## Chapter 4. Information Requests to or From Other Federal and State Agencies

#### 1. Requests to and From the Office of Personnel Management (OPM)

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### In   | > This topic contains information on requests to and    |
| troduction | > from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM),        |
|            | > including information on                              |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   when                                                |
|            |                                                         |
|            | ```{=html}                                              |
|            | <!-- -->                                                |
|            | ```                                                     |
|            | -   OPM notifies the Department of Veterans Affairs     |
|            |     (VA), and                                           |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   VA notifies OPM                                     |
|            |                                                         |
|            | ```{=html}                                              |
|            | <!-- -->                                                |
|            | ```                                                     |
|            | -   handling veteran inquiries concerning information   |
|            |     provided to OPM by VA, and                          |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   the information to furnish examining units and area |
|            |     offices of the OPM.                                 |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### C    | > December 13, 2005                                     |
| hange Date |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### a.   | > The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) notifies the |
| When OPM N | > Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) of any statement  |
| otifies VA | > that a veteran has made to OPM regarding his/her      |
|            | > physical condition that seems to be inconsistent with |
|            | > information furnished by VA.                          |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### b.   | > VA informs OPM of                                     |
| When VA No |                                                         |
| tifies OPM | -   apparent irregular or erroneous statements made in  |
|            |     connection with claims for benefits, and            |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   inconsistent statements, particularly with respect  |
|            |     to age, date of birth or physical condition.        |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

1\. Requests to and From the Office of Personnel Management (OPM),
Continued

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### c. H | > If OPM receives letters of inquiry regarding the      |
| andling Ve | > basis of an OPM action taken from veterans whose      |
| teran Inqu | > applications for government employment have been      |
| iries Conc | > disapproved because of information furnished by VA    |
| erning Inf | > regarding physical defects, OPM may forward any       |
| ormation P | > requested information to the veteran.                 |
| rovided to | >                                                       |
|  OPM by VA | > ***Notes***:                                          |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   There are instances when, under present             |
|            |     regulations, such information may not be disclosed, |
|            |     since it would be harmful to the veteran's physical |
|            |     or mental health.                                   |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   If VA has furnished information to OPM that could   |
|            |     be harmful, VA should inform OPM that the material  |
|            |     is to be treated as confidential and not to be      |
|            |     released to the veteran.                            |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### d    | > Examining units of OPM area offices may be furnished  |
| . Informat | > the same confidential information from VA as the OPM  |
| ion to Fur | > itself.                                               |
| nish Exami | >                                                       |
| ning Units | > Furnish civil service preference certificates that    |
|  of OPM Ar | > identify the confidential information concerning the  |
| ea Offices | > disabilities involved to examining units upon         |
|            | > request.                                              |
|            | >                                                       |
|            | > ***Note***: If there is a medical officer available   |
|            | > to make the necessary medical determinations required |
|            | > under the Veterans' Preference Act of 1944, as        |
|            | > amended, OPM has instructed examining units to        |
|            | > adjudicate preference claims of veteran-applicants in |
|            | > connection with examinations under unit jurisdiction, |
|            | > including the claims of                               |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   spouses, and                                        |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   mothers of disabled ex-servicepersons.              |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

#### 2. Requests to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) From Public Assistance Agencies

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### In   | > This topic contains information on requests to VA     |
| troduction | > from public assistance agencies, including            |
|            | > information on                                        |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   when to notify State                                |
|            |                                                         |
|            | ```{=html}                                              |
|            | <!-- -->                                                |
|            | ```                                                     |
|            | -   public assistance agencies of benefits payable, and |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   agencies of benefits payable for purposes of        |
|            |     Medicaid eligibility                                |
|            |                                                         |
|            | ```{=html}                                              |
|            | <!-- -->                                                |
|            | ```                                                     |
|            | -   the information to furnish to                       |
|            |                                                         |
|            | ```{=html}                                              |
|            | <!-- -->                                                |
|            | ```                                                     |
|            | -   State public assistance agencies, and               |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   the U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS), Department  |
|            |     of Health and Human Services, or other departments  |
|            |     or agencies of the U.S. Government, and             |
|            |                                                         |
|            | ```{=html}                                              |
|            | <!-- -->                                                |
|            | ```                                                     |
|            | -   when to furnish information to the American Red     |
|            |     Cross (ARC) or a tax-supported social agency.       |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### C    | > December 13, 2005                                     |
| hange Date |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| #####      | > Notify the appropriate State public assistance agency |
| a. When to | > administering the Federal Temporary Assistance for    |
|  Notify St | > Needy Families (TANF) of any original award of        |
| ate Public | > pension, compensation or Dependency and Indemnity     |
|  Assistanc | > Compensation (DIC) made in any case, if it is         |
| e Agencies | > indicated in the application or in any correspondence |
|  of Benefi | > of record that the claimant                           |
| ts Payable |                                                         |
|            | -   is in receipt of TANF, or                           |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   has applied for TANF.                               |
|            |                                                         |
|            | > ***Notes***:                                          |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   If there is doubt as to whether or not the claimant |
|            |     is eligible for TANF, send a letter to the public   |
|            |     assistance agency to determine if there is a need   |
|            |     to furnish claimant award information.              |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   If there is no indication of receipt of TANF        |
|            |     benefits, do not undertake development to determine |
|            |     TANF status.                                        |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

