Comment by Asparagirl

The processes for getting these very particular records (C-Files, as opposed to something like an OMPF or other better known military records) has been horrendously broken for years. They were almost completely inaccessible from this specific agency (the VBA, inside the VA) their entire existence. Only 5% of the files have been turned over to NARA, even for records that are very old.

And even now, the “processes” to get the records, as defined by a 58+-year-old law (FOIA) are not really being followed. An agency refusing to process any FOIA requests except by fax (!) is insane, in this day and age. But more specifically, it’s against the law. A letter AND an e-mail are supposed to work. Hence our use of a fax API on this website…

Furthermore, the “requirement” that a FOIA requester must hand-sign the paperwork is absolutely made up by this agency. Hence our signature widget on this website…

Point being, if they’re going to shamelessly ignore or misinterpret the federal law, we are going to just jump through those hoops and say no, we want the files, please do your jobs.