VA Regional Offices

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Chapter 1: Introduction
17 Topics | 1 Quiz
The Advocacy Network
Overview: VA Claims System
Benefit of the Doubt
Duty to Assist
Elements of a Claim
Disability Compensation Claims have Three Elements
VA Central Office
VA Regional Offices
Claims for VA Disability Benefits
The VA’s Modernized and Legacy Review Systems
Review of Decisions in the Modernized System
Review of Decisions in the Legacy System
The Board of Veterans’ Appeals
U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims
VA Medical Care
Sources of Law
Help Is Needed
Chapter 1: Self-Quiz
Chapter 2: Eligibility Requirements
13 Topics | 1 Quiz
Definition of a Veteran
Discharge Requirements
Bars to Benefits
Willful Misconduct
Length-of-Service Requirements
Basic Eligibility for Service-Connected Disability Compensation
Basic Eligibility for Non-Service-Connected Disability Pension
Family Members’ Eligibility
Spouses
Remarriage
Children
Dependent Parents
Apportionment
Chapter 2: Self Quiz
Chapter 3: Service-Connected Compensation
14 Topics | 1 Quiz
Overview
Five Ways to Establish Service Connection
Direct Service Connection
Service Connection Through Aggravation
Presumptive Service Connection
Presumptive Periods
Chronic Presumptive Conditions
Herbicide (Agent Orange) Exposure
Persian Gulf War Veterans
Secondary Service Connection
Service Connection Based on VA Medical Care
Section 1151 Claims
Federal Tort Claims Act
Special Combat Rule
Chapter 3: Self-Quiz
Chapter 4: How the VA Rates Disabilities
11 Topics | 1 Quiz
Levels of Disability
Total (100 Percent) Disability
Extra-Schedular Ratings
Special Monthly Compensation
VA Rules About Rating Decisions
Special Types of Claims
Mental Disorders
After Service Connection Has Been Awarded
Claims for Increased Rating
Reexaminations
Rating Reductions or Terminations
Chapter 4: Self-Quiz
Chapter 5: Service-Connected Death Benefits
2 Topics
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation
Restored Entitlement Program for Survivors
Chapter 6: Non-Service Connected Pension
12 Topics | 1 Quiz
Eligibility
Wartime Service
Discharge Under Other-than-Dishonorable-Conditions
Permanent and Total Disability
Income and Net Worth Limits
Asset Transfer Look-Back Period and Penalty Period
Pension Programs
Old-Law Pension and Section 306 Pension
Improved Pension
Calculating Improved Pension
Special Monthly Pension
Non-Service-Connected Death Pension
Chapter 6: Self-Quiz
Chapter 7: The VA Claims Process
30 Topics | 1 Quiz
Applying for Benefits
Completing VA Form 21-526EZ
Fully Developed Claims
VA’s Duty to Notify
VA’s Duty to Assist
Obtaining Evidence
VA Decision Letters
How to Determine if a Claim is Subject to the Modernized System or the Legacy System
Seeking Review of or Appealing a Rating Decision in the Modernized System
The Supplemental Claim Option in the Modernized System
The Higher-Level Review Option in the Modernized System
The Board of Veterans’ Appeals Option in the Modernized System
Appealing a Rating Decision in the Legacy System
De Novo Review by a Decision Review Officer in the Legacy System
Hearings at the RO for Claims Subject to the Legacy System
Substantive Appeal in the Legacy System
BVA Appeals in the Legacy System
Hearings at the Board in the Legacy System
BVA Development of Claims in the Legacy System
BVA Remands in the Legacy System
After a BVA Denial of a Claim in the Legacy System
Reconsideration
Supplemental Claims
Reopened Claims in the Legacy Appeals System
Appeal to CAVC
1 of 2
Chapter 8: The US Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims
5 Topics | 1 Quiz
How the Court Works
Veterans Should Get Help
Requirements for Appeal to the Court
Appealing a CAVC Decision
Continuously Pursuing a Claim in the Modernized System After CAVC Affirmance of a BVA Decision
Chapter 8: Self-Quiz
Chapter 9: VA Debt Collection
5 Topics | 1 Quiz
Steps the VA Will Take
Veterans’ Options
Waivers
Home Loan Debts
Release of Liability
Chapter 9: Self-Quiz
Chapter 10: Upgrading Discharges and Correcting Military Records
5 Topics | 1 Quiz
Upgrading a Military Discharge
How to Apply for a Discharge Upgrade
Correcting a Military Record
Applying to a BCMR to Correct a Military Record
Physical Disability Board of Review
Chapter 10: Quiz
Chapter 11: VA Health Care
14 Topics | 1 Quiz
Organization of the VA Health Care System
Overview of VA Health Care
Transitioning from TRICARE to VA Health Care
Eligibility for VA Health Care
The Enrollment Process
Priority Groups
Notification of Enrollment Status
Cost of VA Medical Care
The Disenrollment Process
Reimbursement of Unauthorized Non-VA Medical Expenses
VHA Appeals and Advocacy: Appealing VA Health Care Decisions
Appealing Non-medical Decisions
Appealing Medical Decisions through the VHA Clinical Appeals Process
Non-VA Health Care
Chapter 11: Self-Quiz 2020
Chapter 12: Benefits for Special Groups
22 Topics
Programs for Homeless Veterans
Special Benefits for the Disabled
Automobiles, Conveyances, and Adaptive Equipment
Services and Equipment for Blind and Visually Impaired Veterans
Specially Adapted Housing and Special Housing Adaption Grants
Clothing Allowance
Prosthetics and Rehabilitative Aids
Veterans Readiness and Employment
Education Benefits
Post-9/11 GI Bill
Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty Program
Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve Program
Education Benefits for Members of a Veteran’s Family
VA Home Loan Guaranties
Amount of Guaranty
General Rules about VA Home Loan Guaranties
VA Life Insurance Programs
Burial and Memorial Benefits
Burial Flags
Burial Allowance and Plot Allowance
Veterans Preference in Federal Employment and Special Hiring Authorities
Reemployment Rights
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NVLSP Online Basic Training Course Chapter 1: Introduction VA Regional Offices
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There are 58 VA regional offices (ROs). There is at least one in every state, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines. Different divisions within the ROs include finance and administrative services, veterans readiness and employment, loan guaranty, district counsel, inspector general, and adjudication. Claims for compensation, pension, and education benefits are received by the RO’s adjudication division. Each adjudication division is headed by a Veterans Service Center Manager and is subdivided into an authorization unit and a rating activity.

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