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<GovernmentManual>
  <accessId>GOVMAN-2014-10-06-126</accessId>
  <Entity EntityId="126" ParentId="0" SortOrder="31">
    <EntityType>Parent</EntityType>
    <Category>Executive Branch: Departments</Category>
    <IntroductoryHeader>Editorial Note</IntroductoryHeader>
    <IntroductoryParagraph>The Department of Veterans Affairs did not meet the publication deadline for submitting updated information of its activities, functions, and sources of information as required by the automatic disclosure provisions of the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552(a)(1)(A)).</IntroductoryParagraph>
    <AgencyName>Department of Veterans Affairs</AgencyName>
    <Addresses>
      <Address EntityAddressId="83" SortOrder="1">
        <FooterDetails>
          <Email/>
          <WebAddress>http://www.va.gov</WebAddress>
        </FooterDetails>
        <Address>810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420</Address>
        <Phone>202-461-4800</Phone>
        <Phone2/>
        <Fax/>
      </Address>
    </Addresses>
    <LeaderShipTables>
      <LeaderShipTable EntityLeaderShipTableId="45" SortOrder="1">
        <FooterDetails>
          <Email/>
          <Footer/>
          <WebAddress/>
        </FooterDetails>
        <Header/>
        <HeaderParagraph/>
        <NameColumnHeader/>
        <ShowFootNote>Yes</ShowFootNote>
        <ShowHeader>Yes</ShowHeader>
        <ShowHeaderParagraph>Yes</ShowHeaderParagraph>
        <ShowNameColumnHeader>Yes</ShowNameColumnHeader>
        <ShowTitleColumnHeader>Yes</ShowTitleColumnHeader>
        <TitleColumnHeader/>
        <LeaderShipTableValues>
          <Values EntityLeadershipTableValuesId="834" SortOrder="1">
            <NameColumnValue>Robert A. McDonald</NameColumnValue>
            <TitleColumnValue>Secretary of Veterans Affairs</TitleColumnValue>
          </Values>
          <Values EntityLeadershipTableValuesId="835" SortOrder="2">
            <NameColumnValue>Sloan D. Gibson</NameColumnValue>
            <TitleColumnValue>Deputy Secretary</TitleColumnValue>
          </Values>
          <Values EntityLeadershipTableValuesId="836" SortOrder="3">
            <NameColumnValue>Jose D. Riojas, Acting</NameColumnValue>
            <TitleColumnValue>Chief of Staff</TitleColumnValue>
          </Values>
          <Values EntityLeadershipTableValuesId="837" SortOrder="4">
            <NameColumnValue>William A. Gunn</NameColumnValue>
            <TitleColumnValue>General Counsel</TitleColumnValue>
          </Values>
          <Values EntityLeadershipTableValuesId="838" SortOrder="5">
            <NameColumnValue>Steven L. Keller, Acting</NameColumnValue>
            <TitleColumnValue>Chairman, Board of Veterans' Appeals</TitleColumnValue>
          </Values>
          <Values EntityLeadershipTableValuesId="839" SortOrder="6">
            <NameColumnValue>Richard J. Griffin, Acting</NameColumnValue>
            <TitleColumnValue>Inspector General</TitleColumnValue>
          </Values>
          <Values EntityLeadershipTableValuesId="840" SortOrder="7">
            <NameColumnValue>Glenn D. Haggstrom</NameColumnValue>
            <TitleColumnValue>Executive Director, Office of Acquisition, Logistics, and Construction</TitleColumnValue>
          </Values>
          <Values EntityLeadershipTableValuesId="841" SortOrder="8">
            <NameColumnValue>Thomas J. Leney</NameColumnValue>
            <TitleColumnValue>Executive Director, Office of Small and Veteran Business Programs</TitleColumnValue>
          </Values>
          <Values EntityLeadershipTableValuesId="842" SortOrder="9">
            <NameColumnValue>Maxanne   R. Witkin</NameColumnValue>
            <TitleColumnValue>Director, Office of Employment Discrimination Complaint Adjudication</TitleColumnValue>
          </Values>
          <Values EntityLeadershipTableValuesId="843" SortOrder="10">
            <NameColumnValue>Irene Trowell-Harris</NameColumnValue>
            <TitleColumnValue>Director, Center for Women Veterans</TitleColumnValue>
          </Values>
          <Values EntityLeadershipTableValuesId="844" SortOrder="11">
            <NameColumnValue>Barbara Ward</NameColumnValue>
            <TitleColumnValue>Director, Center for Minority Veterans</TitleColumnValue>
          </Values>
          <Values EntityLeadershipTableValuesId="845" SortOrder="12">
            <NameColumnValue>Vivian Drake, Acting</NameColumnValue>
            <TitleColumnValue>Advisory Committee Management Officer</TitleColumnValue>
          </Values>
          <Values EntityLeadershipTableValuesId="846" SortOrder="13">
            <NameColumnValue>E. Terri LaVelle</NameColumnValue>
            <TitleColumnValue>Director, Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships</TitleColumnValue>
          </Values>
          <Values EntityLeadershipTableValuesId="847" SortOrder="14">
            <NameColumnValue>Doug Carmon</NameColumnValue>
            <TitleColumnValue>Special Assistant, Nongovernmental Organization Gateway Initiative Office</TitleColumnValue>
          </Values>
          <Values EntityLeadershipTableValuesId="848" SortOrder="15">
            <NameColumnValue>Carol Weese, Acting</NameColumnValue>
            <TitleColumnValue>Director, Federal Recovery Coordination Office</TitleColumnValue>
          </Values>
