M21-1 Changes for 2017 (Jan-Apr). Many of these impact us...
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M21-1 Changes for 2017 (Jan-Apr). Many of these impact us daily. April 2017 as of: 25Apr2017 Date Change Target Audience 04/24/2017 M21-1, Part III, Subpart iv, Chapter 3, Section C - Control of Examinations (III.iv.3.C) Updated guidance on examination cancellations. All claims processors 04/24/2017 M21-1, Part III, Subpart iv, Chapter 3, Section A - Examination Requests Overview (III.iv.3.A) Updated guidance on examination cancellations. All claims processors 04/21/2017 M21-1, Part III, Subpart i, Chapter 4, Section B - The Stakeholder Enterprise Portal (SEP) Role in the Veterans Online Application (VONAPP) Direct Connect (VDC) Process (III.i.4.B) Updated to correctly indicate that the WITNESS OF SIGNATURE block of Section VI is completed when an original claim is submitted via SEP and utilizes the checkmark solution to sign the claim form. All claims processors 04/21/2017 M21-1, Part III, Subpart iii, Chapter 2, Section I - Control and Follow-Up of Requests for Service Records (III.iii.2.I) Updated instructions for following up on records held by the Coast Guard PSC and capturing the details of a DPRIS records request. Development 04/21/2017 M21-1, Part III, Subpart ii, Chapter 1, Section D - Claims That Require Priority Processing (III.ii.1.D) Updated guidance on management of claims requiring priority processing. All claims processors 04/20/2017 M21-1, Part X, Chapter 08 - Social Security Number (SSN) Verification (X.8) Updated with instructions for handling cases in which VA discovers that an individual's name in VA records does not match the same individual's name in SSA records. Authorization 04/18/2017 M21-1, Part III, Subpart ii, Chapter 3, Section F - Handling and Routing of Waiver Requests and Survivor Benefit Claims (III.ii.3.F) Updated instructions for routing mail from the CM portal to the DMC based on new functionality. Intake 04/17/2017 M21-1, Part III, Subpart ii, Chapter 1, Section B - Mail Management (III.ii.1.B) Updated to relocate guidance on returned undeliverable mail from III.iii.1.B and to clarify procedures for returned and unidentifiable mail. Intake and Development 04/17/2017 M21-1, Part III, Subpart iii, Chapter 1, Section B - Evidence Requested From the Claimant (III.iii.1.B) Updated guidance on including evidence received during phone calls in decision notices and relocated guidance on handling undeliverable mail to a new topic in III.ii.1.B. All claims processors 04/17/2017 M21-1, Part III, Subpart iii, Chapter 5, Section K - Verification of Marital Status and the Status of Dependents (III.iii.5.K) Updated instructions for handling a Veteran's failure to return VA Form 21-0538. Authorization 04/14/2017 M21-1, Part III, Subpart ii, Chapter 4, Section D - Lost Paper Claims Folders, Reconciliation of Duplicate Records in the Beneficiary Identification and Records Locator Subsystem (BIRLS), and Misplaced Claims Documents (III.ii.4.D) Updated development procedures when claim documents submitted Using a VA Electronic Application Process have failed to upload. Development 04/14/2017 M21-1, Part IV, Subpart ii, Chapter 1, Section F - Developing Claims for Service Connection (SC) for Disabilities Resulting From Exposure to Mustard Gas or Lewisite (IV.ii.1.F) Updated guidance on tracking and processing mustard gas claims. Intake, Development, Rating, and Appeals
Transcript of M21-1 Changes for 2017 (Jan-Apr). Many of these impact us...
M21-1 Changes for 2017 (Jan-Apr). Many of these impact us daily.
April 2017 as of: 25Apr2017
Date Change
Target Audience
04/24/2017
M21-1, Part III, Subpart iv, Chapter 3, Section C - Control of Examinations (III.iv.3.C)
Updated guidance on examination cancellations. All claims processors
04/24/2017
M21-1, Part III, Subpart iv, Chapter 3, Section A - Examination Requests Overview (III.iv.3.A)
Updated guidance on examination cancellations. All claims processors
04/21/2017
M21-1, Part III, Subpart i, Chapter 4, Section B - The Stakeholder Enterprise Portal (SEP) Role in the Veterans Online Application (VONAPP) Direct Connect (VDC) Process (III.i.4.B)
Updated to correctly indicate that the WITNESS OF SIGNATURE block of Section VI is completed when an original claim is submitted via SEP and utilizes the checkmark solution to sign the claim form.
All claims processors
04/21/2017
M21-1, Part III, Subpart iii, Chapter 2, Section I - Control and Follow-Up of Requests for Service Records (III.iii.2.I)
Updated instructions for following up on records held by the Coast Guard PSC and capturing the details of a DPRIS records request. Development
04/21/2017
M21-1, Part III, Subpart ii, Chapter 1, Section D - Claims That Require Priority Processing (III.ii.1.D)
Updated guidance on management of claims requiring priority processing. All claims processors
04/20/2017
M21-1, Part X, Chapter 08 - Social Security Number (SSN) Verification (X.8)
Updated with instructions for handling cases in which VA discovers that an individual's name in VA records does not match the same individual's name in SSA records. Authorization
04/18/2017
M21-1, Part III, Subpart ii, Chapter 3, Section F - Handling and Routing of Waiver Requests and Survivor Benefit Claims (III.ii.3.F)
Updated instructions for routing mail from the CM portal to the DMC based on new functionality. Intake
04/17/2017
M21-1, Part III, Subpart ii, Chapter 1, Section B - Mail Management (III.ii.1.B)
Updated to relocate guidance on returned undeliverable mail from III.iii.1.B and to clarify procedures for returned and unidentifiable mail.
