Virtual Proficiency Training Conference Overview and Schedule

2 Introduction to vPTC & Current Events at the VA Ryan Gallucci, Director, NVS rgallucci@vfw.org Dawn Jirak, Deputy Director, NVS djirak@vfw.org Mike Figlioli, Deputy Director, NVS mfiglioli@vfw.org

Why a Virtual Proficiency Training Conference? Even though many of us are working from our homes due to Covid-19, veterans and their families still need our help The purpose of this virtual conference is to give you information and tools that will help you continue the VFW s mission no matter where you are physically located While we are excited to add virtual learning into our curriculum, we fully intend to continue live training conferences once it is safe to do so 3

How will vPTC work? The Virtual Proficiency Training Conference (vPTC) will take place over the next three weeks with courses taking place each Tuesday and Thursday at either 9:00AM EST or 2:00PM EST The final course will take place on Tuesday, June 23, 2020. Please only attend the workgroup session to which you are assigned 4

How will vPTC work? After each workgroup session is completed, a recording of the class will be posted in the VFW OLP There will be two recordings for each workgroup topic, one from each session Be respectful during the sessions and in the chat box 5

vPTC: Will there be a test? On Wednesday, June 24, 2020 at 9:00AM EST the test will be made available for all PTC attendees and will remain available until 4:30PM EST on Monday June 29, 2020 The test can be accessed in the VFW Online Learning Portal (OLP) in the course library under vPTC Test All of the material presented in the course sessions is testable and will be available to view and/or download in the resources section of the OLP 6

vPTC: What about staff members that weren t invited? Although this is a virtual conference, there are still space and technology limitations None of what we are teaching is a secret and we encourage you to share the information with your fellow accredited representatives All presentations and workgroup recordings are available to all registered users of the OLP 7

vPTC: Key Staff The following individuals will be your instructors and/or facilitators during vPTC: Ryan Gallucci: Director, NVS Dawn Jirak: Deputy Director, NVS Mike Figlioli: Deputy Director, NVS Gregg Orto: Assistant Director, Field Operations Brad Hazell: Assistant Director, Compensation & Pension Policy Chris Macinkowicz: Associate Director, Training & QA Dan Fletcher: Special Assistant, Training & QA Laura Bartus: Learning Systems Lead, Humana 8

vPTC: How will the classes work? At the beginning of each class, there will be a Functions Check to help you ensure that your equipment is working and to show you how to engage with the class 9

Functions Check Before we get started, let s perform a functions check to ensure everyone can participate and follow along. Ensure that you re in a quiet space in your home or office Make sure that your computer is charged and/or plugged in. Next, please keep your microphone on MUTE unless you are speaking. To mute or unmute your microphone, click on the microphone icon in the lower, left corner of the screen. You can start or stop your camera video at any time by clicking on the video icon in the lower, left corner of the screen. Click on the icon to start or stop. 10

Functions Check If you re having trouble hearing the presentation, first ensure that your volume is on and turned up. Then, if using headphones, check the settings by using the arrow next to the microphone icon to ensure that you re using the correct settings for headphones. To use the CHAT feature, click on the chat icon at the bottom, middle of the screen. You can choose to chat with everyone or a specific person by using the arrow. 11

Functions Check You can give a virtual thumbs up or clap by using the reactions icon. Click on the icon then choose a reaction the reaction will display on your screen for a few seconds and go away on its own. Annotate (arrow)- Top, middle. Choose View Options and Annotate. Then choose Arrow - **Please only use these features when instructed to do so. 12

Functions Check If you have a QUESTION during the presentation, please enter a question mark (?) into the chat box and the presenter or facilitator will call on you to address your question. PLEASE WAIT UNTIL YOU ARE RECOGNIZED BEFORE UNMUTING YOUR MICROPHONE If you re having technical difficulties please contact Chris Macinkowicz via private message in the chat box or at cmacinkowicz@vfw.org. If you need a comfort break, please do so and return as soon as possible. Please remember, these sessions will be recorded for future use. Everything on the internet lasts forever! 13

