Part VI, Subpart i, Chapter 1, Section BDecision Notices

Revised July 29, 2026

VI.i.1.B.1.a#Notifying a Claimant or Beneficiary of a Potentially Adverse Decision

In most cases, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) must give claimants or beneficiaries advance notice of a decision that might adversely affect them. The legal term for this is “due process.” Decisions that may require advance notice include, but are not limited to, those involving the

• character of a former service member’s discharge
• competency of a claimant or beneficiary to manage their financial affairs, and
• reduction or discontinuation of a VA benefit.

Follow the guidance in M21-1, Part X, Subpart ii, 3.A and C to determine whether VA

• must issue notice before taking an adverse action, or
• may issue notice at the same time it takes the adverse action (also known as “contemporaneous notice”).

Reference: For more information on due process, see M21-1, Part I, Subpart i, 1.B.1.

VI.i.1.B.1.b#Decision Notice Requirements

After making a decision on a claim, prepare a decision notice thatindependently, or in combination with its enclosures (such as a rating decision or administrative decision),

• informs the claimant of the issues adjudicated
• summarizes the
  • evidence VA considered
  • laws and regulations applicable to the claim, and
  • applicable review options the claimant may use to seek further review of the decision
• explains how to obtain or access evidence used in making the decision
• identifies, if applicable, the criteria required to grant service connection (SC) or the next-higher level of compensation, and/or
• identifies
  • for denied claims, the element(s) required to grant the claim that were not met, and
  • a listing of findings that are favorable to the claimant under 38 CFR 3.104(c), if any.

If the enactment of a decision resulted in the creation of an overpayment in a beneficiary’s account, notify the beneficiary of the overpayment and the right to request

• a waiver of the overpayment, and/or
• a repayment plan.

When VA grants entitlement to a benefit, or makes an adjustment to a running award, the decision notice must also notify the claimant of

• the monthly benefit rate
• the effective dates of entitlement and payment
• the amount of any benefits VA is withholding and the reason for the withholding, and
• information about any additional benefits to which the claimant may be entitled.

Notes:

• Although the effective date of entitlement must be identified in conjunction with any decision to grant a benefit (compensable or otherwise), a decision notice need only specify monthly rates of payment and effective dates of payment if it is intended to communicate a(n)
  • initial award of monetary benefits, or
  • subsequent award of benefits that
    • modifies the affected Veteran’s combined disability rating, or
    • otherwise alters the current rate of payment.
• Adjustments of benefits, such as for receipt of drill pay or incarceration, unassociated with an active claim for disability compensation, pension, death benefits, or dependency, does not require a listing of findings that are favorable to the claimant under 38 CFR 3.104(c).
• When preparing a decision notice regarding a pension or Parents’ Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) claim, claims processors must include in the notice
  • rate tables, and
  • information about the claimant’s income and medical expenses.
• Follow the guidance in M21-1, Part IX, Subpart iii, 1.G.4.k when providing notice to claimants regarding prospective medical expenses.
• Claims processors must follow the guidance in M21-1, Part X, Subpart i, 1.8 when providing notice to a visually impaired claimant.

References: For more information on

• preparing a decision notice for pension when the monthly rate is less than $19, see M21-1, Part IX, Subpart iii, 1.E.1.f
• what decision notices must contain, see 38 CFR 3.103
• summarizing in a decision notice the evidence VA considered, see M21-1, Part VI, Subpart i, 1.B.1.f and g
• rules for providing the reason(s) for a decision in a decision notice, see M21-1, Part VI, Subpart i, 1.B.1.h
• favorable findings associated with decision notices involving
  • pension, see M21-1, Part IX, Subpart i, 1.2.f
  • DIC, see M21-1, Part XII, Subpart i, 1.A.1.h, and
  • accrued and/or substitution, see M21-1, Part XI, Subpart ii, 3.E.1.a
• notifying claimants of potential entitlement to additional benefits, see M21-1, Part VI, Subpart i, 1.B.1.k
• legacy planning text for manually generated grant notifications, see M21-1, Part VI, Subpart i, 1.B.1.l, and
• grief counseling text, see M21-1, Part VI, Subpart i, 1.B.1.m.

