What this means
m21-5:5.7 explains EP and claim labels. In plain terms, the official guidance says the following table is an overview of the EP and claim labels for processing HLRs: It also addresses the following table is an overview of claim labels assigned because of quality reviews of HLRs at DROCs/Veterans Service Centers (VSCs) and PMCs.
How this may help with a claim
Use m21-5:5.7 to audit how VA handled EP and claim labels. Start with the decision date, the issue being reviewed, and the evidence VA was allowed to consider, then compare the record with this rule: The following table is an overview of the EP and claim labels for processing HLRs: The following table is an overview of claim labels assigned because of quality reviews of HLRs at DROCs/Veterans Service Centers (VSCs) and PMCs. 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: The following table is an overview of claim labels assigned because of quality reviews of HLRs at DROCs/Veterans Service Centers (VSCs) and PMCs.
- Confirm that the record or notice addresses this source point: When an EP 930 is used to correct an HLR and a DTA error is identified, the higher-level reviewer making the correction will return the DTA contentions for additional development.
- Document how this stated step or exception applies: The following table is an overview of the EP and claim labels for processing HLRs:
Important limits
m21-5:5.7 explains VA guidance for EP and claim labels; 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: The following table is an overview of the EP and claim labels for processing HLRs: When an EP 930 is used to correct an HLR and a DTA error is identified, the higher-level reviewer making the correction will return the DTA contentions for additional development.
Search terms when useful
Phrases that may help when searching your claim file or this library.
- EP and Claim Labels
- m21-5:5.7
- Claim Labels
- Tracking Higher-Level Reviews
- quality control claim labels.
- 5.7.a. Claim Labels
- following table claim labels
- Claim Label Code 030HLRR
Original VA guidance
The official VA text of this section
7. Tracking Higher-Level Reviews
Introduction
This topic contains information on tracking HLRs, including
- EP and claim labels, and
- quality control EP and claim labels.
Change Date
April 14, 2026
5.7.a. EP and Claim Labels
The following table is an overview of the EP and claim labels for processing HLRs:
Scroll sideways to see the full table.
| EP and Claim Label Code | Use for |
|---|---|
| 030HLRR | Higher-Level Review Rating |
| 030HLRNR | Higher-Level Review Non-Rating |
| 030BGNR | Board Grant Non-Rating |
| 030BGR | Board Grant Rating |
| 030HLRRPMC | Pension Management Center (PMC) Higher-Level Review Rating |
| 030HLRNRPMC | PMC Higher-Level Review Non-Rating |
| 030BGRPMC | PMC Board Grant Rating |
| 030HBD | Higher-Level Review Birth Defect |
| 030HSB | Higher-Level Review Spina Bifida |
| 030HLRFID | Fiduciary Higher-Level Review |
5.7.b. Quality Control EP and Claim Labels
The following table is an overview of claim labels assigned because of quality reviews of HLRs at DROCs/Veterans Service Centers (VSCs) and PMCs. When quality reviews indicate that VA needs to correct errors made in processing HLRs, claims processors should establish the EP 930 in VBMS and ensure the appropriate claim label is assigned.
Scroll sideways to see the full table.
| DROC/VSC Claim Labels | PMC Claim Labels |
|---|---|
| AMA HLR Rating Control 930AMAHRC | AMA PMC HLR Rating Control 930AMAHRCPMC |
| AMA HLR Non-Rating Control 930AMAHNRC | AMA PMC HLR Non-Rating Control 930AHNRCPMC |
| AMA HLR Correction of Rating LQE 930AMAHCRLQE | AMA PMC HLR Correction of Rating LQE 930AHCRLQPMC |
| AMA HLR Correction of Non-Rating LQE 930AHCNRLQE | AMA PMC HLR Correction of Non-Rating LQE 930AHCNRLPMC |
| AMA HLR Correction of Rating NQE 930AMAHCRNQE | AMA PMC HLR Correction of Rating NQE 930AHCRNQPMC |
| AMA HLR Correction of Non-Rating NQE 930AHCNRNQE | AMA PMC HLR Correction of Non-Rating NQE 930AHCNRNPMC |
| AMA PMC HLR DTA Error Non-Rating- Correction of LQE 930AHDENLPMC | |
| AMA PMC HLR DTA Error Non-Rating- Correction of NQE 930AHDENNPMC | |
| AMA PMC HLR DTA Error Non-Rating 930AHDENRPMC | |
| AMA PMC HLR DTA Error Rating 930AHDERPMC | |
| AMA PMC HLR DTA Error Rating- Correction of LQE 930AHDERLPMC | |
| AMA PMC HLR DTA Error Rating- Correction of NQE 930AHDERNPMC |
Note: LQE is Local Quality Error and NQE is National Quality Error.
When an EP 930 is used to correct an HLR and a DTA error is identified, the higher-level reviewer making the correction will return the DTA contentions for additional development. The resulting EP 040 will be automatically established by VBMS. The date of the EP 040 will be the date the EP 930 was cleared.