What has NVS done during COVID-19? NVS, in accordance with state and local guidance, has implemented a temporary telework policy that began on March 17, 2020 and will remain in effect until the VFW leadership determines it is safe to resume in-office activities 14

What has NVS done during COVID-19? Although our physical offices are closed: NVS is attending meetings with VA to determine how their policies will affect veterans NVS BDD representatives are meeting with transitioning service members virtually with minimal decreases in production The VFW Appeals Consultants are representing veterans at the BVA by completing Informal Hearing Presentations The Tactical Assessment Center is responding to veterans and service officers to help solve issues and offer advice 15

Current Events at VA 48 Hour review clock On April 26, 2020 VA proceeded with changes to eliminate the 48 hour VSO review period VFW strongly opposes this change and has been working with VA and Congress to have the review period reinstated On May 19, 2020 Sen. Jon Tester (D-MT) introduced VFW- supported S. 3761, the Veterans Claim Transparency Act. 16

Current Events at VA Public Facing DBQ s On March 25, 2020 VA removed the public facing Disability Benefits Questionnaires from their website On April 15, 2020 Rep. Andy Barr (R-KY) introduced H.R. 6493, Veterans Benefits Fairness and Transparency Act to reintroduce publicly-accessible DBQs 17

Current Events at VA C&P Exams VA suspended all in-person C&P exams on April 6, 2020 due to COVID-19 VA guidance is that veterans who cannot complete C&P exams due to COVID-19 closures should not have conditions denied VA presented a phased-in plan to restart C&P exams on May 28, 2020, with further clarification that veterans can opt to reschedule exams without it affecting their claims. 18

Current Events at VA New Form 21 On March 2, 2020 VA updated the VA21 Changes include the method of qualification which is now limited to prior experience or completion of appropriate training, and stating the type of accreditation VA TRIP training can be used as the training qualification 19

Current Events at VA New Form 21 If the old form 21 is submitted to NVS it will be returned and will delay the accreditation process It is important that the form is filled out correctly to include the FULL middle name, as well as FULL dates of service (not just month/year) as OGC will return the form if it is not correctly completed 20

Board of Veterans Appeals Update BVA Supervisor Briefing Tele-hearings On April 10, 2020 Present Trump signed the Tele-hearing modernization act which authorized BVA to begin conducting Virtual Hearings which can take place anywhere an internet connection is available 21

Safe Return to the Office VFW National staff on remote work through July 13 Check with local leadership on access and safety protocols for your facility Ensure your VFW Department leadership knows your availability and preferences to serve clients Update out-of-office messages with important client contact information Safety for staff members and clients must be paramount 22

Safe Return to the Office Safety Considerations: CDC recommends continued social distancing Face-to-face meetings with clients should be conducted safely Ensure your office has a supply of masks, cleanser, and hand sanitizer Work with your hosts to better understand cleaning protocols for your office and availability of supplies NVS is unable to provide direct assistance for acquisition of supplies, but the restricted grants CAN BE USED for this purpose 23

Safe Return to the Office Safety Considerations: Instruct clients to bring their own pens, or ensure that clean and sanitized pens are available for each client s use Sanitize electronic signature pads after each use Consider plexiglass barriers between you and clients Ensure clients are not congregating in the office. Consider limiting walk-in access to assistance and/or requesting clients to wait in an area other than the office waiting area. (Many doctor s offices are calling in clients from their cars or outside the building for their appointments) 24

VFW Business National Convention VFW canceled the 2020 National Convention in Reno, Nevada Most organizational business, such as election and installment of officers, will be handled by the National Council of Administration in accordance with the National Bylaws NVS Resolutions Committee will meet on Friday, July 10, 2020 via video teleconference NVS Advisory Committee will meet on Wednesday, July 15, 2020 via video teleconference Alternate arrangements will be made to recognize the Past Commander-in-Chief John A. Biedrzycki Accredited Representative of the Year Award winner for 2019-2020 25

Discussion Now it s your turn: We want to hear what is going on in your offices and how you and your staff are handling the current situation We are also here to listen to your concerns and answer your questions. Place a question mark (?) in the chat box and wait to be called upon before unmuting your microphone and speaking 26