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)

• ×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.

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.

• ×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.

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)

• ×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.