[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]


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Part XVII





Department of Veterans Affairs





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Semiannual Regulatory Agenda

[[Page 73492]]



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 in the fall 2003. 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, Regulations Management 
(00REG1), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., 
Washington, DC 20420.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Gloria Armstrong at (202) 273-9515.

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, VA's most important significant regulatory action is 
included in The Regulatory Plan.

 William A. Moorman,

Assistant to the Secretary, Office of Regulation Policy and Management.

                               Department of Veterans Affairs--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3043        Waivers.............................................................................    2900--AK29
3044        Reasonable Charges for Medical Care or Services; 2003 Methodology Changes...........    2900--AL06
3045        Copayments for Extended Care Services...............................................    2900--AL49
3046        Clarification of Patients Rights Regarding Who May Prescribe Medication.............    2900--AL66
3047        Schedule for Rating Disabilities--Neurological Conditions and Convulsive Disorders..    2900--AF23
3048        Schedule for Rating Disabilities--Digestive System..................................    2900--AF24
3049        Education Provisions of the Veterans Programs Enhancement Act of 1998...............    2900--AJ68
3050        Veterans and Dependents Education: Topping--Up Tuition Assistance; Licensing and        2900--AK80
            Certification Tests; Duty To Assist Education Claimants.............................
3051        Schedule for Rating Disabilities; Malignant Neoplasms...............................    2900--AL27
3052        Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance Program Eligibility Period for        2900--AL44
            Eligible Children and Other Miscellaneous Issues....................................
3053        Loan Guaranty: Hybrid Adjustable Rate Mortgages.....................................    2900--AL54
3054        Annual Risk Allowance for Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance and Veterans' Group      2900--AL56
            Life Insurance......................................................................
3055        Loan Guaranty: Assistance to Certain Disabled Veterans in Acquiring Specially           2900--AL58
            Adapted Housing.....................................................................
3056        Compensation for Certain Cases of Bilateral Deafness................................    2900--AL59
3057        Loan Guaranty; Loan Servicing and Claims Procedures Modification....................    2900--AL65
3058        Adjudication: Service Requirements for Veterans.....................................    2900--AL67
3059        Presumptions of Service Connection..................................................    2900--AL70
3060        Adjudication: Accrued Benefits and Death Compensation Benefits......................    2900--AL71
3061        Burial Benefits.....................................................................    2900--AL72
3062        New and Material Evidence...........................................................    2900--AL73
3063        Rules on Apportionments to Dependents, Payments to Fiduciaries and Incarcerated         2900--AL74
            Beneficiaries.......................................................................
3064        Regulations Related to Payments and Adjustments to Payments.........................    2900--AL75
3065        Claims Based on Service in the Philippine Armed Forces..............................    2900--AL76
3066        Department of Veterans Affairs Acquisition Regulations Plain Language Rewrite.......    2900--AK78
3067        Board of Veterans' Appeals: Obtaining Evidence and Curing Procedural Defects........    2900--AL77
3068        Standards for Collection, Compromise, Suspension, or Termination of Collection          2900--AK10
            Effort, and Referral of Civil Claims for Money or Property; Regional Office
            Committees on Waivers and Compromises; Salary.......................................
3069        Audits of States, Local Governments, and Nonprofit Organizations; Grants and            2900--AJ62
            Agreements With Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals, and Other Nonprofit
            Organizations.......................................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                Department of Veterans Affairs--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3070        Advanced Health Care Planning.......................................................    2900--AJ28
3071        Grants to States for Construction and Acquisition of State Home Facilities..........    2900--AJ43

[[Page 73493]]

 
3072        Payment for Non--VA Physician Services Associated With Either Outpatient or             2900--AK94
            Inpatient Care Provided at Non--VA Facilities.......................................
3073        Priorities for Outpatient Medical Services and Inpatient Hospital Care..............    2900--AL39
3074        Charges Used for Recovery From Tortiously Liable Third Parties for Medical Care or      2900--AL48
            Services Provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs.............................
3075        Enrollment--Provision of Hospital and Outpatient Care to Veterans--Subpriorities of     2900--AL51
            Priority Categories 7 and 8 and Enrollment Level Decision (Reg Plan Seq No. 100)....
3076        Reasonable Charges for Medical Care or Services; 2003 Update........................    2900--AL57
3077        Sensori--Neural Aids................................................................    2900--AL60
3078        VA Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem Program; Religious Organizations...........    2900--AL63
3079        Medication Prescribed by Non--VA Physicians.........................................    2900--AL68
3080        Schedule for Rating Disabilities--The Musculoskeletal System........................    2900--AE91
3081        Total Disability Evaluations Based on Inability of the Individual To Engage in          2900--AH21
            Substantially Gainful Employment....................................................
3082        Schedule for Rating Disabilities--The Eye...........................................    2900--AH43
3083        Claims Based on Aggravation of Nonservice--Connected Disability.....................    2900--AI42
3084        Governmentwide Debarment and Suspension (Nonprocurement) and Requirement for Drug--     2900--AK16
            Free Workplace (Assistance).........................................................
3085        Definition of Psychosis for Certain VA Purposes.....................................    2900--AK21
3086        Filipino Veterans Benefit Improvements..............................................    2900--AK65
3087        Loan Guaranty: Prepurchase Counseling Requirements..................................    2900--AK76
3088        Additional Disability or Death Due to Hospital Care, Medical or Surgical Treatment,     2900--AK77
            Examination, Training and Rehabilitation Services, or Compensated Work Therapy
            Program.............................................................................
3089        Time Limit for Request for De Novo Review...........................................    2900--AK97
3090        Exceptions to Definition of Date of Receipt Based on Special or Unforeseen              2900--AL12
            Circumstances.......................................................................
3091        Loan Guaranty: Implementation of Public Law 107--103................................    2900--AL23
3092        Schedule for Rating Disabilities; Guidelines for Application of Evaluation Criteria     2900--AL26
            for Certain Respiratory and Cardiovascular Conditions; Evaluation of Hypertension
            With Heart Disease..................................................................
3093        Veterans Education: Veterans Education and Benefits Expansion Act of 2001...........    2900--AL28
3094        Schedule for Rating Disabilities; Evaluation of Multiple Scars......................    2900--AL32
3095        Testimony Certified or Under Oath...................................................    2900--AL38
3096        Administration of VA Education Benefits--Centralized Certification..................    2900--AL43
3097        Increase Rates Payable Under the Survivor's and Dependent's Education Assistant         2900--AL64
            Program.............................................................................
3098        Reservists' Education: Revision of Eligibility Requirements for the Montgomery GI       2900--AL69
            Bill--Selected Reserve..............................................................
3099        Implementing the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)........    2900--AL53
3100        Appeals Regulations; Rules of Practice..............................................    2900--AE78
3101        The Board of Veterans' Appeals; Rules of Practice--Motion for Review of Decisions on    2900--AJ85
            Grounds of Clear and Unmistakable Error.............................................
3102        Rules of Practice: Medical Opinions From the Veterans Health Administration.........    2900--AK52
3103        Board of Veterans' Appeals Rules of Practice: Notice Procedures Relating to             2900--AL45
            Withdrawal of Services by a Representative..........................................
3104        State Cemetery Grants: Aid to States for Establishment, Expansion, and Improvement      2900--AH46
            of Veterans Cemeteries..............................................................
3105        Eligibility for a Headstone or Marker for Graves Already Marked at Private Expense;     2900--AL40
            Applications for Headstone and Marker...............................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
References in boldface appear in the Regulatory Plan in part II of this issue of the Federal Register.


