Posted on Dec 5, 2024
I live OCONUS, VA has requested verification of my wife's SSN, why can't I upload online?
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My wife has never had a SSN, living in Denmark she could never get to a military base to get one, besides she is listed on DEERS. Last year I filed for SSI benefits through the Embassy in Oslo. They ask if my wife wanted to draw as well, I stated she didn't have a SSN, they said no problem, sent the forms, we received a paper showing her SSN. As a non US Citizen she is not required to file federal taxes, thus we never received a W2, so I requested through the Embassy one, was a C.Y.A. so the Danish government couldn't say we didn't pay taxes. I sent a copy of this paper to the VA along with a copy of her passport as they wanted a pic I.D. She has no I.D. showing a SSN. Now I receive another notice from the VA they require proof of SSN and ID or they will reduce my VA benefits. Today I am sending the same info by snail mail as there is no way I can upload the info, except this time it is registered mail so someone has to sign for it. If there is a way to upload the info online, I cannot find it. The VA continues to change its page making things more difficult to work with. Also I have tried to get a VSO, written to two different contact in Germany, but none have replied to me. Living in Denmark is like being in the back waters of care and concern from the VA. Over the years I have been treated as a second class Vet on so many different way, now this one as well. I thought being a member of the VFW would help, maybe if I was in Germany or Italy. No one cares.
VA Claim
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)
Posted 21 d ago
Responses: 4
Strangely enough, if your wife didn't have a SSN it wouldn't be an issue. The VA's adjudication manual states that if a dependant has no SSN, is not a U.S. citizen, and resides outside of the US or any of it's territories, then they don't even need a certified statement from you stating they don't have one.
You should be able to submit the form using QuickSubmit*. QuickSubmit will take the stuff you upload and dump it into the VA's Centralized Mail (CM), just like what happens when you send documents to the VA's Intake Center (when documents are received by the Intake Center, they are digitized and uploaded to the CM).
According to the VA adjudication manual*, the VA should have sent you a request to provide a filled-out VA Form 21-4138. Just attach the form, a scan of her passport and one of her Social Security card and you should be good to go.
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* VA's QuickSubmit - https://eauth.va.gov/accessva/?cspSelectFor=quicksubmit
* M21-1 (VA's Adjudication Manual) , Part VII, Subpart i, Chapter 1, Section A - General Information on Relationship and Dependency - https://www.knowva.ebenefits.va.gov/system/templates/selfservice/va_ssnew/help/customer/locale/en-US/portal/ [login to see] 01018/content/ [login to see] 76613/M21-1-Part-VII-Subpart-i-Chapter-1-Section-A-General-Information-on-Relationship-and-Dependency?query=social%20security%20number#7
You should be able to submit the form using QuickSubmit*. QuickSubmit will take the stuff you upload and dump it into the VA's Centralized Mail (CM), just like what happens when you send documents to the VA's Intake Center (when documents are received by the Intake Center, they are digitized and uploaded to the CM).
According to the VA adjudication manual*, the VA should have sent you a request to provide a filled-out VA Form 21-4138. Just attach the form, a scan of her passport and one of her Social Security card and you should be good to go.
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* VA's QuickSubmit - https://eauth.va.gov/accessva/?cspSelectFor=quicksubmit
* M21-1 (VA's Adjudication Manual) , Part VII, Subpart i, Chapter 1, Section A - General Information on Relationship and Dependency - https://www.knowva.ebenefits.va.gov/system/templates/selfservice/va_ssnew/help/customer/locale/en-US/portal/ [login to see] 01018/content/ [login to see] 76613/M21-1-Part-VII-Subpart-i-Chapter-1-Section-A-General-Information-on-Relationship-and-Dependency?query=social%20security%20number#7
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SGM Mikel Dawson
Sir, I remember long time ago, the site was so much more "user friendly". I don't understand why they have to make it so complicated. I guess the I.T. guys need to keep their jobs so they continue to change things. They don't understand the "If it ain't broke, don't fix it" concept.
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COL Randall C.
SGM Mikel Dawson - Each month the VA does a cross-check with the SSA* on about 25% of the files. Based on your comments it sounds like when your current wife's SSN was put in the system that somehow either the VA or the SSA has info on your spouse that doesn't agree (in this case, it sounds like one of the systems has your ex-wife still associated with you).
The W-2 should be adequate for proof, but I would also upload the letter you received from the SSA notifying you of her SSN. It doesn't hurt to have additional documentation in your file if for some reason the processor doesn't accept the W-2. I've looked through the VA's adjudication manual but have been unable to find anything about "acceptable proof" for a SSN other than stating you need to provide it.
I recommend you double check your profile to ensure your wife's info is correct on the VA side (https://www.va.gov/view-change-dependents/view). If the info is correct, then likely the mismatch info is coming from the SSA (talk to the Federal Benefits Unit at the Embassy).
Additionally, if you or your wife don't have one, establish a mySocialSecurity account* as it will make it easier in requesting a (replacement) social security card, verification letter, etc.
