--- title: "Part V, Subpart ii, Chapter 3, Section A Determining the Issues" document: "M-21-1" section: "Part V, Subpart ii, Chapter 3, Section A" canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-regulations/m21-1/v.ii.3.a-determining-the-issues" source: "https://www.knowva.ebenefits.va.gov/system/templates/selfservice/va_ssnew/help/customer/locale/en-US/portal/554400000001018/content/554400000180486/M21-1-Part-V-Subpart-ii-Chapter-3-Section-A-Determining-the-Issues" updated: "2026-09-07T14:37:13.522297Z" --- June 24, 2025 ### V.ii.3.A.1.a. Recognizing Issues and Claims When Preparing a Rating Decision When preparing a rating decision, the decision maker must recognize, develop, clarify, and/or decide all issues and claims, whether they are * expressly claimed * within scope of an expressly claimed issue, such as * complications/residuals of the claimed condition, or * unclaimed subordinate issues and ancillary benefits, or * compensation entitlement issues that arise based on the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA’s) review of evidence, such as * reductions of service-connected (SC) disability evaluation * clear and unmistakable errors (CUEs) * entitlement under the _Nehmer_ stipulation, or * competency reviews. **References:** For more information on * considering subordinate issues and ancillary benefits, see M21-1, Part V, Subpart ii, 3.A.2 * solicitation of claims, see [M21-1, Part II, Subpart iii, 2.G]() * issues within scope of a claim, see * M21-1, Part V, Subpart ii, 3.A.1.c, and * [38 CFR 3.155(d)(2)]() * treating complications/residuals of a disability as within the scope of a claim, see M21-1, Part V, Subpart ii, 3.A.2.c * ancillary benefits, see * [38 CFR 3.155(d)(2)](), and * [M21-1, Part XIII, Subpart i](), and * compensation entitlement issues that arise based on VA’s review of evidence, see M21-1, Part V, Subpart ii, 3.A.1.f. ### V.ii.3.A.1.b. Definition and Example: Expressly Claimed Issue An** _expressly claimed issue_** is defined as when a disability and the benefit sought are both explicitly identified on a standardized VA form. **Example:** Epilepsy is listed as a claimed disability on [_VA Form 21-526EZ_ , _Application for Disability Compensation and Related Compensation Benefits_](). **References:** For more information on * how to file a claim, see [38 CFR 3.155]() * standardized VA forms, see [M21-1, Part II, Subpart iii, 1.A.1.a](), and * status of claims, see [38 CFR 3.160](). ### V.ii.3.A.1.c. Definition and Example: Issues Within Scope An** _issue within scope_** is one that is not explicitly identified by the claimant on one of the forms listed in [M21-1, Part II, Subpart iii, 1.A.1.a](), but is identified upon review of the claims folder during the decision-making process for an expressly claimed issue. An issue within scope arises based on a sympathetic reading of the claimant’s statements and/or evidence of record. It encompasses such things as entitlement to * any ancillary benefits that arise as a result of the adjudication decision * additional benefits for complications/residuals of an expressly claimed condition, and * unclaimed primary or causal disabilities, when service connection (SC) is warranted for the expressly claimed secondary disability and the unclaimed causal disability. **Notes:** * VA does not expect, nor does the law require, claimants to articulate with medical precision the disabilities for which compensation is sought. Veterans regularly claim disability compensation for a specific clinical entity and ultimately establish SC for a similar, but clinically distinct, condition. * When an individual expressly claims a specific disability and is later diagnosed with a different but potentially related condition, if a sympathetic reading of the claim shows that the diagnosed condition is encompassed by the claim, VA must address the claim as including the diagnosed condition, as discussed in [_Grimes v. McDonough_](), 34 Vet.App. 84 (2021). **Example 1:** VA may, in developing a Veteran’s claim for SC for sinusitis, provide the Veteran with an examination that renders a diagnosis of a similar condition, such as allergic rhinitis, rather than sinusitis. **Result:** In the event that the examination is otherwise