[The Regulatory Plan and Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions]
[Department of Veterans Affairs Semiannual Regulatory Agenda
]
[From the U.S. Government Printing Office, www.gpo.gov]


[[Page 62181]]

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Part XVI





Department of Veterans Affairs





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Semiannual Regulatory Agenda

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DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA)                                    


  



_______________________________________________________________________

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

38 CFR Ch. I

Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions

AGENCY:  Department of Veterans Affairs.

ACTION:  Semiannual regulatory agenda.

_______________________________________________________________________

SUMMARY:  This agenda announces the regulations that the Department of 
Veterans Affairs (VA) will have under development or review during the 
12-month period beginning October 2001. The purpose in publishing the 
Department's regulatory agenda is to allow all interested persons the 
opportunity to participate in VA's regulatory planning.

ADDRESSES:  Interested persons are invited to comment on the entries 
listed in the agenda by contacting the individual agency contact listed 
for each entry or by writing to: Director, Office of Regulations 
Management (02D), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue 
NW., Washington, DC 20420.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:  Gloria Armstrong at (202) 273-8605.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:  This document is issued pursuant to 
Executive Order 12866 ``Regulatory Planning and Review'' (and 
implementing guidance) and the Regulatory Flexibility Act, which 
require that executive agencies semiannually publish in the Federal 
Register an agenda of regulations that VA will have under development 
or review. For this edition of the Department of Veterans Affairs 
regulatory agenda, the most important significant regulatory actions 
are included in The Regulatory Plan, which appears in part II of this 
issue of the Federal Register. The Regulatory Plan entries are listed 
in the table of contents below and are denoted by a bracketed bold 
reference, which directs the reader to the appropriate sequence number 
in part II.

 Thomas O. Gessel,

Director, Office of Regulations Management.

                                  Department of Veterans Affairs--Prerule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3144         Medication Prescribing Authority...................................................     2900-AK05
3145         Mandatory Disclosure of Social Security Number.....................................     2900-AK82
3146         Standards for Collection, Compromise, Suspension, or Termination of Collection          2900-AK10
            Effort; Regional Office Committee on Waiver and Compromises.........................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                               Department of Veterans Affairs--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3147         Medical Care and Treatment for Which VA Will Not Seek Reimbursement................     2900-AJ20
3148         Clothing Allowance.................................................................     2900-AJ21
3149         Medical Benefits Package; Copayments for Extended Care Services....................     2900-AK32
3150         Enrollment Priority Category Status Changes........................................     2900-AK38
3151         Healthcare for Children Born With One or More Covered Birth Defects to Vietnam          2900-AK88
            Veterans............................................................................
3152         Enrollment--Provision of Hospital and Outpatient Care to Veterans--Priority             2900-AK92
            Categories 5, 6, and 7..............................................................
3153         Payment for Non-VA Medical Services and Inpatient Care Provided at Non-VA               2900-AK94
            Facilities..........................................................................
3154         Reasonable Charges for Medical Care or Services....................................     2900-AL06
3155         Schedule for Rating Disabilities--The Orthopedic System............................     2900-AE91
3156         Schedule for Rating Disabilities--Neurological Conditions and Convulsive Disorders.     2900-AF23
3157         Schedule for Rating Disabilities--Digestive System.................................     2900-AF24
3158         Total Disability Evaluations Based on Inability of the Individual To Engage in          2900-AH21
            Substantially Gainful Employment....................................................
3159         Evidence on File at Date of Death..................................................     2900-AH42
3160         Ankylosis and Limitation of Motion of Digits of the Hands..........................     2900-AI44
3161         Dependents Education: Eligibility and Entitlement Standards........................     2900-AJ19
3162         Schedule for Rating Disability: The Spine..........................................     2900-AJ60
3163         Education Provisions of the Veterans Programs Enhancement Act of 1998..............     2900-AJ68
3164         Evidence of Permanent and Total Disability.........................................     2900-AJ82
3165         Schedule for Rating Disabilities: Global Assessment of Functioning Scale in the         2900-AJ84
            Evaluation of Mental Disorders......................................................
3166         Benefit of the Doubt...............................................................     2900-AJ93
3167         Permanent Incapacity for Self-Support..............................................     2900-AJ95
3168         Presumptive Service Connection for Hepatitis C Infection...........................     2900-AJ96
3169         Minimum Active Duty Requirement....................................................     2900-AK02
3170         State Department as Agent of Department of Veterans Affairs........................     2900-AK03
3171         Commencement of the Period of Payment..............................................     2900-AK09
3172         Service Connection and Chronic Disability..........................................     2900-AK11
3173         Time Limits, Extensions, and Computation of Time Limits............................     2900-AK17

[[Page 62183]]

 
3174         Finality of Decisions..............................................................     2900-AK18
3175         Delegation of Authority To Issue Decisions on Benefits Claims......................     2900-AK19
3176         Individuals and Groups Considered To Have Performed Active Military, Naval, or Air      2900-AK20
            Service.............................................................................
3177         Psychosis..........................................................................     2900-AK21
3178         Change of Law-Effect on Benefits...................................................     2900-AK22
3179         Renouncement of Benefits...........................................................     2900-AK23
3180         Testimony in Support of Benefit Claims.............................................     2900-AK24
3181         Acceptable Evidence of Marriage, Divorce, Birth, Age, Biological Relationship,          2900-AK26
            Child's Relationship, and Death.....................................................
3182         Acceptable Evidence of Void and Annulled Marriages.................................     2900-AK27
3183         Independent Medical Opinions.......................................................     2900-AK31
3184         Acceptable Evidence of Termination of Marital Relationship or Conduct..............     2900-AK35
3185         Evidence From Foreign Countries....................................................     2900-AK37
3186         National Service Life Insurance--Plain English Revision............................     2900-AK43
3187         Acceptable Evidence of Unexplained Absence for 7 Years.............................     2900-AK49
3188         Validity of Enlistments............................................................     2900-AK59
3189         Computation of Service.............................................................     2900-AK60
3190         Diseases Specific to Radiation-Exposed Veterans (Reg Plan Seq No. 112)...........     2900-AK64
3191         Monetary Allowances for Certain Children of Vietnam Veterans; Identification of         2900-AK67
            Covered Birth Defects...............................................................
3192         Acceptable Evidence of Change in Status or Number of Dependents....................     2900-AK70
3193         Loan Guaranty: Pre-Purchase Counseling Requirements................................     2900-AK76
3194         Additional Disability or Death Due to Hospital Care, Medical or Surgical Treatment,     2900-AK77
            Examination, Training and Rehabilitation Services, or Compensated Work Therapy
            Program.............................................................................
3195         Veterans and Dependents Education: Topping Up Tuition Assistance and Payment for        2900-AK80
            Licensing and Certification Tests...................................................
3196         Veterans Education: Additional Opportunity To Participate in the Montgomery GI Bill     2900-AK81
            and Other Miscellaneous Issues......................................................
3197         Presumption of Service Connection for Cirrhosis of the Liver in Former Prisoners of     2900-AK83
            War.................................................................................
3198         Vocational Training for Certain Children of Vietnam Veterans--Covered Birth Defects     2900-AK90
            and Spina Bifida....................................................................
3199         Conditional Discharge..............................................................     2900-AK93
3200         Time Limit for Request for DeNovo Review...........................................     2900-AK97
3201         Evidence Requirements for Service and Character of Discharge.......................     2900-AL03
3202         Veterans Education: Streamlining Approval of Courses...............................     2900-AL07
3203         Universal Product Numbers (UPNs)...................................................     2900-AJ45
3204         Construction and Architect-Engineer Contracts......................................     2900-AJ56
3205         Department of Veterans Affairs Acquisition Regulations Plain Language Rewrite......     2900-AK78
3206         Board of Veterans' Appeals: Rules of Practice--Appeal Withdrawal...................     2900-AK71
3207         Board of Veterans' Appeals: Speeding Appellate Review for Aging Veterans...........     2900-AL08
3208         Headstone and Marker Inscription Policy............................................     2900-AH45
3209         State Cemetery Grants: Aid to States for Establishment, Expansion, and Improvement      2900-AH46
            of Veterans Cemeteries..............................................................
3210         Eligibility for Burial of Dependent Adult Children of Eligible Veterans; and            2900-AI95
            Eligibility for Burial of Certain Filipino Veterans.................................
3211         Use of the Secretary's Authority as Provided by 38 U.S.C. 2402(6)..................     2900-AJ48
3212         Audits of States, Local Governments, and Nonprofit Organizations; Grants and            2900-AJ62
            Agreements With Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals, and Other Nonprofit
            Organizations.......................................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
References in boldface appear in the Regulatory Plan Federal Register


                                Department of Veterans Affairs--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3213         Provision of Drugs and Medicines Prescribed by Non-VA Physicians...................     2900-AJ24
3214         Advanced Health Care Planning......................................................     2900-AJ28
3215         Provision of Drugs and Medicines to Certain Veterans in State Nursing Homes........     2900-AJ34
3216         Grants to States for Construction and Acquisition of State Home Facilities.........     2900-AJ43
3217         Per Diem for Adult Day Health Care of Veterans in State Homes......................     2900-AJ74
3218         Policy Regarding Participation in National Practitioner Data Bank..................     2900-AJ76
3219         Compensated Work Therapy/Transitional Residences Program...........................     2900-AK01

[[Page 62184]]

 
3220         Payment or Reimbursement for Emergency Treatment Furnished at Non-VA Facilities         2900-AK08
            (Reg Plan Seq No. 113)............................................................
3221         Reasonable Charges for Medical Care or Services....................................     2900-AK39
3222         Copayments for Inpatient Hospital Care and Outpatient Medical Care.................     2900-AK50
3223         Reasonable Charges for Medical Care or Services....................................     2900-AK73
3224         Copayments for Medications (Reg Plan Seq No. 114)................................     2900-AK85
3225         Civilian Health and Medical Program of Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA)....     2900-AK89
3226         Reasonable Charges for Medical Care or Services....................................     2900-AL05
3227         Schedule for Rating Disabilities--The Skin.........................................     2900-AF00
3228         Revised Definition of Net Value and Revised Criteria for Pre-Foreclosure Debt           2900-AG20
            Waivers.............................................................................
3229         Vision.............................................................................     2900-AH43
3230         Intervertebral Disc Syndrome.......................................................     2900-AI22
3231         Claims Based on Aggravation of Nonservice-Connected Disability.....................     2900-AI42
3232         Veterans Education: Reporting and Recordkeeping Requirements at Flight Schools.....     2900-AJ23
3233         Exclusions From Income.............................................................     2900-AJ52
3234         Accelerated Benefits Option for Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance and Veterans'      2900-AJ80
            Group Life Insurance................................................................
3235         Loan Guaranty: Advertising and Solicitation Disclosure Requirements................     2900-AJ86
3236         Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Claims Based on Personal Assault....................     2900-AK00
3237         Veterans Vocational Rehabilitation and Education: Title Change.....................     2900-AK46
3238         Filipino Veterans Benefit Improvements.............................................     2900-AK65
3239         Special Monthly Compensation for Women Veterans Who Lose a Breast as a Result of a      2900-AK66
            Service-Connected Disability........................................................
3240         Duty to Assist.....................................................................     2900-AK69
3241         Exclusion From Countable Income of Expenses Paid for Veteran's Last Illness             2900-AK84
            Subsequent to Veteran's Death but Prior to Date of Death Pension Entitlement........
3242         Claims Based on Exposure to Ionizing Radiation.....................................     2900-AK87
3243         Recoupment of Nondisability Severance Pay From VA Compensation.....................     2900-AK95
3244         Certification for Eligibility for Adaptive Equipment for Automobiles or Other           2900-AK96
            Conveyances.........................................................................
3245         Extension of the Presumptive Period for Compensation for Gulf War Veterans'             2900-AK98
            Undiagnosed Illnesses...............................................................
3246         Increase in Rates Payable Under the Montgomery GI Bill--Selected Reserve...........     2900-AK99
3247         Increase in Rates Payable Under the Dependents' Educational Assistance Program.....     2900-AL00
3248         Increase in Rates Payable Under the Montgomery GI Bill--Active Duty................     2900-AL01
3249         Increase in Rates Payable Under the Educational Assistance Test Program............     2900-AL02
3250         Department of Veterans Affairs Acquisition Regulation--Simplified Acquisition           2900-AI71
            Procedures for Health Care Resources................................................
3251         Sealed Bidding and Competitive Proposals...........................................     2900-AI99
3252         Veterans Affairs Acquisition Regulation: Revisions to VA Acquisition Regulations        2900-AK75
            Parts 801 through 805...............................................................
3253         Board of Veterans Appeals--Rules of Practice--Attorney Fee Matters.................     2900-AI98
3254         Delegations of Authority--Appeals Regulations and Rules of Practice................     2900-AJ66
3255         Notice of Appeal in Simultaneously Contested Claims................................     2900-AJ73
3256         The Board of Veterans Appeal; Rules of Practice--Motion for Review of Decisions on      2900-AJ85
            Grounds of Clear and Unmistakable Error: Content of Record; Advancement on the
            Docket..............................................................................
3257         Appeal Regulations, Rules of Practice: Use of Supplemental Statement of the Case...     2900-AK33
3258         Rules of Practice: Medical Opinions From the Veterans Health Administration........     2900-AK52
3259         Appeals Regulations: Title for Members of the Board of Veterans Appeals............     2900-AK62
3260         Board of Veterans Appeals: Rules of Practice--Effect of Procedural Defects in           2900-AK74
            Motions for Revision of Decisions on Grounds of Clear and Unmistakable Error........
3261         Board of Veterans' Appeals: Obtaining Evidence and Curing Procedural Defects            2900-AK91
            Without Remanding...................................................................
3262         Interment or Memorialization in VA National Cemeteries and Certain State                2900-AJ77
            Cemeteries--Federal or State Capital Crime..........................................
3263         Delegation of Authority--Decisionmaking Regarding Discrimination...................     2900-AJ63
3264         Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Race, Color, or National Origin; Handicap; and        2900-AK13
            Age in Programs and Activities Receiving Federal Assistance.........................
3265         Release of Information From Department of Veterans Affairs Records.................     2900-AH98
3266         Recognition of Organizations and Accreditation of Representatives..................     2900-AI93
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
References in boldface appear in the Regulatory Plan Federal Register


[[Page 62185]]


                                Department of Veterans Affairs--Long-Term Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3267         Protection of Human Subjects.......................................................     2900-AJ08
3268         Waivers............................................................................     2900-AK29
3269         Loan Guaranty: Multifamily Transitional Housing for Homeless Veterans Program......     2900-AK58
3270         Amendments to Training and Rehabilitation Programs.................................     2900-AG00
3271         Loan Guaranty: Revision to VA Work Rules for Credit Scored Loans...................     2900-AJ91
3272         Loan Guaranty: Credit Standards Revision...........................................     2900-AJ92
3273         Governmentwide Debarment and Suspension (Nonprocurement) and Requirement for Drug-      2900-AK16
            Free Workplace (Assistance).........................................................
3274         Plain Language (Reader Focused Writing) Initiative; National Service Life Insurance     2900-AL09
            (NSLI)..............................................................................
3275         Appeals Regulations; Rules of Practice.............................................     2900-AE78
3276         Rules of Practice; Hearings........................................................     2900-AG07
3277         Rules of Practice: Medical Opinions; Appeal Processing and Submission of Additional     2900-AG90
            Evidence............................................................................
3278         Operation of Child Care Centers at VA Facilities...................................     2900-AD48
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                Department of Veterans Affairs--Completed Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3279         Delegation of Authority--Loan Guaranty for Multifamily Transitional Housing for         2900-AK51
            Homeless Veterans...................................................................
3280         Provision of Hospital and Outpatient Care to Veterans..............................     2900-AK53
3281         Medical Benefits Package...........................................................     2900-AK55
3282         Loan Guaranty: Title Evidence Requirements and Occupancy Requirements for               2900-AE20
            Conveyance of Properties to VA......................................................
3283         Acceptance of Partial Payments; Indemnification of Default.........................     2900-AE60
3284         Certification Evidence for Proof of Service........................................     2900-AJ55
3285         Review of Benefit Claims Decisions.................................................     2900-AJ99
3286         Revised Definition of a Program of Education Under the Montgomery GI Bill--Active       2900-AK06
            Duty and Other Miscellaneous Issues.................................................
3287         Signature by Mark..................................................................     2900-AK07
3288         Schedule for Rating Disabilities: Disabilities of the Liver........................     2900-AK12
3289         Written and Oral Information on Statements Affecting Entitlement to Benefits.......     2900-AK25
3290         Acceptable Evidence of Marriage....................................................     2900-AK30
3291         Acceptable Evidence of Divorce.....................................................     2900-AK34
3292         Acceptable Evidence of Birth.......................................................     2900-AK36
3293         Increase in Rates Payable Under the Montgomery GI Bill--Selected Reserve...........     2900-AK40
3294         Veterans Education: Increased Allowance for the Educational Test Program...........     2900-AK41
3295         Increase in Rates Payable Under the Montgomery GI Bill--Active Duty and Survivors'      2900-AK44
            and Dependents' Educational Assistance..............................................
3296         End of the Service Members Occupational Conversion and Training Program............     2900-AK45
3297         Acceptable Evidence of Child's Relationship........................................     2900-AK47
3298         Acceptable Evidence of Death.......................................................     2900-AK48
3299         U.S. Flags for Burials of Certain Members of the Selected Reserve..................     2900-AK56
3300         Disease Associated With Exposure to Certain Herbicide Agents: Type 2 Diabetes......     2900-AK63
3301         Veterans Benefits and Health Care Improvement Act of 2000..........................     2900-AK68
3302         Delegation of Authority--Portfolio Loan Servicing Contractor.......................     2900-AK72
3303         Veterans Education: Topping Up Tuition Assistance..................................     2900-AK79
3304         Board of Veterans Appeals: Rules of Practice--Subpoenas............................     2900-AJ58
3305         Notification of Representatives in Connection With Motions for Revision of              2900-AJ75
            Decisions on Grounds of Clear and Unmistakable Error................................
3306         Rules of Practice; Jursidiction....................................................     2900-AJ97
3307         Board of Veterans A................................................................

