Educational Final Survey Report

2900-0569 Educational final report.pdf

VA Voluntary Customer Surveys to Implement E.O. 12862

Educational Final Survey Report

OMB: 2900-0569

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2004 Survey of Satisfaction with the
VA EDUCATION BENEFITS CLAIMS PROCESS
FINAL REPORT
Prepared for
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION
Office of Performance Analysis and Integrity (20B)
Washington, DC 20420
July 15, 2005

Schulman, Ronca, and Bucuvalas, Inc.
8403 Colesville Road
Suite 820
Silver Spring, MD 20910

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Study

Appendix A
Detailed Tables of Findings

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Survey

Table of Contents

Preparing for your education benefits
Table A-1
Which of the following best describes your eligibility for education benefits? (Chapter 35)
Table A-2
Where did you first LEARN about VA's education benefits program? (Chapter 35)
Table A-3
Looking back, how much of what you NEEDED TO KNOW did you get from this source?
(Chapter 35)
Table A-4
How accurate was the information you received? (Chapter 35)
Table A-5
Are you currently on active-duty in the U.S. Armed Forces? (Chapters 30 and 1606)
Table A-6
When did you first LEARN about VA's education benefits program? (Chapters 30 and 1606)
Table A-7
Where did you first LEARN about VA's education benefits program? (Chapters 30 and 1606)
Table A-8
Looking back, how much of what you NEEDED TO KNOW did you get from this source?
(Chapters 30 and 1606)
Table A-9
How accurate was the information you received? (Chapters 30 and 1606)
Table A-10 When did you begin to PLAN the use of your education benefits? (Chapters 30 and 1606)
Table A-11 Which of the following information sources did you find useful in PLANNING for the use of your
education benefits?
Table A-12 While on active-duty, were you offered the opportunity to attend any briefings or sessions that provided
information regarding your education benefits? (Chapters 30 and 1606)
Table A-13 Did you attend any briefing or sessions that provided information regarding your education benefits?

6
7
9
10
12
13
15
17
18
20
22
24
25

Table A-14 Looking back, how much of what you NEEDED TO KNOW did you get from these sessions?
(Chapters 30 and 1606)
Table A-15 How accurate was the information you received? (Chapters 30 and 1606)
Table A-16 Within the past year, did you receive a VA pamphlet regarding your education benefits through the
mail?
Table A-17 How much of what you NEEDED TO KNOW did you get from the pamphlet?

26

30

Applying for benefits
Table A-18 To whom did you submit your application for education benefits?
Table A-19 Did you find anything to be difficult or confusing about the application?

31
32

27
29

Schulman, Ronca, & Bucuvalas, inc. - page A-2

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Survey

Table A-20
Table A-21
Table A-22
Table A-23
Table A-24

What specifically did you find to be difficult or confusing about the application?
Did VA let you know your application had been received?
How completely did VA keep you informed of the status of your application?
How long did it take to process your application?
How long do you think is REASONABLE for VA to process your application?

Contacting VA by telephone
Table A-25 Did you PHONE VA about your recent education claim?
Table A-26 How many times did you phone VA about your recent claim?
Table A-27 Why did you call VA?
Table A-28 How easy was it to get through to VA when you called?
Table A-29 Which of the following happened to you when you called VA?
Table A-30 How much of what you NEEDED TO KNOW did you get from your telephone contact with VA?
Table A-31 Generally, were you able to get this information on the first call?
Table A-32 Was your question answered by the automated system or did you speak with a VA employee?
Table A-33 How responsive was the person you talked to?
Table A-34 How courteous was the person you talked to?
Table A-35 Were VA employees able to give you information about your particular education claim on
the phone?
Visiting VA's website and contacting VA by Internet or e-mail
Table A-36 Within the past year, did you VISIT VA's Internet website (www.gibill.va.gov) about your
education benefits?
Table A-37 Why did you visit VA's website (www.gibill.va.gov)?
Table A-38 In general, how much of what you were looking for did you find on VA's website?
Table A-39 Did you find anything difficult or confusing about the website?
Table A-40 What specifically did you find difficult or confusing about the website?
Table A-41 Within the past year, did you use the Internet or e-mail to CONTACT VA about your education
benefits?
Table A-42 Why did you contact VA using the Internet or e-mail?
Table A-43 What response did you get to your Internet or e-mail inquiry?

33
35
36
38
40

42
43
44
47
49
52
54
55
56
57
58

59
60
63
64
65
67
68
71

Schulman, Ronca, & Bucuvalas, inc. - page A-3

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Survey

Table A-44 In general, how much of what you NEEDED TO KNOW did you get from your contact with VA
using the Internet or e-mail?
Other sources of information
Table A-45 Within the past year, did you receive information about your education benefits from any of the
following?
Verifying enrollment to VA
Table A-46 Have you used VA's automated phone system [1-877-823-2378] to verify your enrollment for your
recent claim?
Table A-47 Did you find anything to be difficult about using VA's automated phone system to verify enrollment?
Table A-48 What specifically did you find to be difficult about verifying your enrollment when you used VA's
automated phone system?
Table A-49 Have you used VA's Web Automated Verification of Enrollment (WAVE) at www.gibill.va.gov to
verify your enrollment for your recent claim?
Table A-50 Did you find anything to be difficult about using VA's Web Automated Verification of Enrollment
(WAVE) to verify your enrollment?
Table A-51 What specifically did you find to be difficult about using VA's Web Automated Verification of
Enrollment (WAVE) to verify your enrollment?
Table A-52 Have you phoned 1-888-GI BILL-1 (1-888-442-4551) and spoken to a counselor to verify your
enrollment for your most recent claim?
Table A-53 Why did you speak to a counselor to verify your enrollment?
Table A-54 Which method did you use most often when verifying your enrollment?
Receiving your benefit payments
Table A-55 From the time your application was submitted to VA, how long did it take to get your first check?
Table A-56 From the time your application was submitted to VA, how long do you think is REASONABLE for you to
receive your first check?
Table A-57 Did you find anything to be difficult about the benefit PAYMENT process?
Table A-58 What specifically did you find to be difficult about the benefit payment process?
Table A-59 Have you received an inaccurate payment on your recent claim?
Table A-60 Was the inaccuracy resolved in a timely manner?

73

74

76
77
78
80
81
82
85
86
89

91
94
97
98
100
101

Schulman, Ronca, & Bucuvalas, inc. - page A-4

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Survey

Table A-61 For your recent claim, have you had to borrow or pay out-of-pocket expenses in order to
enroll or stay in school because VA didn't complete your paperwork on time?
Table A-62 For your most recent claim, have you had to delay enrollment because VA didn't complete your
paperwork on time?
Overall Impressions
Table A-63 All things considered, how satisfied are you with the way VA has handled your education
benefits claim?
Table A-64 Do you plan to use all of your benefits for this education program?
General Information
Table A-65 What is your gender?
Table A-66 What is your current age?
Table A-67 What is your current marital status?
Table A-68 Aside from the classes you are currently taking, what is the highest level of education you have
completed?
Table A-69 In what type of education program are you currently enrolled?
Table A-70 Do you have access to the Internet?
Table A-71 Where do you have access to the Internet?

102
103

104
105

106
107
109
110
112
114
115

Schulman, Ronca, & Bucuvalas, inc. - page A-5

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Survey

TABLE A-1

Which of the following best describes your eligibility for education benefits?
Base: Survivors and dependents receiving benefits under Chapter 35 only.

All RPOs

REGIONAL PROCESSING OFFICE
Atlanta
Buffalo
Muskogee
St. Louis
2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%

2002
%

2003
%

2004
%

260

673

572

85

170

150

51

166

148

65

154

137

59

183

137

4
79
6
11
*
100

5
78
3
14
NA
100

3
82
4
10
NA
99

6
72
8
13
1
100

3
79
4
14
NA
100

3
83
3
11
NA
100

8
82
4
6
-100

8
77
5
10
NA
100

8
80
3
8
NA
99

2
78
6
14
-100

4
77
3
16
NA
100

2
82
7
10
NA
101

2
92
2
5
-101

8
79
1
13
NA
101

3
84
2
11
NA
100

220

629

512

62

151

117

50

166

132

55

173

130

53

139

133

6
80
5
8
1
100

6
79
4
11
NA
100

6
73
5
17
NA
101

2
90
3
5
-100

11
74
5
11
NA
101

6
75
3
15
NA
99

6
72
10
10
2
100

8
82
2
8
NA
100

9
80
6
5
NA
100

9
76
4
11
-100

4
79
5
12
NA
100

4
67
5
25
NA
101

6
81
4
8
2
101

4
82
3
11
NA
100

5
78
5
12
NA
100

480

1,302

1,084

147

321

267

101

332

280

120

327

267

112

322

270

6
81
5
9
1
102

6
79
4
11
NA
100

6
74
9
9
2
100

8
81
2
9
NA
100

9
80
6
6
NA
101

8
77
4
11
-100

4
78
5
13
NA
100

4
69
5
23
NA
101

5
83
3
7
2
100

5
81
3
11
NA
100

5
79
4
12
NA
100

Original Claims
Unweighted N

Orphan of the veteran
Child of the veteran
Widow or widower of the veteran
Current or former spouse of the veteran
Other
TOTAL
Supplemental Claims
Unweighted N

Orphan of the veteran
Child of the veteran
Widow or widower of the veteran
Current or former spouse of the veteran
Other
TOTAL
All Claims
Unweighted N

Orphan of the veteran
Child of the veteran
Widow or widower of the veteran
Current or former spouse of the veteran
Other
TOTAL

5
2
9
6
75
87
75
76
5
4
5
3
16
6
11
15
NA
*
NA
NA
101
99
100
100
Question Number: Dependents 1
-- None. * Less than 0.5%. Sum does not add to 100% due to rounding. NA Not Asked.

Schulman, Ronca & Bucuvalas, Inc. - page A-6

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Survey

TABLE A-2

Where did you first LEARN about VA's education benefits program?
Base: Survivors and dependents receiving benefits under Chapter 35 only.

All RPOs

REGIONAL PROCESSING OFFICE
Atlanta
Buffalo
Muskogee
St. Louis
2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%

2002
%

2003
%

2004
%

259

666

569

84

166

150

51

164

145

65

152

137

59

184

137

12
19
60
NA
NA
*
8
99

10
17
61
3
-1
8
100

10
18
60
4
-2
6
100

15
21
54
NA
NA
-10
100

11
16
61
4
-1
7
100

13
21
52
5
-2
7
100

8
20
65
NA
NA
-8
101

10
20
57
3
-3
6
99

11
24
55
3
-2
5
100

12
20
58
NA
NA
-9
99

8
16
63
3
-1
11
102

10
15
65
2
-2
7
101

12
14
71
NA
NA
2
2
101

11
17
61
4
-1
5
99

7
18
62
5
-2
7
101

220

631

505

62

152

116

51

167

131

54

172

128

53

140

130

8
13
69
NA
NA
*
9
99

9
14
65
6
-1
6
101

12
16
59
NA
NA
-14
101

8
11
66
7
-1
6
99

7
18
60
5
-2
8
100

6
13
76
NA
NA
-6
101

9
15
66
4
-1
5
100

11
24
52
2
-2
9
100

6
11
66
NA
NA
-17
100

6
12
68
6
-1
8
101

12
17
59
8
-NA
5
101

Original Claims
Unweighted N

Letter from VA
VA information pamphlet
Friend or family
Military base or family support center
Commercial or advertisement
VA's website on the Internet
Other
TOTAL
Supplemental Claims
Unweighted N

Letter from VA
VA information pamphlet
Friend or family
Military base or family support center
Commercial or advertisement
VA's website on the Internet
Other
TOTAL

-- None. * Less than 0.5%. NA Not Asked.
MM Multiple mention prior to 2002
Wording changes and categories added in 2003

10
11
10
9
22
11
17
23
55
69
58
53
4
NA
7
5
-NA
--1
2
1
2
8
6
7
8
100
99
100
100
Question Number: Dependents 2

Sum does not add to 100% due to rounding.

Schulman, Ronca & Bucuvalas, Inc. - page A-7

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Survey

TABLE A-2, continued

Where did you first LEARN about VA's education benefits program?
Base: Survivors and dependents receiving benefits under Chapter 35 only.

All RPOs

REGIONAL PROCESSING OFFICE

2002
%

2003
%

2004
%

479

1,297

1,074

9
14
68
NA
NA
*
9
100

9
15
64
5
-1
6
100

Atlanta
Buffalo
Muskogee
St. Louis
2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%

All Claims
Unweighted N

Letter from VA
VA information pamphlet
Friend or family
Military base or family support center
Commercial or advertisement
VA's website on the Internet
Other
TOTAL

146

318

266

10
12
10
9
21
13
17
23
56
66
58
53
4
NA
7
5
-NA
--2
1
1
2
8
7
7
8
101
99
100
100
Question Number: Dependents 2

102

331

276

119

324

265

112

324

267

11
16
60
NA
NA
-13
100

9
13
65
6
-1
6
100

8
19
59
4
-2
8
100

7
14
73
NA
NA
-6
100

9
15
66
4
-1
6
101

11
23
54
2
-2
8
100

7
12
67
NA
NA
*
15
101

7
13
67
5
-1
7
100

11
17
59
7
-*
6
100

-- None.
* Less than 0.5%.
NA Not Asked.
Sum does not add to 100% due to rounding.
MM Multiple mention prior to 2002
Categories added in 2003

Schulman, Ronca & Bucuvalas, Inc. - page A-8

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Survey

TABLE A-3

Looking back, how much of what you NEEDED TO KNOW did you get from this source?
Base: Survivors and dependents receiving benefits under Chapter 35 only.

All RPOs

REGIONAL PROCESSING OFFICE
Atlanta
Buffalo
Muskogee
St. Louis
2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%

2002
%

2003
%

2004
%

Unweighted N

261

677

572

86

172

150

51

165

148

65

155

137

59

185

137

All
Most
Some
Little
None
TOTAL

19
41
30
8
2
100

22
47
24
6
1
100

23
44
25
8
*
100

29
34
29
8
-100

24
47
24
5
1
101

23
49
20
7
1
100

24
51
18
6
2
101

18
47
28
5
2
100

19
51
26
4
-100

6
49
34
8
3
100

22
46
25
7
-100

27
38
25
10
-100

22
29
36
12
2
101

23
46
22
8
1
100

18
44
29
9
1
101

Unweighted N

221

635

511

62

154

117

51

168

132

55

172

130

53

141

132

All
Most
Some
Little
None
TOTAL

18
42
32
9
-101

23
40
27
9
1
100

20
44
29
6
1
100

13
42
34
11
-100

21
44
22
13
1
101

21
44
29
7
-101

29
35
27
8
-99

26
45
24
6
-101

16
42
33
8
-99

16
42
35
7
-100

26
33
33
8
1
101

21
45
28
5
2
101

17
47
26
9
-99

18
48
25
9
1
101

23
42
30
5
-100

Unweighted N

482

1,312

1,083

148

326

267

102

333

280

120

327

267

112

326

269

All
Most
Some
Little
None
TOTAL

18
42
31
9
*
100

23
41
27
8
1
100

28
38
26
7
*
99

24
45
24
6
*
99

16
44
32
8
-100

15
43
34
7
*
99

25
35
32
7
*
99

22
44
27
6
1
100

18
44
28
10
*
100

19
48
24
8
1
100

22
42
30
6
*
100

Original Claims

Supplemental Claims

All Claims

-- None.

* Less than 0.5%.

21
16
21
21
44
40
44
44
29
33
22
28
6
11
12
7
1
-1
*
101
100
100
100
Question Number: Dependents 3
Sum does not add to 100% due to rounding.

Schulman, Ronca & Bucuvalas, Inc. - page A-9

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Survey

TABLE A-4

How accurate was the information you received?
Base: Survivors and dependents receiving benefits under Chapter 35 only.

All RPOs

REGIONAL PROCESSING OFFICE
Atlanta
Buffalo
Muskogee
St. Louis
2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%

2002
%

2003
%

2004
%

261

676

573

86

171

151

51

165

148

65

155

137

59

185

137

53
39
6
3
1
NA
102

55
38
3
1
1
1
99

57
35
3
3
*
2
100

62
34
3
1
-NA
100

61
34
2
1
1
2
101

58
37
1
1
1
2
100

59
31
4
6
-NA
100

49
45
-1
1
4
100

62
32
1
3
-3
101

42
48
8
2
2
NA
102

55
37
5
1
1
-99

55
35
4
4
-2
100

53
37
7
3
-NA
100

55
37
4
2
1
1
100

56
34
4
3
2
3
102

220

638

512

62

155

117

51

168

132

55

174

130

52

141

133

51
41
4
3
-NA
99

57
35
5
2
1
2
102

69
27
4
--NA
100

59
36
3
1
1
1
101

56
39
3
-2
-100

45
45
4
5
-NA
99

55
36
4
2
1
2
100

57
30
6
2
2
3
100

52
40
6
2
-NA
100

57
34
6
1
1
1
100

55
39
3
2
-2
101

Original Claims
Unweighted N

Very accurate
Somewhat accurate
Neither accurate nor inaccurate
Somewhat inaccurate
Very inaccurate
Don't know
TOTAL
Supplemental Claims
Unweighted N

Very accurate
Somewhat accurate
Neither accurate nor inaccurate
Somewhat inaccurate
Very inaccurate
Don't know
TOTAL

57
47
57
60
34
45
32
33
4
5
6
3
1
3
2
-1
-1
1
2
NA
3
3
99
100
101
100
Question Number: Dependents 4

-- None * Less than 0.5%. Sum does not add to 100% due to rounding. NA Not asked.
Category added in 2003

Schulman, Ronca & Bucuvalas, Inc. - page A-10

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Survey

TABLE A-4, continued

How accurate was the information you received?
Base: Survivors and dependents receiving benefits under Chapter 35 only.

All RPOs

REGIONAL PROCESSING OFFICE

2002
%

2003
%

2004
%

481

1,314

1,085

51
41
5
3
*
NA
100

56
35
4
2
1
2
100

Atlanta
Buffalo
Muskogee
St. Louis
2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%

All Claims
Unweighted N

Very accurate
Somewhat accurate
Neither accurate nor inaccurate
Somewhat inaccurate
Very inaccurate
Don't know
TOTAL

148

326

268

57
50
57
60
34
43
32
34
4
5
5
3
1
3
2
*
1
-1
1
2
NA
2
3
99
101
99
101
Question Number: Dependents 4

102

333

280

120

329

267

111

326

270

67
28
4
1
-NA
100

57
38
2
1
1
1
100

57
38
3
1
1
*
100

45
46
4
5
*
NA
100

55
36
4
2
1
2
100

57
31
6
3
1
3
101

52
40
6
2
-NA
100

57
35
5
1
1
1
100

55
38
3
2
*
2
100

-- None * Less than 0.5%. Sum does not add to 100% due to rounding. NA Not asked.
Category added in 2003

Schulman, Ronca & Bucuvalas, Inc. - page A-11

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Survey

TABLE A-5

Are you currently on active-duty in the U.S. Armed Forces?
Base: Individuals receiving benefits under Chapter 30 and Chapter 1606.

All RPOs

REGIONAL PROCESSING OFFICE
Atlanta
Buffalo
Muskogee
St. Louis
2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%

2002
%

2003
%

2004
%

Unweighted N

933

749

456

183

207

114

252

171

114

252

164

112

246

207

116

Yes
No
TOTAL

13
87
100

12
88
100

14
86
100

13
87
100

14
86
100

14
86
100

13
87
100

12
88
100

11
90
101

12
88
100

10
90
100

18
82
100

13
87
100

17
83
100

14
86
100

Unweighted N

1,205

834

542

279

187

122

304

184

147

302

235

128

320

228

145

Yes
No
TOTAL

7
93
100

7
93
100

8
92
100

8
92
100

6
94
100

7
93
100

9
91
100

6
94
100

6
94
100

4
96
100

8
92
100

9
91
100

8
92
100

6
94
100

7
93
100

Unweighted N

2,138

1,640

998

462

424

236

556

382

261

554

399

240

566

435

261

Yes
No
TOTAL

8
92
100

8
92
100

10
90
100

7
93
100

7
93
100

5
95
100

8
92
100

10
90
100

9
91
100

7
93
100

8
92
100

Original Claims

Supplemental Claims

All Claims
9
9
7
8
91
91
93
92
100
100
100
100
Question Number: Veterans 1

Sum does not add to 100% due to rounding.

Schulman, Ronca & Bucuvalas, Inc. - page A-12

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Survey

TABLE A-6

When did you first LEARN about VA's education benefits program?
Base: Individuals receiving benefits under Chapter 30 and Chapter 1606 only.

All RPOs

REGIONAL PROCESSING OFFICE
Atlanta
Buffalo
Muskogee
St. Louis
2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%

2002
%

2003
%

2004
%

936

748

458

185

204

115

252

172

114

251

166

113

248

206

116

43
34
12
4
4
1
1
NA
99

38
34
15
5
5
NA
NA
3
100

44
29
15
5
4
NA
NA
4
101

39
35
16
4
3
2
2
NA
101

35
39
14
4
6
NA
NA
1
99

38
30
18
8
5
NA
NA
2
101

44
35
10
4
5
2
1
NA
101

36
35
14
5
8
NA
NA
1
99

42
28
15
5
3
NA
NA
7
100

41
37
12
4
4
1
2
NA
101

41
29
16
5
3
NA
NA
6
100

51
24
14
5
3
NA
NA
3
100

50
29
12
4
3
2
1
NA
101

38
38
13
3
6
NA
NA
2
100

41
38
12
4
5
NA
NA
1
101

1,205

893

543

277

218

122

306

213

147

302

234

128

320

228

146

46
32
13
3
4
1
1
NA
100

42
37
14
3
3
NA
NA
2
101

44
34
15
4
2
1
1
NA
101

40
36
17
5
2
NA
NA
1
101

38
37
17
3
3
NA
NA
3
101

48
30
12
3
5
1
1
NA
100

42
36
15
2
4
NA
NA
1
100

44
32
14
6
4
NA
NA
1
101

52
33
8
2
3
2
1
NA
101

44
41
9
2
2
NA
NA
3
101

47
29
12
5
4
NA
NA
3
100

Original Claims
Unweighted N

Before recruitment
At the time of recruitment
Soon after joining
Six months or more after joining
Shortly before separation
At separation
After separation
At or after separation
TOTAL
Supplemental Claims
Unweighted N

Before recruitment
At the time of recruitment
Soon after joining
Six months or more after joining
Shortly before separation
At separation
After separation
At or after separation
TOTAL

41
40
40
32
35
32
35
46
14
19
14
16
4
2
4
1
3
5
4
-NA
2
NA
NA
NA
1
NA
NA
2
NA
3
5
99
101
100
100
Question Number: Veterans 2

-- None.
NA Not Asked. Sum does not add to 100% due to rounding.
Wording changes in 2003.

Schulman, Ronca & Bucuvalas, Inc. - page A-13

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Survey

TABLE A-6, continued

When did you first LEARN about VA's education benefits program?
Base: Individuals receiving benefits under Chapter 30 and Chapter 1606 only.

All RPOs

REGIONAL PROCESSING OFFICE

2002
%

2003
%

2004
%

2,141

1,641

1,001

46
32
13
3
4
1
1
NA
100

41
36
14
3
3
NA
NA
2
99

Atlanta
Buffalo
Muskogee
St. Louis
2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%

All Claims
Unweighted N

Before recruitment
At the time of recruitment
Soon after joining
Six months or more after joining
Shortly before separation
At separation
After separation
At or after separation
TOTAL

462

422

237

41
40
39
33
34
32
35
44
15
18
14
17
4
2
4
2
3
4
4
1
NA
2
NA
NA
NA
1
NA
NA
3
NA
3
4
100
99
99
101
Question Number: Veterans 2

558

385

261

553

400

241

568

434

262

44
34
14
4
3
1
1
NA
101

39
36
16
5
3
NA
NA
1
100

38
35
17
3
3
NA
NA
4
100

47
31
12
3
5
1
1
NA
100

42
35
15
3
3
NA
NA
2
100

44
31
14
5
4
NA
NA
1
99

51
32
8
2
3
2
1
NA
99

43
40
9
2
3
NA
NA
3
100

46
31
12
5
4
NA
NA
3
101

NA Not Asked.
Sum does not add to 100% due to rounding.
Word changes and categories added in 2003

Schulman, Ronca & Bucuvalas, Inc. - page A-14

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Survey

TABLE A-7

Where did you first LEARN about VA's education benefits program?
Base: Individuals receiving benefits under Chapter 30 and Chapter 1606 only.

All RPOs

REGIONAL PROCESSING OFFICE
Atlanta
Buffalo
Muskogee
St. Louis
2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%

2002
%

2003
%

2004
%

932

753

455

185

208

114

251

172

114

249

166

112

247

207

115

13
44
6
6
16
12
*
NA
3
100

11
40
3
5
21
13
*
5
2
100

12
36
6
7
19
13
1
3
3
100

10
45
5
5
19
13
-NA
2
99

12
42
3
3
20
15
-5
1
101

12
28
9
7
22
14
2
1
5
100

14
42
6
5
15
14
*
NA
4
100

11
41
4
4
20
14
*
4
1
99

14
33
6
12
19
9
1
4
3
101

14
43
6
6
14
11
*
NA
4
98

11
36
4
8
21
11
*
5
3
99

10
39
5
4
22
16
1
2
2
101

16
45
4
6
16
10
1
NA
3
101

11
46
1
3
22
11
1
4
1
100

14
45
4
6
12
13
-5
2
101

1,200

889

539

273

218

120

304

213

146

303

232

128

320

226

145

14
42
5
4
16
15
*
NA
3
99

13
42
4
3
16
14
1
5
2
100

12
16
9
7
8
43
41
44
44
44
4
4
5
3
7
4
3
4
6
5
19
19
17
21
17
13
14
15
11
15
-*
2
-*
2
NA
4
4
NA
4
1
1
4
3
101
98
101
100
99
Question Number: Veterans 3
-- None. * Less than 0.5%. Sum does not add to 100% due to rounding.
NA Not Asked. MM Multiple mention prior to 2002. Word changes and categories added in 2003

16
41
3
5
17
12
1
3
2
100

14
45
3
4
18
12
-2
3
101

15
40
4
4
16
17
*
NA
3
99

13
40
4
2
19
13
1
5
3
100

14
42
4
2
21
11
--5
99

18
45
5
2
14
13
-NA
4
101

12
43
5
4
10
15
-7
4
100

10
42
4
5
15
19
-2
3
100

Original Claims
Unweighted N

Commercial or advertisement
Recruiter
VA Information pamphlet
Another person in my unit
Military base or unit Education Office
Friend or family
VA's website on the Internet
School
Other
TOTAL
Supplemental Claims
Unweighted N

Commercial or advertisement
Recruiter
VA Information pamphlet
Another person in my unit
Military base or unit Education Office
Friend or family
VA's website on the Internet
School
Other
TOTAL

Schulman, Ronca & Bucuvalas, Inc. - page A-15

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Survey

TABLE A-7, continued

Where did you first LEARN about VA's education benefits program?
Base: Individuals receiving benefits under Chapter 30 and Chapter 1606 only.

All RPOs

REGIONAL PROCESSING OFFICE

2002
%

2003
%

2004
%

2,132

1,642

994

14
42
5
4
16
15
*
NA
3
99

13
41
4
4
17
14
1
5
2
101

Atlanta
Buffalo
Muskogee
St. Louis
2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%

All Claims
Unweighted N

Commercial or advertisement
Recruiter
VA Information pamphlet
Another person in my unit
Military base or unit Education Office
Friend or family
VA's website on the Internet
School
Other
TOTAL

458

426

234

12
15
9
8
42
42
44
42
4
4
5
4
4
4
4
6
19
19
17
21
13
14
15
12
*
*
2
*
2
NA
4
3
4
2
1
4
100
100
101
100
Question Number: Veterans 3

555

385

260

552

398

240

567

433

260

9
44
7
5
17
15
*
NA
3
100

16
41
3
5
17
12
1
3
2
100

14
43
4
6
18
11
*
2
3
101

15
41
5
4
16
16
*
NA
4
101

13
39
4
3
19
13
1
5
3
100

14
42
4
2
21
12
*
*
5
100

17
45
5
2
14
13
*
NA
4
100

12
43
5
4
11
15
*
7
3
100

10
43
4
5
15
18
-2
3
100

-- None.
* Less than 0.5%.
NA Not Asked.
MM Multiple mention prior to 2002.
Sum does not add to 100% due to rounding.
Word changes and categories added in 2003

Schulman, Ronca & Bucuvalas, Inc. - page A-16

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Survey

TABLE A-8

Looking back, how much of what you NEEDED TO KNOW did you get from this source?
Base: Individuals receiving benefits under Chapter 30 and Chapter 1606.

All RPOs

REGIONAL PROCESSING OFFICE

2002
%

2003
%

2004
%

Atlanta
Buffalo
Muskogee
St. Louis
2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%

Unweighted N

935

754

457

185

209

115

251

172

114

250

166

113

249

207

115

All
Most
Some
Little
None
TOTAL

6
32
41
21
1
101

8
27
42
21
2
100

10
29
38
21
1
99

6
27
41
24
1
99

11
24
42
22
1
100

8
31
38
22
1
100

5
32
44
18
1
100

5
27
49
18
1
100

11
35
32
22
-100

8
35
37
19
1
100

9
28
38
22
3
100

10
30
41
18
1
100

4
31
41
24
1
101

5
29
42
23
1
100

11
18
39
27
5
100

Unweighted N

1,201

895

543

276

219

122

304

213

147

301

235

128

320

228

146

All
Most
Some
Little
None
TOTAL

7
30
40
21
2
100

8
32
37
21
2
100

6
35
41
16
2
100

10
33
36
18
3
100

9
31
41
17
2
100

8
36
40
15
1
100

7
29
45
18
1
100

4
29
40
26
1
100

4
38
44
14
1
101

8
28
37
26
1
100

9
36
35
17
3
100

6
33
41
18
2
100

3
32
43
20
2
100

10
28
33
28
2
101

5
36
40
18
2
101

Unweighted N

2,136

1,649

1,000

461

428

237

555

385

261

551

401

241

569

435

261

All
Most
Some
Little
None
TOTAL

7
30
40
21
2
100

8
31
37
21
2
99

7
30
44
18
1
100

4
29
41
25
1
100

5
37
42
15
1
100

8
29
37
25
1
100

9
35
36
18
3
101

7
33
41
18
2
101

3
31
43
21
2
100

9
28
34
27
2
100

5
33
40
19
3
100

Original Claims

Supplemental Claims

All Claims

-- None.

7
9
9
8
34
32
31
36
41
37
41
40
17
19
18
16
2
3
2
1
101
100
101
101
Question Number: Veterans 4

Sum does not add to 100% due to rounding.

Schulman, Ronca & Bucuvalas, Inc. - page A-17

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Survey

TABLE A-9

How accurate was the information you received?
Base: Individuals receiving benefits under Chapter 30 and Chapter 1606.

