17.34—Tentative eligibility determinations.
Subject to the provisions of §§ 17.36 through 17.38, when an application for hospital care or other medical services, except outpatient dental care, has been filed which requires an adjudication as to service connection or a determination as to any other eligibility prerequisite which cannot immediately be established, the service (including transportation) may be authorized without further delay if it is determined that eligibility for care probably will be established. Tentative eligibility determinations under this section, however, will only be made if:
(a) In emergencies.
The applicant needs hospital care or other medical services in emergency circumstances, or
(b) For persons recently discharged from service.
The application was filed within 6 months after date of honorable discharge from a period of not less than 6 months of active duty.