People, you do not get something.
The absolute height record is not the same as max sustained height record.
The SR-71 holds max sustained altitude record of about 25,9 Km, but it is not capable to attain absolute height record because of its very bad stability and handling and because its engines can tolerate only streight line flying with almost no angle of attack. !!
The Mig-25 has slightly lower sustained altitude capability but it can attain height of more than 35 km with missiles for short time.
It holds absolute height record with 37650 m without payload and 37080m with 2.000 kg payload.
And it is FAI confirmed.
Before Mig-25, absolute height record was held by Mig-21 (with rocket booster but without Reaction Control System) of 34713 m, attained in 1961.
The Chuck Yeager attempted to break it in 1963, by NF-104, also with rocket booster, but he attained only 33130 m, so he failed to catch it.
That attempt was FAI confirmed, FAI officials were present.
On his second attempt, he lost control, in spite of reaction control system, and he crashed.
Further attempts by NF-104 were stoped. It was out of the NF-104s grasp.
Now, note that Mig-25 attained its records without RCS and without rocket booster.
The best confirmed american max height record without booster is ……
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