Overview
In This Section |
This section contains the following topics:
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1. Guidelines for Evaluating Evidence
Introduction |
This topic includes information about the guidelines for evaluating evidence, including
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Change Date |
February 19, 2019 |
III.iv.5.A.1.b. Definition: Rules of Evidence |
Rules of evidence are guidelines on evaluation of the evidence submitted or obtained in a case. These rules dictate whether evidence may be admitted or considered, when particular evidence can prove a matter, and when evidence is entitled to more value or less value than other evidence in the record.
A body of Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) regulations, directives, and court precedent exists on use of evidence in VA adjudication actions. The decision maker must apply these rules of evidence in reaching a decision on a case.
Notes:
Exception: Precedential decisions that result in “genuinely retroactive effects” in which application of the new decision impairs rights the party originally had, increases the party’s liability for past conduct, imposes new duties with respect to prior transactions, or attaches new legal consequences to events that occurred before the enactment do not apply to cases still open on direct review as indicated in VAOPGCPREC 7-2003.
Reference: For more information on rules of evidence, see
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III.iv.5.A.1.c. Definitions: Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law |
Findings of fact are the true facts that a decision maker finds to exist after the analysis of all evidence of record. Findings of fact are necessary to making the conclusions of law.
Conclusions of law are the ultimate determinations made regarding whether key governing substantive and/or procedural legal requirements defined by the claim are proven. Every legal conclusion depends on finding certain facts.
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III.iv.5.A.1.d. Circumstances in Which to Evaluate Evidence |
The decision maker will evaluate evidence after verifying that the claim has been properly developed and procedurally prepared for a decision but before a written decision on the issues is drafted.
Verifying that the claim is properly developed and procedurally prepared for a decision involves making sure that
References: For more information on
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III.iv.5.A.1.e. Attitude When Evaluating Evidence |
When evaluating evidence and making decisions,
Note: An antagonistic, critical, or even abusive attitude on the part of the claimant should not in any way influence the handling of the case.
Reference: For more information on the attitude of the rating officers, see 38 CFR 4.23.
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III.iv.5.A.1.f. Overview of Evaluating Evidence |
Evaluating evidence refers to a series of analytical steps that must be performed by a VA decision maker in making findings of fact for the purpose of drawing conclusions of law on each aspect or criterion of the legal standard for entitlement to the benefit and on applicable procedural matters.
Follow the steps in the table below when evaluating evidence.
Reference: For more information on evidentiary concepts of admissibility, credibility, and probative value of evidence, see M21-1, Part III, Subpart iv, 5.A.2.
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III.iv.5.A.1.g. Rating Activity Responsibility for Reviewing Evidence |
The rating activity is responsible for reviewing the evidence, including
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III.iv.5.A.1.h. Provisions Applied by the Rating Activity in Evaluating Evidence |
When making decisions or taking action on claims that require a rating decision, the rating activity must apply the provisions of all pertinent
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III.iv.5.A.1.i. Standards of Evidentiary Proof |
Every substantive or procedural factual matter must have a standard of proofwhether stated explicitly or not. Standard of proof specifies the degree of persuasion or confidence in the evidence with regard to the subject of the proof that is required in order to find a fact proven.
Note: The application of standard of proof is qualitative, not quantitative. The question is weight or persuasiveness of the evidence and not the number of items of evidence. Evidence is not necessarily in relative equipoise when the number of acceptable items of evidence tending to support a fact is equal to the number of items tending to not support a fact.
The table below describes the different standards of evidentiary proof.
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III.iv.5.A.1.j. Reasonable Doubt Rule |
The reasonable doubt rule means that the evidence provided by the claimant/beneficiary (or obtained on his/her behalf) must only persuade the decision maker that each factual matter is at least as likely as not.
It is the defined and consistently applied policy of the VA to administer the law under a broad interpretation, consistent, however, with the facts shown in every case. When, after careful consideration of all procurable and assembled data, a reasonable doubt arises regarding service origin, the degree of disability, or any other point, such doubt will be resolved in favor of the claimant.
