Veterans Benefits Law & Advocacy

Veterans Benefits Manual, 2012 Edition

This exhaustive manual is an indispensable guide for advocates who help veterans and their families obtain benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs.

User-friendly, well-indexed, and packed with practical information, it includes sample forms and briefs, flowcharts, checklists, citations to legal authorities, and other documents designed to streamline the claims process and save you and your veteran client valuable time.

Written by practicing lawyers at the National Veterans Legal Services Program, this manual contains valuable insight and analysis from a team of experts on the front line of veterans law. Use their first-hand experience fighting for veterans' rights and their insider's view of the Department of Veterans Affairs to obtain the benefits your client earned.

The Veterans Benefits Manual contains dozens of effective, battle-tested advocacy tips for veterans and advocates along with all the latest developments in veterans law.

2012 Edition Editors:

National Veterans Legal Services Program (NVLSP)
Barton F. Stichman, Joint Executive Director and lead litigator for the National Veterans Legal Services Program
Ronald B. Abrams, Joint Executive Director of the National Veterans Legal Services Program
Meg Bartley, Senior Staff Attorney at the National Veterans Legal Services Program
Louis J. George, Senior Litigation Staff Attorney at the National Veterans Legal Services Program

New in the 2012 Edition:

The 2012 Edition of the Veterans Benefits Manual is an extensive revision of the 2011 edition to (a) take into account all of the significant changes that have occurred in veterans benefits law since July 1, 2011, when the 2011 edition was finalized, (b) add new topics not previously covered, and (c) add advocacy tips. Significant new information that appears in the 2012 edition of this Manual includes the following:

•  New information and advocacy advice regarding claims based on exposure to Agent Orange for those who served in Thailand or near the Korean DMZ

•  A discussion of the 2012 court decision affecting entitlement to special monthly pension for veterans aged 65 years or more

•  A discussion of the VA's new Fully Developed Claims program and use of VA Form 21-526EZ

•  Detailed information about VA's new streamlined decision notification process, called the simplified notice letter

•  Recent developments in VA health care, including tentative eligibility for VA medical care and "medical foster home" care

•  Information and advocacy advice regarding Disability Benefits Questionnaires and their use in private examinations, as well as VA's expanded use of telehealth examinations for the purpose of determining the degree of disability

•  An updated discussion of the law regarding when a VA claimant may successfully appeal to the CAVC after the 120-day deadline for filing a Notice of Appeal

•  The new case law surrounding when the CAVC has jurisdiction to review a BVA remand order or referral

•  An explanation of the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims' September 15, 2011 amendments to its Rules of Practice and Procedure

•  Updated and new VA forms, including new VA Form 21-526EZ (Fully Developed Claim for Compensation Form)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Foreword
Acknowledgements
About the Authors

Chapter 1: INTRODUCTION AND HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL
1.1 THE NEED FOR A COMPREHENSIVE PRACTICE MANUAL FOR VETERANS ADVOCATES
1.2 INFORMATION ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION THAT WROTE THIS MANUAL
1.3 HOW TO USE THE 2012 EDITION OF THIS MANUAL

PART I: DISABILITY BENEFITS FOR VETERANS

Chapter 2: VETERANS' BASIC ELIGIBILITY FOR VA BENEFITS
2.1 INTRODUCTION
2.2 DEFINITION OF A VETERAN
2.3 OTHER BASIC ELIGIBLITY CONSIDERATIONS

Chapter 3: COMPENSATION FOR VETERANS WITH SERVICE-CONNECTED DISABILITIES
3.1 INTRODUCTION
3.2 REQUIREMENT OF EVIDENCE OF CURRENT DISABILITY
3.3 REQUIREMENT OF EVIDENCE OF AN IN-SERVICE PRECIPITATING DISEASE, INJURY, OR EVENT
3.4 REQUIREMENT OF A NEXUS BETWEEN THE CURRENT DISABILITY AND AN IN-SERVICE PRECIPITATING DISEASE, INJURY, OR EVENT
3.5 DISABILITY COMPENSATION FOR MENTAL DISABILITIES OTHER THAN POSTTRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER
3.6 DISABILITY CLAIMS FOR POSTTRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER (PTSD)
3.7 DISABILITY COMPENSATION FOR VETERANS OF THE PERSIAN GULF WAR, OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM, AND OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM
3.8 DISABILITY COMPENSATION FOR DISEASES ASSOCIATED WITH AGENT ORANGE AND OTHER HERBICIDES USED IN VIETNAM AND ELSEWHERE
APPENDICES

Chapter 4: COMPENSATION FOR INJURY OR DEATH CAUSED BY VA HEALTH CARE OR OTHER SPECIFIED ACTIVITIES
4.1 OVERVIEW
4.2 CLAIMS FOR 38 U.S.C.S. § 1151 BENEFITS
4.3 DAMAGES UNDER THE FEDERAL TORT CLAIMS ACT
4.4 CONSIDERATIONS IN FILING CLAIMS UNDER THE FTCA AND SECTION 1151
4.5 ETHICAL OBLIGATIONS AND ATTORNEY FEES UNDER THE FTCA AND SECTION 1151

Chapter 5: SETTING, INCREASING, OR REDUCING A VETERAN'S SERVICE-CONNECTED DISABILITY RATING
5.1 EVALUATING THE DEGREE OF DISABILITY FOR SERVICE-CONNECTED DISABILITIES
5.2 RATING THE DEGREE OF DISABILITY FOR PARTICULAR TYPES OF DISABILITIES
5.3 EXTRASCHEDULAR RATINGS FOR EXCEPTIONAL OR UNUSUAL DISABILITIES
5.4 TEMPORARY 100 PERCENT DISABILITY RATINGS
5.5 TOTAL DISABILITY RATINGS BASED ON INDIVIDUAL UNEMPLOYABILITY
5.6 SPECIAL MONTHLY COMPENSATION: STATUTORY AWARDS OF COMPENSATION
5.7 REEXAMINATIONS BY THE VA
5.8 CLAIMS FOR INCREASES IN DISABILITY RATING
5.9 EFFECTIVE DATE FOR RATING INCREASES
5.10 VA PROCEEDINGS TO REDUCE A RATING
5.11 VA PROCEEDINGS TO SEVER SERVICE CONNECTION
APPENDICES

