<DOC>
[May 27, 2003 (Volume 68, Number 101)]
[Unified Agenda]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [frwais.access.gpo.gov]

[Page 30892-30915]


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Part XVII





Department of Veterans Affairs





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Semiannual Regulatory Agenda

[[Page 30892]]

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 spring 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.

 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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2884        Waivers.............................................................................     2900-AK29
2885        Payment for Non-VA Physician Services Associated With Either Outpatient or Inpatient     2900-AK94
            Care Provided at Non-VA Facilities..................................................
2886        Reasonable Charges for Medical Care or Services; 2003 Methodology Changes...........     2900-AL06
2887        Copayments for Extended Care Services...............................................     2900-AL49
2888        Schedule for Rating Disabilities--Neurological Conditions and Convulsive Disorders..     2900-AF23
2889        Schedule for Rating Disabilities--Digestive System..................................     2900-AF24
2890        Education Provisions of the Veterans Programs Enhancement Act of 1998...............     2900-AJ68
2891        Veterans and Dependents Education: Topping-Up Tuition Assistance; Licensing and          2900-AK80
            Certification Tests; Duty To Assist Education Claimants.............................
2892        Veterans Education: Additional Opportunity To Participate in the Montgomery GI Bill      2900-AK81
            and Other Miscellaneous Issues......................................................
2893        Schedule for Rating Disabilities; Malignant Neoplasms...............................     2900-AL27
2894        Administration of VA Education Benefits--Centralized Certification..................     2900-AL43
2895        Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance Program Eligibility Period for         2900-AL44
            Eligible Children and Other Miscellaneous Issues....................................
2896        Headstone and Marker Inscription....................................................     2900-AL50
2897        Disease Associated With Exposure to Certain Herbicide Agents: Chronic Lymphocytic        2900-AL55
            Leukemia............................................................................
2898        Annual Risk Allowance for Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance and Veterans' Group       2900-AL56
            Life Insurance......................................................................
2899        Loan Guaranty: Assistance to Certain Disabled Veterans in Acquiring Specially            2900-AL58
            Adapted Housing.....................................................................
2900        Compensation for Certain Cases of Bilateral Deafness................................     2900-AL59
2901        Department of Veterans Affairs Acquisition Regulations Plain Language Rewrite.......     2900-AK78
2902        Board of Veterans' Appeals Rules of Practice: Notice Procedures Relating to              2900-AL45
            Withdrawal of Services by a Representative..........................................
2903        State Cemetery Grants: Aid to States for Establishment, Expansion, and Improvement       2900-AH46
            of Veterans Cemeteries..............................................................
2904        Standards for Collection, Compromise, Suspension, or Termination of Collection           2900-AK10
            Effort; Regional Office Committee on Waiver and Compromises.........................
2905        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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2906        Advanced Health Care Planning.......................................................     2900-AJ28
2907        Grants to States for Construction and Acquisition of State Home Facilities..........     2900-AJ43
2908        VA Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem Program Regulations........................     2900-AL30
2909        Copayments for Inpatient Hospital Care Under Geographic Means Test..................     2900-AL35
2910        Priorities for Outpatient Medical Services and Inpatient Hospital Care..............     2900-AL39

[[Page 30893]]


