FDCs requiring special issue development, see M21-1, Part III, Subpart i, 3.B.3.d, and FDCs and Vet Center records, see M21-1, Part III, Subpart i, 3.B.3.f. h. Use the below to determine whether a claim should be excluded from Determination FDC processing after sending the required development letter to the claimant. to Exclude from the FDC Program After a Development Letter If the claimant ... Then ... provides the information do not exclude from the FDC only requested in the development letter Program. VA requested a Example: VA Form from the claimant for Vet 21-4142 Center records. The claimant submits the records in lieu of the form. submits additional exclude from the FDC Program. information/evidence requested not in the development letter does not respond to the development do not exclude from the FDC letter Program. For more information on References: steps to take when a claim is excluded from the FDC Program, see M21-1, Part III, Subpart i, 3.B.2.d, and special issue development procedures, see the relevant section(s) within M21-1, Part III, Subpart ii. i. Telephone A telephone call to a claimant to clarify information will not require exclusion Development from the FDC Program if the telephone call can be completed at the time the and FDC action is being taken on the claim. Exclusion A claimant submits medical evidence from a physician and Example: attaches a VA Form 21-4142 or VA Form 21-4142a, General Release of Medical Provider Information to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The Veterans Service Representative (VSR) calls the claimant to clarify if the claimant wanted VA to develop for additional records. Provided the VSR reaches the claimant the same day and the claimant provided a negative response, the claim will be excluded from the FDC Program. not Exclusion would be appropriate if Important:
FDCs requiring special issue development, see M21-1, Part III, Subpart i, 3.B.3.d, and FDCs and Vet Center records, see M21-1, Part III, Subpart i, 3.B.3.f. h. Determination to Exclude from the FDC Program After a Development Letter Use the below to determine whether a claim should be excluded from FDC processing after sending the required development letter to the claimant. If the claimant ... Then ... provides only the information requested in the development letter Example: VA requested a VA Form 21-4142 from the claimant for Vet Center records. The claimant submits the records in lieu of the form. do not exclude from the FDC Program. submits additional information/evidence not requested in the development letter exclude from the FDC Program. does not respond to the development letter do not exclude from the FDC Program. References: For more information on steps to take when a claim is excluded from the FDC Program, see M21-1, Part III, Subpart i, 3.B.2.d, and special issue development procedures, see the relevant section(s) within M21-1, Part III, Subpart ii. i. Telephone Development and FDC Exclusion A telephone call to a claimant to clarify information will not require exclusion from the FDC Program if the telephone call can be completed at the time the action is being taken on the claim. Example: A claimant submits medical evidence from a physician and attaches a VA Form 21-4142 or VA Form 21-4142a, General Release of Medical Provider Information to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The Veterans Service Representative (VSR) calls the claimant to clarify if the claimant wanted VA to develop for additional records. Provided the VSR reaches the claimant the same day and the claimant provided a negative response, the claim will not be excluded from the FDC Program. Important: Exclusion would be appropriate if
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