Except as otherwise provided, authority is delegated to the Under Secretary for Benefits and to supervisory or administrative personnel within the jurisdiction of the Education Service, Veterans Benefits Administration, designated by him or her to make findings and decisions under 38 U.S.C. chapter 35 and the applicable regulations, precedents and instructions, as to the program authorized by this subpart.

Subpart D of this part applies to the Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance Program, unless the provisions of a section in that subpart are explicitly limited to one or more of the other educational assistance programs VA administers.

The program of educational assistance under 38 U.S.C. Chapter 35 captioned Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance, may be referred to as Dependents' Educational Assistance.

(a) General. A program of education or special restorative training may be authorized for an eligible person who meets the definition contained in § 21.3021.

(b) 45 months limitation. Educational assistance may not exceed a period of 45 months, or the equivalent in part-time training, unless it is determined that a longer period is required for special restorative training under the circumstances outlined in § 21.3300(c) or except as specified in § 21.3044(c).

(c) Courses in foreign countries. A course to be pursued at a school not located in a State or in the Philippines may not be approved except under the circumstances outlined in § 21.4260.

For the purposes of subpart C and the payment of basic educational assistance under 38 U.S.C. chapter 35, the following definitions apply.

(a) Eligible person means:

(1) A child of a:

(i) Veteran who died of a service-connected disability.

(ii) Veteran who died while having a disability evaluated as total and permanent in nature resulting from a service-connected disability.

(iii) Veteran, serviceman or servicewoman who has a total disability permanent in nature resulting from a service-connected disability.

(iv) Person who is on active duty as a member of the Armed Forces and who now is, and, for a period of more than 90 days, has been, listed by the Secretary concerned as missing in action, captured in line of duty by a hostile force, or forcibly detained or interned in line of duty by a foreign government or power.

(2) The surviving spouse of a:

(i) Veteran who died of a service-connected disability.

(ii) Veteran who died while having a disability evaluated as total and permanent in nature resulting from a service-connected disability, arising out of active military, naval or air service after the beginning of the Spanish-American War. (See §§ 3.6(a) and 3.807 of this chapter.)

(3) The spouse of a:

(i) Veteran, serviceman or servicewoman who has a total disability permanent in nature resulting from a service-connected disability.

(ii) Person who is on active duty as a member of the Armed Forces and who now is, and, for a period of more than 90 days, has been, listed by the Secretary concerned as missing in action, captured in line of duty by a hostile force, or forcibly detained or interned in line of duty by a foreign government or power.

(b) Child means a son or daughter of a veteran as defined in § 3.807(d) of this chapter. The term includes a child of a Philippine Commonwealth Army veteran and a Philippine Scout (designated as a New Philippine Scout under 38 U.S.C. 3566(b)), as defined in § 3.40(b), (c), or (d) of this chapter, but educational assistance allowance may not be authorized based on such service for any period before September 30, 1966.

(c) Wife and widow, spouse and surviving spouse. The terms wife and widow mean an individual as defined in § 3.807(d) of this chapter and the terms spouse and surviving spouse shall have the same respective meaning when used in the regulations in part 21, Title 38, Code of Federal Regulations. Educational assistance allowance may not be authorized for any such individuals for any period before December 1, 1968.

A person who is eligible for educational assistance under 38 U.S.C. chapter 35 and is also eligible for assistance under any of the provisions of law listed in this paragraph cannot receive such assistance concurrently. The eligible person must choose which benefit he or she will receive for the particular period(s) of training during which education or training is to be pursued. The individual may choose to receive benefits under another program (other than 38 U.S.C. chapter 33) at any time, but not more than once in a calendar month. The individual may choose to receive benefits under 38 U.S.C. chapter 33 at any time, but not more than once during a certified term, quarter, or semester.

(a) 38 U.S.C. chapter 30 (Montgomery GI Bill—Active Duty);

(b) 38 U.S.C. chapter 31 (Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E));

(c) 38 U.S.C. chapter 32 (Post-Vietnam Era Veterans' Educational Assistance);

(d) 38 U.S.C. chapter 33 (Post-9/11 GI Bill);

(e) 10 U.S.C. chapter 1606 (Montgomery GI Bill—Selected Reserve);

(f) 10 U.S.C. chapter 1607 (Reserve Educational Assistance Program);

(g) 10 U.S.C. chapter 106a (Educational Assistance Test Program);

(h) Section 903 of the Department of Defense Authorization Act, 1981 (Pub. L. 96-342, 10 U.S.C. 2141 note.);

(i) The Hostage Relief Act of 1980 (Pub. L. 96-449, 5 U.S.C. 5561 note.); and

(j) The Omnibus Diplomatic Security and Antiterrorism Act of 1986 (Pub. L. 99-399).

(a) Child; age 18. A child who is eligible for educational assistance and who is also eligible for pension, compensation or dependency and indemnity compensation based on school attendance must elect whether he or she will receive educational assistance or pension, compensation or dependency and indemnity compensation.

(1) An election of educational assistance either before or after the age of 18 years is a bar to subsequent payment or increased rates or additional amounts of pension, compensation or dependency and indemnity compensation on account of the child based on school attendance on or after the age of 18 years. The bar is equally applicable where the child has eligibility from more than one parent.

(2) Payment of pension, compensation or dependency and indemnity compensation to or on account of a child after his or her 18th birthday does not bar subsequent payments of educational assistance.

(3) An election of educational assistance will not preclude the allowance of pension, compensation, or dependency and indemnity compensation based on school attendance for periods, including vacation periods, prior to the commencement of educational assistance.

(b) Child; under 18 or helpless. Educational assistance allowance or special restorative training allowance may generally be paid concurrently with pension, compensation or dependency and indemnity compensation for a child under the age of 18 years or for a helpless child based on the service of one or more parents. Where, however, entitlement is based on the death of more than one parent in the same parental line, concurrent payments in two or more cases may not be authorized if the death of one such parent occurred on or after June 9, 1960. In the latter cases, an election of educational assistance and pension, compensation or dependency and indemnity compensation in one case does not preclude a reelection of benefits before attaining age 18 or while helpless based on the service of another parent in the same parental line.

(c) Child; election. An election by a child under this section must be submitted to VA in writing.

(1) Except as provided in paragraph (c)(2) of this section, an election to receive Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) is final when the eligible child commences a program of education under DEA (38 U.S.C. chapter 35). Commencement of a program of education under DEA will be deemed to have occurred for VA purposes on the date the first payment of DEA educational assistance is made, as evidenced by negotiation of the first check or receipt of the first payment by electronic funds transfer.

(2) An election based on erroneous information furnished by an authorized representative of the Department of Veterans Affairs is not considered final.

(3) A child other than a helpless child, whose eligibility was based on a finding that the veteran had a permanent total service-connected disability and who commenced a program of education under DEA may not thereafter qualify as a dependent for disability compensation purposes if the veteran is later found to be less than permanently and totally disabled, or for pension, compensation or dependency and indemnity compensation after the veteran's death.

(d) Spouse or surviving spouse. Educational assistance allowance may be paid for an eligible spouse or surviving spouse concurrently with pension, compensation or dependency and indemnity compensation.

(a) Civilian employment. The provisions of this paragraph are applicable to cases where there is eligibility for benefits from the Office of Workers' Compensation Programs, under the Federal Employees' Compensation Act (FECA) based on the disability or death as a result of civilian employment of the veteran from whom eligibility for educational assistance is derived.

(1) Child, spouse or surviving spouse. A person who is eligible for educational assistance and is also eligible for Office of Workers' Compensation Programs benefits, under the Federal Employees' Compensation Act (FECA) must elect which benefit he or she will receive.

