July 1, 2014 Change Date a. General In reviewing and processing an original application for VA benefits, the Guidelines for Veterans Service Representative (VSR) must determine if the claimant meets Reviewing and the eligibility criteria for the specific benefits only after Processing an Original Veteran status has been established Application for service has been verified, and VA Benefits character of discharge has been found to be other than dishonorable. In order to verify service, review active duty dates and verify character Note: of discharge by reviewing the discharge document obtaining verification by the service department, or obtaining a VA administrative decision, when necessary. If the VSR determines that a claimant does not meet one or more Exception: eligibility factors for a benefit, the VSR may deny the claim without verifying service. In these cases, the decision notice must fully inform the claimant of VA’s action, informing him or her, if appropriate, that Veteran status has not been established. b. Any person who applies for a VA compensation or pension benefit must Requirement disclose his or her social security number (SSN) and the SSNs of his or her for SSNs dependents. However, an SSN is not required for any person to whom no SSN has been assigned. Notes: If there is no evidence to the contrary, accept a claimant’s (or fiduciary’s) certified statement that no SSN has been assigned. A claimant may provide the SSN over the telephone. However, do not accept a certified statement that no SSN has been assigned orally; a signature “wet” is required. The claimant may submit the certified statement electronically, in person, by mail, or by fax. For more information about References: the mandatory disclosure of SSNs, see and M21-1, Part V, Subpart i, 3.E.1.a, and development procedures for SSNs, see M21-1, Part III, Subpart iii, 5.A.5.
Change Date July 1, 2014 a. General Guidelines for Reviewing and Processing an Original Application for VA Benefits In reviewing and processing an original application for VA benefits, the Veterans Service Representative (VSR) must determine if the claimant meets the eligibility criteria for the specific benefits only after Veteran status has been established service has been verified, and character of discharge has been found to be other than dishonorable. Note: In order to verify service, review active duty dates and verify character of discharge by reviewing the discharge document obtaining verification by the service department, or obtaining a VA administrative decision, when necessary. Exception: If the VSR determines that a claimant does not meet one or more eligibility factors for a benefit, the VSR may deny the claim without verifying service. In these cases, the decision notice must fully inform the claimant of VA’s action, informing him or her, if appropriate, that Veteran status has not been established. b. Requirement for SSNs Any person who applies for a VA compensation or pension benefit must disclose his or her social security number (SSN) and the SSNs of his or her dependents. However, an SSN is not required for any person to whom no SSN has been assigned. Notes: If there is no evidence to the contrary, accept a claimant’s (or fiduciary’s) certified statement that no SSN has been assigned. A claimant may provide the SSN over the telephone. However, do not accept a certified statement that no SSN has been assigned orally; a “wet” signature is required. The claimant may submit the certified statement electronically, in person, by mail, or by fax. References: For more information about the mandatory disclosure of SSNs, see and M21-1, Part V, Subpart i, 3.E.1.a, and development procedures for SSNs, see M21-1, Part III, Subpart iii, 5.A.5.