Section G - Claims Based on Former Prisoner of war (POW) Status - Updated 9/16/14

Subpart II - Compensation
Chapter 1 - Development

Overview


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In this Section
This section contains the following topics:   ''' '''
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23.   General Information on Claims Based on Former POW (FPOW) Status
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Introduction
This topic contains general information on developing claims based on former prisoner of war (FPOW) status. It includes information on
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 ·      who has the authority to determine FPOW status, and

 ·      handling

 -     questions on FPOW issues, and

 -     statements from Veterans and FPOW camp comrades. 
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Change Date
September 16, 2014 {| border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoNormalTable" style="border-collapse:collapse;mso-table-layout-alt:fixed;mso-padding-alt: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"
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a.   Who Has the Authority to Determine FPOW Status
Only the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has the authority to determine former prisoner of war (FPOW) status if detention or internment occurred during
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 ·      peacetime, or

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1"> ·      wartime and the detention or internment was by

<p class="BulletText2" style="mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2"> -     allied governments, such as the Soviet Union in World War II (WWII) or their agents

<p class="BulletText2" style="mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2"> -     neutral governments, such as Switzerland or Sweden in WW II or their agents, or

<p class="BulletText2" style="mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2"> -     hostile governments or forces.

<p class="MsoBlockText">

<p class="MsoBlockText">Important:   An administrative decision is required in these cases.

<p class="MsoBlockText">

<p class="MsoBlockText">References:   For more information on

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1"> ·      determining FPOW status, see M21-1MR, Part III, Subpart v, 1.C, and

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1"> ·      FPOW service records, see   M21-1MR, Part III, Subpart iii, 2.G. {| border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoNormalTable" style="border-collapse:collapse;mso-table-layout-alt:fixed;mso-padding-alt:  0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"
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b.   Handling Questions on Former POW Issues
<p class="MsoBlockText">Direct any questions on FPOW issues to [mailto:outreach.vbaco@va.gov Benefits Assistance Service (BAS)].
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<p class="MsoBlockText">

<p class="MsoBlockText">Reference: For more information, see the BAS FPOW page.

<p class="MsoBlockText"> <p class="ContinuedOnNextPa" style="margin-left:0in;mso-border-between:.75pt solid windowtext; mso-padding-between:1.0pt">Continued on next page '''<span style="font-size:16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language: EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA"> '''
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c.   Handling Statements From Veterans and Former Comrades
<p class="MsoBlockText">Accept a Veteran’s statement regarding disabilities or diseases incurred as a FPOW as proof of service incurrence unless these statements are inconsistent with other evidence. Give careful consideration to the statements of the FPOWs and to those of former comrades if offered in support.
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<p class="MsoBlockText">

<p class="MsoBlockText">Note:   If these statements are inconsistent with other evidence of record, develop with the Veteran to clarify any discrepancies. <p class="BlockLine" style="margin-left:0in;mso-border-between:.75pt solid windowtext; mso-padding-between:1.0pt"> '''<span style="font-size:16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language: EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA"> '''
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24.   Developing Claims That Are Based on FPOW Status
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Introduction
<p class="MsoBlockText">This topic contains information on developing claims for compensation that are based on FPOW status. It includes information on
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<p class="MsoBlockText">

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1"> ·      obtaining FPOW service records

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1"> ·      when to contact the Compensation Service

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1"> ·      requesting medical evidence from the Veteran, and

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1"> ·      verifying FPOW status. <p class="BlockLine" style="margin-left:0in;mso-border-between:.75pt solid windowtext; mso-padding-between:1.0pt">
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Change Date
<p class="MsoBlockText">December 13, 2005 {| border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoNormalTable" style="border-collapse:collapse;mso-table-layout-alt:fixed;mso-padding-alt: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"
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a.   Obtaining FPOW Service Records
<p class="MsoBlockText">For information on requesting service records for FPOWs, see M21-1MR, Part III, Subpart iii, 2.G. <p class="BlockLine" style="margin-left:0in;mso-border-between:.75pt solid windowtext; mso-padding-between:1.0pt">
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b.   When to Contact Compensation Service
<p class="MsoBlockText">Contact Compensation Service, Policy Staff (211) if the response to the request for POW service records
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<p class="MsoBlockText">

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1"> ·      indicates that no records may be released because they are classified, or

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1"> ·      is inadequate. <p class="ContinuedOnNextPa" style="margin-left:0in;mso-border-between:.75pt solid windowtext; mso-padding-between:1.0pt">Continued on next page '''<span style="font-size:16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language: EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA"> '''
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c.   Requesting Medical Evidence From the Veteran
<p class="MsoBlockText">If neither the service treatment records (STRs) received regarding examination immediately after FPOW confinement nor other STRs support the alleged disabilities in the claim, request the necessary evidence from the Veteran.
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<p class="MsoBlockText">

