# 38 C.F.R. § 21.31 (2026): Informal claim

> Federal · Regulations · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T38_P21_S21_31

## Section

- **Citation:** 38 C.F.R. § 21.31 (2026)
- **Heading:** Informal claim
- **Jurisdiction:** Federal
- **Kind:** Regulations
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** Title 38 CFR: Pensions, Bonuses, and Veterans' Relief / Chapter I: DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS / Part 21: VETERAN READINESS AND EMPLOYMENT AND EDUCATION / Subpart A: Veteran Readiness and Employment / § 21.31: § 21.31   Informal claim.

## Text

Any communication or action indicating an intent to apply for rehabilitation or employment assistance, from a veteran, a duly authorized representative, or a Member of Congress may be considered an informal claim. Upon receipt of an informal claim, if a formal claim has not been filed, an application form will be forwarded to the veteran for execution. In the case of a claim for rehabilitation, or employment assistance, the formal claim will be considered filed as of the date of receipt of the informal claim if received within 1 year from the date it was sent to the veteran, or before cessation of the course, whichever is earlier.
(Authority: 38 U.S.C. 501(a), 5101(a), 5103(a))

## Nearby sections

- [38 C.F.R. § 21.1 (2026) § 21.1   Training and rehabilitation for veterans with service-connected disabilities.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T38_P21_S21_1.md)
- [38 C.F.R. § 21.21 (2026) § 21.21   Election of benefits under education programs administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T38_P21_S21_21.md)
- [38 C.F.R. § 21.22 (2026) § 21.22   Nonduplication—Federal programs.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T38_P21_S21_22.md)
- [38 C.F.R. § 21.30 (2026) § 21.30   Claims.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T38_P21_S21_30.md)
- [38 C.F.R. § 21.31 (2026) § 21.31   Informal claim.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T38_P21_S21_31.md)
- [38 C.F.R. § 21.32 (2026) § 21.32   Notification by VA of necessary information or evidence when a claim is filed; time for claimant response and VA action.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T38_P21_S21_32.md)
- [38 C.F.R. § 21.33 (2026) § 21.33   VA has a duty to assist claimants in obtaining evidence.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T38_P21_S21_33.md)
- [38 C.F.R. § 21.35 (2026) § 21.35   Definitions.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T38_P21_S21_35.md)
- [38 C.F.R. § 21.40 (2026) § 21.40   Basic entitlement to vocational rehabilitation benefits and services.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T38_P21_S21_40.md)
- [38 C.F.R. § 21.41 (2026) § 21.41   Basic period of eligibility.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T38_P21_S21_41.md)
- [38 C.F.R. § 21.42 (2026) § 21.42   Deferral or extension of the basic period of eligibility.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T38_P21_S21_42.md)
- [38 C.F.R. § 21.44 (2026) § 21.44   Extension of the basic period of eligibility for a veteran with a serious employment handicap.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T38_P21_S21_44.md)
- [38 C.F.R. § 21.45 (2026) § 21.45   Extending the period of eligibility for a program of independent living beyond basic period of eligibility.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T38_P21_S21_45.md)
- [38 C.F.R. § 21.46 (2026) § 21.46   Veteran ordered to active duty; extension of basic period of eligibility.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T38_P21_S21_46.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T38_P21_S21_31. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.