417 Sections14 Parts
VA Regulations

M-21-1

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Contents

In this document

M-21-1 is organised into 14 parts. Each one opens to its sections, and each section opens to its full text with a link to the official source.

417 sections

Part I

Duties, due process, and representation

11
Subpart iChapters 1–36
  1. Chapter 1
  2. ADescription and General Information on Duty to Notify and Duty to Assist
  3. BGeneral Information on Due Process
  4. Chapter 2
  5. AGeneral Information on Power of Attorney (POA)
  6. BA Representative’s Right to Notification and Review of Records
  7. CSystem Updates for Power of Attorney (POA) Appointments
  8. —Chapter 3
Subpart iiChapters 1–25
  1. Chapter 1
  2. AStructure of the Veterans Service Center (VSC)
  3. BOrganization of the Pension Management Centers (PMCs)
  4. CPension Management Center (PMC) Procedures
  5. DGeneral Information on the Benefit Eligibility Support Team (BEST)
  6. —Chapter 2
Part II

Mail intake and claims establishment

27
Subpart iChapters 1–26
  1. Chapter 1
  2. ACentralized Mail (CM) Intake
  3. BVeterans Claims Intake Program (VCIP) Shipping
  4. Chapter 2
  5. AProcess Overview for Screening Mail
  6. BRecording the Date of Receipt and Handling Signatures and Outdated Forms
  7. CMail Management
  8. DHandling Specific Types of Mail
Subpart iiChapters 1–36
  1. Chapter 1
  2. AEstablishing New and Converting Old Claims Folders
  3. BLost Paper Claims Folders and Reconciliation of Duplicate Records
  4. Chapter 2
  5. AFolder Maintenance
  6. BRestricted Records Storage and Control
  7. CLocked Files Folder Maintenance
  8. —Chapter 3
Subpart iiiChapters 1–415
  1. Chapter 1
  2. AApplications for Benefits
  3. BScreening Applications for Benefit Eligibility
  4. CScreening Applications for Substantial Completeness and Notification Requirements
  5. Chapter 2
  6. AIntent to File (ITF)
  7. BSupplemental Claims
  8. CClaims for Increase
  9. DClaims Based on Reports of Examination or Hospitalization
  10. EIncorrectly Established Claims
  11. FWithdrawal of Initial Claims
  12. GRequests for Application and Claims Solicitation
  13. HHistorical Guidance on Formal Applications and Informal Claims Received Prior to March 24, 2015
  14. Chapter 3
  15. AClaims Establishmen
  16. BSystem Updates at Intake
  17. Chapter 4
  18. AThe Veterans Online Application (VONAPP) Direct Connect (VDC) Program and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Claims Submission Service Websites
  19. BStakeholder Enterprise Portal (SEP) Claims
Part III

Veteran status and claims development

21
Subpart iChapters 1–29
  1. Chapter 1
  2. AEstablishing Veteran Status
  3. BService Requirements and Verification of Eligibility
  4. CCivilian Groups Approved for Veteran Status
  5. Chapter 2
  6. ADevelopment Duties and Responsibilities
  7. BDuty to Notify Under 38 U.S.C. 5103
  8. CDuty to Assist With Obtaining Records
  9. DEvidence Requested From the Claimant
  10. ERelevance Determinations
  11. FRecord Maintenance During the Development Process
Subpart iiChapters 1–312
  1. Chapter 1
  2. ARequesting Evidence From Federal Record Custodians
  3. BDepartment of Veterans Affairs (VA) Requests for Information From the Social Security Administration (SSA)
  4. CInformation Requests to Other Federal Agencies
  5. Chapter 2
  6. AGeneral Information on Service Records
  7. BProcedures for Obtaining Service Treatment Records (STRs)
  8. CClinical Records, Personnel Records, and Coast Guard Records
  9. DControl and Follow-Up of Requests for Service Records
  10. EService Record Address Codes and Addresses for Military Records Centers and Other Agencies
  11. FFire-Related Records, Supplementary or Substitute Records, and Records for Unique Situations
  12. GRecord Exchanges Between the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Service Departments
  13. HService Department Organizational Structures and Service Number Assignments
  14. —Chapter 3
Part IV