Chapter 6: PENSION FOR VETERANS WITH NON-SERVICE-CONNECTED DISABILITIES
6.1 NON-SERVICE-CONNECTED DISABILITY PENSION BENEFITS
6.2 THE IMPROVED PENSION PROGRAM FOR VETERANS
6.3 SECTION 306 PENSION AND OLD-LAW DISABILITY PENSION
6.4 IMPORTANT FACTORS TO CONSIDER IN ADVISING ELDERLY VETERANS
APPENDIX

PART II: VA BENEFITS FOR NON-VETERANS

Chapter 7: VA BENEFITS FOR FAMILY MEMBERS
7.1 INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW OF VA BENEFITS FOR FAMILY MEMBERS
7.2 QUALIFYING FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS
7.3 BENEFITS AVAILABLE TO QUALIFYING SURVIVORS OF A DECEASED VETERAN OR DECEASED VA CLAIMANT
7.4 SPECIAL ALLOWANCE RATES FOR SPOUSES AND PARENTS WHO REQUIRE AID & ATTENDANCE OR WHO ARE PERMANENTLY HOUSEBOUND
7.5 DIRECT PAYMENT TO FAMILY MEMBERS OF A VETERAN'S COMPENSATION OR PENSION BENEFITS
7.6 EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE FOR SPOUSES AND CHILDREN OF VETERANS
7.7 BENEFITS FOR CHILDREN BORN WITH SPINA BIFIDA AND CERTAIN OTHER BIRTH DEFECTS TO A VIETNAM VETERAN
APPENDICES

PART III: RULES AFFECTING THE AMOUNT OF BENEFITS PAID

Chapter 8: EFFECTIVE DATES FOR AWARDS OF BENEFITS
8.1 THE GENERAL RULE
8.2 SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS IN SETTING THE EFFECTIVE DATE FOR AN AWARD OF TDIU
8.3 THE EFFECTIVE DATE PROVIDED BY THE GENERAL RULE WHEN THE VA FAILED TO ADJUDICATE A CLAIM OR FAILED TO ISSUE A FINAL DECISION ON A PENDING CLAIM
8.4 THE ARGUMENT FOR AN EARLIER EFFECTIVE DATE BASED ON THE ALLEGATION THAT THE CLAIMANT WOULD HAVE FILED A WRITTEN CLAIM EARLIER IF VA HAD COMPLIED WITH ITS DUTIES
8.5 SPECIAL RULES THAT RESULT IN AN EARLIER EFFECTIVE DATE THAN WOULD THE GENERAL RULE
8.6 THE EXCEPTION FOR A FAVORABLE CHANGE IN STATUTE OR REGULATION
8.7 EFFECTIVE DATES FOR CLAIMS GRANTED DUE TO AGENT ORANGE EXPOSURE IN VIETNAM
APPENDIX

Chapter 9: SPECIAL ISSUES FOR DISABILITY AND DEATH BENEFITS
9.1 VA BENEFITS ARE EXEMPT FROM TAXATION, CLAIMS OF CREDITORS, AND OTHER LEGAL PROCESS
9.2 THE EFFECTS OF INCARCERATION ON ENTITLEMENT TO RECEIVE VA COMPENSATION AND PENSION BENEFITS
9.3 PROHIBITION AGAINST DUPLICATION OF BENEFITS
9.4 OVERPAYMENTS OF BENEFITS AND OTHER DEBTS OWED TO THE VA
9.5 ADJUDICATION OF INCOMPETENCY

PART IV: VA HEALTH CARE AND OTHER BENEFITS

Chapter 10: VA HEALTH CARE
10.1 INTRODUCTION
10.2 ADVOCACY AND VA HEALTH CARE
10.3 ENROLLMENT IN THE VA HEALTH CARE SYSTEM
10.4 SUMMARY OF VA HEALTH CARE BENEFITS
10.5 VA HOSPITAL CARE AND OUTPATIENT CARE
10.7 STATE VETERANS HOMES
10.8 NON-INSTITUTIONAL EXTENDED CARE PROGRAMS
10.9 FAMILY CAREGIVER PROGRAM
10.10 PHARMACY SERVICES
10.11 VA DOMICILIARY CARE AND RESIDENTIAL REHABILITATION TREATMENT PROGRAMS
10.12 READJUSTMENT COUNSELING AND MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES
10.13 PROSTHETICS AND SENSORI-NEURAL AIDS
10.14 VA DENTAL CARE
10.15 PAYING FOR VA HEALTH CARE
10.16 VERIFYING INCOME FOR VA HEALTH CARE
10.17 FEE-BASIS CARE (CONTRACT CARE OR PURCHASED CARE) AND AUTHORIZATION FOR NON-VA CARE
10.18 REIMBURSEMENT OF NON-VA EMERGENCY TREATMENT EXPENSES AND NON-VA UNAUTHORIZED MEDICAL EXPENSES
10.19 REIMBURSEMENT FOR TRANSPORTATION AND LODGING RELATED TO MEDICAL CARE
10.20 WOMEN VETERANS AND VA HEALTH CARE
10.21 VETERANS WITH TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY
10.22 ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH REGISTRY PROGRAM
10.23 HEALTH CARE FOR DEPENDENTS AND SURVIVORS OF VETERANS
10.24 CHARACTER OF DISCHARGE AND ELIGIBILITY FOR VA HEALTH CARE
10.25 BREAKING SCHEDULED APPOINTMENTS
10.26 NON-VA TREATMENT FOR SOME VETERANS WITH DRUG AND ALCOHOL PROBLEMS
10.27 VA HEALTH CARE FOR MILITARY SEXUAL TRAUMA-RELATED CONDITIONS
10.28 VOCATIONAL ASSISTANCE AND THERAPEUTIC WORK SERVICES FOR VETERANS RECEIVING VA HEALTH CARE
APPENDIX

Chapter 11: OTHER VA BENEFITS
11.1 VA BURIAL AND MEMORIAL BENEFITS
11.2 VA EDUCATION BENEFITS
11.3 VA VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION AND TRAINING BENEFITS
11.4 VA HOME LOAN GUARANTY BENEFITS
11.5 SPECIAL VA BENEFITS FOR THE DISABLED
11.6 VA LIFE INSURANCE PROGRAMS