VI.i.1.B.1.c#Failure to Issue a Decision Notice

If a regional office (RO) decides a claim but fails to notify the claimant of the decision, the claim remains open, legally, even if the RO clears the corresponding end product (EP). Under such circumstances, if VA denied entitlement to a benefit, failed to notify the claimant of the denial, and then granted entitlement to the same benefit years later, the claimant might be entitled to benefits retroactive to the initial date of claim, because the decision on the initial claim never became binding.In order to avoid the situation described in the preceding paragraph, claims processors must follow the

• steps provided in M21-1, Part VI, Subpart i, 1.B.1.n after preparing every decision notice, and
• instructions in M21-1, Part II, Subpart i, 2.C.6 for handling undeliverable, essential mail if a decision notice is returned as undeliverable.

If VA made a decision on a claim, but a corresponding decision notice cannot be located in the claimant’s claims folder, proceed as if the claimant was never notified of the decision.Important : A Package Manager status other than IN_PROGRESS or FINALIZED indicates that the decision notice was not sent. References: For more information on

• the requirements to send decision notices to the claimant’s or beneficiary’s most recent address of record and to confirm that the decision notice has been added to the electronic claims folder (eFolder), see M21-1, Part VI, Subpart i, 1.B.1.n, and
• mailing through the Centralized Benefits Communications Management (CBCM) program, see M21-1, Part II, Subpart i, 2.C.4.c.

VI.i.1.B.1.d#Requirement to Use a Single Decision Notice

Use a single decision notice to notify a claimant of a VA decision, even if the decision involves both an award and a denial of benefits. Important: All decision notices must meet the requirements of M21-1, Part VI, Subpart i, 1.B.1.b in accordance with 38 CFR 3.103(f). Examples: The following illustrate decisions that involve both an award and a denial of benefits:

• VA awards SC for one disability but denies SC for another, and
• VA awards entitlement to pension but denies entitlement to special monthly pension (SMP).

VI.i.1.B.1.e#Rules for Preparing a Decision Notice

When preparing a decision notice

• use
  • clear and concise wording, and
  • a customer-friendly and compassionate tone
• provide complete and accurate information concerning the issue(s) addressed, and
• avoid using VA jargon, to include
  • abbreviations with no accompanying definition, and
  • phrases such as
    • service connection not found
    • disability not due to service , or
    • wanton and reckless disregard of the probable consequences.

VI.i.1.B.1.f#Requirement to Provide a Summary of Evidence in a Decision Notice

Claims processors must summarize (for the benefit of the claimant) the evidence VA considered in reaching a decision in the corresponding decision notice. Notes:

• If a decision notice was preceded by a notice of proposed adverse action, as described in M21-1, Part VI, Subpart i, 1.B.1.a, there is no need to re-summarize in that decision notice any evidence referenced in the notice of proposed adverse action.
• The list of evidence provided in the decision notice must identify individual documents deemed relevant to the determination at hand and may not rely solely on general references to review of the claims folder.
• Rating decisions contain a summary of the evidence VA considered when deciding any rating-related issues. As long as the claimant will receive a copy of the rating decision, there is no need to summarize this same evidence in the decision notice.
• Decision notices regarding a VA rating decision that claims processors generated using Automated Decision Letter (ADL) did not include a copy of the rating decision. In order to comply with the requirement to provide claimants a summary of the evidence the rating activity considered, ADL copied the evidence the rating activity listed in the rating decision and pasted it into the decision notice. This approach changed on December 11, 2017, when Redesigned ADL (RADL) was deployed. Now, decision notices that notify a claimant of a rating decision include a copy of the rating decision.

Reference: For information on summarizing evidence in a decision notice, see the Veterans Benefits Management System (VBMS) Awards User Guide.

VI.i.1.B.1.g#Rules for Summarizing Evidence in a Decision Notice

When formulating a summarized list of relevant evidence for inclusion in the decision notice,

• use descriptive identifiers, such as
  • form names
  • document types (for example, divorce decree or birth certificate), and/or
  • date of receipt, and
• refer to the evidentiary naming conventions discussed in M21-1, Part V, Subpart iv, 1.A.4.c.

Note: Do not use a form number without also providing the title of the form.

VI.i.1.B.1.h#Rules for Providing the Reason(s) for a Decision in a Decision Notice

The table below describes the action claims processors must take to meet the requirement to provide in a decision notice the reason(s) for a decision.

