Internal VA Memos & Other Publications

PACT Act/ Toxic Exposure

  • View the full list of PACT Act presumptive diagnostic codes. The rating criteria for each condition can be found in the rating schedule.

  • For any claim related to toxic exposure, the VA should now develop an ILER Memorandum

  • Summarizes how to determine when a TERA Memorandum is, and is not, necessary. It also provides the basic steps to follow and evidence to consider when completing the memorandum.

  • This is the memorandum the VA should develop if you were exposed to any toxins during service.

  • See what steps the VA should take when determining exposure.

  • See when the VA will not order an examination based on exposure.

  • This sample memorandum should be contained in the Claims Folder of any veteran with deployments to countries covered under 38 U.S.C. § 1119.

  • VA Fact Sheet/Notice to Examiners for:

    • Sulfur Fire at the Mishraq State Sulfur Mine Near Mosul, Iraq

    • Qarmat Ali Water Treatment Plant in Basrah, Iraq

    • Burn Pits in Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Horn of Africa

    • Qarmat Ali Water Treatment Plant in Basrah, Iraq

    • Particulate Matter throughout Iraq, Afghanistan, and Djibouti

  • Public Works Technicial Bulletin (30Jun2011)

AMA Claims/Effective Dates

C&P Exam Guidance

Agent Orange Declassified

  • Agent Orange exposure is now conceded under the PACT Act for any veteran who served on Johnston Island. However, this report may be needed for an earlier effective date.

  • Read about Agent Orange use outside of Vietnam, including Thailand. While exposure is now conceded under the PACT Act for most veterans, the document can still be useful for effective date purposes.

  • Map of Nakhon Phanom RTAFB.

20-Year DIC Appeal

  • After 20 years, it became apparent I should have Judge Roberts recused. *Denise has given permission to share her name.

  • Read the final decision ending this decades old appeal.

  • Here is her book which she has asked I share. Part II is forthcoming.

FOIA

Special Monthly Compensation (SMC)

Rule Making Litigation

Nexus Opinions

  • Here is the unofficial list of providers the VA does not afford weight to. The “blacklist”, if you will.

Federal Register Comments

  • We made comments to VA’s intent to file form, noting that VA should provide more clear guidance on how an ITF is used.

  • Copy of comments made in December 2025 concerning VA Form 21-2680.

    The recommended revisions for VA Form 21-2680 focus on improving clarity and processing efficiency. Key changes we propose include removing Section V, the Veteran/Claimant’s signature and certification, as they are not medical experts capable of certifying the subsequent clinical findings. The form should also clarify Item 18 to explicitly request service-connected disabilities contributing to the need for care for SMC claims. Finally, it is suggested to add a follow-up question to Item 29 regarding whether the claimant would require institutional care without assistance, and to include a general comments box for the examiner to provide essential context.

  • Our suggested changes, here.

  • Comments Concerning Changes to Bradycardia Ratings

Ingram v. Collins