2\. Requests to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) From Public
Assistance Agencies, Continued

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ####       | > Limit information furnished to a State public         |
| # b. Infor | > assistance agency to the                              |
| mation to  |                                                         |
| Furnish St | -   type of benefit awarded                             |
| ate Public |                                                         |
|  Assistanc | -   amount of the benefit, and                          |
| e Agencies |                                                         |
|            | -   effective date of the award.                        |
|            |                                                         |
|            | > ***Note***: Do not furnish any other information to a |
|            | > State or local agency without consent, except as to   |
|            | > the amount of benefit payments under 38 U.S.C.        |
|            | > 5701(c)(1), or as permitted under the Privacy Act for |
|            | > routine uses.                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### c.   | > Furnish information as provided above in M21-1MR,     |
|  Informati | > Part III, Subpart iii, 4.2.b upon receipt of a        |
| on to Furn | > request from the U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS),  |
| ish the De | > Department of Health and Human Services, or any other |
| partment o | > department or agency of the U.S. Government.          |
| f Health a |                                                         |
| nd Human S |                                                         |
| ervices or |                                                         |
|  Other Dep |                                                         |
| artment or |                                                         |
|  Agency of |                                                         |
|  the U.S.  |                                                         |
| Government |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| #####      | > For purposes of Medicaid eligibility, advise the      |
|  d. When t | > administering State agency of the amount of an award. |
| o Notify S | >                                                       |
| tate Agenc | > ***Notes***:                                          |
| ies of Ben |                                                         |
| efits Paya | -   If the Aid and Attendance (A&A) allowance is        |
| ble for Pu |     payable, indicate what part of the monthly rate is  |
| rposes of  |     considered to be for A&A.                           |
| Medicaid E |                                                         |
| ligibility | -   In Improved Pension cases,                          |
|            |                                                         |
|            | ```{=html}                                              |
|            | <!-- -->                                                |
|            | ```                                                     |
|            | -   report the amount for A&A as the difference between |
|            |     the gross amount of pension and the maximum amount  |
|            |     of pension payable, excluding consideration of the  |
|            |     housebound or A&A rates, or                         |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   if pension would not be payable but for entitlement |
|            |     to the A&A allowance or Housebound rate, because    |
|            |     income is in excess of the limit, report the entire |
|            |     amount of the payment as A&A.                       |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

2\. Requests to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) From Public
Assistance Agencies, Continued

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### e. W | > If the cooperation of a tax-supported social agency   |
| hen to Fur | > or an American Red Cross (ARC) chapter is requested   |
| nish Infor | > for the purposes of carrying out the provisions of    |
| mation to  | > VHA Manual M-2, Part XII, Chapter 2, supply the       |
| the ARC or | > necessary medical and social data for the             |
|  a Tax-Sup | > confidential use of those agencies.                   |
| ported Soc |                                                         |
| ial Agency |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

#### 3. Requests to VA From the Department of Labor Concerning Ex-Service Members' Unemployment Compensation

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### In   | > This topic contains information on requests to VA     |
| troduction | > from the Department of Labor concerning ex-service    |
|            | > members' unemployment compensation, including         |
|            | > information on                                        |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   when the Department of Labor requests information   |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   what form the Department of Labor uses to request   |
|            |     information                                         |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   how to handle a request                             |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   requests for reconsideration, and                   |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   the action taken when a                             |
|            |                                                         |
|            | ```{=html}                                              |
|            | <!-- -->                                                |
|            | ```                                                     |
|            | -   request for reconsideration is received without new |
|            |     and material evidence, and                          |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   substantive appeal for reconsideration is received. |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### C    | > December 13, 2005                                     |
| hange Date |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### a.   | > If the information on *DD Form 214*, *Certificate of  |
|  When the  | > Release or Discharge From Active Duty*, does not      |
| Department | > provide the information required for a determination  |
|  of Labor  | > of Federal military service, the Department of Labor  |
| Requests I | > requests that VA furnish information in connection    |
| nformation | > with *Public Law (PL) 97-35*.                         |
|            | >                                                       |
|            | > VA determinations should be restricted to whether or  |
|            | > not separation was by reason of actual                |
|            | > service-incurred injury or disability in cases        |
|            | > involving less than 365 days of service.              |
|            | >                                                       |
|            | > ***Note***: *PL 97-35* is administered by the         |
|            | > Secretary of Labor.                                   |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

3\. Requests to VA From the Department of Labor Concerning Ex-Service
Members' Unemployment Compensation, Continued

