[Code of Federal Regulations]

[Title 38, Volume 1]

[Revised as of July 1, 2005]

From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access

[CITE: 38CFR4.2]



[Page 365-366]

 

            TITLE 38--PENSIONS, BONUSES, AND VETERANS' RELIEF

 

                CHAPTER I--DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

 

PART 4_SCHEDULE FOR RATING DISABILITIES--Table of Contents

 

                   Subpart A_General Policy in Rating

 

Sec. 4.2  Interpretation of examination reports.



    Different examiners, at different times, will not describe the same 

disability in the same language. Features of the disability which must 

have persisted unchanged may be overlooked or a change for the better or 

worse may not be accurately appreciated or described. It is the 

responsibility of the rating specialist to interpret reports of 

examination in the light of the whole



[[Page 366]]



recorded history, reconciling the various reports into a consistent 

picture so that the current rating may accurately reflect the elements 

of disability present. Each disability must be considered from the point 

of view of the veteran working or seeking work. If a diagnosis is not 

supported by the findings on the examination report or if the report 

does not contain sufficient detail, it is incumbent upon the rating 

board to return the report as inadequate for evaluation purposes.



[41 FR 11292, Mar. 18, 1976]