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* Monthly SSN verification with SSA - https://www.knowva.ebenefits.va.gov/system/templates/selfservice/va_ssnew/help/customer/locale/en-US/portal/ [login to see] 01018/content/ [login to see] 73304/M21-1-Part-XIV-Chapter-2-Section-C-Social-Security-Number-SSN-Verification
* my Social Security - https://www.ssa.gov/myaccount/
The W-2 should be adequate for proof, but I would also upload the letter you received from the SSA notifying you of her SSN. It doesn't hurt to have additional documentation in your file if for some reason the processor doesn't accept the W-2. I've looked through the VA's adjudication manual but have been unable to find anything about "acceptable proof" for a SSN other than stating you need to provide it.
I recommend you double check your profile to ensure your wife's info is correct on the VA side (https://www.va.gov/view-change-dependents/view). If the info is correct, then likely the mismatch info is coming from the SSA (talk to the Federal Benefits Unit at the Embassy).
Additionally, if you or your wife don't have one, establish a mySocialSecurity account* as it will make it easier in requesting a (replacement) social security card, verification letter, etc.
--------------------------------------------
* Monthly SSN verification with SSA - https://www.knowva.ebenefits.va.gov/system/templates/selfservice/va_ssnew/help/customer/locale/en-US/portal/ [login to see] 01018/content/ [login to see] 73304/M21-1-Part-XIV-Chapter-2-Section-C-Social-Security-Number-SSN-Verification
* my Social Security - https://www.ssa.gov/myaccount/
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SGM Mikel Dawson
Sir, WILCO. Did not think about that. I did include the letter from the Embassy when we first was issued her SSN as a CYA. Also what I did was go into "Ask VA". I wrote to the tech support outlining a better way so when people are looking for the link to upload docs. Do not know if it will do any good, but it makes me feel better. When I went to "Search" and typed in looking to upload requested documents and such, I never came up with Quick upload, or Access VA. There were no links to Access VA on the main page. Anyway, on the right track I think. If it happens one more time, I will file the form to "Add a new Dependent". That will do something I think, but will wait and see.
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SGM Mikel Dawson
Yes, checked out her info, the SSN they have for her is my ex-wife's, so I filled out the form to change the info, plus the CYA thing of submitting marriage license, current wife's ID (passport), proof of SSN.
I remember in the Reserves, when I was promoted to MSG and moved to a new unit, "they" got my retirement points screwed up. Took a whole year of filing the same forms to get the year back, but finally it took. Wonder if it is the same people working for the VA now?? Thanks for your help Sir.
I remember in the Reserves, when I was promoted to MSG and moved to a new unit, "they" got my retirement points screwed up. Took a whole year of filing the same forms to get the year back, but finally it took. Wonder if it is the same people working for the VA now?? Thanks for your help Sir.
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VA's website has been a bit wonky these last couple weeks. Things are moving around and different pages are not talking to each other.
I know that does not help your situation at all, but wanted to at least let you know it is not a *you* think, it is a *VA* thing.
I know that does not help your situation at all, but wanted to at least let you know it is not a *you* think, it is a *VA* thing.
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SGM Mikel Dawson
PO3 Matthew "DOC" Campbell - The following is the B.S. reply I received from VA "I apologize for the inconvenience. This is the first time I've heard of someone saying they were unable to locate AccessVA or a means to upload documents to their profile. Uploading documents to your eFile is done through QuickSubmit, which is housed on AccessVA. Visiting https://www.va.gov/disability/upload-supporting-evidence/ highlights the link to this system should you ever need it again.
And if you would like a direct link, https://eauth.va.gov/accessva/?cspSelectFor=quicksubmit Thank you for submitting your Inquiry to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs."
This does not address the issue I sent them about providing a direct link. I guess these guys are a little lazy. Through the COL, I found the link and have noted it, but others may not be so lucky. I don't think I am the only stupid one out here.
And if you would like a direct link, https://eauth.va.gov/accessva/?cspSelectFor=quicksubmit Thank you for submitting your Inquiry to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs."
This does not address the issue I sent them about providing a direct link. I guess these guys are a little lazy. Through the COL, I found the link and have noted it, but others may not be so lucky. I don't think I am the only stupid one out here.
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PO3 Matthew "DOC" Campbell
SGM Mikel Dawson I sincerely appreciate this feedback. One of the things that VA strives to do better, we don’t always get it right but we can make things easier for our fellow brothers and sisters. Rest assured you can count on me brining this issue up. Let me see what additional insight and actions we can take, again appreciate you taking the time to bring this up.
On a side note Go Navy Beat Army this Saturday ;).
On a side note Go Navy Beat Army this Saturday ;).
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SGM Mikel Dawson
PO3 Matthew "DOC" Campbell - On the side note - Kiss my what?? The big thing I have always based my military career and civilian career on is: If they don't know the problem then they will not know how to fix it. In the message they sent me , they stated no one has had this problem before, which I really doubt. The fact is no one probably took the time to bring up the problem before. Take care.
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PO3 Matthew "DOC" Campbell
SGM Mikel Dawson - From one Veteran to another you have my word that I will be bringing this up.
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I take it the only VA assistance you receive is financial. To continue with you benefits apply for a SSN for your wife. It's free. Years ago I had a similar issue, and received a SSN for my son. It stated he couldn't work in the US on the front of the card. For you, this sound like check the box and get the reward. Good luck.
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