(2) Veteran, spouse and child—surviving spouse and child. An eligible person may receive educational assistance notwithstanding that the Office of Workers' Compensation Programs benefits under the Federal Employees' Compensation Act (FECA) are being paid to a veteran, or surviving spouse.

(3) Election. An election of Office of Workers' Compensation Programs benefits, under the Federal employees' Compensation Act (FECA), by or for a child filed on or after July 4, 1966, is a bar to subsequent payments of Department of Veterans Affairs benefits during the period of concurrent eligibility. An election of Office of Workers' Compensation Programs benefits under the Federal Employees' Compensation Act (FECA) by a surviving spouse filed on or after December 1, 1968, is a bar to subsequent payments of Department of Veterans Affairs benefits during the period of concurrent eligibility.

(b) Military service. The provisions of this paragraph are applicable to cases where there is eligibility for benefits from Office of Workers' Compensation Program, under the Federal Employee's Compensation Act (FECA) based on the disability or death as a result of military service by the veteran from whom eligibility for educational assistance is derived.

(1) Child, spouse or surviving spouse. A person who is eligible for educational assistance and is also eligible for Office of Workers' Compensation Programs benefits, under the Federal Employees' Compensation Act (FECA) must elect which benefit he or she will receive. The election may be made at any time.

(2) Veteran, spouse and child—surviving spouse and child. An eligible person may receive educational assistance notwithstanding that the Office of Workers' Compensation Programs benefits, under the Federal Employees' Compensation Act (FECA) are being paid to a veteran, or surviving spouse.

Payment of subsistence allowance and special training allowance is prohibited to an otherwise eligible person—

(a) Who is on active duty and is pursuing a course of education which is being paid for by the Armed Forces (or by the Department of Health and Human Services in the case of the Public Health Service); or

(b) For a unit course or courses which are being paid for under 5 U.S.C. chapter 41.

The provisions of subpart B of this part apply with respect to submission of a claim for educational assistance under 38 U.S.C. chapter 35, VA actions upon receiving a claim, and time limits connected with claims.

(a) Commencement. A program of education or special restorative training may not be afforded prior to the eligible person's 18th birthday or the completion of secondary schooling, whichever is earlier, unless it is determined through counseling that the best interests of the eligible person will be served by entering training at an earlier date and the eligible person has passed:

(1) Compulsory school attendance age under State law; or

(2) His or her 14th birthday and due to physical or mental handicap may benefit by special restorative or specialized vocational training.

(b) Secondary schooling. Completion of secondary schooling means completion of a curriculum offered by a public or private school which satisfies the requirements for a high school diploma or its equivalent—usually completion of the 12th grade in the public school system.

(c) Age limitation for commencement. No person is eligible for educational assistance who reached his or her 26th birthday on or before the effective date of a finding of permanent total service-connected disability, or on or before the date the veteran's death occurred, or on or before the 91st day of listing by the Secretary concerned of the member of the Armed Forces on whose service eligibility is claimed as being in one of the missing status categories of § 21.3021 (a)(1)(iv) and (3)(ii).

(d) Termination of eligibility. No person is eligible for educational assistance beyond his or her 31st birthday, except as provided under § 21.3041(g)(2). In no event may educational assistance be provided after the period of entitlement has been exhausted. In an exceptional case special restorative training may be provided in excess of 45 months. See § 21.3300.

(a) Eligibility derived from a veteran with a P&T disability. An eligible child's period of eligibility generally begins on the child's 18th birthday, or on the successful completion of the child's secondary schooling, whichever first occurs. The period of eligibility generally ends on the earlier of the date of the child's 26th birthday or the date the veteran is no longer P&T disabled. VA will extend an eligible child's period of eligibility for the reasons listed in paragraphs (g) and (h) of this section. See paragraph (c) of this section if the child serves on duty in the Armed Forces as an eligible child after his or her 18th birthday and before his or her 26th birthday. If the veteran dies while the P&T rating is in effect and before the eligible child's 26th birthday, see paragraph (b) of this section to determine the new period of eligibility. Exceptions to this general period of eligibility are as follows:

(1) Period of eligibility may begin before the child's 18th birthday. The period of eligibility may begin before the eligible child's 18th birthday for one of the reasons in paragraphs (a)(1)(i), (ii), or (iii) of this section. The period of eligibility ends on the earlier of the date the veteran is no longer rated P&T disabled or the date of the child's 26th birthday. See § 21.3135(h) if the veteran is no longer rated P&T disabled.

(i) The child completed compulsory school attendance under applicable State law (see § 21.3040(a) and (b));

(ii) The child is pursuing a course designed to prepare him or her for an examination required or used for entrance into an institution of higher education or a graduate school; or

(iii) The child is beyond his or her 14th birthday and has a physical or mental handicap (see § 21.3040(a)).

(2) Period of eligibility may begin after the child's 18th birthday. A child's period of eligibility may begin after his or her 18th birthday if VA first finds the veteran has a P&T disability after the child's 18th birthday but before the child's 26th birthday. See paragraph (e) of this section if an adopted child becomes eligible through qualifying as the veteran's child after VA first finds the veteran has a P&T disability. See paragraph (f) of this section if a stepchild becomes eligible through qualifying as the veteran's child after VA first finds the veteran is P&T disabled.

(i) Beginning date if the effective date of the initial P&T rating is before the child's 18th birthday and notification to the veteran occurs after the child's 18th birthday and before his or her 26th birthday. If the effective date of the P&T rating is before the child's 18th birthday, and the date of notification to the veteran occurs after the child's 18th birthday but before the child's 26th birthday, the child may elect the beginning date of his or her period of eligibility. (See paragraph (i) of this section for election requirements.) If the child elects a beginning date that is before his or her 18th birthday, the period of eligibility ends the earlier of the date that the veteran is no longer rated P&T disabled, or the date of the child's 26th birthday. If the child elects a beginning date after his or her 18th birthday, the period of eligibility ends the earlier of the date the veteran is no longer rated P&T disabled or 8 years after the beginning date the child elects. (See § 21.3135(h) if the veteran is no longer rated P&T disabled.) The child can elect as a beginning date either—

(A) The date of his or her 18th birthday;

(B) The date he or she completed compulsory school attendance under applicable State law (see § 21.3040(a) and (b)), if that date is on or after the effective date of the P&T rating and before his or her 18th birthday;

(C) The date he or she begins a course designed to prepare him or her for an examination required or used for entrance into an institution of higher education or a graduate school, if that date is on or after the effective date of the P&T rating and before the date of notification to the veteran of the P&T rating. If the child elects the beginning date of enrollment in such course, he or she may not receive educational assistance for pursuit of secondary schooling unless secondary school pursuit is otherwise authorized (see § 21.3040);

(D) The date VA notifies the veteran of the P&T rating; or

(E) Any date between the applicable date described in paragraphs (a)(2)(i)(A) through (C) of this section and the date in paragraph (a)(2)(i)(D) of this section.

(ii) Beginning date if the effective date of the P&T rating is after the child's 18th birthday and before child's 26th birthday. If the effective date of the P&T rating occurs after the child's 18th birthday but before the child's 26th birthday, the child may elect the beginning date of his or her period of eligibility. (See paragraph (i) of this section for election requirements.) The period of eligibility ends the earlier of the date the veteran is no longer rated P&T disabled, or 8 years after the beginning date the child elects. (See § 21.3135(h) if the veteran is no longer rated P&T disabled.) The child can elect as a beginning date—

(A) The effective date of the P&T rating;

(B) The date VA notifies the veteran of the veteran's P&T rating; or

(C) Any date in between.

