Part VIII, Subpart iii, Chapter 5, Section BRating Claims Based on Participation in Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear and Explosives (CBRNE) Testing

Revised March 17, 2025

VIII.iii.5.B.1.a#Considering SC Based on CBRNE Test Participation

There are no presumptive conditions or disabilities recognized as common to chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosives (CBRNE) testing. The determination of whether to award service connection (SC) for a disease or injury claimed as related to participation in CBRNE testing falls under the direct SC provisions. Decisions to award or deny SC should also consider all exposures the Veteran incurred in all documented toxic exposure risk activity (TERA) participation, to include CBRNE testing.References: For more information on

• development and other considerations for CBRNE claims, see M21-1, Part VIII, Subpart iii, 5.A
• direct SC, see
  • 38 CFR 3.303, and
  • M21-1, Part V, Subpart ii, 2.A, and
• processing TERA claims, see the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act of 2022 Implementation Standard Operating Procedure (SOP).

VIII.iii.5.B.1.b#Reviewing an Examination and Medical Opinion for Claims Based on CBRNE Testing

When reviewing an examination and medical opinion for claims based on CBRNE testing, ensure that the examination report meets the TERA examination sufficiency requirements as outlined in the PACT Act Implementation SOP. Reference: For more information on sufficiency of examination reports, see M21-1, Part IV, Subpart i, 3.A.

VIII.iii.5.B.1.c#CBRNE Rating Requirements

In addition to the general rating narrative requirements outlined in M21-1, Part V, Subpart iv, 1.A, CBRNE rating decisions must follow the below guidelines.

• Since CBRNE is considered TERA participation, the rating decision must follow the TERA rating guidance outlined in the PACT Implementation SOP.
• When denying SC because an explicit allegation of CBRNE test participation could not be established, the rating decision must include the following free text to the rating narrative:

You reported participating in Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear and Explosives (CBRNE) testing. The evidence of record does not show you participated in CBRNE testing.

• When completing the SUBJECT field on the ISSUE MANAGEMENT tab in Veterans Benefits Management System – Rating (VBMS-R), end the description of the disability with [CBRNE] regardless of whether the issue is being awarded or denied. This will clearly identify the CBRNE claimed issues, or those issues which the decision maker has decided are related to CBRNE testing, on the Codesheet.

Example: Scar, right upper extremity [CBRNE].Reference: For more information on entering decisions in VBMS-R, see the VBMS Rating User Guide.