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M21-1 · Section XIV.1

General Information on Matching Programs

M21-1 section XIV.1. Official source text with a separately reviewed Claim Raven explanation when available.

Claim Raven wrote the explanation that follows. The original VA text appears below it, unchanged.

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What this means

m21-1:XIV.1 explains general information on matching programs. In plain terms, the official guidance says the VA receives information on a regular basis from several Federal agencies and compares it to information used to determine the status of VA beneficiaries. It also addresses information derived from the matches may be used to adjust VA benefit payments. However, due process provisions are required since matching program information is third-party information.

How this may help with a claim

Use m21-1:XIV.1 as an internal VA audit trail for general information on matching programs, not as a promise of a particular result. Compare the actions recorded in your claim file or decision notice with this source-specific detail: The VA receives information on a regular basis from several Federal agencies and compares it to information used to determine the status of VA beneficiaries. Information derived from the matches may be used to adjust VA benefit payments. However, due process provisions are required since matching program information is third-party information. If the record does not show the expected action, identify the missing step precisely when asking VA or an accredited representative to review the file.

What to review in your file

  • Check the file against this official condition: The VA receives information on a regular basis from several Federal agencies and compares it to information used to determine the status of VA beneficiaries.
  • Confirm that the record or notice addresses this source point: Information derived from the matches may be used to adjust VA benefit payments. However, due process provisions are required since matching program information is third-party information.
  • Document how this stated step or exception applies: The pension management centers (PMCs) in Philadelphia, St. Paul and Milwaukee are responsible for receiving and processing all reports from matching programs involving pension and Dependency and Indemnity Compensation recipients, including reports from:

Important limits

m21-1:XIV.1 is primarily internal workflow guidance about general information on matching programs. It can help identify what VA was expected to document, but it does not by itself create a claimant deadline, a freestanding entitlement, or a guaranteed remedy. The source also states: The VA receives information on a regular basis from several Federal agencies and compares it to information used to determine the status of VA beneficiaries. The pension management centers (PMCs) in Philadelphia, St. Paul and Milwaukee are responsible for receiving and processing all reports from matching programs involving pension and Dependency and Indemnity Compensation recipients, including reports from:

Search terms when useful

Phrases that may help when searching your claim file or this library.

  • General Information on Matching Programs
  • m21-1:XIV.1
  • Matching Programs
  • Purpose Process Provisions Matching
  • purpose matching programs
  • process provisions
  • fraud referrals.
  • XIV.1.1.a. Purpose Matching Programs

Original VA guidance

The official VA text of this section

Overview

In This Chapter

This chapter contains the following topics:

Scroll sideways to see the full table.

TopicTopic Name
1Purpose and Due Process Provisions of Matching Programs
2Jurisdiction Over Reports From Matching Programs

1. Purpose and Due Process Provisions of Matching Programs

Introduction

This topic contains information on the purpose and due process provisions of matching programs, including

  • purpose of matching programs
  • due process provisions, and
  • fraud referrals.

Change Date

March 31, 2025

XIV.1.1.a. Purpose of Matching Programs

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) receives information on a regular basis from several Federal agencies and compares it to information used to determine the status of VA beneficiaries.

The matches identify cases where there are apparent contradictions between information contained in VA records and information furnished by other Federal agencies that affect entitlement.

Note: Regional offices will be informed of the dates the matches are conducted.

XIV.1.1.b. Due Process Provisions

Information derived from the matches may be used to adjust VA benefit payments. However, due process provisions are required since matching program information is third-party information.

Exceptions: The Social Security Administration (SSA) death master file match allows VA to

  • suspend the beneficiary’s award, and
  • generate a contemporaneous notice of the suspension to the beneficiary’s last known address.

References: For more information on

  • due process provisions, see M21-1, Part I, Subpart i, 1.B, and
  • the SSA death master file match, see M21-1, Part XIV, 2.B.

XIV.1.1.c. Fraud Referrals

Consider a fraud referral in all instances of failure to report income or other entitlement factors under the provisions of M21-1, Part X, Subpart iv, 3.A.

2. Jurisdiction Over Reports From Matching Programs

Introduction

This topic contains information on jurisdiction over reports from matching programs, including

  • pension management center (PMC) responsibility, and
  • Veterans Service Center (VSC) and Benefit Eligibility Support Team (BEST) responsibility.

Change Date

March 31, 2025

XIV.1.2.a. PMC Responsibility

The pension management centers (PMCs) in Philadelphia, St. Paul and Milwaukee are responsible for receiving and processing all reports from matching programs involving pension and Dependency and Indemnity Compensation recipients, including reports from:

  • Federal tax information match, including
  • upfront verification
  • the income verification match, and
  • post award audits (PAA)
  • SSA verification match
  • Social Security number match, and
  • prison and fugitive felon match.

Reference: For more information on PMC procedures, see M21-1, Part I, Subpart ii, 1.C.

Note: PMCs are not responsible for reviewing PAAs related to total disability based on individual unemployability.

XIV.1.2.b. VSC and BEST Responsibility

The Veterans Service Center or Benefit Eligibility Support Team of jurisdiction is responsible for receiving and processing reports from

  • the SSA prison match, based on the location of the claims folder, and
  • matches involving compensation entitlement.

Not legal or medical advice: The M21 manuals are VA operational guidance for staff. They do not override laws, regulations, or court decisions. Claim Raven is not an official VA application and is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.