sufficient for rating purposes and the condition is associated with service, the decision maker awards SC for allergic rhinitis as within the scope of the claim for sinusitis. **Example 2:** The Veteran’s VA examination shows that there is sufficient evidence to justify an increased evaluation of 70 percent for SC posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In addition, the Veteran reported being fired from several jobs due to an inability to deal with stress, and the VA examiner identified the Veteran’s stress management problem as a symptom of PTSD. **Result:** The decision maker addresses the issue of individual unemployability (IU) in the rating decision as described in [M21-1, Part VIII, Subpart iv, 3.C.3](). **Example 3:** The Veteran submits a claim for SC for right knee strain. The evidence of record, including the resulting examination, shows that SC for the knee strain is warranted. The examination also reveals a knee scar that resulted from a post-service arthroscopy procedure. The examination indicates the arthroscopy was associated with the SC right knee strain. The examination also shows that the scar is not painful or unstable and is less than 6 square inches. **Result:** In the event that the examination is otherwise sufficient for rating purposes, the decision maker awards SC for the knee condition and separate SC for the noncompensable knee scar as within the scope of the claim for SC for right knee strain._**Example 4**_ : The Veteran submits a claim for SC for hearing loss, earaches, and sinusitis. Later, the Veteran submits a lay statement reporting that everyday sounds cause discomfort. Private medical records show a diagnosis of hyperacusis. Hyperacusis was also diagnosed during the VA audiology examination. _**Result**_ : In view of the evidence, the expressly claimed issue of SC for hearing loss and earaches must be sympathetically read as encompassing the diagnosed disability hyperacusis. Decreased sound tolerance (hyperacusis) reasonably falls within the the scope of the claim for an audiological condition manifested by hearing deficits and ear pain. If the examination is otherwise sufficient for rating purposes, make a decision on SC for hyperacusis. Otherwise defer for a new and/or adequate examination or other required development. **References:** For more information on * sympathetic reading of a claim, see * [_Robinson v. Shinseki_](), 557 F.3d 1355 (Fed. Cir. 2009), and * [ _Grimes v. McDonough_](), 34 Vet.App. 84 (2021) * scope of claim, see * [38 CFR 3.155(d)(2)](), and * M21-1, Part V, Subpart ii, 3.A.2 * identifying and developing reasonably raised IU claims, see [M21-1, Part VIII, Subpart iv, 3.B.1.f and g](), and * tinnitus associated with claims for SC for hearing loss, see [M21-1, Part V, Subpart iii, 2.B.2.a](). ### V.ii.3.A.1.d. Definition and Example: Unclaimed Subordinate Issues ** _Unclaimed subordinate issues_** are issues derived from the consideration or outcome of related issues. Often, the primary and subordinate issues share the same fact pattern. **Example:** SC for treatment purposes under [38 U.S.C. 1702]() based on a denial of SC for compensation purposes is considered a subordinate issue * for a psychosis based on wartime service, or * for any mental disorder based on Gulf War service, and * when entitlement is shown under [38 U.S.C. 1702](). **References:** For more information on * subordinate issues, see M21-1, Part V, Subpart ii, 3.A.2, and * when to address entitlement to SC for treatment purposes under [38 U.S.C. 1702]() by rating, see [M21-1, Part XIII, Subpart i, 3.C.1.f](). ### V.ii.3.A.1.e. Definition and Example: Ancillary Benefits ** _Ancillary benefits_** are secondary benefits that are considered when evaluating claims for * compensation * pension, or * Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC). **Note:** Eligibility for ancillary benefits is derived from a Veteran’s entitlement to disability benefits or the circumstances of the Veteran’s death. **Example:** The Veteran is granted a 100-percent SC evaluation for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and complications. VA examination shows that the Veteran requires assistance with activities of daily living. **Result:** The rating activity