### Section B. Responsibilities of Regional Offices (ROs) and Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) Sites

#### Overview

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| #          | This section contains the following topics.             |
| #### In Th |                                                         |
| is Section |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

  ---------- ----------------------------------------------- ------------
  Topic      Topic Name                                      See Page

  4          Shared Responsibilities of the Regional Office  2-B-2
             (RO) and Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD)   
             Intake Site                                     

  5          Specific Responsibilities of the BDD Intake     2-B-6
             Site                                            

  6          Responsibilities of the RO                      2-B-11

  7          Responsibilities of the BDD Rating Activity     2-B-13
             Site (RAS)                                      
  ---------- ----------------------------------------------- ------------

#### 4. Shared Responsibilities of the Regional Office (RO) and Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) Intake Site

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### In   | > This topic contains information regarding shared      |
| troduction | > responsibilities of the Regional Office (RO) and      |
|            | > Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) intake site in   |
|            | > taking pre-discharge claims, whether or not the RO    |
|            | > maintains BDD sites under its jurisdiction. This      |
|            | > topic includes information about:                     |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   outreach prior to separation                        |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   pre-discharge claims intake                         |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   claims establishment                                |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   folder establishment                                |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   claims development, including the use of Modern     |
|            |     Award Processing-Development (MAP-D)                |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   verification of release/discharge from active       |
|            |     duty*,* and                                         |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   handling claims when servicepersons remain on       |
|            |     active duty.                                        |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### C    | > November 6, 2007                                      |
| hange Date |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### a    | > It is important for servicepersons to understand that |
| . Outreach | > they can file a disability claim with the Department  |
|  Prior to  | > of Veterans Affairs (VA) prior to separating from     |
| Separation | > service.                                              |
|            | >                                                       |
|            | > Regional offices (ROs) and Benefits Delivery at       |
|            | > Discharge (BDD) intake sites should make every effort |
|            | > to inform servicepersons of this program through      |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   Transition Assistance Program (TAP)/Disabled        |
|            |     Transaction Assistance Program (DTAP) briefings     |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   briefings for demobilizing service members, or      |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   any other means available.                          |
|            |                                                         |
|            | > ***Note***: ROs and intake sites should be prepared   |
|            | > to accept claims at these briefings or host a "Claims |
|            | > Workshop" to accomplish this.                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| #####      | > An RO intake site can be anywhere an RO accepts       |
| b. Pre-Dis | > claims from active duty service members. This can be  |
| charge Cla | > either at the RO or at a military installation under  |
| ims Intake | > the RO's jurisdiction, to include a BDD site.         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

4\. Shared Responsibilities of the Regional Office (RO) and Benefits
Delivery at Discharge (BDD) Intake Site, Continued

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### c.   | > Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) personnel from |
| Claims Est | > where the claim is to be developed will use the Share |
| ablishment | > application to                                        |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   establish a Beneficiary Identification and Records  |
|            |     Subsystem (BIRLS) record, and                       |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   establish a pending diary under the appropriate end |
|            |     product (EP) by                                     |
|            |                                                         |
|            |     checking the "Pre-Discharge" indictor and setting   |
|            |     the suspense date on the diary for the day after    |
|            |     the service members anticipated date of release     |
|            |     from active duty (RAD).                             |
|            |                                                         |
|            | > If the serviceperson is leaving the area and will not |
|            | > be available for local examination, forward the claim |
|            | > to the appropriate ROJ for establishment.             |
|            | >                                                       |
|            | > ***Note***: If the claim is established as a BDD      |
|            | > claim, select the intake site from which the service  |
|            | > member is separating on the 101 Pending               |
|            | > Issue/Corporate Control Establishment screen.         |
|            | >                                                       |
|            | > ***Reference***: For more information on establishing |
|            | > EPs for pre-discharge claims, see M21-1MR, Part III,  |
|            | > Subpart i, 2.A.3.                                     |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### d.   | > The RO or intake site where the claim is developed    |
| Folder Est | > will build a claims folder and establish a separate   |
| ablishment | > Control of Veterans Records System (COVERS) location  |
|            | > for all pre-discharge cases.                          |
|            | >                                                       |
|            | > The table below outlines the procedures for ROs and   |
|            | > intake sites to establish and maintain claims folders |
|            | > of pre-discharge and BDD claims:                      |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

