Requesting C-file

[recruiterrick]

i was calling 1-800-827-1000, to contact my VARO in Albuquerque. Speaking to a counselor was no loner a choice (it used to be 6, i think). Any ways, i just didn't enter a choice and it told me my call would be answered by veterans benefit counselor.

The lady was in oakland, california. hmmmm. anyways she told me to fill a VA form 21-4138 and fax it to Albq and she gave me the number. She also told me to fax it attention: privacy act.

is this the same as a FOIA request? If not should I sned a FOIA request or a VA form 21-4138?

Why did someone in oakland answer my call?

[rentalguy1]

When you call the 800#, you can get a operator at any VARO in the country. They all have the same screens to look at, though. The same info is available to all of them. Getting them to look at it is another story alltogether.

[recruiterrick]

every other time i have called, i spoke to someone in albq. maybe they trying to streamline there system to cut down on waiting time.

[Pete53]

Sometimes the VARO may schedule training or they are overloaded with calls thus causing overflow to go to another less bust VARO.

That said I think Oakland gave you good advice.