(b) Eligibility derived as the result of veteran's death. An eligible child's period of eligibility begins on the child's 18th birthday, or on the successful completion of the child's secondary schooling, whichever first occurs. The period of eligibility ends on the child's 26th birthday. VA will extend an eligible child's period of eligibility for reasons shown in paragraphs (g) and (h) of this section. See paragraph (c) of this section if the child serves on duty in the Armed Forces as an eligible child after his or her 18th birthday and before his or her 26th birthday. Exceptions to this general period of eligibility are as follows:

(1) Period of eligibility may begin before the child's 18th birthday. The period of eligibility may begin before the eligible child's 18th birthday for one of the reasons in paragraphs (i), (ii), or (iii) of this paragraph. The ending date of the period of eligibility is the child's 26th birthday.

(i) The child completed compulsory school attendance under applicable State law (see § 21.3040(a) and (b));

(ii) The child is pursuing a course designed to prepare him or her for an examination required or used for entrance into an institution of higher education or a graduate school; or

(iii) The child is beyond his or her 14th birthday and has a physical or mental handicap (see § 21.3040(a)).

(2) Period of eligibility may begin after the child's 18th birthday. If the veteran's death occurs after the child's 18th birthday but before the child's 26th birthday, the child may elect the beginning date of his or her period of eligibility. The period of eligibility ends 8 years after the beginning date the child elects. See paragraph (i) of this section for election requirements. VA may extend the period of eligibility for one of the reasons shown in paragraph (g) or (h) of this section. See paragraph (c) of this section if the child serves in the Armed Forces as an eligible person after his or her 18th birthday and before his or her 26th birthday. The child can elect as a beginning date any date between the—

(i) Date of the veteran's death; or

(ii) Date of VA's decision that the veteran's death was service-connected.

(c) Period of eligibility for a child who serves on duty in the Armed Forces as an eligible person. If the child serves on duty in the Armed Forces as an eligible person (as defined in § 21.3021(a)(1)) after the child's 18th birthday and before the child's 26th birthday, the child is eligible for a modified ending date based on the provisions of this paragraph. Under the provisions of this paragraph, the period of eligibility ends 8 years after the date of the child's first discharge or release from such duty, or the child's 31st birthday, whichever is earlier. VA may extend the ending date for one of the reasons shown in paragraph (g) of this section. See paragraph (h) of this section if the child is ordered to active duty as a reservist.

(d) Eligibility derived from a parent who is listed by the Armed Forces as missing in action, captured in the line of duty, or forcibly detained or interned in line of duty by a foreign government or power. (1) If a child establishes eligibility through the provisions of § 21.3021(a)(1)(iv) after his or her 18th birthday but before his or her 26th birthday, the period of eligibility will end on the earliest of the following dates:

(i) When the parent is no longer listed as described in § 21.3021(a)(1)(iv);

(ii) Eight years after the date on which the child becomes eligible under such provisions; or

(iii) The child's 31st birthday.

(2) VA may extend the ending date for one of the reasons shown in paragraphs (g) or (h) of this section. See § 21.3135(i) if the child is enrolled in an educational institution and the child's ending date is based on paragraph (d)(1)(i) of this section. See paragraph (c) of this section if the child serves in the Armed Forces as an eligible person after his or her 18th birthday and before his or her 26th birthday.

(e) Adopted child qualifies after VA firsts finds the veteran P&T disabled. If an adopted child becomes eligible through qualifying as the veteran's child (see 38 CFR 3.57(c)) and the date the child so becomes eligible is after VA first finds the veteran is P&T disabled, the beginning date of eligibility is the date determined pursuant to paragraphs (a) through (d) of this section, but in no event before the date the adopted child qualifies as the veteran's child under § 3.57(c) of this chapter. The ending date is the child's 26th birthday. VA may extend the period of eligibility for one of the reasons in paragraph (g) or (h) of this section. See paragraph (c) of this section if the child serves on duty in the Armed Forces as an eligible person.

(f) Stepchild qualifies after VA first finds the veteran P&T disabled. If a stepchild becomes eligible through qualifying as the veteran's child and a member of the veteran's household after VA first finds the veteran is P&T disabled, the beginning date of the period of eligibility is the date determined pursuant to paragraphs (a) through (d) of this section, but in no event before the date he or she becomes the veteran's stepchild and a member of the veteran's household. The ending date of the period of eligibility is the stepchild's 26th birthday. VA may extend the ending date for one of the reasons in paragraphs (g) or (h) of this section. See paragraph (c) of this section for the ending date of the period of eligibility if the stepchild serves on active duty in the Armed Forces as an eligible person. See § 21.3135(g) for award discontinuance dates if the veteran and the stepchild's natural or adopted parent divorce or the stepchild ceases to be a member of the veteran's household.

(g) Extensions to ending dates. (1) If an eligible child suspends pursuit of his or her program due to conditions that VA determined were beyond the child's control, VA may extend the period of eligibility ending date (see § 21.3043). VA cannot grant an extension beyond age 31 to those children whose period of eligibility ending date (as determined under paragraphs (a) through (f) of this section) is subject to an age limitation.

(2) If an eligible child's period of eligibility ending date (as determined under paragraphs (a) through (f), or (h) of this section) occurs while the child is enrolled in an educational institution, VA may extend the period of eligibility (extensions may be made beyond age 31)—

(i) To the end of the quarter or semester, for a child enrolled in an educational institution that regularly operates on the quarter or semester system; or

(ii) To the end of the course, not to exceed 12 weeks, for a child who completed a major portion of a course while enrolled in an educational institution that operates under other than a quarter or semester system.

(3) If an eligible child's period of eligibility ending date (as determined under paragraphs (a) through (f), or (h) of this section) occurs while the child is pursuing training in a training establishment (as defined in § 21.4200(c)), VA cannot extend the ending date.

(h) Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, if during an eligible child's period of eligibility, as determined in paragraphs (a) through (g) of this section, but after September 10, 2001, an eligible child is ordered to active duty or involuntarily ordered to full-time National Guard duty VA will grant an extension of the child's period of eligibility. The extension will be equal to the length of the period served plus an additional 4 months for each qualifying period and applies if after September 10, 2001, the eligible child is—

(i) Ordered to serve on active duty under section 688, 12301(a), 12301(d), 12301(g), 12302, or 12304 of title 10, United States Code; or

(ii) Involuntarily ordered to full-time National Guard duty under section 502(f) of title 32, United States Code.

(i) Elections. (1) VA must provide written notice to certain eligible children informing them of their right to elect the beginning date of their period of eligibility. The written notice must identify the beginning dates the child may choose from and must contain a statement that the child must make the election within 60 days of the date of the written notice. An eligible child may elect his or her beginning date if—

(i) The effective date of the P&T rating is before the child's 18th birthday, and date of the notification to the veteran from whom the child derives eligibility occurs after the child's 18th birthday but before the child's 26th birthday (see paragraph (a)(2)(i) of this section);

(ii) The effective date of the P&T rating, or the date of notification to the veteran from whom the child derives eligibility, occurs after the child's 18th birthday but before the child's 26th birthday (see paragraph (a)(2)(ii) of this section);

(iii) The veteran's death occurs after the child's 18th birthday but before the child's 26th birthday (see paragraph (b)(2) of this section);

(iv) The child makes such election within 60 days of VA's written notice to the child informing him or her of the right to elect his or her beginning date; and

(v) The child's election is in accordance with the choices VA identified in the written notice described in paragraph (i)(1) of this section.

(2) If the child does not elect a beginning date within 60 days of VA's written notice informing him or her of the right to elect a beginning date, the period of eligibility beginning date will be whichever of the following applies—

(i) The date of VA's decision that the veteran has a P&T disability; or

(ii) The date of VA's decision that the veteran's death is service-connected.