All RPOs

REGIONAL PROCESSING OFFICE
Atlanta
Buffalo
Muskogee
St. Louis
2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%

2002
%

2003
%

2004
%

929

754

458

182

209

115

250

172

114

250

166

113

247

207

116

25
57
10
7
1
NA
100

28
50
10
5
1
5
99

31
49
9
5
2
4
100

26
56
8
8
2
NA
100

32
42
9
7
4
6
100

21
55
11
6
1
6
100

25
58
10
6
1
NA
100

29
50
12
5
1
3
100

43
45
4
5
1
2
100

25
57
10
6
2
NA
100

26
50
11
4
1
7
99

31
50
9
5
1
4
100

26
56
10
6
1
NA
99

29
55
6
6
1
4
101

25
48
12
6
4
5
100

1,197

891

543

274

218

122

304

211

147

300

235

128

319

227

146

27
56
10
5
2
NA
100

32
48
9
5
2
3
99

27
60
9
4
1
NA
101

28
49
11
6
1
5
100

38
47
6
7
1
1
100

24
60
10
6
1
NA
101

34
49
7
5
2
3
100

28
43
16
7
2
4
100

23
56
13
6
2
NA
100

29
46
13
5
4
3
100

33
44
11
5
2
5
100

Original Claims
Unweighted N

Very accurate
Somewhat accurate
Neither accurate nor inaccurate
Somewhat inaccurate
Very inaccurate
Don't know
TOTAL
Supplemental Claims
Unweighted N

Very accurate
Somewhat accurate
Neither accurate nor inaccurate
Somewhat inaccurate
Very inaccurate
Don't know
TOTAL

Sum does not add to 100% due to rounding.
Category added in 2003.

31
37
34
29
47
48
49
56
11
9
10
5
6
3
4
5
2
3
1
4
3
NA
2
1
100
100
100
100
Question Number: Veterans 5

NA Not asked.

Schulman, Ronca & Bucuvalas, Inc. - page A-18

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Survey

TABLE A-9, continued

How accurate was the information you received?
Base: Individuals receiving benefits under Chapter 30 and Chapter 1606.

All RPOs

REGIONAL PROCESSING OFFICE

2002
%

2003
%

2004
%

2,126

1,645

1,001

27
56
10
5
1
NA
99

31
49
9
5
2
4
100

Atlanta
Buffalo
Muskogee
St. Louis
2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%

All Claims
Unweighted N

Very accurate
Somewhat accurate
Neither accurate nor inaccurate
Somewhat inaccurate
Very inaccurate
Don't know
TOTAL

Sum does not add to 100% due to rounding.
Category added in 2003.

456

427

237

31
35
33
28
47
49
48
56
11
9
10
6
6
4
5
5
2
3
1
4
3
NA
3
2
100
100
100
101
Question Number: Veterans 5

554

383

261

550

401

241

566

434

262

26
60
9
4
1
NA
100

28
49
11
6
1
5
100

39
46
6
6
1
1
99

24
59
10
6
1
NA
100

33
49
7
5
1
4
99

28
44
15
7
2
4
100

23
56
12
6
2
NA
99

29
47
12
5
4
3
100

32
45
11
5
2
5
100

NA Not asked.

Schulman, Ronca & Bucuvalas, Inc. - page A-19

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Survey

TABLE A-10

When did you begin to PLAN the use of your education benefits?
Base: Individuals receiving benefits under Chapter 30 and Chapter 1606.

All RPOs

REGIONAL PROCESSING OFFICE
Atlanta
Buffalo
Muskogee
St. Louis
2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%

2002
%

2003
%

2004
%

912

715

449

178

198

112

246

167

113

243

152

110

245

198

114

20
21

19
23

23
23

20
23

14
25

22
26

18
20

18
18

24
18

17
20

20
25

21
27

25
19

24
21

25
22

5

6

6

3

8

5

5

5

9

6

4

5

7

9

3

12
9

12
13

12
8

10
8

13
8

8
6

10
9

15
10

14
11

15
9

11
16

12
6

11
9

8
15

12
12

34

28

29

36

32

34

37

34

25

32

24

30

29

23

26

101

101

101

100

100

101

99

100

101

99

100

101

100

100

100

1,189

864

525

271

213

115

299

206

142

300

225

126

319

220

142

18
23

20
20

17
27

18
25

19
18

11
24

17
22

19
21

20
27

16
24

18
20

13
30

21
21

24
20

27
23

7

8

7

6

10

5

7

9

4

9

6

10

6

7

7

14
11

16
12

15
8

14
9

15
10

21
7

14
13

17
9

15
10

14
11

17
13

12
9

15
10

11
15

13
8

27

25

27

29

28

33

26

25

25

26

24

27

27

24

23

100

101

101

101
100
101
99
100
Question Number: Veterans 6

101

100

98

101

100

101

101

Original Claims
Unweighted N

Before active-duty service
Six months or more before separation
from active-duty service
Less than six months before separation
from active-duty service
At separation from active-duty service
Less than six months after separation
from active-duty service
Six months or more after separation from
active-duty service
TOTAL
Supplemental Claims
Unweighted N

Before active-duty service
Six months or more before separation
from active-duty service
Less than six months before separation
from active-duty service
At separation from active-duty service
Less than six months after separation
from active-duty service
Six months or more after separation from
active-duty service
TOTAL
Sum does not add to 100% due to rounding.

Schulman, Ronca & Bucuvalas, Inc. - page A-20

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Survey

TABLE A-10, continued

When did you begin to PLAN the use of your education benefits?
Base: Individuals receiving benefits under Chapter 30 and Chapter 1606.

All RPOs

REGIONAL PROCESSING OFFICE
Atlanta
Buffalo
Muskogee
St. Louis
2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%

2002
%

2003
%

2004
%

2,101

1,579

974

449

411

227

545

373

255

543

377

236

564

418

256

18
23

20
20

18
26

18
25

19
19

12
24

18
22

19
20

21
25

16
23

19
21

14
30

21
21

24
20

26
23

7

8

7

6

9

5

7

9

5

8

6

9

6

7

6

14
10

15
12

14
8

13
8

15
10

19
7

13
13

17
9

15
10

14
11

17
14

12
9

14
10

11
15

13
8

28

25

27

30

28

33

28

26

25

27

24

27

27

24

24

100

100

101

100

101

99

101

101

99

101

100

All Claims
Unweighted N

Before active-duty service
Six months or more before separation
from active-duty service
Less than six months before separation
from active-duty service
At separation from active-duty service
Less than six months after separation
from active-duty service
Six months or more after separation from
active-duty service
TOTAL

100
100
100
100
Question Number: Veterans 6

Sum does not add to 100% due to rounding.

Schulman, Ronca & Bucuvalas, Inc. - page A-21

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Survey

TABLE A-11

Which of the following information sources did you find useful in PLANNING
for the use of your education benefits?
Base: Individuals receiving benefits under Chapter 30 and Chapter 1606 only.

2002
%

All RPOs

REGIONAL PROCESSING OFFICE

2003
%

2004
%

Atlanta
Buffalo
Muskogee
St. Louis
2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%

747

458

206

115

171

114

164

113

206

116

32
29
41
19
14
32
9
NA

28
26
38
14
12
33
5
4

28
25
44
16
11
31
7
NA

25
34
42
15
12
31
5
3

40
36
34
19
13
27
9
NA

26
21
30
16
6
33
6
5

29
27
40
20
17
36
10
NA

30
28
40
11
14
33
3
4

34
27
46
24
13
30
10
NA

30
20
38
17
14
37
7
4

889

543

219

122

212

147

232

128

226

146

38
26
50
14
13
34
6
NA

35
26
39
15
8
38
5
6

34
28
44
15
10
30
11
NA

33
32
33
11
12
39
5
6

31
22
43
18
12
41
6
NA

29
30
42
16
9
51
4
6

Original Claims
Unweighted N

VA Information pamphlet
VA's website on the Internet
Military base or unit Education Office
Another person in my unit
Friend or family
School
Other
None of the above
Supplemental Claims
Unweighted N

VA Information pamphlet
VA's website on the Internet
Military base or unit Education Office
Another person in my unit
Friend or family
School
Other
None of the above

36
27
43
15
12
35
8
NA

31
41
27
30
28
29
37
35
39
13
14
14
11
12
14
41
41
40
5
5
3
5
NA
4
Question Number: Veterans 7

Multiple mention.
NA Not asked.

Schulman, Ronca & Bucuvalas, Inc. - page A-22

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Survey

TABLE A-11, continued

Which of the following information sources did you find useful in PLANNING
for the use of your education benefits?
Base: Individuals receiving benefits under Chapter 30 and Chapter 1606 only.

2002
%

All RPOs

REGIONAL PROCESSING OFFICE

2003
%

2004
%

Atlanta
Buffalo
Muskogee
St. Louis
2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%

1,636

1,001

All Claims
Unweighted N

VA Information pamphlet
VA's website on the Internet
Military base or unit Education Office
Another person in my unit
Friend or family
School
Other
None of the above

35
27
43
16
12
35
8
NA

425

237

31
39
26
29
28
30
37
36
39
13
14
14
11
12
14
40
40
39
5
6
4
5
NA
4
Question Number: Veterans 7

383

261

396

241

432

262

38
27
48
15
13
33
6
NA

33
26
38
16
8
37
5
6

34
28
43
15
11
30
11
NA

32
31
34
11
12
38
5
6

31
22
44
19
12
40
7
NA

29
29
42
16
9
49
5
5

Multiple mention.
NA Not asked.

Schulman, Ronca & Bucuvalas, Inc. - page A-23

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Survey

TABLE A-12

While on active-duty, were you offered the opportunity to attend any briefings
or sessions that provided information regarding your education benefits?
Base: Individuals receiving benefits under Chapter 30 and Chapter 1606 only.

All RPOs

REGIONAL PROCESSING OFFICE

2002
%

2003
%

2004
%

Atlanta
Buffalo
Muskogee
St. Louis
2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%

Unweighted N

925

739

455

184

205

114

247

169

113

248

160

112

246

205

116

Yes
No
TOTAL

57
43
100

67
33
100

52
48
100

57
43
100

66
34
100

58
43
101

56
44
100

72
28
100

50
50
100

62
38
100

65
35
100

49
51
100

52
48
100

68
32
100

54
47
101

Unweighted N

1,200

877

534

274

216

120

305

210

144

302

230

125

319

221

145

Yes
No
TOTAL

60
40
100

66
34
100

52
48
100

61
39
100

70
30
100

42
58
100

54
46
100

66
34
100

55
45
100

62
38
100

64
36
100

51
49
100

61
39
100

64
36
100

63
37
100

Unweighted N

2,125

1,616

989

458

421

234

552

379

257

550

390

237

565

426

261

Yes
No
TOTAL

60
40
100

66
34
100

55
45
100

66
34
100

54
46
100

62
38
100

65
35
100

50
50
100

60
40
100

64
36
100

61
39
100

Original Claims

Supplemental Claims

All Claims
52
61
69
44
48
39
31
56
100
100
100
100
Question Number: Veterans 8

Sum does not add to 100% due to rounding.
Wording changes in 2003 and 2004.

Schulman, Ronca & Bucuvalas, Inc. - page A-24

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Survey

TABLE A-13

Did you attend any briefing or sessions that provided information regarding
your education benefits?
Base: Not offered the opportunity to attend briefing or session - Chapter 30 and Chapter 1606 only.

2002
%

All RPOs

REGIONAL PROCESSING OFFICE

2003
%

Atlanta
Buffalo
Muskogee
St. Louis
2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%

2004
%

Original Claims
Unweighted N

215

51

55

49

60

Yes
No
TOTAL

90
10
100

88
12
100

87
13
100

90
10
100

95
5
100

Unweighted N

238

39

67

52

80

Yes
No
TOTAL

91
9
100

97
3
100

92
8
100

88
12
100

91
9
100

453

90

122

101

140

92
8
100

88
12
100

91
9
100

Supplemental Claims

All Claims
Unweighted N

Yes
No
TOTAL

91
96
9
4
100
100
Question Number: Veterans 9

Added in 2004

Schulman, Ronca & Bucuvalas, Inc. - page A-25

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Survey

TABLE A-14

Looking back, how much of what you NEEDED TO KNOW did you get from these sessions?
Base: Attended a briefing or session - Chapter 30 and Chapter 1606 only.

All RPOs

REGIONAL PROCESSING OFFICE
Atlanta
Buffalo
Muskogee
St. Louis
2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%

2002
%

2003
%

2004
%

Unweighted N

520

472

193

104

126

46

136

118

47

154

98

43

126

130

57

All
Most
Some
Little
None
TOTAL

14
47
28
10
*
99

12
40
34
11
4
101

11
46
33
9
*
99

19
42
28
11
-100

17
38
30
7
8
100

10
40
38
12
-100

12
50
30
7
1
100

12
40
32
14
2
100

13
52
30
5
-100

14
43
29
13
1
100

10
38
37
12
3
100

13
49
28
9
-99

10
59
24
7
-100

9
44
36
8
3
100

7
40
41
11
2
101

Unweighted N

722

547

213

168

136

38

168

130

60

188

136

45

198

145

70

All
Most
Some
Little
None
TOTAL

13
50
29
8
1
101

11
49
28
9
3
100

13
48
26
11
2
100

21
45
29
3
1
99

9
51
28
8
3
99

20
43
21
15
-99

11
53
28
9
-101

9
42
33
11
5
100

19
52
26
2
2
101

9
52
28
10
1
100

14
52
26
6
3
101

7
53
22
16
3
101

11
47
32
9
1
100

9
46
29
13
3
100

11
41
36
10
3
101

Unweighted N

1,242

1,019

406

272

262

84

304

248

107

342

234

88

324

275

127

All
Most
Some
Little
None
TOTAL

13
49
29
8
1
100

11
48
29
9
3
100

11
52
28
8
*
99

9
42
33
11
5
100

18
52
26
2
2
100

10
51
28
10
1
100

13
50
27
7
3
100

7
53
23
15
2
100

11
48
31
9
1
100

9
45
30
12
3
99

10
41
36
10
3
100

Original Claims

Supplemental Claims

All Claims
12
21
10
19
48
45
49
43
27
29
29
24
11
4
8
15
2
1
4
-100
100
100
101
Question Number: Veterans 10

Sum does not add to 100% due to rounding.
* Less than 0.5%. -- None.

Schulman, Ronca & Bucuvalas, Inc. - page A-26

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Survey

TABLE A-15

How accurate was the information you received?
Base: Attended a briefing or session - Chapter 30 and Chapter 1606 only.

All RPOs

REGIONAL PROCESSING OFFICE
Atlanta
Buffalo
Muskogee
St. Louis
2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%

2002
%

2003
%

2004
%

539

470

192

108

124

46

140

118

47

160

98

43

131

130

56

43
46
7
3
1
NA
100

38
49
6
1
1
5
100

46
45
6
1
1
1
100

44
50
5
1
1
NA
101

39
46
5
3
1
5
99

45
39
8
3
3
3
101

42
47
5
5
1
NA
100

42
43
8
3
-4
100

56
36
5
3
--100

39
47
10
2
2
NA
100

34
55
4
1
-6
100

47
47
6
---100

49
39
8
3
2
NA
101

42
47
5
-3
2
99

35
56
6
-2
2
101

740

543

214

171

135

38

173

130

60

191

134

45

205

144

71

44
46
7
2
*
NA
99

48
40
4
1
2
5
100

46
51
49
37
44
42
40
40
51
45
5
7
5
-9
3
2
*
3
1
1
1
3
6
-4
NA
2
3
NA
101
101
99
100
99
Question Number: Veterans 11

40
48
2
1
1
7
99

59
35
2
-2
2
100

44
47
5
3
1
NA
100

51
38
4
-1
5
99

37
47
8
5
-3
100

38
50
8
3
-NA
99

46
37
5
4
2
6
100

53
34
5
2
-7
101

Original Claims
Unweighted N

Very accurate
Somewhat accurate
Neither accurate nor inaccurate
Somewhat inaccurate
Very inaccurate
Don't know
TOTAL
Supplemental Claims
Unweighted N

Very accurate
Somewhat accurate
Neither accurate nor inaccurate
Somewhat inaccurate
Very inaccurate
Don't know
TOTAL

-- None. * Less than 0.5%.
Category added in 2003.

Sum does not add to 100% due to rounding.

NA Not asked.

Schulman, Ronca & Bucuvalas, Inc. - page A-27

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Survey

TABLE A-15, continued

How accurate was the information you received?
Base: Attended a briefing or session - Chapter 30 and Chapter 1606 only.

All RPOs

REGIONAL PROCESSING OFFICE

2002
%

2003
%

2004
%

1,279

1,013

406

44
46
7
2
*
NA
99

46
41
4
1
2
5
99

Atlanta
Buffalo
Muskogee
St. Louis
2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%

All Claims
Unweighted N

Very accurate
Somewhat accurate
Neither accurate nor inaccurate
Somewhat inaccurate
Very inaccurate
Don't know
TOTAL

-- None. * Less than 0.5%.
Category added in 2003.

279

313

248

107

351

232

88

336

274

127

46
50
48
39
44
42
41
41
49
46
5
7
5
1
9
3
2
1
3
2
1
1
3
5
*
3
NA
2
3
NA
100
101
100
100
101
Question Number: Veterans 11

40
47
3
2
1
7
100

59
35
2
1
2
2
101

44
47
6
2
1
NA
100

49
40
4
*
1
5
99

39
47
8
5
-2
101

40
49
8
3
*
NA
100

45
38
5
4
2
6
100

51
37
5
1
*
6
100

Sum does not add to 100% due to rounding.

259

84

NA Not asked.

Schulman, Ronca & Bucuvalas, Inc. - page A-28

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Survey

TABLE A-16

Within the past year, did you receive a VA pamphlet about your
education benefits through the mail?
Base: All education beneficiaries.

All RPOs

REGIONAL PROCESSING OFFICE

2002
%

2003
%

2004
%

Atlanta
Buffalo
Muskogee
St. Louis
2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%

Unweighted N

1,107

1,403

1,020

254

369

260

273

334

258

292

315

252

288

385

250

Yes
No
TOTAL

89
11
100

79
21
100

72
28
100

87
13
100

79
21
100

71
29
100

93
7
100

78
22
100

76
24
100

89
11
100

79
21
100

68
32
100

89
11
100

81
19
100

76
24
100

Unweighted N

1,326

1,511

1,045

306

369

235

330

375

279

335

402

255

355

365

276

Yes
No
TOTAL

89
11
100

86
14
100

73
27
100

87
13
100

86
14
100

74
26
100

88
12
100

82
18
100

70
30
100

92
8
100

88
12
100

74
26
100

89
11
100

84
16
100

72
28
100

Unweighted N

2,433

2,914

2,065

560

738

495

603

709

537

627

717

507

643

750

526

Yes
No
TOTAL

89
11
100

85
73
87
85
74
89
82
15
27
13
15
26
11
18
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
Question Number: Dependents 5/Veterans 12

71
29
100

91
9
100

87
13
100

73
27
100

89
11
100

84
16
100

73
27
100

Original Claims

Supplemental Claims

All Claims

Sum does not add to 100% due to rounding.
Wording changes in 2003.

Schulman, Ronca & Bucuvalas, Inc. - page A-29

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Survey

TABLE A-17

How much of what you NEEDED TO KNOW did you get from the pamphlet?
Base: Received a VA pamphlet in the mail.

All RPOs

REGIONAL PROCESSING OFFICE
Atlanta
Buffalo
Muskogee
St. Louis
2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%

2002
%

2003
%

2004
%

Unweighted N

733

1,068

744

163

284

191

201

244

193

189

240

173

180

300

187

All
Most
Some
Little
None
TOTAL

15
46
27
8
5
101

22
51
21
3
3
100

20
44
22
10
5
101

15
46
27
7
5
100

22
49
23
2
4
100

26
31
32
8
4
101

15
44
26
10
5
100

22
51
22
4
1
100

13
52
17
9
9
100

16
46
27
7
4
100

23
52
19
2
4
100

20
47
20
10
3
100

12
48
28
7
4
99

19
48
25
5
3
100

21
40
23
13
3
100

Unweighted N

933

1,150

749

211

287

173

235

271

196

250

305

183

237

287

197

All
Most
Some
Little
None
TOTAL

20
45
24
7
5
101

25
40
22
7
5
99

21
41
25
7
6
100

27
43
20
5
5
100

27
44
20
6
3
100

23
45
17
7
9
101

20
41
27
7
5
100

22
45
20
8
5
100

23
42
25
3
8
101

17
49
22
8
4
100

27
38
21
8
6
100

18
40
30
9
3
100

19
41
27
9
6
102

21
37
29
7
5
99

23
38
23
6
10
100

Unweighted N

1,666

2,218

1,493

374

571

364

436

515

389

439

545

356

417

587

384

All
Most
Some
Little
None
TOTAL

19
45
24
7
5
100

22
46
20
7
5
100

21
43
24
4
8
100

17
49
23
7
4
100

27
40
21
7
6
101

18
41
29
9
3
100

18
42
27
8
5
100

21
38
29
7
4
99

23
38
23
7
9
100

Original Claims

Supplemental Claims

All Claims
25
21
25
27
24
19
42
41
43
45
43
42
22
25
21
20
18
27
7
7
5
5
7
7
5
6
5
3
8
5
101
100
99
100
100
100
Question Number: Dependents 6/Veterans 13

Sum does not add to 100% due to rounding.

Schulman, Ronca & Bucuvalas, Inc. - page A-30

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Survey

TABLE A-18

To whom did you submit your application for education benefits?
Base: All education beneficiaries.

All RPOs

REGIONAL PROCESSING OFFICE
Atlanta
Buffalo
Muskogee
St. Louis
2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%

2002
%

2003
%

2004
%

1,172

1,414

1,017

267

372

260

294

335

259

310

318

249

301

389

249

70
22
5
3
100

70
20
5
4
99

70
18
5
7
100

71
22
3
4
100

71
20
7
2
100

70
15
7
8
100

68
21
6
5
100

60
28
6
6
100

65
25
4
6
100

74
19
5
2
100

77
15
4
4
100

73
17
5
6
101

65
27
4
4
100

66
24
6
4
100

69
18
5
7
99

1,414

1,519

1,041

342

370

236

352

377

274

355

405

256

365

367

275

77
15
3
5
100

78
14
4
3
99

75
14
4
6
99

76
18
2
4
100

78
16
4
2
100

69
20
7
5
101

70
17
6
7
100

74
18
4
4
100

69
18
6
7
100

80
13
3
4
100

81
12
4
2
99

79
11
3
6
99

76
15
2
7
100

77
12
4
6
99

81
11
2
7
101

2,586

2,933

2,058

609

742

496

646

712

533

665

723

505

666

756

524

77
75
75
77
69
70
72
15
15
18
16
19
18
19
4
4
2
5
7
6
4
3
6
4
2
5
7
4
99
100
99
100
100
101
99
Question Number: Dependents 7/Veterans 14

68
19
6
7
100

80
13
3
4
100

81
13
4
3
101

78
12
4
6
100

75
17
2
6
100

76
14
5
6
101

79
11
2
7
99

Original Claims
Unweighted N

School
VA directly by mail or visit
VA directly on-line through VA's website
Don't recall
TOTAL
Supplemental Claims
Unweighted N

School
VA directly by mail or visit
VA directly on-line through VA's website
Don't recall
TOTAL
All Claims
Unweighted N

School
VA directly by mail or visit
VA directly on-line through VA's website
Don't recall
TOTAL

76
16
3
5
100

Sum may not add to 100% due to rounding.
Wording change in 2003.

Schulman, Ronca & Bucuvalas, Inc. - page A-31

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Survey

TABLE A-19

Did you find anything to be difficult or confusing about the application?
Base: All education beneficiaries.

All RPOs

REGIONAL PROCESSING OFFICE
Atlanta
Buffalo
Muskogee
St. Louis
2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%

2002
%

2003
%

2004
%

Unweighted N

1,032

1,410

1,022

239

372

261

265

334

260

270

317

250

258

387

251

Yes
No
TOTAL

17
83
100

16
84
100

20
80
100

15
85
100

19
81
100

20
80
100

18
82
100

14
86
100

18
82
100

17
83
100

13
87
100

21
79
100

17
83
100

24
76
100

18
82
100

Unweighted N

1,134

1,507

1,041

271

366

236

286

375

276

292

403

256

285

367

273

Yes
No
TOTAL

14
86
100

14
86
100

16
84
100

13
87
100

13
87
100

18
82
100

13
87
100

13
87
100

15
85
100

13
87
100

14
86
100

16
84
100

17
83
100

17
83
100

15
85
100

Unweighted N

2,166

2,917

2,063

510

738

497

551

709

536

562

720

506

543

750

524

Yes
No
TOTAL

14
86
100

14
17
13
14
18
14
13
86
83
87
86
82
86
87
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
Question Number: Dependents 8/Veterans 15

15
85
100

13
87
100

14
86
100

17
83
100

17
83
100

18
82
100

16
84
100

Original Claims

Supplemental Claims

All Claims

Wording change in 2003.

Schulman, Ronca & Bucuvalas, Inc. - page A-32

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Survey

TABLE A-20

What specifically did you find to be difficult or confusing about the application?
Base: Found something to be difficult or confusing.

All RPOs

REGIONAL PROCESSING OFFICE
Atlanta
Buffalo
Muskogee
St. Louis
2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%

2002
%

2003
%

2004
%

179

332

202

37

92

43

49

65

55

48

67

51

45

108

53

3
18
70
53
34

6
9
51
52
29

1
12
50
60
33

-7
71
52
29

3
14
43
41
38

1
22
59
53
53

1
25
73
60
40

5
3
59
57
24

-20
51
57
18

3
16
69
49
31

9
5
47
57
28

2
5
53
71
34

9
25
64
51
36

4
12
59
53
24

5
9
34
49
28

21

17

14

19

14

11

25

16

12

12

23

12

33

11

21

30

29

18

29

31

26

37

27

14

21

29

14

35

28

23

164

307

180

36

76

43

39

79

49

38

76

40

51

76

48

5
16
70
58
39

2
9
46
43
36

3
16
52
45
40

3
23
75
53
42

1
12
48
34
45

12
13
45
57
51

-21
69
52
36

1
7
37
43
27

1
2
67
44
36

7
13
62
65
34

5
9
49
44
29

-21
53
45
28

7
8
76
58
47

1
7
48
51
47

1
23
43
35
55

19

19

26

22

5

31

12

20

18

15

23

22

27

23

32

32

20

25

43

14

16

25

17

26

20

17

32

46

34

19

Original Claims
Unweighted N

Print size was hard to read
It was too long
Some questions were not clear
Some instructions were confusing
Asked for information VA should have
already had
Asked for information that was hard to
supply
Not clear why all the information was
needed
Supplemental Claims
Unweighted N

Print size was hard to read
It was too long
Some questions were not clear
Some instructions were confusing
Asked for information VA should have
already had
Asked for information that was hard to
supply
Not clear why all the information was
needed

Question Number: Dependents 9/Veterans 16
See next page for notes.

Schulman, Ronca & Bucuvalas, Inc. - page A-33

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Survey

TABLE A-20, continued

What specifically did you find to be difficult or confusing about the application?
Base: Found something to be difficult or confusing.

All RPOs

REGIONAL PROCESSING OFFICE
Atlanta
Buffalo
Muskogee
St. Louis
2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%

2002
%

2003
%

2004
%

343

639

382

73

168

86

88

144

104

86

143

91

96

184

101

5
16
70
57
38

3
9
47
45
35

3
15
51
48
39

2
20
74
53
40

1
12
47
36
44

10
14
47
56
51

*
22
70
54
37

2
6
40
45
27

1
6
64
47
32

7
14
63
62
33

5
8
49
46
29

*
18
53
49
29

7
10
74
57
45

1
8
49
51
43

1
21
42
37
51

19

18

24

22

6

28

16

19

17

14

23

21

28

21

31

32

22

24

40

17

18

28

19

24

20

18

29

44

33

19

All Claims
Unweighted N

Print size was hard to read
It was too long
Some questions were not clear
Some instructions were confusing
Asked for information VA should have
already had
Asked for information that was hard to
supply
Not clear why all the information was
needed

Question Number: Dependents 9/Veterans16
-- None.
* Less than 0.5%.
Multiple mentions.

Schulman, Ronca & Bucuvalas, Inc. - page A-34

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Study

TABLE A-21

Did VA let you know your application had been received?
Base: All education beneficiaries.

All RPOs

REGIONAL PROCESSING OFFICE
Atlanta
Buffalo
Muskogee
St. Louis
2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%

2002
%

2003
%

2004
%

Unweighted N

1,185

1,414

1,024

270

373

262

296

333

261

313

319

250

306

389

251

Yes
No
TOTAL

87
13
100

87
13
100

84
16
100

87
13
100

85
15
100

87
13
100

91
9
100

87
13
100

81
19
100

85
15
100

88
12
100

82
18
100

84
16
100

90
10
100

87
13
100

Unweighted N

1,404

1,500

1,039

337

370

235

345

370

274

350

399

253

372

361

277

Yes
No
TOTAL

78
22
100

83
17
100

85
15
100

78
22
100

82
18
100

84
16
100

81
19
100

84
16
100

83
17
100

79
21
100

84
16
100

88
12
100

74
26
100

81
19
100

82
18
100

Unweighted N

2,589

2,914

2,063

607

743

497

641

703

535

663

718

503

678

750

528

Yes
No
TOTAL

79
21
100

84
85
80
82
84
83
85
16
15
20
18
16
17
15
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
Question Number: Dependents 10/Veterans 17

83
17
100

80
20
100

85
15
100

87
13
100

75
25
100

82
18
100

82
18
100

Original Claims

Supplemental Claims

All Claims

Schulman, Ronca, & Bucuvalas, Inc. - page A-35

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Study

TABLE A-22

How completely did VA keep you informed of the status of your application?
Base: All education beneficiaries.

All RPOs

REGIONAL PROCESSING OFFICE

2002
%

2003
%

2004
%

Atlanta
Buffalo
Muskogee
St. Louis
2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%

1,192

1,420

1,028

268

376

264

301

333

261

317

320

252

306

391

251

27
31
20
10
11
2
101

38
28
16
8
8
2
100

30
29
19
10
10
2
100

27
28
20
11
14
1
101

38
24
15
11
11
2
101

31
25
24
8
11
1
100

28
31
18
12
9
3
101

38
30
16
6
8
1
99

29
34
16
7
11
3
100

27
34
21
7
11
1
101

40
27
15
8
7
3
100

34
25
17
12
9
2
99

24
32
21
10
10
3
100

34
31
16
10
8
2
101

24
31
20
11
10
3
99

1,417

1,517

1,045

339

370

237

349

377

276

356

403

257

373

367

275

32
30
16
10
10
3
101

36
27
18
7
10
3
101

27
28
21
10
12
2
100

38
26
17
4
11
3
99

37
30
15
8
4
5
99

23
28
22
11
13
4
101

32
29
18
10
8
2
99

30
28
17
10
11
5
101

Original Claims
Unweighted N

Completely
Mostly
Somewhat
Only a little
Not at all
Didn't need status information
TOTAL
Supplemental Claims
Unweighted N

Completely
Mostly
Somewhat
Only a little
Not at all
Didn't need status information
TOTAL

26
27
20
11
13
3
100

34
33
26
28
29
28
28
30
23
30
32
26
17
16
20
16
15
18
7
8
13
9
8
12
11
9
15
14
14
14
3
4
2
4
2
3
100
100
99
101
100
101
Question Number: Dependents 11/Veterans 18

Sum may not add to 100% due to rounding.

