Persian Gulf Conflict Veterans Benefit Program Fiscal Year Report PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF MILITARY AND VETERANS AFFAIRS

Transcription

1 PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF MILITARY AND VETERANS AFFAIRS Major General Jessica L. Wright, The Adjutant General Persian Gulf Conflict Veterans Benefit Program Fiscal Year Report

2 DEPARTMENT OF MILITARY AND VETERANS AFFAIRS Persian Gulf Conflict Veterans Benefit Program Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs The Deputy Adjutant General for Veterans Affairs Fort Indiantown Gap Annville, PA

3 Table of Contents Persian Gulf Veterans Benefit Program Summary Report... 1 Program Statistics... 4 Workflow Detail Outreach and Media Events Program Overview Governing Regulation Frequently Asked Questions Application Forms Digest... 58

4 SUMMARY REPORT Section 1 Persian Gulf Veterans Benefit Program Summary Report T his section includes high level program statistics such as claim volume and dollars awarded. It also provides a summary of key program dates. On April 24, 2006, Governor Edward Rendell signed House Bill 1820 into law as Act 29 of This Bill establishes the Persian Gulf Conflict Veterans Benefit Program. The Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs administers the benefit which provides a one-time lump sum bonus payment to eligible Pennsylvania veterans of the Persian Gulf War. Eligible Pennsylvania veterans include current and former members of the United States Armed Forces, a reserve component of the United States Armed Forces, or the Pennsylvania National Guard who served from August 2, 1990 to August 31, 1991 within the program-designated Persian Gulf Conflict Theater of Operations. Additionally, service members/veterans must have been a legal resident of Pennsylvania, received the Southwest Asia Service Medal (SWAM) for active service during the period from August 2, 1990 to August 31, 1991, and been discharged from active duty under honorable conditions, if not currently on active duty. In some cases, surviving relatives of deceased veterans may receive the bonus payment on behalf of eligible veterans. Additional details are available: 1) On-line at: 2) Via telephone at (TTY: ), Mon thru Fri between 9AM and 5PM 3) Via mail at: Persian Gulf Conflict Veterans Benefit Program, PO Box 1109, Harrisburg, PA

5 SUMMARY REPORT Mrs. Beth Deck Program Manager June 30, 2009 Persian Gulf Conflict Veterans Benefit Program Summary Report A. Applications. Fiscal Year TOTAL Average Applications Received (per Month) 1, Total Applications Received 3,621 3,799 7,420 Total Amount Paid $1,135,925 $1,415,988 $2,551,913 B. Applicant Types. Fiscal Year TOTAL Veterans 3,608 3,791 7,399 Prisoner of War Surviving Relative of Veteran: Killed in Action Died as Result of Conflict C. Key Dates. Date April 24, 2006 November 7, 2006 April 4, 2008 April 24, 2008 Event Governor Rendell signed House Bill 1820 into law as Act 29 of This Bill establishes the Persian Gulf Conflict Veterans Benefit Act. On November 7, 2006, Pennsylvania voters gave overwhelming approval to a ballot question to fund the program. The bond issue created a fund for the payment of compensation to, or on behalf of, eligible current and former members of the United States Armed Forces, a reserve component of the United States Armed Forces, or the Pennsylvania National Guard. Program first announced on DMVA website First benefit checks awarded 1 Fiscal Year 2008 began in April 2008 and ended June 30, Fiscal Year 2009 began July 1, 2008 and ended June 30,

6 SUMMARY REPORT D. Current Claim Inventory by County for FY

7 PROGRAM STATISTICS Section 2 Program Statistics T his section will provides detailed statistics, including charts and maps related to: Telephone Inquiries (volumes, trends and origination (by state)) Applications Received (volumes, trends, origination (by state and county)) Payments Approved (totals, trends, destination (by state and county)) 4

8 PROGRAM STATISTICS Call Center Inquiries This series of charts and graphs provides information concerning the phone calls 2 received by the program service center during the fiscal year ending on June 30, Month Calls per Month Cumulative Total Month Calls per Month Cumulative Total Jul Jan Aug Feb Sep Mar Oct Apr Nov May Dec Jun Call volumes include all incoming calls to the program service center. The program service center representatives respond directly to incoming calls from applicants who request an application, check status of claims, or require assistance regarding reconsiderations or appeals. The automated attendant provides callers with a voice response only regarding the status of claims. 5

9 PROGRAM STATISTICS Week End Date Calls per Week Cumulative Total Week End Date Calls per Week Cumulative Total Week End Date Calls per Week Cumulative Total 12-Jul Nov Mar Jul Nov Mar Jul Nov Mar Aug Nov Mar Aug Dec Apr Aug Dec Apr Aug Dec Apr Aug Dec Apr Sep Jan May Sep Jan May Sep Jan May Sep Jan May Oct Jan May Oct Feb Jun Oct Feb Jun Oct Feb Jun Nov Feb Jun

10 PROGRAM STATISTICS Call Origination By State for FY 2009 State Count State Count State Count State Count AK 3 AL 12 AR 4 AZ 25 CA 89 CO 29 CT 3 DC 22 DE 14 FL 89 GA 52 HI 10 IA 0 ID 1 IL 21 IN 8 KS 8 KY 14 LA 3 MA 4 MD 63 ME 5 MI 9 MN 1 MO 13 MS 5 MT 3 NC 130 ND 0 NE 2 NH 1 NJ 93 NM 1 NV 20 NY 74 OH 27 OK 5 OR 11 PA 4792 RI 2 SC 51 SD 1 TN 23 TX 67 UT 0 VA 156 VT 0 WA 22 WI 11 WV 19 WY 0 7

11 PROGRAM STATISTICS Applications Received This series of charts and graphs provides information concerning the applications received for processing, by the program service center, during the fiscal year ending on June 30, Month Applications per Month Cumulative Total Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun

12 PROGRAM STATISTICS Week End Date Applications per Week Cumulative Total Week End Date Applications per Week Cumulative Total Week End Date Applications per Week Cumulative Total 12-Jul Nov Mar Jul Nov Mar Jul Nov Mar Aug Nov Mar Aug Dec Apr Aug Dec Apr Aug Dec Apr Aug Dec Apr Sep Jan May Sep Jan May Sep Jan May Sep Jan May Oct Jan May Oct Feb Jun Oct Feb Jun Oct Feb Jun Nov Feb Jun

13 PROGRAM STATISTICS Applications Received By State for FY 2009 State Count AK 4 AL 8 AR 1 AZ 16 CA 35 CO 17 CT 3 DC 3 DE 12 FL 58 GA 42 HI 5 IA 2 ID 1 IL 17 State Count IN 6 KS 8 KY 14 LA 5 MA 5 MD 37 ME 2 MI 7 MN 0 MO 10 MS 11 MT 3 NC 89 ND 0 NE 2 State Count NH 4 NJ 36 NM 3 NV 8 NY 23 OH 26 OK 13 OR 5 PA 2981 RI 2 SC 29 SD 1 TN 23 TX 47 UT 2 State Count VA 109 VT 1 WA 20 WI 8 WV 8 WY 0 10

