[Unified Agenda of Federal Regulations] [Department of Veterans Affairs Semiannual Regulatory Agenda ] [From the U.S. Government Printing Office, www.gpo.gov] _______________________________________________________________________ Part XVI Department of Veterans Affairs _______________________________________________________________________ Semiannual Regulatory Agenda ======================================================================= DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS 38 CFR Ch. I Agenda of Federal Regulations AGENCY: Department of Veterans Affairs. ACTION: Publication of agenda of regulations. _______________________________________________________________________ SUMMARY: This agenda announces the regulations that the Department of Veterans Affairs will have under review, development, or revision during the 12-month period from April 1994 to April 1995. The purpose in publishing the Department's regulatory development activities is to allow all interested persons the opportunity to participate in the rulemaking process. ADDRESSES: Interested persons are invited to comment on the regulations listed in the agenda by contacting the individual agency contact listed for each regulation or by writing to: Director, Records Management Service (723), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Cliff Slay, (202) 233-4251. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Department of Veterans Affairs regulatory actions under development or review are listed in this agenda. Executive Order 12866 ``Regulatory Planning and Review'' and the Regulatory Flexibility Act (Pub. L. 96-354) require that executive agencies publish in the Federal Register, in April and October of each year, an agenda of regulations under development or review. This agenda has been prepared in accordance with OMB memorandum dated December 14, 1993, and incorporates those categories of information required pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 602(a) and 610(c) of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. Dated: February 22, 1994. Frank E. Lalley, Associate Deputy Assistant Secretary for Information Resources and Oversight. Prerule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3514 Aid to States for Care of Veterans in State Homes and Grants to States for Construction or Acquisition of State Home Facilities.................................. 2900-AE87 3515 Employee Fiduciaries.................................................................. 2900-AB50 3516 Disability or Death From Hospitalization, Medical or Surgical Treatment............... 2900-AG12 3517 Revision of Decisions................................................................. 2900-AG32 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Proposed Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3518 Disposition of Veteran's Personal Funds and Effects on Facility Upon Death, or Discharge, or Unauthorized Absence, and of Funds and Effects Found on Facility........ 2900-AB61 3519 CHAMPVA Regulations................................................................... 2900-AE64 3520 Health Professionals Education Assistance Program..................................... 2900-AG68 3521 Transitional Housing Loan Program..................................................... 2900-AG82 3522 Eligibility for Outpatient Services................................................... 2900-AG87 3523 Counseling for Women Veterans......................................................... 2900-AG88 3524 Eligibility for Hospital, Domiciliary or Nursing Home Care of Persons Discharged or Released From Active Military, Naval, or Air Service.................................. 2900-AG89 3525 VA Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem Program...................................... 2900-AG91 3526 Payment for Outpatient Medical Services Provided by Non-VA providers.................. 2900-AG92 3527 1. Veterans Services Officer (VSO) To Select and Appoint or Recommend for Appointment the Person or Legal Entity To Receive Benefits in a Fiduciary Capacity 2. Direct Payment............................................................................... 2900-AB75 3528 1. Payment to the Wife or Husband of an Incompetent Veteran 2. Legal Custodian........ 2900-AB76 3529 Apportionment of Benefits to Dependents; Payment of Cost of Veteran's Maintenance in Institution; Recommendation for Payment............................................... 2900-AC10 3530 Compliance With Civil Rights Provisions............................................... 2900-AC72 3531 Reservists' Education; PL 101-237 and the Montgomery GI Bill--Selected Reserve........ 2900-AE43 3532 Acceptance of Partial Payments; Indemnification of Default............................ 2900-AE60 3533 Schedule for Rating Disabilities--The Orthopedic System............................... 2900-AE91 3534 Schedule for Rating Disabilities--Mental Disorders.................................... 2900-AF01 3535 Line of Duty.......................................................................... 2900-AF03 3536 Schedule for Rating Disabilities--Diseases of the Ear and Other Sense Organs.......... 2900-AF22 3537 Schedule for Rating Disabilities--Neurological Conditions and Convulsive Disorders.... 2900-AF23 3538 Schedule for Rating Disabilities--Digestive System.................................... 2900-AF24 3539 Reduction of Debt Through the Performance of Work-Study Services...................... 2900-AF29 3540 Reservists' Education; The Persian Gulf Conflict Supplemental Authorization and Personnel Benefits Act of 1991 and the Montgomery GI Bill--Selected Reserve........... 2900-AF33 3541 Reservists' Education; Commencing Date of Award of Educational Assistance............. 2900-AF74 3542 Veterans' Education; Suspension and Discontinuance of Payments........................ 2900-AF85 3543 Reasonable Doubt...................................................................... 2900-AF97 3544 Veterans' Education; Suspension and Discontinuance of Payments Under the Post-Vietnam Era Veterans' Educational Assistance Program.......................................... 2900-AG04 3545 Reservists' Education; Suspension and Discontinuance of Payments Under the Montgomery GI Bill--Selected Reserve............................................................. 2900-AG05 3546 Loan Guaranty: Implementation of Public Law 102-547................................... 2900-AG14 3547 Veterans' Education; Implementation of the Veterans' Benefits Act of 1992 and the National Defense Authorization Act for 1993........................................... 2900-AG22 3548 Veterans' Education; Veterans' Benefits Act of 1992 and the National Defense Authorization Act of 1993 in the Post-Vietnam Era Veterans' Educational Assistance Program............................................................................... 2900-AG23 3549 Reservists' Education; Implementation of the Veterans' Benefits Act of 1992 and the National Defense Authorization Act of 1993............................................ 2900-AG24 3550 Accrued Benefits...................................................................... 2900-AG48 3551 Examinations.......................................................................... 2900-AG50 3552 Veterans' Training Under the Service Members Occupational Conversion and Training Act. 2900-AG56 3553 Veterans Education: Increase in Rates Payable Under the Montgomery GI Bill - Active Duty.................................................................................. 2900-AG60 3554 Reservist Education: Increase in Rates Payable Under the Montgomery GI Bill - Selected Reserve............................................................................... 2900-AG61 3555 Dependents and Veterans Education: Mitigating Circumstances and Other Miscellaneous Amendments............................................................................ 2900-AG63 3556 Exclusions From Income (Just Debts)................................................... 2900-AG70 3557 Claims Based on Exposure to Ionizing Radiation........................................ 2900-AG71 3558 Diseases Specific as to Former Prisoners of War....................................... 2900-AG76 3559 Hearing Officers...................................................................... 2900-AG79 3560 Claims Based On Service in Vietnam.................................................... 2900-AG80 3561 Disability or Death Due to Hospitalization, Etc....................................... 2900-AG84 3562 Evidence Requirements................................................................. 2900-AG85 3563 Veterans' Education: Approval of Courses Offered in Guam and American Samoa........... 2900-AG93 3564 Veterans' Education: Approval of Work-experience Courses.............................. 2900-AG95 3565 Reservists' Education: Implementation of the Department of Defense Authorization Act for 1994.............................................................................. 2900-AG96 3566 Department of Veterans Affairs Acquisition Regulation--Service Contracting............ 2900-AC86 3567 Acquisition Regulation: Contractor Qualifications..................................... 2900-AE16 3568 Department of VA Acquisition Regulation- Changes to Synopsizing Procedures, Bond Requirements, Procurement of Architect-Engineer Services, & Contract Clauses.......... 2900-AG40 3569 Department of Veterans Affairs Acquisition Regulation--Contract Modification.......... 2900-AG64 3570 Department of Veterans Affairs Acquisition Regulation--Loan Guaranty and Vocational Rehabilitation and Counseling Programs................................................ 2900-AG65 3571 Department of Veterans Affairs Acquisition Regulation--Department of Veterans Affairs Acquisition Regulations System........................................................ 2900-AG66 3572 Appeals Regulations; Rules of Practice................................................ 2900-AF54 3573 Rules of Practice; Representation..................................................... 2900-AG08 3574 Appeals Regulations; Rules of Practice................................................ 2900-AG09 3575 Rules of Practice: Medical Opinions................................................... 2900-AG90 3576 Rules of Practice; Hearings........................................................... 2900-AG07 3577 Revocation of Delegation to Issue Subpoenas Pursuant to 38 USC 3311 and Specify Permissible Methods of Service........................................................ 2900-AE77 3578 Waiver: Erroneous Payment of Pay and Allowances....................................... 2900-AG94 3579 Standards for Program Evaluation...................................................... 2900-AE30 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Final Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3580 Confidentiality of Certain Medical Records............................................ 2900-AE28 3581 Health Professionals' Educational Assistance Program.................................. 2900-AF87 3582 Confidentiality of Health Care Quality Assurance Reviews.............................. 2900-AG01 3583 Contract Program for Veterans with Alcohol and Drug Dependency Disorders.............. 2900-AG58 3584 Travel Authority for Beneficiaries Receiving Pension.................................. 2900-AG72 3585 Full Disclosure of Beneficiary's Income and Assets.................................... 2900-AD35 3586 Loan Guaranty: Title Evidence Requirements and Occupancy Requirements for Conveyance of Properties to VA................................................................... 2900-AE20 3587 Schedule for Rating Disabilities--The Cardiovascular System........................... 2900-AE40 3588 Schedule for Rating Disabilities--The Endocrine System................................ 2900-AE41 3589 Schedule for Rating Disabilities--The Gynecological System............................ 2900-AE72 3590 Schedule for Rating Disabilities--The Muscular System................................. 2900-AE89 3591 Schedule for Rating Disabilities--The Respiratory System.............................. 2900-AE94 3592 Schedule for Rating Disabilities--Systemic Conditions................................. 2900-AE95 3593 Schedule for Rating Disabilities--The Skin............................................ 2900-AF00 3594 Schedule for Rating Disabilities--The Hemic and Lymphatic System...................... 2900-AF02 3595 Reservists' Education; Change of Program of Education................................. 2900-AF10 3596 Disability or Death From Hospitalization, Medical or Surgical Treatment............... 2900-AF27 3597 Veterans' Benefits; Eligibility for the Montgomery GI Bill--Active Duty............... 2900-AF30 3598 Loan Guaranty; Credit Underwriting Standards and Procedures for Processing VA Guaranteed Loans...................................................................... 2900-AF39 3599 Implementing Statutory Changes........................................................ 2900-AF48 3600 Service-Disabled Veterans' Insurance.................................................. 2900-AF69 3601 Interest on Premiums In Arrears....................................................... 2900-AF71 3602 Procedural Due Process and Appellant Rights........................................... 2900-AF94 3603 Amendments to Training and Rehabilitation Programs.................................... 2900-AG00 3604 Revised Definition of Net Value and Revised Criteria for Pre-Foreclosure Debt Waivers. 2900-AG20 3605 Procedural Due Process and Appellate Rights........................................... 2900-AG28 3606 Claims Based on Chronic Effects of Exposure to Vesicant Agents........................ 2900-AG29 3607 Increase in Amount of Veterans' Mortgage Life Insurance............................... 2900-AG36 3608 Supplemental Service-Disabled Veterans' Insurance (S-DVI)............................. 2900-AG37 3609 Increased Coverage for Servicemen's and Veterans' Group Life Insurance................ 2900-AG38 3610 Disability Due to Impaired Hearing.................................................... 2900-AG44 3611 Radiogenic Disease Provisions (Urinary Tract Definition).............................. 2900-AG46 3612 Exclusions From Income................................................................ 2900-AG47 3613 Returned and Cancelled Checks......................................................... 2900-AG51 3614 Continuous Cohabitation............................................................... 2900-AG53 3615 Veterans' Education; Flight Training.................................................. 2900-AG54 3616 Increase in Attorneys' Fees........................................................... 2900-AG55 3617 Veterans Education: Clarification of Eligibility Requirements for the Montgomery GI Bill - Active Duty.................................................................... 2900-AG59 3618 Disease Associated with Exposure to Certain Herbicide Agents.......................... 2900-AG69 3619 Disease Associated With Exposure to Certain Herbicide Agents (Multiple Myeloma and Respiratory Cancers).................................................................. 2900-AG73 3620 Dependents' Educational Assistance; Certification..................................... 2900-AG74 3621 Active Military Service Certified Under Section 401 of Public Law 95-202.............. 2900-AG81 3622 Exclusions From Income (Tribal Trust Land Income)..................................... 2900-AG83 3623 Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.............................................................. 2900-AG86 3624 Schedule for Rating Disabilities: Genital Urinary System (Special Monthly Compensation)......................................................................... 2900-AG97 3625 Department of Veterans Affairs Acquisition Regulation--Service Contracting and Contract Clauses...................................................................... 2900-AG67 3626 Appeals Regulations; Rules of Practice................................................ 2900-AE78 3627 Rules of Practice; Attorneys' and Agents' Fees........................................ 2900-AG42 3628 Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Sex Under Federally Assisted Education Programs and Activities............................................................................ 2900-AB51 3629 Operation of Child Care Centers at VA Facilities...................................... 2900-AD48 3630 Release of VA Lists of Names and Addresses and Penalty Procedures for Unauthorized Use 2900-AC63 3631 New Restrictions on Lobbying.......................................................... 2900-AE74 3632 FOIA: Receipt of Electronically Transmitted Facsimile Request or Appeal; Time Limit on Right of Administrative Appeal; and No Record As Adverse Determination................ 2900-AF62 3633 Contact Person for Missing Children: Official Mail Program............................ 2900-AG75 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Completed Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3634 Reporting Health Care Practitioners to State Licensing Boards......................... 2900-AE27 3635 Schedule for Rating Disabilities; Genitourinary System Disabilities................... 2900-AE11 3636 Reservists' Education; Procedural Due Process, Montgomery GI Bill --Selected Reserve.. 2900-AE49 3637 Veterans' Education; Standardization of Programs...................................... 2900-AE82 3638 Veterans' Education; Nonduplication of Benefits....................................... 2900-AE84 3639 Veterans' Education; Increase in Rates Payable in the Educational Assistance Test Program............................................................................... 2900-AF36 3640 Schedule for Rating Disabilities; Dental and Oral Conditions.......................... 2900-AF41 3641 Updating Rehabilitation Criteria...................................................... 2900-AF49 3642 Claims Based on Exposure to Herbicides Containing Dioxin (Peripheral Neuropathy/Lung Cancer)............................................................................... 2900-AF57 3643 Veterans' Education; Changing Programs for Post-Vietnam Veterans...................... 2900-AF59 3644 Reservists' Education; Implementation of the Veterans' Educational Assistance Amendments of 1991.................................................................... 2900-AF78 3645 Zero Percent Disability Evaluations................................................... 2900-AG10 3646 Loan Guaranty: Limited Denial of Participation in the Loan Guaranty Program........... 2900-AG13 3647 Direct Loans to Native American Veterans on Trust Lands............................... 2900-AG19 3648 Procedural Due Process and Appellate Rights........................................... 2900-AG33 3649 Determination of Basic Eligibility.................................................... 2900-AG35 3650 Aggravation of Preservice Disability.................................................. 2900-AG45 3651 Procedural Due Process and Appellate Rights........................................... 2900-AG57 3652 Veterans Education: End of Training Under the Veterans Job Training Act............... 2900-AG62 3653 Veterans' Education; Veterans' Job Training Act....................................... 2900-AG77 3654 Department of Veterans Affairs Acquisition Regulation- Changes to Solicitation Provisions, Contract Clauses and Their Prescriptions.................................. 2900-AC87 3655 Acquisition Regulation--Sealed Bidding................................................ 2900-AE17 3656 Department of Veterans Affairs Acquisition Regulation--Foreign Acquisition and Contract Clause....................................................................... 2900-AG39 3657 Establishing Billing Rates for Recovering the Costs of Providing Ambulatory Surgical Procedures............................................................................ 2900-AF83 3658 Testimony of Department Personnel and Production of Department Records in Legal Proceedings........................................................................... 2900-AE76 3659 Standards of Ethical Conduct and Related Responsibilities............................. 