{"page":"https://casescribe.ai/explorer/regulation-changes/2026-08-03","generated_at":"2026-10-03T18:33:41.256Z","data_as_of":{"decisions":944125,"first_year":2017,"last_year":2026,"latest_decision":"2026-04-30","cfr":"2026-10-01","m21":"2026-09-29"},"about":{"publisher":"CaseScribe AI (VA Law Explorer)","source":"Public Board of Veterans' Appeals decisions (appeals of VA decisions, not VA's first decisions), M21-1 Adjudication Procedures Manual, 38 CFR Parts 3 and 4.","method":"Outcomes are issue-level: each condition the Board decided in a decision counts once. Decision data is extracted by AI and can contain errors. Rates describe past appeals and do not predict any claim.","disclaimer":"For research only. CaseScribe AI is not a law firm and this is not legal advice. Verify figures against the source decisions and regulations.","attribution":"Cite as: VA Law Explorer, CaseScribe AI, with the page URL."},"data":{"week_of":"2026-08-03","changes":[{"source":"M21-1","section":"Part II, Subpart i, Chapter 2, Section C - Mail Management","date":"2026-08-03","url":"https://www.knowva.ebenefits.va.gov/system/templates/selfservice/va_ssnew/help/customer/locale/en-US/portal/554400000001018/content/554400000174860/M21-1-Part-II-Subpart-i-Chapter-2-Section-C-Mail-Management","formatting_only":false,"added":["August 3, 2026","The ADD RECORD button, designated by a \"+\" symbol, will open a popup that allows you to input the note text.","Enter a permanent note of certification on the mail packet stating","Advanced profile search completed [date]","BIRLS inquiry completed [date]","Corporate Inquiry Person search completed [date]","claims folder location search completed [date]","CAPRI search completed [date]"],"removed":["June 17, 2026","The ADD RECORD button, designated by a \"+\" symbol, will open a popup that allows you to input the note text.","Enter a note on the mail packet stating","Advanced profile search","BIRLS inquiry","Corporate Inquiry Person search","claims folder location search","CAPRI search"]},{"source":"M21-1","section":"Part II, Subpart iii, Chapter 2, Section A - Intent to File (ITF)","date":"2026-08-03","url":"https://www.knowva.ebenefits.va.gov/system/templates/selfservice/va_ssnew/help/customer/locale/en-US/portal/554400000001018/content/554400000174873/M21-1-Part-II-Subpart-iii-Chapter-2-Section-A-Intent-to-File-ITF","formatting_only":false,"added":["August 3, 2026","Claimants can communicate an “intent to file” a claim that acts as a placeholder for their complete claim as described in","38 CFR 3.155(b)","an application for benefits via a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) claims submission service website, or","the historical practice of informal claims, see","Active ITF Notification","letter.","Reference"],"removed":["June 14, 2023","The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) stopped accepting informal claims on March 24, 2015.","Claimants desiring the benefit of filing an informal claim (as expressed in","M21-1, Part II, Subpart iii, 2.H.1.b",") must now communicate to VA an “intent to file” a claim.","an application for benefits via a VA claims submission service website, or","Note","If a claimant expresses an intent to file (ITF)"]}]}}