m21-4:appendix-e.2: Version history

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2. Special Issues
Introduction
This topic contains information about special issues, including
purpose of special issues
index of current special issues, and
index of historical special issues.
Change Date
September 4, 2026
E.2.a. Purpose of Special Issues
Special issues are claim -specific indicators and can represent a certain claim type, disability or disease, or other special notation that is only relevant to a particular claim. Special issues must be identified and inputted when applicable. If a special issue exists and applies to the claim, it is required.
Note: Scenarios may exist where the contention (claimed disability or signs and symptoms of a disability) would warrant multiple special issues.
Reference: For more information about special issues, see
M21-1, Part III, Subpart i, 2.F.2.f-g, or
VBMS User Guide.
E.2.b. Index of Current Special Issues
Use the table below to identify any claim-specific special issues.
Name	Code	Description
38 USC 1151	38USC1151	Apply to contentions when developing claims filed under 38 U.S.C. 1151.
ABA Election	AE	
Abandoned VDC Claim	AVC	
Administrative Decision Review - Level 1	ADRL1	Apply for special routing of a draft administrative decision to a second signer, and remove when the administrative decision is finalized or routed to a third signer.
Administrative Decision Review - Level 2	ADRL2	Apply for special routing of a draft administrative decision to a third signer, and remove when the administrative decision is finalized.
Agent Orange - outside Vietnam or unknown	AOOV	Use for all SC claims for disabilities resulting from exposure to Agent Orange during military service outside of Vietnam not previously granted.
Agent Orange - Vietnam	AOIV	Use for all SC claims for disabilities resulting from exposure to Agent Orange during military service in Vietnam not previously granted.
AMA SOC/SSOC Opt-In	ASSOI	Use for contention level tracking for opt-ins because the issues under review may not all be pulled out of a legacy appeal.
AMC NOD Brokering Project	ANBP	
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)	ALS	Use for ALS claims when entitlement has not been previously established.
Annual Eligibility Report	ELIGIBILITY	System generated on the automatically created contention on EP 600 during annual review of individual unemployability eligibility.
Appeal Issue Intertwined	AII	
Asbestos	ASB	Use for all SC claims for disabilities resulting from exposure to asbestos not previously granted.
Automated Claim - APC	ACA	Apply to all automation eligible contentions in multi-issue claims that include one or more conditions that are not automation eligible. This special issue will not be applied to contentions that are not automation eligible. Note: Claims processor should never remove this special issue.
Automated Drill Pay Adjustment	ACTRES	System generated on the automatically created contention on EP 600 during the automated processing of drill pay cases as described in M21-1, Part VI, Subpart ii, 3.A.3.a.
Automated Return to Active Duty	ARAD	
Automation Claim Review	ACR	Apply to all automation eligible contentions in all claims in Pilot or Prototype status. Note: Claims processor should never remove this special issue.
Automation Claim Review - ADS	ACRADS	Apply to all automation eligible contentions in all claims in Prototype status. Note: Claims processor should never remove this special issue.
BDD – Excluded	BE	
Blue Water Agent Orange	BWAO	Apply to the relevant contention(s) when one of the requirements in M21-1, Part VIII, Subpart i, 1.A.1.d. is met, requiring special routing of a claim to a centralized processing team to research nautical herbicide exposure. Note: Development, research, and documentation of herbicide exposure in RVN nautical locations or nautical-based service in the new PACT Act locations is the sole responsibility of the centralized processing sites. Reference: For more information on locations and specific time frames established by the PACT Act, see M21-1, Part VIII, Subpart i, 1.A.1.c.
Brokered - D1BC	BRKD1BC	
Brokered - Internal	BRKINT	
Burial/DIC Entitlement Issue	BDEI	
C-123	C123	Apply to contentions for SC disability or death associated with Agent Orange exposure through regular and repeated duties flying on, or maintaining, contaminated former Operation Ranch Hand (ORH) C-123 aircraft. Reference: For more information, see M21-1, Part VIII, Subpart i, 1. A.2.a.
CAR-Ineligible	CI	
CAR-No Error Found	CNEF	
CAR-Untimely	CU	
CAVC Settlement	CS	
Challenge	CHE	
Character of Discharge	CD	Use when a claim involves a character of discharge determination before June 25, 2024.
ChemBio	CB	Use for SC claims involving disease or injury as a result of exposure to Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear and Explosives (CBRNE) when entitlement has not been previously established. Reference: For more information, see M21-1, Part VIII, Subpart iii, 5.A.
Claimant Service Verification Accepted	CDOSV	
Claims Accuracy Request	CAR	
Cleland-Dole Timeliness Review-5302B	CDTRB	Claims processors will be required to apply this special issue when considering this interim standard when processing overpayments.
COD AQ95	CODAQ95	Apply when making a character of discharge determination on or after June 25, 2024.
Combat Related Death	CRD	
Compensation Service Review - Equitable Relief	CSRER	Use to refer claims for Equitable Relief to Compensation Service, including TBI Equitable Relief. Reference: For more information, see M21-1, Part X, Subpart v, 1.B.1.i.
Compensation Service Review - Extraschedular	CSRE	Apply when requesting a determination on extra-scheduler entitlement to TDIU and/or evaluation from Compensation Service. Reference: For more information, see M21-1, Part V, Subpart ii, 3.D.3.a.
Compensation Service Review - Opinion	CSRO	Apply when requesting an Advisory Opinion, Administrative Review, or Administrative Determination on a Difference of Opinion from Compensation Service. Reference: For more information, see M21-1, Part X, Subpart v, 1.A.1.g.
Compensation Service Review - Overpayment	CSROT	Apply when requesting Compensation Service approval of administrative decisions involving erroneous payments of $40,000 or greater due to administrative error. Reference: For more information, see M21-1, Part VI, Subpart i, 2.B.3.i.
