Claim Raven explanation
What this means
A beneficiary must certify continued eligibility when VA requests it. The request gives 60 days to respond, followed by a proposed reduction or termination notice and an additional 60-day response period if certification is still missing.
The first missed 60-day period does not immediately complete the reduction. VA must send the proposed-action notice described here and allow an additional 60 days before putting the proposal into effect.
How this helps your claim
VA can ask whether the facts that established entitlement still exist, such as a dependency or other eligibility factor. If no certification arrives, VA treats the factor as having ended when it was last shown to exist and applies the effective-date rules for the resulting reduction or termination.
What to check in your records
Read which eligibility factor VA asked you to certify and respond with the requested facts and documents before the stated date.
- Keep the original certification request and its mailing or electronic notice date.
- Save the completed certification, supporting records, and proof that VA received them.
- If VA proposes a reduction, compare the proposed effective date with the last evidence showing the eligibility factor existed.
Answer the factor VA actually asked about
A short certification should clearly identify the beneficiary, the continued eligibility fact, and the period involved. Attach the requested proof and retain a complete copy.
If the fact changed, report the correct date rather than certifying that nothing changed. The resulting adjustment should follow the facts and applicable effective-date provisions.
Can VA reduce benefits as soon as the first 60 days expire?
The rule provides a proposed reduction or termination notice and an additional 60 days to respond before the proposed action is implemented.
Official regulatory text
38 CFR § 3.652
eCFR snapshot: 2026-09-17. Layout and spacing are adapted for reading. The full section and its tables are included below.
§ 3.652 Periodic certification of continued eligibility.
Except as otherwise provided:
(a) Individuals to whom benefits are being paid are required to certify, when requested, that any or all of the eligibility factors which established entitlement to the benefit being paid continue to exist. The beneficiary will be advised at the time of the request that the certification must be furnished within 60 days from the date of the request therefor and that failure to do so will result in the reduction or termination of benefits.
(1) If the certification is not received within 60 days from the date of the request, the eligibility factor(s) for which certification was requested will be considered to have ceased to exist as of the end of the month in which it was last shown by the evidence of record to have existed. For purposes of this paragraph, the effective date of reduction or termination of benefits will be in accordance with §§ 3.500 through 3.504 as in effect on the date the eligibility factor(s) is considered to have ceased to exist. The claimant will be advised of the proposed reduction or termination of benefits and the date the proposed action will be effective. An additional 60 days from the date of notice of the proposed action will be provided for the claimant to respond.
(2) If the certification is not received within the additional 60 day period, the proposed reduction or termination of benefits will be put into effect.
(b) When the required certification is received, benefits will be adjusted, if necessary, in accordance with the facts found.
(Authority: 38 U.S.C. 501)
Cross References:
Employment Questionnaire, failure to return. See § 3.501(f). Income and Net Worth Questionnaires. See § 3.661.
[52 FR 43063, Nov. 9, 1987]
Related references
- 38 CFR § 3.650: How an additional dependent can change benefit rates
- 38 CFR § 3.651: Benefit changes when another dependent’s status ends
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