Search Results for keywords:"Veterans Affairs"

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is updating its Health Program Evaluation records system to improve clarity and security. The changes include updating how records are used, stored, and protected, and revising contact information for system managers. The VA is also making minor language adjustments to enhance understanding and ensure the system aligns with routine use guidelines. Public comments are invited, and the updated records system will take effect 30 days after its publication unless further changes are deemed necessary.

The Department of Veterans Affairs is looking for qualified individuals to join their Advisory Committee on Former Prisoners of War. The committee advises the VA on how to help former prisoners of war better, suggesting improvements in services and benefits. They want a diverse group of up to 12 members, including experts in relevant medical fields and veterans themselves. Nominations are due by February 28, 2025, and should include a nominee's qualifications, willingness to serve, and personal contact information.

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) is seeking nominations for members to join the Advisory Committee on Disability Compensation for the 2025-2026 cycle. The committee evaluates the effectiveness of the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities and advises on disability compensation issues. Candidates can be from the general public, including those with experience in disability compensation or medical and scientific experts. Nominations must be submitted by February 3, 2025, and include a cover letter and resume detailing the nominee's qualifications and interest in serving.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced that the National Academic Affiliations Council (NAAC) will hold a public meeting in Washington, DC, on March 26-27, 2025. The Council will discuss various topics such as workforce pathways for mental health trainees, loan repayment, scholarships, and updates on Artificial Intelligence in VA. On the second day, there will be public comments. The public can attend and participate in the meeting, with contact information provided for additional inquiries.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals in the Department of Veterans Affairs has announced a proposed information collection under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. The notice is about the collection entitled "Decision Review Request: Board Appeal (Notice of Disagreement)" and involves the use of two VA forms: VA Form 10182 for modernized appeals and VA Form 9 for legacy appeals. The purpose is to revise the current data collection due to changes in the estimated number of respondents and burden hours. This submission is being reviewed for public comments and must display a valid OMB control number to proceed.

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 Veterans Health Administration (VHA), part of the Department of Veterans Affairs, is proposing a collection of information and is inviting public comments, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. This proposal involves the VA Form 10-10EC, used to determine copayment obligations for veterans seeking extended care services by collecting financial data. The VHA is seeking input on the necessity and accuracy of this information collection, ways to improve its quality, and methods to lessen the burden on respondents. Comments should be submitted by February 24, 2025, through www.regulations.gov.

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) is making corrections to a final rule regarding the Schedule for Rating Disabilities, specifically focusing on the musculoskeletal system. Previously, the diagnostic code 5285 was used for plantar fasciitis, but this conflicted with its historical use for spinal fractures. To resolve this, VA is assigning a new diagnostic code 5269 for plantar fasciitis, ensuring clarity in the rating schedule. These amendments were needed to prevent issues related to veterans' compensation and to maintain consistency within the schedule.