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### b. W | > The State employment service agency or Secretary of   |
| hat Form t | > Labor sends *ES Form 973*, *Request to VA for         |
| he Departm | > Military Information for Unemployment Compensation    |
| ent of Lab | > Purposes-UCX*, in duplicate; the original and one     |
| or Uses to | > copy to request information from VA.                  |
|  Request I | >                                                       |
| nformation | > The following sections of *ES Form 973* are filled    |
|            | > out by the State employment service agency or         |
|            | > Secretary of Labor before the form is sent to VA:     |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   Section I, "Identification Data," and               |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   Section II, "Information Requested."                |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##         | > Follow the steps in the table below to handle a       |
| ### c. How | > request for information from the Department of Labor. |
|  to Handle |                                                         |
|  a Request |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+-------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
| Step  | Action                                                       |
+-------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
| 1     | Is the necessary information available or has a previous     |
|       | determination been made?                                     |
|       |                                                              |
|       | -   If *yes*, go to Step 2.                                  |
|       |                                                              |
|       | -   If *no*                                                  |
|       |                                                              |
|       | ```{=html}                                                   |
|       | <!-- -->                                                     |
|       | ```                                                          |
|       | -   undertake necessary development, and                     |
|       |                                                              |
|       | -   go to Step 2.                                            |
+-------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
| 2     | Will the completion and return of *ES Form 973* be delayed   |
|       | for a period exceeding 70 days due to necessary development  |
|       | of evidence or securing of records from the service          |
|       | department?                                                  |
|       |                                                              |
|       | -   If *yes*                                                 |
|       |                                                              |
|       | ```{=html}                                                   |
|       | <!-- -->                                                     |
|       | ```                                                          |
|       | -   inform the requesting agency, and                        |
|       |                                                              |
|       | -   go to Step 3.                                            |
|       |                                                              |
|       | ```{=html}                                                   |
|       | <!-- -->                                                     |
|       | ```                                                          |
|       | -   If *no*, go to Step 3.                                   |
+-------+--------------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

3\. Requests to VA From the Department of Labor Concerning Ex-Service
Members' Unemployment Compensation, Continued

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------
  c\. How to Handle a Request (continued)

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------

+-------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
| **S   | **Acton**                                                    |
| tep** |                                                              |
+-------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
| 3     | Is a memorandum rating required?                             |
|       |                                                              |
|       | -   If *yes*                                                 |
|       |                                                              |
|       | ```{=html}                                                   |
|       | <!-- -->                                                     |
|       | ```                                                          |
|       | -   prepare a rating in accordance with M21-1MR, Part IX,    |
|       |     Subpart i, 1.A.1 and M21-1MR, Part IX, Subpart i, 1.B.10 |
|       |     showing the legend "*For Unemployment Compensation       |
|       |     Purposes*," and                                          |
|       |                                                              |
|       | -   go to Step 4.                                            |
|       |                                                              |
|       | ```{=html}                                                   |
|       | <!-- -->                                                     |
|       | ```                                                          |
|       | -   If *no*, go to Step 4.                                   |
+-------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
| 4     | -   Enter the information requested in Section II of *ES     |
|       |     Form 973* on both copies of *ES Form 973* in the space   |
|       |     captioned *VA regional office Reply*                     |
|       |                                                              |
|       | -   furnish notice of the decision and appellate rights as   |
|       |     required under M21-1MR, Part III, Subpart v, 1.B.10      |
|       |     (TBD) or M21-1, Part IV, 11.02.                          |
|       |                                                              |
|       | -   advise the requesting agency on *ES Form 973* that the   |
|       |     veteran was not discharged for "an actual                |
|       |     service-incurred injury or disability" in those cases in |
|       |     which service connection is granted by presumption       |
|       |                                                              |
|       | -   have the authorizer, on behalf of the Veterans Service   |
|       |     Center Manager (VSCM), sign, date and release the        |
|       |     original to the originating agency, and                  |
|       |                                                              |
|       | -   file the copy of *ES Form 973* in the claims folder.     |
+-------+--------------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### d    | > The veteran may request, directly or through the      |
| . Requests | > State employment service agency, reconsideration of a |
|  for Recon | > decision by VA made on *ES Form 973* if he/she        |
| sideration | > believes that an error has been made.                 |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

3\. Requests to VA From the Department of Labor Concerning Ex-Service
Members' Unemployment Compensation, Continued

