VA Claims Reference

These are the same examination requests used in Claim review. Each review stays with its request and linked issues. Review each contention separately, using the claim’s shared exposure evidence and memorandum. Other raised theories remain part of the issue review.

Start a review to follow the questions. Use the action selector for a pending examination or an available report; TERA report checks are under disability-specific requirements.

Exposure reference checklist

Saved reminders for the wider claim. These do not establish completed development or a rating decision.

Identify the claimed condition and every asserted exposure theoryKeep herbicide, PACT-related presumptive, TERA, and direct-exposure theories distinct. A claim can raise more than one path.

Establish the relevant service, location, dates, and recordsVerify the service facts needed for the specific asserted exposure; flag missing personnel, treatment, or other Federal records for development.

Screen the herbicide-exposure pathwayDetermine whether the service facts support the applicable herbicide presumption or whether the case needs the direct herbicide-development procedure.

Screen the condition against the applicable presumptive ruleIf the condition and qualifying service meet a presumption, preserve the path and move to the remaining elements. If not, do not stop: review direct-service-connection and other exposure theories.

Screen the toxic-exposure / TERA pathwayIdentify whether a TERA is reasonably raised and apply the current exception, memorandum, and examination procedures that govern the claim.

Develop the exposure and medical recordRequest relevant records, document unavailable records, and avoid treating a missing presumption as proof that no further development is needed.

Complete the shared examination and opinion reviewFor each remaining theory, use the shared module to determine whether the record is sufficient and whether an exam or medical opinion is required.

Complete exposure-specific decision and quality reviewConfirm the theory decided, applicable presumption or direct path, special effective-date question, documentation, notice, and authorization.