zilongwang/ReadingBank huggingface dataset:
Module 11: Developing Friendships – Process Agenda Slides/Time Content Handouts Presenter Slides 1-6 45 min Introduce Module 11 Developing Friendships Review Pre-Learning Article Friendship skills activity Why friendship skills are important Objectives Article: Caring about caring: What adults can do to promote young children’s prosocial skills Slides 7-9 30 min Review skills necessary for developing friendships HO: Prosocial behaviors important for developing friendships HO: Developing Friendships – Formative Assessment Slides 10-15 20 min Video Review Activity – Instructional practices / Teaching Standards Foundations Family Engagement HO: Instructional Practices Checklist NC Teaching Standards NC Foundations iPoints Crosswalk to NC Essential Standards HO: Book Nook for Families HO: Book Nook for Families Example Slides 16-19 20 min Setting the Stage Slide 20-21 30 min Developing friendships activity HO: Strategies to Support Children in Developing Friendships Slides 22-26 15 min Planning for Implementation Post-learning activity Questions References HO: Embedding Skill Practice into Daily Routines
Introduction This topic contains information on notifying claimants of awards and denials, including , and . Change Date November 16, 2004 a. Notifying Claimants of Potential Automobile Allowance Eligibility Use the table below to inform the claimant of potential eligibility after receiving the rating decision. If the Veteran or serviceperson is eligible for … Then … the automobile allowance furnish VA Form 21-4502 in duplicate, if one is not of record, and instruct the claimant to complete and return both copies of the form. adaptive equipment only furnish VA Form 10-1394, if available, and instruct the claimant to complete all items in Section I, except items 5 and 6 specify the disability upon which the claim is based in item 7E, and return the completed form to the nearest VA medical facility. Note: If VA Form 10-1394 is not available, refer the claimant to the nearest VA prosthetics department. b. Notifying Claimants of the Reason for Denial of the Automobile Claim If an application is not approved, fully inform the claimant of the evidence considered, and reason for denial. Reference: For more information on notice of disagreements (NODs), see . 5. Processing Claims for Automobile and Adaptive Equipment Allowance
SAH/SHA Claims Meeting Eligibility Requirements requirements of , and/or will be met. Stage Who Is Responsible Description 1 Rating Activity At the request of the claimant, Loan Guaranty, or if the issue is inferred, the rating activity, prepares an ancillary rating decision for a Veteran or service member who is awaiting disability separation, or undergoing pre-separation rehabilitation services. Reference: For more information on rating ancillary issues, see , and Ancillary Decisions in the . Continued on next page , Continued (continued) Stage Who Is Responsible Description 2 VSC Receives a copy of the rating decision from the rating activity, and immediately sends an encrypted e-mail to the RLC of jurisdiction’s mailbox, indicating the Veteran’s name Social Security number date of the rating decision, and whether eligibility is established. Reference: For a list of the RLC SAH/SHA mailbox addresses, see . 3 Loan Guaranty After receiving the e-mail notice, sends VA Form 26-4555 to the Veteran if eligibility is established and no such form is on file. 4 Veteran or Service member Completes and returns VA Form 26-4555.
Department of Veterans Affairs M21-1MR, Part I, Chapter 5 Veterans Benefits Administration July 18, 2015 Washington, DC 20420 Transmittal Sheet Changes Included in This Revision The table below describes the changes included in this revision of Veterans Benefits Manual M21-1, Part I, “Claimant’s Rights and Responsibilities,” Chapter 5, “Appeals.” Notes: The term “regional office” (RO) also includes pension management center (PMC), where appropriate. Unless otherwise noted, the term, “claims folder” refers to the official, numbered, Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) repository – whether paper or electronic – for all documentation relating to claims that a Veteran and/or his/her survivors file with VA. Minor editorial changes have been made to update incorrect or obsolete hyperlink references update obsolete terminology, where appropriate remove references to specific claims-processing systems, where doing so does not affect the clarity of the instructions or information provided renumber each topic based on the standard that the first topic in each section is Topic 1 reassign numerical designations to individual topics, where necessary, to account for new, relocated, and/or deleted topics reassign alphabetical designations to individual blocks, where necessary, to account for new and/or deleted blocks within a topic update section and topic titles to more accurately reflect their content clarify block labels and/or block text, and bring the documents into conformance with M21-1 standards. Reason(s) for the Change Citation To clarify that appeals are added to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals (BVA) docket after the receipt of any form of a substantive appeal. To add a cross reference to the discussion of what constitutes a substantive appeal. M21-1, Part I, Chapter 5, Section F, Topic 1, Block a (I.5.F.1.a) To add language clarifying that VA Form 646, Statement of Accredited Representative in Appealed Cases, is sent to all accredited representatives. To delete language regarding when VA Form 646 is submitted. I.5.F.2.a To add language clarifying when VA must provide VA Form 646 to an appellant’s accredited representative. To add language clarifying the time limit for completing and submitting VA Form 646. To delete language regarding when VA Form 646 can be executed prior to the certification of an appeal. I.5.F.2.b