Intake and Development
04/17/2017
M21-1, Part III, Subpart iii, Chapter 1, Section B - Evidence Requested From the Claimant (III.iii.1.B)
Updated guidance on including evidence received during phone calls in decision notices and relocated guidance on handling undeliverable mail to a new topic in III.ii.1.B.
All claims processors
04/17/2017
M21-1, Part III, Subpart iii, Chapter 5, Section K - Verification of Marital Status and the Status of Dependents (III.iii.5.K)
Updated instructions for handling a Veteran's failure to return VA Form 21-0538. Authorization
04/14/2017
M21-1, Part III, Subpart ii, Chapter 4, Section D - Lost Paper Claims Folders, Reconciliation of Duplicate Records in the Beneficiary Identification and Records Locator Subsystem (BIRLS), and Misplaced Claims Documents (III.ii.4.D)
Updated development procedures when claim documents submitted Using a VA Electronic Application Process have failed to upload. Development
04/14/2017
M21-1, Part IV, Subpart ii, Chapter 1, Section F - Developing Claims for Service Connection (SC) for Disabilities Resulting From Exposure to Mustard Gas or Lewisite (IV.ii.1.F)
Updated guidance on tracking and processing mustard gas claims.
Intake, Development, Rating, and Appeals
Date Change
Target Audience
04/14/2017
M21-1, Part IV, Subpart ii, Chapter 1, Section I - Developing Claims for Service Connection (SC) Based on Other Exposure Types (IV.ii.1.I)
Updated Camp Lejeune routing instructions for claims filed prior to March 14, 2017.
Development, Authorization, Rating, and Appeals
04/14/2017
M21-1, Part IV, Subpart ii, Chapter 2, Section C - Service Connection (SC) for Disabilities Resulting From Exposure to Environmental Hazards or Service in the Republic of Vietnam (RVN) (IV.ii.2.C)
Updated guidance on Camp Lejeune claims processing and added new topic for rating mustard gas claims.
Rating, Appeals, and Authorization
04/07/2017
M21-1, Part III, Subpart ii, Chapter 7 - Referrals to the Rating Activity (III.ii.7)
Updated to remove the the Responsibilities of the Rating Activity Topic as it is duplicative of guidance in III.iv.1.
Authorization and Rating
04/07/2017
M21-1, Part III, Subpart iv, Chapter 1 - General Information on the Rating Activity (III.iv.1)
Updated to reorganize blocks on review by the rating activity. Rating
04/04/2017
M21-1, Part IV, Subpart ii, Chapter 2, Section B - Determining Service Connection (SC) (IV.ii.2.B)
Updated to incorporate guidance from FAQ titled Cancer--Primary and Metastasized, removed redundant information on presumptive neurological disabilities, and clarified guidance on considering congenital, developmental, or hereditary disorders.
Rating and Appeals
04/03/2017
M21-1, Part III, Subpart iv, Chapter 4, Section G - Neurological Conditions and Convulsive Disorders (III.iv.4.G)
Updated guidance on organic diseases of the nervous system. Rating and Appeals
04/03/2017
M21-1, Part III, Subpart ii, Chapter 2, Section F - Requests for Reconsideration (III.ii.2.F)
Updated to clarify procedures for handling late flowing evidence in reconsideration scenarios.
Development, Rating, and Appeals
March 2017
Date Change
Target Audience
03/31/2017
M21-1, Part IX, Subpart i, Chapter 1, Section A - Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) Eligibility (IX.i.1.A)
Updated guidance on VR&E motivational contact controls. VSRs
03/31/2017
M21-1, Part I, Chapter 1, Section C - Requesting Records (I.1.C)
Updated to revise procedures for assisting with requests for third party records in accordance with the recent revision of VAOPGCPREC 5-2004.
VSRs, RVSRs, and DROs
03/31/2017
M21-1, Part III, Subpart ii, Chapter 1, Section C - Initial Screening Policies (III.ii.1.C)
Updated to clarify procedures for acceptance of electronic signatures when an accredited representative is persistently unable to submit claims through an approved VA program due to an IT limitation.
All claims processors
03/31/2017
M21-1, Part III, Subpart iv, Chapter 2, Section B - Revision of Decisions (III.iv.2.B)
Updated guidance on reasonable possibility of substantiating a claim to reopen. RVSRs and DROs
03/31/2017
M21-1, Part IV, Subpart ii, Chapter 1, Section D - Claims for Service Connection (SC) for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) (IV.ii.1.D)
Updated to clarify the distinction between the need for a JSRRC Coordinator formal finding versus a request for corroboration in the PTSD stressor development
VSRs, RVSRs, and DROs
Date Change
Target Audience
process.