PART V: THE VA CLAIMS ADJUDICATION PROCESS

Chapter 12: ADJUDICATION OF ORIGINAL AND REOPENED CLAIMS BY VA REGIONAL OFFICES
12.1 INTRODUCTION
12.2 THE THREE TYPES OF CLAIMS INVOLVING THE SAME BENEFIT THAT CAN BE INITIATED AT AN RO
12.3 TERMINOLOGY USED BY THE ROS TO DESCRIBE CLAIMS
12.4 THE ADVANTAGES OF FILING AN ORIGINAL OR REOPENED CLAIM EARLY
12.5 CLAIMANT'S BURDENS AND VA'S DUTIES IN THE CLAIMS ADJUDICATION PROCESS
12.6 DECISIONS BY THE AGENCY OF ORIGINAL JURISDICTION
12.7 NOTICE OF DISAGREEMENT
12.8 OPTIONAL APPEAL OF THE RATING DECISION TO A DECISION REVIEW OFFICER
12.9 HEARINGS BEFORE THE AGENCY OF ORIGINAL JURISDICTION
12.10 STATEMENT OF THE CASE
12.11 FILING THE SUBSTANTIVE APPEAL
12.12 THE LONG DELAY BETWEEN THE SUBSTANTIVE APPEAL AND CERTIFICATION TO THE BVA
12.13 SPECIAL RULES: SIMULTANEOUSLY CONTESTED CLAIMS
12.14 EQUITABLE RELIEF BY THE SECRETARY OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
APPENDICES

Chapter 13: BOARD OF VETERANS' APPEALS
13.1 GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE BVA
13.2 OVERVIEW OF THE BVA APPEALS PROCESS
13.3 BVA PROCEDURES WHEN NO BVA HEARING IS REQUESTED
13.4 REQUESTING AND SCHEDULING A BVA HEARING
13.5 HOW BVA HEARINGS ARE CONDUCTED
13.6 SUBMITTING EVIDENCE DURING AND AFTER A BVA HEARING
13.7 TRANSFER OF THE VA CLAIMS FILE FROM THE REGIONAL OFFICE TO THE BVA
13.8 BVA ACTIONS TO READY AN APPEAL FOR DECISION
13.9 BVA DECISION MAKING PROCESS
13.10 BVA REMANDS
APPENDICES

Chapter 14: COMMON ERRORS IN FINAL VA DECISIONS DENYING BENEFITS AND THE AVENUES AVAILABLE TO CORRECT THEM
14.1 THE INITIAL FACTORS THAT MUST BE CONSIDERED IN DECIDING WHICH OPTION(S) TO PURSUE AFTER A FINAL BVA DENIAL
14.2 SUBMITTING TO AN RO A REOPENED CLAIM FOR THE SAME BENEFITS
14.3 SUBMITTING TO THE BVA A MOTION FOR RECONSIDERATION OF, OR TO VACATE, A BVA DECISION
14.4 SUBMITTING TO THE BVA A MOTION TO REVISE A FINAL BVA DECISION BASED ON CLEAR AND UNMISTAKABLE ERROR
14.5 COMMON VA ERRORS THAT CAN BE CORRECTED BY APPEAL TO COURT

Chapter 15: COURT REVIEW OF VA DECISION-MAKING
15.1 INTRODUCTION
15.2 JURISDICTION OF THE U.S. COURT OF APPEALS FOR VETERANS CLAIMS
15.3 THE POWER OF THE CAVC AND THE SCOPE OF REVIEW IT APPLIES IN REVIEWING BVA DECISIONS
15.4 ORGANIZATION OF THE U.S. COURT OF APPEALS FOR VETERANS CLAIMS
15.5 REPRESENTATION BEFORE THE U.S. COURT OF APPEALS FOR VETERANS CLAIMS
15.6 THE RULES OF PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE OF THE U.S. COURT OF APPEALS FOR VETERANS CLAIMS
15.7 COMMON ISSUES FACED BY COUNSEL FOR APPELLANTS IN EXPLORING SETTLEMENT WITH THE VA'S OFFICE OF THE GENERAL COUNSEL
15.8 JURISDICTION AND AUTHORITY OF THE U.S. COURT OF APPEALS FOR THE FEDERAL CIRCUIT
15.9 THE REMAINING JURISDICTION OF THE U.S. DISTRICT COURTS
APPENDICES

PART VI: ADVOCACY ON BEHALF OF VA CLAIMANTS

Chapter 16: REVIEWING VA CLAIMS FILES
16.1 INTRODUCTION
16.2 OBTAINING THE VA CLAIMS FILE
16.3 HOW TO REVIEW A VA CLAIMS FILE
16.4 VA MISHANDLING OF CLAIMS FILE DOCUMENTS
APPENDICES

Chapter 17: EFFECTIVE ADVOCACY BEFORE THE VA AND RESEARCHING VETERANS LAW
17.1 INTRODUCTION
17.2 REQUIREMENTS TO REPRESENT A VA CLAIMANT
17.3 THE POWER OF ATTORNEY FORM THAT MUST BE FILED TO BE RECOGNIZED AS A CLAIMANT'S REPRESENTATIVE
17.4 STANDARDS OF PRACTICE FOR REPRESENTATIVES
17.5 GENERAL ADVOCACY GUIDELINES
17.6 OBTAINING EVIDENCE TO SUPPORT A VA CLAIM
17.7 ADVOCACY INVOLVING VA'S DUTY TO NOTIFY
17.8 ADVOCACY INVOLVING VA'S DUTY TO ASSIST
17.9 ADVOCACY INVOLVING CLAIMS TO REOPEN
17.10 ADVOCACY INVOLVING CLAIMS FOR PENSION BENEFITS
17.11 ADVOCACY INVOLVING TOTAL DISABILITY RATINGS BASED ON INDIVIDUAL UNEMPLOYABILITY
17.12 ADVOCACY INVOLVING VA'S DUTY TO MAXIMIZE BENEFITS
17.13 ADVOCACY INVOLVING VA'S FAILURE TO ADJUDICATE A CLAIM
17.14 PREPARING WRITTEN ARGUMENTS IN SUPPORT OF A CLAIM
17.15 PERSONAL HEARINGS AND ORAL ARGUMENT
17.16 RESEARCHING VETERANS LAW
17.17 VA PILOT PROGRAMS
APPENDICES

