The VA is making the process easier for Veterans whose records were destroyed in the 1973 fire at the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC).
In 1973, a fire broke out at the NPRC in St. Louis, Missouri destroying an estimated 16 to 18 million military personnel records. The fire impacted Army Veterans who were discharged between 1912 and 1960 and Air Force Veterans discharged between 1947 and 1964 with the last names starting with Hubbard through Z. This is significant because the records that burned contained crucial details about the Veterans’ military service and medical treatment, details which are often needed to support a disability claim.
Today, when a Veteran’s records are missing due to the fire, the VA seeks alternate sources to help construct what happened during service such as hospital admission cards, morning reports, and old Surgeon General’s Office extracts.
The VA has historically asked Veterans to fill out the same information over and over again which contributed to delays in processing the Veterans’ claims. The VA is now trying to streamline that process of obtaining additional evidence so as to not delay those Veterans claims.
In the new process, which started last month, the Veteran will be sent one packet which contains forms regarding their medical treatment and the military service history. The packet will be saved and reused for all future development of the Veteran’s claim. These changes are intended to reduce the burden on Veterans who have already faced an uphill battle proving their service information due to circumstances entirely out of their control. Veterans can now expect fewer repeat requests for the same information, clearer expectations as to what is needed, and faster claims processing.
At Gardberg and Kemmerly, we keep a close eye on any changes at the VA to best help our clients. We focus on helping clients pursue the full benefits they have earned through their service, and we take the time to understand each client’s medical history, service record, and family circumstances so we can present the strongest possible case. Contact an experienced Veterans Disability attorney at Gardberg & Kemmerly, P.C. today at 251-343-1111 for a free case evaluation. Gardberg & Kemmerly, P.C. represents claimants in Alabama, Mississippi, Florida, and Louisiana at all levels of the disability process from initial application to appeals to Federal Court and is honored to represent Veterans and their families