M21-1 Manual  /  Part XIV, Chapter 5

Matching Programs That Identify Veterans That Returned to Active Duty

M21-1, Part XIV, Chapter 5

Overview

In This Chapter

This chapter contains topic “Matching Programs That Identify Veterans That Returned to Active Duty.”

1. Matching Programs That Identify Veterans That Returned to Active Duty


Introduction

This topic contains information on matching programs that identify Veterans that returned to active duty, including
  • VA/DoD Identity Repository (VADIR) Activation Match
  • automated processing of the activation match, and
  • required actions after initial automated processing.

Change Date

January 19, 2022

XIV.5.1.a. VADIR Activation Match

Approximately two months after the end of a specific month, a VA/DoD Identity Repository (VADIR) Activation Match is released to the Department of Veterans Affairs. This match identifies reservists and members of the National Guard that were called to active duty. Effective October 1, 2020, the match includes non-training Guard/Reserve Active Service (GRAS) periods in the Veterans Information Solution (VIS). These service periods are identifiable in VIS by the presence of No in the TRAINING column on the MILITARY HISTORY page. The results of the match are sent to the Hines Information Technology Center (ITC) for screening and end product (EP) establishment. Reference: For more information on a waiver of disability benefits during National Guard/Reserve training duty, see M21-1, Part VI, Subpart ii, 3.

XIV.5.1.b. Automated Processing of the Activation Match

The Hines ITC establishes an EP 600 - Return to Active Duty on matched cases. Corresponding notices of proposed adverse action are issued on all EPs 600 established by the batch process. In these cases, the system will
  • set the suspense date for 65 days
  • create contentions titled
    • Return to Active Duty followed by the begin date and termination date (if known), and
    • Return to Active Duty Proposal, and
  • create a tracked item titled Return to Active Duty Proposal.
Exception: For cases in which there was more than one non-sequential active duty/activation period, an EP 290 - Return to Active Duty isautomatically established for all remaining active duty/activation periods. These cases are not eligible for automated processing. Claims processors must follow the steps outlined in M21-1, Part X, Subpart v, 2.B.1.b to manually process the notice that the Veteran has returned to active duty.

XIV.5.1.c. Required Actions After Initial Automated Processing

 After the initial automated processing described in M21-1, Part XIV, 5.1.b, use the table below to determine the next steps.
If the Veteran ...Then …
does not respond after 65 days no regional office action is required. The adjustment will be made through automated processing.
responds within 65 days and agrees with the proposed action
  • close out the Return to Active Duty Proposal tracked item with the date the Veteran provided the response, and
  • the adjustment will be made through automated processing.
Note: A manual adjustment may be made to reduce the amount of the overpayment.
responds within 65 days and disagrees with the proposed action
  • close out the Return to Active Duty Proposal tracked item with the date the Veteran’s response was received
  • create a new tracked item titled Other Request and enter Return to Active Duty – Manual Process as free text and enter a suspense date that is 30 days from the current date, and
  • no automated action will be taken. Manually adjust the Veteran’s benefits.
responds within 65 days and requests or claims a waiver of military pay and allowances for a specific active duty/activation period(s)
  • send an encrypted e-mail to VAVBAWAS/CO/MILPAY
  • in the body of the e-mail message, include the
    • Veteran’s name
    • file number
    • date the waiver was received
    • period(s) of the waiver, and
    • document identification number assigned to the waiver
  • save a copy of the e-mail in portable document format (PDF) and upload the PDF into the Veteran’s electronic claims folder, and
  • take no further action until the Military Pay Staff responds with further instructions.
responds within 65 days and requests a hearing follow the instructions in M21-1, Part X, Subpart ii, 3.B.3.

Source: VA M21-1 Adjudication Procedures Manual, M21-1, Part XIV, Chapter 5 (U.S. government work, reproduced for reference). Browse all sections →