[[Page 62186]]

                                                                                                  ppeals: Rules
                                                                                                     o900-AK54
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)                       Prerule Stage


  



_______________________________________________________________________



VETERANS HEALTH ADMINISTRATION


                    ________________________________



3144. MEDICATION PRESCRIBING AUTHORITY

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 38 USC 501; 38 USC 1721

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 17; 38 CFR 17.33

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Veterans Health Administration of the Department of 
Veterans Affairs is considering amending its medical regulations to 
specify those who are eligible to prescribe medications. The 
supplementary information portion of the document contains a 
preliminary list of those under consideration for prescribing 
medications. To help formulate a proposed rule regarding medication 
prescribing authority, an advance notice of proposed rulemaking 
solicits written comments and announces a public hearing.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           12/00/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Audrey Crenshew Drake, Program Director Nursing (118), 
Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration, 810 
Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202 273-8424
Fax: 202 273-9066
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 2900-AK05



_______________________________________________________________________



VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION


                    ________________________________



3145.   MANDATORY DISCLOSURE OF SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER

Priority: Info./Admin./Other

Legal Authority: 38 USC 1806; 38 USC 5101(c)

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 3.216

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Department of Veterans Affairs proposes to amend its 
adjudication regulation concerning the mandatory disclosure of social 
security numbers. The intended effect is to present the existing 
regulation in ``plain language.''

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           06/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: John Bisset Jr., Consultant, Regulations Staff (211B), 
Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefit Administration, 810 
Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202 273-7210

RIN: 2900-AK82



_______________________________________________________________________



OFFICE OF FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT


                    ________________________________



3146. STANDARDS FOR COLLECTION, COMPROMISE, SUSPENSION, OR TERMINATION 
OF COLLECTION EFFORT; REGIONAL OFFICE COMMITTEE ON WAIVER AND 
COMPROMISES

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 31 USC 3700 et seq; 38 USC 501; 38 USC 5302; 38 USC 
5314; 38 USC 5315

CFR Citation: 31 CFR 900 to 904; 38 CFR 1.900 to 1.970

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) proposes to revise 
its current regulations on debt collection by eliminating some and 
cross-referencing the remainder to the revised DOJ/Treasury 
Governmentwide Federal Claims Collection Standards (31 CFR parts 900 to 
904). These regulations will also be updated to comply with the Debt 
Collection Improvement Act of 1996. In addition, VA also proposes to 
amend regulations pertaining to the administration of our Regional 
Office Committees on Waivers and Compromises.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           12/00/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Peter T. Mulhern, Office of Finance (047GC1), 
Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 
20420
Phone: 202 273-5570
TDD Phone: 202 273 6574

RIN: 2900-AK10

[[Page 62187]]

_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)                 Proposed Rule Stage


  



_______________________________________________________________________



VETERANS HEALTH ADMINISTRATION


                    ________________________________



3147. MEDICAL CARE AND TREATMENT FOR WHICH VA WILL NOT SEEK 
REIMBURSEMENT

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 38 USC 1729

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 17.107

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This document proposes to amend VA's medical regulations to 
provide that, under specified conditions, VA will not seek 
reimbursement from health insurance carriers or from veterans in the 
form of copayments for care or services not adjudicated as service 
connected.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Nancy Howard, Senior Program Analyst (174), Department 
of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue 
NW, Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202 273-8198
Fax: 202 273-4897
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 2900-AJ20
_______________________________________________________________________




3148. CLOTHING ALLOWANCE

Priority: Info./Admin./Other

Legal Authority: 38 USC 1162

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 3.810

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The regulatory action needs to be amended to contain specific 
language that submission of torn, worn, damaged clothing is not a 
specific condition for approving clothing allowances.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Frederick Downs Jr., Chief, Consultant, Prosthetic and 
Sensory Aids Strategic Healthcare Group, Department of Veterans 
Affairs, Veterans Health Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, 
Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202 273-8515

RIN: 2900-AJ21
_______________________________________________________________________




3149. MEDICAL BENEFITS PACKAGE; COPAYMENTS FOR EXTENDED CARE SERVICES

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 38 USC 1710; PL 106-117

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 17.36; 38 CFR 17.38; 38 CFR 17.111

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This document proposes to amend VA's medical regulations by 
adding the following extended care services to the medical benefits 
package: Noninstitutional adult day health care, noninstitutional 
geriatric evaluation, and noninstitutional respite care. Also, we 
propose to amend VA's medical regulations to establish provisions 
regarding copayments for extended care services. These actions would 
implement provisions of the Veterans Millennium Health Care and 
Benefits Act.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/04/01                    66 FR 50594
NPRM Comment Period End         12/03/01
Final Action                    04/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Nancy Howard, Senior Program Analyst (174), Department 
of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue 
NW, Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202 273-8198
Fax: 202 273-4897
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 2900-AK32
_______________________________________________________________________




3150. ENROLLMENT PRIORITY CATEGORY STATUS CHANGES

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 38 USC 501; 38 USC 1721; PL 106-117

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 17.36

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Pursuant to the Veteran's Health Care Eligibility Reform Act 
of 1996, VA implemented a national enrollment system to manage the 
delivery of VA hospital and outpatient care. Veterans are eligible to 
be enrolled based on the Secretary's determination concerning which of 
the seven priority categories of veterans to enroll. Section 112 of 
Public Law No. 106-117, the Veteran's Millennium Health Care and 
Benefits Act, amended the priority categories to include veterans 
awarded the Purple Heart in priority category three. Accordingly, we 
intend to change our medical regulations at 38 CFR 17.36 to reflect 
this statutory change. We further propose to amend VA's Disenrollment 
requirements set forth under 38 CFR 17.36(d)(4)(iii) to allow priority 
category 5 veterans enrolled in this category based on their annual 
income information to remain enrolled. Currently, under 38 CFR 
17.36(d)(4)(iii), a veteran enrolled under paragraphs (d)(2) or (d)(3) 
will be disenrolled if a VA network or facility director, or the Chief 
Network Officer, determines that a veteran has been enrolled based on 
inclusion in priority category 5, the veteran was sent by mail a VA 
Form 10-1-EZ, and the veteran failed to return the completed form to 
the address on the return envelop within 60 days from receipt of the 
form. We propose to continue their enrollment but only after the 
veteran agrees to co-pay requirements set forth under 38 U.S.C. 1710(f) 
and 1710(g). We also propose to amend the enrollment application form 
to reflect these changes and to add to the form instructions, a consent 
to release information, a statement regarding Paperwork Reduction Act 
changes are necessary to reflect statutory requirements, and to provide 
information to the public.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Roscoe G. Butler, Chief, Policy and Operations (10C3), 
Department of Veterans Affairs,

[[Page 62188]]

Veterans Health Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 
20420
Phone: 202 273-8302
Fax: 202 273-9609
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 2900-AK38
_______________________________________________________________________




3151.   HEALTHCARE FOR CHILDREN BORN WITH ONE OR MORE COVERED 
BIRTH DEFECTS TO VIETNAM VETERANS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 38 USC 501(a); 38 USC 1721; PL 106-419

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 17.900 to 1905

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The document proposed to establish regulations regarding 
health care benefits for women Vietnam veterans' children with covered 
birth defects. It would revise the current regulations regarding health 
care for Vietnam veterans' children suffering from spina bifida to also 
encompass health care for women Vietnam veterans' children with certain 
other birth defects. This is necessary to provide health care for such 
children in accordance with recently enacted legislation (Public Law 
106-419, November 1,2000).

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Susan K. Schmetzer, Chief, Policy and Strategic 
Planning, Health Administration Center, Department of Veterans Affairs, 
300 South Jackson Street, Denver, CO 80209
Phone: 303 331-7552
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 2900-AK88
_______________________________________________________________________




3152.   ENROLLMENT--PROVISION OF HOSPITAL AND OUTPATIENT CARE 
TO VETERANS--PRIORITY CATEGORIES 5, 6, AND 7

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 38 USC 501; 38 USC 1705; PL 104-262

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 17

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: VA has established a national enrollment system to manage the 
delivery of health care services. Veterans are eligible to be enrolled 
based on seven categories of priority. This document proposes to 
establish subpriorities for priority categories 5, 6, and 7. The 
proposed changes are intended to provide an equitable system for 
further prioritizing the enrollment of veterans in these priority 
categories.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Amy Hertz, Office of Policy and Planning (105), 
Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration, 810 
Vermont Avenue NW, Washington,, DC 20420
Phone: 202 273-8932

RIN: 2900-AK92
_______________________________________________________________________




3153.   PAYMENT FOR NON-VA MEDICAL SERVICES AND INPATIENT CARE 
PROVIDED AT NON-VA FACILITIES

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 38 USC 501

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 17

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This document proposes to amend the Department of Veterans 
Affairs (VA) medical regulations to establish a payment methodology for 
inpatient care and outpatient medical services provided to eligible VA 
beneficiaries at non-VA facilities. It is proposed that when there is 
an amount already calculated under the Medicare Payment Systems for 
services, VA would pay the lesser of the actual billed charge, an 
amount negotiated with the provider or the provider's agent, or the 
calculated amount. It appears that the adoption of the proposal would 
help ensure that amounts paid for these services would better reflect 
the resource inputs used to furnish a service and better reflect the 
true value of services. Further, it is proposed that the regulations 
would continue to require that VA payment constitute payment in full. 
In our view, this is required by statute.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Rex Gilmore, Health Administration Service (10C3), 
Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration, 810 
Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202 273-8307

RIN: 2900-AK94
_______________________________________________________________________




3154.   REASONABLE CHARGES FOR MEDICAL CARE OR SERVICES

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 38 USC 501; 38 USC 1721; 38 USC 1729

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 17.101

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This document amends the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) 
medical regulations concerning ``reasonable charges'' for medical care 
or services provided or furnished by VA to veterans for nonservice-
connected disabilities. This document amends the regulations to revised 
the charge structure and update other provisions for the purpose of 
providing more precise charges.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: David Cleaver, VHA Revenue Office (174), Department of 
Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue 
NW, Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202 273-8210
Fax: 202 273-4897

RIN: 2900-AL06

[[Page 62189]]




_______________________________________________________________________



VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION


                    ________________________________



3155. SCHEDULE FOR RATING DISABILITIES--THE ORTHOPEDIC SYSTEM

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 38 USC 1155

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 4.71(a)

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: These amendments will contain additions, deletions, and 
revisions of terminology resulting from a systematic review of the 
medical criteria used to evaluate disabilities of the orthopedic 
system.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           12/28/90                    55 FR 53315
ANPRM Comment Period End        02/26/91
NPRM                            02/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Charles A. Graffam, Consultant, Department of Veterans 
Affairs, Veterans Benefits Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, 
Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202 273-7410

RIN: 2900-AE91
_______________________________________________________________________




3156. SCHEDULE FOR RATING DISABILITIES--NEUROLOGICAL CONDITIONS AND 
CONVULSIVE DISORDERS

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 38 USC 1155

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 4.120; 38 CFR 4.121; 38 CFR 4.122; 38 CFR 4.123; 
38 CFR 4.124; 38 CFR 4.124a

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: These amendments will contain additions, deletions, and 
revisions of terminology resulting from a systematic review of the 
medical criteria used to evaluate disabilities of the neurological 
system.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           05/02/91                    56 FR 20169
ANPRM Comment Period End        07/01/91
NPRM                            02/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Charles A. Graffam, Consultant, Department of Veterans 
Affairs, Veterans Benefits Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, 
Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202 273-7410

RIN: 2900-AF23
_______________________________________________________________________




3157. SCHEDULE FOR RATING DISABILITIES--DIGESTIVE SYSTEM

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 38 USC 1155

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 4.114

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: These amendments will contain additions, deletions, and 
revisions of terminology resulting from a systematic review of the 
medical criteria used to evaluate disabilities of the digestive system.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           05/02/91                    56 FR 20168
ANPRM Comment Period End        07/01/91
NPRM                            03/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Charles A. Graffam, Consultant, Department of Veterans 
Affairs, Veterans Benefits Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, 
Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202 273-7410

RIN: 2900-AF24
_______________________________________________________________________




3158. TOTAL DISABILITY EVALUATIONS BASED ON INABILITY OF THE INDIVIDUAL 
TO ENGAGE IN SUBSTANTIALLY GAINFUL EMPLOYMENT

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 38 USC 501(a); 38 USC 512(a); 38 USC 1110; 38 USC 
1131; 38 USC 1155; 38 USC 1502; 38 USC 1521(a)

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 3.321; 38 CFR 3.340; 38 CFR 3.341; 38 CFR 3.342; 
38 CFR 4.16; 38 CFR 4.17; 38 CFR 4.18

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This action will amend the regulations in part 3 of title 38, 
United States Code, and in the Schedule for Rating Disabilities in part 
4 to provide clear and objective standards for determining whether a 
veteran is entitled to a total evaluation based on his or her inability 
to perform substantially gainful employment due to disability.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/01/01                    66 FR 49886
NPRM Comment Period End         11/30/01
Final Action                    04/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Beth McCoy, Consultant, Regulations Staff (211A), 
Department of Veterans Affairs, 575 N. Pennsylvania St., Indianapolis, 
IN 46204
Phone: 317 226-5209

RIN: 2900-AH21
_______________________________________________________________________




3159. EVIDENCE ON FILE AT DATE OF DEATH

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 38 USC 501(a)

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 3.1000

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This action will clarify the definition of ``medical evidence 
on file at time of death'' (Hayes v. Brown).

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Beth McCoy, Consultant, Regulations Staff (211A), 
Department of Veterans Affairs, 575 N. Pennsylvania St., Indianapolis, 
IN 46204
Phone: 317 226-5209

RIN: 2900-AH42

[[Page 62190]]

_______________________________________________________________________




3160. ANKYLOSIS AND LIMITATION OF MOTION OF DIGITS OF THE HANDS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 38 USC 1155

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 4.71a

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This document revises the evaluation criteria for ankylosis 
and limitation of motion of the fingers to ensure that veterans 
diagnosed with these conditions receive consistent evaluations.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Charles A. Graffam, Consultant, Department of Veterans 
Affairs, Veterans Benefits Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, 
Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202 273-7410

RIN: 2900-AI44
_______________________________________________________________________




3161. DEPENDENTS EDUCATION: ELIGIBILITY AND ENTITLEMENT STANDARDS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: PL 90-631, sec 2; 38 USC 3541; 38 USC 3562; 38 USC 
3681; 38 USC 3686; 38 USC 3687; 38 USC 5304; PL 97-377, sec 156; 38 USC 
501(a); 38 USC 3482; 38 USC 3501; 38 USC 3511; 38 USC 3512; 38 USC 
3532; 38 USC 3533

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 3.503; 38 CFR 21.3042; 38 CFR 21.3043; 38 CFR 
21.3044; 38 CFR 21.3045; 30 CFR 21.3046; 30 CFR 21.3047; 38 CFR 3.667; 
38 CFR 3.707; 38 CFR 3.807; 38 CFR 21.3020; 38 CFR 21.3021; 38 CFR 
21.3023; 38 CFR 21.3040; 38 CFR 21.3041; ...