addresses the issues of special monthly compensation (SMC) for aid and attendance (A&A), Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA), specially adapted housing (SAH), and automobile allowance and adaptive equipment in the rating decision. **Reference:** For more information on subordinate issues and ancillary benefits, see M21-1, Part V, Subpart ii, 3.A.2. ### V.ii.3.A.1.f. Definition and Example: Compensation Entitlement Issues **_Compensation entitlement issues_** arise upon VA’s review of evidence and do not require a claim from the beneficiary in order to be brought to issue. This includes issues such as * reductions of SC disability evaluations * CUEs * entitlement under the _Nehmer_ stipulation, or * competency reviews. **Example 1:** A Veteran, who is SC for bilateral knee arthritis, claims an increased disability evaluation for the left knee. The examination includes a full evaluation of both knees. The Veteran’s SC right knee, which has been evaluated as 30-percent disabling for three years, shows improvement consistent with [38 CFR 3.344]() and [M21-1, Part X, Subpart ii, 4.A.1.b](). The treatment reports are consistent with the examination findings. **Result:** The rating decides the expressly claimed left knee evaluation and proposes a reduced evaluation for the right knee, as the overall combined evaluation will be reduced. **Rationale:** The examination report and treatment records both show the condition has improved and warrants reduction. The evaluation has been in effect for less than five years and may be reduced on one examination. As the combined evaluation is affected, the regional office (RO) must apply the provisions of [38 CFR 3.105(e)]() and propose the reduction. **Example 2:** A Veteran files a claim for an increased disability evaluation for SC lumbar strain. While processing the claim, the rating activity notices an earlier effective date under the _Nehmer_ stipulation is warranted for the SC ischemic heart disease based on treatment records that were in file at the time a prior claim was decided. **Result:** The rating decision decides both the expressly claimed lumbar spine issue and awards entitlement to an earlier effective date under the _Nehmer_ stipulation. **Rationale:** Claimants do not have to file claims for consideration of an earlier effective date under the _Nehmer_ stipulation. As records support entitlement, the decision maker should award the earlier effective date under [38 CFR 3.816](). **References:** For more information on * reductions, see [M21-1, Part X, Subpart ii, 4.A]() * CUEs, see [M21-1, Part X, Subpart ii, 5.A]() * the _Nehmer_ stipulation, see * [M21-1, Part VIII, Subpart i, 2.B](), and * the [_Nehmer Training Guide_](), and * competency reviews, see [M21-1, Part X, Subpart ii, 6.A](). ### V.ii.3.A.1.g. Considering Intent of New Claims Avoid confusing the "sympathetic reading" doctrine and within-scope analysis discussed in M21-1, Part V, Subpart ii, 3.A.1.c with a reading that * misconstrues or makes generalized assumptions about the Veteran's intent in contending a specific disability, and/or * narrows the scope of potential for the claim's consideration. Unless adjudicative judgment and/or review of available evidence suggests that an alternative reading would better serve the Veteran and result in maximizing the potential for benefit entitlement, decide each expressly claimed issue on its factual merits. **Example 1:** A Veteran who received an Afghanistan Campaign Medal was previously denied SC for depression on the basis that no mental health symptoms became manifest during service. The decision notice communicating the denial was dated August 17, 2016. On January 5, 2018, VA receives a claim for SC for PTSD. **Result:** The RO must decide the PTSD claim on its individual merits, without regard to the previous denial of SC for depression, in spite of the contentions’ symptomatic similarities, as * the holding in [_Clemons v. Shinseki_](), 23 Vet.App. 1 (2009), does not require that all mental health claims be treated as one * [38 CFR 3.304(f)]() provides additional means by which SC for PTSD can be established, and * receipt of the Afghanistan Campaign Medal would generally satisfy the requirement for a stressor involving