Capps Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Help Ensure Veterans Receive Benefits

Statement

Today, Rep. Lois Capps (CA-24) joined by Republican Rep. Doug LaMalfa (CA-1), introduced the bipartisan Veterans' Record Reconstruction Act, a bill that would make it easier for veterans to prove their eligibility for certain benefits or decorations.

Sunday marked the 42nd anniversary of a 1973 fire at the National Personnel Records Center in Overland, Missouri, which destroyed between 16 and 18 million official military personnel files. Because none of the destroyed records had duplicate copies, nor had they been copied to microfilm, the true extent of what was lost is still unclear. This has led to incomplete records for many of our nation's World War II, Korean War and Vietnam-era veterans. These records, however, are often the only acceptable documentation for military benefits and awards determinations, leaving millions of veterans in a potential state of limbo.

The Veterans' Record Reconstruction Act would require that the Department of Defense, in consultation with the Department of Veterans Affairs, develop guidelines for the consideration and use of unofficial sources of information in determining benefits and decoration eligibility when a veteran's service records are incomplete due to damage caused to the records while in the possession of the Department of Defense. This shortcoming in the current system was identified through case work services provided by Capps' office to Central Coast residents.

Due to the 1973 fire, unofficial sources of information, including post-marked letters, photographs and eyewitness accounts have been used on a case-by-case basis to help reconstruct some veterans' files, but currently there is no set pathway to guide a veteran through this process. The Veterans' Record Reconstruction Act would direct DOD and the VA to develop clear criteria for the consideration and use of unofficial sources, making it easier to help more veterans get the benefits they deserve.

"After more than 40 years since this tragic fire, it is unacceptable that we continue to make it difficult for veterans to receive the benefits and recognition they deserve," Capps said. "The case-by-case system currently in place to reconstruct incomplete military records--records that were lost while in the possession of the government-- is a time-consuming, inefficient, and costly process for our aging veterans. We owe it to them to ensure that they are able to receive the benefits and recognition that they have earned. The Veterans' Record Reconstruction Act will establish a clear pathway to reconstructing these records and finally provide relief to these heroes."

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