Compensation Service Review - POW	CSRP	Apply for submission of an FPOW Determination for Compensation Service. Reference: For more information, see M21-1, Part VIII, Subpart iv, 2.A.3.b.
Compensation Service Review - Radiation	CSRR	Use when sending a referral to Compensation Service to obtain an advisory opinion for radiation exposure claims. Reference: For more information, see M21-1, Part VIII, Subpart iii, 4.B.5.d.
Contract Exam Correction	CEC	
COVID-19	C19	Reference: For more information on Coronavirus Disease, see M21-1, Part VIII, Subpart iii, 10.
COWC	COWC	The Committee on Waivers and Compromises (COWC) will add this special issue to any claims that are pending for the same issue(s) as the COWC claim.
DIC School Child Dependency Issue	DSCDI	Use when a claim includes the request to continue eligibility past a child dependent’s 18th birthday for a Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) award.
Different Station Review	DSR	
Disability Benefits Questionnaire - Private	DBQP	Apply to any compensation contention when a Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) is received from any non-VA source.
Disability Benefits Questionnaire - VA	DBQV	Apply to any compensation contention when a DBQ is completed by a VHA clinician outside of the Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam process.
DTA Error – Exam/MO	DEEM	Use to identify the reason for deferral of a RAMP Higher Level Review.
DTA Error – Fed Recs	DFR	Use to identify the reason for deferral of a RAMP Higher Level Review.
DTA Error – Other Recs	DOR	Use to identify the reason for deferral of a RAMP Higher Level Review.
DTA Error – PMRs	DEP	Use to identify the reason for deferral of a RAMP Higher Level Review.
Duplicate Record Consolidation (DUPC)	DUPC	Apply when duplicate BIRLS or corporate records exist that require consolidation per the Duplicate Record Consolidation Materials Users Guide.
Edgewood Arsenal Testing	EAT	Apply to contentions for SC disability or death associated with test participation at the Edgewood Arsenal.
Emergency Care – CH17 Determination	ECCD	Apply for special routing of Mental Health Initiative (MHI) EP 290 for a Character of Discharge (COD) determination that requires a rating decision for entitlement to SC for treatment purposes as described in M21-1, Part XIII, Subpart i, 3.B.1.c.
Enhanced Disability Severance Pay	EDSP	Apply to any compensation contention when VA compensation was withheld to recoup disability severance pay for certain Navy and Marine Corps Veterans but at a later date a corrected DD Form 214 or separation orders was received.
Environmental Hazard - Camp Lejeune	EHCL	Use for all SC claims for disabilities resulting from Camp Lejeune Environmental Hazard not previously granted. Reference: For more information, see M21-1, Part VIII, Subpart iii, 8. A.2.a.
Environmental Hazard – Camp Lejeune – Louisville	EHCLLOU	Applied to the relevant condition(s) when one of the requirements in M21-1, Part VIII, Subpart iii, 8.A.1.a. is met for specialized routing for centralized processing of Camp Lejeune claims.
Environmental Hazard in Gulf War	GW	Use for all claimed conditions related to undiagnosed illness and/or MUCMIs based on qualifying Southwest Asia location(s) as defined in 38 CFR 3.317(e) not previously granted Reference: For more information on qualifying disabilities and locations, see M21-1, Part VIII, Subpart ii, 1.A.1.e-g.
EP400 Merge Project	EMP	Apply to identify eligible claims as DNR indicator to NWQ.
Extra-Schedular 3.321(b)(1)	ES3	Use when an extra-schedular rating may be granted for unusual cases authorized by the Director of Compensation Service or delegate.
Extra-Schedular IU 4.16(b)	ESI4	Use when extra-schedular consideration may apply for Veterans who are unemployable by reason of SC disabilities, but who fail to meet the percentage standards set forth in 38 CFR. 4.16(a).
FDC Excluded - Additional Claim Submitted	FEACS	Apply to a single contention when an FDC is submitted and needs to be excluded due to the claimant or power of attorney (POA) submitting additional evidence, even if it does not require additional development. Reference: For more information, see M21-1, Part X, Subpart i, 2.B.2.e.
FDC Excluded - All Required Items Not Submitted	FEARINS	Apply to a single contention when an FDC is submitted and the claimant files to simultaneously submit any of the additional forms required to process the specific claim. Reference: For more information, see M21-1, Part X, Subpart i, 2.B.2.e.
FDC Excluded - Appeal Pending	FEAP	Apply to a single contention when an FDC is submitted and the claimant has an appeal pending at the time of receipt of the EZ form. Reference: For more information, see M21-1, Part X, Subpart i, 2.B.2.e.
FDC Excluded - Appeal submitted	FEAS	Apply to a single contention when an FDC is pending and needs to be excluded due to the claimant or power of attorney (POA) submitting an appeal. Reference: For more information, see M21-1, Part X, Subpart i, 2.B.2.e.
FDC Excluded - Claim Pending	FECP	Apply to a single contention when an FDC is submitted and the claimant has another claim pending at the time of receipt of the EZ form. Reference: For more information, see M21-1, Part X, Subpart i, 2. B.2.e.
FDC Excluded - Claimant Declined FDC Processing	FDCCFP	Apply to a single contention when a claimant submits a claim on an EZ form, but declines processing in the FDC program. Reference: For more information, see M21-1, Part X, Subpart i, 2.B.2.e.
FDC Excluded - Evidence Received After FDC CEST	FDCEFC	Apply to a single contention when an FDC is submitted and needs to be excluded due to the claimant or power of attorney (POA) submitting an additional claim, even if it does not require additional development. Reference: For more information, see M21-1, Part X, Subpart i, 2.B.2.e.
