New Web portal improves VA info sharing

The Stakeholder Enterprise Portal (SEP) – a secure and seamless Web-based entry portal for veterans service organizations (VSOs), business partners, stakeholders and customers who provide services to Veterans or conduct business with the Department of Veterans Affairs – now is available. SEP is a project under Veterans Relationship Management (VRM), a VA initiative charged with improving the speed, accuracy and efficiency with which information is exchanged through technology among veterans, VSOs, external business partners and VA.

The goal of SEP is to overcome the current time-consuming, paper-driven processes external stakeholders utilize to conduct business with VA and decreases the burden placed on VSOs and other stakeholders by providing a single, self-service entry point to resources and services. This will enable a more seamless submission of information by VSOs, resulting in more timely service for veterans.

When it reaches full functionality, SEP’s core capabilities will include the ability to view payment history, obtain information on the status of a claim, submit a claim online, access Disability Benefits Questionnaires (DBQ) for third-party providers, upload supporting documents, updating veterans’ information through Personal Contact Information Update (PCIU), and accept or reject Power of Attorney (POA). SEP will be accessible by Veterans Benefits Administration Lines of Business, the Veterans Health Administration, VSOs, attorneys, agents, lenders, appraisers, property managers, and health-care and insurance providers.

SEP’s current functionality includes:

• Personal Identity Verification (PIV) log-in

• Level 3 Remote Proof Log-in – users without a PIV Card will be able to log into SEP via remote identity proofing

• Electronic Form 21-22 – manage electronic POA requests in SEP submitted by veterans through their eBenefits accounts

• Ability to search veterans records, view payment history and claims status

• VonappDirectConnect (VDC) Dashboard – access to online VA forms such as the 526, 674, and 686c, with the ability to apply for benefits in a Turbo Tax-like fashion.

To access SEP via a PIV card, you must have an active PIV card and a PIV card reader for your computer. If you work at a Regional Office and need a PIV card, please contact your local badging office. If you do not have access to a PIV card or a badging office, you may create a SEP account using a remote identity proofing process. If you encounter any difficulties in creating your account, either with your PIV Card or through the remote identity proofing process, please contact the helpdesk at via email or by calling (855) 632-8200.

For more information on how to access SEP, a user guide and Frequently Asked Questions section are available on the SEP website. Additional information can be obtained by emailing vrmsep.vbaco@va.gov.