Important VA Update re Date of Receipt of Claims
The VA has decided that, due to the length of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is no longer reasonable to assume that a letter without a postmark was received before March 1, 2020. The VA had been following this policy for some time but is now opting to assume that a letter without a postmark was received ten days before being scanned at the Evidence Intake Center. It is possible to make a case for an exception to this policy, but it is not guaranteed. Since the date of receipt of a claim or additional evidentiary item may impact the effective date of your claim, it is best to either file such items by e-fax or upload vai E-Benefits. If this is not possible, then seek confirmation of delivery for all items sent via the U.S. Postal Service. A copy of the policy is attached for your review. vadateofreceipt