they sign up for 4 years in the Selected Reserve. Any period of active duty may be used to meet these requirements, but generally, periods of active duty cannot be combined. (2) Individuals who were eligible for the Old (Vietnam-Era) GI Bill benefits as of December 31, 1989, and served on continuous active duty for 3 years after June 30, 1985, may be eligible for the MGIB. (3) Persons involuntarily separated from the military for certain reasons may be eligible for the MGIB. Likewise, persons who received voluntary separation incentives may be eligible for the MGIB. (4) Persons who converted from VEAP (Veterans Educational Assistance Program) to the MGIB during open seasons from October 9, 1996 to October 8, 1997, or from November 1, 2000 to October 3, 2001, may be eligible for the MGIB. Likewise, certain persons serving full-time under title 32 in the National Guard during the period from July 1, 1985 to November 28, 1989 and who elected the MGIB during the open season from October 9, 1996 through July 8, 1997, may be eligible for the MGIB. In addition, in very limited circumstances, dependents of a veteran or service member may be eligible for the MGIB if the veteran or service member transferred entitlement to those dependents.

Beneficiary Eligibility:

As stated above under Applicant Eligibility. Credentials/Documentation:

Military discharge certificate (DD 214) sometimes required; enrollment certification by institution offering training required in most cases. Preapplication Coordination:

None. This program is excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372. Application Procedure:

An application (VA Form 22-1990) may be obtained from any VA Regional Office or from the web site www.GIBILL.va.gov and submitted to the appropriate VA Regional Processing Office.

Award Procedure:

Awards are authorized at the designated VA Regional Processing Office. Deadlines:

Veterans have 10 years after release from service to complete their education. The basic 10-year period may be extended for those veterans who were prevented from beginning or completing their chosen program of education because they were held by a foreign government or power or because of a physical or mental disability not the result of their own willful misconduct. Persons who reenter active duty for 90 days or more receive a new 10-year period upon completion of such service.

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time:

At least 90.83 percent of applications were processed within 90 days or less in fiscal year 2006 and 99.47 percent in fiscal year 2007.

Appeals:

Appeals are available through a special board; average response time is 109.0 days in 2006 and 112.4 days in 2007.

Renewals:

Not applicable.

Formula and Matching Requirements:

Not applicable.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance:

Veterans receive monthly payments in most instances. Service members generally receive lump sum payments for each enrollment period. Accelerated payments (one-time payments) equal to 60% of the cost of the course are available for certain high cost, high tech courses leading to employment in high tech industries. Advance payment of the first 2 months of benefits for an enrollment period may be available. Payments for correspondence school training are issued quarterly.

Reports:

The educational allowance will not be paid if participants do not pursue their courses in accordance with established policies and regulations of the educational institution they attend, and are not making satisfactory progress as required by law and VA regulations. Students must verify their pursuit at institutions of higher learning and for courses not leading to a standard college degree on a monthly basis. Attendance for OJT/apprenticeship training also must be certified monthly. Students certify lessons completed under correspondence training on a quarterly basis.

Audits:

None.

Records:

None.

Account Identification:

36-0137-0-1-702.

Obligations:

(Direct Payments) FY 07 $1,991,078,000; FY 08 est $2,164,929,000; and FY 09 est $2,209,673,000.

Range and Average of Financial Assistance:

Currently, the full-time monthly benefit can range from $873 to over $2,000 depending on the length of the service obligation, military incentives, military career field, branch of service and voluntary contributions. In most cases, benefits last for 36 (48 months when combined with other VA education benefits) calendar months of full-time training. The work-study allowance is

limited to the higher of the Federal minimum wage, or the State minimum wage where work is performed. Tutorial assistance can be up to a maximum of $1,200.

PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

For fiscal year 2007, there were 343,751 students trained; the student estimate for fiscal year 2008 and 2009 are 348,153 and 351,927 respectively. REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND LITERATURE:

38 CFR 21.7000 - 21.7320. "Federal Benefits for Veterans and Dependents," VA Pamphlet 80-0-01, $5.00, available from Superintendent of Documents, P.O. Box 371954, Pittsburgh, PA 15250-7954. The stock number is: 0051-00000233-4.

Regional or Local Office: 1-888-GIBILL-1. Headquarters Office:

Department of Veterans Affairs, Central Office, Washington, DC 20420. Telephone: (202) 461-9800.