03/31/2017
M21-1, Part III, Subpart v, Chapter 8, Section B - Paying Benefits to the Dependent(s) of an Incarcerated Veteran (III.v.8.B)
Updated guidance on apportionments of benefits withheld due to a Veteran's incarceration. VSRs
03/30/2017
M21-1, Part III, Subpart iv, Chapter 4, Section G - Neurological Conditions and Convulsive Disorders (III.iv.4.G)
Updated to clarify TBI signature guidance. RVSRs and DROs
03/29/2017
M21-1, Part III, Subpart iv, Chapter 8, Section C - Protected Ratings (III.iv.8.C)
Updated to remove guidance on protection for SC disabilities eliminated by NSC amputation for relocation to III.iv.5.B.3.c.
RVSRs and DROs
03/29/2017
M21-1, Part III, Subpart iv, Chapter 5, Section B - Principles of Disability Evaluation (III.iv.5.B)
Updated to add a new section on procedures for evaluating disabilities. RVSRs and DROs
03/29/2017
M21-1, Part III, Subpart iv, Chapter 5, Section A - Principles of Reviewing Evidence and Decision Making (III.iv.5.A)
Updated to relocate the contents previously included in III.iv.5 to a new Section A and remove some content for relocation into a newly created III.iv.5.B.
RVSRs and DROs
03/29/2017
M21-1, Part III, Subpart ii, Chapter 2, Section B - Claims for Disability Compensation and-or Pension, and Claims for Survivors Benefits (III.ii.2.B)
Updated guidance to add a note that a VA Form 21-674 can be accepted as a standard form for a school child claiming DIC in his or her own right if the child was previously on a surviving spouse’s DIC award.
All claims processors
03/28/2017
M21-1, Part III, Subpart ii, Chapter 3, Section D - Claims Establishment (III.ii.3.D)
Updated guidance on establishing claims in VBMS and Share.
IPC employees and VSRs
03/28/2017
M21-1, Part I, Chapter 1, Section C - Requesting Records (I.1.C)
Updated to add procedures for conducting examination reviews for preservice aggravation claims and for documenting examination reviews in VBMS and to clarify timing for requesting examinations.
VSRs, RVSRs, and DROs
03/27/2017
M21-1, Part III, Subpart iii, Chapter 2, Section A - General Information on Service Records (III.iii.2.A)
Updated to add a new block providing guidance on what constitutes reasonably complete STRs for the purpose of determining if additional development is necessary.
All claims processors
03/27/2017
M21-1, Part III, Subpart iii, Chapter 6, Section B - Awards and Adjustments Based Upon School Attendance (III.iii.6.B)
Updated instructions for confirming that a child began or continued attending school. VSRs
03/27/2017
M21-1, Part III, Subpart v, Chapter 10, Section A - 800 Series Work Items and Cost-of-Living Allowance (COLA) Adjustments (III.v.10.A)
Updated guidance that PMCs should not use EP 693. All claims processors
03/24/2017
M21-1, Part III, Subpart v, Chapter 2, Section B - Decision Notices (III.v.2.B)
Updated guidance on preparing decision notices. VSRs and AQRSs
03/24/2017
M21-1, Part III, Subpart v, Chapter 2, Section A - Decision Authorization (III.v.2.A)
Updated guidance on award preparation and authorization. VSRs and AQRSs
03/21/2017
M21-1, Part III, Subpart ii, Chapter 1, Section D - Claims That Require Priority Processing (III.ii.1.D)
All claims processors
Date Change
Target Audience
Updated to indicate that priority class claims take precedence over other claims assigned to or received by an RO and updated information about the ARC.
03/21/2017
M21-1, Part III, Subpart iii, Chapter 1, Section D - Record Maintenance During the Development Process (III.iii.1.D)
Updated instructions for entering contentions and provided additional examples.
IPC employees and VSRs
03/20/2017
M21-1, Part III, Subpart ii, Chapter 6, Section B - Service Requirements and Verification of Eligibility(III.ii.6.B)
Updated to specifically state the requirement for completion of an administrative decision when qualifying service cannot be verified. VSRs
03/20/2017
M21-1, Part VIII, Chapter 3 - Development for Accrued and Requests for Substitution (VIII.3)
Updated to clarify the time limits for substituting claimants when a Section 5103 notice is being sent and updated sample language.
All claims processors
03/17/2017
M21-1, Part VII, Chapter 1, Section A - General Information (VII.1.A)
Updated all burial sections to reflection regulations published on July 7, 2014. VSRs
03/17/2017
M21-1, Part VII, Chapter 1, Section B - Burial Benefits (VII.1.B)
Updated all burial sections to reflection regulations published on July 7, 2014. VSRs
03/17/2017
M21-1, Part VII, Chapter 1, Section C - Authorization Payment Issues (VII.1.C)
Updated all burial sections to reflection regulations published on July 7, 2014. VSRs
03/17/2017
M21-1, Part VII, Chapter 1, Section D - Memorialization (VII.1.D)
Updated all burial sections to reflection regulations published on July 7, 2014. VSRs
03/17/2017
Chapters 2-6 (Historical) Attachments (VII.2-6)
Updated to combine historical documents for burial claims. VSRs
03/17/2017
M21-1, Part III, Subpart v, Chapter 4, Section A - General Information on Elections (III.v.4.A)
Updated to add a block that that discusses the proper effective date for adjusting a beneficiary's award based on his/her election of a different VA benefit. VSRs
03/17/2017
M21-1, Part I, Chapter 2, Section C - Adverse Action Proposal Period (I.1.C) Updated to clarify procedures for returned mail and hearing cancellations associated with notice of proposed adverse action.