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ####       | > If a request for reconsideration of a VA decision is  |
| # e. Actio | > received without new and material evidence within a   |
| n to Take  | > year of notification of the decision                  |
| When a Req |                                                         |
| uest for R | -   construe such a request as a Notice of Disagreement |
| econsidera |     (NOD) for processing purposes in accordance with    |
| tion Is Re |     M21-1MR, Part I, 5.B, because a request for         |
| ceived wit |     reconsideration implies the submission of new and   |
| hout New a |     material evidence                                   |
| nd Materia |                                                         |
| l Evidence | -   furnish a Statement of the Case (SOC) and *VA Form  |
|            |     1-9*, *Appeal to Board of Veterans Appeals*, to the |
|            |     veteran                                             |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   direct all correspondence to the veteran, and       |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   send copies of the correspondence to the interested |
|            |     State agency or Department of Labor.                |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| #          | > If a substantive appeal for reconsideration of a VA   |
| #### f. Ac | > decision is received                                  |
| tion to Ta |                                                         |
| ke When a  | -   handle the case in accordance with M21-1MR, Part I, |
| Substantiv |     5.E                                                 |
| e Appeal f |                                                         |
| or Reconsi | -   correspond directly with the appellant, if          |
| deration I |     necessary, for the purpose of scheduling any        |
| s Received |     requested hearing on the appeal or for other        |
|            |     indicated appellate development                     |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   obtain information directly from the State          |
|            |     employment service agency for the purpose of        |
|            |     determining if an appeal has been timely filed      |
|            |     (presented within the statutory period following    |
|            |     notification to the veteran of the denial by the    |
|            |     State agency), if necessary                         |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   furnish the State agency with copies of             |
|            |     correspondence to the appellant, and                |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   inform the appellant and the interested State       |
|            |     agency with regard to the decision of the Board of  |
|            |     Veterans Appeals (BVA).                             |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

#### 4. Requests to VA From U.S. Air Force Concerning Project Ranch Hand II Listings

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### In   | > This topic contains information on requests to VA     |
| troduction | > from the U.S. Air Force concerning Project Ranch Hand |
|            | > II listings, including                                |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   background information, and                         |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   information on                                      |
|            |                                                         |
|            | ```{=html}                                              |
|            | <!-- -->                                                |
|            | ```                                                     |
|            | -   generating listings                                 |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   what records the regional office (RO) should        |
|            |     provide                                             |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   providing the requested information                 |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   where to mail records                               |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   assigning an end product (EP) code, and             |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   disposing of records.                               |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### C    | > December 13, 2005                                     |
| hange Date |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| #          | > VA is assisting the U.S. Air Force, Special Projects  |
| #### a. Ba | > Branch, Epidemiology Division, in conducting an       |
| ckground I | > ongoing study of the possible health effects of       |
| nformation | > occupational exposure to the herbicide Agent Orange   |
|            | > by former Air Force personnel.                        |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### b.   | > The Austin Systems Development Center (SDC) generates |
|  Generatin | > listings entitled "DECEASED VETERAN LISTING FOR       |
| g Listings | > STATION XXX," grouped by regional office (RO), of     |
|            | > cases required by the Air Force in connection with    |
|            | > the study.                                            |
|            | >                                                       |
|            | > The listings are forwarded to the RO that the         |
|            | > Beneficiary Identification and Records Locator        |
|            | > Subsystem (BIRLS) indicates                           |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   has possession of the deceased veteran's claim      |
|            |     folder, or                                          |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   retired the deceased veteran's claim folder to a    |
|            |     Federal Records Center (FRC).                       |
|            |                                                         |
|            | > ***Note***: FRC cases appear on a separate listing    |
|            | > entitled "FRC LISTING FOR STATION XXX."               |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

4\. Requests to VA From U.S. Air Force Concerning Project Ranch Hand II
Listings, Continued

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ###        | > Upon receipt of the listing, review each folder and   |
| ## c. What | > make one readable copy of the following documents:    |
|  Records t |                                                         |
| he RO Shou | -   the veteran's death certificate                     |
| ld Provide |                                                         |
|            | -   the autopsy protocol, and                           |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   all medical records regarding the veteran's death.  |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ####       | > Use the table below to provide the requested          |
| # d. Provi | > information.                                          |
| ding the R |                                                         |
| equested I |                                                         |
| nformation |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+--------------------------------+-------------------------------------+
| If ...                         | Then ...                            |
+--------------------------------+-------------------------------------+
| a death certificate is in the  | complete *VA Form 23-6547*,         |
| file, but cannot be forwarded  | *Excerpts from Death Certificate*.  |
| for reasons such as a readable |                                     |
| copy cannot be made            |                                     |
+--------------------------------+-------------------------------------+
| > a death certificate is       | make photocopies of any information |
|                                | about the veteran's death, even     |
| *not* in the file              | information such as a *VA Form 119, |
|                                | Report of Contact* from a friend or |
|                                | relative notifying VA of the        |
|                                | veteran's death                     |
+--------------------------------+-------------------------------------+
| there is no information at all | annotate the listing to that effect |
| in the file concerning the     | and send a photocopy of the listing |
| veteran's death                | to the address shown in M21-1MR,    |
|                                | Part III, Subpart iii, 4.4.e.       |
+--------------------------------+-------------------------------------+
| the file needed to furnish the | request a transfer of the folder    |
| information listed above in    | from the RMC.                       |
| M21-1MR, Part III, Subpart     |                                     |
| iii, 4.4.c is in the Records   |                                     |
| Management Center (RMC)        |                                     |
+--------------------------------+-------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

4\. Requests to VA From U.S. Air Force Concerning Project Ranch Hand II
Listings, Continued

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------
  d\. Providing the Requested Information (continued)