Department of Veterans Affairs M21-1, Part I Veterans Benefits Administration March 24, 2015 Washington, DC 20420 Transmittal Sheet Changes Included in This Revision The table below describes the changes included in this revision of Veterans Benefits Manual M21-1, Part I, “Claimants Rights and Responsibilities.” Notes: Minor editorial changes have also been made to update incorrect or obsolete hyperlink references update section and topic titles to more accurately reflect their content renumber each topic based on the standard that the first topic in each section is Topic 1, and bring the documents into conformance with M21-1 and Knowledge Management (KM) standards. Reason(s) for the Change Citation To state that an earlier effective date can be established based on a Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (CAVC) decision if the benefit granted had a corresponding Intent to File of record. M21-1, Part I, Chapter 5, Section I, Topic 3, Block e (I.5.I.3.e) To clarify that an earlier effective date based on liberalizing legislation can be applied if benefit granted had a corresponding Intent to File of record within a year of the liberalizing law or VA issue. I.5.I.3.f Rescissions None Authority By Direction of the Under Secretary for Benefits Signature Thomas J. Murphy, Director Compensation Service Distribution LOCAL REPRODUCTION AUTHORIZED
j. Releasing Information Over the Telephone An adjudicator may only speak directly to the individual whose FTI data was received. Speaking with a relative, spouse, or a friend even if the individual who received the income grants permission, is not allowed. Telephone development is allowed to discuss a claimant’s need to verify income, in addition to sending a formal letter that requests the same verification of income, clarify amounts (gross vs. net), or discuss what types of documents will satisfy VA’s request for verification of current income. Example: IRS reports dividend income of $2,000 per year; however, the claimant did not report dividend income. The adjudicator calls the claimant and the claimant explains that he did not think to include the dividends as he has the dividend payments set up to automatically roll over into his savings account and that the $2,000 is accurate. Since the claimant has confirmed the FTI, the adjudicator can use the call as verification. Important: Adjudicators may not accept a statement taken over the phone as verification of a claimant’s income if the amount is less than FTI reported by IRS and SSA. Reference: For information regarding disclosures to Fiduciaries, see M21-1, Part X, Chapter 9, Section B, Topic 4 k. Tailgating “Piggybacking” or “tailgating” to gain unauthorized access to areas containing FTI is prohibited. Only individuals with a need to know are allowed to access areas containing FTI. Note: Although individuals may have authorized access to areas containing FTI, access to FTI should be limited to a need to know basis. 2. Storing and Handling of FTI
b. Independent Verification and Due Process VA handles this match differently from other matches: In other matches, VA can combine the statutory independent verification and notice requirements into one step with the notice of proposed adverse action letter. With this match, VA must complete an income verification process before sending the notice of proposed adverse action letter. Do not confuse the 30-day verification response period with the 60-day due process period. 2. Income Verification Introduction This topic contains information on income verification, including written confirmation neither recipient or payer respond, and payer will not furnish information. Change Date March 30, 2015 a. Written Confirmation Verification requirements are considered met if VA receives written confirmation from either the income recipient or the income payer. Important: The income recipient can be either the beneficiary/claimant or the spouse of the beneficiary.
Introduction This topic contains information on differing responses from payer and recipient, including differing response procedures, and an example of handling differing responses. Change Date March 30, 2015 a. Differing Response Procedures Use the table below to determine what to do when you receive differing responses from the payer and the recipient, including the spouse of the beneficiary. Reference: For more information on the efforts to clarify disputed amounts, see M21-1, Part X, Chapter 9, Section C, Topic 12. If … Then … the income recipient verifies more income than the match amount, or the amount verified by the payer send a notice of proposed adverse action based on the recipient verified amount. the income recipient reports less income than the income payer reports, and the recipient’s report would result in the termination of benefits send a notice of proposed adverse action based on the recipient’s report. the payer verifies the matched amount, and the recipient reports some income, but less than the matched amount send a notice of proposed adverse action based on the higher verified payer amount. Note: In the notice of proposed adverse action, give the beneficiary the opportunity to provide evidence to support the claim of lower income. (continued) If … Then …
3 Use the table below for guidance on NOD timeliness. Reference: For more information on computing the one-year NOD time limit, see M21-1, Part I.5.B.2.b. 4 For all appeals found not timely send the claimant the NOD Not Timely letter under the APPEALS tab in the , and include a copy of the VA Form 4107, Your Rights to Appeal our Decision with the letter. Exceptions: A contested claim, including an apportionment claim, must be filed within 60 days of the decision notice to be considered timely. Pension Management Centers (PMCs) send locally generated letters for appeals. References: For more information on using the Letter Creator, see the time limits for filing an NOD, see M21-1, Part I, 5.B.2 contested claims, see M21-1, Part III, Subpart VI, 6.A.1 apportionment claims, see M21-1, Part III, Subpart V, 3.A.1, and NOD timeliness, see M21-1, Part I, 5.B.2.a M21-1, Part I, 5.B.3.f , and . b. Determining if an Appeal Is Duplicative Before taking action to establish an NOD, verify it is not a duplication of a pending appeal. Use the table below to determine if it is duplicative of a pending appeal.