                                Department of Veterans Affairs--Completed Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3106        VA Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem Program Regulations........................    2900--AL30
3107        Copayments for Inpatient Hospital Care Under Geographic Means Test..................    2900--AL35
3108        Exclusions From Income and Net Worth Computations...................................    2900--AJ52
3109        Schedule for Rating Disability--The Spine...........................................    2900--AJ60
3110        Veterans Education: Additional Opportunity To Participate in the Montgomery GI Bill     2900--AK81
            and Other Miscellaneous Issues......................................................
3111        Schedule for Rating Disabilities; Evaluation of Tinnitus............................    2900--AK86

[[Page 73494]]

 
3112        Increase in Rates Payable Under the Montgomery GI Bill--Active Duty and Survivors'      2900--AL17
            and Dependents' Educational Assistance Program......................................
3113        Accelerated Payments Under the Montgomery GI Bill--Active Duty Program..............    2900--AL22
3114        Compensation and Pension Provisions of the Veterans Education and Benefits Expansion    2900--AL29
            Act of 2001.........................................................................
3115        Independent Study Approved for Certificate Programs and Other Miscellaneous Issues..    2900--AL34
3116        Presumption of Service Connection for Cirrhosis of the Liver in Former Prisoners of     2900--AL36
            War.................................................................................
3117        Effective Dates of Benefits for Disability or Death Caused by Herbicide Exposure;       2900--AL37
            Disposition of Unpaid Benefits After Death of Beneficiary...........................
3118        Increase in Rates Payable Under the Montgomery GI Bill--Selective Reserve...........    2900--AL41
3119        Headstone and Marker Inscription....................................................    2900--AL50
3120        Veterans Education: Increased Allowances for the Educational Assistance Test Program    2900--AL52
3121        Disease Associated With Exposure to Certain Herbicide Agents: Chronic Lymphocytic       2900--AL55
            Leukemia............................................................................
3122        Compensation and Pension Provisions of the Veterans Benefits Act of 2002............    2900--AL62
3123        Sealed Bidding and Competitive Proposals............................................    2900--AI99
3124        Board of Veterans' Appeals: Speeding Appellate Review for Aging Veterans............    2900--AL08
3125        Board of Veterans' Appeals Rules of Practice: Use of Supplemental Statement of the      2900--AL42
            Case................................................................................
3126        Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Race, Color, or National Origin; Handicap; and Age    2900--AK13
            in Programs and Activities Receiving Federal Assistance.............................
3127        Release of Information From Department of Veterans Affairs Records..................    2900--AH98
3128        Delegations of Authority; Office of Regulatory Policy and Management (ORPM).........    2900--AL61
3129        Privacy Act of 1974--Exemption of Police and Security Records.......................    2900--AL33
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)                 Proposed Rule Stage






_______________________________________________________________________



VETERANS HEALTH ADMINISTRATION


                    ________________________________



3043. WAIVERS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 38 USC 1722A; PL 106--117

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 17.105

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The purpose of this document is to provide regulations to 
formally establish the waiver process for veterans' copayments.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Nancy Howard, Senior Program Analyst (161), Department 
of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue 
NW, Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202 254--0320
Fax: 202 254--0396
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 2900-AK29
_______________________________________________________________________




3044. REASONABLE CHARGES FOR MEDICAL CARE OR SERVICES; 2003 METHODOLOGY 
CHANGES

Priority: Other Significant. Major under 5 USC 801.

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 revise 
the charge structure and update other provisions for the purpose of 
providing more precise charges.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/02/03                    68 FR 56876
NPRM Comment Period End         11/03/03
Final Action                    01/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: David Cleaver, Chief Business Office (161), Department 
of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue 
NW, Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202 254--0361

RIN: 2900-AL06
_______________________________________________________________________




3045. COPAYMENTS FOR EXTENDED CARE SERVICES

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 38 USC 1710B

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 17.111

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This document proposes to amend VA's medical regulations 
concerning copayments for extended care services provided or furnished 
by VA to veterans for nonservice--

[[Page 73495]]

connected disabilities. This document amends the regulations to enhance 
the spousal protection provisions covering assets. This change would 
bring VA closer to State medical assistance policies in protecting 
spouses from potential impoverishment.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/16/03                    68 FR 54557
NPRM Comment Period End         12/15/03
Final Action                    04/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Donna Canada, Chief Business Office (161), Department 
of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202 254--0321
Fax: 202 254--0396

Daniel Schoeps, Geriatrics and Extended Care (114), Department of 
Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202 273--8540

RIN: 2900-AL49
_______________________________________________________________________




3046. [bull] CLARIFICATION OF PATIENTS RIGHTS REGARDING WHO MAY 
PRESCRIBE MEDICATION

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 38 USC 501; 38 USC 1721

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 17.33

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This document proposes to amend the Department of Veterans 
Affairs' medical regulations that set forth patients' rights to clarify 
that it is legally permissible for VA patients to receive medication 
prescribed by any health care professional legally authorized to 
prescribe medication.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Audrey Crenshew Drake, Program Director Nursing (108), 
Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration, 810 
Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202 565--6740
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 2900-AL66



_______________________________________________________________________



VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION


                    ________________________________



3047. 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                            04/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Audrey Tomlinson, Medical Officer (211A), Department of 
Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefits Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue 
NW, Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202 273--7211

RIN: 2900-AF23
_______________________________________________________________________




3048. 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                            10/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Audrey Tomlinson, Medical Officer (211A), Department of 
Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefits Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue 
NW, Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202 273--7211

RIN: 2900-AF24
_______________________________________________________________________




3049. 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 proposed rule amendment will bring VA's educational 
assistance regulations into agreement with the Veterans Program 
Enhancement Act of 1998 and Veterans Education and Expansion Act of 
2001. This amendment will include 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. This rule is being amended 
to reflect additional work study opportunities provided under the 
Veterans Education and Benefits Expansion Act of 2001.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Lynn M. Nelson, Education Advisor (225C), Department

[[Page 73496]]

of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefits Administration, 810 Vermont 
Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202 273--7294
Fax: 202 275--2636
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 2900-AJ68
_______________________________________________________________________




3050. VETERANS AND DEPENDENTS EDUCATION: TOPPING--UP TUITION ASSISTANCE; 
LICENSING AND CERTIFICATION TESTS; DUTY TO ASSIST EDUCATION CLAIMANTS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 38 USC 3014; 38 USC 3015; 38 USC 3034; 38 USC 3241; 38 
USC 3471; 38 USC 3513; 38 USC 3501

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 21.1029 to 21.1033; 38 CFR 21.4005; 38 CFR 
21.4008; 38 CFR 21.4009; 38 CFR 21.4146

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Regulations implementing provisions of the Veterans Benefits 
and Health Care Improvement Act of 2000, Floyd D. Spence National 
Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2001, and the Veterans Claims 
Assistance Act of 2000 that affect VA education benefits programs. 
These provisions include payment under Survivors' and Dependents' 
Educational Assistance Program, Post--Vietnam Era Veterans Educational 
Assistance Program, and the Montgomery GI Bill--Active Duty Program for 
the costs of taking tests needed to obtain a license or certification. 
They also include payment of benefits under the Montgomery GI Bill--
Active Duty Program of the difference between the portion of tuition 
and fees covered by the tuition assistance program administered by the 
various military departments and the actual charges made by an 
educational institution. The proposed rule also establishes clear 
guidelines consistent with the intent of Congress regarding the timing 
and scope of assistance VA will provide to a claimant who files a 
substantially complete application for benefits under any of the 
education programs VA administers or who tries to reopen a previously 
denied claim.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/00/04

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
_______________________________________________________________________




3051. SCHEDULE FOR RATING DISABILITIES; MALIGNANT NEOPLASMS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 38 USC 1155

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 4

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This amendment would raise the criteria for evaluating 
malignant neoplasms throughout the rating schedule in order to assure 
that they reflect the effect of current treatment methods to ensure 
that veterans with malignant neoplasms receive fair and consistent 
evaluations.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Audrey Tomlinson, Medical Officer (211A), Department of 
Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefits Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue 
NW, Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202 273--7211

RIN: 2900-AL27
_______________________________________________________________________




3052. SURVIVORS' AND DEPENDENTS' EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM 
ELIGIBILITY PERIOD FOR ELIGIBLE CHILDREN AND OTHER MISCELLANEOUS ISSUES

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 38 USC 101; 38 USC 3002; 38 USC 3501; 38 USC 3512; 38 
USC 5113

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 21.3041; 38 CFR 21.4151; 38 CFR 21.5021

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Department of Veterans Affairs is proposing to amend its 
education regulations to reflect changes in the eligibility period for 
children due to statutory provisions in Veterans Benefits and Health 
Care Improvement Act of 2000 and the Veterans Benefits and Expansion 
Acts of 2001 and 2002.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Lynn M. Nelson, Education Advisor (225C), Department of 
Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefits Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue 
NW, Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202 273--7294
Fax: 202 275--2636
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 2900-AL44
_______________________________________________________________________




3053. LOAN GUARANTY: HYBRID ADJUSTABLE RATE MORTGAGES

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 38 USC 501(a); 38 USC 3703(c)(1)

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 36.4212; 38 CFR 36.4254; 38 CFR 36.4311; 38 CFR 
36.4312