VI.i.1.B.1.i#Denials of Entitlement to One Benefit That Imply a Denial of Entitlement to Other Benefits

There is no requirement to specifically address in a decision notice the issue of entitlement to additional benefits for one or more dependents if VA ultimately denies the underlying claim for disability or survivors benefits. Example:Scenario: A Veteran submits an original claim for SC for six disabilities and additional compensation for a spouse and minor child. The rating activity subsequently renders a decision denying SC for all six disabilities. Result: The associated decision notice must adequately communicate the denial of SC for the six disabilities but need not separately or specifically address entitlement to (or summarize evidence submitted in support of a claim for) additional compensation for dependents. Rationale: The decision to deny SC carries with it an implied denial of additional compensation for dependents. It is reasonable to conclude the Veteran comprehends that a principal denial of disability compensation precludes entitlement to additional compensation for dependents. Reference : For information on handling claims for additional compensation for dependents from Veterans with a combined disability rating that is less than 30 percent, see M21-1, Part VII, Subpart i, 1.A.4.c.

VI.i.1.B.1.j#Providing Review Rights in a Decision Notice

To meet the requirement to provide review rights in a decision notice,

• include instructions in the decision notice regarding the actions the claimant or beneficiary may take if they disagree with the decision
• ensure that the decision notice contains the language found in M21-1, Part VI, Subpart i, 1.B.4, if it notifies the claimant of a decision regarding a contested claim, and
• attach VA Form 20-0998, Your Right to Seek Review of Our Decision, to the decision notice.

Important: The instructions in this block primarily apply to decision notices claims processors generate using Personal Computer-Generated Letters (PCGL). RADL automatically

• inserts text into decision notices under the heading What You Should Do If You Disagree With Our Decision , and
• attaches to decision notices the form referenced above.

Reference: For more information on appellate decisions that award all or some of the benefits sought, see M21-5, Chapter 7, Section D.2.b and c.

VI.i.1.B.1.k#Notifying Claimants of Potential Entitlement to Additional Benefits

When preparing a decision notice, notify the claimant of any additional benefit(s) to which potential entitlement exists and, if applicable, the form or website available for applying for the benefit(s).The table below lists

• additional benefits to which a claimant may be entitled
• the form for applying for each benefit, and
• references to additional information about these benefits.

Important: RADL-generated decision notices automatically inform claimants of

• additional benefit(s) to which they might be entitled

• the forms they must submit to apply for the additional benefit(s), and

• phone numbers and web sites they may use to obtain additional information.

VI.i.1.B.1.l#Legacy Planning Text

Include the text below in all initial Veterans Pension and initial disability compensation grant letters that are generated in PCGL. Planning Your Legacy An important part of planning for the future is understanding ways that you can prepare yourself and your family for unexpected events. VA offers the “Planning Your Legacy” booklet to support you as you make those decisions. This resource will provide guided pre-need planning and also offer a space to record important information in a central location. To learn more, please visit https://www.benefits.va.gov/BENEFITS/docs/VASurvivorsKit.pdf.

VI.i.1.B.1.m#Grief Counseling Text

The grief counseling text is required in some survivor benefit decision notices to ensure grief counseling resources are available. Include the italicized text below when the

• information was not previously provided to the claimant
• Veteran passed away within two years of the decision notice
• decision notice must be manually generated, and
• decision notice must be generated due to one of the following:
  • end product (EP) 290 for month of death decision notification or substitution decision notification
  • EP 140, 190, 160, 165 - initial decision notification, or
  • EP 030, 040, 070, 170 - initial decision notification.

Additional Services Available VA offers additional services to assist you in your journey as a survivor. We hope you find these helpful in the coming days and months. It is our sincere hope that with time you will find comfort, healing, and peace.

• For more information about available resources, contact the Social Work Office at your closest VA medical center. Specific contact information can be found here: https://www.socialwork.va.gov/Social_Work_Leaders.asp
• For information about bereavement counseling provided at the Vet Center, please visit:https://www.va.gov/burials-memorials/bereavement-counseling/ or call 1-877-927-8387. Vet Centers are community-based counseling centers that provide a wide range of services, including professional counseling. To learn more about Vet Centers, please visit https://www.vetcenter.va.gov/.
• (Include if the Veteran died by suicide) For self-guided support following suicide, please visit https://www.va.gov/initiatives/va-resources-for-survivors-of-suicide-loss/.

