If It All Starts With The C-File, Then How The Heck Do We Get It?

[ihateliver]

I call the VA and they hang up on me after they inform me I need to write a letter to the VARO in Baltimore. Ok what kind of letter? I visited the DAV there and the rep said that he completed a FOIA request for me but I don't see it in ebenes.

I have sat on my 40% for over 20 years without 1/100th of the knowledge I've been learning through this site. I know beyond a shadow of a doubt I've been low balled.

I have most of my military records but I don't want to send duplicates of what the VA has reviewed. However I do not know how my ratings were reviewed.

Can anyone inform me on how to properly request my c-file? Thank you.

[Notorious Kelly]

I agree with Pete that you should try to view your C-file in person first, if you can, since the wait to get an actual copy can be quite awhile.

If you see a few important documents, they may make copies right then for you.

[ihateliver]

Can I just walk into my VARO to view my files. The last time I was there the front desk person told my that DAV had the same information they had and I could view it there. However the DAV person just submitted a FOIA request for me.

[Vync]

The odds of you being able to walk into the VARO and review your C-file are probably close to 0%. I tried that and they laughed at me. However, I did make an appointment and was able to review it. I have heard some DAV reps may be able to show you the C-file, but I did not have any luck with the DAV at my VARO. Just be aware that seeing the actual real C-file and seeing what they may claim to have might not be 100% the same thing. Sometimes the C-file may have more or less documents than you have. If it is missing documents that you have to contest a lowball rating, you might be able to use that to your advantage.

It will probably take a few months to receive your C-file in the mail. Mine showed up without warning in several large boxes on my front porch.

When you receive it, go through every page - front and back. Compare it to your original rating letter because back then they were notorious for overlooking stuff. Also be on the lookout for other people's documents in your files. That's called "Friday filing" (jam papers in the nearest file and head out the door). I found someone else's papers in mine. Some of my original documents were actually missing from my file. Keep in mind that you were rated based on the criteria of the time.

Good luck and welcome to Hadit!

[Fat]

Good information............

[ihateliver]

Yo Vync how the heck did you make the appointment? I called the 1-800 number and the rep said I needed to send a letter to the Baltimore VARO to make an appointment. I know doggone well a letter to BVARO will not fly. I asked the jamoke is there a more direct way to make an appt and he hung up the phone.

[Buck52]

Its been awhile since I went to my RO to review my c-file with appointment, drove a little over 100 miles and when I got there they could not locate my c-file, so I ask for a form that states I was not able to review my c-file on such and such date....I never did get to review it. that's been about 17 or so years ago.

sure need to review it no telling whats in it. eh!

.....................Buck

Edited July 11, 2015 by Buck52