FDC Excluded - FDC Certification Incomplete	FEFCI	
FDC Excluded - FTR to Examination	FEFTE	Apply to a single contention when an FDC is submitted and the claimant fails to report for a VA examination, and asks VA to reschedule. Reference: For more information, see M21-1, Part X, Subpart i, 2.B.2.e.
FDC Excluded - Necessary Form(s) not Submitted	FENS	Apply to a single contention when an FDC is submitted and needs to be excluded due to the claimant or power of attorney (POA) submitting additional evidence, even if it does not require additional development. Reference: For more information, see M21-1, Part X, Subpart i, 2.B.2.e.
FDC Excluded - Needs Non-Fed Evidence Development	FDCNED	Apply to a single contention when an FDC is submitted and needs to be excluded due to the claimant failing to simultaneously submit any of the additional forms required to process the specific claim. Reference: For more information, see M21-1, Part X, Subpart i, 2.B.2.e.
FDC Excluded - requires INDPT VRFCTN of FTI	FERIVF	Apply to a single contention when an FDC is submitted and the VA requires independent verification of earned and unearned income from Federal Tax Information (FTI) received for upfront verification. Reference: For more information, see M21-1, Part X, Subpart i, 2.B.2.e.
Fed Record Delay - No Further Dev	FRDNFD	
Fid Referral to OGC-OIG	FROO	
FOIA/PA Automation	FPA	This is used to identify which FOIA PA requests are automation eligible and ensure FOIA PA workload is appropriately segmented.
FOIA Genealogy Request	FGR	This special issue used to track third party FOIA requests relating to Veteran genealogy data.
Force Majeure	FM	This special issue is needed for control of claims that are impacted by extremes like Hurricanes (e.g., Helene and Milton).
Foreign Out-of-Network	FOON	Apply to each contention where an associated foreign examination request was returned for clarification by the contract vendor indicating that the AME or SSSCE process should be used for examining each contention specified. Reference: For more information see M21-1, Part IV, Subpart i, 2.E.2.h.
Foreign Out-of-Network (AME)	FOONAME	Apply to each contention where an associated foreign examination request was returned for clarification by the contract vendor indicating that the AME process should be used for examining each contention specified. Reference: For more information see M21-1, Part IV, Subpart i, 2.E.2.h.
Foreign Out-of-Network (SSSCE)	FOONAME	Apply to each contention where an associated foreign examination request was returned for clarification by the contract vendor indicating that the SSSCE process should be used for examining each contention specified. Reference: For more information see M21-1, Part IV, Subpart i, 2.E.2.h.
Fully Developed Claim	FDC	Apply to a single contention for FDCs submitted on one of the forms listed in M21-1, Part X, Subpart i, 2.A.2.a.
FY 16 Drill Pay Reviews	FDPR	
FY21 NDAA AO Presumptive	FNAP	Apply to parkinsonism, bladder cancer, and/or hypothyroidism contention(s) not previously granted when: evidence establishes service in the RVN, including RVN nautical service, and the eligibility requirements of Nehmer outlined in M21-1, Part VIII, Subpart i, 2.B.1.d. are met.
Hepatitis C	HEPC	Use for hepatitis C claims when entitlement has not been previously established.
HIV	HIV	Use for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) claims when entitlement has not been previously established.
IDES Deferral	ID	Use when a contention will be deferred on the IDES final rating.
IDES Development	IDDE	
Informal Conference	IC	Apply when an HLR with an Informal Conference is established. Reference: For more information, see M21-5, Chapter 5.3.c.
Intertwined Issue	II	
Local Hearing	LH	Apply for special routing when a local hearing is requested in conjunction with a pending appeal or claim, and remove when the hearing issue is resolved.
Local Mentor Review	LMR	Apply for special routing when a draft letter, decision, or award is completed and requires mentor review, and remove once the action is approved.
Local Quality Review	LQR	Apply for special routing when a Quality Review Specialist (QRS) selects a claim for an in-process review (IPR) or individual quality review (IQR), and remove if no corrective action is needed, or upon confirmation that the error was corrected. Must remain during IQR error rebuttal process.
Local Quality Review IPR	LQRIPR	System generated when a rating decision contains an override as a result of Evaluation Builder or pyramiding override.
Medical Foster Home	MFH	Use for claims related to placement in a Medical Foster Home.
Military Sexual Trauma (MST)	MST	Use for any condition(s), mental or physical, (including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)), resulting from MST. Reference: For more information, see M21-1, Part VIII, Subpart iv, 1.B.1.c.
MQAS Separation and Severance Pay Audit	MSSPA	Apply to a single contention for any EP 600 resulting from a Management Quality Adjustment Service (MQAS) adjustment based on an EP 338.
Mustard Gas	MG	Use for all SC claims for disabilities resulting from exposure to mustard agents or lewisite not previously granted. Reference: For more information, see M21-1, Part VIII, Subpart iii, 3.A.2.b.
National Quality Review	NATNLQUALREV	Apply for special routing to ensure corrective action is completed within the required five-day timeframe for an EP 930 established for the correction of a national quality error.
Nehmer - Blue Water Navy	NBWN	
Nehmer AMA DROC Review	NADR	If upon review of an AMA case and some or all of the contentions are impacted by Nehmer, follow the instructions outlined in M21-1, Part VIII, Subpart i, 2.A.1.b. and add the special issue to the claim.
Nehmer AO Peripheral Neuropathy	NAPN	Use for SC claims for peripheral neuropathy that meet Nehmer requirements. References: For more information, see M21-1, Part VIII, Subpart i, 2.B.1.c. and M21-1, Part VIII, Subpart i, 2.A.