          <Values EntityLeadershipTableValuesId="849" SortOrder="16">
            <NameColumnValue>Kevin Secor</NameColumnValue>
            <TitleColumnValue>Veterans' Service Organizations Liaison</TitleColumnValue>
          </Values>
          <Values EntityLeadershipTableValuesId="850" SortOrder="17">
            <NameColumnValue>Debra A. Walker</NameColumnValue>
            <TitleColumnValue>Director, Office of Survivors Assistance</TitleColumnValue>
          </Values>
          <Values EntityLeadershipTableValuesId="851" SortOrder="18">
            <NameColumnValue>W. Todd Grams</NameColumnValue>
            <TitleColumnValue>Executive in Charge, Office of Management, and Chief Financial Officer</TitleColumnValue>
          </Values>
          <Values EntityLeadershipTableValuesId="852" SortOrder="19">
            <NameColumnValue>Stephen W. Warren</NameColumnValue>
            <TitleColumnValue>Assistant Secretary for Information and Technology</TitleColumnValue>
          </Values>
          <Values EntityLeadershipTableValuesId="853" SortOrder="20">
            <NameColumnValue>Robert D. Snyder, Acting</NameColumnValue>
            <TitleColumnValue>Assistant Secretary for Policy and Planning</TitleColumnValue>
          </Values>
          <Values EntityLeadershipTableValuesId="854" SortOrder="21">
            <NameColumnValue>Kevin T. Hanretta</NameColumnValue>
            <TitleColumnValue>Assistant Secretary for Operations, Security, and Preparedness</TitleColumnValue>
          </Values>
          <Values EntityLeadershipTableValuesId="855" SortOrder="22">
            <NameColumnValue>Gina S. Farrisee</NameColumnValue>
            <TitleColumnValue>Assistant Secretary for Human Resources and Administration</TitleColumnValue>
          </Values>
          <Values EntityLeadershipTableValuesId="856" SortOrder="23">
            <NameColumnValue>Joshua Taylor, Acting</NameColumnValue>
            <TitleColumnValue>Assistant Secretary for Public and Intergovernmental Affairs</TitleColumnValue>
          </Values>
          <Values EntityLeadershipTableValuesId="857" SortOrder="24">
            <NameColumnValue>Christopher E. O'Connor, Acting</NameColumnValue>
            <TitleColumnValue>Assistant Secretary for Congressional and Legislative Affairs</TitleColumnValue>
          </Values>
          <Values EntityLeadershipTableValuesId="858" SortOrder="25">
            <NameColumnValue>Allison A. Hickey</NameColumnValue>
            <TitleColumnValue>Under Secretary for Benefits, Veterans Benefits Administration</TitleColumnValue>
          </Values>
          <Values EntityLeadershipTableValuesId="859" SortOrder="26">
            <NameColumnValue>Robert L. Jesse</NameColumnValue>
            <TitleColumnValue>Under Secretary for Health, Veterans Health Administration</TitleColumnValue>
          </Values>
          <Values EntityLeadershipTableValuesId="860" SortOrder="27">
            <NameColumnValue>Steve L. Muro</NameColumnValue>
            <TitleColumnValue>Under Secretary for Memorial Affairs, National Cemetery Administration</TitleColumnValue>
          </Values>
        </LeaderShipTableValues>
      </LeaderShipTable>
    </LeaderShipTables>
    <MissionStatement>
      <Heading/>
      <Record>
        <Paragraph MissionStatmentId="105" SortOrder="1">The Department of Veterans Affairs operates programs to benefit veterans and members of their families. Benefits include compensation payments for disabilities or death related to military service; pensions; education and rehabilitation; home loan guaranty; burial; and a medical care program incorporating nursing homes, clinics, and medical centers.</Paragraph>
        <FooterDetails>
          <Footer/>
        </FooterDetails>
      </Record>
    </MissionStatement>
    <OrganizationChart>graphics/GOVMAN-2014-10-06-126.jpg</OrganizationChart>
    <LegalAuthority>
      <Heading/>
    </LegalAuthority>
    <OrganizationStatement>
      <Heading/>
    </OrganizationStatement>
    <ProgramAndActivities>
      <ProgramAndActivity ProgramAndActivitiesId="323" SortOrder="1">
        <FooterDetails>
          <Email/>
          <Footer/>
          <WebAddress/>
        </FooterDetails>
        <MainParagraph/>
        <PointOfContact/>
        <ProgramName/>
        <Activity ProgramAndActivitiesId="763" SortOrder="1">
          <Heading/>
          <Details>
            <Detail SortOrder="1" TypeOfProgramAndActivitiesDetailsId="1187">
              <FooterDetails>
                <Email/>
                <Footer/>
                <WebAddress/>
              </FooterDetails>
              <Heading/>
              <Paragraph>The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) was established as an executive department by the Department of Veterans Affairs Act (38 U.S.C. 201 note). It is comprised of three organizations that administer veterans programs: the Veterans Health Administration, the Veterans Benefits Administration, and the National Cemetery Administration. Each organization has field facilities and a central office component. Staff offices support the overall function of the Department and its Administrations.</Paragraph>
            </Detail>
          </Details>
        </Activity>
      </ProgramAndActivity>
      <ProgramAndActivity ProgramAndActivitiesId="324" SortOrder="2">
        <FooterDetails>
          <Email/>
