M21-1 Manual  /  Part VIII, Subpart iii, Chapter 5, Section B

Rating Claims Based on Participation in Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear and Explosives (CBRNE) Testing

M21-1, Part VIII, Subpart iii, Chapter 5, Section B

Overview

In This Section

This section contains the topic “Rating Claims Based on Participation in CBRNE Testing.”

1. Rating Claims Based on CBRNE Testing

Introduction

This topic contains information on rating claims based on CBRNE testing, including
  • considering service connection (SC) based on CBRNE test participation
  • reviewing an examination and medical opinion for claims based on CBRNE testing, and
  • CBRNE rating requirements.

Change Date

March 17, 2025

VIII.iii.5.B.1.a. Considering SC Based on CBRNE Test Participation

There are no presumptive conditions or disabilities recognized as common to chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosives (CBRNE) testing. The determination of whether to award service connection (SC) for a disease or injury claimed as related to participation in CBRNE testing falls under the direct SC provisions. Decisions to award or deny SC should also consider all exposures the Veteran incurred in all documented toxic exposure risk activity (TERA) participation, to include CBRNE testing.References: For more information on

VIII.iii.5.B.1.b. Reviewing an Examination and Medical Opinion for Claims Based on CBRNE Testing

When reviewing an examination and medical opinion for claims based on CBRNE testing, ensure that the examination report meets the TERA examination sufficiency requirements as outlined in the PACT Act Implementation SOP. Reference: For more information on sufficiency of examination reports, see M21-1, Part IV, Subpart i, 3.A.

VIII.iii.5.B.1.c. CBRNE Rating Requirements

In addition to the general rating narrative requirements outlined in M21-1, Part V, Subpart iv, 1.A, CBRNE rating decisions must follow the below guidelines.
  • Since CBRNE is considered TERA participation, the rating decision must follow the TERA rating guidance outlined in the PACT Implementation SOP.
  • When denying SC because an explicit allegation of CBRNE test participation could not be established, the rating decision must include the following free text to the rating narrative:
You reported participating in Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear and Explosives (CBRNE) testing. The evidence of record does not show you participated in CBRNE testing.
  • When completing the SUBJECT field on the ISSUE MANAGEMENT tab in Veterans Benefits Management System – Rating (VBMS-R), end the description of the disability with [CBRNE] regardless of whether the issue is being awarded or denied. This will clearly identify the CBRNE claimed issues, or those issues which the decision maker has decided are related to CBRNE testing, on the Codesheet.
Example: Scar, right upper extremity [CBRNE].Reference: For more information on entering decisions in VBMS-R, see the VBMS Rating User Guide.

Source: VA M21-1 Adjudication Procedures Manual, M21-1, Part VIII, Subpart iii, Chapter 5, Section B (U.S. government work, reproduced for reference). Browse all sections →