Missing service treatment records don't automatically sink a VA disability claim — but they do change what evidence you need to gather. The most common reason records are missing is the 1973 fire at the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) in St. Louis, which destroyed an estimated 16 to 18 million Official Military Personnel Files — roughly 80% of Army records for those discharged between November 1912 and January 1960, and 75% of Air Force records for those discharged between September 1947 and January 1964 (surnames Hubbard through the end of the alphabet). No duplicates or microfilm copies existed before the fire.
Step 1: Request record reconstruction
If your discharge falls in the affected window, submit Standard Form 180 to NPRC and specifically request the reconstruction service. NPRC has spent decades collecting "Auxiliary Records" — morning reports, unit rosters, sick-call logs, and other sources — that can rebuild a partial record even when the original personnel file is gone. This step matters even if you expect a thin result: VA still needs your reconstruction request on file to document that the records were sought and unavailable through normal channels.
Step 2: Build your case with alternative evidence
VA regulations specifically allow — and for fire-affected veterans, expect — alternative forms of evidence when official records don't exist:
- Buddy statements from fellow service members who witnessed the injury, incident, or your symptoms in service. See our buddy statement guide for how to write one that actually helps your claim.
- Personal statements, letters, and photos from during or shortly after your service that reference the condition.
- Post-service medical records that show a condition present shortly after discharge, supporting continuity.
- Unit records, morning reports, and personnel actions obtained separately from the destroyed medical file.
VA's "Formal Finding of Unavailability"
When VA can't locate your records after a documented search, it's required to issue a Formal Finding of Unavailability and notify you in writing — this triggers VA's duty to help you develop alternative evidence rather than simply denying the claim for lack of records. If you receive a denial that doesn't reference this step, or that treats missing records as a reason to deny rather than a reason to look harder at alternative evidence, that's a strong basis for a supplemental claim or appeal.
VA's duty to assist still applies
VA has a legal duty to assist claimants in developing their claim, and that duty doesn't disappear because your records are missing — it shifts toward helping you identify and obtain substitute evidence. Document every record request you make (dates, what you asked for, what came back) since that paper trail itself becomes evidence that you and VA both made a genuine effort to locate the file.