1 Identify the decision or issue being challenged Capture the decision date, issues, and any favorable findings or prior adjudicative action that define the review posture.
2 Classify the review lane before developing evidence Determine whether the request is HLR, Board review, supplemental claim, DTA correction/return, CUE, or another authorized posture. Do not use ordinary development until the lane is clear. Open supplemental-claim workflow → 3 Confirm the prescribed form, timeliness, and completeness Use the controlling review procedure for the selected lane and address an incomplete or misrouted request under that procedure.
4 Identify the evidentiary record allowed for that lane The permitted record and evidence-development authority can differ by review option. Preserve the correct record boundary before taking action.
5 Define every issue and limited theory within the review Separate challenged issues, favorable findings, and matters outside the selected review request. Flag a change in theory or evidence that belongs in another lane.
6 Route any duty-to-assist correction correctly When an error or additional development question is identified, use the governing review procedure rather than quietly converting the case into a new initial-development claim.
7 Apply the review decision procedure Use the dedicated M21 area for the selected lane to prepare the disposition, reasons, findings, and any required return or remand action.
8 Complete decision and quality closeout Review scope, record boundary, notice, appellate information, documentation, authorization, and QRT controls. Open decision and quality closeout →