service in an area of potential hostile military or terrorist activity. **Example 2:** A Veteran who is currently SC for bronchial asthma, evaluated as 30-percent disabling, files a claim for SC for obstructive sleep apnea requiring the use of a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device. **Result:** The RO must decide the sleep apnea claim on its individual merits and not generally assume that the Veteran, in contending a separate respiratory condition, intended to seek an increased evaluation for SC asthma. Although [38 CFR 4.96(a)]() would prohibit the assignment of separate compensable evaluations for both asthma and sleep apnea if SC for the latter were ultimately awarded, [38 CFR 4.97, diagnostic code (DC) 6847](), may permit assignment of a greater collective evaluation in light of the required CPAP use. **References:** For more information on * clarifying issues and claims, see M21-1, Part V, Subpart ii, 3.A.1.h, and * considering diagnosed conditions as bases for separate and distinct claims, see * [ _Boggs v. Peake_](), 520 F.3d 1330 (Fed. Cir. 2008), and * [ _Velez v. Shinseki_](), 23 Vet.App. 199 (2009). ### V.ii.3.A.1.h. Clarifying Issues and Claims Whenever the disability claimed is not clearly identified, ensure that the claim clarification procedures outlined in [M21-1, Part III, Subpart i, 2.D.1.c]() have been followed and documented prior to issuing a rating decision. ## 2. Considering Issues Within Scope of a Claim This topic contains information about considering issues within scope of a claim, including * types of ancillary benefits * when to address subordinate issues and ancillary benefits * considering complications of an expressly claimed issue, and * considering an unclaimed primary disability associated with a claimed complication or secondary condition. June 24, 2025 ### V.ii.3.A.2.a. Types of Ancillary Benefits Some types of ancillary benefits are * DEA under [38 U.S.C. Chapter 35]() * SAH under [38 CFR 3.809]() * special home adaptation (SHA) grants under [38 CFR 3.809a]() * automobile allowance and adaptive equipment under [38 CFR 3.808]() * vocational rehabilitation/employment services under [38 U.S.C. Chapter 31](), and * loan guaranty for surviving spouses under [38 CFR 3.805](). **Reference:** For more information on ancillary benefits, see * M21-1, Part V, Subpart ii, 3.A.1.e, and * [M21-1, Part XIII, Subpart i](). ### V.ii.3.A.2.b. When to Address Subordinate Issues and Ancillary Benefits Use the table below to determine when to address entitlement or basic eligibility as applicable to subordinate issues and ancillary benefits in a rating decision. **Note:** In general, address entitlement to or eligibility for a subordinate issue or ancillary benefit only when it can be awarded. Do not put a benefit at issue merely to deny it. **Exception:** Consider a 10-percent evaluation under [38 CFR 3.324]() in all applicable ratings regardless of whether the benefit is awarded or denied. | **If …**| **Then in the rating decision address …** there is a severe degree of disability involving * the loss or loss of use of an extremity or sensory organ, or * any other functional loss providing entitlement to SMC under [38 CFR 3.350]() | SMC._**Reference**_ : For more information on SMC, see [M21-1, Part VIII, Subpart iv, 4.A](). a permanent and total (P&T) SC evaluation is established * on a schedular basis, or * based on entitlement to IU | DEA. **Note:** Also consider basic eligibility for DEA whenever permanency of a total evaluation is subsequently established. Do _not_ put eligibility at issue merely to deny it. **References:** For more information on * handling free-standing requests for P&T status in compensation cases, see [M21-1, Part II, Subpart iii, 1.A.3.d]() * P&T evaluations, see [M21-1, Part V, Subpart ii, 3.D.4](), and * determining eligibility for DEA, see [M21-1, Part XIII, Subpart i, 1.A](). a single 100-percent evaluation is assigned in a compensation or pension case| A&A. **Note:** Do _not_ put A&A benefits at issue if the evidence does not show entitlement. * a single 100-percent evaluation is assigned in a compensation or pension case, and * A&A is not payable | housebound. **Note:** Do _not_ address entitlement to housebound benefits