Nehmer Companion Hold	NCH	
Nehmer Legacy Appeal Review	NLAR	If upon review of a legacy appeal and some or all of the contentions are impacted by Nehmer, follow the instructions outlined in M21-1, Part VIII, Subpart i, 2.A, and add the to the claim.
Nehmer Payee Identification	NPI	
Nehmer Processing Not Applicable	NPNA	
Nehmer Survivor Review	NSR	
Non-actionable Contract Examination	NACE	
Non-actionable RO (non-Appeal) Hearing	NRH	
Non-ADL Notification Letter	NANL	Apply for special routing of a claim when generating a notification letter using Personal Computer- Generated Letters (PCGL), and remove when the claim is authorized.
Non-Nehmer AO Peripheral Neuropathy	NNAPN	Use for SC claims for peripheral neuropathy that do not meet Nehmer requirements. References: For more information, see M21-1, Part VIII, Subpart i, 2.B. and M21-1, Part VIII, Subpart i, 2.A.
Non-PTSD Personal Trauma	PTSD/4	Use for claims for any condition, mental or physical (other than posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)), resulting from a non-sexual personal trauma when entitlement has not been previously established. Reference: For more information, see M21-1, Part VIII, Subpart iv, 1.B.1.c.
No Other Healthcare Eligibility	NOHE	Apply when making healthcare eligibility determination when VHA is unable to verify a Veteran's participation in TERA.
NWQ Review Project #1	NPR1	For use in tracking special claim or contention types as directed by VA Central Office (VACO).
NWQ Review Project #2	NPR2	For use in tracking special claim or contention types as directed by VACO.
NWQ Review Project #3	NPR3	For use in tracking special claim or contention types as directed by VACO.
NWQ Review Project #4	NPR4	For use in tracking special claim or contention types as directed by VACO.
NWQ Review Project #5	NPR5	For use in tracking special claim or contention types as directed by VACO.
NWQ Review Project #6	NPR6	For use in tracking special claim or contention types as directed by VACO.
NWQ Review Project #7	NPR7	For use in tracking special claim or contention types as directed by VACO.
NWQ Review Project #8	NPR8	For use in tracking special claim or contention types as directed by VACO.
NWQ Review Project #9	NPR9	For use in tracking special claim or contention types as directed by VACO.
NWQ Review Project #10	NPR10	For use in tracking special claim or contention types as directed by VACO.
OAR Special Issue 1	OARSI1	For use in tracking special claim or contention types as directed by VACO.
OAR Special Issue 2	OARSI2	For use in tracking special claim or contention types as directed by VACO.
OAR Special Issue 3	OARSI3	For use in tracking special claim or contention types as directed by VACO.
OAR Special Issue 4	OARSI4	For use in tracking special claim or contention types as directed by VACO.
OFO Review Project 1	ORP1	For use in tracking special claim types as directed by VACO.
OFO Review Project 2	ORP2	For use in tracking special claim types as directed by VACO.
OFO Review Project 3	ORP3	For use in tracking special claim types as directed by VACO.
OFO Review Project 4	ORP4	For use in tracking special claim types as directed by VACO.
OFO Review Project 5	ORP5	For use in tracking special claim types as directed by VACO.
OFO Review Project 6	ORP6	For use in tracking special claim types as directed by VACO.
OFO Review Project 7	ORP7	For use in tracking special claim types as directed by VACO.
OFO Review Project 8	ORP8	For use in tracking special claim types as directed by VACO.
OFO Review Project 9	ORP9	For use in tracking special claim types as directed by VACO.
OFO Review Project 10	ORP10	For use in tracking special claim types as directed by VACO.
OFO Review Project 11	ORP11	For use in tracking special claim types as directed by VACO.
OFO Review Project 12	ORP12	For use in tracking special claim types as directed by VACO.
OFO Review Project 13	ORP13	For use in tracking special claim types as directed by VACO.
OFO Review Project 14	ORP14	For use in tracking special claim types as directed by VACO.
OFO Review Project 15	ORP15	For use in tracking special claim types as directed by VACO.
OFO Review Project 16	ORP16	For use in tracking special claim types as directed by VACO.
OFO Review Project 17	ORP17	For use in tracking special claim types as directed by VACO.
OFO Review Project 18	ORP18	For use in tracking special claim types as directed by VACO.
OFO Review Project 19	ORP19	For use in tracking special claim types as directed by VACO.
OFO Review Project 20	ORP20	For use in tracking special claim types as directed by VACO.
PACT	PACT	Apply to every contention claiming SC or Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) that explicitly states a disability or cause of death is related to a toxic exposure risk activity (TERA) and requires the claims processor to follow TERA procedures, is associated with a presumptive location established by the PACT Act, is a new presumptive condition or cause of death established by the PACT Act, or is a non-presumptive disability or cause of death for which a TERA has been conceded and participation has been documented on a TERA Memorandum. Note: This SI should not be removed after a TERA examination has been conducted, even if the medical opinion is negative or attributes the condition to a non-TERA etiology. Since the TERA medical opinion was requested, the claim should be counted as a PACT Act claim. Reference: For more information, see VBA Letter 20-24-06, Updated Guidance on Processing Claims Involving PACT Act.
PACT ACT DIC Reevaluation	PACTDICRE	Use when a valid claim for reevaluation is elected and received by the claimant in accordance with M21-1, Part XII, Subpart i, 3.A.2.c. Note: The PACT ACT DIC Reevaluation and PACT special issues must not be applied to the same EP simultaneously.
Pension & Fiduciary Service Review	PFSR	Use for special routing of pension and survivor claims requiring P&F review. This special issue should only be applied by designated pension management center (PMC) personnel.
PFAS	PFAS	Apply to any contentions where the Veteran states that the condition was incurred or aggravated as a result of exposure to per and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
Phone Development Unit	PDU	
POI Automation	POIAUTO	Apply for special routing of claim to Pension Optimization Initiative (POI) automation engine as directed by VACO.
