What this means
m21-5:6.A.2 explains VACOLS diaries. In plain terms, the official guidance says diaries in VACOLS are used to track pending action on appeals. Users must create a diary anytime action on the appeal is pending a response from the appellate or other source. It also addresses rOs can use the DIARY REPORTS (RPTS) function in VACOLS to create reports for diaries that are past due and those that are coming due.
How this may help with a claim
Use m21-5:6.A.2 to audit how VA handled VACOLS diaries. Start with the decision date, the issue being reviewed, and the evidence VA was allowed to consider, then compare the record with this rule: Diaries in VACOLS are used to track pending action on appeals. Users must create a diary anytime action on the appeal is pending a response from the appellate or other source. ROs can use the DIARY REPORTS (RPTS) function in VACOLS to create reports for diaries that are past due and those that are coming due. 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: Diaries in VACOLS are used to track pending action on appeals. Users must create a diary anytime action on the appeal is pending a response from the appellate or other source.
- Confirm that the record or notice addresses this source point: To ensure timely action on paperless appeals that are referred back to the RO from the Board for additional action, ROs must use the BVA Dispositions report function in VACOLS.
- Document how this stated step or exception applies: Step — Action; 1 — Select BVA DISPOSITIONS under the PRODUCTIVITY REPORTS (PROD RPTS) tab.; 2 — Insert the applicable date range in the DECISION DATE RANGE field.;
Important limits
m21-5:6.A.2 explains VA guidance for VACOLS diaries; 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: Diaries in VACOLS are used to track pending action on appeals. Users must create a diary anytime action on the appeal is pending a response from the appellate or other source. To ensure timely action on paperless appeals that are referred back to the RO from the Board for additional action, ROs must use the BVA Dispositions report function in VACOLS.
Search terms when useful
Phrases that may help when searching your claim file or this library.
- VACOLS Diaries
- m21-5:6.A.2
- Appeal Reports
- VACOLS reports
- VACOLS tracking Board disposition
- 6.A.2.a. VACOLS Diaries
- Diaries VACOLS used track
- DIARY REPORTS RPTS function
Original VA guidance
The official VA text of this section
2. Appeal Reports
Introduction
This topic contains information on appeal-related reports and workload management, including
- VACOLS diaries
- VACOLS reports, and
- VACOLS tracking of Board disposition of paperless appeals.
Change Date
March 2, 2020
6.A.2.a. VACOLS Diaries
Diaries in VACOLS are used to track pending action on appeals. Users must create a diary anytime action on the appeal is pending a response from the appellate or other source.
ROs can use the DIARY REPORTS (RPTS) function in VACOLS to create reports for diaries that are past due and those that are coming due.
Reference: For more information on diaries and diary reports, see the VACOLS User’s Guide.
6.A.2.b. VACOLS Reports
VACOLS reports are used to track appeal workload by RO.
The following table describes the VACOLS menu report options.
Scroll sideways to see the full table.
| Menu Option | Function |
|---|---|
| QUERIES | Displays specific types of appeals by RO, and lists each appeal in the category selected. |
| SUSPENSE REPORTS | Displays pending appeal cases by status, and lists each appeal in the status selected. |
| MANAGEMENT REPORTS (MGMT RPTS) | Generates either Nationwide or RO-specific summary totals of appeals by status or location. |
6.A.2.c. VACOLS Tracking of Board Disposition of Paperless Appeals
To ensure timely action on paperless appeals that are referred back to the RO from the Board for additional action, ROs must use the BVA Dispositions report function in VACOLS.
Follow the steps in the table below to generate the BVA Dispositions report.
Scroll sideways to see the full table.
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Select BVA DISPOSITIONS under the PRODUCTIVITY REPORTS (PROD RPTS) tab. |
| 2 | Insert the applicable date range in the DECISION DATE RANGE field. |
| 3 | Select the applicable disposition from the DISPOSITION drop-down menu. |
| 4 | Select either the SHOW ONLY VBMS APPEALS field, or SHOW ONLY VIRTUAL VA APPEALS field. |
| 5 | Select OK to run the report. |
| 6 | Take appropriate action on all claims shown with a disposition of allowed or remanded. |