38 CFR § 21.31 - Informal claim.

---
identifier: "/us/cfr/t38/s21.31"
source: "ecfr"
legal_status: "authoritative_unofficial"
title: "38 CFR § 21.31 - Informal claim."
title_number: 38
title_name: "Pensions, Bonuses, and Veterans' Relief"
section_number: "21.31"
section_name: "Informal claim."
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"
---


# 21.31 Informal claim.

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))