including appropriate use of General Medical exam. [NOTE: If a general medical exam was requested the request must be supported by the remarks or other information in the exam request (for example, recently discharged Veteran)]. H3) Examination Requests Were The specific condition (or conditions) is (are) to – issues (disabilities claimed) clearly be identified in the General Remarks section for identified? each exam requested. Identify the evidence to be reviewed by tabbing it in the claims folder; however, advise the examiner that the review is not limited to this evidence. In the request, indicate the source (provider or facility) of the evidence, the subject matter and the approximate dates covered. H4) Examination Requests When Question H4 is self-explanatory. The reviewer – necessary or requested by VAMC was should also select if the claims folder was “YES” the claims folder provided by the regional available in electronic format and the examiner office? stated that it was reviewed. H5) Medical Opinion Requests If a Clearly state the nature of the opinion requested. – medical opinion was requested, were Also, explain why the opinion is needed, if this pertinent issues clearly identified and would clarify the request. appropriate question(s) clearly asked? H6) Medical Opinion Requests Was Question H6 is self-explanatory. The reviewer – the claim folder made available to the should also select if the claims folder was “YES” medical center by the regional office? available in electronic format and the examiner stated that it was reviewed. EXPEDITED FAVORABLE DECISION I) When evidence was sufficient to grant Make an intermediate rating decision if the partial benefits, were those benefits record contains sufficient evidence to grant any granted promptly, while developing other benefit, including service connection at a issues? noncompensable level. Grant service connection for a disability with a noncompensable evaluation, if supported by the evidence, even though the issue of service connection or compensation for other disabilities or the issue of a higher evaluation must be deferred. COMMENTS Identified in this section are discrepancies that would have otherwise been considered as errors had the end product in question been under review. Comments do not count as errors under the end product under review. J1) Errors not associated with end The same principles that are outlined in A1 product subject to review? through D2 apply. J2) Disability Determination The same principles that are outlined in C1 and C2 apply.
including appropriate use of General Medical exam. [NOTE: If a general medical exam was requested the request must be supported by the remarks or other information in the exam request (for example, recently discharged Veteran)]. H3) Examination Requests – Were issues (disabilities claimed) clearly identified? The specific condition (or conditions) is (are) to be identified in the General Remarks section for each exam requested. Identify the evidence to be reviewed by tabbing it in the claims folder; however, advise the examiner that the review is not limited to this evidence. In the request, indicate the source (provider or facility) of the evidence, the subject matter and the approximate dates covered. H4) Examination Requests – When necessary or requested by VAMC was the claims folder provided by the regional office? Question H4 is self-explanatory. The reviewer should also select “YES” if the claims folder was available in electronic format and the examiner stated that it was reviewed. H5) Medical Opinion Requests – If a medical opinion was requested, were pertinent issues clearly identified and appropriate question(s) clearly asked? Clearly state the nature of the opinion requested. Also, explain why the opinion is needed, if this would clarify the request. H6) Medical Opinion Requests – Was the claim folder made available to the medical center by the regional office? Question H6 is self-explanatory. The reviewer should also select “YES” if the claims folder was available in electronic format and the examiner stated that it was reviewed. EXPEDITED FAVORABLE DECISION I) When evidence was sufficient to grant partial benefits, were those benefits granted promptly, while developing other issues? Make an intermediate rating decision if the record contains sufficient evidence to grant any benefit, including service connection at a noncompensable level. Grant service connection for a disability with a noncompensable evaluation, if supported by the evidence, even though the issue of service connection or compensation for other disabilities or the issue of a higher evaluation must be deferred. COMMENTS Identified in this section are discrepancies that would have otherwise been considered as errors had the end product in question been under review. Comments do not count as errors under the end product under review. J1) Errors not associated with end product subject to review? The same principles that are outlined in A1 through D2 apply. J2) Disability Determination The same principles that are outlined in C1 and C2 apply.