Department of Veterans Affairs M21-1MR, Part IV Veterans Benefits Administration Subpart ii Washington, DC 20420 July 20, 2009

Transmittal Sheet

Changes The table below describes the changes included in this revision to M21-1MR, Inclu Part IV, Subpart ii, “Compensation.” ded in this Revi sion

Location of the revision Reason(s) for the change Substantive Changes (Policy and Procedure) Page 1-H-8: Part IV, To correct the reference citation to show 38 Subpart ii, Chapter 1, CFR 3.307(a)(6)(iii). Section H, Topic 28, Block c (IV.ii.1.H.28.c) Page 1-H-9: To add AL amyloidosis to the list of IV.ii.1.H.28.e presumptive diseases under 38 CFR 3.309(e).

Other Changes  To clarify the note regarding entitlement under 38 CFR 3.313.  To include a reference citation for IV.ii.2.C.13 regarding claims for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL). Page 1-H-11:  To add a block on developing claims based on IV.ii.1.H.28.h service aboard ships offshore the Republic of Vietnam (RVN).  To state that evidence of shore docking is required to establish presumptive exposure to herbicides.  To distinguish between “blue water” and “brown water” veterans. Page 1-H-12: To add a block on verifying service on ships IV.ii.1.H.28.i offshore the RVN, including instructions to request research of deck logs for only one 60- day period per claimant.

Other Change: To re-letter the subsequent block in this topic. Page 2-C-15: To show that AL amyloidosis became subject to IV.ii.2.C.10.i presumptive service connection effective May 7, 2009.

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Changes Included in this Revision (continued)

Location of the revision Reason(s) for the change Page 2-C-16: To remove amyloidosis from the list of diseases IV.ii.2.C.l0.j determined to have no positive association with herbicide exposure. Page 2-C-17:  To add a block to provide instructions on IV.ii.2.C.10.k considering claims based on service aboard ships offshore the RVN.  To state that evidence of shore docking is required to establish presumptive exposure to herbicides.  To distinguish between “blue water” and “brown water” veterans. Page 2-C-18: To add a block to include the U.S. Army and IV.ii.2.C.10.l Joint Services Records Research Center’s (JSRRC’s) May 1, 2009, memorandum on herbicide exposure during naval service offshore the RVN.

Other Change: To re-letter the subsequent blocks in this topic. Page 2-C-20: To revise the procedures for verifying herbicide IV.ii.2.C.10.n exposure in locations other than the RVN. The revision includes instructions  to allow 30 days for the veteran to furnish information, and  to prepare a formal finding if the information is insufficient to allow the JSRRC to conduct research. Page 2-C-22: To add the 13th Engineer Combat Battalion to IV.ii.2.C.10.o the list of units. Page 2-C-23: To refer to IV.ii.1.D.15.b for information on IV.ii.2.C.10.o verifying service along the demilitarized zone in Korea.

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Changes Included in this Revision (continued)

Location of the revision Reason(s) for the change Pages 2-C-23 and 24: To add a block to provide procedures for IV.ii.2.C.10.p verifying herbicide exposure during Vietnam Era service in Thailand. Pages 2-C-25 and 26: To add a block to include the Compensation and IV.ii.2.C.10.q Pension Service’s “Memorandum for the Record” on herbicide use in Thailand during the Vietnam Era.

Other Change: To re-letter the subsequent blocks in this topic. Page 2-C-29: To add new blocks that IV.ii.2.C.10. t and u  discuss service connection for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma under 38 CFR 3.313, and  list the subcategories of lymphoma for which the presumption of service connection may be extended.

Non-Substantive Changes (Reference, Verbiage, Pagination) Page 1-i: Table of To show the new name of Topic 28 and the Contents repagination of Topics 29 and 30. Page 1-H-1: Overview To show the new name of Topic 28 and the repagination of Topics 29 and 30. Page 1-H-7: To add reference citations for various M21- IV.ii.1.H.28.a 1MR blocks. Page 1-H-8: To change the reference citation to M21-1MR, IV.ii.1.H.28.d Part IV, Subpart ii, 1.H.28.i.  Page 2-i: Table of  To show the new names of Contents  Chapter 2  Section C, and  Topics 10 and 11.  To reflect the repaginated Topics 11 and 12.

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Changes Included in this Revision (continued)

Location of the revision Reason(s) for the change Page 2-C-1: Overview To show

 the new names of  Section C, and  Topics 10 and 11, and  the repaginated Topics 11 and 12. Page 2-C-10: Topic To show the new name of Topic 10 and the heading and Introduction updated block labels. Page 2-C-11: To update the M21-1MR reference. IV.ii.2.C.10.c Page 2-C-27: To update the M21-1MR references. IV.ii.2.C.10.r Page 2-C-29: Topic To show the new name of Topic 11. heading

Rescissions None

Authority By Direction of the Under Secretary for Benefits

Signature

Bradley G. Mayes, Director Compensation and Pension Service

Distribution RPC: 2068 FD: EX: ASO and AR (included in RPC 2068)

LOCAL REPRODUCTION AUTHORIZED

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