Current C-File Timelines-Western Intake Center

[rootbeer22]

Folks:

I'm working on my NOD and would like to know what the current average wait time for getting my C-file. So far, it's been two months since I sent in the request and since I'm from Washington State. I'm also going to get some IMO/IMEs and I allowed for about 4  months to get the C-file? Is that realistic and has anyone else recently received their C-files and how long is it taking now? Also, I noticed that  my second claim is locked in the "review" stage now and I imagine that there will be little movement until the C-file is released? I've heard FOIAs or C-File requests take claims out of the queue and nothing happens until the C-file is released?

 

Thanks for your help in advance Rootbeer22

 

[Vync]

I called the 1-800 number and was told to simply go to my RO to review it in person. The receptionist dude just laughed at me.

You'll probably receive a letter at some point stating they received your request, but they are backlogged with no ETA.

Four to six months seems reasonable, but my experiences were before they setup dedicated regional intake centers.

[rootbeer22]

Vync:

You are right, about a year ago, I sent the C-file request to my RO looking for help. About a month later, I received a letter saying that I could come in and review my c-file in person? Anyway, I was pretty happy about this but surprised mostly? So, when I showed up at the RO, at first I got a cold reception and was told that no letter was sent to me by the FOIA Officer? I argued that I did get a letter but made the big & dumb, rookie  mistake of not bringing it with me? Anyway, the FOIA Officer was there and held up a handful of some papers that he said were mine and I said there should be at least 1,500 pages so I said that was not at all  adequate and worried me? To that point, it was not a very hospitable experience but the receptionist checked the VBMS data-base and found the original letter. At that point, I asked to see a senior leader or official due to the treatment I had received to that point. Then a very nice senior level met with me and said that the data-base was down but that he would answer any questions that I had? He treated me with respect and did a good job of answering most of my concerns and questions which satisfied me. I asked why my case completion dates had shifted from 1 year to 3 years back/forth so much when I already had so many completed DBQ's and all of the needed evidence for an FDC was there? I then cancelled my FOIA and then just a few months later my case was adjudicated in my favor. But, I still did not get my C-File and here I am a year later trying to get it again for my NOD? At least for me, when I request my C-file, all actions seem to cease for my regular claims processing. At this point, I'm getting close to the anniversary to my first claim adjudication and need to see the C-file so I can do the NOD and have the records for the IMO/IME Doctor? Frankly, these actions are now out of the hands of the RO so it should be more efficient  now...or at least one would think so?

 

 

[ArNG11]

Rootbeer at least you some questions answered.  But this kind of crap is sickening.  The VA knows why you want your C-file.  I wonder how they can avoid an obstruction of justice charge.  A person would think it would be possible to make this happen, especially in an era where paperless everything is a mandate. Not that hard now is it.  

Could you imagine if you had access to medical records/ CFILEs  like VMBS or MEDPRO docs system.  Word Searchable, PDF format and download.  Oh wait a minute systems like that have existed since when?  Oh I'd say longer than most of us have complained about it or pretty darn close.

I am a conspiracy theorist want-to-be, but seriously I wonder how much of our arguments hit the nail on the head or better yet,  can even hold the possible solutions to ending the corruption in this decades year old plus scam called the VA Claim Process.

 

[broncovet]

Under no circumstances do you want to let the one year appeal period come and go and not file a NOD.  While its better to have the Cfile, you can base it on what you do have.  Once you get the NOD in, you can send more stuff later, for example, when you perfect your appeal with an I9 after you get the SOC.  

Chris Attig explains there are some things you can do to get your Cfile, but he charges 10 bucks for the ebook.  You can buy the book, or try these things:

1.  Email IRIS and ask what happened to your cfile ordered several months ago.

2.  Call Peggy and ask her.

3.  Ask your VSO if you have one, and then Email "Bob" McDonald/your RO director.  

Last resort:

4.  File a Writ of Mandamus demanding your records.  

 

[Buck52]

I ordered my c-file back in July 2015 & they sign for it...>   not a word yet!

I submitted my claim Oct 15th and its in ''gathering evidence''

I may call Peggy see what they say about my C-file...rootbeer you should too!

As for as going to your RO and looking at your C-File  in my opinion   every VA RO the people are different in different parts of the country  here in Texas in 2001 they let me see my C-FILE and everyone was nice, but I was nervous being watched as I look through my C-File, They made me copies of the things I wanted and then they put them back in the C-File

This was my second trip to look at the C-File  first trip they could not find it and I got a form date stamped  showing I was there to look at the C-File  and it was not there.

 

Remember to Always get your business Documented  as Proof later.

jmo

 

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

Edited December 9, 2015 by Buck52

[Gastone]

Received mine 01/2014, about 14 months after I hand delivered my FOIA request to the Det RO. Also requested an appointment to view my C-File on the FOIA request, never afforded the appointment. DRO Hearing was held 06/2014, 4.25 years after 1st NOD filed in 2010.

A Hadit member or 2, have said they were able to walk into their RO and request same day viewing of their C-File and even speak directly to rater's handling their claims. I think you, I and a slew of other Vets wish we could do the same thing at our respective RO's. I just can't imagine any VARO being that slow or having such a light work load, that they could or would accommodate any Vet on a walk-in basis. Vets would be lined up out the building.

Remember that picture posted of an RO room with C-Files stacked neck deep? I can just see a VA Clerk saying, "Have a seat, I'll run back and grab your file." Might happen, but I kinda Fracken doubt it.

Semper Fi