Web Site Address:

http://www.GIBILL.va.gov.

RELATED PROGRAMS:

64.120, Post-Vietnam Era Veterans' Educational Assistance; 64.123, Vocational Training for Certain Veterans Receiving VA Pension.

EXAMPLES OF FUNDED PROJECTS:

Not applicable.

CRITERIA FOR SELECTING PROPOSALS: Not applicable.

64.125 VOCATIONAL AND EDUCATIONAL COUNSELING FOR SERVICEMEMBERS AND VETERANS

(Chapter 36 Counseling)

FEDERAL AGENCY:

VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

AUTHORIZATION:

Veterans Education and Employment Programs Amendments, Public Law 10216, 38 U.S.C. 3697A.

OBJECTIVES:

To offer vocational and educational counseling to servicemembers within 180 days of their projected discharge or release from active duty and to veterans within one year from the date of their discharge or release from active duty. This counseling is also available to current beneficiaries of VA educational assistance including: Chapter 30-All-Volunteer Force Educational Assistance Program; Chapter 32-Post-Vietnam Era Veterans' Educational Assistance; Chapter 35Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance; Chapter 1606-Educational Assistance for Members of the Selective Service; Chapter 1607-Reserve Educational Assistance Program; and to veterans and qualified dependents who are eligible for educational assistance under any of the above programs(Chapters).

TYPES OF ASSISTANCE:

Advisory Services and Counseling.

USES AND USE RESTRICTIONS:

The program provides the counseling services necessary to enable the service member or veteran to select educational and vocational objectives. The program also assists the veteran to identify the means through which these objectives will be achieved. Counseling may also be provided to aid the veteran to cope with personal problems which might interfere with the successful achievement of the educational and vocational objectives. As part of vocational counseling, the program can help the individual to develop an employment plan. This plan directs the individual to make the best use of his or her existing aptitudes and abilities to obtain employment. These services are provided by professionally qualified counseling psychologists, who are either VA staff members or under contract to VA. To apply for and receive this benefit, servicemembers must be within 180 days of projected discharge or release from active duty. Veterans must apply for and receive this benefit within 1 year from the date of discharge or release or release from active duty. For servicemembers, the projected discharge or release from active duty must be under conditions other than dishonorable. For veterans, the discharge or release from active duty must have been under conditions other than dishonorable. This counseling is also available to current beneficiaries of VA educational assistance including: Chapter 30 All-Volunteer Force Educational Assistance Program; Chapter 32 - PostVietnam Era Veterans' Educational Assistance; Chapter 35 - Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance; Chapter 1606 - Educational Assistance for Members of the Selective Service; Chapter 1607 - Reserve Educational Assistance Program and to veterans and qualified dependents who are eligible for educational assistance under any of the above programs (Chapters). Applicant Eligibility:

Service members must be within 180 days of projected discharge or release from active duty. Veterans must be within 1 year from the date of discharge or release from active duty. For servicemembers, the projected discharge or release from

active duty must be under conditions other than dishonorable. For veterans, the discharge or release from active duty must have been under conditions other than dishonorable. This counseling is also available to current beneficiaries of VA educational assistance including: Chapter 30 - All-Volunteer Force Educational Assistance Program; Chapter 32 - Post-Vietnam Era Veterans' Educational Assistance; Chapter 35 - Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance; Chapter 1606 - Educational Assistance for Members of the Selective Service; Chapter 1607 - Reserve Educational Assistance Program and to veterans and qualified dependents who are eligible for educational assistance under any of the above programs (Chapters).

Beneficiary Eligibility:

Service members must be within 180 days of projected discharge or release from active duty. Veterans must be within 1 year from the date of discharge or release from active duty. For servicemembers, the projected discharge or release from active duty must be under conditions other than dishonorable. For veterans, the discharge or release from active duty must have been under conditions other than dishonorable. This counseling is also available to current beneficiaries of VA educational assistance including: Chapter 30 - All-Volunteer Force Educational Assistance Program; Chapter 32 - Post-Vietnam Era Veterans' Educational Assistance; Chapter 35 - Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance; Chapter 1606 - Educational Assistance for Members of the Selective Service; Chapter 1607 - Reserve Educational Assistance Program and to veterans and qualified dependents who are eligible for educational assistance under any of the above programs (Chapters). Credentials/Documentation:

Servicemembers must present proof that they are within 180 of projected discharge or release from active duty. Examples of this proof are a copy of the enlistment contract and a brief written statement from the individual's commander. Veterans must present proof they are within 1 year of discharge or release from active duty under conditions other than dishonorable. An example of this proof is a copy of the individual's DD Form 214. Current beneficiaries of VA educational assistance and those eligible for educational assistance must indicate this eligibility or receipt of benefits and have it confirmed at the VA regional or local office.