Schulman, Ronca, & Bucuvalas, Inc. - page A-36

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Study

TABLE A-22, continued

How completely did VA keep you informed of the status of your application?
Base: All education beneficiaries.

All RPOs

REGIONAL PROCESSING OFFICE

2002
%

2003
%

2004
%

Atlanta
Buffalo
Muskogee
St. Louis
2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%

2,609

2,937

2,073

All Claims
Unweighted N

Completely
Mostly
Somewhat
Only a little
Not at all
Didn't need status information
TOTAL

26
27
20
11
13
2
99

607

746

501

650

34
33
26
29
29
28
28
29
24
29
31
27
17
16
20
16
17
18
7
9
13
9
8
12
10
9
15
13
13
13
3
4
2
3
2
3
99
100
100
99
100
101
Question Number: Dependents 11/Veterans 18

710

537

673

723

509

679

758

526

33
30
16
9
10
3
101

35
28
18
7
10
3
101

27
29
21
10
12
2
101

39
26
17
4
10
3
99

36
30
16
9
5
5
101

23
29
22
11
12
4
101

33
29
18
10
8
2
100

29
29
17
10
11
4
100

Sum may not add to 100% due to rounding.

Schulman, Ronca, & Bucuvalas, Inc. - page A-37

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Study

TABLE A-23

How long did it take VA to process your application?
Base: All education beneficiaries.

All RPOs

REGIONAL PROCESSING OFFICE

2002
%

2003
%

2004
%

Atlanta
Buffalo
Muskogee
St. Louis
2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%

1,136

1,358

979

264

363

253

283

324

244

299

306

241

290

365

241

2
10
11
20
9
16
3
12
2
14
99

2
10
15
24
10
14
3
12
1
10
101

3
10
16
22
11
15
2
9
1
12
101

2
9
12
17
10
15
5
11
3
16
100

2
7
11
22
8
14
4
12
3
16
99

1
9
9
22
12
16
2
11
3
15
100

3
8
8
23
10
17
4
11
2
13
99

3
15
12
22
10
12
2
12
1
11
100

6
11
15
20
7
13
1
12
1
14
100

1
11
12
20
8
16
2
17
1
13
101

1
10
17
27
9
15
3
12
1
6
101

1
11
20
23
9
18
1
6
*
10
99

5
11
13
20
8
16
3
8
2
13
99

2
9
16
22
12
14
3
11
*
11
100

2
9
18
22
16
13
3
7
*
10
100

1,321

1,400

1,008

326

349

232

312

346

263

331

373

249

352

332

264

3
3
1
1
3
*
3
4
11
8
10
9
10
11
8
11
16
13
11
10
11
12
13
13
25
19
22
23
18
24
22
24
8
7
9
9
9
6
6
7
14
17
12
15
15
20
17
16
4
3
3
4
3
3
3
3
10
13
13
12
10
9
15
10
1
1
4
3
2
1
-2
9
15
15
14
20
14
13
11
101
99
100
100
101
100
100
101
Question Number: Dependents 12/Veterans 19

4
23
17
22
8
10
2
6
2
6
100

4
12
16
31
10
11
4
6
1
5
100

3
17
14
22
8
14
3
9
1
9
100

2
14
17
23
7
14
3
12
1
7
100

2
12
23
19
6
16
2
13
1
7
101

Original Claims
Unweighted N

1 week
2 weeks
3 weeks
4 weeks
5 weeks
6 weeks
7 weeks
8 weeks
9 weeks
10 or more weeks
TOTAL
Supplemental Claims
Unweighted N

1 week
3
2
2 weeks
11
16
3 weeks
13
15
4 weeks
21
23
5 weeks
7
8
6 weeks
16
13
7 weeks
3
3
8 weeks
11
9
9 weeks
2
2
10 or more weeks
13
10
TOTAL
100
101
* Less than 0.5%. Sum may not add to 100% due to rounding.

Schulman, Ronca, & Bucuvalas, Inc. - page A-38

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Study

TABLE A-23, continued

How long did it take VA to process your application?
Base: All education beneficiaries.

All RPOs

REGIONAL PROCESSING OFFICE

2002
%

2003
%

2004
%

Atlanta
Buffalo
Muskogee
St. Louis
2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%

2,457

2,758

1,987

All Claims
Unweighted N

1 week
2 weeks
3 weeks
4 weeks
5 weeks
6 weeks
7 weeks
8 weeks
9 weeks
10 or more weeks
TOTAL

3
11
13
21
8
16
3
11
2
13
101

590

712

485

595

2
3
2
1
1
3
15
10
9
9
9
10
15
16
13
11
10
11
23
25
19
22
23
19
8
8
7
9
10
9
13
14
17
12
15
15
3
3
3
3
4
3
10
10
13
13
12
10
2
1
1
4
3
2
10
9
15
15
14
18
101
99
99
99
101
100
Question Number: Dependents 12/Veterans 19

670

507

630

679

490

642

697

505

1
11
12
24
7
19
3
10
1
13
101

3
9
14
22
6
17
3
14
*
13
101

3
11
13
24
7
16
3
11
2
11
101

3
21
17
23
8
10
2
7
1
6
98

4
12
17
30
10
12
4
6
1
6
102

3
16
14
22
8
15
3
9
1
10
101

2
14
17
22
8
14
3
11
1
8
100

2
11
22
19
7
15
2
12
1
7
98

* Less than 0.5%.
Sum may not add to 100% due to rounding.

Schulman, Ronca, & Bucuvalas, Inc. - page A-39

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Study

TABLE A-24

How long do you think is REASONABLE for VA to process your application?
Base: All education beneficiaries.

All RPOs

REGIONAL PROCESSING OFFICE

2002
%

2003
%

2004
%

Atlanta
Buffalo
Muskogee
St. Louis
2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%

1,164

1,408

1,008

266

372

260

291

333

254

308

318

249

299

385

245

4
27
17
33
4
9
1
3
*
1
99

5
27
19
33
3
9
*
3
*
*
99

5
29
18
36
4
7
-2
*
*
101

4
24
20
31
4
11
1
4
-2
101

6
18
18
42
2
10
1
4
*
1
102

5
24
15
36
5
10
-5
1
*
101

4
25
16
38
4
8
1
4
*
1
101

3
27
20
32
4
12
*
2
*
*
100

7
25
18
38
3
7
*
2
--100

3
30
16
32
4
9
1
3
*
1
99

6
35
18
26
4
8
*
3
-*
100

4
33
17
36
5
4
-*
*
*
99

6
30
14
34
3
8
*
4
-1
100

6
17
20
40
3
8
1
4
1
1
101

4
29
23
31
2
9
-2
*
*
100

1,408

1,500

1,031

336

369

234

350

373

272

354

399

254

368

359

271

8
36
22
23
4
4
-3
-1
101

6
34
21
27
2
8
1
*
-*
99

6
32
22
27
3
5
-4
*
1
100

6
34
16
28
3
9
1
3
-1
101

4
32
23
32
1
6
-1
-1
100

Original Claims
Unweighted N

1 week
2 weeks
3 weeks
4 weeks
5 weeks
6 weeks
7 weeks
8 weeks
9 weeks
10 or more weeks
TOTAL
Supplemental Claims
Unweighted N

1 week
8
6
5
2 weeks
30
31
31
3 weeks
18
18
22
4 weeks
31
31
29
5 weeks
3
3
2
6 weeks
6
7
8
7 weeks
*
*
1
8 weeks
3
3
2
9 weeks
*
*
-10 or more weeks
1
*
1
TOTAL
100
99
101
-- None. * Less than 0.5%. Sum may not add to 100% due to rounding.

6
7
7
6
2
2
10
31
24
30
27
26
26
29
16
16
23
21
16
20
15
34
37
25
30
42
35
33
3
2
3
3
4
3
3
7
10
8
9
9
11
6
*
---*
-1
2
2
3
3
2
4
3
-1
----*
1
*
1
1
*
-*
100
99
100
100
101
101
100
Question Number: Dependents 13/Veterans 20

Schulman, Ronca, & Bucuvalas, Inc. - page A-40

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Study

TABLE A-24, continued

How long do you think is REASONABLE for VA to process your application?
Base: All education beneficiaries.

All RPOs

REGIONAL PROCESSING OFFICE

2002
%

2003
%

2004
%

2,572

2,908

2,039

Atlanta
Buffalo
Muskogee
St. Louis
2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%

All Claims
Unweighted N

1 week
2 weeks
3 weeks
4 weeks
5 weeks
6 weeks
7 weeks
8 weeks
9 weeks
10 or more weeks
TOTAL

7
29
18
32
3
7
*
3
*
1
100

602

741

494

641

6
5
6
7
6
6
31
31
30
23
29
26
19
21
17
17
22
20
31
30
33
38
26
31
3
2
4
2
3
3
7
8
7
10
8
9
*
1
*
*
-*
3
2
2
2
4
3
*
*
-1
*
*
*
1
1
*
1
1
100
101
100
100
99
99
Question Number: Dependents 13/Veterans 20

706

526

662

717

503

667

744

516

2
26
16
41
4
9
*
2
*
*
100

3
26
20
35
3
10
*
3
--100

9
29
16
33
3
6
1
3
*
*
100

7
36
22
24
4
4
*
3
-1
101

6
34
20
28
2
7
1
*
*
*
98

6
31
21
28
3
5
*
4
*
1
99

6
32
16
30
3
8
1
3
*
1
100

4
32
23
32
1
7
-1
*
1
101

-- None.
* Less than 0.5%.
Sum may not add to 100% due to rounding.

Schulman, Ronca, & Bucuvalas, Inc. - page A-41

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Study

TABLE A-25

Did you PHONE VA about your recent education claim?
Base: All education beneficiaries.

All RPOs

REGIONAL PROCESSING OFFICE
Atlanta
Buffalo
Muskogee
St. Louis
2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%

2002
%

2003
%

2004
%

Unweighted N

1,190

1,412

1,020

269

375

262

300

335

262

315

310

248

306

392

248

Yes
No
TOTAL

58
42
100

51
49
100

45
55
100

63
37
100

55
45
100

58
42
100

56
44
100

56
44
100

43
57
100

56
44
100

44
56
100

39
61
100

58
42
100

55
45
100

44
56
100

Unweighted N

1,417

1,518

1,038

338

374

236

350

374

277

357

404

253

372

366

272

Yes
No
TOTAL

74
26
100

51
49
100

49
51
100

75
25
100

51
49
100

60
40
100

69
31
100

52
48
100

46
54
100

78
22
100

50
50
100

49
52
101

70
30
100

54
46
100

42
58
100

Unweighted N

2,607

2,930

2,058

607

749

498

650

709

539

672

714

501

678

758

520

Yes
No
TOTAL

72
28
100

51
49
73
51
60
67
53
49
52
27
49
40
33
47
100
101
100
100
100
100
100
Question Number: Dependents 14/Veterans 21

46
54
100

75
25
100

49
51
100

47
53
100

68
32
100

54
46
100

42
58
100

Original Claims

Supplemental Claims

All Claims

Sum does not add to 100% due to rounding.
Wording changes in 2003. In 2001 Administration they were asked if they ever called VA. The follow-up question asked which number they used most often.
The 2002 Administration asked only about the toll-free numbers. The 2003 Administration did not specify number called.

Schulman, Ronca, & Bucuvalas, Inc. - page A-42

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Study

TABLE A-26

How many times did you phone VA about your recent claim?
Base: Phoned VA about recent claim.

All RPOs

REGIONAL PROCESSING OFFICE
Atlanta
Buffalo
Muskogee
St. Louis
2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%

2002
%

2003
%

2004
%

687

748

450

165

197

138

169

185

111

176

155

92

177

211

109

18
26
26
10
21
101

30
21
23
9
17
100

25
24
20
6
25
100

19
23
26
10
22
100

17
27
28
9
18
99

27
17
20
5
31
100

16
27
24
10
22
99

33
21
21
8
17
100

14
38
12
4
33
101

17
25
27
10
21
100

35
14
24
9
18
100

33
24
23
7
13
100

20
29
23
9
19
100

31
27
17
10
15
100

20
19
23
11
27
100

1,032

762

483

254

192

131

244

181

120

278

200

115

256

189

117

12
21
24
8
35
100

35
23
14
5
22
99

24
22
19
12
24
101

14
22
18
9
37
100

35
18
16
1
29
99

22
19
21
7
32
101

15
20
24
9
32
100

31
22
11
12
23
99

28
23
16
11
22
100

10
20
26
9
35
100

36
26
13
4
20
99

23
21
22
17
17
100

12
23
25
6
34
100

37
24
16
6
17
100

25
25
13
8
29
100

1,719

1,510

933

419

389

269

413

366

231

454

355

207

433

400

226

31
22
13
12
22
100

25
26
15
10
24
100

11
21
26
9
33
100

36
25
15
5
20
101

24
21
22
16
16
99

13
23
25
7
32
100

36
24
16
6
17
99

25
24
15
8
29
101

Original Claims
Unweighted N

1 time
2 times
3 times
4 times
5 times or more
TOTAL
Supplemental Claims
Unweighted N

1 time
2 times
3 times
4 times
5 times or more
TOTAL
All Claims
Unweighted N

1 time
2 times
3 times
4 times
5 times or more
TOTAL

13
22
24
8
33
100

34
24
15
33
23
15
23
22
22
19
19
21
15
19
19
18
21
24
6
11
9
2
7
9
21
24
35
27
31
30
99
100
100
99
101
99
Question Number: Dependents 15/Veterans 22
Sum does not add to 100% due to rounding. Wording changes in 2003.

Schulman, Ronca, & Bucuvalas, Inc. - page A-43

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Study

TABLE A-27

Why did you call VA?
Base: Called VA about recent claim.

All RPOs

REGIONAL PROCESSING OFFICE
Atlanta
Buffalo
Muskogee
St. Louis
2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%

2002
%

2003
%

2004
%

689

753

451

165

199

140

169

187

110

178

157

92

177

210

109

22
22
62

15
12
55

15
10
61

18
15
64

11
11
74

16
9
67

26
27
59

16
11
53

13
6
51

21
23
61

17
12
45

19
13
65

24
24
65

17
15
55

7
10
61

9
43
11

15
43
11

13
48
13

9
39
13

12
42
9

17
44
12

10
46
9

16
41
9

12
52
8

6
44
10

17
40
17

6
48
13

12
46
13

15
49
7

18
46
18

37
50
38
44
40
29
31
19
17
21
13
14
19
28
26
17
25
29
24
20
17
Question Number: Dependents 16/Veterans 23

24
19
28

38
18
22

33
21
29

33
11
14

44
20
28

39
18
25

27
22
22

Original Claims
Unweighted N

Get information before I applied for benefits
Apply for education benefits
Check on the status of my education
claim
Change the status of enrollment
Verify enrollment to VA
Check on my remaining education
benefits
Check on payment
Correct a payment problem
Get other information

44
17
23

Multiple mentions.

Schulman, Ronca, & Bucuvalas, Inc. - page A-44

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Study

TABLE A-27, continued

Why did you call VA?
Base: Called VA about recent claim.

All RPOs

REGIONAL PROCESSING OFFICE
Atlanta
Buffalo
Muskogee
St. Louis
2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%

2002
%

2003
%

2004
%

1,039

779

487

254

196

132

245

188

121

280

202

116

260

193

118

17
19
66

9
10
51

12
9
58

15
15
68

16
13
56

13
11
66

17
19
67

10
12
56

10
8
63

18
21
64

7
9
49

12
8
44

17
21
64

7
9
45

14
10
71

16
54
25

13
51
20

18
50
27

18
55
25

14
54
18

13
52
22

17
51
22

13
47
18

16
43
13

15
55
25

12
46
25

19
50
31

17
51
27

12
60
13

24
54
42

29
47
35
47
29
36
36
20
29
23
23
21
23
28
19
23
19
23
20
26
22
Question Number: Dependents 16/Veterans 23

32
18
24

46
26
22

25
17
20

39
22
26

43
29
23

31
22
18

30
22
36

Supplemental Claims
Unweighted N

Get information before I applied for benefits
Apply for education benefits
Check on the status of my education
claim
Change the status of enrollment
Verify enrollment to VA
Check on my remaining education
benefits
Check on payment
Correct a payment problem
Get other information

46
27
23

Multiple mentions.

Schulman, Ronca, & Bucuvalas, Inc. - page A-45

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Study

TABLE A-27, continued

Why did you call VA?
Base: Called VA about recent claim.

All RPOs

REGIONAL PROCESSING OFFICE
Atlanta
Buffalo
Muskogee
St. Louis
2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%

2002
%

2003
%

2004
%

1,728

1,532

938

419

395

272

414

375

231

458

359

208

437

403

227

17
19
65

10
11
51

12
9
58

15
15
68

15
12
58

13
11
66

18
20
66

11
12
55

10
8
61

19
21
64

8
10
49

12
9
46

17
21
64

9
9
46

13
10
70

16
52
23

13
50
19

17
50
25

17
53
24

13
52
17

14
51
21

16
50
20

14
46
17

16
44
12

14
54
23

13
45
24

18
50
29

17
50
25

12
59
12

23
53
38

30
48
35
46
30
35
35
20
27
22
21
20
22
28
20
22
20
24
21
25
21
Question Number: Dependents 16/Veterans 23

31
18
25

45
25
22

26
18
21

39
21
34

43
28
25

32
22
19

30
22
34

All Claims
Unweighted N

Get information before I applied for benefits
Apply for education benefits
Check on the status of my education
claim
Change the status of enrollment
Verify enrollment to VA
Check on my remaining education
benefits
Check on payment
Correct a payment problem
Get other information

45
26
23

Multiple mentions.

Schulman, Ronca, & Bucuvalas, Inc. - page A-46

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Study

TABLE A-28

How easy was it to get through to VA when you called?
Base: Called VA about recent claim.

All RPOs

REGIONAL PROCESSING OFFICE
Atlanta
Buffalo
Muskogee
St. Louis
2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%

2002
%

2003
%

2004
%

685

755

448

164

200

138

168

187

110

178

157

92

175

211

108

22
32
18
16
11
2
101

30
28
12
14
13
4
101

22
26
13
17
19
3
100

22
28
21
17
11
2
101

15
27
16
21
19
3
101

17
25
12
14
27
6
101

21
31
18
17
13
1
101

27
32
11
15
12
3
100

19
19
14
21
24
3
100

23
31
17
16
10
3
100

40
27
9
9
10
5
100

29
36
13
12
10
*
100

22
40
15
14
9
1
101

30
29
12
16
11
2
100

22
18
12
27
19
2
100

1,037

777

486

255

194

131

245

189

121

278

201

116

259

193

118

25
29
9
22
16
-101

22
19
11
20
27
*
99

21
29
16
23
10
*
99

26
33
16
16
9
*
100

27
22
16
17
16
2
100

15
33
16
22
13
2
101

38
30
8
16
8
-100

20
26
13
21
16
3
99

Original Claims
Unweighted N

Very easy
Somewhat easy
Neither easy nor difficult
Somewhat difficult
Very difficult
Never got through
TOTAL
Supplemental Claims
Unweighted N

Very easy
Somewhat easy
Neither easy nor difficult
Somewhat difficult
Very difficult
Never got through
TOTAL

18
29
16
23
13
1
100

27
22
16
22
15
16
31
23
28
30
27
25
13
12
16
17
7
16
18
18
22
18
17
26
11
20
17
12
25
15
*
4
2
1
8
1
100
99
101
100
99
99
Question Number: Dependents 17/Veterans 24

-- None
* Less than 0.5%.
Sum may not add to 100% due to rounding.

Schulman, Ronca, & Bucuvalas, Inc. - page A-47

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Study

TABLE A-28, continued

How easy was it to get through to VA when you called?
Base: Called VA about recent claim.

All RPOs

REGIONAL PROCESSING OFFICE

2002
%

2003
%

2004
%

1,722

1,532

934

Atlanta
Buffalo
Muskogee
St. Louis
2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%

All Claims
Unweighted N

Very easy
Somewhat easy
Neither easy nor difficult
Somewhat difficult
Very difficult
Never got through
TOTAL

18
29
16
22
13
1
99

419

394

269

413

28
22
17
21
15
17
30
24
28
29
27
26
13
13
17
17
8
16
17
18
21
19
17
25
11
20
16
13
26
15
1
3
2
1
8
1
100
100
101
100
101
100
Question Number: Dependents 17/Veterans 24

376

231

456

358

208

434

404

226

25
29
9
21
15
1
100

22
19
12
20
26
1
100

21
29
16
23
10
1
100

27
32
15
16
9
1
100

28
23
16
16
16
2
101

16
34
16
21
12
1
100

37
30
8
16
8
*
99

21
25
13
22
17
3
101

* Less than 0.5%.
Sum may not add to 100% due to rounding.

Schulman, Ronca, & Bucuvalas, Inc. - page A-48

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Study

TABLE A-29

Which of the following happened to you when you called VA?
Base: Got through to VA.

All RPOs

REGIONAL PROCESSING OFFICE
Atlanta
Buffalo
Muskogee
St. Louis
2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%

2002
%

2003
%

2004
%

672

733

427

160

194

126

166

182

105

172

151

90

174

206

106

22
NA
NA
NA
67

NA
34
12
37
27

NA
29
14
34
33

22
NA
NA
NA
67

NA
19
16
40
39

NA
23
19
32
50

26
NA
NA
NA
61

NA
30
17
41
26

NA
26
14
34
33

20
NA
NA
NA
56

NA
45
7
37
23

NA
35
12
36
25

19
NA
NA
NA
58

NA
39
10
29
23

NA
28
12
33
26

NA

12

18

NA

19

33

NA

13

22

NA

7

3

NA

13

18

12
9
13
4

11
16
24
--

8
9
10
25

4
10
7
1

4
8
11
2

9
11
17
28

6
11
13
1

13
12
14
--

Original Claims
Unweighted N

Frequently busy
Got through on the first try
Got a busy signal
Experienced a reasonable wait time
Waited over a minute for call to be
answered
Hung up, couldn't wait for call to be
answered
Call disconnected before it was answered
Call got misdirected
Other
None of the above

8
11
9
21

8
8
10
14
11
19
11
11
12
13
14
20
11
9
13
8
17
20
2
21
--22
1
Question Number: Dependents 18/Veterans 25

Multiple mentions.
NA Not Asked
--None.
Wording changes and categories added in 2003.

Schulman, Ronca, & Bucuvalas, Inc. - page A-49

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Study

TABLE A-29, continued

Which of the following happened to you when you called VA?
Base: Got through to VA.

All RPOs

REGIONAL PROCESSING OFFICE
Atlanta
Buffalo
Muskogee
St. Louis
2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%

2002
%

2003
%

2004
%

1,022

766

467

251

191

122

240

186

116

276

196

114

255

193

115

35
NA
NA
NA
66

NA
34
13
36
31

NA
26
16
35
34

42
NA
NA
NA
67

NA
23
20
37
38

NA
19
20
36
34

39
NA
NA
NA
68

NA
29
18
31
41

NA
23
18
30
31

33
NA
NA
NA
65

NA
34
11
42
24

NA
30
15
38
32

30
NA
NA
NA
67

NA
52
4
27
26

NA
29
11
30
42

NA

13

19

NA

18

28

NA

20

21

NA

10

10

NA

8

25

10
6
11
2

15
12
14
2

18
9
9
19

6
11
7
2

6
7
8
--

12
13
10
16

5
11
5
*

21
20
16
3

Supplemental Claims
Unweighted N

Frequently busy
Got through on the first try
Got a busy signal
Experienced a reasonable wait time
Waited over a minute for call to be
answered
Hung up, couldn't wait for call to be
answered
Call disconnected before it was answered
Call got misdirected
Other
None of the above

17
10
9
17

8
18
10
19
12
14
10
11
12
9
13
20
9
8
13
8
11
11
1
16
*
*
13
1
Question Number: Dependents 18/Veterans 25

Multiple mentions.
NA Not Asked
*Less than 0.5%.
-- None.
Wording changes and categories added in 2003.

Schulman, Ronca, & Bucuvalas, Inc. - page A-50

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Study

TABLE A-29, continued

Which of the following happened to you when you called VA?
Base: Got through to VA.

All RPOs

REGIONAL PROCESSING OFFICE
Atlanta
Buffalo
Muskogee
2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%

2002
%

2003
%

2004
%

1,694

1,499

894

411

385

248

406

368

221

448

347

204

429

399

221

34
NA
NA
NA
65

NA
34
13
36
30

NA
26
16
35
34

39
NA
NA
NA
67

NA
23
20
38
38

NA
20
20
36
37

37
NA
NA
NA
67

NA
29
18
33
39

NA
23
18
30
31

31
NA
NA
NA
64

NA
35
10
42
24

NA
31
15
38
31

28
NA
NA
NA
66

NA
50
5
27
26

NA
28
11
31
40

NA

13

19

NA

18

29

NA

19

22

NA

10

9

NA

9

24

11
6
12
2

14
13
16
2

17
9
9
20

6
11
7
2

6
7
8
*

12
13
11
17

5
11
6
*

20
19
16
2

All Claims
Unweighted N

Frequently busy
Got through on the first try
Got a busy signal
Experienced a reasonable wait time
Waited over a minute for call to be
answered
Hung up, couldn't wait for call to be
answered
Call disconnected before it was answered
Call got misdirected
Other
None of the above

16
10
9
17

8
12
16
10
15
18
10
13
11
12
20
10
9
12
8
13
12
8
1
1
17
*
*
14
Question Number: Dependents 18/Veterans 25

Multiple mentions.
NA Not Asked
*Less than 0.5%.
Wording changes and categories added in 2003.

Schulman, Ronca, & Bucuvalas, Inc. - page A-51

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Study

TABLE A-30

How much of what you NEEDED TO KNOW did you get from your
telephone contact with VA?
Base: Got through to VA.

All RPOs

REGIONAL PROCESSING OFFICE

2002
%

2003
%

2004
%

Atlanta
Buffalo
Muskogee
St. Louis
2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%

Unweighted N

674

731

429

161

193

127

166

182

105

171

149

90

176

207

107

All
Most
Some
Little
None
TOTAL

34
34
19
10
3
100

45
32
14
6
3
100

39
31
17
7
6
100

36
34
20
10
1
101

44
33
15
6
2
100

35
33
19
5
8
100

34
37
15
10
4
100

49
30
16
3
3
101

52
22
15
8
3
100

32
30
22
11
5
100

41
33
16
6
3
99

36
34
15
10
5
100

34
37
19
9
2
101

49
29
9
9
4
100

33
34
21
5
7
100

Unweighted N

1,025

771

468

251

192

123

241

187

117

277

198

114

256

194

114

All
Most
Some
Little
None
TOTAL

36
37
18
7
2
100

50
32
16
1
1
100

52
23
16
9
1
101

38
36
18
6
2
100

54
31
12
2
1
100

49
28
15
7
2
101

35
40
16
8
2
101

47
32
14
4
3
100

45
31
20
3
1
100

Original Claims

Supplemental Claims
49
47
34
42
40
34
32
29
37
32
33
38
14
15
17
18
11
20
3
8
8
5
12
6
2
2
3
3
3
2
100
101
99
100
99
100
Question Number: Dependents 19/Veterans 26

Wording changes in 2003.
Sum may not add to 100% due to rounding.

Schulman, Ronca, & Bucuvalas, Inc. - page A-52

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Study

TABLE A-30, continued

How much of what you NEEDED TO KNOW did you get from your
telephone contact with VA?
Base: Got through to VA.

All RPOs

REGIONAL PROCESSING OFFICE

2002
%

2003
%

2004
%

Atlanta
Buffalo
Muskogee
St. Louis
2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%

Unweighted N

1,699

1,502

897

All
Most
Some
Little
None
TOTAL

36
37
18
7
2
100

All Claims
412

385

250

407

49
46
34
42
40
34
32
29
37
32
33
38
14
15
18
17
12
19
3
8
8
5
11
7
2
2
3
3
3
2
100
100
100
99
99
100
Question Number: Dependents 19/Veterans 26

369

222

448

347

204

432

401

221

50
31
16
1
1
99

52
23
16
9
1
101

37
36
18
7
2
100

53
31
13
3
1
101

47
28
15
7
2
99

35
39
16
8
2
100

47
32
13
5
3
100

43
32
20
3
2
100

Wording changes in 2003.
Sum may not add to 100% due to rounding.

Schulman, Ronca, & Bucuvalas, Inc. - page A-53

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Study

TABLE A-31

Generally, were you able to get this information on the first call?
Base: Got through to VA.

All RPOs

REGIONAL PROCESSING OFFICE
Atlanta
Buffalo
Muskogee
St. Louis
2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%

2002
%

2003
%

2004
%

Unweighted N

671

726

427

160

194

124

165

178

105

170

148

91

176

206

107

Yes
No
TOTAL

67
33
100

72
28
100

67
33
100

68
32
100

65
35
100

62
38
100

67
33
100

76
24
100

69
31
100

65
35
100

73
27
100

72
28
100

68
32
100

73
27
100

63
37
100

Unweighted N

1,023

770

469

252

192

123

240

186

117

276

198

114

255

194

115

Yes
No
TOTAL

70
30
100

75
25
100

69
31
100

70
30
100

77
23
100

66
34
100

68
32
100

65
35
100

70
30
100

72
28
100

78
22
100

69
31
100

70
30
100

78
22
100

73
27
100

Unweighted N

1,694

1,496

896

412

386

247

405

364

222

446

346

205

431

400

222

Yes
No
TOTAL

70
30
100

75
69
70
75
66
68
66
25
31
30
25
34
32
34
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
Question Number: Dependents 20/Veterans 27

70
31
101

71
29
100

78
22
100

69
31
100

70
30
100

77
23
100

72
29
101

Original Claims

Supplemental Claims

All Claims

Sum does not add to 100% due to rounding.
Wording changes in 2003.

Schulman, Ronca, & Bucuvalas, Inc. - page A-54

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Study

TABLE A-32

Was your question answered by the automated system or did you
speak with a VA employee?
Base: Got through to VA.

All RPOs

REGIONAL PROCESSING OFFICE

2002
%

2003
%

2004
%

Atlanta
Buffalo
Muskogee
St. Louis
2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%

667

718

426

158

189

126

164

176

103

169

148

91

176

205

106

15
53
32
100

19
53
28
100

23
54
24
101

14
55
31
100

17
54
29
100

21
53
26
100

15
56
29
100

18
55
27
100

23
56
21
100

17
47
37
101

21
51
28
100

23
60
18
101

14
55
31
100

18
53
29
100

24
40
36
100

1,019

762

467

249

191

121

241

184

117

275

196

114

254

191

115

14
51
35
100

19
52
29
100

15
55
30
100

14
49
37
100

21
56
22
99

13
55
32
100

15
52
33
100

17
49
35
101

18
50
31
99

14
52
34
100

17
53
30
100

15
56
29
100

12
51
37
100

23
49
28
100

16
56
28
100

1,680

1,480

893

407

380

247

405

360

220

444

344

205

430

396

221

17
49
34
100

19
51
30
100

14
51
35
100

17
53
30
100

16
56
28
100

13
51
37
101

23
49
28
100

17
53
29
99

Original Claims
Unweighted N

Automated system
VA employee
Both
TOTAL
Supplemental Claims
Unweighted N

Automated system
VA employee
Both
TOTAL
All Claims
Unweighted N

Automated system
VA employee
Both
TOTAL

14
51
35
100

19
16
14
21
14
15
52
55
50
56
55
53
29
29
36
23
31
32
100
100
100
100
100
100
Question Number: Dependents 21/Veterans 28

Sum does not add to 100% due to rounding.
Wording changes in 2003.

