In This Section |
This section contains the topic “Processing AEWs.” |
1. Processing AEWs
Introduction |
This topic contains information on processing AEWs, including
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Change Date |
August 22, 2022 |
VI.ii.4.E.1.c. Maintaining Control of AEWs |
Follow the instructions in the table below upon receipt of an AEW.
Note: The proper date of claim for EP 298 is the date of the AEW, which is found in the upper right corner of the worksheet.
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VI.ii.4.E.1.d. Automated AEW Processing |
VA uses batch processing to automate the adjustment of many Veterans’ awards based on the audit data it receives from DFAS or the Coast Guard. This process includes the generation of an award in the Veterans Benefits Management System – Awards (VBMS-A) and the generation and mailing of a decision notice to the Veteran.
Exception: If an AEW contains more than 55 award lines, automatic generation of a decision notice during batch processing fails. In such cases, Compensation Service’s MILPAY Staff sends an e-mail to the station of origination with a request to prepare the decision notice and mail it, along with a copy of the AEW, to the Veteran within 10 days.
Note: The subject line of the e-mail from the MILPAY Staff will read CRSC/CRDP Batch – Automatic Letter Kick-Out. |
VI.ii.4.E.1.e. AEW Types and Messages |
The table below
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VI.ii.4.E.1.f. Initial Review of an AEW |
Follow the instructions in the table below when performing an initial review of an AEW.
Note: Defer processing an AEW until VA appoints a fiduciary if VA
Note: An AEW may include entitlement months during which a Veteran was not eligible for CRSC/CRDP (such as when a Veteran’s combined disability rating is less than 50 percent). DFAS and the Coast Guard include these entitlements months on the AEW when they determine VA erroneously withheld compensation based on the Veteran’s receipt of MRP for those months, regardless of the Veteran’s eligibility for CRSC/CRDP. Accordingly, the amounts in the Due From VA column of the AEW for those months are valid and should be treated the same as the amounts in the Due From VA column of the AEW for time periods during which the Veteran is eligible for CRSC/CRDP. |
VI.ii.4.E.1.g. Adjusting an Award Based on an AEW |
Follow the steps in the table below when it becomes necessary to adjust an award based on an AEW.
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VI.ii.4.E.1.h. Sequential Receipt of AEWs That Cover the Exact Same Time Period |
Take the actions described in the table below if multiple AEWs exist that cover the exact same time period.
Important: Anytime the table below refers to the amount of benefits VA owes a Veteran, it is referring to the net amount (the total of the amounts in the Due From VA column of an AEW minus the APPBD or APPBC (if present)).
Reference: For more information about updating the PRIORS screen, see Priors Award Payments Screen.
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VI.ii.4.E.1.i. Sequential Receipt of AEWs That Cover Some But Not All of the Same Entitlement Months |
Take the action described in the table below when multiple unprocessed AEWs exist that cover some but not all of the same entitlement months. (It is acceptable to process these AEWs in the same award action.)
Important:
Example:
Scenario:
Results:
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VI.ii.4.E.1.j. Special Handling of AEWs That Display an APPBD or APPBC |
If an AEW displays an amount to the right of the text Amount Previously Paid by DFAS or Amount Previously Paid by Coast Guard,
Notes:
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VI.ii.4.E.1.k. Special Instructions About Rounding Down the Amount in the Due From VA Column |
When processing older AEWs, the practice of rounding down the amount in the Due From VA column will depend on the adjustment date shown on the AEW. The table below explains when rounding down is/is not appropriate.
Important: Never round down the amount in the Due From VA column for entitlement months which include a rate change that takes effect on a day other than the first day of the month. |
VI.ii.4.E.1.l. Special Instructions for Entitlement Months of January 2014 or Later |
If the amount in the VA Withheld column of an AEW for an entitlement month of January 2014 or later differs from the amount in the Due From VA column for the same month by an amount less than one dollar,
The enclosed audit error worksheet may show amounts due that differ from what we have calculated. The worksheet is informational, showing VA may need to make an adjustment; however, we are required to double-check all calculations prior to releasing any funds to you. Therefore the amount we pay will be based on our final calculations and may not match the totals from the worksheet.
Example:
Scenario: Entries on AEW are as follows:
Action: Since the difference between the two amounts is less than one dollar, reduce the MRP withholding for March 2014 by $213.15.
Note: The situation described in this block most commonly occurs when the subject of the AEW is a Coast Guard Veteran. |
VI.ii.4.E.1.m. Processing AEWs That List a Month in Which VA Adjusted Disability Compensation Effective a Day Other Than the First Day of the Month |
The amounts displayed on an AEW for a given entitlement month are applicable for the entire month. If either the gross or net amount of a Veteran’s disability compensation changed effective a day other than the first day of the month,
Example: VA commonly reduces a Veteran’s benefits on a day other than the first day of the month when it removes a child from the Veteran’s award effective the day the child turns 18.
The methods for processing AEWs that list months in which either the gross or net amount of a Veteran’s disability compensation changed effective a day other than the first day of the month vary depending on a variety of factors. Follow the instructions in
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VI.ii.4.E.1.n. Processing AEWs With an Amount Withheld for MRP That Is Equal to or Greater Than the Amount Shown in the Due From VA Column |
Reduce the amount of both withholdings (for MRP only) for the month in question by the amount shown in the Due From VA column on the AEW for the same month if
Note: Follow the instructions in M21-1, Part VI, Subpart ii, 4.E.1.o if any of the withholdings for MRP during the month in question are less than the amount shown in the Due From VA column of the AEW for the same month. |
VI.ii.4.E.1.o. Processing AEWs With an Amount Less Than the Amount Shown in the Due From VA Column |
Follow the instructions in the table below if
Example:
Scenario:
Calculations: Following the procedures described in this block, the result of the calculation described in
Action: Withhold no benefits for the month of September until September 9, 2013. Effective this date, begin withholding $1.27. Continue the withholding until October 1, 2013.
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VI.ii.4.E.1.p. Processing AEWs When VA Withheld Benefits From Either the First Day of the Month to a Later Date Within the Same Month or From a Day Within the Month to the End of the Month |
Follow the instructions in the table below to calculate the proper withholding when VA records show VA withheld benefits (to offset the Veteran’s receipt of MRP) from either (but not both)
Example:
Scenario:
Calculations: Following the procedures described in this block, the result of the calculation described in
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VI.ii.4.E.1.q. Processing AEWs When the Veteran Is Eligible for Concurrent Receipt of the Full Amount of Compensation and MRP Based on Length of Service |
If the subject of the AEW is eligible for concurrent receipt of the full amount of disability compensation and MRP (based on length of service, not disability), eliminate the entire withholding (that VA established to offset the Veteran’s receipt of MRP) shown in VA records for the month in which VA changed either the gross or net amount of the Veteran’s disability compensation effective a day other than the first day of the month.
A Veteran is eligible for concurrent receipt of the full amount of disability compensation and MRP if one of the three sets of conditions listed in the table below is met.
Note: Assume a Veteran retired based on length of service (rather than disability) if the
References: For more information about using
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VI.ii.4.E.1.r. Notification of Award Adjustments Associated With the Processing of an AEW |
After processing an AEW, notify the Veteran who was the subject of the AEW of any associated award adjustments.
Notes:
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