Section A. Developing Compensation Claims Overview In this Section This section contains the following topics: Topic Topic Name See Page General Information on Developing Compensation Claims 1-A-2 Other Issues to Consider When Developing Compensation Claims 1-A-4 Developing Claims Filed Under 38 U.S.C. 1151 1-A-7 1. General Information on Developing Compensation Claims Introduction This topic contains general information on developing compensation claims, including , and . Change Date September 5, 2008 a. When to Develop for the Status of the Veteran’s Dependents Since the number or status of the Veteran’s dependents is not a factor in determining entitlement to compensation, do not develop for this information until a rating is received showing a combined evaluation of 30 percent or more. Exception: Undertake simultaneous development when it is apparent that the Veteran’s service-connected (SC) disability will warrant at least a 30 percent evaluation, such as in the case of a Veteran who has lost both legs in service. References: For more information on developing for relationship and dependent status, see , and .
b. Reviewing the Claims Folder Review the claim to identify the alleged disabilities and any dental conditions, as well as the dates and places of examination or treatment. Review the service treatment or dental records in the claims folder to find records supporting the claimed disabilities. Continued on next page , Continued c. When to Submit Evidence Justifying a Partial Grant to the Rating Activity After initiating development, send the claims folder to the rating activity if a partial grant of any claim may be awarded based on the evidence already of record. References: For information on prestabilization ratings under , see , and hospitalization ratings under , see . d. Submitting Requests for Service Records For more information on developing for service records, see . e. Handling Other Requests for Information For information on requesting records from the Social Security Administration, see , and other Federal and State agencies, see . 2. Other Issues to Consider When Developing Compensation Claims
Introduction This topic contains information on other issues to consider when developing compensation claims, including , and . Change Date September 22, 2014 a. Establishing Entitlement Based on an Original VA Form 21-526 If an original VA Form 21-526, Veteran’s Application for Compensation and/or Pension, is processed as a claim for one type of benefit, compensation or pension, and a claim for the other type of benefit is received within one year of the original VA Form 21-526, the effective date of entitlement is the earliest date allowable under the original claim or the date entitlement arose, whichever is later. Reference: For more information on processing original disability claims, see , and . b. Action to Take When a Veteran’s SC Disabilities Are Rated 30 Percent or More Disabling When a Veteran’s SC disabilities are rated 30 percent or more disabling include information concerning possible additional benefits for dependents in the award letter, and do not establish or maintain an end product (EP) 130 control until the claim for dependents is received. References: For information on EP codes, see , and Aid and Attendance qualification for spouses of Veterans, see . Continued on next page , Continued