Your C File--getting Copies

[fanaticbooks]

I did a quick search and could not find any topic that covered this specifically. Pete53 mentions in his comments to others, "If you have not looked at your "C" (Claim)File located at VA Regional Office or gotten copies of it you could be spinning your wheels." It got me to thinking maybe a Topic should be broached to cover this specifically.

I am a secretary that has created a website www.howtoassemblevaclaims.com that does address this to a small extent. As a secretary, I realize I do not have real expert info on this, BUT some I do know and would welcome all experts to input their knowledge about this. Of course correct me if I have some info wrong. I will try to stick to just basics.

Under the Freedom of Information Act, you are entitled to get copies of your VA file (C File). By getting these records, you see what the VA is using to process your claim(s).

You can request certain items or the entire File from military to medical.

Send a letter signed by the veteran requesting the information wanted using the Freedom of Information Act in the letter. Write FOIA on the outside envelope to expedite. (This info was told to me by an adjudicator who, before she retired, had been very good at her job for many many years.)

I hope this helps someone or tickles their memory to do it.

AND PLEASE, ANY EXPERTS JUMP IN HERE IF YOU CAN ENHANCE (or correct an error) THIS SITE! ;)

fanaticbooks

[rentalguy1]

I'm sure that this has been discussed in several threads, but bringing it up again can't be anything but helpful. Also, there is some information on the subject under the VA Claims section of the main web site. Click here for more info.

[Chuck75]

Recently, the Atlanta VARO has been saying that they will only honor a request for a "C-File" if it is addressed to the Atlanta VARO FOIA office. Naturally, the address, etc. is not separately listed in any of the "official" documents I've been able to find on the net. Further, the 20 day limit is now interpreted by Atlanta VARO as receiving a response letter from the FOIA office, saying something to the effect that we have received your request, and will send the information you requested when we get around to it. I suspect, from what I've heard via a sort of maybe grapevine, that this will change to a national FOIA address, and just serve to further delay getting "C file" records.

I did a quick search and could not find any topic that covered this specifically. Pete53 mentions in his comments to others, "If you have not looked at your "C" (Claim)File located at VA Regional Office or gotten copies of it you could be spinning your wheels." It got me to thinking maybe a Topic should be broached to cover this specifically.

I am a secretary that has created a website www.howtoassemblevaclaims.com that does address this to a small extent. As a secretary, I realize I do not have real expert info on this, BUT some I do know and would welcome all experts to input their knowledge about this. Of course correct me if I have some info wrong. I will try to stick to just basics.

Under the Freedom of Information Act, you are entitled to get copies of your VA file (C File). By getting these records, you see what the VA is using to process your claim(s).

You can request certain items or the entire File from military to medical.

Send a letter signed by the veteran requesting the information wanted using the Freedom of Information Act in the letter. Write FOIA on the outside envelope to expedite. (This info was told to me by an adjudicator who, before she retired, had been very good at her job for many many years.)

I hope this helps someone or tickles their memory to do it.

AND PLEASE, ANY EXPERTS JUMP IN HERE IF YOU CAN ENHANCE (or correct an error) THIS SITE! ;)

fanaticbooks

[Pete53]

The WACO VA will let you review your "C" File if you walk in. If the VARO is far away maybe call the 800 number and ask for a date to review. This can be helpful cause you will be reviewing your file with a real live breathing VA employee who more likely than not is working close to where decisions are made on your file.

I have to add that I have done this 4 times and the results were always positive.

[Berta]

Even if you just cite the Privacy Act 5, USC 552, that should help get ycopies of the C file-

I just got a letter from VA_ I had obtained an attorney for my CUE but felt uncomfortable with something in that regard and dropped the POA.

The attorney had already requested copies of my C file-so the VA sent me a bill for 177.75 bucks for over 1,000 pages -they deducted the ones I already had gotten-

I sure will send them the money-it has been years since my last copy came here-

I just noticed too- I have to pay by either certified check or a money order-gee- my regular check isnt good enough for them.

Hopefully the lawyer also requested all medical records and I can get an new copy of them too-

that will probably be a larger check for sure-

I recall some significant med recs that I cannot find here-

dental and vision doctor's reports-

what does not seem important at the time can have great value later on-

[Angela]

I cited the privacy act when I got copies of my c-file, but when they arrived they didn't include x-rays, ekg's, etc. Is that normal? Is it possible they don't have those things either? Do the service departments include those things when your records are first requested by VA?

[allan]

fanaticbooks,

Just a suggestion. Maybe you can add your website to your signature, so you don't have to put a plug for it on every thread.