2911        Charges Used for Recovery From Tortiously Liable Third Parties for Medical Care or       2900-AL48
            Services Provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs.............................
2912        Enrollment-Provision of Hospital and Outpatient Care to Veterans--Subpriorities of       2900-AL51
            Priority Categories 7 and 8 and Enrollment Level Decision...........................
2913        Reasonable Charges for Medical Care or Services; 2003 Update........................     2900-AL57
2914        Sensori-Neural Aids.................................................................     2900-AL60
2915        Schedule for Rating Disabilities--The Musculoskeletal System........................     2900-AE91
2916        Total Disability Evaluations Based on Inability of the Individual To Engage in           2900-AH21
            Substantially Gainful Employment....................................................
2917        Schedule for Rating Disabilities--The Eye...........................................     2900-AH43
2918        Claims Based on Aggravation of Nonservice-Connected Disability......................     2900-AI42
2919        Exclusions From Income and Net Worth Computations...................................     2900-AJ52
2920        Schedule for Rating Disability--The Spine...........................................     2900-AJ60
2921        Definition of Psychosis for Certain VA Purposes.....................................     2900-AK21
2922        Filipino Veterans Benefit Improvements..............................................     2900-AK65
2923        Loan Guaranty: Pre-Purchase Counseling Requirements.................................     2900-AK76
2924        Additional Disability or Death Due to Hospital Care, Medical or Surgical Treatment,      2900-AK77
            Examination, Training and Rehabilitation Services, or Compensated Work Therapy
            Program.............................................................................
2925        Schedule for Rating Disabilities; Evaluation of Tinnitus............................     2900-AK86
2926        Time Limit for Request for De Novo Review...........................................     2900-AK97
2927        Exceptions to Definition of Date of Receipt Based on Special or Unforeseen               2900-AL12
            Circumstances.......................................................................
2928        Increase in Rates Payable Under the Montgomery GI Bill--Active Duty and Survivors'       2900-AL17
            and Dependents' Educational Assistance Program......................................
2929        Accelerated Payments Under the Montgomery GI Bill--Active Duty Program..............     2900-AL22
2930        Loan Guaranty: Implementation of Public Law 107-103.................................     2900-AL23
2931        Schedule for Rating Disabilities; Guidelines for Application of Evaluation Criteria      2900-AL26
            for Certain Respiratory and Cardiovascular Conditions; Evaluation of Hypertension
            With Heart Disease..................................................................
2932        Veterans Education: Veterans Education and Benefits Expansion Act of 2001...........     2900-AL28
2933        Compensation and Pension Provisions of the Veterans Education and Benefits Expansion     2900-AL29
            Act of 2001.........................................................................
2934        Schedule for Rating Disabilities; Evaluation of Multiple Scars......................     2900-AL32
2935        Independent Study Approved for Certificate Programs and Other Miscellaneous Issues..     2900-AL34
2936        Presumption of Service Connection for Cirrhosis of the Liver in Former Prisoners of      2900-AL36
            War.................................................................................
2937        Effective Dates of Benefits for Disability or Death Caused by Herbicide Exposure;        2900-AL37
            Disposition of Unpaid Benefits After Death of Beneficiary...........................
2938        Testimony Certified or Under Oath...................................................     2900-AL38
2939        Increase in Rates Payable Under the Montgomery GI Bill--Selective Reserve...........     2900-AL41
2940        Veterans Education: Increased Allowances for the Educational Assistance Test Program     2900-AL52
2941        Loan Guaranty: Hybrid Adjustable Rate Mortgages.....................................     2900-AL54
2942        Compensation and Pension Provisions of the Veterans Benefits Act of 2002............     2900-AL62
2943        Sealed Bidding and Competitive Proposals............................................     2900-AI99
2944        Implementing the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)........     2900-AL53
2945        Appeals Regulations; Rules of Practice..............................................     2900-AE78
2946        The Board of Veterans' Appeals; Rules of Practice--Motion for Review of Decisions on     2900-AJ85
            Grounds of Clear and Unmistakable Error.............................................
2947        Rules of Practice: Medical Opinions From the Veterans Health Administration.........     2900-AK52
2948        Board of Veterans' Appeals: Speeding Appellate Review for Aging Veterans............     2900-AL08
2949        Board of Veterans' Appeals Rules of Practice: Use of Supplemental Statement of the       2900-AL42
            Case................................................................................
2950        Eligibility for a Headstone or Marker for Graves Already Marked at Private Expense;      2900-AL40
            Applications for Headstone and Marker...............................................
2951        Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Race, Color, or National Origin; Handicap; and Age     2900-AK13
            in Programs and Activities Receiving Federal Assistance.............................
2952        Release of Information From Department of Veterans Affairs Records..................     2900-AH98
2953        Delegations of Authority; Office of Regulatory Policy and Management (ORPM).........     2900-AL61
2954        Privacy Act of 1974--Exemption of Police and Security Records.......................     2900-AL33
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 30894]]


