repair damaged claims folders create additional volumes of a claims folder when the size of the claims folder or one of its volumes exceeds two and one-half inches conduct searches for claims folders drop-file mail into claims folders check the sequencing of claims folders in the file bank re-file claims folders that are returned to the file bank ship claims folders to off-site locations, and retire and relocate claims folders. References: For more information on handling consolidation of duplicate BIRLS and corporate records, see Part III, Subpart ii, 4.E Processing mail electronically in the CM portal, see M21-1, Part III, Subpart ii, 1.E.1, and VCIP shipping procedures, see M21-1, Part III, Subpart ii, 1.F.1. c. Mailroom Responsibilities If the VSC is responsible for an RO’s mailroom operations, Mail Clerks within the IPC are responsible for retrieving, opening, and date-stamping incoming mail sorting incoming mail by the division in the RO to which the mail is addressed picking up mail from and delivering mail to divisions with the RO sorting and processing outgoing mail, and maintaining mail delivery and postal logs. Important: Under the CM process all compensation and pension related mail is shipped to the scanning vendor for conversion, regardless of jurisdiction and all non-compensation or pension mail is routed to the appropriate business line location. References: For more information about date-stamping incoming mail, see M21-1, Part III, Subpart ii, 1.C.1. receipt, separation and routing of physical mail under the Centralized mail process, see M21-1, Part III, Subpart ii, 1.E.2. 1
deciding claims/issues that do not require a rating decision entering award data into VBA electronic systems, and notifying claimants of decisions on their claims. Notes: SVSRs and certified GS-11 VSRs are responsible for authorizing/approving award actions. Journey-level VSRs who have completed training specified by Central Office (CO) may prepare basic or straightforward medical opinion requests without RVSR or DRO review. References: For information about claim development, see M21-1, Part III, Subpart iii, and M21-1, Part IV, Subpart ii, Chapter claim development in VBMS, see the , and . who may request a medical opinion, see M21-1, Part III, Subpart iv, 3.A.1.a, and M21-1, Part III, Subpart iv, 3.A.9.a entering award data in VETSNET, see the , or VBMS, see the deciding claims/issues that do not require a rating decision, see M21-1, Part III, Subpart v issuing notice of a proposed adverse action, see M21-1, Part I, 2.B, and M21-1, Part IV, Subpart ii, 3.A, or issuing decision notification, see M21-1, Part III, Subpart v, 2.B. g. Duties of RVSRs The duties of an RVSR include preparing complex medical opinion requests determining whether medical evidence received in connection with a claim justifies the granting of entitlement to VA benefits, and preparing rating decisions that discuss the evidence reviewed and the decision narrative behind a decision to grant or deny entitlement. References: For information about who may request a medical opinion, see M21-1, Part III, Subpart iv, 3.A.1.a, and M21-1, Part III, Subpart iv, 3.A.9.a analyzing medical evidence to determine entitlement to VA benefits and preparing rating decisions, see