(a) Claims subject to this section. This section applies to claims received by VA on or after October 1, 1997. This includes original claims and claims to reopen or otherwise readjudicate a previous claim for benefits under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 or its predecessors.

(b) Administrative award, compromises, or settlements, or judgments that bar benefits under 38 U.S.C. § 1151. If a veteran’s disability or death was the basis of an administrative award under 28 U.S.C. § 1346(b) made, or a settlement or compromise under 28 U.S.C. § 2672 or 2677 finalized, before December 1, 1962, VA may not award benefits under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for any period after such award, settlement, or compromise was made or became final. If a veteran’s disability or death was the basis of a judgment that became final before December 1, 1962, VA may award benefits under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for the disability or death unless the terms of the judgment provide otherwise.

(Authority: 38 U.S.C. § 1151)[69 FR 46434, Aug. 3, 2004]