duty and to veterans within 1 year from the date of their discharge or release from active duty. APPLICATION AND AWARD PROCESS: Pre-application Coordination: None. This program is excluded from coverage under EO. 12372. Application Procedure: Obtain VA Form 28-8832, Application for Counseling, from any VA office or regional office. Complete and submit this form to the nearest regional office. A written statement from an individual requesting vocational and educational counseling is also sufficient with the application form or written statement, submit proof of prior or pending discharge or release from active duty if VA has not already received this evidence. Award Procedure: The 527 regional office will notify qualified individuals of appointment times for them to begin to receive counseling services. Disqualified applicants will receive notices denying benefits and giving appeal procedures. Deadlines: Qualified individuals may not receive counseling benefits earlier than 180 days before projected discharge or release from active duty or more than 1 year after discharge or release from active duty. Range of Approval/Disapproval Time: Average is 60 days. # Appeals: Available through special board. Average time to process an appeal is 630 days. In the event of a denial, claimants are advised of appeal rights and procedures at the time of notification. Renewals: None: ELIGIBLE BENEFICIARIES: (a) Veteran/Service person/Reservist
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