Fill Out Your Va 1999B Form

What is the VA Form 1999B used for?

The VA Form 1999B is used to inform the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) about changes in a student's status. This can include adjustments to their enrollment or situations such as withdrawals, changes in credit hours, or interruptions in their education. It helps ensure that educational benefits are appropriately adjusted based on the student's current situation.

Who should fill out the VA Form 1999B?

This form should be filled out by the educational institution that the student is attending. The school certifying official must complete it to notify the VA of any changes regarding a veteran or a dependent's education benefits. Students can also contribute information, especially regarding their attendance and reasons for changes.

What information do I need to provide in Item 2?

In Item 2, you must enter the VA file number. This number is usually the veteran's claim number or may also be the student's Social Security number for those receiving Chapter 35 benefits. If the case involves a transfer of benefits, the veteran's Social Security number should be entered here.

How do I determine the last date of attendance for a student?

To determine the last date of attendance for a student, look for accurate records. Options include attendance records, grading reports, the last date exams or assignments were submitted, or an instructor's records. If necessary, a student can also provide a personal statement regarding their last day of attendance.

What should I check if a student withdrew during the drop period?

If a student withdrew during the officially designated drop period, which lasts no more than 30 days, check the box labeled "WITHDRAWAL DURING DROP PERIOD." Make sure to only use this option for withdrawals that occurred within that specific time frame.

What do I include in Item 8 regarding charges for the period of enrollment?

In Item 8, include the charges that apply to the student for the adjusted load. This can cover tuition, fees, and any Yellow Ribbon contributions for Chapter 33 students. Be specific about the amounts for each category to provide a clear understanding of the costs associated with the student's enrollment.

What should I do if there are previous certifications for subsequent terms?

If there are previously certified terms that are not affected by the change in status, check "yes." If the changes affect those terms, check "no." This helps the VA understand whether additional changes or adjustments are needed for future terms.

What are mitigating circumstances, and why are they important?

Mitigating circumstances are unexpected events that disrupt a student's ability to attend classes or perform academically. If a student claims such circumstances, evidence must be submitted. This information is crucial as it supports the student's case for receiving nonpunitive grades or for adjustments in their education benefits.

Completing the VA 1999B form can be straightforward, but many individuals still make common mistakes. One frequent error is related to identifying the correct VA file number. This number is essential for processing the form. Some people mistakenly confuse it with other identification numbers, like their Social Security number. Failing to enter the correct VA file number can delay the processing of benefits.

Another mistake is the incomplete or inaccurate entry of termination dates. When indicating the dates that reflect a student's last attendance, it is crucial to provide precise information. An incorrect last date of attendance may lead to misunderstandings about benefit eligibility and adjustments. Double-checking the dates against attendance records can help avoid this mistake.

Incorrectly identifying the reason for termination is another issue that arises frequently. Students must carefully read the options provided in Item 6B and check the appropriate box. For instance, selecting withdrawal during the drop period when it actually occurred after can lead to problems, especially if nonpunitive grades are assigned. Each box has specific guidelines, so choosing the right one affects the benefits granted.

Moreover, people often fail to include details in the Remarks section when necessary. This section is key for providing additional context that clarifies a student's situation. If important information, such as an ongoing enrollment status for future terms, is omitted, it can result in confusion for the officials reviewing the form. Explicitly stating relevant details is essential to ensure that all aspects of the student’s status are understood.

Lastly, many individuals overlook properly completing the certification section, particularly the signature and date. This is often a simple oversight but can halt any further processing of the form. All required portions must be filled out accurately to ensure that the VA can efficiently process the request and provide the desired educational benefits.

The VA Form 22-1999B is typically used to notify changes in student status. Various other forms and documents are often submitted alongside this form to facilitate the processing of education benefits. Below is a list of these documents with a brief description of each.

• VA Form 22-1999: This form is the Enrollment Certification required to determine a veteran's eligibility for education benefits. Schools submit it to VA on behalf of students to certify courses.
• VA Form 22-5490: This application is for Dependents' Educational Assistance, which provides education benefits to eligible dependents of veterans who are permanently and totally disabled or who died while on active duty.
• VA Form 21-674: This form is used to apply for educational assistance for a minor child of a veteran. It details the eligibility and requirements for benefits for dependents.
• VA Form 22-10203: This is a formal request for a change of place of training. It is necessary for students who want to transfer their education benefits to a different institution.
• VA Form 22-0993: This form serves as a request for change in training program or major. Students must complete this document to maintain their eligibility while changing their educational path.
• VA Form 22-8832: This form is used to verify the enrollment status of students who are receiving benefits under the Active Duty program. Verification helps ensure that students remain eligible for continued funding.
• Transcripts or Grade Reports: Official school documents that provide records of a student's academic performance, necessary for validating changes in enrollment status or course load.
• Mitigating Circumstances Documentation: Supporting evidence required to justify any claims for mitigating circumstances that may affect a student's ability to continue their education, if applicable.

