Does C-File Include Service Treatment Records?

[SubicBay0311]

Does anyone know if your C-file is supposed to include your entire service treatment record?

I have requested a copy of mine and my c-file does not. At a recent C&P exam the doctor noted only reviewing my C-file, and my claim was denied. I am quite sure this was because he did not see my service treatment records.

[USMC_HVEQ]

Sometimes your c-File does contain your service.medical records. Have you viewed you C-File before they gave you a copy to verify what is in it? You are allowed 1 free copy. Often I hear they leave things out. I know when i requested mine, I saw notes someone wrote on my file in pen, military correspondence that i had never seen/known about and internal VA memos that had dates for reevaluation if mandated. It is up to the Regional Office of the VA to make the copy. Theu are the ones who usually have annd hold your file in less a C&P is scheduled then the send it out or at least a copy anyways. All O know is the VA blue button has a lot of information as well. Did you never make a copy of your health record when you separated?

Here is a.link where you can request a copy of your service medical records.http://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records/medical-records.html

Also C&P examiners dont also have the physical C-File in their possession, although they should when they are supposed to review it. I believe they view an online Electronic version. This is purely my opinion. I can be wrong, wont be the 1st time, but I'm trying to help.

[Buck52]

Request that the C&P VA Examiner read all your c-file medical records including your service treatment records, they are required to read all your medical records pertaining to your disability

if your service treatment records are not in your c-file? request them to be found and placed in your c-file.

Also get a qualified IME /IMO, Remember good probative medical evidence is always good to help with your claim.

Edited January 26, 2015 by Buck52 (see edit history)

[Philip Rogers]

If you were seen by anyone other than your company medic/corpsman, then your medical records probably aren't there. Military hospital records are generally not included in your service records. Use the link USMC_HVEQ provided, to locate yours.

pr

[Vync]

Back in the day, they handed some soldiers their medical records when they out processed from the service. With everything going digital, I have no idea.

[SubicBay0311]

Thanks everyone! I think I found the root of the problem. Seems like they would tell me that they don't see the records I have referred too. Thanks!

[Okichewy1]

I just received my C-file on a CD and it looks like it has all my medical record with it. It was just under 2100 pages on it. It only took about 2 months to get it too.

[MarkInTexas]

You really need to review your C-File first before submitting a claim. I made the mistake of striking out on my own before obtaining a copy of my C-File. When I finally did receive it, I found around 90 or so pages of medical records from other veterans, and barely any of my SMR's. I ended up being rated, simply assuming the VA would have had access to all of my military records. Wrong!

After I received my C-File, I immediately started digging up my old documents from records I had on hand, and then submitted repeated requests to the National Personnel Records to obtain other records, inlcuding extremely important entrance and separation examination records. Once I had obtained and put together these records, I immediately shot them over to the VA through eBenefits, fax and via certified mail to help substantiate my NOD.

Don't assume anything with the VA. Also just in case, it doesn't hurt for you to go ahead and start requested records from the NPRC, just to have them on hand in case the VA C-File is missing them. You also never know what you might find that you had forgotten about. I did.

Good luck!

Mark

Edited February 17, 2015 by MarkInTexas (see edit history)

[Buck52]

I know some of my SMR's Didn't make it back from Nam, I have tried & tried to get them from NPRC St Louis & RO but all I get is'' Not found''

Ft Hoard Calif I never got any of my SMR's when I got out of the service altho a VA doc, stated at a C&P he review my smr's at the time of discharge he claim they gave me a complete physical, eye /hearing test?

I NEVER REMEMBER THEM DOING THAT?

I remember clearing out getting my ETS records signed and got my steak dinner that was it then I caught the next flight home.

Edited February 17, 2015 by Buck52 (see edit history)

[VetlawUS]

A few points:

1) Service Records SHOULD be in your C-File, but the VA does not always include your entire Service Record file - they sometimes selectively remove portions that they deem irrelevant. Most of the time, they are wrong.

2) Also, ALWAYS request your service records from the Archives every year or so.

Why? Military units are constantly archiving old records and so your files can get updated with additional information from time to time.

3) If you are filing a claim to Reopen a previously denied service connection claim, getting your service records can make the difference between your original effective date (the date of the original claim) or a later effective date (the date of the reopened claim).

Read here to find out more about how newly discovered Military Service Records can affect the effective date in a Reopened Claim.

We make a point to request updates for our clients every year or so, depending on the issues in the claim (once service connection is granted for all the medical conditions you seek, the service records become largely meaningless).