NVS UPDATES
Below you will find a listing of the NVS Updates that have been published since 2019.
To access an NVS Update or Update Attachment, click on the appropriate link located below the corresponding topics list.
2025
December 2025
- VFW Holiday Schedule
- NVS Training Update
- Federal Circuit Decision on Dependent Education Benefits
- M21-1 Updates
- POA Revocation Letters
- Please Be Aware of Your Social Media Presence
- Accredited Representative Portal
- Please Ensure Accreditation Packets are Submitted Correctly
June 2025
- NVS Training Schedule
- NVS Training Topic Poll
- M21-1 Updates
- VA Education Updates
- CAVC Case Analysis Documents are available on the VFW OLP
- Please keep NVS informed of any updates in your local area
- VA Foreign Medical Program Update
March 2025
- NVS Training Schedule
- Policy and Procedure Updates
- New VFW Release of Information
- M21-1 Updates
- TVB 4.1 Release
- GFE Computer Equipment Instructions
- Quality Assurance Compliance Reviews
- VFW National Commander Testifies Before Congress
Policy and Procedure approved by NVSAC 03.01.2025
Appendix B – VFW Release of Information March 2025
VA Laptop request Instructions
January 2025
- NVS Training Schedule
- VA makes several cancers presumptive for Gulf War and Post 9/11 veterans
- K2 Update From VA
- M21-1 Updates
- Change in VA Websites and Apps Sign in
- Veterans may be eligible for 12 additional months of education benefits
- VBMS Search Feature Update
- Character of Discharge VA Letter Update
- Update on TVB Submission Errors
- VFW and Veterans Help Group, LLC
2024
November 2024
- NVS Holiday Schedule
- Post Service Officer Guide and Training Template
- Representatives are Prohibited From Accessing Their Personal VA Record
- CAVC Holds That a Higher Level of Care is Not Required for SMC(t)
- M21-1 Updates
- Electronic Submissions Delays Update
- Accreditation Delays
2024-Post-Service-Officer-Guide
2024-PSO-Training-Class-Template-by-NVS
September 2024
- Training Conference Update
- VA Laptop Update
- VA Launches VSAFE, a New Government-Wide Website and Call Center to Protect Veterans From Fraud
- Policy and Procedure Updates
- Post Service Officer Duties Change
- VA TRIP Training does not Provide Accreditation
- M21 clarifies when the issue of insanity is raised by the record
- Electronic Submission Delays
Policy and Procedure approved by NVSAC 7.27.2024
June 2024
- VA Home Loan Benefit
- VA modification to The Joseph Maxwell Cleland and Robert Joseph Dole Memorial Veterans Benefits and Health Care Improvement Act
- Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) Education Service is integrating its payment system so all VBA benefits will be paid to one account
- M21-1 Updates
- Intent to File Outreach Campaign
- VA new information on Claim Shark Reporting
- NCA adds options for commemorative plaques and urns
- VA expands access to care and benefits for some former service members who did not receive an honorable or general discharge
- Veterans Affairs Servicing Purchase (VASP) Program
- CAVC holds that substitute claimants may now be substituted in any claim for benefits
- CAVC holds that before a severance of service-connected benefits can take place, all reasonably raised theories of service connection must be considered
- VA extends presumptions of service-connection for three new cancer types
VFW-Message-for-Claim-Shark-Billing-Template-Letter
April 2024
- NVS Proficiency Training Conference
- NVS Policy & Procedure adopted March 2, 2024
- IVF Federal Register Notice
- VA updates Disability Rating Schedule for digestive system
- GI Bill Modernization of Payment System
- President Biden Fiscal Year 2025 Budget proposes critical investments in veterans, their families, caregivers, and survivors
- Department of Veterans Affairs announced End to Five-Year Pilot Program, Veteran Employment Through Technology Education Courses (VET TEC)
- VA Pension SSA Match Overpayment
- NICS Reporting change under Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024
Policy-and-Procedure-approved-by-NVSAC-3.2.2024
February 2024
- 2024 VFW Washington Conference
- NVS Proficiency Training Conference
- VA Home Loan Guarantee Covid Refund Modification Programs Extended through May 31, 2024
- VA OIG Reports that VA did not consistently apply rating schedule updates for hip and knee replacements