                                Department of Veterans Affairs--Long-Term Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2955        Governmentwide Debarment and Suspension (Nonprocurement) and Requirement for Drug-       2900-AK16
            Free Workplace (Assistance).........................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                Department of Veterans Affairs--Completed Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2956        Provision of Drugs and Medicines to Certain Veterans in State Nursing Homes.........     2900-AJ34
2957        Payment or Reimbursement for Emergency Treatment Furnished at Non-VA Facilities.....     2900-AK08
2958        Reasonable Charges for Medical Care or Services.....................................     2900-AK39
2959        Reasonable Charges for Medical Care or Services.....................................     2900-AK73
2960        Health Care for Children Born With One or More Covered Birth Defects to Vietnam          2900-AK88
            Veterans............................................................................
2961        Civilian Health and Medical Program of Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA).....     2900-AK89
2962        Fisher Houses and Other Temporary Lodging...........................................     2900-AL13
2963        Vocational Training for Certain Children of Vietnam Veterans--Covered Birth Defects      2900-AK90
            and Spina Bifida....................................................................
2964        Extension of the Presumptive Period for Compensation for Gulf War Veterans'              2900-AK98
            Undiagnosed Illnesses...............................................................
2965        Service Connection by Presumption of Aggravation of a Chronic Preexisting Disease;       2900-AL20
            Presumption of Herbicide Exposure...................................................
2966        Department of Veterans Affairs Acquisition Regulation--Simplified Acquisition            2900-AI71
            Procedures for Health Care Resources................................................
2967        Appeals Regulations: Title for Members of the Board of Veterans Appeals.............     2900-AK62
2968        Board of Veterans' Appeals: Rules of Practice--Appeal Withdrawal....................     2900-AK71
2969        Eligibility for Burial of Dependent Adult Children of Eligible Veterans and              2900-AI95
            Eligibility for Burial of Certain Filipino Veterans.................................
2970        Recognition of Organizations and Accreditation of Representatives...................     2900-AI93
2971        Referral of Information Regarding Criminal Violations...............................     2900-AL31
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                                  Department of Veterans Affairs--Discontinued Entries
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Regulation
Identification                                             Title                                                  Date                 Comments
    Number
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2900-AJ08        Protection of Human Subjects                                                                   04/10/2003   Withdrawn
2900-AJ24        Provision of Drugs and Medicines Prescribed by Non-VA Physicians                               03/26/2003   Withdrawn
2900-AJ45        Universal Product Numbers (UPNs)                                                               03/18/2003   Withdrawn
2900-AK03        State Department as Agent of Department of Veterans Affairs                                    01/17/2003   Withdrawn
2900-AK18        Finality of Decisions                                                                          01/17/2003   Withdrawn
2900-AK23        Renouncement of Benefits                                                                       01/17/2003   Withdrawn
2900-AK31        Independent Medical Opinions                                                                   01/17/2003   Withdrawn
2900-AK37        Evidence From Foreign Countries                                                                01/17/2003   Withdrawn
2900-AL09        Plain Language (Reader Focused Writing) Initiative; National Service Life Insurance (NSLI)     03/10/2003   Withdrawn
2900-AL24        Amendments to Training and Rehabilitation Programs                                             03/26/2003   Withdrawn
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 30895]]

_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)                 Proposed Rule Stage

_______________________________________________________________________

VETERANS HEALTH ADMINISTRATION
____________________________________________________
2884. 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                            10/00/03

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: nancy.howard@hq.med.va.gov

RIN: 2900-AK29
_______________________________________________________________________

2885. 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                            09/00/03

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
_______________________________________________________________________

2886. REASONABLE CHARGES FOR MEDICAL CARE OR SERVICES; 2003 METHODOLOGY 
CHANGES

Priority: Economically 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                            06/00/03

