M22-4, Part I Transmittal History

Part I, "General," Veterans Benefits Administration Manual M22-4, "Education Procedures," is changed as follows:

This change transmits a complete revision of chapter 3. However, only a few paragraphs have substantive changes from the previous version. These are as follows:

Paragraph 3.01 provides a revised introductory paragraph.

Paragraph 3.02 provides links to summaries of the education benefit programs. The chapter 1607 and the National Call to Service programs are included in the list of programs assigned to the Education Service. The chapter 18 program is included in the list of education programs assigned to other VBA services.

Paragraph 3.08 is added to differentiate the Persian Gulf Era legislation from the Post-Vietnam Era legislation. Paragraph 3.08 includes summaries of Public Laws 108-375, 108-454, 109-163 and 109-461.

RESCISSIONS: M22-4, part I, changes 14, 19, 22, 25, and 26

By Direction of the Under Secretary for Benefits

Keith M. Wilson
Director, Education Service

Distribution: Printed Distribution: NONE
(Electronic Distribution only)

Part I, "General," Veterans Benefits Administration Manual M22-4, "Education Procedures," is changed as follows:

This change is a complete revision of part 1, chapter 1. This chapter is renamed Overview of the Manual. Substantive changes are described below.

Paragraph 1.01 is changed to list the National Call to Service and the chapter 1607 programs.

Paragraph 1.03(a) is updated to reflect current M21-1 and M21-MR chapters that affect education claims processing.

Paragraph 1.03(e) is changed to remove reference to M28-2.

Paragraph 1.03(g) is updated to indicate that the M22-4 is supplemented by policy advisories as well as circulars and letters.

Paragraph 1.05 has been rewritten to clarify what each part of M22-4 covers and changes the name of Part III to "Claims Processing and Miscellaneous Benefits".

Paragraph 1.05(c) has been updated to reflect that M22-4 is a totally electronic manual. Each paragraph indicates the date of the change and provides a link to the corresponding transmittal sheet.

Paragraph 1.07 clarifies the relationship of M22-4 to the U.S. Code and the Code of Federal Regulations.

Paragraph 1.08 provides summaries of the functions of each team in Education Service and email addresses.

RESCISSIONS: M22-4, part I, change 18

By Direction of the Under Secretary for Benefits

Keith M. Wilson
Director, Education Service

Distribution: Printed Distribution: NONE
(Electronic Distribution only)

Part I, "General," Veterans Benefits Administration Manual M22-4, "Education Procedures," is changed as follows:

Page 4-i:  Remove this page and substitute page 4-i attached.

Pages 4-5 through 4-7:  Remove these pages and substitute pages 4-5 through 4-8 attached.

Paragraph 4.13(j) is updated to define new procedures regarding hearings and the RPO's jurisdiction over the decisions made based upon those hearings. An informal conference is added as a new procedure.

Brackets [  ] have been used to identify new or revised material.

By Direction of the Under Secretary for Benefits

JACK McCOY

                                                                                                                                        Director, Education Service
Distribution: RPC: 2223
FD EX: ASO and AR, 1 each

Part I, "General," Veterans Benefits Administration Manual M22-4, "Education Procedures," is changed as follows:

Pages 4-3 through 4-7:  Remove these pages and substitute pages 4-3 through 4-7 attached.

Paragraph 4.13 is updated to define new procedures to use when Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) requests a retroactive termination of an education award based on the veteran's request to receive benefits under chapter 31 for the same period.

Brackets [  ] have been used to identify new or revised material.

By Direction of the Under Secretary for Benefits

JACK McCOY

Director, Education Service
Distribution: RPC: 2223
FD EX: ASO and AR, 1 each

Part I, "General," Veterans Benefits Administration Manual M22-4, "Education Procedures," is changed as follows:

Pages 3-53 through 3-56:  Remove these pages and substitute pages 3-54 through 3-57 attached.

Paragraph 3.07 adds information on Public Laws 108-183 and one additional provision on 107-103.

Brackets [  ] have been used to show the changes.

By Direction of the Under Secretary for Benefits

JACK McCOY

                                                                                                                                        Director, Education Service
Distribution:      RPC:     2223
FD                       EX:        ASO and AR, 1 each

Part I, "General," Veterans Benefits Administration Manual M22-4, "Education Procedures," is changed as follows:

Page 3-51 and 3-52:  Remove these pages and substitute pages 3-51 through 3-56 attached.

Paragraph 3.07 adds information on Public Laws 107-14, 107-103, 107-107, 107-314 and 107-330.  It also clarifies information on Public Law 106-419.

Brackets [  ] have been used to show the changes.

By Direction of the Under Secretary for Benefits

JUDITH A. CADEN

                                                                                                                                        Director, Education Service
Distribution:      RPC:     2223
FD                       EX:        ASO and AR, 1 each

Part I, "General," Veterans Benefits Administration Manual M22-4, "Education Procedures," is changed as follows:

Page iii: Remove this page and substitute page iii attached.

Pages 5-i and 5-ii: Remove these pages and substitute pages 5-i and 5-ii attached.

