M21-1 and 38 CFR changes, week of May 18, 2026

Added

• May 18, 2026
• 400, Request for Application - Manual
• For more information on when a previously decided issue requires a decision review claim form, see
• M21-1, Part X, Subpart ii, 2.A.1.b
• If the request for benefits was received through
• M21-1, Part II, Subpart ii, 2.A.2.b

and 1 more added passages

Removed

• July 16, 2025
• f the request for benefits was received through
• M21-1, Part II, Subpart ii, 2.B.2.b

and 2 more removed passages

Added

• May 18, 2026
• Requests for Benefits Not Filed on the Prescribed Form
• filed on an appropriate prescribed form, a
• Claims processors must send the appropriate request for application letter with the correct prescribed claim form for the benefit sought.
• Use the appropriate EP 400 claim label found in
• M21-4, Appendix C
• , to generate a request for application letter either manually or via automation, as the facts of the case support.

and 13 more added passages

Removed

• June 21, 2023
• Requests for Benefits Not Filed on the Prescribed Form on or After March 24, 2015
• filed on an appropriate prescribed form on or after March 24, 2015, a
• Generate the appropriate request for application letter.
• For more information on EPs for requests for application, see
• M21-1, Part II, Subpart iii, 1.C

and 1 more removed passages