if the evidence does not show entitlement exists. retroactive Veterans Pension is not claimed, but a qualifying disability may exist| retroactive benefits. **Note:** Advise the claimant that retroactive benefits may be payable. **Reference:** For more information on retroactive pension, see [38 CFR 3.400(b)(1)(ii)(B)](). a pension claimant fails to meet the schedular requirements for P&T disability| extra-schedular consideration under [38 CFR 3.321(b)(2)](). a Veteran has * no compensable evaluation(s), and * more than one noncompensable evaluation | a 10-percent rating under [38 CFR 3.324](). **Important:** * This benefit _must_ be considered in all applicable ratings, including confirmed ratings, even when entitlement is denied. * An **_applicable rating_** is one in which a noncompensable SC evaluation is assigned or confirmed. * The guidance expressed in this row applies without regard to whether or not the Veteran is in receipt of SMC separate and distinct from the noncompensable schedular evaluations. a claim for SC is denied for * a psychosis based on wartime service, or * any mental disorder based on Gulf War service ** _Reference_** : For more information on periods of war, see [38 CFR 3.2]().| treatment under [38 U.S.C. 1702](). **Note:** Do _not_ address entitlement if the evidence does not show entitlement exists. * there is a reasonable probability that the Veteran’s death may be SC, whether from * disease * injury, or * self-infliction, and * a claim for survivors benefits is received | DIC. * at the time of death the Veteran was rated 100-percent disabled due to SC disabilities or entitled to IU, and * a claim for survivors benefits is received * DIC under [38 U.S.C. 1318](), if SC for cause of death cannot be awarded, and * DEA under [38 U.S.C. Chapter 35]() if DIC under [38 U.S.C. 1318]() is awarded. a rating initially establishes, as specified in [M21-1, Part XIII, Subpart i, 2.B.1.b and c](), that a(n) * Veteran is entitled to Chapter 11 compensation for a qualifying condition(s), or * active duty service member has a qualifying condition(s) incurred or aggravated in the line of duty (LOD) | SAH. **Reference:** For more information on eligibility for SAH, see * [38 U.S.C. 2101(a)](), and * [38 CFR 3.809](). a rating initially establishes, as specified in [M21-1, Part XIII, Subpart i, 2.B.1.d](), that a(n) * Veteran is entitled to Chapter 11 compensation for a qualifying condition(s), or * active duty service member has a qualifying condition(s) incurred or aggravated in the LOD | SHA. **Reference:** For more information on eligibility for SHA, see * [38 U.S.C. 2101(b)](), and * [38 CFR 3.809a](). a rating initially establishes, as specified in [M21-1, Part XIII, Subpart i, 2.A.1.a](), that a(n) * Veteran is entitled to Chapter 11 compensation for a qualifying disability, or * active duty service member has a qualifying disability incurred or aggravated during such service * automobile allowance, and * automobile adaptive equipment. **Reference:** For more information on eligibility for automobile allowance or automobile adaptive equipment, see * [38 CFR 3.808](), and * [38 U.S.C. Chapter 39](). a rating initially establishes, as specified in [M21-1, Part XIII, Subpart i, 2.A.1.c](), that a(n) * Veteran is entitled to Chapter 11 compensation for a qualifying disability, or * active duty service member has a qualifying disability incurred or aggravated during such service | automobile adaptive equipment. * SC is established for diabetes mellitus, and * there is a diagnosis of hypertension | SC for hypertension as secondary to diabetes mellitus only as described in [M21-1, Part V, Subpart iii, 11.2.f](). * the schedular disability requirements for IU under [38 CFR 4.16(a)]() are met, _and_ * there is evidence in the Veteran’s claims folder or under VA control that indicates the Veteran may be unemployable due to SC disability | IU. **Reference:** For more information on reasonably raised claims for IU, see * [ _Norris v. West_](), 12 Vet.App. 413 (1999) * [M21-1, Part VIII, Subpart iv, 3.B.1.f](), and * [M21-1, Part VIII, Subpart iv, 3.C.3.f](). **Reference:** For information on raising the issue of competency while evaluating other evidence, see [M21-1, Part X, Subpart ii, 