14 PROGRAM STATISTICS Applications Received By County for FY 2009 County Count County Count County Count County Count Adams 16 Allegheny 267 Armstrong 20 Beaver 71 Bedford 7 Berks 84 Blair 58 Bradford 24 Bucks 84 Butler 86 Cambria 43 Cameron 4 Carbon 9 Centre 45 Chester 51 Clarion 7 Clearfield 24 Clinton 13 Columbia 18 Crawford 44 Cumberland 86 Dauphin 138 Delaware 62 Elk 11 Erie 114 Fayette 45 Forest 3 Franklin 42 Fulton 3 Greene 20 Huntingdon 8 Indiana 39 Jefferson 22 Juniata 11 Lackawanna 44 Lancaster 102 Lawrence 30 Lebanon 60 Lehigh 59 Luzerne 118 Lycoming 35 McKean 17 Mercer 65 Mifflin 20 Monroe 21 Montgomery 83 Montour 1 Northampton 50 Northumberland 28 Perry 21 Philadelphia 155 Pike 5 Potter 7 Schuylkill 55 Snyder 15 Somerset 21 Sullivan 2 Susquehanna 5 Tioga 24 Union 12 Venango 25 Warren 13 Washington 59 Wayne 10 Westmoreland 94 Wyoming 7 York

15 PROGRAM STATISTICS Payments Approved This series of charts and graphs provides information concerning the applications that were approved for payment during the fiscal year ending June 30, Month Monthly Total Cumulative Total Count Amount Count Amount FY $1,135,925 Jul $269, $1,405,088 Aug $207, $1,613,063 Sep $169, $1,782,188 Oct $148, $1,931,163 Nov $86, $2,017,638 Dec $107, $2,125,413 Jan $87, $2,213,088 Feb $72, $2,285,138 Mar $93, $2,379,038 Apr $56, $2,435,738 May $62, $2,498,513 Jun $53, $2,551,913 12

16 PROGRAM STATISTICS Week End Date Weekly Total Cumulative Total Weekly Total Cumulative Total Week End Count Amount Count Amount Date Count Amount Count Amount 7/5/ $45,863 $45,863 1/3/ $22,425 $992,338 7/12/ $75,900 $121,763 1/10/ $14,175 $1,006,513 7/19/ $70,250 $192,013 1/17/ $33,675 $1,040,188 7/26/ $56,375 $248,388 1/24/ $150 $1,040,338 8/2/ $47,850 $296,238 1/31/ $39,675 $1,080,013 8/9/ $0 $296,238 2/7/ $19,875 $1,099,888 8/16/ $101,850 $398,088 2/14/ $3,600 $1,103,488 8/23/ $43,425 $441,513 2/21/ $13,725 $1,117,213 8/30/ $38,475 $479,988 2/28/ $34,850 $1,152,063 9/6/ $0 $479,988 3/7/ $7,500 $1,159,563 9/13/ $52,875 $532,863 3/14/ $27,825 $1,187,388 9/20/ $39,975 $572,838 3/21/ $27,150 $1,214,538 9/27/ $50,250 $623,088 3/28/ $18,450 $1,232,988 10/4/ $51,450 $674,538 4/4/ $21,375 $1,254,363 10/11/ $26,300 $700,838 4/11/ $14,550 $1,268,913 10/18/ $19,050 $719,888 4/18/ $12,225 $1,281,138 10/25/ $44,075 $763,963 4/25/ $21,525 $1,302,663 11/1/ $34,125 $798,088 5/2/ $11,625 $1,314,288 11/8/ $25,800 $823,888 5/9/ $15,975 $1,330,263 11/15/ $12,150 $836,038 5/16/ $20,250 $1,350,513 11/22/ $36,300 $872,338 5/23/ $8,400 $1,358,913 11/29/ $12,225 $884,563 5/30/ $6,525 $1,365,438 12/6/ $21,000 $905,563 6/6/ $19,425 $1,384,863 12/13/ $25,950 $931,513 6/13/ $6,450 $1,391,313 12/20/ $27,450 $958,963 6/20/ $3,450 $1,394,763 12/27/ $10,950 $969,913 6/27/ $21,225 $1,415,988 13

17 PROGRAM STATISTICS Payment Amount By State for FY 2009 State Amount AK $2,550 AL $3,300 AR $525 AZ $6,450 CA $12,450 CO $8,025 CT $1,275 DC $975 DE $4,200 FL $19,725 GA $15,900 HI $1,725 IA $975 ID $0 IL $6,600 State Amount IN $1,950 KS $3,750 KY $7,425 LA $1,800 MA $1,950 MD $14,625 ME $675 MI $3,975 MN $0 MO $2,475 MS $3,675 MT $1,200 NC $38,475 ND $0 NE $300 State Amount NH $1,125 NJ $13,125 NM $2,625 NV $2,775 NY $7,350 OH $10,200 OK $4,425 OR $1,125 PA $1,102,063 RI $975 SC $10,950 SD $0 TN $11,325 TX $21,050 UT $600 State Amount VA $41,850 VT $525 WA $6,675 WI $2,700 WV $1,275 WY $0 14

18 PROGRAM STATISTICS Payment Amount By County for FY 2009 County Amount Adams $5,625 Allegheny $89,175 Armstrong $8,025 Beaver $25,950 Bedford $4,425 Berks $30,075 Blair $17,475 Bradford $11,850 Bucks $26,175 Butler $28,875 Cambria $15,450 Cameron $2,175 Carbon $4,125 Centre $17,625 Chester $15,750 Clarion $4,275 Clearfield $11,025 County Amount Clinton $5,175 Columbia $7,163 Crawford $17,775 Cumberland $31,875 Dauphin $48,000 Delaware $23,475 Elk $2,775 Erie $44,550 Fayette $14,625 Forest $525 Franklin $15,675 Fulton $375 Greene $7,875 Huntingdon $4,200 Indiana $16,025 Jefferson $13,700 Juniata $5,400 County Amount Lackawanna $15,300 Lancaster $32,550 Lawrence $10,200 Lebanon $35,500 Lehigh $21,450 Luzerne $40,950 Lycoming $14,775 McKean $7,050 Mercer $25,500 Mifflin $8,475 Monroe $8,850 Montgomery $24,975 Montour $1,275 Northampton $17,475 Northumberland $14,625 Perry $8,700 Philadelphia $52,125 County Amount Pike $750 Potter $2,850 Schuylkill $22,725 Snyder $6,600 Somerset $7,650 Sullivan $75 Susquehanna $2,025 Tioga $6,675 Union $5,700 Venango $11,550 Warren $4,425 Washington $21,300 Wayne $4,875 Westmoreland $34,200 Wyoming $3,075 York $47,175 15

19 WORKFLOW DETAIL Section 3 Workflow Detail T his section provides a description of key stages of the application processing workflow and relevant, related statistics. It presents metrics on the time-frames for processing applications and and identifies the most frequently occurring issues. 16

