Each facility has different policies governing disability examination reports and documents. These policies may include the method of delivery, certification, and contents, so make sure you know exactly which methods are required at your facility. Finally, don’t forget to check for completeness and sign the examination report. In cases where an examination request (VA form 21-2507) requires you to review a C-file you should follow certain protocols.

Keep the C-file Intact

C-files are legal records that are the property of VBA. Furthermore, a C-file is the only record of the Veteran’s claim. For this reason, you should never add to or delete anything from a C-file.

Sometimes the Veteran you examine will bring documents, such as private medical records, to the examination in support of his or her claim. You need to address in your report whether or not this evidence is relevant to this case. Check the policy at your facility for ensuring any document you use in your report gets to the RO. Recommend that the Veteran should send the information to the VBA regional office.

C-File Security

When you are provided with a paper-based or electronic C-file, you should keep in mind that the Veteran may only have access to this legal documentation when an RO staff member is present. For this reason, a paper-based C-file should never be given to the Veteran to carry from one clinic to another or from a medical facility to an RO. Finally, never take a C-file from the facility in which you perform C&P examinations. Instead, secure the C-file according to the policy at your facility.