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This document will amend Department of Veterans Affairs 
education regulations to provide a new interpretation of when the 
eligibility period ends for children eligible for Survivors' and 
Dependents' Educational Assistance. It will implement provisions of the 
Veterans Benefits and Health Care Improvement Act of 2000 that affect 
children's eligibility periods and the effective date of awards under 
Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance. It will also 
implement recent opinions of the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims 
that affect eligibility for Survivors' and Dependents' Educational 
Assistance. It will also make changes to clarify many of these 
regulations and other changes to make the regulations easier to use.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            03/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: William G. Susling Jr., Assistant Director for Policy 
and Program Development (225), Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans 
Benefits Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202 273-7187
Fax: 202 275-2636
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 2900-AJ19
_______________________________________________________________________




3162. SCHEDULE FOR RATING DISABILITY: THE SPINE

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 38 USC 1155

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 4.71a

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This amendment will contain additions, deletions, and 
revisions of terminology pertaining to spinal disabilities based on a 
systematic review of the medical criteria used to evaluate disabilities 
of the spine.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            02/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Charles A. Graffam, Consultant, Department of Veterans 
Affairs, Veterans Benefits Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, 
Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202 273-7410

RIN: 2900-AJ60
_______________________________________________________________________




3163. EDUCATION PROVISIONS OF THE VETERANS PROGRAMS ENHANCEMENT ACT OF 
1998

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 38 USC 16136; 38 USC 3034; 38 USC 3241; 38 USC 3485; 
38 USC 3537; 38 USC 3677; 38 USC 3684; 38 USC 5101

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 21.4145; 38 CFR 21.4200; 38 CFR 21.4206; 38 CFR 
21.4262

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule will bring VA's educational assistance regulations 
into agreement with the Veterans Program Enhancement Act of 1998. This 
will include revising the calculation of the reporting fee paid to 
educational institutions; making advance payments to work-study 
students optional rather than mandatory; and revising the approval 
criteria for on-job training programs offered by the Federal Government 
or by State or local governments.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            02/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: William G. Susling Jr., Assistant Director for Policy 
and Program Development (225), Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans 
Benefits Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202 273-7187
Fax: 202 275-2636
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 2900-AJ68
_______________________________________________________________________




3164. EVIDENCE OF PERMANENT AND TOTAL DISABILITY

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 38 USC 501(a)

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 3.3(a)

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This amendment would allow VA to accept the following types 
of evidence as establishing that a veteran is permanently and totally 
disabled, without need for medical evidence: (1) Status as a nursing 
home patient, (2) SSA determination of total disability, and (3) 
attainment of age 65.

[[Page 62191]]

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Beth McCoy, Consultant, Regulations Staff (211A), 
Department of Veterans Affairs, 575 N. Pennsylvania St., Indianapolis, 
IN 46204
Phone: 317 226-5209

RIN: 2900-AJ82
_______________________________________________________________________




3165. SCHEDULE FOR RATING DISABILITIES: GLOBAL ASSESSMENT OF FUNCTIONING 
SCALE IN THE EVALUATION OF MENTAL DISORDERS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 38 USC 501(a)

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 4.125

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: To assure evaluation of mental disorders is based solely on 
rating schedule criteria.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Charles A. Graffam, Consultant, Department of Veterans 
Affairs, Veterans Benefits Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, 
Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202 273-7410

RIN: 2900-AJ84
_______________________________________________________________________




3166. BENEFIT OF THE DOUBT

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 38 USC 501(a); 38 USC 5107(b)

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 3.102

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This action proposes to amend 38 CFR part 3 by adding a new
subpart D--Universal Adjudication Rules. This new subpart would consist 
of reorganized sections from existing subpart A. The first of these 
sections to be reorganized is the general concept of ``benefit of the 
doubt.'' The intended effect of this amendment is to retain the 
existing provision but rewritten in a reorganized format using plain 
language principles and recognizing decisions of the U.S. Court of 
Appeals for Veterans Claims.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Robert M. White, Team Leader, Plain Language 
Regulations Project, Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefits 
Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202 273-7228
Fax: 202 275-4800
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 2900-AJ93
_______________________________________________________________________




3167. PERMANENT INCAPACITY FOR SELF-SUPPORT

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 38 USC 501(a); 38 USC 1115; 38 USC 1311; 38 USC 1313; 
38 USC 1314; 38 USC 1521; 38 USC 1541; 38 USC 1542; PL 101-508; PL 102-
568

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 3.356

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This action proposes to amend 38 CFR part 3 to conform it to 
the Presidential Memorandum of June 1, 1998, Plain Language in 
Government Writing, by revising provisions on helpless children in 
section 3.356 and by incorporating rules on helpless children in VA's 
Adjudication Procedures Manual, M21-I.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Robert M. White, Team Leader, Plain Language 
Regulations Project, Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefits 
Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202 273-7228
Fax: 202 275-4800
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 2900-AJ95
_______________________________________________________________________




3168. PRESUMPTIVE SERVICE CONNECTION FOR HEPATITIS C INFECTION

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 38 USC 501(a)

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 3.318

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This document proposes to amend the Department of Veterans 
Affairs adjudication regulations to establish presumptive service 
connection for hepatitis C infection in veterans who were exposed to 
blood during combat who underwent certain treatment procedures during 
active duty service. The intended effect of this rule is to ensure that 
veterans who may have been exposed to the hepatitis C virus during 
active military service, because they underwent hemodialysis, 
tranfusion of blood or blood products before January 1, 1993, or solid 
organ transplant before January 1, 1993, will be service-connected for 
hepatitis C infection.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            05/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Charles A. Graffam, Consultant, Department of Veterans 
Affairs, Veterans Benefits Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, 
Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202 273-7410

RIN: 2900-AJ96
_______________________________________________________________________




3169. MINIMUM ACTIVE DUTY REQUIREMENT

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 38 USC 501; 38 USC 5303A

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 3; 38 CFR 3.12a

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This document explains the minimum active-duty service 
requirement (MADSR) for entitlement to VA benefits in ``plain 
language.'' It

[[Page 62192]]

incorporates a provision from the adjudication procedures manual, M21-
1, not currently addressed in the regulation, to allow for public 
comment. It also corrects in M21-1, the date of enactment of the law 
under which the MADSR was authorized. This does not affect entitlement 
or eligibility to VA benefits previously established under the manual 
provisions.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: John Bisset Jr., Consultant, Regulations Staff (211B), 
Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefit Administration, 810 
Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202 273-7210

RIN: 2900-AK02
_______________________________________________________________________




3170. STATE DEPARTMENT AS AGENT OF DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 38 USC 501; 38 USC 5106

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 3; 38 CFR 3.108

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This document reorganizes and rewrites in ``plain language'' 
the regulation that identifies the State Department as an agent of the 
Department of Veterans Affairs for purposes of accepting, developing, 
and assisting with claims and evidence. It incorporates a provision in 
the adjudication procedures manual regarding services offered by the 
Department of State.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: John Bisset Jr., Consultant, Regulations Staff (211B), 
Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefit Administration, 810 
Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202 273-7210

RIN: 2900-AK03
_______________________________________________________________________




3171. COMMENCEMENT OF THE PERIOD OF PAYMENT

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 38 USC 501; 38 USC 5111

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 3; 38 CFR 3.31

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This document explains in ``plain language'' when benefit 
payments begin for certain original, reopened, or increased awards. It 
also clarifies procedures to enhance consistency of application and 
proposes to remove two requirements from the adjudication procedures 
manual, M21-1, that are inconsistent with governing authority.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: John Bisset Jr., Consultant, Regulations Staff (211B), 
Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefit Administration, 810 
Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202 273-7210

RIN: 2900-AK09
_______________________________________________________________________




3172. SERVICE CONNECTION AND CHRONIC DISABILITY

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 38 USC 501; 38 USC 1110; 38 USC 1131

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 3.303

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Title 38 Code of Federal Regulations section 3.303 concerns 
the basic principles of service connection. This includes provisions on 
chronic disabilities and continuity of symptomatology. Section 3.303 is 
being revised into Reader Focused Writing. In addition, VA plans to 
make substantive changes needed to implement the U.S. Court of Appeals 
for Veterans Claims' holdings in the Savage, McManaway, and Hodges 
cases.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Bill Russo, Attorney-Advisor, Compensation and Pension 
(211), Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefits 
Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202 273-7211
Fax: 202 275-1728
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 2900-AK11
_______________________________________________________________________




3173. TIME LIMITS, EXTENSIONS, AND COMPUTATION OF TIME LIMITS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 38 USC 5103; 38 USC 7105(c)

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 3.109; 38 CFR 3.110

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This provision explains in ``plain language'' about time 
limits for providing evidence to VA to complete claims, how those time 
limits are computed, and under what circumstances extensions to the 
time limits may be allowed.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: John Bisset Jr., Consultant, Regulations Staff (211B), 
Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefit Administration, 810 
Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202 273-7210

RIN: 2900-AK17

[[Page 62193]]

_______________________________________________________________________




3174. FINALITY OF DECISIONS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 38 USC 502; 38 USC 511; 38 USC 5104; 38 USC 5109A; 38 
USC 5112(b)(6)

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 3.104

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This amendment informs claimants in ``plain language'' when a 
VA decision is final, how a decision by one VA office affects other VA 
offices, and under what circumstances a VA decision may be changed.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/23/01                    66 FR 53565
NPRM Comment Period End         12/24/01
Final Action                    04/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: John Bisset Jr., Consultant, Regulations Staff (211B), 
Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefit Administration, 810 
Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202 273-7210

RIN: 2900-AK18
_______________________________________________________________________




3175. DELEGATION OF AUTHORITY TO ISSUE DECISIONS ON BENEFITS CLAIMS

Priority: Info./Admin./Other

Legal Authority: 38 USC 512

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 3.100

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This is a plain language restatement of the existing 
delegations of authority to issue decisions on benefit claims.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Robert M. White, Team Leader, Plain Language 
Regulations Project, Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefits 
Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202 273-7228
Fax: 202 275-4800
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 2900-AK19
_______________________________________________________________________




3176. INDIVIDUALS AND GROUPS CONSIDERED TO HAVE PERFORMED ACTIVE 
MILITARY, NAVAL, OR AIR SERVICE

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 38 USC 101; 38 USC 102; 38 USC 107; 38 USC 501(a); 38 
USC 1152; 38 USC 1504, 5303(c); PL 95-202; ...

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 3.7

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This amendment reorganizes the current regulation and 
rewrites it in ``plain language.'' The regulation identifies civilian 
groups and individuals determined to have performed active service 
based on their service to U.S. Armed Forces. We propose to add three 
new groups, under the authority of Public Law No. 95-202, based on the 
recent decision of the Secretary of the Air Force that the service of 
these group members constitutes active military service.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: John Bisset Jr., Consultant, Regulations Staff (211B), 
Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefit Administration, 810 
Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202 273-7210

RIN: 2900-AK20
_______________________________________________________________________




3177. PSYCHOSIS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 38 USC 501(a)

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 3.384

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This document proposes to amend the Department of Veterans 
Affairs adjudication regulations to define the term ``psychosis.'' The 
term is used but not defined in certain statutes that provide 
presumptive service connection for compensation or health care 
purposes.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            08/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Charles A. Graffam, Consultant, Department of Veterans 
Affairs, Veterans Benefits Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, 
Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202 273-7410

RIN: 2900-AK21
_______________________________________________________________________




3178. CHANGE OF LAW-EFFECT ON BENEFITS

Priority: Info./Admin./Other

Legal Authority: 38 USC 186; 38 USC 5112(b)(6); 38 USC 5110(g)

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 3.114

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: These amendments are plain language restatements of 
adjudication regulations dealing with the effective dates that must be 
assigned when entitlement or non-entitlement to benefits is based on a 
change of law or a change VA rules.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Robert M. White, Team Leader, Plain Language 
Regulations Project, Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefits 
Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202 273-7228
Fax: 202 275-4800
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 2900-AK22
_______________________________________________________________________




3179. RENOUNCEMENT OF BENEFITS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 38 USC 5306

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 3.106

[[Page 62194]]

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This revision explains in ``plain language'' who has the 
right to renounce benefits, how to renounce benefits, and what 
renouncement means to a claimant. It discusses effective dates for the 
termination of renounced benefits, as well as the right to reapply for 
benefits that have been renounced. A substantive change in the 
effective date of a renouncement is proposed to cover the renouncement 
of benefits when an award is already in suspense.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            09/24/01                    66 FR 48845
NPRM Comment Period End         11/23/01
Final Action                    04/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: John Bisset Jr., Consultant, Regulations Staff (211B), 
Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefit Administration, 810 
Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202 273-7210

RIN: 2900-AK23
_______________________________________________________________________




3180. TESTIMONY IN SUPPORT OF BENEFIT CLAIMS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 38 USC 5711(a)(3)

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 3.200

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This proposal is a rewrite of the current regulation 
concerning the requirements for submitting oral and written testimony. 
We also propose to incorporate two provisions currently found in the 
adjudication procedure manual. The changes will make the regulation 
easier to understand and give claimants more information about the 
requirements for submitting oral and written testimony.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: John Bisset Jr., Consultant, Regulations Staff (211B), 
Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefit Administration, 810 
Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202 273-7210

RIN: 2900-AK24
_______________________________________________________________________




3181. ACCEPTABLE EVIDENCE OF MARRIAGE, DIVORCE, BIRTH, AGE, BIOLOGICAL 
RELATIONSHIP, CHILD'S RELATIONSHIP, AND DEATH

Priority: Info./Admin./Other

Legal Authority: 38 USC 5124

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 3.204 to 3.206; 38 CFR 3.209 to 3.211

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This document amends the current regulations concerning 
evidence that is acceptable as proof of marriage, divorce, birth, age, 
biological relationship, child's relationship, and death. The intended 
effect of this amendment is to present the existing regulations in 
plain language.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: John Bisset Jr., Consultant, Regulations Staff (211B), 
Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefit Administration, 810 
Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202 273-7210

RIN: 2900-AK26
_______________________________________________________________________




3182. ACCEPTABLE EVIDENCE OF VOID AND ANNULLED MARRIAGES

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 38 USC 103

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 3.207

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This amendment explains in ``plain language'' what VA 
considers acceptable evidence of a void or annulled marriage.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: John Bisset Jr., Consultant, Regulations Staff (211B), 
Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefit Administration, 810 
Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202 273-7210

RIN: 2900-AK27
_______________________________________________________________________




3183. INDEPENDENT MEDICAL OPINIONS

Priority: Info./Admin./Other

Legal Authority: 38 USC 5109; 38 USC 5701(b)(1); 38 USC 52a(f)(3)

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 3.328

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This amendment is a plain language restatement of the 
existing regulation dealing with independent medical opinions that may 
be requested to resolve complex or controversial medical issues that 
may arise in a claim for veterans' benefits.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Robert M. White, Team Leader, Plain Language 
Regulations Project, Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefits 
Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202 273-7228
Fax: 202 275-4800
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 2900-AK31
_______________________________________________________________________




3184. ACCEPTABLE EVIDENCE OF TERMINATION OF MARITAL RELATIONSHIP OR 
CONDUCT

Priority: Info./Admin./Other

Legal Authority: 38 USC 101(3); 38 USC 103(d); 38 USC 1311(e)(2)

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 3.215

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This a plain language restatement of the adjudication 
regulations that sets forth what VA will

[[Page 62195]]

accept as evidence that a relationship warranting an inference of 
remarriage has terminated.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: John Bisset Jr., Consultant, Regulations Staff (211B), 
Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefit Administration, 810 
Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202 273-7210

RIN: 2900-AK35
_______________________________________________________________________




3185. EVIDENCE FROM FOREIGN COUNTRIES

Priority: Info./Admin./Other

Legal Authority: 38 USC 5712

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 3.202

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This is a plain language restatement of the adjudication 
regulation dealing with the authentication requirements for evidence 
given under oath before an official in a foreign country.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/19/01                    66 FR 53139
NPRM Comment Period End         12/18/01
Final Action                    04/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: John Bisset Jr., Consultant, Regulations Staff (211B), 
Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefit Administration, 810 
Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202 273-7210

RIN: 2900-AK37
_______________________________________________________________________




3186. NATIONAL SERVICE LIFE INSURANCE--PLAIN ENGLISH REVISION

Priority: Info./Admin./Other

Legal Authority: 38 USC 501; 38 USC 1901 to 1929; 38 USC 1981 to 1988

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 8.0; 38 CFR 8.1

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This document proposes to amend 38 CFR 8.0 and 8.1 by 
revising the text into a different format to promote better 
communication to policyholders and program administrators. This 
amendment is written in conjunction with VA's plain English (Reader 
Focused Writing) initiative.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: George Poole, Chief, Program Administration and 
Oversight Staff (Insurance Service), Department of Veterans Affairs, 
Veterans Benefits Administration, P.O. Box 8079, Philadelphia, PA 19101
Phone: 215 842-2000
Fax: 215 381-3502
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 2900-AK43
_______________________________________________________________________




3187. ACCEPTABLE EVIDENCE OF UNEXPLAINED ABSENCE FOR 7 YEARS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 38 USC 108

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 3.212

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This revision explains in plain language what evidence is 
acceptable for a finding of presumptive death. It incorporates a 
provision from the Adjudication Procedure Manual that explains what 
evidence of search for a missing person must show.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: John Bisset Jr., Consultant, Regulations Staff (211B), 
Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefit Administration, 810 
Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202 273-7210

RIN: 2900-AK49
_______________________________________________________________________




3188. VALIDITY OF ENLISTMENTS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 38 USC 101(2)

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 3.14

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This revision explains in plain language what the Department 
of Veterans Affairs considers to be valid service.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: John Bisset Jr., Consultant, Regulations Staff (211B), 
Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefit Administration, 810 
Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202 273-7210

RIN: 2900-AK59
_______________________________________________________________________




3189. COMPUTATION OF SERVICE

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 38 USC 106(c); 38 USC 5303(a)

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 3.15

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This revision explains in plain language how the Department 
of Veterans Affairs computes the length of a period of service.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: John Bisset Jr., Consultant, Regulations Staff (211B),

[[Page 62196]]

Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefit Administration, 810 
Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202 273-7210

RIN: 2900-AK60
_______________________________________________________________________




3190. DISEASES SPECIFIC TO RADIATION-EXPOSED VETERANS

 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 112 in part II of this issue 
of the Federal Register.

