NAT-001 // National field update
Claims Just Got Easier for Veterans Impacted by the 1973 Records Fire
VA changed how it develops claims for Veterans whose military records were damaged or destroyed in the 1973 NPRC fire.
Veterans with fire-affected Army or Air Force records, their survivors, and anyone helping with an older claim
What changed
One development packet—not the same paperwork on repeat.
VA says it began using a more consistent process in July 2026 for claims involving records damaged or destroyed in the 1973 National Personnel Records Center fire.
Affected Veterans should now receive one comprehensive packet containing the forms used to collect medical-treatment and military-service details. VA says that packet will be saved and reused during future development instead of asking the Veteran for the same information again.
- NA Form 13055 collects information needed to reconstruct medical data.
- NA Form 13075 collects details about military service.
- VA should request new information only when the records center identifies something additional that is actually needed.
Who may be affected
The fire hit specific eras and record groups especially hard.
The 1973 fire destroyed an estimated 16 to 18 million personnel records. VA identifies Army Veterans discharged between 1912 and 1960 as a principal affected group.
It also identifies Air Force Veterans discharged between 1947 and 1964 whose last names begin with Hubbard through Z. A missing file outside those ranges may have a different cause and should be investigated on its own facts.
Why it matters
Missing official records do not erase credible evidence.
When a file was lost in the fire, VA may search alternate sources such as morning reports, hospital admission cards, and Surgeon General’s Office extracts.
VA also says credible statements from the Veteran, fellow service members, family members, or others with firsthand knowledge may be considered. The useful statement is specific: who observed what, when it happened, where it happened, and how the person knows.
Practical next move
What to do with this information.
- Confirm whether the Veteran’s branch, discharge dates, and name range fit the known fire-affected groups.
- Do not assume a missing file makes the claim impossible. File the claim or have a prior denial reviewed by an accredited representative.
- Complete reconstruction forms with as much unit, location, hospital, and date information as possible—and keep a copy of everything submitted.
- Identify alternate evidence before choosing a review lane: unit records, letters home, photographs, orders, private treatment records, and competent witness statements may each serve a different purpose.
Verify it yourself
Source rack.
Read the primary source before applying a national announcement to an individual situation.