Overview
In This Section |
This section contains the following topics:
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1. Overview of the DRC Initiative
Introduction |
This topic contains an overview of the DRC Initiative, including |
Change Date |
August 30, 2018
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III.i.3.C.1.b. General Requirements for Participation in the DRC Initiative |
In order to participate in the DRC Initiative, a claimant must
References: For more information on
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III.i.3.C.1.c. DRC Participation Criteria Specific to Benefit Claim Type |
Currently, participation in the DRC Initiative is limited to
Use the table below to determine what participation criteria and claim type parameters apply, depending upon the benefit sought.
Note: If claiming secondary SC for a non-service-connected (NSC) condition that has been aggravated beyond natural progression by an SC condition, the Veteran or service member must provide medical evidence indicative of the NSC condition’s baseline level of severity.
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III.i.3.C.1.d. Claim Types Excluded From DRC Processing |
The types of claims and submissions identified in the table below are currently excluded from processing under the DRC Initiative.
Important: All claims for pension benefits (including both Veterans Pension and Survivors Pension) must be excluded from DRC processing.
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2. Forms Used in Connection With the DRC Initiative
Introduction |
This topic contains information about the forms used in connection with DRC submissions, including |
Change Date |
April 19, 2018
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III.i.3.C.2.a. Form Claimants Must Use to Participate in the DRC Initiative |
Claimants wishing to participate in the DRC Initiative must complete, sign, and submit the current version of
Note: Follow the instructions in M21-1, Part III, Subpart i, 3.D.3.b for excluding a claim from the DRC Initiative if a claimant
References: For more information on
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III.i.3.C.2.b. DRC Documents Coversheet |
All DRC document submissions should be accompanied by one or more of the coversheets displayed in M21-1, Part III, Subpart i, 3.C.3 in order to ensure that regional office intake personnel can properly identify, prioritize, and control DRCs in light of their attributes.
Important: In order to ensure proper claims routing, pre-discharge DRCs must be accompanied by both the
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III.i.3.C.2.c. Form Representatives Must Use to Request a Contract Examination |
In order to initiate a request for one or more contract examinations, representatives will submit, in addition to the DRC Documents Coversheet pictured in M21-1, Part III, Subpart i, 3.C.3, VA Form 21-4138, Statement in Support of Claim, utilizing the following standardized language:
Decision Ready Claim (DRC) Contract Exam Information
The conditions listed below are being provided in support of my DRC submission:
[condition(s)]
If you have any questions or need clarification, please contact: [representative name, e-mail address, and telephone number]
Evidence to be reviewed by examiner:
[condition]: [evidence description].
Example:
![]() Note: Contract examinations will not be warranted in or authorized for DIC claims submitted under the DRC Initiative.
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3. Exhibit: DRC Documents Coversheets
Introduction
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This exhibit contains the document coversheets used in connection with DRC claims, including DRC documents coversheets for
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Change Date |
December 8, 2017
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III.i.3.C.3.a. Exhibit: DRC Documents Coversheet for Compensation Clalims |
The document coversheet used in connection with all compensation DRC submissions is shown below.
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III.i.3.C.3.b. Exhibit: DRC Documents Coversheet for DIC Claims |
The document coversheet used in connection with all DIC DRC submissions is shown below.
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III.i.3.C.3.c.Exhibit: DRC Documents Coversheet forPre-Discharge Claims |
The document coversheet used in connection with all pre-discharge DRC submissions is shown below.
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Historical_M21-1III_i_3_SecC_12-8-17.docx | May 8, 2019 | 508 KB |
8-30-18_Key-Changes_M21-1III_i_3_SecC.docx | May 8, 2019 | 481 KB |
12-8-17_Key-Changes_M21-1III_i_3_SecC.docx | May 8, 2019 | 495 KB |
12-14-17_Key-Changes_M21-1III_i_3_SecC.docx | May 8, 2019 | 485 KB |
Historical_M21-1III_i_3_SecC_9-19-17.docx | May 8, 2019 | 310 KB |
9-19-17_Key-Changes_M21-1III_i_3_SecC.docx | May 8, 2019 | 291 KB |
in Chapter 3 Fully Developed Claim (FDC) Program and Decision Ready Claim (DRC) Initiative, Part III General Claims Process, Subpart i Overview of Claims Processing and Structure of the Veterans Service Center (VSC)
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