Local hospice agencies may also offer grief support. Your local VA Social Work Office may be able to assist in finding these resources.

VI.i.1.B.1.n#Other Decision-Related Issues to Consider

The table below lists

• issues authorization activity commonly faces when
  • processing an award or denial of benefits, and
  • preparing a decision notice, and
• references to additional information about the issues.

VI.i.1.B.1.o#Steps to Follow After Preparing a Decision Notice

After preparing a decision notice,

• review it for completeness and accuracy, making corrections as needed
• ensure the notice date reflects the expected date of mailing
• ensure that the notice is addressed to the
  • claimant or beneficiary at the most recent address of record, or
  • claimant’s or beneficiary’s fiduciary, if VA has appointed one
• ensure that the notice and any other associated documents that must be provided to the claimant or beneficiary
  • are included in a package, created in VBMS Package Manager, and
  • are transmitted for centralized printing and mailing, and
• confirm that a copy of the decision notice has been included in the eFolder.

Exception: Locally print and mail the decision notice and any associated documents where centralized printing is not permitted, such as in cases involving Federal tax information (FTI). Important: When preparing a decision notice, ensure that the decision notice is copied to

• a claimant’s or beneficiary’s authorized power of attorney (POA), and
• the claimant or beneficiary, if VA has appointed a fiduciary.

References: For more information on

• providing copies of VA correspondence to a POA, see M21-1, Part I, Subpart i, 2.B.1
• creating packages using Package Manager for centralized printing and distribution through CBCM, see the
  • Talent Management System (TMS) course titled Centralized Benefits Communications Management (VA 4562424), and
  • VBMS Core User Guide
• decision notices containing FTI, see M21-1, Part VI, Subpart i, 1.B.2, and
• the consequences of not uploading a decision notice to the claims folder, see M21-1, Part VI, Subpart i, 1.B.1.c.

VI.i.1.B.1.p#Erroneous Notification of SC

If VA mistakenly notifies a claimant that it has established SC for a claimed disability then later corrects the notice to state VA denied SC, the decision review period begins on the date VA sent the corrected decision notice to the claimant.Important: The Supreme Court held in OPM v. Richmond , 496 U.S. 414 (1990) that payments of money from the Federal Treasury are limited to those authorized by statute, and erroneous advice given by a Government employee to a benefit claimant cannot stop the Government from denying benefits not otherwise permitted by law.Note: Since the rating decision is not in question, the

• authority to sever SC is absent
• error was not in the decision, but in the communication of that decision, and
• claimant never met the statutory requirements for the benefit.

VI.i.1.B.1.q#Restrictions Placed on the Disclosure of Draft Rating Decisions

Draft rating decisions and decision notices are not intended to be binding on VA and must not be shared with or transmitted to VA claimants or beneficiaries. Important: ROs and call centers must ensure that decisions and notices that have not yet been finalized are not provided or communicated to claimants. Reference: For more information on the binding nature of decisions, see 38 CFR 3.104.

VI.i.1.B.1.r#Forgoing Notice of Backfill Rating Decisions

Do not prepare or release a decision notice or rating decision that is generated solely for the purpose of

• backfilling converted rating data, or
• updating the beneficiary’s corporate record without substantively altering it.

Such rating decisions are internal record-keeping mechanisms undertaken to facilitate proper award processing and do not, in and of themselves, constitute new or free-standing entitlement determinations.Reference : For more information on backfilling historical rating data, see M21-1, Part V, Subpart iv, 1.C.3.e.

2Decision Notices Containing FTI

This topic contains information about decision notices containing FTI, including

• protecting FTI, and
• process for handling decision notices containing FTI.

Revised March 26, 2025

VI.i.1.B.2.a#Protecting FTI

Agencies or agents that legally receive FTI directly from the Internal Revenue Service, or secondary sources such as the Social Security Administration, must have adequate programs in place to protect the data received. Reference: For more information on safeguarding FTI, see M21-1, Part XIV, 4.B.

VI.i.1.B.2.b#Process for Handling Decision Notices Containing FTI

The table below describes the process for handling decision notices that contain FTI.

