---
kind: "section"
citation: "38 C.F.R. § 21.350"
title: "38"
number: "21.350"
heading: "Unauthorized absences."
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/38/21.350"
---

# §21.350. Unauthorized absences.


A veteran who is unable to obtain an authorized leave of absence in advance may seek to have the unauthorized absence excused.

- (a) **Excusing unauthorized absences.** VA may excuse an unauthorized absence and make proper charges against the veteran's leave when:
  - (1) The veteran has absented himself or herself when advance approval from VA is impracticable; and
  - (2) **Conditions for approval of leave are otherwise met.**
- (b) **Unexcused, unauthorized absences.** When an unauthorized absence is not satisfactorily explained, VA will take necessary action, including recoupment of subsistence allowance for that period of absence.

## 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.