Search Results for keywords:"Veterans Affairs"

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 (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 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 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) 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 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) 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) 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 is proposing changes to its Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) as part of the VA MISSION Act of 2018. These changes aim to expand eligibility to veterans from all service eras, redefine terms affecting program eligibility and benefits, and introduce new benefits like financial planning and legal services. The updates also include changes to stipend calculations for caregivers and procedures for reassessing eligibility and managing overpayments. The VA is seeking public comments on this information collection over a 30-day period.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced a virtual meeting of the Advisory Committee on Disability Compensation, following the guidelines of the Federal Advisory Committee Act. The meeting's purpose is to provide the VA Secretary with advice on maintaining and updating the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities, which affects veterans' disability compensation. Although the public can attend, there won't be time for oral presentations, but individuals can submit written statements by February 12, 2021, for review. Interested participants can access the meeting using the provided call-in number and contact Sian Roussel for more information and the meeting agenda.