All claims processors
03/16/2017
M21-1, Part III, Subpart iv, Chapter 4, Section H - Mental Disorders (III.iv.4.H)
Updated to add new guidance and remove obsolete guidance related to PTSD claims.
RVSRs and DROs
03/14/2017
M21-1, Part III, Subpart v, Chapter 1, Section A - General Information (III.v.1.A)
Updated guidance on identifying evidence in administrative decisions. VSRs and QRSs
03/14/2017
M21-1, Part III, Subpart vi, Chapter 2, Section C - Debt Collection (III.vi.2.C)
Updated to add instructions for processing an award that will result in the payment of retroactive benefits for a period of time during which VA previously created and later waived all or part of a debt. VSRs
03/14/2017
M21-1, Part X, Chapter 09 - Section E - Federal Tax Information (FTI) Match: Post Award Audit (PAA) for Pension and Parent’s Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) Beneficiaries (X.9.E)
Updated information that PMCs maintaining FTI created for PAA in the secured Virtual VA folder. VSRs
03/14/2017
M21-1, Part I, Chapter 2, Section A - General Information on Due Process (I.2.A)
Updated the term Estate Analyst with Legal Instrument Examiner. All claims processors
Date Change
Target Audience
03/14/2017
M21-1, Part I, Chapter 1, Section B - Duty to Notify Under 38 U.S.C. 5102 and 5103 (I.1.B)
Updated to add Camp Lejeune claims to the list of special issue claims requiring follow-up development.
VSRs, RVSRs, and DROs
03/14/2017
M21-1, Part III, Subpart ii, Chapter 6, Section A - Establishing Veteran Status (III.ii.6.A)
Updated guidance on considering periods of active duty for training and inactive duty for training.
VSRs, RVSRs, and DROs
03/14/2017
M21-1, Part III, Subpart iii, Chapter 2, Section E - Unique Claims and Situations That Require Special Handling (III.iii.2.E)
Updated to remove guidance on Camp Lejeune claims development, which has been relocated to IV.ii.1.I, and to add minor references.
VSRs, RVSRs, and DROs
03/14/2017
M21-1, Part IV, Subpart ii, Chapter 1, Section I - Developing Claims for Service Connection (SC) Based on Other Exposure Types (IV.ii.1.I)
Updated guidance on other exposure claims and added new guidance for processing Camp Lejeune claims based on new presumptive regulations.
IPC Staff, VSRs, RVSRs, and DROs
03/14/2017
M21-1, Part IV, Subpart ii, Chapter 2, Section C - Service Connection (SC) for Disabilities Resulting From Exposure to Environmental Hazards or Service in the Republic of Vietnam (RVN) (IV.ii.2.C)
Updated guidance on other exposure claims and added new guidance for processing Camp Lejeune claims based on new presumptive regulations.
RVSRs and DROs
03/13/2017
M21-1, Part III, Subpart iv, Chapter 6, Section D - Codesheet Section (III.iv.6.D)
Updated electronic signature requirements for rating decisions. RVSRs and DROs
03/10/2017
M21-1, Part III, Subpart iv, Chapter 6, Section C - Completing the Rating Decision Narrative (III.iv.6.C)
Updated instructions on listing evidence and removed VBMS workaround for progression in disabilities.
RVSRs and DROs
03/07/2017
M21-1, Part III, Subpart i, Chapter 3, Section B - Processing Fully Developed Claims (FDCs) (III.i.3.B)
To update guidance on processing FDCs.
VSRs, RVSRs, and DROs
03/07/2017
M21-1, Part III, Subpart iii, Chapter 6, Section B - Awards and Adjustments Based Upon School Attendance (III.iii.6.B)
Updated instructions for confirming a child began or continued attending school (as indicated by a beneficiary on VA Form 21-674). VSRs
03/06/2017
M21-1, Part III, Subpart iv, Chapter 3, Section D - Examination Reports (III.iv.3.D)
Updated guidance on examination report requirements. All claims processors
03/06/2017
M21-1, Part III, Subpart v, Chapter 10, Section A - 800 Series Work Items and Cost-of-Living Allowance (COLA) Adjustments (III.v.10.A)
Updated guidance that PMC COLA adjustments are processed under EP 696. All claims processors
03/06/2017
M21-1, Part V, Subpart iii, Chapter 1, Section H - Improved Pension - Adjustments based on Changes in Status (V.iii.1.H)
Updated with instructions to note that PMCs are responsible for working COLA claims transferred from a fiduciary hub. VSRs
03/06/2017
M21-1, Part III, Subpart v, Chapter 5, Section B - Preparing and Adjusting Awards in Military Retired Pay (MRP) Cases (III.v.5.B)
Updated instructions for handling an election of MRP from a Veteran in receipt of disability compensation. VSRs
03/06/2017 M21-1, Part III, Subpart iii, Chapter 5, Section K - Verification of Marital Status and VSRs
Date Change
Target Audience
the Status of Dependents (III.iii.5.K)
Updated instructions for handling marital status questionnaires and status of dependents questionnaires.
