Decision letter
- Denied issue names and dates
- Evidence list and records VA says it reviewed
- Favorable findings, reasons, and missing elements
Post-denial C-file review
Use your C-file to prepare the next review after a VA denial.
A C-file can show what VA reviewed, what examiners wrote, and where records may not line up with the denial letter. ValorAI helps you organize that review into plain-language questions you control.
Request the C-file with VA Form 20-10206
Compare the denial letter, exams, and records
Prepare questions without giving up control
Start with records
How to request and organize a C-file after denial
The goal is not to argue every point at once. First, make the record readable: what VA decided, what VA says it reviewed, and what your records appear to show.
- 1Save the denial packet firstKeep the decision letter, evidence list, issue names, favorable findings, and the date on the letter together before you start comparing records.
- 2Request the C-file and exam recordsUse VA Form 20-10206 or the current VA.gov online records request flow to ask for benefit records, your claims file, and C&P exam reports.
- 3Build an issue-by-issue tableFor each denied issue, compare what VA said, what evidence VA listed, what the C-file contains, and what questions remain.
- 4Prepare questions before choosing a pathUse the comparison to prepare questions for VA.gov, a VSO, or accredited help. ValorAI helps organize the prep work; it does not choose legal strategy.
Compare the record
What records to inspect side by side
A useful C-file review usually compares categories, not one giant PDF from top to bottom. Keep each condition tied to its own records, exam notes, and open questions.
C&P exam reports
- Diagnosis, symptoms, DBQ checkboxes, and severity notes
- Examiner rationale and records reviewed
- Any factual mismatch with your actual history
Service records
- Service treatment records and in-service complaints
- Personnel records, duty locations, MOS, and exposure context
- Incident reports, profiles, deployment notes, or line-of-duty records
Medical and lay evidence
- VA and private treatment records after service
- Imaging, labs, medication history, and diagnosis dates
- Personal, buddy, family, or employer statements
Privacy limits
This public page does not access your C-file. If you later use ValorAI chat or uploads, use the minimum records needed for the question, avoid sharing third-party information that is not necessary, and remove uploaded data when you no longer need it.
Do not share VA.gov passwords, one-time codes, or documents you are not comfortable using. Keep your original records in a secure place outside any chat tool.
Preparation questions
- What exact reason did VA give for each denial?
- Which favorable findings can you rely on when preparing follow-up questions?
- Did VA list all records you expected it to review?
- Do the C&P exam notes match your symptoms, history, and functional limits?
- Is any record missing, unreadable, mislabeled, or attached to the wrong issue?
- What new, relevant, or clarifying evidence might you discuss with official or accredited help?
Official sources
Use VA sources for filing and records requests
Request personal records onlineVA Form 20-10206 can be used to request your own compensation, pension, benefit, or military records.Compare VA decision review optionsVA explains Supplemental Claims, Higher-Level Reviews, and Board Appeals as official review paths.Find VA-accredited helpUse VA search tools when you need representation from a VSO, attorney, or accredited claims agent.
Keep learning
Internal guides that pair well with C-file review
Decision letter analyzerBreak the denial letter into issues, evidence, and stated reasons.Denied claim guideReview common denial patterns and preparation next steps.Personal statementsOrganize your own account before sharing it through official channels.Claims assistance boundarySee how ValorAI separates software support from representation.
How do I request my C-file after a VA denial?
Use VA Form 20-10206 or the current VA.gov personal records request tool to request your own compensation, benefit, military, claims file, and exam records. Confirm the latest submission instructions on VA.gov before sending anything.
What should I inspect first when the C-file arrives?
Start with the denial letter, evidence list, favorable findings, C&P exam reports, and records tied to each denied issue. Compare what VA says it reviewed with what appears in the file.
Should I upload my entire C-file to ValorAI?
Use the minimum records needed for the question you are working on. Avoid sharing third-party information, passwords, or records you do not need, and delete uploaded data when you no longer need it.
Does ValorAI tell me which appeal option to choose?
No. ValorAI can help you organize records, summarize plain-language issues, and prepare questions. It does not provide legal advice, promise outcomes, file for you, or represent you before VA.
Educational preparation only
ValorAI is not VA, a VSO, an attorney, or an accredited claims agent. We do not provide legal advice, promise outcomes, file claims for you, or represent you before VA. Use this page to prepare clearer records and questions for the official path you choose.