Do I need my C-File?

FOR THE VETERAN OF THE VETERAN SHARE OF THE DAY

One of the most popular questions we receive at the company is Veterans concern over the infamous, “C-File.” Clients often have either heard it mentioned during a recent visit to the VA hospital or from a buddy at the local VFW or American Legion.

Clients often express to us that they’ve been told by another veteran that they absolutely must have it to file their claim. I was instructed by a mentor of mine to get your “C-file” after I filed my first claim when I retired from the Air Force. I recall jotting down that little tidbit of information in my retirement notebook and never referencing it again because I had no idea at that time what a C-file even was. So, let’s begin there.


What exactly is a C-File?

A C-File (sometimes referred to as a VA Claims-File), is a file created by Veterans Affairs that possess all information concerning any claim you’ve ever filed with the VA. Any information that you have sent to the VA records department, the VA obtains on your behalf, and documents created by the VA are all in this file.

Examples of information include DD-214, orders, medical records, and supporting documentation you may have submitted with a prior claim. It also possesses information and notes on any Compensation and Pension (C&P) examinations you may have had. These notes are critical if you are filing for a previously denied disability. You can see precisely why the examiner denied your claim and better prepare for the next one. Whether you have already submitted one or seven claims, they are all combined into one file.

How can I get a copy of my VA C-File?

You have a few options to accomplish this task. You can view your VA Claims Folder at your nearest Veterans Affairs Regional Office. Call the VA at [login to see] and request an appointment view your C-File (find your Regional VA Office here). If you request your C-file by mail, you’ll file a VA 3288 and send it to the intake center. They turn it into a word-searchable pdf for inclusion into the c-file. For guidance on Freedom of Information requests, see here. Here’s VA Form 3288 to request your C-file. Use this statement on the form: “I respectfully request a copy of my C-file. this is a formal FOIA request,” and send to

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Evidence Intake Center
PO Box 4444
Janesville, WI 53547-4444

It takes an average of 3-6 months to receive it. Keep that 3-6-month timeframe in mind when deciding to pursue your next claim. Some veterans have informed us that they have received their C-file on CD. If this is the case making copies will be on your own dime. Converting the CD to PDF files would be a better option in my opinion. If you seek help with your claim, it would be convenient to have your records ready to send in an instant in PDF form.

COL Mikel J. Burroughs Lt Col Charlie Brown Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen SCPO Morris Ramsey PVT Mark Zehner Sgt (Join to see) SSG Michael Noll SSG Robert Mark Odom CPL Douglas Chrysler PO1 Tony Holland] SPC Mark Huddleston Wayne Soares PO1 William "Chip" Nagel ] SGT (Join to see) TSgt Joe C. SPC Nancy Greene SMSgt David A Asbury LTC Eugene Chu Maj Marty Hogan PO1 H Gene Lawrence