Internal VA Memos & Other Publications

The VA issues a variety of memos to their rating staff. They range in topics from how to handle PACT Act claims, to when to accept a private medical opinion. Seeing what directives the VA gives to its employees can better help you get your claim approved.

PACT Act Claims

  • 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.

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.

Nexus Opinions

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