(3) If upon review of the child's application VA determines the child is entitled to and eligible for an immediate award of educational assistance under 38 U.S.C. chapter 35, VA will for purposes of such award—

(i) Consider the beginning date of the child's period of eligibility to be the date of VA's decision that the—

(A) Veteran has a P&T disability in the case of a child whose eligibility is derived from a veteran with a P&T disability; or

(B) Veteran's death is service-connected in the case of a child whose eligibility is derived due to the veteran's death.

(ii) Notify the child of his or her right to elect a beginning date in accordance with paragraph (i)(1) of this section.

(iii) Adjust the child's beginning date based on the child's election if the child makes an election within 60 days after VA's written notice in accordance with paragraph (i)(1) of this section.

(a) No educational assistance under 38 U.S.C. chapter 35 may be provided an otherwise eligible person during any period he or she is on duty with the Armed Forces. See § 21.3021 (e) and (f). This does not apply to brief periods of active duty for training. See § 21.3135(f).

(b) If the eligible person served with the Armed Forces, his or her discharge or release from each period of service must have been under conditions other than dishonorable.

For an eligible person who suspends his program due to conditions determined by the Department of Veterans Affairs to have been beyond his or her control the period of eligibility may, upon his request, be extended by the number of months and days intervening the date the suspension began and the date the reason for suspension ceased to exist. The burden of proof is on the eligible person to establish that suspension of a program was due to conditions beyond his or her control. The period of suspension shall be considered to have ended as of the date of the person's first available opportunity to resume training after the condition which caused it ceased to exist. The following circumstances may be considered as beyond the eligible person's control:

(a) While in active pursuit of a program of education he or she is appointed by the responsible governing body of an established church, officially charged with the selection and designation of missionary representatives, in keeping with its traditional practice, to serve the church in an official missionary capacity and is thereby prevented from pursuit of his or her program of studies.

(b) Immediate family or financial obligations beyond his or her control require the eligible person to take employment, or otherwise preclude pursuit of his or her program.

(c) Unavoidable conditions arising in connection with the eligible person's employment which preclude pursuit of his or her program.

(d) Pursuit of his or her program is precluded because of the eligible person's own illness or illness or death in his or her immediate family.

(e) Active duty, including active duty for training in the Armed Forces.

(a) Limitations on entitlement. Each eligible person in entitled to educational assistance not in excess of 45 months, or the equivalent thereof in part-time training. The Department of Veterans Affairs will not authorize an extension of entitlement except as provided in paragraph (c) of this section. The period of entitlement when added to education or training received under any or all of the laws cited in § 21.4020 will not exceed 48 months of full-time educational assistance. The period of entitlement will not be reduced by any period during which employment adjustment allowance was paid after the eligible person completes a period of rehabilitation and reaches a point of employability.

(b) Continuous pursuit is not required. The 45-month period of entitlement is any 45 months within the period of eligibility. The eligible person is not required to pursue his or her program for 45 consecutive months.

(c) Exceeding the 45 months limitation. The 45 months limitation may be exceeded only in the following cases:

(1) Where no charge against the entitlement is made based on a course or courses pursued by a spouse or surviving spouse under the special assistance for the educationally disadvantaged program (See § 21.3344(d); or

(2) Where special restorative training authorized under § 21.3300 exceeds 45 months.

VA will make record-purpose charges against an eligible person's 38 U.S.C. chapter 35 entitlement only when required by this section. Charges for institutional training will be based upon the principle that an eligible person who trains full time for 1 day should be charged 1 day of entitlement.

(a) No entitlement charge for eligible persons receiving tutorial assistance. VA will make no charge against the entitlement of an eligible person for tutorial assistance received in accordance with § 21.4236.

This section states how VA will compute the beginning date, the ending date and the length of a spouse's or surviving spouse's period of eligibility. The period of eligibility of a spouse computed under the provisions of paragraph (a) of this section will be recomputed under the provisions of paragraph (b) of this section if her or his status changes to that of surviving spouse.

(a) Beginning date of eligibility period-spouses. (1) If the permanent total rating is effective before December 1, 1968, the beginning date of the 10-year period of eligibility is December 1, 1968.

(2) The beginning date of eligibility—

(i) Shall be determined as provided in paragraph (a)(2) of this section when—

(A) The permanent total rating is effective after November 30, 1968, or the notification to the veteran of the rating was after that date, and

(B) Eligibility does not arise under § 21.3021(a)(3)(ii) of this part.

(ii) For spouses for whom VA made a final determination of eligibility before October 28, 1986, shall be—

(A) The effective date of the rating, or

(B) The date of notification, whichever is more advantageous to the spouse.

(iii) For spouses for whom VA made a final determination of eligibility after October 27, 1986, shall be—

(A) The effective date of the rating, or

(B) The date of notification, or

(C) Any date between the dates specified in paragraphs (a)(2)(iii) (A) and (B) of this section as chosen by the eligible spouse.

(iv) May not be changed once a spouse has chosen it as provided in paragraph (a)(2)(iii) of this section.

(3) If eligibility arises under § 21.3021(a)(3)(ii) of this part, the beginning date of the 10-year eligibility period is—

(i) December 24, 1970, or

(ii) The date the member of the Armed Forces on whose service eligibility is based was so listed by the Secretary concerned, whichever last occurs.

(b) Beginning date of eligibility period-surviving spouses. (1) If VA determines before December 1, 1968, that the veteran died of a service-connected disability, the beginning date of the 10-year period is December 1, 1968.

(2) If the veteran's death occurred before December 1, 1968, but VA does not determine that the veteran died of a service-connected disability until after November 30, 1968, the beginning date of the 10-year period is the date on which VA determines that the veteran died of a service-connected disability.

(3) If the veteran's death occurred before December 1, 1968, while a total, service-connected disability evaluated as permanent in nature was in existence, the beginning date of the 10-year period is December 1, 1968.

(4) If the veteran's death occurred after November 30, 1968, and VA makes a final decision concerning the surviving spouse's eligibility for dependents' educational assistance before October 28, 1986, the beginning date of the 10-year period is—

(i) The date of death of the veteran who dies while a total, service-connected disability evaluated as permanent in nature was in existence, or

(ii) The date on which VA determines that the veteran died of a service-connected disability.

(5) If the veteran's death occurred after November 30, 1968, and VA makes a final decision concerning the surviving spouse's eligibility for dependents educational assistance after October 27, 1986, VA will determine the beginning date of the 10-year period as follows.

(i) If the surviving spouse's eligibility is based on the veteran's death while a total, service-connected disability evaluated as permanent in nature was in existence, the beginning date of the 10-year period is the date of death.

(ii) If the surviving spouse's eligibility is based on the veteran's death from a service-connected disability, the surviving spouse will choose the beginning date of the 10-year period. That date will be no earlier than the date of death and no later than the date of the VA determination that the veteran's death was due to a service-connected disability.

(6) Once a surviving spouse has chosen a beginning date of eligibility as provided in paragraph (b)(5) of this section, the surviving spouse may not revoke that choice.

(c) Ending date of eligibility period—(1) Spouses. (i) If on or after December 27, 2001, VA makes a determination of eligibility for a spouse, the period of eligibility cannot exceed 10 years. The eligibility period can be extended only as provided in paragraph (c)(3) of this section and § 21.3047.

(ii) If before December 27, 2001, VA made a determination of eligibility for a spouse, the eligibility period has no ending date unless the spouse changes his or her program of education. If on or after December 27, 2001, the spouse changes his or her program of education, the eligibility period cannot exceed 10 years. The beginning date of the eligibility period is determined as provided in paragraph (a) of this section. The 10-year eligibility period can be extended only as provided in paragraph (c)(3) of this section and § 21.3047.