<p class="MsoBlockText">Reference: For more information on obtaining information from the claimant, see M21-1MR Part III, Subpart iii, 2.G.48.d. {| border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoNormalTable" style="border-collapse:collapse;mso-table-layout-alt:fixed;mso-padding-alt: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"
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d.   Verifying Former POW Status
<p class="MsoBlockText">If a Veteran claims FPOW status, but evidence to support this claim is not of record
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<p class="MsoBlockText">

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1"> ·      submit a request through the Personnel Information Exchange System (PIES), using request code O25, and

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1"> ·      ask the Veteran to provide the missing evidence.

<p class="MsoBlockText">

<p class="MsoBlockText">Note:   The type of evidence requested will depend on the type of status claimed. <p class="ContinuedOnNextPa" style="margin-left:0in;mso-border-between:.75pt solid windowtext; mso-padding-between:1.0pt"> '''<span style="font-size:16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language: EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA"> '''
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25.   Verifying Former POW Status for the Defenders of Wake Island
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Introduction
<p class="MsoBlockText">This topic contains information on verifying former POW status for the defenders of Wake Island. It includes information on
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<p class="MsoBlockText">

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1"> ·      verifying FPOW status for the defenders of Wake Island

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1"> ·      the information that should be on the DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1"> ·      where to obtain medical records for the defenders of Wake Island, and

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1"> ·      considering Federal Employees Compensation Act (FECA) benefits. <p class="BlockLine" style="margin-left:0in;mso-border-between:.75pt solid windowtext; mso-padding-between:1.0pt">
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Change Date
<p class="MsoBlockText">December 13, 2005 {| border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoNormalTable" style="border-collapse:collapse;mso-table-layout-alt:fixed;mso-padding-alt: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"
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a.   Verifying Former POW Status for Defenders of Wake Island
<p class="MsoBlockText">The civilian employees of Pacific Naval air bases who actively participated in the defense of Wake Island
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<p class="MsoBlockText">

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1"> ·      served on active duty from December 8, 1941, until approximately October 1, 1945, and

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1"> ·      are classified as POWs from December 23, 1941, until approximately October 1, 1945. {| border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoNormalTable" style="border-collapse:collapse;mso-table-layout-alt:fixed;mso-padding-alt: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"
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b.   Information That Should Be on the DD Form 214
<p class="MsoBlockText">The remarks section of DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, for defenders of Wake Island should contain
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<p class="MsoBlockText">

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1"> ·      the name of the group to which they belonged, and

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1"> ·      a statement indicating

<p class="BulletText2" style="mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2"> -     the time period during which the individual was held as a POW, and

<p class="BulletText2" style="mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2"> -     that there are no medical or dental records pertaining to that time period. <p class="ContinuedOnNextPa" style="margin-left:0in;mso-border-between:.75pt solid windowtext; mso-padding-between:1.0pt">Continued on next page '''<span style="font-size:16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language: EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA"> '''
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<p class="MapTitleContinued"> 25. Verifying Former POW Status for the Defenders of Wake Island, Continued <p class="BlockLine" style="margin-left:0in;mso-border-between:.75pt solid windowtext; mso-padding-between:1.0pt">

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c.   Where to Obtain Medical Records for the Defenders of Wake Island
<p class="MsoBlockText">Do not submit requests for medical records for the defenders of Wake Island to the Veteran’s service department or the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC).
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<p class="MsoBlockText">

<p class="MsoBlockText">Obtain available records, if any, from the following address, using a locally-generated letter:

<p class="MsoBlockText">

<p class="MsoBlockText">Office of Workers' Compensation Programs—Branch of Special Claims

<p class="MsoBlockText">P.O. Box 37117

<p class="MsoBlockText">Washington, DC   20013 {| border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoNormalTable" style="border-collapse:collapse;mso-table-layout-alt:fixed;mso-padding-alt: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"
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d.   Considering FECA Benefits
<p class="MsoBlockText">The defenders of Wake Island are entitled to Federal Employees Compensation Act (FECA) benefits.
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<p class="MsoBlockText">

<p class="MsoBlockText">An election between FECA benefits and VA benefits is required.

<p class="MsoBlockText">

<p class="MsoBlockText">Note:   Follow the procedures in M21-1MR, Part III, Subpart v, 4.D on FECA benefits and elections upon receipt of a claim for VA benefits.
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