- M21-1 Updates
- DFAS Survivor Benefit Plan Resources
- VA Undersecretary of Health Issues Key Priorities
- VA provided free emergency suicide prevention care to nearly 50,000 Veterans and former service members in first year of new policy
- TRICARE Specialty Medication Update
- VA Issues Statement in response to a Newsweek story on OIT and Cybersecurity
- VHA aligns with leading health care organizations to ensure trustworthy use of AI
- VFW 2024 Priority Goals
DFAS SBP Annuitant Eligibility Verification Quick Ref Jan24
DFAS Survivor SBP Newsletter Fall2023
DFAS When Military Retiree Dies Checklist Oct2023
Enhanced Specialty Drug Benefits and Lower Costs for TRICARE Beneficiaries
DFAS Helpful Tips Tools SBP 2024
Who Pays SBP or DIC DFAS SBP Newsletter
2023
November 2023
- A message from the VFW Commander-in-Chief on Claim Sharks
- NVS Holiday Schedule
- Final Rule for Presumptive Service Connection for Rare Respiratory Cancers Due to Exposure to Fine Particulate Matter
- CAVC determines that veterans may file appeals on decision that were already appeals provided they are still within the original appeal window
- TVB Updates
- Million Veteran Program welcomes one Millionth Veteran
- VA to offer new exams to Veterans adversely impacted by exams from former VA neurologist
- Department of Defense Annual Report on Suicide in the Military
Department of Defense Annual Report on Suicide in the Military
Don’t Feed the Sharks One Pager
Don’t Feed the Sharks One Pager – Light version
October 2023
- NVS Policy and Procedure Updates
- NVS Quality Assurance Team will Monitor All Routine POA Requests in the Stakeholder Enterprise Portal
- PACT Act Update
- Sensitive Level Access Request User Guide
- Veterans May Be Entitled to a 30% Rating for Parkinson’s Disease if They Have Unrated Residuals
- VHA-Uber Health Connect Initiative
- VHA Update on Changes in Rates VA Pays for Special Modes of Transportation
- DoD SAFE User Guide
- CHAMPVA Expense Calculation Issue
- VA Transitions to Direct Deposit Only for VA Caregivers
Policy and Procedure approved 7.22.2023
VA PACT Act Performance Dashboard
VA PACT Act Quarterly DemographicSupplement
2023 Pact Act ReportQuarterly Demographic Supplement Companion Workbook
VHA Update on Changes in Rates VA Pays for Special Modes of Transportation
May 2023
- TVB Updates
- NCA is Now Accepting Quick Submit Submissions
- Legal and Financial Planning Services Now Available for Family Caregivers
- M21-1 Updates
- DMC Fax Numbers
- Post Service Officer School of Instruction Report Template
- Update on PACT Act Referrals
- Exceptions to Applying the Bilateral Factor in VA Disability Calculations
- VA Insurance Premiums Error
- VFW Testimony Update
- Memorial Day Ceremonies
VFW Post Service Officers School of Instruction Annual Report to NVS
March 2023
- New Washington Office Leadership
- Proficiency Training Conference
- NVS Policy and Procedure Updates
- PACT Act Performance Dashboard
- VFW Commander-in-Chief Testifies Before Congress
- Veterans Can Now Access Their Disability Benefit Decisions Online
- VA Home Loan Guarantee Funding Fee Charge Update
- Veterans Can Now Update Contact Information in VA.gov
- Cisco Jabber
- Senate Bill to Crack Down on Claim Sharks
January 2023
- NVS Training Schedule
- SBP DIC Offset Eliminated
- PACT Act Update and New Resources
- PACT Act Information Website Referrals
- Automated Decision Support Toolkit
- New Contract C&P Examiner
- SGLI Coverage Increases to $500,000
- Auto Allowance May Now be Granted every 10 years
- VA Forms Update
- New VA Life Insurance
- M21-1 Updates
PACT-Act-related-claims-and-their-effective-dates
Automated Decision Support – VSO Training Slides
VBA Letter 20-22-10 PACT Act Guidance
Pact Act Overview Presentation Revised January 12
2023 Changes to the Survivors Benefit Plan – SBP and DIC offset
2022
November 2022
- NVS Holiday Schedule
- VFW PACT Act Referral Tool
- New M21-1 Guidance on PTSD and MST development for BDD Claims
- White House VA Hotline has been integrated into the main VA Call Center
- CAVC Clarifies the Definition of “Additional Disability” in Regard to 1151 Claims
- New Defense and Veterans Pain Rating Scale
- VA Cannot Refuse to Hold a Hearing Based on the Veteran’s Attendance.
