## Chapter 7. A Child's Permanent Incapacity for Self-Support 

#### 1. General Information on Proof of Permanent Incapacity for Self-Support

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### In   | > This topic contains general information on proof of   |
| troduction | > permanent incapacity for self-support. It includes    |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   considering claims under 38 CFR 3.315(a)            |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   the information necessary to establish the extent   |
|            |     of the disability                                   |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   reporting facts based on personal observation       |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   when not to refer a claim to the rating activity    |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   handling evidence received more than three months   |
|            |     prior to child's 18^th^ birthday, and               |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   determining when a Department of Veterans Affairs   |
|            |     (VA) examination is required.                       |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### C    | > August 13, 2007                                       |
| hange Date |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### a.   | > Consider any communication indicating permanent       |
| Considerin | > incapacity for self-support of a child of a veteran   |
| g Claims U | > as a claim under 38 CFR 3.315(a).                     |
| nder 38 CF |                                                         |
| R 3.315(a) |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##         | > The information necessary to establish the extent of  |
| ### b. Inf | > the disability includes                               |
| ormation N |                                                         |
| ecessary t | -   the extent to which the child is physically or      |
| o Establis |     mentally deficient, such as the                     |
| h the Exte |                                                         |
| nt of the  | ```{=html}                                              |
| Disability | <!-- -->                                                |
|            | ```                                                     |
|            | -   ability of the child to perform self-care           |
|            |     functions, and                                      |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   ordinary tasks expected of a child of that age      |
|            |                                                         |
|            | ```{=html}                                              |
|            | <!-- -->                                                |
|            | ```                                                     |
|            | -   whether or not the child attended school and the    |
|            |     maximum grade attended                              |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   if any material improvement in the child's          |
|            |     condition has occurred                              |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   if the child has ever been employed and, if so, the |
|            |                                                         |
|            | ```{=html}                                              |
|            | <!-- -->                                                |
|            | ```                                                     |
|            | -   nature and dates of such employment, and            |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   amount of pay received                              |
|            |                                                         |
|            | ```{=html}                                              |
|            | <!-- -->                                                |
|            | ```                                                     |
|            | -   whether or not the child has ever married, and      |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   a description of the child's present condition.     |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

1\. General Information on Proof of Permanent Incapacity for
Self-Support, Continued

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ####       | > The persons making statements pertaining to the       |
| # c. Repor | > child's incapacity for self-support should give       |
| ting Facts | > detailed information of the facts known to them       |
|  Based on  | > personally in regard to the child's                   |
| Personal O |                                                         |
| bservation | -   mental and physical condition when the child        |
|            |     attained the age of 18 years, and                   |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   present condition.                                  |
|            |                                                         |
|            | > ***Important***: All statements should indicate the   |
|            | > basis of the knowledge of the facts reported and      |
|            | > include the name and signature of the person making   |
|            | > the statement.                                        |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### d    | > Do *not* request evidence or refer the claim to the   |
| . When Not | > rating activity more than three months prior to the   |
|  to Refer  | > child's 18^th^ birthday.                              |
| a Claim to |                                                         |
|  the Ratin |                                                         |
| g Activity |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| #          | > If evidence is received from a claimant more than     |
| #### e. Ha | > three months before the child's 18^th^ birthday       |
| ndling Evi |                                                         |
| dence Rece | -   inform the claimant that consideration will be      |
| ived More  |     deferred, and                                       |
| Than Three |                                                         |
|  Months Pr | -   use diary code 30 to establish control for referral |
| ior to Chi |     to the rating activity approximately three months   |
| ld's 18^th |     prior to the child's 18^th^ birthday.               |
| ^ Birthday |                                                         |
|            | > ***Note***: At the time when the rating activity      |
|            | > reviews the case, if the child's disability is        |
|            | > considered permanent in nature, the rating activity   |
|            | > may order an examination without requiring any other  |
|            | > medical evidence.                                     |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ####       | > A VA examination is *not* routinely required to       |
| # f. Deter | > determine a child's incapacity for self-support.      |
| mining Whe | > However, a VA examination may be necessary if the     |
| n a VA Exa | > rating activity determines an examination is          |
| mination I | > necessary to resolve                                  |
| s Required |                                                         |
|            | -   insufficient evidence of record, or                 |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   conflicting evidence.                               |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