In Gilbert v. Derwinski, 1 Vet.App. 49 (1990), CAVC noted that an equipoise decision is
necessarily more qualitative than quantitative; it is one not capable of mathematical precision and certitude. Equal weight is not accorded to each piece of material contained in the record; every item of evidence does not have the same probative value.
CAVC further likened the reasonable doubt rule as akin to the principle in baseball that the “tie goes to the runner.”
Reference: For more information on the reasonable doubt rule, see
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III.iv.5.A.1.k. Role of Presumptive Provisions |
Presumptive provisions alleviate part of the claimant’s burden of proof. Where certain facts are proven, a presumption arises that additional facts are true unless the presumption is rebutted by other evidence.
As noted by Routen v. West, 142 F.3d 1434, 1439 (Fed.Cir.1998), a presumption has evidentiary value, but it is not a form of evidence. It is a legal mechanism that relieves a party from having to produce evidence sufficient to establish the point at issue. As noted by the Routen analysis, when the predicate evidence is established, the remaining evidentiary gap is filled by the presumption.
VA presumptions may be rebutted. This means that when proof to the contrary of the evidentiary matter relieved by the presumption exists in the record, the presumption may be rebutted. When the presumption is rebutted, the burden shifts back to the claimant seeking the benefit to prove the facts with evidence.
VA presumptions include the presumptions of
References: For more information on the
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2. Evidentiary Concepts
Introduction |
This topic contains information about evidentiary concepts, including |
Change Date |
February 19, 2019 |
III.iv.5.A.2.a. Admissibility of Evidence |
Admissibility refers to whether offered evidence is accepted and made part of the official evidentiary record, which, for VA claims, is
With a few exceptions, all evidence submitted is admitted into the record. There are a few exceptions for
References: For more information on
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III.iv.5.A.2.b. Definition: Credibility |
Credibility is a blanket term for the fact finding of whether evidence is believable or not believable.
Exception: When determining whether evidence is new and relevant in connection with a supplemental claim, presume that the evidence is credible. However, once the new and relevant determination has been made, assess the evidence as usual for credibility, competence, and weight.
Factors to consider in making a fact finding of credibility include
Example: Veteran submits a statement as part of his claim that he injured his low back in the Air Force while loading cargo onto a C-130 aircraft during an exercise in July 2002. Personnel records reveal the Veteran served in the Air Force as a loadmaster and participated in a military exercise in the Philippines in July 2002.
Analysis: The Veteran’s statement, when viewed along with the evidence ofrecord, appears believable. Therefore, the statement is credible.
Example: Veteran submits a statement along with his claim indicating he injured his low back during multiple parachute jumps in the Army from 1980 through 1983. Personnel records reveal Veteran’s occupation during service was “clerk.” There were no records indicating that the Veteran was involved in parachuting operations.
Analysis: The Veteran’s statement, when viewed with other evidence, is notbelievable. Therefore, the statement is not credible.
Reference: For more information on findings of credibility, see
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III.iv.5.A.2.c. Definition: Competent Evidence |
Competent evidence refers generally to evidence offered from a qualified source. A determination of evidentiary competency involves analysis of whether a person offering evidence is qualified to establish a matter.
Competent medical evidence means evidence provided by a person who is qualified through education, training, or experience to offer medical diagnoses, statements, or opinions. Competent medical evidence may also mean statements conveying sound medical principles found in medical treatises. It would also include statements contained in authoritative writings such as medical and scientific articles and research reports or analyses.
Competent lay evidence means any evidence not requiring that the proponent have specialized education, training, or experience. Lay evidence is competent if it is provided by a person who has knowledge of facts or circumstances and conveys matters that can be observed and described by a lay person.
References: For more information on
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III.iv.5.A.2.d. Definition: Probative Value |
Evidence has probative value if it
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III.iv.5.A.2.e. Determining the Probative Value of Evidence |
The following factors are important considerations in determining the probative value of evidence:
Evidence that is incredible (not believable) does not have probative value and is not weighed against probative evidence in determining if the facts are proven. Evidence from a source that is not competent to establish a fact does not have probative value on that fact.