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is amending its loan 
guaranty regulations to implement sections 303 and 308 of Public Law 
No. 107--330, the Veterans Benefits Act of 2002. VA is incorporating 
into the regulations the following changes: The addition of hybrid 
adjustable rate mortgages that will allow VA to guarantee loans with 
interest rates that remain fixed for a period of not less than the 
first 3 years of the loan after which the rate can be adjusted annually 
and an increase in the fee paid for assuming a VA guaranteed loan from 
.50 percent to 1.00 percent of the loan amount.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/09/03                    68 FR 58293
NPRM Comment Period End         11/10/03
Final Action                    04/00/04

[[Page 73497]]

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Robert D. 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--7368
Fax: 202 275--3523
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 2900-AL54
_______________________________________________________________________




3054. ANNUAL RISK ALLOWANCE FOR SERVICEMEMBERS' GROUP LIFE INSURANCE AND 
VETERANS' GROUP LIFE INSURANCE

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 38 USC 501; 38 USC 1965 to 1980

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 9.15 (new)

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This document proposes to amend the Department of Veterans 
Affairs regulations relating to Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance 
(SGLI) and Veterans' Group Life Insurance (VGLI) to establish a method 
to determine the amount of the annual risk allowance that is to be paid 
to the insurance company or companies for administering the SGLI/VGLI 
programs. It also will serve to inform the public that a profit 
component is being introduced for the first time as a part of the basic 
cost of program administration.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Jeanne King, Insurance Specialist, Department of 
Veterans Affairs, VA Regional Office and Insurance Center, P.O. Box 
8079, Philadelphia, PA 19101
Phone: 215 842--2000
Fax: 215 381--3502
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 2900-AL56
_______________________________________________________________________




3055. LOAN GUARANTY: ASSISTANCE TO CERTAIN DISABLED VETERANS IN 
ACQUIRING SPECIALLY ADAPTED HOUSING

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 38 USC 501(a); 38 USC 2101

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 36.4400

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Department of Veterans Affairs is proposing to amend is 
loan guaranty regulations concerning assistance to certain disabled 
veterans in acquiring specially adapted housing. The primary intent is 
to revise these regulations to improve clarity to the reader. 
Additional changes are made to incorporate the provisions of a legal 
decision of the VA Office of General Counsel.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Robert D. 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--7368
Fax: 202 275--3523
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 2900-AL58
_______________________________________________________________________




3056. COMPENSATION FOR CERTAIN CASES OF BILATERAL DEAFNESS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 38 USC 1160(a)(3)

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 3.383(a)(3)

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) proposes to amend its 
adjudication regulations concerning the level of hearing loss at which 
VA may pay disability compensation as if the combination of 
disabilities in both ears were service--connected, even though 
disability in one ear is service connected and disability in the other 
ear is not. This amendment liberalizes the ``paired organ'' rule for 
bilateral deafness and provides a definition for the term ``deafness.'' 
This amendment is necessary to implement a recent legislative change. 
Rather than requiring total deafness in both ears to trigger the paired 
organ rule, the proposed amendment would allow VA to consider partial 
nonservice--connected hearing loss in one ear when evaluating 
disability caused by compensable service--connected hearing loss in the 
other ear.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/00/04

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, 111 W. Huron Street, Room 22, Buffalo, NY 14202
Phone: 716 551--4842

RIN: 2900-AL59
_______________________________________________________________________




3057. [bull] LOAN GUARANTY; LOAN SERVICING AND CLAIMS PROCEDURES 
MODIFICATION

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 38 USC 501; 38 USC 3720; 38 USC 3732; 38 USC 3736

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 36.4301; 38 CFR 36.4306a; 38 CFR 36.4311; 38 CFR 
36.4313 to 4321; 38 CFR 36.4324 to 4325; 38 CFR 36.4330; 38 CFR 
36.4344a; 38 CFR 36.4346

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Department of Veterans Affairs is amending its loan 
guaranty regulations pertaining to the servicing and liquidation of 
guaranteed housing loans in default and submitting of guaranty claims 
by loan holders. These proposed changes regarding loan servicing and 
claims procedures reflect changes in the servicing of VA loans and are 
necessary to implement new servicing and claims procedures.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: Federal

[[Page 73498]]

Agency Contact: Robert D. 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--7368
Fax: 202 275--3523
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 2900-AL65
_______________________________________________________________________




3058. [bull] ADJUDICATION: SERVICE REQUIREMENTS FOR VETERANS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Legal Authority: 38 USC 501(a)

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 3; 38 CFR 5

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) proposes to amend its 
Compensation and Pension regulations relating to service requirements 
for veterans, currently found in part 3 of title 38 Code of Federal 
Regulations and to relocate them in new part 5. We propose to 
reorganize these regulations in a more logical order, add new section 
and paragraph headings, rewrite some sections, and divide some sections 
into one or more separate new sections. VA's principle goal in 
rewriting and reorganizing the current regulations is to provide reader 
with clearer language and more easily understood regulatory 
requirements.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            01/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Bill Russo, Chief, Regulation Rewrite Project (OOREG2), 
Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefits Administration, 810 
Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202 273--9216
Fax: 202 275--9026
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 2900-AL67
_______________________________________________________________________




3059. [bull] PRESUMPTIONS OF SERVICE CONNECTION

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Legal Authority: 38 USC 501(a); 38 USC 1101(3) and (4); 38 USC 1112; 38 
USC 1113; 38 USC 1116; 38 USC 1133; 38 USC 1137

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 3; 38 CFR 5

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) proposes to amend its 
adjudication regulations that concern the presumptions of service 
connection for certain diseases or conditions. VA also proposes to 
remove certain redundant rules. These revisions are proposed as part of 
VA's rewrite and reorganization of all of its adjudication regulations 
in a logical, claimant--focused, and user--friendly format. The 
intended effect of the proposed revisions is to make the rules 
regarding presumptions easier to understand and apply.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            01/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Bill Russo, Chief, Regulation Rewrite Project (OOREG2), 
Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefits Administration, 810 
Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202 273--9216
Fax: 202 275--9026
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 2900-AL70
_______________________________________________________________________




3060. [bull] ADJUDICATION: ACCRUED BENEFITS AND DEATH COMPENSATION 
BENEFITS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Legal Authority: 38 USC 501(a); 38 USC 1121 and 1122; 31 USC 3329 and 
3330; 38 USC 5101; 38 USC 5121; . . .

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 3; 38 CFR 5

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) proposes to amend its 
Compensation and Pension regulations relating to accrued and death 
compensation benefits, currently found in part 3 of title 38 Code of 
Federal Regulations (CFR) and to relocate them in new part 5. We 
propose to reorganize these regulations in a more logical order, add 
new section and paragraph headings, rewrite some sections, and divide 
some sections into one or more separate new sections. VA's principle 
goal in rewriting and reorganizing the current regulations is to 
provide readers with clearer language and more easily understood 
regulatory requirements.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Bill Russo, Chief, Regulation Rewrite Project (OOREG2), 
Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefits Administration, 810 
Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202 273--9216
Fax: 202 275--9026
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 2900-AL71
_______________________________________________________________________




3061. [bull] BURIAL BENEFITS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Legal Authority: 38 USC 101(2); 38 USC 501; 38 USC 2301 to 2305; 38 USC 
2307 and 2308; 38 USC 5101; 38 USC 5303(c); 38 USC 6103 to 6105

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 3; 38 CFR 5

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) proposes to amend its 
Compensation and Pension regulations relating to monetary burial 
benefits, which are currently found in part 3 of title 38 Code of 
Federal Regulations (CFR) and to relocate them in new part 5. We 
propose to reorganize these regulations in a more logical order, add 
new section and paragraph headings, rewrite some sections, and divide 
some sections into one or more separate new sections. VA's principal 
goal in rewriting and reorganizing the current regulations is to 
provide readers with

[[Page 73499]]

clear language and more easily understood regulatory requirements.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            01/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Bill Russo, Chief, Regulation Rewrite Project (OOREG2), 
Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefits Administration, 810 
Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202 273--9216
Fax: 202 275--9026
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 2900-AL72
_______________________________________________________________________




3062. [bull] NEW AND MATERIAL EVIDENCE

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Legal Authority: 38 USC 501(a); 38 USC 5110(a)

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 3.156

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Department of Veterans Affairs proposes to revise its 
rule regarding the effective date of awards based on certain types of 
evidence, when the evidence is submitted after a regional office has 
decided to claim. The proposed revisions would implement a recent court 
decision and would improve the effectiveness of our regulations by 
consolidating existing concepts that are currently not contained in the 
same rule and would restate those concepts in plain language. We 
believe that this proposal will make the rules easier to locate and 
apply.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            01/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: Federal

