Appointment To See C-file

[free_spirit_etc]

I have an appointment to see my husband's c-file this month (july 27) at the Chicago Regional Office.

Yippie! At least I will be able to LOOK at his discharge physical - and hopefully request a copy of it.

(We have been requesting his c-file for over a year - and sent in specific "limited requests" for his discharge physical --as some info suggests that a limited request can be expediated --but that apparently wasn't the case).

I know several people have posted very positive experiences in viewing the c-file - and the VA advising them on what else they needed to send to make the case (specifically).

I also read jangrin's posts about how she wasn't allowed to touch the c-file - but the VA person showed them everything they asked to see.

Yikes! This one concerned me. When my husband was in the hospital - I asked to see his records - and that was the experience. The nurse sitting there saying "What do you want to know?" and then looking at it - and reading it TO me - and sometimes hesitantly letting ME read the page myself.

Recently I went back to view his record - and they let me look through it myself in their presence and take notes. THAT is what I prefer.

How in the heck do I know what specifically I need to see - until I have seen it?

Anyway - if that is the case - I know I want to see his discharge physical, their request for the medical opinion from the doctor on the cancer (to see what they specifically asked the doctor to opine about) any records of them closing the claim. --and I will think of more).

I also intend to ask for copies of a few of the documents when I am there.

On one post (about getting copies of the c-file) I noticed Berta had said:

" The C file comes from a request to the VARO and the medical record copy comes from a request to the FOIA or Records access officer at the VAMC that treats the veteran."

So - my question is - Are his medical records going to be IN the C-file?

Do I have to make a specific request to view his medical records?

And --I have requested a copy of his C-file. Do I also need to request a copy of his medical records?

I am thinking that if I get the info I need right now from VIEWING his c-file - and some limited copies - I might actually withdraw my request for the whole c-file, and then ask for a copy if the claim gets denied (to help with my appeal).

But then again, since it takes over 6 months to get it - I better get what I can now -- since appeals have to be filed in a certain amount of time.

Anyway -- If anyone would like to share their experience of viewing the c-file, or any suggestions for making the visit as productive as possible - it would sure help.

I am driving a 10 hour round trip to do this.

Thanks

Free

[recruiterrick]

if you are 100% p&t is there a real need to have a copy of your c-file and smr? if there is and you ask for it, will this draw attention or raise a red flag of any kind at the va?

are the only people who really need a copy the one ones who are still fighting with the va?

i have a new copy of my medical records but have not asked for a copy of my cfile. that is the reason for the question.

[Pete53]

If the VA was trustworthy than you probably would not need a complete record but as many here know the VA has pulled tricks on almost everyone here.

Many on this Board have recommended a complete copy of "C" File as soon as you start the claim. in the middle of the claim or when it is all over.

I got mine early and than add a year to it at a time. In early Spring I always ask for last year and add it to the pile. I keep it in a fireproof file cabinet.

[free_spirit_etc]

Yes. And around here - you have to request it EARLY. My husband waited over 6 months and still didn't get his copy. And then, when he died, they said I had to put in a NEW request - and wait six months. So if you live in the Chicago VARO area - encourage people to request them in the fifth grade, junior high at the latest, and they MIGHT get the copy by the time they are perfecting their appeal.

I also read an excellent idea in here - to get a copy of your C&P exam ASAP --not from the RO - but from the VA center that did the C&P. That way, if you find errors - you can address them BEFORE they are used to decide your case. And you know whether it is in support of your claim or not - and can do some damage control, get a stronger IMO, etc before the first decision.

Free

does everyone know you can request to get a copy of your full c file and full smrs from the regional office so you can have a copy from the ro office.....sometimes it helps to have a copy of them, because you can then go and request that inaccuracies in your records can be fixed. I had one doctor ask me in a cp exam if it hurt to have braces off and or hurt while they are on..... I said i hurt both ways....he told me one thing and then he put in the cp exam that I refused to take them off therefore the RO tried at the time to reduce my knees. I went back and had him correct the error. Thats why I recommend people get a copy to have at home. Also if for some reason veteran passes away with regards to a service connected disability or something that happened in the military, your dependents have the files available to them for DIC claims and burial benefits. just a thought