  ------------------- ---------------------------------------------------
  Type of claim       Intake site/RO action
  received            

  Original            Establish a red-rope claims folder upon receipt of
  pre-discharge (BDD) *VA Form 21-526, Veteran's Application for
                      Compensation or Pension.*

  Pre-discharge claim Request existing claims folder from appropriate RO
  for increase, new   or retirement center. If sufficient evidence is of
  condition (BDD)     record, claims development action should not be
                      delayed.

  Pre-discharge       Follow folder establishment and folder recall
  (non-BDD)           procedures as directed by parent RO.
  ------------------- ---------------------------------------------------

Continued on next page

4\. Shared Responsibilities of the Regional Office (RO) and Benefits
Delivery at Discharge (BDD) Intake Site, Continued

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### e. D | > At the time the claim is filed, or as soon as         |
| evelopment | > possible thereafter                                   |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   obtain copies or original (preferred) service       |
|            |     medical records from the service member             |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   provide notice in accordance with the Veterans      |
|            |     Claims Assistance Act (VCAA) and obtain the VCAA    |
|            |     Notice Response, and                                |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   schedule VA examinations as appropriate.            |
|            |                                                         |
|            | > ***Notes***:                                          |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   File a dated copy of the VCAA notice in the claims  |
|            |     folder, whether or not the service member elects to |
|            |     sign the Notice Response.                           |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   Provide VCAA notice pertaining to both the          |
|            |     compensation and pension portions of the claim, if  |
|            |     both issues are claimed.                            |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   Obtain personal cell phone numbers and e-mail       |
|            |     addresses from claimants. This information may be   |
|            |     useful in facilitating further development action.  |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ####       | > When establishing pre-discharge claims, it is         |
| # f. Devel | > necessary to                                          |
| op Claims  |                                                         |
| With MAP-D | -   use Modern Award Processing-Development (MAP-D),    |
|            |     and                                                 |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   list all contentions claimed.                       |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### g. V | > There are many sources through which ROs and/or       |
| erificatio | > intake sites can verify military service. These       |
| n of Relea | > include:                                              |
| se From Ac |                                                         |
| tive Duty/ | -   Veterans Information Solution (VIS). VIS may also   |
| Discharge  |     be accessed from the Veterans Information Portal    |
|            |     (VIP), and is useful when only DoD service data is  |
|            |     required.                                           |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   Personnel Information Exchange System (PIES)        |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   DD Form 214, *"Certificate of Release or Discharge  |
|            |     from Active Duty."*                                 |
|            |                                                         |
|            | > > The *DD Form 214* is normally issued at the time of |
|            | > > release from active duty. However, in some          |
|            | > > occasions a *DD Form 214* may also be issued prior  |
|            | > > to separation and should be accepted for            |
|            | > > verification purposes (e.g. serviceperson with      |
|            | > > terminal leave).                                    |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

4\. Shared Responsibilities of the Regional Office (RO) and Benefits
Delivery at Discharge (BDD) Intake Site, Continued

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| #####      | > If a serviceperson is not released from active duty   |
| h. Handlin | > on the anticipated date, contact the individual to    |
| g Claims W | > obtain a new anticipated release date and extend the  |
| hen Servic | > diary as appropriate, but no longer than 60 days.     |
| epersons R | >                                                       |
| emain on A | > If the serviceperson provides a new release date that |
| ctive Duty | > is beyond 60 days, stations should take action to     |
|            | > disallow the claim in accordance with M21-1MR, Part   |
|            | > III, Subpart ii, 2.B.8.e.                             |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