#### 2. Developing for Permanent Incapacity for Self-Support

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### In   | > This topic contains information on developing for     |
| troduction | > permanent incapacity for self-support. It includes    |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   the procedure for developing for permanent          |
|            |     incapacity for self-support                         |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   the considerations of the rating activity in any    |
|            |     claim for permanent incapacity for self-support,    |
|            |     and                                                 |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   rating activity action for a claim for which        |
|            |     evidence has not been received.                     |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### C    | > September 25, 2008                                    |
| hange Date |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##         | > Follow the steps in the table below to develop for    |
| ### a. Pro | > evidence of permanent incapacity for self-support of  |
| cedure for | > a child.                                              |
|  Developin |                                                         |
| g Incapaci |                                                         |
| ty for Sel |                                                         |
| f-support  |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+-----------------+----------------------------------------------------+
| Status of Claim | Action To Be Taken                                 |
+-----------------+----------------------------------------------------+
| Requesting      | Ask the claimant to submit                         |
| evidence from   |                                                    |
| the claimant    | -   medical or psychiatric examination reports     |
|                 |                                                    |
|                 | -   vocational or educational assessment reports   |
|                 |                                                    |
|                 | -   a summary of employment history, and           |
|                 |                                                    |
|                 | -   statements from                                |
|                 |                                                    |
|                 | ```{=html}                                         |
|                 | <!-- -->                                           |
|                 | ```                                                |
|                 | -   persons having knowledge of facts and who have |
|                 |     observed the child's condition, such as        |
|                 |     teachers, tutors, or social workers, or        |
|                 |                                                    |
|                 | -   institutions where the child may have been     |
|                 |     maintained, and                                |
|                 |                                                    |
|                 | > Inform the claimant that                         |
|                 |                                                    |
|                 | -   the requested evidence should be furnished     |
|                 |     within 30 days from the date of the request    |
|                 |                                                    |
|                 | -   the statements should describe the child's     |
|                 |     condition as of age 18, in detail, and         |
|                 |                                                    |
|                 | -   the statement should include                   |
|                 |                                                    |
|                 | ```{=html}                                         |
|                 | <!-- -->                                           |
|                 | ```                                                |
|                 | -   the extent of the disability, and              |
|                 |                                                    |
|                 | -   whether the facts are based on personal        |
|                 |     observation.                                   |
+-----------------+----------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

2\. Developing for Permanent Incapacity for Self-Support, Continued

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------
  a\. Procedure for Developing Incapacity for Self-support (continued)

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

+-----------------+----------------------------------------------------+
| Status of Claim | Action To Be Taken                                 |
+-----------------+----------------------------------------------------+
| Development     | Set a control date 30 days in the future under EP  |
| letter sent     | 020 for compensation or EP 120 for pension         |
+-----------------+----------------------------------------------------+
| Development     | Refer the case to the rating activity on the       |
| complete or     | earlier of                                         |
| 30-day period   |                                                    |
| expired         | -   the date requested evidence is received, or    |
|                 |                                                    |
|                 | -   the end of the 30-day period whether or not    |
|                 |     the evidence has been received.                |
|                 |                                                    |
|                 | ***Note***: Do *not* undertake further development |
|                 | unless the rating activity makes a request.        |
|                 |                                                    |
|                 | ***References***: For more information on the      |
|                 | rating activity                                    |
|                 |                                                    |
|                 | -   considerations in all claims for permanent     |
|                 |     incapacity for self-support, see M21-1MR, Part |
|                 |     III, Subpart iii, 7.2.b, and                   |
|                 |                                                    |
|                 | -   action in claims in which the requested        |
|                 |     evidence has *not* been received within the    |
|                 |     30-day period, see M21-1MR, Part III, Subpart  |
|                 |     iii, 7.2.c.                                    |
+-----------------+----------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

