UNCLASSIFIED (U)

7 FAM 540

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

(CT:CON-804; 04-30-2018)
(Office of Origin: CA/OCS)

7 FAM 541 INTRODUCTION

7 FAM 541.1 Summary

(CT:CON-618; 01-07-2016)

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is responsible for providing federal benefits to veterans and their dependents through operating programs for health care, financial assistance, education, rehabilitation, insurance, and burial at national cemeteries. The Regional Federal Benefits Officer acts as the VAs agent abroad, assisting veterans and beneficiaries with both the origination of new benefits claims and the administration of existing ones.

7 FAM 541.2 Authorities

(CT:CON-618; 01-07-2016)

a. Authority for consular assistance to the U.S. VA and veterans abroad is found in 22 U.S.C. 3904 (3) -Functions of Service (Foreign Service).

22 U.S.C. 3904 (3) provides Members of the Service shall, under the direction of the Secretary (3) Perform functions on behalf of any agency or other Government establishment (including any establishment in the legislative or judicial branch) requiring their services.

b. Authority for veterans services is found in:

(1) 38 U.S.C. Veterans Benefits; and

(2) 38 CFR Parts 0-18 Department of Veterans Affairs.

7 FAM 541.3 Eligibility for Veterans Benefits

(CT:CON-618; 01-07-2016)

Generally, 24 continuous months of active military service is required to establish eligibility for most U.S. VA benefits. However, disabilities that result from a personal injury or disease that was incurred or aggravated during military service also establish eligibility, regardless of the amount of time served. Since eligibility varies by VA program, the best way to review specific criteria is to visit the VA Web site. You may also consult the Federal Benefits for Veterans and Dependents booklet available in both English and Spanish, on the VA Web site and clicking on Contact VA. In addition veterans may contact the VA on the web or at 1-800-827-1000 (Stateside only for telephone number).

7 FAM 541.4 Obtaining VA Forms

(CT:CON-618; 01-07-2016)

VA forms are available on the VA forms Web site.

7 FAM 541.5 Veterans Can file for benefits online

(CT:CON-618; 01-07-2016)

Veterans may complete applications for certain benefits online through VAs eBenefits Web site.

7 FAM 541.6 Role of the Consular Officer

(CT:CON-618; 01-07-2016)

a. Federal law establishes entitlement to federal benefits. Each federal benefits-paying agency establishes policies and procedures under which the laws are administered. When policies and procedures are applied outside the United States, assistance from U.S. embassies and consulates is required.

b. Posts are expected to provide a broad range of services, e.g., advising applicants about benefits, providing the necessary forms, assisting them in completing the forms, arranging medical appointments, developing claims, providing referrals and following up with VA when necessary. Seek advice from the regional VA office when the answer is not clear. The Regional Federal Benefits Officer is also an alternative avenue for consultation in resolving policy and procedural issues.

7 FAM 541.7 Role of CA/OCS/PMO

(CT:CON-618; 01-07-2016)

a. The Program Management Office in the Bureau of Consular Affairs, Directorate of Overseas Citizens Services (CA/OCS/PMO) is the Departments liaison with benefits-paying agencies, consular posts abroad and Congress. CA/OCS/PMO provides guidance, disseminates information and implements new programs and procedures of the other agencies.

b. In essence, CA/OCS/PMO works with Federal benefits-paying agencies on Federal Benefits Programs abroad to ensure efficient and fraud-free payment of benefits as well as the provision of services. CA/OCS/PMOs goal is to ensure that services provided by the State Department for other benefits-paying agencies are administered in an efficient and effective way delivering a high quality service.

c. CA/OCS/PMO has a collective email address FedBen@state.gov, where Regional Federal Benefits Officers (RFBOs) may send e-mails on policy and complicated issues which arise to them from posts through the Federal Benefits Units (FBUs) in their regions.

7 FAM 541.8 Limitations on Consular Officers Regarding Veterans Affairs Work and Disclosure of Information (Privacy Act)

(CT:CON-618; 01-07-2016)

a. Do not disclose information concerning a claimant of veterans benefits and programs that can be retrieved by personal identifiers contained in a system of records, except:

(1) As expressly authorized by VA;

(2) After written authorization by the individual who is the subject of the record, or,

(3) In accordance with the 12 exceptions to the conditions of disclosure in the Privacy Act, as amended (5 U.S.C. 552a(b)(1)(12) or the Department's System of Record Notices (SORNs). 7 FAM 060 provides detailed guidance about the Privacy Act.

b. Any unauthorized disclosure is subject to criminal penalties pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 552a. (See 7 FAM 069.2.)