Agency Contact: Bill Russo, Chief, Regulation Rewrite Project (OOREG2), 
Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefits Administration, 810 
Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202 273--9216
Fax: 202 275--9026
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 2900-AL73
_______________________________________________________________________




3063. [bull] RULES ON APPORTIONMENTS TO DEPENDENTS, PAYMENTS TO 
FIDUCIARIES AND INCARCERATED BENEFICIARIES

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Legal Authority: 38 USC 501; 38 USC 5101; 38 USC 5110; 38 USC 5112; 38 
USC 5307; 38 USC 5313B

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 3; 38 CFR 5

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This document proposes to amend the Department of Veterans 
Affairs (VA) adjudication rules that concern the award and 
administration of VA benefits to incarcerated veterans, their 
dependents, and fugitive felons; the award and administration of 
compensation to certain incompetent veterans; and the apportionment of 
benefits to dependents. The proposed amendments are necessary to meet 
VA's overarching objective to reorganize the regulations in a logical, 
claimant--focused, and user--friendly format. The intended effect of 
the proposed amendments is to make the existing rules easier to locate, 
understand, and apply.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            01/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Bill Russo, Chief, Regulation Rewrite Project (OOREG2), 
Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefits Administration, 810 
Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202 273--9216
Fax: 202 275--9026
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 2900-AL74
_______________________________________________________________________




3064. [bull] REGULATIONS RELATED TO PAYMENTS AND ADJUSTMENTS TO PAYMENTS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Legal Authority: 38 USC 501; 38 USC 1151; 38 USC 1161; 38 USC 1312; 38 
USC 1317; 38 USC 1521; 38 USC 5103; 38 USC 5103; 38 USC 5110; 38 USC 
5112; 38 USC 5301; 38 USC 5304 and, 5305; 42 USC 2210 (note)

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 3; 38 CFR 5

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) proposes to amend its 
Compensation and Pension regulations that relate to setting the rates 
of payments, adjustments and resumptions of payments, and elections 
between benefits, which are currently found in part 3 of title 38 Code 
of Federal Regulations (CFR) and to relocate them in new part 5. We 
propose to reorganize these regulations in a more logical order, add 
new section and paragraph headings, rewrite some sections, and divide 
some sections into one or more separate new sections. VA's principal 
goal in rewriting and reorganizing the current regulation is to provide 
readers with clearer language and more easily understood regulatory 
requirements.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            01/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Bill Russo, Chief, Regulation Rewrite Project (OOREG2), 
Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefits Administration, 810 
Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202 273--9216
Fax: 202 275--9026
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 2900-AL75
_______________________________________________________________________




3065. [bull] CLAIMS BASED ON SERVICE IN THE PHILIPPINE ARMED FORCES

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Legal Authority: 38 USC 501; 38 USC 107; 38 USC 3565; 38 USC 5112

[[Page 73500]]

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 3.40; 38 CFR 3.42 and 3.43; 38 CFR 3.505; 38 CFR 
3.251; 38 CFR 3.1605; . . .

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) proposes to 
reorganize and rewrite in plain language its adjudication rules that 
apply to Filipino veterans and their survivors. These revisions are 
proposed as part of VA's rewrite and reorganization of all of its 
adjudication rules in a logical, claimant--focused, and user--friendly 
format. The intended effect of the proposed revisions is to assist 
Filipino claimants by providing a special body of rules that are 
dedicated to their needs and to assist VA personnel in locating the 
rules that are relevant to claims based on Philippine service.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            01/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Bill Russo, Chief, Regulation Rewrite Project (OOREG2), 
Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefits Administration, 810 
Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202 273--9216
Fax: 202 275--9026
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 2900-AL76



_______________________________________________________________________



OFFICE OF ACQUISITION AND MATERIEL MANAGEMENT


                    ________________________________



3066. 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                            10/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Donald E. Kaliher, Senior Procurement Analyst (0495A), 
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-AK78



_______________________________________________________________________



BOARD OF VETERANS APPEALS


                    ________________________________



3067. [bull] BOARD OF VETERANS' APPEALS: OBTAINING EVIDENCE AND CURING 
PROCEDURAL DEFECTS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

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

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 19.9; 38 CFR 19.38; 38 CFR 20.3; 38 CFR 20.903; 38 
CFR 20.1304; . . .

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Board of Veterans' Appeals proposes to amend VA's Appeals 
Regulations and the Board's Rules of Practice to make changes with 
respect to the Board's authority to develop evidence for initial 
consideration. By way of this rulemaking, we propose removing the 
invalidated portions of the Board's development regulations and 
changing those regulations to provide that, with certain exceptions, 
the Board will remand a case to the agency of original jurisdiction 
when there is a need to clarify the evidence, correct a procedural 
defect, or take any other action deemed essential for a proper 
appellate decision.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            01/00/04

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-AL77



_______________________________________________________________________



OFFICE OF FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT


                    ________________________________



3068. STANDARDS FOR COLLECTION, COMPROMISE, SUSPENSION, OR TERMINATION 
OF COLLECTION EFFORT, AND REFERRAL OF CIVIL CLAIMS FOR MONEY OR 
PROPERTY; REGIONAL OFFICE COMMITTEES ON WAIVERS AND COMPROMISES; SALARY

Priority: Other Significant

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

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

[[Page 73501]]

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



_______________________________________________________________________



OFFICE OF POLICY AND PLANNING


                    ________________________________



3069. 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                            04/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: Governmental Jurisdictions, Organizations

Government Levels Affected: State, Local

Agency Contact: John A. Corso, Senior Procurement Analyst (95A), 
Acquisition Policy Team, Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont 
Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202 273--8818
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 2900-AJ62
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)                    Final Rule Stage






_______________________________________________________________________



VETERANS HEALTH ADMINISTRATION


                    ________________________________



3070. 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 advanced 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                    01/00/04

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
_______________________________________________________________________




3071. 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                    04/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: State

Agency Contact: Frank Salvas, Geriatrics and Extended Care (114), 
Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration, 810 
Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202 273--8536

RIN: 2900-AJ43

[[Page 73502]]

_______________________________________________________________________




3072. PAYMENT FOR NON--VA PHYSICIAN SERVICES ASSOCIATED WITH EITHER 
OUTPATIENT OR INPATIENT CARE PROVIDED AT NON--VA FACILITIES

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 38 USC 501

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 17.56

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This document amends the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) 
medical regulations concerning payment for non--VA physician services 
that are associated with either outpatient or inpatient care provided 
to eligible VA beneficiaries at non--VA facilities. Currently, 38 CFR 
17.56 requires all VA facilities to reimburse for non--VA physician 
services based upon the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services 
(CMS) physician fee schedule in effect at the time the services are 
provided. However, it has been determined that special circumstances 
exist in the State of Alaska. Since a large portion of VA health care 
provided in Alaska is obtained from non--VA sources, this could 
negatively impact the quality of care provided veterans living in that 
State. Therefore, to ensure that the amounts paid to physicians better 
represent the local cost to furnish a service and to achieve program 
cost reduction, VA is proposing through this document that an Alaska--
specific payment methodology be established for inpatient and 
outpatient non--VA physician services with that State.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            07/29/03                    68 FR 44507
NPRM Comment Period End         09/29/03
Final Action                    01/00/04

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--8300

RIN: 2900-AK94
_______________________________________________________________________




3073. PRIORITIES FOR OUTPATIENT MEDICAL SERVICES AND INPATIENT HOSPITAL 
CARE

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 38 USC 101; 38 USC 501; 38 USC 1705; 38 USC 1710; PL 
104--262

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 17.49

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Department of Veterans Affairs is amending its medical 
regulations to establish that, in scheduling appointments for non--
emergency outpatient medical services and admissions for inpatient 
hospital care, VA will give priority to veterans with service--
connected disabilities rated 50 percent or greater and veterans needing 
care for a service--connected disability. The Veterans' Eligibility 
Reform Act of 1996 authorizes VA to ensure that these two categories of 
veterans receive priority access to this type of care. The intended 
effect of this rule is to carry out that authority.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              09/17/02                    67 FR 58528
Interim Final Rule Effective    09/17/02
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      11/18/02
Final Action                    04/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Amy Hertz, Office of Policy and Planning (105D), 
Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration, 810 
Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202 273--8934

RIN: 2900-AL39
_______________________________________________________________________




3074. CHARGES USED FOR RECOVERY FROM TORTIOUSLY LIABLE THIRD PARTIES FOR 
MEDICAL CARE OR SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 38 USC 101; 38 USC 501; 38 USC 1701; 38 USC 1705; 38 
USC 1710; 38 USC 1721; 38 USC 1722; 38 USC 1729; . . .

