In This Section

Introduction

• system-generated data table entries organized by field, and
• Jurisdiction of the Codesheet.

Change Date

V.iv.1.B.1.a.  System-Generated Data Table Entries Organized by Field

V.iv.1.B.1.b.  Jurisdiction of the Codesheet

• appears below the heading section
• explains why the case is before the rating activity
• refers to the claim at issue, and
• cites the pertinent jurisdictional date.

Introduction

• generating additional service codes, and
• description of the codes.

Change Date

V.iv.1.B.2.a.  Generating Additional Service Codes

V.iv.1.B.2.b.  Description of the Codes

Introduction

• definition of combat disability, and
• description of combat status codes.

Change Date

V.iv.1.B.3.a.  Definition:  Combat Disability

• wounds by missiles (bullets or shrapnel)
• psychological trauma or posttraumatic stress disorder experienced in accidents, explosions, or airplane crashes during a period when the Veteran was in combat, and
• diseases directly attributable to exposure to the elements as a result of action against the enemy or by the enemy, such as exposure following an airplane crash or shipwreck.

V.iv.1.B.3.b.  Description of Combat Status Codes

Introduction

• definition of special provision codes
• data capture of special provision codes
• descriptions of individual special provision codes, and
• examples of special provision code 6 indicating computer audit acceptance.

Change Date

V.iv.1.B.4.a.  Definition:  Special Provision Codes

V.iv.1.B.4.b.  Data Capture of Special Provision Codes

V.iv.1.B.4.c.  Descriptions of Individual Special Provision Codes

V.iv.1.B.4.d.  Examples of Special Provision Code 6 Indicating Computer Audit Acceptance

• when graduated evaluations are assigned for two or more diagnoses of inactive tuberculosis that may not be combined
• when an independent respiratory condition is assigned in addition to a graduated evaluation for pulmonary tuberculosis that may not be combined
• when the combined evaluation exceeds the maximum allowable under the amputation rule in a case, such as two or more independent disabilities affecting one extremity (Use of code 6 provides for computer audit acceptance of valid DCs at any evaluation and a combined degree of less than the normal value of the individual evaluation.)
• when a 10-percent combined evaluation may be assigned under 38 CFR 3.324, such as two or more separate noncompensable disabilities, including disabilities under 38 U.S.C. 1151, and
• when two or more conditions are assigned separate evaluations considered as one for the purpose of meeting the 40-percent or 60-percent single disability requirement of 38 CFR 4.16 in the rating schedule.

Change Date

V.iv.1.B.5.a.  SMC Codes

• M21-1, Part VIII, Subpart iv, 4.A
• the VBMS-R User Guide, and
• the SMC Calculator User Guide.

Introduction

• purpose of special notations and notification templates
• SPECIAL NOTATION field
• amputation rule template
• 38 CFR 3.105(a) clear and unmistakable error (CUE) grant template, and
• accrued grant template.

Change Date

V.iv.1.B.6.a.  Purpose of Special Notations and Notification Templates

• record special remarks or approvals applicable to the rating decision, and
• communicate an instruction or administrative message to the authorization activity.

V.iv.1.B.6.b.  Special Notation Field

V.iv.1.B.6.c.  Amputation Rule Template

• the amputation rule, see
  • 38 CFR 4.68, and
  • M21-1, Part V, Subpart iii, 1.F.1.e
• levels of evaluation associated with amputations, see 38 CFR 4.71a, and
• the amputation rule in VBMS-R, see
  • M21-1 Part V, Subpart iv, 1.B.8, and
  • the VBMS-R User Guide.

V.iv.1.B.6.d. 38 CFR 3.105(a) CUE Grant Template

• the CUE template in VBMS-R, see the VBMS-R User Guide, and
• CUEs, see M21-1, Part X, Subpart ii, 5.

V.iv.1.B.6.e. Accrued Grant Template

Introduction

• definition of signatures on rating decisions
• procedure for completing a digital signature on the rating decision codesheet
• single-signature rating decisions
• two-signature rating decisions
• obtaining additional signatures for rating decisions in VBMS-R, and
• sample rating decision codesheet signature field.

Change Date

V.iv.1.B.7.a. Definition: Signatures on Rating Decisions

• an electronic signature certification statement as shown in M21-1, Part V, Subpart iv, 1.B.7.b, and
• the user’s
  • local area network identification (LAN ID), and
  • job title.

• If a rating decision requires more than one signature, the rating decision Codesheet must display the required additional signature fields.
• The signature of the decision maker(s) certifies that the claims folder was reviewed and all phases of the claims process leading to the decision were correctly handled.

• signature requirements for legacy appeal decisions, see M21-5, Chapter 7, Section D.3.c
• completing the signature field on the rating decision Codesheet, see M21-1, Part V, Subpart iv, 1.B.7.b
• two-signature rating decisions, see M21-1, Part V, Subpart iv, 1.B.7.d
• second signature procedures, see M21-1, Part V, Subpart iv, 1.B.7.e, and
• a sample rating decision Codesheet signature field, see M21-1, Part V, Subpart iv, 1.B.7.f.

V.iv.1.B.7.b. Procedure for Completing a Digital Signature on the Rating Decision Codesheet

• updating the SIGNATURES/DOCUMENT TITLE tab in VBMS-R, see the Draft Rating Approval (DRA) Job Aid, and
• a sample rating decision Codesheet signature field, see M21-1, Part V, Subpart iv, 1.B.7.f.

V.iv.1.B.7.c. Single-Signature Rating Decisions

• vary among different regional offices (ROs) and decision makers depending on local circumstances, and
• be granted for specific types of rating decisions as the decision maker demonstrates the requisite skill and understanding needed to ensure quality.

V.iv.1.B.7.d. Two-Signature Rating Decisions

V.iv.1.B.7.e. Obtaining Additional Signatures for Rating Decisions in VBMS-R

V.iv.1.B.7.f.  Sample Rating Decision Codesheet Signature Field

Change Date

V.iv.1.B.8.a. Sample Draft Codesheet, Amputation Rule