Claim Raven explanation
What this means
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.
Rates change over time, and payment can depend on the evaluation, dependents, and other circumstances. An old amount quoted in a decision or article should not be assumed to be the current applicable rate.
How this helps your claim
This helps you separate the rule authorizing a rate from the table containing the amount for a particular period. Check the relevant year's official rate information with the award details.
What to check in your records
Use your decision, examination reports, and relevant records to check the following points.
- Identify the benefit type and payment period being checked.
- Confirm the disability percentage and recognized dependents for that period.
- Compare the award with the official rate table for the applicable year.
Use the table for the period being paid
Checking an award requires more than comparing its amount with today's advertised rate. A retroactive award may cover several calendar periods with different rates, dependency status or evaluations. A change in one of those facts can change the amount without changing the entire award.
Break the award into periods using the effective dates and dependency information in the letter. Then compare each period with its applicable official table. This is more useful than treating a single bank deposit as the monthly rate, because deposits can reflect adjustments or amounts covering multiple periods.
Can I use the dollar amounts in an old article?
Only as historical context unless they are verified for the period you are checking. This regulation points to the governing rate tables; it does not freeze payments at the amount shown in a saved article or an older statutory extract. Use the applicable official table and award facts.
Official regulatory text
38 CFR § 3.21
eCFR snapshot: September 3, 2026. Layout and spacing are adapted for reading. The full section and its tables are included below.
§ 3.21 Monetary rates.
The rates of compensation, dependency and indemnity compensation for surviving spouses and children, and section 306 and old-law disability and survivors pension, are published in tabular form in appendix B of the Veterans Benefits Administration Manual M21-1 and are to be given the same force and effect as if published in the regulations (title 38, Code of Federal Regulations). The maximum annual rates of improved pension payable under Pub. L. 95-588 (92 Stat. 2497) are set forth in §§ 3.23 and 3.24. The monthly rates and annual income limitations applicable to parents' dependency and indemnity compensation are set forth in § 3.25.
Cross References:
Section 306 pension. See § 3.1(u). Old-law pension. See § 3.1(v). Improved pension. See § 3.1(w).
[44 FR 45932, Aug. 6, 1979]
Related references
- 38 CFR § 3.1: Key terms in VA disability claims
- 38 CFR § 4.1: What a VA disability rating measures
- 38 CFR § 3.159: VA duty to assist: records and examinations
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