          <Footer/>
          <WebAddress/>
        </FooterDetails>
        <MainParagraph/>
        <PointOfContact/>
        <ProgramName>Activities</ProgramName>
        <Activity ProgramAndActivitiesId="764" SortOrder="1">
          <Heading>Advisory Committee Management Office</Heading>
          <Details>
            <Detail SortOrder="1" TypeOfProgramAndActivitiesDetailsId="1188">
              <FooterDetails>
                <Email/>
                <Footer/>
                <WebAddress/>
              </FooterDetails>
              <Heading/>
              <Paragraph>The Advisory Committee Management Office serves as the coordinating office for the Department's 25 Federal advisory committees. It is responsible for establishing clear and uniform goals, standards, and procedures for advisory committee activities. It is also responsible for ensuring that VA advisory committee operations are in compliance with the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act.</Paragraph>
            </Detail>
          </Details>
        </Activity>
        <Activity ProgramAndActivitiesId="765" SortOrder="2">
          <Heading>Office of Acquisition, Logistics, and Construction</Heading>
          <Details>
            <Detail SortOrder="1" TypeOfProgramAndActivitiesDetailsId="1189">
              <FooterDetails>
                <Email/>
                <Footer/>
                <WebAddress/>
              </FooterDetails>
              <Heading/>
              <Paragraph>The Office of Acquisition, Logistics, and Construction (OALC) is a multifunctional organization responsible for directing the acquisition, logistics, construction, and leasing functions within the VA. The Executive Director, OALC, is also the Chief Acquisition Officer for the VA.</Paragraph>
            </Detail>
          </Details>
        </Activity>
        <Activity ProgramAndActivitiesId="766" SortOrder="3">
          <Heading>Cemeteries</Heading>
          <Details>
            <Detail SortOrder="1" TypeOfProgramAndActivitiesDetailsId="1190">
              <FooterDetails>
                <Email/>
                <Footer/>
                <WebAddress/>
              </FooterDetails>
              <Heading/>
              <Paragraph>The National Cemetery Administration (NCA) is responsible for the management and oversight of 131 national cemeteries in the United States and Puerto Rico, as well as 33 soldiers' lots, Confederate cemeteries, and monument sites. Burial in a national cemetery is available to eligible veterans and their spouses and dependent children.  At no cost to the family, a national cemetery burial includes the gravesite, graveliner, opening and closing of the grave, headstone or marker, and perpetual care as part of a national shrine. If a veteran is buried in an unmarked grave in a private cemetery anywhere in the world, NCA will provide a headstone or marker. If a veteran died on or after November 1, 1990, and is buried in a grave marked with a privately purchased headstone, NCA will provide a headstone or marker to supplement the grave or a medallion to be affixed to the permanent headstone. NCA's State Cemetery Grants Program provides funds to State and tribal governments to establish, expand, or improve veterans' cemeteries. NCA issues Presidential Memorial Certificates to recognize the service of honorably discharged servicemembers or veterans.</Paragraph>
            </Detail>
          </Details>
        </Activity>
        <Activity ProgramAndActivitiesId="767" SortOrder="4">
          <Heading>Center for Minority Veterans</Heading>
          <Details>
            <Detail SortOrder="1" TypeOfProgramAndActivitiesDetailsId="1191">
              <FooterDetails>
                <Email/>
                <Footer/>
                <WebAddress/>
              </FooterDetails>
              <Heading/>
              <Paragraph>The Center for Minority Veterans (CMV), established by the Veterans' Benefits Improvement Act of 1984 (38 U.S.C. 101 note), promotes the use of VA benefits, programs, and services by minority veterans. The CMV focuses on the unique and special needs of African Americans, Hispanics, Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders, and Native Americans, which include American Indians, Native Hawaiians, and Alaska Natives.</Paragraph>
            </Detail>
          </Details>
        </Activity>
        <Activity ProgramAndActivitiesId="768" SortOrder="5">
          <Heading>Center for Women Veterans</Heading>
          <Details>
            <Detail SortOrder="1" TypeOfProgramAndActivitiesDetailsId="1192">
              <FooterDetails>
                <Email/>
                <Footer/>
                <WebAddress/>
              </FooterDetails>
              <Heading/>
              <Paragraph>The Center for Women Veterans (CWV), established by the Veterans' Benefits Improvement Act of 1984 (38 U.S.C. 101 note), reports to the Secretary's Office and oversees the Department's programs for women veterans. The CWV Director serves as the primary advisor to the Secretary on all matters related to policies, legislation, programs, issues, and initiatives affecting women veterans. The CWV ensures that women veterans receive benefits and services on par with male veterans; VA programs are responsive to gender-specific needs of women veterans; outreach is performed to improve women veterans' awareness of services, benefits, and eligibility criteria; and women veterans are treated with dignity and respect.</Paragraph>