03/06/2017
M21-1, Part III, Subpart iii, Chapter 5, Section G - Establishing a Biological Child, Adopted Child, or Stepchild as a Veteran’s Child for Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Purposes (III.iii.5.G)
Updated instructions for processing notice that the biological or adoptive parent of a Veteran’s stepchild has died or the Veteran and his/her stepchild’s biological or adoptive parent have separated or terminated their marriage. VSRs
03/06/2017
M21-1, Part V, Subpart iii, Chapter 1, Section G - Pension - Deductible Expenses (V.iii.1.G)
Updated guidance for nursing home expenses. VSRs
03/03/2017
M21-1, Part III, Subpart i, Chapter 1 - Structure of the Veterans Service Center (VSC) (III.i.1)
Updated the duty list of RVSRs to be consistent with existing guidance for review and association of recent and relevant treatment records. RVSRs
03/02/2017
M21-1, Part III, Subpart ii, Chapter 1, Section C - Initial Screening Policies (III.ii.1.C)
Updated to clarify and add procedures for recognizing acceptable signatures. All claims processors
03/02/2017
M21-1, Part IV, Subpart ii, Chapter 2, Section B - Determining Service Connection (SC) (IV.ii.2.B)
Updated to add guidance on determining whether evidence is sufficient to rebut presumptive SC.
RVSRs and DROs
03/01/2017
M21-1, Part IV, Subpart ii, Chapter 1, Section H - Developing Claims for Service Connection (SC) Based on Herbicide Exposure (IV.ii.1.H)
Updated with minor clarifications to procedures for incomplete claims forexposure only and reformatting of table listing of units with service in the Korean demilitarized zone.
VSRs, RVSRs, and DROs
February 2017
Date Change Target Audience
02/28/2017
M21-1, Part III, Subpart iv, Chapter 3, Section F - Examinations in Special Situations (III.iv.3.F)
Created new section based on old Topics 8-14 of III.iv.3.A and updated guidance on handling examination requests in claims involving homeless and incarcerated Veterans. All claims processors
02/28/2017
M21-1, Part III, Subpart iv, Chapter 3, Section A - Examination Requests Overview (III.iv.3.A)
Updated guidance on requested general medical examinations and medical opinions. All claims processors
02/27/2017
M21-1, Part III, Subpart iii, Chapter 5, Section L - Adjusting Awards for Dependents (III.iii.5.L)
Updated to provide additional instructions for notifying Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment of an award adjustment resulting from a change in the status of a Veteran’s dependent. VSRs
02/27/2017
M21-1, Part III, Subpart iv, Chapter 8, Section E - Other Due Process Concerns (III.iv.8.E) RVSRs and DROs
Date Change Target Audience
Updated guidance on handling a Veteran's failure to report to a scheduled review examination.
02/27/2017
M21-1, Part IV, Subpart ii, Chapter 3, Section B - Failure to Report for Review Examination (IV.ii.3.B)
Updated guidance on handling failures to report for review examinations. VSRs and AQRSs
02/27/2017
M21-1, Part III, Subpart iii, Chapter 5, Section A - General Information on Relationship and Dependency (III.iii.5.A)
Updated instructions for adding a dependent to a Veteran's award based evidence/information that is already of record. VSRs
02/24/2017
M21-1, Part VIII, Chapter 2 - Substitution in Case of Death of Claimant (VIII.2)
Updated the example to clarify substitution claim time limits. VSRs
02/24/2017
M21-1, Part III, Subpart vi, Chapter 1, Section A - Compensation Service and Pension and Fiduciary (P&F) Service Guidance (III.vi.1.A)
Updated guidance on referring advisory opinion requests to Compensation Service. All claims processors
02/23/2017
M21-1, Part III, Subpart v, Chapter 10, Section A - 800 Series Work Items and Cost-of-Living Allowance (COLA) Adjustments (III.v.10.A)
Updated to add two new claim labels that are associated with work item 840. VSRs
02/23/2017
M21-1, Part I, Chapter 1, Section B - Duty to Notify Under 38 U.S.C. 5102 and 5103 (I.1.B)
Updated to add information on notification requirements for special issues and clarify procedures for notification for an incomplete application. All claims processors
02/22/2017
M21-1, Part IV, Subpart ii, Chapter 2, Section K - Other Compensation Considerations (IV.ii.2.K)
Updated guidance on changes of law. RVSRs and DROs
02/22/2017
M21-1, Part III, Subpart iv, Chapter 7, Section B - Reviewing the Rating Decision (III.iv.7.B)
Updated guidance on handling errors and deficiencies in ratings decisions.
VSRs, SVSRs, RVSRs, and DROs
02/22/2017
M21-1, Part X, Chapter 16 - Fugitive Felon Match (X.16)
Updated procedures for handling fugitive felon cases to reflect changes prompted by the deployment of a new automated process for handling many of these cases. VSRs
02/22/2017
M21-1, Part III, Subpart v, Chapter 3, Section A - Apportionment Process (III.v.3.A)
Updated instructions for processing apportionment claims. VSRs
02/16/2017
M21-1, Part III, Subpart ii, Chapter 2, Section B - Claims for Disability Compensation and-or Pension, and Claims for Survivors Benefits (III.ii.2.B)
VSRs, RVSRs, and DROs
Date Change Target Audience
Updated to clarify and consolidate procedures for establishing claims.
