VA OCONUS Connection

May 2019

From the Director's Desk

There are some important changes regarding filing claims and appeals.  The Veterans Appeals Improvement and Modernization Act of 2017 (Appeals Modernization Act) is one of the most significant statutory changes to affect VA and Veterans in decades. Veterans now have a greater choice in how VA reviews their disagreement with a VA claims decision. Veterans who appealed a VA decision on or after Feb. 19, 2019, have three decision review lanes to choose from: higher-level review, supplemental claim, and appeal to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals.  This also has impacted filing claims for a reconsideration.  For more information on Appeals Modernization, click here.

Upcoming Event: Germany Claims Clinic

The Pittsburgh Regional Office and VA Benefits Assistance Service are conducting a VA Claims Clinic on May 22, 2019 in Stuttgart Germany at Panzer Kaserne building 2915 .   VA claims clinics aim to simplify the claims process, as well as allow face to face conversation between VA employees and Veterans, Dependents and Service Members.  You will be able to file a claim, submit evidence and receive information about any claims that are currently pending.  There will be multiple claims specialists available to answer your claim specific questions.  The claims clinic will be held from 0800 to 1700 on May 22, 2019.  Please contact GermanyBDD.VBAPit@va.gov with any questions.

Veteran Employment Through Technology Education Courses

On February 15, 2019, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced it is inviting training providers to participate in a new pilot program to prepare Veterans for careers in the high-tech workforce.

The Veteran Employment Through Technology Education Courses (VET TEC) program, for which Veterans can apply beginning in April, is designed to give Veterans more options and access to nontraditional training to acquire skills in information technology, computer software, information science, media application, data processing, and computer programming fields.

“We are invested in ensuring Veterans make successful transitions into their post-military career,” said VA Secretary Robert Wilkie. “We are excited to partner with successful training providers who will help pave the way for Veterans seeking meaningful employment in their field of study.”

VET TEC training providers will have access to student Veterans who are motivated, hard-working team players. They will operate under an incentivized payment structure designed to ensure Veterans complete their training and land good jobs. The structure includes the following:

• When Veterans begin their courses, VA will pay the training provider 25 percent of tuition and mandatory fees.
• When a Veteran graduates, VA will pay another 25 percent of the tuition and mandatory fees.
• When a Veteran lands a job in his or her area of study and training, VA will pay the last 50 percent of tuition and mandatory fees.
• Veterans will receive a monthly housing stipend while in training.

 The VET TEC webpage provides additional requirements and application instructions. VA will review applications from training providers to ensure proposed programs meet VET TEC criteria. Selected training providers will be notified in early spring.

Borne the Battle

Another way to learn about the important resources, offices, and benefits VA offers to Veterans is to subscribe and listen to Borne the Battle podcast.  This podcast by Department of Veterans Affairs recognizes each battle, challenge, and sacrifice our Veterans endure during and after service. 

Give it a try at https://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/category/borne-the-battle/ or where ever you listen to podcasts.   

Share Your GI Bill Story!

Since 1944, the Servicemen's Readjustment Act, also known as the GI Bill, has impacted the lives of millions of Veterans and their families. The law provided a wide range of benefits to Veterans returning from World War II, including low-cost home loans, education and vocational training, unemployment payments, and an expansion of Veterans' health care. As VA celebrates the 75th Anniversary of the GI Bill, we will tell the story of how this legislation has impacted Veterans and their families for generations. Whether your story involves getting an education, buying a house, or other VA benefits that impacted your life, VA wants to hear from you! Your story may appear on the YouTube playlist, highlighted on the GI Bill 75th Anniversary webpage, or other VA materials. VA will be featuring "My GI Bill Story" videos as VA celebrates this important milestone. Submitting your video grants permission for VA to publish your story. No personal information, other than your name, will be shared with the public. #mygibillstory

Meet Your Pittsburgh VA Team: Ron Gionta, Public Contact Specialist

Ron Gionta is a Public Contact Specialist assigned to the Pittsburgh Regional Office. He started his VA career as a VSR in 2016 in the Non-Rating division. Since his assignment to Public Contact in June 2018, Ron received numerous customer feedback surveys highlighting Outstanding Service. Prior to coming to the VA, Ron served in the Pennsylvania Air National Guard for over 32 years with almost 11 years with the Air Force on active duty in the National Capitol Region at the Headquarters level retiring at the Rank of Colonel in 2012. His wealth of Field and Headquarters experience in the Manpower and Personnel fields has been instrumental in serving Veterans claim needs and beyond the scope of VA Benefits, such as military records. While Ron was a Reservist, he was also a Career Bank Officer in Pittsburgh, maintaining the highest level of customer service for business and personal banking needs. The combination of his civilian and military experience is used in meeting the needs of Veterans coming to Public Contact. Ron has also performed admirably during outreach events to include claims clinics across the RO territory in support of the Veterans needs for the Erie, Butler, Pittsburgh and Altoona VAMC’s. He is extremely thorough in assisting Veterans with their claims. He consistently performs to the highest degree and always keeps the VA ICARE values.

