Requesting your C-File (Claims File)
The C-file is one of the most important things for a Veteran to have if they are planning to Appeal a claim decision. Even if you are not appealing a claim the C-file contains the Veteran's code sheet which contains VERY important information.
Contents of a C-File
A Veteran's C-file contains everything the Veteran has sent to the VA, as well as everything the VA has generated or gathered to help decide the Veteran's claim. Here is a list of a few of the major things contained within:
Compensation & Pension Examiner Reports (Contractor & VA)
Code Sheet
Private/VA Medical Records
Past Rating Decision Letters
Military Personnel File
DD-214
IMPORTANT NOTES:
You CANNOT use this method to obtain records THE VA HAS YET TO OBTAIN! (So if your records are in the National Archives and you have never made a claim, the VA likely does not have those records.)
If you are looking for old rating decisions you can view these online without a request HERE.
If your exam was conducted by the VA:
Code Sheet
Contains:
Effective dates for disabilities (what disabilities are active/inactive);
Current and historical disability percentage ratings for each disability;
What conditions have the Bilateral factor applied to; and
Shows which disabilities are static.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
Are you seeking your code sheet to find out of your condition(s) are static or what Diagnostic Code was used?
Click HERE to see how you can find out which conditions are static and their code without having to request your code sheet.
How to Request your C-File
There are a few different methods to request your C-File:
Online Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) or Privacy Act (PA) Request
VSO
Paper FOIA/PA Request
In-Person
IMPORTANT NOTES:
If you really just want your exam reports/DBQs, requesting just them will allow your request to be completed FASTER!
The VA WILL establish a ‘claim’ to track your request. This ‘claim’ will NOT trigger anything in your file to be reviewed!
Online Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) or Privacy Act (PA) Request
Click HERE to complete and and submit your request online.
VSO
The potentially quickest way to obtain your C-File is to reach out to your VSO; However, MOST VSOs are unwilling to do this! But some VSOs ARE willing to provide certain sections of the file, like exam reports or code sheets.
If anything; instead of a copy you can always ask them for the specific information you are looking for: What conditions are static, does the exam look favorable, etc.
Paper FOIA or PA Request
1. Fill out VA Form 20-10206.
2. Print and sign.
3a. Scan and upload the form HERE.
3b. OR Mail form to:
Department of Veterans Affairs Evidence Intake Center PO Box 4444 Janesville, WI 53547-4444
3c. OR Fax form to:
(844) 531-7818
4. Wait (5-8 months).
5. The VA will snail mail you a physical CD.
IMPORTANT NOTES:
You MUST sign with a 'wet signature', NOT typed!
If you are unable to print the form to manually sign the form then you may sign a piece of paper, take a picture of it, and then put the image onto the pdf file of the form.
In-Person
If you live near a VA Regional Office (VARO) you may be able to walk in and request your records from the records department in-person and get them same day.
Finding your nearest VARO - Click HERE.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
Some Regional Offices WILL REFUSE to do this! So it would behoove you to call ahead to ensure your office will allow you to obtain your file.
Frequently Asked Questions
Section V of the VA Form 20-10206 asks about willingness to pay. What do I put here?
For the sake of completeness you can put like $20.00 or whatever. I have not heard of a Veteran being charged to obtain a copy of their own records.
I have evidence to submit in support of my claim but I don't want to mail/fax evidence!
Not a question.... But you CAN submit evidence via the Quick submit portal online.
I uploaded the form and a 'claim' has not been established?
If nothing has popped up in a month, call the VA at 1-800-698-2411 and ask them to look into things for you.
Will my request slow down my active claim/appeal?
Generally no. However, if you have a claim before the Board of Veterans Appeals (BVA), BVA will NOT make a decision till your request is processed!
They send me shiny flat disc thing?
Ah yes, a compact disc (CD). If you do not have a CD drive on your computer you can purchase readers that plug into your computer. You may also find that your local library has computers with a CD drive.
Alternatively, you can access your records online ONCE the request has been completed!
Can I view my records online?
Yes, once your request have been processed you can access them HERE.
The VA app and website said my request was completed.... but I can't find it?
Check your email for a link to download your cfile. You will also be mailed a CD.
The online link I got contains NOTHING!?
If once you select the link and the page opens and you see there are NO documents listed:
At the top of the page there's a menu item "Documents". Click to see the documents.