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Obtaining a copy of your VA Claims File—commonly referred to as a C-File—is a crucial step in managing your VA disability claims and getting the VA disability benefits you deserve.
This comprehensive file contains all the records and documents the VA uses to evaluate your claims, including military service records, medical evidence, VA claims applications and supporting documentation, compensation and pension (C&P) exam results, VA rating decision letters, appeals correspondence, and various VA forms and records, among others.
Reviewing your VA C-File gives you full access to the evidence the VA has on record, helping you spot any missing or inaccurate information so you can strengthen your case for appeals or future claims.
Table of Contents
3-Minute Video: How to Request Your VA C File Online!
Summary of Key Points
- Your VA Claims File (C-File): Your VA C-File is the official record of your entire VA disability claim history, containing military service records, medical evidence, claims applications, C&P exam results, rating decisions, appeals, and correspondence. It’s typically thousands of pages or more.
- Why Your VA C-File Matters: Your C-File allows you to review past decisions, identify missing evidence, correct errors, and strengthen appeals or new claims by ensuring all documentation is accurate, complete, and properly evaluated.
- Documents and Records in Your VA C-File: Your C-File includes military records (DD Form 214, STRs), medical evidence (VA and private records, DBQs, nexus letters), claim forms, C&P exam results, rating decisions, appeals documentation, and VA administrative forms critical for evaluating claims.
- How to Request Your VA C-File: Submit a signed VA Form 20-10206 (FOIA Request for Your C-File) through the QuickSubmit Tool (online), by fax (844-531-7818), or mail to the VA Evidence Intake Center. Most requests are processed within 12 to 18 weeks, but delays can extend up to 12 months based on file size and VA workload.
What is a VA Claims File (VA C-File?)
A VA C-File (Claims File) is the official record of your entire VA disability claim history maintained by the VA.
It serves as a comprehensive repository of all the evidence, forms, correspondence, and decisions related to any VA claim you’ve ever filed.
Think of your C-File as a massive filing cabinet that contains every drawer and document the VA has collected about your claims, service history, and medical evidence.
Each claim you’ve submitted is like one drawer in the cabinet, while the C-File is the entire cabinet—holding everything from your initial application to the latest decision letter.
For most veterans, an individual claim may only include hundreds of pages, but a complete VA C-File can span thousands and thousands of pages, especially if you’ve filed multiple claims, appeals, or requests for increased ratings over the years.
For example, my VA C-File is over 10,000 pages long.
Why Does Your VA C-File Matter?
Your C-File is critical because it provides a detailed record of evidence and decisions that the VA has used to evaluate your claims.
Reviewing your C-File helps you:
- Understand Past VA Rating Decisions: See how the VA evaluated your claims and the reasons for approvals, denials, or assigned ratings.
- Identify Missing Evidence: Spot any gaps in documentation or medical evidence that may have affected prior decisions.
- Correct Errors or Omissions: Catch inaccuracies, such as missing service records, incomplete medical reports, or overlooked evidence.
- Review C&P Exam Results: Check the C&P examiner’s findings, symptom descriptions, and whether a nexus to service was established for service connection. Identify errors or incomplete evaluations to strengthen your appeals.
- Strengthen Appeals or New Claims: Build a stronger case for an appeal, including a Higher Level Review (HLR), Supplemental Claim, Board Appeal, or to request an increased disability rating.
What is in a Veterans C-File from the VA?
A veteran’s C-File (Claims File) is a comprehensive record of all documents and evidence related to their VA disability claims.
It is maintained by the VA and serves as the foundation for evaluating and processing claims.
Below is a breakdown of the key documents typically found in a C-File:
1. VA Form 21-526EZ – Application for VA Disability Compensation Benefits
This is the formal application submitted to request VA disability benefits. It outlines the conditions claimed and provides the initial evidence for service connection.
2. DD Form 214 – Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty
A critical document summarizing a veteran’s military service, including dates of service, discharge status, and characterization of service. It’s often required to establish eligibility for VA benefits.
3. Service Treatment Records (STRs)
These records contain medical documentation from a veteran’s time in service, including details about injuries, illnesses, and treatments received while on active duty.
4. VA Medical Records
Medical documentation from VA healthcare providers detailing treatments, diagnoses, and ongoing care related to service-connected and non-service-connected conditions.
5. Private Medical Records
Medical evidence from non-VA doctors or healthcare facilities. These records are essential for claims involving private treatment or when supplementing VA medical records.
6. Disability Benefits Questionnaires (DBQs)
Standardized forms used by VA and private doctors to assess specific conditions and document their severity for VA claims evaluations.
7. Nexus Letters
Independent Medical Opinions (IMOs) from private healthcare providers connecting a veteran’s condition to their military service. These letters establish the crucial “nexus” required for service connection.
8. Statements in Support of a Claim (VA Form 21-4138)
Personal statements written by the veteran explaining the circumstances of their condition, how it affects daily life, and details about its service connection.