How to Certify School Attendance for Dependents

To request additional benefits based on a child’s school attendance, submit VA Form 21-674, Request for Approval of School Attendance. A separate VA Form 21-674 is required when a child transfers from one school to another. It is to your advantage to submit this form as soon as your child turns 18, or at the commencement of a course to ensure the earliest possible effective date if it is determined you are entitled to additional benefits based on your child’s school attendance. VA may pay benefits to or for a student who is attending school, provided the student’s: school meets the accreditation requirements, and course of instruction meets VA standards For a foreign school to meet the accreditation requirements, the school must be recognized as standard and accredited for the student’s specific course of instruction by the authority established within the country for determining educational standards, such as the Minister of Education the Minister of Cultural Affairs, or an institution VA recognizes as an authority in determining whether a foreign school is accredited for the purpose of determining entitlement to educational assistance under 38 U.S.C. Chapter 30 38 U.S.C. Chapter 31 38 U.S.C. Chapter 33, and 38 U.S.C. Chapter 35 Note: If no recognized accrediting authority exists for a specific foreign school, the American Consular Officer is authorized to consult with any recognized institution of higher learning for professional advice concerning the acceptability of the school. To meet VA standards, a course of instruction must: require attendance of not less than the equivalent of three regular class sessions, daytime or evening, per week, and lead to the achievement of a training or education objective (such as a degree, diploma, or certificate) in a period of time commonly accepted by standard institutions as adequate for that purpose. Important: According to 38 CFR 21.4200(g), one “regular class session” must consist of at least one 50-minute period of academic instruction two 50-minute periods of laboratory instruction, or three 50-minute periods of workshop training Note: A course of instruction meets the attendance requirement whether it consists of one hour of academic instruction three times a week, or three hours of academic instruction once a week

Prioritization of Claims from Purple Heart Recipients

VA is prioritizing Purple Heart recipients who submit initial disability compensation claims on or after April 1, 2019.  Claims from these Veterans will be added to nine categories of emergent claims requiring priority processing from VBA. These include claimants who are: in the Fully Developed Claim (FDC) Program homeless or experiencing extreme financial hardship terminally ill more than 85 years old, or survivors of a former Prisoner of War (FPOW). Also, any current or former member of the Armed Forces, or survivor who: was very seriously injured/seriously injured (VSI/SI) in service and is not already receiving Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) disability benefits is diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) or Lou Gehrig’s Disease is an FPOW, or received the Medal of Honor

VA Individual Unemployability & the Impact on Applying for VR&E Benefits

If you are an honorable discharged Veteran who is unable to work because of a disability related to your military service (a service-connected disability), you may qualify for what’s called “individual unemployability.” This means you may be able to get disability compensation or benefits at the same level as a Veteran who has a 100% disability rating.

What are the requirements?

You may be able to get individual unemployability, if you meet both requirements listed below.

• You have at least 1 service connected disability rated at 60% or more disabling, OR 2 or more service connected disabilities, with at least 1 rated at 40% or more disabling and a combined rating of 70% or more, AND
• You can’t hold down a steady job that supports you financially (substantially gainful employment) because of your service connected disability. Odd jobs (marginal employment), do not count as substantially gainful employment.

How do I get these benefits?

You’ll need to file a claim for disability compensation. When you file, you’ll have to provide evidence (supporting documents like a doctor’s report or medical test results) showing that your disability prevents you from holding down a steady job. We will also review your work and education history.

When you file a disability claim, you’ll also need to fill out these additional forms for Individual Unemployability benefits:

• A Veteran’s Application for Increased Compensation Based on Unemployability (VA Form 21-8940) Download VA Form 21-8940 and
• A Request for Employment Information in Connection with Claim for Disability Benefits (VA Form 21-4192) Download VA Form 21-4192

For additional information, please visit the VA website regarding Individual Unemployability.

How does Individualized Unemployability impact the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) program?

Because the mission of VR&E is suitable employment, your Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC) is required to evaluate your ability to work. You are not prohibited from applying for the VR&E benefit. However, by making the application to VR&E, it is with the intention of re-entering the workforce.   Your VRC also is required to notify the Veterans Service Center when you have successfully completed your VR&E program and are either: employable or employed.

In addition, if you have a claim pending for Individualized Unemployability and you are participating in VR&E, the Veterans Service Center must obtain all your VR&E records as part of that claim.

Quick Tip

IMPORTANT:  VA has updated the Appointment of Veterans Service Organization as Claimant’s Representative (VA Form 21-22). Please complete a new form for your accredited representatives to help ensure timely assistance from a Veteran Service Officer. Download VA Form 21-22.