Preapplication Coordination:

None. This program is excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372. Application Procedure:

Obtain VA Form 28-8832, Application for Counseling, from any VA office or regional office. Complete and submit this form to the nearest regional office. A written statement from an individual requesting vocational and educational counseling is also sufficient. With the application form or written statement, submit proof of prior or pending discharge or release from active duty if VA has not already received this evidence or indicate eligibility for, or current receipt of, VA educational assistance.

Award Procedure:

The regional office will notify qualified Individual. Deadlines:

Qualified individuals may not receive counseling benefits earlier than 180 days before projected discharge or release from active duty or more than 1 year after discharge or release from active duty.

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time:
Not applicable.

Appeals:

Available through special board. Average time to process an appeal is 622 days. In the event of a denial, claimants are advised of appeal rights and procedures at the time of notification.

Renewals:

Not applicable.

Formula and Matching Requirements:

Not applicable.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance:

Not applicable.

Reports:

Not applicable.

Audits:

Expenditures under this program are monitored. Specific comprehensive procedures exist for reviewing the quality of services provided and staff time involved in service delivery. Contract expenditures require recordkeeping of the services provided and the funds expended.

Records:

Not applicable.

Account Identification:

36-0137-0-1-702.

Obligations:

(Contract Services Payments) FY 07 $4,745,274; FY 08 est $6,000,000; and FY 09 est $6,000,000.

Range and Average of Financial Assistance:

Not applicable.

PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

Vocational and educational counseling. Included service members and veterans

who received these services under Public Law 102-16, who are not separately identifiable.

REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND LITERATURE:

38 CFR 21.4100; "Federal Benefits for Veterans and Dependents," VA Pamphlet 80-0-01, $5.00, available from Superintendent of Documents, P.O. Box 371954, Pittsburgh, PA 15250-7954. The stock number is: 051-000-00233-4. "VA Counseling Can Help You," the VA pamphlet portion of VA Form 28-8821, Application for Counseling, free, is available from any VA office or regional office.

Regional or Local Office:

See Appendix IV of the Catalog for Veterans Benefits Administration field offices.

Headquarters Office:

Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefits Administration, Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Service (28), Washington, DC 20420.

Telephone: (202) 461-9600.

Web Site Address:

http://www.va.gov.

RELATED PROGRAMS:

64.116, Vocational Rehabilitation for Disabled Veterans; 64.120, Post-Vietnam Era Veterans' Educational Assistance. EXAMPLES OF FUNDED PROJECTS:

Not applicable.

CRITERIA FOR SELECTING PROPOSALS:

Contract counseling psychologists are selected on the basis of (1) their academic credentials and experience in vocational and educational counseling, (2) their location in relation to the geographic dispersion of available clients for referral, and (3) costs of the services to be provided.

64.126 NATIVE AMERICAN VETERAN DIRECT LOAN PROGRAM

(VA Native American Veterans Housing Loan Program)

FEDERAL AGENCY:

VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

AUTHORIZATION:

Public Law 102-547 and 109-233, 38 U.S.C. 3761-3764. OBJECTIVES:

To provide direct loans to certain veterans who are, or whose spouses are, Native Americans for the purchase or construction of homes on trust lands. TYPES OF ASSISTANCE:

Direct Loans.

USES AND USE RESTRICTIONS:

VA may make home loans to eligible applicants for any of the following purposes: (1) Buy or build a home; (2) simultaneously purchase and improve a home; (3) repair, alter or improve a home; (4) purchase a manufactured home to be permanently affixed to a lot that is already held in leasehold by the applicant; or (5) to refinance an existing VA loan to lower the interest rate. Restrictions on direct loans under this program are that: (a) the borrower must have a leasehold or fee interest and occupy, as his or her home, the housing unit securing the loan; (b) the nature and condition of the unit must be suitable for dwelling; (c) the terms of repayment must bear a proper relationship to the applicant's present and anticipated income and expenses; (d) the applicant must be a satisfactory credit risk; (e) the applicant must be a Native American; and (f) the property on which the home is located must be federal trust property.