2. Controlling a Perfected Appeal Introduction This topic contains information pertaining to controlling an appellate claim perfected by the submission of a VA Form 9, Appeal to Board of Veterans’ Appeals, including controlling a perfected appeal in VBMS, and updating VACOLS for tracking of a perfected appeal. Change Date July 29, 2015 a. Controlling a Perfected Appeal in VBMS After receiving a decision on an NOD, the claimant may choose to submit a VA Form 9, Appeal to Board of Veterans’ Appeals to show his/her disagreement with the NOD decision and certify an appeal to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals (BVA). Follow the steps below to establish control of a perfected appeal. Step Action 1 Open the appellant’s VBMS profile and select NEW CLAIM. 2 Review the following information and update fields as necessary ADDRESS TELEPHONE NUMBER, and POWER OF ATTORNEY (POA). 3 Enter 170FRM9 – FORM 9 in the EP & CLAIM LEVEL field. 4 Enter the date the VA received the VA Form 9 in the DATE OF CLAIM field. 5 Assign the 170FRM9 to APPEALS (NATIONAL) as the SEGMENTED LANE Example: 6 Select SUBMIT to save the information. 7 Return to the claimant’s PROFILE screen and select MANAGE EVIDENCE from the ACTIONS drop down menu. Select ADD UNSOLICITED and populate the following fields.
A1j. Increased evaluation A1k. Earlier effective date A1l. Other A2) Were all unclaimed subordinate and/or ancillary issues addressed? A2a. 38 CFR 3.324 (multiple SC disabilities) A2b. Competency A2c. DEA A2d. Hypertension A2e. IU A2f. Medical care under 38 USC 1702 A2g. Pension (including extraschedular under 3.321b) A2h. SMC or SMP – A/A A2i. SMC or SMP – HB A2j. SMC – other A2k. Other Proper Development B1) Was 38 USC §5103 pre-decision “notice” provided and adequate? B1a. New and Material Verbiage B1b. Pension or SMP development incomplete B1c. Special issue development incomplete B1r. VCAA not sent B1s. “What the Evidence Must Show” attachment missing or incorrect B1t. Other B2) Does the record show VCAA compliant development to obtain all indicated evidence (including a VA exam, if required) prior to deciding the claim? B2a. Admin denial insufficient – rating decision needed B2b. Advisory opinion needed from Comp or Pension Service B2c. Appeals issue B2d. Complete income information not obtained B2e. Dependency verification deficiency B2f. Insufficient VA examination/medical opinion B2g. IU development deficiency (i.e., 8940 needed before grant; employment history needed, etc.) B2h. Non-VA treatment records development deficiency B2i. SBP verification deficiency B2j. Service personnel records needed B2k. Service treatment records needed B2l. Social Security records development deficiency B2m. Special issue development incomplete
B2bb. VA exam was needed B2cc. VA medical opinion was needed B2dd. VA treatment records not obtained B2ee. VCAA reply period not expired before denial B2ff. Other Grant or Deny C1) Was the grant or denial of all issues correct? C1a. Accrued benefits (warranted or not warranted) C1b. Hearing loss not shown under 38 CFR 3.385 C1c. Service connection not warranted for symptom or lab finding (i.e., pain, proteinuria, etc.) C1d. Service connection not warranted (general) C1e. Service connection warranted (general) C1f. Other C2) Was the percentage evaluation assigned correct (including combined eval.)? C2a. Convalescence (warranted or not warranted) C2b. Misapplication of 38 CFR 4.86, Exceptional Patterns of Hearing Impairment C2c. Misapplication of bilateral factor C2d. Pyramiding (same symptomatology used for multiple disabilities) C2e. Reduction (warranted, not warranted, or done prematurely or too late) C2f. Separate evaluations warranted for one SC disability (i.e., knee LOM and instability) C2g. Over-evaluation (general) C2h. Under-evaluation (general) C2i. Other Award Actions D1) Are all effective dates affecting payment correct? D1a. Day after discharge (effective date incorrectly granted from day following RAD; or not granting from day following RAD when entitlement was shown) D1b. Dependency adjustment D1c. Diabetes complication – incorrect effective date D1d. Increased disability – incorrect effective date based on increase factually shown or not shown from that date D1e. IU – criteria met or not met from an earlier date D1f. Informal date of claim – missed or misapplied D1g. Liberalizing legislation misapplied D1h. Pension D1i. SMC or SMP
Chapter 6. Quality Review Team (QRT) Overview In This Chapter This chapter contains the following topics: Subchapter I. General 6.01 Overview 6.02 Duties of the QRT 6.03 Management/Supervision Subchapter II. Methodology 6.04 Reviews 6.05 Fundamentals of Quality Review 6.06 Individual Quality Reviews (IQRs) 6.07 In-Process Reviews (IPRs) 6.08 S1 Error Guidance – Systems Compliance 6.09 QRTs – Going Beyond the Review Subchapter I. General 6.01 Overview Introduction This topic contains an overview of the QRT, including the purpose of the QRT QRT participants QRT composition, and employee to QRS ratio. Change Date December 30, 2015
Division: Strategic Support Democratic Services and Mayoralty Job Title: Democratic Services and Mayoralty Support Officer Grade: 4 Post Number: M219 Essential Desirable How assessed Qualifications ECDL or equivalent. App/Doc RSA I or equivalent, in Word Processing/Typing. App/Doc Or Demonstrable experience and evidence of training in the use of IT applications. App/Int Experience Experience of office clerical/admin duties. App/Int Experience of using a wide range of software applications including desk top publishing, spreadsheets and databases. App/Int Managing content of a web site/intranet. App/Int Diary management, meeting and event organisation. App/Int Experience of using an electronic diary system. App/Int Skills/Knowledge
Examples: Request to remove a spouse from a Veteran’s award. Claim to add a school child to a Veteran’s award. Note: The contractor is authorized to contact claimants by telephone to obtain any information that is missing from the application. Therefore, do not exclude (from processing by the contractor) a claim to add a dependent to an award solely because the claimant left blank some of the fields (such as fields for the dependent’s date of birth and Social Security number (SSN)) on the corresponding application. Reference: For more information on initial screening policies, see M21-1, Part III, Subpart ii, Chapter 1. c. Placing Claims and Correspondence Under EP Control Follow the instructions in the table below for placing under end product (EP) control the claims and correspondence referenced in M21-1, Part III, Subpart i, 4.E.1.b. If the claim or correspondence ... Then ... falls under Category A establish EP 138. Exceptions: Follow the instructions in M21-1, Part III, Subpart iii, 5.K.2.a for placing VA Form 21-0538 under EP control. Follow the instructions in M21-1, Part III, Subpart iii, 5.K.4.a for placing the work item generated when a beneficiary fails to return VA Form 21-0538 under EP control. Notes: If an EP 138 is already pending, add a note under the existing EP 138 indicating that a new Category A claim/correspondence was received and requires processing. If the Veteran only has an electronic claims folder (eFolder), add the note in the Veterans Benefits Management System (VBMS). Otherwise, add the note in Modern Awards Processing – Development (MAP-D). falls under Category B establish EP 139.