Pages 5-1 through 5-14: Remove these pages and substitute pages 5-1 through 5-10 attached.

Paragraph 5.02 is updated to show that VA Form 22-1999-1 is sent to schools when the claimant's master record does not contain an indicator in the OLAF (On LIne Approval File) VACERT field.

Paragraph 5.04 provides ELR procedures for updating the VACERT field in OLAF.

Subchapter II is retitled to reflect updated Outreach activities.

Paragraph 5.11 is updated to show the text of education benefit information pamphlets is on the Education Service web site, "www.gibill.va.gov".

Paragraph 5.14 is retitled and updated to show the text of education VADS letters will be added to the Education Service web site. Figures 5.01 and 5.02 are deleted.

Subchapter III is retitled to reflect updated Outreach activities.

Paragraph 5.15 is retitled and updated to show outreach services specified by Public Law 105-368.

Paragraph 5.16 is retitled and updated to show additional outreach services.

Paragraph 5.17 is updated to refer requests for names and addresses to the Education Service.

Brackets [ ] have been used to identify new material.

RESCISSION: Circular 22-98-3; M22-4, Part I, change 21.

By Direction of the Acting Under Secretary for Benefits

WILLIAM D. FILLMAN, Jr.

                                                                                                                                        Acting Director, Education Service
Distribution:      RPC:     2223
FD                       EX:        ASO and AR, 1 each

Part I, "General," Veterans Benefits Administration Manual M22-4, "Education Procedures," is changed as follows:

Page iii: Remove this page and substitute page iii attached.

Page 2-i: Remove this page and substitute page 2-i attached.

Pages 2-1 through 2-9: Remove these pages and substitute pages 2-1 through 2-18 attached.

Definitions are updated in paragraph 2.02. BDN definition is updated to show previously referred to as Target.

Brackets [ ] have been used to identify new material even with the extensive changes made to this chapter.

RESCISSION: M22-4, Part I, change 7.

By Direction of the Acting Under Secretary for Benefits

WILLIAM D. FILLMAN, Jr.

                                                                                                                                        Acting Director, Education Service
Distribution:      RPC:     2223
FD                       EX:        ASO and AR, 1 each

Part I, "General," Veterans Benefits Administration Manual M22-4, "Education Procedures," is changed as follows:

Pages 3-7 and 3-8: Remove these pages and substitute pages 3-7 and 3-8 attached.

Paragraph 3.02k deletes section 901 as a benefit that qualifies for work-study benefits.

Pages 3-49 and 3-50: Remove these pages and substitute pages 3-49 through 3-52 attached.

Paragraph 3.07 also adds information on Public Laws 106-398 and 106 419.

Brackets [ ] have been used to show the changes.

By Direction of the Under Secretary for Benefits

CELIA P. DOLLARHIDE

Director, Education Service
Distribution:      RPC:     2223
FD                       EX:        ASO and AR, 1 each

Part I, "General," Veterans Benefits Administration Manual M22-4, "Education Procedures," is changed as follows:

Page iii: Remove this page and substitute page iii attached.

Page 5-i: Remove this page and substitute pages 5-i and 5-ii attached.

Pages 5-1 through 5-16: Remove these pages and substitute pages 5-1 through 5-14 attached.

Paragraphs 5.01 through 5.09 are revised for clarity.

Paragraph 5.11 is updated to show the text of the education pamphlets is available on the Education Service's Internet Home page. The text of the pamphlets is removed from this chapter.

Paragraph 5.13 is updated to state that education pamphlets should be given to individuals who submit a claim in person. Wording is updated to show that education claims are processed at RPOs (Regional Processing Offices) in an Education Division. The Education Division is separate and distinct from the Adjudication Division.

Paragraph 5.14 is updated to refer to the chapter 30 and 32 VADS letters rather than the form or form letters. Figures 5.01 and 5.02 have updated text.

Paragraphs 5.16 through 5.19 are added to address releasing information to third parties, school officials and military contact points.

References to chapter 106 are updated to chapter 1606. Instructions for education coordination is updated to show education processing at RPOs instead of at ROs (Regional Offices).

Brackets [ ] have been used to identify new material.

RESCISSION: M22-4, Part I, change 2.

By Direction of the Under Secretary for Benefits

CELIA P. DOLLARHIDE

Director, Education Service
Distribution:      RPC:     2223
FD                       EX:        ASO and AR, 1 each

Part I, "General," Veterans Benefits Administration Manual M22-4, "Education Procedures," is changed as follows:

Pages 9-1 and 9-2: Remove this page and substitute pages 9-1 and 9-2 attached.

Paragraph 9.02a is revised to eliminate information concerning the temporary vocational training program which ended on December 31, 1995. Paragraph 9.02a also is updated to specifically show that payments to students training under chapter 30, 31, 32 and 35 are not allowable for services performed on or after the student's delimiting date. This denial of work-study payments includes students training under chapter 31 who are considered in an employment assistance program.

Brackets [ ] are used to show changes

RESCISSION: M22-4, Part I, change 2.

