Requesting A Copy Of My "c File"

[John Purser]

I've decided to pursue my own claim for disability. I'm using this site as my main guide. I've read about the importance of reviewing my "C file" or "VA Claims File". I've got a copy of form VA 3288 but I have a few questions on filling it out.

1) What am I asking for? A "C File"? A "Claims File"? Will they know what I'm talking about?

2) Where do I send this? My local VBA office in Seattle?

3) The specific recommendation said to review my file at the VBA office, make corrections and additions, THEN ask for a copy. I'm starting off with a copy because my disability is back pain which prevents me from sitting up for extended periods. I get about a half hour to an hour at a desk then I'm shot. Is it reasonable to get a copy first, find errors and missing material, and then submit corrections?

Sorry for having to ask such basic questions but I'm not finding the answers readily and mistakes have already cost me a couple of years of disability payments. I can't afford any more ignorance!

Thanks,

John Purser

[davidlj1958]

Gosh I just got the CD C-File and it was a nightmare. I see tons of copies of records every where. Another Vet's educational loan info from 1990 as well as his SSAN. Another vet's patient information from a local MD in my area. No wonder my claims are being denied they can not find stuff or even research the files as well as other peoples personal information.

 

 

 

[reelnrod]

On 7/22/2008 at 6:01 PM, rentalguy1 said:

1. you are asking for a complete copy of everything contained within your cliams file. If you say C-file, they will know what you are talking about.

 

2. Send it to your local VBA Regional Office.

 

3. It is better to get a copy for yourself, and then look it over without a VA employee standing over your shoulder and rushing you. In addition to that, you can send in any missing documents via certified mail/return receipt requested, and be sure that it was received.

 

4. More information on this topic here.

 

5. This thread reminded me that I need to get a copy of my own c-file, now that my claims have been decided.

1

Okay, I printed the VA Form 3288 and will specifically request Everything in the C-File; or the whole nine yards. My problem is after my denial was received the Legion Rep. refused to communicate with me anymore, and since I filed the claim by myself no one really wants to help. I used to get NSC pension before SSDI and a Naval Hospital treated me for "adjustment disorder with signs of stress" and prescribed Buspar medication; I was also recommended for a medical review board for administrative separation. I did not get a medical board hearing after 3.5 years active duty; I was retained in the service for thirteen additional months with my ordnance certification revoked due to documented anger issues/problems and given a lesser menial job just for harassment. Naval hospital records although showing adjustment disorder with signs of stress, and medication (Buspar) prescried may indicate a personality disorder as a way to separate me administratively without benefits; so I refused an article 13 captains mast which I demanded courts martial and they refused. However on the NAS JAX Hospital it says clearly "DNEPTE" meaning did not exist prior to entry. So how can I be denied adjustment dx with signs of stress, because they were pissed off I wouldn't take an OTH so the "system" marked my hospital record with personality disorder and immediate seperation. The seperation took 13 months and I received an Honorable discharge with a RE-4. Question should "DNEPTE" overide the asinine rubberstamp of personality disorder? I only have about 5 months to appeal or ask for reconsideration before my year is up. What should I do?

VA Form 3288

[Berta]

What did you actually claim,,,,,,,,,,,'adjustment disorder ?

If so, you are not locked into the PTSD 2010 regulation cage.

Meaning you are not prevented from getting an IMO to support your actual diagnosis and to rule out the Personality disorder bull crap.

I hope by now your have gotten your complete 201 Military Personnel file as well as your SMRs.

 

 

 

[Berta]

I found your last post:

 

I have not gone through it all yet, but vets can lock themselves into a sure fire denial when they claim PTSD sometimes...

What was the depression in the SSDI award based on?

How exactly did you word the claim?

Too many questions....we can help more if we can read VA's actual words in their denial.

A reconsideration request will NOT stop the NOD clock.

They could have made a CUE in the last decision. That would possibly stop the NOD clock, if you can prove they did, in time.

We cant tell until we see what VA stated.

Edited April 22, 2016 by Berta (see edit history)

[william n]

John, welcome! Youll find countless vets here willing to guide you and help in your pursuit of a claim. I also personally have requsted in writing to my local Regional Office for a sit down and review of my entire C-File..It will be at that time that i ask for a copy of that file.