7 FAM 542 VA COMPENSATION AND PENSION BENEFITS VETERANS ABROAD MAY NEED HELP PURSUING

(CT:CON-618; 01-07-2016)

The following are brief definitions and descriptions of the major benefits available through the Department of Veterans Affairs to eligible veterans and their dependents who are living abroad. For more detailed information and eligibility criteria, see the VA Foreign Services Internet page.

Burial Benefits: Eligible veterans may be entitled to a burial allowance, a burial flag, a headstone, niche, or grave marker, a Presidential Memorial Certificate, and/or burial in a state or national cemetery. For more information see the VA Burial and Memorial Benefits Internet page.

Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC): A monthly monetary benefit payable to surviving spouses, certain children, and low-income parents of service members or veterans who died from:

A disease or injury incurred or aggravated in the line of duty while on active duty or active duty for training;

An injury incurred or aggravated in the line of duty while on inactive duty training;

A service-connected disability or a condition directly related to a service-connected disability;

DIC may also be paid to survivors of veterans (surviving spouse and children only) who were totally disabled from service-connected conditions at the time of death, even though their service-connected disabilities did not cause their deaths.

The survivor qualifies if the veteran was:

Continuously rated totally disabled for a period of 10 years immediately preceding death;

Continuously rated totally disabled from the date of military discharge and for at least five years immediately preceding death; or

A former POW who died after September 30, 1999, and who was continuously rated totally disabled for a period of at least one year immediately preceding death.

Disability Compensation: Disability compensation is a monthly monetary benefit payable to veterans disabled by injury or disease that was incurred or aggravated during active military service.

Education: Monetary assistance may be available to veterans, surviving spouses and dependent children through the Post 9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill (Active Duty), Montgomery GI Bill (Selected Reserve), Veterans Educational Assistance Program (VEAP), Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP), and Survivors Dependents Education Assistance programs. Outside of the United States, the training at the foreign school must be at an institution of higher learning leading to a standard college degree, or the equivalent and the program of education at the foreign institution must have been approved by VA. For more information visit the VA Educational Benefits Internet page.

Insurance: Two life insurance and two disabled insurance programs are currently open for new policyholders. Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance is open to active-duty and reserve members of the uniformed services. Veterans Group Life Insurance is renewable five-year term coverage. Veterans who were separated from military service on or after November 1, 2012, may now apply to convert SGLI to VGLI within 1 year and 240 days from separation. Evidence of good health is not required for those who apply within 240 days of separation. Service Disabled Insurance is available to veterans with service-connected disabilities. Veterans Mortgage Life Insurance is not available to individuals living abroad. For more information on insurance plans, visit VA Insurance Web site or call 1-800-669-8477 within the United States.

Pension: Veterans with low incomes may be eligible for this monetary support if they have 90 days or more of active military service with at least one day during a period of war. Veterans who are age 65 or older, OR, have a permanent and total non-service connected disability. For more information, review VA Fact Sheets Compensation and Pension Benefits and Veterans Benefits Administration on the VA Internet page.

RFBO: Regional Federal Benefits Officer. For a current listing of the RFBOs go to the CA web Intranet page and click on Citizens Services at the top left corner, scroll down to Non-Emergency Services and click on Federal Benefits.

Survivors' Pension: The survivors Pension benefit is a tax-free monetary benefit payable to a low-income, un-remarried surviving spouse and/or unmarried child(ren) of a deceased Veteran with at least one day of wartime service and a minimum of 90 days active military service. If a deceased Veteran entered active duty after September 7, 1980, he or she must have served at least 24 months of active duty service. If the total length of service is less than 24 months, the Veteran must have completed their entire tour of active duty. While an un-remarried spouse is eligible at any age, a child of a deceased wartime Veteran must be under 18, OR under age 23 if attending VA -approved school, OR permanently incapable of self-support due to a disability before age 18.

Veteran: A Veteran, for VA benefits purposes, is anyone who has served on active duty, was discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable. Reservists may also qualify for benefits after fulfillment of certain duty.

Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment: An eligible service-connected disabled veteran may receive employment assistance, self-employment assistance, training in a rehabilitation facility, and college and other training needed to overcome an employment handicap caused by his/her service-connected disability. While in training, eligible veterans may receive subsistence allowances in addition to their disability compensation or retirement pay. The veteran must be training in a training program approved by a Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist. For more information see the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Benefits VA Internet page.