Example: Mike enlisted in 1992, and served 90 days on active duty. At that point, he became eligible and used his home loan benefit. However, he was discharged for misconduct after having served just 18 months. His COS was Under Honorable Conditions. Therefore, while Mike was once eligible and received a valid COE, he is no longer eligible since he did not complete the required 24 months of service. 9. Entitlement Background Information a. History of Entitlement Maximums Use this as a reference to determine the maximum amount of entitlement authorized by law during any particular period of time. Maximum Entitlement Beginning Date $2,000 June 22, 1944 $4,000 December 28, 1945 $7,500 July 12, 1950 $12,500 May 7, 1968 $17,500 December 31, 1974 $25,000 October 1, 1978 $27,500 October 1, 1980 $36,000 February 1, 1988 $36,000 or $46,000 for certain loans greater than $144,000 December 18, 1989 $36,000 or $50,750 for certain loans greater than $144,000 October 13, 1994 $36,000 or $60,000 for certain loans greater than $144,000 December 27, 2001 $36,000 or 25% of Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (FHLMC) Conforming Limits December 10, 2004
Appendix B Quick Reference Table for VA Eligibility a. Basic Eligibility Quick Reference Table The table below provides a quick reference to some of the most commonly eligible Veterans. This table is NOT exhaustive. A Veteran’s eligibility for home loan benefits may only be determined by VA. Continued on next page Appendix B Quick Reference Table for VA Eligibility, Continued
CONTENTS CHAPTER 1. LOAN GUARANTY OVERVIEW AND SERVICING OBJECTIVES PARAGRAPH PAGE 1.01 Objectives of this Manual…………………………………….. 1-2 1.02 Overview of the VA Home Loan Program………………….... 1-2 1.03 Overview of Servicer Responsibilities……………………...... 1-4 1.04 Overview of VALERI…………………………………………. 1-5 1.05 Organization of this Manual………………………………....... 1-6
CONTENTS CHAPTER 10. PROPERTY ACQUISITIONS PARAGRAPH PAGE 10.01 Property Acquisitions (38 C.F.R. 36.4323)…………………….. 10-2 10.02 Eligibility to Transfer Custody………….…………………..... 10-2 10.03 Transfer of Custody (TOC) Event Reporting..……………...... 10-3 10.04 Acceptance of Properties..…………………………………...... 10-3 10.05 Acquisition Payment Calculation.…………...………………… 10-5 10.06 Acquisition Notification….………………………………........ 10-6 10.07 Submission of Insurance Policies and Title Documents (38 C.F.R. 36.4323)………………………………………………………. 10-6
CONTENTS CHAPTER 14. CLAIMS PARAGRAPH PAGE 14.01 Claims (38 CFR 36.4324)………………………………...….. 14-2 14.02 Eligibility for Claim Payment…..…..……....……......……... 14-2 14.03 Claim Payment Calculation…………...………..………........ 14-3 14.04 Allowable Claim Items for VA Reimbursement...…..…....... 14-10 14.05 VA Determines Credit to Indebtedness…………….……….. 14-17 14.06 VA Calculates Claim Payment……..……………......……... 14-18 14.07 Other Review Considerations on Claim Payment……….….. 14-19 14.08 Credits to Claim…………………………………………….. 14-20 14.09 Servicer Receives Claim Payment....…………….……......... 14-20 14.10 Supplemental Claims…………………………………….….. 14-21 14.11 Claim Process for Mobile Homes (38 CFR 36.4824)……….. 14-21 14.12 Funds Received By After Claim Payment....………..……..... 14-21
CONTENTS CHAPTER 9. REFUNDS PARAGRAPH PAGE 9.01 Refund Consideration (38 CFR 36.4320)………...………….. 9-2 9.02 Refund Approval………………….………………………...... 9-3
Interior finish details Room Finish Schedule Door, Frame, and Hardware Schedule Equipment/Casework Plans/Elevations/Details Special Construction Plans/Details (Pools/Auditoriums/etc) Sequence of the Work Plan (Phasing) Structural: Foundation Plan Framing Plans. Typical details Special details Structural Schedules (columns, lintels, etc.) Plumbing/Mechanical/Electrical: Site Plan(s) Floor Plans Detailed Equipment Room Plans Detailed Equipment Room Sections Special details Equipment and Fixture Schedules Specifications. (organized according to current version of CSI/CSC MasterFormat) Complete Standard Requirements (Division 00) Table of Contents Solicitation Instructions to Bidders (include Supplementary Instructions if applicable) Bid Form Bid Security Form Bidder’s Qualifications EDGE Affidavit Contract Form Performance and Payment Bond Form Contracting Definitions General Conditions (include Supplementary Conditions if applicable) Wage Rate Requirements Complete General Requirements Specification (Division 01) Complete Technical Specifications (Divisions 02 thorough 49) Miscellaneous: Final code check Technical review of the documents Construction cost estimate Construction schedule Permits END OF DOCUMENT
CONTENTS CHAPTER 11. RECONVEYANCE OF PROPERTY PARAGRAPH PAGE 11.01 Reconveyance of Property………….……………………….. 11-2 11.02 Preparation/Execution of Quitclaim Deeds..………..……...... 11-3 11.03 Reconveyance Disputes............................................................ 11-4
