Reading your rating decision

The Rating Decision is your roadmap. It tells you exactly what was granted, what was denied, the reasons for each, and the effective dates. Read every word.

Structure

• Introduction: identifies you, the claim, and the period under review.
• Decision: lists each claimed condition with the outcome (granted/denied) and rating.
• Reasons and Bases: the rater’s narrative explanation of why each decision was made. This is the most important part — it shows what evidence was credited and what was rejected.
• Code Sheet: a list of every service-connected condition with diagnostic code, percentage, and effective date.

What to look for

• Effective dates — are they correct? If you filed an ITF, is the effective date the ITF date?
• Did the rater address all conditions you claimed? Sometimes claims get dropped — appeal this.
• What evidence was cited? Was your nexus letter mentioned? Was your private DBQ mentioned?
• What evidence was rejected and why? Was the rejection reasoned (“the C&P examiner’s opinion is more probative because…”) or conclusory?
• Was the Painful Motion principle applied where applicable?
• Are flare-ups addressed for joint conditions?

Pro tip

Most denials use template language. The actual reasoning is often thin. “The evidence does not establish a nexus” usually means “the C&P examiner gave a negative opinion and we credited it.” Your job in an appeal is to undermine the C&P opinion (via inadequate exam doctrine or contrary medical opinion) and establish the missing link.

Other resources — tools · conditions · how to file · forms · FAQ