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------

+--------------------------------+-------------------------------------+
| If ...                         | Then ...                            |
+--------------------------------+-------------------------------------+
| the file needed to furnish the | recall the folder using the         |
| information listed in M21-1MR, | procedures in M21-1MR, Part III,    |
| Part III, Subpart iii, 4.4.c   | Subpart ii, 5.F.                    |
| is in an FRC                   |                                     |
|                                | ***Note***: Update BIRLS to show    |
|                                | that the folder is located at the   |
|                                | receiving RO.                       |
+--------------------------------+-------------------------------------+
| the file is located at another | forward the listing or a copy of    |
| RO                             | the listing, if there are other     |
|                                | cases requiring a response, to the  |
|                                | RO that has the file.               |
+--------------------------------+-------------------------------------+
| BIRLS shows that the file      | undertake normal search procedures. |
| should be at the RO, but it    |                                     |
| cannot be located              | ***Reference***: For more           |
|                                | information on normal search        |
|                                | procedures, see M21-1MR, Part III,  |
|                                | Subpart ii, 1.C.15.                 |
+--------------------------------+-------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### e. W | > Mail all photocopies and completed *VA Forms 23-6547* |
| here to Ma | > directly to the following address:                    |
| il Records | >                                                       |
|            | > AL/AOEP                                               |
|            | >                                                       |
|            | > 2606 Doolittle Rd.                                    |
|            | >                                                       |
|            | > Brooks AFB, TX 78235-5250                             |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

4\. Requests to VA From U.S. Air Force Concerning Project Ranch Hand II
Listings, Continued

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### f.   | > Take end product (EP) 694 in any case in which        |
| Assigning  | > photocopies of documents or a completed *VA Form      |
| an EP Code | > 23-6547* is furnished to the Air Force.               |
|            | >                                                       |
|            | > ***Note***: No EP credit is due unless photocopies of |
|            | > documents or a completed *VA Form 23-6547* are        |
|            | > furnished to the Air Force.                           |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### g.   | > After completion of the project, dispose of the       |
| Disposing  | > listings in accordance with *Records Control          |
| of Records | > Schedule*, VB-1, Part I, Item 13-005.000.             |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

#### 5. Requests to VA Concerning a State Bonus or Tax Exemption

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### In   | > This topic contains information on requests to VA     |
| troduction | > concerning a State bonus or tax exemption, including  |
|            | > information on                                        |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   when to provide information                         |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   the information to provide generally, and           |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   when to provide certification without further       |
|            |     rating action.                                      |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### C    | > December 13, 2005                                     |
| hange Date |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### a    | > If a request is received for information from VA      |
| . When to  | > records in order to make a determination with regard  |
| Provide In | > to whether or not there is eligibility to a           |
| formation  | > particular State bonus or tax exemption, furnish any  |
|            | > available information upon authorization of the       |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   veteran, or                                         |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   next of kin of a deceased veteran.                  |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| #          | > Restrict the information that is furnished to matters |
| #### b. In | > of record. It is                                      |
| formation  |                                                         |
| to Provide | -   *proper* to state factually that a veteran is not   |
|  Generally |     less than 10 percent disabled and is receiving      |
|            |     compensation, but                                   |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   *improper* to state that                            |
|            |                                                         |
|            | ```{=html}                                              |
|            | <!-- -->                                                |
|            | ```                                                     |
|            | -   a certain person is a dependent of a veteran, or    |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   a veteran or a certain person is or is not entitled |
|            |     to a tax exemption or State bonus.                  |
|            |                                                         |
|            | > ***Notes***:                                          |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   Whether the veteran or a certain person is or is    |
|            |     not entitled to a tax exemption or State bonus is   |
|            |     for determination by the local authorities under    |
|            |     applicable legislation.                             |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   Inform the requester                                |
|            |                                                         |
|            | ```{=html}                                              |
|            | <!-- -->                                                |
|            | ```                                                     |
|            | -   if a determination as to service connection for the |
|            |     cause of disability, death, or permanent and total  |
|            |     disability is desired, but                          |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   VA has not made such a determination.               |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

5\. Requests to VA Concerning a State Bonus or Tax Exemption, Continued

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### c.   | > If payments are denied or discontinued because of     |
|  When to P | > excessive income, there is authority to certify that  |
| rovide Cer | > a veteran has a "currently effective" rating of       |
| tification | > permanent and total disability, *if* payments could   |
|  without F | > be continued without need for further rating activity |
| urther Rat | > action according to M21-1MR, Part V, Subpart ii,      |
| ing Action | > 1.A.4 (TBD) or M21-1, Part VI, 7.13b.                 |
|            | >                                                       |
|            | > ***Note***: Do not                                    |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   make a rating decision unless a claim for VA        |
|            |     benefits has been received, and                     |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   request a rating decision if a denial based on      |
|            |     excessive income or some other bar has become       |
|            |     final.                                              |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

#### 6. Requests From VA to the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) Concerning Monthly Benefits Payable and Tax Contributions

