M21-1 Adjudication Procedures Manual
The VA's internal manual for how adjudicators develop, examine, and decide disability claims. A browsable, searchable copy of all 429 sections. This is the procedure VA follows; the rating percentages themselves live in 38 CFR Part 4.
M21-1 is a U.S. government work (public domain), reproduced here for reference. Search any term in the site search bar to jump to the relevant section.
Part I
- Part I, Subpart i, Chapter 1, Section A – Description and General Information on Duty to Notify and Duty to Assist
- Part I, Subpart i, Chapter 1, Section B – General Information on Due Process
- Part I, Subpart i, Chapter 2, Section A – General Information on Power of Attorney (POA)
- Part I, Subpart i, Chapter 2, Section B – A Representative’s Right to Notification and Review of Records
- Part I, Subpart i, Chapter 2, Section C – System Updates for Power of Attorney (POA) Appointments
- Part I, Subpart i, Chapter 3 – Other Information Disclosures
- Part I, Subpart ii, Chapter 1, Section A – Structure of the Veterans Service Center (VSC)
- Part I, Subpart ii, Chapter 1, Section B – Organization of the Pension Management Centers (PMCs)
- Part I, Subpart ii, Chapter 1, Section C – Pension Management Center (PMC) Procedures
- Part I, Subpart ii, Chapter 1, Section D – General Information on the Benefit Eligibility Support Team (BEST)
- Part I, Subpart ii, Chapter 2 – Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Benefit Programs
Part II
- Part II, Subpart i, Chapter 1, Section A – Centralized Mail (CM) Intake
- Part II, Subpart i, Chapter 1, Section B – Veterans Claims Intake Program (VCIP) Shipping
- Part II, Subpart i, Chapter 2, Section A – Process Overview for Screening Mail
- Part II, Subpart i, Chapter 2, Section B – Recording the Date of Receipt and Handling Signatures and Outdated Forms
- Part II, Subpart i, Chapter 2, Section C – Mail Management
- Part II, Subpart i, Chapter 2, Section D – Handling Specific Types of Mail
- Part II, Subpart ii, Chapter 1, Section A – Establishing New and Converting Old Claims Folders
- Part II, Subpart ii, Chapter 1, Section B – Lost Paper Claims Folders and Reconciliation of Duplicate Records
- Part II, Subpart ii, Chapter 2, Section A – Folder Maintenance
- Part II, Subpart ii, Chapter 2, Section B – Restricted Records Storage and Control
- Part II, Subpart ii, Chapter 2, Section C – Locked Files Folder Maintenance
- Part II, Subpart ii, Chapter 3 – Claims Jurisdiction and Transfer
- Part II, Subpart iii, Chapter 1, Section A – Applications for Benefits
- Part II, Subpart iii, Chapter 1, Section B – Screening Applications for Benefit Eligibility
- Part II, Subpart iii, Chapter 1, Section C – Screening Applications for Substantial Completeness and Notification Requirements
- Part II, Subpart iii, Chapter 2, Section A – Intent to File (ITF)
- Part II, Subpart iii, Chapter 2, Section B – Supplemental Claims
- Part II, Subpart iii, Chapter 2, Section C – Claims for Increase
- Part II, Subpart iii, Chapter 2, Section D – Claims Based on Reports of Examination or Hospitalization
- Part II, Subpart iii, Chapter 2, Section E – Incorrectly Established Claims
- Part II, Subpart iii, Chapter 2, Section F – Withdrawal of Initial Claims
- Part II, Subpart iii, Chapter 2, Section G – Requests for Application and Claims Solicitation
- Part II, Subpart iii, Chapter 2, Section H – Historical Guidance on Formal Applications and Informal Claims Received Prior to March 24, 2015
- Part II, Subpart iii, Chapter 3, Section A – Claims Establishment
- Part II, Subpart iii, Chapter 3, Section B – System Updates
- Part II, Subpart iii, Chapter 4, Section A – The Veterans Online Application (VONAPP) Direct Connect (VDC) Program and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Claims Submission Service Websites
- Part II, Subpart iii, Chapter 4, Section B – Stakeholder Enterprise Portal (SEP) Claims
Part III
- Part III, Subpart i, Chapter 1, Section A – Establishing Veteran Status
- Part III, Subpart i, Chapter 1, Section B – Service Requirements and Verification of Eligibility
- Part III, Subpart i, Chapter 1, Section C – Civilian Groups Approved for Veteran Status
- Part III, Subpart i, Chapter 2, Section A – Development Duties and Responsibilities
- Part III, Subpart i, Chapter 2, Section B – Duty to Notify Under 38 U.S.C. 5103
- Part III, Subpart i, Chapter 2, Section C – Duty to Assist With Obtaining Records
- Part III, Subpart i, Chapter 2, Section D – Evidence Requested From the Claimant
- Part III, Subpart i, Chapter 2, Section E – Relevance Determinations
- Part III, Subpart i, Chapter 2, Section F – Record Maintenance During the Development Process
- Part III, Subpart ii, Chapter 1, Section A – Requesting Evidence From Federal Record Custodians
- Part III, Subpart ii, Chapter 1, Section B – Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Requests for Information From the Social Security Administration (SSA)
- Part III, Subpart ii, Chapter 1, Section C – Information Requests to Other Federal Agencies
- Part III, Subpart ii, Chapter 2, Section A – General Information on Service Records
- Part III, Subpart ii, Chapter 2, Section B – Procedures for Obtaining Service Treatment Records (STRs)
- Part III, Subpart ii, Chapter 2, Section C – Clinical Records and Personnel Records