POI Offramp	POIOFF	Apply for special routing of claim offramped from POI automation engine as directed by VACO.
POI RFD Offramp	POIRFDOFF	Apply for special routing of claim offramped in the ready for decision (RFD) life cycle from POI automation engine as directed by VACO.
Potential Improper Debt	PID	Automatically affixed on batch established claims to resolve potential improper debts generated without notification to the Veteran. Note: Claims processors should follow OFO guidance and apply the special issue on any subsequently established claims to resolve the associated debt.
Potential Under/Overpayment	PUO	Use when information is received that suggests a potential under/overpayment may exist to allow for monitoring of timeliness in completing action on potential under/overpayments. Reference: For more information, see M21-1, Part VI, Subpart i, 2.B.
POW	POW	Use for each claimed disability attributed to Veteran's experience as an FPOW.
Primary Intertwined	PI	
PTSD - Combat	PTSD/1	Use for SC claims of PTSD resulting from combat experience, or when the nature of the stressor is not expressly stated but the Veteran is in receipt of a requisite combat decoration, and entitlement has not been previously established. Reference: For more information, see M21-1, Part VIII, Subpart iv, 1.A.3.j.
PTSD - Non-Combat	PTSD/2	Use for claims of PTSD resulting from a non-combat stressor (other than personal trauma or MST) when entitlement has not been previously established.
PTSD - Personal Trauma	PTSD/3	Use for claims of PTSD resulting from a non-sexual personal trauma and entitlement has not been previously established. Reference: For more information, see M21-1, Part VIII, Subpart iv, 1.B.1.c.
Radiation	RDN	Use for all SC claims for disabilities resulting from exposure to radiation not previously granted.
Radiation Radiogenic Disability Confirmed	RRDC	Apply for special routing of a claim for SC based on radiation exposure that contains the existence of a radiogenic disease as described in M21-1, Part VIII, Subpart iii, 4.A.2.a. and M21-1, Part VIII, Subpart iii, 4.B.2.b.
Rapid Ready for Decision	RRD	Apply to contentions deemed automation eligible. Note: Claims processor should never remove this special issue.
Rating Decision Review - Level 1	RDR1	Apply for special routing of a draft rating decision to a second signer, and remove when the rating decision is finalized or routed to a third signer.
Rating Decision Review - Level 2	RDR2	Apply for special routing of a draft rating decision to a third signer, and remove when the rating decision is finalized.
RBPS Re-Run Inventory	RRRI	Special issue will be affixed by automation to assist in ensuring claims remain in 499 allowing RBPS to reprocesses the claim without the claim being assigned to the field. RBPS process will remove the special issue if the claim is off-ramped allowing the claim to then distribute to the field. Current anticipated use will be for claims previously off-ramped from RBPS due to Veteran not being service connected at 30% or more and a rating decision has now been completed assigning a service connected combined 30% or greater evaluation.
Ready for Exam	RFE	
Records Research Request	RRR	Apply for special routing to a RO Research Coordinator (RORC) when a specialized RORC review is needed, and remove after the RORC completes the review and either submits a research request or verifies the claimed exposure or stressor.
RO Special Issue 1	ROSI1	For use in tracking special claim or contention types as directed by VACO.
RO Special Issue 2	ROSI2	For use in tracking special claim or contention types as directed by VACO.
RO Special Issue 3	ROSPISTHR	For use in tracking special claim or contention types as directed by VACO.
RO Special Issue 4	ROSPISFOR	For use in tracking special claim or contention types as directed by VACO.
RO Special Issue 5	RSI5	For use in tracking special claim or contention types as directed by VACO.
RO Special Issue 6	RSI6	For use in tracking special claim or contention types as directed by VACO.
RO Special Issue 7	RSI7	For use in tracking special claim or contention types as directed by VACO.
RO Special Issue 8	RSI8	For use in tracking special claim or contention types as directed by VACO.
RO Special Issue 9	RSI9	For use in tracking special claim or contention types as directed by VACO.
RVSR Examination	REN	Apply for special routing when a claim requires a complex examination that must be prepared by an RVSR, and remove when the RVSR action is completed.
Same Station Review	SSR	
Sarcoidosis	SARCO	Use for sarcoidosis claims when entitlement has not been previously established.
SHAD	SHAD	Use for SC claims involving disease or injury as a result of participation in the Shipboard Hazards and Defense (SHAD) Project when entitlement has not been previously established.
Simultaneous Award Adjustment Not Permitted	SAANP	Apply for special routing of a claim that does not permit multiple award adjustments to be processed simultaneously as described in M21-1, Part VI, Subpart iii, 2.A.2.b.
Special 12-Mile Review	SMR	Apply for special routing to the Records Research Team (RRT) for additional research when the centralized processing team is unable to place a Veteran in the eligible offshore waters or other qualifying location.
Specialized Records Request	SPECRECRQST	Apply for special routing to a military records specialist (MRS) when a specialized MRS request is needed, and remove when the request has been submitted.
Stage 1 Development	S1D	For use in tracking special claim or contention types as directed by VACO.
Stage 2 Development	S2D	For use in tracking special claim or contention types as directed by VACO.
Stage 3 Development	S3D	For use in tracking special claim or contention types as directed by VACO.
Supervised Direct Payment Competency Review	SDPCR	
TBI Pilot SD	TPS	
TBI Pilot Waco	TPW	
Temp 100 Convalescence	TMC	Apply for special routing for the Temp 100 Pilot at the St. Paul RO.
Temp 100 Hospitalization	T1H	Apply for special routing for the Temp 100 Pilot at the St. Paul RO.
