The phrase concerns the United States Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) authority to initially process a benefits application when the veteran resides outside the recognized jurisdictional boundaries. An instance of this situation occurs when a veteran lives abroad temporarily or establishes residency in a location not within the standard regional processing areas. This action allows the VA to begin the adjudication of the claim, setting the administrative process in motion, even if the veteran’s location is considered transient.
Initiating the claim process through this mechanism can offer veterans timely access to potential benefits, regardless of their current location. It provides a point of contact and a defined procedure to follow when traditional jurisdictional rules might delay or complicate the claim’s initial filing. Historically, the absence of such a protocol could have resulted in significant delays or even denials of benefits for veterans residing outside standard service areas, negatively impacting their access to essential support.
