- Be free from apparent contradictory statements. F3) Were appeal rights included? Notice of procedural and appellate rights is required following every decision. This may be furnished by attachment of VA Form 4107 or equivalent language in the body of the notification. F4) Was the Power of Attorney The master record should be updated to include indicated, correct, and notification designation of the representative so claimant’s properly documented? that computer-generated notices are furnished to both. ADMINISTRATIVE APPROPRIATE SIGNATURE The appropriate signature has been added for (Internal Controls) internal control purposes only. It is a means of checks and balances to eliminate potential fraud situations. G1) Was appropriate second signature Question G1 is self-explanatory. documented? G2) Were third signatures appropriately Question G2 is self-explanatory. documented when required? G3) Was the end product selected for Question G3 self-explanatory and is used only review over-developed? for data gathering purposes. G4) Did unnecessary development delay Question G4 is self-explanatory and used only a decision on any claim associated with for data gathering purposes. the EP under review? EXAMINATION & MEDICAL A medical opinion may be required to reconcile OPINION REQUESTS diagnoses, determine the relationship between conditions, determine etiology or nexus to service-incurred disease or injury, or determine whether and to what extent service-connected disability has aggravated a nonservice-connected condition. Before requesting an opinion, review the claim and supporting evidence to ensure that minimum evidentiary requirements have been met. Always provide the claims folder for the examiner to review. Guidelines are provided in M21-1, I.1.C.3 and III.iv.3. H1) If a VA examination was requested Question H1 is self-explanatory. It is not was that examination necessary and if an cascading to select for G3 and for “YES” “NO” opinion was requested was the opinion an H1. appropriate medical (not legal) question? H2) Examination Requests Were The appropriate exam worksheet is to be – correct worksheets requested? selected for each specific claimed condition identified in the General Remarks section,
- Be free from apparent contradictory statements. F3) Were appeal rights included? Notice of procedural and appellate rights is required following every decision. This may be furnished by attachment of VA Form 4107 or equivalent language in the body of the notification. F4) Was the Power of Attorney indicated, correct, and notification properly documented? The master record should be updated to include designation of the claimant’s representative so that computer-generated notices are furnished to both. ADMINISTRATIVE APPROPRIATE SIGNATURE (Internal Controls) The appropriate signature has been added for internal control purposes only. It is a means of checks and balances to eliminate potential fraud situations. G1) Was appropriate second signature documented? Question G1 is self-explanatory. G2) Were third signatures appropriately documented when required? Question G2 is self-explanatory. G3) Was the end product selected for review over-developed? Question G3 self-explanatory and is used only for data gathering purposes. G4) Did unnecessary development delay a decision on any claim associated with the EP under review? Question G4 is self-explanatory and used only for data gathering purposes. EXAMINATION & MEDICAL OPINION REQUESTS A medical opinion may be required to reconcile diagnoses, determine the relationship between conditions, determine etiology or nexus to service-incurred disease or injury, or determine whether and to what extent service-connected disability has aggravated a nonservice-connected condition. Before requesting an opinion, review the claim and supporting evidence to ensure that minimum evidentiary requirements have been met. Always provide the claims folder for the examiner to review. Guidelines are provided in M21-1, I.1.C.3 and III.iv.3. H1) If a VA examination was requested was that examination necessary and if an opinion was requested was the opinion an appropriate medical (not legal) question? Question H1 is self-explanatory. It is not cascading to select “YES” for G3 and “NO” for H1. H2) Examination Requests – Were correct worksheets requested? The appropriate exam worksheet is to be selected for each specific claimed condition identified in the General Remarks section,