Search Results for agency_names:"Veterans Affairs Department"

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is proposing to amend its Acquisition Regulation (VAAR) to align with changes in the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and to streamline internal procedures. The updates aim to simplify procurement processes for health-care resources by removing outdated policies and incorporating new ones, reducing redundancy, and lessening the burden on contractors. Key changes include revisions to parts of VAAR and VA Acquisition Manual (VAAM), focusing on simplifying acquisition procedures for health-care resources. The public is invited to submit comments on the proposed rule changes by March 22, 2021.

The Veterans Affairs Department has modified its system of records to assist veteran entrepreneurs. The system, known as the VA VetBiz Assistance Program Pages, allows VA personnel, government agencies, and the public to access resources, including business support services for veterans. This service provides information on assistance programs offered by Federal, State, and local governments and private sectors. It aims to help veterans start or expand small businesses by connecting them with available resources and services.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has announced an update to the reimbursement rates for caskets and urns purchased for the burial of veterans in national, state, or tribal veterans' cemeteries when there is no known next of kin and insufficient funds for burial containers. In 2021, the maximum reimbursement rates are set at $1,984.00 for caskets and $145.00 for urns, based on the average costs determined from a market analysis in 2020. This ensures that veterans who are unclaimed are given a proper burial.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has released criteria to help evaluate and modernize its health care facilities as required by the MISSION Act of 2018. These criteria are designed to ensure that Veterans have access to high-quality, cost-effective, and sustainable health care. The evaluation process will consider factors such as Veterans' needs, accessibility, and resource management, while ensuring compliance with the VA's missions, including education and research. Interested parties are invited to submit comments by May 1, 2021, through the regulations.gov website.

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) is proposing a rule to exempt certain Whole Health well-being services from copayment requirements for Veterans. These services include education and skill-building programs, and complementary and integrative health services like yoga and meditation, provided within the VA Whole Health System of Care. By removing copayments, the aim is to encourage more Veterans to engage in these services, which focus on overall well-being rather than specific medical conditions. The public can submit their comments on this proposal by March 4, 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) is issuing an interim final rule to allow veterans who served in specific locations during and after the Gulf War to have a presumed service connection for urinary bladder, ureter, and related genitourinary cancers. This is related to exposure to fine particulate matter, particularly from burn pits, which can be hazardous to health and has been shown to have a connection to these types of cancers. This new rule is part of the effort to implement the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2022 (PACT Act), which aims to simplify the process for veterans to receive health care and benefits for conditions linked to toxic exposures during their military service. The rule is effective January 2, 2025, with comments open until March 3, 2025.

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.