WHAT IS A RATING CODE SHEET AND WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?
When a veteran receives a rating decision from the VA, one document that should be included, but is often omitted, is a rating code sheet. A rating code sheet provides information on a number of important matters. In particular, a code sheet usually includes the following:
· The name of the attorney or representative on file with the VA, if any
· The VA file number
· The date of military service on file with the VA
· The diagnostic code used to assign the disability rating for each service connected condition
· What claimed conditions are service connected and what claimed conditions were denied service connection. The rating code sheet will list the name of every medical condition that is service connected.
· A list of the disability rating percentage for each service connected condition
· Information about the effective date of both past and current individual and combined ratings
· A list of all conditions which a veteran may be receiving non-service connected pension and the associated rating for each of those conditions
· Any entitlements to special monthly compensation or use of the bilateral factor
· A list of prior claims that were denied
· Whether a future re-examination will be required
The rating code sheet is essentially a blueprint of each veteran’s claim and payment history with the VA. If your VA rating decision does not include a rating code sheet, you may request a copy of the code sheet by personally going to your assigned regional office to request a copy. You may also request a copy in writing under the Freedom of Information and Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. § 552(a)).
If you are a veteran who has filed for VA disability benefits and needs help navigating the appeal process, call the experienced veterans’ disability attorneys at Gardberg & Kemmerly, P.C. at 251-343-1111 today for a free case evaluation. The disability attorneys at Gardberg & Kemmerly, P.C. help veterans throughout the Gulf Coast area, including, Alabama, Florida, Mississippi, and Louisiana with regard to establishing service connection for claimed conditions, establishing entitlement to higher compensation ratings, and establishing entitlement to total individual unemployability.