Consider the key elements listed below when evaluating the probative value and relative weight of medical evidence such as a diagnosis/assessment, prognosis, or opinion on etiology/onset
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III.iv.5.A.2.f. Definitions: Positive and Negative Evidence |
Both positive and negative evidence may have probative value.
Positive evidence means actual items of evidence that affirmatively support aclaimant’s position.
Negative evidence means
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III.iv.5.A.2.g. Court Holdings on Negative Evidence |
The court cases listed below contained significant holdings regarding the consideration of negative evidence.
Important: Do not use the absence of evidence as negative evidence in cases where the claimant has simply failed to prove an element of the claim by the applicable standard (typically relative equipoise). However, the absence of any positive evidence, such as medical evidence showing diagnosis or treatment, may be considered in determining whether the benefit may be awarded.
Reference: For more information on the application of the concept of negative evidence to claims based on sexual assault, see M21-1, Part III, Subpart iv, 4.O.3.c.
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III.iv.5.A.2.h. Court Holdings on Negative Evidence and the Duty to Assist |
CAVC held in McLendon v. Nicholson, 20 Vet.App. 79 (2006), that medical evidence that suggests a nexus but is too equivocal or lacking in specificity to support a decision on the merits still triggers the duty to assist under 38 U.S.C. 5103A(d) regarding medical examinations/opinions if it indicates that the Veteran’s condition “may be associated” with service.
CAVC, in Trafter v. Shinseki, 26 Vet.App. 267 (2013), held that VA is precluded from considering the absence of evidence as substantive negative evidence to decide that VA has complied with duty-to-assist provisions.
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3. Evaluating Medical Evidence
Introduction |
This topic contains information about evaluating medical evidence, including
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Change Date |
February 19, 2019 |
III.iv.5.A.3.a. Treating Physician’s Treatment Background and Probative Value |
VA does not apply the “treating physician rule,” whereby the evidence of a treating physician is generally entitled to more weight than evaluations made by consulting physicians or expert witnesses. However, a treating physician’s familiarity with the history of a disability may increase the probative value of any medical evidence/opinion.
Reference: For more information on determining a physician’s expertise and experience, see Black v. Brown, 10 Vet.App. 279 (1997).
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III.iv.5.A.3.b. Definitions: Types of Medical Assessments |
The main types of medical assessments for VA purposes are diagnoses, opinions, examination, and history.
Diagnoses are medical assessments made typically to identify injury or disease. They are typically the end result of an examination and involve the application of the physician or examiner’s knowledge, experience, and judgment to a set of facts.
Opinions are medical assessments on questions such as etiology or onset. They may or may not be accompanied by a contemporaneous examination. However, like an examination, opinions involve the application of the examiner’s knowledge, experience, and judgment to a set of facts.
An examination for VA purposes involves the collection of relevant medical facts (history, clinical observations, or measurements and, potentially, lab testing) by a medical professional.
History is a verbal recounting or written record of relevant life events, habits, routine, symptoms, and/or treatment. It most often comes from the patient’s oral report and/or review of medical records. Other materials could also be relevant to a physician’s or examiner’s understanding of relevant medical or psychological history.
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III.iv.5.A.3.c. Medical Assessments – History and Policy Applications |
A key evidentiary concern in many VA claims is evaluating the probative value and weight of a diagnosis or opinion that relies upon a claimant’s history.
The claimant’s self-interest in the outcome of a medical assessment and his or her ability to recollect facts over time both raise concerns about whether history is accurate and, therefore, whether medical assessments are valid. However, as a general principle, unless the historical facts upon which a medical conclusion is based are dubious or untenable, the medical conclusion should be accepted as credible. The probative value of this medical evidence may be considered and weighed relative to other evidence of record.