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 17.101; 38 CFR 17.102

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This document amends the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) 
medical regulations with respect to charges used for recovering from 
tortiously liable third parties the reasonable value of medical care 
and services provided by VA. The amendment reflects the decision of the 
Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to use the 
``reasonable charges'' determined in accordance with the provisions of 
38 CFR 17.101 for this purpose, rather than the rates generated by the 
methodology at 38 CFR 17.102(h).

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    12/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: David Cleaver, Chief Business Office (161), Department 
of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue 
NW, Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202 254--0361

RIN: 2900-AL48
_______________________________________________________________________




3075. ENROLLMENT--PROVISION OF HOSPITAL AND OUTPATIENT CARE TO 
VETERANS--SUBPRIORITIES OF PRIORITY CATEGORIES 7 AND 8 AND ENROLLMENT 
LEVEL DECISION

 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 100 in part II of this issue 
of the Federal Register.

RIN: 2900-AL51
_______________________________________________________________________




3076. REASONABLE CHARGES FOR MEDICAL CARE OR SERVICES; 2003 UPDATE

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) 
medical regulation concerning ``reasonable charges'' for medical care 
and services provided or furnished by VA to veterans for nonservice--

[[Page 73503]]

connected disabilities. This document amends the regulation to update 
databases and other provisions for the purpose of providing more 
current and more precise charges.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              04/29/03                    68 FR 22966
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      06/30/03
Final Action                    01/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Additional Information: Related RINs: 2900--AJ30; 2900--AK39; 2900--
AK73; 2900--AL06

Agency Contact: David Cleaver, Chief Business Office (161), Department 
of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue 
NW, Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202 254--0361

RIN: 2900-AL57
_______________________________________________________________________




3077. SENSORI--NEURAL AIDS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 38 USC 1707

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 17.149

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This document amends Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) 
medical regulations concerning sensori--neural aids. 38 CFR section 
17.149 authorizes VA to provide sensori--neural aids (i.e., eyeglasses, 
contact lenses, hearing aids) to seven groups of veterans as identified 
in the regulation in section 17.149, paragraphs (b)(1)--(b)(7). The 
veterans presently identified in section 17.149, paragraph (b)(2), are 
veterans who are former prisoners of war. Section 17.149, paragraph 
(b)(2), will be revised to include veterans who were awarded the Purple 
Heart. It will also note that the authority for this regulation, 
previously identified as 38 U.S.C. 1701(6)(A)(i), has been recodified 
as 38 U.S.C. 1707 pursuant to Public Law No. 107--135.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            07/31/03                    68 FR 44913
NPRM Comment Period End         09/29/03
Final Action                    04/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: Federal

Agency Contact: John G. Clements, Prosthetic Program Manager (113), 
Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration, 810 
Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202 273--8515
Fax: 202 273--9110
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 2900-AL60
_______________________________________________________________________




3078. [bull] VA HOMELESS PROVIDERS GRANT AND PER DIEM PROGRAM; RELIGIOUS 
ORGANIZATIONS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 38 USC 501; 38 USC 2002; 38 USC 2011; 38 USC 2061; 38 
USC 7721

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 61.64

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is amending its 
regulations concerning the VA Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem 
Program. This document revises provisions that apply to religious 
organizations that receive VA funds under 38 CFR part 61 to ensure that 
VA activities under this program are open to all qualified 
organizations, regardless of their religious character, and to clearly 
establish the proper uses to which funds may be put and the conditions 
for the receipt of such funding.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            09/30/03                    68 FR 56426
NPRM Comment Period End         10/30/03
Final Action                    04/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: Governmental Jurisdictions, Organizations

Government Levels Affected: Local, State, Tribal

Agency Contact: Guy A. Liedke, Program Specialist, Department of 
Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration, Grant and Per Diem 
Field Office, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 877 332--0334
Fax: 813 979--3569
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 2900-AL63
_______________________________________________________________________




3079. [bull] MEDICATION PRESCRIBED BY NON--VA PHYSICIANS

Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Legal Authority: 38 USC 1706; 38 USC 1710; 38 USC 1712(d); 38 USC 1721

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 17.96

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule amends VA's medical regulations that govern the 
provision of medication to veterans when the medication is prescribed 
by non--VA physicians. The rule provides that, in limited 
circumstances, VA may provide medication prescribed by a non--VA 
physician to veterans enrolled in VA's health--care system prior to 
July 25, 2003, if the veterans have requested an initial appointment 
for primary care in a VA health care facility before July 25, 2003, and 
were unable to obtain an initial appointment for primary care within 30 
days. The rule establishes specific requirements that veterans must 
meet to receive such medication, and it establishes limits on the types 
and quantities of medication VA may provide. VA's intent is to assist 
enrolled veterans who have requested primary care appointments but who 
have not been able to obtain one within 30 days.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              07/25/03                    68 FR 43927
Interim Final Rule Effective    07/25/03
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      08/25/03
Final Action                    12/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Kendra Drew, Management/Program Analyst, Department of 
Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202 254--0329
Email: [email protected]

Virginia Torrise, Deputy Chief Consultant (119), Department of Veterans 
Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420

[[Page 73504]]

Phone: 202 273--8427
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 2900-AL68



_______________________________________________________________________



VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION


                    ________________________________



3080. SCHEDULE FOR RATING DISABILITIES--THE MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 38 USC 1155

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 4.71(a)

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This document amends the Department of Veterans Affairs 
Schedule for Rating Disabilities that addresses musculoskeletal 
conditions. The intended effect is to update this portion of the rating 
schedule to ensure that it uses current medical terminology and 
unambiguous criteria and that it reflects medical advances that have 
occurred since the last review. We also make nonsubstantive editorial 
changes throughout this portion of the schedule.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           12/28/90                    55 FR 53315
ANPRM Comment Period End        02/26/91
NPRM                            02/11/03                     68 FR 6998
NPRM Comment Period End         04/14/03
Correction                      06/27/03                    68 FR 38425
Final Action                    12/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Audrey Tomlinson, Medical Officer (211A), Department of 
Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefits Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue 
NW, Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202 273--7211

RIN: 2900-AE91
_______________________________________________________________________




3081. 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 amends 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                    04/00/04

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, 111 W. Huron Street, Room 22, Buffalo, NY 14202
Phone: 716 551--4842

RIN: 2900-AH21
_______________________________________________________________________




3082. SCHEDULE FOR RATING DISABILITIES--THE EYE

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 38 USC 1155

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 4.75

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is amending that 
portion of its Schedule for Rating Disabilities that addresses 
disabilities of the eye. The intended effect of this action is to 
update this portion of the rating schedule to ensure that it uses 
current medical terminology and unambiguous criteria and that it 
reflects medical advances that have occurred since the last review.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            05/11/99                    64 FR 25246
NPRM Comment Period End         07/12/99
Final Action                    04/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Audrey Tomlinson, Medical Officer (211A), Department of 
Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefits Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue 
NW, Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202 273--7211

RIN: 2900-AH43
_______________________________________________________________________




3083. 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                    12/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Randy A. McKevitt, Consultant, C&P Service (211A), 
Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefits Administration, 810 
Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202 273--7211
Fax: 202 273--1728
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 2900-AI42
_______________________________________________________________________




3084. GOVERNMENTWIDE DEBARMENT AND SUSPENSION (NONPROCUREMENT) AND 
REQUIREMENT FOR DRUG--FREE WORKPLACE (ASSISTANCE)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 38 USC 501(a)

[[Page 73505]]

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 44; 38 CFR 48 (New)

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is planning to revise 
its portion of the Governmentwide nonprocurement common rule (NCR) for 
debarment and suspension found at 38 CFR part 44. These changes 
include: Drafting the rule in a plain language style and format; 
reconciling technical differences between the NCR and the Federal 
Acquisition Regulation; enhancing and clarifying the existing rule; and 
establishing a separate part at 38 CFR part 48 for the drug--free 
workplace requirements that are in subpart F of the existing rule.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            01/23/02                     67 FR 3265
NPRM Comment Period End         03/25/02
Final Action                    11/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Federal, State

Agency Contact: Robert D. 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--7368
Fax: 202 275--3523
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 2900-AK16
_______________________________________________________________________




3085. DEFINITION OF PSYCHOSIS FOR CERTAIN VA PURPOSES

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 38 USC 501(a)

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 3.384

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This document amends 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                            10/11/02                    67 FR 63352
NPRM Comment Period End         12/10/02
Final Action                    04/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Audrey Tomlinson, Medical Officer (211A), Department of 
Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefits Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue 
NW, Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202 273--7211