Applicant Eligibility:

Veterans who are, or whose spouses are, recognized by a Federally Recognized Tribal Government as a Native American and who: (a) Served on active duty on or after September 16, 1940, and were discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable. If service was any time during World War II, the Korean Conflict, the Vietnam-era, or the Persian Gulf War, then the Native American Veteran must have served on active duty for 90 days or more; peacetime service only must have served a minimum of 181 days continuous active duty. If separated from enlisted service which began after September 7, 1980, or service as an officer which began after October 16, 1981, a veteran must also have served at least 24 months of continuous active duty or the full period for which called or ordered to active duty. Veterans of such recent service may qualify with less service time if they have a compensable service-connected disability or were discharged after at least 181 days, under the authority of 10 U.S.C 1171 or 1173. (b) Any veteran in the above classes with less service but discharged with a service-connected disability. (c) If acknowledged as a Native American by a Federally Recognized Tribal Government, unmarried surviving spouses of otherwise eligible veterans who died in service or whose deaths were attributable to service-connected disabilities and spouses of members of the Armed Forces serving on active duty, who are listed as missing in action, or as prisoners of war and who have been so listed 90 days or more. (d) Members of the Selected Reservists who ae, or whose spouses ae, recognized by a Federally Recognized Tribal Government as Native Americans and who are not otherwise

(Loans) FY 07 $7,701,000; FY 08 est $12,428,000; FY 09 est $12,676,000. Range and Average of Financial Assistance:

Loans will be limited to $417,000 in the 48 contiguous states and $625,500 in Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

In FY 07, the volume was 38 loans totaling $7,701,000. In FY 08, the volume is 60 loans totaling $12,428,000. In FY 09, 60 loans are expected totaling $12,676,000.

REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND LITERATURE:

38 CFR 36.4501 and 36.4527. VA Pamphlet 26-93-1, VA Direct Home Loan for Native American Veterans Living on Trust Lands. VA Pamphlet 80-00-1, Federal Benefits for Veterans and Dependents, S/N 051-000-00233-4, at $5.00 each, available from the Government Printing Office, P.O. Box 371954, Pittsburgh, PA 15250-7954.

Regional or Local Office:

Loan applications are processed completely by the Veterans Benefits Administration field offices for their respective geographic area jurisdiction. Initial contact should be made with the appropriate office listed in Appendix IV of the Catalog under Veterans Benefits Administration.

Headquarters Office:

Department of Veterans Affairs, Washington, DC 20420. Telephone: (202) 4619529.

Web Site Address:

http://www.va.gov.

RELATED PROGRAMS:

15.124, Indian Loans_Economic Development; 64.102, Compensation for Service-Connected Deaths for Veterans' Dependents; 64.106, Specially Adapted Housing for Disabled Veterans; 64.114, Veterans Housing_Guaranteed and Insured Loans; 64.118, Veterans Housing_Direct Loans for Certain Disabled Veterans; 64.119, Veterans Housing_Manufactured Home Loans. EXAMPLES OF FUNDED PROJECTS:

Not applicable.

CRITERIA FOR SELECTING PROPOSALS: Not applicable.

64.127 MONTHLY ALLOWANCE FOR CHILDREN OF VIETNAM VETERANS BORN WITH SPINA BIFIDA FEDERAL AGENCY:

VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF
VETERANS AFFAIRS

AUTHORIZATION:

38 U.S.C. 1805. OBJECTIVES:

To provide financial assistance to certain children born with spina bifida who are children of individuals who served in the Republic of Vietnam during the Vietnam era.

TYPES OF ASSISTANCE:

Direct Payments with Unrestricted Use. USES AND USE RESTRICTIONS:

No restrictions.

Applicant Eligibility:

Those children born with spina bifida, except spina bifida occulta, who are natural children of individuals who served in Vietnam, regardless of age or marital status, conceived after the date on which the individual first served in the Republic of Vietnam during the period beginning on January 9, 1962, and ending on May 7, 1975, without regard to the characterization of the individual's service.

Beneficiary Eligibility:

Children born with spina bifida.

Credentials/Documentation:

Birth certificate and military discharge certificate. Child must be born with spina bifida and be the natural child of an individual who served in the Republic of Vietnam between January 2, 1962 through May 2, 1975.

