- Contains everything you've sent to VA plus all evidence VA gathered for your claims
- Request online using VA Form 20-10206 or through your VSO
- Takes 5-8 months for full C-file; request only exam reports for faster results
- Code sheet included showing effective dates, ratings, static conditions, and bilateral factors
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.
TIP: Are you seeking your code sheet to find out if 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.