[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 38, Volume 2]
[Revised as of July 1, 2003]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 38CFR21.31]

[Page 121]
 
            TITLE 38--PENSIONS, BONUSES, AND VETERANS' RELIEF
 
          CHAPTER I--DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (CONTINUED)
 
PART 21--VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION AND EDUCATION--Table of Contents
 
     Subpart A--Vocational Rehabilitation Under 38 U.S.C. Chapter 31
 
Sec. 21.31  Informal claim.

    Any communication or action indicating an intent to apply for 
rehabilitation or employment assistance, from a veteran, a duly 
authorized representative, or a Member of Congress may be considered an 
informal claim. Upon receipt of an informal claim, if a formal claim has 
not been filed, an application form will be forwarded to the veteran for 
execution. In the case of a claim for rehabilitation, or employment 
assistance, the formal claim will be considered filed as of the date of 
receipt of the informal claim if received within 1 year from the date it 
was sent to the veteran, or before cessation of the course, whichever is 
earlier.

(Authority: 38 U.S.C. 501(a), 5101(a), 5103(a))