Submitting a FOI request for a veteran's C-file

[City Hall]

Hi, I have just discovered that a part of the organisation Reclaim The Records database is something called the BIRLS database which contains details of more than 18 million deceased US veterans. When you have identified the veteran you are related to or are interested in, you can submit a FOI request for said veteran's file to be released to you - for free. My question is, has anyone ever gone through this process, and is it genuine, is it safe, is it completely free etc?

Thanks.
Paul.

[Bob C]

It is real and free. I recently used it to see the records of my uncle who was wounded in the Hurtgen Forest and disabled. What I received was a CD containing pdf copies of his disability claim payment grant letters showing amounts to be paid and the address to be sent. The unusual item was a letter to his deceased wife saying they had received a report of his death. The information provided did not give me information that I did not already know from my previous research efforts.

[City Hall]

Bob C, thanks for the reply and the information. I'm surprised the info is supplied via a CD. I thought they would send an e-mail with attachments, but maybe there are too many pages involved.
Thanks again.
Paul.

[Bob C]

In their cover letter they said "More than 10 pages is furnished on a CD".

The reason I got a CD is the claim covered 1946 into 2012 and the payment amount was adjusted every year recently based upon inflation.

[City Hall]

Bob C, thanks for the explanation.
I think I missed the last bus last night. There is 'an important update' on the website today saying the VA are no longer supplying the FOI requested information. The old saying is true. 'He who hesitates is lost'.
Paul.