Examinations and medical opinions

15
Subpart iChapters 1–311
  1. Chapter 1
  2. ADuty to Assist With Providing a Medical Examination or Opinion
  3. BEvidentiary Standards for Finding an Examination or Opinion Necessary
  4. Chapter 2
  5. AExamination Requests Overview
  6. BScheduling Examinations
  7. CControl of Examinations
  8. DMedical Examination Coordinators
  9. EExaminations in Special Situations
  10. FFailure to Report and Rescheduling Examinations
  11. Chapter 3
  12. AGeneral Criteria for Sufficiency of Examination Reports
  13. BExamination Sufficiency for Specific Disabilities
  14. CInsufficient Examinations
Subpart iiChapters 1–24
  1. Chapter 1
  2. ADetermining the Need for Review Examinations
  3. BControl of Future Examinations
  4. Chapter 2
  5. ARating Action on Review Examination Results and Cancellations
  6. BFailure to Report for Review Examinations
Part V

The rating activity

45
Subpart iChapter 13
  1. Chapter 1
  2. AGeneral Information on the Rating Activity
  3. BReferrals to the Rating Activity
  4. CPre-Rating Review of Claims by the Rating Activity
Subpart iiChapters 1–413
  1. Chapter 1
  2. APrinciples of Reviewing and Weighing Evidence
  3. BReviewing Testimony and Lay Evidence
  4. Chapter 2
  5. ADirect Service Connection (SC) and Service Incurrence of an Injury
  6. BPresumptive Service Connection (SC)
  7. CIn-Service Aggravation of a Pre-Service Disability
  8. DSecondary Service Connection (SC) and Aggravation of Non-Service-Connected (NSC) Disabilities
  9. EService Connection (SC) for Congenital, Developmental, or Hereditary Disorders
  10. Chapter 3
  11. ADetermining the Issues
  12. BMaking Partial Rating Decisions
  13. CReviewing Diagnoses
  14. DEvaluating Disabilities
  15. Chapter 4
  16. AEffective Dates
  17. BHistorical Guidance on the Assignment of Effective Dates
Subpart iiiChapters 1–1424
  1. Chapter 1
  2. APainful Motion and Functional Loss
  3. BMusculoskeletal Disabilities of the Extremities and Spine
  4. CArthritis
  5. DOsteomyelitis
  6. EMuscle Injuries
  7. FOther Musculoskeletal Considerations
  8. Chapter 2
  9. AConditions of the Eyes
  10. BConditions of the Auditory System
  11. —Chapter 3
  12. Chapter 4
  13. ARespiratory Conditions
  14. BTuberculosis
  15. —Chapter 5
  16. —Chapter 6
  17. —Chapter 7
  18. Chapter 8
  19. ADisabilities of the Gynecological System
  20. BDisabilities of the Breast
  21. —Chapter 9
  22. —Chapter 10
  23. —Chapter 11
  24. Chapter 12
  25. ANeurological Conditions and Convulsive Disorders
  26. BTraumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
  27. CProgressive Neurological Disorders
  28. —Chapter 13
  29. —Chapter 14
Subpart ivChapter 15
  1. Chapter 1
  2. ACompleting the Rating Decision Narrative
  3. BCodesheet Section
  4. CCoded Conclusion
  5. DFinalizing the Rating Decision
  6. EReviewing the Rating Decision
Part VI