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

Related RIN: Related To 2900-AJ30, Related To 2900-AK39, Related To 
2900-AK73
RIN: 2900-AL06
_______________________________________________________________________

2887. [bull] 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-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                            09/00/03

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
_______________________________________________________________________

[[Page 30896]]



VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION
____________________________________________________
2888. 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                            07/00/03

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
_______________________________________________________________________

2889. 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                            10/00/03

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
_______________________________________________________________________

2890. 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                            09/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Lynn M. Cossette, 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: edulcose@vba.va.gov

RIN: 2900-AJ68
_______________________________________________________________________

2891. 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                            07/00/03

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

[[Page 30897]]

Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202 273-7187
Fax: 202 275-2636
Email: edubsusl@vba.va.gov

RIN: 2900-AK80
_______________________________________________________________________

2892. VETERANS EDUCATION: ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITY TO PARTICIPATE IN THE 
MONTGOMERY GI BILL AND OTHER MISCELLANEOUS ISSUES

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

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

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

Legal Deadline: None

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

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            05/00/03

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: edubsusl@vba.va.gov

RIN: 2900-AK81
_______________________________________________________________________

2893. 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                            12/00/03

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
_______________________________________________________________________

2894. 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                            06/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Lynn M. Cossette, 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: edulcose@vba.va.gov

RIN: 2900-AL43
_______________________________________________________________________

2895. [bull] 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                            09/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Lynn M. Cossette, Education Advisor (225C), Department 
of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefits Administration, 810 Vermont 
Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420

[[Page 30898]]

Phone: 202 273-7294
Fax: 202 275-2636
Email: edulcose@vba.va.gov

RIN: 2900-AL44
_______________________________________________________________________

2896. [bull] HEADSTONE AND MARKER INSCRIPTION

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 38 USC 2306

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 1.630

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This document will amend the Department of Veterans Affairs 
(VA) regulations to revise existing regulations to the Government-
furnished headstones or markers inscription policy. The intended effect 
of this proposed rule is meant to clarify the inscription policies for 
Government-furnished headstones and markers.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            08/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

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: karen.barber@mail.va.gov

RIN: 2900-AL50
_______________________________________________________________________

2897. [bull] DISEASE ASSOCIATED WITH EXPOSURE TO CERTAIN HERBICIDE 
AGENTS: CHRONIC LYMPHOCYTIC LEUKEMIA

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 38 USC 1116

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 3.309(e)

Legal Deadline: NPRM, Statutory, March 24, 2003, 38 USC 1116(c)(1)(A).

Abstract: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is amending its 
adjudication regulations concerning presumptive service connection for 
certain diseases for which there is no record during service. This 
amendment is necessary to implement a decision of the Secretary of 
Veterans Affairs that there is a positive association between exposure 
to herbicides used in the Republic of Vietnam during the Vietnam era 
and the subsequent development of chronic lymphocytic leukemia. The 
intended effect of this amendment is to establish presumptive service 
connection for that condition based on herbicide exposure.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            03/26/03                    68 FR 14567
NPRM Comment Period End         05/27/03
Final Action                    09/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: David Joseph Barrans, Staff Attorney (022), Department 
of Veterans Affairs, Office of General Counsel, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, 
Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202 273-6332

RIN: 2900-AL55
_______________________________________________________________________

2898. [bull] 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                            05/00/03

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: issjking@vba.va.gov

RIN: 2900-AL56
_______________________________________________________________________

2899. [bull] 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                            11/00/03

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: lgyrfinn@vba.va.gov

RIN: 2900-AL58
_______________________________________________________________________

2900. [bull] 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

[[Page 30899]]

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                            07/00/03

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-AL59
_______________________________________________________________________

OFFICE OF ACQUISITION AND MATERIEL MANAGEMENT
____________________________________________________
2901. 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                            09/00/03

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: donald.kaliher@mail.va.gov

RIN: 2900-AK78
_______________________________________________________________________

BOARD OF VETERANS APPEALS
____________________________________________________
2902. [bull] 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                            10/00/03