Preapplication Coordination:

None. This program is excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372. Application Procedure:

An application (VA Form 21-0304) may be obtained from a local or regional office (see Appendix IV of the Catalog), and submitted to the regional office. Applications are also available on-line at http://www.va.gov/vaforms/. 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:

Approximately 57 percent completed in 90 days or less. Appeals:

Available through special board. In the event of a denial, claimants are advised of appeal rights and procedures at the time of notification. Renewals:

None.

Formula and Matching Requirements:

Not applicable.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance: Not applicable.

Reports:

Not applicable.

Audits:

None. Records:

None.

Account Identification:

36-0102-0-1-701.

Obligations:

(Direct Payments) FY 07 $18,254,000; FY 08 est $18,706,000; and FY 09 est $19,207,000.

Range and Average of Financial Assistance:

Payments are $270, $930, or $1,586 monthly based on the degree of disability of the child.

PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

In fiscal year 2007, 1,163 children received benefits. The estimates for fiscal years 2008 and 2009 are 1,165 and 1,167 respectively. REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND LITERATURE:

38 CFR 3.814. "Federal Benefits for Veterans and Dependents," VA Pamphlet 80-0-01, $5.00, available from Superintendent of Documents, P.O. Box 371954,

Pittsburgh, PA 15250-7954. The stock number is 051-000-00233-4.

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) 4619700.

Web Site Address:

http://www.va.gov.

RELATED PROGRAMS:

None.

EXAMPLES OF FUNDED PROJECTS:

Not applicable.

CRITERIA FOR SELECTING PROPOSALS:

Not applicable.

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, as amended, Subchapter III Sec. 1821. 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 and some Korean 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.

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 and some Korean veterans, 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 and in particular areas near the DMZ in the Korean conflict. 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 and some Korean veterans.

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 or use VA Form 21-0304.

Award Procedure:

Awards are authorized at the Regional Office.

Deadlines:

None.

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time:

Not available at this 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 622 days.

Renewals:

None.

Formula and Matching Requirements:

Not applicable.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance:

Not applicable.

Reports:

Not applicable.

Audits:

None.

Records:

None.

Account Identification:

36-0102-0-1-701.

Obligations:

FY 07 $0; FY 08 est $0; and FY 09 est $0.

Range and Average of Financial Assistance:

Payments to providers for training and rehabilitation services and assistance. PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

Cases: In fiscal year 2007, there were 0 new cases. It is estimated that in fiscal year 2008 and 2009 there will be 0 new cases.

REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND LITERATURE:

38 CFR 3.814. "Federal Benefits for Veterans and Dependents," VA Pamphlet 80-0-01, $5.00, available from Superintendent of Documents, P.O. Box 371954, Pittsburgh, PA 15250-7954. The stock number is: 051-000-00233-4.

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) 4619600.

Web Site Address:

http://www.va.gov.

RELATED PROGRAMS:

None.

EXAMPLES OF FUNDED PROJECTS:

Not applicable.

CRITERIA FOR SELECTING PROPOSALS:

Not applicable.

64.201 NATIONAL CEMETERIES

FEDERAL AGENCY:

NATIONAL CEMETERY ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

AUTHORIZATION:

National Cemeteries Act of 1973; Public Laws 93- 43, 101-508, 102-86, 102568, 103-240, and 103-446; 38 U.S.C. 2306, 2402, 2403 2404, and 5303A. OBJECTIVES:

To provide burial space, headstones and markers, and perpetual care for veterans and members of the Armed Forces of the United States whose service terminated other than dishonorably, and for Reservists and National Guard members having 20 years qualifying service for the purpose of receiving retired pay and certain eligible dependents.

TYPES OF ASSISTANCE:

Provision of Specialized Services.

USES AND USE RESTRICTIONS:

Interment or memorialization in a national cemetery is for eligible veterans; members of the Armed Forces of the United States; Reservists and National Guard members with 20 years of qualifying service, who are entitled to retired pay or would be entitled, if at least 60 years of age, under Chapter 67, Title 10, United States Code; and other persons and dependents meeting eligibility requirements under law.

Applicant Eligibility:

Applicant may be the next of kin, a friend of the decedent or a public assistance officer.

