Use of Separation Codes in the Military Family Relief Fund Program

Purpose:

To provide the Indiana Veterans’ Affairs Commission’s duties, responsibilities, and process concerning Military Family Relief Fund (“MFRF”) applications that contain a DD Form 214 evidencing that the veteran was discharged with an “Other Than Honorable” discharge and the use of separation codes to determine initial eligibility for the MFRF Program.

References:

Military Family Relief Fund (10-17-12-10.5)

Policy:

Use of Separation Codes Concerning MFRF Applications Where the Veteran was Discharged With an “Other Than Honorable” Discharge.

Allowable

1. The Indiana Veterans’ Affairs Commission will determine and maintain a list of separation codes that are allowable.
2. MFRF applications that contain a DD Form 214 evidencing that the veteran was discharged with an “Other Than Honorable” discharge and a separation code determined to be allowable by the Indiana Veterans’ Affairs Commission will be processed in accordance with the MFRF standard operating procedures.

Disallowable

1. The Indiana Veterans’ Affairs Commission will determine and maintain a list of separation codes that are disallowable consistent with IC 10-17-12-7.5.
2. MFRF applications that contain a DD Form 214 evidencing that the veteran was discharged with an “Other Than Honorable” discharge and a separation code determined to be disallowable by the Indiana Veterans’ Affairs Commission will be denied.
3. Any MFRF application that is denied will be afforded the opportunity to appeal IDVA’s decision.

Questionable

1. The Indiana Veterans’ Affairs Commission will determine that all separation codes that are not included on the lists of allowable or disallowable separation codes will be deemed questionable.
2. MFRF applications that contain a DD Form 214 evidencing that the veteran was discharged with an Other Than Honorable discharge and a separation code determined to be questionable by the Indiana Veterans’ Affairs Commission will be analyzed by the Indiana Veterans’ Affairs Commission Taskforce Concerning MFRF Matters (“Taskforce”).
3. The Taskforce will review and analysis all relevant documentation submitted with the MFRF application to determine whether the individual facts and circumstances that would result in the separation code being either allowable or unallowable.
4. The Taskforce’s determination will be implemented in accordance with the provisions concerning allowable and disallowable separation codes set forth above.

Before July 1 of each year, the Indiana Veterans’ Affairs Commission shall review this policy to determine if any amendments are needed to the policy or the lists of allowable, disallowable, and questionable separation codes.

Effective Date: July 13, 2021

Ending Date: This policy will end upon rescission by vote of the Commission

Contact for Questions: Gabrielle J. Owens, General Counsel, GOwens1@dva.in.gov or 317-232-3165