RIN: 2900-AK64
_______________________________________________________________________




3191. MONETARY ALLOWANCES FOR CERTAIN CHILDREN OF VIETNAM VETERANS; 
IDENTIFICATION OF COVERED BIRTH DEFECTS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 38 USC 1805(b)(3); 38 USC 1812; 38 USC 1815; 38 USC 
5110(n); 38 USC 5312(c)(1)

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 3.27; 38 CFR 3.29; 38 CFR 3.114; 38 CFR 3.216; 38 
CFR 3.261

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Section 401 of the Veterans Benefits and Health Care 
Improvement Act of 2000, Public Law 106-419, amended chapter 18 of 
title 38 United States Code by adding subchapter II authorizing VA to 
provide certain benefits, including a monthly monetary allowance, to 
children born with certain birth defects who are the natural children 
of women veterans who served in the Republic of Vietnam during the 
Vietnam era. This document amends existing VA adjudication regulations 
and adds a new section 3.815 to title 38 Code of Federal Regulations to 
implement this new authority. Section 1823 of title 38 United States 
Code specifies that receipt of this allowance shall not affect the 
right of the child, or the right of any individual based on the child's 
relationship to that individual, to receive any other benefit to which 
the child, or that individual, may be entitled under any law 
administered by VA, nor will the allowance be considered income or 
resources in determining eligibility for, or the amount of, benefits 
under any Federal or federally assisted program. We propose to amend 38 
CFR 3.27, 3.29, 3.31, 3.114, 3.216, 3.261 to 263, 3.272, and 3.275 to 
reflect this statutory provision as it applies to VA's income-based 
benefit programs. The statute states that the birth defects identified 
may not include: A familial disorder, a birth-related injury, or a 
fetal or neonatal infirmity with well-established causes. The 
regulation will provide non-exclusive lists of included and excluded 
conditions for benefits. It also provides criteria to determine which 
of four levels of monthly monetary payment will be assigned, based on 
an assessment of the day-to-day functioning of affected individuals or 
to the extent of disfigurement of the head, face, or neck due to one or 
more covered birth defects or associated disabilities.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Charles A. Graffam, Consultant, Department of Veterans 
Affairs, Veterans Benefits Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, 
Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202 273-7410

RIN: 2900-AK67
_______________________________________________________________________




3192. ACCEPTABLE EVIDENCE OF CHANGE IN STATUS OR NUMBER OF DEPENDENTS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 38 USC 501(a)(1); 38 USC 1115; 38 USC 1310; 38 USC 
1521; 38 USC 5124

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 3.213

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This revision explains in plain language what evidence is 
acceptable to VA for the purpose of increasing benefits by adding 
dependents or for decreasing or discontinuing benefits due to a 
reduction in dependents or a change of status.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Robert M. White, Team Leader, Plain Language 
Regulations Project, Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefits 
Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202 273-7228
Fax: 202 275-4800
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 2900-AK70
_______________________________________________________________________




3193. LOAN GUARANTY: PRE-PURCHASE COUNSELING REQUIREMENTS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 38 USC 501; 38 USC 3203; 38 USC 3210; 38 USC 3220

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 36.4332

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Department of Veterans Affairs is proposing to amend its 
loan guaranty regulations to require that all first-time homebuyers 
seeking to obtain VA guaranteed home loans complete 3 hours of 
homeowners' counseling.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/11/01                    66 FR 51893
NPRM Comment Period End         12/10/01
Final Action                    04/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Robert Finneran, Assistant Director for Policy and 
Valuation (262), Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefits 
Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202 273-7369
Fax: 202 273-3523
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 2900-AK76
_______________________________________________________________________




3194. ADDITIONAL DISABILITY OR DEATH DUE TO HOSPITAL CARE, MEDICAL OR 
SURGICAL TREATMENT, EXAMINATION, TRAINING AND REHABILITATION SERVICES, 
OR COMPENSATED WORK THERAPY PROGRAM

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 38 USC 1151

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 3.358; 38 CFR 3.800

[[Page 62197]]

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) proposes to amend its 
adjudication regulations concerning awards of compensation or 
dependency and indemnity compensation for additional disability or 
death caused by VA hospital care, medical or surgical treatment, 
examination, training and rehabilitation services, or compensated work 
therapy (CWT) program.
Under the proposed amendment, benefits will be payable for additional 
disability or death caused by hospital care, medical or surgical 
treatment, or examination only if VA fault or ``an event not reasonably 
foreseeable'' proximately caused the disability or death. Benefits will 
also be payable for additional disability or death proximately caused 
by VA's provision of training and rehabilitation services or CWT 
program.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Beth McCoy, Consultant, Regulations Staff, Compensation 
and Pension Service (211A), Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans 
Benefit Administration, 575 N Pennsylvania Street, Indianapolis, IN 
46204
Phone: 317 226-5209

RIN: 2900-AK77
_______________________________________________________________________




3195. VETERANS AND DEPENDENTS EDUCATION: TOPPING UP TUITION ASSISTANCE 
AND PAYMENT FOR LICENSING AND CERTIFICATION TESTS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 38 USC 3014; 38 USC 3015; 38 USC 3032; 38 USC 3232; 38 
USC 3452; 38 USC 3482; 38 USC 3501

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 21.4008 to 21.4009; 38 CFR 21.4146; 38 CFR 21.4150 
to 21.4152; 38 CFR 21.4200; 38 CFR 21.4206; 38 CFR 21.4209 to 21.4212; 
38 CFR 21.4216; 38 CFR 21.4230; 38 CFR 21.4234

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Floyd D. Spence National Defense Authorization Act for 
Fiscal Year 2001 contains a provision that permits a service member to 
receive Montgomery GI Bill--Active Duty benefits for the difference 
between the service member's tuition and the portion of the tuition 
paid under 10 U.S.C. 2007. Appropriate regulations will be added to 
implement this provision of law.
The Veterans Benefits and Health Care Improvement Act provides that 
veterans and eligible persons may receive educational assistance to 
cover the cost of the tests needed to obtain an occupational license or 
certification. This improved benefit is available under the Post-
Vietnam Era Veterans Educational Assistance Program, the Montgomery GI 
Bill-Active Duty and the Survivors' and Dependents' Educational 
Assistance Program. Regulations are needed to allow VA to properly 
implement this new benefit.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            01/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: William G. Susling Jr., Assistant Director for Policy 
and Program Development (225), Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans 
Benefits Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202 273-7187
Fax: 202 275-2636
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 2900-AK80
_______________________________________________________________________




3196. VETERANS EDUCATION: ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITY TO PARTICIPATE IN THE 
MONTGOMERY GI BILL AND OTHER MISCELLANEOUS ISSUES

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 38 USC 3011 to 3012; 38 USC 3015; 38 USC 3018C; 38 USC 
3080; 38 USC 16132

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 21.4138; 38 CFR 21.7020; 38 CFR 21.7042; 38 CFR 
21.7136; 38 CFR 21.7540

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Veterans Benefits and Health Care Improvement Act of 2000 
affects the Montgomery GI Bill-Active Duty and the Montgomery GI Bill-
Selected Reserve. These include providing an opportunity for some 
service members to participate in the Montgomery GI Bill-Active Duty; 
repeal of the requirement that only the initial period of active duty 
be considered in determining eligibility for the Montgomery GI Bill-
Active Duty; increasing the Montgomery GI Bill-Active Duty for those 
who contribute additional money; and changing the rules for determining 
when benefits may be paid during the interval between terms. The 
regulations governing Montgomery GI Bill will be revised accordingly.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            01/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: William G. Susling Jr., Assistant Director for Policy 
and Program Development (225), Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans 
Benefits Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202 273-7187
Fax: 202 275-2636
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 2900-AK81
_______________________________________________________________________




3197.   PRESUMPTION OF SERVICE CONNECTION FOR CIRRHOSIS OF THE 
LIVER IN FORMER PRISONERS OF WAR

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 38 USC 501(a)

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 3.309(c)

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) proposes to amend its 
adjudication regulations concerning presumptive service connection for 
certain diseases.
Under the proposed amendment, VA will add cirrhosis of the liver to the 
list of diseases for which entitlement to service connection is 
presumed for former prisoners of war (POWs) interned or detained for at 
least 30 days. The intended effect is to make it easier for former POWs 
to obtain compensation benefits for cirrhosis based on scientific and 
medical research showing a higher risk of death

[[Page 62198]]

from cirrhosis in former POWs than in the general population.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Beth McCoy, Consultant, Regulations Staff, Compensation 
and Pension Service (211A), Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans 
Benefit Administration, 575 N Pennsylvania Street, Indianapolis, IN 
46204
Phone: 317 226-5209

RIN: 2900-AK83
_______________________________________________________________________




3198.   VOCATIONAL TRAINING FOR CERTAIN CHILDREN OF VIETNAM 
VETERANS--COVERED BIRTH DEFECTS AND SPINA BIFIDA

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 38 USC 101; 38 USC 501; 38 USC 512; 38 USC 5112; PL 
106-419, sec 401

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 21.8010 - 21.8410

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This document proposes to establish regulations regarding 
provision of vocational training and rehabilitation for women Vietnam 
veterans' children with covered birth defects. It revises the current 
regulations regarding vocational training and rehabilitation for 
Vietnam veterans' children suffering from spina bifida to also 
encompass vocational training and rehabilitation for women Vietnam 
veterans' children with certain other birth defects.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Dr. Charles A Graffam, Veterans Claims Examiner (28), 
Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefits Administration, 810 
Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202 273-7437

RIN: 2900-AK90
_______________________________________________________________________




3199.   CONDITIONAL DISCHARGE

Priority: Info./Admin./Other

Legal Authority: 38 USC 101(18)

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 3.13; 38 CFR 3.2320

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Department of Veterans Affairs proposes to amend its 
adjudication regulation concerning what constitutes a conditional 
discharge from a period of active service. The intended effect is to 
present the existing regulation in ``plain language.''

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: John Bisset Jr., Consultant, Regulations Staff (211B), 
Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefit Administration, 810 
Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202 273-7210

RIN: 2900-AK93
_______________________________________________________________________




3200.   TIME LIMIT FOR REQUEST FOR DENOVO REVIEW

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 38 USC 5109(a); 38 USC 7105(a)

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 3.2600

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: We are proposing to amend our regulations concerning the time 
a claimant has in which to request a de novo review of their claim at 
the Veterans Service Center level. (This would reduce the time from the 
current 60 days to 15 days). We believe this amendment will reduce 
unnecessary delays in the appeals process and will not adversely affect 
claimants.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Bill Russo, Attorney-Advisor, Compensation and Pension 
(211), Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefits 
Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202 273-7211
Fax: 202 275-1728
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 2900-AK97
_______________________________________________________________________




3201.   EVIDENCE REQUIREMENTS FOR SERVICE AND CHARACTER OF 
DISCHARGE

Priority: Info./Admin./Other

Legal Authority: 38 USC 101 and 1521(j)

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 3.203; 38 CFR 3.2405

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This document proposes to amend the regulation concerning 
evidence that is acceptable as proof of military service and character 
of discharge from military service. The intended effect of this 
amendment is to present the existing regulation in plain language.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: John Bisset Jr., Consultant, Regulations Staff (211B), 
Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefit Administration, 810 
Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202 273-7210

RIN: 2900-AL03
_______________________________________________________________________




3202.   VETERANS EDUCATION: STREAMLINING APPROVAL OF COURSES

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 38 USC 3890

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 21.4266

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The regulations governing approval of courses offered by

[[Page 62199]]

institutions of higher learning (IHL) with branches in more than one 
State requires the IHL to maintain administrative capability in each 
State in which it operates. The information that the IHL must submit to 
VA concerning veterans' enrollment must come from each State rather 
than from a central location. This regulation became effective before 
the advent of e-mail or telefacsimile machines. VA intends to revise 
the pertinent regulation to allow approval of courses for VA training 
even if such an IHL does not have administrative capability in each 
State in which it operates.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: State

Agency Contact: William G. Susling Jr., Assistant Director for Policy 
and Program Development (225), Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans 
Benefits Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202 273-7187
Fax: 202 275-2636
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 2900-AL07



_______________________________________________________________________



OFFICE OF ACQUISITION AND MATERIEL MANAGEMENT


                    ________________________________



3203. UNIVERSAL PRODUCT NUMBERS (UPNS)

Priority: Info./Admin./Other

Legal Authority: 38 USC 501; 40 USC 486(c)

CFR Citation: 48 CFR 811; 48 CFR 852

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rulemaking action would provide new contract clauses 
whereby Department of Veterans Affairs contracting officers could 
require contractors to furnish products marked at the case, box, and 
unit of use levels with Universal Product Numbers (UPNs) for scanning 
using bar code readers.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Procurement: This is a procurement-related action for which there is no 
statutory requirement. There is a paperwork burden associated with this 
action.

Agency Contact: Donald E. Kaliher, Senior Procurement Analyst (95A), 
Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Acquisition & Materiel 
Management, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202 273-8819
Fax: 202 273-9302
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 2900-AJ45
_______________________________________________________________________




3204. CONSTRUCTION AND ARCHITECT-ENGINEER CONTRACTS

Priority: Info./Admin./Other

Legal Authority: 38 USC 501; 40 USC 486(c)

CFR Citation: 48 CFR 801; 48 CFR 832; 48 CFR 836; 48 CFR 843; 48 CFR 
846; 48 CFR 852

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule proposes to amend the Department of Veterans 
Affairs Acquisition Regulation (VAAR) to revise and update section 
numbers and titles, to make minor grammatical corrections and 
revisions, to delegate authority, and to update parts 836, Construction 
and Architect-Engineer Contracts, and 852, Solicitation Provisions and 
Contract Clauses, all to correspond to the Federal Acquisition 
Regulation (FAR). The rule would clarify how existing VAAR clauses 
relating to construction contracts are to be used, remove obsolete or 
duplicative materials, update the VAAR regarding certified cost or 
pricing data, and provide Agency procedures regarding disclosure of the 
Government cost estimate on construction contracts. The rule would also 
remove a ``guarantee'' clause from the VAAR and provide for VA 
contracting officers to use the FAR ``warranty'' clause for 
construction contracts.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            09/27/01                    66 FR 49331
NPRM Comment Period End         11/26/01
Final Action                    04/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Procurement: This is a procurement-related action for which there is a 
statutory requirement. There is a paperwork burden associated with this 
action.

Agency Contact: Donald E. Kaliher, Senior Procurement Analyst (95A), 
Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Acquisition & Materiel 
Management, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202 273-8819
Fax: 202 273-9302
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 2900-AJ56
_______________________________________________________________________




3205. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS ACQUISITION REGULATIONS PLAIN 
LANGUAGE REWRITE

Priority: Info./Admin./Other

Legal Authority: 38 USC 501; 48 USC 486(c)

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 8

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rulemaking action would amend the Department of Veterans 
Affairs acquisition regulation to update position titles, to remove 
obsolete or duplicative material, to delegate authority, and to make 
plain language revisions to the text. In addition, the rule would 
update material to correspond to the requirements of the Federal 
Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and would provide agency procedures for 
compliance with FAR requirements.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Donald E. Kaliher, Senior Procurement Analyst (95A), 
Department of Veterans Affairs, Office

[[Page 62200]]

of Acquisition & Materiel Management, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, 
Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202 273-8819
Fax: 202 273-9302
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 2900-AK78



_______________________________________________________________________



BOARD OF VETERANS APPEALS


                    ________________________________



3206. BOARD OF VETERANS' APPEALS: RULES OF PRACTICE--APPEAL WITHDRAWAL

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 38 USC 501(a); 38 USC 7105(b)(2)

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 20.204

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Board of Veterans' Appeals proposes removing a 
restriction in its Rules of Practice (Rule of Practice 204; 38 CFR 
20.204) that bars an appellant's representative from withdrawing a 
Notice of Disagreement or a Substantive Appeal that the appellant filed 
personally without the appellant's written consent. VA believes that 
the restriction, adopted in the early 1960s, is an outdated and 
unnecessary intrusion into the relationship between appellants and 
their representatives, which creates needless delay through unnecessary 
procedural complexity.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Steven L. Keller, Senior Deputy Vice Chairman (01C), 
Department of Veterans Affairs, Board of Veterans Appeals, 810 Vermont 
Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202 565-5978

RIN: 2900-AK71
_______________________________________________________________________




3207.   BOARD OF VETERANS' APPEALS: SPEEDING APPELLATE REVIEW 
FOR AGING VETERANS

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 38 USC 501(a); 38 USC 7107

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 20.900(c)

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Board of Veterans' Appeals may advance a case on it's 
docket for earlier consideration for ``sufficient cause shown,'' 38 
U.S.C. section 7107(a)(2). This regulation will expand the regulatory 
definition of ``sufficient cause'' in the Board's Rules of Practice to 
include advanced age. This will permit the Board, on motion, to 
expedite consideration of appeals from veterans and dependants, age 75 
or more, who may be nearing the end of their life expectancy. There is 
now a sizable cohort of veterans of advanced age, particularly 
surviving combat veterans from World War II and the Korean War. No 
other alternatives are available. This amendment will not entail any 
risks or costs to the public or to the Government other than the costs 
normally associated with drafting, Agency review, and publication.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Steven L. Keller, Senior Deputy Vice Chairman, 
Department of Veterans Affairs, Board of Veterans Appeals, 810 Vermont 
Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202 565-5978

