C-file Request

[free_spirit_etc]

I requested copies of my husband's entire C-file June 2007.

I sent in a limited request for a copy of a medical opinion early this year.

I sent an IRIS Feb 26 2008 to follow up on both requests - and again asked for a copy of the medical opinion (limited request) while I was waiting for his C-file.

The VA responded February 29 2008 and informed me that both requests were sent to the privacy office - and that I would receive the copy of the medical opinion FIRST - and there would be a delay in getting the ENTIRE file, due to its size.

I have NOT received either.

I sent a follow up IRIS this week.

They responded and told me they received my request for my husband's C-file on February 29, 2008 - and they sent the entire file (4 volumes) on March 3, and that I should inform them that I didn't get it.

It is aggravating because they are ACTING like I JUST requested it on February 29th, when actually the Feb. 29 date was the date THEY responded to my Feb 26 IRIS asking them to follow up on my JUNE 2007 request.

Anyway - how likely is it that they really DID send out the C-file three days AFTER they informed me there would be a delay in sending it - and that I would get the medical opinion first?

I responded and told them I did not receive it.

Does anyone know if they can NOW stick my request back on the BOTTOM of the stack - or charge me for "another" copy if they maintain they actually sent it to me already.

Again, they SAY they sent it out March 3, 2008 - but it seems odd that they would actually copy four volumes and send it 3 days after informing me there would be a delay in sending it.

Free

Edited May 11, 2008 by free_spirit_etc

[vaf]

Free, get the VAOGC office involved in this, we had similar problems. We requested a copy of my husband's temporary claims file from the VARO here for almost a year via certified mail, followed up by IRIS and phone, and again certified mail. We finally filed an FOIA complaint with the VAOGC's office (along with documentation of these many requests), and shortly thereafter, received the file via Fedex. When we looked inside the file, there was a paper trail of our written and other contacts requesting the file, along with an e-mail from the VARO to the VAOGC stating they couldn't find a copy of our request.

The Fedex was not for our benefit, it was so the VARO could do as the VAOGC directed and provide proof of immediate delivery.

[Berta]

General Counsel can be contacted at (202) 273 - 6660.