AI-summarized from official sources and checked against the source text. Each item links to the official page.
In this update: 4 procedural.
The M21-1 is the manual VA claims processors follow. VA lists every update on its KnowVA "Changes by Date" page. These are the June 2026 updates that relate to benefits we cover.
These updates change how VA processes claims. They do not change the benefit amounts or rules on our pages; those come only from the law and official benefit pages.
Jun 3, 2026 · M21-1 IV.ii.1.BLink to “Jun 3, 2026 · M21-1 IV.ii.1.B”
Procedural / no direct effectWho: veterans with compensable ratings subject to review exams (VA staff procedure)Why: This is an internal VA claims-processing manual update that moves existing guidance on tracking review exams into a different section. It does not change benefits, eligibility, or what veterans must do; it only directs VA staff on how to schedule and track future exams, including when no benefits are being paid.
What changed. M21-1, Part IV, Subpart ii, Chapter 1, Section B - Control of Future Examinations Updated to incorporate guidance on controlling for review examinations when benefits are not paid, previously located in VI.ii.4.A.
Source quotes
M21-1, Part IV, Subpart ii, Chapter 1, Section B - Control of Future Examinations
Updated to incorporate guidance on controlling for review examinations when benefits are not paid, previously located in VI.ii.4.A.
Official source (external site)
Jun 16, 2026 · M21-1 IX.i.3.CLink to “Jun 16, 2026 · M21-1 IX.i.3.C”
Procedural / no direct effectWho: Pension claimants and VA staff processing pension income development (no direct effect on claimants)Why: This is an internal VA claims-processor manual update. It changes the system name for looking up Social Security income, from the Share SSA Inquiry command to the SSA INQUIRY function in VBMS. Claimants are asked for the same documents as before, and no benefit, eligibility, or deadline changes.
What changed. M21-1, Part IX, Subpart i, Chapter 3, Section C - Pension Income Development Updated to replace references of the SSA Inquiry command in Share with the SSA INQUIRY function in VBMS since the functionality is no longer available in Share.
Source quotes
M21-1, Part IX, Subpart i, Chapter 3, Section C - Pension Income Development
Updated to replace references of the SSA Inquiry command in Share with the SSA INQUIRY function in VBMS since the functionality is no longer available in Share.
Official source (external site)
Jun 17, 2026 · M21-1 IX.i.3.BLink to “Jun 17, 2026 · M21-1 IX.i.3.B”
Procedural / no direct effectWhy: This is an internal VA claims-processing manual update. It tells staff to fill in the from/thru date spaces on an Eligibility Verification Report whenever the review period is not a calendar year. It does not change what veterans or survivors receive, qualify for, or must submit.
What changed. M21-1, Part IX, Subpart i, Chapter 3, Section B - Income and Net Worth Development Forms and Acceptable Statements Updated to clarify that claims processors must complete the from/thru spaces on an EVR when the development period is anything other than a calendar year.
Source quotes
M21-1, Part IX, Subpart i, Chapter 3, Section B - Income and Net Worth Development Forms and Acceptable Statements
Updated to clarify that claims processors must complete the from/thru spaces on an EVR when the development period is anything other than a calendar year.
Official source (external site)
Jun 23, 2026 · M21-1 II.ii.3Link to “Jun 23, 2026 · M21-1 II.ii.3”
Procedural / no direct effectWho: Veterans and survivors with Medal of Honor Pension claims or foreign-residence pension/survivor claimsWhy: This internal VA manual update tells claims staff which office handles Medal of Honor Pension claims, foreign-residence pension and survivor claims, and paper claims folder transfers. It does not change benefit amounts, eligibility, or what a veteran or survivor must do; at most it affects which office processes a claim.
What changed. M21-1, Part II, Subpart ii, Chapter 3 - Claims Jurisdiction and Transfer Updated to clarify that the St. Paul RACC has jurisdiction for all MOHP claims, clarify the jurisdiction of pension and survivor claims for beneficiaries residing in a foreign country, and update the policies for the transfer of paper claims folders.
Source quotes
M21-1, Part II, Subpart ii, Chapter 3 - Claims Jurisdiction and Transfer
Updated to clarify that the St.
Paul RACC has jurisdiction for all MOHP claims, clarify the jurisdiction of pension and survivor claims for beneficiaries residing in a foreign country, and update the policies for the transfer of paper claims folders.
Official source (external site)
Full list: 2026 M21-1 Changes by Date on KnowVA (external site)