(iii) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (c)(1)(i) of this section, if eligibility arises before October 24, 1972, educational assistance will not be afforded later than October 23, 1982, based on a course or program of correspondence, apprentice, or other on-the-job training, approved under the provisions of § 21.4256, § 21.4261, or § 21.4262, except that VA may award educational assistance beyond October 23, 1982, if the eligible spouse qualifies for the extended period of eligibility as provided in paragraph (c)(3) of this section and § 21.3047.

(2) Surviving spouses. (i) For surviving spouses, the period of eligibility cannot exceed 10 years and can be extended only as provided in paragraph (c)(3) of this section and § 21.3047.

(ii) If eligibility arises before October 24, 1972, educational assistance will not be afforded later than October 23, 1982, based on a course or program of correspondence, apprentice, or other on-the-job training approved under the provisions of § 21.4256, § 21.4261, or § 21.4262, except that VA may award educational assistance beyond October 23, 1982, if the eligible surviving spouse qualifies for an extended period of eligibility as provided in paragraph (c)(3) of this section and § 21.3047.

(iii) The eligibility period for a surviving spouse is not reduced by any earlier period during which the surviving spouse was eligible for educational assistance under this chapter as a spouse.

(3) Extensions due to certain orders dated after September 10, 2001. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this section, if a spouse or surviving spouse, during the eligibility period otherwise applicable to such individual under this section, serves on active duty pursuant to an order to active duty dated after September 10, 2001, issued under 10 U.S.C. 688,12301,12301,12301,12302,or,or,2001,to.S.C. 502(f), VA will grant the individual an extension of the ending date of his or her eligibility period. The extension will equal the length of the period of such active duty plus four months.

(d) Extension to ending date. (1) The ending date of a spouse's period of eligibility may be extended when the spouse is enrolled and eligibility ceases for one of the following reasons:

(i) The veteran is no longer rated permanently and totally disabled;

(ii) The spouse is divorced from the veteran without fault on the spouse's part; or

(iii) The spouse no longer is listed in any of the categories of § 21.3021(a)(3)(ii) of this part.

(2) If the spouse is enrolled in a school operating on a quarter or semester system, VA will extend the period of eligibility to the end of the quarter or semester, regardless of whether the spouse has reached the midpoint of the quarter, semester or term.

(3) If the spouse is enrolled in a school not operating on a quarter or semester system, VA will extend the period of eligibility to the earlier of the following:

(i) The end of the course, or

(ii) 12 weeks.

(4) If the spouse is enrolled in a course pursued exclusively by correspondence, VA will extend the period of eligibility to whichever of the following will result in the lesser expenditure:

(i) The end of the course, or

(ii) The total additional amount of instruction that—

(A) $2,206 provides during the period July 1, 2004, through September 30, 2004;

(B) $2,248 provides during the period October 1, 2004, through September 30, 2005;

(C) $2,316 provides during the period October 1, 2005, through September 30, 2006;

(D) $2,408 provides during the period October 1, 2006, through September 30, 2007;

(E) $2,467 provides during the period October 1, 2007, through September 30, 2008; or

(F) $2,562 provides after September 30, 2008.

(5) VA will not extend the period of eligibility when the spouse is pursuing training in a training establishment as defined in § 21.4200(c) of this part.

(6) An extension may not—

(i) Exceed maximum entitlement, or

(ii) Extend beyond the delimiting date specified in paragraph (a) of this section or § 21.3047, as appropriate.

(a) General. (1) An eligible spouse or surviving spouse shall be granted an extension of the applicable period of eligibility as otherwise determined by § 21.3046 provided the eligible spouse or surviving spouse:

(i) Applies for the extension within the appropriate time limit;

(ii) Was prevented from initiating or completing the chosen program of education within the otherwise applicable period of eligibility because of a physical or mental disability that did not result from the willful misconduct of the eligible spouse or surviving spouse;

(iii) Provides VA with any requested evidence tending to show that the requirement of paragraph (a)(1)(ii) of this section has been met; and

(iv) Is otherwise eligible for payment of educational assistance for the training pursuant to 38 U.S.C. chapter 35.

(2) In determining whether the eligible spouse or surviving spouse was prevented from initiating or completing the chosen program of education because of a physical or mental disability, VA will consider the following:

(i) It must be clearly established by medical evidence that such a program of education was medically infeasible.

(ii) An eligible spouse or surviving spouse who is disabled for a period of 30 days or less will not be considered as having been prevented from initiating or completing a chosen program, unless the evidence establishes that the eligible spouse or surviving spouse was prevented from enrolling or reenrolling in the chosen program of education, or was forced to discontinue attendance, because of the short disability.

(iii) VA will not consider the disabling effects of chronic alcoholism to be the result of willful misconduct and will consider those disabling effects as physical or mental disabilities.

(b) Commencing date. The eligible spouse or surviving spouse shall elect the commencing date of an extended period of eligibility. The date chosen—

(1) Must be on or after the original date of expiration of eligibility as determined by § 21.3046(c); and

(2) Must be on or before the ninetieth day following the date on which the eligible spouse's or surviving spouse's application for an extension was approved by VA, if the eligible spouse or surviving spouse is training during the extended period of eligibility in a course not organized on a term, quarter, or semester basis; or

(3) Must be on or before the first ordinary term, quarter, or semester following the ninetieth day after the eligible spouse's or surviving spouse's application for an extension was approved by VA if the eligible spouse or surviving spouse is training during the extended period of eligibility in a course organized on a term, quarter, or semester basis.

(c) Length of extended periods of eligibility. An eligible spouse's or surviving spouse's extended period of eligibility shall be for the length of time that the individual was prevented from initiating or completing his or her chosen program of education. This shall be determined as follows:

(1) If the eligible spouse or surviving spouse is in training in a course organized on a term, quarter, or semester basis, his or her extended period of eligibility shall contain the same number of days as the number of days from the date during the eligible spouse's or surviving spouse's original period of eligibility that his or her training became medically infeasible to the earliest of the following dates:

(i) The commencing date of the ordinary term, quarter, or semester following the day the eligible spouse's or surviving spouse's training became medically feasible;

(ii) The ending date of the eligible spouse's or surviving spouse's period of eligibility as determined by § 21.3046(c); or

(iii) The date the eligible spouse or surviving spouse resumed training.

(2) If the eligible spouse or surviving spouse is training in a course not organized on a term, quarter, or semester basis, his or her extended period of eligibility shall contain the same number of days from the date during the eligible spouse's or surviving spouse's original period of eligibility that his or her training became medically infeasible to the earlier of the following dates:

(i) The date the eligible spouse's or surviving spouse's training became medically feasible; or

(ii) The ending date of the eligible spouse's or surviving spouse's period of eligibility as determined by § 21.3046.

(a) Purpose of counseling. The purpose of counseling is to assist:

(1) In selecting an educational or training objective;

(2) In developing a suitable program of education or training;

(3) In selecting an educational institution or training establishment appropriate for the attainment of the educational or training objective;

(4) In resolving any personal problems which are likely to interfere with successful pursuit of a program;

(5) In selecting an employment objective for the eligible person that would be likely to provide the eligible person with satisfactory employment opportunities in light of his or her circumstances.

(a) Child. The Counseling Psychologist (CP) or Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC) will provide counseling and assist in preparing the educational plan only if the eligible child or his or her parent or guardian requests assistance, except that counseling is required for an eligible child if—

(1) The eligible child may require specialized vocational training or special restorative training; or

(2) The eligible child has reached the compulsory school attendance age under State law, but has neither reached his or her 18th birthday, nor completed secondary schooling. See § 21.3040(a).

