### Section B. Awards and Adjustments Based Upon School Attendance

**Overview**

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| #          | > This section contains the following topics:           |
| #### In th |                                                         |
| is Section |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

  ------------ ---------------------------------------------- ------------
  Topic        Topic Name                                     See Page

  5            Payment Dates of Awards                        6-B-2

  6            Adjustment of Awards if the Child is Under Age 6-B-5
               18 or Helpless                                 

  7            Adjustment of Awards if the Child is Over Age  6-B-7
               18                                             

  8            Award Actions Based on School Attendance       6-B-10

  9            Award Action for a Future Enrollment Date and  6-B-17
               Reduction or Discontinuance of an Enrollment   
               Period                                         

  10           Verifying Continuous School Attendance         6-B-19

  11           Fiduciary Awards After the Age of Majority     6-B-24

  12           Finality of Election of Dependents' Education  6-B-30
               Assistance (DEA)                               
  ------------ ---------------------------------------------- ------------

####  

#### 5. Payment Dates of Awards

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### In   | > This topic contains general information on effective  |
| troduction | > dates of awards. It includes information on           |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   payment dates under 38 CFR 3.31                     |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   payment dates for                                   |
|            |                                                         |
|            | ```{=html}                                              |
|            | <!-- -->                                                |
|            | ```                                                     |
|            | -   a child not in school at age 18                     |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   a claim not filed within one year of a child's      |
|            |     18^th^ birthday                                     |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   compensation and pension awards, and                |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   Dependents and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) awards, |
|            |     and                                                 |
|            |                                                         |
|            | ```{=html}                                              |
|            | <!-- -->                                                |
|            | ```                                                     |
|            | -   prospective ending dates.                           |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### C    | > November 26, 2007                                     |
| hange Date |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### a. P | > Payment of monetary benefits based on an original,    |
| ayment Dat | > reopened, or increased award of compensation,         |
| es Under 3 | > pension, or Dependents and Indemnity Compensation     |
| 8 CFR 3.31 | > (DIC) may *not* be made for any period before the     |
|            | > first day of the calendar month following the month   |
|            | > in which the award would otherwise be effective under |
|            | > [38 CFR                                               |
|            | > 3.31](http://                                         |
|            | www.warms.vba.va.gov/regs/38CFR/BOOKB/PART3/S3_31.DOC). |
|            | >                                                       |
|            | > ***Note***: This provision does not affect the date   |
|            | > of entitlement, but only the commencement date of     |
|            | > payment.                                              |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### b    | > Award benefits effective the first day of the month   |
| . Payment  | > following the month in which school attendance        |
| Date for a | > commences if the child was not attending school on    |
|  Child Not | > his/her 18^th^ birthday, but a claim is filed within  |
|  in School | > one year from the date of the 18^th^ birthday.        |
|  at Age 18 | >                                                       |
|            | > ***Note***: This does *not* include cases where the   |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   child reaches age 18 during a holiday or vacation   |
|            |     period, or                                          |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   schooling is to begin at a future date.             |
|            |                                                         |
|            | > ***References***: For more information on             |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   the commencement of the pay period, see [38 CFR     |
|            |     3.31](http:/                                        |
|            | /www.warms.vba.va.gov/regs/38CFR/BOOKB/PART3/S3_31.DOC) |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   compensation begun after the child's 18^th^         |
|            |     birthday, see [38 CFR                               |
|            |     3.667(a)(2)](http://w                               |
|            | ww.warms.vba.va.gov/regs/38CFR/BOOKB/PART3/S3_667.DOC), |
|            |     and                                                 |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   continuing compensation after the child's 18^th^    |
|            |     birthday, see [38 CFR                               |
|            |     3.667(a)(1)](http://w                               |
|            | ww.warms.vba.va.gov/regs/38CFR/BOOKB/PART3/S3_667.DOC). |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

5\. Payment Dates of Awards, Continued

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| #####      | > If a claim is not filed within one year after the     |
| c. Payment | > child's 18^th^ birthday or the date the course began, |
|  Date for  | > whichever is later, do not award benefits for any     |
| a Claim No | > period prior to the first of the month following the  |
| t Filed Wi | > month in which the claim is received.                 |
| thin One Y | >                                                       |
| ear of Chi | > ***Reference***: For more information on payments of  |
| ld's 18^th | > benefits based on school attendance, see [38 CFR      |
| ^ Birthday | > 3.667(a)](http://w                                    |
|            | ww.warms.vba.va.gov/regs/38CFR/BOOKB/PART3/S3_667.DOC). |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### d.   | > Entitlement to compensation and pension based on      |
|  Payment D | > school attendance is effective on the date of a       |
| ates for C | > child's 18^th^ birthday if the claim is timely filed. |
| ompensatio | >                                                       |
| n and Pens | > If a rate increase occurs after the child's 18^th^    |
| ion Awards | > birthday, pay the                                     |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   prior rates until the date of increase, and         |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   increased rate from the first of the month          |
|            |     following the 18^th^ birthday.                      |
|            |                                                         |
|            | > ***Note***: Continue to include payments of           |
|            | > compensation and pension based on school attendance   |
|            | > of a child in the award to the veteran or surviving   |
|            | > spouse having actual or constructive custody of the   |
|            | > child although the child has attained majority.       |
|            | >                                                       |
|            | > ***References***: For more information on             |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   payment dates for DIC awards, see M21-1MR, Part     |
|            |     III, Subpart iii, 6.B.5.e                           |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   increased awards, see M21-1MR, Part III, Subpart    |
|            |     iii, 6.B.8.b, and                                   |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   entitlement to benefits effective on the child's    |
|            |     18^th^ birthday, see                                |
|            |                                                         |
|            | ```{=html}                                              |
|            | <!-- -->                                                |
|            | ```                                                     |
|            | -   M21-1MR, Part III, Subpart iii, 6.B.5.d, and        |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   [38 CFR                                             |
|            |     3.667(a)(1)](http://w                               |
|            | ww.warms.vba.va.gov/regs/38CFR/BOOKB/PART3/S3_667.DOC). |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

5\. Payment Dates of Awards, Continued

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### e    | > Entitlement to DIC based on school attendance is      |
| . Payment  | > effective either the                                  |
| Dates for  |                                                         |
| DIC Awards | -   first day of the month following the child's 18^th^ |
|            |     birthday, or                                        |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   date of a child's 18^th^ birthday.                  |
|            |                                                         |
|            | > Use the table below to determine the effective date   |
|            | > of the separate DIC award to the child based on       |
|            | > school attendance.                                    |
|            | >                                                       |
|            | > ***References***: For more information on             |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   initial awards of DIC, see [38 CFR                  |
|            |     3.667(a)(3)](http://w                               |
|            | ww.warms.vba.va.gov/regs/38CFR/BOOKB/PART3/S3_667.DOC), |
|            |     and                                                 |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   continuing awards of DIC after the child's 18^th^   |
|            |     birthday, see [38 CFR                               |
|            |     3.667(a)(5)](http://w                               |
|            | ww.warms.vba.va.gov/regs/38CFR/BOOKB/PART3/S3_667.DOC). |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------------------------+---------------------------------------+
| If child was receiving       | Then make the separate award to the   |
| benefits as ...              | child based on school attendance from |
|                              | the ...                               |
+------------------------------+---------------------------------------+
| part of surviving spouse's   | first day of the month following the  |
| DIC award                    | month of the child's 18^th^ birthday. |
+------------------------------+---------------------------------------+
| a single child with no       | child's 18^th^ birthday.              |
| surviving spouse involved    |                                       |
+------------------------------+---------------------------------------+
| a child under an apportioned | child's 18^th^ birthday continuing    |
| award                        | the apportioned rate.                 |
|                              |                                       |
|                              | ***Note***: Begin the increased       |
|                              | schoolchild rate effective the first  |
|                              | day of the following month.           |
+------------------------------+---------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ###        | > Use the reason code 25 (or 45 if child on other       |
| ## f. Pros | > award) on awards based on school attendance for       |
| pective En | > scheduled discontinuance of benefits as of the first  |
| ding Dates | > day of the month following the month in which it is   |
|            | > expected the course will be completed, or the child's |
|            | > 23^rd^ birthday, whichever occurs first.              |
|            | >                                                       |
|            | > ***References***: For more information on             |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   apportioned awards, see M21-1MR, Part III, Subpart  |
|            |     v, 3.B.5, and                                       |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   benefit ending dates, see [38 CFR                   |
|            |     3.667(c)](http://w                                  |
|            | ww.warms.vba.va.gov/regs/38CFR/BOOKB/PART3/S3_667.DOC). |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