By Direction of the Under Secretary for Benefits

CELIA P. DOLLARHIDE

Director, Education Service
Distribution:      RPC:     2223
FD                       EX:        ASO and AR, 1 each

Part I, "General," Veterans Benefits Administration Manual M22-4, "Education Procedures," is changed as follows:

Pages 3-7 through 3-10: Remove these pages and substitute pages 3-7 through 3-10 attached.

Paragraph 3.02k corrects the omission of the chapter 1606 program for eligibility for work-study benefits.

Paragraph 3.02l is deleted as SMOCTA is a former education program (as of January 31, 2000).

Paragraph 3.03g is added to show SMOCTA is a former education program.

Pages 3-45 through 3-48: Remove these pages and substitute pages 3-45 through 3-50 attached.

Paragraph 3.07 corrects information on Public Law 103-446.

Paragraph 3.07 also adds information on Public Laws 105-178, 105-206, 105-261, 105-368 and 106 117.

Brackets [ ] have been used to show the changes

By Direction of the Under Secretary for Benefits

CELIA P. DOLLARHIDE

Director, Education Service
Distribution:      RPC:     2223
FD                       EX:        ASO and AR, 1 each

Part I, "General," Veterans Benefits Administration Manual M22-4, "Education Procedures," is changed as follows:

Page iii: Remove this page and substitute page iii attached.

Pages 1-i through 1-7: Remove these pages and substitute pages 1-i through 1 9 attached.

Paragraph 1.03a has been updated to include a reference to M21-1, Part IV, chapter 35 for hearings and hearing officers.

Paragraph 1.03d provides information that M27-1 information will be included in M21-1.

Paragraph 1.04 updates the reference to the Service Members Occupational Conversion and Training Act (SMOCTA) as a program that has expired. It also includes a NOTE that work-study procedures are now included in M22-4.

Paragraph 1.05a is updated to show that all 10 parts have been issued.

Paragraph 1.08 has been updated to include current telephone numbers and electronic mail boxes for contact points for VA Central Office's Education Service.

References to Target are updated to BDN. References to the Adjudication Division are updated to the Education Division for text referring to education issues.

Brackets [ ] are used to identify new or revised material.

RESCISSIONS: M22-4, Part I, change 6.

By Direction of the Under Secretary for Benefits

CELIA P. DOLLARHIDE

Director, Education Service
Distribution:      RPC:     2223
FD                       EX:        ASO and AR, 1 each

Part I, "General," Veterans Benefits Administration Manual M22-4, "Education Procedures," is changed as follows:

Page iii: Remove this page and substitute page iii attached.

Pages 9-i and 9-ii: Remove these pages and substitute pages 9-i and 9-ii attached.

Pages 9-1 through 9-13: Remove these pages and substitute pages 9-1 through 9-16 attached.

This chapter is revised to incorporate the work-study elements of Public Law 105-368, Veterans Programs Enhancement Act of 1998. Before enactment of this public law, VA had to pay a student selected for the work-study program in advance an amount equal to 40 percent of the total amount of the work-study allowance but not more than an amount equal to 50 times the applicable minimum wage to be paid under the agreement. Public Law 105-368 affords claimants the option of receiving or not receiving this advance payment.

Paragraph 9.01 expands the list of forms for the work-study program. The list includes VA Form 22-8691d Application for Work-Study Allowance To Repay An Education Debt (see appendix A), and VA Form 22-8692b, Work Study Agreement (Student Services) which is a contract when the claimant does not elect to receive an advance payment. This paragraph also includes a NOTE that stations with the VBA Work-Study Management System can use that system to generate appropriate forms and form letters. Stations with the PCGL (Personal Computer Generated Letter) system can use that system to generate appropriate form letters

Paragraph 9.02 includes procedures for the station work-study coordinator to consider when the work-study claimant does not receive an advance payment, but reduces or terminates his or her training.

Paragraph 9.03 includes instructions concerning the responsibilities of the station work-study coordinator if the actual work-study payments are consolidated to an RPO (Regional Processing Office). Simply because the work-study program is administered by a different station does not mean that all responsibilities for this program are removed from the local station. This paragraph restates the procedures when the ELR (Education Liaison Representative) is the employee designated as the local work-study coordinator. The RPO Director, and not the Director of the local RO (Regional Office), must designate the ELR in writing.

Paragraph 9.04 includes procedures for the station work-study coordinator to consider when the work-study claimant does not receive an advance payment.

Paragraph 9.05 is changed to address the reorganization of ROs. Stations that still have a Veterans Services Officer will continue to have him or her make the final placement decision as to whether an individual with a disability can perform the duties of a work-study assignment. Stations that do not have a Veterans Services Officer will have the Vocational Rehabilitation and Counseling Officer make this final placement decision

Paragraphs 9.07, 9.10 and 9.11 are revised to include procedures for the station work-study coordinator to consider when the work-study claimant does not receive an advance payment.

Brackets [ ] are used to show changes.

