Exactly what is a C-File and how do I apply

[Gny Skinner]

I don't know if I have filed the necessary paperwork for my C-File or not, I don't even know what a C-file is.  I did file paperwork requesting my medical records from when I was on active duty, 1979-1999.  I Don't know what a C-file is and how it differs from my medical records.  Today I had an appt. with my VSO and asked him if we had filed the paperwork requesting my C-file.  He said No and he didn't really know what is in one and didn't think we needed to file for one.  That bothered me.  He claims to be one of the best VSO's around.  I read on this sight about the C-file all the time and want to know what is in mine.

So, exactly how do I file to get mine.  And, what is in it, what do they look like?  How is it different from my medical records?

BTW, I'm 10% SC for migraines and 0% for my back.

Thanks

[Guest L]

@Gny Skinner Here is a link to explain  a small portion of  the basics of claims. https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/how-understand-the-basic-documents-your-va-claims-file-c-file.html

Depending of time of service, which service - Points of Contacts for service records are in this link. https://www.archives.gov/st-louis/military-personnel

Others can be located as I was informed on a post yesterday, Check your VA medical records - Big Blue Button - start at https://www.myhealth.va.gov/mhv-portal-web/home

https://www.va.gov/is also a good place for this type of info - look at tabs on the left for the categories.

Forms are self explanatory - use search box at top right tab. 

Also to start building your "Claims" education,  :) - look under the posted topics - on this website........... Great advice already listed on this website. 

I Completed my claim by myself with a few mistakes,  I am the best person to file and research, since I know the dynamics of my claim the best and..... I care the most. 

Hope this helps. 

Edited April 18, 2018 by L
added info

[Buck52]

You may want to think about changing your VSO!

[Gny Skinner]

On ‎4‎/‎18‎/‎2018 at 7:53 AM, L said:

@Gny Skinner Here is a link to explain  a small portion of  the basics of claims. https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/how-understand-the-basic-documents-your-va-claims-file-c-file.html

Depending of time of service, which service - Points of Contacts for service records are in this link. https://www.archives.gov/st-louis/military-personnel

Others can be located as I was informed on a post yesterday, Check your VA medical records - Big Blue Button - start at https://www.myhealth.va.gov/mhv-portal-web/home

https://www.va.gov/is also a good place for this type of info - look at tabs on the left for the categories.

Forms are self explanatory - use search box at top right tab. 

 

thanks for the links, I have most of the information but not the actual c-file.  I have already filed my claims last month.  My original claim was filed in 1996.  I have requested my military medical records back in early Jan via the FOIA. I have all my VA and civilian medical records and have looked at everything on the blue button on ebenefits.  I have my military service records.  The only thing I don't have is the exact C-file information from my 1999 initial claim when I retired.  At that time I got 10% for migraines and 0% for back but I don't know any more than that.  I still don't know what form to use or where to file for the C-file.

  I retired out of Madison WI and will be going there next week so maybe I should go to the reserve center and file for it there.  What do you think?

[Guest L]

4 hours ago, Gny Skinner said:

thanks for the links, I have most of the information but not the actual c-file.  I have already filed my claims last month.  My original claim was filed in 1996.  I have requested my military medical records back in early Jan via the FOIA. I have all my VA and civilian medical records and have looked at everything on the blue button on ebenefits.  I have my military service records.  The only thing I don't have is the exact C-file information from my 1999 initial claim when I retired.  At that time I got 10% for migraines and 0% for back but I don't know any more than that.  I still don't know what form to use or where to file for the C-file.

  I retired out of Madison WI and will be going there next week so maybe I should go to the reserve center and file for it there.  What do you think?

@Gny SkinnerIf I am reading the above correctly - your 1999 10%/ 0%  award info you are seeking should be in your VA file...

Filing for records post service goes through the same entity,  so location would not matter in my opinion. 

Check out each links  above - for your C-file form question. - I would start with the VA.gov site -

also re-read through forums on  this site - some of the information you are asking has been posted before. 

Best regards

[Gny Skinner]

I went to the VA clinic today and got the form to file and request my C-File.  They didn't know where to mail it so I called the VA regional Center and they told me to mail it to Janesville WI.  Now I'll just wait and see.

Thanks

[Gny Skinner]

Update, I got a notice that they received my request.  I also looked online and saw that my request for my c-file was closed May 4th.  Then 2 days ago I got a cd in the mail with a 193 page pdf file on it.  Bottom line is there is no c-file there.  It is my VA medical records from 2008 to current (which I already have) and the information I have sent to them requesting my records and their replies back to me.  It has 3 very interesting copies of computer screens that basically say they can't find my records.

The first is on 1/17/18 and is a copy of the COVERS screen that was sent to another person requesting my records.

The second is a copy of an email on 4/13/18 from the same person asking the other person to follow up on the previous request because nothing had been received.

The third is an email dated 4/16 from a "coach" copying the 4/13 email and sending it to yet another person stating to locate the c-file and ship it to the scanning vendor.

Then there is also an interesting email in there with no date or names that says: "The following vet shows to have a claim pending with the VBMS document pending scan banner.  The listed items show nothing.  The COVERS location shows to be Station 376 location DCSS1 but there are obviously documents missing such as STR's and prior rating decisions as this is CESTED as a 020 with the percentages of disability listed in the Corporate record.  Any additional information that you could provide would be greatly appreciated as always.  Date of original request was 4/13/18.

 

I have read several posts on here that say to make an appointment with the RO and ask to see my c-file.  I have no idea where my RO is?  I retired out of Madison WI and lived here for 20 years.  I moved to FL in 2017 and transferred to the Daytona Beach VA.  Where is my RO? I have the time to call and make an appointment.  I would love to go in and see what they have.

Thanks