When an RVSR does use the Important: not goniometer readings for the reason stated he/she must explain the reason in the narrative section of the corresponding proposed rating decision. Evaluations That When RVSRs assign an evaluation to a disability in a Are Subject to proposed rating decision, and the severity of the Change disability is subject to change, they must explain in the narrative section of the corresponding proposed rating decision that a different evaluation may be warranted when the final rating decision is made. Future When determine that a future examination of a Examinations disability is necessary, they must note this fact in the corresponding proposed rating decision. PEBs take into account an RVSR’s Rationale: determination that a future examination of a disability is necessary when deciding whether to a participant on the Temporary Disability Retired List (TDRL) or the Permanent Disability Retired List (PDRL). This information must be included in the proposed rating decision because PEBs do not receive copies of final rating decisions. Coexisting When preparing a proposed rating decision, DRAS Claimed and RVSRs must take the additional actions described in Referred M21-1, Part III, Subpart i, 2.D.10.h if Disabilities coexisting disabilities exist to which the rating schedule requires the assignment of a disability single rating one of the disabilities is a disability the IDES participant claimed, and the other disability is one that the participant’s service department referred to VA. If an IDES participant has coexisting and disabilities to h. Decisions claimed referred Involving which the rating schedule requires the assignment of a disability rating, single Coexisting DRAS RVSRs must Claimed and Referred determine the appropriate disability rating for the disability alone referred Disabilities (as if the coexisting disability did not exist), and claimed note the separate disability rating and the rationale for its assignment in the part of the rating decision that discusses the coexisting Reasons for Decision disabilities. PEBs may consider the disability ratings VA assigns to Rationale: only disabilities when deciding a participant’s final disposition. referred
Important: When an RVSR does not use the goniometer readings for the reason stated he/she must explain the reason in the narrative section of the corresponding proposed rating decision. Evaluations That Are Subject to Change When RVSRs assign an evaluation to a disability in a proposed rating decision, and the severity of the disability is subject to change, they must explain in the narrative section of the corresponding proposed rating decision that a different evaluation may be warranted when the final rating decision is made. Future Examinations When determine that a future examination of a disability is necessary, they must note this fact in the corresponding proposed rating decision. Rationale: PEBs take into account an RVSR’s determination that a future examination of a disability is necessary when deciding whether to a participant on the Temporary Disability Retired List (TDRL) or the Permanent Disability Retired List (PDRL). This information must be included in the proposed rating decision because PEBs do not receive copies of final rating decisions. Coexisting Claimed and Referred Disabilities When preparing a proposed rating decision, DRAS RVSRs must take the additional actions described in M21-1, Part III, Subpart i, 2.D.10.h if coexisting disabilities exist to which the rating schedule requires the assignment of a single disability rating one of the disabilities is a disability the IDES participant claimed, and the other disability is one that the participant’s service department referred to VA. h. Decisions Involving Coexisting Claimed and Referred Disabilities If an IDES participant has coexisting claimed and referred disabilities to which the rating schedule requires the assignment of a single disability rating, DRAS RVSRs must determine the appropriate disability rating for the referred disability alone (as if the coexisting claimed disability did not exist), and note the separate disability rating and the rationale for its assignment in the Reasons for Decision part of the rating decision that discusses the coexisting disabilities. Rationale: PEBs may consider only the disability ratings VA assigns to referred disabilities when deciding a participant’s final disposition.
10-21-15_Key%20Changes_M21-1III_i_2_SecD.docx