RIN: 2900-AK21
_______________________________________________________________________




3086. 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 amends the 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              12/27/01                    66 FR 66763
Interim Final Rule Effective    12/27/01
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      02/25/02
Final Action                    04/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Randy A. McKevitt, Consultant, C&P Service (211A), 
Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefits Administration, 810 
Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202 273--7211
Fax: 202 273--1728
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 2900-AK65
_______________________________________________________________________




3087. LOAN GUARANTY: PREPURCHASE 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 amending 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                    04/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Robert D. 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--7368
Fax: 202 275--3523
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 2900-AK76
_______________________________________________________________________




3088. 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 3.154; 38 CFR 3.358; 38 CFR 3.361; 38 CFR 3.362; 
38 CFR 3.363; 38 CFR 3.400; 38 CFR 3.708; 38 CFR 3.800

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is amending its

[[Page 73506]]

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 this amendment, benefits will be payable for additional 
disability or death caused by hospital care, medical or surgical 
treatment, or examination only if VA is at 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                            12/12/02                    67 FR 76322
NPRM Comment Period End         02/10/03
Final Action                    04/00/04

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, 111 W. Huron Street, Room 22, Buffalo, NY 14202
Phone: 716 551--4842

RIN: 2900-AK77
_______________________________________________________________________




3089. TIME LIMIT FOR REQUEST FOR DE NOVO REVIEW

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

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

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 3.2600

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This document amends VA 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                            03/11/02                    67 FR 10866
NPRM Comment Period End         05/10/02
Final Action                    01/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Randy A. McKevitt, Consultant, C&P Service (211A), 
Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefits Administration, 810 
Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202 273--7211
Fax: 202 273--1728
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 2900-AK97
_______________________________________________________________________




3090. EXCEPTIONS TO DEFINITION OF DATE OF RECEIPT BASED ON SPECIAL OR 
UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 38 USC 5110

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 3.1(r)

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This document amends the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) 
adjudication regulations concerning the definition of ``date of 
receipt'' by authorizing the Under Secretary for Benefits to establish 
exceptions to the general rule when special or unforeseen circumstances 
hinder the normal course by which VA would receive a claim, 
information, or evidence. The intended effect is to ensure that a 
significant number of claimants are not deprived of potential 
entitlement to benefits because of unexpected delays or impediments not 
caused by the claimants.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    12/00/03

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, 111 W. Huron Street, Room 22, Buffalo, NY 14202
Phone: 716 551--4842

RIN: 2900-AL12
_______________________________________________________________________




3091. LOAN GUARANTY: IMPLEMENTATION OF PUBLIC LAW 107--103

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 38 USC 501(a); 38 USC 2102; 38 USC 3703(a)(1) and 
(c)(1); 38 USC 3714(d); 38 USC 3761

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 36.4302; 38 CFR 36.4308; 38 CFR 36.4404; 38 CFR 
36.4527

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: VA is amending its loan guaranty regulations to implement 
certain provisions of Public Law 107--103, the Veterans Education and 
Benefits Expansion Act of 2001. VA is incorporating into the 
regulations the following statutory changes: (1) An increase in the 
maximum amount of entitlement from $50,750 to $60,000; (2) a revision 
of the requirements for direct housing loans to Native American 
veterans; (3) a revision of the loan assumption notice requirement; and 
(4) an increase in the amount of assistance for specially adapted 
housing from $43,000 to $48,000 for severely disabled veterans and from 
$8,250 to $9,250 for less severely disabled veterans.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              02/10/03                     68 FR 6625
Interim Final Rule Effective    02/10/03
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      04/11/03
Final Action                    04/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Anne DeSena, Assistant Director for Loan Policy and 
Valuation (262), Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefits 
Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202 273--7368
Fax: 202 275--3523

RIN: 2900-AL23

[[Page 73507]]

_______________________________________________________________________




3092. SCHEDULE FOR RATING DISABILITIES; GUIDELINES FOR APPLICATION OF 
EVALUATION CRITERIA FOR CERTAIN RESPIRATORY AND CARDIOVASCULAR 
CONDITIONS; EVALUATION OF HYPERTENSION WITH HEART DISEASE

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 38 USC 1155

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 4.104

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This document amends the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) 
Schedule for Rating Disabilities, 38 CFR part 4, in order to clarify 
the evaluation of certain respiratory and cardiovascular conditions and 
to explain that hypertension and hypertensive or other heart diseases 
will be separately evaluated. The intended effect of this amendment is 
to clarify the use of the current criteria for evaluating respiratory 
and cardiovascular conditions, particularly in cases where alternative 
criteria are provided, in order to ensure that veterans receive 
consistent evaluations and are not required to undergo unnecessary 
tests.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            08/22/02                    67 FR 54394
NPRM Comment Period End         10/21/02
Final Action                    04/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Audrey Tomlinson, Medical Officer (211A), Department of 
Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefits Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue 
NW, Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202 273--7211

RIN: 2900-AL26
_______________________________________________________________________




3093. VETERANS EDUCATION: VETERANS EDUCATION AND BENEFITS EXPANSION ACT 
OF 2001

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 38 USC 3511; 38 USC 3512; 38 USC 3540; 38 USC 3543; 38 
USC 3672; 38 USC 3675; 38 USC 3680A; 38 USC 3011(c)

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 21.3045; 38 CFR 21.3046; 38 CFR 21.3104; 38 CFR 
21.3300; 38 CFR 21.3301; 38 CFR 21.3302; 38 CFR 21.3303; 38 CFR 
21.3305; 38 CFR 21.3306

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Final regulations implementing some of the provisions in the 
Veterans Education and Benefits Expansion Act of 2001. The provisions 
are: Restoring benefits for individuals ordered to active duty on or 
after September 11, 2001; an additional opportunity for Vietnam Era 
Veterans to qualify for benefits under the Montgomery GI Bill program; 
establishing an ending date to the eligibility period for spouses under 
the Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance program; 
expanding special restorative training benefits to include certain 
disabled spouses and surviving disabled spouses; allowing payment of 
education benefits for distance learning courses that are part of a 
certificate program offered by institutions of higher learning; and 
increasing the amount of scholarship funds someone in a Senior Reserve 
Officer Training Corps program can receive and remain eligible under 
the Montgomery GI Bill.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    04/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Lynn M. Nelson, Education Advisor (225C), Department of 
Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefits Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue 
NW, Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202 273--7294
Fax: 202 275--2636
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 2900-AL28
_______________________________________________________________________




3094. SCHEDULE FOR RATING DISABILITIES; EVALUATION OF MULTIPLE SCARS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 38 USC 115

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 4.118

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This amendment would clarify the method of evaluating 
multiple scars in a uniform and consistent manner.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/29/02                    67 FR 65915
NPRM Comment Period End         12/30/02
Final Action                    01/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Audrey Tomlinson, Medical Officer (211A), Department of 
Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefits Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue 
NW, Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202 273--7211

RIN: 2900-AL32
_______________________________________________________________________




3095. TESTIMONY CERTIFIED OR UNDER OATH

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

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

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 3.200

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is amending its 
adjudication regulation that requires written and oral testimony to be 
certified or given under oath or affirmation in most cases. VA believes 
that the global requirements in this regulation are no longer necessary 
to establish the credibility of most testimony offered in support of a 
claim for benefits. Removal of this regulation will help to streamline 
the claims process without affecting program integrity.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            07/31/02                    67 FR 49646
NPRM Comment Period End         09/30/02
Final Action                    04/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Additional Information: See related RIN 2900--AK24. On March 5, 2002, 
VA inadvertently withdrew RIN 2900--AK24 in the April 2002 Unified 
Agenda but subsequently published the proposed rule on July 31, 2002, 
at 67 FR 49646.

