AI-summarized from official sources and checked against the source text. Each item links to the official page.
In this update: 3 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 October 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.
Oct 9, 2026 · M21-1 IX.iii.1.BLink to “Oct 9, 2026 · M21-1 IX.iii.1.B”
Procedural / no direct effectWhy: This is an update to VA's internal claims-processing manual on how Social Security income is counted. The substantive content is existing procedure and the only listed change is a clarification of how staff apply the Secretary's Timeliness Instruction. No new benefit, eligibility rule, or requirement for veterans or survivors is created.
What changed. M21-1, Part IX, Subpart iii, Chapter 1, Section B - Social Security Administration (SSA) Benefits Program Updated to clarify procedures related to the Secretary’s Timeliness Instruction.
Source quotes
M21-1, Part IX, Subpart iii, Chapter 1, Section B - Social Security Administration (SSA) Benefits Program
Updated to clarify procedures related to the Secretary’s Timeliness Instruction.
Official source (external site)
Oct 14, 2026 · M21-1 XIII.i.8.BLink to “Oct 14, 2026 · M21-1 XIII.i.8.B”
Procedural / no direct effectWho: veterans and families seeking national cemetery burial eligibility (other-than-honorable discharge cases)Why: This is an internal VBA manual update telling claims staff how to handle NCA requests for character-of-discharge decisions on burial eligibility (EP 290, St. Louis RO handling). It does not change who qualifies for burial or what a veteran or family must do.
What changed. M21-1, Part XIII, Subpart i, Chapter 8, Section B - National Cemetery Administration (NCA) Burial Eligibility Updated to add a new section with guidance on eligibility requests for burial in a national cemetery.
Source quotes
M21-1, Part XIII, Subpart i, Chapter 8, Section B - National Cemetery Administration (NCA) Burial Eligibility
Updated to add a new section with guidance on eligibility requests for burial in a national cemetery.
Official source (external site)
Oct 28, 2026 · M21-1 I.i.2.CLink to “Oct 28, 2026 · M21-1 I.i.2.C”
Procedural / no direct effectWhy: This is an internal VA claims-processing manual update. It removes references to decommissioned systems (SEP and VDC) and updates State POA codes, and it does not change how veterans appoint, change, or revoke a representative. Veterans and survivors would not see any difference in benefits, rights, or what they must do.
What changed. M21-1, Part I, Subpart i, Chapter 2, Section C - System Updates for Power of Attorney (POA) Appointments Updated to remove SEP and VDC due to decommissioning and to update State POA codes.
Source quotes
M21-1, Part I, Subpart i, Chapter 2, Section C - System Updates for Power of Attorney (POA) Appointments
Updated to remove SEP and VDC due to decommissioning and to update State POA codes.
Official source (external site)
Full list: 2026 M21-1 Changes by Date on KnowVA (external site)