In all cases full and complete development of information pertaining to the discharge, including but not limited to STRs and the complete military personnel file, is needed. For more information on References: insanity, see M21-1, Part III, Subpart v, 1.E, and cases in which discharge was for alienage, see M21-1, Part III, Subpart v, 1.B.2.c cases of UA or absence without official leave (AWOL), see M21-1, Part III, Subpart v, 1.B.2.d, and developing for records bearing on the facts and circumstances of discharge, see M21-1, Part III, Subpart v, 1.B.1.h. Occasionally the service department will provide only limited records. Make j. Insufficient Records for a a determination using all the evidence in and resolve any VA’s possession COD reasonable doubt in favor of the claimant. Determination k. COD Below is a template for COD determinations. It contains possible all Determination paragraphs and language that be included in the determination depending may Template on the facts of the particular case. [DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS] [Designation of VA Office] [File Number] [Location of VA Office] [Veteran’s Name] ADMINISTRATIVE DECISION ISSUE: [State the issue.] For example, Bar if the “Statutory Determination,” reason for discharge is under 38 CFR 3.12(c), or of Discharge “Character if the reason for the discharge is under 38 CFR 3.12(d). Determination,” EVIDENCE: [Use bullets to list all documents and information reviewed in making the decision. Give specific data about each to distinguish it from other evidence.] For example: VA Form 21-526EZ received September 6, 2015. Response to due process letter received November 9, 2015. STRs received from the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) on November 25, 2015. Complete active duty personnel records received from NPRC on November 25, 2015. DECISION: [Clearly and briefly state the decision. Only the decision need
In all cases full and complete development of information pertaining to the discharge, including but not limited to STRs and the complete military personnel file, is needed. References: For more information on insanity, see M21-1, Part III, Subpart v, 1.E, and cases in which discharge was for alienage, see M21-1, Part III, Subpart v, 1.B.2.c cases of UA or absence without official leave (AWOL), see M21-1, Part III, Subpart v, 1.B.2.d, and developing for records bearing on the facts and circumstances of discharge, see M21-1, Part III, Subpart v, 1.B.1.h. j. Insufficient Records for a COD Determination Occasionally the service department will provide only limited records. Make a determination using all the evidence in VA’s possession and resolve any reasonable doubt in favor of the claimant. k. COD Determination Template Below is a template for COD determinations. It contains all possible paragraphs and language that may be included in the determination depending on the facts of the particular case. [DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS] [Designation of VA Office] [File Number] [Location of VA Office] [Veteran’s Name] ADMINISTRATIVE DECISION ISSUE: [State the issue.] For example, “Statutory Bar Determination,” if the reason for discharge is under 38 CFR 3.12(c), or “Character of Discharge Determination,” if the reason for the discharge is under 38 CFR 3.12(d). EVIDENCE: [Use bullets to list all documents and information reviewed in making the decision. Give specific data about each to distinguish it from other evidence.] For example: VA Form 21-526EZ received September 6, 2015. Response to due process letter received November 9, 2015. STRs received from the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) on November 25, 2015. Complete active duty personnel records received from NPRC on November 25, 2015. DECISION: [Clearly and briefly state the decision. Only the decision need
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