2900-AG27 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------_______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Prerule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ VETERANS HEALTH ADMINISTRATION _________________________________________________________________________ 3514. AID TO STATES FOR CARE OF VETERANS IN STATE HOMES AND GRANTS TO STATES FOR CONSTRUCTION OR ACQUISITION OF STATE HOME FACILITIES Significance: Subject to OMB review: Undetermined Economically significant: Undetermined Legal Authority: 38 USC 1741; 38 USC 1742; 38 USC 1743; 38 USC 8131; 38 USC 8132; 38 USC 8133; 38 USC 8134; 38 USC 8135; 38 USC 8136; 38 USC 8137 CFR Citation: 38 CFR 17.165; 38 CFR 17.166; 38 CFR 17.167; 38 CFR 17.183 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Several laws have been enacted since the last revision and update of the regulations governing the State Home Per Diem Program. Among them is Public Law 100-322 which provided the Secretary, Department of Veterans Affairs, to evaluate per diem rates annually and increase as appropriate; the rates may not exceed the percentage increase in VA general hospitals. Numerous other changes and updates are needed to assist the States in recognition of State homes, various options for operating State homes such as contracting or leasing and clarification of States' responsibilities for providing financial support for the operation, opening of beds, after completing construction in which VA provided up to 65 percent of the cost. Timeframes for opening beds and clarification of assurance of financial support needs to be documented. Current regulations will be updated and revised to accomplish these purposes. Additionally updates are necessary for the State Home Construction Program. Public Law 102-585 amended the time for conditional grant approvals, prohibits obligation of funds for rescinded projects during the same fiscal year, defined the date the recapture period (cont) Timetable: _________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite _________________________________________________________________________ ANPRM 11/00/94 NPRM 05/00/95 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: ABSTRACT CONT: begins, and provides for retroactive per diem payment after completion of recognition inspection. Further, the Life Safety Code requires updating to the 1993 edition and various other technical and editorial changes need to be made. Agency Contact: L. Nan Stout (114b), Chief, State Home Per Diem Program or Chief State Home Construction Grant Prog., Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration (114B), 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420, 202 535-7538 RIN: 2900-AE87 _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Prerule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION _________________________________________________________________________ 3515. EMPLOYEE FIDUCIARIES Legal Authority: 38 USC 501(a) CFR Citation: 38 CFR 0.735-21 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The existing regulation falls under the general rules of conduct for employees. The intended change will bar most employees from becoming fiduciaries for beneficiaries of Department of Veterans Affairs benefits and establish an exemption to the bar under a limited number of circumstances such as when the employee is a close relative. Timetable: Next Action Undetermined Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: William B. Saliski, Jr., Program Analyst (273), Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefits Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420, 202 233-5291 RIN: 2900-AB50 _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Prerule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION _________________________________________________________________________ 3516. DISABILITY OR DEATH FROM HOSPITALIZATION, MEDICAL OR SURGICAL TREATMENT Significance: Subject to OMB review: Undetermined Economically significant: Undetermined Legal Authority: 38 USC 1151 CFR Citation: 38 CFR 3.3581(b) Legal Deadline: None Abstract: To clarify when benefits based upon disability or death resulting from hospitalization, medical or surgical treatment, or pursuit of a vocational rehabilitation program may be authorized. Timetable: Next Action Undetermined Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: John Bisset, Jr., Consultant, Regulations Staff (211B), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420, 202 233-3005 RIN: 2900-AG12 _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Prerule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION _________________________________________________________________________ 3517. REVISION OF DECISIONS Significance: Subject to OMB review: Undetermined Economically significant: Undetermined Legal Authority: 38 USC 501(a) CFR Citation: 38 CFR 3.105(a) Legal Deadline: None Abstract: To amend adjudication regulations concerning revision of decisions based upon clear and unmistakable error to clarify that the scope of the regulation is limited to the review of Regional Office decisions that have not been affirmed by a decision of the Board of Veterans Appeals. Timetable: Next Action Undetermined Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: John Bisset, Jr., Consultant, Regulations Staff (211B), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420, 202 233-3005 RIN: 2900-AG32 _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Proposed Rule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ VETERANS HEALTH ADMINISTRATION _________________________________________________________________________ 3518. DISPOSITION OF VETERAN'S PERSONAL FUNDS AND EFFECTS ON FACILITY UPON DEATH, OR DISCHARGE, OR UNAUTHORIZED ABSENCE, AND OF FUNDS AND EFFECTS FOUND ON FACILITY Significance: Subject to OMB review: Yes Legal Authority: 38 USC 210(c) CFR Citation: 38 CFR 12.0 to 12.24 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Section 208 of Public Law 94-581 provides that unclaimed property or funds and effects left by a dependent or survivor of a veteran receiving medical care at a Department of Veterans Affairs facility as a CHAMPVA beneficiary will be disposed of in the same or similar manner as such property left by a veteran. Also, estates of dependents or survivors of a veteran who dies intestate and without legal heirs while a patient in any Department of Veterans Affairs facility or any hospital, while being furnished care or treatment therein by VA will escheat to the U.S. Government. Some of these regulations have not been updated since 1948, therefore, editorial changes will be made which will not affect policy. Timetable: _________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite _________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/00/94 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Anna Franks, Medical Administration Program Specialist, Policies and Procedures (161B1), Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420, 202 535-7390 RIN: 2900-AB61 _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Proposed Rule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ VETERANS HEALTH ADMINISTRATION _________________________________________________________________________ 3519. CHAMPVA REGULATIONS Significance: Subject to OMB review: Undetermined Legal Authority: 38 USC 1713 CFR Citation: 38 CFR 17.54 to 17.54f Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Title 38, CFR, part 17, section 17.54, sets forth the basic policies and procedures governing the administration of the CHAMPVA program. This proposed revision to 38 CFR 17.54, would incorporate revised CHAMPVA claims processing procedures and define benefits and services for this program. These proposed regulations will not have an effect on the economy, state or local government agencies or geographic regions, nor result in increases in costs, because the monetary impact would be insignificant. This regulatory action is important because current regulations describe the CHAMPVA program in terms of the initial agreement between VA and DoD (since modified) and do not address the program changes initiated by VA to centralize all CHAMPVA activities. The proposed regulations address the CHAMPVA Center's new role in program administration, including absorption of the previously contracted out claims processing activities. Timetable: _________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite _________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/00/94 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Stuart E. Mount, CHAMPVA Liaison, Administrative Services Officer (161), Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420, 202 535- 7660 RIN: 2900-AE64 _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Proposed Rule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ VETERANS HEALTH ADMINISTRATION _________________________________________________________________________ 3520. HEALTH PROFESSIONALS EDUCATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM Significance: Subject to OMB review: Undetermined Economically significant: Undetermined Legal Authority: 38 USC 765; PL 102-405, sec 202 CFR Citation: 38 CFR 17.607(c) Legal Deadline: None Abstract: VA will amend its medical regulations by changing 38 CFR 17.607 (c) duration of service from 1-year to 2-years in accordance with Public Law 102-405, section 202. Timetable: _________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite _________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/00/94 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Charlotte F. Beason, Director, Associated Health Professions, Education Programs Service (143A), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420, 202 535-7527 RIN: 2900-AG68 _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Proposed Rule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ VETERANS HEALTH ADMINISTRATION _________________________________________________________________________ 3521. TRANSITIONAL HOUSING LOAN PROGRAM Significance: Subject to OMB review: Undetermined Economically significant: Undetermined Regulatory Plan entry: Undetermined Legal Authority: PL 102-54, sec 8 CFR Citation: 38 CFR 17 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Veterans recently completing treatment for substance abuse problems are often in need of a period of supportive housing to ensure sobriety maintenance and to reestablish social and community relationships. Utilization of a loan program such as this is a cost- effective means of ensuring veteran support which can lessen the likelihood of substance abuse relapse. Administrative cost estimates have been set at $59,000 (to be adjusted for inflation). Timetable: _________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite _________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 04/00/94 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Public Compliance Cost: Initial Cost: $79,000; Yearly Recurring Cost: $59,000; Base Year for Dollar Estimates: 1994 Agency Contact: Frederick Lee, Acting Deputy Associate Director for Rehabilitation Services (590/111C), Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Rehabilitation Services (590/111C), VA Medical Center, Hampton, VA 23667, 804 722-9961 RIN: 2900-AG82 _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Proposed Rule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ VETERANS HEALTH ADMINISTRATION _________________________________________________________________________ 3522. ELIGIBILITY FOR OUTPATIENT SERVICES Significance: Subject to OMB review: Yes Legal Authority: PL 103-210 CFR Citation: 38 CFR 17.60 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Provides authority for furnishing outpatient medical services to veterans who served during the Persian Gulf war and whose disability resulted from exposure to environmental hazard. Timetable: _________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite _________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 04/00/94 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Wanda Elam, MAS Program Specialist, Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420, 202 535-7659 RIN: 2900-AG87 _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Proposed Rule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ VETERANS HEALTH ADMINISTRATION _________________________________________________________________________ 3523. COUNSELING FOR WOMEN VETERANS Significance: Subject to OMB review: Yes Legal Authority: PL 102-585; PL 103-210 CFR Citation: 38 CFR 17.57 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Authority for furnishing counseling to women veterans. Timetable: _________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite _________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/00/94 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Wanda Elam, MAS Program Specialist, Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420, 202 535-7659 RIN: 2900-AG88 _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Proposed Rule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ VETERANS HEALTH ADMINISTRATION _________________________________________________________________________ 3524. ELIGIBILITY FOR HOSPITAL, DOMICILIARY OR NURSING HOME CARE OF PERSONS DISCHARGED OR RELEASED FROM ACTIVE MILITARY, NAVAL, OR AIR SERVICE Significance: Subject to OMB review: Yes Legal Authority: PL 103-210 CFR Citation: 38 CFR 17.47(a)(5) Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Authority will be provided for furnishing hospital, domiciliary or nursing home care to veterans who served during the Persian Gulf War, and extend to June 30, 1994, eligibility for Agent Orange or Ionizing Radiation related hospital care. Timetable: _________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite _________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 04/00/94 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Wanda Elam, MAS Program Specialist, Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420, 202 535-7659 RIN: 2900-AG89 _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Proposed Rule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ VETERANS HEALTH ADMINISTRATION _________________________________________________________________________ 3525. VA HOMELESS PROVIDERS GRANT AND PER DIEM PROGRAM Legal Authority: PL 102-590, sec 3 CFR Citation: 38 CFR 501(a) Legal Deadline: NPRM, Statutory, February 1, 1994. Abstract: As many as 250,000 veterans are homeless, and many more are homeless at some point during a year. Many others are at risk because of poverty, chronic illnesses or dismal living conditions. Most are single males; about 40% suffer from severe mental illness and (with overlap) about half have substance abuse problems. PL 102-590 authorizes VA to assist public or nonprofit private entities in developing new programs or supportive services and supportive housing for homeless veterans through grants of up to 65% of the cost of acquiring, renovating, altering or constructing facilities; or to purchase vans. It also allows VA to make per diem payments for the care of homeless veterans or to provide in-kind assistance. These combined efforts will facilitate the development and continuance of effective solutions to the plight of homeless veterans. To maximize utilization of funding for this program, the proposed rule provides for monitoring and evaluation of projects that receive VA funding. Approximately $5 million is available in fiscal year 1994 for this program. Timetable: _________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite _________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 04/00/94 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Lynn Bailey, Homeless Specialist, Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420, 202 535-7313 RIN: 2900-AG91 _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Proposed Rule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ VETERANS HEALTH ADMINISTRATION _________________________________________________________________________ 3526. PAYMENT FOR OUTPATIENT MEDICAL SERVICES PROVIDED BY NON-VA PROVIDERS Significance: Subject to OMB review: Undetermined Economically significant: Undetermined Legal Authority: 38 USC 501, sec 17.60(i) CFR Citation: 38 CFR 17.60 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Department of Veterans Affairs is proposing regulations for reimbursement of outpatient medical services provided to eligible veterans by non-VA providers. The proposed regulation will allow the use of a 75th percentile payment methodology for the payment of non-VA outpatient medical services. Timetable: _________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite _________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/00/94 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Roscoe Butler, Program Anaylsy (161B1), Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420, 202 535-7436 RIN: 2900-AG92 _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Proposed Rule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION _________________________________________________________________________ 3527. 1. VETERANS SERVICES OFFICER (VSO) TO SELECT AND APPOINT OR RECOMMEND FOR APPOINTMENT THE PERSON OR LEGAL ENTITY TO RECEIVE BENEFITS IN A FIDUCIARY CAPACITY 2. DIRECT PAYMENT Significance: Subject to OMB review: Undetermined Legal Authority: 38 USC 5502 CFR Citation: 38 CFR 13.55; 38 CFR 13.56 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: 38 CFR 13.55 authorizes the VSO to select and appoint a fiduciary and defines the types of payees authorized to receive payments in fiduciary cases. The intended change updates the authority language to more closely reflect changes to 38 USC 5502; removes gender specific terminology and reference to mental illness; and, further clarifies the types of payees available for selection. 38 CFR 13.56 defines classes of beneficiaries who may be paid directly. The intended change clarifies the conditions for direct payment. Timetable: _________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite _________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/00/94 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Ronald Weaver, Program Analyst (273), Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefits Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420, 202 233-5291 RIN: 2900-AB75 _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Proposed Rule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION _________________________________________________________________________ 3528. 1. PAYMENT TO THE WIFE OR HUSBAND OF AN INCOMPETENT VETERAN 2. LEGAL CUSTODIAN Significance: Subject to OMB review: Undetermined Economically significant: Undetermined Legal Authority: 38 USC 5502 CFR Citation: 38 CFR 13.57; 38 CFR 13.58 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: 38 CFR 13.57 specifies types of Department of Veterans Affairs benefits that may be paid to spouse payee. The intended change broadens the class of payments to include Department of Veterans Affairs insurance. 38 CFR 13.58 explains in part duties expected of a legal custodian. Upon request the legal custodian may be required to divulge any information in the possession of the legal custodian about all income and assets available to the beneficiary. Timetable: _________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite _________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/00/94 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: William B. Saliski, Jr., Program Analyst (273), Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefits Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420, 202 233-5291 RIN: 2900-AB76 _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Proposed Rule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION _________________________________________________________________________ 3529. APPORTIONMENT OF BENEFITS TO DEPENDENTS; PAYMENT OF COST OF VETERAN'S MAINTENANCE IN INSTITUTION; RECOMMENDATION FOR PAYMENT Significance: Subject to OMB review: Undetermined Legal Authority: 38 USC 501(a); 38 USC 5502; 38 USC 5503; PL 98-543, Sec 402 CFR Citation: 38 CFR 13.70; 38 CFR 13.71; 38 CFR 13.74 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: 38 CFR 13.70 defines the conditions under which the Veterans Services Officer may recommend an apportionment of benefits to dependents. The proposed amendment will clarify these conditions. The amendment will also remove a reference to mental illness as the sole criterion for a rating of incompetency. 38 CFR 13.71 is to be amended to make clear that the signing of an institutional award agreement does not waive an institution's right to claim payments under 38 USC 641. This action is the result of an unpublished General Counsel opinion. 38 CFR 13.74 is based on the provisions of 38 USC sec. 3203(b) (1)(A); however, where the law refers to more than one type of institutional care, the regulation refers only to instances of hospitalization. This would seem to preclude application of the regulation when veterans are in State run nursing homes or other institutions operated by the United States or a political subdivision. The Department of Veterans Affairs, therefore, proposes to correct this defect by substituting the terms ``institution'' and ``institutionalization'' where appropriate. Timetable: Next Action Undetermined Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: State Agency Contact: William B. Saliski, Jr., Program Analyst (273), Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefits Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420, 202 233-5291 RIN: 2900-AC10 _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Proposed Rule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION _________________________________________________________________________ 3530. COMPLIANCE WITH CIVIL RIGHTS PROVISIONS Legal Authority: 38 USC 3115 CFR Citation: 38 CFR 21.324 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Compliance with civil rights provisions requires that payment of benefits to veterans be terminated upon a finding that a veteran is attending a facility which has been found in noncompliance with applicable provisions of part 18, Nondiscrimination in Federally Assisted Programs of the Department of Veterans Affairs. We propose to amend 38 CFR 21.324 to reflect this new requirement. Timetable: _________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite _________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 08/00/94 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Charles Graffam, Veterans Claims Examiner (281), Vocational Rehabilitation Service, Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefits Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420, 202 233-6495 RIN: 2900-AC72 _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Proposed Rule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION _________________________________________________________________________ 3531. RESERVISTS' EDUCATION; PL 101-237 AND THE MONTGOMERY GI BILL-- SELECTED RESERVE Significance: Subject to OMB review: Yes Legal Authority: PL 101-189; PL 101-237 CFR Citation: 38 CFR 21.7520; 38 CFR 21.7540; 38 CFR 21.7576; 38 CFR 21.7612; 38 CFR 21.7620; 38 CFR 21.7622; 38 CFR 21.7624; 38 CFR 21.7631; 38 CFR 21.7635; 38 CFR 21.7636; 38 CFR 21.7639; 38 CFR 21.7640; 38 CFR 21.7642; 38 CFR 21.7645; 38 CFR 21.7653; ... Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Department of Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Years 1990 and 1991 greatly expands the types of training permitted under the Montgomery GI Bill--Selected Reserve. The Veterans Education and Employment Amendments of 1989 also add a new type of training, flight training, to this program. Furthermore, the amendments also allow participants to receive a work-study allowance. The regulations which govern the Montgomery GI Bill--Selected Reserve must be amended to implement these new provisions of law. Timetable: _________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite _________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 00/00/00 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: RIN 2900-AE47 has been merged with this RIN. Agency Contact: June C. Schaeffer, Assistant Director for Policy and Program Administration (225), Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefits Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420, 202 233-2092 RIN: 2900-AE43 _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Proposed Rule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION _________________________________________________________________________ 3532. ACCEPTANCE OF PARTIAL PAYMENTS; INDEMNIFICATION OF DEFAULT Significance: Subject to OMB review: Yes Legal Authority: 38 USC 501(a); 38 USC 3703; 38 USC 3732 CFR Citation: 38 CFR 4202; 38 CFR 4275; 38 CFR 4301; 38 CFR 4315; 38 CFR 4323 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Public Law 101-237, the Veterans Home Loan Indemnity and Restructuring Act of 1989, amended 38 USC 1832(a) to require holders of VA guaranteed loans that are in default to notify VA if they refuse a partial payment of the amount owed when submitted by the veteran borrower. Notification may include a statement as to the circumstances of the default and the reason for the holder's refusal; these regulations will also set out the changed requirements with regard to establishing a veteran's liability to the Government in the event of foreclosure of a VA guaranteed loan. In the past veterans were liable if their VA loan foreclosed. Under Public Law 101-237 liability will only be established in the event of fraud, misrepresentation, or bad faith. Timetable: _________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite _________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 04/00/94 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Leonard A. Levy, Assistant Director for Loan Management (261), Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefits Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420, 202 233- 3668 RIN: 2900-AE60 _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Proposed Rule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION _________________________________________________________________________ 3533. SCHEDULE FOR RATING DISABILITIES--THE ORTHOPEDIC SYSTEM Significance: Subject to OMB review: Undetermined Economically significant: Undetermined Legal Authority: 38 USC 1155 CFR Citation: 38 CFR 4.71(a) 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 orthopedic system. Timetable: _________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite _________________________________________________________________________ ANPRM 12/28/90 55 FR 53315 ANPRM Comment Period End 02/26/91 NPRM 06/00/94 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: John L. Roberts, Consultant, Regulations Staff (211B), Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefits Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420, 202 233-3005 RIN: 2900-AE91 _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Proposed Rule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION _________________________________________________________________________ 3534. SCHEDULE FOR RATING DISABILITIES--MENTAL DISORDERS Significance: Subject to OMB review: Undetermined Economically significant: Undetermined Legal Authority: 38 USC 1155 CFR Citation: 38 CFR 4.125; 38 CFR 4.126; 38 CFR 4.127; 38 CFR 4.128; 38 CFR 4.129; 38 CFR 4.130; 38 CFR 4.131; 38 CFR 4.132 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 mental disorders. Timetable: _________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite _________________________________________________________________________ ANPRM 05/02/91 56 FR 20170 ANPRM Comment Period End 07/01/91 NPRM 06/00/94 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: John L. Roberts, Consultant, Regulations Staff (211B), Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefits Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420, 202 233-3005 RIN: 2900-AF01 _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Proposed Rule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION _________________________________________________________________________ 3535. LINE OF DUTY Significance: Subject to OMB review: Undetermined Economically significant: Undetermined Legal Authority: 38 USC 105(a) CFR Citation: 38 CFR 3.1; 38 CFR 3.301 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This amendment will preclude establishment of service connection for conditions that are secondary to the abuse of alcohol or drugs. Timetable: Next Action Undetermined Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: John Bisset, Jr., Consultant, Regulations Staff (211B), Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefits Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420, 202 233-3005 RIN: 2900-AF03 _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Proposed Rule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION _________________________________________________________________________ 3536. SCHEDULE FOR RATING DISABILITIES--DISEASES OF THE EAR AND OTHER SENSE ORGANS Significance: Subject to OMB review: Undetermined Economically significant: Undetermined Legal Authority: 38 USC 1155 CFR Citation: 38 CFR 4.75; 38 CFR 4.76; 38 CFR 4.77; 38 CFR 4.78; 38 CFR 4.79; 38 CFR 4.80; 38 CFR 4.83; 38 CFR 4.84; 38 CFR 4.85; 38 CFR 4.86; 38 CFR 4.87 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 impairments of the eye, ear, and other sense organs. Timetable: _________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite _________________________________________________________________________ ANPRM 05/02/91 56 FR 20170 ANPRM Comment Period End 07/01/91 NPRM 06/00/94 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: John L. Roberts, Consultant, Regulations Staff (211B), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420, 202 233-3005 RIN: 2900-AF22 _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Proposed Rule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION _________________________________________________________________________ 3537. SCHEDULE FOR RATING DISABILITIES--NEUROLOGICAL CONDITIONS AND CONVULSIVE DISORDERS Significance: Subject to OMB review: Undetermined Economically significant: Undetermined 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 06/00/94 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: John L. Roberts, Consultant, Regulations Staff (211B), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420, 202 233-3005 RIN: 2900-AF23 _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Proposed Rule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION _________________________________________________________________________ 3538. SCHEDULE FOR RATING DISABILITIES--DIGESTIVE SYSTEM Significance: Subject to OMB review: Undetermined Economically significant: Undetermined 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 06/00/94 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: John L. Roberts, Consultant, Regulations Staff (211B), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420, 202 233-3005 RIN: 2900-AF24 _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Proposed Rule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION _________________________________________________________________________ 3539. REDUCTION OF DEBT THROUGH THE PERFORMANCE OF WORK-STUDY SERVICES Legal Authority: PL 102-16 CFR Citation: 38 CFR 1.912b Legal Deadline: None Abstract: There is a section of PL 102-16 which is designed to eliminate some VA debts. The Secretary of Veterans Affairs is given the authority to enter into an agreement with an individual who has incurred an overpayment of VA educational or rehabilitation benefits. Pursuant to the agreement the individual may reduce the resulting debt through performance of work-study services. The law gives VA considerable latitude in administering this program. The regulation will state the way in which VA will implement this provision of law. Timetable: _________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite _________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 09/00/94 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: June C. Schaeffer, Assistant Director for Policy and Program Administration (225), Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefits Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420, 202 233-2092 RIN: 2900-AF29 _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Proposed Rule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION _________________________________________________________________________ 3540. RESERVISTS' EDUCATION; THE PERSIAN GULF CONFLICT SUPPLEMENTAL AUTHORIZATION AND PERSONNEL BENEFITS ACT OF 1991 AND THE MONTGOMERY GI BILL--SELECTED RESERVE Legal Authority: PL 102-25 CFR Citation: 38 CFR 21.7636 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Persian Gulf War Veterans' Benefits Act of 1991 provides increases in the full-time, three-quarter-time and half-time rate of educational assistance payable to someone pursuing a program of education under the Montgomery GI Bill - Selected Reserve. These increases are effective October 1, 1991. This will implement that increase. VA is also authorized by law to set by regulation the amount of monthly educational assistance payable to someone who is pursuing a program of education at quarter-time under the Montgomery GI Bill - Selected Reserve. VA will propose making a proportional increase in the quarter-time rate. Timetable: _________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite _________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 09/00/94 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: June C. Schaeffer, Assistant Director for Policy and Program Administration (225), Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefits Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420, 202 233-2092 RIN: 2900-AF33 _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Proposed Rule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION _________________________________________________________________________ 3541. RESERVISTS' EDUCATION; COMMENCING DATE OF AWARD OF EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE Legal Authority: 10 USC 2136 CFR Citation: 38 CFR 21.7631 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: In VA's response to the final report of the Commission to Assess Veterans' Education Policy VA stated it would make various changes in response to the Commission's recommendations. These regulatory changes will include amendments to adjust the beginning dates of awards of educational assistance. This purpose will implement the commitments VA made in its response with respect to the Montgomery GI Bill - Selected Reserve. Timetable: _________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite _________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 09/00/94 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: June C. Schaeffer, Assistant Director for Policy and Program Administration (225), Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefits Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420, 202 233-2092 RIN: 2900-AF74 _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Proposed Rule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION _________________________________________________________________________ 3542. VETERANS' EDUCATION; SUSPENSION AND DISCONTINUANCE OF PAYMENTS Legal Authority: 38 USC 3690 CFR Citation: 38 CFR 21.4133; 38 CFR 21.4134; 38 CFR 21.4135; 38 CFR 21.4146; 38 CFR 21.4152; 38 CFR 21.4202; 38 CFR 21.4207; 38 CFR 21.4208; 38 CFR 21.4210; 38 CFR 21.4211; 38 CFR 21.4212; 38 CFR 21.4213; 38 CFR 21.4214; 38 CFR 21.4215; 38 CFR 21.4216 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Under certain conditions VA can suspend or discontinue payments of educational assistance to individuals even though the course in which they are enrolled is approved for VA training. Current regulations provide for a review of the circumstances at the local VA facility and another de novo review at VA Central Office. The proposal would gather in one place the procedures which VA follows in deciding whether to suspend or discontinue payments; would make a part of the Code of Federal Regulations the rules at the hearing which may be conducted in making this decision; and would eliminate the de novo Central Office review. Timetable: _________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite _________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 09/00/94 Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: June Schaeffer, Assistant Director for Policy and Program Administration (225), Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefits Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420, 202 233-2092 RIN: 2900-AF85 _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Proposed Rule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION _________________________________________________________________________ 3543. REASONABLE DOUBT Significance: Subject to OMB review: Undetermined Economically significant: Undetermined Legal Authority: 38 USC 501(a) CFR Citation: 38 CFR 3.102 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This amendment will limit the granting of benefit of the doubt to those individuals who have established their status as ``claimants'' in accordance with a recent decision by the U.S. Court of Veterans Appeals. Timetable: Next Action Undetermined Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: John Bisset, Jr., Consultant, Regulations Staff (211B), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420, 202 233-3005 RIN: 2900-AF97 _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Proposed Rule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION _________________________________________________________________________ 3544. VETERANS' EDUCATION; SUSPENSION AND DISCONTINUANCE OF PAYMENTS UNDER THE POST-VIETNAM ERA VETERANS' EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM Legal Authority: 38 USC 3690 CFR Citation: 38 CFR 21.5130; 38 CFR 21.5200 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: VA will propose regulations which will gather in one place the procedures VA follows in deciding whether to suspend or discontinue payments. This will require revisions to the regulations governing the Post-Vietnam Era Veterans' Educational Assistance Program so that references to the sections concerned with suspension and discontinuance of educational assistance will be correct. Timetable: _________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite _________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 09/00/94 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: June C. Schaeffer, Assistant Director for Policy and Program Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420, 202 233-2092 RIN: 2900-AG04 _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Proposed Rule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION _________________________________________________________________________ 3545. RESERVISTS' EDUCATION; SUSPENSION AND DISCONTINUANCE OF PAYMENTS UNDER THE MONTGOMERY GI BILL--SELECTED RESERVE Legal Authority: 38 USC 3690 CFR Citation: 38 CFR 21.7633; 38 CFR 21.7635; 38 CFR 21.7658 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: VA will propose regulations which will gather in one place the procedures VA follows in deciding whether to suspend or discontinue payments of educational assistance. This will require revisions to the regulations governing the Montgomery GI Bill - Selected Reserve so that references to the sections concerned with the suspension and discontinuance of educational assistance will be correct. Timetable: _________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite _________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 09/00/94 Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: June C. Schaeffer, Assistant Director for Policy and Program Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420, 202 233-2092 RIN: 2900-AG05 _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Proposed Rule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION _________________________________________________________________________ 3546. LOAN GUARANTY: IMPLEMENTATION OF PUBLIC LAW 102-547 Legal Authority: 38 USC 501(a); PL 102-547 CFR Citation: 38 CFR 36.4212; 38 CFR 36.4223; 38 CFR 36.4232; 38 CFR 36.4254; 38 CFR 36.4302; 38 CFR 36.4311; 38 CFR 36.4312; 38 CFR 36.4336 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Loan Guaranty regulations are being amended to comply with certain provisions of PL 102-547, the Veterans Home Loan Program Amendments of 1992. The amended regulations will provide for the guarantee of: (1) loans for reservists and members of the National Guard; (2) Loans where the interest rate has been negotiated between the borrower and the lender; (3) adjustable rate mortgages; and (4) energy efficient mortgages. The amended regulations will also reflect a reduced funding fee for interest rate reduction refinancing loans and a revised guaranty percentage for these loans. Timetable: _________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite _________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 00/00/00 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Judith Caden, Assistant Dir. for Loan Policy (264), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420, 202 233-3042 RIN: 2900-AG14 _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Proposed Rule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION _________________________________________________________________________ 3547. VETERANS' EDUCATION; IMPLEMENTATION OF THE VETERANS' BENEFITS ACT OF 1992 AND THE NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR 1993 Legal Authority: PL 102-484; PL 102-568 CFR Citation: 38 CFR 21.3145; 38 CFR 21.4131; 38 CFR 21.4135; 38 CFR 21.4233; 38 CFR 21.4234; 38 CFR 21.4252; 38 CFR 21.4253; 38 CFR 21.4254; 38 CFR 21.4265; 38 CFR 21.4267; 38 CFR 21.4270; 38 CFR 21.4271; 38 CFR 21.4272; 38 CFR 21.4273; 38 CFR 21.4280 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Veterans' Benefits Act of 1992 contains many provisions which affect the educational programs VA administers. Among these is a change in the rate of payment made to individuals who are pursuing independent study, a change in the eligibility rules for veterans and servicemembers receiving educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill - Active Duty. The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1993 also contains provisions which affect the Montgomery GI Bill - Active Duty. For example, certain individuals who have voluntarily separated from the military are given an opportunity to become eligible for the Montgomery GI Bill - Active Duty. These regulations will implement these Acts with respect to the Montgomery GI Bill - Active Duty and Dependents' Educational Assistance. Timetable: _________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite _________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/00/94 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: June C. Schaeffer, Assistant Director for Policy and Program Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420, 202 233-2092 RIN: 2900-AG22 _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Proposed Rule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION _________________________________________________________________________ 3548. VETERANS' EDUCATION; VETERANS' BENEFITS ACT OF 1992 AND THE NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT OF 1993 IN THE POST-VIETNAM ERA VETERANS' EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM Legal Authority: PL 102-484; PL 102-568 CFR Citation: 38 CFR 21.5023; 38 CFR 21.5058; 38 CFR 21.5145; 38 CFR 21.5232; 38 CFR 21.5250; 38 CFR 21.5270 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Veterans' Benefits Act of 1992 contains some provisions which affect the educational programs VA administers. Among these are changes affecting measurement of courses and VA's work-study program. The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1993 permits certain voluntarily separated veterans who contributed to the VEAP fund to instead receive benefits under the Montgomery GI Bill - Active Duty. These regulations will implement these two laws with respect to VEAP. Timetable: _________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite _________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/00/94 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: June C. Schaeffer, Assistant Director for Policy and Program Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420, 202 233-2092 RIN: 2900-AG23 _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Proposed Rule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION _________________________________________________________________________ 3549. RESERVISTS' EDUCATION; IMPLEMENTATION OF THE VETERANS' BENEFITS ACT OF 1992 AND THE NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT OF 1993 Legal Authority: PL 102-484; PL 102-568 CFR Citation: 38 CFR 21.7520; 38 CFR 21.7550; 38 CFR 21.7620; 38 CFR 21.7631; 38 CFR 21.7635; 38 CFR 21.7636; 38 CFR 21.7639; 38 CFR 21.7642; 38 CFR 21.7645; 38 CFR 21.7670; 38 CFR 21.7672; 38 CFR 21.7673; 38 CFR 21.7700; 38 CFR 21.7720; 38 CFR 21.7722 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Veterans' Benefits Act of 1992 contains many provisions which affect the educational programs VA administers. Among these is a change in advance payment of work-study allowance and a prohibition against paying educational assistance to individuals who are pursuing a nonaccredited independent study program. The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1993 also contains provisions which affect the Montgomery GI Bill - Selected Reserve. For example, certain individuals who must leave the Selected Reserve because their units have been inactivated will retain eligibility for the Montgomery GI Bill - Selected Reserve. This proposal will acquaint the public with the way in which VA will implement these Acts with respect to the Montgomery GI Bill - Selected Reserve. Timetable: _________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite _________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 09/00/94 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: June C. Schaeffer, Assistant Director for Policy and Program Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420, 202 233-2092 RIN: 2900-AG24 _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Proposed Rule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION _________________________________________________________________________ 3550. ACCRUED BENEFITS Significance: Subject to OMB review: Undetermined Economically significant: Undetermined Legal Authority: 38 USC 501(a) CFR Citation: 38 CFR 3.262(o)(3); 38 CFR 3.272(h); 38 CFR 3.1000 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This amendment will expand VA's definition of the term ``Evidence in the File at the Date of Death'', in order to give survivors greater access to periodic monetary benefits due Deceased beneficiaries but unpaid at the time of death. Timetable: _________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite _________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/00/94 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Steve Thornberry, Consultant,Regulations Staff (211B), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420, 202 233-3005 RIN: 2900-AG48 _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Proposed Rule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION _________________________________________________________________________ 3551. EXAMINATIONS Significance: Subject to OMB review: Undetermined Economically significant: Undetermined Legal Authority: 38 USC 501(a) CFR Citation: 38 CFR 3.326 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This amendment would increase the number of situations in which a private physician's statement may be accepted as a VA examination in order to allow earlier rating action on acceptable medical evidence with no additional burden to either the claimant or VA. Timetable: _________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite _________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 02/01/94 59 FR 4619 NPRM Comment Period End 04/12/94 Final Action 06/00/94 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Steve Thornberry, Consultant, Regulations Staff (211B), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420, 202 233-3005 RIN: 2900-AG50 _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Proposed Rule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION _________________________________________________________________________ 3552. VETERANS' TRAINING UNDER THE SERVICE MEMBERS OCCUPATIONAL CONVERSION AND TRAINING ACT Legal Authority: PL 102-484 CFR Citation: 38 CFR 21.4800; 38 CFR 21.4802; 38 CFR 21.4810; 38 CFR 21.4812; 38 CFR 21.4820; 38 CFR 21.4822; 38 CFR 21.4823; 38 CFR 21.4824; 38 CFR 21.4830; 38 CFR 21.4832; 38 CFR 21.4834; 38 CFR 21.4840; 38 CFR 21.4842; 38 CFR 21.4844; 38 CFR 21.4850 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Service Members Occupational Conversion and Training Act of 1992 established a job training program for recently discharged veterans. That act authorizes the Secretary of Defense to delegate some of the responsibility for implementing it to either the Secretary of Veterans Affairs or the Secretary of Labor, or both. The Secretary of Defense has done this. These regulations will acquaint the public with the way in which VA will implement the responsibilities which have been delegated to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Timetable: _________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite _________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/00/94 Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Organizations Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: June C. Schaeffer, Assistant