RESCISSIONS: Circular 20-90-9, paragraph 6; circular 22-92-3, paragraph 7; circular 22-98-3, paragraph 3; M27 1, Part I, Change 34; M22-4, Part I, changes 12 and 13.

By Direction of the Under Secretary for Benefits

CELIA P. DOLLARHIDE

Director, Education Service
Distribution:      RPC:     2223
FD                       EX:        ASO and AR, 1 each

Part I, "General," Veterans Benefits Administration Manual M22-4, "Education Procedures," is changed as follows:

Page 8-i: Remove this page and substitute page 8-i attached.

Pages 8-1 through 8-9: Remove these pages and substitute pages 8-1 through 8 10 attached.

This chapter is revised to be consistent with new regulations which address suspension and discontinuance of benefits by VA. Education Service published completely revised regulations dated July 25, 1998 in Supplement 39 to Title 38, Part 21.

Paragraph 8.01: This paragraph includes an overview of the actions that RPO (Regional Processing Office) Directors will follow when circumstances indicate that a school is not complying with statutory or regulatory requirements and the State approving agency fails to act or is not authorized to act. It includes revised references. Supplement 39 removed 38 CFR 21.4133, 21.4134, 21.4207, and 21.4208. This supplement substituted new regulations. As the processing of education claims has been consolidated from most regional offices to the four RPOs, only RPO Directors have authority to follow these procedures. Only RPOs may have a Committee on Education Allowances. A NOTE is added to differentiate between actions that necessitate the review of the RPO Directors and actions that subordinate education managers can do.

Paragraph 8.02: This paragraph is completely revised. It includes possible actions by the Director. A NOTE is added in paragraph 8.02a for Directors to use their own independent judgment when determining whether they should approve a mass suspension or discontinuance.

Paragraph 8.03 This paragraph is updated to provide that the local ELR (Education Liaison Representative) make a recommendation to his or her CELO (Chief Education Liaison Officer) as to whether or not VA should implement one of the procedures listed in paragraph 8.02. The CELO will further recommend to his or her RPO Director whether to implement the procedure.

Paragraph 8.03 also includes a NOTE with terms used in this chapter. A new term "Education Processing Division" refers to the RPO staff that processes education claims. Another new term "Education Division Chief" refers to the current managerial structure at RPOs.

Paragraph 8.06: This paragraph is updated to include correct regulations and references for the CELO.

Paragraphs 8.08 through 8.15 are updated to include current regulatory references.

Paragraph 8.12: This paragraph is updated to include updated procedures for the Committee. Previously, the hearing rules were broad guidelines in VA Pamphlet 22 72 1, Revised. The hearing rules are now quite detailed and are part of the regulations (38 CFR 21.4214).

Paragraph 8.13: This paragraph is updated to include new procedures for the actions of the RPO Director. Formerly, there were three ways that the case could be reviewed by Central Office. Now, there is only one way for a case to be reviewed by Central Office, and that is for the school to request such a review.

Paragraph 8.14: This paragraph is revised to include updated procedures for the review by the Education Service. Formerly, the school was entitled to a new hearing in Central Office before the review began. Now, the review is based on the evidence submitted at the RPO hearing.

Brackets [ ] have been used to identify new or revised material.

By Direction of the Under Secretary for Benefits

CELIA P. DOLLARHIDE

Director, Education Service
Distribution:      RPC:     2223
FD                       EX:        ASO and AR, 1 each

Part I, "General," Veterans Benefits Administration Manual M22-4, "Education Procedures," is changed as follows:

Page 9-i: Remove this page and substitute pages 9-i and 9-ii attached.

Page 9-13: Following this page, insert pages 9-A-1 through 9-A-8 attached.

These procedures implement title 38 USC, section 3485(e) and 38 CFR 1.929 as printed in the Federal Register dated April 1, 1997. This provision of law authorizes VA to enter into an agreement with an individual who has incurred a VA education or vocational rehabilitation debt, to reduce the debt by performing work-study services. This provision is effective May 1, 1997.

Specific forms have been designed for this program. VA Form 22-8691d is the application for this program. VA Form 22-8692d is the contract that claimants must complete to enter this program. There is no provision for claimants to extend a contract. They must initially contract for sufficient hours to liquidate the entire education debt, but the contract cannot exceed 52 weeks. Claimants will use the other work-study forms specified in chapter 9.

Paragraph 9A.02 states the eligibility requirements for this program. Basically, claimants must have an education debt and must not have submitted a request for waiver of this debt. Claimants do not have to be attending school and are eligible beyond their delimiting dates.

Paragraph 9A.03 states the duties of the work-study coordinator for this program. Basically, the coordinator must ensure that all funds earned under this program are applied to the claimant's debt, regardless of the automated system or lack of any automated system at the regional office.

Paragraph 9A.04 states the time period covered by an application. An application must be for a period long enough to recover the full education debt, but not longer. It may not exceed 52 weeks (i. e., a calendar year). If a total education debt exceeds the amount of money which could be earned under this program in 52 weeks, the claimant is not eligible for this program. For chapter 35, the debt includes past and projected interest and administrative costs.

