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) 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 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 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.

The Department of Veterans Affairs is proposing changes to its rules about medical copayments for veterans. The proposed rule would allow the VA to start the process to waive copayment debts on behalf of veterans in certain situations. This means veterans may not have to fill out a specific form (VA Form 5655) anymore when asking for a waiver. The rule aims to make it easier for veterans by simplifying the process and clarifying regulations related to these medical debts.

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 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 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) announced the monetary allowance for outer burial receptacles (OBR) for interments in VA national or grant-funded veterans cemeteries during 2025. The allowance is based on the average cost of government-furnished graveliners in 2024, minus administrative expenses, resulting in a payment of $430 for 2025. This is to assist with burial costs when a non-government OBR is chosen. The details were authorized by VA Secretary Denis McDonough and are now officially published.

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.