--- title: "Part VIII, Subpart iv, Chapter 2, Section C Development and Examination Request for Claims Based on Former Prisoner of War (FPOW) Status" document: "M-21-1" section: "Part VIII, Subpart iv, Chapter 2, Section C" canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-regulations/m21-1/viii.iv.2.c-development-and-examination-request-for-claims-based-on" source: "https://www.knowva.ebenefits.va.gov/system/templates/selfservice/va_ssnew/help/customer/locale/en-US/portal/554400000001018/content/554400000177472/M21-1-Part-VIII-Subpart-iv-Chapter-2-Section-C-Development-and-Examination-Request-for-Claims-Based-on-Former-Prisoner-of-War-FPOW-Status" updated: "2026-09-07T14:37:38.586918Z" --- January 25, 2024 ### VIII.iv.2.C.1.a. Developing for Service Department Records When determining former prisoner of war (FPOW) eligibility to benefits, the claims processor must obtain documentation that supports the FPOW status, if evidence to support the claim is not of record.Follow the steps in the table below to develop for facts and circumstances or certification of FPOW status by the service department.| **Step**| **Action** 1| Generate and send the development letter in the Veterans Benefits Management System (VBMS) titled _POW—statement from Veteran and others needed_ to the claimant and request any information that has not been provided, including * the detaining power and circumstances of detention * the dates and places of internment * supporting statement(s) from former comrades, and * any additional supporting documents that are not of record. **Note:** If at any point during the development process the claimant references other individuals who knew of the Veteran’s disabilities in service or shortly thereafter, generate and send to the claimant the development letter in VBMS titled _POW—witness of disability in service_. 2| Search the [Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA)]() website for confirmation of the Veteran’s FPOW status as soon as information necessary to conduct a search is obtained. (Such information might already be of record, thereby eliminating the need to wait for a response to the development letter(s) referenced in the previous step.)If the Veteran’s FPOW status is * _confirmed_ , go to Step 6, or * _not confirmed,_ go to Step 3. **Notes:** * The DPAA website provides lists of FPOWs that are organized by conflict and, generally, by the Veteran’s home State of record at the time of internment. * Users may attempt to confirm a Veteran’s FPOW status by using the search function on the website, entering search terms such as the name of the war or conflict during which the Veteran was interned. 3| Search the applicable series maintained on the Access to Archival Databases page of the National Archives and Records Administration website in the [Genealogy Personal History: Prisoners of War]() section.If the Veteran’s FPOW status is * _confirmed_ , go to Step 6, or * _not confirmed,_ go to Step 4. 4| Based on the dates of service, send a request to the appropriate service department asking for verification of detention or internment using * Personnel Information Exchange System (PIES) code O50, or * Defense Personnel Records Information Retrieval System (DPRIS) application code SC1. If the Veteran’s FPOW status is * _confirmed_ , go to Step 6, or * _not confirmed,_ go to Step 5. **References:** For more information on using * PIES, see _[PIES User Guide]()_ , and * DPRIS, see _DPRIS User Guide_. 5| Request confirmation of FPOW status from Outreach, Transition and Economic Development (OTED) by e-mailing [VAVBAWAS/CO/OUTREACH]() with the following information: * Veteran’s name and claim number * service number (if available) * branch and dates of service * alleged dates and location of internment * alleged detaining power, and * any other information relevant to the alleged detainment. After receipt of a response from OTED, go to Step 6.**Reference:** For more information about OTED, see the [OTED FPOW intranet website](). 6| After completing the necessary attempts to obtain service department findings, use the table below to determine if an administrative decision regarding FPOW status is required.| **If …**| **Then an administrative decision …** the service department findings confirm FPOW status, and the detention or internment **_was_** by an enemy government or its agents during a period of war| is **_not_** required. * the service department findings confirm FPOW status, and the detention or internment **_was not_** by an enemy government or its agents during a period of war, or * a reasonable basis exists for questioning the service department findings, or lack thereof | ** _is_** required. the service department findings and other development do not confirm FPOW status| ** _is_** required. **_References_** _:_ For more information on * preparing an administrative decision, see [M21-1, Part X, Subpart v, 1.C]() * preparing an administrative decision for FPOW status, see [M21-1, Part VIII, Subpart iv, 2.A](), and * declared enemies of the U.S. and periods