claims
3.155-1
3.155 3.155-1
3.155Informal Informal claims.
(a) Any communication or action, indicating an intent to apply for one or more benefits
under the laws administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs, from a claimant, his or her
duly authorized representative, a Member of Congress, or some person acting as next friend of a
claimant who is not sui juris may be considered an informal claim. Such informal claim must
identify the benefit sought. Upon receipt of an informal claim, if a formal claim has not been
filed, an application form will be forwarded to the claimant for execution. If received within 1
year from the date it was sent to the claimant, it be will considered filed as of the date of receipt
of the informal claim.
(b) A communication received from a service organization, an attorney, or agent may not
be accepted as an informal claim if a power of attorney was not executed at the time the
communication was written.
(c) When a claim has been filed which meets the requirements of 3.151 or 3.152, an
informal request for increase or reopening will be accepted as a claim.
[26 FR 1570, Feb. 24, 1961, as amended at 52 FR 27340, July 21, 1987]
Cross references: State Department as agent of VA. See 3.108. Report of examination
or hospitalizationas claim for increase or to reopen. See 3.157.
(Original 8/15/91)