Director for Policy and Program Administration (225), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420, 202 233-2092 RIN: 2900-AG56 _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Proposed Rule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION _________________________________________________________________________ 3553. VETERANS EDUCATION: INCREASE IN RATES PAYABLE UNDER THE MONTGOMERY GI BILL - ACTIVE DUTY Legal Authority: 38 USC 3015 CFR Citation: 38 CFR 21.7136; 38 CFR 21.7137 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: By statute veterans and servicemembers pursuing a program of education under the Montgomery GI Bill - Active Duty are entitled to receive an increase in the monthly rate of basic educational assistance effective October 1 of each year. The increase is based on the increase in the consumer price index for the twelve month period ending the previous June 30. These amended regulations will implement the increase due October 1, 1993 for the Montgomery GI Bill - Active Duty. Timetable: _________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite _________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 04/00/94 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: June C. Schaeffer, Assistant Director for Policy and Program Administration (225), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420, 202 233-2092 RIN: 2900-AG60 _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Proposed Rule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION _________________________________________________________________________ 3554. RESERVIST EDUCATION: INCREASE IN RATES PAYABLE UNDER THE MONTGOMERY GI BILL - SELECTED RESERVE Legal Authority: 10 USC 2131 CFR Citation: 38 CFR 21.7636 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: By statute reservists pursuing a program of education under the Montgomery GI Bill - Selected Reserve are entitled to receive an increase in the monthly rate of basic educational assistance effective October 1 of each year. The increase is based on the increase in the consumer price index for the twelve month period ending the previous June 30. These amended regulations will implement the increase due October 1, 1993 for the Montgomery GI Bill - Selected Reserve. Timetable: _________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite _________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 09/00/94 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: June C. Schaeffer, Assistant Director for Policy and Program Administration (225), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420, 202 233-2092 RIN: 2900-AG61 _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Proposed Rule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION _________________________________________________________________________ 3555. DEPENDENTS AND VETERANS EDUCATION: MITIGATING CIRCUMSTANCES AND OTHER MISCELLANEOUS AMENDMENTS Significance: Subject to OMB review: Yes Legal Authority: 38 USC 3034; 38 USC 3680 CFR Citation: 38 CFR 21.4136; 38 CFR 21.4137; 38 CFR 21.4234; 38 CFR 21.4253; 38 CFR 21.4262; 38 CFR 21.7042; 38 CFR 21.7139 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: These amended regulations will standardize the rules concerning submission of mitigating circumstances surrounding a withdrawal from a course or courses or receipt of a nonpunitive grade. This submission is required of eligible persons receiving Dependents' Educational Assistance and veterans and servicemembers receiving educational assistance under VEAP and the Montgomery GI Bill - Active Duty, but the rules for doing this differ. Having different rules concerning an identical action required of VA beneficiaries is confusing not only to those beneficiaries, but also to the other users of the regulations. This may result in erroneous awards. The proposed regulations will also make additional miscellaneous amendments. Timetable: _________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite _________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 04/00/94 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: June C. Schaeffer, Assistant Director for Policy and Program Administration (225), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420, 202 233-2092 RIN: 2900-AG63 _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Proposed Rule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION _________________________________________________________________________ 3556. EXCLUSIONS FROM INCOME (JUST DEBTS) Significance: Subject to OMB review: Undetermined Economically significant: Undetermined Legal Authority: 38 USC 501(a) CFR Citation: 38 CFR 3.262(m); 38 CFR 3.262(o); 38 CFR 3.272(h) Legal Deadline: None Abstract: VA is proposing to include the just debts of a deceased person as an exclusion from countable income. Just debts are any unsecured debts incurred by the deceased person or incurred jointly by the deceased person and the claimant. Timetable: _________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite _________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/00/94 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Paul Trowbridge, Consultant, Regulations Staff (211B), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420, 202 233-3005 RIN: 2900-AG70 _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Proposed Rule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION _________________________________________________________________________ 3557. CLAIMS BASED ON EXPOSURE TO IONIZING RADIATION Significance: Subject to OMB review: Undetermined Economically significant: Undetermined Legal Authority: 38 USC 501(a) CFR Citation: 38 CFR 3.3116(b) Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This amendment implements a decision of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to add Tumors of the Brain and Central Nervous System to the list of Radiogenic Diseases for Service-Connected compensation purposes. Timetable: _________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite _________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/00/94 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: John Bisset, Jr., Consultant, Regulations Staff (211B), Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefits Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420, 202 233-3005 RIN: 2900-AG71 _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Proposed Rule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION _________________________________________________________________________ 3558. DISEASES SPECIFIC AS TO FORMER PRISONERS OF WAR Significance: Subject to OMB review: Undetermined Economically significant: Undetermined Legal Authority: 38 USC 501(a) CFR Citation: 38 CFR 3.309(c) Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This amendment implements a determination by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs that the term ``Beriberi Heart Disease'' includes Ischemic heart disease which may develop in former prisoners of war in later life. Timetable: _________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite _________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/00/94 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: John Bisset, Jr., Consultant Regulations Staff (211B), Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefits Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420, 202 233-3005 RIN: 2900-AG76 _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Proposed Rule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION _________________________________________________________________________ 3559. HEARING OFFICERS Significance: Subject to OMB review: Undetermined Economically significant: Undetermined Legal Authority: 38 USC 501(a) CFR Citation: 38 CFR 3.104(a); 38 CFR 3.105(b); 38 CFR 3.111 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This amendment will provide regulatory expression of the authority and jurisdiction of those officials who conduct most of the hearings involving benefits issues. Timetable: _________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite _________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/00/94 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Steven Thornberry, Consultant, Regulations Staff (211B), Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefits Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420, 202 233- 3005 RIN: 2900-AG79 _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Proposed Rule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION _________________________________________________________________________ 3560. CLAIMS BASED ON SERVICE IN VIETNAM Significance: Subject to OMB review: Undetermined Economically significant: Undetermined Legal Authority: 38 USC 501(a); 38 USC 1154(a) CFR Citation: 38 CFR 3.307(a); 38 CFR 3.313(a) Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This amendment implements a recent VA General Counsel Precedent Opinion that the term ``service in Vietnam'' does not include service of a Vietnam veteran whose only contact with Vietnam was flying high-altitude missions in Vietnamese airspace. Timetable: _________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite _________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/00/94 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: John Bisset, Jr., Consultant, Regulations Staff (211B), Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefits Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420, 202 233-3005 RIN: 2900-AG80 _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Proposed Rule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION _________________________________________________________________________ 3561. DISABILITY OR DEATH DUE TO HOSPITALIZATION, ETC Significance: Subject to OMB review: Undetermined Economically significant: Undetermined Legal Authority: 38 USC 501(a); 38 USC 1151 CFR Citation: 38 CFR 3.800(a) Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This amendment will remove any possible inconsistency in the regulations and make clear that compensation can be paid for a disability resulting from VA examination itself. A disability is not automatically compensable just because it is incurred after the veteran has reported for the examination. Timetable: _________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite _________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/00/94 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Paul Trowbridge, Consultant, Regulations Staff (211b), Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefits Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420, 202 233-3005 RIN: 2900-AG84 _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Proposed Rule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION _________________________________________________________________________ 3562. EVIDENCE REQUIREMENTS Significance: Subject to OMB review: Undetermined Economically significant: Undetermined Legal Authority: 38 USC 501(a) CFR Citation: 38 CFR 3.202(c); 38 CFR 3.204(b); 38 CFR 3.205(a); 38 CFR 3.207(b); 38 CFR 3.209; 38 CFR 3.210; 38 CFR 3.211 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This amendment revises VA regulations regarding Evidence Requirements to allow the acceptance of photocopies of documents necessary to establish birth, death, marriage or relationship. Timetable: Next Action Undetermined Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: John Bisset, Jr., Consultant, Regulations Staff (211B), Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefit Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420, 202 233-3005 RIN: 2900-AG85 _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Proposed Rule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION _________________________________________________________________________ 3563. VETERANS' EDUCATION: APPROVAL OF COURSES OFFERED IN GUAM AND AMERICAN SAMOA Significance: Subject to OMB review: Undetermined Economically significant: Undetermined Legal Authority: 38 USC 512 CFR Citation: 38 CFR 21.4250 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: For over thirty years approval of courses offered in Guam and American Samoa has been the responsibility of the Director, Education Service or and equivalent VA official located in Washington, DC. As part of its ongoing review of regulations, VA is considering whether this function should be given to a VA official closer to Guam and American Samoa or even to an official of Guam or American Samoa. Timetable: _________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite _________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 09/00/94 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: June C. Schaeffer, Assistant Director for Policy and Program Administration (225), Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefits Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420, 202 233-2092 RIN: 2900-AG93 _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Proposed Rule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION _________________________________________________________________________ 3564. VETERANS' EDUCATION: APPROVAL OF WORK-EXPERIENCE COURSES Significance: Subject to OMB review: Undetermined Economically significant: Undetermined Legal Authority: 38 USC 3688 CFR Citation: 38 CFR 21.4265 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: VA long has had regulations to determine whether work- experience courses qualify as resident training. Changes in the nature of Work-experience training make it necessary that VA consider amending this regulation to make it easier to approve work- experience courses. Timetable: _________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite _________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 09/00/94 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: June C. Schaeffer, Assistant Director for Policy and Program Administration (225), Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefits Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420, 202 233-2092 RIN: 2900-AG95 _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Proposed Rule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION _________________________________________________________________________ 3565. RESERVISTS' EDUCATION: IMPLEMENTATION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR 1994 Significance: Subject to OMB review: Undetermined Economically significant: Undetermined Regulatory Plan entry: Undetermined Legal Authority: PL 103-160 CFR Citation: 38 CFR 21.7540; 38 CFR 21.7670; 38 CFR 21.7722 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Department of Defense Authorization Act for 1994 contains a provision permitting graduate training under the Montgomery GI Bill - Selected Reserve. Several regulations governing that program have to be amended to bring them into agreement with the new provision of the law. Timetable: _________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite _________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 09/00/94 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: June C. Schaeffer, Assistant Director for Policy and Program Administration (225), Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefits Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420, 202 233-2092 RIN: 2900-AG96 _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Proposed Rule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ OFFICE OF ACQUISITION AND MATERIEL MANAGEMENT _________________________________________________________________________ 3566. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS ACQUISITION REGULATION--SERVICE CONTRACTING Significance: Subject to OMB review: Undetermined Legal Authority: 38 USC 501; 40 USC 486(c) CFR Citation: 48 CFR 837 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This Department of Veterans Affairs regulation will provide coverage regarding service contracts in accordance with recently issued OFPP policy letters. Timetable: _________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite _________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 10/00/94 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Procurement: This is a procurement-related action for which there is no statutory requirement. There is no paperwork burden associated with this action. Agency Contact: Sherry Patton, Procurement Analyst (95A), Department of Veterans Affairs, Ofc of Acquisition and Materiel Mgmt, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420, 202 233-5001 RIN: 2900-AC86 _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Proposed Rule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ OFFICE OF ACQUISITION AND MATERIEL MANAGEMENT _________________________________________________________________________ 3567. ACQUISITION REGULATION: CONTRACTOR QUALIFICATIONS Significance: Subject to OMB review: Undetermined Legal Authority: 38 USC 501; 40 USC 486(c); 42 USC 2453(c) CFR Citation: 48 CFR 809 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This amendment makes administrative changes regarding the VA procedures for making debarment and suspension decisions. Timetable: _________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite _________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 10/00/94 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Procurement: This is a procurement-related action for which there is no statutory requirement. There is no paperwork burden associated with this action. Agency Contact: Sherry Patton, Procurement Analyst (95A), Department of Veterans Affairs, Ofc of Acquisition and Materiel Mgmt, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420, 202 233-5001 RIN: 2900-AE16 _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Proposed Rule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ OFFICE OF ACQUISITION AND MATERIEL MANAGEMENT _________________________________________________________________________ 3568. DEPARTMENT OF VA ACQUISITION REGULATION- CHANGES TO SYNOPSIZING PROCEDURES, BOND REQUIREMENTS, PROCUREMENT OF ARCHITECT-ENGINEER SERVICES, & CONTRACT CLAUSES Significance: Subject to OMB review: Undetermined Legal Authority: 38 USC 501; 40 USC 486(c) CFR Citation: 48 CFR 805; 48 CFR 828; 48 CFR 836; 48 CFR 852 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This change will delete duplicative coverage; update organizational titles; add an appropriate prescription for a contract clause; revise a contract clause; and remove an inappropriate contract clause. Additionally, this change will simplify the architect-engineer selection process. Timetable: _________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite _________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 10/00/94 Small Entities Affected: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: None Procurement: This is a procurement-related action for which there is no statutory requirement. There is no paperwork burden associated with this action. Agency Contact: Lisa Russell, Procurement Analyst (95A), Acquisition and Materiel Management, Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420, 202 233-5001 RIN: 2900-AG40 _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Proposed Rule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ OFFICE OF ACQUISITION AND MATERIEL MANAGEMENT _________________________________________________________________________ 3569. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS ACQUISITION REGULATION--CONTRACT MODIFICATION Significance: Subject to OMB review: Undetermined Legal Authority: 38 USC 501; 40 USC 486(c) CFR Citation: 48 CFR 843 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This change will add regulations to clarify existing guidance on contract modifications. Timetable: _________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite _________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 10/00/94 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Procurement: This is a procurement-related action for which there is no statutory requirement. There is no paperwork burden associated with this action. Agency Contact: Lisa Russell, Senior Procurement Ananyst, Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420, 202 233-5001 RIN: 2900-AG64 _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Proposed Rule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ OFFICE OF ACQUISITION AND MATERIEL MANAGEMENT _________________________________________________________________________ 3570. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS ACQUISITION REGULATION--LOAN GUARANTY AND VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION AND COUNSELING PROGRAMS Significance: Subject to OMB review: Yes Legal Authority: 38 USC 501; 40 USC 486(c) CFR Citation: 48 CFR 871 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This change will increase the amount which property holders and management brokers may spend for emergency repairs. Title changes and deletion of duplicative coverage are also being made. Timetable: _________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite _________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 04/00/94 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Procurement: This is a procurement-related action for which there is no statutory requirement. There is no paperwork burden associated with this action. Agency Contact: Lisa Russell, Senior Procurement Analyst, Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420, 202 233-5001 RIN: 2900-AG65 _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Proposed Rule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ OFFICE OF ACQUISITION AND MATERIEL MANAGEMENT _________________________________________________________________________ 3571. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS ACQUISITION REGULATION--DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS ACQUISITION REGULATIONS SYSTEM Significance: Subject to OMB review: Undetermined Legal Authority: 38 USC 501; 48 USC 486(c) CFR Citation: 48 CFR 801 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This change will make VA Acquisition Regulation part 801 consistent with the Federal Acquisition Regulation. Timetable: _________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite _________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 10/00/94 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Procurement: This is a procurement-related action for which there is no statutory requirement. There is no paperwork burden associated with this action. Agency Contact: Sherry Patton, Senior Procurement Analyst, Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420, 202 233-5001 RIN: 2900-AG66 _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Proposed Rule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ BOARD OF VETERANS APPEALS _________________________________________________________________________ 3572. APPEALS REGULATIONS; RULES OF PRACTICE Significance: Subject to OMB review: Undetermined Legal Authority: 38 USC 7105; 38 USC 7105(d)(3) to 7105(d)(5); 38 USC 501(a) CFR Citation: 38 CFR 2.66; 38 CFR 19.30; 38 CFR 19.35; 38 CFR 20.202 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Board of Veterans' Appeals will be revising its Appeals Regulations and Rules of Practice to refine them in light of experience and to improve the efficiency of the appellate process. No alternatives are available. These revisions will not entail any costs to the Government other than the costs normally associated with drafting, agency review, and publication. Costs to public, if any, have not yet been determined. Timetable: Next Action Undetermined Small Entities Affected: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Steven L. Keller, Counsel to the Chairman (01C), Department of Veterans Affairs, Board of Veterans' Appeals, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420, 202 233-2978 RIN: 2900-AF54 _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Proposed Rule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ BOARD OF VETERANS APPEALS _________________________________________________________________________ 3573. RULES OF PRACTICE; REPRESENTATION Significance: Subject to OMB review: Undetermined Legal Authority: 38 USC 5901; 38 USC 5904; 38 USC 7105(b)(2); 38 USC 5902; 38 USC 5905; 38 USC 5903 CFR Citation: 38 CFR 20.603; 38 CFR 20.606; 38 CFR 20.609; 38 CFR 20.610; 38 CFR 20.611 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This regulation will amend the Rules of Practice of the Board of Veterans' Appeals relating to representatives to refine them in light of experience and to improve the efficiency of the appellate process. No alternatives are available. These revisions will not entail any costs to the public or the Government other than the costs normally associated with drafting, agency review, and publication. Timetable: _________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite _________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 00/00/00 Small Entities Affected: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Agency Contact: Steven L. Keller, Counsel to the Chairman (01C), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420, 202 233-2978 RIN: 2900-AG08 _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Proposed Rule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ BOARD OF VETERANS APPEALS _________________________________________________________________________ 3574. APPEALS REGULATIONS; RULES OF PRACTICE Significance: Subject to OMB review: Undetermined Legal Authority: 38 USC 7102; 38 USC 7103; 38 USC 7110; 38 USC 7104(a) CFR Citation: 38 CFR 19.11; 38 CFR 20.1303 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This regulation will amend the appeals regulations and the rules of practice of the Board of Veterans Appeals to refine them in light of experience and to improve the efficiency of the appellate process. No alternatives are available. These revisions will not entail any costs to the public or the Government other than the costs normally associated with drafting, agency review, and publication. Timetable: _________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite _________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 00/00/00 Small Entities Affected: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Agency Contact: Steven L. Keller, Counsel to the Chairman (01C), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420, 202 233-2978 RIN: 2900-AG09 _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Proposed Rule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ BOARD OF VETERANS APPEALS _________________________________________________________________________ 3575. RULES OF PRACTICE: MEDICAL OPINIONS Legal Authority: 38 USC 5107(a) CFR Citation: 38 CFR 20.901; 38 CFR 20.903 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Board of Veterans' Appeals will revise its Rules of Practice concerning obtaining medical opinions to include its practice of obtaining medical opinions from physicians who are medical advisers to the Board. No other alternatives are available. This revision will not entail any costs normally associated with drafting, agency review, and publication. The benefit will be increased clarification of the sources of medical opinions available to the Board. Timetable: Next Action Undetermined Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Steven L. Keller, Counsel to the Chairman (01C), Department of Veterans Affairs, Board of Veterans Appeals, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420, 202 233-2978 RIN: 2900-AG90 _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Proposed Rule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ BOARD OF CONTRACT APPEALS/CONTRACT APPEALS BOARD _________________________________________________________________________ 3576. RULES OF PRACTICE; HEARINGS Significance: Subject to OMB review: Undetermined Legal Authority: 38 USC 501(a); 38 USC 7102; 38 USC 7104; 38 USC 7105(a); 38 USC 7105A; 38 USC 7110; 38 USC 5711; 38 USC 7102(c) CFR Citation: 38 CFR 20.3; 38 CFR 20.700; 38 CFR 20.702; 38 CFR 20.703; 38 CFR 20.704; 38 CFR 20.707; 38 CFR 20.710; 38 CFR 20.711; 38 CFR 20.713; 38 CFR 20.714; 38 CFR 20.716; 38 CFR 20.717; 38 CFR 20.1003 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This regulation will amend the Rules of Practice of the Board of Veterans' Appeals concerning hearings to refine them in light of experience and to improve the efficiency of the appellate process. No alternatives are available. These revisions will not entail any costs to the Government other than the costs normally associated with drafting, agency review, and publication. These revisions will not entail any costs to the public. Timetable: _________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite _________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/00/94 Small Entities Affected: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Agency Contact: Steven L. Keller, Counsel to the Chairman (01C), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420, 202 233-2978 RIN: 2900-AG07 _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Proposed Rule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ OFFICE OF THE GENERAL COUNSEL _________________________________________________________________________ 3577. REVOCATION OF DELEGATION TO ISSUE SUBPOENAS PURSUANT TO 38 USC 3311 AND SPECIFY PERMISSIBLE METHODS OF SERVICE Legal Authority: 38 USC 210(c)(1) CFR Citation: 38 CFR 2.1 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Cases have held that the head of an agency may not lawfully delegate to, or expand the authority to subpoena documents of, the Offices of Inspector General established under the Inspector General Act. (The VA Inspector General was established under that Act.) Thus, the delegation of subpoena authority under 38 CFR 2.1 does not comport with law and should be changed. Current regulations do not specify the method of service. This amendment would rescind this delegation and incorporate into 38 CFR 2.1 information on methods of service of administrative subpoenas, as other agencies do on exercising subpoena power. It would provide needed guidance to VA officials and the public on proper service of subpoenas. Timetable: _________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite _________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 10/00/94 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Audley Hendricks/Neal Lawson, Assistant General Counsels (023)/(024), Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of the General Counsel, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420, 202 523- 3523 RIN: 2900-AE77 _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Proposed Rule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ OFFICE OF INFORMATION RESOURCES POLICIES AND OVERSIGHT _________________________________________________________________________ 3578. WAIVER: ERRONEOUS PAYMENT OF PAY AND ALLOWANCES Legal Authority: 5 USC 5584 CFR Citation: 38 CFR 1.963(a) Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This revision will comply with amendment to 5 USC 5584 and to GAO implementing regulations 4 CFR parts 91 and 92. Timetable: _________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite _________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 05/00/94 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Peter Mulhern, Analyst (047G7), Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Finalcial Management, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420, 202 273-5570 RIN: 2900-AG94 _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Proposed Rule Stage ___________________________________________________________________ OFFICE OF POLICY AND PLANNING _________________________________________________________________________ 3579. STANDARDS FOR PROGRAM EVALUATION Significance: Subject to OMB review: Undetermined Legal Authority: 38 USC 210(c); 38 USC 219 CFR Citation: 38 CFR 1.15 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Due to the realignment of the program evaluation function and the reduction of resources dedicated to that function, the conduct of program evaluations will be reevaluated and alternatives explored which will better meet the needs of the VA in assessing the effectiveness of its programs. Regulations will be proposed to implement these changes. Timetable: _________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite _________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 10/00/94 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Lois A. Shuck, Director, Management Analysis & Reports Division (008B3), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420, 202 233-5212 RIN: 2900-AE30 _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Final Rule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ VETERANS HEALTH ADMINISTRATION _________________________________________________________________________ 3580. CONFIDENTIALITY OF CERTAIN MEDICAL RECORDS Significance: Subject to OMB review: Undetermined Legal Authority: 38 USC 7332 CFR Citation: 38 CFR 1.460-499 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: These regulations address the confidentiality of VA records pertaining to drug abuse, alcoholism or alcohol abuse, infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and sickle cell anemia treatment, rehabilitation, education, training, evaluation and research information. Timetable: _________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite _________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/26/93 58 FR 39706 NPRM Comment Period End 09/07/93 Final Action 06/00/94 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: NOTE: This rule was incorrectly listed as completed in the October 1993 Unified Agenda. Agency Contact: Harold Ramsey, Medical Administration Specialist, Medical Administration Service (161B4), Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420, 202 535-7657 RIN: 2900-AE28 _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Final Rule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ VETERANS HEALTH ADMINISTRATION _________________________________________________________________________ 3581. HEALTH PROFESSIONALS' EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM Significance: Subject to OMB review: Undetermined Economically significant: Undetermined Legal Authority: PL 96-330; 38 USC 76; PL 101-366; PL 102-405 CFR Citation: 38 CFR 17.613; 38 CFR 17.614; 38 CFR 17.615; 38 CFR 17.616; 38 CFR 17.617; 38 CFR 17.618; 38 CFR 17.607(c) Legal Deadline: None Abstract: VA is amending its Medical regulations by adding new sections to implement the provisions of Pub. L. 101-366. Section 205 of that law creates the ``Stipend Program for Members of the Selected Reserve'' codified at 38 U.S.C., chapter 76, subchapter V. Public Law 102-405, section 202, changes the minimum period of service obligation from one year to two years. Timetable: _________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite _________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/29/92 57 FR 33471 NPRM Comment Period End 09/28/92 Final Action 12/00/94 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Charlotte F. Beason, ED.D., Director, Associated Health Professions, Education Program Service (143A), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420, 202 535-7527 RIN: 2900-AF87 _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Final Rule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ VETERANS HEALTH ADMINISTRATION _________________________________________________________________________ 3582. CONFIDENTIALITY OF HEALTH CARE QUALITY ASSURANCE REVIEWS Significance: Subject to OMB review: Undetermined Legal Authority: 38 USC 5705 CFR Citation: 38 CFR 1.500 to 1.541 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This regulation will amend and update current VA regulations to more accurately reflect Medical Quality Assurance activities in the Veterans' Health Administration. Timetable: _________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite _________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 08/20/93 58 FR 44313 NPRM Comment Period End 09/20/93 Final Action 04/00/94 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Galen L. Barbour, M.D. (15), CMD for Quality Management, Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420, 202 535-7330 RIN: 2900-AG01 _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Final Rule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ VETERANS HEALTH ADMINISTRATION _________________________________________________________________________ 3583. CONTRACT PROGRAM FOR VETERANS WITH ALCOHOL AND DRUG DEPENDENCY DISORDERS Significance: Subject to OMB review: Undetermined Economically significant: Undetermined Legal Authority: 38 USC 501 CFR Citation: 38 CFR 17.53(b)(1)(i); 38 CFR 17.53c(a)(1)(i) Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Department of Veterans Affairs proposes to amend its medical regulations to adopt the latest edition of the Life Safety Code for the contract program for veterans with alcohol and drug dependency disorders. Timetable: _________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite _________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 10/05/93 58 FR 51799 NPRM Comment Period End 11/15/93 Final Action 08/00/94 Small Entities Affected: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Karen Boies, Ph.D, Deputy Associate Director for Addictive, Disorders and Psychiatric Rehabilitation, Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420, 202 535-7316 RIN: 2900-AG58 _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Final Rule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ VETERANS HEALTH ADMINISTRATION _________________________________________________________________________ 3584. TRAVEL AUTHORITY FOR BENEFICIARIES RECEIVING PENSION Significance: Subject to OMB review: Yes Legal Authority: 38 USC 501 CFR Citation: 38 CFR 17.100(c)(3) Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The amendment will correct an error made when the Department last promulgated regulations pertaining to this program in 1991. Specifically, beneficiaries who are in receipt of pension are subject to the travel deductible. Timetable: _________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite _________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 04/00/94 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Monica J. Wilkins, Medical Administration Program Specialist, (161B1), Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420, 202 535- 7439 RIN: 2900-AG72 _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Final Rule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION _________________________________________________________________________ 3585. FULL DISCLOSURE OF BENEFICIARY'S INCOME AND ASSETS Significance: Subject to OMB review: Undetermined Legal Authority: PL 99-576, Sec 505; 38 USC 5502 CFR Citation: 38 CFR 13.58(b)(2)(iii); 38 CFR 13.59(a); 38 CFR 13.100(a)(1); 38 CFR 13.102(b); 38 CFR 13.104(a) Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Federally appointed fiduciaries are not required, except under very specific circumstances, to divulge non-VA income and assets belonging to the incompetent beneficiary. It is difficult to assess whether the fiduciary is using the beneficiary's VA assets appropriately unless placed in the context of total income and assets available. The purpose of these changes is to lessen the potential for fraud, waste and abuse. 38 CFR 13.58(b)(2) and 13.59(a) detail the responsibilities of legal custodians and court-appointed guardians respectively. They would be amended to require the reporting of non-VA assets. 38 CFR 13.100(a)(1) defines the authority of the Veterans Services Officer to supervise fiduciaries. The intended change would permit the Veterans Services Officer to request non-VA financial information from fiduciaries. 38 CFR 13.102(b) and 13.104(b) define the accountability of legal custodians and court-appointed guardians respectively. The intended change requires disclosure of non-VA financial information. Timetable: _________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite _________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 01/26/94 59 FR 3659 NPRM Comment Period End 03/28/94 Final Action 06/00/94 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Ronal Weaver, Program Analyst (273), Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefits Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420, 202 233-5291 RIN: 2900-AD35 _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Final Rule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION _________________________________________________________________________ 3586. LOAN GUARANTY: TITLE EVIDENCE REQUIREMENTS AND OCCUPANCY REQUIREMENTS FOR CONVEYANCE OF PROPERTIES TO VA Significance: Subject to OMB review: Undetermined Legal Authority: 38 USC 501(a); 38 USC 3703(c)(1); 38 USC 3720 CFR Citation: 38 CFR 36.4320 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Present regulations give loan holders a choice of various forms of title evidence when conveying a property to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. The regulations will be amended to authorize the Secretary to specify the title documentation necessary for conveyance of properties to the Secretary and establish a date by which such title evidence must be received. The amendment will also provide that the property must be vacant when conveyed to VA unless occupied by someone properly in possession by virtue of a redemption period or as otherwise directed by the Secretary. Timetable: _________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite _________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 08/06/90 55 FR 31847 NPRM Comment Period End 10/05/90 55 FR 35325 NPRM Comment Period Extended 10/05/90 55 FR 35325 Final Action 00/00/00 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Leonard A. Levy, Assistant Director for Loan Management (261), Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefits Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420, 202 233- 3668 RIN: 2900-AE20 _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Final Rule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION _________________________________________________________________________ 3587. SCHEDULE FOR RATING DISABILITIES--THE CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM Significance: Subject to OMB review: Undetermined Economically significant: Undetermined Legal Authority: 38 USC 1155 CFR Citation: 38 CFR 4.100; 38 CFR 4.101; 38 CFR 4.102; 38 CFR 4.103; 38 CFR 4.104 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 cardiovascular system. Timetable: _________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite _________________________________________________________________________ ANPRM 02/26/90 55 FR 6658 ANPRM Comment Period End 04/27/90 55 FR 6658 NPRM 01/19/93 58 FR 4954 NPRM Comment Period End 03/22/93 Final Action 06/00/94 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Caroll McBrine, M.D., Consultant, Regulations Staff (211B), Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefits Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420, 202 233- 3005 RIN: 2900-AE40 _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Final Rule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION _________________________________________________________________________ 3588. SCHEDULE FOR RATING DISABILITIES--THE ENDOCRINE SYSTEM Significance: Subject to OMB review: Undetermined Economically significant: Undetermined Legal Authority: 38 USC 1155 CFR Citation: 38 CFR 4.119 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 endocrine system. Timetable: _________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite _________________________________________________________________________ ANPRM 02/26/90 55 FR 6658 ANPRM Comment Period End 04/27/90 55 FR 6658 NPRM 01/22/93 58 FR 5691 NPRM Comment Period End 03/23/93 Final Action 06/00/94 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Caroll McBrine, M.D., Consultant, Regulations Staff (211B), Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefits Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420, 202 233- 3005 RIN: 2900-AE41 _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Final Rule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION _________________________________________________________________________ 3589. SCHEDULE FOR RATING DISABILITIES--THE GYNECOLOGICAL SYSTEM Significance: Subject to OMB review: Undetermined Economically significant: Undetermined Legal Authority: 38 USC 1155 CFR Citation: 38 CFR 4.116; 38 CFR 4.116(a) 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 gynecological system. Timetable: _________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite _________________________________________________________________________ ANPRM 08/20/90 55 FR 33924 ANPRM Comment Period End 10/19/90 55 FR 33924 NPRM 03/26/92 57 FR 10450 NPRM Comment Period End 04/27/92 Final Action 06/00/94 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Caroll McBrine, M.D., Consultant, Regulations Staff (211B), Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefits Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420, 202 233- 3005 RIN: 2900-AE72 _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Final Rule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION _________________________________________________________________________ 3590. SCHEDULE FOR RATING DISABILITIES--THE MUSCULAR SYSTEM Significance: Subject to OMB review: Undetermined Economically significant: Undetermined Legal Authority: 38 USC 1155 CFR Citation: 38 CFR 4.73 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 muscular system. Timetable: _________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite _________________________________________________________________________ ANPRM 11/08/90 55 FR 46950 ANPRM Comment Period End 01/07/91 NPRM 06/16/93 58 FR 33235 NPRM Comment Period End 07/16/93 Final Action 06/00/94 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: John L. Roberts, Consultant, Regulations Staff (211B), Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefits Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420, 202 233-3005 RIN: 2900-AE89 _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Final Rule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION _________________________________________________________________________ 3591. SCHEDULE FOR RATING DISABILITIES--THE RESPIRATORY SYSTEM Significance: Subject to OMB review: Undetermined Economically significant: Undetermined Legal Authority: 38 USC 1155 CFR Citation: 38 CFR 4.96; 38 CFR 4.97 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 respiratory system. Timetable: _________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite _________________________________________________________________________ ANPRM 01/08/91 56 FR 667 ANPRM Comment Period End 03/11/91 NPRM 01/19/93 58 FR 4962 NPRM Comment Period End 03/22/93 Final Action 06/00/94 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: John L. Roberts, Consultant, Regulations Staff (211B), Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefits Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420, 202 233-3005 RIN: 2900-AE94 _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Final Rule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION _________________________________________________________________________ 3592. SCHEDULE FOR RATING DISABILITIES--SYSTEMIC CONDITIONS Significance: Subject to OMB review: Undetermined Economically significant: Undetermined Legal Authority: 38 USC 1155 CFR Citation: 38 CFR 4.88; 38 CFR 4.88a 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 systemic conditions. Timetable: _________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite _________________________________________________________________________ ANPRM 01/25/91 56 FR 2884 ANPRM Comment Period End 03/26/91 NPRM 04/30/93 58 FR 26083 NPRM Comment Period End 06/29/93 Final Action 06/00/94 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: John L. Roberts, Consultant, Regulations Staff (211B), Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefits Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420, 202 233-3005 RIN: 2900-AE95 _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Final Rule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION _________________________________________________________________________ 3593. SCHEDULE FOR RATING DISABILITIES--THE SKIN Significance: Subject to OMB review: Undetermined Economically significant: Undetermined Legal Authority: 38 USC 1155 CFR Citation: 38 CFR 4.118 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 skin conditions. Timetable: _________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite _________________________________________________________________________ ANPRM 05/02/91 56 FR 20171 ANPRM Comment Period End 07/01/91 NPRM 01/19/93 58 FR 4969 NPRM Comment Period End 03/22/93 Final Action 06/00/94 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: John L. Roberts, Consultant, Regulations Staff (211B), Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefits Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420, 202 233-3005 RIN: 2900-AF00 _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Final Rule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION _________________________________________________________________________ 3594. SCHEDULE FOR RATING DISABILITIES--THE HEMIC AND LYMPHATIC SYSTEM Significance: Subject to OMB review: Undetermined Economically significant: Undetermined Legal Authority: 38 USC 1155 CFR Citation: 38 CFR 4.117 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 hemic and lymphatic systems. Timetable: _________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite _________________________________________________________________________ ANPRM 05/02/91 56 FR 20168 ANPRM Comment Period End 07/01/91 NPRM 04/30/93 58 FR 26080 NPRM Comment Period End 05/31/93 Final Action 06/00/94 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: John L. Roberts, Consultant, Regulations Staff (211B), Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefits Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420, 202 233-3005 RIN: 2900-AF02 _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Final Rule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION _________________________________________________________________________ 3595. RESERVISTS' EDUCATION; CHANGE OF PROGRAM OF EDUCATION Legal Authority: 38 USC 3691 CFR Citation: 38 CFR 21.7614 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Department of Veterans Affairs Nurse Pay Act of 1990 contains a section which affects most of the educational programs VA administers. The section revises the rules for determining whether an individual can change programs of education. The regulation governing changes of programs of education for reservists receiving benefits under the Montgomery GI Bill--Selected Reserve must be changed in order to bring it into agreement with the law. Timetable: _________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite _________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 10/14/92 57 FR 47023 NPRM Comment Period End 11/13/92 57 FR 47023 Final Action 09/00/94 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: June C. Schaeffer, Assistant Director for Policy and Program Administration (225), Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefits Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420, 202 233-2092 RIN: 2900-AF10 _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Final Rule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION _________________________________________________________________________ 3596. DISABILITY OR DEATH FROM HOSPITALIZATION, MEDICAL OR SURGICAL TREATMENT Significance: Subject to OMB review: Undetermined Economically significant: Undetermined Legal Authority: 38 USC 501(a) CFR Citation: 38 CFR 3.358(c)(3) Legal Deadline: None Abstract: These changes to regulations will expand benefit eligibility for disability or death resulting from VA hospital, medical or surgical treatment, or vocational rehabilitation programs. Timetable: _________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite _________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/08/91 56 FR 30893 NPRM Comment Period End 08/07/91 Next Action Undetermined Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: John Bisset, Jr., Consultant, Regulations Staff (211B), Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefits Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420, 202 233-3005 RIN: 2900-AF27 _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Final Rule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION _________________________________________________________________________ 3597. VETERANS' BENEFITS; ELIGIBILITY FOR THE MONTGOMERY GI BILL--ACTIVE DUTY Legal Authority: PL 101-510 CFR Citation: 38 CFR 21.7020; 38 CFR 21.7042; 38 CFR 21.7044; 38 CFR 21.7045; 38 CFR 21.7072; 38 CFR 21.7073; 38 CFR 21.7136 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: PL 101-510 contains several provisions that affect eligibility for the Montgomery GI Bill - Active Duty. The law looks forward to the time when the Armed Forces will be reduced in size through reductions in force, and provides a way for those affected by the reductions to become eligible for the Montgomery GI Bill - Active Duty. The Regulations governing eligibility and entitlement for that benefit must be revised to agree with the law. Timetable: _________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite _________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/23/93 58 FR 39488 NPRM Comment Period End 08/23/93 Final Action 07/00/94 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: June C. Schaeffer, Assistant Director for Policy and Program Administration (225), Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefits Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420, 202 233-2092 RIN: 2900-AF30 _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Final Rule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION _________________________________________________________________________ 3598. LOAN GUARANTY; CREDIT UNDERWRITING STANDARDS AND PROCEDURES FOR PROCESSING VA GUARANTEED LOANS Legal Authority: 38 USC 501(a); 38 USC 3703(c)(1); 38 USC 3710(g) CFR Citation: 38 CFR 4337 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Loan Guaranty regulations are being amended to update the residual income guidelines of the credit underwriting standards, to add guidelines for underwriting cases involving foreclosures and federally- related debts, to provide more specific time frames for determinations regarding employment, and to further clarify the use of compensating factors in underwriting VA-guaranteed home loans. Timetable: _________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite _________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 09/29/93 58 FR 50875 NPRM Comment Period End 10/29/93 Final Action 00/00/00 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Judith A. Caden, Assistant Director for Loan Policy (264), Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefits Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420, 202 233- 3042 RIN: 2900-AF39 _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Final Rule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION _________________________________________________________________________ 3599. IMPLEMENTING STATUTORY CHANGES Legal Authority: PL 102-16 CFR Citation: 38 CFR 21.40; 38 CFR 21.100; 38 CFR 21.260; 38 CFR 21.4140; 38 CFR 21.4101 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Department of Veterans Affairs is revising its regulations to conform to changes in the Veterans Education and Employment Programs Amendments. These amendments allow VA to provide vocational rehabilitation programs for disabled servicepersons who are inpatients or outpatients at military or nonmilitary hospitals and to pay the same rate of subsistence allowance to veterans in nonpay on-job training programs in State, local and Federal agencies. These statutory changes also broaden eligibility for counseling services to include servicepersons and veterans who are not eligible for assistance under VA educational assistance programs. Timetable: _________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite _________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 11/00/94 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Charles Graffamn, Veterans Claims Examiner (281), Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefits Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420, 202 233-6495 RIN: 2900-AF48 _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Final Rule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION _________________________________________________________________________ 3600. SERVICE-DISABLED VETERANS' INSURANCE Significance: Subject to OMB review: Undetermined Economically significant: Undetermined Legal Authority: PL 102-86, sec 201; PL 102-86, sec 202 CFR Citation: 38 CFR 8.0 (Revision); 38 CFR 8.23 (Revision); 38 CFR 8.77 (Revision); 38 CFR 8.80 (Revision); 38 CFR 8.116 (Revision) Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Section 201 of Pub. L. 102-86 increased the Service-Disabled Veterans' Insurance (S-DVI) eligibility period to two years. Section 202 mandates that S-DVI gratuitous benefits be paid in a lump sum. Regulations are being amended to reflect these changes. Timetable: _________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite _________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 10/00/94 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Gregory C. Hosmer, Senior Insurance Specialist/ Attorney, Department of Veterans Affairs, P.O. Box 8047, Philadelphia, PA 19101, 215 951-5710 RIN: 2900-AF69 _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Final Rule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION _________________________________________________________________________ 3601. INTEREST ON PREMIUMS IN ARREARS Significance: Subject to OMB review: Undetermined Legal Authority: 38 USC 1908 CFR Citation: 38 CFR 8.22 (Revision) Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The interest rate charged on National Service Life Insurance premiums in arrears is being increased to 7 1/2 percent per annum to coincide with the discount that is given premiums that are paid in advance. Timetable: _________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite _________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 10/00/94 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Gregory C. Hosmer, Senior Insurance Specialist/ Attorney, Department of Veterans Affairs, P.O. Box 8047, Philadelphia, PA 19101, 215 951-5710 RIN: 2900-AF71 _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Final Rule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION _________________________________________________________________________ 3602. PROCEDURAL DUE PROCESS AND APPELLANT RIGHTS Significance: Subject to OMB review: Undetermined Economically significant: Undetermined Legal Authority: 38 USC 501(a) CFR Citation: 38 CFR 3.103 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This amendment will clarify that a claimant hearing will not normally be scheduled solely for the purpose of receiving argument by a claimant's representative, and that a claimant is expected to be present at the hearing. Timetable: _________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite _________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/15/93 58 FR 38103 NPRM Comment Period End 08/16/93 Final Action 06/00/94 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: John Bisset, Jr., Consultant, Regulations Staff (211B), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420, 202 233-3005 RIN: 2900-AF94 _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Final Rule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION _________________________________________________________________________ 3603. AMENDMENTS TO TRAINING AND REHABILITATION PROGRAMS Legal Authority: PL 102-568 CFR Citation: 38 CFR 21.40; 38 CFR 21.260; 38 CFR 21.6005; 38 CFR 21.6042; 38 CFR 21.6050; 38 CFR 21.6052; 38 CFR 21.6054; 38 CFR 21.6056; 38 CFR 21.6058; 38 CFR 21.6420; 38 CFR 21.6501; 38 CFR 21.6503; 38 CFR 21.6505; 38 CFR 21.6507; 38 CFR 21.6523 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Veterans' Benefits Act of 1992 extends the termination date for the program of vocational training for certain pensioners through December 31, 1995; makes permanent the programs protecting health care benefits for pensioners who lose their benefits due to income from work or training and the special counseling and employment services program for veterans with total disability ratings because of individual unemployability. In addition the law authorizes a 10 percent increase in subsistence allowance for participants in the vocational rehabilitation program, and extends eligibility for vocational rehabilitation to veterans with service-connected disability of 10 percent under certain conditions. Timetable: _________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite _________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 11/00/94 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Charles Graffam, Veterans Claims Examiner (281), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420, 202 233-6496 RIN: 2900-AG00 _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Final Rule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION _________________________________________________________________________ 3604. REVISED DEFINITION OF NET VALUE AND REVISED CRITERIA FOR PRE- FORECLOSURE DEBT WAIVERS Legal Authority: 38 USC 501(a); 38 USC 3720(a); 38 USC 3732(a) CFR Citation: 38 CFR 36.4301; 38 CFR 36.4323 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Department of Veterans Affairs is proposing to amend its Loan Guaranty regulations to revise the definition of Property Improvements for purposes of determining the net value of a foreclosed property and to clarify VA's position on pre-foreclosure debt waivers for liable veterans in cases involving transferee defaults. These changes will account for actual property appraisal procedures and will clarify agency policy on pre-foreclosure debt waiver. Timetable: _________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite _________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 09/22/93 58 FR 49251 NPRM Comment Period End 10/22/19 Interim Final Rule 00/00/00 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Len Levy, Assistant Director for Loan Management (261), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420, 202 233-3042 RIN: 2900-AG20 _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Final Rule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION _________________________________________________________________________ 3605. PROCEDURAL DUE PROCESS AND APPELLATE RIGHTS Significance: Subject to OMB review: Undetermined Economically significant: Undetermined Legal Authority: 38 USC 501(a) CFR Citation: 38 CFR 3.103 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: To amend regulations concerning procedural due process and appellate rights to add two exceptions to the general requirement that a pretermination/reduction notice must be sent to a claimant prior to accomplishing an action adversely affecting benefit payments. Timetable: _________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite _________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/15/93 58 FR 38104 NPRM Comment Period End 08/16/93 Final Action 06/00/94 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Steve Thornberry, Consultant, Regulations Staff (211B), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420, 202 233-3005 RIN: 2900-AG28 _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Final Rule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION _________________________________________________________________________ 3606. CLAIMS BASED ON CHRONIC EFFECTS OF EXPOSURE TO VESICANT AGENTS Significance: Subject to OMB review: Undetermined Economically significant: Undetermined Legal Authority: 38 USC 501(a) CFR Citation: 38 CFR 3.16 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: To amend regulations concerning compensation for disabilities or deaths resulting from the chronic effects of in-service exposure to mustard gas and other vesicant agents based upon a National Academy of Sciences study of the long-term health effects of exposure to vesicant agents commissioned by VA. Timetable: _________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite _________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 01/24/94 59 FR 3532 NPRM Comment Period End 03/25/94 Final Action 06/00/94 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: John Bisset, Jr., Consultant, Regulations Staff (211B), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420, 202 233-3005 RIN: 2900-AG29 _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Final Rule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION _________________________________________________________________________ 3607. INCREASE IN AMOUNT OF VETERANS' MORTGAGE LIFE INSURANCE Significance: Subject to OMB review: Undetermined Legal Authority: 38 USC 2106(b); PL 102-568 CFR Citation: 38 CFR 8.2; 38 CFR 8.4 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Section 204 of Public Law 102-568 increases the amount of coverage available under the Veterans' Mortgage Life Insurance Program to $90,000. Regulations are being amended to reflect this change. Timetable: _________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite _________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 10/00/94 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Gregory C. Hosmer, Senior Insurance Specialist/ Attorney, Department of Veterans Affairs, PO Box 13399, Philadelphia, PA 19101, 215 951-5710 RIN: 2900-AG36 _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Final Rule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION _________________________________________________________________________ 3608. SUPPLEMENTAL SERVICE-DISABLED VETERANS' INSURANCE (S-DVI) Significance: Subject to OMB review: Undetermined Legal Authority: 38 USC 1922(a); PL 102-568 CFR Citation: 38 CFR 8.0 (Revision); 38 CFR 8.2 (Revision) Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Section 203 of Public Law 102-568 provides supplemental S-DVI coverage of up to $20,000 to veterans eligible for a waiver of premium on their basic S-DVI coverage. Regulations are being amended to reflect this change. Timetable: _________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite _________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 10/00/94 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Gregory C. Hosmer, Senior Insurance Specialist/ Attorney, Department of Veterans Affairs, PO Box 13399, Philadelphia, PA 19101, 215 951-5710 RIN: 2900-AG37 _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Final Rule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION _________________________________________________________________________ 3609. INCREASED COVERAGE FOR SERVICEMEN'S AND VETERANS' GROUP LIFE INSURANCE Significance: Subject to OMB review: Undetermined Economically significant: Undetermined Legal Authority: 38 USC 1967; 38 USC 1977; PL 102-568 CFR Citation: 38 CFR 9.2 (Revision); 38 CFR 9.3 (Revision); 38 CFR 9.4 (Revision); 38 CFR 9.6 (Revision); 38 CFR 9.8 (Revision); 38 CFR 9.24 (Revision); 38 CFR 9.26 (Revision); 38 CFR 9.36 (Revision) Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Section 201 of Public Law 102-568 increases the maximum amount of coverage available under the Servicemen's Group Life Insurance program to $200,000. Section 202 increases the maximum amount of coverage available under the Veterans Group Life Insurance (VGLI) program to $200,000 and provides that coverage under the VGLI program shall be on a renewable five-year term basis. Regulations are being amended to reflect these changes. Timetable: _________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite _________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 10/00/94 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Gregory C. Hosmer, Senior Insurance Specialist/ Attorney, Department of Veterans Affairs, PO Box 13399, Philadelphia, PA 19101, 215 951-5710 RIN: 2900-AG38 _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Final Rule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION _________________________________________________________________________ 3610. DISABILITY DUE TO IMPAIRED HEARING Significance: Subject to OMB review: Undetermined Economically significant: Undetermined Legal Authority: 38 USC 501(a) CFR Citation: 38 CFR 3.385 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This amendment is necessary because the current regulation has been interpreted as overly broad with respect to determinations of service connection. Timetable: _________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite _________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 09/16/93 58 FR 48483 NPRM Comment Period End 10/18/93 Final Action 06/00/94 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: John L. Roberts, Consultant, Regulations Staff (211B), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420, 202 233-3005 RIN: 2900-AG44 _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Final Rule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION _________________________________________________________________________ 3611. RADIOGENIC DISEASE PROVISIONS (URINARY TRACT DEFINITION) Significance: Subject to OMB review: Undetermined Economically significant: Undetermined Legal Authority: 38 USC 501(a) CFR Citation: 38 CFR 3.309(d)(2) Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Veterans' Radiation Exposure Amendments of 1992, Public Law 102-578, added cancer of the urinary tract to the list of radiogenic conditions for which presumptive service