For more information on References: requesting Vet Center records, see M21-1, Part III, Subpart iii, 1.C.4.g exceptions regarding versions of see M21-1, Part III, VA Form 21-4142, Subpart iii, 1.C.3.b, and the PMR program, see M21-1, Part III, Subpart iii, 1.C.5. e. Procedure Follow the steps in the table below to request medical records from sources for other than VA. Requesting Medical procedures apply only to ROs not participating in the PMR Important: Program. Records For Non-PMR Program ROs Step Action 1 Prepare and send a request for any medical records that the claimant has identified, and are relevant to his/her claim. Attach to the original letter signed by the claimant, and VA Form 21-4142, an extra copy of the letter. Advise the custodian of the records that VA cannot pay for records it requests. When creating the letter in Note: MAP-D, select the Private Treatment Records 15-Day paragraph, or Notification Provider – VBMS, select the Notice VA Is Contacting Provider for Med – letter. Rcds 2 Notify the claimant that VA made the request, and he/she is ultimately responsible for ensuring VA receives the records. 3 Establish a suspense date that expires 15 days from the current date. 4 Did VA receive the records it requested within 15 days? If yes, route the claim to the rating activity as soon as all other development is complete, and proceed no further. If make one attempt to request the records from no, custodian by telephone. 5 Was telephone contact made with the custodian of the records?
References: For more information on requesting Vet Center records, see M21-1, Part III, Subpart iii, 1.C.4.g exceptions regarding versions of VA Form 21-4142, see M21-1, Part III, Subpart iii, 1.C.3.b, and the PMR program, see M21-1, Part III, Subpart iii, 1.C.5. e. Procedure for Requesting Medical Records For Non-PMR Program ROs Follow the steps in the table below to request medical records from sources other than VA. Important: procedures apply only to ROs not participating in the PMR Program. Step Action 1 Prepare and send a request for any medical records that the claimant has identified, and are relevant to his/her claim. Attach to the original letter VA Form 21-4142, signed by the claimant, and an extra copy of the letter. Advise the custodian of the records that VA cannot pay for records it requests. Note: When creating the letter in MAP-D, select the Private Treatment Records 15-Day Notification – Provider paragraph, or VBMS, select the Notice – VA Is Contacting Provider for Med Rcds letter. 2 Notify the claimant that VA made the request, and he/she is ultimately responsible for ensuring VA receives the records. 3 Establish a suspense date that expires 15 days from the current date. 4 Did VA receive the records it requested within 15 days? If yes, route the claim to the rating activity as soon as all other development is complete, and proceed no further. If no, make one attempt to request the records from custodian by telephone. 5 Was telephone contact made with the custodian of the records?
1-15-16_Key%20Changes_M21-1III_iii_1_SecC.docx