The following are frequently asked questions about Veterans' Affairs. If you have a question that is not answered here, you may click here for more answers to other frequently asked questions or contact the VA Office at 704.330.6267 or call the Department of Veterans Affairs at 1.888.442.4551.

Q: The Department of Veterans Affairs says I'm not eligible? What do I do?!
A: If the DVA notifies you that you are ineligible for benefits and you believe this is an incorrect evaluation, you should submit an appeal to the Department of Veterans' Affairs as soon as possible.

Other than actual ineligibility, common reasons for DVA notification of ineligibility include:

• Insufficient Evidence of contribution to G.I. Bill or VEAP
• Conflicting information regarding service dates
• Failure of Department of Defense to update eligibility information in computer system *
• Failure to provide the correct chapter number on the application for benefits
• A name change which may make it difficult for DVA to identify the veteran
• Confusion associated with multiple family members using benefits (ex., Harvey Holmes, Sr. and Harvey Holmes, Jr. using benefits at the same time)

Documents that may be required to resolve eligibility issues include:

• LES's showing all G.I. Bill contributions made
• Cash collection voucher showing proof of lump sum contribution
• Copies of all DD214's to reflect ALL periods of service
• Proof of name change (ex., marriage certificate showing both married and maiden name)

*The Department of Veterans Affairs does not actually determine your eligibility. The DVA interprets and acts upon eligibility information maintained and updated by the Department of Defense. Ultimately, it is the Department of Defense that verifies or denies your eligibility to the DVA. The DVA simply communicates this information to you.

Q: Why haven't I been certified yet?
A: Certification is the school's way of notifying DVA that you are enrolled and wish to be certified. Certifications are submitted each semester once the veterans' CPCC VA file is completed and he/she has submitted a VA Certification Request Form.

Q: I have not been paid yet. Where's my check?
A: How long ago were you certified? It takes the DVA 9-12 weeks to verify new claims and/or process initial payment. Processing tends to take longer during the fall semester - the highest enrollment period of the year.

Did you submit your Verification of Enrollment to the DVA? You must verify your enrollment at the end of every month by visiting the DVA Web Automated Verification of Enrollment (WAVE) website. If you do not verify your enrollment, you will not receive your monthly benefits.

Q: When I do get paid, will I get "back pay"?
A: Payments will be retroactive to the first day of the current term.

Q: DVA says I'm only 1/2 time - but I'm concurrently enrolled at another institution. I should be getting a full time check. What do I do?
A: Did you request a Parent School Letter from CPCC’s Veterans Affairs Office? To qualify, the veteran should meet with an Academic Counselor to document that the courses will transfer to CPCC. The other (secondary) school at which you are enrolled will not certify your enrollment unless you provide them with a Parent School Letter. Contact the VAO at 704.330.6267 to request a letter and bring it to the VA Certifying official at your secondary school. Allow DVA 6-8 weeks to process the second enrollment and add the two training times together.

Q: My check reflects 3/4 time enrollment, but I've added a class. I'm full time. How do I fix this?
A: Changes in enrollment (drop/add/withdrawal) should be reported to CPCC’s VA Office within 5 working days. Allow the DVA 4-6 weeks to process the adjustment.

Q: What time period does this check cover? Is this a break check?
A: Call 1-888-442-4551.

Q: I'm no longer active duty, but I'm still being paid tuition and fees only. When will I receive my full benefits?
A: When did you ETS? Did you provide us with a copy of your DD-214? When you ETS, it is the Department of Defense's responsibility to update your duty status in the computer system relied upon by DVA to process your benefit payments. Computer system updates could take up to 90 days. By providing our office with a copy of your DD-214 (Member 4 copy) you can expedite the conversion of your entitlement to "off-duty" pay. In general, allow DVA 30 to 60 days to adjust your pay following receipt of the DD-214.

Q: I can't get through to the 1-888#? Would you contact DVA for me?
A: No. We call and experience the same delays in calling the 1-888#. Please notify CPCC's Veterans' Affairs Office if you are unable to get through to the DVA within a reasonable time frame. The VA Certifying Official will email the DVA in your behalf. It will take approximately three-five days to receive a response.

Q: I've been paid too much money. I've received an overpayment letter. What do I do?
A: You should respond to the overpayment letter within 30 days. Appeal procedures are enclosed in your letter. If you know that you are at fault, you may either pay the DVA directly, or request that the overpayment be deducted from future entitlement.

Q: Why didn't I get my break check?
A: Payment through a break between terms is based on several factors.
To qualify for break payment you must be enrolled:

• at least 1/2 training time in the term before the break
• at least 1/2 time in the term following the break
• the break cannot be longer than a full calendar month
• the break cannot involve a "change of place of training" (transfer to a new institution).