Kan. Admin. Regs. § 97-6-1

Current through Register Vol. 43, No. 49, December 5, 2024

Section 97-6-1 - Definitions

As used in this article, unless the context clearly requires otherwise, the following terms shall have the meanings specified in this regulation:

(a) "Accrediting" means certifying either of the following to act as an agent in or to have a power of attorney for the preparation, presentation, or prosecution of any claim under laws administered by the secretary of the United States department of veterans affairs (USDVA):

(1) Any individual who represents a congressionally chartered veterans service organization recognized by the secretary of the United States department of veterans affairs (USDVA); or

(2) any veterans service representative employed by the Kansas commission on veterans' affairs, which is recognized by the secretary of the United States department of veterans affairs (USDVA).

(b) "Claim" means any veterans claims management activity.

(c) "Claims program officer" means the employee of a VSO participating in the service grant program who is the primary point of contact for KCVA quality assurance staff and KCVA field office staff in veterans claims assistance matters.

(d) "Commission" and "KCVA" mean the Kansas commission on veterans' affairs.

(e) "Cross-accredit" means to accredit based on the status of a veterans service representative as an accredited and functioning veterans service representative of another veterans service organization.

(f) "Director" means the director of the veterans claims assistance program.

(g) "Executive director" means the executive director of the Kansas commission on veterans' affairs.

(h) "In-kind contribution" means any noncash input that can be given a cash value.

(i) "Interested party" means any of the following if authorized under applicable law to act or to receive information on behalf of a veteran or the veteran's spouse, dependents, or survivors:

(1) An individual;

(2) a judicial or other type of body; or

(3) a legally authorized representative.

(j) "Monetary support" means an in-kind contribution, a service, or cash.

(k) "One-stop service center" means a location where service grant program participants provide services to veterans and their spouses, dependents, and survivors, using a client-centered, one-stop approach that meets conditions that include the following:

(1) Individual needs are identified, and the best way to provide assistance is determined, internally or through the coordination of departmental and community resources.

(2) An advocacy partnership is established between the client, veterans service organization, and the KCVA to insure maximum participation in all aspects of case-planning decisions.

(3) The staff members work with veterans service organizations to meet the widest array of client needs and to determine each client's eligibility for departmental services and benefits.

(4) The uniform delivery of services and the improvement of benefits are paramount.

(l) "Power of attorney" and "POA" mean a legal document granting a veterans service organization (VSO) and the service officers accredited by that VSO the legal capacity to represent a veteran in matters with the USDVA.

(m) "State headquarters" means the permanent location within Kansas that serves as the administrative center of a chartered service organization.

(n) "USDVA" means the United States department of veterans affairs.

(o) "VARO" means United States department of veterans affairs regional office in Wichita, Kansas.

(p) "Veterans service organization" and "VSO" mean an organization whose representatives provide veterans and their spouses, dependents, and survivors with information, advice, and assistance regarding the availability and acquisition of veterans' benefits under laws administered by the USDVA and other agencies. The VSO also assists in the preparation of claims and represents the veterans and their spouses, dependents, and survivors during the appeals process, if this action is necessary. A VSO is a congressionally chartered veterans service organization recognized or approved by the secretary of the USDVA for purposes of preparation, presentation, and prosecution of claims under laws administered by the USDVA. Synonyms for this term shall include "chartered service organization" and "participating veterans' organization."

(q) "Veterans service representative" and "VSR" mean a person who assists veterans in obtaining information, including military service history and medical records, necessary to obtain benefits from the USDVA. Synonyms for this term shall include "service representative," "veterans service officer," "service officer," "SO," "veterans service advocacy officer," and "veterans claims consultant."

Kan. Admin. Regs. § 97-6-1

Authorized by and implementing L. 2006, ch. 153, sec. 1; effective April 27, 2007.