#### 5. Specific Responsibilities of the BDD Intake Site

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### In   | > BDD intake sites are located at military              |
| troduction | > installations within the United States and overseas.  |
|            | > These intake sites can accept all pre-discharge       |
|            | > claims as well as BDD claims. This topic contains     |
|            | > information regarding                                 |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   BDD intake site responsibility                      |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   conducting outreach efforts                         |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   claims filed at BDD intake sites                    |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   claims establishment and development                |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   a definition of ***single cooperative               |
|            |     examinations***                                     |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   eligibility for a single cooperative examination    |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   transferring BDD claims folders                     |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   transferring non-BDD claims to the regional offices |
|            |     of jurisdiction (ROJs).                             |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### C    | > November 6, 2007                                      |
| hange Date |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### a.   | > A BDD intake site is established by a memorandum of   |
| BDD Intake | > understanding (MOU), and then maintains a functional  |
|  Site Resp | > presence at a military installation. BDD intake site  |
| onsibility | > responsibilities include:                             |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   conducting outreach efforts                         |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   accepting claims                                    |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   initiating development as appropriate, and          |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   identifying points of contact for VA examinations,  |
|            |     Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E)     |
|            |     issues, and general liaison purposes.               |
|            |                                                         |
|            | > ***Note***: Actions described in this topic should be |
|            | > accomplished when a claim is received at a BDD intake |
|            | > site. However, this does not preclude the same or     |
|            | > similar actions from being taken when a claim is      |
|            | > received at an RO.                                    |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### b.   | > The BDD intake site must use all means available to   |
|  Conductin | > inform servicepersons that they can file a disability |
| g Outreach | > claim with VA prior to separating from service, even  |
|            | > if they do not meet the specific criteria for the BDD |
|            | > program.                                              |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

5\. Specific Responsibilities of the BDD Intake Site, Continued

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| #          | > The BDD intake site will                              |
| #### c. Cl |                                                         |
| aims Filed | -   ensure that *VA Form 21-526* is complete            |
|  at BDD In |                                                         |
| take Sites | -   obtain originals (preferred) or photocopies of      |
|            |     service medical records (SMRs) from service         |
|            |     department or claimant                              |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   request examinations and obtain results             |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   provide VCAA notice                                 |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   attempt to obtain VCAA notice response, and         |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   establish an EP control with Share, in accordance   |
|            |     with M21-1MR, Part III, Subpart i, 2.A.3.           |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| #####      | > BDD intake sites will establish and develop           |
| d. Claims  | > pre-discharge claims received at the site, whether or |
| Establishm | > not they meet the criteria for BDD claims. The BDD    |
| ent and De | > intake site should process claims in accordance with  |
| velopment  | > the same procedures that are outlined for ROs under   |
|            | > M21-1MR, Part III, Subpart i, 2.B.4.b, c, and d.      |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##         | > The ***Single Cooperative Examination*** is a joint   |
| ### e. Def | > VA/Department of Defense (DoD) initiative that allows |
| inition: S | > for separating servicepersons, who are filing         |
| ingle Coop | > disability claims, to receive one examination that    |
| erative Ex | > meets VA disability examination requirements and DoD  |
| aminations | > separation physical requirements.                     |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### f    | > This Single Cooperative Examination is available to   |
| . Eligibil | > servicepersons who file BDD claims at a BDD intake    |
| ity for a  | > site, provided they file their claims timely enough   |
| Single Coo | > to satisfy local MOUs regarding the single separation |
| perative E | > examination.                                          |
| xamination | >                                                       |
|            | > ***Note***: If a serviceperson cannot receive the     |
|            | > Single Cooperative Examination, prior to separation,  |
|            | > they may still receive a compensation and pension     |
|            | > examination.                                          |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

