### Question
Can you define what initial rating decision means?


### Answer
**Initial rating decision** is defined as the following in *38 U.S.C. § 5113*:

> with respect to an eligible person a decision made by the Secretary that establishes (i) service connection for such veteran's death or (ii) the existence of such veteran's service-connected total disability permanent in nature, 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**

