How to Research Veterans Law

Title 38 of the U.S. Code governs entitlement to VA benefits.  Title 38 of the Code of Federal Regulations (C.F.R.) spells out how VA interprets the U.S. Code that is binding on the regional office and the Board.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims is a separate federal court that publishes its own cases. 

The U.S. Code and the C.F.R. books can be accessed at a law library.  Some local libraries may have access to Westlaw or LexisNexis, which are legal research services.  The U.S. Code and the C.F.R. may also be accessed via the internet.  The cases of the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims are available in book format with the West’s Veterans Appeals Reporter, which would be available in a law library or electronically through either Westlaw or LexisNexis.

The decisions of the Board of Veterans Appeals can be accessed on its website at www.index.va.gov/search/va/bva.html.  Keep in mind that Board decisions in one case are not binding in your case.