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]

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?

The "database was down" response sounds typical. From what you describe, it sounds like they got caught with their pants down and were trying to do whatever they could to get you out of the door so they could get back to playing card games.

I checked with a friend who worked at an RO and they said requesting a copy of your c-file should not delay your claim. I requested mine while waiting on an NOD/appeal and I received my records months before I ever heard anything back regarding my claims. Not sure if this would be the same in every case.

Here's a link to Hadit's page on c-files: http://www.hadit.com/requesting-your-va-c-file

[Vync]

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

Here's the pic. It was on AskNod's blog.

[waccamawwild]

I would think with the push to make all records digital that this would not be a problem anymore but leave it to the VA to still have a problem with it!

[ArNG11]

I personally don't believe it is.  It seems like the process is a restrictor valve in a complex maze of lines.  I don't want to sound like a disgruntled Veteran but I kid you not, why the difference in time.  I asked for my CFile and within the week a big old foot and and half or records showed up at my door in a discreetly marked plastic wrap, I about crapped myself it was so fast because I knew what it was.

I think not everyone is playing by the VA's game plan.  I know, I know, I don't want to give credit to the VA unless I have to, but I would like to think that there are still some honest people out there that are just as tired of the game as much of us are.

[ArNG11]

For giggles and to make sure I was giving correct information.  I looked at the dates.  I put in a FOIA request in 11/29/2013 and by 12/04/2013 it was closed.  I had the records stupid fast.  I don't see why folks have to wait so long to get their files.  There is no excuse and it should be illegal.  Oh wait it is illegal to withhold information like that.  Crap. Call and Check 5 0.  

[Vync]

I would think with the push to make all records digital that this would not be a problem anymore but leave it to the VA to still have a problem with it!

Digital is a great benefit, primarily from a go-foward basis. However, when it comes to scanning in older paper records, that can be a real pain and require a lot of effort:

I work in this field as a coder and can tell you there are a lot of quality issues when it comes to bulk scanning of old documents. These can include:
- Improper scanner settings
- Some documents being unreadable due to being too light or dark
- Not scanning both sides of every document
- Documents being jammed or damaged during scanning
- Staples, paperclips, holes causing problems
- Human error

For my personal VA documents, service treatment records, c-file, etc..., I bought a nice low cost scanner that allows me to insert up to 30 pages in a feeder, scan them in as PDF, and it even OCR's the pages (tries to extract text from the page, but not always perfect). I setup separate scanner profiles for single page vs. multi-page documents. When scanning pages, I can preview, crop, lighten, darken, despeckle and do other things to the image, which is helpful because some of the originals are really poor quality. I scanned in one document at a time, named the PDF like "YYYY-MM-DD {description}.pdf" and stored documents in categorized folders on my computer. For example, I have separate folders for C&P exams, claim requests, award/denial letters, service treatment records, VA treatment records, lab results, etc... I even copied the contents of MRI CDs into dedicated folders. Having them named like that makes it really easy to sort or find files. For some records where multiple entries are on the same page, I cropped the content. I also created a master spreadsheet to track everything. I would have used a database, but I can't open that on every computer. When it comes time for me to look something up, I don't have to dig in boxes and hurt my back again. I keep the scanned data on an encrypted drive and have a backup encrypted drive. It took a lot of time and effort to get everything scanned in, but I did it in small batches. I keep all the original documents, CDs, and a backup drive in a fireproof box, just in case.