In most cases, medical diagnoses and opinions are based to some degree on history provided by the patient or examinee. Medical assessments based on the claimant’s history generally shall be accepted as credible unless the evidence proves the medical history is inaccurate. However, an examiner’s conclusion that merely echoes the reported history of a claimant, without offering any medical rationale in support, cannot be deemed an adequate medical opinion and should not be assigned any probative value.
Reference: For more information on claimant’s history in medical opinions, see
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III.iv.5.A.3.d. DBQs and ACE |
Disability benefits questionnaires (DBQs) and acceptable clinical evidence (ACE) constitute medical evidence that is sufficient for rating purposes unless the nature of the specific disability renders ACE review insufficient in providing an accurate and complete disability picture.
Under ACE, VA clinicians complete a DBQ by reviewing existing paper and/or electronic medical evidence and can supplement it with information obtained during a telephone interview with the Veteran. This alleviates the need for the Veteran to report to an in-person examination. The ACE process is not available for use by non-VA examiners because they do not have electronic access to VA treatment records.
Reference: For more information on the criteria for and process of scheduling an ACE examination, see M21-1, Part III, Subpart iv, 3.A.4.
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III.iv.5.A.3.e. Basis for Rejecting Medical Evidence |
The rating activity may not rely upon its own unsubstantiated medical conclusions to reject expert medical evidence provided by the claimant.
Reference: For more information on the basis for rejecting medical evidence, see
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III.iv.5.A.3.f. Supporting Medical Conclusions With Evidence in the Claims Folder |
Support medical conclusions with evidence in the claims folder.
Cite medical information and reasoning to
Note: If evidence such as medical treatises or independent medical opinions (IMO) was relied upon when the rating decision was made, explain this in the rating decision.
Reference: For more information on IMOs, see M21-1, Part III, Subpart iv, 3.F.6.
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III.iv.5.A.3.g. Considering FPOW Protocol Examination Reports |
Carefully consider former prisoner of war (FPOW) protocol examination reports because they may provide sufficient background information to relate the Veteran’s current symptomatology to the FPOW experience. |
III.iv.5.A.3.h. Evaluating STRs |
Service treatment records (STRs) are generally highly probative, but not necessarily determinative, in the resolution of SC. A current disability and, in some cases, a nexus between the current disability and an injury or disease shown in service will be required to award SC. |
III.iv.5.A.3.i. Statements From Physicians as Acceptable Evidence for Rating Purposes Without Further Examination |
A statement from any physician can be accepted for rating purposes without further examination if it
Examples: Diagnostic techniques generally accepted by medical authorities include
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4. Reviewing Hospital Reports for Sufficiency for Rating Purposes
Introduction |
This topic contains information about reviewing hospital reports for sufficiency for rating purposes, including |
Change Date |
July 15, 2015 |
III.iv.5.A.4.a. Handling VA Hospital Reports That Are Insufficient for Rating Purposes |
Request the original clinical records, including the nurses’ and doctors’ orders, if a VA report of hospitalization is insufficient for rating purposes in cases involving either
Reference: For more information on claims filed under 38 U.S.C. 1151, see
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III.iv.5.A.4.b. Handling Non-VA Hospital Reports That Are Insufficient for Rating Purposes |
Request clarification of any hospital report that is insufficient for rating purposes and is received from a
Important: Authorize a VA examination if a satisfactory corrected report cannot be obtained within a reasonable period of time. |
III.iv.5.A.4.c. Requesting Clarification From Private Physicians |
VA, pursuant to 38 U.S.C. 5103A(a), has a duty to return for clarification unclear or insufficient private examination reports or VA progress notes if it reasonably appears that a request for clarification could provide relevant information necessary to properly decide a claim that is otherwise not in the record and cannot be obtained in some other way. VA’s duty is limited to those instances in which the missing information is relevant, factual, and objective – not a matter of opinion – and bears greatly on the probative value of the private medical examination report.
If a private medical examination report reasonably appears to contain information necessary to properly decide a claim, but is unclear or not suitable for rating purposes and the information contained in the report otherwise cannot be obtained, VA has a duty to either
Any request for clarification to a private examiner or claimant should clearly indicate what further action needs to be taken to make the insufficient private examination report acceptable for VA consideration. If no response is received from the private examiner or claimant, continue adjudicating the claim.