7 FAM 543 HOW THE CLAIMANT APPLIES FOR BENEFITS AND WHAT IS THE CONSULAR ROLE IN VERIFICATION OF INFORMATION?

(CT:CON-618; 01-07-2016)

Developing a claim is a critical responsibility beginning with the application. The U.S. VA regional benefit offices of jurisdiction process benefit claims including applications, case inquiries, changes of address, etc. for veterans and dependents residing in foreign countries. It may take 9-12 months to process some complex cases.

7 FAM 543.1 First Time Claimants

(CT:CON-787; 02-13-2018)

a. First-time claimants for disability compensation or pension must submit their claims to the appropriate VA regional office:

(1) A completed Form VA-21-526, Veterans Application for Compensation and/or Pension, and proof of service (DD-214, DD-215, or for WWII veterans, a WD form) (See the VA forms Web site);

(2) Supporting documents of the disability (treatment and medical records); and

(3) If proof of service is not available the claimant must provide a military service number, branch and dates of service.

b. First-time claimants for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC), Survivors Pension and/or Accrued Benefits should be submitted to the Philadelphia Pension Maintenance Center.

(1) Form VA-21-534, Application for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation, Death Pension and Accrued Benefits by a Surviving Spouse or Child (Including Death Compensation if Applicable). (Part VII through IX need not be completed, unless the claimant also wishes consideration of pension entitlement); and

(2) Form VA-21-535, Application for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation by Parent(s) (Including Accrued Benefits and Death Compensation When Applicable), is to be used by parents. The form should be completed in its entirety. The following information must be included on both Form VA 21-534 and Form VA-21-535:

(a) A copy of the veterans death certificate (must show cause of death);

(b) Copies of marriage/birth certificates;

(c) Divorce decrees, if applicable;

(d) A military discharge certificate; and

(e) Passport, national photo identity card (foreign nationals) as proof of identity.

c. Intent to File (ITF) is a process that is designed to allow veterans or surviving spouses additional time to gather the information needed to file a claim, while protecting the date of claim. The following claim types can be applied using ITF:

(1) Compensation;

(2) Pension; and

(3) Survivors Pension and Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC).

d. A veteran or surviving spouse can submit an ITF any of the following ways:

(1) By submitting a completed Form VA-21-966, Intent to File a Claim for Compensation and/or Pension, or Survivors Pension and/or DIC;

(2) By calling the National Call Center (NCC) at 1-800-827-1000 or the National Pension Call Center (NPCC) at 1-877-294-6380 and notifying a Public Contact Representative (PCR) of his or her ITF a claim for compensation, pension, or survivors benefits; and

(3) By initiating an application for benefits via eBenefits.

7 FAM 543.2 Role of the Consular Officer

(CT:CON-618; 01-07-2016)

a. U.S. Foreign Service officers are authorized to act on behalf of the VA; therefore, claims filed in a foreign country will be considered as filed in the Department of Veterans Affairs as of the date of receipt by the Department representative.

b. You should:

(1) Verify identity of the claimant;

(2) Offer advice on filling out applications;

(3) Encourage first-time applicants to submit their claims through the Veterans On-line Applications (VONAPP) or provide forms, which are available on the VA forms Web site;

(4) Review applications for completeness and accuracy. Some veterans may need special assistance in completing the forms. (If fraud is suspected, see Management of a Federal Benefits Unit section for guidance. (See 7 FAM 590);

(5) Mail completed applications if requested; and

(6) Make appropriate inquiries or referrals on the beneficiarys behalf.

7 FAM 543.3 Date-stamping Documents

(CT:CON-618; 01-07-2016)

a. The Department of VA considers most claims effective upon receipt by either the VA or its agents (Department of State representatives).

The effective date of a claim is a critical issue. Because the effective date of claim may dictate the effective date of payment, you must be certain that advice, counseling, claims development and submissions are prompt and accurate.

b. Consular officers should:

(1) Date-stamp documents the day received at post;

(2) Use space provided (usually upper right hand corner) or stamp in a prominent area;

(3) Initial and place your title under the date stamp; and

(4) Verify that no alterations have been made to the supporting documents.

c. As agents of VA, consular personnel may certify the documents. The following statement must be used when certifying documents:

The original document (or record) of which this is a copy (or, from which this excerpt was taken) appears to be genuine and unaltered and to have been made at the time purported. This document consists of (number of pages) pages. Signature of Consular Officer Typed Name of Consular Officer Title of Consular Officer Name of Post City, Country Date Seal

d. To preserve originals (birth certificates, marriage certificates and discharge papers) copies may be date-stamped. Return originals to the owner.

