1. AVECO Conference 2016 Education Division
St. Louis Regional Processing Office
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July 21, 2016

2. Agenda Jurisdiction FY16 Staffing Claims Processing Performance
Post-9/11 GI Bill Automation Update
REAP Sunset
FRY Scholarship
Chapter 33 TOE
Chapter 30 Top-Up
Legislation Introduced in the 114th Congress
GI BILL Comparison Tool
GI BILL Feedback System
Questions
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3. Current Staffing Level
FY16 Staffing
Current Staffing Level
FY16 Ceiling
Current Education Employees
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4. RPO Jurisdiction & Distribution of Students
Approximately 25% of National Workload
Snapshot of Recipients on the roles as of July 1, 2016
Georgia = 43.9%
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5. Claims Processing Performance
Date
Pending Claims Inventory
July 1, 2016
15,645
July 1, 2015
14,897
Peak Workload:
September 4, 2015
60,870
This represents a -21.9% change in workload from April 2015 to April 2016 ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

6. Claims Processing Performance
FYTD
As of
July 1, 2016
FYTD 2016
Performance Targets
FYTD 2017
Original Claims Timeliness
19.11 Days
28.0 Days
21.0 Days
Supplemental Claims Timeliness
9.37 Days
14.0 Days
9.0 Days
Payment Accuracy
98.95%
98.0%
RNW Timeliness
3 days
5 days
RNW Over 5 days
33 VAIs
N/A
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7. Post-9/11 GI Bill Automation Update
Full Automation: Long-Term Solution (LTS) processed the claim entirely (including letter generation)
Partial Automation: LTS pre-populates certain information from the VAONCE document (i.e. enrollment certification), but the case requires a Veterans Claims Examiner (VCE) to review and authorize the action
Manual: Claims that require a full review by the VCE from start to finish
ST. LOUIS RPO
Total CH33 Electronic Receipts
Full Automation #
Full Automation %
April 2016
45,799
22,224
48.5%
May 2016
55,674
26,393
47.4%
June 2016
57,021
25,111
44.0%
Decrease due to capacity issues. More claims to automate than LTS can do. _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

8. Post-9/11 GI Bill Automation Update
There are several factors for which will preclude full automation:
VAONCE Remarks listed from School Certifying Official
Change of Student Address submitted by School Certifying Official
New Facility Code reported
Validation Errors (i.e. orphan amendments)
Mitigating Circumstances
Full Automation:
Partial Automation:
Manually Processed: ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________MitC began in LTS in MONTH/YEAR ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

9. Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP) Sunset
The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) of 2016 ended the Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP) on Nov. 25, 2015, for new school enrollments.
Current REAP beneficiaries – Veterans who were attending an educational institution on Nov. 24, 2015, or during the last semester, quarter, or term ending prior to that date, are eligible to continue to receive REAP benefits until Nov. 25,
REAP beneficiaries not attending school – Veterans who applied for REAP but were not attending an educational institution on Nov. 24, 2015, or during the last semester, quarter, or term ending prior to that date are no longer eligible to receive REAP benefits.
New REAP applicants – Veterans who have not enrolled in school and applied for REAP benefits prior to Nov. 25, 2015, are no longer eligible for REAP benefits. However, in most cases, those Veterans will be eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill.
Due to Congressional mandate, Veterans Affairs (VA) will only grant REAP eligibility to those enrolled in school before November 25, 2015, or during their school’s last term, quarter, or semester ending prior to that date
Many of the REAP beneficiaries not attending school may be eligible to receive benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill.
VA will evaluate all applications for REAP received on or after Nov. 25, 2015, to determine eligibility for another program, including the Post-9/11 GI Bill, and will award benefits under a different program if found eligible.

