Course Catalog / BMU 301 / Glossary

Glossary: BMU 301 From Denied to Rated

A reference sheet of the key words in this course. Keep it open while you work, or print it.

BDD claim

Benefits Delivery at Discharge, a claim you file 180 to 90 days before you leave active duty. (Lesson 2)

C&P exam

A compensation and pension exam, also called a VA claim exam, that VA may ask you to attend. (Lesson 7)

C file

Your VA claims file, which you can request with VA Form 20-10206. (Lesson 5)

Combined rating

One overall rating built from your separate ratings using VA's table, not by adding them. (Lesson 4)

DBQ

A Disability Benefits Questionnaire, the form many exams follow for each condition. (Lesson 7)

Decision notice

The letter VA sends with its decision on your claim. (Lesson 4)

Effective date

The date VA uses to start your pay if the claim is granted. (Lesson 3)

Firsthand

Something the writer saw or lived, not something they heard about. (Lesson 6)

Functional impact

How a condition limits work, sleep, movement, and daily life. (Lesson 7)

Intent to File

A notice to VA that you plan to file. It can hold your date for one year. (Lesson 3)

Lay statement

A written account from someone who is not a medical expert, such as you, a family member, or a buddy. (Lesson 6)

Nexus

The link between your condition and your service. (Lesson 5)

P&T

Permanent and total. A rating VA does not expect to improve. (Lesson 9)

PACT Act

A 2022 law that expanded VA care and benefits for toxic exposures. (Lesson 8)

Presumption

A rule that supplies the link for certain conditions and service, so you do not have to prove it. (Lesson 5)

Presumptive condition

A condition VA presumes is linked to certain service, so you do not have to prove the link. (Lesson 8)

Review lane

One of the three ways to ask VA to look at a decision again. (Lesson 4)

Secondary condition

A condition caused or made worse by a service connected condition. (Lesson 8)

Separation Health Assessment

A health form you complete when you file a BDD claim. (Lesson 2)

Service treatment records

Your medical records from your time in service. (Lesson 2)

SMC

Special monthly compensation, a higher rate for certain needs or disabilities. (Lesson 9)

TDIU

Total Disability Individual Unemployability. Pay at the 100% rate when service connected conditions keep you from a steady job. (Lesson 9)

VA Form 21-10210

VA's Lay/Witness Statement form, for your own claim or another veteran's. (Lesson 6)

VA Form 21-526EZ

The application for disability compensation. (Lesson 3)

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