Your VA claims file, also known as a c-file or claims folder, is a collection of documents the VA maintains related to your VA claim(s). This file can be hundreds, thousands, or even tens of thousands of pages, and includes records in your case that the VA has obtained, you have submitted, or the VA has generated.
Documents Found In The C-File Usually Fall Into 5 Categories
Military Personnel Records
As part of the adjudication process, the VA will review your service military records, including your entrance and exit examinations, in-service medical records, and DD 214. When the VA receives these military personnel records from the National Archives or Department of Defense, the VA will incorporate the records into your c-file. If these documents are missing or difficult to read, the VA may erroneously deny your claim.
VA Medical Records
If you receive medical treatment from the VA or have participated in a VA (or VA-contracted) medical examination, these medical records will be included in your c-file.
Private Medical Records
If you have received medical treatment or a medical opinion from a private doctor that is relevant to your VA claim(s), the VA will request a copy from you or your provider. Once you and/or the private provider sends these records to the VA, the VA will add these documents to your c-file.
VA Decisional Documents
Any document that the VA generates in your case will be included in the c-file. This will include letters or forms the VA has sent, testimony the VA has recorded, decisions the VA has made, requests for documents, and any internal correspondence.
Notably, only VA documents related to your case will be included in your c-file. If the VA, or larger federal government, generate general medical studies or military research, this will not necessarily be included in your c-file even if it is helpful, because it is general and not specific to your case. Therefore, if you learn of a study or update that might help your case, you should submit it to the VA yourself to ensure it is included in the c-file.
Evidence You Have Submitted
Any evidence submitted to the VA in your case will be included in your c-file. This includes VA forms or statements you have drafted and submitted, via regular mail or online. This also includes statements from friends or family, relevant articles or evidence, and relevant documents from employers and medical providers that you have submitted.
Should You Request a Copy of Your Claims File?
If you have been denied VA disability benefits, you should consider requesting a copy of your c-file. Reviewing your c-file might help you in the following ways:
- You might see that evidence is missing
- You might discover that someone else’s records are in your file
- A medical provider might have written an erroneous medical report
- The VA may have failed to review certain evidence in the c-file
- You may have forgotten to file evidence or submit an argument
- You might discover you are entitled to an earlier effective date
How Do You Request a Copy of Your Claims File?
You can request a copy of your c-file by submitting VA Form 20-10206 (Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) or Privacy Act Request (PA)). You can find the form here: About VA Form 20-10206 | Veterans Affairs.
- You can submit the form online here.
- You can mail the request to:
- Department of Veterans Affairs
- Evidence Intake Center
- PO Box 4444
- Janesville, WI 53547-4444
- You can also submit the completed form via fax: (844) 531-7818
If, after a reasonable time you do not hear from the VA about your request, you can follow-up in writing or by calling the VA hotline at 800-827-1000. The hotline is available Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. ET.
What Should You Do When You Receive a Copy of Your Claims File?
Historically, the c-file was sent in large brown boxes on loose leaf paper. Now, the c-file is typically sent on a disc. Be sure to save the disc in a secure location. Even if the c-file is lengthy, it is important to review it to make sure the records are legible, complete, and consistent with the VA’s findings in your case.
Once you upload the forms, you can bookmark them and create a chart of important documents and timelines. You can also review the record for the arguments and evidence you have already submitted, and that is still needed.
Contact Vets National Advocates
Obtaining, reviewing, and using your c-file are important steps in the VA disability claims process.
If you have recently been denied VA disability benefits, we are here to help you through the appeal process. Contact Vets National today, at 877-777-4021.