- VA Clarifies When Partial Rating Decisions Should Be Used
- BVA Appeals Evidence Submissions
October 2022
- NVS Fall Training End of Conference Surveys are Now Available
- TRICARE Network Pharmacy Changes
- VA Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) Update
- PACT Act Update
- VA offers benefit debt relief to Veterans affected by recent hurricanes
- 2022 VA Suicide Prevention Report Released
- VA Health Care Open Enrollment Period Begins
- VA Closes Gap in Benefits for LGBTQ+ Veterans and Their Survivors
- VA Extends Delay of Upcoming Electronic Health Record Deployments to June 2023
September 2022
- NVS Training Update
- PACT Act Information and Presentation
- NVS Policy & Procedure Changes
- M21-1 Updates
- Please Add Your Accreditation Number to your Email Signature Block
- TVB Migration will Occur on October 1, 2022
- VBA Debt Suspension Extended Until December 31, 2022
- Out of Office Replies Must Be Updated
Policy and Procedure approved 7-16-2022
Pact Act Overview Presentation
July 2022
- NVS Training Update
- Quick Submit Starting
- RQAS
- M21-1 Updates
- BVA Coordinator list
- PMC Realignment
- New VA Life Insurance Program Set to Start in 2023
Regional Quality Assurance Specialists
May 2022
1. NVS Policy and Procedure Updates
2. Post-9/11 students are now required to verify their enrollment each month
3. VFW Commander in Chief Testifies before Congress
4. Proposed Changes to VA Regulations
5. AIR Commission
6. School aged children using CHAMPVA do not need to be enrolled in school full time
7. VA Should Not Request Exams for Increase Claims when Accompanied by Acceptable Clinical Evidence
8. New VA Form 10182 Released
9. Testimony Update
2021
December 2021
- Office Holiday Closures
- Training Update
- Cardiovascular and Genitourinary Rating Schedule Job Aids
- VA Releases Sexual Assault Policy Letter and Brochure
- POA Summary Data
- M21-1 Updates
- VSO Background Check Delays
- VA Migrates to Electronic Notifications for VSOs
- Testimony Update
NVS Update December 2021
Cardiovascular System Updates Side by Side Comparison
Genitourinary System Updates Side by Side Comparison
VA’s Sexual Assault & Harassment Policy Letter
VA’s Sexual Assault & Harassment Prevention and Recourse Brochure
OCTOBER 2021
- Intermediate Training Conference is Scheduled for November 2021
- Virtual Training Opportunities
- Debt Management Center Resumes Debt Collections
- New Interim Guidance Issued for Supplemental Claims
- Presumptive Period for Disabilities Associated with Service in Southwest Asia is Extended to 2026
- VFW BVA Staff is Implementing a New Appeals Workload Plan
- Updated Genitourinary & Cardiovascular Rating Schedules
- VBA is Experiencing Printing and Mailing Delays
- M21-1 Updates
- Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers is Extending Eligibility for Legacy Participants
- New VFW Podcast Episode Focuses on Veteran Benefits
NVS Update October 2021
Supplemental Claims Interim Guidance
JUNE 2021
- NVS Resumes In-Person Operations / Please Keep NVS Informed of Staffing Changes in Your Office
- National Veterans Service to Resume In-Person Skill Level Training Conferences this Fall
- Continue to Monitor Stakeholder Enterprise Portal Representation Requests
- VA Releases Announcement Regarding New Agent Orange Presumptive Conditions and Airborne Toxic Exposures
- VA Will No Longer Count Chapter 31 Against GI Bill Education Benefits
- M21-1 Reorganization is Underway
- M21-1 Updates
- VA Must Rate the Thoracolumbar Spine as a Unit When Applying the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine
NVS Update June 2021
APRIL 2021
- VARO Operating Statuses are posted on the VFW Online Learning Portal
- Proficiency Training Conference Update
- NVS Policy & Procedure Updates
- Board of Veterans Appeals Direct Upload is Now Active
- SAVE LIVES Act allows VA to soon Provide COVID-19 vaccinations to all veterans, their spouses, and caregivers
- VA Raises Awareness of Availability and Access to Compensation and Pension (C&P) disability examinations
- Temporary Reduction Continues in Onsite Operations at the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) in St. Louis
- M21-1 Updates
- VFW Commander-in-Chief Testifies Virtually Before Congress
- Debt Management Center Update
- NVS Testifies Virtually on C&P exams
- VetraSpec Parent Company, DataSpec, Acquired by Tyler Technologies
- Changes to Reporting Requirements for the Direct Submit Course on the Online Learning Portal
- Dependents Using Chapter 33 Benefits are Eligible for the same Extension Provision as Veterans if Benefits are Exhausted Prior to the End of a School Semester
NVS Update April 2021
Policy and Procedure adopted 3.2.21
SAVE Lives Act-Talking Points 2021
NVS POC Reference Sheet
Direct Upload Memorandum March 9
CP exam resumption letter
Centralized Mail Portal Direct Upload Example
FEBRUARY 2021
1. Please continue to keep NVS informed of your office operating status during COVID-19
2. Changes to the Musculoskeletal Rating Schedule
3. Continue to review VA rating Decisions in order to demonstrate the need for reinstatement of the 48 hour VSO pre-decision review
