[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: 38CFR4.41]



[Page 375]

 

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

 

                CHAPTER I--DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

 

PART 4_SCHEDULE FOR RATING DISABILITIES--Table of Contents

 

                      Subpart B_Disability Ratings

 

Sec. 4.41  History of injury.



    In considering the residuals of injury, it is essential to trace the 

medical-industrial history of the disabled person from the original 

injury, considering the nature of the injury and the attendant 

circumstances, and the requirements for, and the effect of, treatment 

over past periods, and the course of the recovery to date. The duration 

of the initial, and any subsequent, period of total incapacity, 

especially periods reflecting delayed union, inflammation, swelling, 

drainage, or operative intervention, should be given close attention. 

This consideration, or the absence of clear cut evidence of injury, may 

result in classifying the disability as not of traumatic origin, either 

reflecting congenital or developmental etiology, or the effects of 

healed disease.