CONTENTS CHAPTER 14. CLAIMS PARAGRAPH PAGE 14.01 Claims (38 CFR 36.4324)………………………………...….. 14-2 14.02 Eligibility for Claim Payment…..…..……....……......……... 14-2 14.03 Claim Payment Calculation…………...………..………........ 14-3 14.04 Allowable Claim Items for VA Reimbursement...…..…....... 14-10 14.05 VA Determines Credit to Indebtedness…………….……….. 14-17 14.06 VA Calculates Claim Payment……..……………......……... 14-18 14.07 Other Review Considerations on Claim Payment……….….. 14-19 14.08 Credits to Claim…………………………………………….. 14-20 14.09 Servicer Receives Claim Payment....…………….……......... 14-20 14.10 Supplemental Claims…………………………………….….. 14-21 14.11 Claim Process for Mobile Homes (38 CFR 36.4824)……….. 14-21 14.12 Funds Received By After Claim Payment....………..……..... 14-21
(1) Substitution of trustee (appointment, agreement, or document). (2) Notice of default/foreclosure notice/notice of pendency/power of attorney. (3) Summons. (4) Judgment. (5) Certificate of non-redemption. (6) Sheriff's/Trustee's Certificate of Sale. (7) Assignment of sheriff's/trustee's certificate of sale. (8) Foreclosure deed (sheriff's, trustee's, referee's, or commissioner's deed). (9) Assignment of sheriff's/trustee's deed. (f) Deed to VA. Allowable DIL recording fees include amounts charged by public officials for recording or filing of: (1) Warranty deed from owner to holder. (2) Estoppel affidavit. (3) Deed to VA. (4) Deed of re-conveyance/full release/satisfaction of mortgage. (g) Foreclosure Facilitation Fees. Allowable foreclosure facilitation fees include amounts charged by public officials to facilitate the foreclosure process, including: (1) Sheriff's/administrators/commissioner's fees and costs (including court costs). (2) Trustee/referee/master in equity fees. (3) Auctioneer's fees. (4) Court recorder fees. (5) Prothonotary/clerk’s fees. (6) Attorney/notary fees. (g) Other Fees and Costs. Allowable other fees and costs include expenses for:
CONTENTS CHAPTER 19. DISASTERS PARAGRAPH PAGE 19.01 Disasters…………………………………………………. 19-2 19.02 Borrower Assistance…………..………………………..... 19-2 19.03 Moratorium on Forbearance……..…………………..…… 19-2 19.04 VA Disaster Loan Modification …………………………… 19-3 19.05 Eligibility for VA Disaster Loan Modification……………… 19-3 19.06 Trial Payment Plan ………………………………………….. 19-4 19.07 Final VA Disaster Loan Modification Agreement………….. 19-4 19.08 Servicer Incentives………………………………………….. 19-5 19.09 Late Charge Waiver………………………………………… 19-5 19.10 Credit and VA Reporting…………………………………… 19-5 19.11 Exceptions………………………………………………….. 19-5
CONTENTS CHAPTER 1. LOAN GUARANTY OVERVIEW AND SERVICING OBJECTIVES PARAGRAPH PAGE 1.01 Objectives of this Handbook….…………………………………. 1-2 1.02 Overview of the VA Home Loan program………………….... 1-2 1.03 Overview of Servicer Responsibilities……………………...... 1-4 1.04 Overview of VALERI…………………………………………. 1-5 1.05 Organization of this Handbook….……………………………….. 1-5
CONTENTS CHAPTER 10. PROPERTY ACQUISITIONS PARAGRAPH PAGE 10.01 Property Acquisitions (38 CFR 36.4323)…………………….. 10-2 10.02 Eligibility to Transfer Custody………….………………….... 10-2 10.03 Transfer of Custody Event Reporting..……………................. 10-2 10.04 Acceptance of Properties.……………………………………. 10-3 10.05 Acquisition Payment Calculation.……………………………. 10-5 10.06 Acquisition Notification….………………………………....... 10-5 10.07 Submission of Insurance Policies and Title Documents (38 CFR 36.4323)……………………… 10-6
CONTENTS CHAPTER 11. RECONVEYANCE OF PROPERTY PARAGRAPH PAGE 11.01 Reconveyance of Property…………..……………………….. 11-2 11.02 Preparation/Execution of Quitclaim Deeds..………..……...... 11-3 11.03 Reconveyance Disputes…………………....………..……...... 11-3
CONTENTS CHAPTER 12. QUITCLAIM DEEDS PARAGRAPH PAGE 12.01 Quitclaim Deeds……………………………………………. 12-2 12.02 Requesting a Quitclaim Deed………………………......…... 12-2 12.03 Executing a Quitclaim Deed……………………..……......... 12-3
CONTENTS CHAPTER 14. CLAIMS PARAGRAPH PAGE 14.01 Claims (38 CFR 36.4324)………………………………...….. 14-2 14.02 Eligibility for Claim Payment…..…..……....……......……... 14-2 14.03 Claim Payment Calculation…………...………..………........ 14-3 14.04 Allowable Claim Items for VA Reimbursement...…..…....... 14-10 14.05 VA Determines Credit to Indebtedness…………….……….. 14-17 14.06 VA Calculates Claim Payment……..……………......……... 14-18 14.07 Other Review Considerations on Claim Payment……….….. 14-19 14.08 Credits to Claim…………………………………………….. 14-19 14.09 Servicer Receives Claim Payment....…………….……......... 14-20 14.10 Supplemental Claims…………………………………….….. 14-20 14.11 Claim Process for Mobile Homes (38 CFR 36.4824)……….. 14-21 14.12 Funds Received By After Claim Payment....………..……..... 14-21
CONTENTS CHAPTER 15. POST AUDIT PARAGRAPH PAGE 15.01 Post Audit…………………...……………………………….. 15-2 15.02 VALERI Selection, Notification, and Assignment of Cases………………………………......……………………. 15-2 15.03 Required Documentation (38 CFR 36.4324(d)(5)) .…..…….. 15-3 15.04 Post-Audit Results…………….……………………..……...... 15-7 15.05 Quarterly Post-Audit Reports..…..…………………..……...... 15-7