10. Fry Scholarship Eligibility
Children of an active-duty member of the Armed Forces who has died in the line of duty on or after September 11, 2001, are eligible for this benefit. A child may be married or over age 23 and still be eligible.
Effective January 2, 2015, a spouse of an active-duty member of the United States Uniformed Services who has died in the line of duty on or after September 11, 2001, may receive the Fry Scholarship.
Eligible children and Spouses:
Are entitled to 36 months of benefits at the 100% level
May use the benefit until their 33rd birthday (Child)
Are eligible for the Yellow Ribbon Program
Due to Congressional mandate, Veterans Affairs (VA) will only grant REAP eligibility to those enrolled in school before November 25, 2015, or during their school’s last term, quarter, or semester ending prior to that date
Many of the REAP beneficiaries not attending school may be eligible to receive benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill.
VA will evaluate all applications for REAP received on or after Nov. 25, 2015, to determine eligibility for another program, including the Post-9/11 GI Bill, and will award benefits under a different program if found eligible.

11. Fry Scholarship Eligibility Spouse
A spouse has 15 years from the date of the Service Member's death to utilize benefits. If a spouse remarries, benefits end the date of the remarriage.
Are NOW eligible for the Yellow Ribbon Program
Children and Spouses attending school may receive the following benefits:
Full tuition and fees paid directly to the school for all public school in-state students
Tuition and fees are capped at $17,500 per academic year for private and foreign schools but may also use the Yellow Ribbon program.
Due to Congressional mandate, Veterans Affairs (VA) will only grant REAP eligibility to those enrolled in school before November 25, 2015, or during their school’s last term, quarter, or semester ending prior to that date
Many of the REAP beneficiaries not attending school may be eligible to receive benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill.
VA will evaluate all applications for REAP received on or after Nov. 25, 2015, to determine eligibility for another program, including the Post-9/11 GI Bill, and will award benefits under a different program if found eligible.

12. Chapter 33 TOE
Eligibility A service member (active duty or Selected Reserve, officer or enlisted) can transfer up to 36 months of his or her Post-9/11 GI Bill entitlement to an eligible dependent. If a service member has used any benefits, he or she can transfer the unused remaining entitlement to a dependent.
Due to Congressional mandate, Veterans Affairs (VA) will only grant REAP eligibility to those enrolled in school before November 25, 2015, or during their school’s last term, quarter, or semester ending prior to that date
Many of the REAP beneficiaries not attending school may be eligible to receive benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill.
VA will evaluate all applications for REAP received on or after Nov. 25, 2015, to determine eligibility for another program, including the Post-9/11 GI Bill, and will award benefits under a different program if found eligible.

13. Chapter 33 TOE Eligibility
To transfer education benefits, the service member must meet one of the following criteria:
Has at least 6 years of service in the Armed Forces (active duty and/or Selected Reserve) and agrees to serve 4 additional years in the Armed Forces.
Has at least 10 years of service in the Armed Forces (active duty and/or Selected Reserve), and
Is not allowed to commit for an additional 4 years, due to policy or by statute (law) and
Agrees to serve for the maximum amount of time allowed by such policy or statute
Due to Congressional mandate, Veterans Affairs (VA) will only grant REAP eligibility to those enrolled in school before November 25, 2015, or during their school’s last term, quarter, or semester ending prior to that date
Many of the REAP beneficiaries not attending school may be eligible to receive benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill.
VA will evaluate all applications for REAP received on or after Nov. 25, 2015, to determine eligibility for another program, including the Post-9/11 GI Bill, and will award benefits under a different program if found eligible.

14. Chapter 33 TOE Eligibility
Requests to transfer entitlement to spouses or dependents must be made while the individual is in the Armed Forces. The decision to approve or deny such requests is solely within the purview of the Secretary of Defense, and VA determines eligibility for transferred Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits based on information provided by the Department of Defense.
If the service member is approved to transfer unused education benefits under the ToE program, benefits can be transferred to:
A spouse
One or more children or
Any combination
Due to Congressional mandate, Veterans Affairs (VA) will only grant REAP eligibility to those enrolled in school before November 25, 2015, or during their school’s last term, quarter, or semester ending prior to that date
Many of the REAP beneficiaries not attending school may be eligible to receive benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill.
VA will evaluate all applications for REAP received on or after Nov. 25, 2015, to determine eligibility for another program, including the Post-9/11 GI Bill, and will award benefits under a different program if found eligible.