RIN: 2900-AL08



_______________________________________________________________________



NATIONAL CEMETERY SYSTEM


                    ________________________________



3208. HEADSTONE AND MARKER INSCRIPTION POLICY

Priority: Info./Admin./Other

Legal Authority: 38 USC 501; 38 USC 2306

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 1.630; 38 CFR 1.632

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The proposed rule revises 38 CFR 1.630 to implement 
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) regulations on its inscription 
policy for use on Government-provided headstones or markers. The 
amendment formalizes implementation of an all-inclusive inscription 
policy. This policy change provides for the payment at Government 
expense of text only, space permitting, for optional inscriptions on 
all Government headstones or markers. The rule will be published as a 
proposed rule in the Federal Register to provide information to the 
public on specific changes to VA's inscription policy for Government-
furnished headstones or markers. A 60-day public comment period will be 
provided. The proposed rule will not have a significant economic impact 
on a substantial number of small entities and only individual VA 
beneficiaries could be directly affected.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Karen Barber, Program Analyst (402B1), Department of 
Veterans Affairs, National Cemetery Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue 
NW, Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202 273-5183
Fax: 202 273-6697
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 2900-AH45
_______________________________________________________________________




3209. STATE CEMETERY GRANTS: AID TO STATES FOR ESTABLISHMENT, EXPANSION, 
AND IMPROVEMENT OF VETERANS CEMETERIES

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 38 USC 2408

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 39.1; 38 CFR 39.2; 38 CFR 39.3; 38 CFR 39.7; 38 
CFR 39.8; 38 CFR 39.9 (New)

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The proposed rule revises 38 CFR part 39 to amend Department 
of Veterans Affairs (VA) regulations for the State Cemetery Grants 
Program to implement and update information on program requirements and 
the application process for participants. The amendment formalizes new 
standards and provides guidance on how States may obtain funding for 
grants to expand, establish, or improve State veterans cemeteries. The 
rule will be published as proposed in the Federal Register to provide 
information to the public on how to apply for Federal funding for State 
veterans cemeteries. A 60-day public comment

[[Page 62201]]

period will be provided. It is subject to the requirements of the 
Administrative Procedures Act and E.O. 12866 because the rule is an 
interpretation of statute. The proposed rule will not have a 
significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities; 
only those States that apply for funding may be direct beneficiaries.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: State

Agency Contact: Karen Barber, Program Analyst (402B1), Department of 
Veterans Affairs, National Cemetery Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue 
NW, Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202 273-5183
Fax: 202 273-6697
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 2900-AH46
_______________________________________________________________________




3210. ELIGIBILITY FOR BURIAL OF DEPENDENT ADULT CHILDREN OF ELIGIBLE 
VETERANS; AND ELIGIBILITY FOR BURIAL OF CERTAIN FILIPINO VETERANS

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 38 USC 2402(5); PL 106-419

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 1.620(c)

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) proposes to amend 
regulations to specify that the eligibility of veterans' adult children 
for burial in a national cemetery is only for those who have become 
permanently incapable of self support before attaining the age of 21 
years due to a physical or mental disability. Current regulations do 
not clearly express this requirement. It also proposes to amend 
regulations to specify that the eligibility of certain Filipino 
veterans will be eligible for burial in a National Cemetery. Certain 
Filipino veterans of WWII, to include Commonwealth Army veterans and 
veterans of Recognized Guerilla Forces may be eligible if the veteran 
was a permanent resident of the U.S. and met other enabling conditions.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Karen Barber, Program Analyst (402B1), Department of 
Veterans Affairs, National Cemetery Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue 
NW, Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202 273-5183
Fax: 202 273-6697
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 2900-AI95
_______________________________________________________________________




3211. USE OF THE SECRETARY'S AUTHORITY AS PROVIDED BY 38 U.S.C. 2402(6)

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 38 USC 2402(6)

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 1.620(d)

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is issuing a proposed 
rule to define individuals and groups of individuals, who are otherwise 
not eligible for burial in a VA national cemetery, that would be 
considered under the Secretary's authority in 38 U.S.C. 2402(6). These 
new regulations establish a consistent basis for VA to determine those 
individuals or groups of individuals that VA may consider for 
eligibility under 38 U.S.C. 2402(6).

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Karen Barber, Program Analyst (402B1), Department of 
Veterans Affairs, National Cemetery Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue 
NW, Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202 273-5183
Fax: 202 273-6697
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 2900-AJ48



_______________________________________________________________________



OFFICE OF POLICY AND PLANNING


                    ________________________________



3212. AUDITS OF STATES, LOCAL GOVERNMENTS, AND NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS; 
GRANTS AND AGREEMENTS WITH INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION, HOSPITALS, 
AND OTHER NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 31 USC 75; 38 USC 501; PL 98-502

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 41; 38 CFR 49

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This document proposes to amend part 41 of VA's regulations 
to add new subparts to codify revised OMB Circular A-133. The Circular 
provides standards for consistency and uniformity among Federal 
agencies for the audits of States, local governments, and nonprofit 
organizations expending Federal awards. Further, this amendment 
proposes to add a new part 49 to VA's regulations to bring VA in step 
with other Federal agencies who have already adopted OMB Circular A-110 
as a common rule. The Circular provides for uniform administrative 
requirements for Federal agencies with grants and agreements with 
institutions of higher education, hospitals, and other nonprofit 
organizations.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: Governmental Jurisdictions, Organizations

Government Levels Affected: State, Local

Agency Contact: Judith Jamison, Office of Policy and Planning (008), 
Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenu

[[Page 62202]]

e NW, Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202 273-5117

RIN: 2900-AJ62
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)                    Final Rule Stage


  



_______________________________________________________________________



VETERANS HEALTH ADMINISTRATION


                    ________________________________



3213. PROVISION OF DRUGS AND MEDICINES PRESCRIBED BY NON-VA PHYSICIANS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 38 USC 501; 38 USC 1721

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 17.96

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This document amends the ``Medical'' regulations concerning 
the criteria for provision of drugs and medicines by non-VA physicians 
for certain veterans. It is our view that the statutory framework 
inherently requires that the drugs provided be suitable; i.e., FDA-
approved, high quality, and best value. In this regard, we have 
established a list of suitable drugs and medicines in the VA national 
formulary. Also, we have established a mechanism for allowing the 
provision of drugs and medicines not listed in the formulary. These 
changes are needed to ensure that VA provides only those drugs and 
medicines intended to be provided under the statutory authority. Also, 
this document makes nonsubstantive changes for the purpose of avoiding 
unnecessary duplication.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    08/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Jeff Ramirez, Pharmacy Service (119), Department of 
Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue 
NW, Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202 273-8428

RIN: 2900-AJ24
_______________________________________________________________________




3214. ADVANCED HEALTH CARE PLANNING

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 38 USC 501; 38 USC 1721

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 17.32

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This document amends the VA medical regulations to codify VA 
policy regarding advance health care planning. The rule sets forth a 
mechanism for the use of written advance directives; i.e., a VA living 
will, a VA durable power of attorney for health care, and a State-
authorized advance directive. The rule also sets forth a mechanism for 
honoring verbal or nonverbal instructions from a patient when the 
patient is admitted to care when critically ill and loss of capacity 
may be imminent and the patient is not physically able to sign an 
advance directive form or the appropriate form is not readily 
available. This is intended to help ensure that VA acts in compliance 
with patients' wishes concerning future health care.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/02/98                    63 FR 58677
NPRM Comment Period End         01/04/99
Final Action                    04/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Ellen Fox M.D., Director, National Center for Ethics 
(10AE), Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration, 
810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202 273-6926

RIN: 2900-AJ28
_______________________________________________________________________




3215. PROVISION OF DRUGS AND MEDICINES TO CERTAIN VETERANS IN STATE 
NURSING HOMES

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 38 USC 501; 38 USC 1721

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 17.96

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This document amends the Department of Veterans Affairs 
medical regulations concerning the provision of drugs and medicines 
prescribed by non-VA physicians for certain veterans who are 
permanently housebound or in need of regular aid and attendance. The 
regulations are amended to allow prescriptions to be filled by non-VA 
pharmacies in State homes under contract with VA for filling 
prescriptions for patients in State homes. This is consistent with VA's 
special relationship with State homes. It will eliminate duplication in 
services and will help improve timeliness for filling prescriptions in 
State homes.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              07/14/98                    63 FR 37779
Interim Final Rule Effective    07/14/98
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      09/14/98
Final Action                    06/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Jeff Ramirez, Pharmacy Service (119), Department of 
Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue 
NW, Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202 273-8428

RIN: 2900-AJ34
_______________________________________________________________________




3216. GRANTS TO STATES FOR CONSTRUCTION AND ACQUISITION OF STATE HOME 
FACILITIES

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 38 USC 501; 38 USC 1721

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 17.216; 38 CFR 17.222

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule amends the Department of Veterans Affairs 
regulations concerning State homes. VA provides funds to States for 
projects for the construction, acquisition, or renovation of State 
veterans nursing homes and State veterans domiciliaries. This 
rulemaking requests comments regarding what regulations should be 
established with respect to the priorities for awarding State home 
grants for construction, acquisition, or renovation.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              06/26/01                    66 FR 33845
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      08/27/01
Final Action                    12/00/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: State

Agency Contact: Frank Salvas, Geriactrics and Extended Care (114),

[[Page 62203]]

Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration, 810 
Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202 273-8536

RIN: 2900-AJ43
_______________________________________________________________________




3217. PER DIEM FOR ADULT DAY HEALTH CARE OF VETERANS IN STATE HOMES

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 38 USC 1741; 38 USC 1742; 38 USC 1743

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 51; 38 CFR 52; 38 CFR 58

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This document proposes to establish a new part 52 setting 
forth a mechanism for paying per diem to State homes providing adult 
day health care to eligible veterans. The intended effect of the 
proposed regulations is to ensure that veterans receive high quality 
care in State homes.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/28/00                    65 FR 39835
NPRM Comment Period End         08/28/00
Final Action                    12/00/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: State

Agency Contact: L. Nan Stout, Chief, State Home Per Diem Program (114), 
Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration, 810 
Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202 273-8538
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 2900-AJ74
_______________________________________________________________________




3218. POLICY REGARDING PARTICIPATION IN NATIONAL PRACTITIONER DATA BANK

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 38 USC 501; 38 USC 1110 to 11152

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 46

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Department of Veterans Affairs is amending its 
regulations concerning the reporting of physicians, dentists, and other 
healthcare practitioners to the National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB). 
These regulations concern malpractice payment reporting and clinical 
privileges actions reporting. These amendments appear to be necessary 
to make the reporting process more efficient and fair and to ensure 
that reporting is accomplished in accordance with the statutory 
framework.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/05/01                    66 FR 30141
NPRM Comment Period End         08/06/01
Final Action                    01/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Kathryn W. Enchelmayer, Office of Quality and 
Performance (10Q), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue 
NW, Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202 273-8936

RIN: 2900-AJ76
_______________________________________________________________________




3219. COMPENSATED WORK THERAPY/TRANSITIONAL RESIDENCES PROGRAM

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 38 USC 1772

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 17

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rulemaking proposes to establish provisions regarding 
payment rates and length of stay for veterans residing in housing under 
VA's Compensation Work Therapy/Transitional Residences Program. These 
provisions are designed to ensure that veterans pay an equitable amount 
and stay only for the time necessary to meet the intended goals.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            03/06/01                    66 FR 13461
NPRM Comment Period End         05/07/01
Final Action                    06/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Christine Woods, Program Specialist, Department of 
Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration, HQ-Psychosocial 
Rehabilitation Services, Bldg. 148, Rm D133, VA Medical Center, 
Hampton, VA 23669
Phone: 757 722-9961
Fax: 757 728-3143

RIN: 2900-AK01
_______________________________________________________________________




3220. PAYMENT OR REIMBURSEMENT FOR EMERGENCY TREATMENT FURNISHED AT NON-
VA FACILITIES

 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 113 in part II of this issue 
of the Federal Register.

RIN: 2900-AK08
_______________________________________________________________________




3221. REASONABLE CHARGES FOR MEDICAL CARE OR SERVICES

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 38 USC 501; 38 USC 1721; 38 USC 1729

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 17.101

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This document amends the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) 
regulations concerning ``reasonable charges'' for medical care or 
services provided or furnished by VA to a veteran: For a non-service-
connected disability for which the veteran is entitled to care (or the 
payment of expenses of care) under a health plan contract; for a non-
service-connected disability incurred incident to the veteran's 
employment and covered under a worker's compensation law or plan that 
provides reimbursement or indemnification for such care and services; 
or for a non-service-connected disability incurred as a result of a 
motor vehicle accident in a State that requires automobile accident 
reparations insurance. This document also amends the regulations to 
update data bases and other provisions for the purpose of providing 
more precise charges.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              11/02/00                    65 FR 65906
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      01/02/01
Final Action                    12/00/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

[[Page 62204]]

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: David Cleaver, VHA Revenue Office (174), Department of 
Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue 
NW, Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202 273-8210
Fax: 202 273-4897

RIN: 2900-AK39
_______________________________________________________________________




3222. COPAYMENTS FOR INPATIENT HOSPITAL CARE AND OUTPATIENT MEDICAL CARE

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 38 USC 1710; PL 106-117

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 17.108; 38 CFR 17.110

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This document proposes to amend VA's medical regulations to
set forth a mechanism for determining copayments for inpatient hospital 
care, outpatient medical care. This document is necessary to implement 
provisions of the Veterans Millennium Health Care and Benefits Act and 
to set forth our statutory interpretations regarding application of the 
copayment requirements.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              12/00/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Nancy Howard, Senior Program Analyst (174), Department 
of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue 
NW, Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202 273-8198
Fax: 202 273-4897
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 2900-AK50
_______________________________________________________________________




3223. REASONABLE CHARGES FOR MEDICAL CARE OR SERVICES

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 38 USC 501; 38 USC 1721; 38 USC 1729

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 17.101

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This document amends VA's medical regulations concerning 
``reasonable charges'' for medical care or services provided or 
furnished by VA to a veteran.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              05/08/01                    66 FR 23326
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      07/09/01
Final Action                    12/00/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: David Cleaver, VHA Revenue Office (174), Department of 
Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue 
NW, Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202 273-8210
Fax: 202 273-4897

RIN: 2900-AK73
_______________________________________________________________________




3224.   COPAYMENTS FOR MEDICATIONS

 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 114 in part II of this issue 
of the Federal Register.

RIN: 2900-AK85
_______________________________________________________________________




3225.   CIVILIAN HEALTH AND MEDICAL PROGRAM OF DEPARTMENT OF 
VETERANS AFFAIRS (CHAMPVA)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: PL 106-398; PL 107-14; 38 USC 1713

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 17.271; 38 CFR 17.272; 38 CFR 17.274

Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, October 1, 2001.

