al-al-6a7391f9dd5eef989511cf81: 920-X-2-.01 — Veteran Service Offices

APA-1 TRANSMITTAL SHEET FOR NOTICE OF INTENDED ACTION Control: 920 Department or Agency: State of Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs Rule No.: 920-X-2-.01 Rule Title: Veteran Service Offices Intended Action Amend Would the absence of the proposed rule significantly harm or endanger the public health, welfare, or safety? No Is there a reasonable relationship between the state’s police No power and the protection of the public health, safety, or welfare? Is there another, less restrictive method of regulation available No that could adequately protect the public? Does the proposed rule have the effect of directly or indirectly increasing the costs of any goods or services involved? No To what degree?: N/A Is the increase in cost more harmful to the public than the harm that might result from the absence of the proposed rule? NA purpose of, and so they have, as their primary effect, thefor the Yes protection of the public? Does the proposed action relate to or affect in any manner any No matter of the proposed rule?is a party to concerning the subject Does the proposed rule have an economic impact? No If the proposed rule has an economic impact, the proposed rule is required to be accompanied by a fiscal note prepared in accordance with subsection (f) of Section 41-22-23, Code of Alabama 1975. Certification of Authorized Official I certify that the attached proposed rule has been proposed in full compliance with the requirements of Chapter 22, Title 41, Code of Alabama 1975, and that it conforms to all applicable filing requirements of the Administrative Procedure Division of the Legislative Services Agency. Signature of certifying officer Beverly Wi iams Beverly Williams I L E D E C ’ D & F Date Thursday, August 6, 2026 6,20 26 A UG E S V C A G E N C Y L EG IS LA T I APA-2 STATE OF ALABAMA DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS NOTICE OF INTENDED ACTION AGENCY NAME: State of Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs RULE NO. & TITLE: 920-X-2-.01 Veteran Service Offices INTENDED ACTION: Amend SUBSTANCE OF PROPOSED ACTION: Clarify restriction on accepting limited power of attorney and correcting a clerical error TIME, PLACE AND MANNER OF PRESENTING VIEWS: Interested individuals may provide written comments via the agency’s website at www.va.alabama.gov or may send them via the United State Post Service, addressed as: Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs Attn: Beverly Williams PO Box 1509 Montgomery, AL 36102 FINAL DATE FOR COMMENT AND COMPLETION OF NOTICE: Monday, October 5, 2026 CONTACT PERSON AT AGENCY: Beverly Williams, Deputy Attorney General (334) 242-5077 Beverly Wi iams Beverly Williams (Signature of officer authorized to promulgate and adopt rules or his or her deputy) 920-X-2-.01 Veteran Service Offices. (1) The Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs (ADVA) provides certified claims representation at offices throughout the state. The service officers may advise veterans regarding benefits they may be eligible to receive based upon their military service, assist them in identifying nonprofit resources and, in certain cases, represent them before the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (USDVA). These service officers may similarly assist the veteran’s dependents where there is no conflict with the veteran’s interests (2) The ADVA website, https://va.alabama.gov, has information regarding each of the Service Offices to include location and hours of operation. (3) Powers of Attorney (a) For a service officer to represent a veteran or dependent before the USDVA, the individual must grant a limited power of attorney by completing the appropriate federal form. (b) Where the service officer does not hold the power of attorney, the service officer may not file forms or otherwise represent the individual before the USDVA. The service officer may still advise veterans and their dependents as to their benefits and how to complete the appropriate forms to file for their benefits. Where the individual has appointed another individual or organization to represent them before the USDVA, the ability of the service officer to assist may be further limited. (c) Prior to accepting a power of attorney, the service officer should ensure the individual is making an informed decision by providing them information as to their representation options. The service officer shall verify that no private attorney is currently on file and that there are no open claims or appeals represented by another party before accepting power of attorney. (d) The ADVA may elect to not accept a new power of attorney or may elect to revoke an existing power of attorney where they determine they cannot effectively represent the individual. This may be due to a conflict, questions regarding the competency of the individual, excessive abusive, disruptive, hostile, or threatening behavior, or other factors. 2-.01-1 (4) The ADVA veteran service officers receive cross accreditation with the American Legion and VFWVeterans of Foreign Wars. Author: Jeffrey L. Newton Statutory Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§ 31-5-4, 31-5-5, 31-5-10. History: Filed October 31, 2000. New Rule: Filed January 4, 2001; effective February 8, 2001. Repealed and New Rule: Published September 30, 2025; effective November 14, 2025. Amended: Published ______; effective ______. 2-.01-2