BENEFITKARMA
    VA Records Request (C-File)

    Your VA file holds the answers

    Request Your VA Claims File — Free, No Obligation

    Your C-File shows exactly what the VA used to decide every claim you have ever filed. We help eligible Veterans request it at no cost so you can see what is in it and what to do next.

    • No upfront cost — this service is free
    • No obligation — your benefits are not affected
    • Secure process — your data is protected
    • Request takes ~5 minutes — C-File and report delivered in 2–4 weeks

    BenefitKarma is a free educational platform. Your records are pulled through proper, authorized channels.

    Start Your Free VA Records Request

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    Every denied claim, every delay, every confusing decision — the answers are in your C-File. Knowing what the VA has on record is the first step to building a stronger case and getting the benefits you deserve.

    You do not have to wait months for a FOIA request or figure it out alone. We walk you through a short form, e-sign the authorizations, and start the request for you.

    If you are within an appeal window, the sooner you can see your file, the more options you have.

    What this page is for

    This is for Veterans who want to see what is in their VA file before deciding what to do next — whether that is an appeal, a new claim, or just understanding past decisions.

    You will see how the process works, and you can decide if it is worth a few minutes of your time.

    This may be right for you if...

    A past claim was denied and the reason was not clear
    You think a rating is lower than it should be
    You are preparing to file or appeal and want to know what the VA already has
    You have never seen your own C-File

    If you nodded at even one of those, requesting your file is the simplest next step.

    Knowing what is in your C-File is one of the most effective ways to strengthen any VA claim or appeal.

    How it works

    Tell us a little about you

    About 5 minutes — no account required

    E-sign the authorizations

    Secure, plain-language forms

    We send the request to the VA

    On your behalf, through authorized channels

    Get your records and review

    Delivered in 2–4 weeks

    Why access your C-File

    Your VA Claims File (C-File) is the complete record of every decision the VA has made on your benefits — service records, exams, decision letters, and more.

    Seeing it helps you spot what is missing, understand past denials, and build a stronger case for future claims or appeals.

    BenefitKarma offers this at no cost as part of our free educational platform for Veterans. You are not obligated to do anything else with what we find.

    Free tools from BenefitKarma

    VA Disability Calculator
    Intent to File (Free)
    VA Disability Application
    VA Appeal Options Explorer

    Common questions

    BenefitKarma helps Veterans understand the benefits system. We may connect you with trusted services when appropriate, but requesting your records is always free with no strings attached.

    A C-File (Claims File) is the complete record of your interactions with the VA benefits system. It includes service records, medical exams, rating decisions, and all correspondence. It is the source of truth for your VA benefits.

    Your C-File reveals exactly what evidence the VA used to make decisions about your claims. If you have been denied or underrated, your C-File often shows why — and what evidence you need to succeed.

    Traditional FOIA requests can take 6 to 12 months or longer. Our process is designed to be faster, typically delivering records and a written review in 2 to 4 weeks.

    We use authorized channels to request your records, which can be faster than a standard FOIA request. The end result is the same — you get access to your complete VA file.

    No — you can complete the request as a guest. Creating an account at the end is optional and lets us save your signed authorizations and deliver the written review in one place.

    Ready to Unlock Your VA Records?

    Request your claims file at no cost. No obligation, no strings attached.

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