Search Results for keywords:"Department of Veterans Affairs"

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 Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) are starting a new computer matching program with the Department of Veterans Affairs to verify eligibility for the Lifeline and Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). These programs provide discounted broadband and voice services to low-income consumers. The program will check if applicants or subscribers are receiving Veterans Pension or Survivors Pension benefits, which qualify them for these discounts. This matching program, expected to reduce fraud and improve service, will begin on April 11, 2025, and last 18 months.

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 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.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) proposes changes to its life insurance regulations to make it easier for terminally ill service members and their families to access benefits. Typically, a terminally ill person must apply for their Accelerated Benefit, which allows them to receive part of their insurance payout early. However, the rule change would allow an alternate applicant, like someone with power of attorney, to apply if the insured person cannot do so themselves because of medical reasons. This update would also make it clear who qualifies as a dependent for insurance coverage and aligns VA's practices with industry standards.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has announced the availability of funds for grants under the Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) Program. This notice of funding opportunity outlines the application process for both renewal and new applicants, specifying that operations funded by these grants will start on October 1, 2025. The main goal of the program is to provide supportive services to very low-income veteran families that are either currently homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. The notice also details funding priorities, application submission instructions, and the eligibility criteria for organizations interested in applying for the grants.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is establishing a new system of records called the Community Care Provider Profile Management System (PPMS), as required by the Privacy Act of 1974. This system will maintain records of non-VA health care providers participating in VA community care programs. The information stored in this system includes providers' personal and professional details, such as name, contact information, and identification numbers. The VA outlines several routine uses for this information, primarily involving disclosure to appropriate agencies for purposes like verifying provider credentials or responding to legal requests, all while ensuring compliance with privacy laws like HIPAA.

The National Cemetery Administration of the Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking public comments on a proposed information collection under the Paperwork Reduction Act. This involves a revision of a previously approved data collection, aiming to ensure that funeral honors on VA properties uphold the dignity and safety of these sites. The public can share their thoughts on whether this information is necessary, how accurate the VA's burden estimates are, and how to improve the process. Comments are due by June 9, 2025, and can be submitted via the regulations.gov website.