M21-1 Manual / Part VIII, Subpart i, Chapter 2, Section A

Developing Claims Under the Nehmer Stipulation

M21-1, Part VIII, Subpart i, Chapter 2, Section A

Overview

In This Section

This section contains the topic “Developing Claims Under the Nehmer Stipulation.”

1. Developing Claims Under the Nehmer Stipulation

Introduction

This topic contains information on developing claims under the Nehmer stipulation for disabilities resulting from exposure to herbicides, including
development actions following claims folder review
end product (EP) control of claims under the Nehmer stipulation, and
requesting examinations in claims involving Nehmer.

Change Date

November 1, 2021

VIII.i.2.A.1.a. Development Actions Following Claims Folder Review

Development actions following a Nehmer claims folder review may include development for
medical evidence
verification of service
dependency
payee status
military pay, and/or
burial information.

VIII.i.2.A.1.b. EP Control of Claims Under the Nehmer Stipulation

When the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) initiates a readjudication under Nehmer, project guidance will include proper end product (EP) controls specific to the particular readjudication effort. If Nehmer is found to apply during the usual claim process, use the table below to determine the appropriate EP control(s) for application.

If …	Then …
all of the contentions associated with the pending claim are impacted by Nehmer applicability	change the pending EP control to EP 681 for completion of processing.Exception: If the Nehmer contention is controlled under an EP 030 or 040, establish a companion EP 681.
only some of the contentions associated with the pending claim are impacted by Nehmer applicability	establish a separate EP 681 for control of the Nehmer-eligible contentions, and remove those contentions from association with the concurrent rating EP.

Note: Ensure to affix any specific claim attributes required by M21-4, Appendix E. References: For more information on
historical Nehmer readjudication EPs, see M21-4, Appendix B, and
rating considerations in Nehmer claims, see M21-1, Part VIII, Subpart i, 2.B.

VIII.i.2.A.1.c. Requesting Examinations in Claims Involving Nehmer

The mere passage of time since a VA examination was completed does not automatically require VA to provide a new medical examination, as stated in Palczewski v. Nicholson, 21 Vet.App. 174, 182 (2007). The determination of whether an examination is warranted is made on a case-by-case basis primarily focused on whether the evidence of record is adequate for rating purposes in accordance with 38 CFR 3.326 and, irrespective of age, accurately reflects the overall disability picture. Reference: For more information on when medical evidence is adequate for rating purposes, see M21-1, Part IV, Subpart i, 1.A.

Source: VA M21-1 Adjudication Procedures Manual, M21-1, Part VIII, Subpart i, Chapter 2, Section A (U.S. government work, reproduced for reference). Browse all sections →