4. Congress adds three new conditions to the Agent Orange Presumptive List
5. Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020 Signed into Law
6. VA releases five new forms intended for use in lieu of VA Form 21-4138, Statement in Support of Claim.
7. M21-1 Updates
8. VA creates new contact number for veterans
9. VA Office of Community Care Contact Center employees can assist Veterans resolve adverse debt collection actions resulting from authorized VA community care claims.
February 2021 NVS Update
Musculoskeletal-Changes-Side-by-Side-Comparison
New-Agent-Orange-Conditions-January-2021
List-of-Changes-to-the-Musculoskeletal-System-VASRD
2020
JULY 2020
1. Please keep NVS informed of your office operating status during COVID-19
2. VA Resumes In-person Compensation and Pension Exams at Select Locations
3. VA Eliminates 48-hour Pre-Decision Review Period
4. How to Properly Set VBMS Filters Job Aid
5. M21-1 Updates
6. New Direct Submit Tool Available for VetraSpec Users
7. Board of Veterans Appeals Expands Access to Virtual Hearings
8. Economic Relief Payments Do Not Count as Income for VA Purposes
9. New Helpline Operational for Survivor Education Benefits
July 2020 NVS Update
How to Properly Set VBMS Filters
MARCH 2020
1. VFW NVS Response to COVID-19
2. VA Debt Management Center Offers Suspended Payments for Those Affected by COVID-19
3. VFW Commander in Chief Testifies before Congress
4. Nexus Letter Explanation
5. Policy & Procedure Updates
6. Signature Pad Instructions for Windows 10
7. NVS Testifies on VA Debt Collection Practices
8. Increased Ratings Claims and Appeals Modernization
9. Who is a Blue Water Navy Veteran?
10. VA Adjudicators are to Determine Unemployability
11. Phase Out of the Survivor Benefit Plan – DIC Offset Frequently Asked Questions
12. Disabilities may be linked to already Service Connected Disabilities through an “Intermediate Step”
March 2020 NVS Update
The Medical Nexus Fact Sheet
Electronic Signature Pad Instructions
FEBRUARY 2020
1. NVS Training Update
2. You Must Keep Proof of All Submissions to VA
3. Updated Hearing Coordinator List
4. 2020 VFW Priority Goals
5. VA Releases External Access to the Centralized Mail Portal
6. Veteran Commissary and Exchange Access Blog
7. Earlier Effective Dates Based on Informal/Inferred Claims
8. Blue Water Navy Update
9. C&P Examiners Must Consider Lay Testimony
10. VA Forms that VSO’s can sign
11. Status Updates at the BVA
12. How to Determine Reliable Resources
February 2020 NVS Update
2019
DECEMBER 2019
1. NVS Holiday Closures
2. 2020 NVS Training Schedule
3. November 2019 Intermediate Training Wrap-up
4. New Web Address for the VFW Online Learning Portal
5. How to Address VARO Claim Issues
6. VA Contractor Examination Inquiries
7. VA Launches Solid Start Program
8. Commissary, MWR, and Exchange Privileges Offered to Service Connected Veterans
9. Arguments Regarding VA Examiner’s Competence Must Be Raised by Veteran before VA has Duty to Consider Them
10. Class Action Certified to Review VA’s Radiation Dose Estimate Procedures under 38 CFR 3.311
11. M21-1 Updates
12. VA Traveling Veteran Coordinators
December 2019 NVS Update
OCTOBER 2019
1. Upcoming Training Update
2. September 2019 Training Wrap-up
3. Updated list of VA Regional Office Hearing Coordinators
4. Pension Claims will no longer be expedited for Financial Hardship or Advanced Age
5. Duty to Assist Guidance Regarding Medical Nexus
6. VA Creates a New Adjudication Manual
7. M21-1 Updates
8. Class Action Regarding Emergency Room Reimbursements
9. Motions for CUE based on Precedential Opinions