            </Detail>
          </Details>
        </Activity>
        <Activity ProgramAndActivitiesId="769" SortOrder="6">
          <Heading>Health Services</Heading>
          <Details>
            <Detail SortOrder="1" TypeOfProgramAndActivitiesDetailsId="1193">
              <FooterDetails>
                <Email/>
                <Footer/>
                <WebAddress/>
              </FooterDetails>
              <Heading/>
              <Paragraph>The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is home to the largest integrated health care system in the United States. It provides hospital, nursing home, domiciliary, and outpatient medical and dental care to eligible veterans of military service in the Armed Forces. VHA conducts both individual medical and health care delivery research projects and multihospital research programs, to include assisting in the education of physicians, dentists, and the training of many other health care professionals through affiliations with educational institutions and organizations. VHA treated over 6 million patients in 2010, and has over 1,600 sites of care which include: 152 hospitals, 965 outpatient clinics, 133 community living centers, and 293 Vet Centers. In 2010, VA hospitals also had approximately 680,000 inpatient admissions and more than 75 million outpatient visits. The number of women veterans using VA health care doubled from 160,000 in 2000 to 315, 000 in 2010. VA hospitals provide more public data about quality and safety than any health care system in the world and held academic affiliations with more than 1,200 educational institutions. More than 100,000 health care students receive clinical training from VA each year.</Paragraph>
            </Detail>
            <Detail SortOrder="2" TypeOfProgramAndActivitiesDetailsId="2071">
              <FooterDetails>
                <Email/>
                <Footer/>
                <WebAddress/>
              </FooterDetails>
              <Heading/>
              <Paragraph>Historically, VHA has been at the forefront in developing new devices, treatments, and tools for various conditions and diseases, including the first electronic health record, cardiac pacemaker, bionic ankle, and successful liver transplant. It has also developed new drugs and treatments for acquired immune deficiency syndrome/human immunodeficiency virus, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, and osteoporosis. Currently, VHA medical centers provide a wide range of services including traditional hospital-based services such as critical care, mental health, orthopedics, pharmacy, radiology, and physical therapy. Furthermore, most VA medical centers offer additional medical and surgical specialties services including pathology, dermatology, dental, geriatrics, neurology, oncology, prosthetics, urology, and vision care. Some medical centers also offer advanced services such as organ transplants and plastic surgery. VHA also distinguishes itself as the Nation’s largest provider of graduate medical education and major contributor to medical research.</Paragraph>
            </Detail>
          </Details>
        </Activity>
        <Activity ProgramAndActivitiesId="1165" SortOrder="7">
          <Heading>Operations, Security, and Preparedness</Heading>
          <Details>
            <Detail SortOrder="1" TypeOfProgramAndActivitiesDetailsId="2072">
              <FooterDetails>
                <Email/>
                <Footer/>
                <WebAddress/>
              </FooterDetails>
              <Heading/>
              <Paragraph>The Assistant Secretary for Operations, Security, and Preparedness (OSP) coordinates VA’s emergency management, preparedness, personal identity verification, physical security, personnel security and suitability, police services, law enforcement activities, and ensures compliance and resource management in the OSP, so the Department can continue to perform the mission-essential functions under all circumstances across the spectrum of threats. OSP directs and provides oversight for the VA’s overall operations for planning, response, and security and law enforcement programs in support of the National Response Framework, Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12, and other related Executive orders and Federal regulations.</Paragraph>
            </Detail>
          </Details>
        </Activity>
        <Activity ProgramAndActivitiesId="770" SortOrder="8">
          <Heading>Veterans Benefits</Heading>
          <Details>
            <Detail SortOrder="1" TypeOfProgramAndActivitiesDetailsId="1194">
              <FooterDetails>
                <Email/>
                <Footer/>
                <WebAddress/>
              </FooterDetails>
              <Heading/>
              <Paragraph>The Veterans Benefits Administration provides information, advice, and assistance to veterans, their dependents, beneficiaries, representatives, and others applying for VA benefits. It also cooperates with the Department of Labor and other Federal, State, and local agencies in developing employment opportunities for veterans and referral for assistance in resolving socioeconomic, housing, and other related problems.</Paragraph>
            </Detail>