References: For more information on
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5. Reviewing Testimony
Introduction |
This topic contains information on reviewing testimony, including |
Change Date |
October 26, 2018 |
III.iv.5.A.5.a. Using Testimony as Proper Evidence |
To be admitted as proper evidence, certain types of testimony must be sworn under oath or properly certified.
Examples: Evidence from court proceedings, depositions, and so on.
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III.iv.5.A.5.b. Handling Unsworn or Uncertified Testimony |
Make an exact copy of unsworn or uncertified testimony and return the original copy for notarization or certification to the
Note: Return unsworn or uncertified testimony only if the rating activity (or a Decision Review Officer) considers the evidence material to a favorable determination of a claim.
Reference: For more information on certifying testimony, see M21-1, Part III, Subpart iii, 1.B.8.
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6. Lay Evidence
Introduction |
This topic contains information about lay evidence, including |
Change Date |
February 19, 2019 |
III.iv.5.A.6.a. Acceptable Lay Evidence |
Lay evidence is acceptable for the purpose of establishing service incurrence or aggravation, in the absence of STRs, for a combat Veteran or FPOW, if the evidence
Important: Medical evidence of a link to a current condition is still needed to establish SC.
A non-combat Veteran’s lay statements may be acceptable for establishing service incurrence or aggravation but must be weighed against other evidence in the claims folder including the absence of military records documenting or supporting the statements.
References: For more information on
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III.iv.5.A.6.b. When to Use Lay Evidence |
Lay evidence is generally afforded probative value if it is provided by a person who has knowledge of facts or circumstances and conveys matters that can be observed and described by a lay person.
The value accorded to other types of lay evidence depends on such factors as
A medically-untrained individual is not usually competent to offer a medical opinion regarding the etiology of disorders and such an opinion is generally assigned little probative weight.
References: For more information on
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III.iv.5.A.6.c. Descriptions of Symptoms as Evidence |
A claimant’s own statement, covering in sufficient detail a condition that is within his/her ability to describe, such as his/her own symptoms, may to that extent constitute evidence.
Rationale: While such statements have self-serving aspects, the claimant is often the most qualified source to describe the circumstances of the disabling effects of the disease or injury.
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7. Requiring Further Development
Change Date |
July 15, 2015 |
III.iv.5.A.7.a. When Development to Obtain Additional Evidence May Be Needed |
Development to obtain additional evidence such as a medical examination or other records may be needed if
Note: Decision makers may not arbitrarily or capriciously refuse to assign weight to a claimant’s evidence or develop with the purpose of obtaining evidence to justify a denial of the claim. Instead, decision makers must be able to support the determination that development is needed.
References: For more information on
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8. Evidence From Non-VA Sources
Introduction |
This topic contains information about evidence from non-VA sources, including |
Change Date |
July 15, 2015 |
III.iv.5.A.8.a. Evaluating Evidence From Non-VA Sources |
When evaluating medical and lay evidence from non-VA sources accept it at face value unless there is reason to question its competency or credibility.
Non-VA evidence does not have inherently less probative value than evidence originated by VA. Both VA and non-VA evidence are objectively weighed in determinations of competency, credibility, and probative value.
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III.iv.5.A.8.b. Evaluating Conflicting Evidence |
Use good judgment when evaluating conflicting evidence.
Consider
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9. Weighing the Evidence
Introduction |
This topic contains information about weighing the evidence, including |
Change Date |
July 15, 2015 |
III.iv.5.A.9.a. Assigning Weight to the Evidence |
After assigning weight to the evidence
Note: Do not assign weight unjustly or arbitrarily. |
III.iv.5.A.9.b. Questions to Ask When Weighing Evidence |
Below are examples of questions that should be asked when weighing evidence.
