evaluation under . Codesheet). Although this Examples: Explanation: pattern of claim differs from The Veteran completes VA the pattern above in that it A Form 21-526b. mentions diabetic evaluation is in complications, these claims effect under . In item 7, the are still interpreted as seeking Veteran checks “Increased higher overall compensation and writes evaluation” for diabetes whether from – “Diabetes now affecting my the diabetic process, feet” complications (including but The Veteran completes VA not limited to any specifically A Form 21-526b. mentioned in the claim) or percent evaluation is in both. effect under . There is also a separate 10-percent Therefore all options must be evaluation for left lower worked up and considered. extremity diabetic peripheral neuropathy under . In item Do not Important: 7, the claimant checks ask for clarification where and “Increased evaluation” the reference to writes with “DM2 complications is nonspecific, complications.” or limit the analysis of complications where the claim refers to one or more specific complications. It is important to avoid the appearance of asking the Veteran to narrow the claim. The appropriate evaluation for Refers to reevaluation or select the specific DBQ(s) each claimed diabetic increase in one or more associated with the claimed complication under its DC. specific complications of complication(s), but diabetes that are already do not request the Diabetes In this claim compensated under a Explanation: Mellitus DBQ. pattern the claimant is separate DC on the specifically asking for Codesheet, but evaluation only of a particular does not complication or complications ask for an increase in separately evaluated from the diabetes mellitus (or diabetic process. It is similar wording) generally, therefore appropriate to limit or the adjudication to that issue. mention worsening of the underlying diabetic Worsening of a Important: process (or mention diabetic complication could specific facts that might indicate a broader worsening correspond with worsening
Codesheet). Examples: The Veteran completes VA Form 21-526b. A evaluation is in effect under . In item 7, the Veteran checks “Increased evaluation” and writes “Diabetes now affecting my feet” The Veteran completes VA Form 21-526b. A evaluation is in effect under . There is also a separate 10-percent evaluation for left lower extremity diabetic peripheral neuropathy under . In item 7, the claimant checks “Increased evaluation” and writes “DM2 with complications.” evaluation under . Explanation: Although this pattern of claim differs from the pattern above in that it mentions diabetic complications, these claims are still interpreted as seeking higher overall compensation for diabetes – whether from the diabetic process, complications (including but not limited to any specifically mentioned in the claim) or both. Therefore all options must be worked up and considered. Important: Do not ask for clarification where the reference to complications is nonspecific, or limit the analysis of complications where the claim refers to one or more specific complications. It is important to avoid the appearance of asking the Veteran to narrow the claim. Refers to reevaluation or increase in one or more specific complications of diabetes that are already compensated under a separate DC on the Codesheet, but does not ask for an increase in diabetes mellitus (or similar wording) generally, or mention worsening of the underlying diabetic process (or mention specific facts that might correspond with worsening select the specific DBQ(s) associated with the claimed complication(s), but do not request the Diabetes Mellitus DBQ. The appropriate evaluation for each claimed diabetic complication under its DC. Explanation: In this claim pattern the claimant is specifically asking for evaluation only of a particular complication or complications separately evaluated from the diabetic process. It is therefore appropriate to limit the adjudication to that issue. Important: Worsening of a diabetic complication could indicate a broader worsening percent
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