- Part III, Subpart ii, Chapter 2, Section D – Control and Follow-Up of Requests for Service Records
- Part III, Subpart ii, Chapter 2, Section E – Service Record Address Codes and Addresses for Military Records Centers and Other Agencies
- Part III, Subpart ii, Chapter 2, Section F – Fire-Related Records, Supplementary or Substitute Records, and Records for Unique Situations
- Part III, Subpart ii, Chapter 2, Section G – Record Exchanges Between the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Service Departments
- Part III, Subpart ii, Chapter 2, Section H – Service Department Organizational Structures and Service Number Assignments
- Part III, Subpart ii, Chapter 3 – Requesting Evidence From Private Health Providers (PHPs)
- Part III, Subpart iv, Chapter 6, Section C – Historical
- Part III, Subpart iv, Chapter 6, Section D – Historical
- Part III, Subpart iv, Chapter 6, Section E – Historical
- Part III, Subpart iv, Chapter 6, Section F – Rescinded
- Part III, Subpart iv, Chapter 7, Section A – Historical
- Part III, Subpart iv, Chapter 7, Section B – Historical
- Part III, Subpart iv, Chapter 8, Section A – Historical
- Part III, Subpart iv, Chapter 8, Section B – Historical
- Part III, Subpart iv, Chapter 8, Section C – Historical
- Part III, Subpart iv, Chapter 8, Section D – Historical
- Part III, Subpart iv, Chapter 8, Section E – Historical
- Part III, Subpart v, Chapter 1, Section A – Historical
- Part III, Subpart v, Chapter 1, Section B – Historical
- Part III, Subpart v, Chapter 1, Section C – Historical
- Part III, Subpart v, Chapter 1, Section D – Historical
- Part III, Subpart v, Chapter 1, Section E – Historical
- Part III, Subpart v, Chapter 1, Section F – Historical
- Part III, Subpart v, Chapter 1, Section G – Historical
- Part III, Subpart v, Chapter 1, Section H – Historical
Part IV
- Part IV, Subpart i, Chapter 1, Section A – Duty to Assist With Providing a Medical Examination or Opinion
- Part IV, Subpart i, Chapter 1, Section B – Evidentiary Standards for Finding an Examination or Opinion Necessary
- Part IV, Subpart i, Chapter 2, Section A – Examination Requests Overview
- Part IV, Subpart i, Chapter 2, Section B – Scheduling Examinations
- Part IV, Subpart i, Chapter 2, Section C – Control of Examinations
- Part IV, Subpart i, Chapter 2, Section D – Exam Liaisons
- Part IV, Subpart i, Chapter 2, Section E – Examinations in Special Situations
- Part IV, Subpart i, Chapter 2, Section F – Failure to Report and Rescheduling Examinations
- Part IV, Subpart i, Chapter 3, Section A – General Criteria for Sufficiency of Examination Reports
- Part IV, Subpart i, Chapter 3, Section B – Examination Sufficiency for Specific Disabilities
- Part IV, Subpart i, Chapter 3, Section C – Insufficient Examinations
- Part IV, Subpart ii, Chapter 1, Section A – Determining the Need for Review Examinations
- Part IV, Subpart ii, Chapter 1, Section B – Control of Future Examinations
- Part IV, Subpart ii, Chapter 2, Section A – Rating Action on Review Examination Results and Cancellations
- Part IV, Subpart ii, Chapter 2, Section B – Failure to Report for Review Examinations
Part V
- Part V, Subpart i, Chapter 1, Section A – General Information on the Rating Activity
- Part V, Subpart i, Chapter 1, Section B – Referrals to the Rating Activity
- Part V, Subpart i, Chapter 1, Section C – Pre-Rating Review of Claims by the Rating Activity
- Part V, Subpart ii, Chapter 1, Section A – Principles of Reviewing and Weighing Evidence
- Part V, Subpart ii, Chapter 1, Section B – Reviewing Testimony and Lay Evidence
- Part V, Subpart ii, Chapter 2, Section A – Direct Service Connection (SC) and Service Incurrence of an Injury
- Part V, Subpart ii, Chapter 2, Section B – Presumptive Service Connection (SC)
- Part V, Subpart ii, Chapter 2, Section C – In-Service Aggravation of a Pre-Service Disability
- Part V, Subpart ii, Chapter 2, Section D – Secondary Service Connection (SC) and Aggravation of Non-Service-Connected (NSC) Disabilities
- Part V, Subpart ii, Chapter 2, Section E – Service Connection (SC) for Congenital, Developmental, or Hereditary Disorders
- Part V, Subpart ii, Chapter 3, Section A – Determining the Issues
- Part V, Subpart ii, Chapter 3, Section B – Making Partial Rating Decisions
- Part V, Subpart ii, Chapter 3, Section C – Reviewing Diagnoses
- Part V, Subpart ii, Chapter 3, Section D – Evaluating Disabilities
- Part V, Subpart ii, Chapter 4, Section A – Effective Dates
- Part V, Subpart ii, Chapter 4, Section B – Historical Guidance on the Assignment of Effective Dates
- Part V, Subpart iii, Chapter 1, Section A – Painful Motion and Functional Loss
- Part V, Subpart iii, Chapter 1, Section B – Musculoskeletal Disabilities of the Extremities and Spine
- Part V, Subpart iii, Chapter 1, Section C – Arthritis
- Part V, Subpart iii, Chapter 1, Section D – Osteomyelitis
- Part V, Subpart iii, Chapter 1, Section E – Muscle Injuries
- Part V, Subpart iii, Chapter 1, Section F – Other Musculoskeletal Considerations
- Part V, Subpart iii, Chapter 10 – Skin Conditions
- Part V, Subpart iii, Chapter 11 – Endocrine Conditions
- Part V, Subpart iii, Chapter 12, Section A – Neurological Conditions and Convulsive Disorders
- Part V, Subpart iii, Chapter 12, Section B – Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
- Part V, Subpart iii, Chapter 12, Section C – Progressive Neurological Disorders