2\. Developing for Permanent Incapacity for Self-Support, Continued

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##         | > The question of permanent incapacity is one of fact.  |
| ### b. Con | > The rating activity makes a determination based on    |
| sideration | > competent evidence of record, which may consist of    |
| s of the R | > private physician's statements, examinations or       |
| ating Acti | > hospital reports.                                     |
| vity in An | >                                                       |
| y Claim fo | > In any claim submitted to the rating activity for a   |
| r Permanen | > determination as to whether or not there is a         |
| t Incapaci | > permanent incapacity for self-support under 38 CFR    |
| ty for Sel | > 3.356, the rating activity considers if the evidence  |
| f-Support  | > of record                                             |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   establishes                                         |
|            |                                                         |
|            | ```{=html}                                              |
|            | <!-- -->                                                |
|            | ```                                                     |
|            | -   [prima facie]{.underline} entitlement, and/or       |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   a reasonable probability of a valid claim that      |
|            |     would warrant a request for a VA examination, such  |
|            |     as a physical examination, a social and industrial  |
|            |     survey, or other development, and/or                |
|            |                                                         |
|            | ```{=html}                                              |
|            | <!-- -->                                                |
|            | ```                                                     |
|            | -   is sufficient to make a decision either to allow or |
|            |     deny benefits.                                      |
|            |                                                         |
|            | > ***References***: For more information on             |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   determining when a VA examination is required, see  |
|            |     M21-1MR, Part III, Subpart iii, 7.1.f, and          |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   consideration of incompetency of helpless children, |
|            |     see M21-1MR, Part III, Subpart iv, 8.A.2.b.         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### c    | > The rating activity should review the evidence        |
| . Rating A | > received and make a decision to                       |
| ctivity Ac |                                                         |
| tion When  | -   grant entitlement to dependency based on incapacity |
| Evidence I |     for self-support if evidence is sufficient          |
| s Received |                                                         |
|            | -   deny incapacity for self-support if the evidence    |
|            |     does not establish such incapacity, or              |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   defer a decision if evidence is insufficient and    |
|            |     further development is necessary before a decision  |
|            |     can be made.                                        |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

2\. Developing for Permanent Incapacity for Self-Support, Continued

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ####       | > Once the rating activity receives a claim for         |
| # d. Ratin | > permanent incapacity of self-support, and the         |
| g Activity | > requested evidence has not been received, the rating  |
|  Action fo | > activity                                              |
| r a Claim  |                                                         |
| for Which  | -   prepares a rating establishing entitlement as       |
| Evidence H |     incapable of self-support if there is sufficient    |
| as Not Bee |     medical or lay evidence in the file, or             |
| n Received |                                                         |
|            | -   denies the claim in a rating decision, indicating   |
|            |     that the claimant failed to prosecute the claim, if |
|            |     there is *no* medical or lay evidence of record on  |
|            |     which to base the rating.                           |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

#### 3. Awarding and Denying Benefits Based on Dependency

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### In   | > This topic contains information on awarding and       |
| troduction | > denying benefits. It includes information on          |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   specific types of benefits, such as                 |
|            |                                                         |
|            | ```{=html}                                              |
|            | <!-- -->                                                |
|            | ```                                                     |
|            | -   disability compensation                             |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   disability pension                                  |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   death compensation or pension, and                  |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)         |
|            |                                                         |
|            | ```{=html}                                              |
|            | <!-- -->                                                |
|            | ```                                                     |
|            | -   preparing an award, and                             |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   handling the denial of benefits.                    |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### C    | > August 13, 2007                                       |
| hange Date |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##         | > If the veteran qualifies for additional compensation  |
| ### a. Dis | > on behalf of dependents, add additional allowance for |
| ability Co | > a child determined to be permanently incapable of     |
| mpensation | > self-support.                                         |
|            | >                                                       |
|            | > ***Note***: Handle an apportionment for a helpless    |
|            | > child in the same manner as for a minor child, but do |
|            | > *not* use a future termination date.                  |
|            | >                                                       |
|            | > ***References***: For information on                  |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   adjustments due to addition of a dependent, see     |
|            |     M21-1MR, Part III, Subpart iii, 5.F.35, and         |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   adjusting apportionment awards, see M21-1MR, Part   |
|            |     III, Subpart v, 3.B.5.                              |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### b    | > A child permanently incapable of self-support is a    |
| . Disabili | > dependent in protected pension cases when determining |
| ty Pension | > a veteran's statutory income limitation. In current   |
|            | > law cases, such a child is a dependent for the        |
|            | > purpose of determining monthly payments.              |
|            | >                                                       |
|            | > ***Reference***: For information on establishment of  |
|            | > a child in Improved Pension cases, see M21-1MR, Part  |
|            | > V, Subpart iii, 1.F.37.d.                             |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

