---
title: "Part VIII, Subpart i, Chapter 3, Section B Process Overview for Chapter 18 Benefits"
document: "M-21-1"
section: "Part VIII, Subpart i, Chapter 3, Section B"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-regulations/m21-1/viii.i.3.b-process-overview-for-chapter-18-benefits"
source: "https://www.knowva.ebenefits.va.gov/system/templates/selfservice/va_ssnew/help/customer/locale/en-US/portal/554400000001018/content/554400000177429/M21-1-Part-VIII-Subpart-i-Chapter-3-Section-B-Process-Overview-for-Chapter-18-Benefits"
updated: "2026-09-07T14:37:31.371898Z"
---

December 31, 2019  

### VIII.i.3.B.1.a. Chapter 18 Benefits Claim Process

All Chapter 18 claims fall under the jurisdiction of the Denver Regional Office, per [M21-1, Part VIII, Subpart i, 3.A](</system/templates/selfservice/va_ssnew/help/customer/locale/en-US/portal/554400000001018/content/554400000177428/M21-1-Part-VIII-Subpart-i-Chapter-3-Section-A-General-Chapter-18-Benefits-Information>).The table below describes the stages of the Chapter 18 benefits claim process.| **Stage**| **Name**| **Description**  
1| Eligibility and Development| The development activity

  * verifies specific eligibility requirements for spina bifida or other covered birth defects benefits, including
    * qualifying Vietnam, Korea, or Thailand service of the Veteran parent (see [M21-1, Part VIII, Subpart i, 3.C.3-5](</system/templates/selfservice/va_ssnew/help/customer/locale/en-US/portal/554400000001018/content/554400000177430/M21-1-Part-VIII-Subpart-i-Chapter-3-Section-C-Eligibility-and-Development-for-Chapter-18-Benefits>))
    * individual’s relationship to the Veteran, and
    * the nature of the claimed disability, and
  * develops for and obtains the following evidence to support the claim:
    * Vietnam, Korea, or Thailand service records
    * relationship and date of conception records, and
    * medical and lay evidence.

**Notes:** 

  * For verification of qualifying Vietnam, Korea, or Thailand service, the development activity follows the procedures in [M21-1, Part VIII, Subpart i, 1.A](</system/templates/selfservice/va_ssnew/help/customer/locale/en-US/portal/554400000001018/content/554400000177422/M21-1-Part-VIII-Subpart-i-Chapter-1-Section-A-General-Information-on-Claims-Based-on-Herbicide-Exposure>) and [B.](</system/templates/selfservice/va_ssnew/help/customer/locale/en-US/portal/554400000001018/content/554400000177423/M21-1-Part-VIII-Subpart-i-Chapter-1-Section-B-Developing-Claims-for-Service-Connection-SC-Based-on-Herbicide-Exposure>)
  * Follow the procedures in the steps below **_only when_** all elements of basic eligibility are met. If all elements of basic eligibility are **_not_** met, follow the instructions at [M21-1, Part VIII, Subpart i, 3.D.1.a](</system/templates/selfservice/va_ssnew/help/customer/locale/en-US/portal/554400000001018/content/554400000177431/M21-1-Part-VIII-Subpart-i-Chapter-3-Section-D-Rating>).

2| Rating| The rating activity

  * considers medical and lay evidence
  * determines whether to award or deny entitlement to a monthly monetary allowance, and
  * determines disability level according to
    * severity of symptoms, and
    * degree of permanent physical or mental disability, and
  * determines incompetency of beneficiaries over the age of 18 under provisions of [38 CFR 3.353](<https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=d4262cf496a06dd4c9407283936a5c7b&mc=true&node=se38.1.3_1353&rgn=div8>).

3| Authorization| The authorization activity

  * processes the award or denial of monthly monetary allowance, and
  * notifies the claimant of the decision.