Beneficiary Eligibility:

Eligible Veterans, members of the Armed Forces of the United States (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard) who die on active duty; members of the Reserve or the Army and Air National Guard who die while performing active duty for training; Reservists and National Guard members having 20 years of qualifying service for the purpose of receiving retired pay or are eligible for retired pay but are under 60 years of age; the spouse of an eligible veteran member of the Armed forces or individual receiving retired pay (including a 20-year Reservist or National Guard member); the spouse of a member of the Armed Forces of the United States lost or buried at sea or officially determined to be permanently absent in a status of missing or missing in action; minor children and certain unmarried adult children of an eligible veteran or member of the Armed forces, or individual receiving retired pay (including a 20-year Reservist and National Guard member) are eligible for interment. Enlisted personnel who entered military duty after September 7, 1980, and officers commissioned after October 16, 1981, must have served a minimum of 24 months or the full period for which called or ordered to active duty to be eligible for interment. Citizens of the United States who served in the Armed Forces of any government allied with the United States during any war, who were citizens of the U.S. at time of entry and are citizens of the U.S. at time of death; Certain Commissioned Officers of the Public Health Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration are also eligible. Groups determined to have active duty service are eligible for all VA benefits under the provisions of Section 401, Public Law 95-202. Reservists who are activated under Presidential Order under title 10, may also be eligible. National Guard Members called to Federal active duty may also be eligible. Other persons who meet eligibility requirements under law may be eligible for burial. Credentials/Documentation:

Present documentation of qualifying military service to Cemetery staff at the

time the request for interment is made. National Cemetery Administration personnel will assist in verifying entitlement if documentation is not available. In addition, for a memorial headstone or marker, an affidavit attesting to the disposition of the remains is required.

Preapplication Coordination:

This program is eligible for coverage under E.O. 12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs." An applicant should consult the office or official designated as the single point of contact in his or her State for more information on the process the State requires to be followed in applying for assistance, if the State has selected the program for review. Application Procedure:

The person in charge of funeral arrangements (next of kin or funeral director) should communicate with the staff of the national cemetery in which interment or memorialization is desired, and furnish the name and official documentation of military service of the veteran on whose service the burial is predicated. If documentation is not available, as much of the following data as is available should be provided: Branch of service; rank; service number; social security number; VA claim number; date and place of entry into and separation from last period of active service; date and place of birth; and, date of death. This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-110. Application for a memorial headstone or marker must be submitted on VA Form 40-1330, "Application for Standard Government Headstone or Marker for Installation in a Private or State Veterans' Cemetery", unless placement is in a national cemetery. Memorial headstones or markers for national cemetery placement are ordered by cemetery staff.

Award Procedure:

Scheduling of a time and date for a committal service in a national cemetery will be made by the Cemetery staff upon verification of eligibility.

Deadlines:

None.

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time:

Not applicable.

Appeals:

Not applicable.

Renewals:

Not applicable.

Formula and Matching Requirements:

Not applicable.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance:

Not applicable.

Reports:

None.

Audits:

None.

Records:

None.

Account Identification:

36-0129-0-1-705.

Obligations:

(Salaries and Expenses) FY 07 $155,003,000; FY 08 est $193,852,000; and FY 09 est $175,373,000.

Range and Average of Financial Assistance:

Not applicable.

PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

Interments in fiscal year 2007 totaled 101,185. Estimate of interments for fiscal year 2008 is 102,500, and for fiscal year 2009, 111,000. There are 125 operating national cemeteries under the jurisdiction of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Of this number, 65 have space available for casketed and cremated remains; 21 have space available for the casketed interment of eligible family members of those already interred at the cemetery, and for cremated remains; and 39 have space available only for the interment of eligible family members of those already interred.

REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND LITERATURE:

The following brochures are available at the Washington Office and other VA offices at no charge: "Interments in Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) National Cemeteries" (VA-NCA IS -1) and "National Cemetery Administration" brochure. Gravesite locator maps, and informational leaflets are available for many of the national cemeteries, as well as information kiosks at certain national cemeteries.

Regional or Local Office:

Memorial Service Network Offices are located at: 5000 Wissahickon Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19144; 1700 Clairmont Road, 4th Floor, Decatur, GA 300334032; P.O. Box 25126, Denver, CO 80225; 575 North Pennsylvania St., Indianapolis, IN 46204; 1301 Clay St., 1230 North, Oakland, CA 94612-5209. See Appendix IV of the Catalog for contacts and telephone numbers of Memorial Service Network Offices in the National Cemetery Administration under Department of Veterans Affairs.