            <Detail SortOrder="2" TypeOfProgramAndActivitiesDetailsId="1195">
              <FooterDetails>
                <Email/>
                <Footer/>
                <WebAddress/>
              </FooterDetails>
              <Heading/>
              <Paragraph>The Compensation and Pension Service is responsible for claims for disability compensation and pension, specially adapted housing, accrued benefits, adjusted compensation in death cases, and reimbursement for headstone or marker; allowances for automobiles and special adaptive equipment; special clothing allowances; emergency officers' retirement pay; survivors' claims for death compensation, dependency and indemnity compensation, death pension, and burial and plot allowance claims; forfeiture determinations; and a benefits protection program for minors and incompetent adult beneficiaries.</Paragraph>
            </Detail>
            <Detail SortOrder="3" TypeOfProgramAndActivitiesDetailsId="1196">
              <FooterDetails>
                <Email/>
                <Footer/>
                <WebAddress/>
              </FooterDetails>
              <Heading/>
              <Paragraph>The Education Service administers the Montgomery GI Bill program and other programs which provide education benefits to qualified active-duty members, veterans, certain dependents of veterans, and members of the Selected and Ready Reserve. The Service also checks school records to ensure that they comply with the pertinent law, approves courses for the payment of educational benefits, and administers a work-study program. Additional details are available at www.gibill.va.gov.</Paragraph>
            </Detail>
            <Detail SortOrder="4" TypeOfProgramAndActivitiesDetailsId="1197">
              <FooterDetails>
                <Email/>
                <Footer/>
                <WebAddress/>
              </FooterDetails>
              <Heading/>
              <Paragraph>The Insurance Service's operations for the benefit of servicemembers, veterans, and their beneficiaries are available through the regional office and insurance center (phone, 800-669-8477) in Philadelphia, PA, which provides the full range of activities necessary for a national life insurance program. Activities include the complete maintenance of individual accounts, underwriting functions, life and death insurance claims awards, and any other insurance-related transactions. The Service also administers the Veterans Mortgage Life Insurance Program for those disabled veterans who receive a VA grant for specially adapted housing and supervises the Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance Program and the Veterans' Group Life Insurance Program.</Paragraph>
            </Detail>
            <Detail SortOrder="5" TypeOfProgramAndActivitiesDetailsId="1198">
              <FooterDetails>
                <Email/>
                <Footer/>
                <WebAddress/>
              </FooterDetails>
              <Heading/>
              <Paragraph>The Loan Guaranty Service is responsible for operations that include appraising properties to establish their values; approving grants for specially adapted housing; supervising the construction of new residential properties; establishing the eligibility of veterans for the program; evaluating the ability of a veteran to repay a loan and the credit risk; making direct loans to Native American veterans to acquire a home on trust land; servicing and liquidating defaulted loans; and disposing of real estate acquired as the consequence of defaulted loans.</Paragraph>
            </Detail>
            <Detail SortOrder="6" TypeOfProgramAndActivitiesDetailsId="1199">
              <FooterDetails>
                <Email/>
                <Footer/>
                <WebAddress/>
              </FooterDetails>
              <Heading/>
              <Paragraph>The Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Service provides outreach, motivation, evaluation, counseling, training, employment, and other rehabilitation services to service-connected disabled veterans. Vocational and educational counseling, as well as the evaluation of abilities, aptitudes, and interests are provided to veterans and servicepersons. Counseling, assessment, education programs, and in some cases, rehabilitation services are available to spouses and children of totally and permanently disabled veterans as well as surviving orphans, widows, and widowers of certain deceased veterans.</Paragraph>
            </Detail>
            <Detail SortOrder="7" TypeOfProgramAndActivitiesDetailsId="1200">
              <FooterDetails>
                <Email/>
                <Footer/>
                <WebAddress/>
              </FooterDetails>
              <Heading/>
              <Paragraph>Vocational training and rehabilitation services are available to children with spina bifida having one or both parents who served in the Republic of Vietnam during the Vietnam era, or served in certain military units in or near the demilitarized zone in Korea, between September 1, 1967 and August 31, 1971.</Paragraph>
            </Detail>
          </Details>
        </Activity>
        <Activity ProgramAndActivitiesId="771" SortOrder="9">
          <Heading>Veterans' Appeals</Heading>
          <Details>
            <Detail SortOrder="1" TypeOfProgramAndActivitiesDetailsId="1201">
              <FooterDetails>