Send completed applications to VA on the date they are stamped so VA can begin processing.

7 FAM 543.4 Where Veterans Should Send Claims, Applications, Inquiries, Address Changes, etc. When Abroad

(CT:CON-618; 01-07-2016)

a. Claims should be sent to the addresses noted below. Also see claims section under specific programs:

(1) Compensation claims are now centralized. Effective October 1, 2014, all foreign compensation claims are processed by the Pittsburgh Regional Office. Claims received prior to October 1, 2014 will continue to be processed by the Houston and White River Regional Offices:

Pittsburgh VA Regional Office Foreign Claims 1000 Liberty Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15222 FAX: 412-395-6057   For all other inquiries: Email: EMBASSY.VBAPIT@va.gov For completed exam inquiries only: Email: FOREIGNEXAM21.VBAPIT@va.gov

VA Regional Office 6900 Almeda Road Houston, TX 77030 FAX: 713-794-3705 Email: foreign.vbahou@va.gov

VA Medical and Regional Office Center 215 North Main Street White River Junction, VT 05009 FAX: 802-296-5174 Email: vsc.vbawrj@va.gov

(2) Claims received from Veterans who reside in the Philippines are processed by Manila Regional Office:

Philippines (Benefits and Medical Treatment) VA Out-patient Clinic 1131 Roxas Boulevard Pasay City, Philippines FAX: 632-831-4454 Email: Manlvaro.inquiry@VBA.VA.gov

(3) Pension and Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) claims are now centralized as well. Effective October 1, 2014, all foreign pension and DIC claims are processed by the Philadelphia Pension Maintenance Center (PMC). Claims received prior to October 1, 2014 will continue to be processed by the St. Paul PMC:

Philadelphia Pension Maintenance Center (PMC) 5100 Wissahickon Ave Philadelphia, PA 19144 Phone: 215-381-3762 Pension Claims for Veterans, Widows and Parents, and Dependency and Indemnity Compensation are processed by the PMC   All Other Countries Fax: 215-381-3777 or 215-381-3780 Email: pensioncenter.vbaphi@va.gov

(4) Inquiries regarding headstones/markers, and Presidential Memorial Certificates should be forwarded to the following address:

(5) Inquiries regarding insurance should be forwarded to the following address:

(6) Inquiries about education benefits should be forwarded to the following address:

b. When Submitting an Inquiry to VA:

(1) Provide the veterans full name and claim number or SSN on all inquiries (including those from a widow/widower or children);

(2) State the question/situation clearly; and

(3) Include all necessary dates in this format: (month/day/year, e.g., May 24, 1941).

Note: Claimants may submit inquiries directly to VA by going to VAs Inquiry Routing and Information System (IRIS). Normally a response should be received within five working days. Do not give claimants VA E-mail addresses reserved for inquiries from Posts.

7 FAM 544 DISABILITY EVALUATION EXAMINATIONS

7 FAM 544.1 How to Request an Examination

(CT:CON-618; 01-07-2016)

a. The U.S. VA requires examinations to establish the presence or absence of a claimed disease, injury, or residual condition, and, if existent, the extent of disability.

b. The VA regional office of jurisdiction will notify the claimant directly that a request for examination has been sent to the Foreign Service post of jurisdiction. The request will include examination protocols which the examining physician should follow.

7 FAM 544.2 Role of the Consular Officer

(CT:CON-637; 02-23-2016)

a. The VA claims processing office will forward Form VA-21-2507, Request for Physical Examination, to post, and the request will specify the type of examination(s) required noting the condition(s) claimed by the beneficiary. Evaluation guidelines will be provided for all examinations.

b. The consular officer should assist the veteran by actually scheduling the examinations with a physician(s) or medical facility using the list of doctors and hospitals produced and maintained by post. For more information on the list of doctors see 7 FAM 337. Do not give the form to the veteran to schedule his/her own appointment.

c. The Foreign Medical Program (FMP) is an organization within VA that handles healthcare for Veterans who live abroad. Part "e" of this section provides more information about the reimbursement process.

d. The consular officer should advise the health care provider to let the post know if payment has not been received within 90 days after the examination report has been returned to Post. In such a case, you should advise the VAs Foreign Medical Program of the delinquency.

