14. Handling Claims From Employees and Their Relatives, Continued If a RACC transfers a claims folder back to the employing RO (for an e. Temporary Transfer of a examination, personal hearing, etc.), the employing RO must ensure Claims Folder to the the VSCM is aware of the transfer Employing RO the transfer was for a valid reason, and is only temporary the claims folder is secured in locked files any necessary local action is taken immediately, and the claims folder is returned to the RACC as quickly as possible. f. Claims If an employee or relative of an employee files a claim, but there is no VA Folders With Form 20-0344a, Notification of an Employee or Employee-Relative Claims No VA Form in his/her claims folder, notify the VSCM. The VSCM is responsible for File, 20-0344a working with the to RO’s Information Security Officer determine whether the employee must complete and submit VA Form and Annual Certification of Veteran Status and Veteran-Relatives, ensure completion of the procedure set forth in . If an employee or relative of an employee, who has never filed a claim for g. Handling Claims For VA disability benefits, files a claim for hospital, outpatient, or dental Medical or treatment retain his/her claims folder in local locked files. only, Dental Treatment If the claim requires a character of discharge or line-of-duty Exception: Only determination, transfer his/her claims folder to the appropriate RACC (unless provides for retention of the claims folder in local locked files). 15. Claims From Veterans Who Are Receiving Retirement Pay or Received Separation Benefits
14. Handling Claims From Employees and Their Relatives, Continued e. Temporary Transfer of a Claims Folder to the Employing RO If a RACC transfers a claims folder back to the employing RO (for an examination, personal hearing, etc.), the employing RO must ensure the VSCM is aware of the transfer the transfer was for a valid reason, and is only temporary the claims folder is secured in locked files any necessary local action is taken immediately, and the claims folder is returned to the RACC as quickly as possible. f. Claims Folders With No VA Form 20-0344a If an employee or relative of an employee files a claim, but there is no VA Form 20-0344a, Notification of an Employee or Employee-Relative Claims File, in his/her claims folder, notify the VSCM. The VSCM is responsible for working with the RO’s Information Security Officer to determine whether the employee must complete and submit VA Form Annual Certification of Veteran Status and Veteran-Relatives, and ensure completion of the procedure set forth in . g. Handling Claims For Medical or Dental Treatment Only If an employee or relative of an employee, who has never filed a claim for VA disability benefits, files a claim for hospital, outpatient, or dental treatment only, retain his/her claims folder in local locked files. Exception: If the claim requires a character of discharge or line-of-duty determination, transfer his/her claims folder to the appropriate RACC (unless provides for retention of the claims folder in local locked files). 15. Claims From Veterans Who Are Receiving Retirement Pay or Received Separation Benefits