3\. Awarding and Denying Benefits Based on Dependency, Continued

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##         | > Add the additional amount to the surviving spouse's   |
| ### c. Dea | > award, if                                             |
| th Pension |                                                         |
|            | -   the surviving spouse is receiving death pension,    |
|            |     and                                                 |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   an additional allowance is found to be payable for  |
|            |     a child permanently incapable of self-support.      |
|            |                                                         |
|            | > ***Reference***: For information on establishment of  |
|            | > a child in Improved Pension cases, see M21-1MR, Part  |
|            | > V, Subpart iii, 1.F.37.d.                             |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##         | > Make Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)      |
| ### d. DIC | > payments to children over age 18 by reason of         |
|            | > permanent incapacity for self-support by a separate   |
|            | > award to or for the child in his/her own right, even  |
|            | > though the surviving spouse may                       |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   be receiving DIC benefits in his/her own right, and |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   have custody of the child.                          |
|            |                                                         |
|            | > ***Reference***: For information on general           |
|            | > authorization and notification issues of DIC, see     |
|            | > M21-1MR, Part IV, Subpart iii, 3.A.                   |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### e    | > For information on the how to prepare an award        |
| . Preparin |                                                         |
| g an Award | -   to, or for, a minor or incompetent helpless child,  |
|            |     see M21-1MR, Part III, Subpart v, 9.C.10, and       |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   for child data entries, see M21-1, Part V, 6.12.    |
|            |                                                         |
|            | > ***References***: For information on                  |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   processing awards, see M21-1MR, Part III, Subpart   |
|            |     v, 2.A.2.a.                                         |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   award notification, see M21-1MR, Part III, Subpart  |
|            |     v, 2.B.9.b.                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

3\. Awarding and Denying Benefits Based on Dependency, Continued

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### f. H | > If benefits are denied, notify the claimant of the    |
| andling th |                                                         |
| e Denial o | -   denial                                              |
| f Benefits |                                                         |
|            | -   evidence considered                                 |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   reason for the determination, and                   |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   right to appeal.                                    |
|            |                                                         |
|            | > ***References***: For more information on             |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   the denial of benefits, see                         |
|            |                                                         |
|            | ```{=html}                                              |
|            | <!-- -->                                                |
|            | ```                                                     |
|            | -   M21-1MR, Part III, Subpart v, 2.A.2.b, and          |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   M21-1, Part V, 10.03, and                           |
|            |                                                         |
|            | ```{=html}                                              |
|            | <!-- -->                                                |
|            | ```                                                     |
|            | -   notification of denials, see M21-1MR, Part III,     |
|            |     Subpart v, 2.B.9.b.                                 |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

#### 4. Reexamination Requests

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### In   | > This topic contains information on reexaminations,    |
| troduction | > including                                             |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   when to request a reexamination, and                |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   how to handle a reexamination request.              |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### C    | > September 25, 2008                                    |
| hange Date |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### a. W | > Request a reexamination following a determination of  |
| hen to Req | > permanent incapacity for self-support, *only* in the  |
| uest a Ree | > most unusual circumstances. Reexamination requests    |
| xamination | > must be fully justified in the rating decision.       |
|            | >                                                       |
|            | > ***Reference***: For more information on review       |
|            | > examinations, see M21-1MR, Part III, Subpart iv,      |
|            | > 3.B.16.                                               |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

4\. Reexamination Requests, Continued

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| #          | > The rating activity may request a reexamination,      |
| #### b. Ha | > social survey, or other development not less than two |
| ndling a R | > years or more than 5 years following a finding of     |
| eexaminati | > incapacity of self-support if a determination is made |
| on Request | > finding                                               |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   a child to be helpless, and                         |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   there is a reasonable possibility that the child    |
|            |     may become capable of self-support in the future,   |
|            |     for example, upon completion of a course of         |
|            |     instruction.                                        |
|            |                                                         |
|            | > In such a case                                        |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   establish a master record future data control by an |
|            |     award entry using diary code 03 (Helpless Child     |
|            |     Review), and                                        |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   upon expiration of the control, refer the case to   |
|            |     the rating activity for a decision as to whether or |
|            |     not to                                              |
|            |                                                         |
|            | ```{=html}                                              |
|            | <!-- -->                                                |
|            | ```                                                     |
|            | -   schedule an examination, or                         |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   refer the case to authorization for further         |
|            |     development of the child's current status.          |
|            |                                                         |
|            | > ***References***: For more information on             |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   establishing a diary, see the Share User's Guide.   |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   review examinations, see M21-1MR, Part III. Subpart |
|            |     iv, 3.B.16.b and 38 CFR 3.327(b)(1), and            |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   completion of a course of instruction, see M21-1MR, |
|            |     Part III, Subpart iii, 6.C.15.c.                    |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