Abstract: This document implements provisions of the Floyd D. Spence 
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2001 and the 
Veterans' Survivor Benefits Improvement Act of 2001. These changes 
extend CHAMPVA eligibility to persons age 65 and over who would have 
otherwise lost their CHAMPVA eligibility due to attainment of 
entitlement to hospital insurance benefits under Medicare Part A. This 
rule also implements coverage of physical examinations required in 
connection with school enrollment for beneficiaries through age 17 and 
reduces the catastrophic cap for CHAMPVA dependents and survivors for 
each calendar year. These regulatory changes implement the statutory 
provisions.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              12/00/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Susan K. Schmetzer, Chief, Policy and Strategic 
Planning, Health Administration Center, Department of Veterans Affairs, 
300 South Jackson Street, Denver, CO 80209
Phone: 303 331-7552
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 2900-AK89
_______________________________________________________________________




3226.   REASONABLE CHARGES FOR MEDICAL CARE OR SERVICES

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 38 USC 501; 38 USC 1721; 38 USC 1729

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 17.101

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This document amends the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) 
medical regulations concerning ``reasonable changes'' for medical care 
or services provided or furnished by VA to veterans for nonservice-
connected disabilities. This document amends the regulations to update 
data bases and other provisions for the purpose of providing more 
precise charges.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              12/00/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: David Cleaver, VHA Revenue Office (174), Department of 
Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue 
NW, Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202 273-8210
Fax: 202 273-4897

RIN: 2900-AL05

[[Page 62205]]




_______________________________________________________________________



VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION


                    ________________________________



3227. SCHEDULE FOR RATING DISABILITIES--THE SKIN

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 38 USC 1155

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 4.118

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: These amendments will contain additions, deletions, and 
revisions of terminology resulting from a systematic review of the 
medical criteria used to evaluate skin conditions.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           05/02/91                    56 FR 20171
ANPRM Comment Period End        07/01/91
NPRM                            01/19/93                     58 FR 4969
NPRM Comment Period End         03/22/93
Final Action                    12/00/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Charles A. Graffam, Consultant, Department of Veterans 
Affairs, Veterans Benefits Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, 
Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202 273-7410

RIN: 2900-AF00
_______________________________________________________________________




3228. REVISED DEFINITION OF NET VALUE AND REVISED CRITERIA FOR PRE-
FORECLOSURE DEBT WAIVERS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 38 USC 501(a); 38 USC 3720(a); 38 USC 3732(a)

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 36.4301; 38 CFR 36.4323

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Department of Veterans Affairs is proposing to amend its 
loan guaranty regulations to revise the definition of property 
improvements for purposes of determining the net value of a foreclosed 
property and to clarify VA's position on pre-foreclosure debt waivers 
for liable veterans in cases involving transferee defaults. These 
changes will account for actual property appraisal procedures and will 
clarify Agency policy on pre-foreclosure debt waivers. Note: Because 
the original Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) was published on 
September 22, 1993 (58 FR 49251), VA republished the NPRM to provide 
for a new notice and comment period before proceeding with a final 
rule.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            09/22/93                    58 FR 49251
NPRM Comment Period End         10/22/93
Second NPRM                     08/01/00                    65 FR 46882
Second NPRM Comment Period End  10/02/00
Final Action                    12/00/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Richard Fyne, Assistant Director for Loan Management 
(261), Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefits 
Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202 273-7380

RIN: 2900-AG20
_______________________________________________________________________




3229. VISION

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 38 USC 1155

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 4.75

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This action will amend the vision portion of the rating 
schedule to provide current medical terminology, clarify ambiguous 
evaluation criteria, and add medical conditions not presently in the 
rating schedule.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            05/11/99                    64 FR 25246
NPRM Comment Period End         07/12/99
Final Action                    12/00/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Charles A. Graffam, Consultant, Department of Veterans 
Affairs, Veterans Benefits Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, 
Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202 273-7410

RIN: 2900-AH43
_______________________________________________________________________




3230. INTERVERTEBRAL DISC SYNDROME

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 38 USC 1155

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 4.71(a)

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This action ensures that veterans diagnosed with 
intervertebral disc syndrome meet uniform criteria and receive 
consistent evaluations.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            02/24/97                     62 FR 8204
NPRM Comment Period End         04/25/97
Final Action                    01/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Charles A. Graffam, Consultant, Department of Veterans 
Affairs, Veterans Benefits Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, 
Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202 273-7410

RIN: 2900-AI22
_______________________________________________________________________




3231. CLAIMS BASED ON AGGRAVATION OF NONSERVICE-CONNECTED DISABILITY

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 38 USC 501(a)

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 3.310

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This document amends VA regulations concerning secondary 
service connection for certain disabilities. This amendment is 
necessary because of a recent decision by the U.S. Court of Veterans 
Appeals and will establish a new means by which veterans may be 
compensated for disabilities related to other service-connected 
conditions.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/04/97                    62 FR 30547
NPRM Comment Period End         08/04/97
Final Action                    12/00/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

[[Page 62206]]

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Beth McCoy, Consultant, Regulations Staff (211A), 
Department of Veterans Affairs, 575 N. Pennsylvania St., Indianapolis, 
IN 46204
Phone: 317 226-5209

RIN: 2900-AI42
_______________________________________________________________________




3232. VETERANS EDUCATION: REPORTING AND RECORDKEEPING REQUIREMENTS AT 
FLIGHT SCHOOLS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 10 USC 16136; 38 USC 3002; 38 USC 3034; 38 USC 3202; 
38 USC 3241; 38 USC 3452; 38 USC 3471; 38 USC 5101

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 21.4235; 38 CFR 21.4263

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Veterans are required by statute to apply for any benefit the 
Department of Veterans Affairs administers. This rule will describe the 
information to be included in an application for educational assistance 
for the pursuit of flight training. VA believes that, in order to 
comply with various statutory requirements connected with the 
educational programs VA administers, flight schools with courses 
approved for VA training will have to keep some records beyond those 
required by the Federal Aviation Administration. This rule will state 
those recordkeeping requirements.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/03/00                    65 FR 17477
NPRM Comment Period End         06/02/00
Final Action                    01/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: William G. Susling Jr., Assistant Director for Policy 
and Program Development (225), Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans 
Benefits Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202 273-7187
Fax: 202 275-2636
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 2900-AJ23
_______________________________________________________________________




3233. EXCLUSIONS FROM INCOME

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 42 USC 10602(c)

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 3.261; 38 CFR 3.262; 38 CFR 3.272

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: To exclude from countable income for VA purposes amounts 
received under the Victims of Crime Act of 1984.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    12/00/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Beth McCoy, Consultant, Regulations Staff (211A), 
Department of Veterans Affairs, 575 N. Pennsylvania St., Indianapolis, 
IN 46204
Phone: 317 226-5209

RIN: 2900-AJ52
_______________________________________________________________________




3234. ACCELERATED BENEFITS OPTION FOR SERVICEMEMBERS' GROUP LIFE 
INSURANCE AND VETERANS' GROUP LIFE INSURANCE

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: PL 105-368, sec 302

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 9.13

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Section 302 of the Veterans Program Enhancement Act of 1998 
(Pub. L. 105-368) authorizes the payment of accelerated benefits in the 
Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (SGLI) and Veterans' Group Life 
Insurance (VGLI) programs, effective February 9, 1999. This rule amends 
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) regulations by providing an 
accelerated benefit option that will permit terminally ill members 
access to life insurance benefits before they die.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            07/20/00                    65 FR 44999
NPRM Comment Period End         08/18/00
Final Action                    12/00/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Gregory C. Hosmer, Senior Attorney/Insurance 
Specialist, Insurance Program Administration & Oversight, Department of 
Veterans Affairs, P.O. Box 13399, Philadelphia, PA 19101
Phone: 215 842-2000
Fax: 215 381-3502
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 2900-AJ80
_______________________________________________________________________




3235. LOAN GUARANTY: ADVERTISING AND SOLICITATION DISCLOSURE 
REQUIREMENTS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 38 USC 501(a)

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 36.4227; 38 CFR 36.4365

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is proposing to 
change its regulations by prohibiting advertisements or solicitations 
from lenders that falsely state or imply that they were issued by or at 
the direction of VA or any other entity of the United States. This 
change would also provide that each written advertisement or 
solicitation from a private lender concerning VA-guaranteed loans 
include a statement indicating that the lender is a private lender and 
that the lender does not have an exclusive right to make loans 
guaranteed by VA. These provisions appear to be necessary to ensure 
that lenders do not provide misleading information.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/08/00                    65 FR 76957
NPRM Comment Period End         02/06/01
Final Action                    12/00/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Robert Finneran, Assistant Director for Policy and 
Valuation (262), Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefits 
Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202 273-7369
Fax: 202 273-3523
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 2900-AJ86

[[Page 62207]]

_______________________________________________________________________




3236. POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER CLAIMS BASED ON PERSONAL ASSAULT

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 38 USC 1154

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 3.304

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This document proposes to amend the Department of Veterans 
Affairs (VA) adjudication regulations on the proof of stressor in 
claims for service connection of post-traumatic stress disorder 
resulting from personal assault. It provides that alternative evidence 
other than the veteran's military records may constitute credible 
supporting evidence of the stressor. It also implements decisions by 
the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, which state that VA 
Adjudication Procedure Manual provisions on this issue are the 
equivalent of regulations.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/16/00                    65 FR 61132
NPRM Comment Period End         12/15/00
Final Action                    12/00/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Bill Russo, Attorney-Advisor, Compensation and Pension 
(211), Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefits 
Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202 273-7211
Fax: 202 275-1728
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 2900-AK00
_______________________________________________________________________




3237. VETERANS VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION AND EDUCATION: TITLE CHANGE

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 38 USC 512

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 21.50; 38 CFR 21.53; 38 CFR 21.60; 38 CFR 21.68; 
38 CFR 21.4250; ...

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: VA administers a vocational rehabilitation program that 
provides eligible veterans, with compensable service-connected 
disabilities, all service and assistance necessary to enable them to 
achieve maximum independence in daily living and, to the maximum extent 
feasible, to become employable and to obtain and maintain suitable 
employment. Due to an increased emphasis on helping these veterans 
obtain and maintain suitable employment, VA has decided to change the 
title of those employees who deal principally with this program. All 
appropriate rules will be changed to show that these employees deal 
with vocational rehabilitation and employment.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    12/00/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Additional Information: Additional CFR Citations: 38 CFR 21.74; 38 CFR 
21.98; 38 CFR 21.100; 38 CFR 21.155

Agency Contact: William G. Susling Jr., Assistant Director for Policy 
and Program Development (225), Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans 
Benefits Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202 273-7187
Fax: 202 275-2636
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 2900-AK46
_______________________________________________________________________




3238. FILIPINO VETERANS BENEFIT IMPROVEMENTS

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 38 USC 107

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 3.8; 38 CFR 3.10; 38 CFR 3.1600

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This document proposes to amend Department of Veterans 
Affairs (VA) adjudication regulations to reflect changes made by the 
Departments of Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development and 
Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 2001, which changed the rate 
of compensation payments to certain Filipino veterans residing in the 
U.S., and the Veterans Benefits and Health Care Improvement Act of 
2000, which changed the amount of the burial benefit paid to the 
survivors of certain Filipino veterans who were residing in the U.S. at 
the time of their deaths.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              12/00/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Bill Russo, Attorney-Advisor, Compensation and Pension 
(211), Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefits 
Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202 273-7211
Fax: 202 275-1728
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 2900-AK65
_______________________________________________________________________




3239. SPECIAL MONTHLY COMPENSATION FOR WOMEN VETERANS WHO LOSE A BREAST 
AS A RESULT OF A SERVICE-CONNECTED DISABILITY

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 38 USC 1114(k); 38 USC 1155; PL 102-4

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 3.350; 38 CFR 4.116

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Department of Veterans Affairs proposes to amend its 
adjudication regulations to provide for payment of special monthly 
compensation for a woman veteran who loses one or both breasts as a 
result of service-connected disability. The intended effect of this 
amendment is to implement legislation authorizing VA to provide this 
benefit.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            07/20/01                    66 FR 37940
NPRM Comment Period End         08/20/01
Final Action                    12/00/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Charles A. Graffam, Consultant, Department of Veterans 
Affairs, Veterans Benefits Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, 
Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202 273-7410

RIN: 2900-AK66

[[Page 62208]]

_______________________________________________________________________




3240. DUTY TO ASSIST

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 38 USC 5103; 38 USC 5108

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 3.102; 38 CFR 3.156; 38 CFR 3.159; 38 CFR 3.326

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is proposing to amend 
its adjudication regulations to implement the provisions of the 
Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000 (the VCAA), which was signed by 
the President on November 9, 2000. The intended effect of this 
regulation is to establish clear guidelines consistent with the intent 
of Congress regarding the timing and the scope of assistance VA will 
provide to a claimant who files a substantially complete application 
for VA benefits.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/04/01                    66 FR 17834
NPRM Comment Period End         05/04/01
Final Action                    12/00/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Beth McCoy, Consultant, Regulations Staff (211A), 
Department of Veterans Affairs, 575 N. Pennsylvania St., Indianapolis, 
IN 46204
Phone: 317 226-5209

RIN: 2900-AK69
_______________________________________________________________________




3241.   EXCLUSION FROM COUNTABLE INCOME OF EXPENSES PAID FOR 
VETERAN'S LAST ILLNESS SUBSEQUENT TO VETERAN'S DEATH BUT PRIOR TO DATE 
OF DEATH PENSION ENTITLEMENT

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 38 USC 1503(a)(3)

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 3.272(h)

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is amending its 
adjudication regulations governing exclusion of expenses of the 
veteran's last illness, burial, and just debts from countable income 
for death pension purposes. This amendment eliminates the prohibition 
against reducing countable income by the amount of these expenses that 
the surviving spouse paid after the date of death but prior to the date 
of his or her entitlement. In order to make the necessary changes, VA 
is removing the last sentence of 38 CFR 3.272(h), which currently 
provides that the amount of expenses of the veteran's last illness, 
burial, and just debts ``paid subsequent to death but prior to date of 
entitlement are not deductible.''

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    12/00/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Beth McCoy, Consultant, Regulations Staff, Compensation 
and Pension Service (211A), Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans 
Benefit Administration, 575 N Pennsylvania Street, Indianapolis, IN 
46204
Phone: 317 226-5209

RIN: 2900-AK84
_______________________________________________________________________




3242.   CLAIMS BASED ON EXPOSURE TO IONIZING RADIATION

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: PL 98-542

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 3.311(b)

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is amending its 
regulations governing the establishment of service connection for 
polycythemia vera due to radiation exposure in service. The amendment 
clarifies that although VA does not consider polycythemia vera to be a 
``radiogenic disease'' under the regulations, a veteran is not 
precluded from claiming service connection for this condition on a 
direct-incurrence basis due to exposure to ionizing radiation in 
service. VA historically treated the list of radiogenic diseases in 38 
CFR 3.311 as an exclusive list of generally denied service connection 
for any disease not on the list. However, the U.S. Court of Appeals for 
the Federal Circuit in Combee v. Brown, 34 F.3d 1039 (Fed. Cir. 1994), 
held that Public Law 98-542 did not authorize VA to establish 
entitlement to direct service connection under section 3.311. VA is 
showing polycythemia vera may be induced by exposure to ionizing 
radiation. VA will obtain dose estimates, forward the claim for review 
by the Under Secretary for Benefits, and request an advisory medical 
opinion from the Under Secretary for Health under the provisions of 
section 3.311.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    12/00/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Beth McCoy, Consultant, Regulations Staff, Compensation 
and Pension Service (211A), Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans 
Benefit Administration, 575 N Pennsylvania Street, Indianapolis, IN 
46204
Phone: 317 226-5209

RIN: 2900-AK87
_______________________________________________________________________




3243.   RECOUPMENT OF NONDISABILITY SEVERANCE PAY FROM VA 
COMPENSATION

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 38 USC 501(a)

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 3.700

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Department of Veterans Affairs amends its adjudication 
regulation governing recoupment of military nondisability severance pay 
for service-connected disability compensation by deleting an erroneous 
statement that there is no prohibition against payment of disability 
compensation where the veterans received nondisability severance pay.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    04/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Randy A. McKevitt, Consultant, C&P Service, Department 
of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefits Administration, 810 Vermont 
Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202 273-7138
Fax: 202 273-1728
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 2900-AK95

[[Page 62209]]

_______________________________________________________________________




3244.   CERTIFICATION FOR ELIGIBILITY FOR ADAPTIVE EQUIPMENT 
FOR AUTOMOBILES OR OTHER CONVEYANCES

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 38 USC 501(a)

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 3.808

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) amends it 
adjudication regulations concerning the criteria for certification for 
eligibility for financial assistance for adaptive equipment for 
automobiles or other conveyances by updating cross-references to 
pertinent medical regulations that have been recodified.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    04/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Randy A. McKevitt, Consultant, C&P Service, Department 
of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefits Administration, 810 Vermont 
Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202 273-7138
Fax: 202 273-1728
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 2900-AK96
_______________________________________________________________________




3245.   EXTENSION OF THE PRESUMPTIVE PERIOD FOR COMPENSATION 
FOR GULF WAR VETERANS' UNDIAGNOSED ILLNESSES

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 38 USC 501(a)

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 3.317

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Department of Veterans Affairs extends the period within 
which undiagnosed illnesses due to service in the Gulf War Theater of 
Operations must become manifest to a compensable degree in order for 
service connection to be established, to an ending date of December 31, 
2006.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              11/09/01                    66 FR 56614
Interim Final Rule Effective    11/09/01
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      01/08/02
Final Action                    04/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Randy A. McKevitt, Consultant, C&P Service, Department 
of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefits Administration, 810 Vermont 
Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202 273-7138
Fax: 202 273-1728
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 2900-AK98
_______________________________________________________________________




3246.   INCREASE IN RATES PAYABLE UNDER THE MONTGOMERY GI 
BILL--SELECTED RESERVE

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 10 USC 16131

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 21.7636

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: By statute, the monthly rates of basic educational assistance 
payable to reservists under the Montgomery GI Bill-Selected Reserve 
must be adjusted each fiscal year. In accordance with the statutory 
formula, the regulations governing rates of educational assistance 
payable under the Montgomery GI Bill-Selected Reserve for fiscal year 
2002 will be changed to show a 3.4 percent increase in these rates.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    01/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: Organizations

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: William G. Susling Jr., Assistant Director for Policy 
and Program Development (225), Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans 
Benefits Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202 273-7187
Fax: 202 275-2636
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 2900-AK99
_______________________________________________________________________




3247.   INCREASE IN RATES PAYABLE UNDER THE DEPENDENTS' 
EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 38 USC 3532; 38 USC 3564; 38 USC 3687

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 21.3045; 38 CFR 21.3131; 38 CFR 21.3300; 38 CFR 
21.3333

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: By statute, the monthly rates of basic educational assistance 
payable under the Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance 
Program must be adjusted each fiscal year. In accordance with the 
statutory formula, the regulations governing rates of educational 
assistance payable under Survivors' and Dependents' Educational 
Assistance for fiscal year 2002 are changed to show a 3.4 percent 
increase in these rates.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    01/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: William G. Susling Jr., Assistant Director for Policy 
and Program Development (225), Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans 
Benefits Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202 273-7187
Fax: 202 275-2636
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 2900-AL00
_______________________________________________________________________




