In this video Marc Whitehead, accredited Veterans disability attorney, explains why the claims file is so important to your appeal.
One of the chief complaints that claimants and their representatives have when completing an appeal for disability benefits is the length of time it takes to receive the Veterans claims file (C-File). This file contains all of the information that’s been processed towards your claim including Medical Records, Rating Decisions, Code Sheets and Service Personal Records among other things.
Having a representative review the file is a key component in the appeals process in order to file a VA-9. But the long wait to receive the claims file from the VA can be extremely frustrating for all parties involved. It can take up to a year to receive claims files and in some cases even longer. When the file does finally arrive it sometimes a disorganized box of paperwork which can make the process over reviewing the claim very slow. This adds even more wait time before your substantive appeal (VA-9) can be filed.
There is hope. The VA is working to assist Veterans and their Claims representatives to obtain the file in a more timely manner by implementing a new software program. This new program would allow the claims file to be scanned to where the Veterans representative will have access to them. This is much more efficient then the traditional method of having a paper file where requests must be made in writing. With the records scanned the review time becomes much quicker, leading to your VA case moving at a quicker pace.
This new software access program is estimated to become a reality within the 2014 time frame.