02/16/2017
M21-1, Part III, Subpart ii, Chapter 2, Section C - Informal Claims Received Prior to March 24, 2015, Communication of an Intent to File (ITF), and Requests for Application (III.ii.2.C)
Updated to reorganize information on informal claims, ITF, and requests for application and to remove information on incomplete claims, claims based on hospital and examination reports, and incorrectly established claims as that information has been relocated to III.ii.2.B.
VSRs, RVSRs, and DROs
02/15/2017
M21-1, Part V, Subpart i, Chapter 2 - Original Disability Pension Claims (V.i.2)
Updated to remove statement that medical evidence had to be less than one year. VSRs
02/15/2017
M21-1, Part III, Subpart i, Chapter 2, Section D - Overview the Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES) and Inital Claims Development (III.i.2.D)
Updated to revise content on IDES Claim Development. IDES Staff
02/15/2017
M21-1, Part III, Subpart i, Chapter 2, Section E - Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Responsibilities Based on Medical Evaluation Board (MEB) and Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) Outcomes (III.i.2.E)
Updated guidance on IDES, MEB, and PEB decisions. IDES Staff
02/15/2017
M21-1, Part III, Subpart i, Chapter 2, Section F - Special Situations Related to the Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES) (III.i.2.F)
Updated guidance on special IDES situations. IDES Staff
02/14/2017
M21-1, Part III, Subpart iii, Chapter 2, Section I - Control and Follow-Up of Requests for Service Records (III.iii.2.I)
Updated to require the upload of a screenshot of requests submitted to the JSRRC for verification of in-service stressors or exposures. JSRRC Coordinators
02/10/2017
M21-1, Part I, Chapter 1, Section C - Requesting Records (I.1.C)
Updated to clarify the circumstances in which VA has a duty to develop for private records and to clarify criteria for requesting examinations associated with NSC aggravation.
VSRs, RVSRs, and DROs
02/10/2017
M21-1, Part X, Chapter 09 - Section E - Federal Tax Information (FTI) Match: Post Award Audit (PAA) for Pension and Parent’s Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) Beneficiaries (X.9.E)
Updated PAA worksheet data. VSRs
02/10/2017
M21-1, Part I, Chapter 3, Section B - Power of Attorney (POA) Rights to Notification and Review of Records (I.3.B)
Updated guidance on notifications to, and review of decisions by, representatives. VSRs
Date Change Target Audience
02/09/2017
M21-1, Part I, Chapter 1, Section B - Duty to Notify Under 38 U.S.C. 5102 and 5103 (I.1.B)
Updated to include a new block to describe the criteria for a statement of income. All claims processors
02/09/2017
M21-1, Part III, Subpart iii, Chapter 8 - Evidence Required to Change or Correct Existing Vital Information About a Beneficiary (III.iii.8)
Updated to indicate that a beneficiary’s last name can be changed when the beneficiary notifies VA of the termination of marriage (due to divorce or annulment) and VA can accept the evidence as proof of termination of the marriage. IPC Staff and VSRs
02/09/2017
M21-1, Part III, Subpart iv, Chapter 4, Section A - Musculoskeletal Conditions (III.iv.4.A)
Updated guidance on rating concepts and principles in cases involving musculoskeletal disorders. RVSRs and DROs
02/08/2017
M21-1, Part III, Subpart iii, Chapter 5, Section C - Establishing Common Law Marriages (III.iii.5.C)
Update guidance regarding common law marriages. VSRs
02/08/2017
M21-1, Part III, Subpart v, Chapter 3, Section D - Garnishment of Disability Compensation in Lieu of Military Retired Pay to Pay Alimony or Child Support (III.v.3.D)
Updated process for handling garnishment orders to remove requirement that finance activity refer all garnishment orders to local regional counsel. VSRs
02/07/2017
M21-1, Part III, Subpart ii, Chapter 3, Section C - System Updates (III.ii.3.C)
Updated procedures for changing claimant contact information, adding new POA codes, updating existing POA codes, and adding military service information.
CAs, Intake Analysts, VSRs, and RVSRs
02/03/2017
M21-1, Part IV, Subpart ii, Chapter 2, Section B - Determining Service Connection (SC) (IV.ii.2.B)
Updated to clarify procedures for handling contemporaneous or near-contemporaneous diagnoses to satisfy the current disability requirement for SC and to clarify handling of presumptive SC, presumption of aggravation, and aggravation opinion requests. RVSRs and DROs
02/03/2017
M21-1, Part IX, Subpart i, Chapter 6, Section B - Station of Origination (SOO) Action for Restored Entitlement Program for Survivors (REPS) Benefits (IX.i.6.B)
Updated the St. Louis Regional Office's contact information for the purposes of adjudicating REPS claims.
All personnel responsible for adjudicating REPS claims
02/02/2017
M21-1, Part V, Subpart iii, Chapter 1, Section G - Pension - Deductible Expenses (V.iii.1.G)
Updated the deductible transportation expense for medical purposes to 53.5 cents per mile from January 1, 2017. VSRs
02/01/2017 M21-1, Part III, Subpart i, Chapter 4, Section B - The VSRs and RVRSs
Date Change Target Audience
Stakeholder Enterprise Portal (SEP) Role in the Veterans Online Application (VONAPP) Direct Connect (VDC) Process (III.i.4.B)
Updated to clarify when claims submitted through SEP can be decided prior to the expiration of the 30 day review period.
