Va Fl 10-39

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NOTE:

VA_Fast_Letter_10-39.pdf

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

Veterans Benefits Administration

Washington, D.C. 20420

September 15, 2010

Director (00/21)

All VA Regional Offices and Centers

In Reply Refer to: 21

Fast Letter 10-39

SUBJ: Adding Dependents Without Claims Folder Review

Purpose

This fast letter clarifies procedures for adjusting awards to add or remove a dependent without the claims folder.

Background

In addition to receiving claims for dependency through the use of a VA Form 21-686c,Declaration of Status of Dependents, a statement from a claimant or beneficiary to establish relationship or dependency may also "be received by telephone, or e-mail, fax, or other writing." (See M21-1 Manual Rewrite (MR) Part III, Subpart iii, Chapter 5, Section A, Topic 4 )

As a general rule, VA employees should review and compare any previously submitted dependency information to the current dependency claim prior to adjusting the award. If it is a claim to add a spouse, this review ensures the marital history submitted is consistent with any previously reported. If it is a claim to add or adjust a school child, this review ensures we determine the exact date to add the child by reviewing documentation of the child's prior dates of school attendance.