38 CFR
Stands for Title 38 of the Code of Federal Regulations. These are the official rules and laws that govern the Department of Veterans Affairs and all veterans' benefits.
Accredited Representative
A person, such as a Veterans Service Officer (VSO), claims agent, or attorney, who is legally authorized by the VA to represent a veteran in their claim.
Aid and Attendance (A&A)
An increased monthly pension or compensation amount paid to a veteran or survivor who requires help from another person with daily activities like bathing, dressing, or eating.
Board of Veterans' Appeals (BVA)
The appellate body within the VA in Washington, D.C., that reviews benefit claim denials and is staffed by Veterans Law Judges.
C&P Exam (Compensation & Pension Exam)
A medical examination ordered by the VA to evaluate the extent and severity of a veteran's disability. The results are a key piece of evidence in a disability claim.
C-File (Claims File)
The complete collection of a veteran's records held by the VA, including service records, medical evidence, claim forms, and decision letters.
CAVC
Stands for the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims. This is the federal court that has the authority to review decisions made by the BVA.
Combined Rating
The overall disability percentage calculated using "VA Math" when a veteran has multiple service-connected conditions. It is not simple addition.
DD214
The Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty. This is a critical document for proving military service and character of discharge.
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)
A monthly tax-free benefit paid to eligible survivors of a service member who died in the line of duty or a veteran whose death resulted from a service-related condition.
Effective Date
The date from which benefits are paid. This is often established by an Intent to File (ITF) and can result in significant back pay.
Higher-Level Review (HLR)
An appeal option where a senior VA reviewer re-examines a claim for errors based only on the evidence that was on record at the time of the original decision. No new evidence is allowed.
Individual Unemployability (TDIU)
A VA benefit that allows a veteran to be paid at the 100% disability rate, even if their combined rating is less than 100%, if their service-connected disabilities prevent them from maintaining substantially gainful employment.
Intent to File (ITF)
An initial form submitted to the VA that preserves an effective date for up to one year, giving the veteran time to gather evidence for a full claim.
M21-1
The VA Adjudication Procedures Manual. This is the official manual that provides guidance to VA employees (raters) on how to process and decide claims for benefits.
MST (Military Sexual Trauma)
Physical assault or battery of a sexual nature, or sexual harassment, that occurred while the veteran was in the military. The VA provides free care for conditions related to MST.
Nexus / Nexus Letter
The crucial link or connection between a veteran's current disability and an event, injury, or illness in their service. A nexus letter is a medical opinion written by a qualified professional that establishes this link.
PACT Act
A recent law that significantly expanded VA health care and benefits for veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances during their service.
Presumptive Condition
A condition that the VA automatically assumes ("presumes") is service-connected based on the veteran's service in a specific location and time period (e.g., Agent Orange in Vietnam, burn pits in Iraq).
Secondary Service Connection
When a currently service-connected disability causes or aggravates another, new disability. The new disability can then also be service-connected.
Service Connection
The direct link between a veteran's disability and their military service. This is the foundation of any successful VA disability claim.
SMC (Special Monthly Compensation)
An additional, tax-free benefit paid at a higher rate than the standard 100% schedule for veterans with severe disabilities, such as the loss of a limb, blindness, or the need for Aid and Attendance.
Supplemental Claim
An appeal option where a veteran submits new and relevant evidence to have a previously denied claim reviewed again. The VA has a "duty to assist" in a supplemental claim.
TERA (Toxic Exposure Risk Activity)
An activity that could have exposed a veteran to toxic substances, as defined under the PACT Act. Acknowledging a TERA in your claim can trigger the VA's duty to assist.
VSO (Veterans Service Officer)
An accredited professional, typically working for a Veteran Service Organization like the VFW, DAV, or American Legion, who provides free assistance to veterans in preparing and submitting claims for benefits.
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