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### In   | > This topic contains information on requests for       |
| troduction | > information from VA to the Railroad Retirement Board  |
|            | > (RRB) concerning monthly benefits payable and tax     |
|            | > contributions, including information on               |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   considering RRB benefits                            |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   verifying RRB benefits                              |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   obtaining information from the RRB                  |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   what information to provide to the RRB              |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   what information to request from the RRB, and       |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   RRB replies.                                        |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### C    | > December 13, 2005                                     |
| hange Date |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ####       | > Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) benefits are          |
| # a. Consi | > considered countable income.                          |
| dering RRB | >                                                       |
|  Benefits  | > ***Exception***: Railroad retirement benefits to      |
|            | > veterans are excluded from countable income for Old   |
|            | > Law Pension purposes under 38 CFR 3.262(g)(2).        |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| #          | > Access FOLQ through SHARE to verify monthly benefits  |
| #### b. Ve | > payable by the RRB.                                   |
| rifying RR | >                                                       |
| B Benefits | > Ask the claimant to furnish the original or a         |
|            | > certified or photostatic copy of his/her award letter |
|            | > from the RRB in every case in which                   |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   the monthly benefits payable by the RRB are in      |
|            |     question, or                                        |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   there is a probability that recoupment of railroad  |
|            |     retirement tax contributions will be an issue.      |
|            |                                                         |
|            | > ***Reference***: For more information on FOLQ, see    |
|            | > M21-1MR, Part III, Subpart iii, 3.A.3.                |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

6\. Requests From VA to the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) Concerning
Monthly Benefits Payable and Tax Contributions, Continued

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### c.   | > If the claimant is unable to furnish the information  |
| Obtaining  | > or if verification is required and cannot be obtained |
| Informatio | > through FOLQ, address a letter, in duplicate, to the  |
| n From RRB | > following address:                                    |
|            | >                                                       |
|            | > Railroad Retirement Board                             |
|            | >                                                       |
|            | > 844 Rush Street                                       |
|            | >                                                       |
|            | > Chicago, Illinois 60611                               |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ###        | > Include in the letter the                             |
| ## d. What |                                                         |
|  Informati | -   individual's                                        |
| on to Prov |                                                         |
| ide to RRB | ```{=html}                                              |
|            | <!-- -->                                                |
|            | ```                                                     |
|            | -   name                                                |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   address                                             |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   SSN, and                                            |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   Railroad Retirement number                          |
|            |                                                         |
|            | ```{=html}                                              |
|            | <!-- -->                                                |
|            | ```                                                     |
|            | -   type of VA benefits claimed or being received       |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   dates and amounts of VA payments, if applicable,    |
|            |     and                                                 |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   year(s) for which the information is desired.       |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| #####      | > Request information regarding the                     |
|  e. What I |                                                         |
| nformation | -   amount of the benefit, and                          |
|  to Reques |                                                         |
| t From RRB | -   tax contribution information, if relevant.          |
|            |                                                         |
|            | > ***Notes:***                                          |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   Maintain a 60-day control for a response.           |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   Send a follow-up request, if necessary, at the end  |
|            |     of the control period, by sending another letter to |
|            |     the RRB, annotated with "*Second Request*."         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### f. R | > The RRB replies by endorsement on the original letter |
| RB Replies | > or courtesy copy, or both, if two of their regional   |
|            | > offices are involved.                                 |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

#### 7. Requests From VA to the RRB Concerning Unemployment and Sickness Insurance

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### In   | > This topic contains information on VA requests for    |
| troduction | > information from the RRB regarding unemployment and   |
|            | > sickness insurance, including information on          |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   considering unemployment and sickness insurance     |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   where to obtain information                         |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   what information to provide to the RRB              |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   what information to request, and                    |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   RRB replies.                                        |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### C    | > December 13, 2005                                     |
| hange Date |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### a    | > Unemployment and sickness insurance are based on      |
| . Consider | > earnings but no contribution is made by the employee. |
| ing Unempl | > The entire amount is considered income.               |
| oyment and |                                                         |
|  Sickness  |                                                         |
| Insurance  |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| #####      | > In the absence of contradictory information, accept   |
| b. Where t | > the claimant's statement showing the amount received  |
| o Obtain I | > or expected.                                          |
| nformation | >                                                       |
|            | > If the claimant is unable to furnish the information  |
|            | > or if verification is required, address a letter, in  |
|            | > duplicate, to the following address:                  |
|            | >                                                       |
|            | > Bureau of Unemployment and Sickness Insurance         |
|            | >                                                       |
|            | > Railroad Retirement Board                             |
|            | >                                                       |
|            | > 844 Rush Street                                       |
|            | >                                                       |
|            | > Chicago, Illinois 60611                               |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ###        | > Include in the letter the                             |
| ## c. What |                                                         |
|  Informati | -   individual's                                        |
| on to Prov |                                                         |
| ide to RRB | ```{=html}                                              |
|            | <!-- -->                                                |
|            | ```                                                     |
|            | -   name                                                |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   address                                             |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   SSN, and                                            |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   Railroad Retirement number, and                     |
|            |                                                         |
|            | ```{=html}                                              |
|            | <!-- -->                                                |
|            | ```                                                     |
|            | -   year for which the information is desired.          |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

