Do not request interim or special reports from a hospital until the after Veteran has discharged. If the MTF responds that the records have been retired, ROs must attempt to obtain the records from NPRC. For more information on References: how to locate an MTF, see requesting MTF clinical records from NPRC, see M21-1, Part III, Subpart iii, 2.A.2.c, and locating inpatient MTF clinical records, see M21-1, Part III, Subpart iii, 2.B.3.d. 9. Action To Take Upon Receipt of Medical Evidence From an MTF Introduction This topic contains information on the action to take upon receipt of medical evidence from an MTF, including accepting medical evidence from an MTF as an informal prior to March 24, 2015 when to undertake additional development, and handling a notice of discharge after assigning a 100-percent disability rating under . Change Date January 29, 2016 Prior to March 24, 2015, 38 CFR 3.157(b) (rescinded) and required VA to a. Accepting Medical Evidence From accept medical evidence received from an MTF as an an MTF as an informal claim for increased benefits or informal claim to reopen a finally Informal Claim adjudicated claim, and/or Prior to March election of VA benefits, and 24, 2015 take any appropriate rating action, even if the Veteran has not submitted a formal election of VA benefits. For more information on finally adjudicated claims, see Reference:
Do not request interim or special reports from a hospital until after the Veteran has discharged. If the MTF responds that the records have been retired, ROs must attempt to obtain the records from NPRC. References: For more information on how to locate an MTF, see requesting MTF clinical records from NPRC, see M21-1, Part III, Subpart iii, 2.A.2.c, and locating inpatient MTF clinical records, see M21-1, Part III, Subpart iii, 2.B.3.d. 9. Action To Take Upon Receipt of Medical Evidence From an MTF Introduction This topic contains information on the action to take upon receipt of medical evidence from an MTF, including accepting medical evidence from an MTF as an informal prior to March 24, 2015 when to undertake additional development, and handling a notice of discharge after assigning a 100-percent disability rating under . Change Date January 29, 2016 a. Accepting Medical Evidence From an MTF as an Informal Claim Prior to March 24, 2015 Prior to March 24, 2015, 38 CFR 3.157(b) (rescinded) and required VA to accept medical evidence received from an MTF as an informal claim for increased benefits or informal claim to reopen a finally adjudicated claim, and/or election of VA benefits, and take any appropriate rating action, even if the Veteran has not submitted a formal election of VA benefits. Reference: For more information on finally adjudicated claims, see
1-29-16_Key%20Changes_M21-1III_iii_1_SecC.docx