the definition of a substantially complete application, see M21-1, Part I, 1.A.3.f criteria for substantially complete applications, see M21-1, Part I, 1.B.1.b notification requirements for a complete application, see M21-1, Part I, 1.B.1.c soliciting a claim for unclaimed disabilities, see actions to take when unassociated or supplemental STRs are received, see M21-1, Part IV, Subpart ii, 2.A.2, and the types of issues that a compensation claim may involve, see b. The Mere Existence of Medical Records Does Not Constitute a Claim The mere existence of medical records does not constitute a claim. There must be some intent by the claimant to apply for a benefit. Notes: Claims for an increased rating were previously an exception to that rule under the historical provisions of . The Standard Claims and Appeals Form regulation eliminated section and requires submission of claims on prescribed forms effective March 24, 2015. c. Claims Mentioning Exposure but Not Specifying a Disability A claim mentioning an exposure but not specifying a disability from the exposure is not substantially complete. References: For more information on claims that do not specify a disability but allege exposure to radiation, see M21-1, Part IV, Subpart ii, 1.B.2.d environmental hazards, see M21-1, Part IV, Subpart ii, 1.E.1.a mustard gas or Lewisite, see M21-1, Part IV, Subpart ii, 1.F.1.e herbicide agents, see M21-1, Part IV, Subpart ii, 1.H.1.h, and asbestos, see M21-1, Part IV, Subpart ii, 1.I.3.b. d. Abnormal Laboratory Findings Discovered in STRs Without a Claim Do not solicit a claim based merely on abnormal laboratory findings discovered in the STRs. Abnormal laboratory findings, even if diagnosed, are not themselves disabilities for Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) purposes. Such findings include, but are not limited to, elevated blood sugar hyperlipidemia elevated triglycerides, or elevated cholesterol. Clarification may be necessary when there is a claim for a benefit based upon
evidence that clearly warrants an increase in a condition, the rating activity returns the claims folder to the IPC VSR IPC VSR PCANs EP 699 CESTs EP 020 with the ‘Reconsideration’ claim label, and returns the claims folder to the rating activity. Note: The date of claim for the EP 020 is the date the rating activity determines a rating is necessary. rating activity prepares a rating decision increasing the evaluation based on the evidence in the claims folder. Reference: For information on the appropriate effective date to use, see . evidence of a chronic condition incurred during active duty, with no claim previously filed for the condition Note: Examples of chronic conditions include diabetes mellitus and cancer. rating activity returns the claims folder to the IPC VSR VSR PCLRs EP 699, and solicits a claim from the Veteran. Reference: For more information on soliciting claims, see M21-1, Part IV, Subpart ii, 2.A.1.f. evidence related to a disability that does not warrant an increased evaluation rating activity annotates Additional STRs reviewed, NAN, and returns the claims folder to the IPC VSR. VSR PCLRs EP 699 files unassociated or supplemental STRs in a separate STR jacket, and returns the claims folder to files. duplicate evidence rating activity annotates Additional STRs reviewed, NAN, and returns the claims folder to the IPC VSR. VSR PCLRs EP 699, and sends the Veteran the duplicate STRs with a cover letter. new evidence, but none that indicates an increase in a service-connected disability relates to a claim, or shows a chronic, unclaimed condition rating activity annotates Additional STRs reviewed, NAN, and returns the claims folder to the IPC VSR. VSR PCLRs EP 699 files the unassociated or supplemental STRs in a separate STR jacket, and returns the claims folder to the files.