Authorization: decisions, notices, and awards

31
Subpart iChapters 1–24
  1. Chapter 1
  2. ADecision Authorization
  3. BDecision Notices
  4. Chapter 2
  5. ARequests for Financial Audits
  6. BCorrecting the Erroneous Payment of Benefits to a Beneficiary
Subpart iiChapters 1–512
  1. Chapter 1
  2. AGeneral Information on Elections
  3. BMiscellaneous Election Issues
  4. —Chapter 2
  5. Chapter 3
  6. AAdjusting Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Benefits Based on a Veteran's Receipt of Drill Pay
  7. BWithholding and Restoration of Benefits Associated With Receipt of Drill Pay
  8. CExamples of Award Adjustments Necessitated by a Veteran's Election of Drill Pay
  9. Chapter 4
  10. AElections and Waivers in Military Retired Pay (MRP) Cases
  11. BPreparing and Adjusting Awards in Military Retired Pay (MRP) Cases
  12. CCoordinating Military Retired Pay (MRP) Cases With Retired Pay Centers (RPCs) and Service Departments
  13. DReconciliation of Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Department of Defense (DoD), and Department of Transportation (DoT) Records
  14. EProcessing Audit Error Worksheets (AEWs)
  15. —Chapter 5
Subpart iiiChapters 1–48
  1. —Chapter 1
  2. Chapter 2
  3. ASimultaneous Award Adjustments
  4. BFiscal Authorization (FISA)
  5. CDebt Collection
  6. Chapter 3
  7. AGeneral Information on Contested Claims
  8. BContested Claims Development
  9. CAuthorizing and Notifying Claimants of a Decision on a Contested Claim
  10. —Chapter 4
Subpart ivChapters 1–37
  1. Chapter 1
  2. AEffects of an Individual’s Incarceration on Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Benefits
  3. BIncarceration of Dependents and Certain Survivors
  4. Chapter 2
  5. AApportionment Process
  6. BPaying Benefits to the Dependent(s) of an Incarcerated Veteran
  7. CApportionment Maintenance and Adjustment
  8. DLegacy Apportionment Maintenance and Adjustment
  9. —Chapter 3
Part VII

Dependency and relationship

17
Subpart iChapters 1–415
  1. Chapter 1
  2. AGeneral Information on Relationship and Dependency
  3. BVerification of Marital Status and the Status of Dependents
  4. CAdjusting Awards for Dependents
  5. DDependency Claims Processed by the Rules-Based Processing System (RBPS)
  6. Chapter 2
  7. AEstablishing the Validity of a Marriage for Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Purposes
  8. BEstablishing Common Law Marriages
  9. CEstablishing Other Types of Marriages
  10. DEstablishing Marital Relationship in Survivors Cases
  11. ERemarriage of a Surviving Spouse
  12. Chapter 3
  13. AEstablishing a Child’s Age and Relationship
  14. BBiological Children, Adopted Children, and Stepchildren
  15. CMarriage of a Child
  16. DChildren With Two Veteran-Parents
  17. Chapter 4
  18. AEstablishing Parental Relationship
  19. BEstablishing Parental Dependency
Subpart iiChapter 12
  1. Chapter 1
  2. ABenefit Entitlement for School Children
  3. BAwards and Adjustments Based Upon School Attendance
Part VIII