Tobacco	TOB	
Tort Claim	TC	Applied by the Office of General Counsel (OGC) for special routing to the appropriate Regional Office of Jurisdiction (ROJ).
Transfer from Intake Site	TIS	Apply to the first contention listed under EP 689 to enable special routing of an IDES claim to the Disability Rating Activity Site (DRAS). Reference: For more information on Military Service Coordinator (MSC) responsibilities handling IDES exam reports, see M21-1, Part X, Subpart i, 6.F.3.
Traumatic Brain Injury	TBI	For use in identification and routing of TBI claims.
Upfront Verification	UV	Use for pension claims when upfront verification of income has been conducted using Federal Tax Information (FTI) provided by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and Social Security Administration (SSA). Reference: For more information, see M21-1, Part XIV, Chapter 4, Section A.1.d.
VACO OIG/GAO Review 1	VOGR1	For use in tracking special claim types as directed by VACO.
VACO OIG/GAO Review 2	VOGR2	For use in tracking special claim types as directed by VACO.
VACO OIG/GAO Review 3	VOGR3	For use in tracking special claim types as directed by VACO.
VACO OIG/GAO Review 4	VOGR4	For use in tracking special claim types as directed by VACO.
VACO OIG/GAO Review 5	VOGR5	For use in tracking special claim types as directed by VACO.
VACO OIG/GAO Review 6	VOGR6	For use in tracking special claim types as directed by VACO.
VACO OIG/GAO Review 7	VOGR7	For use in tracking special claim types as directed by VACO.
VACO OIG/GAO Review 8	VOGR8	For use in tracking special claim types as directed by VACO.
VACO OIG/GAO Review 9	VOGR9	For use in tracking special claim types as directed by VACO.
VACO OIG/GAO Review 10	VOGR10	For use in tracking special claim types as directed by VACO.
VACO OIG/GAO Review 11	VOGR11	For use in tracking special claim types as directed by VACO.
VACO OIG/GAO Review 12	VOGR12	For use in tracking special claim types as directed by VACO.
VACO OIG/GAO Review 13	VOGR13	For use in tracking special claim types as directed by VACO.
VACO OIG/GAO Review 14	VOGR14	For use in tracking special claim types as directed by VACO.
VACO OIG/GAO Review 15	VOGR15	For use in tracking special claim types as directed by VACO.
VACO OIG/GAO Review 16	VOGR16	For use in tracking special claim types as directed by VACO.
VACO OIG/GAO Review 17	VOGR17	For use in tracking special claim types as directed by VACO.
VACO OIG/GAO Review 18	VOGR18	For use in tracking special claim types as directed by VACO.
VACO OIG/GAO Review 19	VOGR19	For use in tracking special claim types as directed by VACO
VACO OIG/GAO Review 20	VOGR20	For use in tracking special claim types as directed by VACO.
VACO OIG/GAO Review 21	VOGR21	For use in tracking special claim types as directed by VACO.
VACO OIG/GAO Review 22	VOGR22	For use in tracking special claim types as directed by VACO.
VACO OIG/GAO Review 23	VOGR23	For use in tracking special claim types as directed by VACO.
VACO OIG/GAO Review 24	VOGR24	For use in tracking special claim types as directed by VACO.
VACO OIG/GAO Review 25	VOGR25	For use in tracking special claim types as directed by VACO.
VACO Special Issue 1	COSI1	For use in tracking special claim or contention types as directed by VACO.
VACO Special Issue 2	COSI2	For use in tracking special claim or contention types as directed by VACO.
VACO Special Issue 3	VACSPISTHR	For use in tracking special claim or contention types as directed by VACO.
VACO Special Issue 4	VACSPISFOR	For use in tracking special claim or contention types as directed by VACO.
VACO Special Issue 5	VACSPIS5	For use in tracking special claim or contention types as directed by VACO.
VACO Special Issue 6	VACSPIS6	For use in tracking special claim or contention types as directed by VACO.
VACO Special Issue 7	VACSPIS7	For use in tracking special claim or contention types as directed by VACO.
VACO Special Issue 8	VACSPIS8	For use in tracking special claim or contention types as directed by VACO.
VACO Special Issue 9	VACSPIS9	For use in tracking special claim or contention types as directed by VACO.
VACOLS Opt-in	VACOLS Optin	
Vendor Excluded	VEND	
Vendor Exclusion - No Diagnosis	VEXCLNODIAG	
VONAPP Direct Connect	VDC	Automatically affixed to the first contention when a claim is submitted through the Veterans Online Application (VONAPP) Direct Connect (VDC). Reference: For more information, see M21-1, Part II, Subpart iii, 4.A.1.c.
E.2.c. Index of Historical Special Issues
Use the table below to reference historical special issues, and the date that use was discontinued.
Special Issue Name	Code	Discontinued Date	Description
2009 Agent Orange Presumptive	AOPR2009	11/14/2018	
30-Day Claim	3DC	12/12/2014	
4142 Pilot	4142P	11/14/2018	
5103 Waiver Review	5103WR	11/14/2018	
Ace Direct Referral	ADR	11/14/2018	
Administrative Pension (Age 65) with 60% SMP	AGE6560HB	11/21/2017	
Agent Orange	AO	06/09/2010	
Attorney Fee Payable	AFP	11/02/2022	
Attorney No Fee Payable	ANFP	11/02/2022	
AutoEstablish	AE1	12/15/2024	
BDD	BDD	12/12/2014	
Burn Pit Exposure	BPE	04/14/2023	Previously used for all claimed disabilities due to burn pit exposure not previously granted.
Centralized Mail	CM	12/12/2014	
Claim filed within 1 year of RAD	CLMFONYRAD	11/14/2018	
Claim Pending Over 1 Year	CPOY	11/14/2018	
Compensation Service Review	CSR	01/25/2018	Previously applied for special routing for claims requiring Compensation Service review, and removed once the review was completed.