Important: Centralized printing is not approved for decision notices that include FTI.

References: For more information on

• creating packages using Package Manager for centralized printing and distribution through CBCM, see the
  • TMS course titled Centralized Benefits Communications Management(VA 4562424), and
  • VBMS Core User Guide , and
• FTI Capture, see the FTI Secure Enclave Guide.

3Decision Notices Prepared Using the RADL Process

This topic contains information on decision notices generated using RADL, including

• overview of RADL
• types of decisions for which claims processors may
  • use RADL to generate a decision notice, and
  • not use RADL to generate a decision notice
• sections of a RADL-generated decision notice
• using RADL to prepare a decision notice in VBMS – Awards (VBMS-A)
• development functionality within RADL
• soliciting claims in a RADL-generated decision notice
• including in a RADL-generated decision notice a summary of the evidence the authorization activity considered in making a decision, and
• adding free text to a RADL-generated decision notice.

Revised March 26, 2025

VI.i.1.B.3.a#Overview of RADL

The RADL functionality within the VBMS – Awards (VBMS-A) provides for the automated generation of decision notices. Rules-based logic inserts into decision notices system-generated language based on the specific decision(s) VA made on a claim. The use of system-generated language allows for the standardization of decision notices, while streamlining the process for the end-user. Important:

• Pension management centers (PMCs) may use ADLs for burial claims; however, PMCs are not currently authorized to use RADLs or ADLs to generate decision notices for pension claims.
• The promulgation of a decision (rating or otherwise) in VBMS-A must occur before claims processors may generate a decision notice using RADL. This includes decisions that – in the past – VA has processed without making entries in an award-processing system, including
  • confirmed and continued decisions, and
  • denials on non-original claims.
• When RADL fails to generate a decision notice that contains the elements set forth in M21-1, Part VI, Subpart i, 1.B.1.b (even after the entry of free text),
  • use PCGL to create the notice, and
  • follow the instructions under the heading in the National Work Queue (NWQ) Playbook titled Non-ADL Letters if the claim associated with the decision notice is subject to routing via NWQ.

Reference: For more information on the requirement to distribute copies of a rating decision Narrative and Codesheet with a decision notice to

• Veterans service organizations, see M21-1, Part I, Subpart i, 2.B.1.c, and
• attorneys and claims agents, see M21-1, Part I, Subpart i, 2.B.1.d.

VI.i.1.B.3.b#Types of Decisions for Which Claims Processors May Use RADL to Generate a Decision Notice

Claims processors may use RADL to generate a decision notice for the following types of decisions:

• decisions that resolve claims controlled under most EPs
  • 010
  • 020
  • 030
  • 040
  • 110
  • 130
  • 160 (ADL)
  • 290
  • 310
  • 320
  • 600
  • 687
  • 689
  • 690, and
  • 930
• decisions regarding legacy appeals and Board of Veterans’ Appeals (BVA) grants and remands controlled under EPs
  • 070, and
  • 170, and
• administrative denials of pension based on incompatible military service, to include
  • no active duty service
  • no wartime service
  • less than 90 days of service, and/or
  • minimum service requirements not met (24 months of service, after September 7, 1980).

Exceptions: Use PCGL instead of RADL when preparing a decision notice regarding a legacy appeal controlled under EP 070 or 170 if the decision on appeal is one of the types listed in M21-1, Part VI, Subpart i, 1.B.3.c. Example: Claims processors must use PCGL to prepare a decision notice regarding a legacy appeal of a decision to deny entitlement to DIC or accrued benefits.Reference : For more information on generating a decision notice associated with implementing actions by BVA, see M21-5, Chapter 4, Topic 5.f.

VI.i.1.B.3.c#Types of Decisions for Which Claims Processors May Not Use RADL to Generate a Decision Notice

Claims processors may not use RADL to generate decision notices for the following types of decisions:

• decisions associated with EPs other than those listed in M21-1, Part VI, Subpart i, 1.B.3.b
• decisions on claims for pension (with the exception of the administrative denials referenced in M21-1, Part VI, Subpart i, 1.B.3.b), to include “dual” claims (claims for both compensation and pension)
• final rating decisions to rate a beneficiary incompetent
• decisions to adjust an award based on review of an audit error worksheet (AEW)
• rare ancillary decisions, such as those involving
  • civil service preference
  • discharge of an education loan
  • extension of delimiting dates for education benefits under 38 U.S.C. Chapter 30, 31, 32, or 1606
  • loan guaranty benefits, or
  • Restored Entitlement for Survivors
• decisions regarding the eligibility of a Veteran’s child for an appointment to a service academy, as explained in M21-1, Part XIII, Subpart ii, 5.A, and
• decisions on contested claims.