Paragraph 9A.05 states the factors that work-study coordinators should use in the selection process. If the coordinator has a limitation in the number of jobs, these claimants must receive last priority in placement.

Paragraph 9A.06 states the procedures for work-study coordinators for verification of payments.

Paragraph 9A.07 provides criteria for paying claimants under this program. (For chapter 35 cases, DMC must process the 08E transaction.)

Paragraph 9A.10 provides criteria for terminating claimants under this program.

Paragraph 9A.11 provides criteria for what services claimants under this program may perform.

By Direction of the Under Secretary for Benefits

CELIA P. DOLLARHIDE

Director, Education Service
Distribution:      RPC:     2223
FD                       EX:        ASO and AR, 1 each

Part I, "General," Veterans Benefits Administration Manual M22-4, "Education Procedures," is changed as follows:

Page iii: Remove this page and substitute page iii attached.

Pages 3-i through 3-45: Remove these pages and substitute pages 3-i through 3-48 and 3-A-1 through 3-A-9.

Paragraph 3.02 also clarifies where claims are processed for each program. Rate information is included by reference to other M22-4 parts.

Paragraph 3.02a updates the description of the chapter 30 program.

Paragraphs 3.02f and g clarify the eligibility effective dates for the section 901 and 903 programs.

Paragraph 3.02k and l add information about the Work-Study and SMOCTA programs.

The rate tables are moved to Appendix A, (located at the end of this chapter).

Paragraph 3.07 adds information on Public Laws 104-106, 104-188, 104-201, 104-275, and 105-114.

Paragraph 3.07 also corrects information on Public Laws 98-223 and 101-189.

"Chapter 106" has been updated to "chapter 1606". This change reverses the policy of using specific abbreviations for the different education benefits. Chapter 30 is used instead of MGIB for the Montgomery GI Bill-Active Duty Educational Assistance Program (38 U.S.C., chapter 30). Chapter 32 is used instead of VEAP for the Post-Vietnam Era Veterans' Educational Assistance Program (38 U.S.C., chapter 32). Chapter 35 is used instead of DEA for Dependents' Educational Assistance (38 U.S.C., chapter 35). Chapter 1606 is used instead of MGIB-SR for the Montgomery GI Bill-Selected Reserve Educational Assistance Program (10 U.S.C., chapter 1606).

Brackets [ ] have not been used to show the changes.

RESCISSIONS: M22-4, part I, change 9.

By Direction of the Under Secretary for Benefits

                                                                                                                                        CELIA P. DOLLARHIDE

                                                                                                                                        Director, Education Service
Distribution:      RPC:     2223
FD                       EX:        ASO and AR, 1 each

Part I, "General," Veterans Benefits Administration Manual M22-4, "Education Procedures," is changed as follows:

Pages 9-3 through 9-13: Remove these pages and substitute pages 9-3 through 9-13 attached.

Paragraph 9.04e is revised to remove a conflict between this paragraph and paragraph 9.04f(2). ROs should not send the original or a copy of the work-study application to the RPO.

Paragraph 9.04g is revised to increase the control number from a seven to an eight digit number. The eight digits are needed to reflect a possible increase in the total number of contracts that may be assigned during a fiscal year.

Paragraph 9.05a(3) is revised to conform with the appropriate regulation and statute. Chapter 35 students must be pursuing a program of education in a state in order to pursue work-study.

Paragraph 9.07a(3) is revised to include a note allowing work-study payments when a claimant submits a time sheet showing other than 50 hours.

Paragraph 9.09b is revised to authorize payment following receipt of a copy or a fax of a time card. The previous phrase "work-study student" has been changed to "work-study claimant" in this paragraph as appendix A will refer back to this paragraph for completion of hours. Claimants in the work-study program repaying education debts do not have to be attending school. A NOTE has been added to state that the work-study coordinator has the authority to withhold payment until the original time card is submitted if the copy or the Fax appears to have been altered.

Brackets [ ] have been used to identify new material. Other minor editorial changes which have been made to improve clarity are not in brackets.

By Direction of the Under Secretary for Benefits

                                                                                                                                        CELIA P. DOLLARHIDE

                                                                                                                                        Director, Education Service
Distribution:      RPC:     2223
FD                       EX:        ASO and AR, 1 each

Part I, "General," Veterans Benefits Administration Manual M22-4, "Education Procedures," is changed as follows:

Pages iii and v: Remove these pages and substitute pages iii and v attached.

Page 9-i, pages 9-1 through 9-13, and page 9-A-1: Add these pages.

Since Education Service has acquired jurisdiction over the work-study program, the work-study instructions contained in M27-1, Part I, chapter 9, are being incorporated into M22-4, Part I, as chapter 9. In addition VA Forms 8690, 20-8691, 20-8692, and 8693 are changed to the Education series (22) forms as VA Forms 22-8690, 22-8691, 22 8692, and 22-8693. Also a new form, VA Form 22-8692a, is added. This form is used to extend a student's work-study agreement.

