38 CFR § 21.186 - “Ineligible” status.

---
identifier: "/us/cfr/t38/s21.186"
source: "ecfr"
legal_status: "authoritative_unofficial"
title: "38 CFR § 21.186 - “Ineligible” status."
title_number: 38
title_name: "Pensions, Bonuses, and Veterans' Relief"
section_number: "21.186"
section_name: "“Ineligible” status."
chapter_name: "DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS"
part_number: "21"
part_name: "VETERAN READINESS AND EMPLOYMENT AND EDUCATION"
positive_law: false
currency: "2026-04-05"
last_updated: "2026-04-05"
format_version: "1.1.0"
generator: "[email protected]"
cfr_part: "21"
---


# 21.186 “Ineligible” status.

(a) *Purpose.* The purpose of *ineligible* status is to identify the cases in which a veteran requests services under Chapter 31, but the request is denied by VA, usually, on the basis of information developed when the veteran was in *evaluation and planning* status.

(b) *Assignment to ineligible* status. A veteran's case will be assigned to *ineligible* status following a finding by VA that the veteran is not eligible for or entitled to services under Chapter 31. The finding must preclude all possible Chapter 31 services.

(c) *Termination of ineligible* status. The assignment of the veteran's case to *ineligible* status should be terminated if the veteran thereafter becomes eligible to receive any Chapter 31 service. Placement of the case in *ineligible* status is a bar to reconsideration of eligibility unless a material change in circumstances occurs.