- Part V, Subpart iii, Chapter 13 – Mental Disorders
- Part V, Subpart iii, Chapter 14 – Dental and Oral Conditions
- Part V, Subpart iii, Chapter 2, Section A – Conditions of the Eyes
- Part V, Subpart iii, Chapter 2, Section B – Conditions of the Auditory System
- Part V, Subpart iii, Chapter 3 – Infectious Diseases, Immune Disorders, and Nutritional Deficiencies
- Part V, Subpart iii, Chapter 4, Section A – Respiratory Conditions
- Part V, Subpart iii, Chapter 4, Section B – Tuberculosis
- Part V, Subpart iii, Chapter 5 – Cardiovascular System Conditions
- Part V, Subpart iii, Chapter 6 – Digestive Disabilities
- Part V, Subpart iii, Chapter 7 – Genitourinary Disabilities
- Part V, Subpart iii, Chapter 8, Section A – Disabilities of the Gynecological System
- Part V, Subpart iii, Chapter 8, Section B – Disabilities of the Breast
- Part V, Subpart iii, Chapter 9 – Hematologic and Lymphatic Systems
- Part V, Subpart iv, Chapter 1, Section A – Completing the Rating Decision Narrative
- Part V, Subpart iv, Chapter 1, Section B – Codesheet Section
- Part V, Subpart iv, Chapter 1, Section C – Coded Conclusion
- Part V, Subpart iv, Chapter 1, Section D – Finalizing the Rating Decision
- Part V, Subpart iv, Chapter 1, Section E – Reviewing the Rating Decision
Part VI
- Part VI, Subpart i, Chapter 1, Section A – Decision Authorization
- Part VI, Subpart i, Chapter 1, Section B – Decision Notices
- Part VI, Subpart i, Chapter 2, Section A – Requests for Financial Audits
- Part VI, Subpart i, Chapter 2, Section B – Correcting the Erroneous Payment of Benefits to a Beneficiary
- Part VI, Subpart ii, Chapter 1, Section A – General Information on Elections
- Part VI, Subpart ii, Chapter 1, Section B – Miscellaneous Election Issues
- Part VI, Subpart ii, Chapter 2 – Recoupment of Separation Benefits
- Part VI, Subpart ii, Chapter 3, Section A – Adjusting Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Benefits Based on a Veteran's Receipt of Drill Pay
- Part VI, Subpart ii, Chapter 3, Section B – Withholding and Restoration of Benefits Associated With Receipt of Drill Pay
- Part VI, Subpart ii, Chapter 3, Section C – Examples of Award Adjustments Necessitated by a Veteran's Election of Drill Pay
- Part VI, Subpart ii, Chapter 4, Section A – Elections and Waivers in Military Retired Pay (MRP) Cases
- Part VI, Subpart ii, Chapter 4, Section B – Preparing and Adjusting Awards in Military Retired Pay (MRP) Cases
- Part VI, Subpart ii, Chapter 4, Section C – Coordinating Military Retired Pay (MRP) Cases With Retired Pay Centers (RPCs) and Service Departments
- Part VI, Subpart ii, Chapter 4, Section D – Reconciliation of Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Department of War (DOW), and Department of Transportation (DoT) Records
- Part VI, Subpart ii, Chapter 4, Section E – Processing Audit Error Worksheets (AEWs)
- Part VI, Subpart ii, Chapter 5 – Federal Employees’ Compensation (FEC)
- Part VI, Subpart iii, Chapter 1, Section A – Historical
- Part VI, Subpart iii, Chapter 1, Section B – Historical
- Part VI, Subpart iii, Chapter 1, Section C – Historical
- Part VI, Subpart iii, Chapter 5 – Historical
Part VII
- Part VII, Subpart i, Chapter 1, Section A – General Information on Relationship and Dependency
- Part VII, Subpart i, Chapter 1, Section B – Verification of Marital Status and the Status of Dependents
- Part VII, Subpart i, Chapter 1, Section C – Adjusting Awards for Dependents
- Part VII, Subpart i, Chapter 1, Section D – Dependency Claims Processed by the Rules-Based Processing System (RBPS)
- Part VII, Subpart i, Chapter 2, Section A – Establishing the Validity of a Marriage for Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Purposes
- Part VII, Subpart i, Chapter 2, Section B – Establishing Common Law Marriages
- Part VII, Subpart i, Chapter 2, Section C – Establishing Other Types of Marriages
- Part VII, Subpart i, Chapter 2, Section D – Establishing Marital Relationship in Survivors Cases
- Part VII, Subpart i, Chapter 2, Section E – Remarriage of a Surviving Spouse
- Part VII, Subpart i, Chapter 3, Section A – Establishing a Child’s Age and Relationship
- Part VII, Subpart i, Chapter 3, Section B – Biological Children, Adopted Children, and Stepchildren
- Part VII, Subpart i, Chapter 3, Section C – Marriage of a Child
- Part VII, Subpart i, Chapter 3, Section D – Children With Two Veteran-Parents
- Part VII, Subpart i, Chapter 4, Section A – Establishing Parental Relationship
- Part VII, Subpart i, Chapter 4, Section B – Establishing Parental Dependency
- Part VII, Subpart ii, Chapter 1, Section A – Benefit Entitlement for School Children
- Part VII, Subpart ii, Chapter 1, Section B – Awards and Adjustments Based Upon School Attendance
- Part VII, Subpart iii, Chapter 1, Section A – Historical
- Part VII, Subpart iii, Chapter 1, Section B – Historical
- Part VII, Subpart iii, Chapter 1, Section C – Historical
Part VIII
- Part VIII, Subpart i, Chapter 1, Section A – General Information on Claims Based on Herbicide Exposure
- Part VIII, Subpart i, Chapter 1, Section B – Developing Claims for Service Connection (SC) Based on Herbicide Exposure
- Part VIII, Subpart i, Chapter 1, Section C – Ratings for Disabilities Associated With Herbicide Exposure
- Part VIII, Subpart i, Chapter 1, Section D – Processing Claims Based on Nautical Herbicide Exposure
