[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 39 (Monday, February 28, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page ]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-4480]


[Federal Register: February 28, 1994]


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DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

38 CFR Part 17

RIN 2900-AG72


To Amend the Travel Authority for Beneficiaries Who Are in 
Receipt of Pension

AGENCY: Department of Veterans Affairs.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is amending the 
regulations that govern its program to provide for the transportation 
of claimants and beneficiaries to VA health care facilities. The 
amendments will correct an inadvertent error made when the Department 
last promulgated regulations pertaining to this program in 1991. This 
amendment will delete an inaccurate reference to beneficiaries who are 
in receipt of pension as not subject to a travel deductable.

EFFECTIVE DATE: February 28, 1994.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Monica J. Wilkins, Policies and 
Procedures Division (161B1), Veterans Health Administration, Department 
of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20420; 
Phone (202) 535-7439.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On October 21, 1991, the Department of 
Veterans Affairs amended its regulations governing the beneficiary 
travel program to implement changes in law made by Public Law 100-322. 
Generally, that law authorized the Government to pay for travel for 
certain categories of veterans but imposed a ``deductible'' on the 
amount of the benefit. Other categories of veterans could receive 
travel benefits without having to pay the deductible. The 1991 
amendments to the implementing regulations correctly provided that a 
veteran in receipt of pension benefits was required to pay a 
deductible. (See: 38 CFR 17.100(b)(3)). However, in another place, the 
same regulation inadvertently provided that a veteran in receipt of VA 
pension benefits could receive transportation expenses without being 
subject to the deductible. (See: 38 CFR 17.100(c)(3)). The latter 
provision is inconsistent with the law, and this amendment will correct 
that error.
    The Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs hereby 
certifies that this regulation will not have a significant economic 
impact on a substantial number of small entities as they are defined in 
the Regulatory Flexibility Act, 5 U.S.C. 601-612.
    This regulation concerned the provision of beneficiary travel to a 
specified category of eligible veterans. No paperwork, administrative 
or other regulatory burdens are imposed upon small entities.

    The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Numbers are 64.009, 
64.010 and 64.011.

List of Subjects in 38 CFR Part 17

    Alcoholism, Claims, Dental health, Drug abuse, Foreign relations, 
Government contracts, Grant programs--health, Health care, Health 
facilities, Health professions, Medical devices, Medical research, 
Mental health programs, Nursing home care, Philippines, Veterans.

    Approved: November 24, 1993.
Jesse Brown,
Secretary of Veterans Affairs.
    For the reason set out in the preamble, 38 CFR part 17 is amended 
as set forth below:

PART 17--MEDICAL

    1. The authority citation for part 17 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 72 Stat. 1114, 38 U.S.C. 501, unless otherwise noted.


Sec. 17.100  [Amended]

    2. In Sec. 17.100, paragraph (c) (3) is removed.
[FR Doc. 94-4480 Filed 2-25-94; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8320-01-P