Thanks to the new VA Form 20-10206, Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) or Privacy Act (PA Request Form), it is now easier than ever to get a copy of your VA C File fast, and you can finally request it online via email.
Instead of waiting months (or even years) to get your C File under the old FOIA process, the new streamlined VA FOIA request electronic process takes about 10-12 weeks from start to finish.
Alright fellow veterans, let’s talk about the often confusing “VA C File,” and why you should get your file, regardless of where you are in the VA disability claim process.
- What is a VA C File?
- Why should I request my VA Claims File (C-File)?
- What documents are in my C File VA?
- How long does it take to get C File from VA?
- Can I submit an online request for VA C File?
- How to Check Status of Your VA C File Request
- How to Get Your C File Online (Video Tutorial)!
- How to Get Your VA C File Online (3 Step Process)
- Online Request for VA C File Step #1: Download the VA Form 20-10206 and save it to your computer
- How to Get Your C File Fast Step #2: Fill-out the form, paying close attention to Sections I, III, V, and VI.
- How to Get C File from VA Electronically Step #3: You can submit your completed form via email to: [email protected]
- Deserve an Increase In Your VA Rating? We Got Your Six!
- About the Author
What is a VA C File?
Your VA C File contains all the supporting evidence considered and rating decisions made by the VA for every VA claim you’ve filed.
If you think about a large filing cabinet with multiple drawers, an individual VA claim you’ve filed would be one drawer in the cabinet whereas your VA C File IS THE entire cabinet (all drawers and files).
While an individual claim might be hundreds of pages, a veteran’s C File is usually thousands of pages or more.
Why should I request my VA Claims File (C-File)?
You should get a copy of your C File because you’ll want to review previous evidence considered by the VA to ensure accuracy of prior VA rating decisions.
If you’ve had a VA claim denied, it is critical to know what evidence was reviewed and considered by the VA in the denial.
View the evidence carefully as it will help you form a better VA claim strategy if you disagree with the VA’s rationale for denial.
What documents are in my C File VA?
There are many different documents in your C File, including but not limited to:
- VA Form 21-526EZ, Application for VA Disability Compensation Benefits
- DD 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty
- Service Treatment Records
- VA Medical Records
- Private Medical Records
- Disability Benefit Questionnaires (DBQs)
- Nexus Letters
- Statements in Support of a Claim
- VA Buddy Letters
- C&P Exam Results (to include private contractor C&P exam results)
- Rating Decision Letters
- Appeals (prior Notice of Disagreements, Higher Level Reviews, Supplemental Claims, Board Appeals)
- Internal VA Correspondence
How long does it take to get C File from VA?
Due to the current VA Claims Backlog, if you request your C File electronically (via email) from the Department of Veterans Affairs Evidence Intake Center, you can expect to get your VA C File in 10-12 weeks.
Can I submit an online request for VA C File?
Yes!
The VA Form 20-10206 (VA C File Request Form) can be completed online and submitted via email to [email protected]
How to Check Status of Your VA C File Request
Once you’ve completed your C File Request Form and emailed it to [email protected], you’ll want to login to VA.gov to check the status of your FOIA request.
It will show-up in your VA.gov account as an open claim for “Freedom of Information Act / Privacy Act Request” within 7-14 days of submission.
You can continue to monitor the status just like any other claim or appeal.
How to Get Your C File Online (Video Tutorial)!
In this video tutorial, I’m going to show you how to complete the new VA FOIA request process step-by-step, so you can get a copy of your VA C File online (FAST!)
If you need some help with your VA disability claim, join VA Claims Insider Elite TODAY and get started on your VA disability claim for FREE.
VA FOIA Request for C File – Video Timestamps
⏩ 00:00 Brian Reese the VA Claims Insider Introduction
⏩ 01:25 The NEW VA FOIA Request Form
⏩ 02:45 Walk through of how to request your VA C File online
⏩ 05:00 Why should you get your C File?
⏩ 08:10 How to fill out the VA FOIA Request form
⏩ 14:12 Why work with VA Claims Insider?
⏩ 20:00 The SEM Method Revealed and Explained
⏩ 24:00 We help Veterans get the VA rating they deserve in less time
⏩ 24:40 Get started today for FREE at: https://vaclaimsinsider.com/
How to Get Your VA C File Online (3 Step Process)
Online Request for VA C File Step #1: Download the VA Form 20-10206 and save it to your computer
You can complete the form online or by hand.
If completed by hand, print the information requested in ink, neatly and legibly, and completely fill in each applicable circle to help expedite processing of the form.
How to Get Your C File Fast Step #2: Fill-out the form, paying close attention to Sections I, III, V, and VI.
In Section III, Records You Are Seeking, click the radio button for “Claims File (C-File.”
You can click multiple radio buttons if you’d like any additional documents and records.
Complete Section IV, if applicable.
In Section V, Willingness to Pay Fees, enter a nominal amount such as “$50.00.” I’ve never had to pay a fee even though I said I’d be willing to.
Be sure to sign and date Section VI.
How to Get C File from VA Electronically Step #3: You can submit your completed form via email to: [email protected]
You’ll hear from the VA in 10-12 weeks with a secure link to download your requested files.
The VA will also mail you a CD copy of your entire VA C File.
You can check the status of your FOIA request just like any other claim or appeal at VA.gov.
Deserve an Increase In Your VA Rating? We Got Your Six!
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About the Author
Brian Reese
Founder & CEO
Brian Reese is a VA benefits expert, author of the #1 Amazon Bestseller You Deserve It: The Definitive Guide to Getting the Veteran Benefits You’ve Earned, and founder of VA Claims Insider – “The Most Trusted Name in Education-Based Resources for Veterans.”
His frustration with the 8-step VA disability claims process led him to create “VA Claims Insider,” which provides U.S. military veterans with tips, strategies, and lessons learned for successfully submitting or re-submitting a winning VA disability compensation claim.
Brian is also the CEO of Military Disability Made Easy, which is the world’s largest free searchable database for all things related to DoD disability and VA disability claims and has served more than 4,600,000 military members and veterans since its founding in 2013.
His eBook, the “9 Secrets Strategies for Winning Your VA Disability Claim” has been downloaded more than 300,000 times in the past three years and is the #1 rated free VA disability claims guide for veterans.
He is a former active duty Air Force officer with extensive experience leading hundreds of individuals and multi-functional teams in challenging international environments, including a combat tour to Afghanistan in 2011 supporting Operation ENDURING FREEDOM.
Brian is a Distinguished Graduate of Management from the United States Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, CO and he holds an MBA from Oklahoma State University’s Spears School of Business, Stillwater, OK, where he was a National Honor Scholar (Top 1% of Graduate School class).