- Part VIII, Subpart i, Chapter 2, Section A – Developing Claims Under the Nehmer Stipulation
- Part VIII, Subpart i, Chapter 2, Section B – Determining Eligibility to Retroactive Payment Under the Nehmer Stipulation
- Part VIII, Subpart i, Chapter 2, Section C – Authorization Under the Nehmer Stipulation
- Part VIII, Subpart i, Chapter 3, Section A – General Chapter 18 Benefits Information
- Part VIII, Subpart i, Chapter 3, Section B – Process Overview for Chapter 18 Benefits
- Part VIII, Subpart i, Chapter 3, Section C – Eligibility and Development for Chapter 18 Benefits
- Part VIII, Subpart i, Chapter 3, Section D – Rating
- Part VIII, Subpart i, Chapter 3, Section E – Authorization Issues
- Part VIII, Subpart ii, Chapter 1, Section A – General Information on Presumptive Service Connection (SC) for Persian Gulf Veterans
- Part VIII, Subpart ii, Chapter 1, Section B – Developing Presumptive Service Connection (SC) Claims from Persian Gulf Veterans
- Part VIII, Subpart ii, Chapter 1, Section C – Rating Presumptive Service Connection (SC) Claims for Persian Gulf Veterans
- Part VIII, Subpart ii, Chapter 1, Section D – Presumptive Service Connection (SC) for Infectious Disease Under 38 CFR 3.317
- Part VIII, Subpart ii, Chapter 2, Section A – General Information on Claims Based on Exposure to Burn Pits and Other Toxins, Including Fine Particulate Matter (BPOT)
- Part VIII, Subpart ii, Chapter 2, Section B – Developing Claims Based On Exposure to Burn Pits and Other Toxins, Including Fine Particulate Matter (BPOT)
- Part VIII, Subpart ii, Chapter 2, Section C – Rating Claims Based on Exposure to Burn Pits and Other Toxins, Including Fine Particulate Matter (BPOT)
- Part VIII, Subpart iii, Chapter 1 – Service Connection (SC) for Tropical Diseases
- Part VIII, Subpart iii, Chapter 11 – Presumptive Service Connection (SC) for Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)
- Part VIII, Subpart iii, Chapter 2, Section A – Developing Claims for Service Connection (SC) for Positive Tuberculin Reactions
- Part VIII, Subpart iii, Chapter 2, Section B – Awards for Graduated Tuberculosis (TB)
- Part VIII, Subpart iii, Chapter 3, Section A – Developing Claims for Service Connection (SC) for Disabilities Resulting From Exposure to Mustard Gas or Lewisite
- Part VIII, Subpart iii, Chapter 3, Section B – Rating Claims for Disabilities Associated With Mustard Gas or Lewisite Exposure
- Part VIII, Subpart iii, Chapter 4, Section A – Developing Claims for Service Connection (SC) for Disabilities Resulting from Ionizing Radiation Exposure Under 38 CFR 3.309
- Part VIII, Subpart iii, Chapter 4, Section B – Developing Claims for Service Connection (SC) for Disabilities Resulting from Ionizing Radiation Exposure Under 38 CFR 3.311
- Part VIII, Subpart iii, Chapter 4, Section C – Rating Claims for Disabilities Associated With Radiation Exposure
- Part VIII, Subpart iii, Chapter 5, Section A – Developing Claims Based on Participation in Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear and Explosives (CBRNE) Testing
- Part VIII, Subpart iii, Chapter 5, Section B – Rating Claims Based on Participation in Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear and Explosives (CBRNE) Testing
- Part VIII, Subpart iii, Chapter 6, Section A – Developing Claims Based on Participation in Project Shipboard Hazard and Defense (SHAD)
- Part VIII, Subpart iii, Chapter 6, Section B – Rating Claims Based on Participation in Project Shipboard Hazard and Defense (SHAD)
- Part VIII, Subpart iii, Chapter 7, Section A – General Information on Claims Based on Exposure to Asbestos
- Part VIII, Subpart iii, Chapter 7, Section B – Development and Examination Requests for Claims Based on Exposure to Asbestos
- Part VIII, Subpart iii, Chapter 7, Section C – Evaluating Evidence of Asbestos Exposure
- Part VIII, Subpart iii, Chapter 7, Section D – Rating Claims Based on Exposure to Asbestos
- Part VIII, Subpart iii, Chapter 8, Section A – Developing Claims Based on Exposure to Contaminants in the Water Supply at Camp Lejeune
- Part VIII, Subpart iii, Chapter 8, Section B – Rating Claims Based on Exposure to Contaminants in the Water Supply at Camp Lejeune
- Part VIII, Subpart iii, Chapter 9, Section A – General Information on Exposure to Specific Environmental or Military Occupational Hazards (EMOHs)
- Part VIII, Subpart iii, Chapter 9, Section B – Processing Claims Based on Exposure to Specific Environmental or Military Occupational Hazards (EMOHs)
- Part VIII, Subpart iv, Chapter 1, Section A – General Information and Development for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Claims
- Part VIII, Subpart iv, Chapter 1, Section B – Development for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or Other Claims Related to Personal Trauma
- Part VIII, Subpart iv, Chapter 1, Section C – Examinations and Medical Opinions for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Claims
- Part VIII, Subpart iv, Chapter 1, Section D – Evidence Evaluation and Decisions for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Claims
- Part VIII, Subpart iv, Chapter 1, Section E – Evidence Evaluation and Decisions for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Claims Related to Personal Trauma
- Part VIII, Subpart iv, Chapter 2, Section A – Former Prisoner of War (FPOW) Status
- Part VIII, Subpart iv, Chapter 2, Section B – Former Prisoner of War (FPOW) Service Records
