Some of you may remember that in December 2024, Reclaim the Records provided access to a new BIRLS Database website that allowed researchers to easily make a FOIA request for a Veteran’s Claim File. Thousands of people flooded the system and now as of July 2025, all we are getting is the same biographical and service information we input into the form, regurgitated back on a single sheet of paper.
No actual file is being sent.
According to information from a genealogy podcast, the VA was so overwhelmed they are redefining some of their codes about information access and only sending out the regurgitated information. The link to the podcast BIRLS page provides you with the latest updates and information on how you can appeal.
Stay tuned and let’s see if anything changes. Personally, I’ve been trying to get my grandpa’s WWII file for more than 10 years but the VA just ignores the requests. I’d like to know about his experience living at Downey Veteran’s Hospital after the war for the rest of his life.