(b) Spouse or surviving spouse. Counseling is required for a spouse or surviving spouse only if he or she desires specialized vocational training.

VA will not act further on an eligible person's application for assistance under 38 U.S.C. chapter 35 when counseling is required for him or her and the eligible person—

(a) Fails to report;

(b) Fails to cooperate in the counseling process; or

(c) Does not complete counseling to the extent required under § 21.3102.

(a) Initial counseling. A counseling psychologist or vocational rehabilitation counselor in the Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) Division will counsel an eligible person with a disability who is a child, spouse, or surviving spouse before referring the case to the Vocational Rehabilitation Panel (established under § 21.60) for consideration as to the child's, spouse's or surviving spouse's need for a course of specialized vocational training or special restorative training. After consulting with the panel, and considering the panel's report, the counseling psychologist or vocational rehabilitation counselor will determine if the child, spouse, or surviving spouse needs a course of specialized vocational training or special restorative training, and where need is found to exist will prescribe a course which is suitable to accomplish the goals of 38 U.S.C. chapter 35.

(a) General. VA shall determine and pay the necessary expense of travel to and from the place of counseling for an eligible person who is required to receive counseling as provided under 38 U.S.C. 111 (a), (d), (e), and (g).

(b) Restriction. VA will not pay the necessary cost of travel to and from the place of counseling when counseling is not required, but is provided as a result of a voluntary request by the eligible person.

(a) Approval of a program of education. VA will approve a program of education selected by an eligible person if:

(1) The program is described in § 21.3021 (h) and (i) or (j);

(2) The individual is not already qualified for the objective of the program of education;

(3) The proposed educational institution or training establishment is in compliance with all the requirements of 38 U.S.C. chapters 35 and 36; and

(4) It does not appear that the enrollment in or pursuit of such person's program of education would violate any provision of 38 U.S.C. chapters 35 and 36.

(b) Payments. VA will pay educational assistance at the rate specified in § 21.3131 (subject to the reductions required by § 21.3132) while the eligible person is pursuing an approved program of education or training.

(a) Rates. (1) VA will publish the monthly rates of basic educational assistance allowance payable under paragraph (a)(2) of this section on the GI Bill education and training website each time there is an increase in the rates.

(2) Except as provided in § 21.3132, the monthly rate of basic educational assistance allowance payable to an eligible person, as defined in § 21.3021, will be the applicable rate provided in 38 U.S.C. 3532,3686,as.S.C. 3564 and 3687(d). The rate of pursuit will be determined in accordance with § 21.4270.

The monthly rates established in § 21.3131 shall be reduced as stated in this section whenever the circumstances described in this section arise.

(a) No educational assistance allowance for some incarcerated eligible persons. VA will pay no educational assistance allowance to an eligible person who:

(1) Is incarcerated in a Federal, State, or local penal institution for conviction of a felony; and

(2) Is enrolled in a course:

(i) For which there are no tuition or fees, or charges for books, supplies, and equipment; or

(ii) For which tuition and fees are being paid by a Federal program (other than one administered by VA) or by a State or local program, and the eligible person is incurring no charge for the books, supplies, and equipment necessary for the course.

(b) Reduced educational assistance allowance for some incarcerated eligible persons—felony conviction. (1) VA will pay a reduced educational assistance allowance to an eligible person who:

(i) Is incarcerated in a Federal, State, or local penal institution for conviction of a felony; and

(ii) Is enrolled in a course:

(A) For which the eligible person pays some (but not all) of the charges for tuition and fees; or

(B) For which a Federal program (other than one administered by VA) or a State or local program pays all the charges for tuition and fees, but which requires the eligible person to pay for books, supplies, and equipment.

(2) The monthly rate of educational assistance allowance payable to such an eligible person who is pursuing a course on a half-time or greater basis shall be the lesser of the following:

(i) The monthly rate of the portion of the tuition and fees that the eligible person must pay plus the monthly rate of the charge to the eligible person for the cost of necessary supplies, books, and equipment; or

(ii) The monthly rate stated in § 21.3131.

(3) The monthly rate of educational assistance payable to such an eligible person who is pursuing the course on a less than half-time basis or on a one quarter-time basis shall be the lowest of the following:

(i) The monthly rate of the tuition and fees charged for the course;

(ii) The monthly rate of tuition and fees which the eligible person must pay plus the monthly rate of the charge to the eligible person for the cost of necessary supplies, books, and equipment; or

(iii) The monthly rate stated in § 21.3131.

(c) Reduction in training assistance allowance. (1) For any month in which an eligible person pursuing an apprenticeship or on-job training program fails to complete 120 hours of training, VA shall reduce the rate specified in § 21.3131(a) proportionally. In this computation VA shall round the number of hours worked to the nearest multiple of eight.

(2) For the purpose of this paragraph hours worked include only:

(i) The training hours the eligible person worked; and

(ii) All hours of the eligible person's related training which occurred during the standard workweek and for which the eligible person received wages.

(d) Mitigating circumstances. (1) VA will not pay benefits to any eligible person for a course from which the eligible person withdraws or receives a nonpunitive grade which is not used in computing the requirements for graduation unless the provisions of this paragraph are met.

(i) The eligible person withdraws because he or she is ordered to active duty; or

(ii) All of the following criteria are met:

(A) There are mitigating circumstances;

(B) The eligible person submits a description of the circumstances in writing to VA either within one year from the date VA notifies the eligible person that he or she must submit the mitigating circumstances or at a later date if the eligible person is able to show good cause why the one-year time limit should be extended to the date on which he or she submitted the description of the mitigating circumstances; and

(C) The eligible person submits evidence supporting the existence of mitigating circumstances within one year of the date that evidence is requested by VA, or at a later date if the eligible person is able to show good cause why the one-year time limit should be extended to the date on which he or she submitted the evidence supporting the existence of mitigating circumstances.

(2) The following circumstances are representative of those which the Department of Veterans Affairs considers to be mitigating provided they prevent the eligible person from pursuing the program of education continuously. This list is not all inclusive.

(i) An illness of the eligible person,

(ii) An illness or death in the eligible person's family,

(iii) An unavoidable geographical transfer resulting from the eligible person's employment,

(iv) An unavoidable change in the eligible person's conditions of employment,

(v) Immediate family or financial obligations beyond the control of the eligible person which require him or her to suspend pursuit of the program of education to obtain employment,

(vi) Discontinuance of a course by a school,

(vii) Unanticipated active duty for training,

(viii) Unanticipated difficulties in caring for the eligible person's child or children.

(3) If the eligible child fails to complete satisfactorily a course of special restorative training or if the eligible person fails to complete satisfactorily a course under section 3533, Title 38 U.S.C., without fault, the Department of Veterans Affairs will consider the circumstances which caused the failure to be mitigating. This will be the case even if the circumstances were not so severe as to preclude continuous pursuit of a program of education.

(4) In the first instance of a withdrawal after May 31, 1989, from a course or courses for which the eligible person received educational assistance under title 38 U.S.C. or under chapter 1606, title 10 U.S.C., VA will consider that mitigating circumstances exist with respect to courses totaling not more than six semester hours or the equivalent. Eligible persons to whom the provisions of this subparagraph apply are not subject to the reporting requirement found in paragraph (d)(1)(ii) of this section.

(5) If an eligible person withdraws from a course during a drop-add period, VA will consider the circumstances which caused the withdrawal to be mitigating. Eligible persons who withdraw from a course during a drop-add period are not subject to the reporting requirement found in paragraph (d)(1)(ii) of this section.