#### 5. Reconsideration of the Status Due to Marriage of a Child Permanently Incapable of Self-Support 

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### In   | > This topic contains information on how the marriage   |
| troduction | > of a child permanently incapable of self-support      |
|            | > affects entitlement to benefits. It includes          |
|            | > information on                                        |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   the consequences of the marriage of a child         |
|            |     permanently incapable of self-support, and          |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   when and when not to terminate an award.            |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### C    | > August 13, 2007                                       |
| hange Date |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| #####      | > Marriage of a child permanently incapable of          |
| a. Consequ | > self-support discontinues entitlement to benefits,    |
| ences of t | > *except* in the case of a child of a Spanish-American |
| he Marriag | > or Indian War veteran.                                |
| e of a Chi | >                                                       |
| ld Permane | > Under the laws in effect prior to April 1, 1944, the  |
| ntly Incap | > marriage of children of Spanish-American or Indian    |
| able of Se | > War veterans                                          |
| lf-Support |                                                         |
|            | -   merely creates a presumption that the child is no   |
|            |     longer permanently incapacitated, and               |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   under 38 CFR 3.950, positive proof of continuing    |
|            |     incapacity can overcome the presumption.            |
|            |                                                         |
|            | > ***Reference***: For more information on developing   |
|            | > for permanent incapacity for self-support, see        |
|            | > M21-1MR, Part III, Subpart iii, 7.2.                  |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

5\. Reconsideration of the Status Due to Marriage of a Child Permanently
Incapable of Self-Support, Continued

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| #          | > Upon receipt of a notice of a helpless child's        |
| #### b. Wh | > marriage, use reason code 54 (Child No Longer         |
| en to Term | > Helpless) to discontinue the award to, or for, the    |
| inate an A | > child as of the first day of the month in which the   |
| ward Due t | > marriage occurred. It is not necessary to refer the   |
| o Marriage | > claim to the rating activity.                         |
|            | >                                                       |
|            | > ***References***: For information on                  |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   when to restore an award if a marriage is           |
|            |     dissolved, see M21-1MR, Part III, Subpart iii,      |
|            |     7.5.c                                               |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   when to apply due process, see M21-1MR, Part I,     |
|            |     2.A.2.a                                             |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   reducing or discontinuing benefits for the child    |
|            |     upon marriage of a child, see M21-1MR, Part III,    |
|            |     Subpart iii, 5.H.43.g, and                          |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   an adjustment under 38 CFR 3.500(n)(2) of a         |
|            |     surviving spouse's or consolidated award in cases   |
|            |     of marriage of a child, see M21-1MR, Part III,      |
|            |     Subpart iii, 5.H.43.f.                              |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

5\. Reconsideration of the Status Due to Marriage of a Child Permanently
Incapable of Self-Support, Continued

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ###        | > Use the table below to determine when to restore an   |
| ## c. When | > award if the child's marriage is dissolved.           |
|  to Restor |                                                         |
| e the Awar |                                                         |
| d If the M |                                                         |
| arriage Is |                                                         |
|  dissolved |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+-------------------------+--------------------------------------------+
| If the marriage of a    | Then the benefits of the child ...         |
| helpless child was      |                                            |
| terminated by death or  |                                            |
| divorce ...             |                                            |
+-------------------------+--------------------------------------------+
| prior to November 1,    | > can be restored.                         |
| 1990                    | >                                          |
|                         | > ***Note***: The criteria of 38 CFR 3.356 |
|                         | > must be                                  |
|                         |                                            |
|                         | -   determined to have been continued      |
|                         |     through the duration of the marriage,  |
|                         |     and                                    |
|                         |                                            |
|                         | -   expected to continue in the future.    |
|                         |                                            |
|                         | ***Reference***: For more information on a |
|                         | marriage of a helpless child terminated by |
|                         | death or divorce prior to November 1,      |
|                         | 1990, see M21-1MR, Part III, Subpart iii,  |
|                         | 5.H.44.a and 38 CFR 3.55(b)(2).            |
+-------------------------+--------------------------------------------+
| on or after November 1, | > cannot be restored after marriage unless |
| 1990                    | > the marriage is                          |
|                         |                                            |
|                         | -   annulled, or                           |
|                         |                                            |
|                         | -   determined to be void.                 |
|                         |                                            |
|                         | ***Reference***: For more information      |
|                         | about criteria necessary to restore        |
|                         | benefits, see 38 CFR 3.55(b)(1).           |
+-------------------------+--------------------------------------------+