Schulman, Ronca, & Bucuvalas, Inc. - page A-55

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Study

TABLE A-33

How responsive was the person you talked to?
Base: Interacted with a person when called VA about recent claim.

All RPOs

REGIONAL PROCESSING OFFICE
Atlanta
Buffalo
Muskogee
St. Louis
2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%

2002
%

2003
%

2004
%

576

618

368

141

164

109

142

155

90

143

122

79

150

177

90

61
29
5
3
1
99

65
27
5
2
2
101

58
27
9
5
1
100

64
27
4
2
3
100

58
31
4
1
5
99

49
35
5
11
1
101

58
34
5
4
-101

71
27
1
1
*
100

67
22
8
*
4
101

63
26
7
4
*
100

65
28
6
1
-100

62
24
11
2
1
100

59
32
5
2
2
100

64
21
7
5
3
100

51
28
13
7
1
100

884

665

412

217

168

109

205

164

101

239

176

102

223

157

100

58
33
4
4
2
101

63
27
5
4
2
101

61
24
5
5
4
99

54
34
4
6
2
100

63
23
5
6
4
101

54
32
5
3
6
100

50
38
7
4
1
100

56
35
7
2
*
100

70
18
9
3
*
100

61
31
3
3
2
100

65
28
2
4
2
101

68
21
1
6
5
101

61
31
4
3
1
100

64
22
7
4
3
100

47
28
13
9
3
100

1,460

1,283

780

358

332

218

347

319

191

382

298

181

373

334

190

58
34
6
2
*
100

70
19
9
2
1
101

61
30
4
3
2
100

65
28
2
4
1
100

67
21
2
6
4
100

61
31
4
3
1
100

64
22
7
4
3
100

47
28
13
9
3
100

Original Claims
Unweighted N

Very responsive
Somewhat responsive
Neither responsive nor non-responsive
Somewhat non-responsive
Very non-responsive
TOTAL
Supplemental Claims
Unweighted N

Very responsive
Somewhat responsive
Neither responsive nor non-responsive
Somewhat non-responsive
Very non-responsive
TOTAL
All Claims
Unweighted N

Very responsive
Somewhat responsive
Neither responsive nor non-responsive
Somewhat non-responsive
Very non-responsive
TOTAL

-- None.

58
32
4
4
1
99

Sum may not add to 100% due to rounding.

63
61
56
62
54
51
27
25
33
24
32
38
5
6
4
5
5
7
4
5
6
5
4
4
2
4
2
4
6
*
101
101
101
100
101
100
Question Number: Dependents 22/Veterans 29
*Less than 0.5%.

Schulman, Ronca, & Bucuvalas, Inc. - page A-56

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Study

TABLE A-34

How courteous was the person you talked to?
Base: Interacted with a person when called VA about recent claim.

All RPOs

REGIONAL PROCESSING OFFICE

2002
%

2003
%

2004
%

Atlanta
Buffalo
Muskogee
St. Louis
2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%

576

622

365

141

166

107

142

154

90

142

124

78

151

178

90

65
24
7
2
2
100

65
25
6
3
1
100

58
31
8
1
2
100

62
28
5
2
4
101

57
28
6
7
3
101

63
25
10
-3
101

68
25
6
1
-100

70
25
4
*
*
99

62
26
8
1
4
101

65
22
9
4
*
100

67
28
4
1
*
100

53
38
8
-1
100

66
24
6
2
3
101

66
17
9
5
3
100

58
31
6
3
2
100

886

670

411

217

167

109

206

166

101

239

180

102

224

157

99

59
28
7
4
2
100

65
23
7
2
4
101

59
25
7
6
4
101

55
30
10
5
1
101

53
32
10
1
4
100

57
22
10
6
6
101

52
33
9
6
1
101

68
23
6
1
2
100

63
23
7
4
3
100

65
24
5
4
2
100

69
18
6
2
4
99

63
23
4
6
5
101

59
29
6
4
2
100

63
23
5
3
5
99

46
35
12
6
1
100

1,462

1,292

776

358

333

216

348

320

191

381

304

180

375

335

189

69
23
6
1
1
100

63
24
7
4
3
101

65
24
5
4
2
100

69
19
6
2
4
100

62
24
4
5
4
99

60
29
6
3
2
100

64
22
6
3
5
100

48
34
11
6
1
100

Original Claims
Unweighted N

Very courteous
Somewhat courteous
Neither courteous nor discourteous
Somewhat discourteous
Very discourteous
TOTAL
Supplemental Claims
Unweighted N

Very courteous
Somewhat courteous
Neither courteous nor discourteous
Somewhat discourteous
Very discourteous
TOTAL
All Claims
Unweighted N

Very courteous
Somewhat courteous
Neither courteous nor discourteous
Somewhat discourteous
Very discourteous
TOTAL

-- None.

* Less than 0.5%.

60
28
7
4
2
101

65
59
56
53
57
54
23
25
30
31
23
32
7
7
9
10
10
9
2
5
4
2
5
5
4
4
1
4
6
*
101
100
100
100
101
100
Question Number: Dependents 23/Veterans 30

Sum may not add to 100% due to rounding.

Schulman, Ronca, & Bucuvalas, Inc. - page A-57

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Study

TABLE A-35

Were VA employees able to give you information about your particular
education claim on the phone?
Base: Interacted with a person when called VA about recent claim.

All RPOs

REGIONAL PROCESSING OFFICE

2002
%

2003
%

2004
%

Atlanta
Buffalo
Muskogee
St. Louis
2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%

576

618

368

141

162

110

142

153

89

142

125

79

151

178

90

83
10
8
101

84
11
5
100

82
10
7
99

88
5
7
100

89
7
4
100

78
15
7
100

81
8
12
101

91
7
1
99

88
7
5
100

84
12
4
100

77
12
11
100

85
7
8
100

78
13
9
100

78
19
3
100

79
13
8
100

883

670

409

217

168

108

205

165

99

238

179

102

223

158

100

88
7
5
100

87
6
7
100

84
12
5
101

86
9
5
100

86
4
10
100

88
9
3
100

89
6
5
100

94
3
3
100

89
8
4
101

88
7
5
100

85
7
8
100

76
18
6
100

91
6
3
100

87
9
5
101

88
8
4
100

1,459

1,288

777

358

330

218

347

318

188

380

304

181

374

336

190

94
3
3
100

89
8
4
101

88
7
5
100

84
7
9
100

77
17
6
100

90
6
4
100

86
10
5
101

87
8
5
100

Original Claims
Unweighted N

Yes
No
Didn't need claim information
TOTAL
Supplemental Claims
Unweighted N

Yes
No
Didn't need claim information
TOTAL
All Claims
Unweighted N

Yes
No
Didn't need claim information
TOTAL

88
7
5
100

87
83
86
86
87
88
6
12
9
5
10
6
7
5
6
9
4
6
100
100
101
100
101
100
Question Number: Dependents 24/Veterans 31

Sum may not add to 100% due to rounding.

Schulman, Ronca, & Bucuvalas, Inc. - page A-58

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Study

TABLE A-36

Within the past year, did you VISIT VA's Internet website [www.gibill.va.gov]
about your education benefits?
Base: All education beneficiaries.

All RPOs

REGIONAL PROCESSING OFFICE

2002

2003

2004

Atlanta
Buffalo
Muskogee
St. Louis
2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004

%

%

%

%

%

%

%

%

%

%

%

%

%

%

%

Unweighted N

1,196

1,421

1,027

271

377

263

301

335

261

317

318

250

307

391

253

Yes
No
TOTAL

47
53
100

57
43
100

55
46
101

43
57
100

58
42
100

66
34
100

48
52
100

55
45
100

55
46
101

46
54
100

58
42
100

49
51
100

52
48
100

56
44
100

52
48
100

Unweighted N

1,425

1,513

1,046

338

369

237

354

376

277

359

402

258

374

366

274

Yes
No
TOTAL

60
40
100

65
35
100

59
41
100

55
45
100

64
36
100

56
44
100

62
38
100

72
28
100

58
43
101

61
39
100

64
36
100

59
41
100

62
38
100

60
40
100

52
48
100

Unweighted N

2,621

2,934

2,073

609

746

500

655

711

538

676

720

508

681

757

527

Yes
No
TOTAL

58
42
100

64
58
53
64
58
59
70
36
42
47
36
42
41
30
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
Question Number: Dependents 25/Veterans 32

57
43
100

59
41
100

63
37
100

57
43
100

61
39
100

60
40
100

63
37
100

Original Claims

Supplemental Claims

All Claims

Sum does not add to 100% due to rounding.
Wording changes in 2003.

Schulman, Ronca, & Bucuvalas, Inc. - page A-59

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Study

TABLE A-37

Why did you visit VA's website [www.gibill.va.gov]?
Base: Visited VA's website.

All RPOs

REGIONAL PROCESSING OFFICE
Atlanta
Buffalo
Muskogee
St. Louis
2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%

2002
%

2003
%

2004
%

533

664

438

106

185

126

136

160

115

138

143

93

153

176

104

29
17
68
12
30

27
18
66
16
36

19
15
64
16
32

29
12
67
13
32

28
23
59
17
40

20
10
59
18
36

30
21
72
12
30

41
28
60
13
28

21
16
68
18
25

28
18
62
14
31

17
9
74
16
35

20
17
66
12
34

27
16
74
8
27

35
21
61
18
40

14
16
64
19
30

10

6

11

12

11

19

12

4

7

7

4

8

8

8

13

13
15
15
18
16
17
15
40
37
46
42
42
45
42
4
6
3
3
7
7
5
Question Number: Dependents 26/Veterans 33

14
22
6

14
46
7

9
39
3

16
42
6

13
50
5

16
39
5

13
43
7

Original Claims
Unweighted N

Get information before I applied for benefits
Apply for education benefits
Verify enrollment to VA+
Send an inquiry to VA
Get other information about VA education
programs
Couldn't get through on a toll-free phone
number
Download a form
See what is available on the website
Other

15
47
5

Multiple mentions.
+ Not asked of Chapter 35 beneficiaries.

Schulman, Ronca, & Bucuvalas, Inc. - page A-60

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Study

TABLE A-37, continued

Why did you visit VA's website [www.gibill.va.gov]?
Base: Visited VA's website.

All RPOs

REGIONAL PROCESSING OFFICE
Atlanta
Buffalo
Muskogee
St. Louis
2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%

2002
%

2003
%

2004
%

834

775

473

181

185

103

214

197

122

211

214

120

228

179

128

18
13
77
13
29

15
12
74
13
33

14
9
72
15
26

19
12
73
12
34

14
11
74
12
28

15
15
72
15
32

22
18
79
16
28

12
7
74
19
33

23
8
67
19
32

17
13
76
13
27

16
15
73
12
37

13
6
70
17
22

17
12
81
11
27

16
12
76
10
29

8
10
77
10
21

13

5

9

13

5

15

15

5

6

13

4

7

12

5

10

10
12
11
11
14
18
5
39
34
45
37
35
41
38
4
6
6
8
2
6
3
Question Number: Dependents 26/Veterans 33

14
35
3

12
42
7

11
43
3

12
29
8

15
43
6

10
37
3

10
42
8

Supplemental Claims
Unweighted N

Get information before I applied for benefits
Apply for education benefits
Verify enrollment to VA+
Send an inquiry to VA
Get other information about VA education
programs
Couldn't get through on a toll-free phone
number
Download a form
See what is available on the website
Other

14
43
6

Multiple mentions.
+ Not asked of Chapter 35 beneficiaries.

Schulman, Ronca, & Bucuvalas, Inc. - page A-61

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Study

TABLE A-37, continued

Why did you visit VA's website [www.gibill.va.gov]?
Base: Visited VA's website.

All RPOs

REGIONAL PROCESSING OFFICE
Atlanta
Buffalo
Muskogee
St. Louis
2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%

2002
%

2003
%

2004
%

1,367

1,439

911

287

370

229

350

357

237

349

357

213

381

355

232

20
14
76
13
29

16
12
73
13
33

15
10
71
16
26

20
12
72
12
34

16
12
72
12
30

16
14
70
16
33

23
19
78
15
28

15
10
73
19
32

23
10
67
19
31

18
13
75
13
27

17
14
73
12
37

14
7
70
16
23

18
12
80
11
27

18
13
74
11
31

8
11
76
11
22

13

5

9

13

6

15

15

5

6

12

4

7

12

6

11

10
12
11
12
14
18
6
40
35
45
38
36
42
38
4
6
6
8
3
6
3
Question Number: Dependents 26/Veterans 33

14
33
3

12
42
7

11
42
3

12
31
8

14
44
6

11
37
3

10
42
8

All Claims
Unweighted N

Get information before I applied for benefits
Apply for education benefits
Verify enrollment to VA+
Send an inquiry to VA
Get other information about VA education
programs
Couldn't get through on a toll-free phone
number
Download a form
See what is available on the website
Other

14
43
6

Multiple mentions.
+ Not asked of Chapter 35 beneficiaries.

Schulman, Ronca, & Bucuvalas, Inc. - page A-62

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Study

TABLE A-38

In general, how much of what you were looking for did you find on VA's website?
Base: Visited VA's website.

All RPOs

REGIONAL PROCESSING OFFICE
Atlanta
Buffalo
Muskogee
St. Louis
2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%

2002
%

2003
%

2004
%

Unweighted N

529

669

438

106

186

126

134

163

115

135

142

93

154

178

104

All
Most
Some
Little
None
TOTAL

25
39
23
9
4
100

36
43
12
5
3
99

32
38
22
6
2
100

20
38
24
15
3
100

35
41
13
4
7
100

31
36
18
12
4
101

29
40
21
7
3
100

38
42
13
5
2
100

43
31
19
6
*
99

28
41
21
4
5
99

35
48
10
5
2
100

28
43
25
2
2
100

23
35
29
9
4
100

36
36
16
8
4
100

25
41
28
6
1
101

Unweighted N

836

785

473

181

188

103

217

198

122

211

215

120

227

184

128

All
Most
Some
Little
None
TOTAL

29
38
21
7
5
100

35
45
14
3
2
99

36
47
11
5
1
100

31
37
18
6
6
98

38
43
13
3
3
100

34
45
14
5
2
100

30
41
21
5
4
101

37
42
14
6
1
100

41
43
14
2
1
101

30
37
22
6
6
101

34
49
12
2
2
99

32
51
8
7
2
100

26
40
20
11
3
100

35
44
17
2
3
101

41
44
11
4
*
100

1,365

1,454

911

287

374

229

351

361

237

346

357

213

381

362

232

35
35
30
37
33
30
37
45
46
37
42
44
40
42
13
12
19
13
15
21
14
3
5
8
3
6
5
5
2
1
6
4
3
4
2
98
99
100
99
101
100
100
Question Number: Dependents 27/Veterans 34

41
41
15
2
1
100

30
37
22
6
6
101

34
49
12
3
2
100

32
51
10
6
2
101

26
39
21
11
3
100

35
43
16
3
3
100

39
43
13
4
*
99

Original Claims

Supplemental Claims

All Claims
Unweighted N

All
Most
Some
Little
None
TOTAL
Sum may not add to 100% due to rounding.
Wording change in 2003.
*Less than 0.5%.

29
38
21
7
5
100

Schulman, Ronca, & Bucuvalas, Inc. - page A-63

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Study

TABLE A-39

Did you find anything difficult or confusing about the website?
Base: Visited VA's website.

All RPOs

REGIONAL PROCESSING OFFICE
Atlanta
Buffalo
Muskogee
St. Louis
2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004

2002

2003

2004

%

%

%

%

%

%

%

%

%

%

%

%

%

%

%

Unweighted N

529

667

437

103

185

125

134

164

115

137

140

93

152

178

104

Yes
No
TOTAL

21
79
100

15
85
100

24
76
100

28
72
100

17
83
100

25
75
100

18
82
100

17
83
100

16
84
100

21
79
100

9
91
100

28
73
101

18
82
100

26
74
100

28
72
100

Unweighted N

831

780

471

181

189

102

213

197

122

211

216

119

226

178

128

Yes
No
TOTAL

19
81
100

13
87
100

14
86
100

19
81
100

10
90
100

17
83
100

21
79
100

17
83
100

12
88
100

18
82
100

13
87
100

11
89
100

22
78
100

14
86
100

21
79
100

Unweighted N

1,360

1,447

908

287

374

227

347

361

237

348

356

212

378

356

232

Yes
No
TOTAL

20
80
100

13
16
20
11
18
20
17
87
84
80
89
82
80
83
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
Question Number: Dependents 28/Veterans 35

12
88
100

18
82
100

12
88
100

13
87
100

21
79
100

15
85
100

22
78
100

Original Claims

Supplemental Claims

All Claims

Sum does not add to 100% due to rounding.

Schulman, Ronca, & Bucuvalas, Inc. - page A-64

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Study

TABLE A-40

What specifically did you find difficult or confusing about the website?
Base: Found something to be difficult or confusing.

All RPOs

REGIONAL PROCESSING OFFICE
Atlanta
Buffalo
Muskogee
St. Louis
2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%

2002
%

2003
%

2004
%

107

162

110

29

42

30

23

43

22

28

26

28

27

51

30

15
2
28

10
5
17

16
6
18

13
2
20

9
7
14

25
6
17

9
-47

11
6
37

10
-26

22
4
27

3
3
3

14
7
9

14
2
18

22
5
21

11
9
30

52

30

60

44

52

46

51

67

48

53

57

68

64

65

73

36

33

54

30

31

56

55

26

26

24

46

63

44

23

55

26

12

17

20

15

24

31

17

13

29

--

14

23

22

17

23

19

15

32

16

18

31

20

37

18

26

10

7

10

6

170

158

84

36

34

16

47

40

19

37

44

18

50

40

31

19
6
18

14
5
19

7
4
28

17
14
17

3
7
19

11
3
37

10
5
17

24
12
27

--16

24
5
11

17
2
16

15
2
31

23
2
30

3
2
15

1
8
24

61

48

61

59

64

59

74

40

69

58

42

75

53

58

46

31

32

39

24

31

18

48

29

45

19

29

44

38

41

46

22

21

19

18

17

20

20

15

1

22

26

35

26

21

13

21

22

12
23
35
3
6
26
30
Question Number: Dependents 29/Veterans 36

27

15

2

22

23

17

Original Claims
Unweighted N

System down or not working
Information displayed was hard to read
Information displayed was hard to
understand
Didn't understand where to go to retrieve
the information I wanted
Website didn't have the information I was
looking for
It was hard to move about within the
website
Other
Supplemental Claims
Unweighted N

System down or not working
Information displayed was hard to read
Information displayed was hard to
understand
Didn't understand where to go to retrieve
the information I wanted
Website didn't have the information I was
looking for
It was hard to move about within the
website
Other
Notes on next page

Schulman, Ronca, & Bucuvalas, Inc. - page A-65

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Study

TABLE A-40, continued

What specifically did you find difficult or confusing about the website?
Base: Found something to be difficult or confusing.

All RPOs

REGIONAL PROCESSING OFFICE
Atlanta
Buffalo
Muskogee
St. Louis
2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%

2002
%

2003
%

2004
%

277

320

194

65

76

46

70

83

41

65

70

46

77

91

61

19
6
19

13
5
19

9
4
26

17
12
18

4
7
18

15
4
32

10
4
21

22
11
28

2
-18

24
5
13

15
2
15

15
3
26

22
2
29

6
3
16

3
8
25

60

50

61

57

62

56

71

43

65

58

44

73

54

59

50

32

32

42

25

31

27

49

28

42

20

31

48

38

38

47

22

20

19

19

17

21

21

15

4

23

23

30

26

21

14

22
12
25
32
7
9
25
Question Number: Dependents 29/Veterans 36

31

26

16

4

21

21

16

All Claims
Unweighted N

System down or not working
Information displayed was hard to read
Information displayed was hard to
understand
Didn't understand where to go to retrieve
the information I wanted
Website didn't have the information I was
looking for
It was hard to move about within the
website
Other

21

-- None
Multiple mentions.
Slight wording changes in 2003.

Schulman, Ronca, & Bucuvalas, Inc. - page A-66

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Study

TABLE A-41

Within the past year, did you use the Internet or e-mail to CONTACT VA
about your education benefits?
Base: All beneficiaries.

All RPOs

REGIONAL PROCESSING OFFICE

2002
%

2003
%

2004
%

Atlanta
Buffalo
Muskogee
St. Louis
2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%

Unweighted N

1,176

1,409

1,018

265

374

259

296

331

263

312

316

246

303

388

250

Yes
No
TOTAL

20
80
100

25
75
100

19
81
100

20
80
100

25
75
100

25
75
100

18
82
100

21
79
100

21
79
100

19
81
100

29
71
100

16
84
100

22
78
100

24
76
100

19
81
100

Unweighted N

1,415

1,508

1,032

334

369

235

352

374

275

356

401

253

373

364

269

Yes
No
TOTAL

22
78
100

26
74
100

23
77
100

20
80
100

29
71
100

23
77
100

25
75
100

31
69
100

22
78
100

21
79
100

25
75
100

25
75
100

25
75
100

22
78
100

21
79
100

Unweighted N

2,591

2,917

2,050

599

743

494

648

705

538

668

717

499

676

752

519

Yes
No
TOTAL

22
78
100

26
23
20
28
24
24
29
74
77
80
72
76
76
71
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
Question Number: Dependents 30/Veterans 37

22
78
100

21
79
100

25
75
100

24
76
100

25
75
100

23
77
100

21
79
100

Original Claims

Supplemental Claims

All Claims

Sum may not add to 100% due to rounding.
Wording changes in 2003.

Schulman, Ronca, & Bucuvalas, Inc. - page A-67

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Study

TABLE A-42

Why did you contact VA using the Internet or e-mail?
Base: Contacted VA using the Internet or e-mail.

All RPOs

REGIONAL PROCESSING OFFICE
Atlanta
Buffalo
Muskogee
St. Louis
2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%

2002
%

2003
%

2004
%

222

258

143

47

70

42

54

57

43

57

54

26

64

77

32

19
52
20

12
60
26

11
56
28

18
48
29

19
48
21

8
54
8

23
51
17

23
60
21

10
64
28

18
57
20

2
69
28

16
57
31

19
53
11

19
52
31

6
45
48

22
40
10
9
12

22
39
10
6
11

21
34
18
12
20

27
29
2
17
16

18
38
12
3
15

22
23
21
18
17

13
42
13
11
13

10
39
1
16
5

16
52
12
3
9

19
45
14
4
8

30
41
15
3
11

26
30
15
6
30

29
46
10
5
12

18
35
3
7
10

17
31
29
27
22

9
8
11
16
9
13
10
Question Number: Dependents 31/Veterans 38

3

4

5

15

14

9

5

Original Claims
Unweighted N

Get information before I applied for benefits
Check on the status of my education claim
Report a change in the status of my
enrollment
Check on my remaining education benefits
Check on payment
Correct a payment problem
Couldn't get through on a toll-free number
Sent an e-mail to get information after
visiting the VA website
Other inquiry

10

Multiple mentions.

Schulman, Ronca, & Bucuvalas, Inc. - page A-68

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Study

TABLE A-42, continued

Why did you contact VA using the Internet or e-mail?
Base: Contacted VA using the Internet or e-mail.

All RPOs

REGIONAL PROCESSING OFFICE
Atlanta
Buffalo
Muskogee
St. Louis
2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%

2002
%

2003
%

2004
%

317

316

167

65

82

39

88

79

46

71

85

40

93

70

42

13
50
23

7
50
30

15
51
29

15
47
28

2
53
27

17
62
34

9
57
26

11
45
27

17
53
31

16
49
19

5
53
31

16
50
22

11
46
23

12
43
33

8
39
38

25
38
11
13
11

34
35
16
4
12

38
26
15
10
12

25
46
15
24
11

31
40
11
5
12

40
40
20
28
8

22
47
13
17
15

22
22
18
3
20

46
41
10
9
16

26
30
7
7
11

39
39
21
4
8

33
32
13
1
12

24
34
11
11
9

41
33
11
5
10

41
37
17
12
14

8

12

13

11

4

12

6

3

Supplemental Claims
Unweighted N

Get information before I applied for benefits
Check on the status of my education claim
Report a change in the status of my
enrollment
Check on my remaining education benefits
Check on payment
Correct a payment problem
Couldn't get through on a toll-free number
Sent an e-mail to get information after
visiting the VA website
Other inquiry

9

11
5
3
17
5
8
Question Number: Dependents 31/Veterans 38

Multiple mentions.

Schulman, Ronca, & Bucuvalas, Inc. - page A-69

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Study

TABLE A-42, continued

Why did you contact VA using the Internet or e-mail?
Base: Contacted VA using the Internet or e-mail.

All RPOs

REGIONAL PROCESSING OFFICE
Atlanta
Buffalo
Muskogee
St. Louis
2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%

2002
%

2003
%

2004
%

539

574

310

112

152

81

142

136

89

128

139

66

157

147

74

14
50
23

8
51
29

15
52
29

15
47
28

4
53
26

16
61
31

11
56
25

13
46
27

16
54
30

16
50
20

5
56
31

16
51
23

12
47
21

13
44
33

8
40
39

24
38
11
13
11

32
35
16
4
12

36
36
15
10
13

25
43
13
22
12

29
40
11
5
12

38
38
20
26
9

21
46
13
16
15

21
24
16
5
18

41
43
11
8
15

26
32
8
6
10

38
40
20
4
8

32
31
13
1
13

25
35
10
10
10

38
33
10
5
10

38
36
19
14
15

8

10

12

10

5

12

6

3

All Claims
Unweighted N

Get information before I applied for benefits
Check on the status of my education claim
Report a change in the status of my
enrollment
Check on my remaining education benefits
Check on payment
Correct a payment problem
Couldn't get through on a toll-free number
Sent an e-mail to get information after
visiting the VA website
Other inquiry

10

11
6
4
17
5
8
Question Number: Dependents 31/Veterans 38

Multiple mentions.

Schulman, Ronca, & Bucuvalas, Inc. - page A-70

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Study

TABLE A-43

What response did you get to your Internet or e-mail inquiry?
Base: Contacted VA using the Internet or e-mail.

All RPOs

REGIONAL PROCESSING OFFICE
Atlanta
Buffalo
Muskogee
St. Louis
2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%

2002
%

2003
%

2004
%

212

448

144

45

118

43

53

99

42

55

100

26

59

131

33

43
41
11

34
26
12

47
48
22

39
40
13

46
24
11

49
40
25

46
36
11

31
22
11

49
56
18

38
40
11

34
33
16

54
41
23

54
49
12

25
18
6

30
61
21

2
17
4

*
7
2

3
13
1

2
20
5

-4
5

-17
5

2
19
6

1
9
3

-11
--

3
20
4

*
3
*

9
12
--

2
9
3

*
16
4

-13
--

306

531

166

63

96

39

85

134

44

66

148

39

92

124

44

44
51
19

31
27
11

50
46
16

40
48
17

31
24
9

38
37
16

50
56
15

29
33
11

63
49
17

39
54
21

33
28
14

53
46
14

49
45
20

31
23
10

46
52
20

-9
3

9
5
11

-8
6

1
1
4

-13
--

-9
3

-6
3

1
14
5

Original Claims
Unweighted N

Received an acknowledgment of my inquiry
Received a complete answer to my inquiry
Received an answer, but not all the
information requested
Inquiry was sent to another office
Never received an answer from VA
Other
Supplemental Claims
Unweighted N

Received an acknowledgment of my inquiry
Received a complete answer to my inquiry
Received an answer, but not all the
information requested
Inquiry was sent to another office
Never received an answer from VA
Other

1
10
5

1
3
2
1
2
-6
11
11
12
14
24
4
5
6
5
8
4
Question Number: Dependents 32/Veterans 39

-- None.
Multiple mentions.
* Less than 0.5%.

Schulman, Ronca, & Bucuvalas, Inc. - page A-71

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Study

TABLE A-43, continued

What response did you get to your Internet or e-mail inquiry?
Base: Contacted VA using the Internet or e-mail.

All RPOs

REGIONAL PROCESSING OFFICE
Atlanta
Buffalo
Muskogee
St. Louis
2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%

2002
%

2003
%

2004
%

518

979

310

108

243

82

138

233

86

121

248

65

151

255

77

44
50
18

32
27
12

50
46
17

40
47
16

33
24
9

40
37
18

49
53
15

29
32
11

61
50
18

39
53
20

33
28
14

53
45
14

50
45
19

30
23
9

44
54
20

*
9
3

7
6
9

*
9
6

1
1
4

1
13
--

*
9
3

*
7
3

*
14
5

All Claims
Unweighted N

Received an acknowledgment of my inquiry
Received a complete answer to my inquiry
Received an answer, but not all the
information requested
Inquiry was sent to another office
Never received an answer from VA
Other

1
11
5

1
3
2
1
2
-6
13
11
13
14
23
4
4
6
5
7
4
Question Number: Dependents 32/Veterans 39

-- None.
* Less than 0.5%
Multiple mentions.

Schulman, Ronca, & Bucuvalas, Inc. - page A-72

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Study

Table A-44

In general, how much of what you NEEDED TO KNOW did you get from
your contact with VA using the Internet or e-mail?
Base: Received an answer to Internet or e-mail contact.

All RPOs

REGIONAL PROCESSING OFFICE

2002
%

2003
%

2004
%

Atlanta
Buffalo
Muskogee
St. Louis
2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%

Unweighted N

222

248

122

47

68

34

54

57

37

57

55

22

64

68

29

All
Most
Some
Little
None
TOTAL

27
37
20
7
9
100

30
40
18
6
6
100

33
36
23
4
3
99

21
44
17
9
9
100

33
33
22
6
6
100

17
41
29
7
5
99

25
36
20
6
13
100

34
30
21
6
10
101

42
37
21
--100

30
37
17
6
10
100

24
53
17
4
2
100

33
28
33
-7
101

30
29
28
10
4
101

40
22
15
14
9
100

40
40
5
14
1
100

Unweighted N

318

301

137

65

74

29

89

75

40

71

81

31

93

71

37

All
Most
Some
Little
None
TOTAL

33
35
20
6
6
100

32
41
15
6
5
99

38
39
14
4
5
100

34
35
20
4
6
99

27
49
15
4
5
100

34
38
21
2
5
100

37
38
14
7
4
100

27
44
16
8
5
100

39
46
13
2
-100

32
35
21
7
6
101

38
36
15
5
5
99

42
32
12
5
9
100

31
30
23
7
8
99

32
39
13
8
7
99

33
49
13
4
1
100

540

549

259

112

142

63

143

132

77

128

136

53

157

139

66

39
44
15
2
-100

31
35
21
7
6
100

36
39
16
5
5
101

42
32
13
5
9
101

31
30
23
8
8
100

33
38
13
9
8
101

34
48
12
5
1
100

Original Claims

Supplemental Claims

All Claims
Unweighted N

All
Most
Some
Little
None
TOTAL
Sum may not add to 100% due to rounding.
-- None.

