Go through all documents in VBMS since the last VBMS Status Update and update case accordingly, including:
Decisions & Code Sheets: confirm all decisions are in NEOS since the last VBMS Status Update Note and that the Code Sheet Tab is up to date based on the most recent Code Sheet uploaded to VBMS. If not, update the case based on each of the decisions entered since that time (like you would enter any decision if it was your day to do decisions); and update the Code Sheet Tab in NEOS accordingly.
PMRs/CAPRI Records: Update the Treatment tab in NEOS based on any CAPRI records and PMRs uploaded to VBMS since date of last VBMS Status Update.
TERA Memos/Updating Service Tab - Update Service Tab in NEOS based on any TERA memos uploaded to VBMS since date of last VBMS Status Update.
*** Also while you do this, please take the time to make sure that our service periods in the Service Tab match those in VBMS’ “Military Service” Section on the right.*
C&P Exams [DBQs and Medical Opinions] - For each DBQ & Medical Opinion uploaded to VBMS since the last VBMS Status update: update the Claims Tab “Comp & Pen Exam” Section in NEOS to show date of exam and nexus (positive or negative).
Misc. Important Documents: Look for any documents uploaded to VBMS since the last VBMS Status Update that are relevant to our client’s pending claims and make sure they are saved to the file & address any issues related to the documents with the client ASAP.
Examples of Misc. Important Documents include but are not limited to:
526EZ, 0995, 0996 or NOD’s filed by client: Review documents and pending claims in VBMS to confirm the client did not file any of their own claims since our last VBMS Status Update.
If client filed own claims-Update the case accordingly: including synopsis section in Case Tab, Checklist (add a check list item for [date filed/ claim filed (526/0995 etc/ - waiting for Decision], Claims Tab (add a claim / date filed and note that cl filed on own).*
***You will also need to contact the client about this filing to gather any evidence to support the claim / remind them to not file things on their own.
Request for Application Letters: These are usually issued if we put a claim on the wrong form/or if the VA thinks we put a claim on the wrong form and require a response.
*If you see one of these: download to case & address the issue ASAP. (file on correct form, or send response letter to VA about how it was on the correct form and to open an EP code -you will want to stay on top of this to make sure the VA does their job).
”Exam Request” - with the subject “EMS Contention Cancellation” in VBMS: Open the document to see what exam was missed and when, and make a note in the synopsis and Claims tab in NEOS; + Contact the client to get a Good Cause statement if needed before the VA makes a decision on that claim.
”Subsequent Development Letters”: Make sure you open any of these in VBMS since the last Status Update to see if the VA is requesting anything that we have not already submitted, or to see if the veteran failed to attend a C&P exam. (ex. PTSD stressor statement, request for signed authorization, etc.).
***If information/documents are needed from the Veteran to respond to these letters, contact the client ASAP if needed to get this info/documents filed.