Find the VA rule or reference you need.

Start with the question you have

1. 38 CFR § 3.1
   Regulation

   Key terms in VA disability claims

   This section defines terms used throughout VA's adjudication regulations. Words such as veteran, service connected, claim, and notice have particular meanings that can affect how another rule applies.

   2026-09-03
2. 38 CFR § 3.2
   Regulation

   Wartime service periods for VA benefits

   VA uses legally defined beginning and ending dates for periods of war. Those dates can affect which benefit provisions apply, including rules that expressly distinguish wartime from peacetime service.

   2026-09-03
3. 38 CFR § 3.4
   Regulation

   VA disability compensation: basic meaning

   Disability compensation is a monthly VA benefit for qualifying disability connected to military service. This section describes the basic compensation framework and distinguishes it from other kinds of benefits.

   2026-09-03
4. 38 CFR § 3.6
   Regulation

   Active duty, Reserve training, and VA claims

   The type of duty performed can affect whether a disease or injury qualifies as active service for a claim. This section distinguishes active duty, active duty for training, and inactive duty training.

   2026-09-03
5. 38 CFR § 3.7
   Regulation

   Special service groups recognized for VA benefits

   This section identifies particular individuals and groups treated as having performed active service under specified conditions. It includes recognized forms of service that may not fit a standard modern military-service description.

   2026-09-03
6. 38 CFR § 3.12
   Regulation

   Character of discharge and VA benefit eligibility

   VA considers the character of discharge from the relevant period of service when deciding benefit eligibility. This section describes statutory and regulatory bars, along with exceptions and other qualifications.

   2026-09-03
7. 38 CFR § 3.12a
   Regulation

   Minimum service requirements for VA benefits

   Some benefit claims are subject to a minimum active-duty service requirement. This section defines the required period and identifies who is covered and which exceptions apply.

   2026-09-03
8. 38 CFR § 3.13
   Regulation

   Reenlistment and conditional discharge in VA claims

   A discharge to reenlist or change service status may be conditional under this rule. That can affect whether VA treats the service as one period or recognizes a completed qualifying period separately.

   2026-09-03
9. 38 CFR § 3.14
   Regulation

   Validity of enlistment and VA eligibility

   This rule explains how VA treats service when an enlistment is voided by the service department. Different reasons for voiding an enlistment can have different consequences for the period recognized.

   2026-09-03
10. 38 CFR § 3.15
    Regulation

    How VA counts periods of service

    VA excludes certain nonqualifying periods when computing countable service. This section lists circumstances involving lost time and other specified absences or statuses.

    2026-09-03
11. 38 CFR § 3.21
    Regulation

    Official VA compensation rate tables

    This section explains the regulatory role of published benefit-rate tables. It points to the tables used for compensation and other specified payments rather than listing every dollar amount in the regulation itself.

    2026-09-03
12. 38 CFR § 3.31
    Regulation

    When VA disability payments begin

    The effective date of an award and the beginning of payable benefits are different concepts. This rule generally starts the payable period on the first day of the month after the month the award became effective, subject to its exceptions.

    2026-09-03
13. 38 CFR § 3.57
    Regulation

    Who Qualifies as a Dependent Child for VA Benefits

    VA's definition of a child includes specific relationship, age, school-attendance, and self-support requirements. A person can be your child in everyday terms without meeting the definition for a particular VA payment.

    2026-09-03
14. 38 CFR § 3.102
    Regulation

    VA benefit of the doubt explained

    VA resolves reasonable doubt in the claimant’s favor after considering the available evidence. This concerns an approximate balance of evidence, not speculation or a substitute for supporting a claim.

    2026-09-03
15. 38 CFR § 3.103
    Regulation

    Your rights during a VA claim

    Claimants have rights to notice, representation, and a hearing under the applicable provisions. VA must develop pertinent facts and decide the benefits supported by law and the record.

    2026-09-03
16. 38 CFR § 3.104
    Regulation

    Binding decisions and favorable findings in VA claims

    Certain VA determinations are binding unless changed through an authorized process. This section also addresses favorable findings, which are facts or legal conclusions resolved in the claimant's favor.

    2026-09-03
17. 38 CFR § 3.105
    Regulation

    VA decision revision, CUE, and rating reductions

    This section covers several ways VA can revise a decision, including clear and unmistakable error and specified adverse changes to ongoing benefits. Different paragraphs apply to different situations.

    2026-09-03
18. 38 CFR § 3.109
    Regulation

    VA evidence deadlines and extensions

    This section addresses time limits for completing certain applications or providing requested information. It also describes circumstances in which VA may extend a time limit for good cause.

    2026-09-03
19. 38 CFR § 3.110
    Regulation

    How VA calculates response deadlines

    This rule explains how to count specified time limits, including treatment of the first and last day and a deadline that falls on a weekend or holiday. It also identifies the notice date used in the calculation.

    2026-09-03
20. 38 CFR § 3.114
    Regulation

    Effective dates after a favorable change in VA law

    A liberalizing law or VA issue is a change that can make a benefit available or increase entitlement. This section addresses how the effective date is determined when an award results from such a change.

    2026-09-03
21. 38 CFR § 3.150
    Regulation

    Getting the right VA application form

    VA must furnish the appropriate application form when requested under the provisions of this section. The rule also addresses forms and notices in certain situations involving a veteran's death.

    2026-09-03
22. 38 CFR § 3.151
    Regulation

    Filing a claim for VA disability benefits

    Payment of VA disability benefits generally requires a claim on the prescribed form. This section also addresses how compensation and pension claims may be considered in relation to one another.

    2026-09-03
23. 38 CFR § 3.154
    Regulation

    Filing a claim for additional disability from VA care

    This section says a claim for benefits under 38 USC 1151 must be complete and submitted on the appropriate prescribed application. It links that filing requirement to the rules for the substance and effective date of the claim.

    2026-09-03
24. 38 CFR § 3.155
    Regulation

    Intent to file and complete VA disability claims

    This section describes how a claim is initiated, how an intent to file can relate to a later complete application, and how VA handles certain incomplete submissions. An intent to file is not the completed claim itself.

    2026-09-03
25. 38 CFR § 3.156
    Regulation

    New evidence, legacy claims, and service records

    This section defines new evidence and contains provisions for legacy reopening, evidence received during specified periods, and later-associated official service department records. Those are distinct situations within one reference.

    2026-09-03