20 WORKFLOW DETAIL Applications Requested There are several ways in which program applications can be obtained. They are available for download from the DMVA website, at the offices of County Veterans Services Directors, Legislative Offices, and Veterans Service Organizations, and upon request from the program service center. During the fiscal year ending June 30, 2009, the DMVA website received the following activity: Month Home Page How to Apply Application (Short) Application (Long) July-08 4,487 1,228 2, August-08 3, , September-08 6,618 1,040 1, October-08 2, November-08 3, , December-08 2, ,136 0 January-09 1, February-09 1, March-09 2, April-09 1, May-09 1, June-09 1, Requests for applications are processed by the program service center on the day they are made. The appropriate application form (PG-1 Short or PG-1 Long) and a digest are mailed to the requestor within one business day. During the fiscal year ending June 30, 2009, the program service center received 506 requests for applications. Of these, 314 were returned to the service center for processing. Exhibit 1 depicts the status of the applications requested via the program service center as of the end of the period. Exhibit 1 17

21 WORKFLOW DETAIL Applications Received During the fiscal year ending June 30, 2009, 3,799 3 applications were received by the program service center. Exhibit 2 depicts the status of these applications as of the end of the period. Exhibit 2 Applications Processed Processing Time During the fiscal year ending June 30, 2009, for the 3,484 applications that completed processing, the average time to process was 2.9 days. The time to process an application is defined as the number of days in which the application was in the program service center and ready to be processed. Exhibits 3 and 4 provide additional information about the average time to process an application. Exhibit 3 Exhibit 4 3 Of the 3,799 applications received for processing, only 314 were obtained by calling the service center. 18

22 WORKFLOW DETAIL Pending Time During the same period, 315 applications did not meet the program requirements to complete processing. Applications that do not complete processing are placed in a pending status. When claims are placed in a pending status, the applicant is notified and he or she is provided an explanation. The explanation includes the reason for the pending status and suggests that the applicant provide additional military records that may show eligibility for the program benefit. The average total time for applicants to respond to pended applications is 35.6 days. Applications that have remained in a pending status for 180-days are reviewed to adjudicate a decision for payment or denial based on minimum eligibility requirements. Applications are approved for a minimum payment of $75 when the supporting military records of the service member/veteran provide sufficient evidence to meet minimum eligibility requirements, except for verified in theater service dates. Any payment in excess of $75 requires proof of in-theater service dates documented by military records. Applications are disapproved when the supporting military records of the service member/veteran do not provide sufficient evidence to meet minimum eligibility requirements. In both cases, the applicant is notified by a letter and he or she is provided an explanation. Applicants are given an opportunity to request reconsideration. 19

23 WORKFLOW DETAIL Validation Process During the validation process, the program service center confirms that the application is complete and that the applicant meets the eligibility requirements. In the case of an incomplete application, a letter is sent advising the applicant of the information needed to complete processing. During the period covered by this report, a high percentage of applications (49%) were not complete upon initial submission. And, (5%) required a second notice. The average number of days applicants have taken to respond to notices of incomplete applications is 68.0 calendar days for each request for more information, resulting in an average delay of 74.8 days per incomplete application, or 36.7 days delay averaged over all applications. Overall, the breakdown in days for the averaged time of processing a claim is presented in Exhibit 5. Exhibit 5 Common Issues The most prevalent reasons that applications could not be processed upon initial submission include: The supporting documentation did not specifically state the periods of qualifying service The supporting documentation did not show award of Southwest Asia Service Medal One or more of the required fields on the application were left blank 20

24 WORKFLOW DETAIL Applications Approved Of the 3,799 applications received during the fiscal year ending June 30, 2009, 3,418 applications were approved for payment, and 3,418 payments were issued totaling $1,415,988. A summary of the application types and average payment amounts is provided in Exhibit 6 4. There were no applications received from veterans who had been prisoners-of-war. Application Type Payment Recipient Total Payments Total Dollars Average Payment Veteran 3397 $1,382,363 $407 Veteran Spouse 8 $3,675 $459 Parents 5 $2,250 $450 Children 3 $900 $300 Spouse 2 $10,600 $5,300 Killed In Action Parents 1 $5,150 $5,150 Children Spouse 2 $11,050 $5,525 Death as Result of War Parents Children TOTALS FY $1,415,988 $ TOTALS FY $1,365,638 $446 TOTALS PROGRAM 6482 $2,551,913 $394 Exhibit 6 4 Applications submitted on behalf of a deceased veteran, whose death was unrelated to the conflict, are shown as type Veteran. The applicable beneficiary type (spouse, child or parent) is depicted as the payment recipient. 21

25 WORKFLOW DETAIL Applications Disapproved During the fiscal year ending June 30, 2009, of the 3,799 applications received; 3,484 were adjudicated - resulting in 2,806 approved and 678 disapproved applications. When an application is disapproved, the applicant is notified and he or she is provided an explanation. Applicants are given an opportunity to reapply. Applicants whose applications are disapproved for a second time have the opportunity to submit a request for reconsideration. # of Applicants Percentage Status % Rejected after 180-days % Provided Additional Documents to Substantiate Application % Approved 2 0% Awaiting Additional Documents 18 3% Under Consideration 2 0% Disapproved for Second Time TOTAL Disapproved Applications Exhibit 7 The most prevalent reasons that applications are disapproved include: The supporting documentation did not show proof of residency in Pennsylvania The application remained incomplete for 180-days after notification of pending status Applications Reconsidered During the fiscal year ending June 30, 2009, 82 applicants were sent a second disapproval notification letter and provided an explanation that their applications were denied. Applicants were given an opportunity to reapply. Applicants whose applications are disapproved for reconsideration have the opportunity to submit an appeal. As of the end of June, 2009, 1 appeal has been submitted, but was withdrawn by the applicant. # of Applicants Percentage Status 68 83% Provided Additional Documents to Substantiate Application 11 13% Approved 2 2% Under Consideration 1 1% Disapproved for Second Time 82 - TOTAL Reconsidered Applications Exhibit 8 22

26 OUTREACH AND MEDIA EVENTS Section 4 Outreach and Media Events T his section includes a chronology (dates and descriptions) of the various media and outreach events that occurred during the fiscal year ending on June 30, It presents results on the most frequently occurring response from the various media and outreach events. Outreach and Media Events Date July 28, 2008 August 2008 August 8-9, 2009 September 2008 October 2008 October November 2008 Exhibit 9 November 2008 November 2008 December 2008 December 2008 January 2009 January 2009 January 2009 February 2009 March 2009 March 2009 March 2009 April 2009 April 9, 2009 Event Public Service Announcement sent to radio stations state-wide (prior to distribution contact made with radio stations) Distribution of PG Information at Warren and Fulton County Fairs Mailed letters to Veterans who requested Persian Gulf License Plates (list provided by Department of Transportation) Distribution of PG Information at York County Fair Presentation to County Directors and Veteran Service Organizations Mailed Letters with PG Information to Major Employers Information about PG Program shared at PA Advisory Council for Military/Veterans Education Mailed Letters with PG Information to Kiwanis Clubs state-wide Mailed Letters with PG Information to PA Armories PA State Employee Notification Released Mailed Letters with PG Information to School Districts Mailed Letters with PG Information to Newly Elected Legislators DMVA Display at Farm Show Event Revised Press Release Re-issued to media state-wide Mailed Letters with PG Information to VSO Magazines with PG Digest sent to PAID Applicants Mailed Letters with PG Information to VFW and American Legion Mailed Letters with PG Information to AFL-CIO and AFSCME Display Stand at PA CareerLink Veterans Career Job Fair 23

