### Question
What does initial rating decision mean?


### Answer
**Initial rating decision** has the following meaning in *38 U.S.C. § 5113*:

> with respect to an eligible person a decision made by the Secretary that establishes (i) service connection for the death of the person from whom such eligibility is derived or (ii) the existence of the service-connected total disability permanent in nature (or, in the case of a person made eligible under section 3501(a)(1)(E), the total disability permanent in nature incurred or aggravated in the line of duty in the active military, naval, air, or space service) of the person from whom such eligibility is derived, as the case may be

#### Citation:
  - *38 U.S.C. § 5113*
  - Heading: **PART IV-GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS > CHAPTER 51-CLAIMS, EFFECTIVE DATES, AND PAYMENTS > SUBCHAPTER II-EFFECTIVE DATES**

