19 April 2014
When we cite pension records from the U.S. National Archives, our citation of the number should not omit the letters that preface the number (S.C., W.C., Inv., etc.). These designate the type of file—i.e., Soldiers' Certificate, Widows' Certificate, Invalid (disabled), etc. That's an important item for archivists or others who need to find the file—and for us if we need to relocate it later.
When we cite a widow's or orphan's pension file, we need to include also the name and other essential information for the veteran. Those "dependent" files are typically held within the file of the actual veteran.
For much more on the interpretation, as well as citation, of different types of U.S. military records, see EE pp. 595-606.