VA Form 20-10206
Privacy Act / FOIA Request for VA Records
You want a copy of your C-File (complete VA claims file), your rating decisions, VA medical records, or other records VA holds about you.
- Who fills it
- veteran
- Journey phase
- Before You File
- Estimated time
- 15-20 minutes.
- When to file
- Anytime. Requesting and reviewing your C-File before filing a claim is highly recommended - it shows you what VA already has and what is missing.
Official VA form page: https://www.va.gov/find-forms/about-form-20-10206/
Gather before you start
- ▸Your VA File Number and SSN
- ▸Specific records being requested (C-File, medical records, rating decisions, all records)
- ▸Date range if applicable (e.g., records from 2010-2020)
Attach with the form
- ▸Copy of photo ID (driver's license or passport) to verify identity
Section I - Requester Identification
Blocks 1-5Name, SSN, VA File Number, DOB, addressPII
Your identifying information. For Privacy Act requests (your own records), you must prove identity - VA will request a copy of a photo ID. For C-File requests, include your VA File Number from any VA letter.
(legal name, SSN, VA file number, DOB, address)
Common mistakes
- ×Not including a photo ID copy - VA cannot release records without identity verification.
- ×Not knowing your VA File Number - it is on your rating decision letters and eBenefits profile.
Section II - Records Requested
Block 6Specific records being requested
Be specific: (1) C-FILE (complete claims file - all claims, evidence, rating decisions, C&P exams, VA correspondence); (2) MEDICAL RECORDS from specific VAMC; (3) ALL RECORDS (everything VA has about you); (4) Specific document (e.g., rating decision from 2019). Requesting the C-File before a claim is extremely valuable - it shows what evidence VA has, what evidence is missing, and what past decisions said.
e.g., Complete C-File (claims file) including all rating decisions, C&P exam reports, and correspondence. Also: VA medical records from Phoenix VAMC 2015-present.
Common mistakes
- ×Not requesting the C-File before filing an appeal or new claim - you cannot effectively challenge a decision without seeing all the evidence VA considered.
- ×Requesting "all records" without specifying the C-File - VA sometimes interprets "all records" narrowly.
- ×Not knowing that the online MyVA411 / eVetRecs system may be faster than paper form for some records.
Authority
- 38 USC 5701 - Privacy protections for VA beneficiary information; authority for controlled disclosures to third parties.
Section III - Authorization
Blocks 7-8Requester signature and datePII
Sign and date. Include a copy of your photo ID. Mail to: VA Records Management Center (for C-File), or to the specific VAMC (for medical records). Processing time: typically 20-30 business days, though C-File requests can take months.
(signature/date)
Common mistakes
- ×Not attaching photo ID - VA will return the request.
- ×Mailing to the wrong VA location - C-File requests go to the VA Records Management Center in St. Louis, not your local regional office.
Statutory and regulatory authority
- 38 USC 5701 - Privacy protections for VA beneficiary information; authority for controlled disclosures to third parties.