[May 27, 2003 (Volume 68, Number 101)] [Unified Agenda] From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [frwais.access.gpo.gov] [Page 30892-30915] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Part XVII Department of Veterans Affairs ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Semiannual Regulatory Agenda [[Page 30892]] DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS 38 CFR Ch. I Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions AGENCY: Department of Veterans Affairs. ACTION: Semiannual regulatory agenda. _______________________________________________________________________ SUMMARY: This agenda announces the regulations that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will have under development or review during the 12-month period beginning in the spring 2003. The purpose in publishing the Department's regulatory agenda is to allow all interested persons the opportunity to participate in VA's regulatory planning. ADDRESSES: Interested persons are invited to comment on the entries listed in the agenda by contacting the individual agency contact listed for each entry or by writing to: Director, Regulations Management (00REG1), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Gloria Armstrong at (202) 273-9515. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This document is issued pursuant to Executive Order 12866 ``Regulatory Planning and Review'' (and implementing guidance) and the Regulatory Flexibility Act, which require that executive agencies semiannually publish in the Federal Register an agenda of regulations that VA will have under development or review. William A. Moorman, Assistant to the Secretary, Office of Regulation Policy and Management. Department of Veterans Affairs--Proposed Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2884 Waivers............................................................................. 2900-AK29 2885 Payment for Non-VA Physician Services Associated With Either Outpatient or Inpatient 2900-AK94 Care Provided at Non-VA Facilities.................................................. 2886 Reasonable Charges for Medical Care or Services; 2003 Methodology Changes........... 2900-AL06 2887 Copayments for Extended Care Services............................................... 2900-AL49 2888 Schedule for Rating Disabilities--Neurological Conditions and Convulsive Disorders.. 2900-AF23 2889 Schedule for Rating Disabilities--Digestive System.................................. 2900-AF24 2890 Education Provisions of the Veterans Programs Enhancement Act of 1998............... 2900-AJ68 2891 Veterans and Dependents Education: Topping-Up Tuition Assistance; Licensing and 2900-AK80 Certification Tests; Duty To Assist Education Claimants............................. 2892 Veterans Education: Additional Opportunity To Participate in the Montgomery GI Bill 2900-AK81 and Other Miscellaneous Issues...................................................... 2893 Schedule for Rating Disabilities; Malignant Neoplasms............................... 2900-AL27 2894 Administration of VA Education Benefits--Centralized Certification.................. 2900-AL43 2895 Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance Program Eligibility Period for 2900-AL44 Eligible Children and Other Miscellaneous Issues.................................... 2896 Headstone and Marker Inscription.................................................... 2900-AL50 2897 Disease Associated With Exposure to Certain Herbicide Agents: Chronic Lymphocytic 2900-AL55 Leukemia............................................................................ 2898 Annual Risk Allowance for Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance and Veterans' Group 2900-AL56 Life Insurance...................................................................... 2899 Loan Guaranty: Assistance to Certain Disabled Veterans in Acquiring Specially 2900-AL58 Adapted Housing..................................................................... 2900 Compensation for Certain Cases of Bilateral Deafness................................ 2900-AL59 2901 Department of Veterans Affairs Acquisition Regulations Plain Language Rewrite....... 2900-AK78 2902 Board of Veterans' Appeals Rules of Practice: Notice Procedures Relating to 2900-AL45 Withdrawal of Services by a Representative.......................................... 2903 State Cemetery Grants: Aid to States for Establishment, Expansion, and Improvement 2900-AH46 of Veterans Cemeteries.............................................................. 2904 Standards for Collection, Compromise, Suspension, or Termination of Collection 2900-AK10 Effort; Regional Office Committee on Waiver and Compromises......................... 2905 Audits of States, Local Governments, and Nonprofit Organizations; Grants and 2900-AJ62 Agreements With Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals, and Other Nonprofit Organizations....................................................................... ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Department of Veterans Affairs--Final Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2906 Advanced Health Care Planning....................................................... 2900-AJ28 2907 Grants to States for Construction and Acquisition of State Home Facilities.......... 2900-AJ43 2908 VA Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem Program Regulations........................ 2900-AL30 2909 Copayments for Inpatient Hospital Care Under Geographic Means Test.................. 2900-AL35 2910 Priorities for Outpatient Medical Services and Inpatient Hospital Care.............. 2900-AL39 [[Page 30893]] 2911 Charges Used for Recovery From Tortiously Liable Third Parties for Medical Care or 2900-AL48 Services Provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs............................. 2912 Enrollment-Provision of Hospital and Outpatient Care to Veterans--Subpriorities of 2900-AL51 Priority Categories 7 and 8 and Enrollment Level Decision........................... 2913 Reasonable Charges for Medical Care or Services; 2003 Update........................ 2900-AL57 2914 Sensori-Neural Aids................................................................. 2900-AL60 2915 Schedule for Rating Disabilities--The Musculoskeletal System........................ 2900-AE91 2916 Total Disability Evaluations Based on Inability of the Individual To Engage in 2900-AH21 Substantially Gainful Employment.................................................... 2917 Schedule for Rating Disabilities--The Eye........................................... 2900-AH43 2918 Claims Based on Aggravation of Nonservice-Connected Disability...................... 2900-AI42 2919 Exclusions From Income and Net Worth Computations................................... 2900-AJ52 2920 Schedule for Rating Disability--The Spine........................................... 2900-AJ60 2921 Definition of Psychosis for Certain VA Purposes..................................... 2900-AK21 2922 Filipino Veterans Benefit Improvements.............................................. 2900-AK65 2923 Loan Guaranty: Pre-Purchase Counseling Requirements................................. 2900-AK76 2924 Additional Disability or Death Due to Hospital Care, Medical or Surgical Treatment, 2900-AK77 Examination, Training and Rehabilitation Services, or Compensated Work Therapy Program............................................................................. 2925 Schedule for Rating Disabilities; Evaluation of Tinnitus............................ 2900-AK86 2926 Time Limit for Request for De Novo Review........................................... 2900-AK97 2927 Exceptions to Definition of Date of Receipt Based on Special or Unforeseen 2900-AL12 Circumstances....................................................................... 2928 Increase in Rates Payable Under the Montgomery GI Bill--Active Duty and Survivors' 2900-AL17 and Dependents' Educational Assistance Program...................................... 2929 Accelerated Payments Under the Montgomery GI Bill--Active Duty Program.............. 2900-AL22 2930 Loan Guaranty: Implementation of Public Law 107-103................................. 2900-AL23 2931 Schedule for Rating Disabilities; Guidelines for Application of Evaluation Criteria 2900-AL26 for Certain Respiratory and Cardiovascular Conditions; Evaluation of Hypertension With Heart Disease.................................................................. 2932 Veterans Education: Veterans Education and Benefits Expansion Act of 2001........... 2900-AL28 2933 Compensation and Pension Provisions of the Veterans Education and Benefits Expansion 2900-AL29 Act of 2001......................................................................... 2934 Schedule for Rating Disabilities; Evaluation of Multiple Scars...................... 2900-AL32 2935 Independent Study Approved for Certificate Programs and Other Miscellaneous Issues.. 2900-AL34 2936 Presumption of Service Connection for Cirrhosis of the Liver in Former Prisoners of 2900-AL36 War................................................................................. 2937 Effective Dates of Benefits for Disability or Death Caused by Herbicide Exposure; 2900-AL37 Disposition of Unpaid Benefits After Death of Beneficiary........................... 2938 Testimony Certified or Under Oath................................................... 2900-AL38 2939 Increase in Rates Payable Under the Montgomery GI Bill--Selective Reserve........... 2900-AL41 2940 Veterans Education: Increased Allowances for the Educational Assistance Test Program 2900-AL52 2941 Loan Guaranty: Hybrid Adjustable Rate Mortgages..................................... 2900-AL54 2942 Compensation and Pension Provisions of the Veterans Benefits Act of 2002............ 2900-AL62 2943 Sealed Bidding and Competitive Proposals............................................ 2900-AI99 2944 Implementing the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)........ 2900-AL53 2945 Appeals Regulations; Rules of Practice.............................................. 2900-AE78 2946 The Board of Veterans' Appeals; Rules of Practice--Motion for Review of Decisions on 2900-AJ85 Grounds of Clear and Unmistakable Error............................................. 2947 Rules of Practice: Medical Opinions From the Veterans Health Administration......... 2900-AK52 2948 Board of Veterans' Appeals: Speeding Appellate Review for Aging Veterans............ 2900-AL08 2949 Board of Veterans' Appeals Rules of Practice: Use of Supplemental Statement of the 2900-AL42 Case................................................................................ 2950 Eligibility for a Headstone or Marker for Graves Already Marked at Private Expense; 2900-AL40 Applications for Headstone and Marker............................................... 2951 Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Race, Color, or National Origin; Handicap; and Age 2900-AK13 in Programs and Activities Receiving Federal Assistance............................. 2952 Release of Information From Department of Veterans Affairs Records.................. 2900-AH98 2953 Delegations of Authority; Office of Regulatory Policy and Management (ORPM)......... 2900-AL61 2954 Privacy Act of 1974--Exemption of Police and Security Records....................... 2900-AL33 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [[Page 30894]] Department of Veterans Affairs--Long-Term Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2955 Governmentwide Debarment and Suspension (Nonprocurement) and Requirement for Drug- 2900-AK16 Free Workplace (Assistance)......................................................... ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Department of Veterans Affairs--Completed Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2956 Provision of Drugs and Medicines to Certain Veterans in State Nursing Homes......... 2900-AJ34 2957 Payment or Reimbursement for Emergency Treatment Furnished at Non-VA Facilities..... 2900-AK08 2958 Reasonable Charges for Medical Care or Services..................................... 2900-AK39 2959 Reasonable Charges for Medical Care or Services..................................... 2900-AK73 2960 Health Care for Children Born With One or More Covered Birth Defects to Vietnam 2900-AK88 Veterans............................................................................ 2961 Civilian Health and Medical Program of Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA)..... 2900-AK89 2962 Fisher Houses and Other Temporary Lodging........................................... 2900-AL13 2963 Vocational Training for Certain Children of Vietnam Veterans--Covered Birth Defects 2900-AK90 and Spina Bifida.................................................................... 2964 Extension of the Presumptive Period for Compensation for Gulf War Veterans' 2900-AK98 Undiagnosed Illnesses............................................................... 2965 Service Connection by Presumption of Aggravation of a Chronic Preexisting Disease; 2900-AL20 Presumption of Herbicide Exposure................................................... 2966 Department of Veterans Affairs Acquisition Regulation--Simplified Acquisition 2900-AI71 Procedures for Health Care Resources................................................ 2967 Appeals Regulations: Title for Members of the Board of Veterans Appeals............. 2900-AK62 2968 Board of Veterans' Appeals: Rules of Practice--Appeal Withdrawal.................... 2900-AK71 2969 Eligibility for Burial of Dependent Adult Children of Eligible Veterans and 2900-AI95 Eligibility for Burial of Certain Filipino Veterans................................. 2970 Recognition of Organizations and Accreditation of Representatives................... 2900-AI93 2971 Referral of Information Regarding Criminal Violations............................... 