VETERANS CLAIMS DIVISION

Subpart 1. Purpose of division. The veterans claims division is a division of the department and must act as the agent for a veteran or a veteran's dependents, or both, if the veteran or veteran's dependents are residents of Minnesota and have a claim against the United States for benefits arising out of or by reason of the veteran's service in the armed forces. Subp. 2. Representation. The veterans claims division must represent a veteran or a veteran's dependents, or both, upon request and without charge. The veterans claims division must provide claims representation on behalf of federally recognized veterans organizations who have requested in writing that the commissioner provided such services to a veteran or a veteran's dependents, or both. Subp. 3. Termination. The veterans claims division must terminate its representation of a person who: A. appoints another individual to represent the person's claim; B. threatens the personal safety of department employees; C. disrupts the operations of any department office; or D. takes any action that is deemed detrimental to the person's claim. Subp. 4. Federal law to govern procedure. The veterans claims division must operate in accordance with Code of Federal Regulations, title 38, chapter 1, sections 14.626 to 14.37, in the representation of a veteran or a veteran's dependents, or both, and the presentation of a claim. Subp. 5. Contested claims not accepted. The veterans claims division must not represent more than one party to an action or claim based on one person's eligibility.