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Updated Jul 22, 2021

In This Section

  

This section contains the topic, “Chapter 18 Claims Process.”

 

1.  Chapter 18 Claims Process

 

Change Date

   December 31, 2019

VIII.i.3.B.1.a.  Chapter 18 Benefits Claim Process

  
All Chapter 18 claims fall under the jurisdiction of the Denver Regional Office, per M21-1, Part VIII, Subpart i, 3.A.
 
The table below describes the stages of the Chapter 18 benefits claim process.
 
Stage
Name
Description
1
Eligibility and Development
The development activity
  • verifies specific eligibility requirements for spina bifida or other covered birth defects benefits, including
    • qualifying Vietnam, Korean, or Thailand service of the Veteran parent (see M21-1, Part VIII, Subpart i, 3.C.3-5)
    • individual’s relationship to the Veteran, and
    • the nature of the claimed disability, and
  • develops for and obtains the following evidence to support the claim
    • Vietnam, Korean, or Thailand service records
    • relationship and date of conception records, and
    • medical and lay evidence.
Notes:  
  • For verification of qualifying Vietnam, Korea, or Thailand service, the development activity follows the procedures in M21-1, Part VIII, Subpart i, 1.A.
  • Follow the procedures in the steps below only when all elements of basic eligibility are met. If all elements of basic eligibility are not met, follow the instructions at M21-1, Part VIII, Subpart i, 3.D.1.a.
2
Rating
The rating activity
  • considers medical and lay evidence
  • determines whether to award or deny entitlement to a monthly monetary allowance, and
  • determines disability level according to
    • severity of symptoms
    • degree of permanent physical or mental disability, and
    • determines incompetency of beneficiaries over the age of 18 under provisions of 38 CFR 3.353.
3
Authorization
The authorization activity
  • processes the award or denial of monthly monetary allowance, and
  • notifies claimant of the decision.