32
35
20
7
6
100

32
38
32
28
31
35
28
41
39
37
47
39
38
42
15
15
20
16
22
15
17
6
4
5
4
2
7
8
5
5
6
5
5
5
5
99
101
100
100
99
100
100
Question Number: Dependents 33/Veterans 40

Schulman, Ronca, & Bucuvalas, Inc. - page A-73

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Study

TABLE A-45

Within the past year, did you receive information about
your education benefits from any of the following?
Base: All education beneficiaries.

All RPOs

REGIONAL PROCESSING OFFICE

2002
%

2003
%

2004
%

Atlanta
Buffalo
Muskogee
St. Louis
2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%

1,176

1,380

1,012

267

370

259

294

323

257

311

307

247

304

380

249

41

33

31

40

31

26

43

32

26

42

33

34

42

34

36

28
24
31
NA
NA
18
43

15
12
15
37
1
5
26

10
6
10
29
1
3
38

29
24
33
NA
NA
18
38

12
7
15
38
1
5
27

9
5
9
27
1
5
37

26
22
27
NA
NA
15
45

17
16
14
33
*
3
27

12
6
10
21
*
5
42

28
23
31
NA
NA
20
43

13
11
13
40
1
7
26

11
4
14
34
1
1
35

30
30
35
NA
NA
19
45

22
12
18
36
2
3
23

6
9
6
30
1
5
37

1,398

1,473

1,035

336

361

233

348

362

277

350

394

254

364

356

271

41

28

26

40

27

28

42

26

20

41

27

29

40

31

25

8
8
9
9
27
11
29
7
7
11
5
27
3
28
7
5
7
7
34
5
30
35
NA
36
NA
31
36
31
1
NA
*
NA
1
1
2
4
23
5
5
4
24
2
37
57
34
42
33
63
38
Question Number: Dependents 34/Veterans 41

8
7
7
25
*
6
49

30
26
32
NA
NA
24
64

7
5
8
31
1
5
43

10
3
7
33
*
5
38

28
31
32
NA
NA
26
62

9
9
7
43
*
4
27

9
5
7
31
1
5
42

Original Claims
Unweighted N

State or county Veterans Service
Organizations
VA Representative on military base
Reserve unit+
Friends, family, co-workers
School
Congressional Office
Other
None of the above
Supplemental Claims
Unweighted N

State or county Veterans Service
Organizations
VA Representative on military base
Reserve unit+
Friends, family, co-workers
School
Congressional Office
Other
None of the above

NA Not Asked
Multiple mentions.

29
28
32
NA
NA
24
62

+ Not asked of Chapter 35 beneficiaries.
* Less than 0.5%.

Wording changes and categories added in 2003.

Schulman, Ronca, & Bucuvalas, Inc. - page A-74

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Study

TABLE A-45, continued

Within the past year, did you receive information about
your education benefits from any of the following?
Base: All education beneficiaries.

All RPOs

REGIONAL PROCESSING OFFICE

2002
%

2003
%

2004
%

Atlanta
Buffalo
Muskogee
St. Louis
2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%

2,574

2,853

2,047

603

731

492

642

685

534

661

701

501

668

736

520

41

28

27

40

28

28

42

27

21

41

28

30

40

31

27

10
11
8
31
1
2
36

9
7
7
25
*
6
48

30
25
32
NA
NA
24
61

8
6
8
33
1
5
40

10
3
8
34
*
4
38

28
31
32
NA
NA
25
59

10
9
8
43
*
4
26

7
9
7
26
2
4
48

All Claims
Unweighted N

State or county Veterans Service
Organizations
VA Representative on military base
Reserve unit+
Friends, family, co-workers
School
Congressional Office
Other
None of the above

29
27
32
NA
NA
23
59

9
8
9
27
11
29
8
7
5
27
3
27
8
6
7
34
6
30
35
37
31
NA
35
NA
1
*
1
NA
2
NA
4
22
5
4
4
23
35
54
33
41
34
60
Question Number: Dependents 34/Veterans 41

NA Not asked.
Multiple mentions.
+ Not asked of Chapter 35 beneficiaries.
* Less than 0.5%.
Wording changes and categories added in 2003.

Schulman, Ronca, & Bucuvalas, Inc. - page A-75

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Study

TABLE A-46

Have you used VA's automated phone system [1-877-823-2378] to verify your
enrollment for your recent claim?
Base: Individuals receiving benefits under Chapter 30 and Chapter 1606 only.

All RPOs

REGIONAL PROCESSING OFFICE

2002
%

2003
%

2004
%

Atlanta
Buffalo
Muskogee
St. Louis
2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%

Unweighted N

928

744

454

183

203

113

248

171

113

252

165

114

245

205

114

Yes
No
TOTAL

52
48
100

59
41
100

56
44
100

55
45
100

62
38
100

57
43
100

49
51
100

55
45
100

57
43
100

54
46
100

58
42
100

54
46
100

51
49
100

65
35
100

56
44
100

Unweighted N

1,190

884

539

274

216

120

300

208

146

299

233

128

317

227

145

Yes
No
TOTAL

69
31
100

68
32
100

64
36
100

68
32
100

73
27
100

66
34
100

67
33
100

59
41
100

55
45
100

73
27
100

69
31
100

69
31
100

62
38
100

71
29
100

58
42
100

Unweighted N

2,118

1,628

993

457

419

233

548

379

259

551

398

242

562

432

259

Yes
No
TOTAL

66
34
100

67
33
100

65
66
71
56
64
35
34
29
44
36
100
100
100
100
100
Question Number: Veterans 42

58
42
100

67
33
100

71
29
100

67
33
100

67
33
100

60
40
100

70
30
100

58
42
100

Original Claims

Supplemental Claims

All Claims

Wording change in 2003

Schulman, Ronca, & Bucuvalas, Inc. - page A-76

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Study

TABLE A-47

Did you find anything to be difficult about using VA's automated
phone system to verify enrollment?
Base: Used automated phone system to verify enrollment.

All RPOs

REGIONAL PROCESSING OFFICE

2002
%

2003
%

2004
%

Atlanta
Buffalo
Muskogee
St. Louis
2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%

Unweighted N

481

465

249

100

132

64

123

93

64

135

101

58

123

139

63

Yes
No
TOTAL

9
91
100

9
91
100

6
94
100

7
93
100

13
87
100

11
89
100

15
85
100

2
98
100

7
93
100

6
94
100

10
90
100

5
95
100

8
92
100

10
90
100

3
97
100

Unweighted N

813

581

317

191

148

81

204

120

77

222

156

81

196

157

78

Yes
No
TOTAL

12
88
100

5
95
100

4
96
100

10
90
100

3
97
100

5
95
100

18
82
100

4
96
100

7
93
100

10
90
100

7
93
100

3
97
100

11
89
100

4
96
100

7
93
100

Unweighted N

1,294

1,046

566

291

280

145

327

213

141

357

257

139

319

296

141

Yes
No
TOTAL

11
89
100

5
95
100

5
10
4
6
18
95
90
96
94
82
100
100
100
100
100
Question Number: Veterans 43

4
96
100

7
93
100

10
90
100

7
93
100

3
97
100

10
90
100

5
95
100

5
95
100

Original Claims

Supplemental Claims

All Claims

Wording change in 2003.

Schulman, Ronca, & Bucuvalas, Inc. - page A-77

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Study

TABLE A-48

What specifically did you find to be difficult about verifying your enrollment
when you used VA's automated phone system?
Base: Found something difficult when using automated phone system.

All RPOs

REGIONAL PROCESSING OFFICE

2002
%

2003
%

2004
%

Atlanta
Buffalo
Muskogee
St. Louis
2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%

42

56

18

7

23

7

17

6

6

8

11

3

10

16

2

50
21
17

42
27
17

70
39
10

57
14
14

52
43
25

81
73
19

47
17
17

59
33
33

74
36
13

49
36
--

42
3
3

59
---

50
20
42

20
41
20

50
50
--

NA
41

6
50

16
22

NA
58

11
43

36
--

NA
30

-41

13
39

NA
51

-71

-41

NA
30

12
27

---

97

50

21

19

11

5

36

13

6

21

15

3

21

11

7

75
17
14

52
31
13

59
44
11

79
26
5

66
48
18

79
45
21

69
14
16

47
5
10

33
91
25

76
14
14

44
33
14

83
17
--

77
19
19

61
34
11

45
20
--

NA
34

15
29

NA
37

27
26

---

NA
38

16
28

---

NA
28

11
39

-35

Original Claims
Unweighted N

Telephone number was frequently busy
System didn't have my VA record
Call was disconnected before verification
completed
My PIN didn't work.
Other
Supplemental Claims
Unweighted N

Telephone number was frequently busy
System didn't have my VA record
Call was disconnected before verification
completed
My PIN didn't work.
Other

-NA
8
-10
26
22
-Question Number: Veterans 44

-- None.
Multiple Mention.
Wording change and category added in 2003.
NA Not Asked.

Schulman, Ronca, & Bucuvalas, Inc. - page A-78

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Study

TABLE A-48, continued

What specifically did you find to be difficult about verifying your enrollment
when you used VA's automated phone system?
Base: Found something difficult when using automated phone system.

All RPOs

REGIONAL PROCESSING OFFICE

2002
%

2003
%

2004
%

Atlanta
Buffalo
Muskogee
St. Louis
2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%

139

106

39

26

34

12

53

19

12

29

26

6

31

27

9

72
18
14

50
31
14

61
43
11

77
25
6

62
47
20

80
51
20

67
14
16

49
9
13

40
82
23

74
16
13

44
29
12

79
14
--

74
19
21

54
35
13

45
22
--

NA
34

14
32

NA
36

23
28

2
6

NA
39

14
34

-8

NA
28

11
37

-33

All Claims
Unweighted N

Telephone number was frequently busy
System didn't have my VA record
Call was disconnected before verification
completed
My PIN didn't work.
Other

3
NA
9
8
12
29
27
-Question Number: Veterans 44

-- None.
NA Not Asked.
Multiple Mention.
Wording change and category added in 2003.

Schulman, Ronca, & Bucuvalas, Inc. - page A-79

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Study

TABLE A-49

Have you used VA's Web Automated Verification of Enrollment (WAVE) at
www.gibill.va.gov to verify your enrollment for your recent claim?
Base: Individuals receiving benefits under Chapter 30 and Chapter 1606 only.

All RPOs

REGIONAL PROCESSING OFFICE

2002
%

2003
%

2004
%

Atlanta
Buffalo
Muskogee
St. Louis
2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%

Unweighted N

934

748

456

185

206

114

250

171

114

252

165

114

247

206

114

Yes
No
TOTAL

40
60
100

46
54
100

51
49
100

35
65
100

47
53
100

61
39
100

42
58
100

36
64
100

50
50
100

38
62
100

52
48
100

46
54
100

46
54
100

43
57
100

48
52
100

Unweighted N

1,210

885

540

282

216

121

304

210

146

303

233

128

321

226

145

Yes
No
TOTAL

56
44
100

58
42
100

61
39
100

47
53
100

61
39
100

57
43
100

57
43
100

59
41
100

56
44
100

59
41
100

56
44
100

64
36
100

59
41
100

56
44
100

66
34
100

Unweighted N

2,144

1,633

996

467

422

235

554

381

260

555

398

242

568

432

259

Yes
No
TOTAL

54
46
100

56
44
100

57
46
59
55
54
43
54
41
45
46
100
100
100
100
100
Question Number: Veterans 45

56
44
100

61
39
100

56
44
100

56
44
100

64
36
100

57
43
100

54
46
100

60
40
100

Original Claims

Supplemental Claims

All Claims

Wording change in 2003

Schulman, Ronca, & Bucuvalas, Inc. - page A-80

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Study

TABLE A-50

Did you find anything to be difficult about using VA's Web Automated Verification of
Enrollment (WAVE) to verify your enrollment?
Base: Used WAVE to verify enrollment.

All RPOs

REGIONAL PROCESSING OFFICE

2002
%

2003
%

2004
%

Atlanta
Buffalo
Muskogee
St. Louis
2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%

Unweighted N

379

342

227

65

101

63

104

70

58

96

84

51

114

87

55

Yes
No
TOTAL

16
84
100

10
90
100

11
89
100

26
74
100

13
87
100

21
79
100

12
88
100

15
85
100

15
85
100

15
85
100

5
95
100

2
98
100

12
88
100

16
84
100

9
91
100

Unweighted N

674

508

321

133

122

68

173

123

79

178

132

81

190

131

93

Yes
No
TOTAL

13
87
100

9
91
100

12
88
100

12
88
100

6
94
100

7
93
100

12
88
100

11
89
100

11
89
100

15
85
100

8
92
100

13
87
100

11
89
100

12
88
100

13
87
100

Unweighted N

1,053

850

548

198

223

131

277

193

137

274

216

132

304

218

148

Yes
No
TOTAL

13
87
100

9
91
100

12
14
6
9
12
88
86
94
91
88
100
100
100
100
100
Question Number: Veterans 46

11
89
100

12
88
100

15
85
100

7
93
100

12
88
100

11
89
100

12
88
100

13
87
100

Original Claims

Supplemental Claims

All Claims

Wording changes in 2003

Schulman, Ronca, & Bucuvalas, Inc. - page A-81

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Study

TABLE A-51

What specifically did you find to be difficult about using VA's Web Automated
Verification of Enrollment (WAVE) to verify your enrollment?
Base: Found something difficult when using WAVE to verify enrollment.

All RPOs

REGIONAL PROCESSING OFFICE

2002
%

2003
%

2004
%

Atlanta
Buffalo
Muskogee
St. Louis
2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%

57

55

28

17

18

13

12

11

9

14

12

1

14

14

5

26
33

46
23

17
20

42
29

54
21

27
9

-42

43
28

6
30

36
21

41
14

---

8
51

46
33

22
41

8

9

16

18

2

9

8

19

6

--

5

100

--

12

19

12
43

8
26

14
48

12
29

12
10

19
41

8
34

13
9

17
41

15
57

-45

-100

15
57

9
36

-59

7
11
23

19
12
26

8
8
34

28
15
59

--36

8
14
21

27
5
14

----

8
8
14

9
9
26

22
-22

Original Claims
Unweighted N

Unable to log-on to verification website
Information on VA Internet website form
is confusing
Information on VA Internet website form
is inaccurate
System didn't have my record
Not sure if Internet verification was
completed successfully
Couldn't remember my PIN
System wouldn't accept my PIN
Other

9
6
10
13
4
12
21
8
35
23
12
15
Question Number: Veterans 47

-- None
Multiple mention.
Wording change in 2003.

Schulman, Ronca, & Bucuvalas, Inc. - page A-82

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Study

TABLE A-51, continued

What specifically did you find to be difficult about using VA's Web Automated
Verification of Enrollment (WAVE) to verify your enrollment?
Base: Found something difficult when using WAVE to verify enrollment.

All RPOs

REGIONAL PROCESSING OFFICE

2002
%

2003
%

2004
%

Atlanta
Buffalo
Muskogee
St. Louis
2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%

83

64

36

15

15

5

22

19

9

25

13

10

21

17

12

29
22

40
10

15
33

27
20

41
2

-72

31
28

45
18

21
42

19
15

54
6

16
13

53
33

19
15

17
50

10

10

11

7

2

56

9

3

21

13

25

--

9

8

5

6
50

14
29

8
40

7
47

10
10

8
72

4
56

3
33

-37

4
45

25
28

3
42

15
58

16
47

22
24

20
15
21

16
12
34

18
27
31

11
32
26

--5

11
4
21

18
18
30

26
13
19

29
34
14

12
12
35

12
24
12

Supplemental Claims
Unweighted N

Unable to log-on to verification website
Information on VA Internet website form
is confusing
Information on VA Internet website form
is inaccurate
System didn't have my record
Not sure if Internet verification was
completed successfully
Couldn't remember my PIN
System wouldn't accept my PIN
Other

19
33
21
28
16
7
15
36
13
20
44
-Question Number: Veterans 47

-- None
Multiple mention.
Wording change in 2003.

Schulman, Ronca, & Bucuvalas, Inc. - page A-83

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Study

TABLE A-51, continued

What specifically did you find to be difficult about using VA's Web Automated
Verification of Enrollment to verify your enrollment?
Base: Found something difficult when using WAVE to verify enrollment.

All RPOs

REGIONAL PROCESSING OFFICE

2002
%

2003
%

2004
%

Atlanta
Buffalo
Muskogee
St. Louis
2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%

140

119

64

32

33

18

34

30

18

39

25

11

35

31

17

29
23

41
12

15
32

30
22

43
5

9
52

27
30

44
19

18
40

21
16

52
7

16
13

47
35

22
17

15
32

10

10

12

9

2

41

9

5

18

12

22

2

8

8

12

7
49

13
29

8
41

8
43

11
10

12
62

5
53

4
29

4
38

5
46

21
30

3
43

15
58

15
45

8
41

18
14
22

16
12
33

16
24
31

14
4
31

--12

11
5
21

19
16
28

25
13
19

26
31
14

11
11
34

18
15
16

All Claims
Unweighted N

Unable to log-on to verification website
Information on VA Internet website form
is confusing
Information on VA Internet website form
is inaccurate
System didn't have my record
Not sure if Internet verification was
completed successfully
Couldn't remember my PIN
System wouldn't accept my PIN
Other

18
27
19
23
15
8
16
27
16
21
39
15
Question Number: Veterans 47

-- None
Multiple mention.
Wording change in 2003.

Schulman, Ronca, & Bucuvalas, Inc. - page A-84

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Study

TABLE A-52

Have you phoned 1-888-GI-BILL-1 [1-888-442-4551] and spoken
to a counselor to verify your enrollment for your recent claim?
Base: Individuals receiving benefits under Chapter 30 and Chapter 1606 only.

All RPOs

REGIONAL PROCESSING OFFICE

2002
%

2003
%

2004
%

Atlanta
Buffalo
Muskogee
St. Louis
2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%

Unweighted N

926

747

456

183

205

114

247

171

114

252

166

114

244

205

114

Yes
No
TOTAL

29
71
100

27
73
100

22
78
100

33
67
100

24
76
100

27
73
100

25
75
100

23
77
100

24
76
100

30
70
100

28
72
100

18
82
100

31
69
100

30
70
100

20
80
100

Unweighted N

1,201

884

539

279

216

121

301

210

146

302

233

127

319

225

145

Yes
No
TOTAL

44
56
100

26
74
100

25
75
100

42
58
100

24
76
100

28
72
100

41
59
100

22
78
100

23
77
100

45
55
100

34
66
100

27
73
100

45
55
100

18
82
100

21
79
100

Unweighted N

2,127

1,631

995

462

421

235

548

381

260

554

399

241

563

430

259

Yes
No
TOTAL

42
58
100

26
74
100

25
41
24
28
38
75
59
76
72
62
100
100
100
100
100
Question Number: Veterans 48

22
78
100

23
77
100

43
57
100

33
67
100

26
74
100

43
57
100

19
81
100

21
79
100

Original Claims

Supplemental Claims

All Claims

Wording change in 2003.

Schulman, Ronca, & Bucuvalas, Inc. - page A-85

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Study

TABLE A-53

Why did you speak to a counselor to verify your enrollment?
Base: Spoke to a counselor to verify enrollment.

All RPOs

REGIONAL PROCESSING OFFICE
Atlanta
Buffalo
Muskogee
St. Louis
2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%

2002
%

2003
%

2004
%

158

177

95

35

48

27

42

36

24

50

37

21

31

56

23

16

15

16

9

23

22

22

16

8

15

13

24

18

10

8

8

10

8

9

14

6

10

13

8

6

6

3

9

14

21

7
1
11
77
13
29
25

14
9
5
47
7
7
27

25
9
4
38
7
5
24

14
3
14
77
12
31
29

28
15
-47
1
1
18

48
6
4
39
9
11
6

7
2
5
71
24
35
19

17
2
23
54
12
15
29

15
6
-33
8
-35

4
-14
76
8
22
27

7
7
1
42
11
6
34

22
16
9
32
7
7
22

3
-10
88
7
29
23

13
12
2
49
-7
22

14
8
-53
5
-34

8

20

10

15

20

8

27

22

6

17

8

Original Claims
Unweighted N

Experienced difficulty with telephone
verification when I called 1-877-823-2378
Experienced difficulty with Internet
verification on VA's website
System didn't have my record
My PIN didn't work
Don't have access to the Internet
In general, rather speak to a person
Believe I'll get paid faster
Don't trust automated systems
Not sure if automated verification was
completed successfully
Other

18
9
14
15
Question Number: Veterans 49

Multiple Mention.
-- None.
Wording change in 2003.

Schulman, Ronca, & Bucuvalas, Inc. - page A-86

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Study

TABLE A-53, continued

Why did you speak to a counselor to verify your enrollment?
Base: Spoke to a counselor to verify enrollment.

All RPOs

REGIONAL PROCESSING OFFICE
Atlanta
Buffalo
Muskogee
St. Louis
2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%

2002
%

2003
%

2004
%

114

198

128

31

54

30

24

45

33

33

65

34

26

34

31

25

17

13

20

19

19

21

16

15

33

14

8

15

22

17

12

17

12

3

19

10

17

19

14

15

16

9

12

12

17

9
4
6
71
22
23
29

13
4
4
37
9
6
21

20
5
3
34
8
5
30

10
3
7
68
16
16
23

16
7
4
35
5
11
37

30
8
-28
8
13
35

--12
81
27
26
28

14
4
4
28
3
4
13

15
6
4
32
10
1
29

12
6
3
70
30
33
33

12
3
4
39
14
4
17

19
4
4
39
6
5
24

8
4
4
69
8
8
26

10
3
5
41
5
7
24

16
2
-31
11
-41

11

22

4

21

18

15

26

25

12

18

19

Supplemental Claims
Unweighted N

Experienced difficulty with telephone
verification when I called 1-877-823-2378
Experienced difficulty with Internet
verification on VA's website
System didn't have my record
My PIN didn't work
Don't have access to the Internet
In general, rather speak to a person
Believe I'll get paid faster
Don't trust automated systems
Not sure if automated verification was
completed successfully
Other

20
9
16
13
Question Number: Veterans 49

Multiple Mention.
-- None.
Wording change in 2003.

Schulman, Ronca, & Bucuvalas, Inc. - page A-87

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Study

TABLE A-53, continued

Why did you speak to a counselor to verify your enrollment?
Base: Spoke to a counselor to verify enrollment.

All RPOs

REGIONAL PROCESSING OFFICE
Atlanta
Buffalo
Muskogee
St. Louis
2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%

2002
%

2003
%

2004
%

272

375

223

66

102

57

66

81

57

83

102

55

57

90

54

22

16

14

17

19

20

21

16

14

29

14

10

16

20

16

11

16

11

4

18

9

15

18

13

13

15

9

11

12

17

8
3
7
72
20
25
28

13
4
4
38
9
6
22

21
5
3
34
8
5
29

11
3
9
70
15
20
24

17
8
4
36
5
10
35

33
8
1
29
9
12
31

2
1
10
78
26
29
26

14
4
7
32
5
6
15

15
6
3
32
9
1
30

10
5
5
71
25
31
32

12
3
4
40
14
4
19

19
5
5
39
6
5
24

7
3
5
73
7
12
26

11
5
4
43
4
7
23

16
3
-34
10
-40

10

22

6

20

18

14

26

25

11

18

18

All Claims
Unweighted N

Experienced difficulty with telephone
verification when I called 1-877-823-2378
Experienced difficulty with Internet
verification on VA's website
System didn't have my record
My PIN didn't work
Don't have access to the Internet
In general, rather speak to a person
Believe I'll get paid faster
Don't trust automated systems
Not sure if automated verification was
completed successfully
Other

20
9
16
13
Question Number: Veterans 49

Multiple Mention.
-- None.
Wording change in 2003.

Schulman, Ronca, & Bucuvalas, Inc. - page A-88

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Study

TABLE A-54

Which method did you use most often when verifying your enrollment?
Base: Individuals receiving benefits under Chapter 30 and Chapter 1606 only.

All RPOs
2002
%

REGIONAL PROCESSING OFFICE
Atlanta
Buffalo
Muskogee
St. Louis
2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%

2003
%

2004
%

724

431

199

109

162

106

163

107

200

109

49

48

51

47

56

45

43

49

54

51

42

45

38

46

34

45

50

45

38

42

9

7

11

6

10

10

7

6

8

7

100

100

100

99

100

100

100

100

100

100

856

530

209

118

200

141

228

128

219

143

50

43

56

48

45

41

48

45

55

39

46

51

40

43

53

53

46

50

42

58

4

5

3

9

2

6

6

5

3

3

100

100

100

100

100

100

Original Claims
Unweighted N

Phone VA's automated phone system
at 1-877-823-2378
The Internet, Web Automated
Verification of Enrollment (WAVE)
at www.gibill.va.gov
Speak to a counselor at 1-888-GI-BILL-1
[1-888-442-4551]
Total
Supplemental Claims
Unweighted N

Phone VA's automated phone system
at 1-877-823-2378
The Internet, Web Automated
Verification of Enrollment (WAVE)
at www.gibill.va.gov
Speak to a counselor at 1-888-GI-BILL-1
[1-888-442-4551]
Total

100

99
99
100
Question Number: Veterans 50

Sum may not add to 100% due to rounding.

Schulman, Ronca, & Bucuvalas, Inc. - page A-89

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Study

TABLE A-54, continued

Which method did you use most often when verifying your enrollment?
Base: Individuals receiving benefits under Chapter 30 and Chapter 1606 only.

All RPOs
2002
%

REGIONAL PROCESSING OFFICE
Atlanta
Buffalo
Muskogee
St. Louis
2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%

2003
%

2004
%

1,580

961

408

227

362

247

391

235

419

252

50

44

56

48

46

41

47

46

55

40

45

50

40

43

51

52

47

50

42

56

5

6

4

9

3

7

6

5

3

3

100

100

100

101

100

99

All Claims
Unweighted N

Phone VA's automated phone system
at 1-877-823-2378
The Internet, Web Automated
Verification of Enrollment (WAVE)
at www.gibill.va.gov
Speak to a counselor at 1-888-GI-BILL-1
[1-888-442-4551]
Total

100

100
100
100
Question Number: Veterans 50

Sum may not add to 100% due to rounding.

Schulman, Ronca, & Bucuvalas, Inc. - page A-90

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Study

TABLE A-55

From the time your application was submitted to VA, how long did it take to
get your first check?
Base: All education beneficiaries.

All RPOs

REGIONAL PROCESSING OFFICE

2002
%

2003
%

2004
%

Atlanta
Buffalo
Muskogee
St. Louis
2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%

1,130

1,370

989

Original Claims
Unweighted N

1 week
2 weeks
3 weeks
4 weeks
5 weeks
6 weeks
7 weeks
8 weeks
9 weeks
10 weeks
11 weeks
12 weeks
13 or more weeks
TOTAL

1
5
6
10
7
12
6
15
5
8
2
7
15
99

260

366

259

280

5
4
1
3
2
2
6
11
3
5
9
6
8
6
5
5
4
7
16
17
12
12
11
8
7
8
6
9
7
9
11
13
12
8
15
12
6
5
8
5
3
4
17
16
13
21
18
17
4
2
5
5
4
4
6
7
9
7
11
10
1
1
3
1
3
2
5
3
7
7
4
6
8
8
17
12
9
14
100
101
101
100
100
101
Question Number: Dependents 35/Veterans 51

322

243

295

310

242

295

372

245

7
8
9
21
2
11
6
13
5
3
1
4
11
101

6
11
6
19
10
11
6
12
3
4
*
4
8
100

1
6
5
12
7
12
5
15
5
7
2
7
14
98

6
4
11
16
8
11
6
19
3
6
1
5
4
100

4
12
8
18
8
14
4
17
1
6
*
2
6
100

2
5
6
10
9
14
6
14
4
8
1
7
14
100

5
10
6
14
7
15
7
15
3
7
*
3
9
101

4
10
7
19
10
14
7
14
1
5
-1
10
102

* Less than 0.5%.
-- None.
Sum may not add to 100% due to rounding.

Schulman, Ronca, & Bucuvalas, Inc. - page A-91

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Study

TABLE A-55, continued

From the time your application was submitted to VA, how long did it take to
get your first check?
Base: All education beneficiaries.

All RPOs

REGIONAL PROCESSING OFFICE

2002
%

2003
%

2004
%

Atlanta
Buffalo
Muskogee
St. Louis
2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%

1,339

1,436

1,017

Supplemental Claims
Unweighted N

1 week
2 weeks
3 weeks
4 weeks
5 weeks
6 weeks
7 weeks
8 weeks
9 weeks
10 weeks
11 weeks
12 weeks
13 or more weeks
TOTAL

2
5
5
14
7
14
4
19
4
8
1
5
13
101

328

355

233

319

7
6
1
8
1
3
11
8
4
4
7
6
9
9
5
9
8
3
18
24
11
14
19
13
10
7
8
6
6
4
14
14
14
17
19
15
3
4
4
3
4
3
12
12
19
14
17
15
3
1
4
3
1
4
3
5
9
5
3
11
*
2
2
1
*
4
8
6
7
4
5
7
3
14
8
10
19
101
101
101
100
100
101
Question Number: Dependents 35/Veterans 51

355

264

335

385

252

357

341

268

6
10
4
18
9
18
3
11
3
5
-5
8
100

8
8
10
19
4
11
5
14
2
9
*
4
7
101

2
4
7
14
7
14
5
21
4
7
1
3
10
99

6
12
13
21
12
12
3
10
3
2
*
2
5
101

7
5
9
29
9
16
4
8
*
6
1
1
3
98

1
5
6
17
8
15
5
18
2
7
1
7
10
102

9
16
6
15
11
13
3
14
2
3
-2
7
101

8
12
9
24
7
8
3
14
3
2
*
2
6
98

* Less than 0.5%.
-- None.
Sum may not add to 100% due to rounding.

Schulman, Ronca, & Bucuvalas, Inc. - page A-92

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Study

TABLE A-55, continued

From the time your application was submitted to VA, how long did it take to
get your first check?
Base: All education beneficiaries.

All RPOs

REGIONAL PROCESSING OFFICE

2002
%

2003
%

2004
%

Atlanta
Buffalo
Muskogee
St. Louis
2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%

2,469

2,806

2,006

All Claims
Unweighted N

1 week
2 weeks
3 weeks
4 weeks
5 weeks
6 weeks
7 weeks
8 weeks
9 weeks
10 weeks
11 weeks
12 weeks
13 or more weeks
TOTAL

2
5
6
13
7
14
5
18
4
8
1
5
13
101

588

721

492

599

7
6
1
7
1
3
10
8
4
4
7
6
9
9
5
8
7
4
17
23
11
14
18
12
10
7
8
7
6
5
14
14
13
16
18
14
3
4
5
3
4
3
12
13
18
15
17
15
3
1
4
3
2
4
4
5
9
6
4
11
1
1
2
2
1
1
4
3
6
7
4
5
7
6
15
8
10
18
101
100
101
100
99
101
Question Number: Dependents 35/Veterans 51

677

507

630

695

494

652

713

513

6
9
5
18
8
17
4
11
3
5
*
5
9
100

7
9
9
19
5
11
5
14
2
8
*
4
7
100

2
5
6
14
7
14
5
20
4
7
1
4
11
100

6
11
12
20
12
12
3
11
3
3
*
2
5
100

7
6
9
28
8
16
4
10
*
6
1
1
4
100

1
5
6
16
8
15
5
18
2
7
1
7
10
101

8
15
6
15
10
13
3
14
2
3
*
2
7
98

8
12
9
23
7
9
4
14
3
3
*
2
7
101

* Less than 0.5%.
Sum may not add to 100% due to rounding.