Service connection for specific conditions and exposures

67
Subpart iChapters 1–312
  1. Chapter 1
  2. AGeneral Information on Claims Based on Herbicide Exposure
  3. BDeveloping Claims for Service Connection (SC) Based on Herbicide Exposure
  4. CRatings for Disabilities Associated With Herbicide Exposure
  5. DProcessing Claims Based on Nautical Herbicide Exposure
  6. Chapter 2
  7. ADeveloping Claims Under the Nehmer Stipulation
  8. BDetermining Eligibility to Retroactive Payment Under the Nehmer Stipulation
  9. CAuthorization Under the Nehmer Stipulation
  10. Chapter 3
  11. AGeneral Chapter 18 Benefits Information
  12. BProcess Overview for Chapter 18 Benefits
  13. CEligibility and Development for Chapter 18 Benefits
  14. DRating
  15. EAuthorization Issues
Subpart iiChapters 1–27
  1. Chapter 1
  2. AGeneral Information on Presumptive Service Connection (SC) for Persian Gulf Veterans
  3. BDeveloping Presumptive Service Connection (SC) Claims from Persian Gulf Veterans
  4. CRating Presumptive Service Connection (SC) Claims for Persian Gulf Veterans
  5. DPresumptive Service Connection (SC) for Infectious Disease Under 38 CFR 3.317
  6. Chapter 2
  7. AGeneral Information on Claims Based on Particulate Matter Exposure Under 38 CFR 3.320
  8. BDeveloping Claims Based On Particulate Matter Exposure Under 38 CFR 3.320
  9. CRating Claims Based on Particulate Matter Exposure Under 38 CFR 3.320
Subpart iiiChapters 1–1121
  1. —Chapter 1
  2. Chapter 2
  3. ADeveloping Claims for Service Connection (SC) for Positive Tuberculin Reactions
  4. BAwards for Graduated Tuberculosis (TB)
  5. Chapter 3
  6. ADeveloping Claims for Service Connection (SC) for Disabilities Resulting From Exposure to Mustard Gas or Lewisite
  7. BRating Claims for Disabilities Associated With Mustard Gas or Lewisite Exposure
  8. Chapter 4
  9. ADeveloping Claims for Service Connection (SC) for Disabilities Resulting from Ionizing Radiation Exposure Under 38 CFR 3.309
  10. BDeveloping Claims for Service Connection (SC) for Disabilities Resulting from Ionizing Radiation Exposure Under 38 CFR 3.311
  11. CRating Claims for Disabilities Associated With Radiation Exposure
  12. Chapter 5
  13. ADeveloping Claims Based on Participation in Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear and Explosives (CBRNE) Testing
  14. BRating Claims Based on Participation in Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear and Explosives (CBRNE) Testing
  15. Chapter 6
  16. ADeveloping Claims Based on Participation in Project Shipboard Hazard and Defense (SHAD)
  17. BRating Claims Based on Participation in Project Shipboard Hazard and Defense (SHAD)
  18. Chapter 7
  19. AGeneral Information on Claims Based on Exposure to Asbestos
  20. BDevelopment and Examination Requests for Claims Based on Exposure to Asbestos
  21. CEvaluating Evidence of Asbestos Exposure
  22. DRating Claims Based on Exposure to Asbestos
  23. Chapter 8
  24. ADeveloping Claims Based on Exposure to Contaminants in the Water Supply at Camp Lejeune
  25. BRating Claims Based on Exposure to Contaminants in the Water Supply at Camp Lejeune
  26. Chapter 9
  27. AGeneral Information on Exposure to Specific Environmental or Military Occupational Hazards
  28. BProcessing Claims Based on Exposure to Specific Environmental or Military Occupational Hazards
  29. —Chapter 11
Subpart ivChapters 1–927
  1. Chapter 1
  2. AGeneral Information and Development for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Claims
  3. BDevelopment for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Claims Related to Personal Trauma
  4. CExaminations for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Claims
  5. DEvidence Evaluation and Decisions for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Claims
  6. EEvidence Evaluation and Decisions for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Claims Based on Personal Trauma
  7. Chapter 2
  8. AFormer Prisoner of War (FPOW) Status
  9. BFormer Prisoner of War (FPOW) Service Records
  10. CDevelopment and Examination Request for Claims Based on Former Prisoner of War (FPOW) Status
  11. DRating Claims Based on Former Prisoner of War (FPOW) Status
  12. Chapter 3
  13. AGeneral Information on (IU) Claims
  14. BIndividual Unemployability (IU) Claims Development
  15. CIndividual Unemployability (IU) Rating and Decision Review
  16. DMonitoring Income for Veterans in Receipt of Individual Unemployability (IU)
  17. Chapter 4
  18. ASpecial Monthly Compensation (SMC)
  19. BHistory of Special Monthly Compensation (SMC)
  20. —Chapter 5
  21. Chapter 6
  22. ADeveloping Claims Filed Under 38 U.S.C. 1151
  23. BRating Claims Filed Under 38 U.S.C. 1151
  24. CAuthorization of Awards Under 38 U.S.C. 1151
  25. Chapter 7
  26. ACompensation for Paired Organs or Extremities Under 38 CFR 3.383
  27. BAwards and Offsets for Paired Organs and Extremities Under 38 CFR 3.383
  28. Chapter 8
  29. APrestabilization Ratings Under 38 CFR 4.28
  30. BHospitalization Ratings Under 38 CFR 4.29
  31. CConvalescent Ratings Under 38 CFR 4.30
  32. DOther Temporary Total Evaluations
  33. Chapter 9
  34. AClaims Based on Participation in Special Operations Incidents
  35. BDiving-Related Disabilities
Part IX