9. Lay Evidence to Include Buddy Letters
Lay evidence of supporting statements from fellow service members, friends, or family members who can attest to the veteran’s condition, its origin, or how it impacts their life.
10. Compensation and Pension (C&P Exam) Results
Reports from VA C&P exams conducted to evaluate the severity and service connection of claimed disabilities. This includes exam results from VA-hired private third party contractors.
11. Rating Decision Letters
Official decisions from the VA outlining whether a claim was approved or denied, the assigned disability rating, and the effective date of benefits. These letters explain the rationale for decisions.
12. VA Appeals Documentation
Includes records related to prior appeals, such as:
- Prior Notice of Disagreements (NODs): Formal objections to a VA decision.
- Higher-Level Reviews (HLRs): Requests for a senior VA reviewer to reconsider a claim.
- Supplemental Claims: Submissions of new evidence to reopen a claim.
- Board Appeals: Cases escalated to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals for further review.
13. Internal VA Correspondence
Notes, emails, and internal communications between VA employees regarding the processing and evaluation of claims.
14. Various VA Administrative Forms and Letters
For example:
- VA Form 21-8940 – TDIU Application: For Total Disability Individual Unemployability claims.
- VA Form 21-0958 – NOD Form: Filed to initiate an appeal.
- VA Form 21-0781 – PTSD Statement: For claims related to PTSD.
15. Military Personnel Records
Documents related to military performance, awards, and disciplinary actions, which may provide evidence for claims involving stressors, injuries, or exposures.
How to Request Your VA C-File Online (NEW!)
Requesting your VA C-File (Claims File) has never been easier, thanks to the VA Form 20-10206—the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) or Privacy Act (PA) Request Form.
This form allows veterans to request copies of their C-File quickly and securely.
Important C-File Request Update:
As of January 2025, you can no longer email your FOIA request form to obtain a copy of your C-File.
Instead, the VA now offers three ways to submit your C-File request:
- #1. QuickSubmit Tool (Online): Upload your signed VA Form 20-10206 electronically through the VA’s QuickSubmit Tool for the fastest processing.
- #2. Fax: Send your signed form to (844) 531-7818.
- #3. Mail: Send a printed and signed copy of your form to:
Department of Veterans Affairs
Evidence Intake Center
PO Box 4444
Janesville, WI 53547-4444
Step-by-Step Guide to Request Your VA C-File:
Step 1: Download VA Form 20-10206
- Visit the VA’s official website and download the latest version of VA Form 20-10206.
Step 2: Complete the VA’s FOIA Request Form
Carefully fill out each section of the form:
- Section I – Personal Information: Enter your full name, Social Security Number, VA file number, and contact information.
- Section III – Records You Are Requesting: Select “Claims File (C-File)” to specify the records you need.
- Section VII – Payment Fees: Indicate a nominal amount (e.g., $50.00) to cover potential fees. Note: Fees are often waived, but indicating willingness may expedite processing.
- Section VIII – Signature and Date: Provide a wet signature (handwritten) and date the form.
Step 3: Submit Your Signed FOIA Request Form
Choose one of the approved submission methods:
- #1. QuickSubmit Tool (Online): Upload your signed VA Form 20-10206 electronically through the VA’s QuickSubmit Tool for the fastest processing.
- #2. Fax: Send your signed form to (844) 531-7818.
- #3. Mail: Send a printed and signed copy of your form to:
Department of Veterans Affairs
Evidence Intake Center
PO Box 4444
Janesville, WI 53547-4444
Step 4: Monitor the Status of Your C-File Request
- VA.gov Account: Log in to VA.gov and look for your FOIA request listed as an open claim titled “Freedom of Information Act / Privacy Act Request” within 7–14 days.
- Ask VA Portal: Submit inquiries or status updates through the Ask VA Portal.
- VA Hotline: Call 1-800-827-1000 to speak directly with a representative about your request.
How Long Does It Take to Get Your VA C-File?
The time to receive your C-File can vary based on factors such as the format of your records (digital or paper) and the VA’s current workload.
In general, veterans can expect to receive their C-File within 12 to 18 weeks, but it can take up to 12 months in some cases depending on a variety of factors.
About the Author
Brian Reese
Brian Reese is a world-renowned VA disability benefits expert and the #1 bestselling author of VA Claim Secrets and You Deserve It. Motivated by his own frustration with the VA claim process, Brian founded VA Claims Insider to help disabled veterans secure their VA disability compensation faster, regardless of their past struggles with the VA. Since 2013, he has positively impacted the lives of over 10 million military, veterans, and their families.
A former active-duty Air Force officer, Brian has extensive experience leading diverse teams in challenging international environments, including a combat tour in Afghanistan in 2011 supporting Operation ENDURING FREEDOM.
Brian is a Distinguished Graduate of Management from the United States Air Force Academy and earned his MBA from Oklahoma State University’s Spears School of Business, where he was a National Honor Scholar, ranking in the top 1% of his class.
