e. Basis for The RSVR may rely upon his/her own unsubstantiated medical not Rejecting conclusions to reject expert medical evidence provided by the claimant. Medical Evidence For more information on the basis for rejecting medical evidence, Reference: see 8 Vet.App. 218 (1995), and , Vet.App. 175 (1991). , f. Supporting Support medical conclusions with evidence in the claims folder. Medical Conclusions Cite medical information and reasoning to With Evidence in the Claims link or separate two disabilities, or Folder establish or refute prior inception or aggravation. If evidence such as medical treatises or independent medical opinions Note: were relied upon when the rating decision was made, explain this in the rating decision. Carefully consider former prisoner of war (FPOW) protocol examination g. Considering FPOW Protocol reports because they may provide sufficient background information to relate Examination the current symptomatology to the FPOW experience. Veteran’s Reports h. Evaluating Service treatment records (STRs) are generally highly probative, but not STRs necessarily determinative, in the resolution of service connection. A current disability and, in some cases, a nexus between the current disability and an injury or disease shown in service will be required to award service connection. i. Statements A statement from any physician can be accepted for rating purposes without From further examination if it Physicians as Acceptable is otherwise sufficient for rating purposes, and Evidence for includes clinical manifestations and substantiation of diagnosis by findings Rating of diagnostic techniques generally accepted by medical authorities. Purposes Without Diagnostic techniques generally accepted by medical authorities Examples: Further include Examination pathological studies x-rays, and appropriate laboratory tests. The information in the claims folder must support the medical conclusions. j. Considering Information in
e. Basis for Rejecting Medical Evidence The RSVR may not rely upon his/her own unsubstantiated medical conclusions to reject expert medical evidence provided by the claimant. Reference: For more information on the basis for rejecting medical evidence, see , 8 Vet.App. 218 (1995), and , Vet.App. 175 (1991). f. Supporting Medical Conclusions With Evidence in the Claims Folder Support medical conclusions with evidence in the claims folder. Cite medical information and reasoning to link or separate two disabilities, or establish or refute prior inception or aggravation. Note: If evidence such as medical treatises or independent medical opinions were relied upon when the rating decision was made, explain this in the rating decision. g. Considering FPOW Protocol Examination Reports Carefully consider former prisoner of war (FPOW) protocol examination reports because they may provide sufficient background information to relate the Veteran’s current symptomatology to the FPOW experience. h. Evaluating STRs Service treatment records (STRs) are generally highly probative, but not necessarily determinative, in the resolution of service connection. A current disability and, in some cases, a nexus between the current disability and an injury or disease shown in service will be required to award service connection. i. Statements From Physicians as Acceptable Evidence for Rating Purposes Without Further Examination A statement from any physician can be accepted for rating purposes without further examination if it is otherwise sufficient for rating purposes, and includes clinical manifestations and substantiation of diagnosis by findings of diagnostic techniques generally accepted by medical authorities. Examples: Diagnostic techniques generally accepted by medical authorities include pathological studies x-rays, and appropriate laboratory tests. j. Considering Information in The information in the claims folder must support the medical conclusions.