Pension and Parents' DIC

25
Subpart iChapters 1–36
  1. —Chapter 1
  2. —Chapter 2
  3. Chapter 3
  4. AGeneral Information on Income and Net Worth Development
  5. BIncome and Net Worth Development Forms and Acceptable Statements
  6. CPension Income Development
  7. DReduction of Income Due to Unreimbursed Expenses
Subpart iiChapters 1–25
  1. Chapter 1
  2. AGeneral Information on Requirements for Aid and Attendance (A&A) and Housebound Status Under 38 CFR 3.351
  3. BAid and Attendance (A&A) Status for Beneficiaries Who Are Patients in a Qualified Nursing Home
  4. Chapter 2
  5. ARequirements for Veterans Pension Ratings
  6. BDetermining Disability, Unemployability, and Marginal Employment for Pension
  7. CSpecial Monthly Pension (SMP) Ratings
Subpart iiiChapters 1–214
  1. Chapter 1
  2. AGeneral Information on the Effect Income and Net Worth Have on Pension and Parents’ Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)
  3. BSocial Security Administration (SSA) Benefits Program
  4. CSection 306 Pension and Old-Law Pension
  5. DParents’ Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) Authorization
  6. EPension - Basic Rate Determinations
  7. FDependents for Current-Law Pension Purposes
  8. GPension - Deductible Medical Expenses
  9. HAdjustments Based on Changes in Status
  10. ICounting Specific Types of Income
  11. JNet Worth, Asset Transfers, and Penalty Periods
  12. KOther Deductible Expenses
  13. Chapter 2
  14. APension Reductions for Medicaid-Covered Nursing Facility Care
  15. BPension Adjustments in Unusual Situations
  16. CElections Between Pension Programs
Part X

Priority and special claims processing

65
Subpart iChapters 1–621
  1. —Chapter 1
  2. Chapter 2
  3. AGeneral Information About the Fully Developed Claim (FDC) Program
  4. BProcessing Fully Developed Claims (FDCs)
  5. Chapter 3
  6. AJurisdiction for Special Act and Foreign Residency Claims
  7. BAdjudication Procedures for Foreign Claims
  8. Chapter 4
  9. AGeneral Information on Philippine Cases
  10. BEligibility for Benefits Based on Philippines Service
  11. CDevelopment of Philippine Claims
  12. DAwards and Payments for Benefits Due to Philippine Service
  13. Chapter 5
  14. AEstablishing Veteran Status Based on Merchant Marine Service
  15. BObtaining Merchant Marine Service Records
  16. Chapter 6
  17. AIntroduction to Pre-Discharge Claims
  18. BBenefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) and Initial Processing
  19. CDivision of Responsibilities – Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) and BDD-Excluded Claims
  20. DAncillary Benefits and Other Issues Involving Pre-Discharge Claims
  21. EIntegrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES), Referrals, and Initial Processing
  22. FIntegrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES) Development and Examinations
  23. HIntegrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES) Proposed Ratings
  24. IIntegrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES) Processing Based on Service Department Outcomes
  25. JIntegrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES) Final Ratings
  26. KSpecial Situations Related to Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES)
Subpart iiChapters 1–621
  1. Chapter 1
  2. AFinality of Decisions
  3. BProtected Ratings
  4. Chapter 2
  5. ARevision Based on Specific Types of Submissions, Including Supplemental Claims
  6. BRevision Based on Receipt of Supplemental Service Records
  7. Chapter 3
  8. ANotice of Proposed Adverse Action
  9. BAdverse Action Proposal Period
  10. CContemporaneous Notice
  11. DCompleting Proposed Rating Decisions
  12. Chapter 4
  13. ARating Decisions for Reduction Due to Improvement
  14. BAuthorization for Reductions in Disability Evaluations Under 38 CFR 3.105(e)
  15. Chapter 5
  16. ARevision Due to Clear and Unmistakable Error (CUE)
  17. BSeverance of Service Connection (SC)
  18. CDue Process and Authorization Issues for Clear and Unmistakable Error (CUE)
  19. Chapter 6
  20. AEvaluating and Rating Competency
  21. BA Child’s Permanent Incapacity for Self-Support
  22. CGeneral Information on Incompetency and Fiduciary Cases
  23. DProcessing Awards to Incompetent Beneficiaries
  24. EAuthorizing Awards for Fiduciary Cases
  25. FAwards Specific to Institutionalized, Incompetent Veterans
  26. GCompetency Determinations for the Insurance Center (IC)
  27. HHistorical Information on Estate Limitations
Subpart iiiChapter 14
  1. Chapter 1
  2. AReports of Hospitalization and Other Information Exchanges Between Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Regional Offices (ROs) and Medical Facilities
  3. BAdjusting Compensation When a Veteran Is Hospitalized in Excess of 21 Days or Receives Care Consistent With 38 CFR 4.30
  4. CAdjusting Awards Involving an Aid and Attendance (A&A) Allowance
  5. DAdjusting Pension Under 38 CFR 3.551 and 3.556
Subpart ivChapters 1–410
  1. Chapter 1
  2. ACharacter of Discharge (COD) and Bars to Benefits
  3. CWillful Misconduct and Line of Duty (LOD)
  4. DDisability or Death from Use of Alcohol, Drugs, or Tobacco Products
  5. EProcessing Cases Involving Common Accidents in Service
  6. FReversal of Prior Determinations Related to Character of Discharge (COD), Line of Duty (LOD), or Willful Misconduct
  7. Chapter 2
  8. AInsanity Determinations
  9. BConsidering Eligibility When Homicide Is Involved
  10. Chapter 3
  11. AFraud and Laboratory Analysis of Evidence
  12. BForfeiture of Benefits
  13. —Chapter 4
Subpart vChapters 1–29
  1. Chapter 1
  2. ACompensation Service and Pension and Fiduciary (P&F) Service Guidance
  3. BEquitable Relief
  4. CAdministrative Decisions
  5. DRegional Office (RO) Hearings
  6. ERequests for Field Examinations
  7. Chapter 2
  8. AEvaluating a Pending Claim When a Veteran Returns to Active Duty
  9. BAward Adjustments Necessitated by a Veteran's Return to and Discharge From Active Duty
  10. CCost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA)
  11. DProceeds
Part XI