27 OUTREACH AND MEDIA EVENTS Publicity Results Outreach and Media campaigns are conducted to publicize the program to potential eligible active duty service members, veterans, and family members. Customer service representatives (CSRs) monitor the effectiveness of outreach and media events by soliciting feedback during telephone conversations with applicants requesting an application. During the fiscal year ending June 30, 2009, 625 applicants were surveyed for feedback during telephone calls received by CSRs and responded to publicity materials for the following reasons: # of Callers Percentage Publicity % Suggestions by family members, friends, or co-workers % Newspaper press releases % Employer s mailing inserts with pay statements 56 9% Provided by VA Organization 49 8% Other Exhibit 10 24

28 PROGRAM OVERVIEW Section 5 Program Overview T his section provides a program summary. It covers the background of the program, enabling legislation, summary of eligibility requirements, program benefits, and the application, reconsideration and appeals processes. 25

29 PROGRAM OVERVIEW 26

30 PROGRAM OVERVIEW 27

31 PROGRAM OVERVIEW 28

32 PROGRAM OVERVIEW 29

33 PROGRAM OVERVIEW 30

34 GOVERNING REGULATION Section 6 Governing Regulation T his section provides the Regulation that governs the administration of the Persian Gulf Conflict Veterans Benefit Program. 31

35 GOVERNING REGULATION RULES AND REGULATIONS Title 43--MILITARY AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT OF MILITARY AND VETERANS AFFAIRS [ 43 PA. CODE CH. 9 ] Persian Gulf Conflict Veterans' Benefit Program [38 Pa.B. 1823] [Saturday, April 19, 2008] Statutory Authority The Adjutant General, acting by and through the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (Department), by this order, adopts the regulations in Annex A under the authority of section 9 of the Persian Gulf Conflict Veterans' Benefit Act (act) (51 P. S ) which authorizes the Adjutant General to promulgate rules and regulations to implement, administer and enforce the provisions of the act. Omission of Proposed Rulemaking Notice of proposed rulemaking is omitted in accordance with section 204(1)(i) and (iv) of the act of July 31, 1968 (P. L. 769, No. 240) (45 P. S. 1204(1)(i) and (iv)) and 1 Pa. Code 7.4(1)(i) and (iv) (relating to omission of notice of proposed rulemaking). This final-omitted rulemaking relates to military affairs in that determination of eligibility for the Persian Gulf Conflict Veterans' Benefit (bonus) Program (Program) is based on a review and determination of criteria related to the military status and service of the applicants. In addition, the Program, which pays a bonus to eligible Pennsylvania veterans of the first Persian Gulf Conflict (August 1990 to August 1991) is by its very nature a Commonwealth benefits program. Purpose The purpose of this final-omitted rulemaking is to implement a new Program providing a veterans' benefit, in the form of a ''bonus'' payment, to an estimated 32,000 eligible Pennsylvania veterans of the first Persian Gulf War (August 2, 1990 to August 31, 1991) and to survivors of veterans who died in performance of active service during the period or as a result of service-connected wounds, diseases or injuries. 32

36 GOVERNING REGULATION This final-omitted rulemaking is needed to provide clear guidance on how the authorizing statute will be administered to determine eligibility for the Program payments and in determining the amounts of the payments. Eligibility in terms of establishing legal residence in this Commonwealth during the period of the Persian Gulf Conflict and in establishing qualifying active service in the Persian Gulf Theater of Operations will be determined using the veterans' military service records. This final-omitted rulemaking explains how this will be done. It also explains the varying calculations for military personnel who were on active duty during the Persian Gulf Conflict and those who were members of the National Guard and reserve components who served during the conflict. Background Since World War I, the Commonwealth has recognized its war veterans by paying a veterans' benefit, commonly called a ''bonus,'' to veterans who served honorably during specified war or armed conflict periods. These bonus payments have been funded by bond issues that were approved by the voters of this Commonwealth. For the Persian Gulf Conflict (August 1990 to August 1991), the General Assembly passed legislation establishing the Program in April 2006, and the funding for the bonus payments was approved by the voters of this Commonwealth in the November 2006 general election. Requirements This final-omitted rulemaking implements the requirements in the act for this new Program. Eligibility. Under the statute and the regulations, an applicant for the Program is required to show that he is a qualified veteran in that he served on active duty in the Persian Gulf Theater of Operations during any part of the period from August 2, 1990, until August 31, 1991, and received the Southwest Asia Service Medal. In addition to establishing veteran status, an applicant shall show that he was a legal resident of this Commonwealth at the time of qualifying service. For deceased veterans, the applicant shall show that the veteran died while in performance of qualifying service or from service-connected wounds, diseases or injuries incurred in the conflict. For applicants claiming a bonus payment as a prisoner of war during the Persian Gulf Conflict, the applicant shall show that he was designated an eligible prisoner of war in applicable military records. Calculation of benefit payments. This final-omitted rulemaking requires that benefit payments be calculated in accordance with a formula set forth in the statute. The basic calculation is that the veteran should receive a payment of $75 per month of qualifying active service during the Persian Gulf Conflict up to a maximum of $525. For veterans who were POWs during the conflict or who died in performance of duty during the Persian Gulf Conflict or from service-connected wounds, diseases or injuries incurred during the Persian Gulf Conflict, an additional payment of $5,000 is authorized. Applications for deceased or incompetent veterans. The final-omitted rulemaking sets forth requirements, consistent with the statute, for applications of deceased or incompetent veterans. Procedures, reconsideration and appeals. The final-omitted rulemaking sets forth requirements for filing applications as well as procedures for the reconsideration and appeals of a determination denying benefits. 33