Headquarters Office:

Director, Office of Field Programs (41A), National Cemetery Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC

20420. Contact: Mr. Steve Muro. Telephone: (202) 461-6249. Web Site Address:

http://www.va.gov.

RELATED PROGRAMS:

64.101, Burial Expenses Allowance for Veterans; 64.202, Procurement of Headstones and Markers and/or Presidential Memorial Certificates. EXAMPLES OF FUNDED PROJECTS:

Not applicable.

CRITERIA FOR SELECTING PROPOSALS:

Not applicable.

64.202 PROCUREMENT OF HEADSTONES AND MARKERS AND/OR PRESIDENTIAL MEMORIAL CERTIFICATES FEDERAL AGENCY:

NATIONAL CEMETERY ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF
VETERANS AFFAIRS

AUTHORIZATION:

National Cemeteries Act of 1973; 38 U.S.C. 2306, 2403 and 2404(a)(b)(c); Veterans' Disability Compensation and Survivors' Benefits Act of 1978, Section 303(b); Public Laws 93-43, 95-479, 95-476, 102-547, 107-103, and 107-330; 38 U.S.C. 313(a), 38 U.S.C. 112.

OBJECTIVES:

To furnish lasting memorials for the graves of veterans and eligible family members throughout the world and honor the service of the veteran through Presidential Memorial Certificates.

TYPES OF ASSISTANCE:

Direct Payments for Specified Use; Provision of Specialized Services. USES AND USE RESTRICTIONS:

Headstones and Markers: For eligible veterans only who are buried in a private cemetery and who died before September 11, 2001, government-furnished headstones and markers may be furnished only for the unmarked graves. For eligible veterans only who are buried in a private cemetery and who die on or after September 11, 2001, government-furnished headstones and markers are furnished for the grave regardless if it is already marked with a privately purchased headstone. For the unmarked grave of eligible veterans and eligible family members buried in a VA national cemetery, a Department of Interior national cemetery, a State Veterans Cemetery operating under a grant through the State Cemetery Grants Program, Arlington National Cemetery, or a Military/Post cemetery. A memorial headstone or marker may be furnished for a veteran when the remains are non-recoverable. The memorial headstone or marker must be placed in a recognized cemetery. A memorial headstone or marker may also be furnished for the eligible spouse of the veteran if placement of the memorial headstone or marker is in a national or state cemetery. Benefits include: procurement of Government headstones, markers, and niche covers; authorized inscription; costs of shipment to destination; installation and maintenance costs in national, state and military/post cemeteries; and, replacements when headstones, markers, and niche covers are severely damaged, when inscriptions are incorrect, or when inscriptions have become illegible. Presidential Memorial Certificates: Provided to family members and friends of the honorably discharged veteran to honor the memory of the veteran. Additional certificates may also be requested and provided. Benefits include: procurement of a gold embossed paper certificate inscribed with the veteran's name that bears the President's signature; and mailed to family members and/or friends of the veteran.

Applicant Eligibility:

When burial or memorialization is in a private cemetery, the applicant is normally the next of kin. In the absence of relatives, the applicant need not be a member of the deceased's family. The applicant's signature on VA Form 401330, "Application for Standard Government Headstone or Marker for Installation in a Private or State Veterans Cemetery," certifies all information on the application is correct, and the type of headstone or marker requested is permitted by the cemetery on the grave of the veteran, or for memorialization in an appropriate area of the cemetery. If a burial or memorialization plot is in a national cemetery, State veterans cemetery, or a military/post cemetery, the Cemetery Director orders the headstone or marker, after completion of the interment in the cemetery, or upon need for replacement. Beneficiary Eligibility:

Any deceased veteran of wartime or peacetime service who was discharged under conditions other than dishonorable. Service after September 7, 1980 for enlisted personnel and October 16, 1981 for commissioned officers, must be for a minimum of 24 consecutive months or the period for which ordered to be completed under special circumstances; for example, death on active duty, or any active duty during the Persian Gulf War qualifies for this benefit. In addition, members of the Reserve and the Army and Air National Guard who die while performing, or as a result of performing, active duty for training or are entitled to retirement pay subsequent to October 27, 1992; all persons, including Reservists and National Guard members having 20 years of qualifying service for the purpose of receiving retired pay or are eligible for retired pay, but are under 60 years of age; Commissioned officers of the Public Health Service and