Citation Nr: 18160425
Decision Date: 12/26/18	Archive Date: 12/26/18

DOCKET NO. 15-13 727
DATE:	December 26, 2018
REMANDED
Entitlement to have 5 months not charged against appellant’s entitlement under the Dependents' Educational Assistance Program (DEA) is remanded.
REASONS FOR REMAND
Entitlement to 5 months of free entitlement under the Dependents' Educational Assistance Program (DEA) is remanded.
The appellant is seeking 5 months of free entitlement under the DEA program for her training at Meridian Technical College.  VA will not charge up to 5 months against an eligible person’s entitlement if he or she is pursuing a course leading to a secondary school diploma or equivalency certificate or refresher, remedial, or deficiency training.  The appellant contends that her classes at Meridian Technical College were used to satisfy her graduation requirements at Bixler Academy and ultimately lead to a secondary school diploma.  See April 2015 VA Form 9.  In support of her claim the appellant provided her transcript from Bixler Academy which listed the Meridian Technical College classes as part of her course load.  However, no secondary school diploma or equivalency certificate, or indication that such was received, has been associated with the appellant’s claims file.  As such, the Board is unable to determine if her training at Meridian Technical College ultimately lead to a secondary school diploma or equivalency certificate. 
Therefore, the appellant must be provided with an opportunity to provide these documents on remand.  
The matter is REMANDED for the following action:
1. Contact the appellant and request a copy of her secondary school diploma or equivalency certificate.  
2. Readjudicate the claim on appeal. If the benefit sought on appeal remains denied, the appellant should be issued an appropriate supplemental statement of the case and afforded the opportunity to respond.  
 
M.E. Larkin
Veterans Law Judge
Board of Veterans’ Appeals
ATTORNEY FOR THE BOARD	C. Biggins, Associate Counsel

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