---
title: "Part VIII, Subpart i, Chapter 3, Section E Authorization Issues"
document: "M-21-1"
section: "Part VIII, Subpart i, Chapter 3, Section E"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-regulations/m21-1/viii.i.3.e-authorization-issues"
source: "https://www.knowva.ebenefits.va.gov/system/templates/selfservice/va_ssnew/help/customer/locale/en-US/portal/554400000001018/content/554400000177433/M21-1-Part-VIII-Subpart-i-Chapter-3-Section-E-Authorization-Issues-for-Chapter-18-Benefits"
updated: "2026-09-07T14:37:31.927065Z"
---

May 14, 2015  

### VIII.i.3.E.1.a. Effective Date for Reduction of Chapter 18 Benefits

Whenever it is necessary to reduce or discontinue a monthly allowance, generally, reduce or discontinue based on the facts found, except as provided in [38 CFR 3.105(g)](<https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-3.105>), and [38 CFR 3.114(b)](<https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-3.114>).The table below provides information to determine the correct effective date of a reduction or discontinuance.| **If benefits were paid erroneously due to ...**| **Then the effective date of the reduction or discontinuance  is the date of ...**  
beneficiary error| the erroneous award.  
Department of Veterans Affairs administrative error| last payment.  
**Reference:** For more information on resumption of discontinued benefits under [38 U.S.C. Chapter 18](<https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/38/part-II/chapter-18>), see [38 CFR 3.158](<https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-3.158>).   

### VIII.i.3.E.1.b. Effective Date for Termination of Chapter 18 Benefits

In the event of death, discontinue Chapter 18 benefits on the last day of the month _before_ the month in which the child died.**Note:** Handle abandoned claims for Chapter 18 benefits in the same manner as for compensation, pension, or Dependency and Indemnity Compensation.**Reference:** For more information on the effective date for termination of benefits, see [38 CFR 3.503(b)](<https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-3.503>).  

## 2. Processing Awards and Denials

This topic contains information on processing awards and denials of Chapter 18 monetary allowances, including

  * description of the final stage in the Chapter 18 claims process
  * roles and responsibilities for processing Chapter 18 awards and denials, and
  * award and denial process for Chapter 18 claims.

December 31, 2019  

### VIII.i.3.E.2.a. Description of the Final Stage in the Chapter 18 Claims Process

The final stage in the Chapter 18 claims process is to promulgate the rating decision or prepare an administrative denial and notify the claimant of the decision.  

### VIII.i.3.E.2.b. Roles and Responsibilities for Processing Chapter 18 Awards and Denials

The authorization activity is responsible for processing awards and denials.  

### VIII.i.3.E.2.c. Award and Denial Process for Chapter 18 Claims

The processing of Chapter 18 awards is presently accomplished using the Veterans Benefits Management System.