#### 6. Adjustment of Awards if the Child Is Under Age 18 or Helpless

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### In   | > This topic contains information about the adjustment  |
| troduction | > of awards if the child is under age 18 or helpless.   |
|            | > It includes information on                            |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   possible concurrent payment of compensation,        |
|            |     pension, or DIC, and                                |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   determinations depending on parental line.          |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### C    | > November 26, 2007                                     |
| hange Date |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### a. P | > Benefits are payable for compensation, pension, or    |
| ossible Co | > DIC concurrently with benefits under [38 U.S.C.       |
| ncurrent P | > Chapter                                               |
| ayment of  | > 35](http://assembler.law.cornell.ed                   |
| Compensati | u/uscode/html/uscode38/usc_sup_01_38_10_III_20_35.html) |
| on, Pensio | > if the child is                                       |
| n, or DIC  |                                                         |
|            | -   under age 18, or                                    |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   over age 18, but is entitled to receive benefits    |
|            |     based on his or her permanent incapacity for        |
|            |     self-support.                                       |
|            |                                                         |
|            | > ***Note***: Do not adjust because of [38 U.S.C.       |
|            | > Chapter                                               |
|            | > 35](http://assembler.law.cornell.ed                   |
|            | u/uscode/html/uscode38/usc_sup_01_38_10_III_20_35.html) |
|            | > eligibility for any period prior to the child's       |
|            | > 18^th^ birthday or while the child was permanently    |
|            | > incapacitated.                                        |
|            | >                                                       |
|            | > ***References***: For more information on             |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   DEA benefits for children permanently incapable of  |
|            |     self-support, see M21-1MR, Part III, Subpart iii,   |
|            |     6.C.15, and                                         |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   concurrent payment of DIC and DEA, see [38 CFR      |
|            |     21.3023                                             |
|            |     (b)](http://www.                                    |
|            | warms.vba.va.gov/REGS/38CFR/BOOKG/PART21/s21_3023.doc). |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### b. D | > Concurrent receipt of death compensation, pension, or |
| eterminati | > DIC and DEA is allowable for a child under the age of |
| ons Depend | > 18, or 18 and older if entitled to benefits based on  |
| ing on Par | > permanent incapacity of self-support. The benefits    |
| ental Line | > may be payable in the same case or in another case    |
|            | > based on the death of more than one parent in the     |
|            | > same parental line, if both such parents died before  |
|            | > June 9, 1960.                                         |
|            | >                                                       |
|            | > ***Important***: If one parent died on or after June  |
|            | > 9, 1960, adjust the award in any other case based on  |
|            | > service of a parent in the same parental line.        |
|            | >                                                       |
|            | > ***Reference***: For more information on handling     |
|            | > cases concerning two parents in the same parental     |
|            | > line, see [38 CFR                                     |
|            | > 3.659](http://w                                       |
|            | ww.warms.vba.va.gov/regs/38CFR/BOOKB/PART3/S3_658.DOC). |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

#### 7. Adjustment of Awards if the Child Is Over Age 18

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### In   | > This topic contains information about adjustment of   |
| troduction | > awards if the child is over age 18. It includes       |
|            | > information on                                        |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   the notification provided by the regional           |
|            |     processing offices (RPOs)                           |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   bar to concurrent receipt                           |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   when to reduce or discontinue awards, and           |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   recovering overpayments.                            |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### C    | > November 26, 2007                                     |
| hange Date |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| #####      | > The regional processing office (RPO) provides a copy  |
| a. Notific | > of the award of DEA benefits to the ROs that have     |
| ation Prov | > jurisdiction over the claims folder.                  |
| ided by Re | >                                                       |
| gional Pro | > ***Reference***: For information on the alignment of  |
| cessing Of | > ROs and RPOs, see M21-1MR, Part IX, Subpart ii, 2.11. |
| fice (RPO) |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ####       | > A child over the age of 18, who is not entitled to    |
| # b. Bar t | > benefits based on permanent incapacity for            |
| o Concurre | > self-support, may not receive death compensation,     |
| nt Receipt | > pension, or DIC concurrently with benefits under [38  |
|            | > U.S.C. Chapter                                        |
|            | > 35](http://assembler.law.cornell.edu                  |
|            | /uscode/html/uscode38/usc_sup_01_38_10_III_20_35.html). |
|            | >                                                       |
|            | > ***References***: For more information on the         |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   prohibition of concurrent payments of DIC and DEA,  |
|            |     see [38 CFR                                         |
|            |     21.3023](http://www.                                |
|            | warms.vba.va.gov/REGS/38CFR/BOOKG/PART21/s21_3023.doc). |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   effect of elections, see M21-1MR, Part III, Subpart |
|            |     v, 4.E.22.                                          |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

7\. Adjustment of Awards if the Child Is Over Age 18, Continued

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| #####      | > After notification is received from the RPO that DEA  |
|  c. When t | > benefits have been awarded, and the RO has sent       |
| o Reduce o | > notice of proposed adverse action, if required, use   |
| r Disconti | > reason code 41 to reduce or discontinue benefits in   |
| nue Awards | > the same or any other case in which the payments      |
|            | > authorized were based on the school attendance of a   |
|            | > child, either retroactively or prospectively.         |
|            | >                                                       |
|            | > Make the change effective the date the DEA benefits   |
|            | > to the child commenced.                               |
|            | >                                                       |
|            | > ***Important***: The RPO will usually send            |
|            | > notification of an initial DEA award via e-mail to an |
|            | > RO's CH 35 Outlook mailbox. That notification should  |
|            | > be retained in the claims folder as verification of   |
|            | > the award of DEA benefits.                            |
|            | >                                                       |
|            | > ***Notes***:                                          |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   If the child was receiving death benefits in        |
|            |     his/her own right, a contemporaneous notice may be  |
|            |     sent to the beneficiary upon election of DEA.       |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   If the child was included as a dependent on a       |
|            |     compensation or pension award, follow the due       |
|            |     process instructions M21-1MR, Part I, 2.A.2. Send   |
|            |     the primary payee a notice of proposed adverse      |
|            |     action before removing the child from the award.    |
|            |                                                         |
|            | > ***References***: For more information on             |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   the effective date of reduction in awards involving |
|            |     DEA benefits to a child, see [38 CFR                |
|            |     3.503(a)(8)](http://                                |
|            | www.warms.vba.va.gov/regs/38CFR/BOOKB/PART3/S3_503.DOC) |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   an adjustment if the child was receiving benefits   |
|            |     under a consolidated award, see                     |
|            |                                                         |
|            | ```{=html}                                              |
|            | <!-- -->                                                |
|            | ```                                                     |
|            | -   [M21-1, Part V,                                     |
|            |     4.05c(l)](ht                                        |
|            | tp://www.warms.vba.va.gov/admin21/m21_1/part5/ch04.doc) |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   [38 CFR                                             |
|            |     3.651](http://                                      |
|            | www.warms.vba.va.gov/regs/38CFR/BOOKB/PART3/S3_651.DOC) |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   [38 CFR 3.703                                       |
|            |     (c)](http://                                        |
|            | www.warms.vba.va.gov/regs/38CFR/BOOKB/PART3/S3_703.DOC) |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   [38 CFR 3.704                                       |
|            |     (a)](http://w                                       |
|            | ww.warms.vba.va.gov/regs/38CFR/BOOKB/PART3/S3_704.DOC), |
|            |     and                                                 |
|            |                                                         |
|            | ```{=html}                                              |
|            | <!-- -->                                                |
|            | ```                                                     |
|            | -   reductions effective the date of last payment due   |
|            |     to administrative error, see [38 CFR                |
|            |     3.500(b)(2)](http://w                               |
|            | ww.warms.vba.va.gov/regs/38CFR/BOOKB/PART3/S3_500.DOC). |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

7\. Adjustment of Awards if the Child Is Over Age 18, Continued

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##         | > Recover any overpayment created from the              |
| ### d. Rec | > compensation, pension, DIC, or death compensation     |
| overing Ov | > based on the child's school attendance beyond age 18. |
| erpayments | >                                                       |
|            | > An overpayment created in an award to a child is      |
|            | > recouped from the initial payment on the DEA award by |
|            | > the finance activity of the RPO that has jurisdiction |
|            | > over the DEA folder.                                  |
|            | >                                                       |
|            | > An overpayment created on a veteran's or widow's      |
|            | > award is not applied against the DEA benefits.        |
|            | >                                                       |
|            | > ***References***: For more information on handling an |
|            | > overpayment due to payment of DEA, see                |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   [M22-4, Part VII,                                   |
|            |     4.11](http                                          |
|            | ://www.warms.vba.va.gov/admin22/m22_4/part07/ch04.doc), |
|            |     and                                                 |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   [VBA Letter                                         |
|            |     20-01-13](http://vbaw.vba                           |
|            | .va.gov/BL/20/20-Letters/2001/VBA Letter 20-01-13.doc). |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