#### 6. Other Reasons to Reconsider Status of a Child Permanently Incapable of Self-Support

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### In   | > This topic contains information on other reasons to   |
| troduction | > reconsider the status of a child incapable of         |
|            | > self-support. It includes when a                      |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   helpless child is deemed competent                  |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   surviving spouse's entitlement is terminated, and   |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   child completes restorative training.               |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### C    | > September 25, 2008                                    |
| hange Date |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### a. W | > If certification by the Veterans Service Center       |
| hen a Help | > Manager (VSCM), or other evidence, is received        |
| less Child | > showing that a helpless child formerly adjudged       |
|  Is Deemed | > incompetent has been held by a court of jurisdiction  |
|  Competent | > to be competent, refer the case to the rating         |
|            | > activity for consideration of the issue of continued  |
|            | > incapacity for self-support.                          |
|            | >                                                       |
|            | > ***References***: For more information on             |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   considering the competence of a helpless child, see |
|            |     M21-1MR, Part III, Subpart iv, 8.A.2.b, and         |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   supervised direct payment, see M21-1MR, Part III,   |
|            |     Subpart v, 9.B.7.                                   |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

6\. Other Reasons to Reconsider Status of a Child Permanently Incapable
of Self-Support, Continued

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| #          | > The table below shows the action to take if an award  |
| #### b. Wh | > of death compensation or pension to a surviving       |
| en a Survi | > spouse, which includes benefits for a helpless child, |
| ving Spous | > is discontinued because of termination of the         |
| e's Entitl | > surviving spouse's entitlement.                       |
| ement Is T |                                                         |
| erminated  |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| If the helpless child's           | Then ...                          |
| eligibility is based on ...       |                                   |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| a determination of mental         | > refer the claim to the rating   |
| impairment                        | > activity to determine whether   |
|                                   |                                   |
|                                   | -   the incapacity was based on   |
|                                   |     mental impairment             |
|                                   |                                   |
|                                   | -   there is some other           |
|                                   |     indication of incompetence,   |
|                                   |     and                           |
|                                   |                                   |
|                                   | -   the child is still incapable  |
|                                   |     of self-support.              |
|                                   |                                   |
|                                   | > ***Note***: If the rating       |
|                                   | > activity determines the child   |
|                                   | > to be competent to handle       |
|                                   | > his/her own funds, benefits may |
|                                   | > be paid directly to the child.  |
|                                   | >                                 |
|                                   | > ***References***: For           |
|                                   | > information on the action taken |
|                                   | > concerning the surviving        |
|                                   | > spouse's award                  |
|                                   |                                   |
|                                   | -   in death pension cases when   |
|                                   |     the surviving spouse's award  |
|                                   |     is terminated for excessive   |
|                                   |     income, see M21-1MR, Part V,  |
|                                   |     Subpart iii.1.E.31            |
|                                   |                                   |
|                                   | -   in death cases when the       |
|                                   |     spouse's entitlement has not  |
|                                   |     be resolved, see M21-1MR,     |
|                                   |     Part IV, Subpart iii, 3.E,    |
|                                   |     and                           |
|                                   |                                   |
|                                   | -   upon the remarriage of the    |
|                                   |     spouse, see M21-1MR, Part IV, |
|                                   |     Subpart iii, 3.F.             |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+

Continued on next page

6\. Other Reasons to Reconsider Status of a Child Permanently Incapable
of Self-Support, Continued

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------
  b\. When a Surviving Spouse's Entitlement Is Terminated (continued)

