(May 9, 2006)

In order to further improve the lines of communication and to respond to the concerns between the National VA Council and you our members, I have established a National VA Council Briefing. This NVAC Briefing will bring you the latest news and developments within DVA and provide you with the current status of issues this Council is currently addressing. I believe that this NVAC Briefing will greatly enhance the way in which we communicate and the way in which we share new information, keeping you better informed.

Alma L. Lee

President

National Veterans Affairs Council, #53

American Federation of Government Employees, AFL-CIO

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In This Briefing:  Important Notice for Current, Retirees, and Separated VA Employees

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The Department of Veterans Affairs announces that retirees and separated employees who were charged leave on non-workdays during periods of military training from 1994-2000, can now file claims through the local servicing payroll or timekeeping office at the last VA office where they were employed.  Please submit your claims on VA Form 0862 Administrative Form for Annual Leave, which is available for download at: <http://vaww.va.gov/vaforms/va/pdf/VA0862.pdf> .

Claim forms must be accompanied by documentation, such as a copy of military orders, civilian Leave and Earnings statements, or Time and Attendance records that establish an employee’s entitlement to the leave adjustment.  Retired and separated VA employees will receive lump sum compensation which will be paid at the same rate of pay the employee earned at the time of retirement or separation.

Current VA employees who may have been charged leave on non-workdays during their 15-days military leave may continue to file claims through their local HR offices using the same form, VA Form 0862.  In accordance with the MSPB ruling based on Wellein and Lee v. Department of Agriculture, employees whose claims were denied based on the “Six Year Rule,” can also re-submit claims to receive credit for any period between 1994 and 2000.  The maximum annual leave credit a claimant can receive is four (4) days of annual leave per fiscal year.