02/01/2017
M21-1, Part III, Subpart v, Chapter 5, Section A - Elections and Waivers in Military Retirement Pay (MRP) Cases (III.v.5.A)
Updated to restore a description of the paragraphs that must be included in a decision notice to a Veteran whose award was adjusted based on an AEW. VSRs
02/01/2017
M21-1, Part III, Subpart iv, Chapter 3, Section A - Examination Requests Overview (III.iv.3.A)
Updated guidance on contract examination exclusions. All claims processors
January 2017
Date Change Target Audience
01/30/2017
M21-1, Part III, Subpart v, Chapter 1, Section B - Statutory Bars to Benefits and Character of Discharge (COD) (III.v.1.B)
Updated guidance on coding characters of discharge determinations. VSRs and QRSs
01/30/2017
M21-1, Part IV, Subpart ii, Chapter 1, Section D - Claims for Service Connection (SC) for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) (IV.ii.1.D)
Updated to clarify the procedures for development of PTSD claims.
VSRs, RVSRs, and DROs
01/26/2017
M21-1, Part VIII, Chapter 2 - Substitution in Case of Death of Claimant (VIII.2)
Updated to add that VA has a duty to provide notification to eligible accrued benefits claimants of their right to waive substitution (Reliford v.McDonald). All claims processors
01/25/2017
M21-1, Part X, Chapter 09 - Section E - Federal Tax Information (FTI) Match: Post Award Audit (PAA) for Pension and Parent’s Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) Beneficiaries (X.9.E)
Updated to create a new section for PAAs related to pension and Parent’s DIC. VSRs
01/25/2017
M21-1, Part III, Subpart iii, Chapter 5, Section I - Establishing Parental Relationship (III.iii.5.I)
Updated to remove the implication that a Veteran is entitlement to additional pension for a parent. VSRs
01/24/2017
M21-1, Part X, Chapter 01 - General Information on Matching Programs (X.1)
Updated due process provisions of due process as it relates to FTI. VSRs
01/23/2017
M21-1, Part I, Chapter 5, Section D - Documenting Appeal Decisions (I.5.D)
Appeals processors
Updated procedures on generating appeal decisions, including issuing decisions on multi-issue appeals, signing appeal decisions, and characterizing appeal decisions.
01/19/2017
M21-1, Part III, Subpart iii, Chapter 2, Section J - Service Department Organizational Structures and Service Record Address Codes (III.iii.2.J)
Updated to correct information regarding dates of discharge from service and where the service records will be located. VSRs
01/19/2017
M21-1, Part III, Subpart v, Chapter 2, Section B - Decision Notices (III.v.2.B)
Updated guidance on the preparation of decision notices. VSRs and QRSs
01/19/2017
M21-1, Part III, Subpart iii, Chapter 6, Section B - Awards and Adjustments Based Upon School Attendance (III.iii.6.B)
Updated instructions for determining the proper effective date for adding a school child to a Veteran's award. VSRs
01/18/2017
M21-1, Part III, Subpart ii, Chapter 4, Section D - Lost Paper Claims Folders, Reconciliation of Duplicate Records in the Beneficiary Identification and Records Locator Subsystem (BIRLS), and Misplaced Claims Documents (III.ii.4.D)
Updated to provide EP control guidance for lost claims and indicate the Lost Claims Letter and Lost Claims Memorandum are now available in the Letter Creator tool. All claims processors
01/18/2017
M21-1, Part IX, Subpart ii, Chapter 2 - Ratings for Special Purposes (IX.ii.2)
Updated information on the notice content in claims where SC has been granted for a dental/oral disorder.
VSRs, RVSRs, and DROs
01/18/2017
M21-1, Part VIII, Chapter 4 - Rating Accrued Claims (VIII.4)
Updated to remove the prohibition of paying accrued benefits under 38 CFR 3.114(a). All claims processors
01/17/2017
M21-1, Part III, Subpart v, Chapter 9, Section B - Processing Awards to Incompetent Beneficiaries (III.v.9.B)
Updated guidance on processing medical evidence indicative of incompetency. VSRs and QRSs
01/17/2017
M21-1, Part III, Subpart iv, Chapter 8, Section A - Evaluating Competency (III.iv.8.A)
Updated to removed content pertaining to post-rating procedures associated with incompetency, as the content is already included in a more appropriate location at III.v.9.B.
VSRs, authorizers, fiduciary hub personnel
01/17/2017
M21-1, Part IV, Subpart ii, Chapter 2, Section F - Compensation Based on Individual Unemployability (IU) (IV.ii.2.F)
Updated procedures for adjudication of IU claims. VSRs, RVSRs, and DROs
01/17/2017 M21-1, Part III, Subpart iii, Chapter 1, Section C - VSRs and Appeals
Requesting Evidence From Sources Other Than the Claimant (III.iii.1.C)
Updated to relocate procedures for obtaining VR&E records and provide instructions for documenting unsuccessful attempts to obtain the records.