- Part VIII, Subpart iv, Chapter 2, Section C – Development and Examination Request for Claims Based on Former Prisoner of War (FPOW) Status
- Part VIII, Subpart iv, Chapter 2, Section D – Rating Claims Based on Former Prisoner of War (FPOW) Status
- Part VIII, Subpart iv, Chapter 3, Section A – General Information on Individual Unemployability (IU) Claims
- Part VIII, Subpart iv, Chapter 3, Section B – Individual Unemployability (IU) Claims Development
- Part VIII, Subpart iv, Chapter 3, Section C – Individual Unemployability (IU) Rating and Decision Review
- Part VIII, Subpart iv, Chapter 3, Section D – Monitoring Income for Veterans in Receipt of Individual Unemployability (IU)
- Part VIII, Subpart iv, Chapter 4, Section A – Special Monthly Compensation (SMC)
- Part VIII, Subpart iv, Chapter 4, Section B – History of Special Monthly Compensation (SMC)
- Part VIII, Subpart iv, Chapter 5 – Service Connection (SC) for Chronic Diseases
- Part VIII, Subpart iv, Chapter 6, Section A – Developing Claims Filed Under 38 U.S.C. 1151
- Part VIII, Subpart iv, Chapter 6, Section B – Rating Claims Filed Under 38 U.S.C. 1151
- Part VIII, Subpart iv, Chapter 6, Section C – Authorization of Awards Under 38 U.S.C. 1151
- Part VIII, Subpart iv, Chapter 7, Section A – Compensation for Paired Organs or Extremities Under 38 CFR 3.383
- Part VIII, Subpart iv, Chapter 7, Section B – Awards and Offsets for Paired Organs and Extremities Under 38 CFR 3.383
- Part VIII, Subpart iv, Chapter 8, Section A – Prestabilization Ratings Under 38 CFR 4.28
- Part VIII, Subpart iv, Chapter 8, Section B – Hospitalization Ratings Under 38 CFR 4.29
- Part VIII, Subpart iv, Chapter 8, Section C – Convalescent Ratings Under 38 CFR 4.30
- Part VIII, Subpart iv, Chapter 8, Section D – Other Temporary Total Evaluations
- Part VIII, Subpart iv, Chapter 9, Section A – Claims Based on Participation in Special Operations Incidents
- Part VIII, Subpart iv, Chapter 9, Section B – Diving-Related Disabilities
Part IX
- Part IX, Subpart i, Chapter 1 – Overview of Requirements and Development for Pension and Parents’ Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)
- Part IX, Subpart i, Chapter 2 – Original Pension Claims Development
- Part IX, Subpart i, Chapter 3, Section A – General Information on Income and Net Worth Development
- Part IX, Subpart i, Chapter 3, Section B – Income and Net Worth Development Forms and Acceptable Statements
- Part IX, Subpart i, Chapter 3, Section C – Pension Income Development
- Part IX, Subpart i, Chapter 3, Section D – Reduction of Income Due to Unreimbursed Expenses
- Part IX, Subpart ii, Chapter 1, Section A – General Information on Requirements for Aid and Attendance (A&A) and Housebound Status Under 38 CFR 3.351
- Part IX, Subpart ii, Chapter 1, Section B – Aid and Attendance (A&A) Status for Beneficiaries Who Are Patients in a Qualified Nursing Home
- Part IX, Subpart ii, Chapter 2, Section A – Requirements for Veterans Pension Ratings
- Part IX, Subpart ii, Chapter 2, Section B – Determining Disability, Unemployability, and Marginal Employment for Pension
- Part IX, Subpart ii, Chapter 2, Section C – Special Monthly Pension (SMP) Ratings
- Part IX, Subpart iii, Chapter 1, Section A – General Information on the Effect Income and Net Worth Have on Pension and Parents’ Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)
- Part IX, Subpart iii, Chapter 1, Section B – Social Security Administration (SSA) Benefits Program
- Part IX, Subpart iii, Chapter 1, Section C – Section 306 Pension and Old-Law Pension
- Part IX, Subpart iii, Chapter 1, Section D – Parents’ Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) Authorization
- Part IX, Subpart iii, Chapter 1, Section E – Pension - Basic Rate Determinations
- Part IX, Subpart iii, Chapter 1, Section F – Dependents for Current-Law Pension Purposes
- Part IX, Subpart iii, Chapter 1, Section G – Pension - Deductible Medical Expenses
- Part IX, Subpart iii, Chapter 1, Section H – Adjustments Based on Changes in Status
- Part IX, Subpart iii, Chapter 1, Section I – Counting Specific Types of Income
- Part IX, Subpart iii, Chapter 1, Section J – Net Worth, Asset Transfers, and Penalty Periods
- Part IX, Subpart iii, Chapter 1, Section K – Other Deductible Expenses
- Part IX, Subpart iii, Chapter 2, Section A – Pension Reductions for Medicaid-Covered Nursing Facility Care
- Part IX, Subpart iii, Chapter 2, Section B – Pension Adjustments in Unusual Situations
- Part IX, Subpart iii, Chapter 2, Section C – Elections Between Pension Programs
Part X
- Part X, Subpart i, Chapter 1 – Priority Processing Programs and Special Requirements
- Part X, Subpart i, Chapter 2, Section A – General Information About the Fully Developed Claim (FDC) Program
- Part X, Subpart i, Chapter 2, Section B – Processing Fully Developed Claims (FDCs)
- Part X, Subpart i, Chapter 3, Section A – Jurisdiction for Special Act and Foreign Residency Claims
- Part X, Subpart i, Chapter 3, Section B – Adjudication Procedures for Foreign Claims
- Part X, Subpart i, Chapter 4, Section A – General Information on Philippine Cases
- Part X, Subpart i, Chapter 4, Section B – Eligibility for Benefits Based on Philippines Service
- Part X, Subpart i, Chapter 4, Section C – Development of Philippine Claims
- Part X, Subpart i, Chapter 4, Section D – Awards and Payments for Benefits Due to Philippine Service