6.A.2.a](). ### V.ii.3.A.2.c. Considering Complications of an Expressly Claimed Issue When deciding expressly claimed issues, decision makers must consider entitlement to compensation for any complications/residuals that are within scope of the claim, including, but not limited to, those identified by the rating criteria for that condition in [38 CFR Part 4](). A specific claim is not required to award a within-scope complication/residual. Decision makers will consider all lay and medical evidence of record in order to adjudicate entitlement to any additional benefits for complications or other residuals of a claimed issue, such as: * complications of diabetes mellitus * residuals of cancer or treatment for the SC cancer * scars as the result of surgical intervention for an SC disability * neurological disabilities related to the spine * complications of progressive disorders, such as * ALS, or * multiple sclerosis (MS), or * constitutional symptoms caused by systemic disorders, such as * rheumatoid arthritis (RA), or * ankylosing spondylitis. **Notes:** * The above list is not intended to be comprehensive. Decision makers must consider the evidence in each case and determine whether additional issues are within scope. * With respect to residuals of cancer or treatment, in [_Bailey v. Wilkie_](), 33 Vet.App. 188 (2021), the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims held that although residuals of prostate cancer under [38 CFR 4.115b, DC 7528]() are rated as voiding dysfunction or renal dysfunction, whichever is predominant, other residual disability caused or aggravated by cancer, or its treatment, may be within scope if reasonably raised by the evidence. [38 CFR 3.155(d)(2)]() and [38 CFR 3.160]() require VA to develop and adjudicate related claims for secondary SC for disabilities that are reasonably raised during the adjudication of a formally initiated claim for the primary SC disability. * Entitlement to SC for the complication/residual, unless explicitly claimed, should only be placed at issue when entitlement is established. When entitlement is not established, but relevant evidence is present, discussing the relevant evidence is appropriate for inclusion in the _Reasons for Decision_ of the expressly claimed issue. * When evidence shows the presence of a potential complication/residual, decision makers must ensure there is adequate medical evidence, including an examination, if needed, in order to determine entitlement. **References:** For more information on * complications of diabetes, see [M21-1, Part V, Subpart iii, 11.2]() * evaluating cancers and associated impairments, see [M21-1, Part V, Subpart ii, 3.D.5]() * when to consider scars as part of a claim, see [M21-1, Part V, Subpart iii, 10]() * neurological complications of the spine, see [M21-1, Part V, Subpart iii, 1.B.3.d](), and * rating * ALS and MS, see [M21-1, Part V, Subpart iii, 12.C]() * RA, see [M21-1, Part V, Subpart iii, 1.C](), and * ankylosing spondylitis, see [M21-1, Part V, Subpart iii, 1.B.3](). ### V.ii.3.A.2.d. Considering an Unclaimed Primary Disability Associated With a Claimed Complication or Secondary Condition When a claim for SC for a disability is pending and subsequent development of the claim reveals that the claimed disability is caused by an unclaimed disability that may be associated with service, the decision maker must investigate the possibility of SC for the unclaimed primary (or causal) disability, as well as SC on a secondary basis for the claimed disability. * The duty to investigate SC for the causal disability is within scope of the claimed condition when the * evidence suggests that an expressly claimed disability arises from, is secondary to, or has been aggravated by the unclaimed causal disability, and * criteria under [38 CFR 3.159(c)(4)]() have been satisfied. * If the unclaimed causal disability is shown to be related to service, the pending claim reasonably encompasses a claim for benefits for the causal disability. A separate claim form is not required when this fact pattern exists and the unclaimed causal disability can be adjudicated as within the scope of the expressly claimed disability. **Example:** A Veteran files a claim for SC for right shoulder pain as the result of