5\. Specific Responsibilities of the BDD Intake Site, Continued

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### g. T | > Generally, after completion of development, the BDD   |
| ransferrin | > intake site will transfer a claims folder to a rating |
| g BDD Clai | > activity site (RAS) for a decision on the pending     |
| ms Folders | > claim.                                                |
|            | >                                                       |
|            | > The following table provides detailed information     |
|            | > about the status of pending claims and the impact on  |
|            | > transfer of the claims folder.                        |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+----------------------------+-----------------------------------------+
| Situation or Status of     | BDD Intake Site Action or Impact        |
| Claim                      |                                         |
+----------------------------+-----------------------------------------+
| All development completed  | -   Submits claim package to the RAS.   |
| and examination results    |     This action may take place before   |
| received.                  |     or after the serviceperson          |
|                            |     separates from active duty.         |
|                            |                                         |
|                            |     ***Note***: If any additional       |
|                            |     evidence is received after          |
|                            |     transfer, the intake site will      |
|                            |     forward it to the RAS immediately   |
|                            |     upon receipt.                       |
+----------------------------+-----------------------------------------+
| Claims at BDD intake site  | -   At least once per week              |
| are ready to rate.         |                                         |
|                            |     send all ready-to-rate claims       |
|                            |     folders to BDD RAS, and             |
|                            |                                         |
|                            |     use FEDEX Ground for transfer of    |
|                            |     the folders.                        |
|                            |                                         |
|                            | -   Use COVERS to track the transfer of |
|                            |     claims folders.                     |
|                            |                                         |
|                            | -   If original SMRs were not available |
|                            |     at the time of transfer, send them  |
|                            |     to the RAS or ROJ immediately upon  |
|                            |     receipt at the intake site.         |
|                            |                                         |
|                            | -   The RO with jurisdiction over the   |
|                            |     intake site is responsible for the  |
|                            |     cost of transfer of claims folders  |
|                            |     and claims packages.                |
|                            |                                         |
|                            | ***Note***: An advance photocopy or     |
|                            | facsimile of the *VA Form 21-526* does  |
|                            | not need to be sent to the RAS.         |
+----------------------------+-----------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

5\. Specific Responsibilities of the BDD Intake Site, Continued

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------
  g\. Transferring BDD Claims Folders (continued)

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------

+----------------------------+-----------------------------------------+
| Situation or Status of     | BDD Intake Site Action or Impact        |
| Claim                      |                                         |
+----------------------------+-----------------------------------------+
| The claim involves         | The intake site does not transfer these |
|                            | claims to the BDD RAS. These cases are  |
| -   seriously disabled     | processed by the                        |
|                            |                                         |
| -   terminally ill         | -   BDD intake site, or                 |
|                            |                                         |
| -   certain special        | -   ROJ.                                |
|     issues, or             |                                         |
|                            | ***Note***: Claims are controlled with  |
| -   prolonged development, | EPs 110, 010, or 020 (with any          |
|     such as:               | issue-specific third digit modifier).   |
|                            |                                         |
|     radiation              |                                         |
|                            |                                         |
|     undiagnosed illness    |                                         |
|                            |                                         |
|     pregnant service       |                                         |
|     women, or              |                                         |
|                            |                                         |
|     stressor development.  |                                         |
+----------------------------+-----------------------------------------+
| Control of the pending     | -   Control the pending claim with EP   |
| claim during intake site   |     011, 111, 027, or 297. (Do not      |
| development.               |     control with EP 684.)               |
|                            |                                         |
|                            | -   Employ MAP-D to track BDD claims.   |
|                            |     Include:                            |
|                            |                                         |
|                            |     all claimed conditions              |
|                            |                                         |
|                            |     all development actions, and        |
|                            |                                         |
|                            |     dates of examination requests and   |
|                            |     receipts.                           |
|                            |                                         |
|                            | ***Note***: An intake site is entitled  |
|                            | to credit for an interview, if one was  |
|                            | conducted.                              |
+----------------------------+-----------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

