M21-1 Manual  /  Part XIII, Subpart ii, Chapter 3, Section A

Certificate of Preference for Public Housing

M21-1, Part XIII, Subpart ii, Chapter 3, Section A

Overview

In This Section

This section contains the topic "Certificate of Preference for Public Housing."

1. Certificate of Preference for Public Housing

Introduction

This topic contains information on certificates for preference for public housing, including
  • establishment of criteria for preference in admissions to public housing
  • when certification may be required for preference for public housing
  • when to issue a certificate for preference for public housing
  • filing the request for preference for public housing
  • who may issue a certificate for preference for public housing
  • what the certificate for preference for public housing must contain, and
  • wording on the certificate for preference for public housing.

Change Date

February 19, 2019

XIII.ii.3.A.1.a. Establishment of Criteria for Preference in Admissions to Public Housing

Local public housing authorities establish the criteria for preference in admissions to public housing.

XIII.ii.3.A.1.b. When Certification May Be Required for Preference for Public Housing

A public housing authority may require Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) certification if the established criteria allow preference to Veterans or their dependents because of service-connected (SC) disability or death.

XIII.ii.3.A.1.c. When to Issue a Certificate for Preference for Public Housing

Use the table below to determine when to issue a certificate for preference for public housing.
If …Then …
service connection (SC) for the disability or cause of death has been established issue a certificate at the request of the
  • public housing authority
  • person seeking preference, or
  • his/her representative.
Note: If issued at the request of a representative, address and forward the certificate to the person seeking preference.
a claim for benefits
  • has not been filed, and
  • no determination of SC for disability or death has been made
furnish a statement that no
  • determination of SC for disability or death has been made, and
  • explain that in the absence of a claim, VA cannot furnish a certificate.

XIII.ii.3.A.1.d. Filing the Request for Preference for Public Housing

Do not add the request for, or a copy of, the certificate for preference for public housing to the claims folder.

XIII.ii.3.A.1.e. Who May Issue a Certificate for Preference for Public Housing

A Veterans Service Center Manager, Pension Management Center Manager, or a designee may issue the certificate.

XIII.ii.3.A.1.f. What the Certificate for Preference for Public Housing Must Contain

The certificate for preference for public housing must contain the
  • name of the Veteran
  • VA claims folder number, and
  • date of preparation.

XIII.ii.3.A.1.g. Wording on the Certificate for Preference for Public Housing

Use the following wording on the certificate, unless a variation is required by local criteria: Disability certification: “This is to certify that medical records acceptable to the Department of Veterans Affairs disclose the present existence of service-connected disability or disabilities for [name of Veteran] based on active service in the[branch of service] from[date]to[date].” Death certification: “This is to certify that the records of the Department of Veterans Affairs disclose that the death of[name of Veteran]was due to active service in[branch of service]from[date]to[date].”

Source: VA M21-1 Adjudication Procedures Manual, M21-1, Part XIII, Subpart ii, Chapter 3, Section A (U.S. government work, reproduced for reference). Browse all sections →