#### 8. Award Actions Based on School Attendance

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### In   | > This topic contains general information on award      |
| troduction | > payments based on school attendance. It includes      |
|            | > information on the                                    |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   definition of the term: ***increased awards***      |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   important concerns when preparing awards            |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   reason codes for school attendance awards           |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   unscheduled termination of school attendance        |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   consequences of the death or marriage of a child    |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   confirming entitlement for benefits after a course  |
|            |     change                                              |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   handling payments after notice of a school change   |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   confirming entitlement for benefits after a school  |
|            |     change                                              |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   prohibition of concurrent payments                  |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   allowable concurrent payments                       |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   DIC awards based on school attendance or            |
|            |     helplessness, and                                   |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   forms needed for completion of a DIC claim.         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### C    | > November 26, 2007                                     |
| hange Date |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### a.   | > ***Increased awards,*** for the purpose of this       |
| Definition | > chapter***,*** are those that add dependents, such as |
|  of the Te | > a                                                     |
| rm: Increa |                                                         |
| sed Awards | -   new dependent, or                                   |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   previous dependent for whom there has been a break  |
|            |     in continuity or change in status that affects the  |
|            |     benefit amount attributable to the dependent.       |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

8\. Award Actions Based on School Attendance, Continued

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### b.   | > Prepare awards involving school attendance in         |
| Important  | > accordance with                                       |
| Concerns W |                                                         |
| hen Prepar | -   [M21-1, Part V, Chapter                             |
| ing Awards |     5](ht                                               |
|            | tp://www.warms.vba.va.gov/admin21/m21_1/part5/ch05.doc) |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   [M21-1, Part V, Chapter                             |
|            |     6](htt                                              |
|            | p://www.warms.vba.va.gov/admin21/m21_1/part5/ch06.doc), |
|            |     and                                                 |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   M21-1MR Part III, Subpart iii, 6.D.                 |
|            |                                                         |
|            | > ***Important***: Pay particular attention to the      |
|            | > following items since incorrect entries will result   |
|            | > in error messages:                                    |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   reason codes                                        |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   the number of schoolchildren, and                   |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   child birth data.                                   |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### c. R | > Awards for school attendance must provide the         |
| eason Code | > following reason codes in the award line to reflect   |
| s for Scho | > the future termination of school attendance:          |
| ol Attenda |                                                         |
| nce Awards | -   reason code 25 for child over age 18; discontinues  |
|            |     school or reaches age 23                            |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   reason code 45 for child over age 18 on another     |
|            |     award; discontinues school or reaches age 23, and   |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   reason code 55 for child; status changed from       |
|            |     school child to helpless child.                     |
|            |                                                         |
|            | > ***Note***: The 304 (dependency) screen must provide  |
|            | > the same remove reason and remove date as on the 403  |
|            | > (disability/death award) screen.                      |
|            | >                                                       |
|            | > ***References***: For more information on             |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   preparing awards involving school attendance, see   |
|            |                                                         |
|            | ```{=html}                                              |
|            | <!-- -->                                                |
|            | ```                                                     |
|            | -   [M21-1, Part V, Chapter                             |
|            |     5](htt                                              |
|            | p://www.warms.vba.va.gov/admin21/m21_1/part5/ch05.doc), |
|            |     and                                                 |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   [M21-1, Part V, Chapter                             |
|            |     6](ht                                               |
|            | tp://www.warms.vba.va.gov/admin21/m21_1/part5/ch06.doc) |
|            |                                                         |
|            | ```{=html}                                              |
|            | <!-- -->                                                |
|            | ```                                                     |
|            | -   completing the award screens, see M21-1MR, Part     |
|            |     III, Subpart iii, 6.D, and                          |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   entry of reason code 23*, Child over 18 enters      |
|            |     school*, with a change in status code, see          |
|            |                                                         |
|            | ```{=html}                                              |
|            | <!-- -->                                                |
|            | ```                                                     |
|            | -   [M21-1, Part V, Chapter 5, Table                    |
|            |     I](htt                                              |
|            | p://www.warms.vba.va.gov/admin21/m21_1/part5/ch05.doc), |
|            |     and                                                 |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   [M21-1, Part I, Appendix C, Table                   |
|            |     F](htt                                              |
|            | p://www.warms.vba.va.gov/admin21/m21_1/part1/appc.doc). |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

8\. Award Actions Based on School Attendance, Continued

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ###        | > Use the table below to determine the action to take   |
| ## d. Unsc | > in the event of an unscheduled termination of school  |
| heduled Te | > attendance.                                           |
| rmination  |                                                         |
| of School  |                                                         |
| Attendance |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+---------------------------+------------------------------------------+
| If termination of         | Then ...                                 |
| schooling occurs during   |                                          |
| ...                       |                                          |
+---------------------------+------------------------------------------+
| the regular school year   | terminate or reduce the award effective  |
|                           | the first day of the month following the |
|                           | month in which school attendance         |
|                           | terminated.                              |
|                           |                                          |
|                           | ***Reference***: For more information on |
|                           | dates of reduction or discontinuance,    |
|                           | see [38 CFR                              |
|                           | 3.667(c)](http://www.warms.vba.va        |
|                           | .gov/regs/38CFR/BOOKB/PART3/S3_667.DOC). |
+---------------------------+------------------------------------------+
| a regularly scheduled     | reduce or terminate the award effective  |
| vacation period           | the date of last payment, or the first   |
|                           | day of the month school was scheduled to |
|                           | resume, whichever is earlier.            |
|                           |                                          |
|                           | ***Reference***: For more information on |
|                           | vacation periods, see [38 CFR            |
|                           | 3.667(b)](http://www.warms.vba.va        |
|                           | .gov/regs/38CFR/BOOKB/PART3/S3_667.DOC). |
+---------------------------+------------------------------------------+

+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| > ***Notes***:                                                        |
|                                                                       |
| -   Changes should be reported on *VA Form 21-674b, School Attendance |
|     Report*.                                                          |
|                                                                       |
| -   Provide notice of proposed adverse action prior to terminating or |
|     reducing the award if information is received from someone other  |
|     than the payee.                                                   |
|                                                                       |
| -   Handle information received by telephone, e-mail, or fax as shown |
|     in M21-1MR, Part III, Subpart iii, 1.B.2.d in cases of an earlier |
|     unscheduled termination of school attendance.                     |
|                                                                       |
| > ***Reference***: For more information on the specific requirements  |
| > for notices of proposed adverse action, see                         |
|                                                                       |
| -   M21-1MR, Part I, 2.A, and                                         |
|                                                                       |
| -   M21-1MR, Part I, 2.B.                                             |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

8\. Award Actions Based on School Attendance, Continued

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| #          | > To determine the adjustment required in an award to a |
| #### e. Co | > veteran or surviving spouse in the event of death or  |
| nsequences | > marriage of a schoolchild, see M21-1MR, Part III,     |
|  of Death  | > Subpart iii, 5.F.36.                                  |
| or Marriag |                                                         |
| e of Child |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### f    | > If notice is received indicating that the child has   |
| . Confirmi | > changed courses but remains at the same approved      |
| ng Entitle | > educational institution, a *VA Form 21-674, Request   |
| ment for B | > for Approval of School Attendance,* is *not*          |
| enefits Af | > required.                                             |
| ter a Cour | >                                                       |
| se Change  | > ***Note***: The scheduled discontinuance date for the |
|            | > child may need to be adjusted.                        |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### g.   | > Do not interrupt payments being made for approved     |
|  Handling  | > school attendance solely because of a notice of       |
| Payments A | > transfer to another school. Continue payments pending |
| fter Notic | > receipt of *VA Form 21-674* for the change in school. |
| e of a Sch | >                                                       |
| ool Change | > ***Reference***: For more information on establishing |
|            | > entitlement after a school change, see M21-1MR, Part  |
|            | > III, Subpart iii, 6.B.8.h.                            |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ####       | > Follow the steps in the table below to establish      |
| # h. Confi | > entitlement to benefits after a school change.        |
| rming Enti | >                                                       |
| tlement fo | > ***Note***: A separate *VA Form 21-674* is required   |
| r Benefits | > to establish entitlement for each change of school.   |
|  After Sch |                                                         |
| ool Change |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+-------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
| Step  | Action                                                       |
+-------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
| 1     | -   Send a notice to the claimant stating that *VA Form      |
|       |     21-674* must be completed and returned within 60 days or |
|       |     payments will be discontinued, and                       |
|       |                                                              |
|       | -   establish end product (EP) 130 for pending issue         |
|       |     control.                                                 |
+-------+--------------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

8\. Award Actions Based on School Attendance, Continued

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------
  h\. Confirming Entitlement for Benefits After School Change (continued)

