshima/Nagasaki occupation

• Camp Lejeune during the contaminated water period (1953-1987)

How the PACT Act Affects Burned File Claims

If your service records were burned but you can establish your service location and dates through alternate evidence:

• You may qualify for presumptive service connection for certain conditions

• You do not need a nexus letter for presumptive conditions—the VA accepts the service connection without requiring you to prove causation 

• You need a current diagnosis and documentation of qualifying service in an exposure area 

What to Do If You Were Previously Denied

If you were previously denied for a condition that is now presumptive under the PACT Act:

• File a Supplemental Claim (VA Form 20-0995)

• The new presumptive status constitutes new and relevant evidence 

• Your effective date—and therefore your back pay—goes back to your original filing date if the Supplemental Claim is approved 

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Assuming a previous denial is final – If you were denied because records couldn’t be found, you can now file again 

2. Not identifying as a fire-affected veteran – The streamlined process only applies if your records were destroyed in the 1973 fire

3. Submitting the same information repeatedly – With the new process, you provide information once 

4. Not having your service number or discharge date – This is needed to verify your record status 

5. Missing the one-year deadline for appeals – If you were denied and need to file a Supplemental Claim, you generally have one year from the denial 

6. Not listing all conditions initially – This can add 6+ months to your claim timeline 

7. Not checking for alternate records – Some records were lent to the VA before the fire and may still exist 

Common Questions

1. My records were burned in the 1973 fire. Can I still file a claim?

Yes. The VA encourages you to file or reopen a claim. Even with burned records, the VA can use alternate evidence and applies a sympathetic evidentiary standard .

2. What is the new streamlined process for burned files?

The VA now sends you a single packet containing both required forms at the start. You provide the information once, and the VA saves it for the rest of your claim. Processors are instructed not to request paperwork you’ve already submitted .

3. I was denied before because my records were burned. Can I try again?

Yes. The VA is specifically urging veterans who were previously denied because their records were burned to file again .

4. What if I don’t have any of my military records?

Contact the National Personnel Records Center at archives.gov/veterans. The VA can also help reconstruct your service using alternate records. Credible statements from you and fellow service members can be accepted as evidence .

5. Does the PACT Act help if my records were burned?

Yes. If you can establish your service location through alternate evidence (buddy statements, unit records, etc.), you may qualify for presumptive service connection under the PACT Act .

6. How do I file a claim in Virginia?

You can file online at va.gov or work with a Virginia County Veterans Service Officer (CVSO), who provides free assistance .

7. Who is affected by the 1973 fire?

Army veterans discharged between 1912-1960 and Air Force veterans discharged between 1947-1964, with last names from Hubbard through Z, were most affected .

8. What evidence can I use if my records are burned?

You can use credible statements from yourself and fellow service members. The VA also uses alternate records and preservation techniques to recover damaged files .

9. What is a Supplemental Claim?

A Supplemental Claim is a way to reopen a previously denied claim by submitting new and relevant evidence. For PACT Act claims, the new presumptive status constitutes new evidence .

10. Can surviving spouses and dependents file claims for deceased veterans?

Yes. The VA specifically notes that because these discharge dates reach back more than a century, the people who stand to benefit often are surviving spouses, children, or caregivers .

Key Takeaways

• The 1973 NPRC fire destroyed 16-18 million Army and Air Force records 

• The VA streamlined the claims process for fire-affected veterans—you get one packet, provide information once 

• If you were denied before because records were burned, you should file again 

• The VA applies a sympathetic evidentiary standard – credible statements from you and fellow service members are accepted 

• Burn pit and toxic exposure claims may qualify for presumptive service connection under the PACT Act 

• Virginia veterans can get free help from County Veterans Service Officers (CVSOs) 

• You do not need to prove causation for PACT Act presumptive conditions—only a current diagnosis and qualifying service 

• If you were previously denied for a now-presumptive condition, file a Supplemental Claim 

• Records can be partially recovered through preservation techniques including infrared imaging and vacuum drying 

• Processing times in Virginia average 130-150 days for standard claims, 90-110 days for PACT Act claims 

Official Resources

• VA.gov File a Claim: www.va.gov/disability

• PACT Act Information: www.va.gov/PACT

• National Personnel Records Center (NPRC): www.archives.gov/veterans

• Request Military Records (eVetRecs): www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records

• VA Disability Claim Phone: 1-800-827-1000

• Find a Virginia CVSO: www.virginia.gov/agencies/virginia-department-of-veterans-services

• VA Form 21-526EZ (Disability Compensation): www.va.gov/find-forms/about-form-21-526ez

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