37 GOVERNING REGULATION Affected Individuals and Organizations This final-omitted rulemaking affects approximately 32,000 Pennsylvania veterans of the Persian Gulf Conflict (August 1990 to August 1991) as well as survivors of veterans who died in performance of duty during the conflict or died of service-connected wounds, diseases or injuries incurred during the conflict. The Program will also have some impacts on veterans' service officers, including county directors of veterans' affairs and veterans' organizations, which may assist veterans in applying for and securing the bonus payments. Neither this final-omitted rulemaking nor the Program authorized by the statute have any negative impacts on individuals or organizations. This final-omitted rulemaking implements the authorizing statute and provides guidance for the affected individuals or organizations. Accomplishments and Benefits This final-omitted rulemaking is important in that it provides clear, concise and understandable guidance and processes for implementing the new Program and getting bonus payments into the hands of about 32,000 Persian Gulf Conflict veterans. The principal accomplishment of this final-omitted rulemaking is that it will allow for fair, prompt and appropriate implementation of this new benefit Program. Fiscal Impact The costs associated with administering this act are a result of the act itself rather than the regulations. This final-omitted rulemaking results in no incremental costs. The Department plans to employ a contractor to receive applications, determine eligibility and process payments. Since it is anticipated that the bulk of applications will be submitted in the early years of this Program, the administrative costs are concentrated in the early years of the Program. The costs of administering the Program are estimated at $850,000 for the first fiscal year and $720,000 for the second fiscal year. In later fiscal years, the administrative costs are estimated to decline to $475,000 in the third year, $415,000 in the fourth year and $180,000 in the fifth year. The deadline for applications is in 2015, but it is expected that nearly all the applications will be received in the first years of the Program. These costs are not the result of the regulations themselves but of the Program itself. The Department estimates bonus payments will range from about $3 million in the first year (current fiscal year), $5.5 million in the second year, $5 million in the third year, $2 million in the fourth year and $1.5 million in the fifth year. These payments will be made from bond funds approved by the voters of this Commonwealth in the November 2006 general election. Neither the regulations nor the Program impose any costs on local governments. In terms of costs on affected individuals, the only costs would be nominal costs of copying required military records and mailing applications and documentation. The statute prohibits charging a fee to assist veterans or families in applying for the bonus payments. Paperwork Requirements The Program creates paperwork requirements for applicants to submit written applications together with supporting documentation to qualify for the Program. It should take most applicants fewer than 1 to 2 hours to complete the application for the bonus payment. Gathering and copying the supporting 34

38 GOVERNING REGULATION documentation (Department of Defense Forms 214, proof of active service and Southwest Asia Service Medal, proof of legal residence) may take some veterans longer. In some cases, a veteran may need to apply to the United States Government for copies of documentation needed to support the application. The Department believes the paperwork required to support the applications is the minimum required to meet the statutory requirements. Public Comment In developing this final-omitted rulemaking, the Department solicited, considered and incorporated comments and suggestions from the Pennsylvania State Veterans' Commission, an advisory commission within the Department, which has representation from all the major Statewide veterans' organizations in this Commonwealth. Although this final-omitted rulemaking is being adopted without publication as proposed rulemaking, interested persons are invited to submit written comments, suggestions or objections regarding this final-omitted rulemaking to the Department at the following address: David Heiland, Veterans' Services, Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, Bldg S-0-47, Fort Indiantown Gap, Annville, PA , (717) or Dennis Guise, Chief Counsel, Bldg. 7-1, Fort Indiantown Gap, Annville, PA , (717) Comments will be reviewed and considered for any subsequent revisions of this final-omitted rulemaking. Persons with a disability who require an auxiliary aid or service may submit comments by using the AT&T Relay Service at (800) (TDD users or (800) (voice users). Sunset Date Consistent with the authorizing statute, this final-omitted rulemaking will sunset 6 months after the statutory deadline for submitting applications for bonus payments under the act. This final-omitted rulemaking will expire on February 29, Regulatory Review Act Under section 5.1(c) of the Regulatory Review Act (act) (71 P. S a(c)), on February 29, 2008, the Department submitted a copy of this final-omitted rulemaking, with proposed rulemaking omitted, to the Independent Regulatory Review Commission (IRRC) and to the Chairpersons of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs and Emergency Preparedness and the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs and Emergency Preparedness. On the same date, this final-omitted rulemaking was submitted to the Office of Attorney General for review and approval under the Commonwealth Attorneys Act (71 P. S ). In accordance with section 5.1(j.1) and (j.2) of the act, final-omitted rulemaking was deemed approved by the Committees on April 2, IRRC met on April 3, 2008, and approved the final-omitted rulemaking. In addition to submitting the final-omitted rulemaking, the Department has provided IRRC and the committees with a copy of a Regulatory Analysis Form prepared by the Department. A copy of this form is available to the public upon request. 35

39 GOVERNING REGULATION Findings The Adjutant General finds that: (1) Public notice of proposed rulemaking is omitted in accordance with section 204(1)(i) and (iv) of the act of July 31, 1968 (P. L. 769, No. 240) (45 P. S (1)(i) and (iv)) and 1 Pa. Code 7.4(1)(i) and (iv) because the regulations relate to military affairs and implement a Commonwealth benefits program. (2) The adoption of this final-omitted rulemaking in the manner provided by this order is necessary and appropriate for the administration and enforcement of the act. Orders The Adjutant General, acting under the act orders that: (a) The regulations of the Department, 43 Pa. Code, are amended by adding to read as set forth in Annex A. (b) The Adjutant General shall submit this order and Annex A to the Offices of General Counsel and Attorney General for approval as to legality and form as required by law. (c) The Adjutant General shall certify and deposit this order and Annex A with the Legislative Reference Bureau as required by law. (d) This order shall take effect upon publication of this order in the Pennsylvania Bulletin. JESSICA L. WRIGHT, Major General, PAARNG The Adjutant General (Editor's Note: For the text of the order of the Independent Regulatory Review Commission relating to this document, see 38 Pa.B (April 19, 2008).) Fiscal Note: 13-5 final-omitted. No fiscal impact; (8) recommends adoption. 36

40 GOVERNING REGULATION Annex A TITLE 43. MILITARY AFFAIRS PART I. DEPARTMENT OF MILITARY AFFAIRS CHAPTER 9. PERSIAN GULF CONFLICT VETERANS' BENEFIT PROGRAM Sec Purpose Definitions Veteran status Legal residence Calculation of bonus payments based on months of active service Compensation on behalf of deceased veterans Compensation of prisoner of war Applications on behalf of deceased veterans Applications on behalf of incompetent veterans Compensation of eligible veterans who die after submitting application but before payment Penalty for charging fees Application procedures Reconsideration and appeals Purpose. Section 9 of the act (51 P. S ) directs the Adjutant General to promulgate rules and regulations to implement, administer and enforce the act establishing the Program. 37

41 GOVERNING REGULATION 9.2. Definitions. In addition to the definitions in section 2 of the act (51 P. S ), the following words and terms have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise: Act--The Persian Gulf Conflict Veterans' Benefit Act (51 P. S ). Active duty--the meaning as defined in 10 U.S.C. 101(d)(1) (relating to definitions). Active service- (i) For a member of an active component of the armed forces of the United States, the time served on active duty for which the member has received or is eligible to receive the Southwest Asia Service Medal for service related to the Persian Gulf Conflict Theater; for a member of the Pennsylvania National Guard or a reserve component of the armed forces of the United States, time served on active duty for the support of operations in the Persian Gulf Conflict Theater whether or not that service was in the Theater. (ii) The term includes time spent in hospitals as a result of service-connected wounds, diseases or injuries sustained on active service. Proof of this service shall be the official military records of the United States or other evidence as deemed sufficient by the Adjutant General. (iii) The term does not include time served on active duty for annual training or schooling, except for training and schooling in preparation for active duty in the Persian Gulf Conflict Theater. Applicant --The individual who, or facility which, submits an application for payment under the Program. Bonus--The benefit payment made to eligible veterans or their survivors under the act. Bureau--The Bureau for Veterans' Affairs of the Department. Department--The Department of Military Affairs. Deputy Adjutant General for Veterans' Affairs--The Deputy Adjutant General of the Department with general responsibilities for administration of veterans programs who oversees the Bureau for Veterans' Affairs and exercises the powers and duties described generally in 51 Pa.C.S. Chapter 17, Subchapter B (relating to Deputy Adjutant General for Veterans' Affairs). Facility--A mental health establishment, hospital, clinic, institution, center, day-care center, base service unit, community mental health center or other organizational unit, or treatment, care, rehabilitation or detention of mentally disabled persons. Legal resident of this Commonwealth--A member of the United States Armed Forces, a reserve component of the United States Armed Forces or the Pennsylvania National Guard whose home of record at the time of the Persian Gulf Conflict was this Commonwealth or any specific place in this Commonwealth without regard to the place of enlistment, commission or induction. 38