5\. Specific Responsibilities of the BDD Intake Site, Continued

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ####       | > When the serviceperson is leaving the BDD intake site |
| # h. Trans | > or its parent RO's jurisdiction, and the intake site  |
| ferring No | > is able to complete all development, including        |
| n-BDD Clai | > conducting all requested VA examinations, the claim   |
| ms to ROJs | > may be maintained by the parent RO for promulgation.  |
|            | > Otherwise, transfer the claim to the ROJ.             |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

#### 6. Responsibilities of the RO

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### In   | > ROs that do not maintain BDD intake sites may still   |
| troduction | > receive pre-discharge claims. This topic discusses RO |
|            | > responsibilities for processing pre-discharge claims. |
|            | > It includes information about                         |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   pre-discharge outreach activities, and              |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   claims intake at VA benefit briefings.              |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### C    | > November 6, 2007                                      |
| hange Date |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##         | > ROs should work closely with local military bases and |
| ### a. Pre | > reserve or guard units to ensure that VBA is part of  |
| -Discharge | > the military pre-separation process. ROs should       |
|  Outreach  | > contact separating servicepersons through as many of  |
| Activities | > the following venues as possible:                     |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   Formal Transition Assistance Program (TAP)          |
|            |                                                         |
|            |     VA benefit briefings should be four hours in        |
|            |     length.                                             |
|            |                                                         |
|            |     Disabled Transition Assistance Program (DTAP)       |
|            |     briefings should be two hours in length.            |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   Other VA benefit briefings for servicepersons, such |
|            |     as separation or retirement briefings               |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   VA benefit briefings for demobilizing reserve or    |
|            |     guard members as part of the three to five day      |
|            |     military pre-separation process                     |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   Reserve or guard "Welcome home" activities and      |
|            |     events                                              |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   Outreach to severely injured servicepersons who are |
|            |     patients at military treatment facilities or VA     |
|            |     Medical Centers (VAMCs)                             |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   Outreach activities jointly sponsored with local    |
|            |     VAMCs, National Guard units, and State Directors of |
|            |     Veterans Affairs.                                   |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

6\. Responsibilities of the RO, Continued

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| #####      | > Claims workshops should be scheduled, where feasible, |
| b. Claims  | > in conjunction with benefit briefings. The claims     |
| Intake at  | > workshops can provide an opportunity for RO personnel |
| VA Benefit | > to conduct personal interviews with service members   |
|  Briefings | > who wish to file a claim.                             |
|            | >                                                       |
|            | > ***Notes***:                                          |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   ROs should invite and encourage Veterans Service    |
|            |     Organization (VSO) participation in the workshops.  |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   Copies of SMRs should be obtained during the        |
|            |     workshop if a claim is taken.                       |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation Enduring Freedom  |
|            |     (OIF/OEF) serviceperson's claims folders should be  |
|            |     flagged for priority handling.                      |
|            |                                                         |
|            |     ***Reference***: For information about claims       |
|            |     establishment and development, see M21-1MR, Part    |
|            |     III, Subpart i, 2.B.4.c, d, and e.                  |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

