Search Results for keywords:"Veterans Affairs"

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced a meeting for the Research Advisory Committee on Gulf War Veterans' Illnesses, scheduled to take place via teleconference on March 10, 2021. This open session will run from 11:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. EST and can be accessed by the public through a Webex link or by phone. The Committee provides advice to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs about research related to health issues faced by Gulf War veterans. The meeting will review recent research and share updates from a 2020 conference, allowing time for public comments before ending.

The Executive Order 13982 directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense, to assess whether veterans who served in Uzbekistan from October 1, 2001, to December 31, 2005, should be considered as having served in a combat zone. This involves a study by the Secretary of Defense on the potential toxic exposures at the Karshi-Khanabad Air Base during that period and their health effects on service members. The findings of this study are to be reported to the President through the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. The order also notes that it does not grant any additional legal rights or benefits.

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) have decided to delay the start date for two rules about using telemedicine to prescribe certain medications to December 31, 2025. These rules include the "Expansion of Buprenorphine Treatment via Telemedicine Encounter," which allows practitioners to prescribe medications for opioid use disorder, and "Continuity of Care via Telemedicine for Veterans Affairs Patients," which permits Veterans Affairs practitioners to prescribe controlled substances via telemedicine under specific conditions. The delay grants additional time to address any questions or issues and follows public feedback, with some comments favoring an immediate start and others requesting a postponement.

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 holding a virtual meeting of the Advisory Committee on United States Outlying Areas and Freely Associated States. This meeting aims to advise the Secretary of Veterans Affairs on ways to improve programs and services for Veterans living in specific U.S. territories and associated regions. The meeting will be open to the public via Microsoft Teams, where participants can provide comments or listen to the discussion. Additionally, written comments can be submitted until February 4, 2025.

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.

The Veterans Benefits Administration of the Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking public comments on a proposed information collection related to the Restored Entitlement Program for Survivors (REPS). This request is part of the requirements under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, which mandates public notice and comment for such information collections. The goal is to gather input on the necessity, accuracy, and ways to reduce the burden of this information collection. Interested parties have until April 19, 2021, to submit their comments.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is updating its system of records, specifically the "Health Information Exchange-VA." These changes involve renaming the system, updating contact and location details, and modifying how records are stored and accessed. The updated system focuses on sharing health information to improve veteran care and includes new categories of data and protection measures to ensure data security. The modifications also clarify how information can be shared with other organizations and government agencies while maintaining privacy protections.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced a meeting of the Rehabilitation Research and Development Service Scientific Merit Review Board to be held on March 3, 2021, via WebEx. This meeting is partially closed to the public to ensure privacy during discussions about research applications. The Board's goal is to fairly select exceptional research projects that help improve the lives of veterans with disabilities. Public attendance is allowed during the open portion of the meeting, and interested individuals must contact Tiffany Asqueri at least five days in advance to attend.

The Department of Veterans Affairs plans to lease two buildings on unused land at the Charlie Norwood Uptown VA Medical Center in Augusta, Georgia. This lease is aimed at developing about 77 units of permanent housing for veterans and their families who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. The selected developer, Freedom's Path Augusta III, LP, will finance, build, and manage the project, providing support services to help veterans become self-sufficient. The lease agreement aligns with legal requirements to support veterans without negatively impacting the VA's mission or services.