Notice of death processing

19
Subpart iChapters 1–27
  1. Chapter 1
  2. AGeneral Policies for Veteran First Notice of Death (FNOD) Processing
  3. BSystem Information for Veteran Notice of Death (NOD) and Month of Death (MOD) Processing
  4. CErrors During Notice of Death (NOD) Processing
  5. DGeneral Procedures for Non-Veteran Beneficiary Notice of Death (NOD) Processing
  6. Chapter 2
  7. AReports of Casualty
  8. BFinding of Fact and Date of Death
  9. CPresumption of Death
Subpart iiChapters 1–48
  1. —Chapter 1
  2. —Chapter 2
  3. Chapter 3
  4. AEntitlement to Accrued Benefits Under 38 U.S.C. 5121
  5. BSubstitution in Case of Death of Claimant
  6. CDevelopment for Accrued and Requests for Substitution
  7. DRating Accrued Claims
  8. EAccrued Authorization and Notification
  9. —Chapter 4
Subpart iiiChapter 14
  1. Chapter 1
  2. AGeneral Information on Burial Benefits and Allowances
  3. BBurial Benefits
  4. CBurial Authorization Payment Issues
  5. DMemorialization
Part XII

Dependency and Indemnity Compensation

22
Subpart iChapters 1–414
  1. Chapter 1
  2. AOverview of Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)
  3. BCommon Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) Processing Issues
  4. CIn-Service Death and Former Prisoner of War (FPOW) Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) Claims
  5. Chapter 2
  6. ARatings for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)
  7. BAid and Attendance (A&A) and Housebound Determinations for Survivors
  8. Chapter 3
  9. ADependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) Initial Authorization Issues
  10. BDependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) Awards Following Death of a Surviving Spouse or Dependent
  11. CAwarding Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) to Children Based on the Determination of Surviving Spouse Entitlement
  12. DAwards Barred by Receipt of Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance (FEGLI)
  13. EAllowance, Allotments, or Service Pay Under 38 U.S.C. 5110(j)
  14. FProhibition Against Duplication of Benefits
  15. Chapter 4
  16. ADependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) Benefits Based on Social Security Administration (SSA) Application
  17. BDependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) Allowance Under 38 U.S.C. 1311(a)(2) and Other Allowances
  18. CSurvivor Benefit Plan (SBP) Offsets
Subpart iiChapters 1–38
  1. —Chapter 1
  2. Chapter 2
  3. ASpecial Allowance Under 38 U.S.C. 1312(a)
  4. BEligibility Determinations and Claims for the Special Allowance Under 38 U.S.C. 1312(a)
  5. CDevelopment of Claims for the Special Allowance Under 38 U.S.C. 1312(a)
  6. DAuthorization and Notification for the Special Allowance Under 38 U.S.C. 1312(a)
  7. Chapter 3
  8. AOverview of the Restored Entitlement Program for Survivors (REPS)
  9. BHandling Claims for Restored Entitlement Program for Survivors (REPS) Benefits
  10. CSt. Louis Regional Office (RO) Actions on Claims for Benefits Under the Restored Entitlement Program for Survivors (REPS)
Part XIII