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
____________________________________________________
2903. STATE CEMETERY GRANTS: AID TO STATES FOR ESTABLISHMENT, EXPANSION, 
AND IMPROVEMENT OF VETERANS CEMETERIES

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 38 USC 2408

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

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The proposed rule revises 38 CFR part 39 to amend Department 
of Veterans Affairs (VA) regulations for the State Cemetery Grants 
Program to implement and update information on program requirements and 
the application process for participants. The amendment formalizes new 
standards and provides guidance on how States may obtain funding for 
grants to expand, establish, or improve State veterans cemeteries. The 
rule will be published as proposed in the Federal Register to provide 
information to the public on how to apply for Federal funding for State 
veterans cemeteries. A 60-day public comment period will be provided. 
It is subject to the requirements of the Administrative Procedures Act 
and E.O. 12866 because the rule is an interpretation of statute. The 
proposed rule will not have a significant economic impact on a 
substantial number of small entities; only those States that apply for 
funding may be direct beneficiaries.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            05/01/03                    68 FR 23249
NPRM Comment Period End         06/30/03
Final Action                    10/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

[[Page 30900]]

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: karen.barber@mail.va.gov

RIN: 2900-AH46
_______________________________________________________________________

OFFICE OF FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
____________________________________________________
2904. STANDARDS FOR COLLECTION, COMPROMISE, SUSPENSION, OR TERMINATION 
OF COLLECTION EFFORT; REGIONAL OFFICE COMMITTEE ON WAIVER AND 
COMPROMISES

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

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

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

Legal Deadline: None

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

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

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

RIN: 2900-AK10
_______________________________________________________________________

OFFICE OF POLICY AND PLANNING
____________________________________________________
2905. 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                            10/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: Governmental Jurisdictions, Organizations

Government Levels Affected: State, Local

Agency Contact: Judith Jamison, Office of Policy and Planning (008), 
Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 
20420
Phone: 202 273-5117

RIN: 2900-AJ62
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)                    Final Rule Stage

_______________________________________________________________________

VETERANS HEALTH ADMINISTRATION
____________________________________________________
2906. 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                    10/00/03

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

[[Page 30901]]

_______________________________________________________________________

2907. 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                    10/00/03

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
_______________________________________________________________________

2908. VA HOMELESS PROVIDERS GRANT AND PER DIEM PROGRAM REGULATIONS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 38 USC 2011; PL 107-95

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 17; 38 CFR 61

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This document amends the Department of Veterans Affairs 
medical regulations concerning the VA Homeless Providers Grant and Per 
Diem Program to implement the provisions of the Homeless Veterans 
Comprehensive Assistance Act of 2001 (HVCAA).

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              03/19/03                    68 FR 13590
Interim Final Rule Effective    03/19/03
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      05/19/03
Final Action                    10/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Roger J. Casey, Mental Health and Behavioral Science 
Program, Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health 
Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202 273-8442

RIN: 2900-AL30
_______________________________________________________________________

2909. COPAYMENTS FOR INPATIENT HOSPITAL CARE UNDER GEOGRAPHIC MEANS TEST

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: PL 107-135; 38 USC 1710

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 17.108

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This document proposes to amend the Department of Veterans 
Affairs (VA) medical regulations concerning inpatient hospital care 
copayments. To be consistent with the Veterans' Health Care Program 
Enhancement Act of 2001, this proposed amendment will have the intended 
effect of reducing the amount certain veterans will pay for inpatient 
care copayment who live in high cost of living areas.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    09/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: 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: nancy.howard@hq.med.va.gov

RIN: 2900-AL35
_______________________________________________________________________

2910. 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-
emergent 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 proposed 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                    10/00/03

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

[[Page 30902]]

_______________________________________________________________________

2911. [bull] CHARGES USED FOR RECOVERY FROM TORTIOUSLY LIABLE THIRD 
PARTIES FOR MEDICAL CARE OR SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF 
VETERANS AFFAIRS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

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                    06/00/03

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
_______________________________________________________________________

2912. [bull] ENROLLMENT-PROVISION OF HOSPITAL AND OUTPATIENT CARE TO 
VETERANS--SUBPRIORITIES OF PRIORITY CATEGORIES 7 AND 8 AND ENROLLMENT 
LEVEL DECISION

Priority: Economically Significant. Major under 5 USC 801.