a. Responsibility The RLC with jurisdiction over a lender’s home office is responsible for assigning an initial ID number to that lender and any subsequent branch IDs. Any RLC may assign the agent’s initial ID number regardless of the sponsoring lender’s jurisdiction. To avoid creating a duplicate ID, search under the company name and tax ID before assigning an initial ID number using the chart below. Digits Explanation 1 through 6 These 6 digits are assigned by the RLC with jurisdiction over the lender's home office and always stay the same for that lender. An entity which functions sometimes as a lender, and other times as an agent, uses the same 6-digit number for both. A lender which operates out of home and branch offices uses the same 6-digit number for all locations. 7 and 8 "00" represents the lender's home office. For a branch office, the Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) Code represents the state in which the branch office is located. 9 and 10 "00" represents the lender's home office. For a branch office, a 2-digit branch number is assigned. Up to 99 branch numbers can be established in each state. b. Agent Coding Issues If an agent or lender has been assigned more than one ID number, the LPO must contact the CO Program Management & Data Integration team to make appropriate corrections to the electronic records. 9. Lender Training _________________________________________________________________ Change Date May 23, 2017, Change 5 This section has been updated in its entirety.
Chapter 3. Fees and Charges Paid by the Borrower Overview In this Chapter This chapter contains the following topics: 1. Allowable Fees and Charges Change Date May 23, 2017, Change 5 • The M26-1 was edited in its entirety. a. Where to Find Information A Veteran may only pay the fees and charges specified in VA regulations in Title . Chapter 8, in its entirety, of the VA provides further details. b. Fees Requiring Central Office Approval Fees, other than those specified in the regulations, may be paid by a Veteran, if the fees are proper local variances authorized by Central Office (CO). Please check the State Fees and Charges Deviation table posted on the , to determine whether a local variance applies to a particular fee.
during CO’s review process. During this process, CO staff will review submitted materials for consistency with applicable laws, regulations, policy, and guidance. Once the RLC’s communication request has been approved by CO, an LGY CO POC will contact the RLC’s POC to confirm the publication date and publish the communication via GovDelivery. GovDelivery is LGY’s current communication platform. Adding new subscribers to GovDelivery is straightforward and the platform offers the opportunity to easily facilitate the dissemination of information to external stakeholders. Exhibit A provides detailed information about the usage of GovDelivery. 2. Regional Loan Center Training of Loan Production Employees Change Date May 23, 2017, Change 5 This section has been updated in its entirety. a. Why is Training Required? Training is required to ensure appropriate decisions are made in administering the VA Home Loan program, and to help reduce program losses by providing employees with the tools to make informed and proper decisions. All employees involved in credit underwriting must undergo training at least once annually. b. Who is Required to Receive Training? Personnel who: Underwrite loan applications, Process loan guaranty requests, Complete full file loan reviews, Process release of liability/substitution of entitlement requests, Conduct lender training, Process certificate of eligibility applications, or Provide direct benefits to Veterans. c. What Abilities Must a Loan Specialist/ Underwriter Newly assigned personnel must receive training by senior staff on all aspects of credit underwriting prior to making credit underwriting decisions. To be qualified as a fully-trained Loan Specialist, a VA employee must have the following:
when pamphlets are unavailable. These materials will be replenished daily; please review “List of Approved Pamphlets,” and “VBA Factsheets” for a list of current publications: ; Display the WVC poster in the waiting area. The poster includes the name and telephone number of the RO’s WVC. The poster template can be found at: c. Interview Area Requirements The requirements for the RO interview area are as follows: Will be ample distance away from both the waiting area and other work areas to minimize disruption of the interview process while maximizing privacy; Will have a computer with VBA applications and internet access for eBenefits registration and electronic claims submission. Will include telephones with an unpublished telephone number; and Will include adequate access to information needed to conduct interviews at each interview station. d. Security Procedures The RO will establish security procedures to allow for expedient response by building security personnel in the event of an emergency. The RO will ensure employees are aware of the local procedures in place to appropriately respond to an emergency. 2. Tracking and Timeliness for Personal Interview Activity Introduction This topic provides tracking personal interview activity and timeliness requirements Change Date October 2014 a. VA Form ROs are required to use the most recent version of VA Form 21-7288a, Daily Record of Veterans Assistance Interviews, to record personal interview activity. The electronic version of this form automatically captures and calculates all interview activity data for 100 percent of all interviews conducted. No other version of this form is acceptable.