Chapter 18: OBTAINING MILITARY RECORDS AND INFORMATION TO HELP SUBSTANTIATE A CLAIM
18.1 INTRODUCTION
18.2 THE DUTIES OF VA IN OBTAINING EVIDENCE OUTSIDE OF VA
18.3 NATIONAL PERSONNEL RECORDS CENTER
18.4 THE UNITED STATES ARMY AND JOINT SERVICES RECORDS RESEARCH CENTER (JSRRC)

Chapter 19: ATTORNEY'S AND AGENT'S FEES PAID BY VA CLAIMANTS OR BY THE VA
19.1 HISTORY OF LIMITATIONS ON ATTORNEY'S FEES
19.2 FEES AND EXPENSES PAID BY CLAIMANTS TO ATTORNEYS OR AGENTS FOR REPRESENTATION BEFORE THE RO OR THE BVA
19.3 RULES GOVERNING ATTORNEY'S FEE AGREEMENTS IN PRACTICE BEFORE THE CAVC
19.4 PAYMENT OF FEES BY THE VA DIRECTLY TO ATTORNEYS AND AGENTS BY DEDUCTING THE FEE FROM PAST DUE BENEFITS
19.5 ATTORNEY'S FEES IN HOME LOAN GUARANTY CASES
19.6 THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE VJRA ATTORNEY'S FEES PROVISIONS AND FEES CHARGED IN CLAIMS BASED ON VA NEGLIGENCE OR MEDICAL MALPRACTICE
19.7 ATTORNEY'S FEES UNDER THE EQUAL ACCESS TO JUSTICE ACT
APPENDICES

PART VII: CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

Chapter 20: MILITARY RECORDS CORRECTIONS ISSUES
20.1 INTRODUCTION: BOARDS FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS
20.2 BOARDS FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS: PROCEDURES
20.3 DISABILITY SEPARATION AND RETIREMENT CASES
20.4 ADVERSE INFORMATION ON SEPARATION DOCUMENTS
20.5 APPEALING OLD COURT-MARTIAL CONVICTIONS
APPENDICES

Chapter 21: UPGRADING LESS THAN FULLY HONORABLE DISCHARGES
21.1 INTRODUCTION
21.2 CLASSIFICATION OF DISCHARGES AND GENERAL ELIGIBILITY FOR VA PROGRAMS
21.3 DISCHARGE UPGRADING VERSUS VA ADJUDICATION
21.4 THE DISCHARGE REVIEW PROCESS
APPENDICES

The National Veterans Legal Services Program (NVLSP) is a non-profit law firm that has represented veterans for over 20 years.
Barton F. Stichman, Joint Executive Director and lead litigator for the National Veterans Legal Services Program, has earned over $1 billion in VA benefits for his clients over the last 30 years.
Ronald B. Abrams, is Joint Executive Director of the National Veterans Legal Services Program and a 17-year VA insider. Over the past 15 years, he has trained thousands of veterans advocates.
Meg Bartley is Senior Staff Attorney at the National Veterans Legal Services Program and editor of The Veterans Advocate, a veterans law and advocacy journal. She has trained thousands of lawyers and veterans service officers in veterans law.
Louis J. George is a Senior Litigation Staff Attorney at the National Veterans Legal Services Program, where he represents veterans and their dependents before the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims and other courts. He mentors lawyers participating in the Veterans Consortium Pro Bono Program and other pro bono programs, and trains lawyers and veterans service officers in veterans law and advocacy.

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Comparison of Practice Tools

	Veterans Benefits Manual	Federal Veterans Laws, Rules & Regs.	Veterans Benefits Manual & Related Laws and Regs. on CD-ROM	LexisNexis Automated Veterans Benefits Forms on CD-ROM	Veterans Benefits Library Website
Veterans Benefits Manual by NVLSP, including:
Advocacy Tips	x		x		x
Forms	x		x	x	x
Sample Briefs & Letters	x		x		x
Fully Indexed	x		x		x
Title 38 of the U.S. Code Service
Complete Statutory Text		x	x		x
Annotations			x		x
Title 38 of Code of Federal Regulations		x	x		x
USCS and CFR Index		x	x		x
Automated Forms				x
VA Health Care Adjudication Manual M-1, Parts I & IV			x		x
VA Claims Adjudication Manual M21-1 and M21-1MR			x		x
Decisions of U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims			x		x
Selected Decisions from U.S. Supreme Court, Courts of Appeals, and District Courts			x		x
Rules of Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims	x	x	x		x
Precedent Opinions of VA General Counsel			x		x
VA Clinician's Guide			x		x
VA Appeals Guide			x		x
Selected CA, NY and NC Statutes					x
Updated Monthly					x

Federal Veterans Laws, Rules and Regulations, 2012 Edition

Federal Veterans Laws, Rules and Regulations puts the laws and regulations related to veterans law right at your fingertips. This fully updated and indexed resource offers quick reference to important federal statutes and regulations contained in Title 38 of the United States Code Service (USCS) and the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), as well as all of the rules of the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims.

By limiting this book to all the regulations contained in Title 38 C.F.R., and the statutes that cover almost 99 percent of the situations usually faced by veterans advocates, we can bring it to you at a price that is far below what it would cost to buy 38 U.S.C. and 38 C.F.R. from the Federal Government. The statutes and regulations included in this book cover almost all issues regarding:

•  Service-connected compensation benefits
•  Service-connected death benefits (dependency and indemnity compensation benefits)
•  Non-service-connected pension benefits
•  Non-service-connected death pension benefits
•  VA medical care (hospital, nursing home, domiciliary and medical care)
•  Insurance benefits
•  Specially adapted housing benefits
•  Burial benefits
•  Burial in a national cemetery
•  Education assistance
•  Educational assistance for survivors and dependents
•  Vocational rehabilitation
•  Automobiles and adaptive equipment
•  Job counseling and job placement
•  Employment and training
•  Veterans reemployment rights
•  Effective dates of benefit payments
•  Appellate rights and due process
•  The rules governing the adjudication of claims for VA benefits
•  Rules governing the VA accreditation of agents and attorneys
•  The complete Schedule for Rating Disabilities (38 C.F.R. Part IV)

Affordable and handy, this volume can serve as an independent desk reference or a companion book to the new, completely revised Veterans Benefits Manual that contains expert commentary reviewing the statutes and regulations, explanations of their meanings, and comprehensive advocacy advice.