Compensation Service Review - AO Outside RVN & Ship	CSRAORS	07/10/2020	Previously applied when sending a referral to Compensation Service to verify herbicide exposure in other locations or for administrative review of offshore waters.
Compensation Service Review - COD	CSRCOD	10/20/2022	
Compensation Service Review - Enviro Hazard Verification	CSREHV	12/20/2025	
Compensation Service Review - MG/CBRNE/Shad	CSRMCS	03/08/2025	Previously applied when requesting verification from Compensation Service for SHAD and/or Chem Bio participants.
Compensation Service Review - Mustard Gas	CSRMG	04/19/2026	Previously applied when sending a referral to Compensation Service to verify mustard gas exposure.
Compensation Service Review - Over $25K	CSRO25	08/09/2025	Previously applied when requesting Compensation Service approval of administrative decisions involving erroneous payments of $25,000 or greater due to administrative error.
Concerns Associated with Pandemic	CAP	12/15/2024	
Core Claim	CC	11/14/2018	Previously applied to a single contention for any claim that met the criteria for the Core Lane.
COVID Exam Cancellation Review	CECR	07/24/2023	
Decision Ready Claim	DRCI	11/30/2020	Previously applied to a single contention for any claim that met the criteria for a Decision Ready Claim (DRC).
Decision Ready Claim - Deferred	DRCD	11/30/2020	Previously applied to a single contention when a DRC claim did not contain sufficient evidence to render decision(s) on any of the contended issue(s).
Decision Ready Claim - Partial Deferred	DRCPD	11/30/2020	Previously applied to all contentions subject to deferral if a partial rating decision was completed for a DRC that contained sufficient evidence to render decisions on some, but not all contended issues.
Development Resource Center Case	DRCC	11/16/2012	
Disability Benefits Questionnaire	DBBENQNRE	10/06/2011	
Disability Evaluation System (DES)	DES	04/21/2015	
DRC – Exam Review Complete Approved	DRCEXRCA	11/30/2020	Previously used by the Baltimore RO DRC Exam Review Hub when notifying the Decision Ready Claim (DRC) exam request vendor that the recommended exam request had been approved.
DRC – Exam Review Complete Disapproved	DRCEXRCD	11/30/2020	Previously used by the Baltimore RO DRC Exam Review Hub when notifying the DRC Exam Request Vendor that the recommended exam request had been disapproved and needed correction.
DRC – Pending File Scan	DPFS	11/30/2020	DRC Vendor applied when a DRC exam request was received and the paper folder had not been scanned into VBMS.
DRC – Vendor Exam Recommendation	DRCVENEXRCMD	11/30/2020	Applied when the DRC exam request vendor completed a DRC exam recommendation and wanted to route the case to the Baltimore RO DRC Exam Review Hub to validate.
DRC Exam Input - Pending Results	DEIPR	11/30/2020	
EDU Claim RPO - Buffalo RO	ECRBR	07/13/2022	
EDU Claim RPO - Muskogee RO	ECRMR	07/13/2022	
EHRM Pilot	EP	05/29/2020	
Embassy Referred Exams	ERE	12/15/2024	
Exam Request Correction	ERC	12/15/2024	
Expedited Claims Adjudication (ECA)	ECA	12/12/2014	
Express Claim	EXPCLM	11/14/2018	Previously applied to a single contention for any claim that met the criteria for the Express Lane.
Express Claim Excluded - Additional Issues	ECEAI	11/14/2018	Previously applied to a single contention for claims excluded from the Express Lane.
Express Claim Excluded - Misidentified	ECEM	11/14/2018	Previously applied to a single contention for claims excluded from the Express Lane.
Express Claim Excluded-Additional Evidence	EXPCLMXADE	05/17/2011	Previously applied to a single contention for claims excluded from the Express Lane.
Express Claim Excluded-Failed to Report for Exam	EXPCLMXFRE	05/17/2011	Previously applied to a single contention for claims excluded from the Express Lane.
Express Claim Excluded-VBA Administrative Reason	EXPCLMXVBAAR	11/14/2018	Previously applied to a single contention for claims excluded from the Express Lane.
FDC Excluded - Additional Evidence	FDCEXAE	10/06/2011	
FDC Excluded - Failed to Report for Exam	FDCEXFRE	10/06/2011	
FDC Excluded - VBA Administrative Reason	FDCEXVBAAR	05/06/2014	
Former ECA - Disqualifying hearing request	FECADHR	12/12/2014	
Former ECA - Form 9 not timely	FECAFNNT	12/12/2014	
Former ECA - No response to VCAA	FECANR	12/12/2014	
Former ECA - No waiver of SSOC	FECANWSSOC	12/12/2014	
Former ECA - NOD not timely	FECANODNT	12/12/2014	
Former ECA - Other	FECAOTH	12/12/2014	
Former ECA - Response to VCAA not timely	FECARNT	12/12/2014	
Former ECA - Veteran withdrawn	FECAVW	12/12/2014	
Gulf War Presumptive	GWP	06/27/2025	Previously applied for claimed presumptive infectious diseases recognized under 38 CFR 3.317(c).
Gulf War Presumptive 3.320	GWP3.320	08/09/2025	
Gulf War Presumptive - Airborne Hazards	GWPAH	12/20/2025	Previously applied for claimed disabilities or a symptom related to a disability recognized under 38 U.S.C. 1120 resulting from exposure to fine particulate matter not previously granted.
Gulf War Presumptive - Rare Cancers	GWPRC	03/08/2025	Previously applied for claimed presumptive cancers recognized under 38 CFR 3.320.
