{"page":"https://casescribe.ai/explorer/regulation-changes/2026-08-17","generated_at":"2026-10-03T18:33:41.829Z","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":"2026-08-17","changes":[{"source":"M21-1","section":"Part I, Subpart i, Chapter 2, Section C - System Updates for Power of Attorney (POA) Appointments","date":"2026-08-19","url":"https://www.knowva.ebenefits.va.gov/system/templates/selfservice/va_ssnew/help/customer/locale/en-US/portal/554400000001018/content/554400000181477/M21-1-Part-I-Subpart-i-Chapter-2-Section-C-System-Updates-for-Power-of-Attorney-POA-Appointments","formatting_only":false,"added":["August 19, 2026","Department of Veterans Affairs","New Hampshire","Division of Veteran Services","Maryland","Department of Veterans Affairs","Northern Mariana Islands","Department of Veterans Affairs"],"removed":["March 20, 2025","Veterans Affairs Office","Maryland","Department of Veterans Affairs","Northern Mariana Islands","Veterans Affairs Office","New Hampshire","Division of Veteran Services"]},{"source":"M21-1","section":"Part IV, Subpart i, Chapter 2, Section A - Examination Requests Overview","date":"2026-08-18","url":"https://www.knowva.ebenefits.va.gov/system/templates/selfservice/va_ssnew/help/customer/locale/en-US/portal/554400000001018/content/554400000180498/M21-1-Part-IV-Subpart-i-Chapter-2-Section-A-Examination-Requests-Overview","formatting_only":false,"added":["The examination request tools discussed in this topic allow users to","exceptions to ACE prohibitions","August 18, 2026","Exception","The ACE Process may be used, even for examination types listed above, in the circumstances outlined in","M21-1, Part IV, Subpart i, 2.A.4.c","Notes","For any contention or examination type that is not prohibited from being completed via the ACE Process, or where one of the exceptions outlined in"],"removed":["The examination request tools listed in this topic allow users to","September 24, 2025","Exceptions","other exclusion principles discussed in this block are not applicable.","For any contention or examination type that is not prohibited from being completed via the ACE Process, claims processors must indicate in the examination request that the contention is eligible for ACE, as directed in","M21-1, Part IV, Subpart i, 2.A.4.c","However, VBA","specifically require an in-person examination in certain cases, such as when requested by a BVA remand."]},{"source":"M21-1","section":"Part IV, Subpart i, Chapter 2, Section E - Examinations in Special Situations","date":"2026-08-18","url":"https://www.knowva.ebenefits.va.gov/system/templates/selfservice/va_ssnew/help/customer/locale/en-US/portal/554400000001018/content/554400000180507/M21-1-Part-IV-Subpart-i-Chapter-2-Section-E-Examinations-in-Special-Situations","formatting_only":false,"added":["examinations in claims involving foreign residence","examination and medical opinion requests involving deceased Veterans","August 18, 2026","IV.i.2.E.2.i","Examination and Medical Opinion Requests Involving Deceased Veterans","request any","examination","for a deceased Veteran, including under the Acceptable Clinical Evidence (ACE) Process."],"removed":["examinations in claims involving foreign residence","September 24, 2025","To the extent permissible and/or possible, utilize the Acceptable Clinical Evidence (ACE) Process to examine pregnant claimants.","pension/survivor’s request to Pension and Fiduciary (P&F) Service for review","including a block for P&F Service Director or designee signature to satisfy",", denies the request without the need for referral to Compensation Service or P&F Service.","P&F Service"]}]}}