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

+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| If the helpless child's           | Then ...                          |
| eligibility is based on ...       |                                   |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| a determination of physical       | authorize payment to or on behalf |
| impairment                        | of the child, without referral to |
|                                   | the rating activity, as described |
|                                   | in                                |
|                                   |                                   |
|                                   | -   M21-1MR, Part III, Subpart    |
|                                   |     iii, 7.3 (Awarding and        |
|                                   |     Denying benefits Based on     |
|                                   |     Dependency)                   |
|                                   |                                   |
|                                   | -   M21-1MR, Part IV, Subpart     |
|                                   |     iii, 3.F (Remarriage of a     |
|                                   |     Surviving Spouse, and         |
|                                   |                                   |
|                                   | -   M21-1MR, Part III, Subpart v, |
|                                   |     9.C.13 (Authorizing Awards    |
|                                   |     Involving a Custodian Under   |
|                                   |     38 CFR 3.850(c)).             |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##         | > If a child receiving benefits on the basis of         |
| ### c. Whe | > permanent incapacity for self-support completes       |
| n a Child  | > special restorative training under 38 U.S.C. 3541,    |
| Completes  | > follow the procedure outlined in M21-1MR, Part III,   |
| Restorativ | > Subpart iii, 6.C.15.c.                                |
| e Training | >                                                       |
|            | > ***Reference***: For information on requesting a      |
|            | > review examination for a child after he or she        |
|            | > completes a course of instruction, see M21-1MR, Part  |
|            | > III, Subpart iii, 7.4.b.                              |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

#### 7. Termination of Benefits When Child Is No Longer Helpless

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### In   | > This topic contains information on termination of     |
| troduction | > benefits because a child is no longer helpless. It    |
|            | > includes information on                               |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   Protection of disability ratings under 38 U.S.C.    |
|            |     110                                                 |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   considering qualification under school attendance   |
|            |     provisions, and                                     |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   the procedure for reducing or terminating benefits. |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### C    | > September 25, 2008                                    |
| hange Date |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| #          | > Disability ratings are provided some protection from  |
| #### a. Pr | > reduction under 38 U.S.C. 110. This protection does   |
| otection o | > not apply to a rating of permanent incapacity for     |
| f Disabili | > self-support.                                         |
| ty Ratings |                                                         |
|  Under 38  |                                                         |
| U.S.C. 110 |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### b.   | Take care to determine whether the child may be         |
| Considerin | enrolled in school and so qualify for benefits as a     |
| g Qualific | schoolchild before terminating payments, based on       |
| ation Unde | helpless child status.                                  |
| r School A |                                                         |
| ttendance  | > ***Reference***: For more information on              |
| Provisions |                                                         |
|            | -   helpless children receiving training under          |
|            |     Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA), see       |
|            |     M21-1MR, Part III, Subpart iii, 6.C.15, and         |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   adjusting children's awards for receipt of DEA, see |
|            |     M21-1MR, Part III, Subpart iii, 6.C.16.             |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

7\. Termination of Benefits When Child Is No Longer Helpless, Continued

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| #          | > Follow the steps in the table below if information is |
| #### c. Re | > received that the child has obtained employment or    |
| ducing or  | > otherwise regained capacity for self-support.         |
| Terminatin |                                                         |
| g Benefits |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+-------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
| Step  | Action                                                       |
+-------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
| 1     | Develop to determine the facts by contacting the beneficiary |
|       | to determine information such as                             |
|       |                                                              |
|       | -   the nature of employment and income, and                 |
|       |                                                              |
|       | -   whether or not the employment is                         |
|       |                                                              |
|       | ```{=html}                                                   |
|       | <!-- -->                                                     |
|       | ```                                                          |
|       | -   full time                                                |
|       |                                                              |
|       | -   permanent                                                |
|       |                                                              |
|       | -   temporary, or                                            |
|       |                                                              |
|       | -   therapeutic, and                                         |
|       |                                                              |
|       | ```{=html}                                                   |
|       | <!-- -->                                                     |
|       | ```                                                          |
|       | -   establish a 60 day control under EP 020 for compensation |
|       |     or EP 120 for pension.                                   |
+-------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
| 2     | Has the requested evidence been received within the control  |
|       | period?                                                      |
|       |                                                              |
|       | -   If *yes*                                                 |
|       |                                                              |
|       | ```{=html}                                                   |
|       | <!-- -->                                                     |
|       | ```                                                          |
|       | -   refer the claim to the rating activity for consideration |
|       |     of continued helpless child entitlement based on the     |
|       |     evidence of record, and                                  |
|       |                                                              |
|       | -   go to Step 4.                                            |
|       |                                                              |
|       | ```{=html}                                                   |
|       | <!-- -->                                                     |
|       | ```                                                          |
|       | -   If *no*, go to Step 3.                                   |
+-------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
| 3     | Has the control period matured and the requested evidence    |
|       | *not* been received?                                         |
|       |                                                              |
|       | -   If *yes*                                                 |
|       |                                                              |
|       | ```{=html}                                                   |
|       | <!-- -->                                                     |
|       | ```                                                          |
|       | -   refer the claim to the rating activity for consideration |
|       |     of continued helpless child entitlement, and             |
|       |                                                              |
|       | -   go to Step 4.                                            |
|       |                                                              |
|       | ```{=html}                                                   |
|       | <!-- -->                                                     |
|       | ```                                                          |
|       | -   If *no*, go to Step 5.                                   |
+-------+--------------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