#### 7. Responsibilities of the BDD Rating Activity Site (RAS)

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### In   | > This topic contains information regarding the         |
| troduction | > specific responsibilities of the BDD Rating Activity  |
|            | > Site (RAS). It includes information about             |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   BDD RAS responsibility                              |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   folder receipt and storage                          |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   quality reviews                                     |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   inadequate examinations                             |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   additional examinations                             |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   verification of service                             |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   handling claims when a serviceperson does not       |
|            |     separate                                            |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   dual BDD/pension claims                             |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   rating and notification                             |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   temporary folder flash                              |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   quality review                                      |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   termination of jurisdiction prior to completion of  |
|            |     Systematic Technical Accuracy Review (STAR) cycles  |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   location and jurisdiction, and                      |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   RAS mailing addresses.                              |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### C    | > November 6, 2007                                      |
| hange Date |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| #          | > The BDD rating activity site (RAS) has primary        |
| #### a. BD | > responsibility for rating, award, and notification    |
| D RAS Resp | > actions on original and reopened claims received from |
| onsibility | > BDD intake sites. Working in cooperation with their   |
|            | > corresponding intake sites, the RASs should           |
|            | > facilitate expeditious handling of BDD claims.        |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| #####      | > Upon receipt of a ready-to-rate BDD claims folder     |
| b. Receipt | > from an intake site, the RAS will receive the claims  |
|  of Claim  | > folder in COVERS, which will change the SOJ of the    |
| Folders an | > pending EP to the RAS. The claim package should       |
| d BDD Clai | > include                                               |
| m Packages |                                                         |
|            | -   SMRs                                                |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   medical examination report(s)                       |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   *VA Form 21-526*                                    |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   any additional evidence obtained through            |
|            |     intake-site development, and                        |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   the red rope claims folder.                         |
|            |                                                         |
|            | > ***Note***: The RAS should create a special COVERS    |
|            | > location for BDD claims.                              |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

7\. Responsibilities of the BDD Rating Activity Site (RAS), Continued

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ####       | > The BDD RAS is responsible for                        |
| # c. Quali |                                                         |
| ty Reviews | -   evaluating the results of requested examinations,   |
|            |     and                                                 |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   conducting quality reviews of the examination       |
|            |     reports.                                            |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### d.   | > If an examination report is found to be inadequate,   |
| Inadequate | > the RAS will refer it back to the VAMC or the         |
|  Examinati | > examination contractor (QTC) for appropriate action.  |
| on Reports | >                                                       |
|            | > However, if the claimant has already been discharged  |
|            | > and is no longer available for further examination or |
|            | > tests at the discharge site, the RAS will take        |
|            | > partial rating action, if benefits can be granted.    |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ###        | > The RAS is also responsible for scheduling any        |
| ## e. Sche | > necessary examinations and rating all deferred        |
| duling Add | > issues.                                               |
| itional Ex |                                                         |
| aminations |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##         | > The RAS is responsible for verifying military service |
| ### f. Ver | > for BDD claims. If, on or after the anticipated date  |
| ification  | > of release from active duty, no documentary evidence  |
| of Service | > of separation or retirement has been received         |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   check VIS, or                                       |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   contact the claimant, or                            |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   contact the appropriate separation site or          |
|            |     transition facility to determine the claimant's     |
|            |     duty status and anticipated release date.           |
|            |                                                         |
|            |     If the serviceperson remains on active duty after   |
|            |     the anticipated release date, but plans to separate |
|            |     within the next 60 days, extend the diary to the    |
|            |     new anticipated release date.                       |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

7\. Responsibilities of the BDD Rating Activity Site (RAS), Continued

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##         | > If a serviceperson remains on active duty after the   |
| ### g. Han | > anticipated release date and will not separate within |
| dling Clai | > the next 60 days, take the following actions:         |
| ms When Se |                                                         |
| rvice Memb | -   Deny the claim based on the claimant's active duty  |
| er Does No |     status and clear the pending EP 111, 011, or 027,   |
| t Separate |     as appropriate. Destroy any unpromulgated rating    |
|            |     documents, but leave any accumulated evidence       |
|            |     (examination reports) in the claims folder.         |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   Notify the claimant with appropriate appellate      |
|            |     rights that he/she may re-open the claim upon       |
|            |     discharge. These procedures also apply to           |
|            |     pre-discharge claims.                               |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##         | > For dual BBD/pension claims, the RAS will rate the    |
| ### h. Dua | > claim addressing both the compensation and pension    |
| l BDD/Pens | > issues. The notification letter will inform the       |
| ion Claims | > veteran if basic eligibility requirements for pension |
|            | > are not met.                                          |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##         | > Following VSO review of the rating decision and       |
| ### i. Rat | > receipt of the *DD Form 214* or other acceptable      |
| ing and No | > verification of service, the RAS will                 |
| tification |                                                         |
|            | -   process the rating decision, and                    |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   clear the pending EP upon                           |
|            |                                                         |
|            |     authorizing the award, and                          |
|            |                                                         |
|            |     notifying the veteran of the decision.              |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| #          | > The RAS or RO will affix a tag to the center flap of  |
| #### j. Te | > the claims folder, or the left flap of a temporary    |
| mporary Fo | > folder, identifying the date of the                   |
| lder Flash |                                                         |
|            | -   rating decision, and                                |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   notification letter.                                |
|            |                                                         |
|            | > ***Note***: This flash will be removed after          |
|            | > expiration of the one-year appeal period.             |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

