Administrative Review/gathering Evidence After Rating Decision Received

[lotzaspotz]

We received a July 2014 rating decision, effective January 2014, of a 10% disability for coronary artery disease/IHD presumptive to AO exposure filed in January 2014. We did not appeal it. Looking in E-benefits today, I noticed that the claim is under Administrative Review, is in the Gathering Evidence phase, and that a development letter has been mailed, which we have not yet received. It specifically references the IHD claim. The VA has also apparently mailed my husband's cardiologist (non-VA) a request for the records that we had already provided prior to the rating decision that was based upon those records.

I've seen all this occur prior to a rating decision, but not afterwards. Does anyone have any idea of what gives here?

[lotzaspotz]

Yes, we sent in the private medical records, and that was all. No C&P, and that's the first time that has happened in 21 years. As I mentioned previously, I've seen a claim under administrative review and evidence gathering before a rating decision was made and the veteran notified, but never after.