VA Decision Letter Explained

The three parts of a VA rating decision

• Introduction — lists the issues VA decided and the evidence considered.
• Decision — the percentage assigned to each issue, the effective date, and any deferrals.
• Reasons & Bases — VA's narrative explanation of why each issue was granted, denied, or deferred. This is the most useful section for spotting errors.

The code sheet

The code sheet is the back-of-house record of your rating. It lists every contention by diagnostic code, the assigned percentage, the effective date, the combined evaluation, the bilateral factor (if applicable), and any special monthly compensation award.

If the narrative says one thing but the code sheet says another, the code sheet usually controls. Always check that the percentages, effective dates, and DCs on the code sheet match the narrative decision.

Common items to look for

• Did VA address every contention you filed? Missing contentions are usually deferred, not denied — but verify.
• Are the effective dates correct? Compare against your ITF and prior claim history.
• Was the bilateral factor applied where applicable (paired extremities)?
• Were secondary conditions evaluated, or were they grouped under the primary?
• Did the rater rely on a C&P exam that was inadequate or that contradicts your treatment records?

Your next steps

You have one year from the date on the decision letter to choose a decision-review lane. The right lane depends on what is wrong with the decision: Higher-Level Review for a clear adjudicative error, Supplemental Claim if you have new and relevant evidence, or appeal to the Board if you want a Veterans Law Judge to decide.

Frequently Asked Questions