                <Email/>
                <Footer/>
                <WebAddress/>
              </FooterDetails>
              <Heading/>
              <Paragraph>The Board of Veterans' Appeals (BVA) renders final decisions on behalf of the Secretary on appeals from decisions of local VA offices. The Board reviews all appeals for entitlement to veterans' benefits, including claims for service connection, increased disability ratings, total disability ratings, pension, insurance benefits, educational benefits, home loan guarantees, vocational rehabilitation, dependency and indemnity compensation, health care delivery, and fiduciary matters. The Board has jurisdiction over appeals arising from the VA regional offices, VA medical centers, the National Cemetery Administration, and the Office of General Counsel. The Board's mission is to conduct hearings and issue timely, understandable, and quality decisions for veterans and other appellants in compliance with the requirements of law. Final BVA decisions are appealable to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims.</Paragraph>
            </Detail>
          </Details>
        </Activity>
        <Activity ProgramAndActivitiesId="772" SortOrder="10">
          <Heading>Field Facilities</Heading>
          <Details>
            <Detail SortOrder="1" TypeOfProgramAndActivitiesDetailsId="1202">
              <FooterDetails>
                <Email/>
                <Footer/>
                <WebAddress/>
              </FooterDetails>
              <Heading/>
              <Paragraph>The Department's operations are handled through the following field facilities: cemeteries, domiciliaries, medical centers, outpatient clinics, and regional offices. Cemeteries provide burial services to veterans, their spouses, and dependent children. Domiciliaries provide the least intensive level of inpatient medical care, including necessary ambulatory medical treatment, rehabilitation, and support services, in a structured environment to veterans who are unable because of their disabilities to provide adequately for themselves in the community. Medical centers provide eligible beneficiaries with medical and other health care services equivalent to those provided by private sector institutions, augmented in many instances by services to meet the special requirements of veterans. Outpatient clinics provide eligible beneficiaries with ambulatory care. Regional offices grant benefits and services provided by law for veterans, their dependents, and beneficiaries within an assigned territory; furnish information regarding VA benefits and services; adjudicate claims and make awards for disability compensation and pension; conduct outreach and information dissemination; provide support and assistance to various segments of the veteran population to include former prisoners of war, minority, homeless, women, and elderly veterans; supervise payment of VA benefits to incompetent beneficiaries; provide vocational rehabilitation and employment training; administer educational benefits; guarantee loans for purchase, construction, or alteration of homes; process grants for specially adapted housing; process death claims; and assist veterans in exercising rights to benefits and services.</Paragraph>
            </Detail>
            <Detail SortOrder="2" TypeOfProgramAndActivitiesDetailsId="1203">
              <FooterDetails>
                <Email/>
                <Footer/>
                <WebAddress>http://www.va.gov/directory/guide/home.asp?isflash=1</WebAddress>
              </FooterDetails>
              <Heading/>
              <Paragraph>For a storehouse of key staff and facility information within 1,811 VA facilities, use the link below.</Paragraph>
            </Detail>
          </Details>
        </Activity>
      </ProgramAndActivity>
    </ProgramAndActivities>
    <SourceOfInformationDetails>
      <EntitySourceOfInformation EntitySourceOfInformationId="491" SortOrder="1">
        <FooterDetails>
          <Email>vacomedia-photoservices@va.gov</Email>
          <Footer/>
          <WebAddress/>
        </FooterDetails>
        <Header>Audiovisuals</Header>
        <Paragraph>Persons interested in the availability of VA video productions or exhibits for showing outside of VA may write to the Chief, Media Services Division (032B), Department of Veterans Affairs,  810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420. Phone, 202-461-5282.</Paragraph>
      </EntitySourceOfInformation>
      <EntitySourceOfInformation EntitySourceOfInformationId="492" SortOrder="2">
        <FooterDetails>
          <Email/>
          <Footer/>
          <WebAddress/>
        </FooterDetails>
        <Header>Contracts</Header>
        <Paragraph>Information on business opportunities with the VA can be found at www1.va.gov/oamm/oa/dbwva/index.cfm.  Additional information is available at the Office of Acquisition and Material Management Web site at www1.va.gov/oamm.  Information on solicitations issued by VA is available at www.va.gov/oamm/busopp/index.htm.</Paragraph>
      </EntitySourceOfInformation>
      <EntitySourceOfInformation EntitySourceOfInformationId="493" SortOrder="3">
        <FooterDetails>
          <Email/>
          <Footer/>
          <WebAddress>http://www.va.gov/osdbu/</WebAddress>
        </FooterDetails>
        <Header>Small Business Programs</Header>