2900-AL31 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Department of Veterans Affairs--Discontinued Entries -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Identification Title Date Comments Number -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2900-AJ08 Protection of Human Subjects 04/10/2003 Withdrawn 2900-AJ24 Provision of Drugs and Medicines Prescribed by Non-VA Physicians 03/26/2003 Withdrawn 2900-AJ45 Universal Product Numbers (UPNs) 03/18/2003 Withdrawn 2900-AK03 State Department as Agent of Department of Veterans Affairs 01/17/2003 Withdrawn 2900-AK18 Finality of Decisions 01/17/2003 Withdrawn 2900-AK23 Renouncement of Benefits 01/17/2003 Withdrawn 2900-AK31 Independent Medical Opinions 01/17/2003 Withdrawn 2900-AK37 Evidence From Foreign Countries 01/17/2003 Withdrawn 2900-AL09 Plain Language (Reader Focused Writing) Initiative; National Service Life Insurance (NSLI) 03/10/2003 Withdrawn 2900-AL24 Amendments to Training and Rehabilitation Programs 03/26/2003 Withdrawn -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [[Page 30895]] _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Proposed Rule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ VETERANS HEALTH ADMINISTRATION ____________________________________________________ 2884. WAIVERS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 38 USC 1722A; PL 106-117 CFR Citation: 38 CFR 17.105 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The purpose of this document is to provide regulations to formally establish the waiver process for veterans' copayments. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 10/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Nancy Howard, Senior Program Analyst (161), Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420 Phone: 202 254-0320 Fax: 202 254-0396 Email: nancy.howard@hq.med.va.gov RIN: 2900-AK29 _______________________________________________________________________ 2885. PAYMENT FOR NON-VA PHYSICIAN SERVICES ASSOCIATED WITH EITHER OUTPATIENT OR INPATIENT CARE PROVIDED AT NON-VA FACILITIES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 38 USC 501 CFR Citation: 38 CFR 17.56 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This document amends the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical regulations concerning payment for non-VA physician services that are associated with either outpatient or inpatient care provided to eligible VA beneficiaries at non-VA facilities. Currently, 38 CFR 17.56 requires all VA facilities to reimburse for non-VA physician services based upon the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) physician fee schedule in effect at the time the services are provided. However, it has been determined that special circumstances exist in the State of Alaska. Since a large portion of VA health care provided in Alaska is obtained from non-VA sources, this could negatively impact the quality of care provided veterans living in that State. Therefore, to ensure that the amounts paid to physicians better represent the local cost to furnish a service and to achieve program cost reduction, VA is proposing through this document that an Alaska- specific payment methodology be established for inpatient and outpatient non-VA physician services with that State. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 09/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Rex Gilmore, Health Administration Service (10C3), Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420 Phone: 202 273-8300 RIN: 2900-AK94 _______________________________________________________________________ 2886. REASONABLE CHARGES FOR MEDICAL CARE OR SERVICES; 2003 METHODOLOGY CHANGES Priority: Economically Significant. Major under 5 USC 801. Legal Authority: 38 USC 501; 38 USC 1721; 38 USC 1729 CFR Citation: 38 CFR 17.101 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This document amends the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical regulations concerning ``reasonable charges'' for medical care or services provided or furnished by VA to veterans for nonservice- connected disabilities. This document amends the regulations to revise the charge structure and update other provisions for the purpose of providing more precise charges. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: David Cleaver, Chief Business Office (161), Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420 Phone: 202 254-0361 Related RIN: Related To 2900-AJ30, Related To 2900-AK39, Related To 2900-AK73 RIN: 2900-AL06 _______________________________________________________________________ 2887. [bull] COPAYMENTS FOR EXTENDED CARE SERVICES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 38 USC 1710B CFR Citation: 38 CFR 17.111 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This document proposes to amend VA's medical regulations concerning copayments for extended care services provided or furnished by VA to veterans for nonservice-connected disabilities. This document amends the regulations to enhance the spousal protection provisions covering assets. This change would bring VA closer to State medical assistance policies in protecting spouses from potential impoverishment. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 09/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Donna Canada, Chief Business Office (161), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420 Phone: 202 254-0321 Fax: 202 254-0396 Daniel Schoeps, Geriatrics and Extended Care (114), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420 Phone: 202 273-8540 RIN: 2900-AL49 _______________________________________________________________________ [[Page 30896]] VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION ____________________________________________________ 2888. SCHEDULE FOR RATING DISABILITIES--NEUROLOGICAL CONDITIONS AND CONVULSIVE DISORDERS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 38 USC 1155 CFR Citation: 38 CFR 4.120; 38 CFR 4.121; 38 CFR 4.122; 38 CFR 4.123; 38 CFR 4.124; 38 CFR 4.124a Legal Deadline: None Abstract: These amendments will contain additions, deletions, and revisions of terminology resulting from a systematic review of the medical criteria used to evaluate disabilities of the neurological system. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ ANPRM 05/02/91 56 FR 20169 ANPRM Comment Period End 07/01/91 NPRM 07/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Audrey Tomlinson, Medical Officer (211A), Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefits Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420 Phone: 202 273-7211 RIN: 2900-AF23 _______________________________________________________________________ 2889. SCHEDULE FOR RATING DISABILITIES--DIGESTIVE SYSTEM Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 38 USC 1155 CFR Citation: 38 CFR 4.114 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: These amendments will contain additions, deletions, and revisions of terminology resulting from a systematic review of the medical criteria used to evaluate disabilities of the digestive system. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ ANPRM 05/02/91 56 FR 20168 ANPRM Comment Period End 07/01/91 NPRM 10/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Audrey Tomlinson, Medical Officer (211A), Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefits Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420 Phone: 202 273-7211 RIN: 2900-AF24 _______________________________________________________________________ 2890. EDUCATION PROVISIONS OF THE VETERANS PROGRAMS ENHANCEMENT ACT OF 1998 Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 38 USC 16136; 38 USC 3034; 38 USC 3241; 38 USC 3485; 38 USC 3537; 38 USC 3677; 38 USC 3684; 38 USC 5101 CFR Citation: 38 CFR 21.4145; 38 CFR 21.4200; 38 CFR 21.4206; 38 CFR 21.4262 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This proposed rule amendment will bring VA's educational assistance regulations into agreement with the Veterans Program Enhancement Act of 1998 and Veterans Education and Expansion Act of 2001. This amendment will include making advance payments to work-study students optional rather than mandatory; and revising the approval criteria for on-job training programs offered by the Federal Government or by State or local governments. This rule is being amended to reflect additional work study opportunities provided under the Veterans Education and Benefits Expansion Act of 2001. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 09/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Lynn M. Cossette, Education Advisor (225C), Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefits Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420 Phone: 202 273-7294 Fax: 202 275-2636 Email: edulcose@vba.va.gov RIN: 2900-AJ68 _______________________________________________________________________ 2891. VETERANS AND DEPENDENTS EDUCATION: TOPPING-UP TUITION ASSISTANCE; LICENSING AND CERTIFICATION TESTS; DUTY TO ASSIST EDUCATION CLAIMANTS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 38 USC 3014; 38 USC 3015; 38 USC 3034; 38 USC 3241; 38 USC 3471; 38 USC 3513; 38 USC 3501 CFR Citation: 38 CFR 21.1029 to 21.1033; 38 CFR 21.4005; 38 CFR 21.4008; 38 CFR 21.4009; 38 CFR 21.4146 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Regulations implementing provisions of the Veterans Benefits and Health Care Improvement Act of 2000, Floyd D. Spence National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2001, and the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000 that affect VA education benefits programs. These provisions include payment under Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance Program, Post-Vietnam Era Veterans Educational Assistance Program, and The Montgomery GI Bill-Active Duty Program for the costs of taking tests needed to obtain a license or certification. They also include payment of benefits under the Montgomery GI Bill- Active Duty Program of the difference between the portion of tuition and fees covered by the tuition assistance program administered by the various military departments and the actual charges made by an educational institution. The proposed rule also establishes clear guidelines consistent with the intent of Congress regarding the timing and scope of assistance VA will provide to a claimant who files a substantially complete application for benefits under any of the education programs VA administers or who tries to reopen a previously denied claim. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: William G. Susling Jr., Assistant Director for Policy and Program Development (225), Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefits Administration, 810 [[Page 30897]] Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420 Phone: 202 273-7187 Fax: 202 275-2636 Email: edubsusl@vba.va.gov RIN: 2900-AK80 _______________________________________________________________________ 2892. VETERANS EDUCATION: ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITY TO PARTICIPATE IN THE MONTGOMERY GI BILL AND OTHER MISCELLANEOUS ISSUES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 38 USC 3011 to 3012; 38 USC 3015; 38 USC 3018C; 38 USC 3080; 38 USC 16132 CFR Citation: 38 CFR 21.4138; 38 CFR 21.7020; 38 CFR 21.7042; 38 CFR 21.7136; 38 CFR 21.7540 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Veterans Benefits and Health Care Improvement Act of 2000 affects the Montgomery GI Bill--Active Duty and the Montgomery GI Bill--Selected Reserve. These include providing an opportunity for some service members to participate in the Montgomery GI Bill--Active Duty; repealing the requirement that only the initial period of active duty be considered in determining eligibility for the Montgomery GI Bill-- Active Duty; increasing the Montgomery GI Bill--Active Duty for those who contribute additional money; and changing the rules for determining when benefits may be paid during the interval between terms. The regulations governing Montgomery GI Bill will be revised accordingly. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 05/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: William G. Susling Jr., Assistant Director for Policy and Program Development (225), Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefits Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420 Phone: 202 273-7187 Fax: 202 275-2636 Email: edubsusl@vba.va.gov RIN: 2900-AK81 _______________________________________________________________________ 2893. SCHEDULE FOR RATING DISABILITIES; MALIGNANT NEOPLASMS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 38 USC 1155 CFR Citation: 38 CFR 4 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This amendment would raise the criteria for evaluating malignant neoplasms throughout the rating schedule in order to assure that they reflect the effect of current treatment methods to ensure that veterans with malignant neoplasms receive fair and consistent evaluations. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Audrey Tomlinson, Medical Officer (211A), Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefits Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420 Phone: 202 273-7211 RIN: 2900-AL27 _______________________________________________________________________ 2894. ADMINISTRATION OF VA EDUCATION BENEFITS--CENTRALIZED CERTIFICATION Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 38 USC 3672; 38 USC 3675; 38 USC 3676 CFR Citation: 38 CFR 21.4266 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This document proposes to amend the Department of Veterans Affairs(VA) rules governing certification of enrollment in approved courses for the training of veterans and other eligible persons under education benefit programs VA administers. As part of the approval requirements, educational institutions designate an official of the institution (a VA certifying official) to certify the enrollment of veterans and other eligible persons to VA. As a general rule, VA rules currently require that each branch or extension of an educational institution must perform the certifications and maintain records for veterans and other eligible persons at the branch or extension. The proposed rule would expand current regulations to allow an educational institution to combine the certification functions at one or more of its locations, to include branches and extensions not located with the same State. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Lynn M. Cossette, Education Advisor (225C), Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefits Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420 Phone: 202 273-7294 Fax: 202 275-2636 Email: edulcose@vba.va.gov RIN: 2900-AL43 _______________________________________________________________________ 2895. [bull] SURVIVORS' AND DEPENDENTS' EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY PERIOD FOR ELIGIBLE CHILDREN AND OTHER MISCELLANEOUS ISSUES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 38 USC 101; 38 USC 3002; 38 USC 3501; 38 USC 3512; 38 USC 5113 CFR Citation: 38 CFR 21.3041; 38 CFR 21.4151; 38 CFR 21.5021 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Department of Veterans Affairs is proposing to amend its education regulations to reflect changes in the eligibility period for children due to statutory provisions in Veterans Benefits and Health Care Improvement Act of 2000 and the Veterans Benefits and Expansion Acts of 2001 and 2002. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 09/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Lynn M. Cossette, Education Advisor (225C), Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefits Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420 [[Page 30898]] Phone: 202 273-7294 Fax: 202 275-2636 Email: edulcose@vba.va.gov RIN: 2900-AL44 _______________________________________________________________________ 2896. [bull] HEADSTONE AND MARKER INSCRIPTION Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 38 USC 2306 CFR Citation: 38 CFR 1.630 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This document will amend the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) regulations to revise existing regulations to the Government- furnished headstones or markers inscription policy. The intended effect of this proposed rule is meant to clarify the inscription policies for Government-furnished headstones and markers. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 08/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Karen Barber, Program Analyst (402B3), Department of Veterans Affairs, National Cemetery Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420 Phone: 202 273-5183 Fax: 202 273-6697 Email: karen.barber@mail.va.gov RIN: 2900-AL50 _______________________________________________________________________ 2897. [bull] DISEASE ASSOCIATED WITH EXPOSURE TO CERTAIN HERBICIDE AGENTS: CHRONIC LYMPHOCYTIC LEUKEMIA Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 38 USC 1116 CFR Citation: 38 CFR 3.309(e) Legal Deadline: NPRM, Statutory, March 24, 2003, 38 USC 1116(c)(1)(A). Abstract: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is amending its adjudication regulations concerning presumptive service connection for certain diseases for which there is no record during service. This amendment is necessary to implement a decision of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs that there is a positive association between exposure to herbicides used in the Republic of Vietnam during the Vietnam era and the subsequent development of chronic lymphocytic leukemia. The intended effect of this amendment is to establish presumptive service connection for that condition based on herbicide exposure. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 03/26/03 68 FR 14567 NPRM Comment Period End 05/27/03 Final Action 09/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: David Joseph Barrans, Staff Attorney (022), Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of General Counsel, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420 Phone: 202 273-6332 RIN: 2900-AL55 _______________________________________________________________________ 2898. [bull] ANNUAL RISK ALLOWANCE FOR SERVICEMEMBERS' GROUP LIFE INSURANCE AND VETERANS' GROUP LIFE INSURANCE Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 38 USC 501; 38 USC 1965 to 1980 CFR Citation: 38 CFR 9.15 (new) Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This document proposes to amend the Department of Veterans Affairs regulations relating to Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (SGLI) and Veterans' Group Life Insurance (VGLI) to establish a method to determine the amount of the annual risk allowance that is to be paid to the insurance company or companies for administering the SGLI/VGLI programs. It also will serve to inform the public that a profit component is being introduced for the first time as a part of the basic cost of program administration. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 05/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Jeanne King, Insurance Specialist, Department of Veterans Affairs, VA Regional Office and Insurance Center, P.O. Box 8079, Philadelphia, PA 19101 Phone: 215 842-2000 Fax: 215 381-3502 Email: issjking@vba.va.gov RIN: 2900-AL56 _______________________________________________________________________ 2899. [bull] LOAN GUARANTY: ASSISTANCE TO CERTAIN DISABLED VETERANS IN ACQUIRING SPECIALLY ADAPTED HOUSING Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 38 USC 501(a); 38 USC 2101 CFR Citation: 38 CFR 36.4400 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Department of Veterans Affairs is proposing to amend is loan guaranty regulations concerning assistance to certain disabled veterans in acquiring specially adapted housing. The primary intent is to revise these regulations to improve clarity to the reader. Additional changes are made to incorporate the provisions of a legal decision of the VA Office of General Counsel. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Robert D. Finneran, Assistant Director for Policy and Valuation (262), Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefits Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420 Phone: 202 273-7368 Fax: 202 275-3523 Email: lgyrfinn@vba.va.gov RIN: 2900-AL58 _______________________________________________________________________ 2900. [bull] COMPENSATION FOR CERTAIN CASES OF BILATERAL DEAFNESS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 38 USC 1160(a)(3) CFR Citation: 38 CFR 3.383(a)(3) Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) proposes to amend its [[Page 30899]] adjudication regulations concerning the level of hearing loss at which VA may pay disability compensation as if the combination of disabilities in both ears were service-connected, even though disability in one ear is service connected and disability in the other ear is not. This amendment liberalizes the ``paired organ'' rule for bilateral deafness and provides a definition for the term ``deafness.'' This amendment is necessary to implement a recent legislative change. Rather than requiring total deafness in both ears to trigger the paired organ rule, the proposed amendment would allow VA to consider partial nonservice-connected hearing loss in one ear when evaluating disability caused by compensable service-connected hearing loss in the other ear. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Beth McCoy, Consultant, Regulations Staff, Compensation and Pension Service (211A), Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefit Administration, 111 W. Huron Street, Room 22, Buffalo, NY 14202 Phone: 716 551-4842 RIN: 2900-AL59 _______________________________________________________________________ OFFICE OF ACQUISITION AND MATERIEL MANAGEMENT ____________________________________________________ 2901. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS ACQUISITION REGULATIONS PLAIN LANGUAGE REWRITE Priority: Info./Admin./Other Legal Authority: 38 USC 501; 48 USC 486(c) CFR Citation: 38 CFR 8 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rulemaking action would amend the Department of Veterans Affairs acquisition regulation to update position titles, to remove obsolete or duplicative material, to delegate authority, and to make plain language revisions to the text. In addition, the rule would update material to correspond to the requirements of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and would provide agency procedures for compliance with FAR requirements. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 09/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Donald E. Kaliher, Senior Procurement Analyst (0495A), Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Acquisition & Materiel Management, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420 Phone: 202 273-8819 Fax: 202 273-9302 Email: donald.kaliher@mail.va.gov RIN: 2900-AK78 _______________________________________________________________________ BOARD OF VETERANS APPEALS ____________________________________________________ 2902. [bull] BOARD OF VETERANS' APPEALS RULES OF PRACTICE: NOTICE PROCEDURES RELATING TO WITHDRAWAL OF SERVICES BY A REPRESENTATIVE Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 38 USC 501(a); 38 USC 5901 to 5904; 38 USC 7105(a) CFR Citation: 38 CFR 20.608(b)(2) Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Board of Veterans' Appeal proposes to amend its Rules of Practice to simplify notice procedures relating to withdrawal of services by a representative after certification of an appeal. Rule 608(b)(2) (38 CFR 20.608(b)(2)), relating to withdrawal of services by a representative after certification of an appeal, requires service of papers on the parties by certified mail, return receipt requested, and requires filing a signed certification of receipt with the Board. The proposed amendment will eliminate the requirement of mailing by certified mail and replace it with a certification by the mailer. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 10/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Steven L. Keller, Senior Deputy Vice Chairman, Department of Veterans Affairs, Board of Veterans Appeals, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420 Phone: 202 565-5978 RIN: 2900-AL45 _______________________________________________________________________ NATIONAL CEMETERY SYSTEM ____________________________________________________ 2903. STATE CEMETERY GRANTS: AID TO STATES FOR ESTABLISHMENT, EXPANSION, AND IMPROVEMENT OF VETERANS CEMETERIES Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 38 USC 2408 CFR Citation: 38 CFR 39.1; 38 CFR 39.2; 38 CFR 39.3; 38 CFR 39.7; 38 CFR 39.8; 38 CFR 39.9 (New) Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The proposed rule revises 38 CFR part 39 to amend Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) regulations for the State Cemetery Grants Program to implement and update information on program requirements and the application process for participants. The amendment formalizes new standards and provides guidance on how States may obtain funding for grants to expand, establish, or improve State veterans cemeteries. The rule will be published as proposed in the Federal Register to provide information to the public on how to apply for Federal funding for State veterans cemeteries. A 60-day public comment period will be provided. It is subject to the requirements of the Administrative Procedures Act and E.O. 12866 because the rule is an interpretation of statute. The proposed rule will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities; only those States that apply for funding may be direct beneficiaries. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 05/01/03 68 FR 23249 NPRM Comment Period End 06/30/03 Final Action 10/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No [[Page 30900]] Government Levels Affected: State Agency Contact: Karen Barber, Program Analyst (402B3), Department of Veterans Affairs, National Cemetery Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420 Phone: 202 273-5183 Fax: 202 273-6697 Email: karen.barber@mail.va.gov RIN: 2900-AH46 _______________________________________________________________________ OFFICE OF FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT ____________________________________________________ 2904. STANDARDS FOR COLLECTION, COMPROMISE, SUSPENSION, OR TERMINATION OF COLLECTION EFFORT; REGIONAL OFFICE COMMITTEE ON WAIVER AND COMPROMISES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 31 USC 3700 et seq; 38 USC 501; 38 USC 5302; 38 USC 5314; 38 USC 5315 CFR Citation: 31 CFR 900 to 904; 38 CFR 1.900 to 1.970 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) proposes to revise its current regulations on debt collection by eliminating some and cross-referencing the remainder to the revised DOJ/Treasury Governmentwide Federal Claims Collection Standards (31 CFR parts 900 to 904). These regulations will also be updated to comply with the Debt Collection Improvement Act of 1996. In addition, VA also proposes to amend regulations pertaining to the administration of our Regional Office Committees on Waivers and Compromises. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Peter T. Mulhern, Office of Finance (047GC1), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420 Phone: 202 273-5570 TDD Phone: 202 273 6574 RIN: 2900-AK10 _______________________________________________________________________ OFFICE OF POLICY AND PLANNING ____________________________________________________ 2905. AUDITS OF STATES, LOCAL GOVERNMENTS, AND NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS; GRANTS AND AGREEMENTS WITH INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION, HOSPITALS, AND OTHER NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 31 USC 75; 38 USC 501; PL 98-502 CFR Citation: 38 CFR 41; 38 CFR 49 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This document proposes to amend part 41 of VA's regulations to add new subparts to codify revised OMB Circular A-133. The Circular provides standards for consistency and uniformity among Federal agencies for the audits of States, local governments, and nonprofit organizations expending Federal awards. Further, this amendment proposes to add a new part 49 to VA's regulations to bring VA in step with other Federal agencies who have already adopted OMB Circular A-110 as a common rule. The Circular provides for uniform administrative requirements for Federal agencies with grants and agreements with institutions of higher education, hospitals, and other nonprofit organizations. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 10/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: Governmental Jurisdictions, Organizations Government Levels Affected: State, Local Agency Contact: Judith Jamison, Office of Policy and Planning (008), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420 Phone: 202 273-5117 RIN: 2900-AJ62 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Final Rule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ VETERANS HEALTH ADMINISTRATION ____________________________________________________ 2906. ADVANCED HEALTH CARE PLANNING Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 38 USC 501; 38 USC 1721 CFR Citation: 38 CFR 17.32 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This document amends the VA medical regulations to codify VA policy regarding advanced health care planning. The rule sets forth a mechanism for the use of written advance directives; i.e., a VA living will, a VA durable power of attorney for health care, and a State- authorized advance directive. The rule also sets forth a mechanism for honoring verbal or nonverbal instructions from a patient when the patient is admitted to care when critically ill and loss of capacity may be imminent and the patient is not physically able to sign an advance directive form or the appropriate form is not readily available. This is intended to help ensure that VA acts in compliance with patients' wishes concerning future health care. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/02/98 63 FR 58677 NPRM Comment Period End 01/04/99 Final Action 10/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Ellen Fox M.D., Director, National Center for Ethics (10AE), Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420 Phone: 202 273-6926 RIN: 2900-AJ28 [[Page 30901]] _______________________________________________________________________ 2907. GRANTS TO STATES FOR CONSTRUCTION AND ACQUISITION OF STATE HOME FACILITIES Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 38 USC 501; 38 USC 1721 CFR Citation: 38 CFR 17.216; 38 CFR 17.222 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule amends the Department of Veterans Affairs regulations concerning State homes. VA provides funds to States for projects for the construction, acquisition, or renovation of State veterans nursing homes and State veterans domiciliaries. This rulemaking requests comments regarding what regulations should be established with respect to the priorities for awarding State home grants for construction, acquisition, or renovation. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 06/26/01 66 FR 33845 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 08/27/01 Final Action 10/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: State Agency Contact: Frank Salvas, Geriatrics and Extended Care (114), Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420 Phone: 202 273-8536 RIN: 2900-AJ43 _______________________________________________________________________ 2908. VA HOMELESS PROVIDERS GRANT AND PER DIEM PROGRAM REGULATIONS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 38 USC 2011; PL 107-95 CFR Citation: 38 CFR 17; 38 CFR 61 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This document amends the Department of Veterans Affairs medical regulations concerning the VA Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem Program to implement the provisions of the Homeless Veterans Comprehensive Assistance Act of 2001 (HVCAA). Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 03/19/03 68 FR 13590 Interim Final Rule Effective 03/19/03 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 05/19/03 Final Action 10/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Roger J. Casey, Mental Health and Behavioral Science Program, Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420 Phone: 202 273-8442 RIN: 2900-AL30 _______________________________________________________________________ 2909. COPAYMENTS FOR INPATIENT HOSPITAL CARE UNDER GEOGRAPHIC MEANS TEST Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: PL 107-135; 38 USC 1710 CFR Citation: 38 CFR 17.108 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This document proposes to amend the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical regulations concerning inpatient hospital care copayments. To be consistent with the Veterans' Health Care Program Enhancement Act of 2001, this proposed amendment will have the intended effect of reducing the amount certain veterans will pay for inpatient care copayment who live in high cost of living areas. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 09/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Nancy Howard, Senior Program Analyst (161), Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420 Phone: 202 254-0320 Fax: 202 254-0396 Email: nancy.howard@hq.med.va.gov RIN: 2900-AL35 _______________________________________________________________________ 2910. PRIORITIES FOR OUTPATIENT MEDICAL SERVICES AND INPATIENT HOSPITAL CARE Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 38 USC 101; 38 USC 501; 38 USC 1705; 38 USC 1710; PL 104-262 CFR Citation: 38 CFR 17.49 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Department of Veterans Affairs is amending its medical regulations to establish that in scheduling appointments for non- emergent outpatient medical services and admissions for inpatient hospital care, VA will give priority to veterans with service-connected disabilities rated 50 percent or greater and veterans needing care for a service-connected disability. The Veterans' Eligibility Reform Act of 1996 authorizes VA to ensure that these two categories of veterans receive priority access to this type of care. The intended effect of this proposed rule is to carry out that authority. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 09/17/02 67 FR 58528 Interim Final Rule Effective 09/17/02 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 11/18/02 Final Action 10/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Amy Hertz, Office of Policy and Planning (105D), Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420 Phone: 202 273-8934 RIN: 2900-AL39 [[Page 30902]] _______________________________________________________________________ 2911. [bull] CHARGES USED FOR RECOVERY FROM TORTIOUSLY LIABLE THIRD PARTIES FOR MEDICAL CARE OR SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 38 USC 101; 38 USC 501; 38 USC 1701; 38 USC 1705; 38 USC 1710; 38 USC 1721; 38 USC 1722; 38 USC 1729; ... CFR Citation: 38 CFR 17.101; 38 CFR 17.102 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This document amends the Department of Veterans Affairs(VA) medical regulations with respect to charges used for recovering from tortiously liable third parties the reasonable value of medical care and services provided by VA. The amendment reflects the decision of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to use the ``reasonable charges'' determined in accordance with the provisions of 38 CFR 17.101 for this purpose, rather than the rates generated by the methodology at 38 CFR 17.102(h). Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 06/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: David Cleaver, Chief Business Office (161), Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420 Phone: 202 254-0361 RIN: 2900-AL48 _______________________________________________________________________ 2912. [bull] ENROLLMENT-PROVISION OF HOSPITAL AND OUTPATIENT CARE TO VETERANS--SUBPRIORITIES OF PRIORITY CATEGORIES 7 AND 8 AND ENROLLMENT LEVEL DECISION Priority: Economically Significant. Major under 5 USC 801. Legal Authority: PL 104-262 CFR Citation: 38 CFR 17.36 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: As required by Public Law 104-262, the Veterans' Health Care Eligibility Reform Act of 1996, the Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs must make an annual decision concerning enrollment in VA's health care system in order to ensure that medical services provided are both timely and acceptable in quality. This document amends existing regulations to establish subpriorities within priority categories 7 and 8 and to publish FY 2003 enrollment decision as determined by the Secretary. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 01/17/03 68 FR 2670 Interim Final Rule Effective 01/17/03 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 03/18/03 Final Action 09/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Amy Hertz, Office of Policy and Planning (105D), Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420 Phone: 202 273-8934 Roscoe G. Butler, Chief, Policy and Operations (163), Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420 Phone: 202 273-8302 Fax: 202 273-9609 Email: roscoe.butler@hq.med.va.gov RIN: 2900-AL51 _______________________________________________________________________ 2913. [bull] REASONABLE CHARGES FOR MEDICAL CARE OR SERVICES; 2003 UPDATE Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 38 USC 501; 38 USC 1721; 38 USC 1729 CFR Citation: 38 CFR 17.101 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This document amends the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical regulation concerning ``reasonable charges'' for medical care and services provided or furnished by VA to veterans for nonservice- connected disabilities. This document amends the regulation to update data bases and other provisions for the purpose of providing more current and more precise charges. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 04/29/03 68 FR 22966 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 06/30/03 Final Action 10/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: Related RINs: 2900-AJ30; 2900-AK39; 2900-AK73; 2900-AL06 Agency Contact: David Cleaver, Chief Business Office (161), Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420 Phone: 202 254-0361 Related RIN: Related To 2900-AK39, Related To 2900-AK73 RIN: 2900-AL57 _______________________________________________________________________ 2914. [bull] SENSORI-NEURAL AIDS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 38 USC 1707 CFR Citation: 38 CFR 17.149 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This document amends Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical regulations concerning sensori-nerual aids. 38 CFR section 17.149 authorizes VA to provide sensori-nerual aids (i.e., eyeglasses, contact lenses, hearing aids) to seven groups of veterans as identified in the regulation in section 17.149, paragraphs (b)(1)-(b)(7). The veterans presently identified in section 17.149, paragraph (b)(2) are veterans who are former prisoners of war. Section 17.149, paragraph (b)(2) will be revised to include veterans who were awarded the Purple Heart. It will also note that the authority for this regulation, previously identified as 38 U.S.C. 1701(6)(A)(i), has been recodified as 38 U.S.C. 1707 pursuant to Public Law No. 107-135. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 10/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No [[Page 30903]] Government Levels Affected: Federal Agency Contact: John G. Clements, Prosthetic Program Manager (113), Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420 Phone: 202 273-8515 Fax: 202 273-9110 Email: john.clements@hg.med.va.gov RIN: 2900-AL60 _______________________________________________________________________ VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION ____________________________________________________ 2915. SCHEDULE FOR RATING DISABILITIES--THE MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 38 USC 1155 CFR Citation: 38 CFR 4.71(a) Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This document amends the Department of Veterans Affairs Schedule for Rating Disabilities that addresses musculoskeletal conditions. The intended effect is to update this portion of the rating schedule to ensure that it uses current medical terminology and unambiguous criteria and that it reflects medical advances that have occurred since the last review. We also make nonsubstantive editorial changes throughout this portion of the schedule. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ ANPRM 12/28/90 55 FR 53315 ANPRM Comment Period End 02/26/91 NPRM 02/11/03 68 FR 6998 NPRM Comment Period End 04/14/03 Final Action 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Audrey Tomlinson, Medical Officer (211A), Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefits Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420 Phone: 202 273-7211 RIN: 2900-AE91 _______________________________________________________________________ 2916. TOTAL DISABILITY EVALUATIONS BASED ON INABILITY OF THE INDIVIDUAL TO ENGAGE IN SUBSTANTIALLY GAINFUL EMPLOYMENT Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 38 USC 501(a); 38 USC 512(a); 38 USC 1110; 38 USC 1131; 38 USC 1155; 38 USC 1502; 38 USC 1521(a) CFR Citation: 38 CFR 3.321; 38 CFR 3.340; 38 CFR 3.341; 38 CFR 3.342; 38 CFR 4.16; 38 CFR 4.17; 38 CFR 4.18 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action amends the regulations in part 3 of title 38, United States Code, and in the Schedule for Rating Disabilities in part 4 to provide clear and objective standards for determining whether a veteran is entitled to a total evaluation based on his or her inability to perform substantially gainful employment due to disability. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 10/01/01 66 FR 49886 NPRM Comment Period End 11/30/01 Final Action 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Beth McCoy, Consultant, Regulations Staff, Compensation and Pension Service (211A), Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefit Administration, 111 W. Huron Street, Room 22, Buffalo, NY 14202 Phone: 716 551-4842 RIN: 2900-AH21 _______________________________________________________________________ 2917. SCHEDULE FOR RATING DISABILITIES--THE EYE Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 38 USC 1155 CFR Citation: 38 CFR 4.75 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is amending that portion of its Schedule for Rating Disabilities that addresses disabilities of the eye. The intended effect of this action is to update this portion of the rating schedule to ensure that it uses current medical terminology and unambiguous criteria and that it reflects medical advances that have occurred since the last review. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 05/11/99 64 FR 25246 NPRM Comment Period End 07/12/99 Final Action 07/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Audrey Tomlinson, Medical Officer (211A), Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefits Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420 Phone: 202 273-7211 RIN: 2900-AH43 _______________________________________________________________________ 2918. CLAIMS BASED ON AGGRAVATION OF NONSERVICE-CONNECTED DISABILITY Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 38 USC 501(a) CFR Citation: 38 CFR 3.310 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This document amends VA regulations concerning secondary service connection for certain disabilities. This amendment is necessary because of a recent decision by the U.S. Court of Veterans Appeals and will establish a new means by which veterans may be compensated for disabilities related to other service-connected conditions. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/04/97 62 FR 30547 NPRM Comment Period End 08/04/97 Final Action 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Randy A. McKevitt, Consultant, C&P Service (211A), Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefits Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420 Phone: 202 273-7211 [[Page 30904]] Fax: 202 273-1728 Email: caprmcke@vba.va.gov RIN: 2900-AI42 _______________________________________________________________________ 2919. EXCLUSIONS FROM INCOME AND NET WORTH COMPUTATIONS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 42 USC 10602(c) CFR Citation: 38 CFR 3.261; 38 CFR 3.262; 38 CFR 3.272 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: To exclude from countable income for VA purposes amounts received under the Victims of Crime Act of 1984. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 10/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Beth McCoy, Consultant, Regulations Staff, Compensation and Pension Service (211A), Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefit Administration, 111 W. Huron Street, Room 22, Buffalo, NY 14202 Phone: 716 551-4842 RIN: 2900-AJ52 _______________________________________________________________________ 2920. SCHEDULE FOR RATING DISABILITY--THE SPINE Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 38 USC 1155 CFR Citation: 38 CFR 4.71a Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This document amends the Department of Veterans Affairs Schedule for Rating Disabilities by revising that portion of the Musculosketetal System that addresses disabilities of the spine. The intended effect of this action is to update this portion of the rating schedule to ensure that it uses current medical terminology and unambiguous criteria and that it reflects medical advances that have occurred since the last review. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 09/04/02 67 FR 56509 NPRM Comment Period End 11/04/02 Final Action 10/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Audrey Tomlinson, Medical Officer (211A), Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefits Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420 Phone: 202 273-7211 RIN: 2900-AJ60 _______________________________________________________________________ 2921. DEFINITION OF PSYCHOSIS FOR CERTAIN VA PURPOSES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 38 USC 501(a) CFR Citation: 38 CFR 3.384 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This document amends the Department of Veterans Affairs adjudication regulations to define the term ``psychosis.'' The term is used but not defined in certain statutes that provide presumptive service connection for compensation or health care purposes. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 10/11/02 67 FR 63352 NPRM Comment Period End 12/10/02 Final Action 10/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Audrey Tomlinson, Medical Officer (211A), Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefits Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420 Phone: 202 273-7211 RIN: 2900-AK21 _______________________________________________________________________ 2922. FILIPINO VETERANS BENEFIT IMPROVEMENTS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 38 USC 107 CFR Citation: 38 CFR 3.8; 38 CFR 3.10; 38 CFR 3.1600 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This document amends the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) adjudication regulations to reflect changes made by the Departments of Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 2001, which changed the rate of compensation payments to certain Filipino veterans residing in the U.S., and the Veterans Benefits and Health Care Improvement Act of 2000, which changed the amount of the burial benefit paid to the survivors of certain Filipino veterans who were residing in the U.S. at the time of their deaths. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 12/27/01 66 FR 66763 Interim Final Rule Effective 12/27/01 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 02/25/02 Final Action 10/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Randy A. McKevitt, Consultant, C&P Service (211A), Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefits Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420 Phone: 202 273-7211 Fax: 202 273-1728 Email: caprmcke@vba.va.gov RIN: 2900-AK65 _______________________________________________________________________ 2923. LOAN GUARANTY: PRE-PURCHASE COUNSELING REQUIREMENTS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 38 USC 501; 38 USC 3203; 38 USC 3210; 38 USC 3220 CFR Citation: 38 CFR 36.4332 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Department of Veterans Affairs is amending its loan guaranty regulations to require that all first-time homebuyers seeking to obtain VA guaranteed home loans complete 3 hours of homeowners' counseling. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 10/11/01 66 FR 51893 NPRM Comment Period End 12/10/01 Final Action 06/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No [[Page 30905]] Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Robert D. Finneran, Assistant Director for Policy and Valuation (262), Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefits Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420 Phone: 202 273-7368 Fax: 202 275-3523 Email: lgyrfinn@vba.va.gov RIN: 2900-AK76 _______________________________________________________________________ 2924. ADDITIONAL DISABILITY OR DEATH DUE TO HOSPITAL CARE, MEDICAL OR SURGICAL TREATMENT, EXAMINATION, TRAINING AND REHABILITATION SERVICES, OR COMPENSATED WORK THERAPY PROGRAM Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 38 USC 1151 CFR Citation: 38 CFR 3.154; 38 CFR 3.358; 38 CFR 3.361; 38 CFR 3.362; 38 CFR 3.363; 38 CFR 3.400; 38 CFR 3.708; 38 CFR 3.800 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is amending its adjudication regulations concerning awards of compensation or dependency and indemnity compensation for additional disability or death caused by VA hospital care, medical or surgical treatment, examination, training and rehabilitation services, or compensated work therapy (CWT) program. Under this amendment, benefits will be payable for additional disability or death caused by hospital care, medical or surgical treatment, or examination only if VA is at fault or ``an event not reasonably foreseeable'' proximately caused the disability or death. Benefits will also be payable for additional disability or death proximately caused by VA's provision of training and rehabilitation services or CWT program. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/12/02 67 FR 76322 NPRM Comment Period End 02/10/03 Final Action 10/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Beth McCoy, Consultant, Regulations Staff, Compensation and Pension Service (211A), Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefit Administration, 111 W. Huron Street, Room 22, Buffalo, NY 14202 Phone: 716 551-4842 RIN: 2900-AK77 _______________________________________________________________________ 2925. SCHEDULE FOR RATING DISABILITIES; EVALUATION OF TINNITUS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 38 USC 1155 CFR Citation: 38 CFR 4.87 (Diagnostic Code 6260) Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This document amends the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Schedule for Rating Disabilities to state more explicitly the method of evaluation of tinnitus under diagnostic code 6260 in that portion of the rating schedule that addresses evaluation of disabilities of the ear. The intended effect of this action is to codify current standard VA practice by stating that recurrent tinnitus will be assigned only a single 10 percent evaluation, whether it is perceived in one ear, both ears, or somewhere in the head. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 09/19/02 67 FR 59033 NPRM Comment Period End 11/18/02 Final Action 07/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: RIN 2900-AK86 withdrawn Agency Contact: Audrey Tomlinson, Medical Officer (211A), Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefits Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420 Phone: 202 273-7211 RIN: 2900-AK86 _______________________________________________________________________ 2926. TIME LIMIT FOR REQUEST FOR DE NOVO REVIEW Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 38 USC 5109(a); 38 USC 7105(a) CFR Citation: 38 CFR 3.2600 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This document amends VA regulations concerning the time a claimant has in which to request a de novo review of their claim at the Veterans Service Center level. (This would reduce the time from the current 60 days to 15 days.) We believe this amendment will reduce unnecessary delays in the appeals process and will not adversely affect claimants. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 03/11/02 67 FR 10866 NPRM Comment Period End 05/10/02 Final Rule 10/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Randy A. McKevitt, Consultant, C&P Service (211A), Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefits Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420 Phone: 202 273-7211 Fax: 202 273-1728 Email: caprmcke@vba.va.gov RIN: 2900-AK97 _______________________________________________________________________ 2927. EXCEPTIONS TO DEFINITION OF DATE OF RECEIPT BASED ON SPECIAL OR UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 38 USC 5110 CFR Citation: 38 CFR 3.1(r) Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This document amends the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) adjudication regulations concerning the definition of ``date of receipt'' by authorizing the Under Secretary for Benefits to establish exceptions to the general rule when special or unforeseen circumstances hinder the normal course by which VA would receive a claim, information, or evidence. The intended effect is to ensure that a significant number of claimants are not deprived of potential entitlement to benefits because of unexpected delays or impediments not caused by the claimants. [[Page 30906]] Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 06/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Beth McCoy, Consultant, Regulations Staff, Compensation and Pension Service (211A), Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefit Administration, 111 W. Huron Street, Room 22, Buffalo, NY 14202 Phone: 716 551-4842 RIN: 2900-AL12 _______________________________________________________________________ 2928. INCREASE IN RATES PAYABLE UNDER THE MONTGOMERY GI BILL--ACTIVE DUTY AND SURVIVORS' AND DEPENDENTS' EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 38 USC 3015; 38 USC 3032; 38 USC 3532; 38 USC 3686; 38 USC 3687 CFR Citation: 38 CFR 21.3045; 38 CFR 21.3131; 38 CFR 21.3300; 38 CFR 21.3333; 38 CFR 21.7136 to 21.7137 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: By statute, the rates of basic educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill--Active Duty and Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance programs must be adjusted each fiscal year. In accordance with the statutory formula, the regulations governing these programs for fiscal year 2002 are changed to show a 3.4 percent increase in these rates. In addition, the regulations are changed to show a separate increase for both programs effective January 1, 2002, due to an increase provided for in the Veterans Education and Benefits Expansion Act of 2001, Public Law No. 107-103. Public Law No. 107-103 also provides an increase in Montgomery GI Bill--Active Duty program rates for October 1, 2003, and October 1, 2004. The regulations are amended to show these two additional statutory rate increases. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 09/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Lynn M. Cossette, Education Advisor (225C), Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefits Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420 Phone: 202 273-7294 Fax: 202 275-2636 Email: edulcose@vba.va.gov RIN: 2900-AL17 _______________________________________________________________________ 2929. ACCELERATED PAYMENTS UNDER THE MONTGOMERY GI BILL--ACTIVE DUTY PROGRAM Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 38 USC 3013, 3014A; 38 USC 3034; 38 USC 3452; 38 USC 3501; 38 USC 3684 CFR Citation: 38 CFR 21.4000; 38 CFR 21.7020; 38 CFR 21.7076; 38 CFR 21.7140; 38 CFR 21.7142 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This document amends the education regulations governing various aspects of the educational assistance programs the Department of Veterans Affairs administers in order to implement some of the provisions of the Veterans Education and Benefits Expansion Act of 2001. These provisions include accelerated payments to individuals under the Montgomery GI Bill--Active Duty program who are enrolled in approved training programs that lead to employment in high tech industries and whose charged tuition and fees exceed an amount equal to 200 percent of the monthly basic rate of educational assistance otherwise payable. This document also amends the regulation defining educational institution to include certain private technology industries. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 09/11/02 67 FR 57543 NPRM Comment Period End 11/12/02 Final Action 05/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Lynn M. Cossette, Education Advisor (225C), Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefits Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420 Phone: 202 273-7294 Fax: 202 275-2636 Email: edulcose@vba.va.gov RIN: 2900-AL22 _______________________________________________________________________ 2930. LOAN GUARANTY: IMPLEMENTATION OF PUBLIC LAW 107-103 Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 38 USC 501(a); 38 USC 2102; 38 USC 3703(a)(1) and (c)(1); 38 USC 3714(d); 38 USC 3761 CFR Citation: 38 CFR 36.4302; 38 CFR 36.4308; 38 CFR 36.4404; 38 CFR 36.4527 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: VA is amending its loan guaranty regulations to implement certain provisions of Public Law 107-103, the Veterans Education and Benefits Expansion Act of 2001. VA is incorporating into the regulations the following statutory changes: (1) An increase in the maximum amount of entitlement from $50,750 to $60,000; (2) a revision of the requirements for direct housing loans to Native American veterans; (3) a revision of the loan assumption notice requirement; and (4) an increase in the amount of assistance for specially adapted housing from $43,000 to $48,000 for severely disabled veterans and from $8,250 to $9,250 for less severely disabled veterans. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 02/10/03 68 FR 6625 Interim Final Rule Effective 02/10/03 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 04/11/03 Final Action 10/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Anne DeSena, Assistant Director for Loan Policy and Valuation (262), Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefits Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420 Phone: 202 273-7368 Fax: 202 275-3523 RIN: 2900-AL23 [[Page 30907]] _______________________________________________________________________ 2931. SCHEDULE FOR RATING DISABILITIES; GUIDELINES FOR APPLICATION OF EVALUATION CRITERIA FOR CERTAIN RESPIRATORY AND CARDIOVASCULAR CONDITIONS; EVALUATION OF HYPERTENSION WITH HEART DISEASE Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 38 USC 1155 CFR Citation: 38 CFR 4.104 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This document amends the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Schedule for Rating Disabilities, 38 CFR part 4, in order to clarify the evaluation of certain respiratory and cardiovascular conditions and to explain that hypertension and hypertensive or other heart diseases will be separately evaluated. The intended effect of this amendment is to clarify the use of the current criteria for evaluating respiratory and cardiovascular conditions, particularly in cases where alternative criteria are provided, in order to ensure that veterans receive consistent evaluations and are not required to undergo unnecessary tests. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 08/22/02 67 FR 54394 NPRM Comment Period End 10/21/02 Final Action 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Audrey Tomlinson, Medical Officer (211A), Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefits Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420 Phone: 202 273-7211 RIN: 2900-AL26 _______________________________________________________________________ 2932. VETERANS EDUCATION: VETERANS EDUCATION AND BENEFITS EXPANSION ACT OF 2001 Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 38 USC 3511; 38 USC 3512; 38 USC 3540; 38 USC 3543; 38 USC 3672; 38 USC 3675; 38 USC 3680A; 38 USC 3011(c) CFR Citation: 38 CFR 21.3045; 38 CFR 21.3046; 38 CFR 21.3104; 38 CFR 21.3300; 38 CFR 21.3301; 38 CFR 21.3302; 38 CFR 21.3303; 38 CFR 21.3305; 38 CFR 21.3306 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Final regulations implementing some of the provisions in The Veterans Education and Benefits Expansion Act of 2001. The provisions are: Restoring benefits for individuals ordered to active duty on or after September 11, 2001; an additional opportunity for Vietnam Era Veterans to qualify for benefits under the Montgomery GI Bill program; establishing an ending date to the eligibility period for spouses under the Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance program; expanding special restorative training benefits to include certain disabled spouses and surviving disabled spouses; allowing payment of education benefits for distance learning courses that are part of a certificate program offered by institutions of higher learning; and increasing the amount of scholarship funds someone in a Senior Reserve Officer Training Corps program can receive and remain eligible under the Montgomery GI Bill. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 07/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Lynn M. Cossette, Education Advisor (225C), Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefits Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420 Phone: 202 273-7294 Fax: 202 275-2636 Email: edulcose@vba.va.gov RIN: 2900-AL28 _______________________________________________________________________ 2933. COMPENSATION AND PENSION PROVISIONS OF THE VETERANS EDUCATION AND BENEFITS EXPANSION ACT OF 2001 Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: PL 107-103 CFR Citation: 38 CFR 3.3; 38 CFR 3.307; 38 CFR 3.317; 38 CFR 3.353; 38 CFR 3.665; 38 CFR 3.666; ... Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The document amends the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) adjudication regulations to reflect the statutory provisions of the Veterans Education and Benefits Expansion Act of 2001. These changes address the presumption of service connection for respiratory cancers based on herbicide exposure in Vietnam; benefits for Gulf War veterans' chronic disabilities; repeal of the limitation of benefits for incompetent institutionalized veterans; non-service-connected pension eligibility; the limitation on pension for certain recipients of Medicaid-covered nursing home care; the prohibition on certain benefits to fugitive felons; and the limitation on the payment of compensation for veterans remaining incarcerated since October 7, 1980. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 06/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Randy A. McKevitt, Consultant, C&P Service (211A), Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefits Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420 Phone: 202 273-7211 Fax: 202 273-1728 Email: caprmcke@vba.va.gov RIN: 2900-AL29 _______________________________________________________________________ 2934. SCHEDULE FOR RATING DISABILITIES; EVALUATION OF MULTIPLE SCARS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 38 USC 115 CFR Citation: 38 CFR 4.118 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This amendment would clarify the method of evaluating multiple scars in a uniform and consistent manner. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 10/29/02 67 FR 65915 NPRM Comment Period End 12/30/02 Final Action 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None [[Page 30908]] Agency Contact: Audrey Tomlinson, Medical Officer (211A), Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefits Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420 Phone: 202 273-7211 RIN: 2900-AL32 _______________________________________________________________________ 2935. INDEPENDENT STUDY APPROVED FOR CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS AND OTHER MISCELLANEOUS ISSUES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 10 USC 16131; 10 USC 16132; 10 USC 16133; 10 USC 16136 CFR Citation: 38 CFR 21.7540; 38 CFR 21.7550; 38 CFR 21.7576; 38 CFR 21.7620 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Changes are made to existing regulations to show that Montgomery GI Bill--Selected Reserve benefits may be provided for distance education courses that are part of a certificate program. The certificate must be offered by an institution of higher education. Payment for these courses was provided in the Veterans Education and Benefits Expansion Act of 2001. We also will amend the regulations to remove the language ``in connection with the Persian Gulf war'' and ``during the Persian Gulf war'' to reflect the removal of this language from title 10 U.S.C. The language was removed from sections in title 10 U.S.C. that address preservation of entitlement for those ordered to active duty in support of contingency operations. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 09/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Lynn M. Cossette, Education Advisor (225C), Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefits Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420 Phone: 202 273-7294 Fax: 202 275-2636 Email: edulcose@vba.va.gov RIN: 2900-AL34 _______________________________________________________________________ 2936. PRESUMPTION OF SERVICE CONNECTION FOR CIRRHOSIS OF THE LIVER IN FORMER PRISONERS OF WAR Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 38 USC 501(a); 38 USC 1112(b) CFR Citation: 38 CFR 3.309(c) Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is amending its adjudication regulations concerning presumptive service connection for certain diseases. The amendment would add cirrhosis of the liver to the list of diseases for which entitlement to service connection is presumed for former prisoners of war (POWs). The intended effect is to make it easier for former POWs to obtain compensation benefits for cirrhosis based on scientific and medical research showing a higher risk of death from cirrhosis in former POWs than in the general population. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 02/10/03 68 FR 6679 NPRM Comment Period End 04/11/03 Final Action 10/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Beth McCoy, Consultant, Regulations Staff, Compensation and Pension Service (211A), Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefit Administration, 111 W. Huron Street, Room 22, Buffalo, NY 14202 Phone: 716 551-4842 Related RIN: Previously reported as 2900-AK86 RIN: 2900-AL36 _______________________________________________________________________ 2937. EFFECTIVE DATES OF BENEFITS FOR DISABILITY OR DEATH CAUSED BY HERBICIDE EXPOSURE; DISPOSITION OF UNPAID BENEFITS AFTER DEATH OF BENEFICIARY Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 38 USC 501(a) CFR Citation: 38 CFR 3.816 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) amends its adjudication regulations concerning certain awards of disability compensation and dependency and indemnity compensation (DIC). Under the proposed amendment, certain awards of disability compensation or DIC made pursuant to liberalizing regulations concerning diseases presumptively associated with herbicide exposure may be made effective retroactive to the date of the claim or the date of a previously denied claim, even if such date is earlier than the effective date of the regulation establishing the presumption. This amendment also provides that VA may pay to certain survivors or the estate of a deceased beneficiary any amounts the beneficiary was entitled to receive under the effective-date provisions of this rule but which were not paid prior to the beneficiary's death. This amendment is necessary to reflect the requirements of court orders in a class-action case. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 01/28/03 68 FR 4132 NPRM Comment Period End 03/31/03 Final Action 06/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: David Joseph Barrans, Staff Attorney (022), Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of General Counsel, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420 Phone: 202 273-6332 RIN: 2900-AL37 _______________________________________________________________________ 2938. TESTIMONY CERTIFIED OR UNDER OATH Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 38 USC 5711(a)(3) CFR Citation: 38 CFR 3.200 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is amending its adjudication regulation that requires written and oral testimony to be certified or given under oath or affirmation in most cases. VA believes that the global requirements in this regulation are no longer necessary to establish the credibility of most [[Page 30909]] testimony offered in support of a claim for benefits. Removal of this regulation will help to streamline the claims process without affecting program integrity. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/31/02 67 FR 49646 NPRM Comment Period End 09/30/02 Final Action 06/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: See related RIN 2900-AK24. On March 5, 2002, VA inadvertently withdrew RIN 2900-AK24 in the April 2002 Unified Agenda but subsequently published the proposed rule on July 31, 2002, at 67 FR 49646. Agency Contact: Robert M. White, Compensation and Pension Service (211), Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefits Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420 Phone: 202 273-7228 Fax: 202 275-4800 Email: capbwhit@vba.va.gov Related RIN: Duplicate of 2900-AK24 RIN: 2900-AL38 _______________________________________________________________________ 2939. INCREASE IN RATES PAYABLE UNDER THE MONTGOMERY GI BILL--SELECTIVE RESERVE Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 10 USC 16131 CFR Citation: 38 CFR 21.7636 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: By statute, the monthly rates of basic educational assistance payable to reservists under the Montgomery GI Bill--Selected Reserve program must be adjusted each fiscal year. In accordance with the statutory formula, the regulations governing the basic rates payable under the Montgomery GI Bill--Selected Reserve for fiscal year 2003 (October 1, 2002, through September 30, 2003) are changed to show a 1.5 percent increase in these rates. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 07/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Lynn M. Cossette, Education Advisor (225C), Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefits Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420 Phone: 202 273-7294 Fax: 202 275-2636 Email: edulcose@vba.va.gov RIN: 2900-AL41 _______________________________________________________________________ 2940. [bull] VETERANS EDUCATION: INCREASED ALLOWANCES FOR THE EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE TEST PROGRAM Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 10 USC 2143; 10 USC 2144; 10 USC 2145 CFR Citation: 38 CFR 21.5820; 38 CFR 21.5822 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This document amends the Department of Veterans Affairs rules governing educational allowances payable under the Educational Assistance Test Program, which increased by 4.3 percent. The regulations are being amended to show the new benefit rates. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 10/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Lynn M. Cossette, Education Advisor (225C), Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefits Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420 Phone: 202 273-7294 Fax: 202 275-2636 Email: edulcose@vba.va.gov RIN: 2900-AL52 _______________________________________________________________________ 2941. [bull] LOAN GUARANTY: HYBRID ADJUSTABLE RATE MORTGAGES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 38 USC 501(a); 38 USC 3703(c)(1) CFR Citation: 38 CFR 36.4212; 38 CFR 36.4254; 38 CFR 36.4311; 38 CFR 36.4312 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is amending its loan guaranty regulations to implement sections 303 and 308 of Public Law No. 107-330, the Veterans Benefits Act of 2002. VA is incorporating into the regulations the following changes: The addition of hybrid adjustable rate mortgages which will allow VA to guarantee loans with interest rates that remain fixed for a period of not less than the first 3 years of the loan after which the rate can be adjusted annually and an increase in the fee paid for assuming a VA guaranteed loan from .50 percent to 1.00 percent of the loan amount. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 10/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Robert D. Finneran, Assistant Director for Policy and Valuation (262), Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefits Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420 Phone: 202 273-7368 Fax: 202 275-3523 Email: lgyrfinn@vba.va.gov RIN: 2900-AL54 _______________________________________________________________________ 2942. [bull] COMPENSATION AND PENSION PROVISIONS OF THE VETERANS BENEFITS ACT OF 2002 Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 38 USC 1114(k); 38 USC 1562 CFR Citation: 38 CFR 3.27; 38 CFR 3.350(a); 38 CFR 3.802 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Section 1114(k) of title 38, U.S.C., authorizes VA to pay special monthly compensation if a woman veteran, as the result of service-connected disability, has suffered the anatomical loss of one or both breasts (including loss by mastectomy). As part of the Veterans Benefits Act of 2002, Congress amended 38 U.S.C. 1114(k) to authorize special monthly [[Page 30910]] compensation for loss in a woman of 25 percent or more of tissue from a single breast or both breasts in combination, including loss by mastectomy or partial mastectomy, or following receipt of radiation treatment of breast tissue. Section 1562 of title 38, U.S.C., authorizes VA to pay a monthly pension to Medal of Honor recipients, beginning as of the date of application for such benefit. As a part of Veterans Benefits Act of 2002, Congress amended 38 U.S.C. 1562 to provide for an annual increase in the Medal of Honor pension effective December 1st of each year, beginning December 1, 2004, by a percentage equal to the cost of living adjustment of benefits paid under title II of the Social Security Act. These amendments are necessary to make to the regulation conform with the statute. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 07/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Cheryl Konieczny, Consultant, Regulations Staff, (211A), Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefits Administration, Compensation and Pension Service, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420 Phone: 202 273-6779 RIN: 2900-AL62 _______________________________________________________________________ OFFICE OF ACQUISITION AND MATERIEL MANAGEMENT ____________________________________________________ 2943. SEALED BIDDING AND COMPETITIVE PROPOSALS Priority: Info./Admin./Other Legal Authority: 38 USC 501; 40 USC 486(c) CFR Citation: 48 CFR 806 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Department of Veterans Affairs is amending its Acquisition Regulations. Section 806.401 is amended to remove material that conflicts with the Federal Acquisition Regulation. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 03/11/98 63 FR 11865 NPRM Comment Period End 05/11/98 Final Action 09/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Donald E. Kaliher, Senior Procurement Analyst (0495A), Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Acquisition & Materiel Management, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420 Phone: 202 273-8819 Fax: 202 273-9302 Email: donald.kaliher@mail.va.gov Related RIN: Merged With 2900-AK78 RIN: 2900-AI99 _______________________________________________________________________ 2944. [bull] IMPLEMENTING THE HEALTH INSURANCE PORTABILITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT (HIPAA) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: PL 104-101 CFR Citation: 48 CFR 824; 48 CFR 852 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This document amends the Department of Veterans Affairs Acquisition Regulation (VAAR) to incorporate contract language required to implement the Administrative Simplification provisions of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), Public Law No. 104-191, title II, subtitle F, sections 261-264, 119 Stat. 1936, 2021-34 (11196). As mandated by HIPAA, the Department of Health and Human Services published rules that establish ``Standards for Privacy of Individually Identifiable Health Information'' (Privacy Rule) found at 45 CFR parts 106 and 164, subparts A and C, to protect the privacy of protected health information and the security of electronically protected health information in the hands of covered entities, including the Veterans Health Administration, and its business associates. This document adds a contract clause to the VAAR that will require VA contractors to protect the privacy and security of this information as defined and required by the Privacy and Security Rules. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 10/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Cathy Dailey, Senior Procurement Analyst (0495A), Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Acquisition and Materiel Management, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420 Phone: 202 273-8774 Fax: 202 273-9302 Email: cathy.dailey@mail.va.gov RIN: 2900-AL53 _______________________________________________________________________ BOARD OF VETERANS APPEALS ____________________________________________________ 2945. APPEALS REGULATIONS; RULES OF PRACTICE Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 38 USC 501; 38 USC 511; 38 USC 512; 38 USC 512(a); 38 USC 5903 to 5905; 38 USC 7102 to 7105; 38 USC 7109(c) CFR Citation: 38 CFR 19.3 (Revision); 38 CFR 20.609 (Revision); 38 CFR 20.903 (Revision); 38 CFR 20.1000; 38 CFR 20.1001; 38 CFR 20.1002; 38 CFR 20.1100 (Revision); 38 CFR 19.10; 38 CFR 19.15 (Revision); 38 CFR 19.39; 38 CFR 20.3; 38 CFR 20.101 (Revision); 38 CFR 20.102 (Revision); 38 CFR 20.201 (Revision); 38 CFR 20.605 (Revision); ... Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Board of Veterans Appeals will be further revising a recent restructuring of its Appeals Regulations and Rules of Practice (54 FR 34334) in order to address questions which have arisen since that restructuring was proposed. No other alternatives are available. These additional revisions will not entail any costs to the public or to the Government other than the costs normally associated with drafting, Agency review, and publication. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 02/03/92 57 FR 4131 NPRM Comment Period End 03/04/92 Final Action 10/00/03 [[Page 30911]] Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: These proposed regulations were previously a part of RIN 2900-AE02. Agency Contact: Steven L. Keller, Senior Deputy Vice Chairman, Department of Veterans Affairs, Board of Veterans Appeals, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420 Phone: 202 565-5978 RIN: 2900-AE78 _______________________________________________________________________ 2946. THE BOARD OF VETERANS' APPEALS; RULES OF PRACTICE--MOTION FOR REVIEW OF DECISIONS ON GROUNDS OF CLEAR AND UNMISTAKABLE ERROR Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 38 USC 501(a); 38 USC 7104(d); 38 USC 7111 CFR Citation: 38 CFR 20.1403; 38 CFR 20.1405(a); 38 CFR 20.1405(b) Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Board of Veterans Appeals is amending its Rules of Practice at 38 CFR part 20 to add a provision to provide for advancing Clear and Unmistakable Error (CUE) motions on the docket. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 10/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Steven L. Keller, Senior Deputy Vice Chairman, Department of Veterans Affairs, Board of Veterans Appeals, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420 Phone: 202 565-5978 RIN: 2900-AJ85 _______________________________________________________________________ 2947. RULES OF PRACTICE: MEDICAL OPINIONS FROM THE VETERANS HEALTH ADMINISTRATION Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 38 USC 501(a); 38 USC 5107(a) CFR Citation: 38 CFR 20.901(a) Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Board of Veterans' Appeals (Board) is amending its appeals regulations to clarify that it may obtain medical opinions from VA's Veterans Health Administration (VHA). The current rule, 38 CFR 20.901(a), makes an obsolete reference to the ``Chief Medical Director,'' a title eliminated in 1992 and replaced by ``Under Secretary for Health.'' The revised rule would clarify that the Board may obtain opinions from VHA, not from the individual who happens to be the Under Secretary for Health. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 07/23/01 66 FR 38158 Interim Final Rule Effective 07/23/01 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 09/21/01 Final Action 10/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Steven L. Keller, Senior Deputy Vice Chairman, Department of Veterans Affairs, Board of Veterans Appeals, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420 Phone: 202 565-5978 RIN: 2900-AK52 _______________________________________________________________________ 2948. BOARD OF VETERANS' APPEALS: SPEEDING APPELLATE REVIEW FOR AGING VETERANS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 38 USC 501(a); 38 USC 7107 CFR Citation: 38 CFR 20.900(c) Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Board of Veterans' Appeals may advance a case on its docket for earlier consideration for ``sufficient cause shown,'' 38 U.S.C. section 7107(a)(2). This regulation will expand the regulatory definition of ``sufficient cause'' in the Board's Rules of Practice to include advanced age. This will permit the Board, on motion, to expedite consideration of appeals from veterans and dependents, age 75 or more, who may be nearing the end of their life expectancy. There is now a sizable cohort of veterans of advanced age, particularly surviving combat veterans from World War II and the Korean War. No other alternatives are available. This amendment will not entail any risks or costs to the public or to the Government other than the costs normally associated with drafting, Agency review, and publication. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/12/02 67 FR 40255 NPRM Comment Period End 08/12/02 Final Action 10/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Steven L. Keller, Senior Deputy Vice Chairman, Department of Veterans Affairs, Board of Veterans Appeals, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420 Phone: 202 565-5978 RIN: 2900-AL08 _______________________________________________________________________ 2949. BOARD OF VETERANS' APPEALS RULES OF PRACTICE: USE OF SUPPLEMENTAL STATEMENT OF THE CASE Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 38 USC 501(a); 38 USC 7105(d); 38 USC 7105A CFR Citation: 38 CFR 20.302(c); 38 CFR 20.501(c) Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Board of Veterans' Appeals is amending its Rules of Practice to remove the requirement that an appellant must file a timely substantive appeal with respect to issues covered in a Supplemental Statement of the Case (SSOC) that were not in the original Statement of the Case (SOC). This rule amends 38 CFR 20.302(c) and 20.501(c) to eliminate the language relating to responding to ``new issues'' in SSOCs. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 10/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Steven L. Keller, Senior Deputy Vice Chairman, Department of Veterans Affairs, Board of Veterans Appeals, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420 [[Page 30912]] Phone: 202 565-5978 Related RIN: Related To 2900-AK91 RIN: 2900-AL42 _______________________________________________________________________ NATIONAL CEMETERY SYSTEM ____________________________________________________ 2950. ELIGIBILITY FOR A HEADSTONE OR MARKER FOR GRAVES ALREADY MARKED AT PRIVATE EXPENSE; APPLICATIONS FOR HEADSTONE AND MARKER Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: PL 107-103, sec 502 CFR Citation: 38 CFR 1.632 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This interim final rule will amend the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) regulations to reflect changes made by the Veterans Education and Benefits Expansion Act of 2001 and the Veterans Improvement Act of 2002. We propose to amend through regulation the changes to burial benefits that will allow VA to furnish an appropriate Government headstone or marker for the graves of eligible veterans buried in private cemeteries, regardless of whether the grave has been previously marked with a privately purchased marker. The provision applies to eligible veterans who have died on or after September 11, 2001. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 10/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Agency Contact: Karen Barber, Program Analyst (402B3), Department of Veterans Affairs, National Cemetery Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420 Phone: 202 273-5183 Fax: 202 273-6697 Email: karen.barber@mail.va.gov RIN: 2900-AL40 _______________________________________________________________________ OFFICE OF EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY ____________________________________________________ 2951. NONDISCRIMINATION ON THE BASIS OF RACE, COLOR, OR NATIONAL ORIGIN; HANDICAP; AND AGE IN PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES RECEIVING FEDERAL ASSISTANCE Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 29 USC 794; 42 USC 2000d-1; 42 USC 6101 CFR Citation: 38 CFR 18 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Department of Justice, pursuant to Executive Order 12250, is requesting that Federal agencies with title VI, section 504, and Age Discrimination Act regulations jointly issue amendments to their regulations to incorporate the Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1987 revisions. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/06/00 65 FR 76460 NPRM Comment Period End 01/05/01 Final Action 09/00/03 Final Action Effective 10/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Tyrone Eddins, External Affairs Manager, Office of Resolution Management (08), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420 Phone: 202 501-2801 Fax: 202 501-2885 RIN: 2900-AK13 _______________________________________________________________________ OFFICE OF THE GENERAL COUNSEL ____________________________________________________ 2952. RELEASE OF INFORMATION FROM DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS RECORDS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 5 USC 552; 5 USC 552a; 38 USC 5701 CFR Citation: 38 CFR 1.500 to 1.584 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This document amends the Department of Veterans Affairs regulations governing the confidentiality and release of VA records subject to the Privacy Act, 5 U.S.C. 552a, the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552, and the veterans' records confidentiality statute (section 5701), 38 U.S.C. 5701. The amendments will implement court decisions and executive branch guidance issued since the regulations were originally published. The amendment is part of the Administration's effort to simplify, clarify, and modernize Federal regulations. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 09/10/98 63 FR 48455 NPRM Comment Period End 11/09/98 Final Action 07/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Lorraine M. Johnson, Deputy Assistant General Counsel (024A), Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of General Counsel, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420 Phone: 202 273-6381 RIN: 2900-AH98 _______________________________________________________________________ 2953. [bull] DELEGATIONS OF AUTHORITY; OFFICE OF REGULATORY POLICY AND MANAGEMENT (ORPM) Priority: Info./Admin./Other Legal Authority: 38 USC 501; 38 USC 503; 38 USC 512 CFR Citation: 38 CFR 2.6; 38 CFR 2.7 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This document sets forth a delegation of authority to the Assistant to the Secretary for Regulation Policy and Management to manage and coordinate the Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA) rulemaking process. The delegation is necessary to transfer certain rulemaking responsibilities to the newly formed Office of Regulation Policy and Management in the Office of the Secretary. The delegation of authority is intended to improve the organization, clarity, and timeliness of VA regulations through centralized management and control. This document also make minor technical amendments to a current delegation of authority that concerns the provision of relief on account of administrative error. [[Page 30913]] Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 05/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Robert C. McFetridge, Director, Regulations Management (00REG1), Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of the Secretary, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420 Phone: 202 273-9215 RIN: 2900-AL61 _______________________________________________________________________ OFFICE OF POLICY AND PLANNING ____________________________________________________ 2954. PRIVACY ACT OF 1974--EXEMPTION OF POLICE AND SECURITY RECORDS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 38 USC 552 CFR Citation: 38 CFR 1.582 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This document amends the Department of Veterans Affairs regulations governing the confidentiality and release of VA records subject to the Privacy Act, 5 U.S.C. 552a. We are revising section 1.582, which exempts certain records from the provisions of the Privacy Act authorized under 5 U.S.C. 552a(j)(2) and (k)(2). This revision allows VA to exempt a new Privacy Act system of records relating to police and security records. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/19/02 67 FR 77737 NPRM Comment Period End 02/18/03 Final Action 10/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Tanya Al-Khateeb, Office of Security and Law Enforcement (07B), Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Policy and Planning, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420 Phone: 202 273-5511 RIN: 2900-AL33 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Long-Term Actions _______________________________________________________________________ VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION ____________________________________________________ 2955. GOVERNMENTWIDE DEBARMENT AND SUSPENSION (NONPROCUREMENT) AND REQUIREMENT FOR DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE (ASSISTANCE) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 38 CFR 44; 38 CFR 48 (New) Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 01/23/02 67 FR 3099 NPRM Comment Period End 03/25/02 Final Action To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Agency Contact: Robert D. Finneran Phone: 202 273-7368 Fax: 202 275-3523 Email: lgyrfinn@vba.va.gov RIN: 2900-AK16 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Completed Actions _______________________________________________________________________ 2956. PROVISION OF DRUGS AND MEDICINES TO CERTAIN VETERANS IN STATE NURSING HOMES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 38 CFR 17.96 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 03/13/03 68 FR 11977 Final Action Effective 03/13/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Jeff Ramirez Phone: 202 273-8428 RIN: 2900-AJ34 _______________________________________________________________________ 2957. PAYMENT OR REIMBURSEMENT FOR EMERGENCY TREATMENT FURNISHED AT NON- VA FACILITIES Priority: Economically Significant. Major under 5 USC 801. CFR Citation: 38 CFR 17 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 01/24/03 68 FR 3401 Final Action Effective 03/25/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Roscoe G. Butler Phone: 202 273-8302 Fax: 202 273-9609 Email: roscoe.butler@hq.med.va.gov RIN: 2900-AK08 _______________________________________________________________________ 2958. REASONABLE CHARGES FOR MEDICAL CARE OR SERVICES Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 38 CFR 17.101 [[Page 30914]] Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 04/29/03 68 FR 22966 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: David Cleaver Phone: 202 254-0361 Related RIN: Related To 2900-AJ30, Related To 2900-AK73, Related To 2900-AL05, Related To 2900-AL06 RIN: 2900-AK39 _______________________________________________________________________ 2959. REASONABLE CHARGES FOR MEDICAL CARE OR SERVICES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 38 CFR 17.101 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 04/29/03 68 FR 22966 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: David Cleaver Phone: 202 254-0361 Related RIN: Related To 2900-AJ30, Related To 2900-AK39, Related To 2900-AL05, Related To 2900-AL06 RIN: 2900-AK73 _______________________________________________________________________ 2960. HEALTH CARE FOR CHILDREN BORN WITH ONE OR MORE COVERED BIRTH DEFECTS TO VIETNAM VETERANS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 38 CFR 17.900 to 1905 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 01/08/03 68 FR 1009 Final Action Effective 01/08/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Susan K. Schmetzer Phone: 303 331-7552 Email: schmetzer@champva.denver.va.gov RIN: 2900-AK88 _______________________________________________________________________ 2961. CIVILIAN HEALTH AND MEDICAL PROGRAM OF DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (CHAMPVA) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 38 CFR 17.271; 38 CFR 17.272; 38 CFR 17.274 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 11/01/02 67 FR 66554 Final Action Effective 11/01/02 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Susan K. Schmetzer Phone: 303 331-7552 Email: schmetzer@champva.denver.va.gov RIN: 2900-AK89 _______________________________________________________________________ 2962. FISHER HOUSES AND OTHER TEMPORARY LODGING Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 38 CFR 60 (New) Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 02/24/03 68 FR 8547 Final Action Effective 03/26/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Jill E. Manske Phone: 202 273-8549 Fax: 202 273-8385 Email: jill.manske@hq.med.va.gov RIN: 2900-AL13 _______________________________________________________________________ 2963. VOCATIONAL TRAINING FOR CERTAIN CHILDREN OF VIETNAM VETERANS-- COVERED BIRTH DEFECTS AND SPINA BIFIDA Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 38 CFR 21.8010 to 21.8410 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 12/06/02 67 FR 72563 Final Action Effective 12/06/02 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Charles A. Graffam Phone: 202 273-7410 TDD Phone: 202 275-5636 Email: vrecgraf@vba.va.gov RIN: 2900-AK90 _______________________________________________________________________ 2964. EXTENSION OF THE PRESUMPTIVE PERIOD FOR COMPENSATION FOR GULF WAR VETERANS' UNDIAGNOSED ILLNESSES Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 38 CFR 3.317 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 12/27/02 67 FR 78979 Final Action Effective 12/27/02 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Randy A. McKevitt Phone: 202 273-7211 Fax: 202 273-1728 Email: caprmcke@vba.va.gov RIN: 2900-AK98 _______________________________________________________________________ 2965. SERVICE CONNECTION BY PRESUMPTION OF AGGRAVATION OF A CHRONIC PREEXISTING DISEASE; PRESUMPTION OF HERBICIDE EXPOSURE Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 38 CFR 3.307; 38 CFR 3.309 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 11/07/02 67 FR 2002 Final Action Effective 11/07/02 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: John Bisset Phone: 202 273-7213 Fax: 202 275-1728 RIN: 2900-AL20 _______________________________________________________________________ 2966. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS ACQUISITION REGULATION--SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION PROCEDURES FOR HEALTH CARE RESOURCES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 48 CFR 801; 48 CFR 806; 48 CFR 812; 48 CFR 837; 48 CFR 852; 48 CFR 873 [[Page 30915]] Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 01/24/03 68 FR 3465 Final Action Effective 02/24/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Donald E. Kaliher Phone: 202 273-8819 Fax: 202 273-9302 Email: donald.kaliher@mail.va.gov RIN: 2900-AI71 _______________________________________________________________________ 2967. APPEALS REGULATIONS: TITLE FOR MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF VETERANS APPEALS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 38 CFR 19.2 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 02/10/03 68 FR 6622 Final Action Effective 02/10/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Steven L. Keller Phone: 202 565-5978 RIN: 2900-AK62 _______________________________________________________________________ 2968. BOARD OF VETERANS' APPEALS: RULES OF PRACTICE--APPEAL WITHDRAWAL Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 38 CFR 20.204 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Rule 03/19/03 68 FR 13235 Final Action Effective 04/18/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Steven L. Keller Phone: 202 565-5978 RIN: 2900-AK71 _______________________________________________________________________ 2969. ELIGIBILITY FOR BURIAL OF DEPENDENT ADULT CHILDREN OF ELIGIBLE VETERANS AND ELIGIBILITY FOR BURIAL OF CERTAIN FILIPINO VETERANS Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 38 CFR 1.620 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 04/01/03 68 FR 15659 Final Action Effective 05/01/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Karen Barber Phone: 202 273-5183 Fax: 202 273-6697 Email: karen.barber@mail.va.gov RIN: 2900-AI95 _______________________________________________________________________ 2970. RECOGNITION OF ORGANIZATIONS AND ACCREDITATION OF REPRESENTATIVES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 38 CFR 14.626 to 14.635 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 02/24/03 68 FR 8541 Final Action Effective 02/24/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: State Agency Contact: Richard J. Hipolit Phone: 202 273-6329 RIN: 2900-AI93 _______________________________________________________________________ 2971. REFERRAL OF INFORMATION REGARDING CRIMINAL VIOLATIONS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 38 CFR 0.800; 38 CFR 0.810; 38 CFR 0.820; 38 CFR 0.830; 38 CFR 0.840; 38 CFR 14.560; 38 CFR 14.563; 38 CFR 17.170 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 04/10/03 68 FR 17549 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Federal Agency Contact: Michael R. Bennett Phone: 202 565-8678 Fax: 202 565-8113 RIN: 2900-AL31 [FR Doc. 03-8007 Filed 05-23-03; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8320-01-S