(a) Release of payments and payment procedures. In determining whether payments of educational assistance allowance may be made in a lump sum, in advance, for an interval or if a certification is required from an eligible person before a payment may be made, VA will apply the provisions of § 21.4138.

(b) Payee. (1) VA will pay an educational assistance allowance to the eligible person if he or she has attained majority and has no known legal disability.

(2) If an eligible person has not attained majority, VA will pay an educational assistance allowance directly to an eligible person, a relative, or some other person for the use and benefit of the eligible person notwithstanding a legal disability on the part of the eligible person when VA determines:

(i) The best interest of the eligible person would be served;

(ii) Undue delay in payment would be avoided; or

(iii) Payment would otherwise not be feasible.

(c) Payment of accrued benefits. Educational assistance remaining due and unpaid at the date of the eligible person's death is payable under the provisions of § 3.1000 of this chapter.

(d) Tutorial assistance. An individual who is otherwise eligible to receive benefits under the Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance program may receive supplemental monetary assistance to provide tutorial services. In determining whether VA will pay the individual this assistance, VA will apply the provisions of § 21.4236.

The reduction or discontinuance date of an award of educational assistance will be as stated in this section. If more than one basis for reduction or discontinuance is involved, the earliest date will control.

(a) Ending date of course. Educational assistance allowance will be discontinued on the ending date of the course or period of enrollment as certified by the school.

(a) Purpose of special restorative training. The Department of Veterans Affairs may prescribe special restorative training where needed to overcome or lessen the effects of a physical or mental disability for the purpose of enabling an eligible person to pursue a program of education, special vocational program or other appropriate goal. Medical care and treatment or psychiatric treatment are not included.

(b) Eligible persons. VA may prescribe special restorative training for an eligible person who is a child, spouse, or surviving spouse except for a spouse whose qualification as an eligible person is under § 21.3021(a)(3)(ii). The special restorative training must begin after December 26, 2001, for a spouse or surviving spouse.

(c) Special restorative training courses. The counseling psychologist or vocational rehabilitation counselor, after consulting with the Vocational Rehabilitation Panel, may prescribe for special restorative training purposes courses such as—

(1) Speech and voice correction or retention,

(2) Language retraining,

(3) Speech (lip) reading,

(4) Auditory training,

(5) Braille reading and writing,

(6) Training in ambulation,

(7) One-hand typewriting,

(8) Nondominant handwriting,

(9) Personal, social and work adjustment training,

(10) Remedial reading, and

(11) Courses at special schools for mentally and physically disabled or

(12) Courses provided at facilities which are adapted or modified to meet special needs of disabled students.

(a) Determination of need. When special restorative training has been requested or is being considered for an eligible person with a disability who is a child, spouse, or surviving spouse, a counseling psychologist or vocational rehabilitation counselor will obtain all information necessary to determine the need for and feasibility of special restorative training. After the counseling psychologist or vocational rehabilitation counselor completes this task, he or she will refer the case to the Vocational Rehabilitation Panel. The panel will consider whether—

(1) There exists a handicap which will interfere with pursuit of a program of education;

(2) The period of special restorative training materially will improve the child's, spouse's, or surviving spouse's ability to:

(i) Pursue a program of education,

(ii) Pursue a program of specialized vocational training,

(iii) Obtain continuing employment in a sheltered workshop, or

(iv) Adjust in his or her family or community;

(3) The special restorative training may be pursued concurrently with a program of education;

(4) Training will affect adversely the child's, spouse's, or surviving spouse's mental or physical condition;

(5) In the case of a child, whether it is in the best interest of the child to begin special restorative training after his or her 14th birthday; and

(6) The Department of Veterans Affairs:

(i) Has considered assistance available under provisions of State-Federal programs for education of individuals with disabilities; and

(ii) Has determined that it is in the eligible person's interest to receive benefits under 38 U.S.C. chapter 35.

(a) Agreements to provide training. The Department of Veterans Affairs may make agreements with public or private educational institutions or others to provide suitable and necessary special restorative training for an eligible person.

(b) Tuition charge. When a customary tuition charge is not applicable, the agreement will include the fair and reasonable amounts charged for the training provided to the eligible person.

(c) Reports. Each educational institution or other provider of a course of special restorative training must report promptly the eligible person's enrollment in, interruption of, or termination of the course of special restorative training.

(a) Length of special restorative training. Ordinarily, special restorative training may not exceed 12 months. When the counseling psychologist or vocational rehabilitation counselor, after consulting with the Vocational Rehabilitation Panel, determines that more than 12 months of training is necessary, he or she will refer the program to the Executive Director, Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) Service for prior approval. Where the plan for a program of special restorative training itself (not in combination with the program of education) will require more than 45 months (or its equivalent in accelerated payments) the plan will be included in the recommendation to the Executive Director, VR&E Service for approval.

(b) Ending dates of eligibility. (1) No child may receive special restorative training after reaching the end of his or her eligibility period as determined under § 21.3041.

(2) No spouse or surviving spouse may receive special restorative training after reaching the end of his or her eligibility period as determined under §§ 21.3046 and 21.3047.

(c) Full-time training. An eligible person will pursue special restorative training on a full-time basis.

(1) Full-time training requires training for:

(i) That amount of time per week which commonly is required for a full-time course at the educational institution when, based on medical findings, the Department of Veterans Affairs determines that the eligible person's physical or mental condition permits training for that amount of time, or

(ii) The maximum time per week permitted by the eligible person's disability, as determined by the Department of Veterans Affairs, based on medical findings, if the disability precludes the weekly training time stated in paragraph (c)(1)(i) of this section.

(2) If the hours per week that can reasonably be devoted to restorative training will not of themselves equal the time required by paragraph (c)(1) of this section, the course will be supplemented with subject matter which will contribute toward the objective of the program of education.

(a) General. A counseling psychologist or vocational rehabilitation counselor will provide the professional and technical assistance needed by the eligible person in pursuing special restorative training. The assistance will be timely, sustained and personal.

(b) Adjustments in the training situation. The counseling psychologist or vocational rehabilitation counselor must be continually aware of the eligible person's progress. At frequent intervals he or she will determine whether the eligible person is progressing satisfactorily. When the counseling psychologist or vocational rehabilitation counselor determines that adjustments are needed in the course or in the training situation, he or she will act immediately to bring about the adjustments in accordance with the following:

(1) When the eligible person or his or her instructor indicates dissatisfaction with elements of the program, the counseling psychologist or vocational rehabilitation counselor, through personal discussion with the eligible person or his or her instructor or both, will, if possible, correct the difficulty through such means as making minor adjustments in the course or by persuading the eligible person to give more attention to performance.

(2) When major difficulties cannot be corrected, the counseling psychologist or vocational rehabilitation counselor will prepare a report of pertinent facts and recommendations for action in consultation with the Vocational Rehabilitation Panel.

(3) Action will be taken to terminate the eligible person's course at the proper time so that his or her entitlement may be conserved when the counseling psychologist or vocational rehabilitation counselor determines that:

(i) The eligible person is progressing much faster than anticipated, and

(ii) The eligible person's course may be terminated with satisfactory results before the time originally planned.

(a) Special restorative training should be uninterrupted. An eligible person once entered into special restorative training should pursue his or her course to completion without interruption. Wherever possible, continuous training shall be provided for each eligible person, including training during the summer, except where, because of his or her physical condition or other good reason, it would not be to his or her best interest to pursue training. As long as the eligible person is progressing satisfactorily toward overcoming the effects of his or her disability(ies), the eligible person will be continued in his or her course of training without accounting for days of nonattendance within the authorized enrollment.

