**October 29, 1985 M28‑2, Part I**

**CONTENTS**

**CHAPTER 5. COUNSELING REFERRALS FOR POTENTIAL CHAPTER 31 APPLICANTS**

**PARAGRAPH PAGE**

5.01 Counseling Concerning Potential Chapter 31 Benefits When
Application Is Made for

Other Education Benefits 5-1

5.02 Preparation of VA Form 28‑1944, Eligibility, Entitlement, and
Scheduling Information 5-1

a\. Uses of the VA Form 28‑1944 5-1

b\. Completion of the VA Form 28‑1944 5-1

**5-I**

**October 29, 1985 M28‑2, Part I**

**CHAPTER 5. COUNSELING REFERRALS FOR POTENTIAL CHAPTER 31 APPLICANTS**

**5.01 COUNSELING CONCERNING POTENTIAL CHAPTER 31 BENEFITS WHEN
APPLICATION IS MADE FOR OTHER EDUCATION BENEFITS**

The VA must give disabled veterans eligible for chapter 31 benefits the
opportunity to obtain counseling regarding vocational rehabilitation
services and the possible advantages of electing benefits under this
chapter, regardless of the- education benefit actually claimed. These
veterans should be referred to the VR&C Division for motivational
contact and counseling even if they have not requested counseling.
Specifically, following any necessary award or certificate of
eligibility processing under another benefit chapter, the Adjudication
Division will use VA Form 28‑1944, Eligibility, Entitlement, and
Scheduling Information, to refer to the VR&C Division all claimants who
also have basic eligibility under chapter 31, but who have made no prior
claim for chapter 31. Although repeated referrals to the VR&C Division
may be required under this provision, subsequent referrals will not be
made more frequently than at 2-year intervals unless remotivation
becomes necessary due to a change in the veteran's disability evaluation
(see ch. 2, par. 2.01a above).

**5.02 PREPARATION OF VA FORM 28‑1944, ELIGIBILITY, ENTITLEMENT. AND
SCHEDULING INFORMATION**

**a. Uses of the VA Form 28‑1944.** VA Form 28‑1944 will be used as a
counseling referral for an individual who is not an applicant for
vocational rehabilitation. Part I of VA Form 28‑1944 records eligibility
and entitlement findings of the Adjudication Division. In addition, part
I indicates the reasons for referral to the VR&C Division and describes
the individual's prior VA training. DVB Manual M22-2, part II, chapter 8
should be reviewed for a detailed description of all types of referrals
which use the VA Form 28‑1944, including referrals based upon potential
chapter 31 eligibility. The information entered on the form assists VR&C
staff members to quickly review the client's status and to schedule the
appropriate time to resolve the issues raised in the referral for
counseling. It becomes a record of the VR&C Division's efforts both to
request necessary transcripts and test scores and to contact the
eligible person to schedule a counseling appointment.

**b. Completion of the VA Form 28‑1944.** The Adjudication Division
completes both the section containing identifying data at the top of the
form and part I. Since the information provided serves as the basis for
action by the VR&C Division, this information must be complete and
accurate. Specific Adjudication Division data entry requirements
covering all possible referrals, not just referrals of individuals with
potential chapter 31 eligibility, can be found in M22-2, part II,
chapter 8, paragraph 8.04.

**5-1**