For additional information, send email to: veteransbenefits@lexisnexis.com.


The eBook versions of this title feature links to Lexis Advance for further legal research options.

Sections Affected by the 112th Congress, First Session
Sections Affected by the 112th Congress, Second Session
Sections Affected for the Code of Federal Regulations
Sections Affected for the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims

United States Code Service

Selected Provisions of Title 38 Veterans' Benefits

Part I. General Provisions
Chapter 1. General
Chapter 3. Department of Veterans Affairs
Chapter 5. Authority and Duties of the Secretary
Chapter 7. Employees

Part II. General Benefits
Chapter 11. Compensation for Service-Connected Disability or Death
Chapter 13. Dependency and Indemnity Compensation for Service-Connected Deaths
Chapter 15. Pension for Non-Service-Connected Disability or Death or for Service
Chapter 17. Hospital, Nursing Home, Domiciliary, and Medical Care
Chapter 18. Benefits for Children of Vietnam Veterans and Other Veterans
Chapter 19. Insurance
Chapter 20. Benefits for Homeless Veterans
Chapter 21. Specially Adapted Housing for Disabled Veterans
Chapter 23. Burial Benefits
Chapter 24. National Cemeteries and Memorials

Part III. Readjustment and Related Benefits
Chapter 30. All-Volunteer Force Educational Assistance Program
Chapter 31. Training and Rehabilitation for Veterans with Service-Connected Disabilities
Chapter 32. Post-Vietnam Era Veterans' Educational Assistance
Chapter 33. Post-9/11 Educational Assistance
Chapter 34. Veterans' Educational Assistance
Chapter 35. Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance
Chapter 36. Administration of Educational Benefits
Chapter 37. Housing and Small Business Loans
Chapter 39. Automobiles and Adaptive Equipment for Certain Disabled Veterans and Members of the Armed Forces
Chapter 41. Job Counseling, Training, and Placement Service for Veterans
Chapter 43. Employment and Reemployment Rights of Members of the Uniformed Services

Part IV. General Administrative Provisions
Chapter 51. Claims, Effective Dates, and Payments
Chapter 53. Special Provisions Relating to Benefits
Chapter 55. Minors, Incompetents, and Other Wards
Chapter 57. Records and Investigations
Chapter 59. Agents and Attorneys
Chapter 61. Penal and Forfeiture Provisions
Chapter 63. Outreach Activities

Part V. Boards, Administrations, and Services
Chapter 71. Board of Veterans' Appealsv Chapter 72. United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims
Chapter 73. Veterans Health Administration - Organization and Functions
Chapter 74. Veterans Health Administration - Personnel
Chapter 77. Veterans Benefits Administration
Chapter 78. Veterans' Canteen Service

Part VI. Acquisition and Disposition of Property
Chapter 83. Acceptance of Gifts and Bequests
Chapter 85. Disposition of Deceased Veterans' Personal Property

Code of Federal Regulations
Title 38--Pensions, Bonuses, and Veterans' Relief Chapter I--Department of Veterans Affairs

United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims
Rules of Practice and Procedure, Rules 1 to 49
Appendices, Forms 1 to 5
Rules of Admission and Practice, Rules 1 to 12
Internal Operating Procedures, Rules I to X
Rules of the Judicial Council of the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims Governing Complaints of Judicial Misconduct and Disability, Rules 1 to 23
Appendix: Complaint Form

User's Guide to Index
Index

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Comparison of Practice Tools

	Veterans Benefits Manual	Federal Veterans Laws, Rules & Regs.	Veterans Benefits Manual & Related Laws and Regs. on CD-ROM	LexisNexis Automated Veterans Benefits Forms on CD-ROM	Veterans Benefits Library Website
Veterans Benefits Manual by NVLSP, including:
Advocacy Tips	x		x		x
Forms	x		x	x	x
Sample Briefs & Letters	x		x		x
Fully Indexed	x		x		x
Title 38 of the U.S. Code Service
Complete Statutory Text		x	x		x
Annotations			x		x
Title 38 of Code of Federal Regulations		x	x		x
USCS and CFR Index		x	x		x
Automated Forms				x
VA Health Care Adjudication Manual M-1, Parts I & IV			x		x
VA Claims Adjudication Manual M21-1 and M21-1MR			x		x
Decisions of U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims			x		x
Selected Decisions from U.S. Supreme Court, Courts of Appeals, and District Courts			x		x
Rules of Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims	x	x	x		x
Precedent Opinions of VA General Counsel			x		x
VA Clinician's Guide			x		x
VA Appeals Guide			x		x
Selected CA, NY and NC Statutes					x
Updated Monthly					x

LexisNexis CD - Veterans Benefits Manual and Related Laws and Regulations on CD-ROM, 2012 Edition

This product is packed with volumes of valuable information. In addition to all the content of Veterans Benefits Manual and Federal Veterans Laws, Rules and Regulations, the CD-ROM contains the M1 (Parts I and IV) and M21-1MR adjudication manuals, the Precedent Opinions of the VA General Counsel, Opinions from the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, selected opinions from the United States Supreme Court, Courts of Appeals, and District Courts, the VA Clinicians Guide, and case annotations for all of Title 38 USCS. With the CD-ROM, the material you need can be quickly found through easy-to-use searches and hypertext links. This is the ultimate reference work for the veterans advocate!

Comparison of Practice Tools

	Veterans Benefits Manual	Federal Veterans Laws, Rules & Regs.	Veterans Benefits Manual & Related Laws and Regs. on CD-ROM	LexisNexis Automated Veterans Benefits Forms on CD-ROM	Veterans Benefits Library Website
Veterans Benefits Manual by NVLSP, including:
Advocacy Tips	x		x		x
Forms	x		x	x	x
Sample Briefs & Letters	x		x		x
Fully Indexed	x		x		x
Title 38 of the U.S. Code Service
Complete Statutory Text		x	x		x
Annotations			x		x
Title 38 of Code of Federal Regulations		x	x		x
USCS and CFR Index		x	x		x
Automated Forms				x
VA Health Care Adjudication Manual M-1, Parts I & IV			x		x
VA Claims Adjudication Manual M21-1 and M21-1MR			x		x
Decisions of U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims			x		x
Selected Decisions from U.S. Supreme Court, Courts of Appeals, and District Courts			x		x
Rules of Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims	x	x	x		x
Precedent Opinions of VA General Counsel			x		x
VA Clinician's Guide			x		x
VA Appeals Guide			x		x
Selected CA, NY and NC Statutes					x
Updated Monthly					x

LexisNexis® Automated Veterans Benefits Forms

To preview these forms or purchase the online version click here

LexisNexis^® Automated Veterans Benefits Forms includes 176 forms and value-added instructions written by National Veteran's Legal Services Program (NVLSP) attorneys. New and revised forms are provided regularly.

