Department of Veterans Affairs M21-1, Part III, Subpart i 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 III, Claims Process,” Subpart i, “General This Revision of Claims Processing and Structure of the Veterans Service Center “Overview (VSC).” Notes: The term office” (RO) also includes pension management center “regional (PMC), where appropriate. Unless otherwise 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. Replaced references to fully developed claims (FDCs) with the “informal” correct term, FDCs. “incomplete” Minor editorial changes have also been made to improve clarity and readability update incorrect or obsolete references update obsolete terminology, where appropriate, and bring the document into conformance with M21-1 standards. Reason(s) for the Change Citation To clarify the Fully Developed Claim (FDC) Program benefits, to include the retroactive effective date established under as PL 112-154 a potential benefit of the FDC Program. To add additional relevant references. To clarify what constitutes an incomplete FDC. To add a note that the informal claim requirements under historical 38 CFR 3.155 did not apply to incomplete FDCs. To add a reference. Rescissions None Authority By Direction of the Under Secretary for Benefits Signature Thomas J. Murphy, Director Compensation Service
Department of Veterans Affairs M21-1, Part III, Subpart i 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 III, “General Claims Process,” Subpart i, “Overview of Claims Processing and Structure of the Veterans Service Center (VSC).” Notes: The term “regional office” (RO) also includes pension management center (PMC), where appropriate. Unless otherwise 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. Replaced references to “informal” fully developed claims (FDCs) with the correct term, “incomplete” FDCs. Minor editorial changes have also been made to improve clarity and readability update incorrect or obsolete references update obsolete terminology, where appropriate, and bring the document into conformance with M21-1 standards. Reason(s) for the Change Citation To clarify the Fully Developed Claim (FDC) Program benefits, to include the retroactive effective date established under PL 112-154 as a potential benefit of the FDC Program. To add additional relevant references. To clarify what constitutes an incomplete FDC. To add a note that the informal claim requirements under historical 38 CFR 3.155 did not apply to incomplete FDCs. To add a reference. Rescissions None Authority By Direction of the Under Secretary for Benefits Signature Thomas J. Murphy, Director Compensation Service
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