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Updated Jan 16, 2025

In This Section

  
This section contains the following topics:
 
Topic
Topic Name
1
2
3
4
5
6
 

1.  Records Destroyed by Fire at NPRC

Introduction

  
This topic contains information about the impact of the fire at the NPRC on claims processing, including

Change Date

  
July 31, 2024

III.ii.2.F.1.a. Records Destroyed in the Fire at NPRC

  
On July 12, 1973, a fire at the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) in St. Louis destroyed approximately
  • 80 percent of the records NPRC held for Veterans who were discharged from the Army between
    • November 1, 1912, and
    • January 1, 1960, and
  • 75 percent of the records NPRC held for Veterans
    • with surnames beginning (alphabetically) with Hubbard and running through the end of the alphabet, and
    • who were discharged from the Air Force between
      • September 25, 1947, and
      • January 1, 1964.
Exceptions:  Records for retirees and reservists who were alive on July 12, 1973, were not involved in the fire.
 
Important:  Two corporate flashes are used to help identify claimants with potential or confirmed fire-related records so the appropriate adjudicative actions in the proceeding blocks can be followed.
 
Reference:  For more information on fire-related corporate flashes, see M21-4, Appendix E.1.b.

III.ii.2.F.1.b. Requesting Reconstruction of a Veteran’s Medical Records

  
Follow the steps in the table below if it appears the fire at NPRC might have destroyed medical records pertinent to a pending claim.
 
Step
Action
1
Submit a request for the Veteran’s service treatment records (STRs) to NPRC through the Personnel Information Exchange System (PIES), using request code O50.
 
Exception:  Do not submit a PIES request under code O50 if, at some point in the past, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) submitted and received a response to a prior O50 request.
2
Send a letter to the claimant simultaneously with submitting the PIES request, if one is being submitted.  The letter must ask the claimant to
Rationale:  If NPRC responds to the request by stating that fire destroyed the Veteran’s records, the regional office (RO) uses information from the completed NA Form 13055 to submit a request to NPRC through PIES for reconstruction of the Veteran’s records, using request code M05-V.
 
Important:  When asking a claimant to complete NA Form 13055, avoid giving the impression VA is less likely to grant a claim because the fire at NPRC destroyed records.
 
Important:
  • Once confirmation is received that the records were damaged or destroyed by the fire, add the appropriate corporate flash based on the instruction in M21-4, Appendix E.1.
  • The NA Form 13055 is used to attempt to reconstruct the Veteran’s medical record based on the disability(ies) and treatment identified on the form.  An NA Form 13055 should be sent for completion any time a claimant with potentially fire-related records submits a claim for service connection (SC) for a new disability, or SC for a disability for which VA previously denied SC, when the
    • claimant has not returned an NA Form 13055 which provides details about the in-service injury/treatment, or
    • information provided was not sufficient to submit a request to NPRC to reconstruct the medical records.
Exception:  If the information NPRC requires to process a request under request code M05-V is already of record in the Veteran’s claims folder, submit the request without taking the actions described in Steps 1 and 2.
 
References:  For more information on

III.ii.2.F.1.c. Action to Take When a Claimant Fails to Return a Completed NA Form 13055

  
Use the table below to determine the actions to take if a claimant
If …
Then …
  • the claimant furnishes an incomplete NA Form 13055, and
  • there is insufficient information of record to complete the fields in PIES for submission of a request for reconstruction of the Veteran’s record (under request code M05-V)
attempt to contact the claimant by telephone to obtain the missing information.
  • If attempts to obtain the missing information by telephone are unsuccessful,
    • send a written request to the claimant for the missing information, and
    • give the claimant 30 days to respond.
  • Refer the claim to the rating activity for a decision based on the evidence of record if
    • development action is otherwise complete, and
    • the claimant
      • is unable to provide the missing information, or
      • fails to respond to the written request within 30 days.
Notes:
  • Document telephone contact with the claimant on VA Form 27-0820, Report of General Information.
  • During the phone call, if the claimant indicates he/she does not have the information requested and will not be able to recall or respond to a written letter, consider the statement a waiver and document accordingly on VA Form 27-0820.  If the claimant is unwilling to or cannot provide the information over the phone at the time of the phone call, send a written request.
the claimant fails to return NA Form 13055 within 30 days
refer the claim to the rating activity for a decision based on the evidence of record if development action is otherwise complete.
 