The repetitive typing, cutting, and pasting, and the increased chance of error that plague traditional methods of document preparation all disappear with HotDocs® document-assembly software. Simply enter case- or client-specific information once and HotDocs will insert it where relevant throughout the form. You will produce a signature-ready document in minutes. You can also save the information you have entered and use the saved answers to complete related forms. HotDocs will also compute many of the tax calculations automatically.

The latest release of Veterans Benefits Forms includes 5 new forms and 38 updated/revised forms:

NEW
VA Compensation and Pension Forms
10-8678 Application for Annual Clothing Allowance (Under 38 U.S.C. 1162)
21P-8416 Medical Expense Report
Department of Defense Forms
DD 2168 Application for Discharge of Member or Survivor of Member of Group Certified to Have Performed Active Duty With the Armed Forces of the United States
State Specific Forms - Texas
TVC-15a Nursing Home Statement
TVC-16 Statement of Attending Physician

REVISED
VA Compensation and Pension Forms
21-530 Application for Burial Benefits (Under 38 U.S.C. Chapter 23)
21-534 Application for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation
21-0571 Application for Exclusion of Children's Income
21-527EZ Fully Developed Claim Notice (Pension)
21-0516-1 Improved Pension Eligibility Verification Report (Veteran with No Children)
21-4138 Statement in Support of Claim
21-509 Statement of Dependency of Parent(s)
21-526 Veteran's Application for Compensation and/or Pension
21-8940 Veteran's Application for Increased Compensation Based on Unemployability
Department of Defense Forms
DD 149 Application for Correction of Military Record
DD 293 Application for the Review of Discharge or Dismissal from the Armed Forces
Other Department of Veterans Affairs Forms
10-10d Application for CHAMPVA Benefits
10-10CG Application for Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers Program
10-10EC Application for Extended Care Services
10-10EZ Application for Health Benefits
40-1330 Application for Standard Government Headstone or Marker
21-8924 Application of Surviving Spouse or Child for Representative Benefits
21-22a Appointment of Individual as Claimant's Representative
21-22 Appointment of Veterans Service Organization as Claimant's Representative
21-0845 Authorization To Disclose Personal Information To a Third Party
21-2680 Examination for Housebound Status or Permanent Need for Regular Aid and Attendance
10-10EZR Health Benefits Renewal Form
Educational Forms
22-1990t Application and Enrollment Certification for Individualized Tutorial Assistance
22-5490 Application for Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance
22-1990 Application for VA Education Benefits
22-8691 Application for Work-Study Allowance
22-5495 Dependent's Request for Change of Program or Place of Training
22-1995 Request for Change of VA Education Program or Place of Training
Insurance Forms
29-4364 Application for Service Disabled Insurance
29-0188 Application for Supplemental Service-Disabled Veterans Insurance (SRH)
Miscellaneous Forms
DA Form 3499 Application for Relief From Court-Martial Findings and/or Sentence Under the Provisions of Title 10, United States Code, Section 869
Appendix 17-A Veterans Benefits Manual Advocacy Checklist for Different Types of VA Claims
Home Loan Guaranty Forms
26-1880 Request for a Certificate of Eligibility for VA Home Loan Benefits
Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Form
28-1900 Disabled Veterans Application for Vocational Rehabilitation
Standard Forms
SF 180 Request Pertaining to Military Records
State Specific Forms - California
SPB 1093 Civil Service Preference
State Specific Forms - New York
NY Form CC-APP Application for New York State Civil Service Examination
State Specific Forms - Texas
Texas Form VTR-420 Application for Military Veteran License Plates

Veterans' Benefits Forms

Foreword by Ronald Abrams, National Veterans Legal Services Program
Veterans Benefits Manual Advocacy Checklist for Different Types of VA Claims (App17-A) (Word)
Veterans Benefits Manual Advocacy Checklist for Different Types of VA Claims (App17-A) (WordPerfect)