Paragraph 9.03 expands the responsibilities of the station work-study coordinator and adds a requirement that stations furnish the Education Service with the name and telephone number of the work-study coordinator whenever a new station coordinator is appointed. Information is added here (and in other appropriate places within the chapter) clarifying that if the employee designated as the work-study coordinator is the ELR, the delegation must be signed by the RPO Director (or his or her designee).

Paragraph 9.04 is changed to increase the maximum time period covered by an application. An application may now cover the student’s certified period of enrollment, not to exceed an ordinary school year.

Paragraph 9.07 provides criteria for a student to request an extension of an existing contract rather than file a new application. It also includes a NOTE that a university may pay a work-study student separately a rate reflecting the difference between the amount payable by VA and the amount which the university otherwise pays to work-study students performing similar services.

Paragraph 9.10 is changed to follow 38 CFR 21.4145(f) and (g) which require that the RO Director, or his or her designee, must concur before a work-study student is allowed to complete hours in a work-study contract when the student reduces training time to less than 3/4 time, or terminates training.

Paragraph 9.11 is revised to clarify the duties work-study students may be assigned at VA and non-VA
facilities.

Paragraph 9.12 covers supervision of work-study students at non-VA sites and differentiates between the roles of the VA supervisor and the non-VA supervisor.

Paragraph 9.14 includes a requirement that the station work-study coordinator provide the Education Liaison Representative certain work-study information which will be used for compliance survey purposes.

NOTE: Title 38 USC, section 3485 (38 CFR, Part I, section 1.929 as stated in Federal Register dated April 1, 1997) authorizes VA to enter into an agreement with an individual who has incurred a VA education or vocational rehabilitation debt, to reduce the debt by performing work-study services. Procedures implementing this regulation will be published in a separate appendix A at a later date. General references to appendix A are included where appropriate. If specific guidance is needed for these cases and cannot be found in the Federal Register, use Microsoft Exchange to send e-mail to "VAVBAWAS/CO/22" for forwarding to the appropriate staff.

Brackets are not used due to the extensive changes in procedures from those contained in M27-1, part I, chapter 9.

RESCISSIONS: M27-1, Part I, Change 49.

By Direction of the Under Secretary for Benefits

                                                                                                                                        CELIA P. DOLLARHIDE

                                                                                                                                        Director, Education Service
Distribution:      RPC:     2223
FD                       EX:        ASO and AR, 1 each

Part I, "General," Veterans Benefits Administration Manual M22-4, "Education Procedures," is changed as follows:

Page iii: Remove this page and substitute page iii attached.

Page 4-i: Remove this page and substitute page 4-i attached.

Pages 4-1 through 4-10: Remove these pages and substitute pages 4-1 through 4-7 attached.

This chapter is updated to reflect that nearly all education processing has been consolidated to four RPOs (Regional Processing Offices). References to Target are changed to BDN (Benefits Delivery Network). References to chapter 106 are changed to chapter 1606.

Paragraphs 4.03, 4.05, and 4.06 are removed and reserved for future usage.

Paragraph 4.04 describes the duties of an RO education coordinator. The RO education coordinator will be the primary person for coordination between the RPO and the local RO for education issues. The education coordinator will have the duties of the different benefit coordinators specified in parts V, VI, and VIII. The ROs can use a team concept to perform the duties of the coordinator.

The phrase "Wang Office" is replaced by "electronic mail" throughout the chapter since Wang electronic mail has been replaced by Microsoft Exchange.

Paragraph 4.12 adds the provisions of Circular 22-94-1. It specifies that all ROs may process electronic verifications for chapter 30 beneficiaries in college and non-college degree training after the 5th of the month if the beneficiary has a running chapter 30 award and reports no change in his or her enrollment.

Paragraph 4.13 is updated to reflect the consolidation of education processing and the creation of education folders. It contains procedures for the retroactive termination of education benefits when a veteran is retroactively inducted into chapter 31 and reflects the Bernier v Brown COVA decision.

RESCISSIONS: Circular 22-94-1, M22-4, part I, changes 5 and 8.

By Direction of the Under Secretary for Benefits

                                                                                                                                        CELIA P. DOLLARHIDE

                                                                                                                                        Director, Education Service
Distribution:      RPC:     2223
FD                       EX:        ASO and AR, 1 each

Part I, "General," Veterans Benefits Administration Manual M22-4, "Education Procedures," is changed as follows:

Page v: Remove this page and substitute page v attached.

Add chapter 10, Direct Deposit, attached.

By Direction of the Under Secretary for Benefits

                                                                                                                                        CELIA P. DOLLARHIDE

                                                                                                                                        Director, Education Service
Distribution:      RPC:     2223
FD                       EX:        ASO and AR, 1 each

Part I, "General," Veterans Benefits Administration Manual M22-4, "Education Procedures," is changed as follows:

Page iii: Remove this page and substitute page iii attached.