Agency Contact: Robert M. White, Compensation and Pension Service

[[Page 73508]]

(211), 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-AL38
_______________________________________________________________________




3096. ADMINISTRATION OF VA EDUCATION BENEFITS--CENTRALIZED CERTIFICATION

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 38 USC 3672; 38 USC 3675; 38 USC 3676

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 21.4266

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This document proposes to amend the Department of Veterans 
Affairs(VA) rules governing certification of enrollment in approved 
courses for the training of veterans and other eligible persons under 
education benefit programs VA administers. As part of the approval 
requirements, educational institutions designate an official of the 
institution (a VA certifying official) to certify the enrollment of 
veterans and other eligible persons to VA. As a general rule, VA rules 
currently require that each branch or extension of an educational 
institution must perform the certifications and maintain records for 
veterans and other eligible persons at the branch or extension. The 
proposed rule would expand current regulations to allow an educational 
institution to combine the certification functions at one or more of 
its locations, to include branches and extensions not located with the 
same State.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/30/03                    68 FR 38657
NPRM Comment Period End         09/29/03
Final Action                    04/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Lynn M. Nelson, Education Advisor (225C), Department of 
Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefits Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue 
NW, Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202 273--7294
Fax: 202 275--2636
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 2900-AL43
_______________________________________________________________________




3097. [bull] INCREASE RATES PAYABLE UNDER THE SURVIVOR'S AND DEPENDENT'S 
EDUCATION ASSISTANT PROGRAM

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Legal Authority: 5 USC 3534(b); 5 USC 3564; 5 USC 3686(a); 5 USC 
3541(b) and 3542

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

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This document amends the regulations governing rates of 
education assistance payable under the Survivors' and Dependents' 
Educational Assistance (DEA) program to reflect increases required by 
statutory provisions. The rates of education assistance payable under 
the DEA program are changed to show a 1.5 percent increase for fiscal 
year 2003 (October 1, 2002, through September 30, 2003) and 2.2 percent 
increase for fiscal year 2004 (October 1, 2003, through September 30, 
2004).

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    04/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Lynn M. Nelson, Education Advisor (225C), Department of 
Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefits Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue 
NW, Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202 273--7294
Fax: 202 275--2636
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 2900-AL64
_______________________________________________________________________




3098. [bull] RESERVISTS' EDUCATION: REVISION OF ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS 
FOR THE MONTGOMERY GI BILL--SELECTED RESERVE

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Legal Authority: 38 USC 501(a); PL 106--419; PL 107--314

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 21.1032; 38 CFR 21.7540; 38 CFR 21.7550 and 7551

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This document amends the regulations governing the 
administration of the Montgomery GI Bill--Selected Reserve (MGIB--SR) 
program. The amendments implement provisions in the Veterans Benefits 
and Health Care Improvement Act of 2000 and the Bob Stump National 
Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2003. The Veterans Benefits 
and Health Care Improvement Act of 2000 contained a provision that 
changed an eligibility criterion concerning the time for obtaining a 
high school diploma. The Bob Stump National Defense Authorization Act 
for Fiscal Year 2003 expanded the MGIB--SR eligibility period from 10 
years to 14 years for reservists who first become eligible after 
September 30, 1992.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    04/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Lynn M. Nelson, Education Advisor (225C), Department of 
Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefits Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue 
NW, Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202 273--7294
Fax: 202 275--2636
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 2900-AL69



_______________________________________________________________________



OFFICE OF ACQUISITION AND MATERIEL MANAGEMENT


                    ________________________________



3099. IMPLEMENTING THE HEALTH INSURANCE PORTABILITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY 
ACT (HIPAA)

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: PL 104--191

CFR Citation: 48 CFR 824; 48 CFR 852

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This document amends the Department of Veterans Affairs 
Acquisition Regulation (VAAR) to incorporate contract language required 
to implement the Administrative Simplification provisions of the Health 
Insurance Portability and

[[Page 73509]]

Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), Public Law No. 104--191, title II, 
subtitle F, sections 261 to 264, 119 Stat. 1936, 2021--34 (11196). As 
mandated by HIPAA, the Department of Health and Human Services 
published rules that establish ``Standards for Privacy of Individually 
Identifiable Health Information`` (Privacy Rule) found at 45 CFR parts 
106 and 164, subparts A and C, to protect the privacy of protected 
health information and the security of electronically protected health 
information in the hands of covered entities, including the Veterans 
Health Administration, and its business associates. This document adds 
a contract clause to the VAAR that will require VA contractors to 
protect the privacy and security of this information as defined and 
required by the Privacy and Security Rules.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              12/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Cathy Dailey, Senior Procurement Analyst (0495A), 
Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Acquisition and Materiel 
Management, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202 273--8774
Fax: 202 273--9302
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 2900-AL53



_______________________________________________________________________



BOARD OF VETERANS APPEALS


                    ________________________________



3100. APPEALS REGULATIONS; RULES OF PRACTICE

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 38 USC 501; 38 USC 511; 38 USC 512; 38 USC 512(a); 38 
USC 5903 to 5905; 38 USC 7102 to 7105; 38 USC 7109(c)

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); . . .

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Board of Veterans Appeals will be further revising a 
recent restructuring of its Appeals Regulations and Rules of Practice 
(54 FR 34334) in order to address questions that have arisen since that 
restructuring was proposed. No other alternatives are available. These 
additional revisions will not entail any 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                            02/03/92                     57 FR 4131
NPRM Comment Period End         03/04/92
Final Action                    12/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Additional Information: These proposed regulations were previously a 
part of RIN 2900--AE02.

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-AE78
_______________________________________________________________________




3101. THE BOARD OF VETERANS' APPEALS; RULES OF PRACTICE--MOTION FOR 
REVIEW OF DECISIONS ON GROUNDS OF CLEAR AND UNMISTAKABLE ERROR

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: This document amends the Rules of Practice of the Board of 
Veterans' Appeals (Board) relating to challenges to Board decisions on 
the grounds of ``clear and unmistakable error'' (CUE). The amendment 
provides for advancing CUE motions on the docket.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              09/12/03                    68 FR 53681
Interim Final Rule Effective    09/12/03
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      10/14/03
Final Action                    04/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: 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-AJ85
_______________________________________________________________________




3102. 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                    04/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: 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-AK52

[[Page 73510]]

_______________________________________________________________________




3103. BOARD OF VETERANS' APPEALS RULES OF PRACTICE: NOTICE PROCEDURES 
RELATING TO WITHDRAWAL OF SERVICES BY A REPRESENTATIVE

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 38 USC 501(a); 38 USC 5901 to 5904; 38 USC 7105(a)

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 20.608(b)(2)

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Board of Veterans' Appeal proposes to amend its Rules of 
Practice to simplify notice procedures relating to withdrawal of 
services by a representative after certification of an appeal. Rule 
608(b)(2) (38 CFR 20.608(b)(2)), relating to withdrawal of services by 
a representative after certification of an appeal, requires service of 
papers on the parties by certified mail, return receipt requested, and 
requires filing a signed certification of receipt with the Board. The 
proposed amendment will eliminate the requirement of mailing by 
certified mail and replace it with a certification by the mailer.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/03/03                    68 FR 33040
NPRM Comment Period End         08/04/03
Final Action                    04/00/04

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-AL45



_______________________________________________________________________



NATIONAL CEMETERY SYSTEM


                    ________________________________



3104. 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 was 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 period was 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 rule 
does 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                            05/01/03                    68 FR 23249
NPRM Comment Period End         06/30/03
Final Action                    04/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: State

Agency Contact: Karen Barber, Program Analyst (402B3), 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
_______________________________________________________________________




3105. ELIGIBILITY FOR A HEADSTONE OR MARKER FOR GRAVES ALREADY MARKED AT 
PRIVATE EXPENSE; APPLICATIONS FOR HEADSTONE AND MARKER

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: PL 107--103, sec 502

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 1.632

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This interim final rule will amend the Department of Veterans 
Affairs (VA) regulations to reflect changes made by the Veterans 
Education and Benefits Expansion Act of 2001 and the Veterans 
Improvement Act of 2002. We propose to amend through regulation the 
changes to burial benefits that will allow VA to furnish an appropriate 
Government headstone or marker for the graves of eligible veterans 
buried in private cemeteries, regardless of whether the grave has been 
previously marked with a privately purchased marker. The provision 
applies to eligible veterans who have died on or after September 11, 
2001.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              09/25/03                    68 FR 55317
Interim Final Rule Effective    09/25/03
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      11/24/03
Final Action                    04/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Karen Barber, Program Analyst (402B3), 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-AL40

[[Page 73511]]

_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)                   Completed Actions






_______________________________________________________________________




3106. VA HOMELESS PROVIDERS GRANT AND PER DIEM PROGRAM REGULATIONS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 17; 38 CFR 61

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      05/19/03                    68 FR 13590
Correction                      06/09/03                    68 FR 34332
Final Action                    09/26/03                    68 FR 55467

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Roger J. Casey
Phone: 202 273--8442

RIN: 2900-AL30
_______________________________________________________________________




3107. COPAYMENTS FOR INPATIENT HOSPITAL CARE UNDER GEOGRAPHIC MEANS TEST

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 17.108

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    10/24/03                    68 FR 60853
Final Action Effective          10/01/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Nancy Howard
Phone: 202 254--0320
Fax: 202 254--0396
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 2900-AL35
_______________________________________________________________________