a fall caused by instability of the right knee, which is not SC and has not otherwise been expressly claimed. Development of the claim confirms a diagnosis of right shoulder impingement that is secondary to the unclaimed knee condition. The knee injury (resulting in recurrent instability of the right knee) was sustained in service, and current medical evidence shows treatment for continued symptoms since the Veteran’s discharge. Sufficient evidence to establish SC for the knee disability is of record, and the medical evidence shows the right shoulder disability was directly caused by the fall that occurred when the Veteran’s knee buckled unexpectedly. Consider the unclaimed knee disability within scope of the claimed shoulder disability.**References:** For more information on * scope of claim, see [38 CFR 3.155(d)(2)]() * establishing causation for secondary SC, see [M21-1, Part V, Subpart ii, 2.D.1.b]() * when a medical opinion is required, see [M21-1, Part IV, Subpart i, 1.B.1](), and * the correlation between effective date for primary and secondary SC disabilities, see [M21-1, Part V, Subpart ii, 4.A.3.g](). ## 3. Other Issues to Consider May 1, 2026 ### V.ii.3.A.3.a. Other Issues to Consider When Evaluating Evidence The table below lists matters to consider, in addition to determining issues within the scope of the claim as discussed in M21-1, Part V, Subpart ii, 3.A.1 and 2, when evaluating the evidence submitted with a claim. **Note:** In all substantially complete claims, consider the provisions of [38 CFR 3.155(d)(2)]() and M21-1, Part V, Subpart ii, 3.A.1 and 2, and adjudicate any issues considered within scope of the claim. | **If the issue is …**| **Then consider …** SC| soliciting claims for unclaimed, chronic disabilities shown by the evidence.**Notes:** * The mere presence of medical evidence does not constitute a claim because there is no intent to apply for benefits shown. * Solicit a claim to determine whether the Veteran wishes to pursue the unclaimed disabilities (or “issues”) by submitting a claim on a prescribed VA form. Provide the Veteran with information about how to obtain the prescribed form. **References:** For more information on * considering unclaimed theories of SC, see [M21-1, Part II, Subpart iii, 1.A.2.f]() * the types of issues and claims, see M21-1, Part V, Subpart ii, 3.A.1.a * considering a claimant’s intent to file a claim, see * [38 CFR 3.155](), and * [M21-1, Part II, Subpart iii, 2.A](), and * prescribed forms for filing a claim, see [M21-1, Part II, Subpart iii, 1.A.1.a](). secondary SC| whether the * non-service-connected (NSC) condition is the result of, or would not have occurred but for, the SC condition * SC condition has worsened the NSC condition and, if so, what was the baseline level of disability prior to aggravation and what is the level currently, or * evidence shows the secondary disability is caused by an unclaimed primary disability that also warrants SC. **Examples:** * A Veteran has an SC left knee injury. As a result of favoring the left knee, a right knee disability develops that is secondary to the original SC disability. * A Veteran develops a heart condition secondary to SC diabetes. **References:** For more information on * claims for secondary SC based on the worsening of an NSC condition, see * _[Allen v. Brown](),_ 7 Vet.App. 439 (1995) * [_Ward, Neal v. Wilkie_](), 31 Vet.App. 233 (2019) * [_Spicer v. McDonough_](), 61 F.4th 1360 (Fed. Cir. 2023), and * [M21-1, Part V, Subpart ii, 2.D](), and * considering an unclaimed primary disability associated with a claimed complication or secondary condition, see M21-1, Part V, Subpart ii, 3.A.2.d. SC for PTSD| whether the claimed stressor * may be established on the basis of the Veteran’s lay testimony alone under [38 CFR 3.304(f)](), or * must be corroborated with additional evidence. **Reference:** For more information on rating PTSD claims, see [M21-1, Part VIII, Subpart iv, 1.D]() and [E](). SC for an undiagnosed illness (Gulf War)| evidence of * active military, navy, or air service in the Southwest Asia theater of operations during the Gulf War * the manifestation of one or more signs or symptoms of undiagnosed illness * objective indications of chronic disability, and * a nexus