3248.   INCREASE IN RATES PAYABLE UNDER THE MONTGOMERY GI 
BILL--ACTIVE DUTY

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 38 USC 3015

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 21.7136 to 21.7137

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: By statute, the monthly rates of basic educational assistance 
payable to veterans under the Montgomery GI Bill-Active Duty must be 
adjusted each fiscal year. In accordance with statutory formula, the 
regulations governing rates

[[Page 62210]]

of basic educational assistance payable under the Montgomery GI Bill-
Active Duty for fiscal year 2002 will be changed to show a 3.4 percent 
increase.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    02/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: William G. Susling Jr., Assistant Director for Policy 
and Program Development (225), Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans 
Benefits Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202 273-7187
Fax: 202 275-2636
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 2900-AL01
_______________________________________________________________________




3249.   INCREASE IN RATES PAYABLE UNDER THE EDUCATIONAL 
ASSISTANCE TEST PROGRAM

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 10 USC 2143 to 2145

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 21.5820; 38 CFR 21.5822

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The law provides that rates of subsistence allowance and 
educational assistance payable under the Educational Assistance Test 
Program shall be adjusted annually by the Secretary of Defense based on 
the average actual cost of attendance at public institutions of higher 
education in the 12-month period since the rates were last adjusted. 
After consultation with the Department of Education, the Department of 
Defense has concluded that the rates for the 2001-02 academic year 
should be increased by 4.7 percent over the rates payable for the 2000-
01 academic year. The regulations dealing with these rates will be 
amended accordingly.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    02/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: William G. Susling Jr., Assistant Director for Policy 
and Program Development (225), Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans 
Benefits Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202 273-7187
Fax: 202 275-2636
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 2900-AL02



_______________________________________________________________________



OFFICE OF ACQUISITION AND MATERIEL MANAGEMENT


                    ________________________________



3250. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS ACQUISITION REGULATION--SIMPLIFIED 
ACQUISITION PROCEDURES FOR HEALTH CARE RESOURCES

Priority: Info./Admin./Other

Legal Authority: 38 USC 8153

CFR Citation: 48 CFR 801; 48 CFR 806; 48 CFR 812; 48 CFR 837; 48 CFR 
852; 48 CFR 873

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: VA withdrew the proposed rule concerning simplified 
acquisition procedures for health care resources published in the 
Federal Register on November 9, 1998 (63 FR 60256), and promulgated a 
new proposed rule concerning simplified acquisition procedures for 
health care resources. The new proposed rule document amends the 
Department of Veterans Affairs Acquisition Regulation (VAAR) to 
establish simplified procedures for the competitive acquisition of 
health care resources, consisting of commercial services or the use of 
medical equipment or space, pursuant to 38 U.S.C. 8151-8153. Public Law 
104-262, the Veterans' Health Care Eligibility Reform Act of 1996, 
authorized VA to prescribe simplified procedures for the procurement of 
health care resources. The rule prescribes those procedures.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/09/98                    63 FR 60256
NPRM Comment Period End         01/08/99
Second NPRM                     06/07/01                    66 FR 30659
Second NPRM Comment Period End  08/06/01
Final Action                    12/00/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Procurement: This is a procurement-related action for which there is no 
statutory requirement. There is a paperwork burden associated with this 
action.

Agency Contact: Donald E. Kaliher, Senior Procurement Analyst (95A), 
Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Acquisition & Materiel 
Management, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202 273-8819
Fax: 202 273-9302
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 2900-AI71
_______________________________________________________________________




3251. SEALED BIDDING AND COMPETITIVE PROPOSALS

Priority: Info./Admin./Other

Legal Authority: 38 USC 501; 40 USC 486(c)

CFR Citation: 48 CFR 806

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Department of Veterans Affairs is amending its 
Acquisition Regulations. Section 806.401 is amended to remove material 
that conflicts with the Federal Acquisition Regulation.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            03/11/98                    63 FR 11865
NPRM Comment Period End         05/11/98
Final Action                    12/00/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Procurement: This is a procurement-related action for which there is no 
statutory requirement. There is no paperwork burden associated with 
this action.

Agency Contact: Donald E. Kaliher, Senior Procurement Analyst (95A), 
Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Acquisition & Materiel 
Management, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202 273-8819
Fax: 202 273-9302
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 2900-AI99

[[Page 62211]]

_______________________________________________________________________




3252. VETERANS AFFAIRS ACQUISITION REGULATION: REVISIONS TO VA 
ACQUISITION REGULATIONS PARTS 801 THROUGH 805

Priority: Info./Admin./Other

Legal Authority: 38 USC 501; 40 USC 486(c)

CFR Citation: 48 CFR 801 to 805; 48 CFR 842; 48 CFR 849; 48 CFR 852

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rulemaking action would amend the Department of Veterans 
Affairs Acquisition Regulation to update position titles, to make minor 
grammatical corrections and revisions, to revise and update section 
numbers and titles and to relocate material to correspond to the 
Federal Acquisition Regulation, to remove obsolete or duplicative 
material, to make plain language revisions, and to delegate authority. 
In addition, the rule would update material regarding various internal 
VA administrative programs such as the VA's acquisition review, 
contracting officer's certification, and head of the contracting 
activity programs.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              12/00/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Donald E. Kaliher, Senior Procurement Analyst (95A), 
Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Acquisition & Materiel 
Management, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202 273-8819
Fax: 202 273-9302
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 2900-AK75



_______________________________________________________________________



BOARD OF VETERANS APPEALS


                    ________________________________



3253. BOARD OF VETERANS APPEALS--RULES OF PRACTICE--ATTORNEY FEE MATTERS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 38 USC 5902; 38 USC 5904; 38 USC 5905

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 20.3; 38 CFR 20.609; 38 CFR 20.610

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Board of Veterans Appeals is amending its rules of 
practice to end the practice of paying attorney fees from past-due 
benefits, establish safeguards in case of ``disinterested third-party'' 
payees who are individuals, and simplify certain notice procedures. 
These changes are necessary to permit VA to focus on activities more 
directly benefiting veterans and their families, i.e., deciding claims 
and coordinating benefit payments to veterans and their families, and 
to clarify the situations in which third parties may pay a claimants' 
legal fees.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/09/97                    62 FR 64790
NPRM Comment Period End         02/09/98
Final Action                    04/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Steven L. Keller, Senior Deputy Vice Chairman (01C), 
Department of Veterans Affairs, Board of Veterans Appeals, 810 Vermont 
Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202 565-5978

RIN: 2900-AI98
_______________________________________________________________________




3254. DELEGATIONS OF AUTHORITY--APPEALS REGULATIONS AND RULES OF 
PRACTICE

Priority: Info./Admin./Other

Legal Authority: 38 USC 501(a); 38 USC 512; 38 USC 7101(a); 38 USC 
7102; 38 USC 7104

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 19.2; 38 CFR 19.14; 38 CFR 20.102; 38 CFR 
20.606(d)

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Board of Veterans Appeals is amending its Appeals 
Regulation and Rules of Practice to update the delegations of authority 
to Members of the Board and to include the definition of ``Chief 
Members'' to whom some authority is delegated.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    12/00/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Steven L. Keller, Senior Deputy Vice Chairman (01C), 
Department of Veterans Affairs, Board of Veterans Appeals, 810 Vermont 
Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202 565-5978

RIN: 2900-AJ66
_______________________________________________________________________




3255. NOTICE OF APPEAL IN SIMULTANEOUSLY CONTESTED CLAIMS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 38 USC 501(a)

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 19.192; 38 CFR 20.502

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Board of Veterans Appeals is amending its Appeals 
Regulation and a Rule of Practice concerning simultaneously contested 
claims to make them more consistent with an authorizing statute and 
with each other. The statutory provision is currently implemented in 
two regulations. 38 U.S.C. 7105A(b) provides that when one contesting 
party files his or her ``formal appeal'' the ``substance'' of the 
formal appeal will be communicated to the other contesting parties who 
then have 30 days to file an answering brief or argument.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/01/99                    64 FR 53302
NPRM Comment Period End         11/30/99
Final Action                    12/00/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Steven L. Keller, Senior Deputy Vice Chairman (01C), 
Department of Veterans Affairs, Board of Veterans Appeals, 810 Vermont 
Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202 565-5978

RIN: 2900-AJ73

[[Page 62212]]

_______________________________________________________________________




3256. THE BOARD OF VETERANS APPEAL; RULES OF PRACTICE--MOTION FOR REVIEW 
OF DECISIONS ON GROUNDS OF CLEAR AND UNMISTAKABLE ERROR: CONTENT OF 
RECORD; ADVANCEMENT ON THE DOCKET

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 38 USC 501(a); 38 USC 7104(d); 38 USC 7111

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 20.1403; 38 CFR 20.1405(a); 38 CFR 20.1405(b)

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Board of Veterans Appeals is amending its Rules of 
Practice at 38 CFR part 20 to add procedures which would (1) eliminate 
a provision relating to ``constructive notice'' as to the record to be 
reviewed in connection with challenges to Board decisions on the 
grounds of clear and unmistakable error (CUE) and (2) add a provision 
to provide for advancing CUE motions on the docket.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    12/00/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Steven L. Keller, Senior Deputy Vice Chairman (01C), 
Department of Veterans Affairs, Board of Veterans Appeals, 810 Vermont 
Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202 565-5978

RIN: 2900-AJ85
_______________________________________________________________________




3257. APPEAL REGULATIONS, RULES OF PRACTICE: USE OF SUPPLEMENTAL 
STATEMENT OF THE CASE

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 38 USC 501(a); 38 USC 7105(d)

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 19.31; 38 CFR 20.302(c); 38 CFR 20.501(c)

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Board of Veterans' Appeals is amending its appeals 
regulations and Rules of Practice to clarify that a ``Supplemental 
Statement of the Case'' (SSOC) is to be used only to inform an 
appellant of material changes in, or additions to, the information 
included in the Statement of the Case (SOC) or a prior SSOC. The prior 
rule permitted new issues to be added to the SOC, resulting in 
confusion for appellants, regional offices, and the Board as to what 
issues were actually on appeal. Since 1966, the manual provisions 
governing the regional office have prohibited using an SSOC to reply to 
new issues. This rule will conform the Board's rules with agency 
practice.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    12/00/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Steven L. Keller, Senior Deputy Vice Chairman (01C), 
Department of Veterans Affairs, Board of Veterans Appeals, 810 Vermont 
Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202 565-5978

RIN: 2900-AK33
_______________________________________________________________________




3258. RULES OF PRACTICE: MEDICAL OPINIONS FROM THE VETERANS HEALTH 
ADMINISTRATION

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 38 USC 501(a); 38 USC 5107(a)

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 20.901(a)

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Board of Veterans' Appeals (Board) is amending its 
appeals regulations to clarify that it may obtain medical opinions from 
VA's Veterans Health Administration (VHA). The current rule, 38 CFR 
20.901(a), makes an obsolete reference to the ``Chief Medical 
Director,'' a title eliminated in 1992 and replaced by ``Under 
Secretary for Health.'' The revised rule would clarify that the Board 
may obtain opinions from VHA, not from the individual who happens to be 
the Under Secretary for Health.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              07/23/01                    66 FR 38158
Interim Final Rule Effective    07/23/01
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      09/21/01
Final Action                    04/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Steven L. Keller, Senior Deputy Vice Chairman (01C), 
Department of Veterans Affairs, Board of Veterans Appeals, 810 Vermont 
Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202 565-5978

RIN: 2900-AK52
_______________________________________________________________________




3259. APPEALS REGULATIONS: TITLE FOR MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF VETERANS 
APPEALS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 38 USC 501(a); 38 USC 512; 38 USC 7101(a)

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 19.2

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Board of Veterans' Appeals proposes to amend its appeals 
regulations to provide that a Member of the Board of Veterans' Appeals 
(Board) may also be known as a ``Veteran Law Judge.'' This duplicates, 
in proposed rule format, a final rule previously published in the 
Federal Register on September 14, 2000 (65 FR 55461). Individuals 
deciding appeals in other parts of the Federal Government are typically 
known as ``judges''; e.g., ``administrative law judges'' and 
``administrative judges.'' Giving Board Members the title of ``veteran 
law judges'' would provide a more accurate title than ``member'' and 
would enhance confidence in the system through recognition that appeals 
are being adjudicated by legal professionals.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            03/06/01                    66 FR 13463
NPRM Comment Period End         05/07/01
Final Action                    04/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Steven L. Keller, Senior Deputy Vice Chairman (01C), 
Department of Veterans Affairs, Board of Veterans Appeals, 810 Vermont 
Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202 565-5978

RIN: 2900-AK62

[[Page 62213]]

_______________________________________________________________________




3260. BOARD OF VETERANS APPEALS: RULES OF PRACTICE--EFFECT OF PROCEDURAL 
DEFECTS IN MOTIONS FOR REVISION OF DECISIONS ON GROUNDS OF CLEAR AND 
UNMISTAKABLE ERROR

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 38 USC 501(a); 38 USC 7111; PL 105-111

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 20.1404(b); 38 CFR 20.1409(b)

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Board of Veterans Appeals amends its Rules of Practice 
regulations to provide that, when a motion to revise a Board decision 
on the grounds of clear and unmistakable error fails to provide 
specific allegations of error, the Board will dismiss the motion 
without prejudice to refiling. This amendment is made necessary by a 
decision of the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              07/10/01                    66 FR 35902
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      09/10/01
Final Action                    04/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Steven L. Keller, Senior Deputy Vice Chairman (01C), 
Department of Veterans Affairs, Board of Veterans Appeals, 810 Vermont 
Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202 565-5978

RIN: 2900-AK74
_______________________________________________________________________




3261.   BOARD OF VETERANS' APPEALS: OBTAINING EVIDENCE AND 
CURING PROCEDURAL DEFECTS WITHOUT REMANDING

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 38 USC 501(a); 38 USC 7102; 38 USC 7103(c); 38 USC 
7104(a); 38 USC 7105(d); 38 USC 7109(c); ...

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 19.31; 38 CFR 20.903; 38 CFR 20.1304

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: These proposed changes will permit the Board of Veterans' 
Appeals to obtain evidence, clarify the evidence, cure a procedural 
defect, or perform any other action essential for a proper appellate 
decision in any appeal properly before it without having to remand the 
appeal to the agency of original jurisdiction. This will also allow the 
Board to consider additional evidence without having to refer the 
evidence to the agency of original jurisdiction for initial 
consideration and without having to obtain the appellant's waiver. By 
reducing the number of appeals remanded, VA intends to shorten appeal 
processing time and to reduce the backlog of claims awaiting decision.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            08/06/01                    66 FR 40942
NPRM Comment Period End         09/05/01
Final Action                    04/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Steven L. Keller, Senior Deputy Vice Chairman (01C), 
Department of Veterans Affairs, Board of Veterans Appeals, 810 Vermont 
Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202 565-5978

RIN: 2900-AK91



_______________________________________________________________________



NATIONAL CEMETERY SYSTEM


                    ________________________________



3262. INTERMENT OR MEMORIALIZATION IN VA NATIONAL CEMETERIES AND CERTAIN 
STATE CEMETERIES--FEDERAL OR STATE CAPITAL CRIME

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 38 USC 2411; PL 105-116

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 1; 38 CFR 39

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Public Law No. 105-116, 111 Stat. 2381 (codified at 38 U.S.C. 
2411), provides that, under certain circumstances, the remains of 
certain persons who committed Federal or State capital crimes may not 
be interred in a VA national cemetery and the memory of such persons 
may not be memorialized in a VA national cemetery. These statutory 
provisions also impose conditions on the receipt by a State of a VA 
grant to the State for veteran's cemetery regarding such interments or 
memorializations.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            07/21/00                    65 FR 45332
NPRM Comment Period End         09/19/00
Final Action                    04/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Karen Barber, Program Analyst (402B1), Department of 
Veterans Affairs, National Cemetery Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue 
NW, Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202 273-5183
Fax: 202 273-6697
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 2900-AJ77



_______________________________________________________________________



OFFICE OF EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY


                    ________________________________



3263. DELEGATION OF AUTHORITY--DECISIONMAKING REGARDING DISCRIMINATION

Priority: Info./Admin./Other

Legal Authority: 5 USC 553

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 2

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This document delegates to certain Department of Veterans 
Affairs officials authority to make final Agency decisions regarding 
the procedural acceptability of equal employment opportunity 
discrimination complaints. It also delegates authority to those 
officials to make final Agency decisions which determine whether a 
breach of an equal employment opportunity complaint settlement 
agreement has occurred.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    12/00/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: James S. Jones, Deputy Assistant Secretary for 
Resolution Management (08), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont 
Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420

[[Page 62214]]

Phone: 202 501-2800
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 2900-AJ63
_______________________________________________________________________




3264. NONDISCRIMINATION ON THE BASIS OF RACE, COLOR, OR NATIONAL ORIGIN; 
HANDICAP; AND AGE IN PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES RECEIVING FEDERAL 
ASSISTANCE

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 29 USC 794; 42 USC 2000d-1; 42 USC 6101

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 18

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Department of Justice, pursuant to Executive Order 12250, 
is requesting that Federal agencies with title VI, section 504, and Age 
Discrimination Act regulations jointly issue amendments to their 
regulations to incorporate the Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1987 
revisions.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/06/00                    65 FR 76460
NPRM Comment Period End         01/05/01
Final Action                    12/00/01
Final Action Effective          01/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tyrone Eddins, External Affairs Manager, Office of 
Resolution Management (08), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont 
Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202 501-2801
Fax: 202 501-2885

