File in claims folder stamped "DROP FILE" - What does this mean?

[Tbird]

I got out of the service in Dec 1990 and was hospitalized with Major Depression in September of 1991. I was so fucked up I didn't know to file a claim, even though I was within the one-year time frame from separation. 

So today I am looking through my C-File and find a file stamped "DROP FILE" dated 9/1991 I'm not sure if this would allow me to CUE for an earlier effective date or not. If any legal beagles have any thoughts see the attached pdf.

DROP-FILE-002_Redacted.pdf

[Dustoff1970]

I have never seen this on any of my VA claims documents or extensive C-File of over 30 years and is a good question and thanks for asking.  I will send you a PM now.

As I recall vaguely from many years ago as accountant a drop file in government slang means inactive.  Just a guess.

Edited October 13, 2023 by Dustoff1970

[Rattler]

Me either. My VA C-File as of 8-19-22 is 3909 pages. I can bet yours in more Dustoff1970. 

I PM'ed brokensolder244th and ask him to look at this thread.

[Lemuel]

2 hours ago, Tbird said:

I got out of the service in Dec 1990 and was hospitalized with Major Depression in September of 1991. I was so xxxxxx up I didn't know to file a claim, even though I was within the one-year time frame from separation. 

So today I am looking through my C-File and find a file stamped "DROP FILE" dated 9/1991 I'm not sure if this would allow me to CUE for an earlier effective date or not. If any legal beagles have any thoughts see the attached pdf.

DROP-FILE-002_Redacted.pdf 195.98 kB · 9 downloads

I think it does.  It is the date and diagnosis that are important.  The RO has to get the file to use it. 

I will attach a couple CAVC decisions that indicate "complete consideration of the file" 

See what you think.  Write your claim following the citations in the CAVC decisions.  Do not use these decisions as citations but as a source of citations.

19-8812 Comer v McDonough TBI c seizures RVN.pdf 20-3507 Morris v McDonough inadequate exams.pdf 22-1917 Jones v McDonough Remand 4 extra-schedular c ref.pdf

Edited October 13, 2023 by Lemuel
clarify

[Vync]

Searched my c-file PDF which consisted of over 11,000 pages. No text labeled "drop file", but that doesn't say much because the OCR text component used by the VA to make PDFs searchable is not great (likely came from the lowest bidder).

[Lemuel]

Looked up the definition of "Drop File".

Looks like a similar entry to a Medical Certificate or other initial entry by intake or discharge.  In this case probably your check out from an appointment.

1. dropfilenoun

   A file used by a bulletin board system (BBS) to pass information about the BBS itself and the current user to an external door.

[Dustoff1970]

A suspense file as in no longer active or closed out??????????