These documents work together with the VA Form 22-1999B to support the management of education benefits for veterans and their qualified dependents. They ensure that all changes in student status are well-documented and processed efficiently.

• VA Form 22-1999 (Enrollment Certification): This form serves to certify the enrollment of a veteran or eligible dependent in an approved educational program. Similar to the VA Form 1999B, both require essential identifying information, benefit type, and course details.

• VA Form 22-5490 (Application for VA Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment): This document initiates a veteran’s application for vocational rehabilitation benefits. It similarly collects personal data, service history, and educational background to facilitate benefit eligibility assessments.

• VA Form 22-1990 (Application for VA Education Benefits): This form is for applying for education benefits under the GI Bill. Like the VA Form 1999B, it requires claimant information and details about the courses attended to process benefits properly.

• VA Form 22-1995 (Request to Change Program or Place of Training): This form allows veterans to request a change in their training program. Both forms involve details about education programs and require updates on student status.

• VA Form 22-28 (Application for Education Benefits - Independent Study): This document applies to veterans enrolling in independent study programs. It, too, asks for personal details and specifics about the educational undertaking.

• VA Form 22-0993 (Claim for VA Education Benefits): This form is used for filing a claim for VA education benefits, paralleling the requirements in the VA Form 1999B for capturing essential information on education status.

• VA Form 22-6540 (Application for Educational Assistance): Similar in function, this form gathers information regarding educational assistance benefits and requires personal and educational program specifics.

• VA Form 22-1950 (Application for VA Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment): This form covers applications for vocational rehabilitation benefits for veterans, similarly collecting identification data and details on the educational program.

• VA Form 22-10203 (Application for Educational Assistance - Dependents): Meant for dependents of veterans, this form requests educational benefits, aligning in structure and required information with the VA Form 1999B.

• VA Form 22-0589 (Report of Student Status): This document is used for reporting changes in a veteran’s educational status. Like the VA Form 1999B, it focuses on updates about enrollment and attendance to ensure benefit accuracy.

Do's:

• Provide the complete name and address of the school.
• Enter the VA file number correctly, usually the veteran's claim number or Social Security number.
• Use accurate dates for the term affected, including both begin and end dates.
• Clearly indicate the last date of attendance using acceptable methods.
• Check all applicable boxes for reasons of termination.

Don'ts:

• Do not leave any section blank that requires a response.
• Avoid using abbreviations or shorthand that may confuse the reviewer.
• Do not submit without providing necessary explanations in the remarks section when needed.
• Do not provide inaccurate Social Security numbers for claimants.
• Do not fail to attach corroborative evidence if claiming mitigating circumstances.

Understanding the VA Form 22-1999B can be challenging, and several misconceptions may lead to confusion. Here are nine common misunderstandings regarding this important form:

1. It's only for veterans. The form is also applicable for dependents receiving benefits under Chapter 35. It’s important to identify all eligible individuals.
2. You must submit all items every time. Not every item requires entry. Items not mentioned in the instructions are self-explanatory, allowing you to skip unnecessary fields.
3. Social Security Number (SSN) entry is optional. The form requires specific entries for SSNs depending on the applicant's situation. Always include the necessary SSN as instructed.
4. Only academic terms matter. Changes in student status apply to both college degree and non-college degree programs. Consider all educational contexts when completing the form.
5. Last date of attendance is easy to guess. The actual last date of attendance must be documented accurately. Use attendance records or grading reports as references rather than estimates.
6. All withdrawals are punitive. Withdrawals can be either punitive or nonpunitive. Understanding the differences is essential for accurate reporting on the form.
7. You don’t need any supporting documentation. If claiming mitigating circumstances, it's necessary to provide corroborative evidence to support your claims. This documentation validates your situation.
8. Item returns are the same for every term. Each termination or adjustment must be reported specifically for the term affected, ensuring accuracy and clarity in documentation.
9. Submitting the form is all that's needed. After submission, it’s crucial to follow up and keep records. You must ensure the information is processed and any necessary changes are made to your benefit status.

The VA 1999B form serves a vital purpose, so understanding its components can help streamline the process for all involved individuals. By being aware of these misconceptions, you can navigate the form with more confidence and accuracy.

1. Accurate Information is Crucial: Ensure all entries, particularly the VA File Number, Social Security Number, and dates of the affected term, are correct. Inaccurate details can lead to delays in processing.

2. Understand Withdrawal Reasons: Familiarize yourself with the different options for termination reasons. Selecting the correct box for withdrawal is essential for maintaining eligibility for benefits.

3. Document Supporting Evidence: If citing mitigating circumstances, provide corroborative evidence. This substantiation is necessary for claims to be processed appropriately.

4. Utilize the Remarks Section Effectively: The remarks section offers an opportunity to clarify the context of changes. Use it to inform the VA of any relevant details that assist in understanding the student's situation.