Legal Authority: PL 104-262

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 17.36

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: As required by Public Law 104-262, the Veterans' Health Care 
Eligibility Reform Act of 1996, the Secretary of the Department of 
Veterans Affairs must make an annual decision concerning enrollment in 
VA's health care system in order to ensure that medical services 
provided are both timely and acceptable in quality. This document 
amends existing regulations to establish subpriorities within priority 
categories 7 and 8 and to publish FY 2003 enrollment decision as 
determined by the Secretary.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              01/17/03                     68 FR 2670
Interim Final Rule Effective    01/17/03
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      03/18/03
Final Action                    09/00/03

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

Roscoe G. Butler, Chief, Policy and Operations (163), Department of 
Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue 
NW, Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202 273-8302
Fax: 202 273-9609
Email: roscoe.butler@hq.med.va.gov

RIN: 2900-AL51
_______________________________________________________________________

2913. [bull] 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-
connected disabilities. This document amends the regulation to update 
data bases 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                    10/00/03

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

Related RIN: Related To 2900-AK39, Related To 2900-AK73
RIN: 2900-AL57
_______________________________________________________________________

2914. [bull] 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-nerual aids. 38 CFR section 
17.149 authorizes VA to provide sensori-nerual 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

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    10/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

[[Page 30903]]

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: john.clements@hg.med.va.gov

RIN: 2900-AL60
_______________________________________________________________________

VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION
____________________________________________________
2915. 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
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
_______________________________________________________________________

2916. 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                    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-AH21
_______________________________________________________________________

2917. 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                    07/00/03

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
_______________________________________________________________________

2918. 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

[[Page 30904]]

Fax: 202 273-1728
Email: caprmcke@vba.va.gov

RIN: 2900-AI42
_______________________________________________________________________

2919. EXCLUSIONS FROM INCOME AND NET WORTH COMPUTATIONS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 42 USC 10602(c)

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

Legal Deadline: None

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

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    10/00/03

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-AJ52
_______________________________________________________________________

2920. SCHEDULE FOR RATING DISABILITY--THE SPINE

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 38 USC 1155

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 4.71a

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This document amends the Department of Veterans Affairs 
Schedule for Rating Disabilities by revising that portion of the 
Musculosketetal System that addresses disabilities of the spine. 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                            09/04/02                    67 FR 56509
NPRM Comment Period End         11/04/02
Final Action                    10/00/03

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-AJ60
_______________________________________________________________________

2921. 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                    10/00/03

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
_______________________________________________________________________

2922. 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                    10/00/03

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: caprmcke@vba.va.gov

RIN: 2900-AK65
_______________________________________________________________________

2923. LOAN GUARANTY: PRE-PURCHASE COUNSELING REQUIREMENTS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

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

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 36.4332

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Department of Veterans Affairs is 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                    06/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

[[Page 30905]]

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: lgyrfinn@vba.va.gov

RIN: 2900-AK76
_______________________________________________________________________

2924. 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 
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                    10/00/03

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-AK77
_______________________________________________________________________

2925. SCHEDULE FOR RATING DISABILITIES; EVALUATION OF TINNITUS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 38 USC 1155

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 4.87 (Diagnostic Code 6260)

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This document amends the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) 
Schedule for Rating Disabilities to state more explicitly the method of 
evaluation of tinnitus under diagnostic code 6260 in that portion of 
the rating schedule that addresses evaluation of disabilities of the 
ear. The intended effect of this action is to codify current standard 
VA practice by stating that recurrent tinnitus will be assigned only a 
single 10 percent evaluation, whether it is perceived in one ear, both 
ears, or somewhere in the head.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            09/19/02                    67 FR 59033
NPRM Comment Period End         11/18/02
Final Action                    07/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Additional Information: RIN 2900-AK86 withdrawn

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-AK86
_______________________________________________________________________

2926. 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 Rule                      10/00/03

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: caprmcke@vba.va.gov

RIN: 2900-AK97
_______________________________________________________________________

2927. 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.