October 2019 NVS Update
SEPTEMBER 2019
1. Training Update
2. Consolidated VA Fax Numbers
3. NVS Policy & Procedure Updates
4. Electronic Submissions Using VetraSpec
5. 120th VFW National Convention Summary
6. VFW Service Officer of the Year Awarded to Terry “Mike” Eshenbaugh
7. New Executive Director Appointed to Lead VFW Washington Office
8. VA Publishes New Guidance Regarding Funding Fees
9. OIG Report on Emergency Room Reimbursement
10. Claimants May Have More Than One BVA Hearing
11. Secondary Service Connection by Aggravation After Military Service Does Not Require Permanent Worsening
12. Schedule of Ratings Updated for Infectious Diseases, Immune Disorders, and Nutritional Deficiencies
13. National Cemetery Administration Adds 4 New Emblems of Belief Approved for Headstones and Markers
September 2019 NVS Update
Funding Fee Circular 26-19-17
Sample Emergency Room Letters
JUNE 2019
1. BVA Median Docket Date Update
2. The VFW Online Learning Portal is Now Active
3. Training Reminders
4. Proficiency Training Conference Wrap Up
5. Appeals Modernization Update and Frequently Asked Questions
6. VA Releases a New Summary Video on Appeals Modernization
7. M21-1 Updates
8. Court Rules Timely Filing of Form 9 is from Mailing of the SOC, not the Date Listed on the SOC
9. Blue Water Vietnam Veterans Benefits Update
10. VA Implements the MISSION Act
11. VA Telehearing Pilot Program
June 2019 NVS Update
Appeals Modernization Act FAQ
APRIL 2019
1. BVA Median Docket Date Update
2. Training Update
3. National Veterans Service Policy and Procedure Changes
4. Please Discontinue Use of the External Facing Disability Benefits Questionnaires
5. Information Regarding Quarantined Electronic Mail Packets
6. Court Uses Social Security Rule to Help Define VA Unemployability
7. Employment Verification No Longer Required for Most IU Recipients
8. Blue Water Vietnam Veterans Benefits Update
9. Blue Water Vietnam Veterans Benefits Talking Points
10. Caseflow Hearing Schedule Job Aid
11. Clarification of Attorney Representation
12. New VA FOIA Website and Regulations
13. If Diagnostic Code does not Include Veteran’s Symptoms, VA Must Discuss Whether a Separate or Extraschedular Rating May Apply
April 2019 NVS Update
Caseflow Hearing Schedule Job Aid
Memorandum No. 01-19-02
VA OPGCAVIS 1-19
FEBRUARY 2019
1. BVA Median Docket Date Update
2. Training Update
3. New Appeals Framework is Now in Effect
4. Appeals Modernization Webinar
5. New Appeals Program Caseflow Queue is now available to VSOs at VAROs
6. Updated Board of Veterans Appeals Fax Line
7. Decision Ready Claims Program has Been Discontinued
8. Blue Water Navy Benefits Update
9. Registration is Now Open for the 2019 National Veterans Wheelchair Games
February 2019 NVS Update
VA DRC Discontinued Statement
AMA Initial Job Aid
Appeals Modernization Webinar February 21 2019
Blue Water Navy Stay Letter
Caseflow Queue Quick Reference Guide
Caseflow Queue VSO Access Guidance
JANUARY 2019
1. BVA Median Docket Date Update
2. Happy New Year from NVS
3. New 21-526ez Added to VetraSpec
4. 2019 VFW Priority Goals
5. Please keep NVS Informed of Any Issues within the VARO
6. Outdated Notice of Disagreement Exception No Longer Applies
7. DoD Policy Change Regarding Transfer of Post-9/11 GI Bill Benefits
8. Ensure Clients Accepted in SEP are Added to Case Management Systems
9. Court Orders VA to Consider Lay Testimony, Finds that Medical Evidence Does Not Necessarily Outweigh Lay Evidence
10. Example of Arguments in Reduction Cases
11. Updated Change Management Agent POC List