7\. Termination of Benefits When Child Is No Longer Helpless, Continued

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------
  c\. Reducing or Terminating Benefits (continued)

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

+-------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
| Step  | Action                                                       |
+-------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
| 4     | Has the rating activity made a decision to                   |
|       |                                                              |
|       | -   confirm the incapacity for self-support, or              |
|       |                                                              |
|       | -   propose to discontinue benefits due to permanent         |
|       |     incapacity for self-support?                             |
|       |                                                              |
|       | -   If there is a proposal to discontinue, send the          |
|       |     beneficiary notice of the proposed adverse action        |
|       |     stating                                                  |
|       |                                                              |
|       | ```{=html}                                                   |
|       | <!-- -->                                                     |
|       | ```                                                          |
|       | -   the evidence considered                                  |
|       |                                                              |
|       | -   the reason for the determination                         |
|       |                                                              |
|       | -   procedural rights, and                                   |
|       |                                                              |
|       | -   that the beneficiary must reply within 60 days.          |
|       |                                                              |
|       | ```{=html}                                                   |
|       | <!-- -->                                                     |
|       | ```                                                          |
|       | -   If there is a confirmation of incapacity for             |
|       |     self-support*,*                                          |
|       |                                                              |
|       | send a letter advising of the rating decision to continue    |
|       | the helpless rating.                                         |
+-------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
| 5     | Refer the case to the rating activity for reconsideration    |
|       | after the 60-day notice of the proposed adverse action       |
|       | period expires, or all development associated with a         |
|       | personal hearing requested within 30 days of the notice of   |
|       | proposed adverse action has been completed, whichever is     |
|       | later.                                                       |
+-------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
| 6     | Does the formal rating decision affirm the proposal to       |
|       | discontinue helpless child benefits?                         |
|       |                                                              |
|       | -   If *yes*, go to Step 7.                                  |
|       |                                                              |
|       | -   If *no*, the child's benefits continue.                  |
+-------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
| 7     | Does the claim relate to pension?                            |
|       |                                                              |
|       | -   If *yes*, go to Step 8.                                  |
|       |                                                              |
|       | -   If *no,*                                                 |
|       |                                                              |
|       | ```{=html}                                                   |
|       | <!-- -->                                                     |
|       | ```                                                          |
|       | -   the claim relates to compensation or DIC, and            |
|       |                                                              |
|       | -   go to Step 9.                                            |
+-------+--------------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

7\. Termination of Benefits When Child Is No Longer Helpless, Continued

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------
  c\. Reducing or Terminating Benefits (continued)

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

+-------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
| Step  | Action                                                       |
+-------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
| 8     | -   Take action to reduce or discontinue the benefits        |
|       |     effective the date of the last payment, and              |
|       |                                                              |
|       | -   provide the claimant with notification as to the action  |
|       |     taken.                                                   |
+-------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
| 9     | -   Send a locally-generated letter to inform the payee of   |
|       |     the final rating action stating that benefits will be    |
|       |     reduced or discontinued effective the last day of the    |
|       |     month in which a 60-day period from the date of the      |
|       |     letter expires, and                                      |
|       |                                                              |
|       | -   when the letter is released, take award action to        |
|       |     process the termination or reduction effective the date  |
|       |     specified in the letter.                                 |
+-------+--------------------------------------------------------------+

+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| > ***References***: For more information on                           |
|                                                                       |
| -   the date of discontinuance of an award to a child no longer       |
|     helpless, see 38 CFR 3.503(a)(3), and                             |
|                                                                       |
| -   due process notification requirements, see M21-1MR, Part I,       |
|     2.B.5.                                                            |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+