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

+-------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
| Step  | Action                                                       |
+-------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
| 2     | Has *VA Form 21-674* or other adequate notice been returned  |
|       | within 60 days of the initial request?                       |
|       |                                                              |
|       | -   If *yes*                                                 |
|       |                                                              |
|       | ```{=html}                                                   |
|       | <!-- -->                                                     |
|       | ```                                                          |
|       | -   PCLR EP 130 or amend the award, and (if necessary)       |
|       |                                                              |
|       | -   send a notice of action taken.                           |
|       |                                                              |
|       | ```{=html}                                                   |
|       | <!-- -->                                                     |
|       | ```                                                          |
|       | -   If *no*, go to Step 3.                                   |
+-------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
| 3     | -   PCLR EP 130                                              |
|       |                                                              |
|       | -   establish the effective date of the proposed reduction   |
|       |     or termination                                           |
|       |                                                              |
|       | -   send a notice of proposed adverse action, and enclose    |
|       |                                                              |
|       | ```{=html}                                                   |
|       | <!-- -->                                                     |
|       | ```                                                          |
|       | -   a statement of the proposed decision, including the      |
|       |     proposed effective date                                  |
|       |                                                              |
|       | -   an explanation of the basis for the proposed decision    |
|       |                                                              |
|       | -   procedural rights, and                                   |
|       |                                                              |
|       | -   notice that the beneficiary must reply within 60 days,   |
|       |     and                                                      |
|       |                                                              |
|       | ```{=html}                                                   |
|       | <!-- -->                                                     |
|       | ```                                                          |
|       | -   maintain control with EP 600.                            |
+-------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
| 4     | > Has *VA Form 21-674* or other adequate notice been         |
|       | > received within the additional 60-day period?              |
|       |                                                              |
|       | -   If *yes*                                                 |
|       |                                                              |
|       | ```{=html}                                                   |
|       | <!-- -->                                                     |
|       | ```                                                          |
|       | -   PCLR 600 or amend the award, and                         |
|       |                                                              |
|       | -   send a notice of action taken.                           |
|       |                                                              |
|       | ```{=html}                                                   |
|       | <!-- -->                                                     |
|       | ```                                                          |
|       | -   If *no*                                                  |
|       |                                                              |
|       | ```{=html}                                                   |
|       | <!-- -->                                                     |
|       | ```                                                          |
|       | -   reduce or discontinue benefits as of the date of last    |
|       |     payment or the first of the month in which school was    |
|       |     scheduled to resume, whichever is earlier                |
|       |                                                              |
|       | -   send a locally-generated letter to advise the            |
|       |     beneficiary of the final action, and                     |
|       |                                                              |
|       | -   provide a complete explanation and give procedural and   |
|       |     appellate rights.                                        |
+-------+--------------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

8\. Award Actions Based on School Attendance, Continued

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ###        | > Generally, payment of pension, compensation, or DIC   |
| ## i. Proh | > may not be made concurrently with payment of DEA for  |
| ibition of | > a child who has attained the age of 18.               |
|  Concurren | >                                                       |
| t Payments | > After election of DEA benefits, a child may receive   |
|            | > pension, compensation, or DIC for                     |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   any period before attaining the age of 18           |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   a period of school attendance or term break after   |
|            |     attaining the age of 18 but before any period for   |
|            |     which DEA is paid, and                              |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   a period after the child attains the age of 18 when |
|            |     the child is considered incapable of self support   |
|            |     (helpless).                                         |
|            |                                                         |
|            | > ***Reference***: For more information on the          |
|            | > prohibition of concurrent payments, see [38 CFR       |
|            | > 21.3023](http://www.                                  |
|            | warms.vba.va.gov/REGS/38CFR/BOOKG/PART21/s21_3023.doc). |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### j.   | > Compensation, pension, or DIC may be paid to a parent |
|  Allowable | > when the child is a veteran receiving educational or  |
|  Concurren | > vocational rehabilitation benefits in his/her own     |
| t Payments | > right.                                                |
|            | >                                                       |
|            | > ***Important***: Payment of Social Security (SS)      |
|            | > benefits because of school attendance is not a bar to |
|            | > concurrent compensation, pension, or DIC based on the |
|            | > same school attendance.                               |
|            | >                                                       |
|            | > ***Reference***: For more information on concurrent   |
|            | > payment of DIC with educational or vocational         |
|            | > rehabilitation, see                                   |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   [38 CFR                                             |
|            |     3.703](http://w                                     |
|            | ww.warms.vba.va.gov/regs/38CFR/BOOKB/PART3/S3_703.DOC), |
|            |     Federal Employees' Compensation (FEC)               |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   M21-1MR, Part III, Subpart v, 4.D, FEC              |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   M21-1MR, Part III, Subpart iii, 6.B.6.a, DEA, and   |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   M21-1MR, Part III, Subpart iii, 6.B.12.c, DEA.      |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

8\. Award Actions Based on School Attendance, Continued

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##         | > Make payments of DIC to or for a child over age18 by  |
| ### k. DIC | > reason of school attendance or helplessness, under an |
|  Awards Ba | > additional and separate award even though             |
| sed on Sch |                                                         |
| ool Attend | -   the child may be in the custody of a surviving      |
| ance or He |     spouse in receipt of DIC benefits, and              |
| lplessness |                                                         |
|            | -   such benefits and additional awards are made to the |
|            |     surviving spouse as custodian under [38 CFR         |
|            |     3.850(c)](http://w                                  |
|            | ww.warms.vba.va.gov/regs/38CFR/BOOKB/PART3/S3_850.DOC). |
|            |                                                         |
|            | > ***Important***: Make direct payment to a child over  |
|            | > the age of 18 by reason of                            |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   school attendance, under [38 CFR                    |
|            |     3.667(a),](http://                                  |
|            | www.warms.vba.va.gov/regs/38CFR/BOOKB/PART3/S3_667.DOC) |
|            |     or                                                  |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   helplessness, under [38 CFR                         |
|            |     3.854](http://w                                     |
|            | ww.warms.vba.va.gov/regs/38CFR/BOOKB/PART3/S3_853.DOC). |
|            |                                                         |
|            | > ***Authority***: Direct payments are made to a child  |
|            | > by reason of majority under [38 CFR 3.403             |
|            | > (a)(2)](http://w                                      |
|            | ww.warms.vba.va.gov/regs/38CFR/BOOKB/PART3/S3_403.DOC). |
|            | >                                                       |
|            | > ***References***: For more information on             |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   a child's permanent incapacity for self-support,    |
|            |     see M21-1MR, Part III, Subpart iii, 7, and          |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   preparation of awards, see M21-1MR, Part III,       |
|            |     Subpart iii, 6.B.6.a.                               |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| #          | > Accept *VA Form 21-674* as the evidence required by   |
| #### l. Fo | > [38 CFR                                               |
| rms Needed | > 3.152(c)(4)](http://                                  |
|  for Compl | www.warms.vba.va.gov/regs/38CFR/BOOKB/PART3/S3_152.DOC) |
| etion of a | > to complete a claim for a child who was included in   |
|  DIC Claim | > the surviving spouse's claim and becomes eligible for |
|            | > DIC on reaching age 18.                               |
|            | >                                                       |
|            | > *VA Form 21-686c, Declaration of Status of            |
|            | > Dependents,* may be used to verify current            |
|            | > dependency, but no specific application is needed     |
|            | > from a child.                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

#### 9. Award Action for a Future Enrollment Date and Reduction or Discontinuance of an Enrollment Period

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### In   | > This topic contains information about the award       |
| troduction | > action for school attendance to begin at a future     |
|            | > date. It includes information on                      |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   when to authorize award action for a future         |
|            |     enrollment                                          |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   acceptable reports of school attendance             |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   taking award action, and                            |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   award reduction for a                               |
|            |                                                         |
|            | ```{=html}                                              |
|            | <!-- -->                                                |
|            | ```                                                     |
|            | -   surviving spouse or veteran                         |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   consolidated award, or                              |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   child receiving separate or apportioned share.      |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### C    | > November 26, 2007                                     |
| hange Date |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ###        | > Take award action to authorize the benefits payable,  |
| ## a. When | > if *VA Form 21-674* shows that the child expects to   |
|  to Author | > establish continuity of school attendance by          |
| ize Award  |                                                         |
| Action for | -   starting the next course of training at a future    |
|  a Future  |     date, or                                            |
| Enrollment |                                                         |
|            | -   continuing schooling following a holiday or         |
|            |     vacation.                                           |
|            |                                                         |
|            | > ***Note***: Award action may be taken up to three     |
|            | > months before the child's 18th birthday.              |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### b.   | > Verification of school attendance in lieu of *VA Form |
|  Acceptabl | > 21-674b* may be taken by telephone, e-mail, or fax.   |
| e Reports  | >                                                       |
| of School  | > ***References***: For more information on handling    |
| Attendance | > information received by telephone, e-mail, or fax,    |
|            | > see M21-1MR, Part III, Subpart iii, 1.B.2.d.          |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

9\. Award Action for a Future Enrollment Date and Reduction or
Discontinuance of an Enrollment Period, Continued

