📂 How to Get Your VA Records (FOIA)

FOIA is a federal law that gives every citizen the right to request records held by government agencies. For veterans, this is one of the most powerful tools in a disability claim — it lets you obtain your complete C-File, all military service treatment records, C&P exam notes, and VA internal documents. Most veterans never use it. The ones who do are often surprised by what they find.

1. File the Same Day as Your Intent to File

File your FOIA requests the same day you file your Intent to File (VA Form 21-0966). The government has 20 business days to respond — in practice, VA FOIA requests often take 3 to 6 months for a C-File.

By the time your records arrive, you will be ready to build your full claim.

DAV — Free FOIA Help877-838-6827

2. Know What to Request

• C-File (Claims File) — The VA's complete file on you. Contains every previous claim, decision, rating, C&P exam, and correspondence. This is the most important document for understanding why claims were rated the way they were.
• Service Treatment Records (STRs) — Your complete medical records from active duty service. Documents every sick call, injury, procedure, and mental health visit while you were in.
• DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge) — Your official discharge document. Lists service dates, MOS (Military Occupational Specialty), decorations, and character of discharge.
• C&P Exam Records — The VA examiner's notes and conclusions from your examination. These are routinely incomplete or inaccurate — and veterans have a right to see them.
• VA Medical Records — All records from VA healthcare visits, lab results, imaging, and mental health treatment.
• Rating Decision Letters — Every past rating decision with the VA's legal reasoning for each determination.

3. Send to the Right Office

The VA FOIA system is decentralized. Different record types go to different offices. Sending to the wrong office delays everything.

NPRC — Military Records314-801-0800

4. Write Your Request

There is no required form for a FOIA request — you can write a letter. For personal VA records, VA Form 20-10206 is the fastest route.

Your request must include:

• Your full legal name
• Date of birth and Social Security Number (SSN)
• Your VA file number if you have one
• A specific description of what you want
• The time period you are requesting (e.g., all records from 2005 to present)
• Your signature — required for personal records
• A statement that you are willing to pay fees, or a fee waiver request as a veteran (fees are often waived)

Sample language — C-File and STR request:

"I am requesting a complete copy of my entire C-File (claims file) and all Service Treatment Records (STRs) currently in VA possession, including all C&P exam reports, rating decisions, correspondence, and medical records, for the period of my military service through the present date. I am requesting a fee waiver as this information pertains to my own VA disability claim."

My name: [NAME] · Date of birth: [DOB] · SSN: [SSN] · VA File Number (if known): [NUMBER] · Signature: ___________

5. Timeline and What to Do While You Wait

The government has 20 business days to respond — in practice, VA FOIA requests often take 3 to 6 months for a C-File.

Keep your submission confirmation number. Follow up at 90 days if no response.

While waiting:

• See your private provider and get a DBQ completed
• Gather buddy statements
• Collect civilian medical records
• Do not wait for FOIA before starting evidence collection

If denied: you have the right to appeal. The denial letter will explain the process.

VA Main Line800-827-1000 · M–F 8am–9pm ET DAV — Free Claims Help877-838-6827