Pages 3-41 through 3-43: Remove these pages and substitute pages 3-41 through and 3-45 attached. This chapter is amended to include information about the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1994 (Public Law 103-160), the Department of Defense Appropriation Acts for Fiscal Year 1994 (Public Law 103-139) and Fiscal Year 1995 (Public Law 103-335), the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1995 (Public Law 103-337), and the Veterans' Benefits Improvement Act of 1994 (Public Law 103-446).

The summary of Public Law 102-484 which was added in change 3 is changed to include additional information about the SMOCTA (Service Members Occupational Conversion and Training Act) program.

This change includes the following new abbreviations for the different education benefits:

MGIB for the Montgomery GI Bill—Active Duty Educational Assistance Program (38 U.S.C., chapter 30);

VEAP for the Post-Vietnam Era Veterans' Educational Assistance Program (38 U.S.C., chapter 32);

DEA for Dependents' Educational Assistance (38 U.S.C., chapter 35); and

MGIB-SR for the Montgomery GI Bill—Selected Reserve Educational Assistance Program (10 U.S.C., chapter 1606, formerly codified as 10 U.S.C., chapter 106).

This change contains historical information. Specific procedural instructions regarding the new legislation will appear in separate changes.

RESCISSIONS: M22-4, part I, changes 3 and 4.

By Direction of the Under Secretary for Benefits

                                                                                                                                        CELIA P. DOLLARHIDE

                                                                                                                                        Director, Education Service
Distribution:      RPC:     2223
FD                       EX:        ASO and AR, 1 each

Part I, "General," Veterans Benefits Administration Manual M22-4, "Education Procedures," is changed as follows:

Pages 4-3 and 4-4: Remove these pages and substitute pages 4-3 and 4-4 attached. Paragraph 4.06 is amended to remove reference to the Target letter issued to each school after input of an original award or a reentrance award with a change in school. The letter encouraged school officials to use the proper RPO address on future documents. With the move toward regionalized processing of all education claims, the letter to the schools is no longer necessary. Part V, chapter 7, has been changed to remove the text of the letter.

By Direction of the Under Secretary for Benefits

                                                                                                                                        CELIA P. DOLLARHIDE

                                                                                                                                        Director, Education Service
Distribution:      RPC:     2223
FD                       EX:        ASO and AR, 1 each

Part I, "General," Veterans Benefits Administration Manual M22-4, "Education Procedures," is changed as follows:

Pages 2-1 through 2-9: Remove these pages and substitute pages 2-1 through 2-9 attached.

Paragraph 2.02 has been changed to add definitions where appropriate. The following definitions have been added: accrued benefits, ADS (Active Duty Support), affirmation of enrollment, BDN (Benefits Delivery Network), COG (Convenience of the Government), defective enlistment, DLC (Date of Last Certification), DLP (Date of Last Payment), dropped priors, duplication of benefits, early-out discharge, educational institution, ETS (Expiration of Term of Service), IADT (Initial Active Duty for Training), NOE (Notice of Exception), training establishment, and two year rule.

Previous definitions have been revised for the following terms: AGR, claimant, discharge, IHL, OJT, REPS, and veteran. The information previously under "date of affirmation" is now found under "affirmation of enrollment."

Cross-references have been added to many definitions.

By Direction of the Under Secretary for Benefits

                                                                                                                                        CELIA P. DOLLARHIDE

                                                                                                                                        Director, Education Service
Distribution:      RPC:     2223
FD                       EX:        ASO and AR, 1 each

Part I, "General," Veterans Benefits Administration Manual M22-4, "Education Procedures," is changed as follows:

Pages 1-i through 1-12: Remove these pages and substitute pages 1-i through 1-7 attached.

Paragraph 1.03a has been changed to provide more specific references to M21-1 and to state that all adjudication employees processing education benefits claims need access to M21-1.

Paragraph 1.03c provides more complete information on the manuals used in Veterans Services Divisions.

Paragraph 1.03h has been added to include information on keeping track of current circulars not yet incorporated into M22-4.

Paragraph 1.04a has been changed to reference the Service Members Occupational Conversion and Training Act (SMOCTA) as one of the current VA education programs not covered in M22-4.

Paragraph 1.04b(3) has been added to include Section 207, Public Law 101-366 as one of the education benefits programs not covered in M22-4 because it has expired.

Paragraph 1.05a (10) has been added to include information on part X.

Paragraph 1.06a has been changed to reference the new procedures for obtaining permission to deviate from the manual.

Paragraph 1.07 has been changed to cite the specific CFR reference for The Antiterrorism Act.

Paragraph 1.07a has replaced figure 1.01 as a source of cross-referencing 38 CFR (Code of Federal Regulations) with a reference to the Index to Title 38, Part 21.

Paragraph 1.08 has been added to include a complete listing of contact points for VA Central Office Education Service.

By Direction of the Under Secretary for Benefits

                                                                                                                                        CELIA P. DOLLARHIDE

                                                                                                                                        Director, Education Service
Distribution:      RPC:     2223
FD                       EX:        ASO and AR, 1 each

Part I, "General," Veterans Benefits Administration Manual M22-4, "Education Procedures," is changed as follows:

Pages 4-5 and 4-6: Remove these pages and insert pages 4-5 and 4-6 attached.