15. Chapter 33 TOE
Elections A request for approval to transfer entitlement by a Service member constitutes an irrevocable election to receive benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill. The transfer request date constitutes the effective date of the election. Although the Service member must acknowledge that an election is being made, the Transfers of Education (TEB) website does not allow the Service member to specify the benefit being relinquished; therefore, in cases where there is eligibility for multiple benefits, further development is needed in order to determine which benefit the Service member wishes to relinquish.
Due to Congressional mandate, Veterans Affairs (VA) will only grant REAP eligibility to those enrolled in school before November 25, 2015, or during their school’s last term, quarter, or semester ending prior to that date
Many of the REAP beneficiaries not attending school may be eligible to receive benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill.
VA will evaluate all applications for REAP received on or after Nov. 25, 2015, to determine eligibility for another program, including the Post-9/11 GI Bill, and will award benefits under a different program if found eligible.

16. Chapter 30 Tuition Assistance Top-Up (TATU)
Elections VA awards Montgomery GI Bill – Active Duty (MGIB – AD) benefits to cover all, or a lesser amount if desired by active duty beneficiary, of the costs of a course not fully covered by Federal Tuition Assistance (TA). In 2014, the Department of Defense (DoD) changed its rules regarding TA. First, DoD now requires GI Bill approval in order to qualify for Federal TA. Second, TA is limited to tuition charges (i.e. not fees) for post- secondary programs, even though such associated fees may be covered by MGIB – AD benefits under TATU.
Due to Congressional mandate, Veterans Affairs (VA) will only grant REAP eligibility to those enrolled in school before November 25, 2015, or during their school’s last term, quarter, or semester ending prior to that date
Many of the REAP beneficiaries not attending school may be eligible to receive benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill.
VA will evaluate all applications for REAP received on or after Nov. 25, 2015, to determine eligibility for another program, including the Post-9/11 GI Bill, and will award benefits under a different program if found eligible.

17. Chapter 30 Tuition Assistance Top-Up (TATU)
SCOs now use VA Form (including the electronic version in VA-ONCE) to certify those classes for students on active duty using the following additional procedures:
Only include those classes for which Federal TA is paying for some, but not all, of the tuition and fee charges
Only report the remaining “out-of-pocket” charges for tuition and fees, or a lesser amount if desired by the Service member
Enter “Top-Up” into the Remarks field
This will allow Service members to receive reimbursement for the full out-of-pocket charges.
Note: If a Service member also wishes to receive “regular” MGIB – AD benefits for enrollment in classes not supported by TA, these classes must certified on a separate VA Form
Due to Congressional mandate, Veterans Affairs (VA) will only grant REAP eligibility to those enrolled in school before November 25, 2015, or during their school’s last term, quarter, or semester ending prior to that date
Many of the REAP beneficiaries not attending school may be eligible to receive benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill.
VA will evaluate all applications for REAP received on or after Nov. 25, 2015, to determine eligibility for another program, including the Post-9/11 GI Bill, and will award benefits under a different program if found eligible.

18. Chapter 30 Tuition Assistance Top-Up (TATU)
Note: If a Service member also wishes to receive “regular” MGIB – AD benefits for enrollment in classes not supported by TA, these classes must certified on a separate VA Form
Due to Congressional mandate, Veterans Affairs (VA) will only grant REAP eligibility to those enrolled in school before November 25, 2015, or during their school’s last term, quarter, or semester ending prior to that date
Many of the REAP beneficiaries not attending school may be eligible to receive benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill.
VA will evaluate all applications for REAP received on or after Nov. 25, 2015, to determine eligibility for another program, including the Post-9/11 GI Bill, and will award benefits under a different program if found eligible.

