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

[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.