(b) Interrupting special restorative training. Special restorative training will be interrupted as necessary under the following conditions:

(1) During summer vacations or periods when no instruction is given before and after summer sessions.

(2) During a prolonged period of illness or medical infeasibility.

(3) When the eligible person voluntarily abandons special restorative training.

(4) When the eligible person fails to make satisfactory progress in the special restorative training course.

(5) When the eligible person is no longer acceptable to the institution because of failure to maintain satisfactory conduct or progress in accordance with the rules of the institution.

(6) When the eligible person's progress is materially retarded because of his or her negligence, lack of application or misconduct.

When a course of special restorative training has been interrupted and the eligible person presents himself or herself for reentrance, the Department of Veterans Affairs will act as follows:

(a) Reentrance without corrective action. A counseling psychologist or vocational rehabilitation counselor will approve reentrance when special restorative training was interrupted:

(1) For a scheduled vacation period, such as a summer break,

(2) For a short period of illness, or

(3) For other reasons which permit reentrance in the same course of special restorative training without corrective action.

(b) Consultation with Vocational Rehabilitation Panel. (1) A counseling psychologist or vocational rehabilitation counselor will consult with the Vocational Rehabilitation Panel when special restorative training was interrupted—

(i) By reason of failure to maintain satisfactory conduct or progress, or

(ii) For any other reason, which requires corrective action, such as changes of place of training, change of course, personal adjustment, etc.

(2) If the counseling psychologist or vocational rehabilitation counselor determines that the conditions which caused the interruption can be overcome, he or she will approve the necessary adjustment.

(3) The counseling psychologist or vocational rehabilitation counselor will make a finding of infeasibility if—

(i) All efforts to effect proper adjustment in the case have failed; and

(ii) There is substantial evidence, resolving any reasonable doubt in favor of the eligible person (as discussed in § 3.102 of this chapter), that additional efforts will be unsuccessful.

(a) Placement in “discontinued” status. If reentrance from interrupted status into a program of special restorative training is not approved under the provisions of § 21.3306, a counseling psychologist or vocational rehabilitation counselor will place the case in discontinued status.

(b) Notification. In any case of discontinuance the Department of Veterans Affairs will:

(1) Notify the eligible person of the action taken, except that if the eligible person has a guardian or has not attained majority under laws applicable in his or her State of residence, VA will notify his or her parent or guardian (see § 21.3021(d)) of the action taken.

(2) Inform the eligible person of his or her potential right to a program of education, except that if the eligible person has a guardian or has not attained majority under laws applicable in his or her State of residence, VA will inform his or her parent or guardian (see § 21.3021(d)) of the eligible person's potential right to a program of education.

(a) Payments will be made to the person designated to receive the payments under the provisions of § 21.3133(b).

(b) VA will pay special training allowance only for the period of the eligible person's approved enrollment as certified by the counseling psychologist or vocational rehabilitation counselor. In no event, however, will VA pay such allowance for any period during which:

(1) The eligible person is not pursuing the prescribed course of special restorative training that has been determined to be full-time training with respect to his or her capacities; or

(2) An educational assistance allowance is paid.

(c) The provisions of § 21.3133(e) apply to the payment of special restorative training allowance.

The commencing date of an authorization of a special training allowance will be the date of entrance or reentrance into the prescribed course of special restorative training, or the date the counseling psychologist or vocational rehabilitation counselor approved the course for the eligible person whichever is later. See also § 21.4131.

VA will discontinue special training allowance as provided in this section on the earliest date of the following:

(a) The ending date of the course.

(b) The ending date of the period of enrollment as certified by the counseling psychologist or vocational rehabilitation counselor.

(c) The ending date of the period of eligibility.

(d) The expiration of the eligible person's entitlement.

(e) Date of interruption of course as determined by the counseling psychologist or vocational rehabilitation counselor under § 21.3305.

(f) Date of discontinuance under the applicable provisions of § 21.4135.

(a) Rates. Special training allowance is payable at the following monthly rates, except as provided in paragraph (c) of this section.

(1) For special restorative training pursued after June 30, 2004, and before October 1, 2004:

(2) For special restorative training pursued after September 30, 2004, and before October 1, 2005:

(3) For special restorative training pursued after September 30, 2005, and before October 1, 2006:

(4) For special restorative training pursued after September 30, 2006, and before October 1, 2007:

(5) For special restorative training pursued after September 30, 2007, and before October 1, 2008:

(6) For special restorative training pursued after September 30, 2008:

(b) Accelerated charges. (1) VA may pay the additional monthly rate if the eligible person, or his or her parent or guardian (see § 21.3021(d)) if the eligible person has a guardian or has not attained majority under laws applicable in his or her State of residence, concurs in having his or her period of entitlement reduced by 1 day for each—

(i) $26.27 that the special training allowance exceeds the basic monthly rate of $803.00 for the period July 1, 2004, through September 30, 2004;

(ii) $26.77 that the special training allowance exceeds the basic monthly rate of $803.00 for the period October 1, 2004, through September 30, 2005;

(iii) $27.57 that the special training allowance exceeds the basic monthly rate of $827.00 for the period October 1, 2005, through September 30, 2006;

(iv) $28.67 that the special training allowance exceeds the basic monthly rate of $860.00 for the period October 1, 2006, through September 30, 2007;

(v) $29.37 that the special restorative training allowance exceeds the basic monthly rate of $881.00 for the period October 1, 2007, through September 30, 2008; and

(vi) $30.50 that the special restorative training allowance exceeds the basic monthly rate of $915.00 for months after September 30, 2008.

(2) VA will:

(i) Charge fractions of more than one-half day as 1 day;

(ii) Disregard fractions of one-half or less; and

(iii) Record charges when the eligible child is entered into training.

(c) Payments made to eligible persons in the Republic of the Philippines or to certain Filipinos. When the eligible person is pursuing training at an institution located in the Republic of the Philippines or when an eligible child's entitlement is based on the service of a veteran in the Philippine Commonwealth Army, or as a Philippine Scout as defined in § 3.40(b), (c), or (d) of this chapter, payments of special training allowance made after December 31, 1994, will be made at the rate of 50 cents for each dollar authorized.

(a) Enrollment. VA may approve the enrollment of an eligible person in an appropriate course or courses at the secondary school level. This approval may be made only if the eligible person—

(1) Has not received a secondary school diploma (or an equivalency certificate);

(2) Needs additional secondary school education, remedial, refresher, or deficiency courses, to qualify for admission to an appropriate educational institution in a State in order to pursue a program of education; and

(3) Is to pursue the course or courses in a State.

(b) Measurement. VA will measure remedial, deficiency, or refresher courses offered at the secondary school level as provided in §§ 21.4270(a)(2) and 21.4272(k).

(c) Educational assistance. VA will authorize educational assistance at the monthly rates specified in § 21.3131.

(d) Entitlement charge. The provisions of § 21.3045 will determine whether VA will make a charge against the period of the entitlement of the eligible person because of enrollment in a course under the provisions of this section.

(e) Certifications. (1) Certifications of the eligible person's need for deficiency or remedial courses in basic English language skills and mathematics skills may be made by:

(i) A VA counseling psychologist or vocational rehabilitation counselor in the Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) Division;

(ii) The educational institution administering the course; or

(iii) The educational institution where the student has applied for admission.

(2) Certification of need for other refresher, remedial or deficiency course requirements are to be made by the educational institution—

(i) Administering the course which the eligible person is planning to enter; or

(ii) Where the eligible person has applied for admission.

(f) Basic skills. Basic English language courses or mathematics courses will be authorized when it is found by accepted testing methods that the eligible person is lacking in basic reading, writing, speaking, or essential mathematics.