M21-1 and 38 CFR changes, week of May 11, 2026

Added

• May 13, 2026
• The concept of severance of final and binding service connection (SC) determinations derives from
• and is implemented in
• The severance standards of
• 38 CFR 3.105(d)
• require VA to show that SC cannot be granted or maintained under any theory of entitlement, whether raised by the claimant or reasonably raised by the record, in order for severance of SC to be proper.

and 104 more added passages

Removed

• August 19, 2021
• Revision of decisions which are final and binding, to include decisions of service connection (SC), derives from
• , and is implemented in
• M21-1, Part X, Subpart ii, 1.B
• 482,488 (2006), and
• 54, 57 (2007).

and 46 more removed passages

Added

• May 13, 2026
• Follow the instructions in the table below after identification of a clear and unmistakable error (CUE) in a rating decision that, when corrected, will
• These include CUEs that necessitate reduction or discontinuation of benefits, such as
• assignment of a lower evaluation
• severance of service connection (SC), or
• correction of an effective date so that a benefit is not payable until a later date than previously assigned (functionally akin to severance of a benefit for a closed period of time).
• Always follow the instructions in the table below when correction of a CUE involves the severance of SC, even if severing SC will not affect the current or a prior combined disability evaluation.

and 38 more added passages

Removed

• December 8, 2025
• Follow the instructions in the table below following identification of a clear and unmistakable error (CUE) in a rating decision that, when corrected, will
• Always follow the instructions in the table below when correction of a CUE involves the severance of service connection (SC), even if severing SC will not affect the current or a prior combined disability evaluation.
• M21-1, Part X, Subpart ii, 5.B
• , if SC is severed because the granting of SC was clearly illegal, or
• Prepare a rating decision that
• proposes correction of the error, and

and 81 more removed passages