Weekly roundup · generated from the data

M21-1 and 38 CFR changes, week of Aug 17, 2026

3 M21-1 sections changed this week. Each change shows the passages added and removed, compared with the previous stored version.

M21-1

Part IV, Subpart i, Chapter 2, Section A - Examination Requests Overview

Aug 18, 2026

Added

  • The examination request tools discussed in this topic allow users to
  • exceptions to ACE prohibitions
  • August 18, 2026
  • 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
  • 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

and 38 more added passages

Removed

  • The examination request tools listed in this topic allow users to
  • September 24, 2025
  • 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
  • specifically require an in-person examination in certain cases, such as when requested by a BVA remand.

and 10 more removed passages

Part IV, Subpart i, Chapter 2, Section E - Examinations in Special Situations

Aug 18, 2026

Added

  • examinations in claims involving foreign residence
  • examination and medical opinion requests involving deceased Veterans
  • August 18, 2026
  • Examination and Medical Opinion Requests Involving Deceased Veterans
  • for a deceased Veteran, including under the Acceptable Clinical Evidence (ACE) Process.

and 10 more added passages

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.

and 1 more removed passages

What do these changes mean for a claim?

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Week of Aug 3, 2026Week of Aug 24, 2026

How this roundup is made

  • This page is generated automatically from stored versions of each section. No one writes or edits it, and it adds no interpretation: it shows the passages added and removed.
  • M21-1 is copied weekly since March 20, 2026, and a change counts only when the VA's own “last updated” date moved; the date shown is that date. 38 CFR versions start December 14, 2016, dated by amendment.
  • Always confirm the current text at the source link before relying on it.