Schulman, Ronca, & Bucuvalas, Inc. - page A-93

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Study

TABLE A-56

From the time your application was submitted to VA, how long do you think
is REASONABLE for you to receive your first check?
Base: All education beneficiaries.

All RPOs

REGIONAL PROCESSING OFFICE

2002
%

2003
%

2004
%

Atlanta
Buffalo
Muskogee
St. Louis
2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%

1,150

1,389

1,005

Original Claims
Unweighted N

1 week
2 weeks
3 weeks
4 weeks
5 weeks
6 weeks
7 weeks
8 weeks
9 weeks
10 weeks
11 weeks
12 weeks
13 or more weeks
TOTAL

5
15
12
31
8
14
1
9
1
2
*
1
1
100

264

369

263

284

8
8
3
5
7
4
20
21
15
15
16
16
12
12
10
10
11
12
33
37
33
34
32
29
4
5
10
5
5
7
13
10
12
18
20
16
1
*
3
1
*
1
7
5
9
8
7
11
*
*
*
*
-1
1
1
3
1
*
2
*
--*
--1
*
-1
1
1
*
*
*
1
*
*
100
99
98
99
99
100
Question Number: Dependents 36/Veterans 52

327

249

305

316

247

297

377

246

9
20
10
32
5
17
1
5
*
*
*
*
1
100

10
21
12
38
7
7
*
4
*
1
-*
*
100

6
16
12
30
6
17
1
8
1
2
*
1
1
101

9
25
12
32
2
11
*
7
-*
*
*
*
98

7
24
11
41
5
7
1
3
-1
-*
*
100

8
10
15
31
10
12
2
9
2
1
-1
1
102

7
16
15
35
5
10
2
7
-2
-1
1
101

7
21
16
34
4
9
1
7
*
*
-*
*
99

-- None.
* Less than 0.5%.
Sum may not add to 100% due to rounding.
Wording change in 2003.

Schulman, Ronca, & Bucuvalas, Inc. - page A-94

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Study

TABLE A-56, continued

From the time your application was submitted to VA, how long do you think
is REASONABLE for you to receive your first check?
Base: All education beneficiaries.

All RPOs

REGIONAL PROCESSING OFFICE

2002
%

2003
%

2004
%

Atlanta
Buffalo
Muskogee
St. Louis
2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%

1,391

1,485

1,029

Supplemental Claims
Unweighted N

1 week
2 weeks
3 weeks
4 weeks
5 weeks
6 weeks
7 weeks
8 weeks
9 weeks
10 weeks
11 weeks
12 weeks
13 or more weeks
TOTAL

6
16
11
37
6
13
1
7
1
2
*
*
*
100

334

361

232

342

11
8
6
9
6
7
22
23
14
19
19
13
14
15
11
17
18
13
32
32
39
38
36
34
4
5
6
2
6
6
10
11
13
9
10
15
1
*
1
1
*
1
4
3
7
3
4
7
*
-1
*
-1
1
*
2
1
*
4
------1
*
*
1
*
-*
*
*
*
-1
100
97
100
100
99
102
Question Number: Dependents 36/Veterans 52

369

270

351

400

258

364

355

269

5
23
12
34
5
16
1
3
-1
-*
*
100

7
19
13
33
5
12
*
6
-1
-2
*
98

6
18
9
37
6
13
1
8
1
2
-*
*
101

15
21
15
32
4
7
1
4
1
*
-*
*
100

10
25
14
31
6
13
*
2
-*
--*
101

5
17
11
36
7
12
1
8
*
2
*
1
*
100

13
28
11
24
5
11
1
4
1
2
-1
*
101

8
28
15
29
5
11
1
3
----*
100

-- None.
* Less than 0.5%.
Sum may not add to 100% due to rounding.
Wording change in 2003.

Schulman, Ronca, & Bucuvalas, Inc. - page A-95

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Study

TABLE A-56, continued

From the time your application was submitted to VA, how long do you think
is REASONABLE for you to receive your first check?
Base: All education beneficiaries.

All RPOs

REGIONAL PROCESSING OFFICE

2002
%

2003
%

2004
%

Atlanta
Buffalo
Muskogee
St. Louis
2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%

2,541

2,874

2,034

All Claims
Unweighted N

1 week
2 weeks
3 weeks
4 weeks
5 weeks
6 weeks
7 weeks
8 weeks
9 weeks
10 weeks
11 weeks
12 weeks
13 or more weeks
TOTAL

6
16
11
36
7
13
1
8
1
2
*
*
*
101

598

730

495

626

11
8
5
9
6
6
22
23
14
18
19
14
14
15
11
16
17
13
32
33
38
37
35
33
4
5
7
2
6
6
10
11
13
10
11
15
1
*
1
1
*
1
4
3
7
4
4
7
*
*
1
*
-1
1
*
2
1
*
4
*
--*
--1
*
*
1
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
1
100
98
99
99
98
101
Question Number: Dependents 36/Veterans 52

696

519

656

716

505

661

732

515

6
22
12
34
5
16
1
3
*
1
*
*
*
100

8
19
13
34
6
11
*
6
*
1
-1
*
99

6
18
9
36
6
13
1
8
1
2
*
*
*
100

14
22
15
32
4
7
1
5
1
*
*
*
*
101

10
25
14
33
6
11
*
2
-*
-*
8
109

5
16
12
35
7
12
1
8
*
1
*
1
*
98

12
26
11
25
5
11
1
5
*
2
-1
*
99

8
27
15
30
4
11
1
3
*
*
-*
*
99

-- None.
* Less than 0.5%.
Sum may not add to 100% due to rounding.
Wording change in 2003.

Schulman, Ronca, & Bucuvalas, Inc. - page A-96

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Study

TABLE A-57

Did you find anything to be difficult about the benefit payment process?
Base: All beneficiaries.

All RPOs

REGIONAL PROCESSING OFFICE
Atlanta
Buffalo
Muskogee
St. Louis
2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%

2002
%

2003
%

2004
%

1,177

1,408

1,022

267

374

262

294

330

261

311

315

249

305

389

250

23
70
7
100

20
74
6
100

20
72
8
100

26
67
7
100

23
73
4
100

30
63
7
100

21
72
8
101

20
75
5
100

20
69
11
100

22
71
7
100

18
74
8
100

16
76
8
100

23
70
7
100

21
72
7
100

18
76
6
100

1,416

1,514

1,046

337

370

235

348

375

277

358

407

258

373

362

276

21
75
4
100

14
82
4
100

19
75
6
100

21
74
5
100

15
80
5
100

19
72
9
100

20
75
5
100

13
83
4
100

22
73
5
100

22
74
4
100

12
84
4
100

18
77
6
101

18
80
3
101

16
79
5
100

19
77
4
100

2,593

2,922

2,068

604

744

497

642

705

538

669

722

507

678

751

526

14
19
22
16
20
20
14
81
75
73
79
71
75
82
5
6
6
5
9
6
4
100
100
101
100
100
101
100
Question Number: Dependents 37/Veterans 53

21
72
6
99

22
74
4
100

13
82
4
99

18
77
6
101

18
78
3
99

16
78
6
100

19
77
4
100

Original Claims
Unweighted N

Yes
No
Don't know
TOTAL
Supplemental Claims
Unweighted N

Yes
No
Don't know
TOTAL
All Claims
Unweighted N

Yes
No
Don't know
TOTAL

21
74
5
100

Sum may not add to 100% due to rounding.
Wording changes in 2003.

Schulman, Ronca, & Bucuvalas, Inc. - page A-97

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Study

TABLE A-58

What specifically did you find to be difficult about the benefit payment process?
Base: Found something to be difficult.

All RPOs

REGIONAL PROCESSING OFFICE
Atlanta
Buffalo
Muskogee
St. Louis
2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%

2002
%

2003
%

2004
%

266

348

225

69

106

72

55

73

58

69

72

44

73

97

51

62
33

52
25

54
20

75
28

58
34

67
19

54
44

60
34

47
18

59
28

43
17

49
13

56
34

54
19

52
33

34

34

42

31

29

43

37

33

51

33

33

39

36

43

33

35
6
6

33
11
2

40
12
4

32
6
3

34
14
1

42
8
*

38
4
7

36
6
2

40
8
2

38
5
7

30
11
3

48
18
8

32
12
6

37
12
3

24
13
4

289

313

241

74

91

54

69

61

67

80

77

58

66

84

62

63
43

52
35

55
35

61
40

53
44

58
38

67
36

63
35

62
25

65
48

50
28

51
39

55
42

43
35

52
33

34

39

48

37

45

60

45

34

61

29

41

35

30

33

47

29
28
11
26
21
28
22
11
12
13
12
9
10
11
4
1
2
3
1
4
2
Question Number: Dependents 38/Veterans 54

35
8
4

35
6
1

35
11
5

24
9
5

43
6
2

44
11
7

33
11
4

Original Claims
Unweighted N

Payments didn't arrive when needed
Payments didn't arrive at the same time
each month
Have had to contact VA (in addition to
enrollment verification) to get payment
No explanation of the amount
No access to direct deposit
Problem with direct deposit
Supplemental Claims
Unweighted N

Payments didn't arrive when needed
Payments didn't arrive at the same time
each month
Have had to contact VA (in addition to
enrollment verification) to get payment
No explanation of the amount
No access to direct deposit
Problem with direct deposit

33
9
2

* Less than 0.5%.
Multiple mentions.
Wording changes in 2003

Schulman, Ronca, & Bucuvalas, Inc. - page A-98

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Study

TABLE A-58, continued

What specifically did you find to be difficult about the benefit payment process?
Base: Found something to be difficult.

All RPOs

REGIONAL PROCESSING OFFICE
Atlanta
Buffalo
Muskogee
St. Louis
2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%

2002
%

2003
%

2004
%

555

661

466

143

197

126

124

134

125

149

149

102

139

181

113

62
41

52
33

55
32

64
38

54
42

59
34

65
37

63
35

60
24

64
45

49
26

51
36

55
41

45
32

52
33

34

38

47

36

42

57

44

33

59

30

39

35

31

34

45

30
29
14
28
24
30
26
11
11
13
10
9
10
10
4
2
2
4
1
4
1
Question Number: Dependents 38/Veterans 54

36
8
4

35
6
2

34
11
5

27
10
5

41
7
2

43
11
6

32
11
4

All Claims
Unweighted N

Payments didn't arrive when needed
Payments didn't arrive at the same time
each month
Have had to contact VA (in addition to
enrollment verification) to get payment
No explanation of the amount
No access to direct deposit
Problem with direct deposit

33
8
2

Multiple mentions.
Wording changes in 2003.

Schulman, Ronca, & Bucuvalas, Inc. - page A-99

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Study

TABLE A-59

Have you received an inaccurate payment on your claim?
Base: All education beneficiaries.

All RPOs

REGIONAL PROCESSING OFFICE
Atlanta
Buffalo
Muskogee
St. Louis
2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%

2002
%

2003
%

2004
%

Unweighted N

1,163

1,394

1,014

263

369

254

295

327

260

302

313

251

303

385

249

Yes
No
TOTAL

12
88
100

11
89
100

12
88
100

14
86
100

12
88
100

21
79
100

9
91
100

9
91
100

12
88
100

12
88
100

10
90
100

7
93
100

11
89
100

11
89
100

13
87
100

Unweighted N

1,411

1,493

1,031

335

367

231

351

373

270

356

397

255

369

356

275

Yes
No
TOTAL

21
79
100

12
88
100

16
84
100

27
73
100

14
86
100

22
78
100

17
83
100

12
88
100

12
88
100

20
80
100

11
89
100

18
82
100

17
83
100

11
89
100

11
89
100

Unweighted N

2,574

2,887

2,045

598

736

485

646

700

530

658

710

506

672

741

524

Yes
No
TOTAL

19
81
100

12
16
25
14
22
16
12
88
84
75
86
78
84
88
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
Question Number: Dependents 39/Veterans 55

12
88
100

19
81
100

11
89
100

17
83
100

16
84
100

11
89
100

12
88
100

Original Claims

Supplemental Claims

All Claims

Sum does not add to 100% due to rounding.
Wording change in 2003

Schulman, Ronca, & Bucuvalas, Inc. - page A-100

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Study

TABLE A-60

Was the inaccuracy resolved in a timely manner?
Base: Received an inaccurate payment.

All RPOs

REGIONAL PROCESSING OFFICE
Atlanta
Buffalo
Muskogee
St. Louis
2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%

2002
%

2003
%

2004
%

Unweighted N

122

175

101

32

57

34

24

36

23

34

38

16

32

44

28

Yes
No
TOTAL

43
57
100

58
42
100

51
49
100

54
46
100

39
61
100

46
54
100

34
66
100

59
41
100

73
27
100

37
63
100

71
29
100

34
66
100

44
56
100

54
46
100

53
47
100

Unweighted N

283

223

140

88

69

38

61

46

27

72

53

40

62

55

35

Yes
No
TOTAL

62
38
100

58
42
100

58
42
100

59
41
100

56
44
100

51
49
100

65
35
100

58
42
100

61
39
100

64
36
100

60
40
100

59
41
100

56
44
100

55
45
100

64
36
100

Unweighted N

405

398

241

120

126

72

85

82

50

106

91

56

94

99

63

Yes
No
TOTAL

60
40
100

63
37
100

62
38
100

61
39
100

57
43
100

55
45
100

55
45
100

63
37
100

Original Claims

Supplemental Claims

All Claims
58
57
59
54
50
62
58
42
43
41
46
50
38
42
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
Question Number: Dependents 40/Veterans 56

Schulman, Ronca, & Bucuvalas, Inc. - page A-101

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Study

TABLE A-61

For your recent claim, have you had to borrow or pay out-of-pocket
expenses in order to enroll or stay in school because VA
didn't complete your paperwork on time?
Base: All education beneficiaries.

All RPOs

REGIONAL PROCESSING OFFICE

2002
%

2003
%

2004
%

Atlanta
Buffalo
Muskogee
St. Louis
2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%

Unweighted N

1,172

1,394

1,015

266

369

258

296

326

256

308

311

253

302

388

248

Yes
No
TOTAL

43
57
100

37
63
100

37
63
100

43
57
100

42
58
100

43
57
100

41
59
100

33
67
100

33
67
100

45
55
100

40
60
100

41
59
100

44
56
100

32
68
100

31
69
100

Unweighted N

1,416

1,498

1,039

173

368

234

196

370

274

187

402

255

371

358

276

Yes
No
TOTAL

46
54
100

30
70
100

35
65
100

48
52
100

32
68
100

42
58
100

44
56
100

32
68
100

32
68
100

47
53
100

29
71
100

36
64
100

43
57
100

29
71
100

29
71
100

Unweighted N

2,588

2,892

2,054

604

737

492

647

696

530

664

713

508

673

746

524

Yes
No
TOTAL

46
54
100

31
35
47
33
42
43
32
69
65
53
67
58
57
68
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
Question Number: Dependents 41/Veterans 57

32
68
100

47
53
100

31
69
100

37
63
100

44
56
100

29
71
100

30
70
100

Original Claims

Supplemental Claims

All Claims

Wording change in 2003.

Schulman, Ronca, & Bucuvalas, Inc. - page A-102

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Study

TABLE A-62

For your recent claim, have you had to delay enrollment because
VA didn't complete your paperwork on time?
Base: All education beneficiaries.

All RPOs

REGIONAL PROCESSING OFFICE

2002
%

2003
%

2004
%

Atlanta
Buffalo
Muskogee
St. Louis
2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%

Unweighted N

1,173

1,393

1,009

266

368

256

298

325

256

307

313

250

302

387

247

Yes
No
TOTAL

8
92
100

6
94
100

8
92
100

8
92
100

7
93
100

7
93
100

8
92
100

5
95
100

5
95
100

10
90
100

7
93
100

11
89
100

7
93
100

5
95
100

4
96
100

Unweighted N

1,417

1,499

1,034

339

364

234

351

372

272

357

403

254

370

358

274

Yes
No
TOTAL

9
91
100

6
94
100

6
94
100

9
91
100

6
94
100

8
92
100

6
94
100

5
95
100

9
91
100

11
89
100

9
91
100

3
97
100

7
93
100

29
71
100

7
93
100

Unweighted N

2,590

2,892

2,043

605

732

490

649

697

528

664

716

504

672

747

521

Yes
No
TOTAL

9
91
100

6
6
9
6
8
7
5
94
94
91
94
92
93
95
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
Question Number: Dependents 42/Veterans 58

9
91
100

11
89
100

9
91
100

4
96
100

7
93
100

3
97
100

6
94
100

Original Claims

Supplemental Claims

All Claims

Wording change in 2003.

Schulman, Ronca, & Bucuvalas, Inc. - page A-103

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Study

TABLE A-63

All things considered, how satisfied are you with the way VA has
handled your education benefits claim?
Base: All education beneficiaries

All RPOs

REGIONAL PROCESSING OFFICE

2002
%

2003
%

2004
%

Atlanta
Buffalo
Muskogee
St. Louis
2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%

1,182

1,417

1,025

268

375

261

297

333

261

311

318

252

306

391

251

43
39
10
6
2
100

50
35
8
5
2
100

45
37
9
5
4
100

42
39
11
6
2
100

43
39
9
6
4
101

44
32
8
12
4
100

44
38
9
7
2
100

47
39
5
6
3
100

46
36
7
5
5
99

43
39
11
4
2
99

53
32
9
4
1
99

44
41
10
2
3
100

41
43
7
7
2
100

53
31
9
5
2
100

47
35
10
5
3
100

1,425

1,512

1,045

338

368

233

355

377

277

359

407

257

373

360

278

49
38
6
5
1
99

58
31
6
4
1
100

56
31
7
5
3
102

49
38
5
6
1
99

51
36
6
4
2
99

47
34
8
7
4
100

46
40
8
4
2
100

57
34
5
3
1
100

59
28
5
6
2
100

52
37
6
5
1
101

62
28
6
4
1
101

56
31
8
3
2
100

48
40
7
3
2
100

58
31
6
5
*
100

60
29
5
4
2
100

2,607

2,929

2,070

606

743

494

652

710

538

670

725

509

679

751

529

57
54
48
50
46
46
55
32
31
39
37
34
39
34
6
7
6
7
8
8
5
4
5
6
4
8
5
4
1
3
1
2
4
2
1
100
100
100
100
100
100
99
Question Number: Dependents 43/Veterans 59

57
29
5
6
3
100

51
61
55
37
28
32
6
6
8
5
4
3
1
1
2
100
100
100
* Less than 0.5%.

47
40
7
4
2
100

57
31
7
5
*
100

58
30
6
4
2
100

Original Claims
Unweighted N

Very satisfied
Somewhat satisfied
Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied
Somewhat dissatisfied
Very dissatisfied
TOTAL
Supplemental Claims
Unweighted N

Very satisfied
Somewhat satisfied
Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied
Somewhat dissatisfied
Very dissatisfied
TOTAL
All Claims
Unweighted N

Very satisfied
Somewhat satisfied
Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied
Somewhat dissatisfied
Very dissatisfied
TOTAL
Sum may not add to 100% due to rounding.

48
39
7
5
1
100

Schulman, Ronca, & Bucuvalas, Inc. - page A-104

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Study

TABLE A-64

Do you plan to use all of your benefits for this education program?
Base: All education beneficiaries

All RPOs

REGIONAL PROCESSING OFFICE
Atlanta
Buffalo
Muskogee
St. Louis
2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%

2002
%

2003
%

2004
%

1,183

1,413

1,022

267

375

259

298

332

261

313

317

251

305

389

251

68
7
24
99

73
7
20
100

70
7
23
100

65
10
25
100

73
6
21
100

69
10
22
101

68
7
25
100

75
5
20
100

70
7
23
100

68
6
26
100

72
8
20
100

69
5
26
100

73
7
20
100

74
9
17
100

74
5
21
100

1,424

1,513

1,040

340

369

234

353

377

274

358

407

256

373

360

276

78
5
17
100

77
8
15
100

76
7
16
99

79
5
17
101

78
7
15
100

77
6
18
101

73
10
17
100

74
8
18
100

79
5
16
100

81
3
16
100

78
9
13
100

75
8
17
100

74
7
19
100

79
6
15
100

77
9
15
101

2,607

2,926

2,062

607

744

493

651

709

535

671

724

507

678

749

527

74
8
18
100

77
6
17
100

80
4
17
101

77
9
14
100

74
8
18
100

74
7
19
100

79
6
15
100

76
8
15
99

Original Claims
Unweighted N

Yes
No
Not sure
TOTAL
Supplemental Claims
Unweighted N

Yes
No
Not sure
TOTAL
All Claims
Unweighted N

Yes
No
Not sure
TOTAL

76
6
18
100

77
75
77
77
76
72
8
7
5
7
6
9
15
17
18
16
18
19
100
99
100
100
100
100
Question Number: Dependents 44/Veterans 60

Sum may not add to 100% due to rounding.

Schulman, Ronca, & Bucuvalas, Inc. - page A-105

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Study

TABLE A-65

What is your gender?
Base: All education beneficiaries

All RPOs

REGIONAL PROCESSING OFFICE
Atlanta
Buffalo
Muskogee
St. Louis
2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%

2002
%

2003
%

2004
%

Unweighted N

1,190

1,418

1,025

270

376

260

300

334

262

313

318

252

307

390

251

Male
Female
TOTAL

70
30
100

68
32
100

69
31
100

61
39
100

63
36
99

67
33
100

75
25
100

67
32
99

76
24
100

71
29
100

72
28
100

66
34
100

74
26
100

66
34
100

69
31
100

Unweighted N

1,420

1,516

1,042

340

372

236

350

376

274

357

407

254

373

361

278

Male
Female
TOTAL

70
30
100

66
34
100

68
32
100

68
32
100

64
36
100

64
36
100

66
34
100

66
34
100

74
26
100

71
29
100

67
33
100

66
34
100

74
26
100

64
36
100

70
30
100

Unweighted N

2,610

2,934

2,067

610

748

496

650

710

536

670

725

506

680

751

529

Male
Female
TOTAL

70
30
100

66
68
67
61
64
68
67
34
32
33
36
36
32
33
100
100
100
97
100
100
100
Question Number: Dependents 45/Veterans 61

74
26
100

71
29
100

67
33
100

66
34
100

74
26
100

64
36
100

70
30
100

Original Claims

Supplemental Claims

All Claims

Sum does not add to 100% due to rounding.

Schulman, Ronca, & Bucuvalas, Inc. - page A-106

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Study

TABLE A-66

What is your current age?
Base: All education beneficiaries.

All RPOs

REGIONAL PROCESSING OFFICE
Atlanta
Buffalo
Muskogee
St. Louis
2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%

2002
%

2003
%

2004
%

1,187

1,418

1,024

270

376

261

300

334

262

312

318

250

305

390

251

12
34
25
15
5
7
2
100

13
31
24
16
7
7
3
101

9
27
27
13
7
12
5
100

14
22
24
19
6
11
3
99

16
26
21
16
6
10
5
100

13
20
15
13
12
15
10
98

12
33
27
14
6
6
2
100

12
30
24
17
10
5
2
100

7
25
32
16
6
9
5
100

10
35
26
14
6
6
3
100

11
30
27
16
7
5
3
99

9
26
31
10
7
14
3
100

11
47
21
13
4
4
1
101

15
39
17
14
5
9
1
100

9
37
25
14
5
7
3
100

1,426

1,516

1,039

340

372

235

354

376

273

358

407

253

374

361

278

2
26
33
22
8
6
3
100

1
24
26
22
12
11
4
100

2
23
36
21
6
8
5
101

2
22
30
21
8
12
5
100

1
16
35
23
9
9
7
100

2
32
28
22
5
9
3
101

2
35
33
17
6
5
2
100

1
24
29
22
11
7
5
99

Original Claims
Unweighted N

19 years old or younger
20 to 24 years old
25 to 29 years old
30 to 34 years old
35 to 39 years old
40 to 49 years old
50 or older
TOTAL
Supplemental Claims
Unweighted N

19 years old or younger
20 to 24 years old
25 to 29 years old
30 to 34 years old
35 to 39 years old
40 to 49 years old
50 or older
TOTAL

2
25
33
20
6
10
4
100

2
1
4
2
1
1
26
25
23
25
19
18
32
32
34
34
29
18
20
17
21
18
22
22
7
5
5
8
11
16
9
5
11
10
10
15
4
13
4
3
7
10
100
99
101
100
100
99
Question Number: Dependents 46/Veterans 62

Sum may not add to 100% due to rounding.

Schulman, Ronca, & Bucuvalas, Inc. - page A-107

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Study

TABLE A-66, continued

What is your current age?
Base: All education beneficiaries.

All RPOs

REGIONAL PROCESSING OFFICE

2002
%

2003
%

2004
%

2,613

2,934

2,063

Atlanta
Buffalo
Muskogee
St. Louis
2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%

All Claims
Unweighted N

19 years old or younger
20 to 24 years old
25 to 29 years old
30 to 34 years old
35 to 39 years old
40 to 49 years old
50 or older
TOTAL

4
27
32
19
6
9
4
101

610

748

496

654

3
2
5
4
3
3
26
24
24
27
20
19
31
31
33
33
28
17
20
17
20
17
21
20
7
5
5
7
11
15
9
13
11
9
11
15
4
4
4
3
6
10
100
99
99
101
99
99
Question Number: Dependents 46/Veterans 62

710

535

670

725

503

679

751

529

4
26
32
21
8
6
3
100

2
24
27
21
11
10
4
99

3
24
34
20
6
8
5
100

3
23
29
20
8
11
5
99

2
17
35
22
9
10
6
101

3
34
27
21
5
9
2
101

4
35
31
17
6
6
2
101

2
26
29
21
10
7
5
100

Sum may not add to 100% due to rounding.

Schulman, Ronca, & Bucuvalas, Inc. - page A-108

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Study

TABLE A-67

What is your current marital status?
Base: All education beneficiaries.

All RPOs

REGIONAL PROCESSING OFFICE
Atlanta
Buffalo
Muskogee
St. Louis
2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%

2002
%

2003
%

2004
%

1,186

1,415

1,024

269

376

261

299

333

262

313

318

250

305

388

251

52
35
2
10
1
100

54
35
2
9
1
101

48
40
1
10
1
100

45
40
2
12
2
101

50
36
-13
1
100

47
42
*
8
3
100

60
29
3
8
*
100

54
33
4
8
1
100

53
33
*
13
*
99

49
36
3
11
1
100

55
35
1
8
*
99

40
47
1
10
1
99

57
34
2
7
*
100

53
34
4
8
*
99

56
36
*
8
*
100

1,420

1,509

1,037

338

371

235

352

376

274

357

405

252

373

357

276

42
45
2
10
1
100

44
43
2
10
1
100

39
49
1
10
1
100

40
46
2
12
*
100

39
51
2
6
1
99

30
55
1
12
2
100

49
38
1
10
2
100

48
40
1
11
*
100

45
45
2
8
1
101

40
48
2
10
*
100

43
43
2
12
1
101

38
49
2
11
1
101

45
44
*
10
*
99

48
40
2
10
*
100

43
48
2
7
1
101

2,606

2,924

2,061

607

747

496

651

709

536

670

723

502

678

745

527

49
39
2
11
*
101

46
43
1
9
1
100

41
47
2
10
1
101

45
42
2
11
1
101

38
49
1
11
1
100

47
42
1
10
*
100

48
40
2
10
*
100

44
46
1
7
1
99

Original Claims
Unweighted N

Never been married
Married
Separated
Divorced
Widowed
TOTAL
Supplemental Claims
Unweighted N

Never been married
Married
Separated
Divorced
Widowed
TOTAL
All Claims
Unweighted N

Never been married
Married
Separated
Divorced
Widowed
TOTAL
* Less than 0.5%
-- None.

44
43
2
10
1
100

45
40
40
40
33
51
42
48
45
49
53
37
2
1
2
2
1
1
10
10
12
7
12
10
1
1
1
1
2
2
100
100
100
99
101
101
Question Number: Dependents 47/Veterans 63

Sum may not add to 100% due to rounding.

Schulman, Ronca, & Bucuvalas, Inc. - page A-109

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Study

TABLE A-68

Aside from the classes you are currently taking, what is the highest level of
education you have completed?
Base: All education beneficiaries

All RPOs

REGIONAL PROCESSING OFFICE

2002
%

2003
%

2004
%

Atlanta
Buffalo
Muskogee
St. Louis
2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%

1,181

1,400

1,013

269

373

257

299

331

259

310

313

249

303

383

248

NA
39
51
7
1
2
100

NA
31
58
7
2
2
100

NA
24
57
11
3
5
100

NA
35
52
9
2
2
100

NA
35
54
7
2
2
100

NA
22
55
11
5
7
100

NA
39
50
6
2
2
99

NA
36
53
6
2
2
99

NA
31
52
12
2
5
102

NA
40
49
7
1
3
100

NA
25
67
6
1
*
99

NA
20
60
12
2
6
100

NA
39
52
6
1
1
99

NA
35
49
9
3
4
100

NA
25
60
6
5
4
100

1,413

1,505

1,029

335

366

231

354

376

273

353

405

250

371

358

275

NA
14
61
15
5
5
100

NA
14
53
25
4
4
100

NA
17
64
11
5
2
99

NA
17
65
12
4
2
100

NA
11
54
20
5
9
99

NA
15
68
12
3
2
100

NA
15
67
11
5
2
100

NA
8
60
21
3
7
99

Original Claims
Unweighted N

Less than high school graduate
High school graduate or GED
Some college
College graduate
Some graduate work
Graduate or professional degree
TOTAL
Supplemental Claims
Unweighted N

Less than high school graduate
High school graduate or GED
Some college
College graduate
Some graduate work
Graduate or professional degree
TOTAL

NA
17
64
12
3
4
100

NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
16
12
19
15
14
17
64
54
63
61
50
61
14
23
13
18
27
13
4
4
1
2
5
3
3
6
5
4
4
5
101
99
101
100
100
99
Question Number: Dependents 48/Veterans 64

NA Not Asked
* Less than 0.5%.
Sum does not add to 100% due to rounding.

Schulman, Ronca, & Bucuvalas, Inc. - page A-110

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Study

TABLE A-68, continued

Aside from the classes you are currently taking, what is the highest level of
education you have completed?
Base: All education beneficiaries

All RPOs

REGIONAL PROCESSING OFFICE

2002
%

2003
%

2004
%

Atlanta
Buffalo
Muskogee
St. Louis
2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%

2,594

2,905

2,042

All Claims
Unweighted N

Less than high school graduate
High school graduate or GED
Some college
College graduate
Some graduate work
Graduate or professional degree
TOTAL

NA
20
62
11
3
3
99

604

739

488

653

NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
18
14
21
18
15
21
63
55
61
60
50
59
13
21
12
17
25
12
4
4
1
2
5
3
3
6
4
3
4
5
101
100
99
100
99
100
Question Number: Dependents 48/Veterans 64

707

532

663

718

499

674

741

523

NA
17
60
14
4
5
100

NA
17
53
23
4
4
101

NA
20
62
11
4
2
99

NA
18
65
11
4
2
100

NA
13
55
19
5
8
100

NA
18
66
11
3
2
100

NA
18
65
11
5
2
101

NA
11
60
19
4
6
100

NA Not Asked
Sum does not add to 100% due to rounding.