Notes:
  • If the rating activity is unable to grant a claim because the claimant failed to return a completed NA Form 13055,
    • include information regarding how to obtain NA Form 13055 in the rating decision narrative and decision notice, and
    • explain to the claimant that further attempts to obtain the missing records cannot be undertaken without the completed form.
  • If the evidence of record indicates there is a legal bar to benefits, such as a dishonorable discharge,
    • deny the claim on that basis, and
    • do not
      • ask the claimant to complete NA Form 13055, or
      • prepare a memorandum of service record unavailability.
  • A final notification letter is not required if VA does not receive enough information to request reconstruction of the records.
Reference:  For information on legal bars to benefits, see M21-1, Part X, Subpart iv, 1.A.

III.ii.2.F.1.d. Handling Negative Replies to PIES Requests Submitted Under Request Code M05-V

  
The claims processor must take the actions described in M21-1, Part III, Subpart ii, 1.A.1.g if
  • a claimant returns a completed NA Form 13055
  • VA uses information from the form to submit a PIES request under request code M05-V, and
  • NPRC provides a negative response to the request.
Unless the claimant responds by providing the missing records or providing information that justifies the undertaking of additional development to obtain them, decide the claim based on the evidence of record after all other development actions are complete.

III.ii.2.F.1.e.  Requesting Reconstruction of a Veteran’s Military Service Records

  
NPRC may be able to verify details of a claimant’s military service, commonly found in the personnel records, even if the personnel records were destroyed in the fire.  The required information is collected on NA Form 13075, Questionnaire About Military Service.
 
Follow the steps in the table below if it appears the fire at NPRC might have destroyed the service records and the claimant’s military service information (including stressor details) has not been verified by VA.
Step
Action
1
Determine if a PIES request
  • for medical (M series) or service records (O series) has ever been submitted, and
  • if the response has indicated the records are fire-related.
Use the table below to determine whether a PIES request is needed.
 
If a records request has …
Then …
  • previously been submitted, and
  • the response indicated the records are fire-related
  • do not attempt to submit a PIES request at this time, and
  • go to the next step.
  • previously been submitted, and
  • records were received
submit a PIES request under request code O50.
 
Exception:  Do not submit the request if VA has previously submitted and received a response under request code O50.
never been submitted
submit a PIES request under request code O50.
 
2
Send a letter to the claimant simultaneously with submitting the PIES request, if one is being submitted.   The letter should ask the claimant to
  • complete NA Form 13075
  • provide copies of any discharge documents, military orders, or military award documents, and
  • return the form and evidence within 30 days.
Rationale:  If NPRC responds to or has responded to a request by stating that fire destroyed the Veteran’s records, the RO uses information from the completed NA Form 13075 to submit a request to NPRC through PIES for reconstruction of the service records using S02-V.
 

III.ii.2.F.1.f.  Action to Take When a Claimant Fails to Return a Completed NA Form 13075

  
Use the table below to determine the actions to take if a claimant
If the claimant …
Then attempt to …
  • furnishes an incomplete NA Form 13075, and
  • there is insufficient information of record to complete the fields in PIES for submission of a request for reconstruction of the Veteran’s record (under request code S02-V)
contact the claimant by telephone to obtain the missing information.  If attempts to obtain the missing information by telephone are unsuccessful,
  • send a written request to the claimant for the missing information, and
  • give the claimant 30 days to respond.
Notes:
  • Document telephone contact with the claimant on VA Form 27-0820.
  • During the phone call, if the claimant indicates he/she does not have the information requested and will not be able to recall or respond to a written letter, consider the statement a waiver and document accordingly on VA Form 27-0820.  If the claimant is unwilling to or cannot provide the information over the phone at the time of the phone call, send a written request.
fails to return NA Form 13075 within 30 days
verify
 
Note:  A final notification letter is not required if VA does not receive enough information to request reconstruction of the records.

