For more information on References: requesting examinations in GW claims, see M21-1, Part III, Subpart iv, 3.A, and the need for an adequate characterization of the disability, see M21-1, Part IV, Subpart ii, 2.D.2.g Lay statements from third party lay witnesses that are competent and credible d. Role of Third Party Lay may help establish the presence of objective indications of a chronic Evidence in disability. Establishing Such statements may cover Signs or what the Veteran complained of Symptoms when complaints began how long complaints lasted, and nature/severity of witnessed signs or symptoms. For more information on when evidence is competent and Reference: credible, see M21-1, Part III, Subpart iv, 5. Non-medical indicators may help establish signs and symptoms of a e. Role of qualifying disability. Non-medical indicators may include Indicators in Establishing time lost from work Signs and evidence that the Veteran sought medical treatment for his/her symptoms, Symptoms and relevant observations, such as changes in the Veteran’s appearance physical abilities, and/or mental or emotional status. In all cases when the Veteran has been examined as part of the Veterans f. Considering VHA Persian Heath Administration (VHA) Persian Gulf Health Registry, ensure those Gulf Health results have been obtained and considered when rating the GW-related issues. Registry Examinations For more information on developing for the Gulf War Registry Reference: examination, see M21-1 Part IV, Subpart ii, 1.E.1.b. Ensure, before making a decision, that the examination report contains the g. VA of disability pattern. Examiner’s examiner’s determination Determination of Disability If it does not Pattern for Claims Based send the examination report and claims folder back to the examiner with a on Southwest copy of the to shown in M21-1, Part IV, Subpart ii, “notice examiner”
References: For more information on requesting examinations in GW claims, see M21-1, Part III, Subpart iv, 3.A, and the need for an adequate characterization of the disability, see M21-1, Part IV, Subpart ii, 2.D.2.g d. Role of Third Party Lay Evidence in Establishing Signs or Symptoms Lay statements from third party lay witnesses that are competent and credible may help establish the presence of objective indications of a chronic disability. Such statements may cover what the Veteran complained of when complaints began how long complaints lasted, and nature/severity of witnessed signs or symptoms. Reference: For more information on when evidence is competent and credible, see M21-1, Part III, Subpart iv, 5. e. Role of Indicators in Establishing Signs and Symptoms Non-medical indicators may help establish signs and symptoms of a qualifying disability. Non-medical indicators may include time lost from work evidence that the Veteran sought medical treatment for his/her symptoms, and relevant observations, such as changes in the Veteran’s appearance physical abilities, and/or mental or emotional status. f. Considering VHA Persian Gulf Health Registry Examinations In all cases when the Veteran has been examined as part of the Veterans Heath Administration (VHA) Persian Gulf Health Registry, ensure those results have been obtained and considered when rating the GW-related issues. Reference: For more information on developing for the Gulf War Registry examination, see M21-1 Part IV, Subpart ii, 1.E.1.b. g. VA Examiner’s Determination of Disability Pattern for Claims Based on Southwest Ensure, before making a decision, that the examination report contains the examiner’s determination of disability pattern. If it does not send the examination report and claims folder back to the examiner with a copy of the “notice to examiner” shown in M21-1, Part IV, Subpart ii,