Schulman, Ronca, & Bucuvalas, Inc. - page A-111

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Study

TABLE A-69

In what type of education program are you currently enrolled?
Base: All education beneficiaries.

All RPOs

REGIONAL PROCESSING OFFICE
Atlanta
Buffalo
Muskogee
St. Louis
2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%

2002
%

2003
%

2004
%

1,145

1,359

964

261

361

249

286

313

240

301

307

242

297

378

233

3

2

3

4

2

1

4

3

7

4

2

2

2

2

3

10
38
43
5
99

8
36
48
5
99

10
35
45
8
101

8
39
43
6
100

10
37
47
4
100

15
32
41
12
101

11
37
43
4
99

8
40
44
4
99

10
36
44
3
100

12
38
42
5
101

7
35
52
4
100

10
37
44
7
100

10
39
45
4
100

9
34
47
9
101

4
33
50
10
100

1,387

1,467

962

328

361

218

340

366

255

350

392

232

369

348

257

1

1

3

1

1

2

1

1

4

1

1

3

*

*

3

6
27
54
13
101

4
24
55
14
101

8
28
54
9
100

9
27
56
7
100

5
27
50
15
100

6
33
53
8
100

5
32
55
8
100

3
28
55
11
100

Original Claims
Unweighted N

On-the-job training or apprenticeship
program
Certificate/license program
Two-year academic college program
Four-year academic college program
Post-graduate degree program
TOTAL
Supplemental Claims
Unweighted N

On-the-job training or apprenticeship
program
Certificate/license program
Two-year academic college program
Four-year academic college program
Post-graduate degree program
TOTAL

8
30
53
8
100

7
9
8
7
5
8
29
33
34
29
28
35
54
51
48
53
51
46
9
6
8
10
13
10
100
100
100
99
101
100
Question Number: Dependents 49/Veterans 65

* Less than 0.5%.
Sum may not add to 100% due to rounding.

Schulman, Ronca, & Bucuvalas, Inc. - page A-112

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Study

TABLE A-69, continued

In what type of education program are you currently enrolled?
Base: All education beneficiaries.

All RPOs

REGIONAL PROCESSING OFFICE
Atlanta
Buffalo
Muskogee
St. Louis
2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%

2002
%

2003
%

2004
%

2,532

2,826

1,926

589

722

467

626

679

495

651

699

474

666

726

490

1

1

3

1

1

2

1

1

4

2

1

2

*

1

3

6
29
53
12
101

5
26
53
12
100

8
29
52
8
99

9
28
55
7
100

6
29
49
14
100

7
34
52
7
100

6
32
54
8
101

3
29
54
11
100

All Claims
Unweighted N

On-the-job training or apprenticeship
program
Certificate/license program
Two-year academic college program
Four-year academic college program
Post-graduate degree program
TOTAL

8
32
51
8
100

8
9
8
8
6
9
30
34
35
31
29
34
53
49
48
51
50
45
8
6
8
9
12
10
100
100
99
100
100
100
Question Number: Dependents 49/Veterans 65

* Less than 0.5%.
Sum may not add to 100% due to rounding,

Schulman, Ronca, & Bucuvalas, Inc. - page A-113

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Study

TABLE A-70

Do you have access to the Internet?
Base: All education beneficiaries.

All RPOs

REGIONAL PROCESSING OFFICE
Atlanta
Buffalo
Muskogee
St. Louis
2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%

2002
%

2003
%

2004
%

Unweighted N

1,188

1,408

1,019

269

370

258

299

333

262

314

318

248

306

387

251

Yes
No
TOTAL

93
7
100

95
5
100

95
5
100

93
7
100

97
3
100

96
4
100

95
5
100

92
8
100

95
5
100

90
10
100

95
5
100

93
7
100

96
4
100

95
5
100

99
1
100

Unweighted N

1,425

1,508

1,034

339

370

234

355

372

273

358

406

253

373

360

274

Yes
No
TOTAL

97
3
100

97
3
100

97
3
100

97
3
100

96
4
100

95
5
100

98
2
100

98
2
100

98
2
100

96
4
100

97
3
100

98
2
100

96
4
100

98
2
100

97
3
100

Unweighted N

2,613

2,916

2,053

608

740

492

654

705

535

672

724

501

679

747

525

Yes
No
TOTAL

96
4
100

97
97
96
96
95
97
97
3
3
4
4
5
3
3
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
Question Number: Dependents 50/Veterans 66

97
3
100

95
5
100

97
3
100

98
2
100

96
4
100

98
2
100

97
3
100

Original Claims

Supplemental Claims

All Claims

Schulman, Ronca, & Bucuvalas, Inc. - page A-114

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Study

TABLE A-71

Where do you have access to the Internet?
Base: Have access to the Internet.

All RPOs

REGIONAL PROCESSING OFFICE
Atlanta
Buffalo
Muskogee
St. Louis
2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%

2002
%

2003
%

2004
%

1,110

1,356

969

247

367

245

285

316

251

284

299

231

294

374

242

86
28
64
39
4
44
NA
1

87
30
66
37
7
45
17
1

90
38
63
38
5
39
19
*

84
33
64
38
3
41
NA
1

88
34
55
27
3
36
15
1

87
41
62
35
5
42
17
*

85
28
66
43
5
46
NA
1

86
32
63
37
8
43
19
1

93
35
58
35
3
32
17
--

86
29
58
33
4
43
NA
1

86
28
70
41
8
50
16
*

89
39
61
39
5
39
20
*

88
21
71
44
4
45
NA
1

89
27
70
39
7
45
21
1

91
38
70
42
5
47
19
*

1,379

1,465

993

328

351

221

345

367

264

346

394

245

360

353

263

88
39
74
41
3
44
15
1

92
52
64
38
8
47
15
3

88
39
68
34
5
36
NA
*

87
42
70
34
5
43
14
2

86
47
67
41
10
49
16
1

87
41
76
40
6
45
NA
3

81
32
79
38
5
49
14
*

90
38
73
43
7
51
13
1

Original Claims
Unweighted N

At home
At my place of work
At school
At a friend's or relative's home
At a commercial establishment
At a public library
At a military base or reserve unit
Other
Supplemental Claims
Unweighted N

At home
At my place of work
At school
At a friend's or relative's home
At a commercial establishment
At a public library
At a military base or reserve unit
Other

87
38
71
35
5
40
NA
2

86
89
89
86
88
86
39
46
35
38
48
37
74
71
79
72
67
65
37
32
37
38
39
32
5
4
5
3
8
3
45
41
45
42
48
44
14
NA
13
NA
15
18
2
1
2
3
1
1
Question Number: Dependents 51/Veterans 67

-- None.
* Less than 0.5%.
Multiple mention.

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VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Study

TABLE A-71, continued

Where do you have access to the Internet?
Base: Have access to the Internet.

All RPOs

REGIONAL PROCESSING OFFICE

2002
%

2003
%

2004
%

2,489

2,821

1,962

Atlanta
Buffalo
Muskogee
St. Louis
2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%

All Claims
Unweighted N

At home
At my place of work
At school
At a friend's or relative's home
At a commercial establishment
At a public library
At a military base or reserve unit
Other

87
37
70
36
5
41
NA
2

575

718

466

630

86
89
88
87
88
86
38
45
34
37
47
35
73
70
76
71
67
64
37
33
36
39
39
32
5
4
4
4
7
4
45
41
44
43
47
43
14
NA
13
NA
16
18
1
1
2
3
1
1
Question Number: Dependents 51/Veterans 67

683

515

630

693

476

654

727

505

88
38
73
41
4
44
15
1

93
49
63
38
7
44
16
2

87
38
66
34
5
37
NA
*

87
41
70
35
5
44
14
2

87
46
66
41
10
48
16
1

87
38
75
41
5
45
NA
3

82
31
78
38
5
48
15
*

91
38
72
43
7
50
14
1

* Less than 0.5%.
Multiple mention.
NA Not Asked

Schulman, Ronca, & Bucuvalas, Inc. - page A-116

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Study

Appendix B
Methodology

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Study

Table of Contents
Background ....................................................................................................................................................................... B-4
Questionnaire Content and Structure. ............................................................................................................................... B-5
Sampling ........................................................................................................................................................................... B-6
Questionnaire Mailing Protocol ......................................................................................................................................... B-9
Response Rates.............................................................................................................................................................. B-16
Weighting Procedures ..................................................................................................................................................... B-18
Spanish Language Questionnaires ................................................................................................................................. B-19

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VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Study

Tables and Figures
Tables
Table B-1. Six-Month Cumulative Completed Workload by Education Benefit Chapter and RPO:
April to September 2004......................................................................................................................... B-7
Table B-2. Drawn Sample by RPO and Education Benefit Chapter ................................................................................. B-8
Table B-3. Survey Mailing Schedule .............................................................................................................................. B-10
Table B-4. Final Sample Disposition by RPO................................................................................................................. B-17
Table B-5. Disposition of Spanish Language Questionnaires Sent to Beneficiaries in Puerto Rico ............................... B-19

Figures
Figure B-1.
Figure B-2.
Figure B-3.
Figure B-4.
Figure B-5.
Figure B-6.

Advance Letter ............................................................................................................................................ B-11
First Mailing Cover Letter............................................................................................................................. B-12
First Reminder Card .................................................................................................................................... B-13
Second Mailing Cover Letter ....................................................................................................................... B-14
Special Envelope Label ............................................................................................................................... B-15
Final Reminder Card ................................................................................................................................... B-16

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VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Study

METHODOLOGY
Background
For several years, the Surveys and Research Staff, Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA), U.S. Department of Veterans
Affairs (VA) has undertaken a long-range project to develop customer satisfaction survey instruments and methodologies
to provide customer feedback on the processes associated with the various benefit programs VBA administers. This
study focuses on the three primary education benefit programs available to veterans and certain dependents that are
administered by VBA. They are:
x

Chapter 30, Montgomery GI Bill — Active Duty Educational Assistance Program, available to veterans
and individuals currently on active duty;

x

Chapter 1606, Montgomery GI Bill — Selected Reserves Educational Assistance Program, available to
members of the selected reserve and National Guard; and

x

Chapter 35, Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance Program, available to dependents and
certain veterans.

While applications for education benefits may be submitted to any of the 58 VA Regional Offices (RO), they are processed
at four of these offices: Atlanta, Georgia; Buffalo, New York; Muskogee, Oklahoma; and St. Louis, Missouri – the Regional
Processing Offices (RPO).
In 1997, Surveys and Research Staff undertook a pilot test of 1,375 education claimants from the Muskogee, OK Regional
Processing Office. In the Spring of 1998, the staff undertook a survey of education beneficiaries in the remaining three
RPO's in Atlanta, GA; Buffalo, NY; and St. Louis, MO. In this survey, referred to as the Rollout Study, questionnaires
were sent to 4,177 education beneficiaries. Beginning in 1998, education beneficiaries from all four RPO’s were surveyed
annually. From 1998 until 2002, questionnaires were sent to 5,600 beneficiaries. Beginning with the 2003 Administration
the sample size was increased to 6,400 beneficiaries.
This current study is the seventh education beneficiaries’ customer satisfaction survey for claimants from all four RPO's.
The questionnaires used for the current study were changed slightly from the previous administration. Specifically, the
Schulman, Ronca & Bucuvalas, Inc. – page B-4

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Study

section on contacting VA by mail was deleted. In addition, questions concerning briefings on education benefits while on
active-duty (“Preparing for Your Education Benefits”) were revised, the question asking which method for verification of
enrollment was preferred (“Verifying Enrollment to VA”) was deleted, and other minor wording changes were made to the
previous questionnaire. A table comparing the questionnaires used in the 2003 and 2004 Administrations appears in
Appendix C.

Questionnaire Content and Structure
The initial questionnaire content and structure were based on the results of focus groups with veterans conducted prior to
the pilot test by VBA's Surveys and Research Staff. It was also based on information learned from earlier customer
satisfaction projects. Cognitive interviews were conducted with approximately 15 veterans who were receiving education
benefits to obtain their comments on the draft questionnaire and cover letters. The questionnaire and cover letters were
revised as a result of these interviews. The questionnaire used in each subsequent study was an outgrowth of this initial
work.
The current questionnaires were divided into nine sections tracing the claimants’ experience with the claims process.
These sections are:
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x

Preparing for Your Education Benefits;
Applying for Benefits;
Contacting VA by Telephone;
Visiting VA’s Website and Contacting VA by Internet or E-mail;
Other Sources of Information;
Verifying Enrollment to VA [asked on Form V only];
Receiving Your Benefit Payments;
Overall Impressions; and
General Information.

Initially, in an effort to minimize respondent confusion, three separate questionnaires were developed to cover what was
felt to be distinct experiences in learning about benefits. Similar differences did not exist between those beneficiaries
filing original and supplemental claims. The three questionnaires covered the following situations:

Schulman, Ronca & Bucuvalas, Inc. – page B-5

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Study

x

A claim filed by veterans receiving benefits under Chapter 30 and members of the active reserves
receiving benefits under Chapter 1606 – these claimants had the opportunity to attend the briefings that
take place prior to the separation from service;

x

A claim filed by current members of the armed forces receiving benefits under Chapter 30 – these
claimants had the same potential to learn about education benefits as those in the previous group with
the exception of the opportunity to attend the briefings prior to the separation from service; and

x

A claim filed by eligible dependents receiving benefits under Chapter 35 – these claimants had a very
different experience learning about education benefits.

However, beginning with the 2001 administration, the active duty questionnaire was folded into the veterans and reservist
questionnaire leading to the modification or addition of only a few questions.
The major differences between the two versions of the questionnaire were in the first section covering the preparation for
using education benefits – "How did you find out about the benefits?", "When did you first decide to apply for benefits?”
etc. In addition, the dependents questionnaire did not include a section on verification of enrollment since Chapter 35
benefits do not require verification. Copies of the questionnaires used in the 2004 survey appear in Appendices D and E.

Sampling
The study population was developed by cumulating the completed workload by RPO, education benefits chapter, and
claimant status (original versus supplemental) for the six-month period from April to September 2004. This provided a
sufficient number of cases from which a sample could be drawn, and provided a broad cross-section of beneficiaries who
had recently interacted with VA about their education benefits. The sample was evenly divided between original and
supplemental claims since the supplemental claims outnumber original claims by 6.2 to 1. Further, this varies
considerably for the six-month reference period among the four RPO's (from a low of 4.9 to 1 to a high of 6.7 to 1), and
also among benefit programs (from a low of 4.1 to 1 to a high of 7.1 to 1). Without independently sampling by claim
status, the results would be most representative of supplemental claimants.

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VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Study

TABLE B-1

Six-Month Cumulative Completed Workload by Education Benefit Chapter
and RPO: April to September 2004
Original Claims

Supplemental Claims

RPO and Chapter
Number

Percent

Number

Percent

Atlanta, GA
Chapter 30 - Veterans and Armed Forces
Chapter 35 - Dependents
Chapter 1606 - Active Reserve

17,637
10,535
3,311
3,791

100.0%
59.7%
18.8%
21.5%

113,018
77,803
19,982
15,233

100.0%
68.8%
17.7%
13.5%

Buffalo, NY
Chapter 30 - Veterans and Armed Forces
Chapter 35 - Dependents
Chapter 1606 - Active Reserve

20,837
13,199
2,405
5,233

100.0%
63.3%
11.5%
25.1%

102,335
71,133
12,854
18,348

100.0%
69.5%
12.6%
17.9%

Muskogee, OK
Chapter 30 - Veterans and Armed Forces
Chapter 35 - Dependents
Chapter 1606 - Active Reserve

32,551
21,254
5,357
5,940

100.0%
65.3%
16.5%
18.2%

219,076
163,473
30,884
24,719

100.0%
74.6%
14.1%
11.3%

St. Louis, MO
Chapter 30 - Veterans and Armed Forces
Chapter 35 - Dependents
Chapter 1606 - Active Reserve

16,991
9,918
2,520
4,553

100.0%
58.4%
14.8%
26.8%

111,220
74,944
14,346
21,930

100.0%
67.4%
12.9%
19.7%

Total
Chapter 30 - Veterans and Armed Forces
Chapter 35 - Dependents
Chapter 1606 - Active Reserve

88,016
54,906
13,593
19,517

100.0%
62.4%
15.4%
22.2%

545,649
387,353
78,066
80,230

100.0%
71.0%
14.3%
14.7%

Schulman, Ronca & Bucuvalas, Inc. – page B-7

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Study

The distribution of the components making up the population for this study is shown in Table B-1 (previous page). It is
interesting to note, that compared to last year, original claims have decreased by 18.7 percent while supplemental claims
have increased by only 5.9 percent.
TABLE B-2

Drawn Sample by RPO and Education Benefit Chapter
Chapter

Original
Claims

Supplemental
Claims

Total
Sample

Atlanta, GA
Chapter 30 - Veterans and Armed Forces
Chapter 35 - Dependents
Chapter 1606 - Active Reserve

801
267
267
267

801
267
267
267

1,602
534
534
534

Buffalo, NY
Chapter 30 - Veterans and Armed Forces
Chapter 35 - Dependents
Chapter 1606 - Active Reserve

801
267
267
267

801
267
267
267

1,602
534
534
534

Muskogee, OK
Chapter 30 - Veterans and Armed Forces
Chapter 35 - Dependents
Chapter 1606 - Active Reserve

801
267
267
267

801
267
267
267

1,602
534
534
534

St. Louis, MO
Chapter 30 - Veterans and Armed Forces
Chapter 35 - Dependents
Chapter 1606 - Active Reserve

801
267
267
267

801
267
267
267

1,602
534
534
534

Total
Chapter 30 - Veterans and Armed Forces
Chapter 35 - Dependents
Chapter 1606 - Active Reserve

3,204
1,068
1,068
1,068

3,204
1,068
1,068
1,068

6408
2,136
2,136
2,136

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VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Study

The study design called for 400 completed questionnaires for the original strata and another 400 for the supplemental
strata for each RPO. If the response rate is estimated to be 50 percent, a minimum of 800 beneficiaries should be drawn.
Prior to the 2003 Administration, the sample was allocated proportionally among benefit programs within each RPO and
type of claim. Beginning in 2003, the sample within each cell was evenly divided among the three benefit programs. This
change increased the robustness of the data for Chapters 35 and 1606 without overly affecting the robustness of the
results for Chapter 30. As a result, 267 beneficiaries were randomly selected for each benefit program, RPO and type of
claim. The distribution of the actual sample drawn from each RPO and program is shown in Table B-2 (previous page).
Earlier studies separated out those Chapter 30 beneficiaries currently on active duty from the sample after it was drawn.
This was done to facilitate the mailing of the active duty-specific questionnaire that was sent to these individuals.
Beginning with the 2001 Administration, the separate active duty questionnaire was folded into the questionnaire used for
veterans and reservists. As a result, no separate tabulation was done of active duty personnel in the sample.

Questionnaire Mailing Protocol
The mailing protocol, in accordance with the Dillman methodology, required up to five mailings be made to every person
in the sample. The entire sample was sent an advance, or pre-notification, letter informing the recipient that they had
been selected for this study and would shortly be receiving the questionnaire. As shown in Table B-3 (next page), this
letter was sent out in mid-February 2005.
Additionally, the purpose of the first letter was also to assure them this was a bona fide study sponsored by the
Department of Veterans Affairs, to convey to them the importance VA placed on the study (it was hoped this would
increase participation) to give them a toll-free number where they could get more information about the study if they had
any questions, and a postscript inviting the recipient to visit the VA "home page" dealing with education programs and
benefits as well as an invitation to visit another website to learn about customer satisfaction surveys (see Figure B-1, page
B-11).

Schulman, Ronca & Bucuvalas, Inc. – page B-9

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Study

TABLE B-3

Survey Mailing Schedule
Item Mailed

Audience

Date of Mailing

Advance Letter

Total Sample

February 15, 2005

First Mailing of the Questionnaire

Total Sample

February 25, 2005

Reminder Post Card

Total Sample

March 8, 2005

Second Mailing of the Questionnaire

Remaining Sample

April 11, 2005

Final Reminder Card

Remaining Sample

May 13, 2005

End of Field Period

June 9, 2005

Letters addressed to individuals no longer living at the address on the sampling file were handled differently, depending
on the situation.
x

Valid forwarding address on file with the post office: letter forwarded by post office, SRBI informed of
new address, and address file updated;

x

Forwarding order expired, new address known by post office: letter returned as undeliverable, letter
re-mailed to the corrected address, and address file updated; and

x

Forwarding order expired, new address not known by post office: letter returned as undeliverable
and name removed from the active sample file.

The advance letter was followed 10 days later with an envelope containing a cover letter; the appropriate questionnaire for
that segment of the sample, a pre-addressed and postage-paid return envelope. This package went to the entire sample.
Returned mail was handled with the same procedure as described above. The names of respondents were removed from
the active sample as questionnaires were returned. The cover letter, also signed by the Under Secretary for Benefits,
included with the questionnaire reiterated the same points as the advance letter (see Figure B-2, page B-12).
Schulman, Ronca & Bucuvalas, Inc. – page B-10

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Study

FIGURE B-1

Advance Letter

Schulman, Ronca & Bucuvalas, Inc. – page B-11

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Study

FIGURE B-2

First Mailing Cover Letter

Schulman, Ronca & Bucuvalas, Inc. – page B-12

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Study

A reminder card was sent to the entire sample 9 days after the questionnaire mailing which asked them to complete and
return the questionnaire as soon as possible. At this point there was not a large enough return to eliminate those that had
returned their questionnaires.

FIGURE B-3

First Reminder Card
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION
Recently, we mailed a survey to you as part of a study of
customer satisfaction with the education benefits claims
process.
If you have returned the survey, thank you.
If not, please take a few minutes now to complete
and return the survey.
If you have lost or misplaced the survey or if you
have questions, please call the VA Project
Coordinator at 1-800-659-5432.
Thank you.

In turn, this was followed by a second mailing of the questionnaire about five weeks after the follow-up card. (The
extended period between the mailing of the first reminder card and the second questionnaire was a result of the reduced
response rate which will be discussed later in this report.) The cover letter again stressed that completing and returning
the questionnaire would not affect the respondent’s current or future benefits (see Figure B-4, page B-14).

Schulman, Ronca & Bucuvalas, Inc. – page B-13

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Study

FIGURE B-4

Second Mailing Cover Letter

Schulman, Ronca & Bucuvalas, Inc. – page B-14

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Study

Prior to sending out the second letter it was apparent that the response rate was lower than had been our experience in
previous Administrations for beneficiaries receiving benefits under Chapter 30 and Chapter 1606. As will be discussed in
the next section, the number of post office returns and deployed had increased substantially. As a result, the following
label was placed on the envelope for the second mailing of the questionnaire:

FIGURE B-5

Special Envelope Label

If addressee is deployed overseas
Please write DEPLOYED on
Envelope and return to sender

Lastly, about five weeks after the second copy of the questionnaire was mailed, a final reminder card was sent to those
who had not yet responded (see Figure B-6, page B-16). The wording for the second reminder card was changed from
last year. The new wording asked that someone at the address where the beneficiary lived would call the toll-free number
if the beneficiary was deployed.

Schulman, Ronca & Bucuvalas, Inc. – page B-15

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Study

FIGURE B-6

Final Reminder Card

The Department of Veterans Affairs
is waiting to hear from you!
Your opinion will help improve the benefit services for
veterans and other beneficiaries.
If you have already completed and mailed your survey,
thanks. If not, please do it TODAY!
If you have any questions about this survey

OR IF THE ADDRESSEE IS DEPLOYED,
please call the VA Project Coordinator at 1-800-659-5432.

Response Rates
The final disposition of the sample is shown in Table B-4 (page B-17). The final response rate for this study was 39.4
percent compared to the final response rate of 50.7 for the administration in 2003. The response rate for each benefit
type decreased from the 2003 Administration: Chapter 30 (veterans and active duty) went from 44.8 percent to 32.8
percent; Chapter 35 (dependents) went from 64.3 percent to 55.6 percent; while the response rate for Chapter 1606
(reservists) went from 42.1 percent to 25.6 percent. While it is impossible to know for certain, it can be hypothesized that
the decline in the response rate is a function of the large number of reservists who have been activated for service in
Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. These beneficiaries are primarily receiving Chapter 1606
benefits with a smaller proportion receiving Chapter 30 benefits.

Schulman, Ronca & Bucuvalas, Inc. – page B-16

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Study

TABLE B-4

Final Sample Disposition by RPO
Drawn
Sample

Mail
Returns

Deployed

Screen
Outs

Deceased

Effective
Forms
Response
Refused
Sample
Returned
Rate

Atlanta, GA
Chapter 30
Chapter 35
Chapter 1606

1,602
534
534
534

184
91
17
76

40
5
0
35

10
4
2
4

3
2
1
0

1,365
432
514
419

1
0
1
0

526
138
285
103

38.5
31.9
55.4
24.6

Buffalo, NY
Chapter 30
Chapter 35
Chapter 1606

1,602
534
534
534

192
116
8
68

34
4
0
30

6
0
2
4

1
1
0
0

1,369
413
524
432

0
0
0
0

565
140
303
122

41.3
33.9
57.8
28.2

Muskogee, OK
Chapter 30
Chapter 35
Chapter 1606

1,602
534
534
534

192
99
16
77

35
3
0
32

8
0
0
8

0
0
0
0

1,367
432
518
417

2
0
0
2

525
151
281
93

38.4
35.0
54.2
22.3

St. Louis, MO
Chapter 30
Chapter 35
Chapter 1606

1,602
534
534
534

149
55
10
84

40
2
1
37

8
4
1
3

3
1
1
1

1,402
472
521
409

1
0
0
1

554
160
292
102

39.5
33.9
56.0
24.9

Total
Chapter 30
Chapter 35
Chapter 1606

6,408
2,136
2,136
2,136

717
361
51
305

149
14
1
134

32
8
5
19

7
4
2
1

5,503
1,749
2,077
1,677

4
0
1
3

2,170
589
1,161
420

39.4
33.7
55.9
25.0

Schulman, Ronca & Bucuvalas, Inc. – page B-17

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Study

Overall, the number of mail returns increased by 90.7 percent (376 vs. 717) from the 2003 Administration – the increase
among Chapter 30 beneficiaries was 148.0 percent (123 vs. 305). The number of deployed increased from 46 in 2003 to
149 in 2004. In addition, the number of screen outs remained the same while the number of deceased beneficiaries went
from 1 to 7.

Weighting Procedures
As discussed earlier in this appendix, the sample was drawn to have the same number of cases for each of the education
benefit programs – Chapter 30, Chapter 35, and Chapter 1606 – by claim status – original and supplemental – within each
of the RPO's. While this makes sense from an analytical point of view since the number of cases in all sub-groups will be
large enough to have confidence in their results. However, in order to obtain an accurate measure of the responses of
claimants at each RPO, the responses of the original and supplemental claimants must be combined in the proportion
they exist in the population. Not to do so would over represent the smaller proportion of original claimants (13.9 percent
of all claims processed during the sampling period) compared to the larger proportion of supplemental claimants (86.1
percent of processed claims).
Similar logic holds when combining the results from all RPO's to develop national results. While the range is less
dramatic than between claim status (original vs. supplemental) – from a low of 19.4 percent for Buffalo to a high of 39.7
percent for Muskogee – it still can affect the results. Finally, it is important to compensate for the differential response
rates reported in Table B-4.
The distribution of claims processed within categories from which the sample was drawn is shown in Table B-1. This
table shows that original Chapter 30 claims processed in Atlanta make up 1.66 percent of all claims processed during the
six-month reference period (10,535 divided by 633,665 – the sum of 88,016 and 545,649). The responses of 64 original
Chapter 30 claimants from Atlanta, 3.06 percent of the 2,093 useable cases, were weighted (multiplied by 0.54371) so
that they made up 1.66 percent (34.80 weighted cases divided by 2,093) of the cases used in the final analysis. A similar
procedure was carried out for each cell in the original sample.

Schulman, Ronca & Bucuvalas, Inc. – page B-18

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Study

Spanish Language Questionnaires
Both questionnaires used for this project were translated into Spanish. These questionnaires were sent to respondents in
Puerto Rico along with the English version. The respondent would be able to select the questionnaire they felt most
comfortable using. The cover letters were also translated, but the reminder cards were not.
Table B-5 shows the number of Spanish language questionnaires that were distributed and the number that were
returned.

TABLE B-5

Disposition of Spanish Language Questionnaires Sent to
Beneficiaries in Puerto Rico
Total Sent

Total
Returns

Spanish
Returns

Percent
Spanish

Form V – Veterans, Active Duty

10

2

1

50%

Form V – Reservists

49

16

10

63%

Form D – Dependents

55

39

27

69%

114

57

38

67%

Form and Benefit

Total

The results shown in Table B-5 show an increase in the proportion of returned questionnaires from Puerto Rico that were
completed using the Spanish version in all categories. Overall last year, 43 of the 77 (56 percent) returned questionnaires
were the Spanish version. This proportion increased to 67 percent in the current administration. Significant proportions of
reservists (almost three in five) and dependents (two-thirds) completed the Spanish version of the questionnaire. While
only one of the two veterans who completed the questionnaire did so in Spanish, it is clear that the Spanish versions fill a
need.

Schulman, Ronca & Bucuvalas, Inc. – page B-19

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Study

Appendix C
Comparison of the Questionnaires
Used in the 2003 and 2004 Administrations

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Study

Comparison of the Questionnaires used in the 2003 and 2004 Administrations
Questions on the Dependent version of the questionnaire begin with the letter D while those on the Veteran/Reservist version begin
with the letter V. Underlined blue font indicates that words have been added while struckthrough red font indicates that words have
been deleted.
2003
Quest #

Question

2004
Quest #

Question

PREPARING FOR YOUR EDUCATION BENEFITS
D1

D2

V1

Which of the following best describes your eligibility for
education benefits?
O Orphan of the veteran
O Child of the veteran
O Widow or widower of the veteran
O Current or former spouse of the veteran
Where did you first LEARN about VA's education benefits
program?
O Letter from VA
O VA information pamphlet
O Friend or family
O Military base or family support center
O Commercial or advertisement
O VA's website on the Internet
O Other
Are you currently on active-duty in the U.S. Armed Forces?
O Yes
O No

PREPARING FOR YOUR EDUCATION BENEFITS
D1

D2

V1

Which of the following best describes your eligibility for
education benefits?
O Orphan of the veteran
O Child of the veteran
O Widow or widower of the veteran
O Current or former spouse of the veteran
Where did you first LEARN about VA's education benefits
program?
O Letter from VA
O VA information pamphlet
O Friend or family
O Military base or family support center
O Commercial or advertisement
O VA's website on the Internet
O Other
Are you currently on active-duty in the U.S. Armed Forces?
O Yes
O No

Schulman, Ronca & Bucuvalas, Inc. - page C-2

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Study
2003
Question
Quest #
V2
When did you first LEARN about VA's education benefits
program?