Note: Use the AEW Assistant to generate a decision notice regarding an award adjustment that is based on review of an AEW worksheet. Under all the other circumstances described in this block, use PCGL. Reference: For more information on using the AEW Assistant, see M21-1, Part VI, Subpart ii, 4.E.1.r.

VI.i.1.B.3.d#Sections of a RADL-Generated Decision Notice

The table below describes the purpose/content of individual sections of a RADL-generated decision notice.

VI.i.1.B.3.e#Using RADL to Prepare a Decision Notice in VBMS-A

Follow the steps in the table below for using RADL to prepare a decision notice regarding a rating decision VA made.

Reference: For more information on generating a decision notice in VBMS-A, see the VBMS Awards User Guide.

VI.i.1.B.3.f#Development Functionality Within RADL

Claims processors may use a feature within RADL that allows them to include in decision notices a request for

• completion of a VA Form 21-686c
• a marriage certificate
• (a) divorce certificate(s)
• (a) birth certificate(s)
• (a) Social Security number(s), and/or
• information regarding a
  • child's school attendance, and/or
  • stepchild's relationship to a Veteran.

Important: As stated in M21-1, Part VII, Subpart i, 1.A.5.b, any development that is not prohibited under M21-1, Part VII, Subpart i, 1.A.5.a, and is necessary to establish an individual as a Veteran’s dependent must be undertaken during the initial development phase of claims processing rather than at the end (in the decision notice). References: For more information on

• development functionality within RADL, see the VBMS Awards User Guide
• handling claims for additional benefits for dependents, see M21-1, Part VII, Subpart i, 1.A-D, and
• maintaining control of development actions that are undertaken in a decision notice, see M21-1, Part VII, Subpart i, 1.C.1.c.

VI.i.1.B.3.g#Soliciting Claims in a RADL-Generated Decision Notice

Follow the instructions in the VBMS Awards User Guide to solicit a claim in a RADL-generated decision notice. Reference: For more information about soliciting claims for chronic, unclaimed disabilities, see M21-1, Part II, Subpart iii, 2.G.2.

VI.i.1.B.3.h#Including in a RADL-Generated Decision Notice a Summary of the Evidence the Authorization Activity Considered in Making a Decision

Follow the instructions in the VBMS Awards User Guide to include in a RADL-generated decision notice a summary of the evidence the authorization activity considered in making a decision (such as entitlement to additional benefits for a dependent).

VI.i.1.B.3.i#Adding Free Text to a RADL-Generated Decision Notice

Follow the instructions in the VBMS Awards User Guide to add free text to a RADL-generated decision notice. Limit the use of free text to those situations in which

• regulatory or procedural guidance requires it, or
• the decision notice -- without the free text -- fails to
  • provide information that is relevant or would help the claimant better understand an action VA took, and/or
  • comply with the requirements in M21-1, Part VI, Subpart i, 1.B.1.b in accordance with 38 CFR 3.103(f).

4Exhibit: Review Rights Language for PCGL When Notifying Claimants of a Decision on a Contested Claim

Revised April 18, 2022

VI.i.1.B.4.a#Review Rights Language for Notifying Claimants of a Decision on a Contested Claim

Paragraphs addressing review rights for decisions on contested claims are shown below. — What You Should Do If You Disagree With Our Decision If you do not agree with this contested claim decision , you have 60 days from the date of this letter to seek further review in order to preserve your earliest effective benefit date. Please see the enclosed VA Form 20-0998, Your Rights To Seek Review Of Our Decision. It explains your options for an additional review. You may obtain any of the required applications by downloading them from www.va.gov/vaforms or by contacting us. You can also learn more about the disagreement process at www.va.gov/decision-reviews. If you would like to obtain or access evidence used in making this decision, please contact us as noted below. Some evidence may be obtained by signing in at http://www.va.gov.