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### c.   | > Follow the steps in the table below to take award     |
|  Taking Aw | > action for school attendance to begin at a future     |
| ard Action | > date.                                                 |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+-------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
| Step  | Action                                                       |
+-------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
| 1     | -   Send *VA Form 21-674b* with the award notice. Advise the |
|       |     claimant that                                            |
|       |                                                              |
|       | ```{=html}                                                   |
|       | <!-- -->                                                     |
|       | ```                                                          |
|       | -   the form must be completed and returned within 60 days   |
|       |     following commencement of school, and                    |
|       |                                                              |
|       | -   benefits will be reduced or terminated if the form is    |
|       |     not received within the 60-day period, and               |
|       |                                                              |
|       | ```{=html}                                                   |
|       | <!-- -->                                                     |
|       | ```                                                          |
|       | -   maintain a future diary control under EP 130.            |
+-------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
| 2     | Has *VA Form 21-674b* or other adequate notice been returned |
|       | within 60 days following the commencement of school?         |
|       |                                                              |
|       | -   If *yes*, clear EP 130.                                  |
|       |                                                              |
|       | -   If *no*, go to Step 3.                                   |
+-------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
| 3     | -   Under EP 130, suspend payments to or on account of the   |
|       |     child effective the date of the last payment             |
|       |                                                              |
|       | -   establish EP 600 and send a notice of proposed adverse   |
|       |     action for the retroactive adjustment, and enclose       |
|       |                                                              |
|       | ```{=html}                                                   |
|       | <!-- -->                                                     |
|       | ```                                                          |
|       | -   another *VA Form 21-674b*                                |
|       |                                                              |
|       | -   a statement of the proposed decision, including the      |
|       |     proposed effective date                                  |
|       |                                                              |
|       | -   an explanation of the basis for the proposed decision    |
|       |                                                              |
|       | -   procedural rights, and                                   |
|       |                                                              |
|       | -   notice that the beneficiary must reply within 60 days,   |
|       |     and                                                      |
|       |                                                              |
|       | ```{=html}                                                   |
|       | <!-- -->                                                     |
|       | ```                                                          |
|       | -   set the diary control for 60 days.                       |
+-------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
| 4     | > Has *VA Form 21-674b* or other adequate notice been        |
|       | > received within the additional 60-day period?              |
|       |                                                              |
|       | -   If *yes*                                                 |
|       |                                                              |
|       | ```{=html}                                                   |
|       | <!-- -->                                                     |
|       | ```                                                          |
|       | -   reinstate benefits under EP 600, and                     |
|       |                                                              |
|       | -   notify the beneficiary of the action taken.              |
|       |                                                              |
|       | ```{=html}                                                   |
|       | <!-- -->                                                     |
|       | ```                                                          |
|       | -   If *no*, reduce effective the date of last payment, or   |
|       |     the first day of the month in which school was scheduled |
|       |     to begin or resume, whichever is earlier ([38 CFR        |
|       |     3.667(b)](http                                           |
|       | ://www.warms.vba.va.gov/regs/38CFR/BOOKB/PART3/S3_667.DOC)). |
+-------+--------------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

9\. Award Action for a Future Enrollment Date and Reduction or
Discontinuance of an Enrollment Period, Continued

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### d.   | > When an award to a surviving spouse or a veteran      |
|  Award Red | > includes additional benefits based on the child's     |
| uction for | > anticipated school attendance and *VA Form 21-674b*   |
|  a Survivi | > has not been received, reduce the award effective     |
| ng Spouse  |                                                         |
| or Veteran | -   the date of last payment, or                        |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   the first day of the month in which school          |
|            |     attendance was scheduled to begin or resume,        |
|            |     whichever is earlier.                               |
|            |                                                         |
|            | > ***Note***: Do not maintain any further control.      |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### e.   | > If payments were being made under a consolidated      |
| Award Redu | > award and *VA Form 21-674b* has not been received,    |
| ction for  | > reduce the award (changing dependency codes and       |
| a Consolid | > rates) to exclude the child effective on the          |
| ated Award |                                                         |
|            | -   date of last payment, or                            |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   first day of the month in which school attendance   |
|            |     was scheduled to begin or resume, whichever is      |
|            |     earlier.                                            |
|            |                                                         |
|            | > ***Note***: Create any overpayment in accordance with |
|            | > [M21-1, Part V,                                       |
|            | > 4.05c(l)](htt                                         |
|            | p://www.warms.vba.va.gov/admin21/m21_1/part5/ch04.doc). |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ####       | > If the child was receiving a separate or an           |
| # f. Award | > apportioned share and *VA Form 21-674b* has not been  |
|  Reduction | > received, discontinue his/her award effective         |
|  for Child |                                                         |
|  Receiving | -   the date of last payment, or                        |
|  Separate  |                                                         |
| or Apporti | -   the first day of the month in which school          |
| oned Share |     attendance was scheduled to begin or resume,        |
|            |     whichever is earlier.                               |
|            |                                                         |
|            | > ***Notes***:                                          |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   Simultaneously adjust any other affected award to   |
|            |     the increased rate payable to other payees because  |
|            |     of the termination of the child's entitlement.      |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   Awards to increase benefits based on the loss of a  |
|            |     dependent are both effective and payable from the   |
|            |     factual date of dependency change, as the total     |
|            |     award amount was reduced to reflect the loss.       |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

#### 10. Verifying Continuous School Attendance

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### In   | > This topic contains information about verifying       |
| troduction | > continuous school attendance. It contains information |
|            | > on                                                    |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   verifying continuous school attendance with *VA     |
|            |     Form 21-8960, Certification of School Attendance or |
|            |     Termination*                                        |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   when *VA Form 21-8960,* is mailed                   |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   requesting proof of school attendance with *VA Form |
|            |     21-674*                                             |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   when to use *VA Form 21-674b*                       |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   procedure to verify continuous school attendance    |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   failure to verify continuous school attendance      |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   review to determine improper receipt of education   |
|            |     benefits, and                                       |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   definition of the term: ***adequate notice***.      |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### C    | > November 26, 2007                                     |
| hange Date |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### a.   | > The custodian of each child or the child if paid      |
|  Verifying | > directly, who receives school attendance benefits, is |
|  Continuou | > required to verify continuous school attendance and   |
| s School A | > intent to continue school attendance at least once    |
| ttendance  | > each year by                                          |
| With VA Fo |                                                         |
| rm 21-8960 | -   completing *VA Form 21-8960*, *Certification of     |
|            |     School Attendance or Termination,* or               |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   providing another form of adequate notice.          |
|            |                                                         |
|            | > ***Important***: If certification of school           |
|            | > attendance is not received, benefits payable to or on |
|            | > behalf of the child will be discontinued.             |
|            | >                                                       |
|            | > ***References***: For                                 |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   more information on verifying continuous school     |
|            |     attendance, see M21-1MR, Part III, Subpart iii,     |
|            |     6.B.10.e, and                                       |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   a definition of "adequate notice," see M21-1MR,     |
|            |     Part III, Subpart iii, 6.B.10.g.                    |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##         | > The Benefits Delivery Network (BDN) generates a *VA   |
| ### b. Whe | > Form 21-8960* for the child's custodian or every      |
| n VA Form  | > child shown on the master record as attending school  |
| 21-8960 *C |                                                         |
| ertificati | -   each March, and/or                                  |
| on of Scho |                                                         |
| ol Attenda | -   two months before a scheduled termination of school |
| nce or Ter |     attendance, unless the termination is in June.      |
| mination*, |                                                         |
|  is Mailed |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

10\. Verifying Continuous School Attendance, Continued

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| #####      | > Send a locally generated letter to the claimant for   |
| c. Request | > completion of *VA Form 21-674* in duplicate, to       |
| ing Proof  | > establish school attendance and obtain income         |
| of School  | > information if needed.                                |
| Attendance | >                                                       |
|  With VA F | > In the letter, inform the claimant                    |
| orm 21-674 |                                                         |
|            | -   that *VA Form 21-674* must be completed in          |
|            |     duplicate in accordance with the instructions       |
|            |     provided                                            |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   to retain the copy and return the completed and     |
|            |     signed original to the Department of Veterans       |
|            |     Affairs (VA), and                                   |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   to use the reverse side of the retained copy to     |
|            |     report any change in the child's school status,     |
|            |     such as discontinuance of the approved course of    |
|            |     education or training or marriage prior to          |
|            |     completion of the course.                           |
|            |                                                         |
|            | > ***Note***: Before sending *VA Form 21-674,* insert   |
|            | > in the appropriate blocks the file number, veteran's  |
|            | > name, child's name, and the RO to which the form is   |
|            | > to be returned*.*                                     |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| #####      | > Use *VA Form 21-674b*, *School Attendance Report,*    |
| d. When to | > only when verification of school attendance is        |
|  Use VA Fo | > required in cases that will begin in the future.      |
| rm 21-674b | >                                                       |
|            | > ***Note***: Before sending *VA Form 21-674b*, insert  |
|            | > in the appropriate blocks the file number, veteran's  |
|            | > name, child's name and the regional office (RO) to    |
|            | > which the form is to be returned.                     |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