42 GOVERNING REGULATION Member--A member of the Armed Forces of the United States or a reserve component of the Armed Forces of the United States, including the Army National Guard of the United States or the Air National Guard of the United States. Parent- (i) The natural or adoptive parent of the veteran. (ii) The term includes persons who, for a period of at least 1 year, acted in the capacity of a foster parent to the veteran immediately prior to the veteran having attained 18 years of age. Persian Gulf Conflict Theater or Theater--The area defined as the Persian Gulf Conflict Theater of Operations as established by the United States Department of Defense for the awarding of the Southwest Asia Service Medal for the period of time from August 2, 1990, through August 31, Program--The Persian Gulf Conflict Veterans' Benefit Program established by the act. Veteran- (i) A member or former member of the armed forces of the United States, including a member of the Army National Guard of the United States, the Air National Guard of the United States or a reserve component of the armed forces, who was ordered into or volunteered to serve on active duty in the Persian Gulf Theater of operations during the period from August 2, 1990, to August 31, 1991, and has received the Southwest Asia Service Medal established by Executive Order 12754, 12 March (ii) The term does not include an individual who: (A) At any time during the Persian Gulf Conflict or thereafter, was separated from the armed forces under other than honorable conditions. (B) Has renounced his United States citizenship Veteran status. (a) To qualify for payment of the bonus under the Program, an applicant shall establish to the satisfaction of the Department that the person for whom the bonus payment is sought is a veteran as defined in the act and 9.2 (relating to definitions). The applicant shall show that the person to whom or on behalf of whom the bonus payment is sought meets the following requirements: (1) Was a member of the armed forces of the United States or a reserve component of the armed forces, including the Army National Guard of the United States and the Air National Guard of the United States. (2) Served on active duty in the Persian Gulf Theater during any part of the period from August 2, 1990, to August 31, (3) Received the Southwest Asia Service Medal established by Executive Order , 12 March Individuals authorized the Southwest Asia Service Medal shall have served in support of Operation Desert Shield or Desert Storm, in one or more of the following areas, between 2 August 1990 and 31 August 39

43 GOVERNING REGULATION 1991: Persian Gulf, Red Sea, Gulf of Oman, Gulf of Aden, that portion of the Arabian Sea that lies north of 10 North latitude and west of 68 East longitude, as well as the total land areas of Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. Individuals serving in Israel, Egypt, Turkey, Syria and Jordan (including the airspace and territorial waters) directly supporting combat operations between 17 January 1991 and 11 April 1991 are also eligible for this award. (b) In addition, to be considered a veteran for purposes of the Program, the applicant shall certify that he: (1) Was not, at any time during the Persian Gulf Conflict or thereafter, separated from the armed forces under other than honorable conditions (including a bad conduct or dishonorable discharge or an administrative discharge under other than honorable conditions). (2) Did not, at any time, renounce United States citizenship Legal residence. (a) Proof of residence. In addition to establishing the veteran status of the person for or on behalf of whom the bonus payment is sought, the applicant shall establish to the satisfaction of the Department that the individual was a legal resident of this Commonwealth at the time of service qualifying for payment of the bonus during the period August 2, 1990, to August 31, The proof of residence shall be the official records of the United States or other evidence deemed sufficient by the Adjutant General. A legal resident of this Commonwealth is an individual for whom this Commonwealth was the state of domicile and who did not claim legal residence in any other state for any purpose. A service member's legal residence in this Commonwealth is not changed by virtue of military assignment to another state. (b) Home of record in this Commonwealth shown in official military records. A veteran whose home of record is listed in this Commonwealth in official military records showing qualifying service during the period August 2, 1990, to August 31, 1991, will be considered a legal resident of this Commonwealth without regard to the veteran's place of enlistment, commission or induction. (c) Home of record in this Commonwealth not shown in official military records. In making a determination of legal residence in cases where official military records do not show this Commonwealth as the applicant's home of record for the period of service, the Department will apply a rebuttable presumption that the veteran was not a legal resident of this Commonwealth. The applicant can rebut this presumption by showing facts and circumstances establishing that this Commonwealth was the applicant's legal residence in that it was his permanent place of abode to which the applicant had an intent to return. (d) Documentation. If an applicant is unable to show legal residence in this Commonwealth by means of official military records showing a home of record in this Commonwealth during the period of service, the Department may consider the following documentation when determining whether sufficient evidence exists to show by a preponderance of the available evidence that the veteran was a legal resident of this Commonwealth who did not claim legal residence in any other state at that time: (1) Voter registration records for the period August 2, 1990, to August 31, (2) Proof of payment of State Income Tax as a resident for 1990 or

44 GOVERNING REGULATION (3) Pennsylvania driver's license or Pennsylvania Identification Card and similar documentation for 1990 or (4) Other proof of Pennsylvania residence address in 1990 or 1991, including high school diploma or attendance record for Pennsylvania high school, real estate records, utility receipts and other records showing residence in this Commonwealth. (5) An affidavit of residence submitted by the applicant under penalty of law in which the applicant swears or affirms that the veteran on whose behalf the bonus payment was sought remained a legal resident of this Commonwealth and did not claim legal residence in any other state for any purpose during the period August 2, 1990, to August 31, A service member's legal residence in this Commonwealth is not changed by virtue of military assignment to another state. (e) Exclusion. An individual who received from any other state in the United States, a bonus, gratuity or compensation similar in nature or purpose to the bonus payable under the act is ineligible for a bonus payment under the act. Applicants shall certify as part of the application that the veteran did not receive the compensation or benefit payment from any other state. This exclusion does not apply to bonus, gratuity, compensation or benefit payments from the United States Government Calculation of bonus payments based on months of active service. (a) Eligible veterans of Persian Gulf Conflict active service in the active armed forces. Bonus payments, not to exceed $525, will be calculated on the basis of $75 for the first month for which the member completed 1 day of active service, as described in this chapter, and $75 for each full month or major fraction of a month thereafter for which the eligible veteran completed active service. For eligible veterans of Persian Gulf Conflict service in the active armed forces, ''active service'' is considered: (1) Active duty in the Persian Gulf Theater of Operations for which the member received or was eligible to receive the Southwest Area Service Medal for service related to the Persian Gulf Conflict Theater. (2) Time spent in hospitals during the period August 2, 1990, to August 31, 1991 as a result of serviceconnected wounds, diseases or injuries sustained while on active duty in the Persian Gulf Theater. (b) Eligible veterans of Persian Gulf Conflict active service in reserve components. Bonus payments, not to exceed $525, will be calculated on the basis of $75 for the first month for which the member completed 1 day of active service and $75 for each full month or major fraction of a month thereafter for which the eligible veteran completed active service. For eligible veterans of Persian Gulf Conflict service in the reserve components of the armed forces, active service is considered: (1) Active duty in the Persian Gulf Theater for which the member received or was eligible to receive the Southwest Area Service Medal for service related to the Persian Gulf Conflict Theater. (2) Time spent in hospitals during the period August 2, 1990, to August 31, 1991 as a result of serviceconnected wounds, diseases or injuries sustained while on active duty in the Persian Gulf Theater. (3) Time served on active duty during the period August 2, 1990, to August 31, 1991, for support of operations in the Persian Gulf Theater whether or not the service was in the Theater, provided that, to be 41

