M21-5, Chapter 5 - Higher-Level Review Procedures — Introduction and overview

What this means

m21-5:5.INTRO explains m21-5, chapter 5 - higher-level review procedures — introduction and overview. In plain terms, the official guidance says 1 — General Information on HLRs It also addresses 3 — Requests for Informal Conferences

How this may help with a claim

Use m21-5:5.INTRO to audit how VA handled m21-5, chapter 5 - higher-level review procedures — introduction and overview. Start with the decision date, the issue being reviewed, and the evidence VA was allowed to consider, then compare the record with this rule: 1 — General Information on HLRs 3 — Requests for Informal Conferences 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: 4 — Attempts to Introduce New Evidence
• Confirm that the record or notice addresses this source point: 1 — General Information on HLRs
• Document how this stated step or exception applies: 3 — Requests for Informal Conferences

Important limits

m21-5:5.INTRO explains VA guidance for m21-5, chapter 5 - higher-level review procedures — introduction and overview; 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: 1 — General Information on HLRs 5 — Errors in the Duty to Assist

Search terms when useful

Phrases that may help when searching your claim file or this library.

• M21-5, Chapter 5 - Higher-Level Review Procedures — Introduction and overview
• m21-5:5.INTRO
• M21-5 Chapter Higher-Level
• Review Introduction
• HLRs
• Initial Actions Upon Requests
• Requests Informal Conferences
• Attempts Introduce Evidence

Original VA guidance

The official VA text of this section