between the chronic disability and the undiagnosed illness. **Reference:** For more information on SC for disabilities associated with Southwest Asia service under [38 CFR 3.317](), see [M21-1, Part VIII, Subpart ii](). entitlement to compensation under [38 U.S.C. 1151]()| whether * hospital, medical, or surgical treatment or vocational rehabilitation was rendered by VA, and * an increase in disability occurred and, if so, was it due to an * instance of fault of VA, or * event not reasonably foreseeable, such as an accident. **Note:** Do not solicit a claim for compensation under [38 U.S.C. 1151]() by sending an application to a potential beneficiary solely because the evidence of record suggests or raises the possibility that [38 U.S.C. 1151]() may be applicable. **Reference:** For more information on compensation under [38 U.S.C. 1151](), see [M21-1, Part VIII, Subpart iv, 6.A]()-[C](). evaluation of a disability| * old and new criteria when a rating schedule revision has occurred, as discussed in [M21-1, Part V, Subpart ii, 4.A.6.m and p]() * [ _DeLuca v. Brown_](), 8 Vet.App. 202 (1995), if applicable to a musculoskeletal condition, and * whether a referral for consideration of an extra- schedular evaluation is warranted. **Note:** [38 CFR 3.105(e)]() is only applicable when there is both a reduction in evaluation and a reduction or discontinuance of compensation payable. **References:** For more information on determining whether * [ _DeLuca_]() applies to a musculoskeletal condition, see [M21-1, Part V, Subpart iii, 1.A]() * to refer a claim for consideration of an extra-schedular evaluation, see [M21-1, Part V, Subpart ii, 3.D.3](), and * [38 CFR 3.105(e)]() applies to reduction of a disability evaluation, see [VAOPGCPREC 71-1991](). entitlement to pension| whether the disabilities meet the schedular requirements. **Note:** The extra-schedular provisions of [38 CFR 3.321(b)(2)]() must also be considered if schedular requirements are not met. **Reference:** For more information on schedular requirements, see [38 CFR 4.17](). entitlement to retroactive pension| entitlement under [38 CFR 3.400(b)(1)(ii)](), if a qualifying disability exists. denial of maximum evaluation| assigning the next higher evaluation. a disability falling between schedular grades| entitlement to the higher evaluation under [38 CFR 4.7](), if the disability picture more nearly approximates the criteria required for the higher rating. Otherwise, assign the lower evaluation. **References:** For more information on * the difference between cumulative, successive, and variable criteria and whether [38 CFR 4.7]() applies, see [M21-1, Part V, Subpart ii, 3.D.2.a]() * variable rating criteria, see * [ _Tatum v. Shinseki_](), 23 Vet.App. 152 (2009), and * [ _Middleton v. Shinseki_](), 727 F.3d 1172 (Fed. Cir. 2013), and * cumulative or successive rating criteria, see * [ _Camacho v. Nicholson_](), 21 Vet.App. 360 (2007), and * [ _Middleton v. Shinseki_](), 727 F.3d 1172 (Fed. Cir. 2013). a death case| accrued benefits if * a disability claim was pending at the time of death, _and_ * a claimant has submitted the appropriate form from among those listed in [M21-1, Part II, Subpart iii, 1.A.1.a](). **Reference:** For more information on accrued benefits, see [M21-1, Part XI, Subpart ii, 3.A]()-[E](). a supplemental claim for Veterans Pension that involves * evidence of new disabilities, or * a change in the evaluation of any previously evaluated disabilities | Veterans Pension with a formal, coded rating decision. a claim for a temporary total evaluation for hospitalization under [38 CFR 4.29]() or convalescence under [38 CFR 4.30]()| either claim under [38 CFR 4.29]() or [4.30]() as part of a claim for increased evaluation for the underlying disability(ies). P&T disability status| guidance discussed in [M21-1, Part II, Subpart iii, 1.A.3.d]()._**References**_ : For more information on * P&T evaluation, see [M21-1, Part V, Subpart ii, 3.D.4](), and * eligibility for DEA associated with a P&T evaluation, see [M21-1, Part XIII, Subpart i, 1.A](). **Reference:** For more information on the requirement for a complete claim, see * [38 CFR 3.155(d)(1)]() * [38 CFR 3.159]() * [38 CFR 3.160(a)](), and * [M21-1, Part I, Subpart i, 1.A]().