3108. EXCLUSIONS FROM INCOME AND NET WORTH COMPUTATIONS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

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

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    10/24/03                    68 FR 60851
Final Action Effective          10/24/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Beth McCoy
Phone: 716 551--4842

RIN: 2900-AJ52
_______________________________________________________________________




3109. SCHEDULE FOR RATING DISABILITY--THE SPINE

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 4.71a

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    08/27/03                    68 FR 51454
Final Action Effective          09/26/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Audrey Tomlinson
Phone: 202 273--7211

RIN: 2900-AJ60
_______________________________________________________________________




3110. VETERANS EDUCATION: ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITY TO PARTICIPATE IN THE 
MONTGOMERY GI BILL AND OTHER MISCELLANEOUS ISSUES

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

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

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    06/09/03                    68 FR 34326
Final Action Effective          06/09/03

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-AK81
_______________________________________________________________________




3111. SCHEDULE FOR RATING DISABILITIES; EVALUATION OF TINNITUS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 4.87 (Diagnostic Code 6260)

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    05/14/03                    68 FR 25822
Final Action Effective          06/13/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Audrey Tomlinson
Phone: 202 273--7211

RIN: 2900-AK86
_______________________________________________________________________




3112. INCREASE IN RATES PAYABLE UNDER THE MONTGOMERY GI BILL--ACTIVE 
DUTY AND SURVIVORS' AND DEPENDENTS' EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 21.3045; 38 CFR 21.3131; 38 CFR 21.3300; 38 CFR 
21.3333; 38 CFR 21.7136 to 21.7137

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    06/09/03                    68 FR 34319
Final Action Effective          06/09/03
Correction                      06/23/03                    68 FR 37206

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Lynn M. Nelson
Phone: 202 273--7294
Fax: 202 275--2636
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 2900-AL17
_______________________________________________________________________




3113. ACCELERATED PAYMENTS UNDER THE MONTGOMERY GI BILL--ACTIVE DUTY 
PROGRAM

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 21.4000; 38 CFR 21.7020; 38 CFR 21.7076; 38 CFR 
21.7140; 38 CFR 21.7142

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    06/12/03                    68 FR 35177
Final Action Effective          06/12/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Lynn M. Nelson
Phone: 202 273--7294
Fax: 202 275--2636
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 2900-AL22
_______________________________________________________________________




3114. COMPENSATION AND PENSION PROVISIONS OF THE VETERANS EDUCATION AND 
BENEFITS EXPANSION ACT OF 2001

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 3.3; 38 CFR 3.307; 38 CFR 3.317; 38 CFR 3.353; 38 
CFR 3.665; 38 CFR 3.666; . . .

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    06/10/03                    68 FR 34539
Final Action Effective          06/10/03

[[Page 73512]]

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Randy A. McKevitt
Phone: 202 273--7211
Fax: 202 273--1728
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 2900-AL29
_______________________________________________________________________




3115. INDEPENDENT STUDY APPROVED FOR CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS AND OTHER 
MISCELLANEOUS ISSUES

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 21.7540; 38 CFR 21.7550; 38 CFR 21.7576; 38 CFR 
21.7620

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    10/17/03                    68 FR 59729
Final Action Effective          10/17/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Lynn M. Nelson
Phone: 202 273--7294
Fax: 202 275--2636
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 2900-AL34
_______________________________________________________________________




3116. PRESUMPTION OF SERVICE CONNECTION FOR CIRRHOSIS OF THE LIVER IN 
FORMER PRISONERS OF WAR

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 3.309(c)

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    07/18/03                    68 FR 42602
Final Action Effective          07/18/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Beth McCoy
Phone: 716 551--4842

RIN: 2900-AL36
_______________________________________________________________________




3117. EFFECTIVE DATES OF BENEFITS FOR DISABILITY OR DEATH CAUSED BY 
HERBICIDE EXPOSURE; DISPOSITION OF UNPAID BENEFITS AFTER DEATH OF 
BENEFICIARY

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 3.816

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    08/25/03                    68 FR 50966
Final Action Effective          09/24/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: David Joseph Barrans
Phone: 202 273--6332

RIN: 2900-AL37
_______________________________________________________________________




3118. INCREASE IN RATES PAYABLE UNDER THE MONTGOMERY GI BILL--SELECTIVE 
RESERVE

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 21.7636

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    07/21/03                    68 FR 42977
Final Action Effective          07/21/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Lynn M. Nelson
Phone: 202 273--7294
Fax: 202 275--2636
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 2900-AL41
_______________________________________________________________________




3119. HEADSTONE AND MARKER INSCRIPTION

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 1.630

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Withdrawn                       05/19/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Karen Barber
Phone: 202 273--5183
Fax: 202 273--6697
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 2900-AL50
_______________________________________________________________________




3120. VETERANS EDUCATION: INCREASED ALLOWANCES FOR THE EDUCATIONAL 
ASSISTANCE TEST PROGRAM

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 21.5820; 38 CFR 21.5822

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    11/20/03                    68 FR 65399
Final Action Effective          11/20/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Lynn M. Nelson
Phone: 202 273--7294
Fax: 202 275--2636
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 2900-AL52
_______________________________________________________________________




3121. DISEASE ASSOCIATED WITH EXPOSURE TO CERTAIN HERBICIDE AGENTS: 
CHRONIC LYMPHOCYTIC LEUKEMIA

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 3.309(e)

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    10/16/03                    68 FR 59540
Final Action Effective          10/16/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: David Joseph Barrans
Phone: 202 273--6332

RIN: 2900-AL55
_______________________________________________________________________




3122. COMPENSATION AND PENSION PROVISIONS OF THE VETERANS BENEFITS ACT 
OF 2002

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 3.27; 38 CFR 3.350(a); 38 CFR 3.802

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    09/26/03                    68 FR 55466

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Cheryl Konieczny
Phone: 202 273--6779

RIN: 2900-AL62
_______________________________________________________________________




3123. SEALED BIDDING AND COMPETITIVE PROPOSALS

Priority: Info./Admin./Other

CFR Citation: 48 CFR 806

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Withdrawn                       09/12/03                    68 FR 53705

[[Page 73513]]

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Donald E. Kaliher
Phone: 202 273--8819
Fax: 202 273--9302
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 2900-AI99
_______________________________________________________________________




3124. BOARD OF VETERANS' APPEALS: SPEEDING APPELLATE REVIEW FOR AGING 
VETERANS

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 20.900(c)

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    09/12/03                    68 FR 53682

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

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

RIN: 2900-AL08
_______________________________________________________________________




3125. BOARD OF VETERANS' APPEALS RULES OF PRACTICE: USE OF SUPPLEMENTAL 
STATEMENT OF THE CASE

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

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

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    11/17/03                    68 FR 64805
Final Action Effective          11/17/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

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

RIN: 2900-AL42
_______________________________________________________________________




3126. NONDISCRIMINATION ON THE BASIS OF RACE, COLOR, OR NATIONAL ORIGIN; 
HANDICAP; AND AGE IN PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES RECEIVING FEDERAL 
ASSISTANCE

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 18

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    08/26/03                    68 FR 51334
Final Action Effective          09/25/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tyrone Eddins
Phone: 202 501--2801
Fax: 202 501--2885

RIN: 2900-AK13
_______________________________________________________________________




3127. RELEASE OF INFORMATION FROM DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS RECORDS

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 1.500 to 1.584

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Withdrawn                       09/18/03                    68 FR 54704

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Lorraine M. Johnson
Phone: 202 273--6381

RIN: 2900-AH98
_______________________________________________________________________




3128. DELEGATIONS OF AUTHORITY; OFFICE OF REGULATORY POLICY AND 
MANAGEMENT (ORPM)

Priority: Info./Admin./Other

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 2.6; 38 CFR 2.7

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    05/13/03                    68 FR 25503
Final Action Effective          05/13/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Robert C. McFetridge
Phone: 202 273--9215

RIN: 2900-AL61
_______________________________________________________________________




3129. PRIVACY ACT OF 1974--EXEMPTION OF POLICE AND SECURITY RECORDS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 1.582

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    06/13/03                    68 FR 35297
Final Action Effective          08/12/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tanya Al--Khateeb
Phone: 202 273--5511

RIN: 2900-AL33
[FR Doc. 03-27065 Filed 12-19-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8320-01-S
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