13 Select the LETTERS chevron again. 14 Select FINALIZE LETTERS. 15 Verify that the newly created development letter is visible in VBMS Documents. 16 Open the letter and print a copy to send to the claimant. 17 Clear the EP 400 - Correspondence once the letter has been sent to the claimant. References: For more information on establishing claims in VBMS, see the , and VBMS in general, see the webpage. d. Processing Informal Original Claims for Claims Excluded from VBMS Establishment If an informal claim is received prior to March 24, 2015, for a claim type excluded from VBMS establishment, establish an EP 400 in Share using the date of receipt of the informal claim as the DOC. Send the claimant a locally generated letter including the applicable application in order to apply for benefits, and informing him or her that if a completed application is received by VA within one year from the date of the letter and he or she is found entitled to VA benefits that benefits could be awarded as early as the date of receipt of the informal claim. Note: Clear the EP 400 after sending the claimant the locally generated letter. References: For more information on claims excluded from VBMS establishment, see M21-1, Part III, Subpart ii, 3.D.1, and establishing claims in Share, see M21-1, Part III, Subpart ii, 3.D.2.e. 4. Incomplete Applications and Lost Claims
References: For more information about an ITF status, see M21-1, Part III, Subpart ii, 2.C.1.m, and requesting correction of incorrect ITF data, see M21-1, Part III, Subpart ii, 2.C.1.l. 2 Determine how VA received the request for benefits. 3 Review the claimant’s record and determine if the award was authorized. 4 Review the claimant’s record to determine if a complete claim has
(for the same general benefit as the incorrectly established claim) was pending prior to the incorrect establishment of the EP. References: For more information about an ITF status, see M21-1, Part III, Subpart ii, 2.C.1.m, and requesting correction of incorrect ITF data, see M21-1, Part III, Subpart ii, 2.C.1.l. 2 Determine how VA received the request for benefits. 3 Review the claimant’s record and determine if the award was authorized.
7 Identify the prescribed form(s) required to validate the request for benefits and print. On the printed form(s) fill out the Veteran’s (and claimant, if different) identifying information fill out the issues or conditions that were not considered valid claims, and write in the top left corner of each page, “RO Request – Signature Needed.” 8 Create the notification letter in M21-1, Part III, Subpart ii, 2.C.7.i, and attach the form(s) prepared in Step 7 send the letter to the claimant, and clear the EP 930. h. Exhibit 1: Notification Letter to Claimant Informing of an Incorrectly Established Claim See the example notification of an incorrectly established claim letter language shown below. Dear [Insert claimant’s first and last name.]: We received your correspondence on [Insert date of receipt.] indicating that you would like to file a claim for benefits for the following condition(s)/issue(s): VA regulations now require all claims to be submitted on a standardized form. Please disregard our prior correspondence regarding these issues. In order for us to adjudicate your request for benefits, you must submit an application. We apologize for any confusion this may have caused. What Should You Do?