III.ii.2.F.1.g.  Handling Negative Replies to PIES Requests Submitted Under Request Code S02-V

  
The claims processor must prepare and send a final notification letter to a claimant when
  • the claimant returns a completed NA Form 13075 or the claims folder contains information sufficient to substitute for the form
  • VA uses information from the form to submit a PIES request under request code S02-V, and
  • NPRC provides a negative response to the request.
Reference:  For 0more information on sending a final notification letter to a claimant, see M21-1, Part III, Subpart ii, 1.A.1.g.

III.ii.2.F.1.h.  Completing a Formal Finding When Attempts to Verify Service Are Unsuccessful

  
 A formal finding should be completed by the Military Records Specialist (MRS) when
  • an original or acceptable copy of a discharge document cannot be obtained
  • a negative response from NPRC has been received, or a request could not be submitted
  • the Veterans Information Solution and VA/Department of Defense Identity Repository do not contain service information
  • service information cannot be verified from alternate sources, and
  • a final notification letter has been sent to the claimant (if applicable).
Note:  When referring a case to an MRS for completion of the formal finding referenced in this block, add Specialized Records Request as a special issue.
 
References:  For more information on

III.ii.2.F.1.i.  Completing a Formal Finding on Evidence of Service in the Absence of Other Official Documentation

  
  • all attempts to verify service
  • the evidence containing military service information that is being considered, and
  • a decision on whether the evidence will be accepted as verification of service in absence of other official documentation.
Note:  A second signature is not required on the formal finding.

2.  Evidence That Supplements or Substitutes for STRs

Introduction

  
This topic contains information about evidence that supplements or substitutes for STRs, including

Change Date

  
February 6, 2012

III.ii.2.F.2.a. Reasons VA Does Not Rely Exclusively on STRs to Decide Claims

  
For reasons that include the following, VA does not rely exclusively on STRs when deciding a Veteran’s claim:
  • the loss of many Veterans’ STRs in a fire at NPRC in 1973, and
  • the absence of documentation in most STRs of treatment by private health care providers during service or shortly after separation.

III.ii.2.F.2.b. Types of Evidence VA May Use To Supplement or as a Substitute for STRs

  
The various types of evidence VA may use to supplement or substitute for STRs include, but are not limited to, the following:
  • statements from service medical personnel
  • certified “buddy” statements or affidavits
  • accident and police reports
  • employment-related examination reports
  • medical evidence from civilian/private hospitals, clinics, and physicians that treated the Veteran during service or shortly after separation
  • letters written during service
  • photographs taken during service
  • pharmacy prescription records, and/or
  • insurance-related examination reports.
Note:  Photocopies of STRs are acceptable for rating purposes if examination of the copies confirms they are genuine and free from alteration.
 
References:  For more information on

3.  Extracts From Army SGO Records

Introduction

  
This topic contains information on extracts from Army SGO records, including

Change Date

  
January 25, 2024

III.ii.2.F.3.a. Origin of the Extracts From SGO Records

  
In 1988, the National Research Council, a private research organization, provided NPRC with extracts from approximately ten million military hospital admission records in the custody of the Army Surgeon General’s Office (SGO).  Numerical data in the extracts required decoding, which NPRC completed May 18, 1990.

III.ii.2.F.3.b. Veterans for Whom an SGO Extract May Exist

  
Extracts from the SGO records primarily contain information about the hospitalization of active-duty Army and Air Corps personnel at Army facilities for combat-related injuries sustained during
  • World War II (WWII) (primarily 1942 to 1945), and
  • the Korean Conflict (primarily 1950 to 1954).