b. Use of Visitor Intake Sheet The protection of a visitor’s privacy and personal data is extremely important. We must continue to be proactive in protecting the integrity of all information exchanges between VA and our visitors. The RO is responsible for creating a visitor intake sheet which will be used for RO personal interviews and will: Privately identify visitors, and Allow for the visitor to provide a purpose of the visit. Continued on next page , Continued (continued) All visitors will be asked to complete a visitor intake sheet prior to the interview. c. Identification Protocol Visitors are required to provide acceptable positive identification when requesting beneficiary personally identifiable information. Prior to sharing information with anyone other than the Veteran or beneficiary, ensure appropriate release of information has been completed by the Veteran for the individual requesting access. Visitors can provide physical identification to verify his or her identity such as a driver’s license or military ID card. Visitors can also verify his or her identify by matching the following information to VA systems: Full name Social Security number or claim number Branch of service d. Referring Visitor for Personal Interview Triage the reason for the visit and make full use of computer systems prior to referring the visitor for an interview. e. Action Taken The table below shows the appropriate action if the visitor must leave before
e. Facebook Content Approval Process Each business line should develop a concurrence plan that includes a quick approval time for content posted on Facebook. The VBA Web Communications Office will need time to review and approve, edit or disapprove content, if necessary. The plan should also take into account the time needed to respond to comments, if needed. f. Major Risks and Constraints of Using Facebook The risks associated with the use of Facebook are minimal. They are as follows: Facebook must be monitored frequently throughout the day to ensure inquiries are responded to, and managing Facebook timelines and posts can become overwhelming to anyone who is not a good time manager. g. Facebook Privacy There is no guarantee that social media sites will protect people’s privacy to the same degree that Federal agencies do. However, the option to remove any content VBA deems inappropriate, such as PII, is available. There is a caveat to this ability: the site cannot be monitored 24/7. A customized disclaimer is added to the Facebook page that discourages the public from providing PII. 2. Twitter Introduction This topic provides information on Twitter. Change Date Revised August 2016 a. Background on Twitter Twitter is the most popular web-based micro-blogging service. Each “Tweet” has a maximum character length of 140. A growing number of Federal agencies are using Twitter to keep citizens informed. VBA’s Twitter page is . b. Why We Need Twitter There is a business need for VBA to use Twitter. This social media venue will help VBA to:
4. Organization of Information Introduction This topic provides information on the organization of information on a website. Change Date Revised February 2016 a. General Information on Content Organization VBA websites must focus on helping the website's target audience efficiently find the services and information they seek from VA. VBA web pages must help website visitors to get to the content they need and want most, with minimal complexity of navigation and the fewest drilldowns. b. Web Page Designs VBA offices should assess their online content when building new websites or making major modifications to existing websites and should develop an information architecture of the website’s content that focuses on organization schemes and navigation structures. Two of the principles related to organization schemes articulated on are: Exact organization schemes that divide information into mutually exclusive sections, such as chronological schemes and geographical schemes. Subjective organization schemes that categorize specific fields of information, such as topic schemes and task schemes. VBA websites should be organized in a logical and useful way, such as by subject (topic, tasks, services, life events), by audience group, by geographic location, or any combination of these factors. Continued on next page 4. Organization of Information, Continued c. The Content VBA offices should have a strategy for home pages that is aimed at ensuring
b. Processing FOIA and PA Requests The following table shows the steps needed to process a FOIA or PA or request. Reference: For more information on the FOIA, see the . Continued on next page , Continued c. Charges and Fees for Processing FOIA and PA Requests Fees for processing FOIA requests and for making records available under the PA will be charged in accordance with VA regulation 38 CFR 1.577(f). No fees will be charged for any search or review of the record. Fees will be waived as required by VA regulation 38 CFR 1.577(g). When an individual requests such services as certification, authentication, or other special services not required under the PA, fees in addition to those required for copying, will be assessed in accordance with VA regulation 38 CFR 1.526(i) or (j), or any other applicable law. Notes: The office releasing the records is responsible for assessing, collecting, and depositing fees. Payments may be by check or money order made payable to the Department of Veterans Affairs. Payments must be deposited with the Agent Cashier. The office depositing the check must ensure that the payment is identified as a FOIA or PA payment. d. Timeframes for Responding to FOIA and Current law requires that VA make a determination within 20 business days. The law also states that if a request is received by a component that is not the
Introduction This topic contains general information on procedures for handling PA requests and information on: how to handle and analyze requests, and descriptions of records types. Change Date Updated February 2013 a. General Information for Handling Privacy Act Requests The PA applies to any VA record about an individual that is retrieved by the individual’s name or other identifier, regardless of the storage media, such as paper or computer disk. Each individual generally has the right to review and acquire a copy of VA records about himself or herself that are retrievable by his or her name or other identifier, and the right to require VA to amend those records when the records are not accurate, timely, complete, and relevant. b. How to Handle and Analyze Requests Upon receipt of an individual request, follow the steps in the table below:
