There are three options for processing claims for pregnant claimants. An e. Options for Processing RVSR at the receiving RO should determine, on an individual basis, which of Claims for the following actions is appropriate based on the claimed contentions Pregnant Claimants defer the entire examination until conclusion of the pregnancy rate the entire claim based on existing STRs and evidence of record, or rate any claimed conditions that may be awarded based on existing STRs and evidence, and defer consideration of any additional disabilities that may not be examined until conclusion of the pregnancy. SC for an amputated finger can be awarded based on STRs, but the Example: other claimed issues require specific tests that are prohibited due to pregnancy and must be deferred until the pregnancy concludes and a full examination can be conducted. For more information on intermediate rating decisions and Reference: deferred issues, see M21-1, Part III, Subpart iv, 6.A. 15. Examiner Review of the Claims Folder Introduction this topic contains information about inputting examination requests, including importance of claims folder review examinations requiring claims folder review requesting examiner review of the claims folder requirement to identify relevant evidence for the examiner’s review bookmarking documents for examiner review, and annotating documents for examiner review. Change Date January 15, 2016 a. Importance Folder review helps VA ensure that the examiner is given the fullest of Claims evidentiary picture possible. The claims folder often contains a history of Folder Review treatment of the disability at issue. In order to provide an adequate basis for the findings and conclusions of an examination, the examiner needs access to that history. For more information on References: sending the claims folder in connection with a VA examination or opinion, see
e. Options for Processing Claims for Pregnant Claimants There are three options for processing claims for pregnant claimants. An RVSR at the receiving RO should determine, on an individual basis, which of the following actions is appropriate based on the claimed contentions defer the entire examination until conclusion of the pregnancy rate the entire claim based on existing STRs and evidence of record, or rate any claimed conditions that may be awarded based on existing STRs and evidence, and defer consideration of any additional disabilities that may not be examined until conclusion of the pregnancy. Example: SC for an amputated finger can be awarded based on STRs, but the other claimed issues require specific tests that are prohibited due to pregnancy and must be deferred until the pregnancy concludes and a full examination can be conducted. Reference: For more information on intermediate rating decisions and deferred issues, see M21-1, Part III, Subpart iv, 6.A. 15. Examiner Review of the Claims Folder Introduction this topic contains information about inputting examination requests, including importance of claims folder review examinations requiring claims folder review requesting examiner review of the claims folder requirement to identify relevant evidence for the examiner’s review bookmarking documents for examiner review, and annotating documents for examiner review. Change Date January 15, 2016 a. Importance of Claims Folder Review Folder review helps VA ensure that the examiner is given the fullest evidentiary picture possible. The claims folder often contains a history of treatment of the disability at issue. In order to provide an adequate basis for the findings and conclusions of an examination, the examiner needs access to that history. References: For more information on sending the claims folder in connection with a VA examination or opinion, see
01-15-16_Key%20Changes_M21-1III_iv_3_Sec%20A.docx