What this means
m21-5:6.C.6 explains handling claims folders after CAVC issues a decision. In plain terms, the official guidance says follow the steps in the table below when handling claims folders after CAVC issues a decision. It also addresses 2 — Did CAVC issue a decision that requires the RO to take specific action? If yes, take appropriate action to process the CAVC decision. If no, proceed to Step 3. Reference: For more information on handling CAVC decisions, see M21-5, Chapter 6, Section D.2.
How this may help with a claim
Use m21-5:6.C.6 as an internal VA audit trail for handling claims folders after CAVC issues a decision, not as a promise of a particular result. Compare the actions recorded in your claim file or decision notice with this source-specific detail: Follow the steps in the table below when handling claims folders after CAVC issues a decision. 2 — Did CAVC issue a decision that requires the RO to take specific action? If yes, take appropriate action to process the CAVC decision. If no, proceed to Step 3. Reference: If the record does not show the expected action, identify the missing step precisely when asking VA or an accredited representative to review the file.
What to review in your file
- Check the file against this official condition: 6. After Special Handling Expires
- Confirm that the record or notice addresses this source point: handling claims folders after CAVC issues a decision, and
- Document how this stated step or exception applies: actions to take after expiration of the special-handling period.
Important limits
m21-5:6.C.6 is primarily internal workflow guidance about handling claims folders after CAVC issues a decision. It can help identify what VA was expected to document, but it does not by itself create a claimant deadline, a freestanding entitlement, or a guaranteed remedy. The source also states: Follow the steps in the table below when handling claims folders after CAVC issues a decision. Step — Action; 1 — Remove the paper claims folder from the secured area.; 2 — Remove from the folder the outside label file inserts, and Board evidence tabs.;
Search terms when useful
Phrases that may help when searching your claim file or this library.
- Handling Claims Folders After CAVC Issues a Decision
- m21-5:6.C.6
- Handling Claims Folders
- After CAVC Issues
- After Special Handling Expires
- handling claims folders after
- actions take after expiration
- 6.C.6.a. Handling Claims Folders
Original VA guidance
The official VA text of this section
6. After Special Handling Expires
Introduction
This topic contains information about handling paper claims folders when special handling is no longer required, including
- handling claims folders after CAVC issues a decision, and
- actions to take after expiration of the special-handling period.
Change Date
March 2, 2020
6.C.6.a. Handling Claims Folders After CAVC Issues a Decision
Follow the steps in the table below when handling claims folders after CAVC issues a decision.
Scroll sideways to see the full table.
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | The CAVC Litigation Group transfers the claims folder and a copy of the decision to the Board for appropriate action. |
| 2 | Did CAVC issue a decision that requires the RO to take specific action? If yes, take appropriate action to process the CAVC decision. If no, proceed to Step 3. Reference: For more information on handling CAVC decisions, see M21-5, Chapter 6, Section D.2. |
| 3 | If CAVC declines jurisdiction or issues a decision that does not require VA to take specific action, the CAVC Litigation Group will remove from the claims folders the outside labels file inserts, and Board evidence tabs. |
| 4 | The CAVC Litigation Group returns the claims folder to the RO using routine transfer procedures. The RO must transfer documents not already of record from the temporary file to the paper claims folder destroy under current directives the temporary file and any duplicate documents it contains, and store the paper claims folder in the main file bank, or send the paper claims folders to the scanning vendor to convert into an eFolder, when applicable. |
6.C.6.b. Actions to Take After Expiration of the Special-Handling Period
Follow the steps in the table below if the
- CAVC Litigation Group does not request transfer of the paper claims folder, and
- 150-day period referenced in M21-5, Chapter 6, Section C.2.c ends.
Scroll sideways to see the full table.
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Remove the paper claims folder from the secured area. |
| 2 | Remove from the folder the outside label file inserts, and Board evidence tabs. |
| 3 | Transfer the documents from the temporary file to the permanent claims folder. |
| 4 | Route the paper claims folder to the main file bank, or Send the paper claims folder to the scanning vendor to convert into an eFolder, when applicable. |
| 5 | Destroy the temporary file according to current procedures. |