Search Results for agency_names:"Veterans Affairs Department"

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is announcing the availability of funding for the Specially Adapted Housing Assistive Technology (SAHAT) Grant Program for 2021. This program aims to support the development of new technologies to help veterans and service members with disabilities live independently in adapted homes. Applicants can receive up to $200,000 for projects that focus on innovative assistive technologies, but they must submit their applications through the online portal, www.Grants.gov, by February 22, 2021. The program emphasizes technologies that address unmet needs and prioritize the independence of veterans, especially those that can be implemented quickly and effectively.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has updated its regulations to adjust for inflation the civil monetary penalties under its jurisdiction. This action is aligned with the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act and is mandatory for ensuring penalties keep their deterrent power. For 2025, the penalties for false certifications related to VA-guaranteed loans have been increased from $27,894 to $28,619, and penalties for false claims to VA have risen from $13,946 to $14,308. The changes take effect on January 10, 2025, and were made without public comments due to the statutory requirements.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has issued an interim final rule to grant presumptive service connection for certain cancers, including acute and chronic leukemias, multiple myelomas, myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), and myelofibrosis, for veterans exposed to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in specific locations during their service. This rule applies to veterans who served in the Southwest Asia theater of operations, Somalia, or certain countries affected by the Gulf War after specified dates. This decision is based on scientific evidence suggesting a connection between PM2.5 exposure and these diseases, which often have severe outcomes. The rule aims to allow veterans to receive related benefits more quickly, given the typically high morbidity and mortality associated with these conditions.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has issued a final rule to adjust maximum civil monetary penalties for inflation for the year 2021 as mandated by the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act Improvements Act of 2015. These adjustments apply to penalties for false loan guaranty certifications and fraudulent claims related to VA programs. The rule, which became effective on February 2, 2021, specifies increased penalty amounts based on changes in the Consumer Price Index. The VA has complied with requirements and regulations, finding no need for public comment or impact on small entities.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) proposes to revise its Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC). Key changes include redefining eligibility criteria, expanding definitions, and removing certain requirements like "need for supervision, protection, or instruction." The proposal aims to make the program more flexible during emergencies and ensure fairer stipend calculations based on the amount and degree of caregiving needed. Additionally, the proposal suggests extending the transition period for legacy applicants and participants to allow more time for reassessments under new criteria.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced an update to the monetary allowance available for eligible burials in VA national cemeteries during 2021. This allowance helps cover the private purchase of an outer burial receptacle, like a graveliner, and is set at $372.00. The amount is calculated by subtracting administrative costs from the average cost of government-provided graveliners in 2020. This notice lets interested parties know about these cost details and the effective date of January 1, 2021.

The Department of Veterans Affairs has announced an information collection activity under the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995. They are seeking public comments on the use of two forms: VA Form 6298, which is used for obtaining cost data for architect-engineer contracts, and VA Form 10101, used to monitor contract work progress. The Office of Management and Budget will review and comment on this collection, which aims to ensure compliance with regulations. Comments should be submitted by February 14, 2025.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has updated its rules for the Veterans Legacy Grants Program (VLGP) to align with new federal award regulations and to improve the grant administration process. These updates include changes to terms and timelines for reporting by grant recipients, without significantly impacting small entities receiving grants. The rule ensures that there are no new information collections required beyond those already approved and incorporates executive orders to maximize regulatory benefits. It will be effective from January 30, 2025, and does not impose significant economic impacts or unfunded mandates.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has announced a cost of living adjustment (COLA) of 2.5% for certain benefits, effective December 1, 2024. This adjustment affects the pension and Parents' Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) programs, and it aligns with the increase in Social Security benefits as announced by the Social Security Administration. The document details updated rates for various categories, including veterans and survivors, with specified maximum annual rates, net worth limits, and income limitations for pension eligibility. Additionally, specific provisions are outlined for parents receiving DIC based on their income and dependency status.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has amended regulations for educational assistance programs involving veterans, implementing acts such as the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Improvements Act of 2010 and others. Under these updates, the VA has refined how benefits and eligibility are managed, specifically focusing on criteria for receiving Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits, enhancing the clarity of rules for on-site and online courses, and addressing overpayment policies. Additionally, the amendments adjust various educational and training benefit programs while emphasizing the importance of timely certification and managing eligibility for veterans and their dependents.