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Updated Mar 16, 2022

In This Section
 
 

1.  Medical Treatment for Veterans Showing a Positive Tuberculin Reaction

Introduction

  

This topic contains information on medical treatment for Veterans showing a positive tuberculin reaction, including

Change Date

   April 12, 2007

XIII.i.3.E.1.a. Chemotherapy Program Adopted by the Service Departments

  
Individuals who receive tuberculin tests sometimes show a change from negative to positive without any other evidence of a tuberculosis infection.
 
The military service departments have adopted a program of chemotherapy for personnel who had a negative tuberculin test on entrance into service, but who were found to have converted to positive during service.

XIII.i.3.E.1.b. Policy on Chemotherapy Treatments

  
Chemotherapy prescribed for personnel testing positive for tuberculin reaction is to be continued over a 12-month period to reduce the possibility of subsequently acquiring tuberculosis.
 
Important:  A positive tuberculin reaction without any other evidence of a tuberculosis infection is not a disease or disability and is not a reason for discharge from service.

XIII.i.3.E.1.c. Chemotherapy for Discharged Personnel

  
At the request of the military service departments, Department of Veteran Affairs medical facilities provide continued chemotherapy for the remainder of the 12-month period to discharged personnel who tested positive for tuberculosis during service.
 
After treatment, the medical facility forwards VA Form 10-7131, Exchange of Beneficiary Information and Request for Administrative and Adjudicative Action, to the regional office with the following legend:
 
Medical care being authorized for positive reaction to tuberculin test on basis of prima facie evidence of eligibility.

XIII.i.3.E.1.d.  Processing VA Form 10-7131 for Discharged Personnel Testing Positive for Tuberculosis

  
Follow the steps in the table below when you receive VA Form 10-7131 is received for discharged personnel testing positive for tuberculosis.
 
Step
Action
1
Interpret VA Form 10-7131 to mean there is no disease or disability present.
2
Associate VA Form 10-7131 with the claims folder without any control.
 
Notes:
  • A final report of examination is submitted at the end of the 12-month treatment period.
  • When completing any VA Form 10-7131, subsequently received in which Service-Connected is checked in Part I, do not make any reference to service connection for a positive tuberculin reaction.
Reference:  For more information on compensation claims based on a positive tuberculin reaction, see M21-1, Part VIII, Subpart iii, 2.A.