The “C” File: an Invaluable Tool

A lot of veterans ask me about the VA claims file, or “c file.”  Some request a copy because they know it’s important, but then aren’t sure how to use it to help them pursue their VA disability claims. The VA starts a c file when a veteran submit a claim for disability compensation benefits, or when a survivor files a claim for survivor benefits. It contains the application forms, medical records, military records, copies of exams and other documents relevant to a disability claim. If a veteran submits evidence to support their claims, it goes into the c file. It’s critically important because it provides a history of everything that’s gone on with filed claims and explains what’s needed for the VA to finally render a favorable decision.

It used to be that it took an extremely long time to get the c file because the VA would literally copy every page, of which their could be thousands, and mail it out in a gigantic box. Now an authorized person can get access and simply download the file in matter of a few days. Not only did this make the trees happy but because it can be hard for an attorney to start developing a VA case without the file, it sped up the advocacy process.

Once the c file is available for review, I look at the most recent VA decisions first so I know if any deadlines are looming, what if anything is pending, and any benefits the veteran is already getting. I flag denied claims and review why they were denied, and then I start looking at the evidence. A whole lot of the time the evidence to support and grant claims is already in the file, but was overlooked by the VA, so I locate and catalog this evidence. If evidence is missing I talk with the veteran about how to develop or obtain it so it can be submitted in support of denied claims.

I also look for filed claims the VA never decided. Recently I found a claim the veteran filed many years ago that was never processed. He put it in and then everyone forgot about it, including the VA. The claim was still pending years later so when it was granted, the VA had to pay the veteran all the way back to when it was filed. Had I not obtained and reviewed the file, this claim would have continued to be ignored.

Reviewing the claims file can be painstaking but it’s worth the time and effort. I once reviewed a file that was more than 6,000 pages long, page by page, and I ended up finding two documents that proved up the entire case. Sometimes it’s about finding a needle in a haystack. Suffice it to say, the C file is invaluable tool if you know what you’re looking for!

Questions? Call me! 708.668.6996