Hardship	HARD	12/12/2013	
Hardship-Financial	HARDF	12/12/2013	
Hardship-IRH	HARDI	12/12/2013	
Homeless	HOME	12/12/2013	
Homeless Veteran	HOMEV	12/12/2013	
Hospital Adjustment Action Plan FY 18/19	HA	04/02/2021	
IDES Transfer to DRAS	IDESTRNDRAS	11/14/2018	
Indy - Appeals Team	IAT	11/16/2011	
Indy - Core Team	ICT	11/16/2011	
Indy - Express Team	IET	11/16/2011	
Indy - Non-Rating Team	INRT	11/16/2011	
Indy - Select Team	IST	11/16/2011	
Indy - Special Ops Team	ISOT	11/16/2011	
Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES)	IDES	11/14/2018	
JSRRC Request	JSSRCRQST	12/28/2020	Previously applied for special routing when a Joint Services Records Research Center (JSRRC) request is needed, and remove when the request has been submitted to JSRRC.
Jurisdiction Change	JC	11/16/2012	
Medical Questionnaire	MEDQNRE	12/12/2014	
MRRC Request	MRRC	06/14/2025	Previously applied for special routing to a RO Research Coordinator when a specialized RO Research Coordinator request is needed, and removed when the request has been submitted.
Nehmer Phase II	NP	12/15/2024	
NLA Pilot	NLAP	02/25/2014	
OAR Review - COD	ORC	10/20/2022	
OCR - Old Claim Review	OCR	07/23/2013	
OCR - Provisional	OCRP	11/14/2018	
OCR - Second Review	OSR	11/14/2018	
PACT Exam Exclusion - Sec. 1168	PEES1	08/09/2025	Previously used on relevant contention on the EP, when an examination exclusion applies in accordance with the current PACT Act Implementation SOP.
PACT SC Death	PSCD	06/08/2024	
P&F Service Review - COD	PSRC	10/20/2022	
Personal Trauma PTSD	TRM	09/02/2010	
Pilot Prog Checklist	PPCK	12/12/2014	
Pilot Prog Not Fully Dev Claim-Addl dev after init	PPNFDADAPI	05/04/2010	
Pilot Prog Not Fully Dev Claim-Not rcvd full dev	PPNFDNRFD	05/04/2010	
Pilot Prog Not Fully Dev Claim-Other delay	PPNFDOD	05/04/2010	
Pilot Prog Not Fully Dev Claim-Resched VAE	PPNFDRVAE	05/04/2010	
Pilot Program Fully Dev Claim	PPFDC	05/04/2010	
PMC VSR Single Signature	PMCVSRSNGSIG	11/21/2017	
Potential Attorney Fee Payble	PAFP	11/02/2022	
Pre-Discharge Consolidated Action	PDCA	11/14/2018	
Predischarge Exam	PDE	12/12/2014	
Priority Processing GWOT	PGWOT	11/14/2018	
Procopio	P	09/09/2019	
PTSD	PTSD	09/02/2010	
Quick Pay	QKPY		
Quick Start	QS	12/12/2014	
Radiation Excluded	RDNEXCL	07/06/2015	
Rapid Eval	RPDEVL	05/19/2011	
Ready for Automation	RFA	03/24/2020	
SNL-Free Text	SNLFT	12/12/2014	
SNL-No Free Text	SNFT	12/12/2014	
Special Ops Claim	SOC	11/14/2018	Previously applied to a single contention for any claim that met the criteria for the Special Operations Lane.
TBI Exam Review	TER	12/14/2024	Previously applied in the re-evaluation of TBI claims that were adjudicated based on an initial TBI examination not completed by a required specialist.
Temp 100 Mental Health	TMH	04/26/2018	Previously applied for special routing for the Temp 100 Pilot at the St. Paul RO.
Terminally Ill	TI	12/12/2014	
Tiger Team	TT	12/12/2014	
Toxic Exposure Risk Exposure	TERA	08/09/2025	
Traditional Rating	TR	12/12/2014	
Unadjudicated Claim Discovered	UCD	08/21/2014	
VASRD-Cardiovascular	VC	04/02/2021	
VASRD-Dental	VD	04/02/2021	
VASRD-Digestive	VRD	04/02/2021	
VASRD-Endocrine	VEN	04/02/2021	
VASRD-Eye	VE	04/02/2021	
VASRD-GU	VG	04/02/2021	
VASRD-GYN	VDG	04/02/2021	
VASRD-Hemic	VH	04/02/2021	
VASRD-Infectious	VI	04/02/2021	
VASRD-Mental	VML	04/02/2021	
VASRD-Musculoskeletal	VM	04/02/2021	
VASRD-Neurological	VN	04/02/2021	
VASRD-Respiratory/Auditory	VRA	04/02/2021	
VASRD-Skin	VS	04/02/2021	
VBMAP	VBM	12/12/2014	
VBMAP RO	VBMRO	12/12/2014	
VBMS-R Claim	VRC	12/12/2014	
VSR Single Signature	VSRSINGSIG	03/11/2016	
Walk in Pilot - Dev Required	WLKIPDR	05/19/2011	
Walk in Pilot - Immediate Decision	WLKIPIMMD	05/19/2011	
Walk in Pilot - Interim Decision	WLKIPINTD	05/19/2011	
Walk in Pilot Term - Other Rsn	WLKIPTOR	05/19/2011	
Walk in Pilot Term - Seq Claim	WLKIPTSQC	05/19/2011	
Walk in Pilot Term - Time Limit Expired	WLKIPTTLE	05/19/2011	
WARTAC	WARTAC	12/15/2024	Previously used for claims processed by trainees in the Warrior Training Advancement Course (WARTAC).
WARTAC Trainee	WT	12/15/2024	Previously used for IDES claims where the claimant is a WARTAC trainee.
Washington RO Burial Processing	WROBP	05/19/2011