A small percentage of the extracts contains information about the treatment of personnel

  • from other branches of service, to include military cadets (during the Korean Conflict only), and
  • at Air Force, Navy, and civilian facilities.

III.ii.2.F.3.c. Limitations and Use of Extracts From SGO Records

  
Extracts from the SGO records contain very little detail.  VA primarily uses them only when the STRs of a Veteran with service during WWII or the Korean Conflict
  • are obviously incomplete, or
  • were destroyed by the fire at NPRC in 1973.

III.ii.2.F.3.d. Details Contained in the SGO Extracts

  
Extracts from SGO records contain the following information:
  • up to three diagnoses for the period of hospitalization
  • area or part of the body affected
  • operative procedure, if undertaken, for each diagnosis
  • total number of days hospitalized
  • type of facility where treatment took place
  • month and year of admission and discharge, and
  • disposition of the service member following discharge from the hospital.
Important:  Extracts from records dated 1944 and 1945 also contain the following:
  • circumstances leading to hospitalization, and
  • line-of-duty determinations.

III.ii.2.F.3.e. Determining Whether NPRC Previously Searched for SGO Extracts for a Specific Veteran

  
If NPRC responded to a VA request for STRs
  • after May 18, 1990, assume NPRC included copies of any existing extracts in its response, or
  • prior to May 18, 1990, and the fire in 1973 at NPRC might have destroyed the Veteran’s service records, submit a new PIES request using request code M06-V.
Note:  May 18, 1990, represents the date NPRC finished decoding information contained in the extracts.
 
References:  For more information on

III.ii.2.F.3.f. When to Submit a Request for Copies of Extracts

  
Submit a request to NPRC through PIES for copies of extracts from SGO records if the evidence of record suggests the Veteran was hospitalized during service
  • as early as 1940, or
  • as late as 1958.
Important:  Extracts from SGO records are identified by the patient’s service number rather than the patient’s name.  It is for this reason that requests for copies of extracts from NPRC must include the Veteran’s service number.
 
Note:  NPRC will search for any extracts under the Veteran’s service number, regardless of the date VA indicates the Veteran was treated.
 
References:  For information about controlling and following up on requests for records from NPRC, see M21-1, Part III, Subpart ii, 2.D.

III.ii.2.F.3.g. Associating Extracts With the Proper Veteran

  
Extracts contain the following information that ROs must compare against information in a Veteran’s claims folder and/or corporate record to ensure they are associating extracts with the proper Veteran:
  • service number
  • rank
  • branch of service
  • age
  • race
  • years of service, and
  • facility where admitted.

III.ii.2.F.3.h. When to Submit a Supplemental Request for Copies of Extracts

  
Submit a supplemental request to NPRC for extracts from SGO records if
  • VA is unable to make a favorable decision on a pending claim based on the evidence of record
  • VA has not submitted a request to NPRC for the Veteran’s STRs since May 18, 1990
  • the Veteran’s service number is of record, and
  • the evidence of record suggests the Veteran was hospitalized during service between
    • 1942 and 1945, or
    • 1950 and 1954.

III.ii.2.F.3.i. Claims Denied Prior to May 18, 1990, for Which SGO Extracts Might Exist

  
ROs must request extracts from SGO records and consider anew the merits of a previously denied claim if, during routine review of a claims folder, an RO
  • discovers a claim VA denied prior to May 18, 1990, and
  • determines extracts from SGO records might exist for the Veteran.
Example:  A claim from a Veteran
  • who served in the Army during the Korean Conflict, and
  • whose claim for SC for residuals of back surgery VA denied in 1985.
Use the table below to determine the actions to take if NPRC ultimately furnishes copies of extracts for the Veteran.
 
