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M21-1 Compensation and Pension Manual¹

Contents

M21-1, Part IV, Subpart ii, Chapter 2, Section C—Service Connection (SC) for Disabilities Resulting From Exposure to Environmental Hazards or Service in the Republic of Vietnam (RVN)

This section discusses the rating guidelines pertaining to claims based on various exposures to include ionizing radiation, asbestos, herbicides, mustard gas, and other environmental hazards.

M21-1, Part IV, Subpart ii, Chapter 2, Section F—Compensation Based on Individual Unemployability (IU)

To provide guidance in processing, developing, and adjudicating claims for total disability due to individual unemployability.

M21-1, Part IV, Subpart ii, Chapter 2, Section B—Determining Service Connection (SC) This section provides procedures for determining service connection on direct, presumptive, aggravation, and secondary bases. Guidance is also given for congenital, developmental, and hereditary disorders.

M21-1, Part III, Subpart ii, Chapter 2, Section B—Claims for Disability Compensation and/or Pension, and Claims for Survivors Benefits

This section contains information about the process of applying for disability compensation and/or pension for Veterans and the process of applying for survivors benefits such as dependency and indemnity compensation (DIC) and pension.

M21-1, Part III, Subpart iii, Chapter 1, Section C—Requesting Evidence from Federal Record Custodians

This section provides general information on requesting evidence from Federal records custodians.

M21-1, Part IV, Subpart ii, Chapter 1, Section D—Claims for Service Connection (SC) for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

This section contains guidance on developing claims for service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

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¹ Published by the Department of Veterans Affairs. See https://www.benefits.va.gov/WARMS/M21_1MR.asp (accessed December 28, 2018).

M21-1, Part IV, Subpart ii, Chapter 1, Section H—Developing Claims for Service Connection (SC) Based on Herbicide Exposure

This section contains development guidance for claims based on herbicide exposure.

M21-1, Part III, Subpart iv, Chapter 4, Section A—Musculoskeletal Conditions

This chapter provides general information on evaluating musculoskeletal conditions.

M21-1, Part III, Subpart v, Chapter 2, Section B—Decision Notices

This section contains general information about decision notices, preparing decision notices for visually impaired Veterans, decision notices that contain FTI, and the generation of decision notices using RADL.

M21-1, Part III, Subpart iv, Chapter 3, Section D—Examination Reports

This section includes information about location of, requirements for, and reviewing examination reports.

M21-1, Part III, Subpart ii, Chapter 3, Section C—System Updates

This section contains information on various system updates for both Share and the Veterans Benefits Management System (VBMS) including changing contact information, third party information requests, updating power of attorney appointments, and military service information.

M21-1, Part III, Subpart iii, Chapter 5, Section K—Verification of Marital Status and the Status of Dependents

This section pertains to the periodic verification of marital status and the status of dependents to include screening of questionnaires, award actions based on information provided in the questionnaire, and what to do if a questionnaire is not received.

M21-1, Part III, Subpart ii, Chapter 6, Section A—Establishing Veteran Status

This section contains information regarding eligibility requirements for Veteran status to include Reserves and National Guard.

M21-1, Part III, Subpart iii, Chapter 5, Section A—General Information on Relationship and Dependency

This section contains information on the establishment of relationship and dependency, jurisdiction over relationship determinations, handling notices and claims from beneficiaries regarding their dependents, and the requirement for disclosure of SSNs.

M21-1, Part III, Subpart ii, Chapter 1, Section C—Initial Screening Policies

This section provides an overview of the policies and procedures for initial screening of mail.

M21-1, Part III, Subpart ii, Chapter 2, Section C—Informal Claims Received Prior to March 24, 2015, Communication of an Intent to File (ITF), and Requests for Application

This section contains information about informal claims, Intent to File and Request for Application processes, incomplete applications, claims based on examination or hospitalization reports, and incorrectly established claims.

M21-1, Part III, Subpart iv, Chapter 4, Section N—Neurological Conditions and Convulsive Disorders

Topics on neurological conditions and convulsive disorders to include traumatic brain injury (TBI), multiple sclerosis (MS), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), peripheral nerve impairment, epilepsy, and migraine headaches.

M21-1, Part III, Subpart iv, Chapter 6, Section B—Determining the Issues

This section provides information for determining the types of issues and claims for the rating process including consideration of subordinate issues, ancillary benefits, paired organs and extremities, and extra-schedular considerations.

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