45 GOVERNING REGULATION considered eligible a reserve component, a veteran shall still demonstrate service in the Theater sufficient to qualify for award of the Southwest Asia Service Medal. (4) Time served on active duty in training and schooling (other than annual training or schooling), during the period August 2, 1990, to August 31, 1991, when the applicant can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Department that the training and schooling was in direct preparation for deployment on active duty to the Persian Gulf Theater. To be considered eligible, a reserve component veteran shall still demonstrate service in the Theater of Operations sufficient to qualify for award of the Southwest Asia Service Medal. (c) Documentation. Completion of qualifying active service shall ordinarily be documented by official military service records showing dates and places of services. Evidence contained in official military service records will be deemed sufficient documentation. The Department will, upon request, consider documentary evidence submitted by applicants Compensation on behalf of deceased veterans. (a) Compensation. In addition to bonus payments calculated based on months of active service under 9.5 (relating to calculation of bonus payment based on months of active service), the eligible survivors of a deceased veteran as described in section 5(b) of the act (51 P. S (b)) shall be eligible for payment of $5,000 when one of the following applies: (1) The veteran died while in performance of ''active service'' as defined in section 2 of the act (51 P. S ) and 9.5 during any part of the period from August 2, 1990, to August 31, (2) The veteran died as result of service-connected wounds, diseases or injuries incurred during the period of ''active service'' as defined in section 2 of the act and 9.5. The cause of death shall be documented by the United States Armed Forces or the United States Department of Veterans' Affairs to be the direct and proximate result of the service-connected wounds, diseases or injuries, and there may be no intervening cause of death. (b) Documentation. Official military records of the United States Armed Forces or the United States Department of Veterans Affairs describing the circumstances of the death of an eligible veteran while performing active service or as result of service-connected wounds, diseases or injuries incurred in active service will be considered sufficient documentation Compensation of prisoner of war. (a) Compensation. Consistent with section 3(d) of the act (51 P. S (d)), a veteran who was declared and recognized as a prisoner of war as a result of active service during any part of the period from August 2, 1990, until August 31, 1991, shall be eligible for a bonus payment of $5,000 in addition to any compensation paid under 9.5 or 9.6 (relating to calculation of bonus payment based on months of active service; and compensation on behalf of deceased veterans) and regardless of the duration of imprisonment. (b) Documentation. Official military records of the United States Armed Forces designating the eligible veteran as a prisoner of war during the Persian Gulf Conflict will be considered sufficient documentation. 42

46 GOVERNING REGULATION 9.8. Applicants on behalf of deceased veterans. (a) Payment. Consistent with section 5(b) of the act (51 P. S (b)), the following individuals shall be eligible for payment of compensation on behalf of eligible deceased veterans. Eligible deceased veterans may include eligible veterans who died in performance of active service or as a result of service-connected wounds, diseases or injuries as described in 9.6 (relating to compensation on behalf of deceased veterans), and veterans who would, but for their death prior to submission of an application for benefits, been eligible for bonus payments based on active service under 9.5 (relating to calculation of bonus payment based on months of active service). Applicants will be considered in the following order: (1) The surviving spouse of the eligible veteran unless the surviving spouse was living separate and apart from the veteran at the time the veteran commenced active service. Proof of spousal status shall be the same as would be accepted by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. The surviving spouse shall certify that he was not living separate and apart from the eligible veteran when the veteran commenced active service. If a surviving spouse applies or is qualified to apply, the entire payment shall be made to the surviving spouse. (2) The surviving children of the eligible veteran in equal shares, share and share alike, provided there is no eligible surviving spouse. The surviving children shall certify that there is no eligible surviving spouse as part of the application for the benefit. (3) The surviving parents of the eligible veteran in equal shares, share and share alike, provided there is no eligible surviving spouse and no eligible surviving children. The surviving parents shall certify that there are no eligible surviving spouse or children as part of the application for the benefit. (b) Disputes. If the eligibility of a surviving spouse, surviving children or surviving parents is disputed, the Department will defer payment of the bonus until the parties resolve the dispute or a court of competent jurisdiction issues an order making a determination on the issue Applicants on behalf of incompetent veterans. (a) Payment. Consistent with section 5(a) of the act (51 P. S (a)), the following individuals shall be eligible for payment of compensation on behalf of eligible incompetent veterans. A veteran shall be considered as an incompetent veteran if he has been so declared by a court of competent jurisdiction. Payments shall be used for the benefit of the incapacitated veteran. Applicants will be considered in the following order: (1) Court-appointed guardian of the eligible veteran. (2) The surviving spouse of the eligible veteran unless the spouse was living separate and apart from the veteran at the time the veteran commenced ''active service'' as defined in section 2 of the act (51 P. S ). Proof of spousal status shall be the same as would be accepted by the United States Department of Veterans' Affairs. The spouse shall certify that he was not living separate and apart from the eligible veteran when the veteran commenced active service. The spouse shall certify that there is no courtappointed guardian of the eligible veteran. 43

47 GOVERNING REGULATION (3) The surviving children of the eligible veteran. The children shall certify that there is no court-appointed guardian or eligible spouse as part of the application for the benefit. (4) The surviving parents of the eligible veteran provided there are no court-appointed guardian, eligible spouse and no eligible children. The parents shall certify that there are no eligible court-appointed guardian, spouse or children as part of the application for the benefit. (5) The facility, as defined in section 5(c) of the act, providing care and services to the eligible veteran, provided that there are no court-appointed guardian, eligible spouse, children or parents and the facility so certifies. The bonus payment shall be used for clothing and incidental needs of the veteran and may not be used to pay for the maintenance of the veteran in the facility. (b) Disputes. If the eligibility of an applicant under subsection (a) is disputed, the Department will defer payment of the bonus until the parties resolve the dispute or a court of competent jurisdiction issues an order making a determination on the issue Compensation of eligible veterans who die after submitting application but before payment. (a) An applicant for compensation under the Program shall, in the application, set forth the name and address of one or more designated beneficiaries who would receive compensation in the event the applicant dies before payment. (b) If an applicant dies after applying for the bonus but before payment and has designated a beneficiary as part of the application for the benefit, the Department will pay the designated beneficiary the benefit upon proof of identity. (c) If an applicant fails to designate a beneficiary or no person designated as a beneficiary survives the applicant, payment will not be made and the right to compensation under the Program will cease Penalty for charging fees. In the event the Department receives a complaint under section 8 of the act (51 P. S ) that a person has charged a fee for assisting a veteran in applying for the benefits provided by the act, the Department will refer the complaint to the appropriate district attorney or law enforcement agency Application procedures. (a) Forms. Application for benefits under the Program must be made on forms provided by the Department. Forms may be obtained from the Department, county directors of veterans' affairs, veterans' services organizations and on-line at the Department's web site at (b) Submission. Applications shall be submitted to the address designated by the Department on the application form. (c) Additional documentation. Applications must be accompanied by copies of supporting documentation from official military records of the United States Armed Forces or its reserve components including DD Form 214s or similar documentation showing periods of active service, military orders, certificate of 44