e. The consular officer should forward examination reports and invoices to VA through the post scheduling the examination as specifically instructed on the transmittal letter sent with the Request for Examination. Examination reports and a copy of Form VA-21-2507 should be returned to the VA regional office that requested the examination. The physicians invoice and a copy of Form VA-21-2507 should be sent to the Foreign Medical Program Office in Denver, Colorado. Advise the physician that the report and invoice should be made on the physicians letterhead and address all items included in the examination protocol(s). Advise the physician that reports should be completed within 30 days of the examination.

f. The process of sanitizing the mail in the Department of State destroys information which is printed on any type of heat sensitive paper, i.e., thermal paper; this includes medical reports, compensation and pension medical examinations, EKG printouts and any other reports which are printed on heat sensitive paper. Therefore, you should photocopy material printed on heat sensitive paper and forward the photocopy with the examination to the VA Regional Office of jurisdiction. The photocopies should be certified. The original documents should be retained for six months in the event VA needs to retrieve them.

g. What if the claimant fails to report for examination? You should return Form VA-21-2507 to the VA Regional Office of jurisdiction for cancellation if the claimant does not report for the examination as scheduled and does not contact Post to reschedule within one week after missing the appointment.

h. What if the veteran asks to reschedule an examination? The veteran must provide a reasonable justification for rescheduling in writing. The rescheduled examination should be conducted within 30 days of the date the request for rescheduling is received by post.

i. What if travel is necessary for a Disability Examination? The VA will send the veteran Form VA-07-3542, Authorization to Report Voucher for Mileage Allowance (or an allowance for another mode of transportation) as part of the examination request. The veteran should send the completed mileage voucher, to:

7 FAM 545 MEDICAL TREATMENT AND SERVICES

(CT:CON-618; 01-07-2016)

Reimbursed medical care and medical equipment is limited to services that are required to treat adjudicated service-connected conditions. See below for specific information by geographic region. Prescriptions and prosthetic appliances may also be provided.

NOTE: For further information, visit the U.S.VA Foreign Medical Program and VA Health Administration Center (HAC) sites.

7 FAM 545.1 Foreign Medical Program (FMP) for all Countries Except the Philippines

(CT:CON-618; 01-07-2016)

a. Application (Prior to treatment): Veterans should register with the FMP before obtaining health services. The registration form can be obtained by contacting the FMP office or going to the VA Foreign Medical Program site.

b. Authorization:

(1) FMP will confirm eligibility and forward an FMP authorization directly to the veteran;

(2) The authorization will identify him/her VA adjudicated service-connected condition(s) for which treatment is authorized and provide a certification that the Department of Veterans Affairs will assume payment for treatment that is medically necessary for those identified conditions and is accepted by the VA/US medical community; and

(3) Pre-authorization is not required. FMP approves medical equipment requests and authorizes the veteran to purchase the item locally at VA expense.

c. Claims:

(1) May be submitted by the veteran/fiduciary or the provider of services;

(2) Must be submitted directly to FMP office;

(3) Must be submitted no later than two years from the date of treatment/service; and

(4) Must include:

(a) Veterans full name;

(b) VA Claim Number;

(c) U.S. Social Security number;

(d) Providers full name and billing address;

(e) Providers itemized billing statement with a medical diagnosis of condition(s) treated, a narrative description of each service, the billed charge, and the date(s) of service;

(f) Medical record documentation (i.e., outpatient notes, hospital discharge summaries and operative reports) which justifies the necessity of the service and its relationship to the veterans adjudicated service-connected condition(s); and

(g) Claims for prescription drugs indicating the names and quantities of each drug dispensed, and/or prosthetic appliances.

d. Payments: All payments are made in U.S. currency based on the exchange rate effective on the date of service. For episodes of hospitalization, the exchange rate is based on the date of discharge.

e. Where to Send: Authorization requests, claims, inquiries, etc. dealing with the Foreign Medical Program, except the Philippines, should be directed to:

7 FAM 545.2 Foreign Medical Program (FMP) Philippines

(CT:CON-618; 01-07-2016)

a. General: The U.S. VA Regional Office & Outpatient Clinic Manila administers VA medical care in the Philippines. Medical care may be provided for service-connected disabilities and, with limitations, for the non-service-connected disabilities of those veterans who also have recognized service-connected disabilities. Outpatient medical care for treatment of service-connected disabilities will be provided at the VA Outpatient Clinic Manila and through contract inpatient and/or outpatient, fee basis providers. Outpatient medical care for treatment of the non-service-connected disabilities mentioned above is limited to the care that can be provided at the VA Outpatient Clinic Manila.