V3

D3/V4

O Before recruitment
O At the time of recruitment
O Soon after joining
O Six months or more after joining
O Shortly before separation
O At or after separation
Where did you first LEARN about VA's education benefits
program?
O Commercial or advertisement
O Recruiter
O VA information pamphlet
O Another person in my unit
O Military base or unit Education Office
O Friend or family
O VA's website on the Internet
O School
O Other
Looking back, how much of what you NEEDED TO KNOW did
you get from this source?
O
O
O
O
O

All
Most
Some
Little
None

2004
Question
Quest #
V2
When did you first LEARN about VA's education benefits
program?

V3

D3/V4

O Before recruitment
O At the time of recruitment
O Soon after joining
O Six months or more after joining
O Shortly before separation
O At or after separation
Where did you first LEARN about VA's education benefits
program?
O Commercial or advertisement
O Recruiter
O VA information pamphlet
O Another person in my unit
O Military base or unit Education Office
O Friend or family
O VA's website on the Internet
O School
O Other
Looking back, how much of what you NEEDED TO KNOW did
you get from this source?
O
O
O
O
O

All
Most
Some
Little
None

Schulman, Ronca & Bucuvalas, Inc. - page C-3

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Study
2003
Question
Quest #
D4/V5
How accurate was the information you received?
O
O
O
O
O
O
V6

V7

2004
Question
Quest #
D4/V5
How accurate was the information you received?

Very accurate
Somewhat accurate
Neither accurate nor inaccurate
Somewhat inaccurate
Very inaccurate
Don't know

O
O
O
O
O
O

Very accurate
Somewhat accurate
Neither accurate nor inaccurate
Somewhat inaccurate
Very inaccurate
Don't know

For this questionnaire, active duty also includes active duty for V6
training for reserve or guard.

For this questionnaire, active duty also includes active duty for
training for reserve or guard.

When did you begin to PLAN the use of your education
benefits?

When did you begin to PLAN the use of your education
benefits?

O Before active-duty service
O Six months or more before separation from active-duty service
O Less than six months before separation from active-duty service
O At separation from active-duty service
O Less than six months after separation from active-duty service
O Six months or more after separation from active-duty service
Which of the following information sources did you find useful
in PLANNING for the use of your education benefits?
[Mark all that apply]

O Before active-duty service
O Six months or more before separation from active-duty service
O Less than six months before separation from active-duty service
O At separation from active-duty service
O Less than six months after separation from active-duty service
O Six months or more after separation from active-duty service
Which of the following information sources did you find useful
in PLANNING for the use of your education benefits?
[Mark all that apply]

O
O
O
O
O
O
O

VA information pamphlet
VA's website on the Internet
Military base or unit Education Office
Another person in my unit
Friend or family
School
Other

V7

O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O

VA information pamphlet
VA's website on the Internet
Military base or unit Education Office
Another person in my unit
Friend or family
School
Other
None of the above

Schulman, Ronca & Bucuvalas, Inc. - page C-4

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Study
2003
Question
Quest #
V8
While on active-duty, did you attend any briefings or sessions
that provided information regarding your education benefits?
O Yes
O No
V9

2004
Question
Quest #
V8
While on active-duty, did you were you offered the opportunity
to attend any briefings or sessions that provided information
regarding your education benefits?

SKIP TO V10
O Yes
O No

Why didn't you attend a briefing or session that provided
information regarding your education benefits?
O
O
O
O
O
O

Wasn't interested in using education benefits
No briefing was offered
Already knew all I needed to know about VA education benefits
Didn't have time to attend
Attended a briefing, but education benefits weren't covered
Don't recall

DELETE QUESTION

V9

V10

SKIP TO V10 12

Looking back, how much of what you NEEDED TO KNOW did
you get from these sessions?
O
O
O
O
O

All
Most
Some
Little
None

V10

Did you attend any briefings or sessions that provided
information regarding your education benefits?
O Yes
SKIP TO V12
O No
Looking back, how much of what you NEEDED TO KNOW did
you get from these sessions?
O
O
O
O
O

All
Most
Some
Little
None

Schulman, Ronca & Bucuvalas, Inc. - page C-5

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Study
2003
Question
Quest #
V11
How accurate was the information you received?
O
O
O
O
O
O
D5/V12

D6/V13

2004
Question
Quest #
V11
How accurate was the information you received?

Very accurate
Somewhat accurate
Neither accurate nor inaccurate
Somewhat inaccurate
Very inaccurate
Don't know

O
O
O
O
O
O

Within the past year, did you receive a VA pamphlet about your D5/V12
education benefits through the mail?

Within the past year, did you receive a VA pamphlet about your
education benefits through the mail?

O Yes
O No
SKIP TO D7/V14
How much of what you NEEDED TO KNOW did you get from the D6/V13
pamphlet?

O Yes
O No
SKIP TO D7/V14
How much of what you NEEDED TO KNOW did you get from the
pamphlet?

O
O
O
O
O

O
O
O
O
O

All
Most
Some
Little
None
APPLYING FOR BENEFITS

D7/V14

Very accurate
Somewhat accurate
Neither accurate nor inaccurate
Somewhat inaccurate
Very inaccurate
Don't know

To whom did you submit your application for education
benefits?
O
O
O
O

School
VA directly by mail or visit
VA directly on-line through VA's website
Don't recall

All
Most
Some
Little
None
APPLYING FOR BENEFITS

D7/V14

To whom did you submit your application for education
benefits?
O
O
O
O

School
VA directly by mail or visit
VA directly on-line through VA's website
Don't recall

Schulman, Ronca & Bucuvalas, Inc. - page C-6

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Study
2003
Question
Quest #
D8/V15 Did you find anything to be difficult or confusing about the
application?

D9/V16

2004
Question
Quest #
D8/V15 Did you find anything to be difficult or confusing about the
application?

O Yes
O No
SKIP TO D10/V17
What specifically did you find to be difficult or confusing about D9/V16
the application? [Mark all that apply]

O Print size was hard to read
O It was too long
O Some questions were not clear
O Some instructions were confusing
O Asked for information VA should have already had
O Asked for information that was hard to supply
O Not clear why all the information was needed
D10/V17 Did VA let you know your application had been received?
O Yes
O No

O Yes
O No
SKIP TO D10/V17
What specifically did you find to be difficult or confusing about
the application? [Mark all that apply]

O Print size was hard to read
O It was too long
O Some questions were not clear
O Some instructions were confusing
O Asked for information VA should have already had
O Asked for information that was hard to supply
O Not clear why all the information was needed
D10/V17 Did VA let you know your application had been received?
O Yes
O No

D11/V18 How completely did VA keep you informed of the status of your D11/V18 How completely did VA keep you informed of the status of your
application?
application?
O
O
O
O
O
O

Completely
Mostly
Somewhat
Only a little
Not at all
Didn't need status information

O
O
O
O
O
O

Completely
Mostly
Somewhat
Only a little
Not at all
Didn't need status information

Schulman, Ronca & Bucuvalas, Inc. - page C-7

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Study
2003
Question
Quest #
D12/V19 How long did it take VA to process your application?
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O

1 week
2 weeks
3 weeks
4 weeks
5 weeks
6 weeks
7 weeks
8 weeks
9 weeks
10 weeks or more

2004
Question
Quest #
D12/V19 How long did it take VA to process your application?
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O

1 week
2 weeks
3 weeks
4 weeks
5 weeks
6 weeks
7 weeks
8 weeks
9 weeks
10 weeks or more

D13/V20 How long do you think is REASONABLE for VA to process your D13/V20 How long do you think is REASONABLE for VA to process your
application? Please select one:
application? Please select one:
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O

1 week
2 weeks
3 weeks
4 weeks
5 weeks
6 weeks
7 weeks
8 weeks
9 weeks
10 weeks or more

O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O

1 week
2 weeks
3 weeks
4 weeks
5 weeks
6 weeks
7 weeks
8 weeks
9 weeks
10 weeks or more

CONTACTING VA BY TELEPHONE
D14/V21 Did you PHONE VA about your recent education claim?
O Yes
O No

SKIP TO D25/V32

CONTACTING VA BY TELEPHONE
D14/V21 Did you PHONE VA about your recent education claim?
O Yes
O No

SKIP TO D25/V32

Schulman, Ronca & Bucuvalas, Inc. - page C-8

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Study
2003
Question
Quest #
D15/V22 How many times did you phone VA about your recent claim?
O
O
O
O
O

1 time
2 times
3 times
4 times
5 times or more

D16/V23 Why did you call VA? [Mark all that apply]
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O

Get information before I applied for benefits
Apply for education benefits
Check on the status of my education claim
Change the status of enrollment
Verify enrollment to VA
Check on my remaining education benefits
Check on payment
Correct a payment problem
Get other information

D17/V24 How easy was it to get through to VA when you called?
O
O
O
O
O
O

Very easy
Somewhat easy
Neither easy nor difficult
Somewhat difficult
Very difficult
Never got through
SKIP TO D25/V32

2004
Question
Quest #
D15/V22 How many times did you phone VA about your recent claim?
O
O
O
O
O

1 time
2 times
3 times
4 times
5 times or more

D16/V23 Why did you call VA? [Mark all that apply]
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O

Get information before I applied for benefits
Apply for education benefits
Check on the status of my education claim
Change the status of enrollment
Verify enrollment to VA
Check on my remaining education benefits
Check on payment
Correct a payment problem
Get other information

D17/V24 How easy was it to get through to VA when you called?
O
O
O
O
O
O

Very easy
Somewhat easy
Neither easy nor difficult
Somewhat difficult
Very difficult
Never got through
SKIP TO D25/V32

Schulman, Ronca & Bucuvalas, Inc. - page C-9

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Study
2003
Question
Quest #
D18/V25 Which of the following happened to you when you called VA?
[Mark all that apply]

2004
Question
Quest #
D18/V25 Which of the following happened to you when you called VA?
[Mark all that apply]

O Got through on the first try
O Got a busy signal
O Experienced a reasonable wait time
O Waited over a minute for call to be answered
O Hung up, couldn't wait for call to be answered
O Call disconnected before it was answered
O Call got misdirected
O Other, specify
O None of the above
D19/V26 How much of what you NEEDED TO KNOW did you get from
your telephone contact with VA?

O Got through on the first try
O Got a busy signal
O Experienced a reasonable wait time
O Waited over a minute for call to be answered
O Hung up, couldn't wait for call to be answered
O Call disconnected before it was answered
O Call got misdirected
O Other, specify
O None of the above
D19/V26 How much of what you NEEDED TO KNOW did you get from
your telephone contact with VA?

O All
O Most
O Some
O Little
O None
D20/V27 Generally, were you able to get this information on the first
call?

O All
O Most
O Some
O Little
O None
D20/V27 Generally, were you able to get this information on the first
call?

O Yes
O No
D21/V28 Was your question answered by the automated system or did
you speak with a VA employee?

O Yes
O No
D21/V28 Was your question answered by the automated system or did
you speak with a VA employee?

O Automated system
O VA employee
O Both

SKIP TO D25/V32

O Automated system
O VA employee
O Both

SKIP TO D25/V32

Schulman, Ronca & Bucuvalas, Inc. - page C-10

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Study
2003
Question
Quest #
D22/V29 How responsive was the person you talked to?
O
O
O
O
O

Very responsive
Somewhat responsive
Neither responsive nor non-responsive
Somewhat non-responsive
Very non-responsive

D23/V30 How courteous was the person you talked to?
O
O
O
O
O

Very courteous
Somewhat courteous
Neither courteous nor discourteous
Somewhat discourteous
Very discourteous

D24/V31 Were VA employees able to give you information about your
particular education claim on the phone?
O Yes
O No
O Didn't need claim information
VISITING VA'S WEBSITE AND CONTACTING VA BY INTERNET
OR E-MAIL
D25/V32 Within the past year, did you VISIT VA's Internet website
(www.gibill.va.gov) about your education benefits?
O Yes
O No

SKIP TO D30/V37

2004
Question
Quest #
D22/V29 How responsive was the person you talked to?
O
O
O
O
O

Very responsive
Somewhat responsive
Neither responsive nor non-responsive
Somewhat non-responsive
Very non-responsive

D23/V30 How courteous was the person you talked to?
O
O
O
O
O

Very courteous
Somewhat courteous
Neither courteous nor discourteous
Somewhat discourteous
Very discourteous

D24/V31 Were VA employees able to give you information about your
particular education claim on the phone?
O Yes
O No
O Didn't need claim information
VISITING VA'S WEBSITE AND CONTACTING VA BY INTERNET
OR E-MAIL
D25/V32 Within the past year, did you VISIT VA's Internet website
(www.gibill.va.gov) about your education benefits?
O Yes
O No

SKIP TO D30/V37

Schulman, Ronca & Bucuvalas, Inc. - page C-11

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Study
2003
Question
Quest #
D26/V33 Why did you visit VA's website (www.gibill.va.gov)? [Mark all
that apply]

2004
Question
Quest #
D26/V33 Why did you visit VA's website (www.gibill.va.gov)? [Mark all
that apply]

O Get information before I applied for benefits
O Get information before I applied for benefits
O Apply for education benefits
O Apply for education benefits
O Verify enrollment to VA [V form only]
O Verify enrollment to VA [V form only]
O Send an inquiry to VA
O Send an inquiry to VA
O Get other information about VA education programs
O Get other information about VA education programs
O Couldn't get through on a toll-free phone number
O Couldn't get through on a toll-free phone number
O Download a form
O Download a form
O See what is available on the website
O See what is available on the website
O Other, specify
O Other, specify
D27/V34 In general, how much of what you were looking for did you find D27/V34 In general, how much of what you were looking for did you find
on VA's website?
on VA's website?
O All
O Most
O Some
O Little
O None
D28/V35 Did you find anything difficult or confusing about the website?

O All
O Most
O Some
O Little
O None
D28/V35 Did you find anything difficult or confusing about the website?

O Yes
O No
SKIP TO D30/V37
D29/V36 What specifically did you find difficult or confusing about the
website? [Mark all that apply]

O Yes
O No
SKIP TO D30/V37
D29/V36 What specifically did you find difficult or confusing about the
website? [Mark all that apply]

O
O
O
O
O
O
O

System down or not working
Information displayed was hard to read
Information displayed was hard to understand
Didn't understand where to go to retrieve the information I wanted
Website didn't have the information I was looking for
It was hard to move about within the website
Other, specify

O
O
O
O
O
O
O

System down or not working
Information displayed was hard to read
Information displayed was hard to understand
Didn't understand where to go to retrieve the information I wanted
Website didn't have the information I was looking for
It was hard to move about within the website
Other, specify

Schulman, Ronca & Bucuvalas, Inc. - page C-12

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Study
2003
Question
Quest #
D30/V37 Within the past year, did you use the Internet or e-mail to
CONTACT VA about your education benefits?

2004
Question
Quest #
D30/V37 Within the past year, did you use the Internet or e-mail to
CONTACT VA about your education benefits?

O Yes
O No
SKIP TO D34/V41
D31/V38 Why did you contact VA using the Internet or e-mail? [Mark all
that apply]

O Yes
O No
SKIP TO D34/V41
D31/V38 Why did you contact VA using the Internet or e-mail? [Mark all
that apply]

O Get information before I applied for benefits
O Check on the status of my education claim
O Report a change in the status of my enrollment
O Check on my remaining education benefits
O Check on payment
O Correct a payment problem
O Couldn't get through on a toll-free number
O Sent an e-mail to get information after visiting the VA website
O Other inquiry, specify
D32/V39 What response did you get to your Internet or e-mail inquiry?
[Mark all that apply]

O Get information before I applied for benefits
O Check on the status of my education claim
O Report a change in the status of my enrollment
O Check on my remaining education benefits
O Check on payment
O Correct a payment problem
O Couldn't get through on a toll-free number
O Sent an e-mail to get information after visiting the VA website
O Other inquiry, specify
D32/V39 What response did you get to your Internet or e-mail inquiry?
[Mark all that apply]

O Received an acknowledgement of my inquiry
O Received a complete answer to my inquiry
O Received an answer, but not all the information requested
O Inquiry was sent to another office
O Never received an answer from VA
SKIP TO D34/V41
O Other, specify
D33/V40 In general, how much of what you NEEDED TO KNOW did you
get from your contact with VA using the Internet or e-mail?

O Received an acknowledgement of my inquiry
O Received a complete answer to my inquiry
O Received an answer, but not all the information requested
O Inquiry was sent to another office
O Never received an answer from VA
SKIP TO D34/V41
O Other, specify
D33/V40 In general, how much of what you NEEDED TO KNOW did you
get from your contact with VA using the Internet or e-mail?

O
O
O
O
O

All
Most
Some
Little
None

O
O
O
O
O

All
Most
Some
Little
None

Schulman, Ronca & Bucuvalas, Inc. - page C-13

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Study
2003
Quest #

Question

2004
Quest #

Question

OTHER SOURCES OF INFORMATION
D34/V41 Within the past year, did you receive information about your
education benefits from any of the following? [Mark all that
apply]
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O

State or county Veterans Service Organizations
VA representative on military base [V form only]
Reserve unit
[V form only]
Friends, family, co-workers
School
Congressional office
Other, specify
None of the above
WRITING TO VA

OTHER SOURCES OF INFORMATION
D34/V41 Within the past year, did you receive information about your
education benefits from any of the following? [Mark all that
apply]
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O

State or county Veterans Service Organizations
VA representative on military base [V form only]
Reserve unit
[V form only]
Friends, family, co-workers
School
Congressional office
Other, specify
None of the above
WRITING TO VA

D35/V42 Did you WRITE to VA about your recent education claim?
ENTIRE SECTION DELETED
O Yes
O No
SKIP TO D39/V46
D36/V43 Why did you write to VA about your education benefits? [Mark
all that apply]
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O

Get information before I applied for benefits
Apply for education benefits
Check on the status of my claim
Give VA more information
Respond to a VA letter
Respond to a phone call from VA
Get an explanation of a VA letter
Have a permanent record in my file of a phone call or interview
Couldn't get through on a toll-free phone number
Other, specify

ENTIRE SECTION DELETED

Schulman, Ronca & Bucuvalas, Inc. - page C-14

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Study
2003
Question
Quest #
D37/V44 How easy was it for you to understand VA's written reply to
your letter(s)?

2004
Quest #

Question

O Very easy
O Somewhat easy
O Neither easy nor difficult
O Somewhat difficult
O Very difficult
O Didn't receive a written reply
SKIP TO D39/V46
D38/V45 How much of what you NEEDED TO KNOW did you get from
VA's written reply?
O
O
O
O
O

ENTIRE SECTION DELETED

ENTIRE SECTION DELETED

All
Most
Some
Little
None
VERIFYING ENROLLMENT TO VA

V46

V47

VERIFYING ENROLLMENT TO VA

Have you used VA's automated phone system [1-877-823-2378] V42
to verify your enrollment for your recent claim?

Have you used VA's automated phone system [1-877-823-2378]
to verify your enrollment for your recent claim?

O Yes
O No
SKIP TO V49
Did you find anything to be difficult about using VA's automated V43
phone system to verify enrollment?

O Yes
O No
SKIP TO V49 45
Did you find anything to be difficult about using VA's automated
phone system to verify enrollment?

O Yes
O No

O Yes
O No

SKIP TO V49

SKIP TO V49 45

Schulman, Ronca & Bucuvalas, Inc. - page C-15

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Study
2003
2004
Question
Question
Quest #
Quest #
V48
What specifically did you find to be difficult about verifying your V44
What specifically did you find to be difficult about verifying your
enrollment when you used VA's automated phone system?
enrollment when you used VA's automated phone system?
[Mark all that apply]
[Mark all that apply]

V49

O Telephone number was frequently busy
O System didn't have my VA record
O Call was disconnected before verification completed
O My PIN didn't work
O Other, specify
Have you used VA's Web Automated Verification of Enrollment
(WAVE) at www.gibill.va.gov to verify your enrollment for your
recent claim?

V45

O Telephone number was frequently busy
O System didn't have my VA record
O Call was disconnected before verification completed
O My PIN didn't work
O Other, specify
Have you used VA's Web Automated Verification of Enrollment
(WAVE) at www.gibill.va.gov to verify your enrollment for your
recent claim?

V50

O Yes
O No
SKIP TO V52
Did you find anything to be difficult about using VA's Web
Automated Verification of Enrollment (WAVE) to verify your
enrollment?

V51

O Yes
O No
SKIP TO V52
V47
What specifically did you find to be difficult about using VA's
Web Automated Verification of Enrollment (WAVE) to verify your
enrollment? [Mark all that apply]

O Yes
O No
SKIP TO V52 48
What specifically did you find to be difficult about using VA's
Web Automated Verification of Enrollment (WAVE) to verify your
enrollment? [Mark all that apply]

O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O

O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O

Unable to log-on to verification website
Information on VA Internet website form is confusing
Information on VA Internet website form is inaccurate
System didn't have my record
Not sure if Internet verification was completed successfully
Couldn't remember my PIN
System wouldn't accept my PIN
Other, specify

V46

O Yes
O No
SKIP TO V54 48
Did you find anything to be difficult about using VA's Web
Automated Verification of Enrollment (WAVE) to verify your
enrollment?

Unable to log-on to verification website
Information on VA Internet website form is confusing
Information on VA Internet website form is inaccurate
System didn't have my record
Not sure if Internet verification was completed successfully
Couldn't remember my PIN
System wouldn't accept my PIN
Other, specify

Schulman, Ronca & Bucuvalas, Inc. - page C-16

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Study
2003
2004
Question
Question
Quest #
Quest #
V52
Have you phoned 1-888-GI-BILL-1 (1-888-442-4551) and spoken V48
Have you phoned 1-888-GI-BILL-1 (1-888-442-4551) and spoken
to a counselor to verify your enrollment for your recent claim?
to a counselor to verify your enrollment for your recent claim?

V53

V54

V55

O Yes
O No
SKIP TO V54
Why did you speak to a counselor to verify your enrollment?
[Mark all that apply]
O Experienced difficulty with telephone verification when I called
1-877-823-2378
O Experienced difficulty with Internet verification on VA's website
O System didn't have my record
O My PIN didn't work
O Don't have access to the Internet
O In general, rather speak to a person
O Believe I'll get paid faster
O Don't trust automated systems
O Not sure if automated verification was completed successfully
O Other, specify
Which method did you use most often when verifying your
enrollment?
O Phone VA's automated phone system at 1-877-823-2378
O The Internet, Web Automated Verification of Enrollment
(WAVE) at www.gibill.va.gov
O Speak to a counselor at 1-888-GI-BILL-1 (1-888-442-4551)
Which method did you PREFER to use when verifying your
enrollment?
O Phone VA's automated phone system at 1-877-823-2378
O The Internet, Web Automated Verification of Enrollment
(WAVE) at www.gibill.va.gov
O Speak to a counselor at 1-888-GI-BILL-1 (1-888-442-4551)

V49

V50

O Yes
O No
SKIP TO V54 50
Why did you speak to a counselor to verify your enrollment?
[Mark all that apply]
O Experienced difficulty with telephone verification when I called
1-877-823-2378
O Experienced difficulty with Internet verification on VA's website
O System didn't have my record
O My PIN didn't work
O Don't have access to the Internet
O In general, rather speak to a person
O Believe I'll get paid faster
O Don't trust automated systems
O Not sure if automated verification was completed successfully
O Other, specify
Which method did you use most often when verifying your
enrollment?
O Phone VA's automated phone system at 1-877-823-2378
O The Internet, Web Automated Verification of Enrollment
(WAVE) at www.gibill.va.gov
O Speak to a counselor at 1-888-GI-BILL-1 (1-888-442-4551)

DELETED

Schulman, Ronca & Bucuvalas, Inc. - page C-17

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Study
2003
Quest #

Question

2004
Quest #

Question

RECEIVING YOUR BENEFIT PAYMENTS

RECEIVING YOUR BENEFIT PAYMENTS

D39/V56 From the time your application was submitted to VA, how long
did it take to get your first check?

D35/V51 From the time your application was submitted to VA, how long
did it take to get your first check?

O 1 week
O 2 weeks
O 3 weeks
O 4 weeks
O 5 weeks
O 6 weeks
O 7 weeks
O 8 weeks
O 9 weeks
O 10 weeks
O 11 weeks
O 12 weeks
O 13 weeks or more
D40/V57 From the time your application was submitted to VA, how long
do you think is REASONABLE for you to receive your first
check?

O 1 week
O 2 weeks
O 3 weeks
O 4 weeks
O 5 weeks
O 6 weeks
O 7 weeks
O 8 weeks
O 9 weeks
O 10 weeks
O 11 weeks
O 12 weeks
O 13 weeks or more
D36/V52 From the time your application was submitted to VA, how long
do you think is REASONABLE for you to receive your first
check?

O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O

1 week
2 weeks
3 weeks
4 weeks
5 weeks
6 weeks
7 weeks
8 weeks
9 weeks
10 weeks
11 weeks
12 weeks
13 weeks or more

O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O

1 week
2 weeks
3 weeks
4 weeks
5 weeks
6 weeks
7 weeks
8 weeks
9 weeks
10 weeks
11 weeks
12 weeks
13 weeks or more

Schulman, Ronca & Bucuvalas, Inc. - page C-18

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Study
2003
Question
Quest #
D41/V58 Did you find anything to be difficult about the benefit payment
process?

2004
Question
Quest #
D37/V53 Did you find anything to be difficult about the benefit payment
process?

O Yes
O No
SKIP TO D43/V59
O Don't know
SKIP TO D43/V59
D42/V59 What specifically did you find to be difficult about the benefit
payment process? [Mark all that apply]

O Yes
O No
SKIP TO D43 39/V59 55
O Don't know
SKIP TO D43 39/V59 55
D38/V54 What specifically did you find to be difficult about the benefit
payment process? [Mark all that apply]

O Payments didn't arrive when needed
O Payments didn't arrive at the same time each month
O Have had to contact VA (in addition to enrollment verification)
to get payment
O No explanation of the amount
O No access to direct deposit
O Problem with direct deposit
D43/V60 Have you received an inaccurate payment on your recent claim? D39/V55
O Yes
O No
SKIP TO D45/V62
D44/V61 Was the inaccuracy resolved in a timely manner?
O Yes
O No

O Payments didn't arrive when needed
O Payments didn't arrive at the same time each month
O Have had to contact VA (in addition to enrollment verification)
to get payment
O No explanation of the amount
O No access to direct deposit
O Problem with direct deposit
Have you received an inaccurate payment on your recent claim?

O Yes
O No
SKIP TO D45 41/V62 57
D40/V56 Was the inaccuracy resolved in a timely manner?
O Yes
O No

D45/V62 For your recent claim, have you had to borrow or pay out-ofD41/V57 For your recent claim, have you had to borrow or pay out-ofpocket expenses in order to enroll or stay in school because VA
pocket expenses in order to enroll or stay in school because VA
didn't complete your paperwork on time?
didn't complete your paperwork on time?
O Yes
O No

O Yes
O No

Schulman, Ronca & Bucuvalas, Inc. - page C-19

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Study
2003
Question
Quest #
D46/V63 For your recent claim, have you had to delay enrollment
because VA didn't complete your paperwork on time?
O Yes
O No

2004
Question
Quest #
D42/V58 For your recent claim, have you had to delay enrollment
because VA didn't complete your paperwork on time?
O Yes
O No

OVERALL IMPRESSIONS

OVERALL IMPRESSIONS

D47/V64 All things considered, how satisfied are you with the way VA
has handled your education benefits claim?

D43/V59 All things considered, how satisfied are you with the way VA
has handled your education benefits claim?

O Very satisfied
O Somewhat satisfied
O Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied
O Somewhat dissatisfied
O Very dissatisfied
D48/V65 Do you plan to use all of your benefits for this education
program?

O Very satisfied
O Somewhat satisfied
O Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied
O Somewhat dissatisfied
O Very dissatisfied
D44/V60 Do you plan to use all of your benefits for this education
program?

O Yes
O No
O Not sure

O Yes
O No
O Not sure
GENERAL INFORMATION

D49/V66 What is your gender?
O Male
O Female

GENERAL INFORMATION
D45/V61 What is your gender?
O Male
O Female

Schulman, Ronca & Bucuvalas, Inc. - page C-20

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Study
2003
Question
Quest #
D50/V67 What is your current age?
O
O
O
O
O
O
O

19 years old or younger
20 to 24 years old
25 to 29 years old
30 to 34 years old
35 to 39 years old
40 to 49 years old
50 years old or older

D51/V68 What is your current marital status?
O
O
O
O
O

Never been married
Married
Separated
Divorced
Widowed

2004
Question
Quest #
D46/V62 What is your current age?
O
O
O
O
O
O
O

19 years old or younger
20 to 24 years old
25 to 29 years old
30 to 34 years old
35 to 39 years old
40 to 49 years old
50 years old or older

D47/V63 What is your current marital status?
O
O
O
O
O

Never been married
Married
Separated
Divorced
Widowed

D52/V69 Aside from the classes you are currently taking, what is the
highest level of education you have completed?

D48/V64 Aside from the classes you are currently taking, what is the
highest level of education you have completed?

O High school graduate or GED
O Some college
O College graduate
O Some graduate work
O Graduate or professional degree
D53/V70 In what type of education program are you currently enrolled?

O High school graduate or GED
O Some college
O College graduate
O Some graduate work
O Graduate or professional degree
D49/V65 In what type of education program are you currently enrolled?

O
O
O
O
O

On-the-job training or apprenticeship program
Certificate/license program
Two-year academic college program
Four-year academic college program
Post-graduate degree program

O
O
O
O
O

On-the-job training or apprenticeship program
Certificate/license program
Two-year academic college program
Four-year academic college program
Post-graduate degree program

Schulman, Ronca & Bucuvalas, Inc. - page C-21

VA Education Beneficiaries 2004 Customer Satisfaction Study
2003
Question
Quest #
D54/V71 Do you have access to the Internet?

2004
Question
Quest #
D50/V66 Do you have access to the Internet?

O Yes
O Yes
O No
SKIP TO D56/V73
O No
SKIP TO D56 52/V73 68
D55/V72 Where do you have access to the Internet? [Mark all that apply] D51/V67 Where do you have access to the Internet? [Mark all that apply]
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O

At home
At my place of work
At school
At a friend's or relative's home
At a commercial establishment
At a public library
At military base or reserve unit
Other, specify
COMMENTS

O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O

At home
At my place of work
At school
At a friend's or relative's home
At a commercial establishment
At a public library
At military base or reserve unit
Other, specify
COMMENTS

D52/V68 Do you have any additional comments concerning how VA
D56/V73 Do you have any additional comments concerning how VA
could improve the way education benefits are handled?(To
could improve the way education benefits are handled? (To
maintain confidentiality, please do not include your name,
maintain confidentiality, please do not include your name,
address, claim number, or any other identifying information.) If
address, claim number, or any other identifying information.) If
you have specific concerns about your claim, please contact VA
you have specific concerns about your claim, please contact VA
by e-mail through VA's Internet website [www.gibill.va.gov] or
by e-mail through VA's Internet website [www.gibill.va.gov] or
by phone at 1-888-GI-BILL-1 [1-888-442-4551].
by phone at 1-888-GI-BILL-1 [1-888-442-4551].

Schulman, Ronca & Bucuvalas, Inc. - page C-22


File Typeapplication/pdf
File TitleMicrosoft Word - 04CvrFinal0715.doc
Authordienstfrey
File Modified2005-08-02
File Created2005-08-02

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