--- title: "Part V, Subpart iv, Chapter 1, Section D Finalizing the Rating Decision" document: "M-21-1" section: "Part V, Subpart iv, Chapter 1, Section D" canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-regulations/m21-1/v.iv.1.d-finalizing-the-rating-decision" source: "https://www.knowva.ebenefits.va.gov/system/templates/selfservice/va_ssnew/help/customer/locale/en-US/portal/554400000001018/content/554400000180526/M21-1-Part-V-Subpart-iv-Chapter-1-Section-D-Finalizing-the-Rating-Decision" updated: "2026-09-07T14:37:20.070062Z" --- January 7, 2025 ### V.iv.1.D.1.a. Retaining Evidence Retain all evidence pertinent to the rating decision in the claims folder.**Reference:** For information on non-retention of records referring to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), alcohol or drug abuse, or sickle cell anemia, see [M21-1, Part II, Subpart ii, 2.B.3](). ### V.iv.1.D.1.b. Uploading the Rating Decision The rating decision will automatically upload to the electronic claims folder (eFolder) upon finalization of the decision. ### V.iv.1.D.1.c. Prohibition Against Altering Signed Rating Decisions Do _not_ alter any rating decision that has been signed and submitted for promulgation. When a rating decision requires correction prior to promulgation, follow the procedures outlined in [M21-1, Part V, Subpart iv, 1.E.3](). ### V.iv.1.D.1.d. Distributing the Narrative Section of the Rating Decision The claimant will receive the _Narrative_ section of the rating decision with notification of the decision. **Important:** * The _Codesheet_ of the rating decision is intended for internal processing and should not be routinely distributed to the claimant. * Copies of draft decisions should not be released to the claimant, as discussed in [M21-1, Part VI, Subpart i, 1.B.1.p](). **References:** For more information on * completing the rating decision narrative, see [M21-1, Part V, Subpart iv, 1.A](), and * decision notices, see [M21-1, Part VI, Subpart i, 1.B](). ## 2. Preparing Rating Decisions for Other Entities This topic contains information about preparing rating decisions for other entities, including * making copies of rating decisions * copies for powers of attorney (POAs), and * preparing rating decisions for other entities. January 7, 2025 ### V.iv.1.D.2.a. Making Copies of Rating Decisions Whenever additional copies of the rating decision are required make appropriate entries in the COPY TO field of the _Codesheet_ , to ensure notification of the rating decision is provided to the required entities._**Note**_ : Follow the guidance in the blocks below to provide copies of rating decisions in the appropriate format to applicable entities. ### V.iv.1.D.2.b. Copies for POAs Unless a power of attorney (POA) has opted into electronic notification, provide the POA with a copy of the rating decision as an enclosure to the decision notice.**References:** For more information on * providing notice of correspondence to POAs, see [M21-1, Part I, Subpart i, 2.B.1.c and d](), and * electronic notification, see the [_POA Electronic Notification Fact Sheet_](). ### V.iv.1.D.2.c. Preparing Rating Decisions for Other Entities Use the table below to find relevant references for preparing rating decisions for other entities.| **If ...**| **Then follow the relevant procedures in ...** rating action is _specifically_ requested by the Department of Veterans Affairs Insurance Center in Philadelphia| [M21-1, Part X, Subpart ii, 6.G.1.g]() for insurance purposes. * the Veteran is an active recipient of benefits under [Chapter 31](), and * the rating decision effectuates one of the following outcomes: * implements a final determination of service connection (SC) when only a memorandum rating decision for vocational rehabilitation purposes is otherwise of record * awards entitlement to individual unemployability benefits * reduces the evaluation of a service-connected disability, or * severs SC | [M21-1, Part XIII, Subpart i, 5.B.3.g]() to ensure Veteran Readiness and Employment Service is provided notice of a rating decision. the Veterans Health Administration _requests_ a determination of SC for treatment purposes| [M21-1, Part XIII, Subpart i, 3.A.4.c]() to take the appropriate rating action. preparing a rating decision that affects a beneficiary’s competency status| [M21-1, Part X, Subpart ii, 6]().