7\. Responsibilities of the BDD Rating Activity Site (RAS), Continued

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ###        | > Following release of the decision notification, the   |
| ## k. Qual | > BDD RAS will                                          |
| ity Review |                                                         |
|            | -   hold the completed case for two monthly Systematic  |
|            |     Technical Accuracy Review (STAR) review cycles to   |
|            |     afford time for a STAR review, and then             |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   ship the claims folder to the appropriate ROJ,      |
|            |     which will manage all subsequent claims activity.   |
|            |     (***Note***: Under no circumstances may the ROJ     |
|            |     subsequently return the claims folder to the BDD    |
|            |     RAS.)                                               |
|            |                                                         |
|            | > ***Exception***: Claims folders for claims processed  |
|            | > through Virtual VA under the paperless claims process |
|            | > remain in the jurisdiction of the RAS until paperless |
|            | > processing capability is expanded. Subsequent claims  |
|            | > from these veterans will also be handled by the RAS.  |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| #          | > Either of the following events will terminate the BDD |
| #### l. Te | > RAS's jurisdiction over a claims folder, except for   |
| rmination  | > claims processed through Virtual VA:                  |
| of Jurisdi |                                                         |
| ction Prio | -   receipt of a notice of disagreement (NOD), or       |
| r To Compl |                                                         |
| etion of S | -   receipt of a new claim for additional issues.       |
| TAR Cycles |                                                         |
|            | > Upon receipt, the RAS will transfer the claims folder |
|            | > to the ROJ without waiting for expiration of the two  |
|            | > STAR review cycles.                                   |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ####       | > After all required evidence (with the exception of    |
| # m. Locat | > service verification) is received, the BDD intake     |
| ion and Ju | > site will forward the BDD claim to the appropriate    |
| risdiction | > RAS. The table below shows the appropriate location   |
|            | > and jurisdiction for each RAS.                        |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| RAS Location                      | Jurisdiction                      |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| Salt Lake City                    | -   Western Area                  |
|                                   |                                   |
|                                   | -   Central Area                  |
|                                   |                                   |
|                                   | -   Korea                         |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| Winston-Salem                     | -   Eastern Area                  |
|                                   |                                   |
|                                   | -   Southern Area                 |
|                                   |                                   |
|                                   | -   Germany                       |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+

Continued on next page

7\. Responsibilities of the BDD Rating Activity Site (RAS), Continued

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### n. R | > Use the addresses shown below when forwarding claims  |
| AS Mailing | > materials to RASs.                                    |
|  Addresses |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| Salt Lake Address                 | Winston-Salem Address             |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| Mail To:                          | Mail and Fed-Ex To:               |
|                                   |                                   |
| BDD                               | VA Regional Office -- 318         |
|                                   |                                   |
| PO Box 581400                     | Attn: BDD Team                    |
|                                   |                                   |
| Salt Lake City, UT 84158          | 251 North Main Street             |
|                                   |                                   |
| Fed-Ex To:                        | Winston-Salem, NC 27155           |
|                                   |                                   |
| BDD                               |                                   |
|                                   |                                   |
| Dept of Veterans Affairs          |                                   |
|                                   |                                   |
| 550 Foothill Drive                |                                   |
|                                   |                                   |
| Salt Lake City, UT 84113          |                                   |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+