- Part X, Subpart i, Chapter 5, Section A – Establishing Veteran Status Based on Merchant Marine Service
- Part X, Subpart i, Chapter 5, Section B – Obtaining Merchant Marine Service Records
- Part X, Subpart i, Chapter 6, Section A – Introduction to Pre-Discharge Claims
- Part X, Subpart i, Chapter 6, Section B – Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) and Initial Processing
- Part X, Subpart i, Chapter 6, Section C – Division of Responsibilities – Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) and BDD-Excluded Claims
- Part X, Subpart i, Chapter 6, Section D – Ancillary Benefits and Other Issues Involving Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) or BDD-Excluded Claims
- Part X, Subpart i, Chapter 6, Section E – Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES), Referrals, and Initial Processing
- Part X, Subpart i, Chapter 6, Section F – Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES) Development and Examinations
- Part X, Subpart i, Chapter 6, Section G – Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES) Pending Claims, Appeals, and Previously Denied Issues
- Part X, Subpart i, Chapter 6, Section H – Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES) Proposed Ratings
- Part X, Subpart i, Chapter 6, Section I – Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES) Processing Based on Service Department Outcomes
- Part X, Subpart i, Chapter 6, Section J – Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES) Final Ratings
- Part X, Subpart i, Chapter 6, Section K – Special Situations Related to Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES)
- Part X, Subpart ii, Chapter 1, Section A – Finality of Decisions
- Part X, Subpart ii, Chapter 1, Section B – Protected Ratings
- Part X, Subpart ii, Chapter 2, Section A – Revision Based on Specific Types of Submissions, Including Supplemental Claims
- Part X, Subpart ii, Chapter 2, Section B – Revision Based on Receipt of Supplemental Service Records
- Part X, Subpart ii, Chapter 3, Section A – Notice of Proposed Adverse Action
- Part X, Subpart ii, Chapter 3, Section B – Adverse Action Proposal Period
- Part X, Subpart ii, Chapter 3, Section C – Contemporaneous Notice
- Part X, Subpart ii, Chapter 3, Section D – Completing Proposed Rating Decisions
- Part X, Subpart ii, Chapter 4, Section A – Rating Decisions for Reduction Due to Improvement
- Part X, Subpart ii, Chapter 4, Section B – Authorization for Reductions in Disability Evaluations Under 38 CFR 3.105(e)
- Part X, Subpart ii, Chapter 5, Section A – Revision Due to Clear and Unmistakable Error (CUE)
- Part X, Subpart ii, Chapter 5, Section B – Severance of Service Connection (SC)
- Part X, Subpart ii, Chapter 5, Section C – Due Process and Authorization Issues for Clear and Unmistakable Error (CUE)
- Part X, Subpart ii, Chapter 6, Section A – Evaluating and Rating Competency
- Part X, Subpart ii, Chapter 6, Section B – A Child’s Permanent Incapacity for Self-Support
- Part X, Subpart ii, Chapter 6, Section C – General Information on Incompetency and Fiduciary Cases
- Part X, Subpart ii, Chapter 6, Section D – Processing Awards to Incompetent Beneficiaries
- Part X, Subpart ii, Chapter 6, Section E – Authorizing Awards for Fiduciary Cases
- Part X, Subpart ii, Chapter 6, Section F – Awards Specific to Institutionalized, Incompetent Veterans
- Part X, Subpart ii, Chapter 6, Section G – Competency Determinations for the Insurance Center (IC)
- Part X, Subpart ii, Chapter 6, Section H – Historical Information on Estate Limitations
- Part X, Subpart iii, Chapter 1, Section A – Reports of Hospitalization and Other Information Exchanges Between Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Regional Offices (ROs) and Medical Facilities
- Part X, Subpart iii, Chapter 1, Section B – Adjusting Compensation When a Veteran Is Hospitalized in Excess of 21 Days or Receives Care Consistent With 38 CFR 4.30
- Part X, Subpart iii, Chapter 1, Section C – Adjusting Awards Involving an Aid and Attendance (A&A) Allowance
- Part X, Subpart iv, Chapter 1, Section A – Character of Discharge (COD) and Bars to Benefits
- Part X, Subpart iv, Chapter 1, Section B – Special Topics Involving Character of Discharge
- Part X, Subpart iv, Chapter 1, Section C – Willful Misconduct and Line of Duty (LOD)
- Part X, Subpart iv, Chapter 1, Section D – Disability or Death from Use of Alcohol, Drugs, or Tobacco Products
- Part X, Subpart iv, Chapter 1, Section E – Processing Cases Involving Common Accidents in Service
- Part X, Subpart iv, Chapter 1, Section F – Reversal of Prior Determinations Related to Character of Discharge (COD), Line of Duty (LOD), or Willful Misconduct
- Part X, Subpart iv, Chapter 2, Section A – Insanity Determinations
- Part X, Subpart iv, Chapter 2, Section B – Considering Eligibility When Homicide Is Involved
- Part X, Subpart iv, Chapter 3, Section A – Fraud and Laboratory Analysis of Evidence
- Part X, Subpart iv, Chapter 3, Section B – Forfeiture of Benefits
- Part X, Subpart iv, Chapter 4 – Renouncements
- Part X, Subpart v, Chapter 1, Section A – Compensation Service and Pension and Fiduciary (P&F) Service Guidance
- Part X, Subpart v, Chapter 1, Section B – Equitable Relief
- Part X, Subpart v, Chapter 1, Section C – Administrative Decisions
