What this means
m21-5:1.A.1 explains purpose of the drocs. In plain terms, the official guidance says in October 2018, the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) consolidated Appeals Modernization Act (AMA) higher-level review (HLR) processing into the decision review operations centers (DROC), to It also addresses VA implemented AMA on February 19, 2019, which authorized VA to process HLRs of decisions relating to disability compensation and pension at the DROCs.
How this may help with a claim
Use m21-5:1.A.1 to audit how VA handled purpose of the drocs. Start with the decision date, the issue being reviewed, and the evidence VA was allowed to consider, then compare the record with this rule: In October 2018, the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) consolidated Appeals Modernization Act (AMA) higher-level review (HLR) processing into the decision review operations centers (DROC), to VA implemented AMA on February 19, 2019, which authorized VA to process HLRs of decisions relating to disability compensation and pension at the DROCs. Cite the exact document and page when raising a factual or procedural error, and use the review rights in the actual notice for any deadline.
What to review in your file
- Check the file against this official condition: In October 2018, the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) consolidated Appeals Modernization Act (AMA) higher-level review (HLR) processing into the decision review operations centers (DROC), to
- Confirm that the record or notice addresses this source point: VA implemented AMA on February 19, 2019, which authorized VA to process HLRs of decisions relating to disability compensation and pension at the DROCs.
- Document how this stated step or exception applies: improve technical accuracy based on skills specialization and Information Technology enhancements.
Important limits
m21-5:1.A.1 explains VA guidance for purpose of the drocs; it does not guarantee an award or replace the statutes, regulations, binding decisions, and review instructions that control an individual claim. Conditions and exceptions still matter, including this source point: In October 2018, the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) consolidated Appeals Modernization Act (AMA) higher-level review (HLR) processing into the decision review operations centers (DROC), to improve technical accuracy based on skills specialization and Information Technology enhancements.
Search terms when useful
Phrases that may help when searching your claim file or this library.
- Purpose of the DROCs
- m21-5:1.A.1
- Purpose DROCs
- Purpose DROC
- higher-level reviews HLRs DROCs.
- 1.A.1.a. Purpose DROCs
- October 2018 Benefits Administration
- centralize processing
Original VA guidance
The official VA text of this section
1. Purpose of the DROC's
Introduction
This topic contains general information on
- purpose of the DROCs, and
- higher-level reviews (HLRs) at DROCs.
Change Date
April 2, 2025
1.A.1.a. Purpose of the DROCs
In October 2018, the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) consolidated Appeals Modernization Act (AMA) higher-level review (HLR) processing into the decision review operations centers (DROC), to
- centralize processing of all
- HLRs
- AMA full grants by the Board of Veterans’ Appeals (Board)
- AMA Board remands
- achieve a more effective use of limited human resources, and
- improve technical accuracy based on skills specialization and Information Technology enhancements.
1.A.1.b. HLRs at DROCs
VA implemented AMA on February 19, 2019, which authorized VA to process HLRs of decisions relating to disability compensation and pension at the DROCs.
References: For more information on
- who may conduct an HLR, see 38 CFR 3.2601(e)
- requests to conduct HLRs at specific offices, see M21-5, Chapter 5, Section 2.c.