Introduction This chapter provides information on the eBenefits web portal. Change Date September 7, 2016 a. What is eBenefits? The web portal is an online resource for self-service tools and information for, Veterans, service members, and their families b. Background on eBenefits The President’s Commission on Care for America’s Returning Wounded Warriors (Dole/Shalala) established by in March 2007 recommended the creation of a web portal to provide wounded ill and injured service members, Veterans, their family members, and care providers a single and transparent access point to online benefits as well as related content and services. In response, VA and DoD collaborated on developing the eBenefits Portal where VA has primary responsibility for the project and is designated as the lead agent. Additionally, since its initial conception, eBenefits has expanded beyond its original scope and is now intended to be an interactive web portal for all Veterans, all service members, and their families. c. Registration for eBenefits Individuals can create an eBenefits account if they are active duty, retired, National Guard or Reserve, Veteran (non-retiree) or a family member. All persons must be registered in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) before an account can be created. Registration is actually for the DoD (DS) Self-Service Logon that allows for access to the eBenefits web portal. It is anticipated as a result of VA and DoD data exchanges that most individuals seeking to register will be in DEERS. Those that are not should call the eBenefits Help Desk at 1-800-983-0937 for further instructions. Continued on next page 1. eBenefits, Continued d. Access Levels The amount and type of information individuals may view through eBenefits depends on their access level. There are two types: Basic and Premium. Access levels may also be referred to as credentials (e.g., Premium credential). Within eBenefits, DoD provides the capability for service members, Veterans, and family members to have a DS Logon for the purpose of accessing DoD and VA self-service functions available via eBenefits.
Table of Contents ............................................................ 4 3. Timeliness Standard for Responses and Reports…………………………………….... 9 Introduction …………………………………………………………………………... 9 Change Date ………………………………………………………………………...... 9 a. Timeliness Standard for IRIS Response ………………………………………....... 9 b. IRIS Reports……………………………………………………………………….. 9 Chapter 3. Inquiry Routing and Information System (IRIS)
2. IRIS Responses Introduction This topic contains information on IRIS responses, including: IRIS links general steps for responding preparing the response IRIS referrals repetitive mail closing signature block attachments Change Date September 14, 2017 a. IRIS Links For more specific information on the use of the IRIS system and preparation of responses see: b. General Steps for Responding Below are the general steps to follow when responding to an IRIS inquiry.
e. Repetitive Mail Closing to correctly. The following should be sent to the inquirer: “We have appropriately responded to your other requests for this same information. Therefore, we must discontinue any further responses to you regarding this issue.” If inquiries continue, the responder may, with the approval of leadership/supervisor, enter a Private Note on the inquiry that includes the following statement: “This issue has been addressed on this contact’s previous inquiries. Since no additional information pertaining to this issue is available, we are closing this inquiry without a response.” Then change the status to ‘Solved’. Continued on next page f. Signature Block Regardless of the source of the letter, all outgoing correspondence will show the following signature line: RO Director VA Regional Office The signature must match the font in the last paragraph of the letter. NOTE: Ensure if the inquirer has elected a Power of Attorney (POA) that they receive a courtesy copy (cc) and that they are noted as a recipient in the response. g. Attachments If attachments are being sent with the response, the attachment should be noted in the body of the inquiry and in the closing block. Attachments should not contain Personally Identifiable Information; most often attachments are blank forms or electronic brochures. You may provide web links within the body of the response or they may be included in the attachment. It is not required to provide web links in both locations. Note: Inquirers cannot send attachments in IRIS.
Business line, which is to be identified as “VBA Liaison” for this purpose. Type of alerts to receive via email. FCMT Instructions (Change Date March 31, 2014) For specific information on FCMT, to include in-depth instruction guides, see the VA Benefits Assistance Service (BAS) intranet page at http://vbaw.vba.va.gov/BAS/outreach/military/index.asp Corporate WINRS (CWINRS) (Change Date September 1, 2017) If the Servicemember applies for Chapter 31 services or Chapter 36 Counseling, this information must also be tracked in CWINRS. At present, FCMT and CWINRS do not communicate. Therefore, VR&E staff must input case management information into both systems. Required Documentation (Change Date September 1, 2017) If the Servicemember applies for Chapter 31 services or Chapter 36 Counseling, this information must be documented and filed in the Servicemember’s Counseling/Evaluation/Rehabilitation (CER) folder. The IDES VRC will follow current guidance in the M28R for procedural guidance on documentation. VR&E Services Available to Servicemembers Chapter 36 (Change Date June 5, 2017) Chapter 36, Education and Career Counseling, counseling and services are designed to provide counseling and support services to assist the Servicemember choose a career goal, and/or determine the course needed to achieve a chosen educational or vocational goal. These activities are governed by 38 U.S.C. 3697A. VR&E establishes a clear division between Chapter 36 Services and Chapter 36 Counseling, as indicated below. Chapter 36 Services (Change Date June 5, 2017)