If the extracts …
Then …
contain evidence that supports the claim
  • initiate development (if necessary), or
  • take award action (if entitlement exists).
do not contain evidence that supports the claim
  • advise the claimant VA has
    • reviewed their claim, and
    • confirmed the prior denial, and
  • clear the appropriate end product.
 

III.ii.2.F.3.j. Not Found Entries in SGO Extracts

  
A Not Found entry in the Explanation column of an extract means NPRC was unable to interpret numerical data in the extract.  Submit a PIES request using code M06-V when all of the following circumstances are true:
  • the entry for a diagnosis in an extract is Not Found
  • the diagnosis is critical in determining a claimant’s entitlement, and
  • NPRC last responded to a VA request for medical records prior to April 1992.
Notes:
  • If an NPRC response to the request referenced above does not include additional, relevant information, decide the claim based on the evidence of record.
  • Although it is possible NPRC may receive additional information in the future that would enable it to update Not Found entries, this rarely occurs.  If and when NPRC does receive such information, it will notify VA.
Reference:  For more information on PIES, see the PIES User Guide.

4.  Records of Treatment of a Dependent at a Military Facility

Introduction

  
This topic contains information on medical records referring to the treatment of a service member’s dependent at a military facility, including

Change Date

  
January 5, 2023

III.ii.2.F.4.a. Primary Purpose for Obtaining a Dependent’s Treatment Records

  
Before granting SC for a claimed disability, VA must determine whether the disability
  • existed prior to service and, if so,
  • was aggravated beyond its normal progression during service.
In order to make this determination, VA may request and review relevant medical records.  These might include records associated with treatment the Veteran received at a military facility as a service member’s dependent.

III.ii.2.F.4.b. Migration of a Dependent’s Treatment Records

  
Medical records referring to the treatment of a service member’s dependent move with the service member and their dependent from duty station to duty station.
 
When the dependent has not received treatment at a military facility for a period of three years, the service member’s service department retires the dependent’s treatment records to NPRC.

III.ii.2.F.4.c. Requesting a Dependent’s Treatment Records Through PIES

  
When requesting the treatment records of a Veteran’s dependent(s), use PIES request code
  • C03-V for inpatient treatment records, and
  • C04-V, for outpatient treatment records. 
Exception:  If the dependent received treatment after 2004, attempt to access their treatment records by following the instructions in M21-1, Part III, Subpart ii, 2.F.4.e before submitting a request for the records through PIES.
 
Note:  In most cases, PIES automatically assigns the correct address code to each request it accepts, based on the request code a user enters.  Therefore, the address codes listed below for obtaining dependents’ treatment records are primarily provided for informational purposes
  • address code 75 – treatment records from Army and Air Force facilities, and
  • address code 13 – treatment records from Navy and Marine Corps facilities.
References:  For more information about

III.ii.2.F.4.d. Information ROs Must Provide in a PIES Request for Treatment Records of a Service Member’s Dependent

  
Use the table below to determine what information ROs must provide to NPRC when requesting the treatment records of a service member’s dependent through PIES.
 
If the dependent received treatment as an …
Then the RO must provide NPRC with the …
inpatient
  • year(s) of treatment, and
  • full name of the last facility to treat the dependent.
outpatient
  • last year of treatment, and
  • full name of the facility that treated the dependent.
 
Note:  NPRC may occasionally request additional information that an RO must provide in order for NPRC to continue searching for a dependent’s treatment records.

III.ii.2.F.4.e.  Accessing a Dependent’s Treatment Records Through JLV

  
If a Veteran was treated in a military facility as a dependent after 2004, electronic copies of corresponding treatment records should be accessible via the Joint Longitudinal Viewer (JLV).
 