Reference: For more information on weighing medical evidence/opinions, see
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III.iv.5.A.9.c. Handling Imbalanced Evidence |
If the evidence shows an overwhelming imbalance, then the evidence requires a decision in that direction, either for or against awarding the claim.
Note: The claim must be awarded if all of the evidence is favorable.
Reference: For more information on awarding benefits when all of the evidence is favorable, see
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III.iv.5.A.9.d. Handling Evidence in Equipoise |
As indicated at M21-1, Part III, Subpart iv, 5.A.1.k, resolve reasonable doubt infavor of the claimant if all procurable evidence, after being weighed, is found in approximate balance or equipoise. 38 CFR 3.102 dictates that the Veteran prevails when the evidence neither satisfactorily proves nor disproves an issue.
Reference: For more information on applying reasonable doubt, see Alemany v. Brown, 9 Vet.App. 518 (1996).
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III.iv.5.A.9.e. Considering Reasonable Doubt |
Consider reasonable doubt only when the evidence is in equipoise, not when the evidence weighs either in favor or against the claimant.
Notes:
Reference: For more information on discussing the reasonable doubt rule, see
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III.iv.5.A.9.f. Example: Evidence in Equipoise |
In the following example, there is no compelling justification to side with either expert:
Evidence supportive of the claim includes the July 1991 opinion of Dr. T., who treated the Veteran for several years prior to his death, that posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) had been the major factor in the Veteran’s suicide. Evidence against the claim includes the January 1992 opinion of the VA physician that the evidence did not point to PTSD as the actual cause of suicide and that the Veteran’s suicide had occurred in the setting of alcohol dependence, family breakdown, and depression.
An award of SC for PTSD is warranted based upon the facts of this case as the evidentiary balance is in equipoise.
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III.iv.5.A.9.g. Reaching a Conclusion After Weighing Evidence |
After weighing the evidence to reach a conclusion,
Reference: For more information on negative evidence, see
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10. Decision-Making Principles
Introduction |
This topic contains information about decision-making principles, including |
Change Date |
February 19, 2019 |
III.iv.5.A.10.a. Evaluation of Evidence |
When discussing the evaluation of evidence in a decision Narrative, VA decision makers are expected to be appropriately critical of the evidence (including assessing competency and probative value) and to make credibility determinations when credibility is raised by the available evidence.
Decision makers must
Important:
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III.iv.5.A.10.b. Decision-Making in a Non-Adversarial System |
An adversarial system involves advocates representing contrary positions before an impartial decision maker. The VA system is non-adversarial. There is no advocate on behalf of VA opposing claims and no policy to minimize or deny benefits.
Decision makers are expected to be impartial and liberally apply VA’s pro-Veteran policies, procedures, and regulations in accordance with any applicable VA guidance.
VA’s policy is to award benefits where supported under the facts and law or when the evidence is in relative equipoise or balance while denying only when we must under the facts and law require it.
Reference: For more information on the attitude of the rating officers, see 38 CFR 4.23.
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III.iv.5.A.10.c. Two-Part Analysis for Previously Decided Claims |
A claim that has been previously decided inherently warrants a conditional two-part determination.
Decisions on previously decided claims must address
Reference: For more information on effective dates for supplemental claims, see
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2-19-19_Key-Changes_M21-1III_iv_5_SecA.docx | May 15, 2019 | 75 KB |
Historical_M21-1III_iv_5_SecA_3-29-17.docx | May 15, 2019 | 84 KB |
3-29-17_Key-Changes_M21-1III_iv_5_SecA.docx | May 15, 2019 | 92 KB |
Historical_M21-1III_iv_5_6-15-16.docx | May 15, 2019 | 104 KB |
12_13_05.doc | May 15, 2019 | 54 KB |
Change-July-15-2015-Transmittal-Sheet-M21-1III_iv_5_TS.docx | May 15, 2019 | 47 KB |
6-15-16_Key-Changes_M21-1III_iv_5.docx | May 15, 2019 | 89 KB |
in Chapter 5 Evaluating Evidence and Making a Decision, Part III General Claims Process, Subpart iv General Rating Process
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