b. Application (Prior to treatment) You should advise veterans to submit their requests for VA authorized treatment in writing and send them to:

c. Claims Reimbursement for medical care not authorized by the Manila Clinic will be requested through Form VA-10-583, Claim for Payment of Cost of Unauthorized Medical Services, and submitted to the address specified in 7 FAM 544.1. Payment for unauthorized medical care will be made by the Manila Clinic directly to the claimant in Philippine currency.

d. Authorization: Upon receipt of a treatment request, the Manila VA Outpatient Clinic will confirm eligibility through the Manila VA Regional Office. Upon verification of eligibility, the VA clinic will coordinate medical care directly with the veteran. Unless the need for emergency care precludes otherwise, pre-authorization will be required for medical care and services not provided through the Manila VA Outpatient Clinic.

7 FAM 545.3 Dental Examinations and Treatment

(CT:CON-698; 02-09-2017)

Visit Web site Foreign Medical Program handbook.

7 FAM 546 Benefit Checks

7 FAM 546.1 Methods of Payment

(CT:CON-618; 01-07-2016)

a. Currently, VA has established international direct deposit (IDD) of VA payments in Germany, Ireland and the United Kingdom. VA hopes to expand IDD to as many foreign counties as possible.

b. If IDD is not possible, U.S. citizen applicants may arrange to have direct deposit to a U.S. account through their banking facility in the U.S. Otherwise, the VA mails monthly benefit checks via International Priority Airmail (IPA) directly to the recipient. In countries where IPA is not feasible, the checks are mailed via APO/FPO facilities or pouched to the consular posts.

c. If the checks are sent in bulk shipments to your post, Post is then responsible for distributing the checks to the recipients through the local postal service or other appropriate means. For further information, see 7 FAM 520.

7 FAM 546.2 What if a Benefit Check is not Received?

(CT:CON-618; 01-07-2016)

a. See 7 FAM 523.

b. The VA needs to know:

(1) Name of the beneficiary (veteran, widow, child of veteran, parent of veteran);

(2) VA claim number or Social Security number of the veteran and the payee number if known (00-veteran, 10-widow, 11-19 or 31 for children, etc);

(3) Date of the check (for example, January 1, 2002);

(4) Type of benefit (pension, compensation, education, etc.) if known;

(5) Current address of claimant; and

(6) If the address has changed since the previous check was issued, VA will input the new address, reissue the check, and direct it to the corrected address. A change of address must be processed by the 15th of the month to be effective on the next check. If the replacement check is returned, benefits will be suspended immediately.

c. What you should do for bulk shipments:

(1) Verify that a payment has been issued with the check list enclosed in the bulk shipment;

(2) Allow a minimum of 10 calendar days after date of payment to elapse; and

(3) See 7 FAM 526d(1) and 7 FAM 527.1.

d. What post should do if the check was sent by International Priority Airmail. See 7 FAM 526c, 7 FAM 527.2 and 7 FAM 527.3.

e. What the Claimant should know:

(1) If the Department of Treasury finds no indication that the check has been negotiated (the quality of being negotiable or transferable by endorsement, Section 7020, Treasury Financial Manual, Chapter 7000, Cancelations, Deposits, and Claims for Checks Drawn on the U.S. Treasury), they will issue a courtesy replacement check. (It will take up to four weeks or more to replace a current month non-negotiated check.);

(2) If the Department of Treasury determines that the missing check was actually negotiated, they will send the payee an image of the check and Form FMS-3858, Claims Package that includes the Form FMS-1133, Claim against the United States for the Proceeds of a Government Check;

(3) If the payee agrees that he/she did in fact sign the check, no further action is necessary. (This usually takes six weeks to provide.); and

(4) If the payee claims that he/she did not endorse the check and forgery is alleged, the payee must complete the Form FMS-1133, Claim against the United States for the Proceeds of a Government Check and return it to the address provided. Upon receipt of the claim form, Treasury will adjudicate the claim. If Treasury determines that a forgery has occurred, a settlement check is authorized to the payee or a transfer is authorized to the agency. (Forgery investigations usually take about one year and replacement checks are not issued until Treasury completes the investigation).

7 FAM 547 Education Benefits

(CT:CON-637; 02-23-2016)

a. U.S. Veterans of the post-Korea conflict period, including current members of the Armed Forces, are eligible for education benefits.

b. For education benefits to be paid outside the United States, the beneficiary must be enrolled in a program of study approved by VA.

c. For more information, visit the VA Educational Benefits website.