connection is authorized, but did not indicate which entities should be considered part of the urinary tract. This amendment will define the meaning of ``urinary tract'' for VA purposes. Timetable: _________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite _________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 10/05/93 58 FR 51798 NPRM Comment Period End 11/30/93 Final Action 06/00/94 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Caroll McBrine, M.D., Consultant, Regulations Staff (211B), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420, 202 233-3005 RIN: 2900-AG46 _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Final Rule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION _________________________________________________________________________ 3612. EXCLUSIONS FROM INCOME Significance: Subject to OMB review: Undetermined Economically significant: Undetermined Legal Authority: 38 USC 501(a) CFR Citation: 38 CFR 3.272(q) Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This amendment will implement an opinion of VA's General Counsel that the portion of the cash surrender value of a life insurance policy which represents a return of premiums should not be considered income under VA's Improved Pension Program. Timetable: _________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite _________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/17/93 58 FR 65958 NPRM Comment Period End 02/25/94 Final Action 06/00/94 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Steve Thornberry, Consultant, Regulations Staff (211B), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420, 202 233-3005 RIN: 2900-AG47 _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Final Rule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION _________________________________________________________________________ 3613. RETURNED AND CANCELLED CHECKS Significance: Subject to OMB review: Undetermined Economically significant: Undetermined Legal Authority: 38 USC 501(a); 38 USC 5122 CFR Citation: 38 CFR 3.1003 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This amendment will assure that regulations clearly reflect the governing statutes as interpreted in a precedent of VA's General Counsel so that the amount represented by a benefit check received but unnegotiated prior to a beneficiary's death is properly distributed. Timetable: _________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite _________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 09/03/93 58 FR 46920 NPRM Comment Period End 10/04/93 Final Action 06/00/94 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Steve Thornberry, Consultant, Regulations Staff (211B), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420, 202 233-3005 RIN: 2900-AG51 _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Final Rule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION _________________________________________________________________________ 3614. CONTINUOUS COHABITATION Significance: Subject to OMB review: Undetermined Economically significant: Undetermined Legal Authority: 38 USC 101(3); 38 USC 501(a) CFR Citation: 38 CFR 3.53(a) Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This amendment is necessary because the United States Court of Veterans Appeals invalidated a portion of 38 CFR 3.53(a) as exceeding the regulation-prescribing authority of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs under 38 USC 501(a). Timetable: _________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite _________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 06/00/94 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: John Bisset, Jr., Consultant, Regulations Staff (211B), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420, 202 233-3005 RIN: 2900-AG53 _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Final Rule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION _________________________________________________________________________ 3615. VETERANS' EDUCATION; FLIGHT TRAINING Significance: Subject to OMB review: Yes Legal Authority: 38 USC 3032; 38 USC 3231; 10 USC 2131 CFR Citation: 38 CFR 21.4263 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: These amended regulations permit pilot flight training pursuant to 14 CFR Part 61, conducted in flight simulators to be approved for purposes of VA-administered education benefits when such training is authorized by the FAA. These regulations will also provide for approval of solo flight training for education benefit purposes as authorized by the Veterans Benefits Act of 1992. Timetable: _________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite _________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 09/22/93 58 FR 49196 Final Action 07/00/94 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Agency Contact: June C. Schaeffer, Assistant Director for Policy and Program Administration (225), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420, 202 233-2092 RIN: 2900-AG54 _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Final Rule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION _________________________________________________________________________ 3616. INCREASE IN ATTORNEYS' FEES Legal Authority: 38 USC 501(a); 38 USC 3720(a) CFR Citation: 38 CFR 36.4276; 38 CFR 36.4313 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The regulations are being amended to increase from $700 to $850 the maximum allowable amount VA will reimburse a loan holder for the cost of trustee's fees and legal services incurred by the holder in liquidating a loan guaranteed by VA. Increasing the maximum allowable amount will make it easier for holders to retain experienced legal counsel to perform required foreclosures in a timely manner. Timetable: _________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite _________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 09/22/93 58 FR 49253 NPRM Comment Period End 10/22/93 Final Action 00/00/00 Small Entities Affected: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Agency Contact: Leonard Levy, Asst. Dir. for Loan Management, (261), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420, 202 233-3668 RIN: 2900-AG55 _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Final Rule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION _________________________________________________________________________ 3617. VETERANS EDUCATION: CLARIFICATION OF ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MONTGOMERY GI BILL - ACTIVE DUTY Legal Authority: 38 USC 3011; 38 USC 3012; 38 USC 3018 CFR Citation: 38 CFR 21.7042; 38 CFR 21.7044 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Generally, someone who receives a commission upon graduating from a service academy or who receives a commission upon completion of a program of educational assistance under the Reserve Officers Training Corps Scholarship Program is not eligible for educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill - Active Duty. However, this does not apply to those who already had established entitlement under this program before being commissioned. This proposal will make this policy clear to the public. Timetable: _________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite _________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 09/29/93 58 FR 50873 NPRM Comment Period End 10/29/93 Final Action 07/00/94 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: June C. Schaeffer, Assistant Director for Policy and Program Administration (225), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420, 202 233-2092 RIN: 2900-AG59 _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Final Rule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION _________________________________________________________________________ 3618. DISEASE ASSOCIATED WITH EXPOSURE TO CERTAIN HERBICIDE AGENTS Significance: Subject to OMB review: Yes Legal Authority: 38 USC 501; 38 USC 1116 CFR Citation: 38 CFR 3.307(a); 38 CFR 3.309(e); 38 CFR 3.311(a); 38 CFR 3.311(b) Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, January 3, 1994. Other, Statutory, September 27, 1993. The subject decision was announced by the Secretary of VA on July 27, 1993; PL 102-4 specifies that this proposed rule be published within 60 days of the decision. Abstract: This amendment is necessary to implement a decision of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs under the authority granted by the Agent Orange Act of 1991 that there is an association between exposure to herbicides used in the Republic of Vietnam during the Vietnam Era and the subsequent development of Hodgkins Disease and Porphyria Cutanea Tarda. Timetable: _________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite _________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 09/28/93 58 FR 50528 NPRM Comment Period End 10/29/93 Final Action 06/00/94 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: John Bisset, Jr., Consultant, Regulations Staff (2211B), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420, 202 233-3005 RIN: 2900-AG69 _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Final Rule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION _________________________________________________________________________ 3619. DISEASE ASSOCIATED WITH EXPOSURE TO CERTAIN HERBICIDE AGENTS (MULTIPLE MYELOMA AND RESPIRATORY CANCERS) Significance: Subject to OMB review: Yes Legal Authority: 38 USC 501(a); 38 USC 1116 CFR Citation: 38 CFR 3.307(a); 38 CFR 3.309(e) Legal Deadline: NPRM, Statutory, May 4, 1994. Abstract: This amendment implements 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 Multiple Myeloma and Respiratory Cancers. Timetable: _________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite _________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 05/00/94 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: John Bisset, Jr., Consultant Regulations Staff (211B), Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefits Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420, 202 233-3005 RIN: 2900-AG73 _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Final Rule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION _________________________________________________________________________ 3620. DEPENDENTS' EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE; CERTIFICATION Significance: Subject to OMB review: Undetermined Economically significant: Undetermined Legal Authority: 38 USC 501(a); 38 USC 1160 CFR Citation: 38 CFR 3.807(a) Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This amendment implements a recent decision of the United States Court of Veterans Appeals that Dependents' Educational Assistance Eligibility is established where a permanent total service- connected disability is assigned to the veteran for loss of use of paired extremities or organs. Timetable: _________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite _________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 06/00/94 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Paul Trowbridge, Consultant, Regulations Staff (211B), Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefits Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420, 202 233-3005 RIN: 2900-AG74 _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Final Rule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION _________________________________________________________________________ 3621. ACTIVE MILITARY SERVICE CERTIFIED UNDER SECTION 401 OF PUBLIC LAW 95-202 Significance: Subject to OMB review: Undetermined Economically significant: Undetermined Legal Authority: PL 95-202, sec 401 CFR Citation: 38 CFR 3.7(x) Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This amendment implements decisions of the Secretary of the Air Force that the service of the group known as ``US Civilian Flight Crew and aviation Ground Support Employees of Northwest Airlines, who Served Overseas as a Result of Northwest Airline's contract with the Air Transport Command During the Period December 14, 1941 through August 14, 1945'' and the Group known as ``U.S. Civilian Female Employees of the U.S. Army Nurse Corps while Serving in the Defense of Bataan and Corregidor during the Period January 2, 1942 through February 3, 1945'' constitutes active military service in the Armed Forces of the United States for purposes of all laws administered by VA. Timetable: _________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite _________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 06/00/94 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Paul Trowbridge, Consultant, Regulations Staff (211B), Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefits Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420, 202 233-3005 RIN: 2900-AG81 _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Final Rule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION _________________________________________________________________________ 3622. EXCLUSIONS FROM INCOME (TRIBAL TRUST LAND INCOME) Significance: Subject to OMB review: Undetermined Economically significant: Undetermined Legal Authority: PL 103-66, sec 13736 CFR Citation: 38 CFR 3.262; 38 CFR 3.272 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This amendment implements the provisions of Public Law 103-66 which exclude from countable income under federal programs up to $2,000 per year of income received by an American Indian beneficiary from trust or restricted lands. Timetable: _________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite _________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 06/00/94 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Paul Trowbridge, Consultant, Regulations Staff (211B), Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefits Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420, 202 233-3005 RIN: 2900-AG83 _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Final Rule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION _________________________________________________________________________ 3623. CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDROME Significance: Subject to OMB review: Undetermined Economically significant: Undetermined Legal Authority: 38 USC 501(a) CFR Citation: 38 CFR 4.88 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: VA has amended its schedule for rating disabilities (38 CFR Part 4) to add a diagnostic code and evaluation criteria for chronic fatigue syndrome, a condition which is currently being diagnosed in veterans and for which there is no closely analogous condition in the schedule. Timetable: _________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite _________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 06/00/94 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Caroll McBrine, M.D., Consultant, Regulations Staff (211B), Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefits Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420, 202 233- 3005 RIN: 2900-AG86 _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Final Rule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION _________________________________________________________________________ 3624. SCHEDULE FOR RATING DISABILITIES: GENITAL URINARY SYSTEM (SPECIAL MONTHLY COMPENSATION) Significance: Subject to OMB review: Undetermined Legal Authority: 38 USC 1155 CFR Citation: 38 CFR 4 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This amendment adds a note at the beginning of 4.115(b) requiring rating specialists to refer to 3.350 when they evaluate a claim involving loss or loss of use of a creative organ, and adds asterisks at rediagnostic codes where entitlement to special monthly compensation is for review. Timetable: _________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite _________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 05/00/94 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Caroll McBrine, Consultant, Regulations Staff (211B), Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefits Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420, 202 233-3005 RIN: 2900-AG97 _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Final Rule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ OFFICE OF ACQUISITION AND MATERIEL MANAGEMENT _________________________________________________________________________ 3625. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS ACQUISITION REGULATION--SERVICE CONTRACTING AND CONTRACT CLAUSES Significance: Subject to OMB review: Undetermined Legal Authority: 38 USC 501; 40 USC 486(c) CFR Citation: 48 CFR 837; 48 CFR 852 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This change will implement a class deviation from Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) section 37.401(c) and FAR Clause 52.237-7. Timetable: _________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite _________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 10/22/93 58 FR 54548 NPRM Comment Period End 12/20/93 Final Action 06/00/94 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Procurement: This is a procurement-related action for which there is no statutory requirement. There is no paperwork burden associated with this action. Agency Contact: Patricia Viverette, Procurement Analyst, Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420, 202 233-5001 RIN: 2900-AG67 _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Final Rule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ BOARD OF VETERANS APPEALS _________________________________________________________________________ 3626. APPEALS REGULATIONS; RULES OF PRACTICE Significance: Subject to OMB review: Undetermined 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 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); 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); ... 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 Next Action Undetermined Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: These proposed regulations were previously a part of RIN 2900-AE02. Agency Contact: Steven L. Keller, Counsel to the Chairman (01C), Department of Veterans Affairs, Board of Veterans Appeals, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420, 202 233-2978 RIN: 2900-AE78 _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Final Rule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ OFFICE OF ACQUISITION AND MATERIEL MANAGEMENT _________________________________________________________________________ 3627. RULES OF PRACTICE; ATTORNEYS' AND AGENTS' FEES Significance: Subject to OMB review: Undetermined Legal Authority: 38 USC 5904(c)(3); 38 USC 501 CFR Citation: 38 CFR 20.609 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This regulation will amend the rules of practice of the Board of Veterans' Appeals concerning fees of attorneys and agents to reflect changes to 38 USC 5904(c) resulting from section 303 of Public Law 102- 405. No alternatives are available. These revisions will not entail any costs other than those normally associated with drafting, agency review, and publication. Timetable: _________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite _________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 09/07/93 58 FR 47100 NPRM Comment Period End 10/07/93 Final Action 06/00/94 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Steven L. Keller, Counsel to the Chairman (01C), Board of Veterans Appeals, Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420, 202 233-2978 RIN: 2900-AG42 _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Final Rule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ OFFICE OF EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY _________________________________________________________________________ 3628. NONDISCRIMINATION ON THE BASIS OF SEX UNDER FEDERALLY ASSISTED EDUCATION PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES Significance: Subject to OMB review: Undetermined Economically significant: Undetermined Regulatory Plan entry: Undetermined Legal Authority: 20 USC 1681 et seq; 38 USC 210(a); EO 12250; EO 12067 CFR Citation: 38 CFR 18 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: To establish standards and procedures for enforcing title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 in educational programs and activities receiving Federal financial assistance from VA. Title IX prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex. There are no alternatives to the issuance of the regulations. Participants, potential participants and the public in general will benefit from Federally assisted programs provided free from prohibited discrimination based on sex. This originally appeared as a proposed rule in the Federal Register of April 25, 1979 (44 FR 24320). Because of the extended time frame due to internal agency consultation with the Department of Justice, the Department is planning to repropose these regulations. Timetable: _________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite _________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 00/00/00 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: R. Lamont Johnson, External Program Manager, Affirmative Employment Service (06A1), Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Equal Employment Opportunity, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420, 202 233-3887 RIN: 2900-AB51 _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Final Rule Stage ___________________________________________________________________ OFFICE OF THE ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR ACQUISITION AND FACILITIES _________________________________________________________________________ 3629. OPERATION OF CHILD CARE CENTERS AT VA FACILITIES Significance: Subject to OMB review: Undetermined Economically significant: Undetermined Regulatory Plan entry: Undetermined Legal Authority: 38 USC 4209 CFR Citation: 38 CFR 17.162 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Section 4209 of title 38 authorizes the Veterans Canteen Service to operate child care centers at VA facilities. The centers will be established based on the demand for care and to the extent that such operation is practical and in the best interest of VA. The centers will be available for the children of VA employees and, to the extent space is available, the children of other Federal and Department of Veterans Affairs affiliated employees. Also, these centers should provide an incentive for personnel recruitment. The regulations will prescribe the requirements and standards for the operation of VA child care centers. Timetable: _________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite _________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/27/89 54 FR 53078 NPRM Comment Period End 01/26/90 54 FR 53078 Final Action 00/00/00 Small Entities Affected: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Jonathan Gardner, Director of Field Support (133), Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420, 202 535-7905 RIN: 2900-AD48 _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Final Rule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ OFFICE OF INFORMATION RESOURCES POLICIES AND OVERSIGHT _________________________________________________________________________ 3630. RELEASE OF VA LISTS OF NAMES AND ADDRESSES AND PENALTY PROCEDURES FOR UNAUTHORIZED USE Significance: Subject to OMB review: Undetermined Legal Authority: 38 USC 5701(f) CFR Citation: 38 CFR 1.519 