7\. Requests From VA to the RRB Concerning Unemployment and Sickness
Insurance, Continued

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| #####      | > Request information regarding the                     |
| d. What In |                                                         |
| formation  | -   amount of the benefit, and                          |
| to Request |                                                         |
|            | -   commencing and probable termination dates, if       |
|            |     relevant.                                           |
|            |                                                         |
|            | > ***Notes:***                                          |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   Maintain a 60-day control for a response.           |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   Send a follow-up request, if necessary, at the end  |
|            |     of the control period, by sending another letter to |
|            |     the RRB, annotated with "Second Request."           |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### e. R | > The RRB replies by endorsement on the original letter |
| RB Replies | > or courtesy copy, or both, if two of their regional   |
|            | > offices are involved.                                 |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

#### 8. Requests From VA to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### In   | > This topic contains information on VA requests for    |
| troduction | > information from the Federal Bureau of Investigation  |
|            | > (FBI), including information on                       |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   where to route requests to the FBI                  |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   who has ownership of FBI records                    |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   guidelines when handling FBI records, and           |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   handling a request for disclosure of information    |
|            |     from FBI records.                                   |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### C    | > December 13, 2005                                     |
| hange Date |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ###        | > The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) requires    |
| ## a. Wher | > that all requests for reports originate from VA       |
| e to Route | > Central Office (CO).                                  |
|  Requests  | >                                                       |
| to the FBI | > Send all requests for information from the FBI to the |
|            | > Assistant Inspector General for Investigations (51),  |
|            | > CO.                                                   |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| #          | > All records from the FBI are the property of the FBI  |
| #### b. Wh | > and are subject to its control at all times and to    |
| o Has Owne | > all privileges which the Attorney General has as to   |
| rship of F | > the use or disclosure of documents of the Department  |
| BI Records | > of Justice.                                           |
|            | >                                                       |
|            | > VA is merely a custodian of such records for the FBI, |
|            | > and the documents or communications are subject to    |
|            | > recall at any time.                                   |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

8\. Requests From VA to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI),
Continued

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| #####      | > When handling FBI records, do *not*, under any        |
|  c. Guidel | > circumstances                                         |
| ines when  |                                                         |
| Handling F | -   copy the records, and/or                            |
| BI Records |                                                         |
|            | -   file the records in folders or VA files of any      |
|            |     category if the file is normally accessible to      |
|            |     outside sources, including accredited               |
|            |     representatives of cooperating agencies.            |
|            |                                                         |
|            | > The procedure prescribed in M21-1MR, Part III,        |
|            | > Subpart ii, 4.A.3 or a comparable procedure providing |
|            | > for a system of locked files is applicable in the     |
|            | > handling of FBI records.                              |
|            | >                                                       |
|            | > ***Exception***: These procedures do not apply to     |
|            | > routine records from the FBI Identification Section   |
|            | > (arrest or identification records), which may be      |
|            | > filed in the claims folder or other appropriate file. |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ####       | > If any request, subpoena, motion for subpoena, or     |
| # d. Handl | > court order is received to obtain access to, or       |
| ing a Requ | > disclosure of, any record or communication from the   |
| est for Di | > FBI, either separately or as part of the files and    |
| sclosure o | > records of VA, immediately                            |
| f Informat |                                                         |
| ion From F | -   forward the records and communications involved to  |
| BI Records |     the Assistant Inspector General for Investigations  |
|            |     (51), CO, who will refer them to the FBI, and       |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   send a transmittal letter explaining the reasons    |
|            |     for forwarding the records.                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

#### 9. Requests From VA to the Office of Workers' Compensation Programs (OWCP)

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### In   | > This topic contains information on requests from VA   |
| troduction | > to the Office of Workers' Compensation Programs       |
|            | > (OWCP), including information on                      |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   background information on concurrent payment of     |
|            |     OWCP compensation and VA                            |
|            |                                                         |
|            | ```{=html}                                              |
|            | <!-- -->                                                |
|            | ```                                                     |
|            | -   compensation or DIC, and                            |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   disability benefits                                 |
|            |                                                         |
|            | ```{=html}                                              |
|            | <!-- -->                                                |
|            | ```                                                     |
|            | -   where to obtain information on OWCP compensation    |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   handling concurrent payment of compensation by the  |
|            |     OWCP and VA disability benefits, and                |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   handling concurrent payment of compensation by the  |
|            |     OWCP and VA death benefits.                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### C    | > December 13, 2005                                     |
| hange Date |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### a.   | > The concurrent payment of compensation by the Office  |
| Background | > of Workers' Compensation Programs (OWCP), and         |
|  Informati | > compensation or DIC by VA based on disability or      |
| on on Conc | > death due to service in the Armed Forces, is          |
| urrent Pay | > prohibited. If there is entitlement to each, an       |
| ment of Co | > election must be made.                                |
| mpensation | >                                                       |
|  by the OW | > ***Notes***:                                          |
| CP and VA  |                                                         |
|            | -   VA will never request that the claimant make an     |
|            |     election between VA and OWCP benefits.              |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   Elections are requested only by the OWCP according  |
|            |     to                                                  |
|            |                                                         |
|            | ```{=html}                                              |
|            | <!-- -->                                                |
|            | ```                                                     |
|            | -   M21-1MR, Part III, Subpart v, 4.D.23 (TBD) or       |
|            |     M21-1, Part IV, 20.19b, and                         |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   M21-1MR, Part III, Subpart v, 4.D.26 (TBD) or       |
|            |     M21-1, Part IV, 20.20.                              |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### b    | > Secure information regarding OWCP compensation        |
| . Where to | > through locally generated requests addressed to the   |
|  Obtain In |                                                         |
| formation  | -   district office of the OWCP, if the office of       |
| on OWCP Co |     jurisdiction and address are known, or              |
| mpensation |                                                         |
|            | -   the OWCP, U.S. Department of Labor, Washington, DC  |
|            |     20210.                                              |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