As far as what you should first..Im going to let the Moderators, Elders or other Vets chime in on that..Once again, Welcome..Regards, William

[rentalguy1]

1. you are asking for a complete copy of everything contained within your cliams file. If you say C-file, they will know what you are talking about.

2. Send it to your local VBA Regional Office.

3. It is better to get a copy for yourself, and then look it over without a VA employee standing over your shoulder and rushing you. In addition to that, you can send in any missing documents via certified mail/return receipt requested, and be sure that it was received.

4. More information on this topic here.

5. This thread reminded me that I need to get a copy of my own c-file, now that my claims have been decided.

[Ron II]

Hello,

Your C-file and claim file are one and the same. Your servicing Veterans Affairs Regional Office (VARO) should be the recipient of your request. VAROs are not always located in the same town as a VA Medical Center. My VA Medical Center is in Denver, but the VARO is in Lakewood, a suburb.

Good luck,

Ron

[stillhere]

I sent an Iris to my local RO and they sent me back where to send the request.

Make sure you ask for a COMPLETE copy of your c-file before you file any claims so it will not slow them down anymore than they are. It took mine about 45 days but depends on how busy your particular RO is.

I did my first claims by myself and did pretty good but I am using an VSO now that works for the county he seems to be OK but I still stay on top of it and read here quite a bit.

Good luck on your claim and thank you for your service.

[John Purser]

Thanks for the help. This has for the last 2 years been simply the most frustrating experience of my life. If I had any option at all I'd simply drop it and walk away.

[MRRRR5]

John Purser,

and that is exactly what the VA is wanting you to do; drop it and walk away.

But hang in there, my friend; this too shall pass and you will be rightly rewarded. B)

[Josephine]

John,

Believe me the VA wants you to drop your claims. It took me the

most part of my life to prove my claim, but in the end after locating

my psychiatric records hidden within the archives for 40 years, I was

able to re-open my claims with both New and Material Evidence and

receive service connection by the BVA Judge just this May with six

figure retro.

I am still at it though, for they left me at 70% for chronic anxiety

and did not mention unemployability.

They knew I have not been employed since 1983.

I will hang in and beat them to death until we finish what we started

many years ago.

Always,

Betty

[John Purser]

Got a letter from the VA in Seattle today letting me know that they're 7 months behind on filling C file copy requests.

Lovely.

[Pete53]

JOHN:

Why not go to your VARO and review your file. You can ask for copies of anything that sticks out.

Good Luck

[rentalguy1]

Do they give you enough time for a thorough review of a six inch thick c-file, or would a vet have to make a few trips for that?

[LarryJ]

JOHN:

Why not go to your VARO and review your file. You can ask for copies of anything that sticks out.

Good Luck

Pete, I think he was saying that he was having a bear of a time just sitting for any length of time. If that is the case, then I can understand his reluctance in sitting down at the VA Regional Office and going through his C-file. That is something that you want to be able to take your time, not feel rushed about, whether it is bacause of some antsy VA employee or the feeling that your time is limited due to your disability. But, then, on the other hand, if it's gonna take them 7 freakin months just to get him a copy......sheeeesh. But, then, now that I think about it, it took Waco LONGER than that to send me out my first copy.

Oy Vey!

[LarryJ]

Well, if they provide you a copy like they provided ME a copy...........well, I'll give you an indication of what size my C-file was. It cost the gubbermint $18.70 just in postage to mail it to me. Then, of course, somebody at the VA has a VERY sick mind, for they went through my C-file and, seriously, turned OVER ever OTHER page, and, NO, it wasn't the copy machine that did this, THEN they seperated EACH set of pages (say, for example, a C&P report that consisted of 6 pages) by placing ANOTHER set of pages (say, for example, a VONAPPS claim) in BETWEEN the first 3 pages of the C&P and the last 3 pages........except they THEN divided up the 18 pages of THE VONAPPS claim.........yada, yada, ad nauseum! It only took me TWO WEEKS to get it where I could even begin to READ IT!

A bunch of SICK PUPPIES, I tell ya.