M21-1 and 38 CFR changes, week of Aug 3, 2026

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]

and 27 more added passages

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
• Corporate Inquiry Person search
• claims folder location search

and 21 more removed passages

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

and 50 more added passages

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
• If a claimant expresses an intent to file (ITF)

and 53 more removed passages