References:  For information on accessing

5.  Alternative Sources of Evidence and Records

Introduction

  
This topic contains information on alternative sources of evidence and records, including

Change Date

  
November 17, 2021

III.ii.2.F.5.a. VA’s Obligation to Assist Claimants

  
Blocks within this topic contain instructions for assisting claimants in obtaining replacement records and secondary evidence.  VA has an obligation to assist claimants in obtaining these items when
  • service records are not available from standard sources, such as
    • the Veteran’s service department (to include Reserve and Guard units)
    • PIES, or
    • Defense Personnel Records Information Retrieval System (DPRIS), and/or
  • a Veteran’s claims folder and/or records pertinent to a claim are lost.
References:  For information on requesting records through

III.ii.2.F.5.b. Buddy Statements as Secondary Evidence of Involvement in Combat

  
Under circumstances described in 38 CFR 3.304(d), VA may grant SC for a disability incurred or aggravated during combat based solely on a Veteran’s assertion of the circumstances surrounding its incurrence or aggravation.
 
If service records do not show the Veteran was involved in combat on the date the disability was incurred or aggravated, VA may use a credible statement from a fellow service member (often referred to as a “buddy statement”) to corroborate the Veteran’s claim.
 
VA considers a buddy statement “credible” if the evidence of record shows the fellow service member served in the same unit and at the same time as the Veteran claims he/she was injured in combat.  This information is usually obtainable through review of the fellow service member’s DD Form 214, Certificate of Uniformed Service, or other evidence of service.
 
References:  For more information on

III.ii.2.F.5.c. Handling Claims With Lost Records

  
If there is any indication that a claim or records pertinent to a claim are lost, VA is obligated to assist the claimant in obtaining replacement records.  When an RO attempts to obtain such records, it must notify the claimant of its actions.
 
A VA employee must
  • provide a full description of the lost record(s) on VA Form 27-0820
  • request copies of any lost documents and records submitted by, or on behalf of the claimant, that the power of attorney or fiduciary has in its possession (as applicable), and
  • place the documents in the claims folder (or temporary folder, if the claims folder has been lost).
Use the table below to determine the actions to take for situations involving lost records.
 
If …
Then …
a claims folder is lost
  • print out screen shots of corporate records that show any
    • pending issue(s), and/or
    • running award
  • file the screen prints in a temporary claims folder, and
  • follow the instructions for handling lost or missing claims folders in M21-1, Part II, Subpart ii, 1.B.
a claim for VA benefits is lost
follow the instructions in M21-1, Part II, Subpart ii, 2.A.
 

III.ii.2.F.5.d. Obtaining Service Academy Records

  
Service academies have permanent custody of the records service members accumulate while attending an academy.  Consequently, when an RO submits a request through normal channels for the service records of a Veteran who attended an academy, the records it receives may not include those pertaining to the period of time the Veteran was attending an academy.
 
Under these circumstances, the RO must use a locally generated letter to request copies of the Veteran’s service records from the appropriate service academy.  The letter must contain the following:
  • identifying information about the Veteran
  • inclusive dates of the Veteran’s attendance at the academy, and
  • a request for all available records, including academic, counseling, personnel, and medical records.  (Otherwise the academy may furnish only academic records.
The table below shows the addresses for each service academy.
 
Service Academy
Address
Air Force Academy
HQ’s USAFA/DFRR
2354 Fairchild Dr
Suite 6D 106
USAF Academy, CO 80840-6210
Naval Academy
Academic/Personnel Records:
Office of the Registrar
US Naval Academy
589 McNair Rd
Annapolis, MD  21402-5031
 
Medical Records:
Naval Health Clinic Annapolis
Medical Records
695 Kinkaid Rd
Annapolis, MD 21402-5031
 
Important:  The US Naval Academy requires a signed VA Form 21-4142, Authorization to Disclose Information the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to release academic, personnel and/or medical records.
United States Military Academy
United States Military Academy
Office of the Dean
Attn: Graduate Records
West Point, NY 10996-5000
Coast Guard Academy
Registrar’s Office
15 Mohegan Ave
New London, CT 06320-4195
 
Important:  Do not confuse private academies, such as the Citadel or Virginia Military Academy, with Federal service academies. Disabilities incurred or aggravated as a result of attendance at a private academy are not subject to SC.

