What this means
m21-5:5.6 explains completing non-rating hlrs. In plain terms, the official guidance says higher-level reviewers use VBMS-R to generate rating decisions. As of October 23, 2023, all non-rating HLR decisions are generated in VBMS-Awards. It also addresses a copy of the NR AMA Decision will be enclosed with the decision letter.
How this may help with a claim
Use m21-5:5.6 to audit how VA handled completing non-rating hlrs. Start with the decision date, the issue being reviewed, and the evidence VA was allowed to consider, then compare the record with this rule: Higher-level reviewers use VBMS-R to generate rating decisions. As of October 23, 2023, all non-rating HLR decisions are generated in VBMS-Awards. A copy of the NR AMA Decision will be enclosed with the decision letter. 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: Higher-level reviewers use VBMS-R to generate rating decisions. As of October 23, 2023, all non-rating HLR decisions are generated in VBMS-Awards.
- Confirm that the record or notice addresses this source point: A copy of the NR AMA Decision will be enclosed with the decision letter.
- Document how this stated step or exception applies: Higher-level reviewers use VBMS-R to generate rating decisions. As of October 23, 2023, all non-rating HLR decisions are generated in VBMS-Awards.
Important limits
m21-5:5.6 explains VA guidance for completing non-rating hlrs; 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: Higher-level reviewers use VBMS-R to generate rating decisions. As of October 23, 2023, all non-rating HLR decisions are generated in VBMS-Awards. A copy of the NR AMA Decision will be enclosed with the decision letter.
Search terms when useful
Phrases that may help when searching your claim file or this library.
- Completing Non-Rating HLRs
- m21-5:5.6
- Non-Rating Issues
- releasing non-rating decisions.
- 5.6.a. Completing Non-Rating HLRs
- Higher-level reviewers VBMS-R generate
- 5.6.b. Releasing Non-Rating Decisions
- Decision will uploaded VBMS
Original VA guidance
The official VA text of this section
6. Non-Rating Issues
Introduction
This topic contains general information on higher-level reviews for non-rating issues, including
- completing non-rating HLRs, and
- releasing non-rating HLR decisions.
Change Date
October 23, 2023
5.6.a. Completing Non-Rating HLRs
Higher-level reviewers use VBMS-R to generate rating decisions. As of October 23, 2023, all non-rating HLR decisions are generated in VBMS-Awards.
5.6.b. Releasing Non-Rating HLR Decisions
The NR AMA Decision will be uploaded to VBMS once complete.
A copy of the NR AMA Decision will be enclosed with the decision letter.