Backend Setup: New PDF Fields & Feature Toggle For VA Form

by Alex Johnson 59 views

This article outlines the backend setup required to support new PDF fields and a feature toggle for VA Form 10-7959C. This update ensures that the backend can handle new data elements from the frontend without disrupting current production behavior. The goal is to prepare the system for a new PDF version of the form, which requires additional data.

User Story

As a backend engineer supporting VA Form 10-7959C,

I want the backend to accept the new beneficiary and Medicare fields from the frontend behind an environment-specific feature toggle,

So that we can safely support the new PDF without impacting current production behavior.

Context

The IVC team is transitioning VA Form 10-7959C to a new PDF that necessitates additional data elements. The frontend will begin sending these new fields, but the actual PDF stamping logic will be implemented separately. To facilitate this transition and avoid any disruptions, the backend needs to:

  • Accept and handle new fields coming from the frontend.
  • Implement a feature toggle that can be controlled independently in staging and production environments. This allows for:
    • Thorough testing of the new data path in staging before launch.
    • Maintaining unchanged production behavior until the new features are ready to be activated.

The new fields to be supported are categorized under the Beneficiary and Medicare sections.

Beneficiary Section

Beneficiary information is crucial for accurate form processing. This section will include the country code and beneficiary email. Ensuring that the backend can correctly receive and map these fields is essential for the new PDF. The country code field ensures that the form can handle international beneficiaries, while the beneficiary email field facilitates direct communication regarding the form's status or any required actions. These updates enhance the form's usability and accessibility for a broader range of users. The correct mapping of the beneficiary's country code and email address is not only vital for data accuracy but also for compliance with international standards and regulations. By capturing this information accurately, the VA can ensure that the benefits and services are appropriately tailored to the beneficiary's specific circumstances, regardless of their location. Furthermore, the email address serves as a direct line of communication, allowing the VA to provide timely updates, request additional information, or notify the beneficiary of any changes to their benefits or services. This streamlined communication process improves the overall efficiency of the form processing and enhances the beneficiary's experience.

Medicare Section

In the Medicare section, several new fields need to be supported. This includes the Part C Medicare carrier name, Part C Medicare effective date, Part D termination date, and the Medicare Beneficiary Identifier (MBI). These fields ensure that the form accurately captures the beneficiary's Medicare details. The Part C Medicare carrier name helps identify the specific insurance provider, while the Part C Medicare effective date and Part D termination date define the coverage period. The MBI (Medicare Beneficiary Identifier) is a unique identifier that ensures accurate record-keeping and processing. By incorporating these fields, the backend can support a more comprehensive and accurate representation of the beneficiary's Medicare information, leading to better service delivery and reduced errors in processing claims. Capturing this detailed Medicare information ensures that the VA has a complete picture of the beneficiary's healthcare coverage, enabling more efficient coordination of benefits and services. The Part C Medicare carrier name, effective date, and Part D termination date provide valuable context for understanding the beneficiary's managed care options and prescription drug coverage. Meanwhile, the MBI serves as a crucial identifier for verifying eligibility and processing claims accurately. By integrating these Medicare details into the backend system, the VA can streamline the process of verifying coverage, coordinating benefits, and ensuring that beneficiaries receive the appropriate healthcare services in a timely manner. This comprehensive approach not only improves the efficiency of the VA's operations but also enhances the overall experience for veterans and their families.

Feature Toggle

A feature toggle is essential for managing the transition to the new PDF. It allows the backend to conditionally accept and process the new fields based on the toggle's state. This ensures that the existing production environment remains unaffected until the new PDF logic is fully tested and ready for deployment. The feature toggle must be configurable independently in staging and production environments. In staging, the toggle can be turned on to test the new data path and ensure that all fields are correctly mapped and processed. Once the staging environment confirms the stability and accuracy of the new data handling, the feature toggle can be enabled in production. This controlled rollout minimizes the risk of disrupting existing workflows and provides a smooth transition to the new PDF. The independent configuration of the feature toggle in staging and production environments is crucial for maintaining system stability and minimizing potential disruptions. By thoroughly testing the new data path in staging, developers can identify and resolve any issues before they impact the production environment. This rigorous testing process ensures that the new PDF logic is fully validated and ready for deployment. Once the staging environment confirms the stability and accuracy of the new data handling, the feature toggle can be enabled in production, allowing the new features to be rolled out to users in a controlled and seamless manner. This phased approach minimizes the risk of introducing errors or inconsistencies into the production environment and ensures a smooth transition to the new PDF for all users.

This ticket is backend-only and focuses on contract/schema updates, internal handling, and the feature flag. PDF stamping will be addressed in a subsequent ticket.

Resources

  • [Slack thread](Insert link)
  • [Figma](Insert link)
  • [Mural](Insert link)
  • [Past Examples](Insert link)

Acceptance Criteria

  • [ ] A backend feature toggle is created to control handling of the new 10-7959C PDF, and it can be configured independently in staging and production.
  • [ ] When the feature toggle is ON:
    • [ ] The backend accepts and correctly maps the following new beneficiary fields from the frontend request:
      • [ ] Country code
      • [ ] Beneficiary email
    • [ ] The backend accepts and correctly maps the following new Medicare fields from the frontend request:
      • [ ] Part C Medicare carrier name
      • [ ] Part C Medicare effective date
      • [ ] Part D termination date
      • [ ] MBI (Medicare Beneficiary Identifier)
    • [ ] Field names, types, and validation rules are documented for the frontend and future PDF-stamping work.
  • [ ] Tests have been added or updated

Conclusion

Setting up the backend to support new PDF fields and a feature toggle for VA Form 10-7959C is a critical step in modernizing the form and improving its usability. By implementing these changes, the backend can seamlessly handle new data elements from the frontend, ensuring a smooth transition to the new PDF version. The feature toggle provides a safety net, allowing for thorough testing in staging before deployment to production, thus minimizing disruptions. This effort enhances the overall efficiency of the form processing and improves the experience for veterans and their families. By capturing accurate beneficiary and Medicare information, the VA can provide tailored benefits and services, streamline communication, and ensure compliance with international standards and regulations. This comprehensive approach demonstrates the VA's commitment to providing high-quality service and support to those who have served our country.

For more information on VA forms and updates, visit the Department of Veterans Affairs website.