48 GOVERNING REGULATION award of Southwest Asia Service Medal, documentation of home of record, and other documentation specified in this chapter and the application form. (d) Review of applications. The Department, or a contractor or designee, will conduct a review of applications for completeness. If the application is deemed complete, the Department, or a contractor or designee, will review the application to determine eligibility for the benefits provided by the Program and to calculate the amount of compensation. (e) Incomplete applications. Incomplete applications will be returned to the applicant, but the date of receipt of the incomplete application will be noted and considered the date of application provided a completed application is submitted within 6 months after the return of the incomplete application. (f) Denial. The Bureau will review and approve all denials of benefits proposed by a contractor or designee before notice of the denial is sent to an applicant. (g) Time. The Department will, by notice published in the Pennsylvania Bulletin, provide official notice of when applications will be available and when they may be submitted. Notice will also be provided by news release and by publication on the DMVA web site at Applications will not be accepted after August 31, Reconsideration and appeals. (a) Reconsideration. An applicant who is dissatisfied with the disposition of the application may ask the Deputy Adjutant General for Veterans' Affairs to reconsider the disposition. A request for reconsideration shall be filed within 30 days of receipt of the initial disposition of the application. The request for reconsideration, which may be in the form of a letter or memorandum, should state why the applicant is dissatisfied with the disposition and state the reasons, including facts and circumstances, why the applicant believes the disposition should be altered. The Deputy Adjutant General will respond in writing to requests for reconsideration within 60 days of receipt. (b) Appeal. A person aggrieved by decision of the Deputy Adjutant General for Veterans' Affairs after reconsideration under subsection (a) may, within 30 days of receipt of the decision, appeal in writing to the Adjutant General. The Adjutant General will adjudicate the appeal in accordance with the 1 Pa. Code Part II (relating to General Rules of Administrative Practice and Procedure). [Pa.B. Doc. No Filed for public inspection April 18, 2008, 9:00 a.m.] 45

49 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Section 7 Frequently Asked Questions T his section includes the ten questions that were asked of the program service center staff most frequently and the corresponding answers. 46

50 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Q. Who is eligible to receive a benefit under the terms of the program? A. The program allows for compensation to be paid to eligible service members (current and former) as well as certain surviving relatives of deceased veterans. In each case, the service member/veteran must have: Served with the United States Armed Forces, a reserve component of the United States Armed Forces or the Pennsylvania National Guard. For Active Duty served on active duty in the Persian Gulf Theater of Operations during the period from August 2, 1990 to August 31, 1991 and received the Southwest Asia Service Medal. For National Guard or Reserves served in support of the Persian Gulf Theater of Operations during the period from August 2, 1990 to August 31, 1991 and received the Southwest Asia Service Medal. Been a legal resident of Pennsylvania at the time of active service (Aug 2, 1990 Aug 31, 1991). Eligible beneficiaries of deceased veterans include, in the following order of precedence: Surviving spouse. Surviving children. Surviving parents A complete explanation of the qualifying criteria is available on the program website: Q. How may I obtain an application? A. Applications are available online at or by calling Q. What supporting documentation is required? A. All applicants must provide proof of the veteran s service and honorable discharge. This must be supported with a copy of the veterans DD214 or updated DD215 with the Southwest Asia Service Medal receipt shown or, for currently active duty service members, Certified Military records with the Southwest Service Medal receipt shown. Also, Pennsylvania residency can be demonstrated by supplying a copy of DD214 that reflects Pennsylvania as the Home of Record box 7b. In addition: A relative of a deceased Veteran must submit a legible photocopy of the Veteran s death certificate. 47

51 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS A relative of a deceased Veteran who died of a service-related injury must submit a Military Death Certificate (DD Form 1300), and Award Letter for Death in Combat (if married) or a USDVA Rating Decision Letter. An applicant filing as a surviving spouse must submit a legible photocopy of a marriage certificate. An applicant filing as a surviving child must submit legible copy of a birth certificate for himself or herself as well as for each additional surviving child. An applicant filing as a surviving parent must submit a legible copy of the Veteran s birth certificate or, in the case of a foster parenting situation, a proof of the fostering relationship must be provided. A representative applying for compensation on behalf of a Veteran, who has been declared incompetent, must provide a Certificate of Representation (e.g. Power of Attorney). A complete list of the required documentation is available on the program website: Q. What if my discharge information (DD Form 214) is incomplete? A. If your records are not complete (for example, your DD form 214 does not reflect the Southwest Asia Service Medal) you can request a DD form 215 (Correction to DD form 214) by contacting the National Archives. Q. How can I obtain my military records? A. You may call the National Archives by phone at or by visiting the website at: Depending upon the information you are requesting, you may be directed to complete and send an SF 180. Q. How long do I have to file? A. The deadline for submitting applications for this benefit is August 31, Q. How is compensation calculated? A. Benefit payments, not to exceed $525, are calculated on the basis of $75 for the first month for which the service member completed one day of qualifying service and $75 for each full month or major fraction of a month thereafter for which the eligible veteran completed qualifying service. For Active Duty service members, service must have been performed in theater. For National Guard and Reserve service members, service must have been in support of operations in the Persian Gulf. 48

52 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Q. How soon should I expect to receive my check? A. Your check should arrive within 6 8 weeks of the date on which you receive a letter stating that you are entitled to an award. You can check the status of your application at any time using the automated assistant or by visiting the Programs website: Q. Is this benefit taxable? A. Persian Gulf Conflict Veterans Benefit Program payments are exempt from all state taxation. However, Federal taxation may apply. Please consult with a Tax professional for any federal taxation questions. Q. Can I receive my benefit via direct deposit? A. Direct Deposit is not available at this time. All payments will be mailed in the form of a check and will arrive via the US Postal Service within 6-8 weeks of application approval. 49

53 APPLICATION FORMS Section 8 Application Forms T his section includes copies of the forms needed to apply for benefits. Included are the short and and long application forms and the designation of beneficiary form. 50

54 APPLICATION FORMS 51

55 APPLICATION FORMS 52

56 APPLICATION FORMS 53

57 APPLICATION FORMS 54

58 APPLICATION FORMS 55

59 APPLICATION FORMS 56

60 APPLICATION FORMS 57

61 DIGEST Section 9 Digest T his section will include a copy of the program digest 58

62 DIGEST 59