From: Cook, Tom
Sent: Wednesday, June 16, 2010 7:46 AM
Subject: New Procedures For Claims For An INCREASE In Service Connected Disabilites

  Rapid Evaluation of Veterans Claims (REV) is a pilot program the Atlanta VA Regional Office has just initiated.  It is ONLY for claims for an INCREASE in service-connected disabilities.

  This program, if followed properly, will enable the VARO to rate veterans claims based on the medical information presented and forego the need for a VA ordered examination (at a VAMC or via QTC).  It is imperative that we get the word and information out to the veterans we serve.  ENSURE THAT THE FACT SHEETS GET TO THE VETERANS TREATING PHYSICIANS.  These guidelines in the fact sheets have to be followed by the veterans doctors in writing up their evaluations.  The veterans do not write up the evaluation themselves.  This is similar to what we are already doing with a VSO 3  for pension with A&A.

Be proactive and get involved with the veterans and with the physicians if need be.  Do not simply hand veterans the fact sheet and expect them to understand it or what to do with it. 

One of the biggest complaints we get from veterans is “why do they need to order another examination?”  This program should help reduce the number of necessary VA directed examinations.

Sincerely,

Tom Cook
Assistant Commissioner, Field Operations and Claims
Georgia Department of Veterans Service

(404) 656-2305
(404) 656-7006 Fax

How to File a REV Claim

In an effort to improve service to veterans, the Atlanta Regional Office has developed a processing option for veterans’ claims that will result in a decision within 30 days of submitting the claims.  The Rapid Evaluation of Veterans’ Claims (REV) process can be selected and utilized on claims for increase.  Therefore, the conditions claimed must already be service-connected.  The following information provides specifics (two different ways) on how you can participate in this program. 

I.  Submitting REV Application on VA Form 21-526b

1. Complete a VA Form 21-526b, Veteran’s Supplemental Claim for Compensation, and mark REV across the top. 
2. Provide identifying data in items 1-6. 
3. Check the box beside “Increased Evaluation”.   
4. List the disabilities that a.) are deemed service-connected, and b.) have increased in severity.
5. Outline any VAMC that has records relevant to your claim for increase.  These records should be within one year of the date you file your REV claim.
6. Sign and date the form.
7. Attach any private treatment reports you would like us to utilize in determining the current levels of your disabilities. 
8. Attach a signed statement that indicates you waive your VCAA notification and that you waive a right for a VA examination. 
9. Suggested language is:  I waive my right for a VA examination, because I am providing information that supports my claim.  I understand what the evidence must show to illustrate my service-connected disabilities have increased in severity.  Furthermore, I understand that I am responsible for submitting the evidence to substantiate my claim.  By submitting this statement, I am requesting you (VA) to make a decision on my claim based on the information outlined herein and/or the evidence that is attached to this statement.  I also understand that if I disagree with a decision, I have a right to appeal the decision, submit additional evidence, and/or request a VA examination. 
10. Submit to the Atlanta VA Regional Office
11. You may mail this application and any treatment records to: 
12.  
13. Department of Veterans Affairs
14. Atlanta Regional Office
15. P.O. Box 100021
16. Decatur, GA  30031-7021
17.  
18. You may fax this application and any treatment records to:

Department of Veterans Affairs
Atlanta Regional Office
404-929-5186
Attn:  REV Team

A sample REV claim on a VA Form 21-526b is attached.

II.  Submitting REV Application on VA Form 21-4138

1.  Complete a VA Form 21-4138, Statement in Support of Claim. 
2. Clearly identify that you would like to participate in the REV program. 
3. Suggested language is:  I wish to participate in the Rapid Evaluation of Veterans’ Claims (REV) process. 
4. Identify the disabilities which you feel have increased in severity.  Please remember that your disabilities must already be service-connected and you are requesting an increase in their evaluations.
5. Suggested language is:  My following service-connected disabilities have increased in severity:  1.)__________, 2.)____________, etc.
6. Outline any VAMC that has records relevant to your claim for increase.  These records should be within one year of the date you file your REV claim. 
7. Suggested language is:  I have received treatment for one or more of these disabilities at the following VAMCs in the last year.
8. Compose a statement that indicates you waive your VCAA notification and that you waive a right for a VA examination. 
9. Suggested language is:  I waive my right for a VA examination, because I am providing information that supports my claim.  I understand what the evidence must show to illustrate my service-connected disabilities have increased in severity.  Furthermore, I understand that I am responsible for submitting the evidence to substantiate my claim.  By submitting this statement, I am requesting you (VA) to make a decision on my claim based on the information outlined herein and/or the evidence that is attached to this statement.  I also understand that if I disagree with a decision, I have a right to appeal the decision, submit additional evidence, and/or request a VA examination. 
10. Sign and date the form.
11. Attach any private treatment reports you would like us to utilize in determining the current levels of your disabilities. 
12.  
13. Submit to the Atlanta VA Regional Office
14. You may mail this application and any treatment records to: 
15.  
16. Department of Veterans Affairs
17. Atlanta Regional Office
18. P.O. Box 100021
19. Decatur, GA  30031-7021
20.  
21. You may fax this application and any treatment records to: 

Department of Veterans Affairs
Atlanta Regional Office
404-929-5186
Attn:  REV Team