        <Paragraph>Persons seeking information on VA's small and veteran-owned business programs may call 800-949-8387 or 202-461-4300. More information on these programs is available online at the Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization Web site.</Paragraph>
      </EntitySourceOfInformation>
      <EntitySourceOfInformation EntitySourceOfInformationId="494" SortOrder="4">
        <FooterDetails>
          <Email/>
          <Footer/>
          <WebAddress/>
        </FooterDetails>
        <Header>Veterans Business Ownership Services</Header>
        <Paragraph>The Center for Veterans Enterprise qualifies veteran-owned small businesses to participate in VA VOSB set-asides. This Center is a component of the Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization. Phone, 866-584-2344 or 202-303-3260 Option #6. Internet, www.vetbiz.gov. Email, vacve@va.gov.</Paragraph>
      </EntitySourceOfInformation>
      <EntitySourceOfInformation EntitySourceOfInformationId="495" SortOrder="5">
        <FooterDetails>
          <Email/>
          <Footer/>
          <WebAddress>http://www.va.gov/jobs/</WebAddress>
        </FooterDetails>
        <Header>Employment</Header>
        <Paragraph>The VA employs physicians, dentists, podiatrists, optometrists, nurses, nurse anesthetists, physician assistants, expanded-function dental auxiliaries, registered respiratory therapists, certified respiratory technicians, licensed physical therapists, occupational therapists, pharmacists, and licensed practical or vocational nurses under VA's excepted merit system. This system does not require civil service eligibility. Other professional, technical, administrative, and clerical occupations, such as veterans claims examiners, secretaries, and management analysts, exist in VA that do require civil service eligibility. Persons interested in employment should contact the human resources services office at the nearest VA facility, or use the link below to start building a career with the VA's online resources. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for appointments without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, political affiliation, or any nonmerit factor.</Paragraph>
      </EntitySourceOfInformation>
      <EntitySourceOfInformation EntitySourceOfInformationId="496" SortOrder="6">
        <FooterDetails>
          <Email/>
          <Footer/>
          <WebAddress/>
        </FooterDetails>
        <Header>Freedom of Information Act Requests</Header>
        <Paragraph>The VA has a decentralized system for handling FOIA requests. All FOIA requests should be addressed directly to any of the approximately 400 geographically dispersed components that may maintain the records you are seeking. Requests can be sent by mail, email, or facsimile. To see the list of VA offices authorized to receive requests, visit http://www.FOIA_Offices.asp.</Paragraph>
      </EntitySourceOfInformation>
      <EntitySourceOfInformation EntitySourceOfInformationId="748" SortOrder="7">
        <FooterDetails>
          <Email/>
          <Footer/>
          <WebAddress/>
        </FooterDetails>
        <Header/>
        <Paragraph>If you are unsure which office is the custodian of the records being sought, send your request to: Director, FOIA Service, (005R1C), 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420. Phone, 877-750-3642. Fax 202-273-0487.</Paragraph>
      </EntitySourceOfInformation>
      <EntitySourceOfInformation EntitySourceOfInformationId="497" SortOrder="8">
        <FooterDetails>
          <Email/>
          <Footer/>
          <WebAddress/>
        </FooterDetails>
        <Header>Inspector General Inquiries and Hotline</Header>
        <Paragraph>Publicly available documents and information on the VA Office of Inspector General are available at www.va.gov/oig. Complaints may be sent by mail to the VA Inspector General (53E), P.O. Box 50410, Washington, DC 20091-0410. Hotline phone, 800-488-8244. Email, vaoighotline@va.gov.</Paragraph>
      </EntitySourceOfInformation>
      <EntitySourceOfInformation EntitySourceOfInformationId="498" SortOrder="9">
        <FooterDetails>
          <Email/>
          <Footer/>
          <WebAddress/>
        </FooterDetails>
        <Header>Medical Center (Hospital) Design, Construction, and Related Services</Header>
        <Paragraph>Construction projects for VA medical centers and other facilities in excess of $4 million are managed and controlled at the VA central office, located in Washington, DC. Projects requiring design, construction, and other related services are advertised on the FirstGov Web site at www.usa.gov. Submit project-specific qualifications (SF 254 and SF 255) to the Director, A/E Evaluation and Program Support Team (181A), 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC  20420.</Paragraph>
      </EntitySourceOfInformation>
      <EntitySourceOfInformation EntitySourceOfInformationId="749" SortOrder="10">
        <FooterDetails>
          <Email/>
          <Footer/>
          <WebAddress/>
        </FooterDetails>
        <Header/>
