Vocational Training and Rehabilitation for Vietnam Veterans' Children with Spina Bifida or Other Covered Birth Defects (64.128)
Program
64.128 Vocational Training and Rehabilitation for Vietnam Veterans' Children with Spina Bifida or Other Covered Birth Defects
Federal Agency
VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
Authorization
38 U.S.C. 1804.
Program Number
64.128
Last Known Status
Active
Objectives
To provide vocational training and rehabilitation to certain children born with spina bifida or other covered birth defects who are children of Vietnam veterans.
Types of Assistance
Direct Payments for Specified Use.
Uses and Use Restrictions
Program must lead to a vocational goal that it is feasible for the child to achieve. The child should be able to achieve the vocational goal within 24 months of services and assistance, although an extension of up to 24 months is possible under certain conditions.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicant Eligibility
A child born with spina bifida or other covered birth defects, except spina bifida occulta, who is the natural child of a Vietnam veteran, regardless of the age or marital status of the child, conceived after the date on which the veteran first served in the Republic of Vietnam during the Vietnam era. VA must also determine that it is feasible for the child to achieve a vocational goal.
Beneficiary Eligibility
Children born with spina bifida.
Credentials/Documentation
Birth certificate and military discharge certificate are required. The child must be born with spina bifida and be the natural child of a Vietnam veteran.
Application and Award Process
Preapplication Coordination
None. This program is excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372.
Application Procedure
An application may be submitted to the Regional Office. There is no prescribed form, but the applicant must provide the child's full name, VA claim number, address, the veteran parent's name, and VA claim number. The letter must clearly identify the benefit sought.
Award Procedure
Awards are authorized at the Regional Office.
Deadlines
None. Entitlement is established from the date of receipt of the application, but not before October 1, 1997.
Range of Approval/Disapproval Time
Appeals
Available through special board. In the event of a denial, claimants are advised of appeal rights and procedures at the time of notification. Average time to process an appeal is 630 days.
Renewals
None.
Assistance Considerations
Formula and Matching Requirements
Not applicable.
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
Not applicable.
Post Assistance Requirements
Reports
Not applicable.
Audits
None.
Records
None.
Program Accomplishments
Cases: In fiscal year 2001, there were 49 cases. It is estimated that in fiscal years 2002 and 2003, there will be 54 and 56 cases respectively.
Financial Information
Account Identification
36-0102-0-1-701.
Obligations
(Direct Payments) FY 02 $149,000; FY 03 est $193,000; and FY 04 est $198,000.
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
Payments to providers for training and rehabilitation services and assistance.
Regulations, Guidelines and Literature
38 CFR 3.814. "Federal Benefits for Veterans and Dependents," VA Pamphlet 80-00-1, $5.00, available from Superintendent of Documents, P.O. Box 371954, Pittsburgh, PA 15250-7954. The stock number is: 051-000-00220-2.
Related Programs
None.
Information Contacts
Regional or Local Office
See Appendix IV of the Catalog for Veterans Benefits Administration field offices.
Headquarters Office
Department of Veterans Affairs, Washington, DC 20420. Telephone: (202) 273-7419.
Web Site Address
Examples of Funded Projects
Not applicable.
Criteria for Selecting Proposals
Not applicable.
