---
kind: "section"
citation: "38 C.F.R. § 21.31"
title: "38"
number: "21.31"
heading: "Informal claim."
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/38/21.31"
---

# §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.


## Notes

### Authority

Authority: 38 U.S.C. 501(a), chs. 18, 31, and as noted in specific sections.

### Source

Source: 49 FR 40814, Oct. 18, 1984, unless otherwise noted.