COMDTINST 6150.1
4. BACKGROUND. In 1994, the Department of the Army and the VA jointly initiated the Separation
Examination Test. Their final report was published in September 1997 and demonstrated that the
Department of Defense (DOD) and the VA could successfully perform a combined separation
physical examination. Based on this result, Coast Guard units should pursue entering into a MOA
with their nearest VA Regional Office and local VAMC to ensure rapid processing of disability
compensation claims and vocational rehabilitation applications for Coast Guard personnel separating
from the unit.
5. RESPONSIBILITIES.
a. Area and district commanders, commanders of maintenance and logistic commands,
commanding officers of headquarters units shall:
(1) Contact the nearest Veterans Benefits Administration Regional Office (VBARO) and request
that their units be provided BDDP services. Prior to receipt of services, enclosure (2) shall
be signed by the participating parties (e.g. the Coast Guard District Commander, the Director
of the VAMC, and the Director of the VBARO). [Note: Advice should be obtained from
legal prior to modifying the MOA. In addition, any modifications to the MOA
contained in enclosure (2) must comply with reference (a).]
(2) After signature (completion) of the MOA, disseminate information on the availability of the
BDDP to those Coast Guard service members separating or retiring;
(3) Allow separating or retiring Coast Guard members time for benefits counseling and VA
medical examination before registration with the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
representative;
(4) Provide the VBA representative with the separating or retiring Coast Guard member's
dependency, retirement and/or severance pay information;
(5) Provide the enrolled member's original Coast Guard service health record (i.e. medical and
dental records) and a copy of the Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, DD
Form 214 to the VBA Representative not later than 7 calendar days following date of
separation or retirement. (Note: Coast Guard members enrolling in the BDDP shall
make a complete copy of their original service health record and present it to the VBA
representative at the initial meeting for the assessment of the member's claim for
disability. The VBA representative will use the copy for the initial claim assessment
and then provide this working copy to the member prior to separation.);
(6) Designate a Command point-of-contact (POC) for issues relating to the BDDP. They shall
work together with the VBA representative and enrolled Coast Guard members to resolve
any issues. In addition, the Command will:
(a) Provide the VBA representative adequate office space for counseling, telephone services
and a locking file cabinet for holding active claims and health record material; and
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