Department of Veterans Affairs M21-1, Part IV, Subpart ii Veterans Benefits Administration January 20, 2016 Washington, DC 20420 Key Changes Changes The table below describes the changes included in this revision of Veterans Included in Benefits Manual M21-1, Part IV, DIC and Death “Compensation, This Revision Compensation,” Subpart ii, “Compensation.” Notes: The term office” (RO) also includes pension management center “regional (PMC), where appropriate. Unless otherwise noted, the term folder” refers to the official, “claims numbered, Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) repository whether paper – or electronic for all documentation relating to claims that a Veteran and/or – his/her survivors file with VA. editorial changes have also been made to improve clarity and readability update incorrect or obsolete references add references as needed, and bring the document into conformance with M21-1 standards. Reason(s) for the Change Citation To incorporate principles on determining that is a current disability from and McClain v. McDonald Romanowsky v. Shinseki. To add references. To clarify that even when an event or injury in service is accepted under combat provisions of 38 CFR 3.304(d) and 38 U.S.C. 1154(b) there must still be evidence of a current disability and a nexus between the current disability and the inservice to establish entitlement to service connection (SC). To add a new m with guidance concerning aggravation of existing disability during combat conditions. To add a new Block n with guidance concerning application of regarding aggravation of a pre-existing disability Maxson v. Gober during combat conditions and related principles to include determination of aggravation in the absence of medical evidence. To incorporate guidance from a January 2009 frequently asked question (FAQ) about aggravation determinations. Rescissions None Authority By Direction of the Secretary for Benefits
Department of Veterans Affairs M21-1, Part IV, Subpart ii Veterans Benefits Administration January 20, 2016 Washington, DC 20420 Key Changes Changes Included in This Revision The table below describes the changes included in this revision of Veterans Benefits Manual M21-1, Part IV, “Compensation, DIC and Death Compensation,” Subpart ii, “Compensation.” Notes: The term “regional office” (RO) also includes pension management center (PMC), where appropriate. Unless otherwise noted, the term “claims folder” refers to the official, numbered, Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) repository – whether paper or electronic – for all documentation relating to claims that a Veteran and/or his/her survivors file with VA. editorial changes have also been made to improve clarity and readability update incorrect or obsolete references add references as needed, and bring the document into conformance with M21-1 standards. Reason(s) for the Change Citation To incorporate principles on determining that is a current disability from McClain v. McDonald and Romanowsky v. Shinseki. To add references. To clarify that even when an event or injury in service is accepted under combat provisions of 38 CFR 3.304(d) and 38 U.S.C. 1154(b) there must still be evidence of a current disability and a nexus between the current disability and the inservice to establish entitlement to service connection (SC). To add a new m with guidance concerning aggravation of disability during combat conditions. To add a new Block n with guidance concerning application of Maxson v. Gober regarding aggravation of a pre-existing disability during combat conditions and related principles to include determination of aggravation in the absence of medical evidence. To incorporate guidance from a January 2009 frequently asked question (FAQ) about aggravation determinations. Rescissions None Authority By Direction of the Secretary for Benefits existing
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