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: VA is amending the existing regulations concerning VA lists of names and addresses and is also proposing administrative procedures to use when these lists are used for purposes not authorized by law. This action results from the need to amend the regulations to reflect current procedures, organizational changes, and concern expressed by veterans and some service organizations regarding unsolicited mail. The proposed regulatory amendments will allow VA to enforce its statutory duty to protect the privacy of information concerning veterans and their dependents, establish procedures to suspend recipients who misuse VA name and address lists of veterans/dependents, and give advance notice to recipients of what constitutes an authorized/unauthorized use of veterans/dependents names and address lists, thereby protecting the due process rights of any recipient before penalties are enforced. Timetable: _________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite _________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 03/19/87 52 FR 8624 NPRM Comment Period End 04/20/87 52 FR 8624 Final Action 12/00/94 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Barbara Epps, Records Management Service (723), Department of Veterans Affairs, Ofc. of Info. Resources Policies & Oversight, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420, 202 233-3648 RIN: 2900-AC63 _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Final Rule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ OFFICE OF INFORMATION RESOURCES POLICIES AND OVERSIGHT _________________________________________________________________________ 3631. NEW RESTRICTIONS ON LOBBYING Significance: Subject to OMB review: Yes Legal Authority: 31 USC 1352 CFR Citation: 38 CFR 45 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This regulation implements section 319 of Public Law 101-121. Section 319 generally prohibits recipients of Federal contracts, grants, and loans from using appropriated funds for lobbying the executive or legislative branches of the Federal Government in connection with a specific contract, grant or loan. Section 319 also requires that each person who requests or receives a Federal contract, grant, cooperative agreement, loan, or a Federal commitment to insure or guaranty a loan, must disclose lobbying. Timetable: _________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite _________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 02/26/90 55 FR 6752 Next Action Undetermined Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: State, Local Agency Contact: B. Michael Berger, Director, Records Management Service (723), Department of Veterans Affairs, Ofc. of Info. Resources Policies & Oversight, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420, 202 233-3616 RIN: 2900-AE74 _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Final Rule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ OFFICE OF INFORMATION RESOURCES POLICIES AND OVERSIGHT _________________________________________________________________________ 3632. FOIA: RECEIPT OF ELECTRONICALLY TRANSMITTED FACSIMILE REQUEST OR APPEAL; TIME LIMIT ON RIGHT OF ADMINISTRATIVE APPEAL; AND NO RECORD AS ADVERSE DETERMINATION Legal Authority: 5 USC 552; 38 USC 5701 CFR Citation: 38 CFR 1.519; 38 CFR 1.553; 38 CFR 1.557 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: VA is amending its information access regulations to: (1) clarify procedures for initial requests and appeals received under FOIA and 38 USC 5701 which are received by facsimile, (2) view a ``no record'' response to FOIA requests as an adverse determination requiring notification of appeal rights; and (3) establish a time limit on the right of appeal of initial denial under FOIA. Technical amendments are being made to update the organizational titles contained in regulation 38 CFR 1.519 to reflect the current organization and to update references to citations in 38 USC to reflect changes made by Pub. L. 102-40. Timetable: _________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite _________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 12/00/94 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Marjorie Leandri, Chief, Records & Reports Mgmt. Div. (723), Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Info Resources Policies, Oversight, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420, 202 233-2454 RIN: 2900-AF62 _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Final Rule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ OFFICE OF INFORMATION RESOURCES POLICIES AND OVERSIGHT _________________________________________________________________________ 3633. CONTACT PERSON FOR MISSING CHILDREN: OFFICIAL MAIL PROGRAM Legal Authority: 5 USC 5584; 38 USC 3720; 38 USC 5302 CFR Citation: 38 CFR 1.701; 38 CFR 1.702; 38 CFR 1.703; 38 CFR 1.705 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Department of Veterans Affairs is amending its regulations on use of official mail in location and recovery of missing children and this amendment simply will update information such as contact person, cost and percentage estimates for printing and administrative costs. Timetable: _________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite _________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 04/00/94 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Patti Viers, Chief, Forms & Correspondence Division, (723), Department of Veterans Affairs, Ofc. of Info. Resources Policies & Oversight, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420, 202 233-3172 RIN: 2900-AG75 _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Final Rule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Completed Actions _______________________________________________________________________ 3634. REPORTING HEALTH CARE PRACTITIONERS TO STATE LICENSING BOARDS Significance: Subject to OMB review: Yes CFR Citation: 38 CFR 47 Completed: _________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite _________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 09/16/93 58 FR 48455 Final Action Effective 09/16/93 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Ruth-Ann Phelps, Ph.D., 202 535-7327 RIN: 2900-AE27 _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Final Rule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Completed Actions _______________________________________________________________________ 3635. SCHEDULE FOR RATING DISABILITIES; GENITOURINARY SYSTEM DISABILITIES CFR Citation: 38 CFR 4.115; 38 CFR 4.115a Completed: _________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite _________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 01/18/94 59 FR 2523 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: John L. Roberts, 202 233-3005 RIN: 2900-AE11 _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Final Rule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Completed Actions _______________________________________________________________________ 3636. RESERVISTS' EDUCATION; PROCEDURAL DUE PROCESS, MONTGOMERY GI BILL --SELECTED RESERVE CFR Citation: 38 CFR 21.7532 Completed: _________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite _________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 10/05/93 58 FR 51780 Final Action Effective 10/05/93 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: June C. Schaeffer, 202 233-2092 RIN: 2900-AE49 _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Final Rule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Completed Actions _______________________________________________________________________ 3637. VETERANS' EDUCATION; STANDARDIZATION OF PROGRAMS CFR Citation: 38 CFR 21.7032; 38 CFR 21.3032; 38 CFR 21.7320 Completed: _________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite _________________________________________________________________________ Final Action Appeared in the Federal Register under 2900-AG0312/02/93 58 FR 63529 Final Action Effective 01/03/94 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: June C. Schaeffer, 202 233-2092 RIN: 2900-AE82 _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Final Rule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Completed Actions _______________________________________________________________________ 3638. VETERANS' EDUCATION; NONDUPLICATION OF BENEFITS CFR Citation: 38 CFR 21.7142; 38 CFR 21.4025 Completed: _________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite _________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 09/03/93 58 FR 46866 Final Action Effective 10/04/93 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: June C. Schaeffer, 202 233-2092 RIN: 2900-AE84 _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Final Rule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Completed Actions _______________________________________________________________________ 3639. VETERANS' EDUCATION; INCREASE IN RATES PAYABLE IN THE EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE TEST PROGRAM CFR Citation: 38 CFR 21.5820; 38 CFR 21.5822 Completed: _________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite _________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 09/29/93 38 FR 50844 Final Action Effective 10/01/90 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: June C. Schaeffer, 202 233-2092 RIN: 2900-AF36 _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Final Rule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Completed Actions _______________________________________________________________________ 3640. SCHEDULE FOR RATING DISABILITIES; DENTAL AND ORAL CONDITIONS CFR Citation: 38 CFR 4.150 Completed: _________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite _________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 01/18/94 59 FR 2529 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: John L. Roberts, 202 233-3005 RIN: 2900-AF41 _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Final Rule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Completed Actions _______________________________________________________________________ 3641. UPDATING REHABILITATION CRITERIA CFR Citation: 38 CFR 21.194; 38 CFR 21.196 Completed: _________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite _________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 12/29/93 58 FR 68766 Final Action Effective 01/28/94 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Charles Graffam, 202 233-3005 RIN: 2900-AF49 _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Final Rule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Completed Actions _______________________________________________________________________ 3642. CLAIMS BASED ON EXPOSURE TO HERBICIDES CONTAINING DIOXIN (PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY/LUNG CANCER) CFR Citation: 38 CFR 3.311(a) Completed: _________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite _________________________________________________________________________ Withdrawn 09/27/93 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Steven Thornberry, 202 233-3005 RIN: 2900-AF57 _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Final Rule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Completed Actions _______________________________________________________________________ 3643. VETERANS' EDUCATION; CHANGING PROGRAMS FOR POST-VIETNAM VETERANS CFR Citation: 38 CFR 21.5232 Completed: _________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite _________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 09/03/93 58 FR 46865 Final Action Effective 06/01/91 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: June C. Schaeffer, 202 233-2092 RIN: 2900-AF59 _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Final Rule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Completed Actions _______________________________________________________________________ 3644. RESERVISTS' EDUCATION; IMPLEMENTATION OF THE VETERANS' EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE AMENDMENTS OF 1991 CFR Citation: 38 CFR 21.7520; 38 CFR 21.7550; 38 CFR 21.7570; 38 CFR 21.7576; 38 CFR 21.7635; 38 CFR 21.7639 Completed: _________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite _________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 10/05/93 58 FR 51781 Final Action Effective 08/01/90 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: June C. Schaeffer, 202 233-2092 RIN: 2900-AF78 _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Final Rule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Completed Actions _______________________________________________________________________ 3645. ZERO PERCENT DISABILITY EVALUATIONS Significance: Subject to OMB review: Undetermined Economically significant: Undetermined CFR Citation: 38 CFR 3.357; 38 CFR 4.31 Completed: _________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite _________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 10/06/93 58 FR 52017 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: John Roberts, 202 233-3005 RIN: 2900-AG10 _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Final Rule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Completed Actions _______________________________________________________________________ 3646. LOAN GUARANTY: LIMITED DENIAL OF PARTICIPATION IN THE LOAN GUARANTY PROGRAM CFR Citation: 38 CFR 36.4233; 38 CFR 36.4235; 38 CFR 36.4331; 38 CFR 36.4341; 38 CFR 36.4361; 38 CFR 44.700; 38 CFR 44.705; 38 CFR 44.710; 38 CFR 44.711; 38 CFR 44.712; 38 CFR 44.713 Completed: _________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite _________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 11/16/93 58 FR 60384 Final Action Effective 12/16/93 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Judith Caden, 202 233-3042 RIN: 2900-AG13 _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Final Rule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Completed Actions _______________________________________________________________________ 3647. DIRECT LOANS TO NATIVE AMERICAN VETERANS ON TRUST LANDS CFR Citation: 38 CFR 36.4501; 38 CFR 36.4527; 38 CFR 36.4500 Completed: _________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite _________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 11/10/93 58 FR 59658 Final Action Effective 11/10/93 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Judith A. Caden, 202 233-3042 RIN: 2900-AG19 _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Final Rule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Completed Actions _______________________________________________________________________ 3648. PROCEDURAL DUE PROCESS AND APPELLATE RIGHTS CFR Citation: 38 CFR 3.105(a) Completed: _________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite _________________________________________________________________________ Merged with RIN 2900-AG77 02/10/94 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: John Bisset, Jr., 202 233-3005 RIN: 2900-AG33 _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Final Rule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Completed Actions _______________________________________________________________________ 3649. DETERMINATION OF BASIC ELIGIBILITY CFR Citation: 38 CFR 21.50 Completed: _________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite _________________________________________________________________________ Withdrawn 02/01/94 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Dr. Robert Lawson, 202 233-6494 RIN: 2900-AG35 _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Final Rule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Completed Actions _______________________________________________________________________ 3650. AGGRAVATION OF PRESERVICE DISABILITY CFR Citation: 38 CFR 3.306(b)(2) Completed: _________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite _________________________________________________________________________ Withdrawn 03/29/94 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: John Bisset, Jr., 202 233-3005 RIN: 2900-AG45 _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Final Rule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Completed Actions _______________________________________________________________________ 3651. PROCEDURAL DUE PROCESS AND APPELLATE RIGHTS CFR Citation: 38 CFR 3.103(f) Completed: _________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite _________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 11/09/93 58 FR 59365 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: John Bisset, Jr., 202 233-3005 RIN: 2900-AG57 _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Final Rule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Completed Actions _______________________________________________________________________ 3652. VETERANS EDUCATION: END OF TRAINING UNDER THE VETERANS JOB TRAINING ACT CFR Citation: 38 CFR 2.99; 38 CFR 21.4135; 38 CFR 21.4600; 38 CFR 21.4602; 38 CFR 21.4610; 38 CFR 21.4612; 38 CFR 21.4620; 38 CFR 21.4622; 38 CFR 21.4623; 38 CFR 21.4624; 38 CFR 21.4630; 38 CFR 21.4631; 38 CFR 21.4632; 38 CFR 21.4634; 38 CFR 21.4640 Completed: _________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite _________________________________________________________________________ Published as RIN 2900-AG77. 12/22/93 58 FR 67691 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: June C. Schaeffer, 202 233-2092 RIN: 2900-AG62 _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Final Rule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Completed Actions _______________________________________________________________________ 3653. VETERANS' EDUCATION; VETERANS' JOB TRAINING ACT Legal Authority: PL 98-77 CFR Citation: 38 CFR 2.99; 38 CFR 21.4135; 38 CFR 21.4600; 38 CFR 21.4602; 38 CFR 21.4610; 38 CFR 21.4612; 38 CFR 21.4620; 38 CFR 21.4622; 38 CFR 21.4623; 38 CFR 21.4624; 38 CFR 21.4630; 38 CFR 21.4631; 38 CFR 21.4632; 38 CFR 21.4634; 38 CFR 21.4640 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: VA has rescinded all rules and regulations relating to or implementing the Veterans Job Training Act. The Veterans Job Training Act was enacted in 1983; it provided payment to employers who provided job training for certain Korean Conflict Veterans and Vietnam Era veterans. Payments were made when employers submitted periodic certifications of training. New funding has not been provided for this program. VA has not accepted any employer's certification after September 30, 1993. Thus, there is no longer any need for these regulations. Timetable: _________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite _________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 12/22/93 58 FR 67691 Final Action Effective 01/21/94 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: June C. Schaeffer, Assistant Director for Policy and Program Administration (225), Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefits Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420, 202 233-2092 RIN: 2900-AG77 _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Final Rule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Completed Actions _______________________________________________________________________ 3654. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS ACQUISITION REGULATION- CHANGES TO SOLICITATION PROVISIONS, CONTRACT CLAUSES AND THEIR PRESCRIPTIONS CFR Citation: 48 CFR 814; 48 CFR 833; 48 CFR 836; 48 CFR 852 Completed: _________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite _________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 09/21/93 58 FR 48973 Final Action Effective 09/21/93 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Procurement: This is a procurement-related action for which there is no statutory requirement. There is no paperwork burden associated with this action. Agency Contact: Lisa Russell, 202 233-5001 RIN: 2900-AC87 _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Final Rule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Completed Actions _______________________________________________________________________ 3655. ACQUISITION REGULATION--SEALED BIDDING CFR Citation: 48 CFR 814 Completed: _________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite _________________________________________________________________________ Withdrawn 02/01/94 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Procurement: This is a procurement-related action for which there is no statutory requirement. There is no paperwork burden associated with this action. Agency Contact: Lisa Russell, 202 233-5001 RIN: 2900-AE17 _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Final Rule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Completed Actions _______________________________________________________________________ 3656. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS ACQUISITION REGULATION--FOREIGN ACQUISITION AND CONTRACT CLAUSE CFR Citation: 48 CFR 825; 48 CFR 852 Completed: _________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite _________________________________________________________________________ Withdrawn 02/01/94 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Procurement: This is a procurement-related action for which there is no statutory requirement. There is no paperwork burden associated with this action. Agency Contact: Patricia A. Viverette, 202 233-5001 RIN: 2900-AG39 _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Final Rule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Completed Actions _______________________________________________________________________ 3657. ESTABLISHING BILLING RATES FOR RECOVERING THE COSTS OF PROVIDING AMBULATORY SURGICAL PROCEDURES CFR Citation: 38 CFR 17 Completed: _________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite _________________________________________________________________________ Withdrawn 01/26/94 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: William Gilfillan, 202 233-8284 RIN: 2900-AF83 _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Final Rule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Completed Actions _______________________________________________________________________ 3658. TESTIMONY OF DEPARTMENT PERSONNEL AND PRODUCTION OF DEPARTMENT RECORDS IN LEGAL PROCEEDINGS CFR Citation: 38 CFR 14.801 (New); 38 CFR 14.802; 38 CFR 14.803; 38 CFR 14.804; 38 CFR 14.805; 38 CFR 14.806; 38 CFR 14.807; 38 CFR 14.808; 38 CFR 14.809; 38 CFR 14.810 Completed: _________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite _________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 02/11/94 59 FR 6564 Final Action Effective 03/14/94 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Audley Hendricks/Neal Lawson, 202 523-3523 RIN: 2900-AE76 _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Final Rule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) Completed Actions _______________________________________________________________________ 3659. STANDARDS OF ETHICAL CONDUCT AND RELATED RESPONSIBILITIES CFR Citation: 38 CFR 0 Completed: _________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite _________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 11/23/93 58 FR 61811 Final Action Effective 11/23/93 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: James E. Adams, 202 633-7159 RIN: 2900-AG27 [FR Doc. 94-6359 Filed 04-22-94; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8320-01-F