10\. Verifying Continuous School Attendance, Continued

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### e    | > Follow the steps in the table below to verify         |
| . Procedur | > continuous school attendance after BDN                |
| e to Verif |                                                         |
| y Continuo | -   sends a notice to the claimant stating that *VA     |
| us School  |     Form 21-8960* must be completed and returned within |
| Attendance |     60 days or payments will be discontinued, and       |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   establishes a pending diary.                        |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+---------------------------+------------------------------------------+
| If VA Form 21-8960        | Then ...                                 |
| indicates ...             |                                          |
+---------------------------+------------------------------------------+
| that the child has not    | -   clear EP 130, and                    |
| changed schools *and*     |                                          |
| his/her graduation date   | -   cancel the master record diary under |
| remains the same          |     reason code 21.                      |
+---------------------------+------------------------------------------+
| that the child has not    | -   establish EP 130                     |
| changed schools *and*     |                                          |
| his/her graduation date   | -   prepare an amended award to adjust   |
| has changed               |     the removal date of the child, and   |
|                           |                                          |
|                           | -   cancel the master record diary under |
|                           |     reason code 21.                      |
|                           |                                          |
|                           | ***Note***: Provide contemporaneous      |
|                           | notice if the removal date is earlier    |
|                           | than the removal date of record.         |
|                           | Otherwise, general notification of the   |
|                           | decision is sufficient.                  |
+---------------------------+------------------------------------------+
| that the child has        | -   cancel the master record diary under |
| changed schools           |     reason code 21                       |
|                           |                                          |
|                           | -   establish EP 130, and                |
|                           |                                          |
|                           | -   inform the claimant that *VA Form    |
|                           |     21-674* must be completed and        |
|                           |     returned within 60 days.             |
+---------------------------+------------------------------------------+

+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| > ***Note***: Certification of school attendance may be accepted by   |
| > telephone, e-mail, or fax.                                          |
| >                                                                     |
| > ***Reference***: For additional information on contact procedures,  |
| > see M21-1MR, Part II, 5.A (TBD) or [M21-1, Part III, 11.18 and      |
| > 11.19](http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/admin21/m21_1/part3/ch11.doc).   |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

10\. Verifying Continuous School Attendance, Continued

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ####       | > If the claimant fails to return *VA Form 21-8960*     |
| # f. Failu | > within 60 days, follow the steps in the table below.  |
| re to Veri |                                                         |
| fy School  |                                                         |
| Attendance |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+-------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
| Step  | Action                                                       |
+-------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
| 1     | Review the claims folder to determine when it was last       |
|       | verified that the child was attending school.                |
|       |                                                              |
|       | ***Note***: Accept any prior communication not contradicted  |
|       | by evidence in the file that confirms the student's          |
|       | attendance at school.                                        |
+-------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
| 2     | -   clear an EP 130                                          |
|       |                                                              |
|       | -   establish the effective date of the proposed reduction   |
|       |     or termination as the first of the month following the   |
|       |     month in which school attendance was last certified      |
|       |                                                              |
|       | -   send the notice of proposed adverse action and enclose   |
|       |                                                              |
|       | ```{=html}                                                   |
|       | <!-- -->                                                     |
|       | ```                                                          |
|       | -   a statement of the proposed action and effective date    |
|       |                                                              |
|       | -   an explanation of the basis for the proposed decision    |
|       |                                                              |
|       | -   *VA Form 21-674* or *VA Form 21-8960*                    |
|       |                                                              |
|       | -   procedural rights, and                                   |
|       |                                                              |
|       | -   notice that the beneficiary must reply within 60 days,   |
|       |     and                                                      |
|       |                                                              |
|       | ```{=html}                                                   |
|       | <!-- -->                                                     |
|       | ```                                                          |
|       | -   establish an EP 600 diary control to mature 60 days      |
|       |     following the date that the notice of proposed adverse   |
|       |     action is released.                                      |
+-------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
| 3     | > Has *VA Form 21-674*, *VA Form 21-8960,* or other adequate |
|       | > notice been received within the additional 60-day period?  |
|       |                                                              |
|       | -   If *yes*                                                 |
|       |                                                              |
|       | ```{=html}                                                   |
|       | <!-- -->                                                     |
|       | ```                                                          |
|       | -   adjust the ending date, if warranted                     |
|       |                                                              |
|       | -   clear the EP                                             |
|       |                                                              |
|       | -   send a locally-generated letter with a complete          |
|       |     explanation of all actions taken, and                    |
|       |                                                              |
|       | -   include procedural and appellate rights.                 |
|       |                                                              |
|       | ```{=html}                                                   |
|       | <!-- -->                                                     |
|       | ```                                                          |
|       | -   If *no*                                                  |
|       |                                                              |
|       | ```{=html}                                                   |
|       | <!-- -->                                                     |
|       | ```                                                          |
|       | -   reduce or terminate benefits as proposed                 |
|       |                                                              |
|       | -   send a locally-generated letter to advise of the final   |
|       |     action, including a complete explanation of actions      |
|       |     taken, procedural and appellate rights.                  |
+-------+--------------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

10\. Verifying Continuous School Attendance, Continued

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### g    | > When reviewing *VA Forms 21-8960, 21-674, or          |
| . Review t | > 21-674b*, refer to the BDN M11 screen to determine if |
| o Determin |                                                         |
| e Improper | -   the veteran is evaluated 100 percent disabled       |
|  Receipt o |                                                         |
| f Educatio | -   in receipt of individual unemployability, or        |
| n Benefits |                                                         |
|            | -   the beneficiary is receiving benefits as a child in |
|            |     his/her own right.                                  |
|            |                                                         |
|            | > If any of these apply, conduct an inquiry under the   |
|            | > BINQ command to determine if the child attending      |
|            | > school is also receiving Dependents' Educational      |
|            | > Assistance (DEA) benefits under payee 40 through 49.  |
|            | > These steps are necessary to prevent improper dual    |
|            | > payments of DEA and compensation, pension or DIC.     |
|            | >                                                       |
|            | > ***Reference***: For additional information on        |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   determining DEA entitlement, see M21-1MR, Part III, |
|            |     Subpart iii, 6.C.14.b, and                          |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   the prohibition of concurrent payment of DIC and    |
|            |     DEA, see                                            |
|            |                                                         |
|            | ```{=html}                                              |
|            | <!-- -->                                                |
|            | ```                                                     |
|            | -   [*38 CFR                                            |
|            |     21.3023*](http://www.                               |
|            | warms.vba.va.gov/REGS/38CFR/BOOKG/PART21/s21_3023.doc), |
|            |     and                                                 |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   [*38 CFR                                            |
|            |     3.707*](http://w                                    |
|            | ww.warms.vba.va.gov/regs/38CFR/BOOKB/PART3/S3_707.DOC). |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### h.   | > ***Adequate notice*** is defined as written           |
|  Definitio | > information verifying school attendance or indicating |
| n of the T | > termination of enrollment provided by                 |
| erm: Adequ |                                                         |
| ate Notice | -   the payee, or                                       |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   his/her fiduciary or power of attorney (POA).       |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

#### 11. Fiduciary Awards After the Age of Majority

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### In   | > This topic contains information about fiduciary       |
| troduction | > awards after the age of majority. It includes         |
|            | > information on                                        |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   awards to a fiduciary based on school attendance    |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   continuing payments after the age of majority       |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   reducing a consolidated award, and                  |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   signature authority on awards based upon age of     |
|            |     majority.                                           |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### C    | > November 26, 2007                                     |
| hange Date |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### a    | > Continue payment through the final date of            |
| . Awards t | > entitlement (the end of approved schooling or age 23, |
| o a Fiduci | > whichever is earlier), if                             |
| ary Based  |                                                         |
| on School  | -   the age of majority is later than age 18, and       |
| Attendance |                                                         |
|            | -   an award is being made to a fiduciary, including a  |
|            |     fiduciary recognized under [38 CFR                  |
|            |     3.850(c)](http://w                                  |
|            | ww.warms.vba.va.gov/regs/38CFR/BOOKB/PART3/S3_850.DOC), |
|            |     based on school attendance.                         |
|            |                                                         |
|            | > ***Note***: The "age of majority" is the age at which |
|            | > an individual is legally considered an adult.         |
|            | >                                                       |
|            | > ***References***: For                                 |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   a list of the age of majority in each State and     |
|            |     territory, see M21-1MR, Part III, Subpart v,        |
|            |     9.C.11, and                                         |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   more information on payment to the parent as        |
|            |     custodian of the child, see [38 CFR                 |
|            |     3.850(c)](http://w                                  |
|            | ww.warms.vba.va.gov/regs/38CFR/BOOKB/PART3/S3_850.DOC). |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

