m21-5:6.C.1: Version history

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1. 2026-09-14 — VA source modified 2025-03-11 — matches current text

Captured VA text

Source modified 2025-03-11. Official VA source

1. Board Identification of Special Handling
Introduction
This topic contains information about how the Board identifies paper claims folders for special handling after its decision, including
Board notices for
the front of the paper claims folder
the left and right flaps of the folder
the center folder, and
example of local certification of record integrity.
Change Date
March 2, 2020
6.C.1.a Board Notice for the Front of the Paper Claims Folder
The Board of Veterans’ Appeals (Board) affixes the following label to the outside of a paper claims folder that meets the criteria for review by the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (CAVC).
Note: ROs should not stock this label.
Example:
ATTENTION THE BOARD OF VETERANS APPEALS HAS MADE A DECISION ON THIS APPEAL WHICH IS SUBJECT TO REVIEW BY THE UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS FOR VETERANS CLAIMS SPECIAL PROCEDURE TO PROTECT THE INTEGRITY OF THE FOLDER MUST BE FOLLOWED
6.C.1.b Board Notices for the Left and Right Flaps of the Folder
The Board also places the following labels on the left and right flaps in each volume of the paper claims folder when its decision meets the criteria for review by CAVC.
Note: ROs should not stock this label.
Example:
6.C.1.c Board Notice for the Center of the Folder
The Board places the following label over the records in the center in each volume of the paper claims folder when a decision meets the criteria for review by CAVC.
Note: ROs should not stock this label.
Example:
6.C.1.d Example of Local Certification of Record Integrity
The Board provides the following statement for completion by the VSCM, PMCM, or designee before returning the paper claims folder to the main file bank, or before its transfer.
“ I certify that this VA records folder was maintained in a secured area at the VA Regional Office ___________ and that, to the best of my knowledge and belief, nothing was added to or deleted from the record identified as subject to review by the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims.”
______________
Date
_____________________________
Signature and Title of Certifying Official