- Part X, Subpart v, Chapter 1, Section D – Regional Office (RO) Hearings
- Part X, Subpart v, Chapter 1, Section E – Requests for Field Examinations
- Part X, Subpart v, Chapter 2, Section A – Evaluating a Pending Claim When a Veteran Returns to Active Duty
- Part X, Subpart v, Chapter 2, Section B – Award Adjustments Necessitated by a Veteran's Return to and Discharge From Active Duty
- Part X, Subpart v, Chapter 2, Section C – Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA)
- Part X, Subpart v, Chapter 2, Section D – Proceeds
Part XI
- Part XI, Subpart i, Chapter 1, Section A – General Policies for Veteran First Notice of Death (FNOD) Processing
- Part XI, Subpart i, Chapter 1, Section B – System Information for Veteran Notice of Death (NOD) and Month of Death (MOD) Processing
- Part XI, Subpart i, Chapter 1, Section C – Errors During Notice of Death (NOD) Processing
- Part XI, Subpart i, Chapter 1, Section D – General Procedures for Non-Veteran Beneficiary Notice of Death (NOD) Processing
- Part XI, Subpart i, Chapter 2, Section A – Reports of Casualty
- Part XI, Subpart i, Chapter 2, Section B – Finding of Fact and Date of Death
- Part XI, Subpart i, Chapter 2, Section C – Presumption of Death
- Part XI, Subpart ii, Chapter 1 – Referral for Consideration of Survivor's Benefits
- Part XI, Subpart ii, Chapter 2 – Month of Death (MOD) Benefit
- Part XI, Subpart ii, Chapter 3, Section A – Entitlement to Accrued Benefits Under 38 U.S.C. 5121
- Part XI, Subpart ii, Chapter 3, Section B – Substitution in Case of Death of Claimant
- Part XI, Subpart ii, Chapter 3, Section C – Development for Accrued and Requests for Substitution
- Part XI, Subpart ii, Chapter 3, Section D – Rating Accrued Claims
- Part XI, Subpart ii, Chapter 3, Section E – Accrued Authorization and Notification
- Part XI, Subpart ii, Chapter 4 – Issuing Death Gratuity Certificates to Service Departments
- Part XI, Subpart iii, Chapter 1, Section A – General Information on Burial Benefits and Allowances
- Part XI, Subpart iii, Chapter 1, Section B – Burial Benefits
- Part XI, Subpart iii, Chapter 1, Section C – Burial Authorization Payment Issues
- Part XI, Subpart iii, Chapter 1, Section D – Memorialization
Part XII
- Part XII, Subpart i, Chapter 1, Section A – Overview of Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)
- Part XII, Subpart i, Chapter 1, Section B – Common Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) Processing Issues
- Part XII, Subpart i, Chapter 1, Section C – In-Service Death and Former Prisoner of War (FPOW) Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) Claims
- Part XII, Subpart i, Chapter 2, Section A – Ratings for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)
- Part XII, Subpart i, Chapter 2, Section B – Aid and Attendance (A&A) and Housebound Determinations for Survivors
- Part XII, Subpart i, Chapter 3, Section A – Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) Initial Authorization Issues
- Part XII, Subpart i, Chapter 3, Section B – Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) Awards Following Death of a Surviving Spouse or Dependent
- Part XII, Subpart i, Chapter 3, Section C – Awarding Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) to Children Based on the Determination of Surviving Spouse Entitlement
- Part XII, Subpart i, Chapter 3, Section D – Awards Barred by Receipt of Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance (FEGLI)
- Part XII, Subpart i, Chapter 3, Section E – Allowance, Allotments, or Service Pay Under 38 U.S.C. 5110(j)
- Part XII, Subpart i, Chapter 3, Section F – Prohibition Against Duplication of Benefits
- Part XII, Subpart i, Chapter 4, Section A – Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) Benefits Based on Social Security Administration (SSA) Application
- Part XII, Subpart i, Chapter 4, Section B – Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) Allowance Under 38 U.S.C. 1311(a)(2) and Other Allowances
- Part XII, Subpart i, Chapter 4, Section C – Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) Offsets
- Part XII, Subpart ii, Chapter 1 – Death Compensation
- Part XII, Subpart ii, Chapter 2, Section A – Special Allowance Under 38 U.S.C. 1312(a)
- Part XII, Subpart ii, Chapter 2, Section B – Eligibility Determinations and Claims for the Special Allowance Under 38 U.S.C. 1312(a)
- Part XII, Subpart ii, Chapter 2, Section C – Development of Claims for the Special Allowance Under 38 U.S.C. 1312(a)
- Part XII, Subpart ii, Chapter 2, Section D – Authorization and Notification for the Special Allowance Under 38 U.S.C. 1312(a)
- Part XII, Subpart ii, Chapter 3, Section A – Overview of the Restored Entitlement Program for Survivors (REPS)
- Part XII, Subpart ii, Chapter 3, Section B – Handling Claims for Restored Entitlement Program for Survivors (REPS) Benefits
- Part XII, Subpart ii, Chapter 3, Section C – St. Louis Regional Office (RO) Actions on Claims for Benefits Under the Restored Entitlement Program for Survivors (REPS)
Part XIII
- Part XIII, Subpart i, Chapter 1, Section A – Ratings for Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA)
- Part XIII, Subpart i, Chapter 1, Section B – Notification and Award Actions for Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA)
- Part XIII, Subpart i, Chapter 1, Section C – Ratings to Extend the Delimiting Date for Educational Assistance