VA Compensation and Pension Forms
Veteran's Supplemental Claim (21-256b)
Application for Annual Clothing Allowance (Under 38 U.S.C. 1162) (10-8678)
Application for Annual Clothing Allowance (Under 38 U.S.C. 1162) (10-8678) (Instructions)
Application for Automobile or Other Conveyance and Adaptive Equipment (21-4502)
Application for Automobile or Other Conveyance and Adaptive Equipment (21-4502) (Instructions)
Application for Benefits for Certain Children with Disabilities Born of Vietnam Veterans (21-0304)
Application for Benefits for Certain Children with Disab. Born of Vietnam Vets. (21-0304) (Instructions)
Application for Burial Benefits (Under 38 U.S.C. Chapter 23) (21-530)
Application for Burial Benefits (Under 38 U.S.C. Chapter 23) (21-530) (Instructions)
Application for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (21-534)
Application for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (21-534) (Instructions)
Application for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation by a Surviving Spouse or Child (21-534a)
Application for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation by a Surviving Spouse or Child (Instructions)
Application for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation by Parent(s) (21-535)
Application for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation by Parent(s) (21-535) (Instructions)
Application for Exclusion of Children’s Income (21-0571)
Application for Reimbursement from Accrued Amounts Due a Deceased Beneficiary (21-601)
Application for Reimbursement from Accrued Amounts Due a Deceased Beneficiary (21-601) (Instructions)
Application for United States Flag for Burial Purposes (21-2008)
Application for United States Flag for Burial Purposes (21-2008) (Instructions)
Declaration of Status of Dependents (21-686c)
Election of Comp in Lieu of Retired Pay or Waiver of Retirement Pay to Secure Comp from VA (21-651)
Eligibility Verification Report (21-0510) (Instructions)
Fully Developed Claim Notice (Pension) (21-527EZ)
Improved Pension Eligibility Verification Report (Child or Children) (21-0519c-1)
Improved Pension Eligibility Verification Report (Surviving Spouse with Children) (21-0519s-1)
Improved Pension Eligibility Verification Report (Surviving Spouse with No Children) (21-0518-1)
Improved Pension Eligibility Verification Report (Veteran with Children) (21-0517-1)
Improved Pension Eligibility Verification Report (Veteran with No Children) (21-0516-1)
Income-Net Worth and Employment Status Statement (21-527)
Income-Net Worth and Employment Status Statement (21-527) (Instructions)
Information Regarding Apportionment of Beneficiary’s Award (21-0788)
Medical Expense Report (21P-8416)
Old Law and Section 306 Eligibility Verification Report (Children Only) (21-0513-1)
Old Law and Section 306 Eligibility Verification Report (Surviving Spouse) (21-0512s-1)
Old Law and Section 306 Eligibility Verification Report (Veteran) (21-0512v-1)
Old Law Eligibility Verification Report (Surviving Spouse) (21-0511s-1)
Old Law Eligibility Verification Report (Veteran) (21-0511v-1)
Parent’s DIC Eligibility Verification Report (21-0514-1)
Report of Income from Property or Business (21-4185)
Request for Approval of School Attendance (21-674)
Request for Approval of School Attendance (21-674) (Instructions)
Request for Details of Expenses (21-8049)
Request for Employment Information in Connection with Claim for Disability Benefits (21-4192)
Request for Nursing Home Information in Connection with Claim for Aid and Attendance (21-0779)
School Attendance Report (21-674b)
Social Security Administration Application For Survivors Benefits (21-534b)
Social Security Administration Application For Survivors Benefits (21-534b) (Instructions)
Statement in Support of Claim (21-4138)
Statement in Support of Claim for Service Connection for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (21-0781)
Statement in Support of Claim for Service Connection for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (21-0781a)
Statement of Dependency of Parent(s) (21-509)
Statement of Dependency of Parent(s) (21-509) (Instructions)
Statement of Person Claiming to Have Stood in Relation of Parent (21-524)
Veteran's Application for Compensation and/or Pension, Part A: General Information (21-526)
Veteran's Application for Compensation and/or Pension, Part B: Compensation (21-526)
Veteran's Application for Compensation and/or Pension, Part C: Dependency (21-526)
Veteran's Application for Compensation and/or Pension, Part D: Pension (21-526)
Veteran's Application for Compensation and/or Pension (21-526) (Instructions)
Veteran's Application for Increased Compensation Based on Unemployability (21-8940)

Department of Defense Forms
Application for Correction of Military Record (DD 149)
Application for Discharge of Member or Survivor of Member of Group Certified to Have Performed Active Duty With the Armed Forces of the United States (DD 2168)
Application for the Review of Discharge or Dismissal from the Armed Forces (DD 293)
Application for the Review of Discharge or Dismissal from the Armed Forces (DD 293) (Instructions)
Claim for Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSC) (DD 2860)
Claim for Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSC) (DD 2860) (Instructions)
Request for Medical/Dental Records or Information (DD 877)
Request for Medical/Dental Records From the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC)(DD 877-1)

Other Department of Veterans Affairs Forms
Authorization To Disclose Personal Information To a Third Party (21-0845)
Appeal to Board of Veterans' Appeals (9)
Appeal to Board of Veterans' Appeals (9) (Instructions)
Application for Accreditation as a Claims Agent (VA-21A)
Application for Accreditation as a Veterans Organization Representative (VA Form 21)
Application for Adaptive Equipment Motor Vehicle (10-1394)
Application for CHAMPVA Benefits (10-10d)
Application for CHAMPVA Benefits (10-10d) (Instructions)
Application for Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers Program (10-10CG)
Application for Extended Care Services (10-10EC)
Application for Extended Care Services (10-10EC) (Instructions)
Application for Health Benefits (10-10EZ)
Application for Health Benefits (10-10EZ) (Instructions)
Application for Standard Government Headstone or Marker (40-1330)
Application for Standard Government Headstone or Marker (40-1330) (General Information Sheet)
Application for Survivors Benefits (SSA-24)
Application For Survivors Benefits (SSA-24) (Instructions)
Application of Surviving Spouse or Child for Representative Benefits (21-8924)
Appointment of Individual as Claimant's Representative (21-22a)
Appointment of Veterans Service Organization as Claimant's Representative (21-22)
Appointment of Veterans Service Organization as Claimant's Representative (21-22) (Instructions)
Authorization and Consent to Release Information to the Department of Veterans Affairs (21-4142)
Authorization to Disclose a Record in the Presence of a Third Party (VA Form 5571)
Authorization to Disclose Personal Information to a Third Party (21-0845)
CHAMPVA Other Health Insurance (OHI) Certification (10-7959C)
CHAMPVA Other Health Insurance (OHI) Certification (10-7959C) (Instructions)
Claim for Payment of Cost of Unauthorized Medical Services (10-583)
Examination for Housebound Status or Permanent Need for Regular Aid and Attendance (21-2680)
Financial Status Report (5655)
Foreign Medical Program (FMP) Registration Form (10-7959f-1)
Health Benefits Renewal Form (10-10EZR)
Health Benefits Renewal Form (10-10EZR) (Instructions)
Radiation Risk Activity Information Sheet
Rehabilitation Plan (28-8872)
Rehabilitation Plan--Continuation Sheet (28-8872a)
Request for and Consent to Release of Information from Claimant's Records (3288)
Request for and Consent to Release of Medical Records Protected by 38 U.S.C. 7332 (10-5345)
Request for Substitution of Claimant Upon Death of Claimant (21-0847)
Request for Substitution of Claimant Upon Death of Claimant (21-0847) (Instructions)
Statement of Accredited Representation in Appealed Case (1-646)
Veteran's Application For Assistance in Acquiring Home Improvement and Structural Alterations
Veteran's Application in Acquiring Specially Adapted Housing or Special Home Adapt. Grant (26-4555)

