Claim Raven explanation
What this means
This section describes how rating agencies seek advice about unclear rating-schedule questions or unusual cases. It directs the agency to explain the question and provide the complete case file for review.
It is an internal guidance process, not a separate application that a veteran must submit to receive an ordinary rating. The rule also emphasizes having an examination that adequately describes the claimant's condition.
How this helps your claim
It helps you understand references to an advisory opinion in a difficult rating case. Look for the question asked and whether the record actually supports the answer used in the decision.
What to check in your records
Use your decision, examination reports, and relevant records to check the following points.
- Locate any request for an advisory opinion and the response.
- Check what specific rating question the agency identified.
- Compare the examination findings with the facts described in the opinion.
Understand why an unusual rating question may need advice
Some cases raise uncertainty about how the schedule applies. This section describes an internal process for seeking advice with the complete file and an adequately described medical condition. The request should explain the specific rating question rather than merely label the case unusual.
For a veteran reading the file, the useful point is understanding what question was referred and what evidence accompanied it. An internal request for guidance is not itself an award or denial. The eventual decision still needs to apply the governing criteria to the documented facts.
Do I need to submit a separate application under this section?
It does not establish a separate ordinary benefit application for veterans. It directs rating agencies in an internal advice process. Continue to distinguish that administrative step from the prescribed claim or review procedure identified in your notice and the evidence needed for the actual benefit.
Official regulatory text
38 CFR § 4.24
eCFR snapshot: September 3, 2026. Layout and spacing are adapted for reading. The full section and its tables are included below.
§ 4.24 Correspondence.
All correspondence relative to the interpretation of the schedule for rating disabilities, requests for advisory opinions, questions regarding lack of clarity or application to individual cases involving unusual difficulties, will be addressed to the Director, Compensation Service. A clear statement will be made of the point or points upon which information is desired, and the complete case file will be simultaneously forwarded to Central Office. Rating agencies will assure themselves that the recent report of physical examination presents an adequate picture of the claimant's condition. Claims in regard to which the schedule evaluations are considered inadequate or excessive, and errors in the schedule will be similarly brought to attention.
[41 FR 11292, Mar. 18, 1976, as amended at 79 FR 2100, Jan. 13, 2014]
Related references
- 38 CFR § 4.1: What a VA disability rating measures
- 38 CFR § 3.159: VA duty to assist: records and examinations
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