- Part XIII, Subpart i, Chapter 2, Section A – Automobile and Adaptive Equipment Allowance Under 38 U.S.C. Chapter 39
- Part XIII, Subpart i, Chapter 2, Section B – Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) or Special Home Adaptation (SHA) Grants
- Part XIII, Subpart i, Chapter 3, Section A – General Information on Eligibility for Medical Services
- Part XIII, Subpart i, Chapter 3, Section B – Healthcare Eligibility Determinations for Former Service Members Discharged Under Other-Than-Honorable (OTH) Conditions
- Part XIII, Subpart i, Chapter 3, Section C – Service Connection (SC) for Mental Conditions for Treatment Purposes Under 38 U.S.C. 1702
- Part XIII, Subpart i, Chapter 3, Section D – Eligibility for Medical Services Associated With Aid and Attendance (A&A) or Housebound Status
- Part XIII, Subpart i, Chapter 3, Section E – Medical Treatment for Veterans Showing a Positive Tuberculin Reaction
- Part XIII, Subpart i, Chapter 3, Section F – Medical Treatment for Veterans Treated with Nasopharyngeal Radium Irradiation (NRI)
- Part XIII, Subpart i, Chapter 3, Section G – Eligibility for Medical Services for Polish and Czechoslovakian Armed Forces
- Part XIII, Subpart i, Chapter 3, Section I – Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA) Eligibility Determinations
- Part XIII, Subpart i, Chapter 4, Section A – Overview of Classes of Eligibility for Dental Treatment
- Part XIII, Subpart i, Chapter 4, Section B – Processing Dental Claims
- Part XIII, Subpart i, Chapter 4, Section C – Ratings for Dental Treatment Purposes
- Part XIII, Subpart i, Chapter 5, Section A – Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) Eligibility
- Part XIII, Subpart i, Chapter 5, Section B – Memorandum Ratings for Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) Purposes
- Part XIII, Subpart i, Chapter 6 – Medal of Honor Pension (MOHP)
- Part XIII, Subpart i, Chapter 7, Section A – Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Home Loan Program
- Part XIII, Subpart i, Chapter 7, Section B – Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Pension-Related Home Loans
- Part XIII, Subpart i, Chapter 8, Section A – Clothing Allowance
- Part XIII, Subpart ii, Chapter 1, Section A – Social Security Administration (SSA) Requests for Medical Evidence
- Part XIII, Subpart ii, Chapter 1, Section B – Social Security Administration (SSA) Requests for the Amount of Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Benefits Received
- Part XIII, Subpart ii, Chapter 1, Section C – Compensation-Based Income Calculations for Social Security Administration (SSA) Purposes
- Part XIII, Subpart ii, Chapter 1, Section D – Pension-Based Income Calculations for Social Security Administration (SSA) Purposes
- Part XIII, Subpart ii, Chapter 1, Section E – Calculating Income for Survivor's Benefits for Social Security Administration (SSA) Purposes
- Part XIII, Subpart ii, Chapter 2, Section A – Civil Service Veterans' Preference Letter
- Part XIII, Subpart ii, Chapter 2, Section B – Ratings for Veterans' Civil Service Disability Preference
- Part XIII, Subpart ii, Chapter 2, Section C – State or Municipal Disability Preference Certificate
- Part XIII, Subpart ii, Chapter 2, Section D – Information Sharing With the Office of Personnel Management (OPM)
- Part XIII, Subpart ii, Chapter 3, Section A – Certificate of Preference for Public Housing
- Part XIII, Subpart ii, Chapter 3, Section B – Requests from Public Assistance Agencies
- Part XIII, Subpart ii, Chapter 3, Section C – Public Benefit Eligibility for Legal Aliens
- Part XIII, Subpart ii, Chapter 4, Section A – Certifications of Permanent and Total (P&T) Disability for Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Purposes
- Part XIII, Subpart ii, Chapter 4, Section B – Request for Information Regarding State Bonus or Tax Exemption
- Part XIII, Subpart ii, Chapter 5, Section A – Certification for Service Academy Appointment
- Part XIII, Subpart ii, Chapter 5, Section B – Certificate of Permanent and Total (P&T) Disability for Discontinuation of Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) Participation
- Part XIII, Subpart ii, Chapter 5, Section C – Information Requests for Research Purposes
Part XIV
- Part XIV, Chapter 1 – General Information on Matching Programs
- Part XIV, Chapter 2, Section A – Social Security Income Match
- Part XIV, Chapter 2, Section B – Social Security Death Master File (DMF) Match
- Part XIV, Chapter 2, Section C – Social Security Number (SSN) Verification
- Part XIV, Chapter 3 – Routine Review of Running Awards to 100-Year-Old Beneficiaries
- Part XIV, Chapter 4, Section A – Federal Tax Information (FTI) Match_ General Information
- Part XIV, Chapter 4, Section B – Federal Tax Information (FTI) Match_ Safeguarding
- Part XIV, Chapter 4, Section C – Federal Tax Information (FTI) Match_ Post Award Audit (PAA) for Pension and Parents' Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) Beneficiaries
- Part XIV, Chapter 4, Section D – Federal Tax Information (FTI)_ Income Verification Match (IVM)
- Part XIV, Chapter 5 – Matching Programs That Identify Veterans That Returned to Active Duty
- Part XIV, Chapter 6 – Review of Potential Duplicate Payment Cases
- Part XIV, Chapter 7 – Data-Matching Programs That Identify Incarcerated Beneficiaries and Dependents
- Part XIV, Chapter 8 – Fugitive Felon Match