Dependents' Educational Assistance and related ratings

39
Subpart iChapters 1–822
  1. Chapter 1
  2. ARatings for Dependents Educational Assistance (DEA)
  3. BNotification and Award Actions for Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA)
  4. CRatings to Extend the Delimiting Date for Educational Assistance
  5. Chapter 2
  6. AAutomobile and Adaptive Equipment Allowance Under 38 U.S.C. Chapter 39
  7. BSpecially Adapted Housing (SAH) or Special Home Adaptation (SHA) Grants
  8. Chapter 3
  9. AGeneral Information on Eligibility for Medical Services
  10. BHealthcare Eligibility Determinations for Former Service Members Discharged Under Other-Than-Honorable (OTH) Conditions
  11. CService Connection (SC) for Mental Conditions for Treatment Purposes Under 38 U.S.C. 1702
  12. DEligibility for Medical Services Associated With Aid and Attendance (A&A) or Housebound Status
  13. EMedical Treatment for Veterans Showing a Positive Tuberculin Reaction
  14. FMedical Treatment for Veterans Treated with Nasopharyngeal Radium Irradiation (NRI)
  15. GEligibility for Medical Services for Polish and Czechoslovakian Armed Forces
  16. HCivilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA) Eligibility Determinations
  17. Chapter 4
  18. AOverview of Classes of Eligibility for Dental Treatment
  19. BProcessing Dental Claims
  20. CRatings for Dental Treatment Purposes
  21. Chapter 5
  22. AVeteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) Eligibility
  23. BMemorandum Vocational Rehabilitation/Employment (VR&E) Ratings
  24. —Chapter 6
  25. Chapter 7
  26. ADepartment of Veterans Affairs (VA) Home Loan Program
  27. BDepartment of Veterans Affairs (VA) Pension-Related Home Loans
  28. Chapter 8
  29. AClothing Allowance
Subpart iiChapters 1–517
  1. Chapter 1
  2. ASocial Security Administration (SSA) Requests for Medical Evidence
  3. BSocial Security Administration (SSA) Requests for the Amount of Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Benefits Received
  4. CCompensation-Based Income Calculations for Social Security Administration (SSA) Purposes
  5. DPension-Based Income Calculations for Social Security Administration (SSA) Purposes
  6. ECalculating Income for Survivor's Benefits for Social Security Administration (SSA) Purposes
  7. Chapter 2
  8. ACivil Service Veterans' Preference Letter
  9. BRatings for Veterans' Civil Service Disability Preference
  10. CState or Municipal Disability Preference Certificate
  11. DInformation Sharing With the Office of Personnel Management (OPM)
  12. Chapter 3
  13. ACertificate of Preference for Public Housing
  14. BRequests from Public Assistance Agencies
  15. CPublic Benefit Eligibility for Legal Aliens
  16. Chapter 4
  17. ACertifications of Permanent and Total (P&T) Disability for Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Purposes
  18. BRequest for Information Regarding State Bonus or Tax Exemption
  19. Chapter 5
  20. ACertification for Service Academy Appointment
  21. BCertificate of Permanent and Total (P&T) Disability for Discontinuation of Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) Participation
  22. CInformation Requests for Research Purposes
Part XIV

Data matching programs

13
Chapters 1–813
  1. —Chapter 1
  2. Chapter 2
  3. ASocial Security Income Match
  4. BSocial Security Death Master File (DMF) Match
  5. CSocial Security Number (SSN) Verification
  6. —Chapter 3
  7. Chapter 4
  8. AFederal Tax Information (FTI) Match: General Info
  9. BFederal Tax Information (FTI) Match: Safeguarding
  10. CFederal Tax Information (FTI) Match: Post Award Audit (PAA) for Pension and Parents' Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) Beneficiaries
  11. DFederal Tax Information (FTI): Income Verification Match (IVM)
  12. —Chapter 5
  13. —Chapter 6
  14. —Chapter 7
  15. —Chapter 8

13 part-level entries in M-21-1 are left out of this index. They carry no text of their own — the corpus stores them as pointers to the manual’s own table of contents.

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Six reads your evidence against the criteria in M-21-1 and tells you what the VA is still missing.

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