RIN: 2900-AK13



_______________________________________________________________________



OFFICE OF THE GENERAL COUNSEL


                    ________________________________



3265. RELEASE OF INFORMATION FROM DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS RECORDS

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 5 USC 552; 5 USC 552a; 38 USC 5701

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 1.500 to 1.584

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This document amends the Department of Veterans Affairs 
regulations governing the confidentiality and release of VA records 
subject to the Privacy Act, 5 U.S.C. 552a, the Freedom of Information 
Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552, and the veterans' records confidentiality 
statute (section 5701), 38 U.S.C. 5701. The amendments will implement 
court decisions and executive branch guidance issued since the 
regulations were originally published. The amendment is part of the 
Administration's effort to simplify, clarify, and modernize Federal 
regulations.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            09/10/98                    63 FR 48455
NPRM Comment Period End         11/09/98
Final Action                    04/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Lorraine M. Johnson, Deputy Assistant General Counsel 
(024A), Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of General Counsel, 810 
Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202 273-6381

RIN: 2900-AH98
_______________________________________________________________________




3266. RECOGNITION OF ORGANIZATIONS AND ACCREDITATION OF REPRESENTATIVES

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 5 USC 301; 38 USC 501(a); 38 USC 5901 to 5905

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 14.626 to 14.635

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Department of Veterans Affairs proposes to revise and 
clarify existing procedures and requirements regarding certification or 
recognition of service organizations and their representatives and 
other individuals, agents, and attorneys representing claimants for 
benefits administered by VA. The revisions are designed to improve VA's 
ability to assure high quality representation of claimants.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/04/98                    63 FR 59495
NPRM Comment Period End         01/04/99
Final Action                    04/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: State

Agency Contact: Richard J. Hipolit, Deputy Assistant General Counsel 
(022), Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of General Counsel, 810 
Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202 273-6329

RIN: 2900-AI93
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)                   Long-Term Actions


  



_______________________________________________________________________



VETERANS HEALTH ADMINISTRATION


                    ________________________________



3267. PROTECTION OF HUMAN SUBJECTS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 16

Timetable: Next Action Undetermined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Judy Williams
Phone: 202 273-8284

RIN: 2900-AJ08
_______________________________________________________________________




3268. WAIVERS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 17.105

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

[[Page 62215]]

Agency Contact: Nancy Howard
Phone: 202 273-8198
Fax: 202 273-4897
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 2900-AK29
_______________________________________________________________________




3269. LOAN GUARANTY: MULTIFAMILY TRANSITIONAL HOUSING FOR HOMELESS 
VETERANS PROGRAM

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 17.1000 to 17.1020

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Theresa Hayes
Phone: 202 273-8445

RIN: 2900-AK58



_______________________________________________________________________



VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION


                    ________________________________



3270. AMENDMENTS TO TRAINING AND REHABILITATION PROGRAMS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 21.40; 38 CFR 21.6420; 38 CFR 21.6501; 38 CFR 
21.6503; 38 CFR 21.6505; 38 CFR 21.6507; 38 CFR 21.6523; 38 CFR 21.260; 
38 CFR 21.6005; 38 CFR 21.6042; 38 CFR 21.6050; 38 CFR 21.6052; 38 CFR 
21.6054; 38 CFR 21.6056; 38 CFR 21.6058; ...

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    10/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Charles Graffam
Phone: 202 273-7410
TDD Phone: 202 275-5636

RIN: 2900-AG00
_______________________________________________________________________




3271. LOAN GUARANTY: REVISION TO VA WORK RULES FOR CREDIT SCORED LOANS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 36.4346; 38 CFR 3702(c)(1)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                             To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Richard Fyne
Phone: 202 273-7380

RIN: 2900-AJ91
_______________________________________________________________________




3272. LOAN GUARANTY: CREDIT STANDARDS REVISION

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 36.4337

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                             To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Robert Finneran
Phone: 202 273-7369
Fax: 202 273-3523
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 2900-AJ92
_______________________________________________________________________




3273. GOVERNMENTWIDE DEBARMENT AND SUSPENSION (NONPROCUREMENT) AND 
REQUIREMENT FOR DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE (ASSISTANCE)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 44; 38 CFR 48

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Robert Finneran
Phone: 202 273-7369
Fax: 202 273-3523
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 2900-AK16
_______________________________________________________________________




3274.   PLAIN LANGUAGE (READER FOCUSED WRITING) INITIATIVE; 
NATIONAL SERVICE LIFE INSURANCE (NSLI)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 38 USC 501; 38 USC 1901 to 1929; 38 USC 1981 to 1988

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 8.3 to 8.11

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule will amend 38 CFR 8.3 through 8.32 by revising the 
text into a different format to promote better communication to 
policyholders and program administrators. This amendment is written in 
conjunction with VA's Plain Language (Reader Focused Writing) 
Initiative.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    10/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Gregory C. Hosmer, Senior Attorney/Insurance 
Specialist, Insurance Program Administration & Oversight, Department of 
Veterans Affairs, P.O. Box 13399, Philadelphia, PA 19101
Phone: 215 842-2000
Fax: 215 381-3502
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 2900-AL09



_______________________________________________________________________



BOARD OF VETERANS APPEALS


                    ________________________________



3275. APPEALS REGULATIONS; RULES OF PRACTICE

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 19.3 (Revision); 38 CFR 20.609 (Revision); 38 CFR 
20.903 (Revision); 38 CFR 20.1000; 38 CFR 20.1001; 38 CFR 20.1002; 38 
CFR 20.1100 (Revision); 38 CFR 19.10; 38 CFR 19.15 (Revision); 38 CFR 
19.39; 38 CFR 20.3; 38 CFR 20.101 (Revision); 38 CFR 20.102 (Revision); 
38 CFR 20.201 (Revision); 38 CFR 20.605 (Revision); ...

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            02/03/92                     57 FR 4131
NPRM Comment Period End         03/04/92
Final Action                     To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Steven L. Keller
Phone: 202 565-5978

RIN: 2900-AE78

[[Page 62216]]

_______________________________________________________________________




3276. RULES OF PRACTICE; HEARINGS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 20.702; 38 CFR 2.1; 38 CFR 19.75; 38 CFR 20.703; 
38 CFR 20.704; 38 CFR 20.707; 38 CFR 20.711; 38 CFR 20.714; 38 CFR 
20.716; 38 CFR 20.717; 38 CFR 20.1003

Timetable: Next Action Undetermined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Steven L. Keller
Phone: 202 565-5978

RIN: 2900-AG07
_______________________________________________________________________




3277. RULES OF PRACTICE: MEDICAL OPINIONS; APPEAL PROCESSING AND 
SUBMISSION OF ADDITIONAL EVIDENCE

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 19.36; 38 CFR 20.800; 38 CFR 20.801; 38 CFR 
20.802; 38 CFR 20.901; 38 CFR 20.1304

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                             To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Steven L. Keller
Phone: 202 565-5978

RIN: 2900-AG90



_______________________________________________________________________



OFFICE OF THE ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR ACQUISITION AND FACILITIES


                    ________________________________



3278. OPERATION OF CHILD CARE CENTERS AT VA FACILITIES

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 17

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/27/89                    54 FR 53078
NPRM Comment Period End         01/26/90


Next Action Undetermined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Renee Bruce
Phone: 410 605-7388

RIN: 2900-AD48
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)                   Completed Actions


  



_______________________________________________________________________




3279. DELEGATION OF AUTHORITY--LOAN GUARANTY FOR MULTIFAMILY 
TRANSITIONAL HOUSING FOR HOMELESS VETERANS

Priority: Info./Admin./Other

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 17.1000-1010

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Withdrawn                       09/24/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Theresa Hayes
Phone: 202 273-8445

RIN: 2900-AK51
_______________________________________________________________________




3280. PROVISION OF HOSPITAL AND OUTPATIENT CARE TO VETERANS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 17.36

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Withdrawn                       09/24/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Walter Besecker
Phone: 202 273-8934

RIN: 2900-AK53
_______________________________________________________________________




3281. MEDICAL BENEFITS PACKAGE

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 17.36; 38 CFR 17.38

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Merged with 2900-AK32           06/26/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Marsha Goodwin
Phone: 202 273-8540

RIN: 2900-AK55
_______________________________________________________________________




3282. LOAN GUARANTY: TITLE EVIDENCE REQUIREMENTS AND OCCUPANCY 
REQUIREMENTS FOR CONVEYANCE OF PROPERTIES TO VA

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 36.4320

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Withdrawn                       05/10/01                    66 FR 23873

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Richard Fyne
Phone: 202 273-7380

RIN: 2900-AE20
_______________________________________________________________________




3283. ACCEPTANCE OF PARTIAL PAYMENTS; INDEMNIFICATION OF DEFAULT

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 4202; 38 CFR 4275; 38 CFR 4301; 38 CFR 4315; 38 
CFR 4323

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Withdrawn                       05/10/01                    66 FR 23873

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Richard Fyne
Phone: 202 273-7380

RIN: 2900-AE60
_______________________________________________________________________




3284. CERTIFICATION EVIDENCE FOR PROOF OF SERVICE

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 3.203

[[Page 62217]]

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    04/18/01                    66 FR 19857

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Bill Russo
Phone: 202 273-7211
Fax: 202 275-1728
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 2900-AJ55
_______________________________________________________________________




3285. REVIEW OF BENEFIT CLAIMS DECISIONS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 3.105; 38 CFR 3.2100; 38 CFR 3.2600

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    05/02/01                    66 FR 21871
Final Action Effective          06/01/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Bill Russo
Phone: 202 273-7211
Fax: 202 275-1728
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 2900-AJ99
_______________________________________________________________________




3286. REVISED DEFINITION OF A PROGRAM OF EDUCATION UNDER THE MONTGOMERY 
GI BILL--ACTIVE DUTY AND OTHER MISCELLANEOUS ISSUES

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 21.7020; 38 CFR 21.7050; 38 CFR 21.7131

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    07/30/01                    66 FR 39279

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: William G. Susling
Phone: 202 273-7187
Fax: 202 275-2636
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 2900-AK06
_______________________________________________________________________




3287. SIGNATURE BY MARK

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 3; 38 CFR 3.113

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    04/06/01                    66 FR 18194

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: John Bisset
Phone: 202 273-7210

RIN: 2900-AK07
_______________________________________________________________________




3288. SCHEDULE FOR RATING DISABILITIES: DISABILITIES OF THE LIVER

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 4.114

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    05/31/01                    66 FR 29486
Final Action Effective          07/02/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Charles A. Graffam
Phone: 202 273-7410

RIN: 2900-AK12
_______________________________________________________________________




3289. WRITTEN AND ORAL INFORMATION ON STATEMENTS AFFECTING ENTITLEMENT 
TO BENEFITS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 3.103

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/20/01                    66 FR 20220
Final Action                    11/09/01                    66 FR 56613
Final Action Effective          12/10/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Donald England
Phone: 202 273-7211

RIN: 2900-AK25
_______________________________________________________________________




3290. ACCEPTABLE EVIDENCE OF MARRIAGE

Priority: Info./Admin./Other

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 3.205

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Merged With 2900-AK26           10/18/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: John Bisset
Phone: 202 273-7210

RIN: 2900-AK30
_______________________________________________________________________




3291. ACCEPTABLE EVIDENCE OF DIVORCE

Priority: Info./Admin./Other

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 3.206

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Merged With 2900-AK26           10/18/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: John Bisset
Phone: 202 273-7210

RIN: 2900-AK34
_______________________________________________________________________




3292. ACCEPTABLE EVIDENCE OF BIRTH

Priority: Info./Admin./Other

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 3.209

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Merged With 2900-AK26           10/18/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: John Bisset
Phone: 202 273-7210

RIN: 2900-AK36
_______________________________________________________________________




3293. INCREASE IN RATES PAYABLE UNDER THE MONTGOMERY GI BILL--SELECTED 
RESERVE

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 21.7636

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    07/26/01                    66 FR 38936

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: William G. Susling
Phone: 202 273-7187
Fax: 202 275-2636
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 2900-AK40

[[Page 62218]]

_______________________________________________________________________




3294. VETERANS EDUCATION: INCREASED ALLOWANCE FOR THE EDUCATIONAL TEST 
PROGRAM

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 21.5820; 38 CFR 21.5822

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    06/14/01                    66 FR 32225

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: William G. Susling
Phone: 202 273-7187
Fax: 202 275-2636
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 2900-AK41
_______________________________________________________________________




3295. INCREASE IN RATES PAYABLE UNDER THE MONTGOMERY GI BILL--ACTIVE 
DUTY AND SURVIVORS' AND DEPENDENTS' EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 21.7136; 38 CFR 21.7137

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    06/14/01                    66 FR 32226

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: William G. Susling
Phone: 202 273-7187
Fax: 202 275-2636
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 2900-AK44
_______________________________________________________________________




3296. END OF THE SERVICE MEMBERS OCCUPATIONAL CONVERSION AND TRAINING 
PROGRAM

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 21.4131; 38 CFR 21.4135; 38 CFR 21.4800; 38 CFR 
21.4802; 38 CFR 21.4810; ...

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    07/26/01                    66 FR 38938

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: William G. Susling
Phone: 202 273-7187
Fax: 202 275-2636
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 2900-AK45
_______________________________________________________________________




3297. ACCEPTABLE EVIDENCE OF CHILD'S RELATIONSHIP

Priority: Info./Admin./Other

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 3.210

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Merged With 2900-AK26           10/18/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: John Bisset
Phone: 202 273-7210

RIN: 2900-AK47
_______________________________________________________________________




3298. ACCEPTABLE EVIDENCE OF DEATH

Priority: Info./Admin./Other

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 3.211

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Merged With 2900-AK26           10/18/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: John Bisset
Phone: 202 273-7210

RIN: 2900-AK48
_______________________________________________________________________




3299. U.S. FLAGS FOR BURIALS OF CERTAIN MEMBERS OF THE SELECTED RESERVE

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 1.10

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    05/18/01                    66 FR 27598

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Diane Fuller
Phone: 202 273-7598

RIN: 2900-AK56
_______________________________________________________________________




3300. DISEASE ASSOCIATED WITH EXPOSURE TO CERTAIN HERBICIDE AGENTS: TYPE 
2 DIABETES

Priority: Economically Significant. Major under 5 USC 801.

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 3.309(e)

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    05/08/01                    66 FR 23166
Final Action Effective          07/09/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Bill Russo
Phone: 202 273-7211
Fax: 202 275-1728
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 2900-AK63
_______________________________________________________________________




3301. VETERANS BENEFITS AND HEALTH CARE IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 2000

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 3.6; 38 CFR 3.353; 38 CFR 3.557; 38 CFR 3.558; 38 
CFR 3.1604

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    09/21/01                    66 FR 48558
Final Action Effective          11/01/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Robert M. White
Phone: 202 273-7228
Fax: 202 275-4800
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 2900-AK68
_______________________________________________________________________




3302. DELEGATION OF AUTHORITY--PORTFOLIO LOAN SERVICING CONTRACTOR

Priority: Info./Admin./Other

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 36.4342

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    06/14/01                    66 FR 32230

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Robert Finneran
Phone: 202 273-7369
Fax: 202 273-3523

[[Page 62219]]

Email: [email protected]

RIN: 2900-AK72
_______________________________________________________________________




3303. VETERANS EDUCATION: TOPPING UP TUITION ASSISTANCE

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 21

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Merged With 2900-AK80           07/30/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: William G. Susling
Phone: 202 273-7187
Fax: 202 275-2636
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 2900-AK79
_______________________________________________________________________




3304. BOARD OF VETERANS APPEALS: RULES OF PRACTICE--SUBPOENAS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 20.711

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    09/28/01                    66 FR 49538
Final Action Effective          10/29/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Steven L. Keller
Phone: 202 565-5978

RIN: 2900-AJ58
_______________________________________________________________________




3305. NOTIFICATION OF REPRESENTATIVES IN CONNECTION WITH MOTIONS FOR 
REVISION OF DECISIONS ON GROUNDS OF CLEAR AND UNMISTAKABLE ERROR

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 20.1405

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    07/17/01                    66 FR 31750

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Steven L. Keller
Phone: 202 565-5978

RIN: 2900-AJ75
_______________________________________________________________________




3306. RULES OF PRACTICE; JURSIDICTION

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 20.101; 38 CFR 20.203

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/04/01                    66 FR 17840
Final Action                    10/22/01                    66 FR 53339
Final Action Effective          11/21/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Steven L. Keller
Phone: 202 565-5978

RIN: 2900-AJ97
_______________________________________________________________________




3307. BOARD OF VETERANS APPEALS: RULES OF PRACTICE--TIME FOR FILING 
SUBSTANTIVE APPEAL

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 20.302(b); 38 CFR 30.304

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    10/03/01                    66 FR 50318

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Steven L. Keller
Phone: 202 565-5978

RIN: 2900-AK54
[FR Doc. 01-25309 Filed 11-30-01; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8320-01-S