11\. Fiduciary Awards After the Age of Majority, Continued

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ####       | > Follow the steps below to continue payments after the |
| # b. Conti | > age of majority.                                      |
| nuing Paym |                                                         |
| ents After |                                                         |
|  the Age o |                                                         |
| f Majority |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+-------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
| Step  | Action                                                       |
+-------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
| 1     | -   Send a locally-generated letter to the child to          |
|       |                                                              |
|       | ```{=html}                                                   |
|       | <!-- -->                                                     |
|       | ```                                                          |
|       | -   ascertain the child's current address, and               |
|       |                                                              |
|       | -   verify marital status and school attendance, and         |
|       |                                                              |
|       | ```{=html}                                                   |
|       | <!-- -->                                                     |
|       | ```                                                          |
|       | -   establish a control for further review in sufficient     |
|       |     time to prevent receipt of any payment by the fiduciary  |
|       |     after the child attains majority.                        |
+-------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
| 2     | > Has the requested evidence been received within the        |
|       | > control period?                                            |
|       |                                                              |
|       | -   If *yes*, go to Step 3.                                  |
|       |                                                              |
|       | -   If *no*, go to Step 4.                                   |
|       |                                                              |
|       | ***Reference***: For information on separate payments of DIC |
|       | to a child over age 18, see M21-1MR, Part III, Subpart iii,  |
|       | 6.B.7.                                                       |
+-------+--------------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

11\. Fiduciary Awards After the Age of Majority, Continued

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------
  b\. Continuing Payments After the Age of Majority (continued)

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

+-------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
| Step  | Action                                                       |
+-------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
| 3     | -   Authorize direct payment under [38 CFR                   |
|       |     3.403(a)(2)](ht                                          |
|       | tp://www.warms.vba.va.gov/regs/38CFR/BOOKB/PART3/S3_403.DOC) |
|       |     and [38 CFR                                              |
|       |     3.854](ht                                                |
|       | tp://www.warms.vba.va.gov/regs/38CFR/BOOKB/PART3/S3_853.DOC) |
|       |     to the child effective from the earlier of               |
|       |                                                              |
|       | ```{=html}                                                   |
|       | <!-- -->                                                     |
|       | ```                                                          |
|       | -   the first of the month in which majority was attained,   |
|       |     or                                                       |
|       |                                                              |
|       | -   the date of last payment, if such payment will be        |
|       |     received on or after attainment of majority, and         |
|       |                                                              |
|       | ```{=html}                                                   |
|       | <!-- -->                                                     |
|       | ```                                                          |
|       | -   notify the student by locally-generated letter.          |
|       |                                                              |
|       | ***Notes***:                                                 |
|       |                                                              |
|       | -   If no other child is being paid under the award to a     |
|       |     beneficiary                                              |
|       |                                                              |
|       | ```{=html}                                                   |
|       | <!-- -->                                                     |
|       | ```                                                          |
|       | -   use Share under CFID authority to substitute the child   |
|       |     as a payee for direct payment of benefits due by reason  |
|       |     of majority                                              |
|       |                                                              |
|       | -   notify the student by letter, and                        |
|       |                                                              |
|       | -   annotate the reason for this change on the document      |
|       |     print.                                                   |
|       |                                                              |
|       | ```{=html}                                                   |
|       | <!-- -->                                                     |
|       | ```                                                          |
|       | -   Complete the FIDUCIARY FILE LOCATION field with entry of |
|       |     *000* to remove the fiduciary file location and prevent  |
|       |     unnecessary fiduciary messages, such as a reject based   |
|       |     on changes of address not processed under CFID           |
|       |     authority.                                               |
+-------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
| 4     | If requested evidence is not received                        |
|       |                                                              |
|       | -   clear EP 130 and establish EP 600 to control the         |
|       |     proposed reduction or termination                        |
|       |                                                              |
|       | -   send a notice of proposed adverse action and enclose the |
|       |     following information:                                   |
|       |                                                              |
|       | ```{=html}                                                   |
|       | <!-- -->                                                     |
|       | ```                                                          |
|       | -   a statement of the proposed decision, including the      |
|       |     proposed effective date                                  |
|       |                                                              |
|       | -   an explanation of the basis for the proposed decision    |
|       |                                                              |
|       | -   procedural rights, and                                   |
|       |                                                              |
|       | -   notice that the beneficiary must reply within 60 days    |
|       |                                                              |
|       | ```{=html}                                                   |
|       | <!-- -->                                                     |
|       | ```                                                          |
|       | -   maintain control, and                                    |
|       |                                                              |
|       | -   go to Step 5.                                            |
+-------+--------------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

11\. Fiduciary Awards After the Age of Majority, Continued

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------
  b\. Continuing Payments After the Age of Majority (continued)

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

+-------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
| Step  | Action                                                       |
+-------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
| 5     | > Has a response been received within the additional 60-day  |
|       | > period?                                                    |
|       |                                                              |
|       | -   If *yes*, go to Step 3.                                  |
|       |                                                              |
|       | -   If *no*                                                  |
|       |                                                              |
|       | ```{=html}                                                   |
|       | <!-- -->                                                     |
|       | ```                                                          |
|       | -   suspend the award the date of last payment               |
|       |                                                              |
|       | -   send a locally-generated letter to advise the            |
|       |     beneficiary of the final action                          |
|       |                                                              |
|       | -   provide appellate rights, and                            |
|       |                                                              |
|       | -   go to Step 6.                                            |
+-------+--------------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

11\. Fiduciary Awards After the Age of Majority, Continued

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------
  b\. Continuing Payments After the Age of Majority (continued)

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

+-------+---+-------------------+------------------------------------+---+
| Step  | A |                   |                                    |   |
|       | c |                   |                                    |   |
|       | t |                   |                                    |   |
|       | i |                   |                                    |   |
|       | o |                   |                                    |   |
|       | n |                   |                                    |   |
+-------+---+-------------------+------------------------------------+---+
| 6     | U |                   |                                    |   |
|       | s |                   |                                    |   |
|       | e |                   |                                    |   |
|       | t |                   |                                    |   |
|       | h |                   |                                    |   |
|       | e |                   |                                    |   |
|       | t |                   |                                    |   |
|       | a |                   |                                    |   |
|       | b |                   |                                    |   |
|       | l |                   |                                    |   |
|       | e |                   |                                    |   |
|       | b |                   |                                    |   |
|       | e |                   |                                    |   |
|       | l |                   |                                    |   |
|       | o |                   |                                    |   |
|       | w |                   |                                    |   |
|       | t |                   |                                    |   |
|       | o |                   |                                    |   |
|       | d |                   |                                    |   |
|       | e |                   |                                    |   |
|       | t |                   |                                    |   |
|       | e |                   |                                    |   |
|       | r |                   |                                    |   |
|       | m |                   |                                    |   |
|       | i |                   |                                    |   |
|       | n |                   |                                    |   |
|       | e |                   |                                    |   |
|       | h |                   |                                    |   |
|       | o |                   |                                    |   |
|       | w |                   |                                    |   |
|       | t |                   |                                    |   |
|       | o |                   |                                    |   |
|       | h |                   |                                    |   |
|       | a |                   |                                    |   |
|       | n |                   |                                    |   |
|       | d |                   |                                    |   |
|       | l |                   |                                    |   |
|       | e |                   |                                    |   |
|       | e |                   |                                    |   |
|       | v |                   |                                    |   |
|       | i |                   |                                    |   |
|       | d |                   |                                    |   |
|       | e |                   |                                    |   |
|       | n |                   |                                    |   |
|       | c |                   |                                    |   |
|       | e |                   |                                    |   |
|       | t |                   |                                    |   |
|       | h |                   |                                    |   |
|       | a |                   |                                    |   |
|       | t |                   |                                    |   |
|       | i |                   |                                    |   |
|       | s |                   |                                    |   |
|       | r |                   |                                    |   |
|       | e |                   |                                    |   |
|       | c |                   |                                    |   |
|       | e |                   |                                    |   |
|       | i |                   |                                    |   |
|       | v |                   |                                    |   |
|       | e |                   |                                    |   |
|       | d |                   |                                    |   |
|       | a |                   |                                    |   |
|       | f |                   |                                    |   |
|       | t |                   |                                    |   |
|       | e |                   |                                    |   |
|       | r |                   |                                    |   |
|       | t |                   |                                    |   |
|       | h |                   |                                    |   |
|       | e |                   |                                    |   |
|       | a |                   |                                    |   |
|       | w |                   |                                    |   |
|       | a |                   |                                    |   |
|       | r |                   |                                    |   |
|       | d |                   |                                    |   |
|       | h |                   |                                    |   |
|       | a |                   |                                    |   |
|       | s |                   |                                    |   |
|       | b |                   |                                    |   |
|       | e |                   |                                    |   |
|       | e |                   |                                    |   |
|       | n |                   |                                    |   |
|       | s |                   |                                    |   |
|       | u |                   |                                    |   |
|       | s |                   |                                    |   |
|       | p |                   |                                    |   |
|       | e |                   |                                    |   |
|       | n |                   |                                    |   |
|       | d |                   |                                    |   |
|       | e |                   |                                    |   |
|       | d |                   |                                    |   |
|       | . |                   |                                    |   |
+-------+---+-------------------+------------------------------------+---+
|       |   | **If the evidence | **Then ...**                       |   |
|       |   | is ...**          |                                    |   |
+-------+---+-------------------+------------------------------------+---+
|       |   | not received      | message code 615, ACCOUNT IN       |   |
|       |   | within six months | SUSPENSE SIX MONTHS OR MORE, is    |   |
|       |   |                   | issued. Discontinue the award      |   |
|       |   |                   | effective the date of last         |   |
|       |   |                   | payment.                           |   |
+-------+---+-------------------+------------------------------------+---+
|       |   | received          | -   if no other child is being     |   |
|       |   |                   |     paid under the award to a      |   |
|       |   | -   within six    |     beneficiary, use Share under   |   |
|       |   |     months, and   |     CFID authority to substitute   |   |
|       |   |                   |     the child as a payee for       |   |
|       |   | -   prior to      |     direct payment of benefits due |   |
|       |   |     termination,  |     by reason of majority          |   |
|       |   |     but           |                                    |   |
|       |   |                   | -   annotate the reason for this   |   |
|       |   | -   after the     |     change on the document print,  |   |
|       |   |     award has     |     and                            |   |
|       |   |     been          |                                    |   |
|       |   |     suspended     | -   notify the student by          |   |
|       |   |                   |     locally-generated letter.      |   |
|       |   |                   |                                    |   |
|       |   |                   | > ***Note***: For only-child       |   |
|       |   |                   | > awards                           |   |
|       |   |                   |                                    |   |
|       |   |                   | -   use the 406 screen under the   |   |
|       |   |                   |     resume (RESU) to resume        |   |
|       |   |                   |     payments, and                  |   |
|       |   |                   |                                    |   |
|       |   |                   | -   make consecutive Share entries |   |
|       |   |                   |     under CFID authority to        |   |
|       |   |                   |     substitute the student's name  |   |
|       |   |                   |     and address as direct payee    |   |
|       |   |                   |     and to zero out any existing   |   |
|       |   |                   |     code by entry of "000" in the  |   |
|       |   |                   |     FIDUCIARY FILE LOCATION field. |   |
+-------+---+-------------------+------------------------------------+---+
|       |   | received          | take action by amended or reopened |   |
|       |   |                   | award as appropriate.              |   |
|       |   | -   following     |                                    |   |
|       |   |     termination   | ***Note***: If continued           |   |
|       |   |     of benefits,  | entitlement is not established,    |   |
|       |   |     but           | terminate the award as of the      |   |
|       |   |                   | appropriate date.                  |   |
|       |   | -   within one    |                                    |   |
|       |   |     year of the   |                                    |   |
|       |   |     request       |                                    |   |
+-------+---+-------------------+------------------------------------+---+
|       |   |                   |                                    |   |
+-------+---+-------------------+------------------------------------+---+

