Need Help

jessie0054 · August 10, 2007

Hello:

My brother in law served in the Army 65-67.

He filed a claim eariler this year and just recieved a denial because the VA claimed " No evidence, Your records were burned in the St. Louis Fire"

I thought the fire involved records for the Army up to 1960. So what gives??

They also told him that they were unable to locate Medical records from the VAMC for treatment from 1972-1974.

His problems with his lungs started in Boot Camp and he had several "Sick Calls" for breathing problems. But he can't prove this without his SMR's that were ??? Burned.

He said that he didn't get any of the records himself, But left that to his SO.

He said he has an appointment at the VAMC on Monday next week. I told him to go to the Medical Records and request any records starting in 1972 forward to see what they tell him.

How else can he locate his missing SMR's.??

Any suggestions for him??

Thanks, Jessie

Josephine · August 10, 2007

Jessie,

He should submit a letter, by internet or hand write a letter to the St. Louis Archives and ask for his records himself. If he does this by internet, he must fax to them a signature.

If his S.O sent in a request for this records then their should be a letter from the Archives stating such.

He can always call the Archives himself and ask to speak to a technician. I have found them to be very nice and most helpful.

It may be possible that his records are in what they call the Registry.

I know that my records were no where to be found, but a technician located them for me " Psychiatric Records and My Personnel Records with that " Request for Transfer.

Mine could not be located by the R.O either, but I got them for them.

My records were from May 1963- June 1964. U.S. Navy.

Hope this helps.

Josephine

jessie0054 · August 10, 2007

Jessie,

He should submit a letter, by internet or hand write a letter to the St. Louis Archives and ask for his records himself. If he does this by internet, he must fax to them a signature.

If his S.O sent in a request for this records then their should be a letter from the Archives stating such.

He can always call the Archives himself and ask to speak to a technician. I have found them to be very nice and most helpful.

It may be possible that his records are in what they call the Registry.

I know that my records were no where to be found, but a technician located them for me " Psychiatric Records and My Personnel Records with that " Request for Transfer.

Mine could not be located by the R.O either, but I got them for them.

My records were from May 1963- June 1964. U.S. Navy.

Hope this helps.

Josephine

Josephine

Thanks for the suggestions. I will print out all answers and give to him on Monday.

What is the registry?

He was started treatment at the VAMC for TB in 1972. He said he had been sick since Boot Camp and the 2 other old doc's who treated him before the VA are now dead and have been for a number of years, So the SMR are badly needed to show he started having problems with his lungs in the service.

Again thank you

Jessie

Josephine · August 10, 2007

What is the registry?

Jessie,

I talked to the supervisor of the technicians at the St. Louis Archives and was told that if I ever wished another copy of my ( Lost ) Personnel records, just tell the technician to be sure to look also in the registry.

Josephine

jessie0054 · August 10, 2007

What is the registry?
Jessie,

I talked to the supervisor of the technicians at the St. Louis Archives and was told that if I ever wished another copy of my ( Lost ) Personnel records, just tell the technician to be sure to look also in the registry.

Josephine

Josephine:

Thanks, I'm writing a letter for him and will give it to him on Monday and i'll be sure to tell them to also look in the Registry for his lost records.

Thanks Jessie

Berta · August 10, 2007

Jessie -I helped vets get their records that were "lost" in the St louis fire by sending the SF 180 themselves.

It doesnt always happen but it still gets me when I see these records have no char marks or water marks so they were not even in the St. Louis fire at all-

the rater probably saw USAF and the dates and assumed that they were lost and told the vets this without even checking.

If this vet gets SSI or SSA, the SSA had at some point his SMRs most likely- and they might also still retain a copy.

Newark VA claimed no records for my husband -when he went there for a business loan and came out of the VA with a PTSD diagnosis-1984.

When we went to the SSA office ,1992-the Newark med records were in his SSA file.

It pays to keep trying to get SMRs.Other then that perhaps he could obtain a buddy statement as to his inservice problems and/or treatment.

His unit might have a web site and even a Reunion roster and there might be names there that ring a bell with him.

Edited August 10, 2007 by Berta

jessie0054 · August 12, 2007

Berta

Thank You very much.

Jessie -I helped vets get their records that were "lost" in the St louis fire by sending the SF 180 themselves.

I have the Form 180 ready for him to sign and mail out to the National Personal Records Center. I will give it to him tomorrow whhen i see him.

It doesnt always happen but it still gets me when I see these records have no char marks or water marks so they were not even in the St. Louis fire at all-
the rater probably saw USAF and the dates and assumed that they were lost and told the vets this without even checking.

I'm hoping that is what happened!! They just didn't check!!

I guess them trying to save time they don't really pay close attention!! He served in the Army from 1965-1967 and the records that were burnt were said to be from Army discharges between 1912-1960. And the Air Force records between 1947 to 1964.

It pays to keep trying to get SMRs.Other then that perhaps he could obtain a buddy statement as to his inservice problems and/or treatment.

His unit might have a web site and even a Reunion roster and there might be names there that ring a bell with him.

I was able to find a couple of the guys that served with him through his unit page on Military.Com so maybe when he contacts them they will provide him with the Buddy Statments. I'm hoping anyway.

I'm curious, What health screening did the Army do on enlistment and discharges??
Did they check these men and women for conditions like TB?? Or because the Vietnam War was heating up it was get the them through the physical as fast as possible.
He said that he contacted the TB while in Boot Camp but wasn't diagnosed until after discharge. But had to go to " sick call" many times during boot camp because he was having problems breathing.
Well anyway!!
I appreciate all your advice!!
Jessie