 

6.  Obtaining Service Information in Other Special Situations

 

Introduction

  
This topic contains information on verifying service information in other situations, including

Change Date

  
January 25, 2024

III.ii.2.F.6.a. Verifying Whether a Veteran Meets the Minimum Active-Duty Service Requirement

  
To obtain verification that a Veteran meets the minimum active-duty service requirement (24 months) set forth in 38 CFR 3.12(a), send a request to NPRC through PIES, using request code O50.  The PIES O50 request covers documentation needed to manually verify minimum active-duty service requirements.
 
Exception:  Service personnel records required to determine whether a Veteran meets the minimum active-duty service requirement are available only through DPRIS if the Veteran was discharged on or after the dates listed in M21-1, Part III, Subpart ii, 2.D.4.a.
 
To request the relevant personnel records from DPRIS, select all records under SERVICE COMPUTATION GROUP on the OMPF REQUEST FORM.
 
References:  For more information on

III.ii.2.F.6.b. Verifying Service Information of the Author of a Buddy Statement

  
To obtain evidence to verify service information of the author of a buddy statement, submit a request through PIES, as follows:
  • enter identifying information about the Veteran on the 3101 – PAGE 1 screen
  • enter identifying information about the author of the buddy statement on the 3101 – PAGE 2 screen
  • select request code O38-V
  • enter the following in the free-text section of the request:
    • a description of the information or records required to determine the credibility of the buddy statement, and
    • the complete organizational structure of the unit to which the author of the buddy statement was assigned during the period of time he/she references in the statement, and
  • add a copy of the request to the Veteran’s claims folder.
Exception:  Service personnel records that may be useful in determining the credibility of a buddy statement are available only through DPRIS if the author of the buddy statement was discharged from the
  • Army on or after October 1, 2002
  • Navy on or after January 1, 1995
  • Air Force on or after October 1, 2004, or
  • Marine Corps on or after January 1, 1999.
Depending on the content of the buddy statement, select those types of records on the OMPF REQUEST FORM that would likely contain information to confirm or refute the credibility of the buddy statement.

III.ii.2.F.6.c. Verifying Service Information Through Morning Reports

  
Morning reports show daily changes in the status of service members in a specific unit.  They are useful to VA because they often contain information about service members who were sick or injured on any given day.
 
Only the Army and Air Force kept morning reports, and, then, only for a limited period of time.
  • The Army kept morning reports from November 1, 1912, through 1974.  (A few units continued using them until 1980.)
  • The Air Force kept morning reports from September 1947 through June 30, 1966.
Morning reports must be requested if the following criteria is met:
  • if the evidence of record (to include STRs) does not confirm treatment for an injury or disease a claimant asserts was incurred or aggravated during service, and
  • the Veteran served in the Army or Air Force during the period of time each used morning reports.
Request copies of morning reports from NPRC through PIES, using request code O20-V.  The PIES request must include the
  • approximate date of illness or injury, and
  • name of the organization (company, battalion, wing, squadron, etc.) to which the Veteran was attached at the time of injury or illness.
Important:  NPRC will not search morning reports for a date range in excess of three months.

III.ii.2.F.6.d. Verifying Service Information Required for Other Unique Claims

  
Upon receipt of a claim for SC for a disability or disease listed in the table below, ROs must verify service information that is unique to the claim.
 
Use the table below to determine what service information ROs must verify and the means for requesting it.
 
If the claim involves service SC for a disability …
Then follow the instructions in …
related to exposure to ionizing radiation
related to exposure to asbestos
incurred as a former prisoner of war
incurred as a result of participation in a classified or covert operation
related to exposure to herbicides
related to exposure to contaminants in the water supply at Camp Lejeune
incurred as a result of exposure to a specific environmental hazard