VSRs
01/17/2017
M21-1, Part III, Subpart v, Chapter 10, Section A - 800 Series Work Items and Cost-of-Living Allowance (COLA) Adjustments (III.v.10.A)
Updated to amend work item to correct name of 882C: SOC SEC Income Reminder Letter Not Sent VSRs
01/13/2017
M21-1, Part V, Subpart iii, Chapter 1, Section E - Pension - Basic Rate Determinations (V.iii.1.E)
Updated section with a new topic to address the 882C SOC SEC Income Reminder Letter Not Sent work item. VSRs
01/12/2017
M21-1, Part III, Subpart iii, Chapter 2, Section D - Requesting Information and Records Through the Personnel Information Exchange System (PIES) (III.iii.2.D)
Updated what information can be requested through PIES and DPRIS. VSRs
01/12/2017
M21-1, Part III, Subpart iii, Chapter 5, Section A - General Information on Relationship and Dependency (III.iii.5.A)
Updated to clarify instructions for handling concurrently pending claims for disability compensation and additional compensation for a dependent. VSRs
01/12/2017
M21-1, Part III, Subpart ii, Chapter 5, Section E - Permanent Transfer-Out or Transfer-In of Paper Claims Folders (III.ii.5.E)
Updated to indicate that copies of folder recall requests must be placed in the claims folder. IPC
01/11/2017
M21-1, Part III, Subpart v, Chapter 10, Section A - 800 Series Work Items and Cost-of-Living Allowance (COLA) Adjustments (III.v.10.A)
Updated to add instructions for adjusting a beneficiary’s award to reflect a cost-of-living allowance. VSRs
01/11/2017
M21-1, Part III, Subpart iv, Chapter 4, Section I - Conditions of Other Body Systems (III.iv.4.I)
Updated to include information on steatosis (fatty liver). RVSRs and DROs
01/11/2017
M21-1, Part I, Chapter 3, Section B - Power of Attorney (POA) Rights to Notification and Review of Records (I.3.B)
Updated information on adding the attorney or agent address in ADL.
VSRs, RVSRs, and DROs
01/10/2017
M21-1, Part III, Subpart iii, Chapter 5, Section K - Verification of Marital Status and the Status of Dependents (III.iii.5.K)
Updated the procedure for processing a work item that was generated because a Veteran failed to return VA Form 21-0538. VSRs
01/10/2017
M21-1, Part III, Subpart iii, Chapter 5, Section A - General Information on Relationship and Dependency VSRs
(III.iii.5.A)
Updated to add a description of another situation in which a claimant may leave blank certain fields on an application for benefits.
01/09/2017
M21-1, Part III, Subpart v, Chapter 1, Section A - General Information (III.v.1.A)
Updated guidance on the preparation of administrative decisions. VSRs and QRSs
01/06/2017
M21-1, Part III, Subpart ii, Chapter 3, Section E - Establishing an Appellate Record (III.ii.3.E)
Updated guidance on calculating the appeal period for NODs and substantive appeals. IPC and Appeals
01/06/2017
M21-1, Part III, Subpart iii, Chapter 1, Section B - Evidence Requested From the Claimant (III.iii.1.B)
Updated instructions for preparing notice to a claimant that VA was unable to retrieve evidence from portable media (e.g., CD, thumb drive) that the claimant had submitted. VSRs
01/05/2017
M21-1, Part III, Subpart iii, Chapter 5, Section J - Establishing Parental Dependency (III.iii.5.J)
Updated instructions for processing an award of benefits to or for a Veteran's parent. VSRs
01/05/2017
M21-1, Part III, Subpart iii, Chapter 2, Section K - Other Contact and Reference Information (III.iii.2.K)
Updated to add, remove, and correct address codes for record centers. VSRs and MRSs
01/05/2017
M21-1, Part III, Subpart iii, Chapter 2, Section J - Service Department Organizational Structures and Service Record Address Codes (III.iii.2.J)
Updated Marine Corps muster rolls information and the address codes and programs used to obtain service records. All claims processors
01/05/2017
M21-1, Part III, Subpart iii, Chapter 2, Section I - Control and Follow-Up of Requests for Service Records (III.iii.2.I)
Updated to add to the list of requests for records that are eligible for expedited processing, update procedures for following up on records requests, and update responsibilities of the MRS. All claims processors
01/05/2017
M21-1, Part III, Subpart iii, Chapter 2, Section E - Unique Claims and Situations That Require Special Handling (III.iii.2.E)
Updated to clarify that the final-attempt letter is only required when VA receives enough information to submit a request to reconstruct records. VSRs and MRSs
01/05/2017
M21-1, Part III, Subpart iii, Chapter 2, Section B - Migration of Service Records and the Procedures for Obtaining Them (III.iii.2.B)
Updated to provide guidance when certified STRs indicate sections are absent and update procedures for obtaining STRs for non-rating claims.
VSRs, RVSRs, and MRSs
01/03/2017 M21-1, Part III, Subpart iv, Chapter 4, Section B - RVSRs and DROs
Conditions of the Organs of Special Sense (III.iv.4.B)
Updated guidance on scope of claim, hearing loss, and tinnitus.
01/03/2017
M21-1, Part V, Subpart iii, Chapter 1, Section H - Improved Pension - Adjustments based on Changes in Status (V.iii.1.H)
Updated to remove topic on processing COLA reductions. VSRs