19. Chapter 33 TOE Spouse May start to use the benefit immediately
May use the benefit while the service member remains in the Armed Forces, or after the service member’s separation from active duty
Effective October 1, 2011 a spouse is eligible for books and supplies while the service member is serving on active duty
Is not eligible for the monthly housing allowance while the service member is serving on active duty
Period of eligibility is 15 years after the service member’s last qualifying period of service from active duty
Due to Congressional mandate, Veterans Affairs (VA) will only grant REAP eligibility to those enrolled in school before November 25, 2015, or during their school’s last term, quarter, or semester ending prior to that date
Many of the REAP beneficiaries not attending school may be eligible to receive benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill.
VA will evaluate all applications for REAP received on or after Nov. 25, 2015, to determine eligibility for another program, including the Post-9/11 GI Bill, and will award benefits under a different program if found eligible.

20. Chapter 33 TOE
Child
May start to use the benefit only after the individual making the transfer has completed at least 10 years of service in the Armed Forces
May use the benefit while the eligible individual remains in the Armed Forces, or after the eligible individual’s separation from active duty
May not use the benefit until he or she has earned a secondary school diploma (or equivalency certificate) or has reached 18 years of age
Is entitled to the monthly stipend and books and supplies, even if the eligible individual is on active duty
Is not subject to the 15-year limit, but may not use the benefit after reaching 26 years of age
Due to Congressional mandate, Veterans Affairs (VA) will only grant REAP eligibility to those enrolled in school before November 25, 2015, or during their school’s last term, quarter, or semester ending prior to that date
Many of the REAP beneficiaries not attending school may be eligible to receive benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill.
VA will evaluate all applications for REAP received on or after Nov. 25, 2015, to determine eligibility for another program, including the Post-9/11 GI Bill, and will award benefits under a different program if found eligible.

21. Legislation Introduced in the 114th Congress
H.R. 3016, the “Veterans Employment, Education, and Healthcare Improvement Act.” [Bill passed by the House on February 9, 2016] and Senate Omnibus Bill
Clarifies eligibility for the Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship
Allows Fry Scholarship recipients to participate in the Yellow Ribbon program
Clarifies criteria used to approve courses
Requires VA to provide info on Veteran entitlement to schools
Clarifies definition of covered individual from Choice Act to include Transferal of Active Duty
Modifies characterization of certain service for Reservists so time spent receiving medical care is creditable
Modifies benefits transferred to family member under the Post- 9/11 GI Bill*
Caps certain flight training and other programs of education*
To date, the future advisory from EDU Service is currently in a “draft” status.

22. GI Bill® Comparison Tool
Comparison Tool was launched on February 4, 2014, in response to Executive Order to implement and promote “Principles of Excellence.” As of May 9, 2016, it had over 2,833,070 unique page views to over 1 million users.
Recently added functionality:
On November 11, 2015, VA released a complete redesign of the Comparison Tool featuring:
Student outcome measures
Mobile/tablet compatibility
The Comparison Tool is updated to include the use of a caution flags:
Accreditation probation
Flight Programs – Suspended for 85/15 violation
Future releases will include:
School Ratings
School Certifying Official Contact Information
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23. GI Bill® Feedback System
On January 30, 2014, VA launched the Feedback System to intake student complaints concerning non-compliant POE schools
Total complaints as of April 30, 2016: 6,086
Of these:
Principals of Excellence (POE) complaints: 3,984 (65%)
Pending: 70
Active: 242
Non-POE complaints: 2,102 (35%)
Risk-based reviews conducted as of April 30, 2016: 116
8 withdrawals
GI Bill Feedback System Observations:
Communication ̶ Issues between school staff and students
Financial issues – Timeliness of certification submission
Transfer of credits – General lack of understanding by students
Refund issues – Administration with multiple types of financial aid (Title IV & VA)
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24. Questions