C-File — Claims File
The complete official record of a veteran's VA disability claims history, including medical records, rating decisions, service records.
Official source: va.gov
A C-File is the full official file of a veteran's dealings with the VA, especially about their disability claims. Think of it like a personal history book kept by the VA, detailing everything they have on you regarding your service and any disabilities you claim. It includes all your medical records related to your time in service and your VA claims, decisions made about your disability ratings, and other important papers from your service.Anyone who has filed a disability claim with the VA has a C-File. This file is the main record the VA uses every time you make a claim or an appeal. You have the right to ask for a free copy of your C-File. Getting and looking through your C-File is really important because it can show you if there are mistakes, if some papers are missing that could help your claim, or if a decision about your rating could be questioned. A common mistake is not reviewing your C-File closely, as it often holds clues to strengthen a current claim or appeal. BenefitKarma offers a VA Records Request helper to make it simpler for you to ask for your C-File. See also: <a href="/glossary/dd-214">DD-214</a>.
In real life
- A veteran can ask for their C-file to see all the papers about their disability claims.
- Someone might need their C-file if they want to appeal a past decision from the VA.
- A family member can get a copy of a veteran's C-file after they pass away to understand their service history.
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Frequently asked questions about C-File
What is Claims File (C-File)?+
The complete official record of a veteran's VA disability claims history, including medical records, rating decisions, service records, and all correspondence with the VA. Veterans have the right to request a free copy of their C-File under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).
Who qualifies for C-File?+
Veterans (and in some cases their dependents or survivors) who meet the program's specific service, discharge, and eligibility rules. Use the BK Calculator and Filing Success Score to check your situation.
How do I apply for C-File?+
Apply at va.gov (search for the program by name) or work with a free accredited Veterans Service Officer (VSO) through your state VA office.
Where can I get help?+
Use BenefitKarma's free C-File Request tool to send VA the right paperwork the first time. A VSO can also pull your file on your behalf.
Source: va.gov