Sunset of Decision Ready Claims

In collaboration with our partners at Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs), the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has determined that Veterans are best served by focusing on the continued success of our Fully Developed Claims (FDC) initiative. Therefore, VA will no longer request examinations under the Decision Ready Claims (DRC) program beginning February 15, 2019. Veterans can continue to expect a decision within 30 days from the date VA receives their claim as VA completes the remaining DRCs in its inventory.

Feedback gathered from VSOs enables VA to apply the lessons learned from the DRC program and its systems functionality to further enhance the FDC initiative. In the first quarter of Fiscal Year 2019, VA held workshops with VSO representatives to assess the DRC program and found that the FDC initiative was more successful and easier for Veterans, surviving spouses and VSOs to navigate.

The DRC program was launched nationwide in September 2017 to build upon the success of the FDC initiative by processing claims in under 30 days. Veterans and surviving spouses consulted with VSOs to obtain all required evidence, including federal records and necessary medical examinations, prior to submitting a claim to VA. As a result, VA processed DRCs in an average of 15 days.

VA continually strives to provide the best customer service while also honoring its important partnership with VSOs. VA remains committed to processing claims timely and accurately, and in a way that best supports Veterans and their families.

VA Welcome Kit

The VA Welcome Kit provides a broad overview of services VA can offer.  Please review the information provided in this guide and share it with other Veterans and dependents with whom you come in contact who may need assistance with their benefits.  The  VA Welcome Kit provides information that can assist Veterans with a variety of situations, including understanding eligibility and disability evaluations, healthcare, education, emergency resources, and much more!

Veterans Crisis Line

Crisis feels different for everybody and can be caused by a wide range of situations before, during, or after military service.  The Military Crisis Line is staffed by caring, qualified responders from VA — some of whom have served in the military themselves. They understand what Servicemembers and Veterans have been through and the challenges members of the military and their loved ones face.

The Military Crisis Line staff can connect you with services to help get your life back on track.

Confidential support is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year through the Military Crisis Line (1-800-273-8255 and Press 1), online chat and text (838255).

There are a number of ways individuals can reach VCL.  How they reach the VCL overseas is dependent on location. 

You can visit this link to see how Veterans, Service members or their loved ones can reach VCL from Europe, Korea and Afghanistan.

• In Europe call 00800 1273 8255 or DSN 118 *
• In Korea call 0808 555 118 or DSN 118
• In Afghanistan call 00 1 800 273 8255 or DSN 111

* In Europe, toll-free service may not be available through all carriers or in all countries

Foreign Medical Program (FMP)

The Foreign Medical Program (FMP) is a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care benefits program for U.S. Veterans who are residing or traveling abroad and have VA-rated, service-connected disabilities. Under FMP, VA assumes payment responsibility for certain necessary health care services received in foreign countries and associated with the treatment of service-connected disabilities, or any disability associated with and held to be aggravating a service-connected condition. Additionally, VA may authorize necessary foreign medical services for any condition for a Veteran participating in the VA Vocational Rehabilitation Program (38 U.S.C. 31). For more information, to include submitting claims for reimbursement, please visit here.

eBenefits

What is eBenefits?

Enrolling in eBenefits is easy. Just visit www.eBenefits.va.gov for more information. If you submit a claim in the future, consider filing through eBenefits. Filing electronically, especially if you participate in our fully developed claim program, may result in a faster decision than if you submit your claim through the mail.

How to get an eBenefits account

You can manage and apply for benefits online using eBenefits. If you don’t already have an eBenefits account, you can register on the DS Logon Registration page. Instead of using your APO address for registering on eBenefits, use your last recorded United States address.

For dependents of Veterans without a social security number, you must do the following:

Contact the Defense Manpower Data Center (DMDC) at 1-800-538-9552.

• Provide your dependent's Foreign ID number.
• Obtain a generated social security number provided by DMDC.
• Use the generated social security number for registration in eBenefits.
• You can visit the eBenefits help page for assistance with registering for an account or you can call 1-800 372-7437.

Contact Information for BDD/Public Contact Offices in Germany & Korea

The Landstuhl, Germany office is located in building 3724 at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center and can be reached by e-mail at GermanyBDD.vbapit@va.gov.

The Camp Humphreys, South Korea office is located in the One-Stop BLDG, BLDG 6400, office V3014 next door to the SFL-TAP office and can be reached by email at KoreaBDD.vbapit@va.gov or by telephone at DSN 757-2911 or 2912 or commercial 050-3357-2911 or 2912. 

Help Us Spread the Word

Please encourage Veterans residing abroad with whom you come in contact to subscribe to “Veterans Abroad” to receive bulletins and information specific to Veterans residing abroad.  Veterans may subscribe to the email service by clicking here. 

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