9\. Requests From VA to the Office of Workers' Compensation Programs
(OWCP), Continued

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##         | > The eligibility requirements and the procedures to be |
| ### c. Han | > followed for concurrent payment of compensation by    |
| dling Conc | > the OWCP and disability benefits by VA are contained  |
| urrent Pay | > in M21-1MR, Part III, Subpart v, 4.D.21 (TBD) or      |
| ment of Co | > M21-1, Part IV, 20.17.                                |
| mpensation |                                                         |
|  by the OW |                                                         |
| CP and VA  |                                                         |
| Disability |                                                         |
|  Benefits  |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| #####      | > Procedures for the proper disposition of claims,      |
| d. Handlin | > where entitlement to employees' compensation and to   |
| g Concurre | > VA death benefits exists, are contained in            |
| nt Payment |                                                         |
|  of Compen | -   M21-1MR, Part III, Subpart v, 6.D.21 (TBD) or       |
| sation by  |     M21-1, Part IV, 20.16 through 20.20                 |
| the OWCP a |                                                         |
| nd VA Deat | -   M21-1MR, Part III, Subpart v, 6.D.23 (TBD) or       |
| h Benefits |     M21-1, Part IV, 20.16 through 20.20                 |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   M21-1MR, Part III, Subpart v, 6.D.26 (TBD) or       |
|            |     M21-1, Part IV, 20.16 through 20.20, and            |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   M21-1MR, Part V, Subpart iii, 5 (TBD) or M21-1,     |
|            |     Part IV, 20.57 through 20.59.                       |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

#### 10. Requests From VA to Other Agencies

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### In   | > This topic contains information on requests from VA   |
| troduction | > to other agencies, including requests to the          |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP)                |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   Internal Revenue Service (IRS), and                 |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   USPHS.                                              |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### C    | > December 13, 2005                                     |
| hange Date |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### a. R | > CO initiates all requests for information from the    |
| equests to | > Royal Canadian Mounted Police Headquarters, Ottawa,   |
|  the RCMP  | > Canada, since the FBI maintains the liaison with the  |
|            | > Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).                 |
|            | >                                                       |
|            | > Address requests for information to CO (211). CO will |
|            | > forward the necessary request through the Assistant   |
|            | > Inspector General for Investigations (51).            |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### b.   | > Do not routinely request copies of Federal income tax |
| Requests t | > returns or information from those returns from the    |
| o the IRS  | > Internal Revenue Service (IRS). If possible, use      |
|            | > other sources of information to determine annual      |
|            | > income.                                               |
|            | >                                                       |
|            | > However, if a copy of a Federal income tax return is  |
|            | > considered essential, request that the claimant       |
|            | > submit                                                |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   his/her copy of the return, and                     |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   a statement that the copy is an exact duplicate of  |
|            |     a return filed with the IRS.                        |
|            |                                                         |
|            | > ***Notes***:                                          |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   Return the copy to the claimant upon request, but   |
|            |     retain an extract of the pertinent data for the     |
|            |     claims folder.                                      |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   If the claimant is unable or unwilling to furnish   |
|            |     the required evidence, follow the procedures in     |
|            |     M21-1MR, Part I, 1.C.5.                             |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

10\. Requests From VA to Other Agencies, Continued

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| #####      | > Clinical information in the records or in possession  |
|  c. Inform | > of the USPHS, Department of Health and Human          |
| ation Obta | > Services, for hospitalization as a civilian           |
| ined From  |                                                         |
| the USPHS  | -   is confidential, and                                |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   will not be released without the consent of the     |
|            |     patient, unless VA arranged for the examination,    |
|            |     treatment or care of the patient.                   |
|            |                                                         |
|            | > ***Notes***:                                          |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   Any communication with the patient's signature,     |
|            |     authorizing release of the information, constitutes |
|            |     "consent of the patient."                           |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   This restriction does not apply to obtaining        |
|            |     official records for hospitalization based on the   |
|            |     veteran's service in the USPHS.                     |
|            |                                                         |
|            | > ***Reference***: For more information on              |
|            | > authorizations for the release of information, see    |
|            | > M21-1MR, Part III, Subpart iii, 1.C.14.a.             |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+