Continued on next page

11\. Fiduciary Awards After the Age of Majority, Continued

+-----------+----------------------------------------------------------+
| ##        | > To reduce a consolidated award                         |
| ### c. Re |                                                          |
| ducing a  | -   take award action to reduce benefits                 |
| Consolida |                                                          |
| ted Award | -   use reason code 31 or 43 for the award line that     |
|           |     reduces payments                                     |
|           |                                                          |
|           | -   authorize direct payments to the schoolchild on an   |
|           |     original or reopened award using reason code 00 or   |
|           |     60, as appropriate, and                              |
|           |                                                          |
|           | -   notify the student by letter.                        |
|           |                                                          |
|           | > ***References***: For more information on              |
|           |                                                          |
|           | -   consolidated award adjustment, see [M21-1, Part V,   |
|           |     4.05c](ht                                            |
|           | tp://www.warms.vba.va.gov/admin21/m21_1/part5/ch04.doc), |
|           |     and                                                  |
|           |                                                          |
|           | -   preparation of awards, see M21-1MR, Part III,        |
|           |     Subpart iii, 6.B.9.e.                                |
+-----------+----------------------------------------------------------+

+-----------+----------------------------------------------------------+
| ##        | > The authority to sign *VA Form 21-674* belongs to      |
| ### d. Si |                                                          |
| gnature A | -   the child reaching the age of majority when an       |
| uthority  |     apportionment is involved                            |
| on Awards |                                                          |
|  Based Up | -   the custodian of the child receiving an              |
| on Age of |     apportionment prior to reaching the age of majority; |
|  Majority |     however, once the age of majority is obtained,       |
|           |     benefits must be paid to the child                   |
|           |                                                          |
|           | -   the child reaching the age of majority when DIC is   |
|           |     involved                                             |
|           |                                                          |
|           | -   the surviving spouse in DIC cases when the child has |
|           |     not reached the age of majority                      |
|           |                                                          |
|           | -   the veteran when the child is claimed as a           |
|           |     dependent, and                                       |
|           |                                                          |
|           | -   the surviving spouse in death pension cases.         |
|           |                                                          |
|           | > ***Reference***: For more information on age of        |
|           | > majority, see [38 CFR                                  |
|           | > 3.854](http://                                         |
|           | www.warms.vba.va.gov/regs/38CFR/BOOKB/PART3/S3_853.DOC). |
+-----------+----------------------------------------------------------+

#### 12. Finality of Election of Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA)

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### In   | > This topic contains information about the finality of |
| troduction | > election. It includes information on                  |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   withholding award action pending verification       |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   verifying DEA payments have been made               |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   when concurrent payments are allowed                |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   determining the jurisdiction of the DEA folder, and |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   when to consider the election of DEA final.         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### C    | > November 26, 2007                                     |
| hange Date |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ####       | > Do *not* award disability or death benefits until     |
| # a. Withh | > verifying that payment of DEA has not been made for   |
| olding Awa | > any period to be covered by the claim if              |
| rd Action  |                                                         |
| Pending Ve | -   VA has issued a Certificate of Eligibility or       |
| rification |     payment of [38 U.S.C. Chapter                       |
|            |     35](http://assembler.law.cornell.ed                 |
|            | u/uscode/html/uscode38/usc_sup_01_38_10_III_20_35.html) |
|            |     benefits, and                                       |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   there is a request for resumption of benefits for   |
|            |     an eligible child over age 18 based on school       |
|            |     attendance.                                         |
|            |                                                         |
|            | > ***Note***: All inquires regarding payment of DEA,    |
|            | > whether from an RPO or a Veteran's Service Center     |
|            | > (VSC), should be sent through the RPO's or RO's       |
|            | > Chapter 35 mailbox in Microsoft Outlook.              |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| #####      | > Verify whether payment of DEA benefits have been made |
| b. Verifyi | > by contacting the Education RPO that has jurisdiction |
| ng DEA Pay | > over the DEA folder through one of the following      |
| ments Have | > means:                                                |
|  Been Made |                                                         |
|            | -   e-mail                                              |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   telephone call, or                                  |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   letter of request.                                  |
|            |                                                         |
|            | > ***Note***: Sending a letter of request is always the |
|            | > last option.                                          |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

12\. Finality of Election of Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA),
Continued

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| #####      | > There is no bar to concurrent payment of DEA and      |
|  c. When C | > disability or death benefits to, or for, a            |
| oncurrent  |                                                         |
| Payments A | -   child under age 18                                  |
| re Allowed |                                                         |
|            | -   helpless child, or                                  |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   spouse or surviving spouse.                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### d.   | > Send an inquiry through the Beneficiary               |
|  Determini | > Identification and Records Locator Subsystem (BIRLS)  |
| ng Jurisdi | > to identify the RPO location of the DEA folder, if it |
| ction of D | > exists.                                               |
| EA Folder  | >                                                       |
|            | > If BIRLS does not contain a record of the DEA folder, |
|            | > address the request to the RPO to which the *VA Form  |
|            | > 22-5490* was referred.                                |
|            | >                                                       |
|            | > ***Note***: The BIRLS inquiry (BINQ) request may      |
|            | > reveal additional educational records that have been  |
|            | > paid for the period in question. These records should |
|            | > be cross-referenced with the compensation master      |
|            | > records.                                              |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### e    | > If a payment has been made under [38 U.S.C. Chapter   |
| . When to  | > 35](http://assembler.law.cornell.edu                  |
| Consider E | /uscode/html/uscode38/usc_sup_01_38_10_III_20_35.html), |
| lection of | > consider the election of DEA final, and disallow the  |
|  DEA Final | > application for disability or death benefits for the  |
|            | > same periods.                                         |
|            | >                                                       |
|            | > If a payment has *not* been made, allow disability or |
|            | > death benefits subject to other conditions of         |
|            | > entitlement.                                          |
|            | >                                                       |
|            | > ***Reference***: For more information on the finality |
|            | > of the election of DEA, see [38 CFR                   |
|            | > 21.3023(c)(1)](http://www.                            |
|            | warms.vba.va.gov/REGS/38CFR/BOOKG/PART21/s21_3023.doc). |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

####