reason being a potential bar to benefits under . For additional information on this example, see . Records added to the Beneficiary Identification Records Locator Exception: Subsystem (BIRLS) from the Veterans Assistance Discharge System (VADS) after October 16, 1975, include the reason for separation. Further development of circumstances of discharge is required, even if there is indication that COD was honorable or general, if the reason code shown in the corporate record is T38 (possible Title 38 bar to VA benefits) 953 (clemency discharge) or BEO (“By Executive Order”), DRO (Discharge Review—prior discharge Conditions Other Than “Under Honorable”). A formal COD determination is required when the discharge is one c. Formal Veteran’s Findings of the following: Required for OTH an undesirable discharge Discharges an OTH discharge, or a bad conduct discharge (BCD). Review the issue of to making a COD Important: “Veteran status” prior determination. See for the definition of Veteran. It is necessary to make a COD determination for VA claim purposes d. When it is not Not Necessary to Make a COD before the claimant applies to the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) Determination and places the matter at issue, or if there is a separate period of honorable service, which qualifies the person for the benefits claimed If the individual is subsequently convicted of a Exception: “subversive as provided in , the determination is necessary. activity” If there is any question regarding which period of service would Note: qualify the person for the benefits claimed, a COD determination be must made before a rating decision can be completed. e. The development activity has the responsibility for development of all Responsibility necessary evidence and preparation of administrative decisions for issues for discussed in this chapter. Development of Evidence
reason being a potential bar to benefits under . For additional information on this example, see . Exception: Records added to the Beneficiary Identification Records Locator Subsystem (BIRLS) from the Veterans Assistance Discharge System (VADS) after October 16, 1975, include the reason for separation. Further development of circumstances of discharge is required, even if there is indication that COD was honorable or general, if the reason code shown in the corporate record is T38 (possible Title 38 bar to VA benefits) 953 (clemency discharge) BEO (“By Executive Order”), or DRO (Discharge Review—prior discharge “Under Conditions Other Than Honorable”). c. Formal Findings Required for OTH Discharges A formal COD determination is required when the Veteran’s discharge is one of the following: an undesirable discharge an OTH discharge, or a bad conduct discharge (BCD). Important: Review the issue of “Veteran status” prior to making a COD determination. See for the definition of Veteran. d. When it is Not Necessary to Make a COD Determination It is not necessary to make a COD determination for VA claim purposes before the claimant applies to the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) and places the matter at issue, or if there is a separate period of honorable service, which qualifies the person for the benefits claimed Exception: If the individual is subsequently convicted of a “subversive activity” as provided in , the determination is necessary. Note: If there is any question regarding which period of service would qualify the person for the benefits claimed, a COD determination must be made before a rating decision can be completed. e. Responsibility for Development of Evidence The development activity has the responsibility for development of all necessary evidence and preparation of administrative decisions for issues discussed in this chapter.