diff --git a/src/expert-claim/expert-claim.service.ts b/src/expert-claim/expert-claim.service.ts
index 8262187..7542d8c 100644
--- a/src/expert-claim/expert-claim.service.ts
+++ b/src/expert-claim/expert-claim.service.ts
@@ -4692,8 +4692,8 @@ export class ExpertClaimService {
     const isFactorValidationPending =
       claimIsAwaitingExpertFactorValidationV2(claim);
 
-    // FileMaker: can only view V5 files (requiresFileMakerApproval: true) that they created.
-    // V4 files do not require FileMaker approval and must not appear in their panel.
+    // FileMaker: can view any file they created (both during filing and approval phase).
+    // The list endpoint already filters to V5-only; detail access is scoped by ownership.
     if (actor.role === RoleEnum.FILE_MAKER) {
       const isOwn = claimCaseInitiatedByFieldExpert(claim, actor, linkedBlame);
       if (!isOwn) {
@@ -4701,11 +4701,6 @@ export class ExpertClaimService {
           "FileMakers can only view files they created.",
         );
       }
-      if (!(claim as any).requiresFileMakerApproval) {
-        throw new ForbiddenException(
-          "This file does not require FileMaker approval.",
-        );
-      }
       // Fall through to the detail build below
     } else if (
       // Field experts and FileReviewers can view IN_PERSON expert-initiated claims