Educational Forms
Application and Enrollment Certification for Individualized Tutorial Assistance (22-1990t)
Application and Enrollment Certification for Individualized Tutorial Assistance (22-1990t) (Instructions)
Application for Refund of Educational Contributions (24-5281)
Application for Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance (22-5490)
Application for Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance (22-5490) (Instructions)
Application for VA Education Benefits (22-1990)
Application for VA Education Benefits (22-1990) (Instructions)
Application for Work-Study Allowance (22-8691)
Application for Work-Study Allowance (22-8691) (Instructions)
Certificate of Affirmation of Enrollment Agreement--Correspondence Course (22-1999c)
Dependent's Request for Change of Program or Place of Training (22-5495)
Dependent's Request for Change of Program or Place of Training (22-5495) (Instructions)
Request for Change of VA Education Program or Place of Training (22-1995)
Request for Change of VA Education Program or Place of Training (22-1995) (Instructions)
Supplemental Information for Change of Program or Reenrollment (22-8873)
Time Record (Work-Study Program) (22-8690)

Finance Forms
Application for Assump. Approval and/or Release from Personal Liability to Gov't on a Home Loan (26-6381)
Direct Deposit Enrollment (24-0296)

Home Loan Guaranty Forms
Request for a Certificate of Eligibility for VA Home Loan Benefits (26-1880)
Request for a Certificate of Eligibility for VA Home Loan Benefits (26-1880) (Instructions)
Request for Determination of Loan Guaranty Eligibility--Unmarried Surviving Spouses (26-1817)

Insurance Forms
Service-Disabled Veterans Insurance RH Information and Premium Rates
Application for Cash Surrender Value/or Application for Policy Loan (29-1546)
Application for Service Disabled Insurance (29-4364)
Application for Supplemental Service Disabled Veterans (RH) Life Insurance (29-0189)
Application for Supplemental Service-Disabled Veterans Insurance (SRH) (29-0188)
Application for Veterans' Group Life Insurance (SGLV 8714)
Application for Veterans' Group Life Insurance (SGLV 8714) (Instructions)
Claim for Death Benefits (SGLV 8283)
Claim for Death Benefits (SGLV 8283) (Instructions)
Claim for Disability Insurance--Government Life (29-357)
Claim for One Sum Payment (29-4125)
Designation of Beneficiary Government Life Insurance (29-336)
Designation of Beneficiary Government Life Insurance (29-336) (Instructions)
Request for Change of Address/Cancellation of Direct Deposit (20-572)

Miscellaneous Forms
Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference (To be Used by Veterans and Relatives of Veterans)(SF 15)
Application for Relief From Court-Martial Findings and/or Sentence... (DA Form 3499)
Presidential Memorial Certificate Request Form (40-0247)
Veterans Benefits Manual Advocacy Checklist for Different Types of VA Claims (Appendix 17-A)

National Archives Forms
Questionnaire about Military Service (NA 13075)
Request For Information Needed To Reconstruct Medical Data (NA-13055)

Standard Forms
Claim for Damage, Injury, or Death Standard Form (SF 95)
Claim for Unpaid Compensation of Deceased member of the Uniformed Serviced (SF 1174)
Records Transmittal and Receipt (SF135)
Request Pertaining to Military Records (SF 180)
Request Pertaining to Military Records (SF 180) (Instructions)

Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Forms
Counseling Record - Personal Information (28-1902)
Disabled Veterans Application for Vocational Rehabilitation (28-1900)
Disabled Veterans Application for Vocational Rehabilitation (28-1900) (Instructions)
Employment Questionnaire (21-4140-1)
Rehabilitation Needs Inventory (RNI) (28-1902W)

Additional Forms
Appeal Cancellation Form
Submission Cover Sheet

State Specific Forms

California
Calvet Home Loan Program - Prequalification Application Form
Civil Service Preference (SPB 1093)
Civil Service Preference (SPB 1093) (Instructions)
College Fee Waiver for Veteran's Dependents
Veterans Home Application
Veterans Home Application (Information)
Veterans' Special License Plate (Purple Heart, Medal Of Honor) (Reg 17A)

New York
Application for Alternative Veterans' Exemption From Real Property Taxation (RP-458-a)
Application for Alternative Veterans' Exemption From Real Property Taxation (RP-458-a)(Instructions)
Application for New York State Civil Service Examination (Form CC-APP)
Application for New York State Civil Service Examination (Form CC-APP) (Instructions)
Application for Veterans Exemption From Real Property Taxation (RP-458)
Application for Veterans Exemption From Real Property Taxation (RP-458) (Instructions)
Form to Register a Vehicle with Former POW or Congressional Medal of Honor Plates (MV-1H)
Form to Register Motor Vehicle Obtained by Disabled Veteran Under Title 38 U.S.C. (MV-1E)
Form to Renew Registration of Motor Vehicle for Disabled Veteran Under Title 38 (MV-1G)

Texas
Application for "Disabled Veteran" License Plate (VTR-615)
Application for Military Veteran License Plates (VTR-420)
Nursing Home Statement (TVC-15a)
Statement of Attending Physician (TVC-16)
Texas State Veterans Home Application for Admission
Texas Veterans Housing Assistance and Home Improvement Programs, Cert of Eligibility Application
Veteran Status/Veteran's Employment Preference Form

Comparison of Practice Tools

	Veterans Benefits Manual	Federal Veterans Laws, Rules & Regs.	Veterans Benefits Manual & Related Laws and Regs. on CD-ROM	LexisNexis Automated Veterans Benefits Forms on CD-ROM	Veterans Benefits Library Website
Veterans Benefits Manual by NVLSP, including:
Advocacy Tips	x		x		x
Forms	x		x	x	x
Sample Briefs & Letters	x		x		x
Fully Indexed	x		x		x
Title 38 of the U.S. Code Service
Complete Statutory Text		x	x		x
Annotations			x		x
Title 38 of Code of Federal Regulations		x	x		x
USCS and CFR Index		x	x		x
Automated Forms				x
VA Health Care Adjudication Manual M-1, Parts I & IV			x		x
VA Claims Adjudication Manual M21-1 and M21-1MR			x		x
Decisions of U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims			x		x
Selected Decisions from U.S. Supreme Court, Courts of Appeals, and District Courts			x		x
Rules of Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims	x	x	x		x
Precedent Opinions of VA General Counsel			x		x
VA Clinician's Guide			x		x
VA Appeals Guide			x		x
Selected CA, NY and NC Statutes					x
Updated Monthly					x