7 FAM 548 Other Services

7 FAM 548.1 Burial Flags

(CT:CON-618; 01-07-2016)

a. Summary: Foreign Service posts serve as the issuing agents for U.S. burial flags. The number of flags to be maintained at each post is determined by the veteran population in the consular district, but a minimum of two should always be available. A burial flag should not be removed from its carton until used for a veterans funeral.

b. Number of Flags May Be Distributed: The VA is authorized to issue only one flag per deceased veteran. Once a flag is presented it cannot be replaced under any circumstances.

c. Eligibility: The following deceased veterans are eligible to receive a United States flag to drape the casket or accompany the urn. Those who:

(1) Served in any war;

(2) Died while on active duty;

(3) Served after January 31, 1955;

(4) Served at least one enlistment or had been discharged or released from active service for a disability incurred or aggravated in the line of duty; and

(5) Are entitled to retired pay for service in the National Guard or Reserves at the time of death, or would have been entitled to retired pay, but for being under 60 years of age.

d. Application: In regards to the Application for United States Flag for burial purposes, Form VA-27-2008, VA does not dictate who must complete it. Generally, the next of kin or the funeral director may complete the form which is available on the VA forms site. If available, a copy of the death certificate and military separation or discharge document should be included.

e. U.S. Citizen Victims of Terrorism: Review Burial Flags section of 7 FAM 1800 Consular Crisis Management for guidance about transporting the remains of U.S. citizen victims of terrorism abroad and the propriety of using burial flags.

f. Authorized uses of the flags: Flags may be used to:

(1) Drape the casket of the veteran prior to interment, entombment, or interment;

(2) Accompany remains of the veteran in transit to the place of final disposition;

(3) Burial purposes in connection with the death of in-service personnel who die at points where armed forces cannot supply such flags in time for burial; and

(4) As a memorial after final disposition as indicated on Form VA-21-2008.

g. Ordering New Flags: The Service Distribution Center (SDC) distributes and replenishes burial flags; however, the VA office will need the following:

(1) Your complete mailing address, including the name of your point of contact and telephone number since they use parcel post for overseas shipments of this type;

(2) The number of burial flags you immediately need;

(3) To initiate and expedite future replenishments, for burial flags send the entire original completed copy VA 27-2008, Application for United States Flag for Burial Purposes with attach copy of DD 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty; or other documentation that contains acceptable evidence of the eligibility of the deceased Veteran whenever possible as you receive them to the VASDC/OPERATION address noted below; and

(4) The purpose for submitting the completed application with attached copy of the DD 214 immediately to the VASDC/OPERATION address -noted below- is to ensure timely notification of the Veterans death to the Department of Veterans Affairs. Please insert the appropriate information noted under the Notification of Issuance of Flags, at the bottom portion of VAF 27-2008. Documents should be mailed to:

7 FAM 548.2 Fiduciary Field Investigations

(CT:CON-618; 01-07-2016)

a. VA's Fiduciary Program was established to protect Veterans and other beneficiaries who, due to injury, disease, or due to age, are unable to manage their financial affairs. VA will only determine an individual to be unable to manage his or her financial affairs after receipt of medical documentation or if a court of competent jurisdiction has already made the determination.

b. On occasion, VA may request that Post conduct a field visit to a VA beneficiary to assist the VA in determining if he/she is competent to handle his/her funds or to observe daily living in the household when claimant may be competent, but incapacitated. VA will provide post with specific written instructions, including travel reimbursement procedures, on a case-by-case basis. After review of information obtained by the consular officer during the visit, the VA will make the determination.

c. Upon determining a beneficiary is unable to manage his/her financial affairs, VA will appoint a fiduciary. The fiduciary, normally chosen by the beneficiary, must undergo an investigation of their suitability to serve. This investigation includes a criminal background check, review of credit report, personal interview, and recommendations of character references. Only after a complete investigation is a fiduciary appointed to manage a beneficiaries VA benefits. The fiduciary is responsible to the beneficiary and oversees financial management of VA benefit payments. Generally, family members or friends serve as fiduciaries for beneficiaries; however, when friends and family are not able to serve, VA looks for qualified individuals or organizations to serve as a fiduciary.

d. VA may also request the consular officer to investigate the fitness and suitability of guardians or other court fiduciaries as well as recognition of legal custodians for minor or incompetent beneficiaries.

7 FAM 548.3 Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Program

(CT:CON-618; 01-07-2016)

Visit VA Educational Benefits Internet page and VA foreign schools Internet page.