        <Paragraph>Additional information regarding the selection process can be found on the VA Office of Facilities Management Web site at www.cfm.va.gov. Construction projects for VA medical centers and other facilities which are less than $4 million are managed and controlled at the individual medical centers. For information regarding these specific projects, contact the Acquisition and Materiel Management Office at each individual VA medical center. Addresses and additional information on VA medical centers can be found on the VA Web site at www.va.gov/facilities.</Paragraph>
      </EntitySourceOfInformation>
      <EntitySourceOfInformation EntitySourceOfInformationId="499" SortOrder="11">
        <FooterDetails>
          <Email/>
          <Footer/>
          <WebAddress/>
        </FooterDetails>
        <Header>News Media</Header>
        <Paragraph>Representatives may contact VA through the nearest regional Office of Public Affairs: Atlanta (404-929-5880); Chicago (312-980-4235); Dallas (817-385-3720); Denver (303-914-5855); Los Angeles (310-268-4207); New York (212-807-3429); Washington, DC (202-530-9360). National media may contact the Office of Public Affairs in the VA Central Office, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420. Phone, (202) 461-7400.</Paragraph>
      </EntitySourceOfInformation>
      <EntitySourceOfInformation EntitySourceOfInformationId="500" SortOrder="12">
        <FooterDetails>
          <Email/>
          <Footer/>
          <WebAddress/>
        </FooterDetails>
        <Header>Publications</Header>
        <Paragraph>The "Annual Performance and Accountability Report" may be obtained online at http://www.va.gov/budget/report/.</Paragraph>
      </EntitySourceOfInformation>
      <EntitySourceOfInformation EntitySourceOfInformationId="689" SortOrder="13">
        <FooterDetails>
          <Email/>
          <Footer/>
          <WebAddress/>
        </FooterDetails>
        <Header/>
        <Paragraph>The 2010 VA pamphlet, "Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents and Survivors" (80-98-1), is available for sale by the Superintendent of Documents, Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402. This publication is also available at http://www.va.gov/opa/publication.</Paragraph>
      </EntitySourceOfInformation>
      <EntitySourceOfInformation EntitySourceOfInformationId="690" SortOrder="14">
        <FooterDetails>
          <Email/>
          <Footer/>
          <WebAddress/>
        </FooterDetails>
        <Header/>
        <Paragraph>The "Board of Veterans Appeals Index" (I-01-1), an index to appellate decisions, is available on microfiche in annual accumulation from July 1977 through December 1994. The quarterly indexes may be purchased for $7 and annual cumulative indexes for $22.50. The "VADEX/CITATOR of  Appellate Research Materials" is a complete printed quarterly looseleaf accumulation of research material which may be purchased for $175 with binder and for $160 without binder. The Vadex Infobase, a computer-searchable version of the VADEX, is also available on diskettes for $100 per copy. These publications may be obtained by contacting Promisel and Korn, Inc. Phone, 301-986-0650. Archived BVA decisions are available at www.va.gov.</Paragraph>
      </EntitySourceOfInformation>
      <EntitySourceOfInformation EntitySourceOfInformationId="691" SortOrder="15">
        <FooterDetails>
          <Email/>
          <Footer/>
          <WebAddress/>
        </FooterDetails>
        <Header/>
        <Paragraph>An April 2002 pamphlet entitled "How Do I Appeal" (01-02-02A) is available at www.bva.va.gov.  Printed copies can be obtained at Mail Processing Section (014), Board of Veterans' Appeals, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20420.  There is no charge for individual copies.  A large quantity of pamphlets may be purchased from the Superintendent of Documents, Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402.  Call 202-512-1800 or visit www.gpoacess.gov/index.html for more information.</Paragraph>
      </EntitySourceOfInformation>
      <EntitySourceOfInformation EntitySourceOfInformationId="692" SortOrder="16">
        <FooterDetails>
          <Email/>
          <Footer/>
          <WebAddress/>
        </FooterDetails>
        <Header/>
        <Paragraph>The VA pamphlet, "A Summary of Department of Veteran Affairs Benefits" (27-82-2), may be obtained without charge from any VA regional office.</Paragraph>
      </EntitySourceOfInformation>
      <EntitySourceOfInformation EntitySourceOfInformationId="693" SortOrder="17">
        <FooterDetails>
          <Email/>
          <Footer/>
          <WebAddress/>
        </FooterDetails>
        <Header/>
        <Paragraph>"Interments in VA National Cemeteries", VA NCA-IS-1, details eligibility information and contains a list of both national and State veterans cemeteries. Copies may be obtained without charge from the National Cemetery Administration (41C1), 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420. Call 800-827-1000 or visit www.cem.va.gov for more information. VA's annual budget submission may be obtained online at http://www.va.gov/budget.</Paragraph>
      </EntitySourceOfInformation>
    </SourceOfInformationDetails>
    <FooterDetails>
      <Footer>For further information, contact the Office of Public and Intergovernmental Affairs, Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420. Phone, 202-273-6000.</Footer>
      <Email/>
      <WebAddress>http://www.va.gov/opa</WebAddress>
    </FooterDetails>
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</GovernmentManual>