Paragraph 4.13b is clarified to cross-reference the general procedures for preventing duplication of benefits and the administrative error provisions if duplicate payments are not avoided.

By Direction of the Under Secretary for Benefits

                                                                                                                                        CELIA P. DOLLARHIDE

                                                                                                                                        Director, Education Service
Distribution:      RPC:     2223
FD                       EX:        ASO and AR, 1 each

RESCINDED BY CHANGE 9

Part I, "General," Veterans Benefits Administration Manual M22-4, "Education Procedures," is changed as follows:

Page 3-43: Remove this page and substitute pages 3-43 attached. (Change 4 adds a summary of Public Law 103 66).

By Direction of the Under Secretary for Benefits

                                                                                                                                        CELIA P. DOLLARHIDE

                                                                                                                                        Director, Education Service
Distribution:      RPC:     2223
FD                       EX:        ASO and AR, 1 each

RESCINDED BY CHANGE 9

Part I, "General," Veterans Benefits Administration Manual M22-4, "Education Procedures," is changed as follows:

Pages 3-41 through 3-44: Remove these pages and substitute pages 3-41 through 3-44 attached. (Change 3 adds a summary of Public Law 102-484. It also provides the effective date for Public Law 102-568, which was summarized in change 1. The summary of both laws is for informational purposes only. Implementing instructions will be issued separately.

RESCISSION: M22-4, part I, change 1.

By Direction of the Under Secretary for Benefits

                                                                                                                                        GRADY W. HORTON

                                                                                                                                        Director, Education Service
Distribution:      RPC:     2223
FD                       EX:        ASO and AR, 1 each

Part I, "General," Veterans Benefits Administration Manual M22-4, "Education Procedures," is changed as follows:

Page iii, paragraph 3: Add Circular 20-77-25, Appendix F, and Circular 22-85-6, Appendix Q.

Pages 5-i through 5-9: Remove these pages and substitute pages 5-i through 5-16 attached.

Paragraph 5.03 has been changed to remove reference to COIN EDU 256, Quarterly Student Listing. This COIN report has been discontinued.

Paragraph 5.04a has been changed to clarify the responsibilities of Adjudication and the Veterans Services Division when VA Forms 22-1999-1 are received in the regional office without the proper data in the spaces for the name and address of the school.

Paragraph 5.13 has been changed to clarify the distribution requirements for VA pamphlets.

Subchapter III has been added to expand on other distributions for VA pamphlets (i.e. VADS and chapter 35 outreach). Reference is made to a new VADS mail-out for chapter 30 which was initiated during October 1992. Figures 5.02 and 5.02 have been added to provide samples of the VADS cover letters for chapter 32 and chapter 30.

RESCISSION: Circular 20-77-25, Appendix F, and Circular 22-85-6, Appendix Q.

By Direction of the Under Secretary for Benefits

                                                                                                                                        GRADY W. HORTON

                                                                                                                                        Director, Education Service
Distribution:      RPC:     2223
FD                       EX:        ASO and AR, 1 each

Part I, "General," Veterans Benefits Administration Manual M22-4, "Education Procedures," is changed as follows:

Page 3-41: Remove this page and substitute pages 3-41 through 3-44 attached. (This chapter has been amended to provide information on H. R. 5008, 102nd Congress, Title III of the Veterans Benefits Act of 1992, as it affects education programs. H. R. 5008 has passed Congress and will be sent to the President for his consideration. The bill authorizes rate increases under the Montgomery GI Bill and for a variety of benefits. The general education provisions are provided for information purposes. Specific instructions will be forthcoming.)

Education Liaison Representatives should furnish each educational institution and State approving agency within their jurisdiction with a copy of this amendment.

By Direction of the Under Secretary for Benefits

                                                                                                                                        GRADY W. HORTON

                                                                                                                                        Director, Education Service
Distribution:      RPC:     2223
FD                       EX:        ASO and AR, 1 each

1. Manuals

M22-2, Part I, Chapter 1 and change 1. This completes the rescission of Part I.
M22-2, Part IV, Chapter 5
M22-2 Part IV, Chapter 6, paragraph 6.10
M22-2, Part VII, Chapter 4
M22-2, Part VIII, Chapter 1, paragraphs 1.01, 1.02, 1.07, and 1.08
M22-4, Part I, Changes 1, [2,] 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 12 and 13
M27-1, Part I, Change 49

2. Interim Issues

3. Circulars

Circular 20-77-25, Change 7 and Appendix F
Circular 22-79-6, Basic and Appendix A; Appendix B; Appendix C; Appendix E; Appendix F; Change 2
Circular 22-85-6, Appendix C (Revised Jan. 31, 1990), Appendix Q, and changes 6 and 13
Circular 22-85-7
Circular 20-90-9, Appendix E (Dated December 7, 1990)
Circular 22-92-3, paragraph 7
Circular 22-92-13, paragraph 17
Circular 22-94-1
Circular 22-98-3, paragraph 3