I think it's true to say there are issues with very old records, but our legislation gives the department the power to use the benefit of the doubt in determining claims. If there were an absence of a record, but the proposition being put was reasonable and made sense in terms of other veterans in similar circumstances, normally the department would err on the side of giving the veteran the benefit of the doubt, notwithstanding the absence of the record, and would grant the benefit.
On December 4th, 2006. See this statement in context.