Department of Veterans Affairs M21-1, Part III, Subpart i Veterans Benefits Administration December 17, 2015 Washington, DC 20420 Key Changes Changes Included in This Revision The table below describes the changes included in this revision of Veterans Benefits Manual M21-1, Part III, “General Claims Process,” Subpart i, “Overview of Claims Processing and Structure of the Veterans Service Center.” 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 also been made to update incorrect or obsolete references, and bring the document into conformance with M21-1 standards. Reason(s) for the Change Citation To add a reference for more information on forms a power of attorney (POA) may not sign. Rescissions None Authority By Direction of the Under Secretary for Benefits Signature Thomas J. Murphy, Director Compensation Service Distribution LOCAL REPRODUCTION AUTHORIZED
manage VA Form 21-22, Appointment of Veterans Service Organization as Claimant’s Representative, agreements received online through eBenefits. Note: The VA Form 21-22a, Appointment of Individual As Claimant’s Representative, is not available for private attorneys and claims agents to manage online through SEP. b. VDC Interview Process in SEP For claims submission, SEP utilizes the same interview process found in the Veterans Online Application (VONAPP) Direct Connect (VDC). This interview process limits omissions and misinterpretations of information requested from the claimant for adjudicating a claim. Currently, VDC contains an interview process for claimant’s representatives for the following forms: VA Form 21-526EZ, Application for Disability Compensation and Related Compensation Benefits, and supporting optional forms VA Form 21-0781, Statement in Support of Claim for Service Connection for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) VA Form 21-0781a, Statement in Support of Claim for Service Connection for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Secondary to Personal Assault VA Form 21-8940, Veteran's Application for Increased Compensation Based on Unemployability VA Form 21-4502, Application for Automobile or Other Conveyance and Adaptive Equipment VA Form 21-2680, Examination for Housebound Status or Permanent Need For Regular Aid and Attendance, and VA Form 21-686c, Declaration of Status of Dependents, and VA Form 21-674, Request for Approval of School Attendance. References: For more information on eBenefits, see the Benefits Assistance Service (BAS) website to , and VONAPP, see the . c. Establishment of POA Through VDC/SEP VDC allows claimants to elect a VSO to represent them during the claims process as their power of attorney (POA). The table below outlines the process that occurs when a claimant selects a VSO as their POA in VDC. Stage Description 1 Upon submission, the VA Form 21-22 loads into the VSOs representation request dashboard in SEP. Note: The VA Form 21-22 will not appear in the Veterans Benefits Management System (VBMS) or Virtual VA electronic
subsequent receipt of signature page for SEP claims the checkmark solution identifying original claims submitted using the checkmark solution signature page characteristics for supplemental claims submitted through SEP electronic Section 5103 notice through eBenefits for claims submitted through SEP, and system annotations on claim documents submitted through SEP. Change Date December 17, 2015 a. Overview of Original Claims Submission Through SEP Through SEP, representatives holding POA can submit original claims for compensation benefits. However, submission through SEP must comply with all policies regarding original claims. POAs submitting original claims can comply with the signature requirements in M21-1, Part I, 1.B.1.b via the uploaded personalized signature page method, and/or checkmark solution. Note: POAs will be prompted to complete one of these two methods for original claim submission. The POA is required to do one or the other and not both. Reference: For more information on which forms a POA may not sign, see M21-1, Part I, 3.A. b. Uploaded Personalized Signature Page Method A personalized signature page download is available to POAs during the VDC interview process in SEP. The personalized signature page contains the Veteran’s name the claims file number, and Section V: Claim Certification and Signature from VA Form 21-526EZ. Upon completion, the VA Form 526EZ and personalized signature page are uploaded into VBMS. The personalized signature page will appear in VBMS with the document type label Signature page VDC submitted 21-526EZ. c. Personalized Signature Page Follow the steps in the table below to validate the personalized signature page for an original claim for compensation benefits.
Claims Submitted in SEP From: <> Date: Sunday, July 20, 2014 Subject: Application for Compensation Benefits submitted To: Dear Veteran, Disabled American Veterans, your representative for VA Claims, has successfully submitted a Compensation Benefits Application on your behalf. Your confirmation number is XXXXXXX. Your submission includes the following documents: VA Form 21-526: Application for Disability Compensation We have provided a copy (PDF) of the Notice to Veteran/Service Member of Evidence to Substantiate a Claim for Veterans Disability Compensation and Related Compensation Benefits in response to your Compensation Benefits Application. The document provides you with useful information about how your compensation claim will be decided by VA. Please and print the document for your records. This download link will expire approximately one year from the date of your claim. Note: Claims processors must review the claim to determine if a supplemental Section 5103 notice is needed. h. System Annotations on Claim Documents Submitted Through SEP Claim documents submitted through SEP receive annotations on the top left corner of all pages on the VA Form 21-526EZ, showing a date/time stamp with a notation that the claim was electronically submitted a statement noting the claim was submitted by the POA, and a statement that the a Section 5103 notice was emailed/messaged to the Veteran.