of hostilities, see [M21-1, Part VIII, Subpart iv, 2.A.1.h](). **Note:** When developing for evidence that verifies FPOW status, associate all documentation that supports the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) findings in the Veteran’s claims folder. **_Important_** _:_ FPOW coordinators must ensure priority attention is given to Veterans who are claiming FPOW status. **_Reference_** _:_ For more information on requesting service records for FPOWs, see [M21-1, Part VIII, Subpart iv, 2.B](). ### VIII.iv.2.C.1.b. Contacting Compensation Service Contact Compensation Service, Policy Staff (211), at [VAVBAWAS/CO/214DADVISORYANDSRT]() for guidance, if the response to the request for FPOW service records * indicates that no records may be released because they are classified, or * is inadequate. **References:** For more information on * requesting guidance from Compensation Service, see [M21-1, Part X Subpart v, 1.A](), and * submitting an FPOW determination for approval, see [M21-1, Part VIII, Subpart iv, 2.A.3.b](). ### VIII.iv.2.C.1.c. Requesting FPOW Examinations After the Veteran’s FPOW status has been confirmed, request the _[Former Prisoner of War (POW) Protocol Disability Benefits Questionnaire]()_.**Reference:** For more information on requesting FPOW examinations, see M21-1, Part VIII, Subpart iv, 2.C.2. ### VIII.iv.2.C.1.d. Handling Statements From Veterans and Former Comrades Unless it is inconsistent with other evidence, accept an FPOW’s statement as proof that the claimed disabilities or diseases were incurred during service. Give careful consideration to the statements of FPOWs and to those of former comrades if offered in support of the claim. **Note:** **_ _**If statements are inconsistent with other evidence of record, undertake development with the Veteran to clarify any discrepancies. ## 2. FPOW Protocol Examinations This topic contains information about FPOW protocol examinations, including * reviewing FPOW claims * considerations when requesting an FPOW protocol examination * when to order initial FPOW protocol examinations, and * how to order initial FPOW protocol examinations. May 31, 2022 ### VIII.iv.2.C.2.a. Reviewing FPOW Claims Review all claims from FPOWs, including original claims, supplemental claims, and claims for an increased evaluation, to determine if the * Veteran’s record confirms FPOW status, and * Veteran was examined under the FPOW protocol. ### VIII.iv.2.C.2.b. Considerations When Requesting an FPOW Protocol Examination If the FPOW was not examined under the FPOW protocol, request an examination utilizing the _Former Prisoner of War (POW) Protocol Disability Benefits Questionnaire_ , unless it * would be inadvisable in light of the Veteran’s medical condition, or * is specifically declined by the Veteran or representative. **Note:** Monetary benefits to an FPOW will not be denied unless the claimant has been **_offered_** a complete physical examination conducted at a Department of Veterans Affiars hospital or outpatient clinic.**Reference:** For more information on examination requirements, see [38 CFR 3.326](). ### VIII.iv.2.C.2.c. When to Order Initial FPOW Protocol Examinations Order an initial _Former Prisoner of War (POW) Protocol Disability Benefits Questionnaire_ even if medical evidence to support the claim is not of record but FPOW status is established.**Note:** The _Former Prisoner of War (POW) Protocol Disability Benefits Questionnaire_ is restricted to internal use only and must be completed by a Veterans Health Administration (VHA) examiner. Contract examiners are not authorized to complete the disability benefits questionnaire (DBQ). ### VIII.iv.2.C.2.d. How to Order Initial FPOW Protocol Examinations In preparing a request for an initial FPOW protocol examination, * utilize the VBMS Exam Management System (EMS) to build the examination request * select _POW_ in the SPECIAL CONSIDERATION(S) box in the Compensation and Pension Record Interchange * clearly note that an examination under the FPOW protocol is required, and * request an examination of all claimed and noted disabilities, as well as all other conditions characteristically associated with confinement as an FPOW. **Notes:** * The examiner is required to review the claims folder for _all_ FPOW examinations. * The Veteran is required to complete [_VA Form 10-0048,_ _Former POW Medical History_](), before the examination. VHA mails the form to the Veteran with instructions to complete the form and bring the form on the date of examination. * The forms completed by the Veteran and the completed DBQ will be returned to the requesting regional office. **References:** For more information on * FPOW examinations, see the * _[Former Prisoner of War (POW) Protocol Disability Benefits Questionnaire]()_ , and * _[DMA C&P Procedure Manual]()_ * entering an examination scheduling request, see [M21-1, Part IV, Subpart i, 2.A.10.a]() * VBMS EMS, see the page _[VBMS Exam Management (EMS) Information]()_ , and * contract examination exclusions, see [M21-1, Part IV, Subpart i, 2.A.1.i]().