Osteopenia is clinically defined as mild bone density loss that is often b. SC for Osteopenia associated with the normal aging process. Low bone density does not necessarily mean that an individual is losing bone, as this may be a normal variant. Osteopenia is comparable to a laboratory finding which is not subject to SC compensation. Use the following table to determine the appropriate action to take when SC for osteopenia has been granted. If ... Then ... SC for osteopenia was granted by do not sever SC, as it was properly rating decision established based on guidance prior to December 19, 2013 (the date on available at the time the decision which guidance was issued to clarify was made, the proper procedures for considering do not reduce the previously SC for osteopenia) assigned evaluation unless the condition has improved, and consider claims for increased evaluation and schedule examination as warranted based on the facts of the case. Provisions of and regarding Note: protection of SC remain applicable. SC for osteopenia was granted by propose to sever SC based on a rating decision dated finding of clear and unmistakable on or after December 19, 2013 error (CUE). Osteoporosis, in contrast to osteopenia, is considered a disease entity Note: characterized by severe bone loss that may interfere with mechanical support, structure, and function of the bone. SC for osteoporosis under is warranted when the requirements are otherwise met. c. Evaluating The criteria for evaluation of fibromyalgia under does not exclude Fibromyalgia assignment of separate evaluations when disabilities are diagnosed secondary to fibromyalgia. This includes, but is not limited to, disability diagnoses for which symptoms are included in the evaluation criteria under , such as depression anxiety headache, and irritable bowel syndrome. Notes:
b. SC for Osteopenia Osteopenia is clinically defined as mild bone density loss that is often associated with the normal aging process. Low bone density does not necessarily mean that an individual is losing bone, as this may be a normal variant. Osteopenia is comparable to a laboratory finding which is not subject to SC compensation. Use the following table to determine the appropriate action to take when SC for osteopenia has been granted. If ... Then ... SC for osteopenia was granted by rating decision prior to December 19, 2013 (the date on which guidance was issued to clarify the proper procedures for considering SC for osteopenia) do not sever SC, as it was properly established based on guidance available at the time the decision was made, do not reduce the previously assigned evaluation unless the condition has improved, and consider claims for increased evaluation and schedule examination as warranted based on the facts of the case. Note: Provisions of and regarding protection of SC remain applicable. SC for osteopenia was granted by rating decision dated on or after December 19, 2013 propose to sever SC based on a finding of clear and unmistakable error (CUE). Note: Osteoporosis, in contrast to osteopenia, is considered a disease entity characterized by severe bone loss that may interfere with mechanical support, structure, and function of the bone. SC for osteoporosis under is warranted when the requirements are otherwise met. c. Evaluating Fibromyalgia The criteria for evaluation of fibromyalgia under does not exclude assignment of separate evaluations when disabilities are diagnosed secondary to fibromyalgia. This includes, but is not limited to, disability diagnoses for which symptoms are included in the evaluation criteria under , such as depression anxiety headache, and irritable bowel syndrome. Notes:
1-11-16_Key%20Changes_M21-1III_iv_4_SecA.docx