Section E. Claims Based on Service in Southwest Asia Overview This section contains the following topics: In This Section Topic Topic Name 1 Developing Claims Based on Southwest Asia Service 2 Examinations in Claims Based on Southwest Asia Service 1. Developing Claims Based on Southwest Asia Service This topic contains information on developing Southwest Asia claims, Introduction including action to take when the Veteran alleges exposure to environmental hazards but claims no disability initial development action on a new Southwest Asia service claim an exhibit of the Section 5103 notice letter attachment for Southwest Asia claims verifying Southwest Asia service using DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty requesting service department records in a Southwest Asia claim requesting medical evidence in claims under 38 CFR 3.317, and considering whether to clarify or corroborate lay statements November 5, 2015 Change Date A claim is not substantially complete if a Veteran alleges exposure to a. Action to Take When the environmental hazards during service, but does not identify the medical Veteran Alleges condition or symptom for which service connection (SC) is claimed. In cases Exposure to such as these Environmental Hazards but inform the Veteran that he/she identify a specific disability, since must Claims No exposure in and of itself is not a disability, and Disability ask the Veteran to identify the disability(ies) that resulted from exposure to environmental hazards during service. Important: Do not process the claim as a denial. Whenever possible, telephone the Veteran to obtain the information needed
Section E. Claims Based on Service in Southwest Asia Overview In This Section This section contains the following topics: Topic Topic Name 1 Developing Claims Based on Southwest Asia Service 2 Examinations in Claims Based on Southwest Asia Service 1. Developing Claims Based on Southwest Asia Service Introduction This topic contains information on developing Southwest Asia claims, including action to take when the Veteran alleges exposure to environmental hazards but claims no disability initial development action on a new Southwest Asia service claim an exhibit of the Section 5103 notice letter attachment for Southwest Asia claims verifying Southwest Asia service using DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty requesting service department records in a Southwest Asia claim requesting medical evidence in claims under 38 CFR 3.317, and considering whether to clarify or corroborate lay statements Change Date November 5, 2015 a. Action to Take When the Veteran Alleges Exposure to Environmental Hazards but Claims No Disability A claim is not substantially complete if a Veteran alleges exposure to environmental hazards during service, but does not identify the medical condition or symptom for which service connection (SC) is claimed. In cases such as these inform the Veteran that he/she must identify a specific disability, since exposure in and of itself is not a disability, and ask the Veteran to identify the disability(ies) that resulted from exposure to environmental hazards during service. Important: Do not process the claim as a denial. Whenever possible, telephone the Veteran to obtain the information needed