7 FAM 548.4 Military Medals and Military Records

(CT:CON-618; 01-07-2016)

For information about U.S. military medals and U.S. military records, see the National Personnel Records Center, Military Personnel Records Internet page.

7 FAM 548.5 Home Loan Guaranty

(CT:CON-618; 01-07-2016)

a. VA Home Loan Guaranties are only available in the United States and its territories. Veterans who reside overseas may be eligible for Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) or Special Housing Adaption (SHA).

b. The SAH grant is designed to help disabled Veterans by providing a barrier-free living environment, such as a wheelchair accessible home, that affords Veterans a level of independent living they may not otherwise enjoy. Veterans and Servicemembers with specific service-connected disabilities may be entitled to a grant for the purpose of constructing or modifying a home to meet their adaptive needs.

c. The SAH grant is available to certain Veterans and Servicemembers who are entitled to disability compensation due to loss or loss of use of both lower extremities, such as to preclude locomotion without the aid of braces, crutches, canes, or a wheelchair; blindness in both eyes, plus loss or loss of use of one lower extremity; loss or loss of use of one lower extremity together with (1) residuals of organic disease or injury, or (2) the loss or loss of use of one upper extremity, affecting balance or propulsion as to preclude locomotion without the aid of braces, crutches, canes, or a wheelchair; loss or loss of use of both upper extremities at or above the elbows, or a severe burn injury.

d. The SHA grant can be used to increase the mobility of eligible Veteran and Servicemembers throughout their residences. The SHA grant is available to certain Veterans and Servicemembers who are entitled to disability compensation due to blindness in both eyes with 20/200 visual acuity or less in the better eye with the use of a standard correcting lens; the anatomical loss or loss of use of both hands or extremities below the elbow, or a severe burn injury.

7 FAM 549 NOTIFY THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS OF CHANGES OF STATUS AND ADDRESS OF BENEFICIARIES

7 FAM 549.1 Change of Address, Citizenship Status, Name, Claim Number

(CT:CON-637; 02-23-2016)

Report the following changes of status to the Pittsburgh Regional Office for veterans receiving compensation and the Philadelphia Pension Maintenance Center for veterans and/or dependents receiving pension, DIC, survivors and parents pension via email or fax (VA office contact information is provided in 7 FAM 543.4):

(1) Change of address;

(2) Beneficiarys name;

(3) Claim number; and

(4) Citizenship status.

See Form VA-21-572

7 FAM 549.2 Report Deaths of Beneficiaries

(CT:CON-618; 01-07-2016)

The Consular Officer should notify the appropriate VA office:

a. Death of veterans who were in receipt of compensation should be reported to the Pittsburgh Regional Office.

b. Death of veterans and/or dependents who were in receipt of pension, DIC, survivors and parents' pension should be reported to the Philadelphia Pension Maintenance Center.

c. The report should be done via email or fax. (VA office contact information is provided in 7 FAM 543.4). The following should be included in the notification:

(1) The beneficiarys name;

(2) Claim number;

(3) Date of death;

(4) Place of death; and

(5) Information for survivor benefits (name, address and telephone number of surviving family member.

7 FAM 549.3 Marriages, Birth of Dependents and Other Changes of Status

(CT:CON-618; 01-07-2016)

a. Veterans abroad can notify the VA directly of changes in beneficiaries including spouses, children and dependent parents. This can be accomplished using Form VA-21-686c, Declaration of Status of Dependents, or VA Form VA-21-674, Request for Approval of School Attendance for dependents over age 18 and attending school, or Form VA-21-P509 Statement of Dependency of Parent(s), and Electronically via VONAPP. The VONAPP (Veterans On Line Application) website is an official U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) website that enables service members, veterans and their beneficiaries, and other designated individuals to apply for benefits using the Internet.

b. Consular officers or RFBOs may also assist veterans in reporting marriages and birth of dependents, and other changes of status to the appropriate VA Foreign Desk This information may come to post's attention when assisting a veteran residing in the consular district with issuance of a Consular Report of Birth of a U.S. Citizen Abroad or other service. When the change of status relates to veterans who were in receipt of compensation, it should be reported to the Pittsburgh Regional Office. When it relates to veterans and/or dependents that were in receipt of pension, DIC, survivors and parents' pension, it should be reported to the Philadelphia Pension Maintenance Center. (VA office contact information is provided in 7 FAM 543.4).

UNCLASSIFIED (U)