[[Page 30906]]

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    06/00/03

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
_______________________________________________________________________

2928. INCREASE IN RATES PAYABLE UNDER THE MONTGOMERY GI BILL--ACTIVE 
DUTY AND SURVIVORS' AND DEPENDENTS' EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 38 USC 3015; 38 USC 3032; 38 USC 3532; 38 USC 3686; 38 
USC 3687

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

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: By statute, the rates of basic educational assistance under 
the Montgomery GI Bill--Active Duty and Survivors' and Dependents' 
Educational Assistance programs must be adjusted each fiscal year. In 
accordance with the statutory formula, the regulations governing these 
programs for fiscal year 2002 are changed to show a 3.4 percent 
increase in these rates. In addition, the regulations are changed to 
show a separate increase for both programs effective January 1, 2002, 
due to an increase provided for in the Veterans Education and Benefits 
Expansion Act of 2001, Public Law No. 107-103. Public Law No. 107-103 
also provides an increase in Montgomery GI Bill--Active Duty program 
rates for October 1, 2003, and October 1, 2004. The regulations are 
amended to show these two additional statutory rate increases.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    09/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Lynn M. Cossette, 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: edulcose@vba.va.gov

RIN: 2900-AL17
_______________________________________________________________________

2929. ACCELERATED PAYMENTS UNDER THE MONTGOMERY GI BILL--ACTIVE DUTY 
PROGRAM

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 38 USC 3013, 3014A; 38 USC 3034; 38 USC 3452; 38 USC 
3501; 38 USC 3684

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

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This document amends the education regulations governing 
various aspects of the educational assistance programs the Department 
of Veterans Affairs administers in order to implement some of the 
provisions of the Veterans Education and Benefits Expansion Act of 
2001. These provisions include accelerated payments to individuals 
under the Montgomery GI Bill--Active Duty program who are enrolled in 
approved training programs that lead to employment in high tech 
industries and whose charged tuition and fees exceed an amount equal to 
200 percent of the monthly basic rate of educational assistance 
otherwise payable. This document also amends the regulation defining 
educational institution to include certain private technology 
industries.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            09/11/02                    67 FR 57543
NPRM Comment Period End         11/12/02
Final Action                    05/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Lynn M. Cossette, 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: edulcose@vba.va.gov

RIN: 2900-AL22
_______________________________________________________________________

2930. 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                    10/00/03

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 30907]]

_______________________________________________________________________

2931. 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                    12/00/03

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
_______________________________________________________________________

2932. 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                    07/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Lynn M. Cossette, 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: edulcose@vba.va.gov

RIN: 2900-AL28
_______________________________________________________________________

2933. COMPENSATION AND PENSION PROVISIONS OF THE VETERANS EDUCATION AND 
BENEFITS EXPANSION ACT OF 2001

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: PL 107-103

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; ...

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The document amends the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) 
adjudication regulations to reflect the statutory provisions of the 
Veterans Education and Benefits Expansion Act of 2001. These changes 
address the presumption of service connection for respiratory cancers 
based on herbicide exposure in Vietnam; benefits for Gulf War veterans' 
chronic disabilities; repeal of the limitation of benefits for 
incompetent institutionalized veterans; non-service-connected pension 
eligibility; the limitation on pension for certain recipients of 
Medicaid-covered nursing home care; the prohibition on certain benefits 
to fugitive felons; and the limitation on the payment of compensation 
for veterans remaining incarcerated since October 7, 1980.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    06/00/03

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: caprmcke@vba.va.gov

RIN: 2900-AL29
_______________________________________________________________________

2934. 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                    12/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

[[Page 30908]]

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
_______________________________________________________________________

2935. INDEPENDENT STUDY APPROVED FOR CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS AND OTHER 
MISCELLANEOUS ISSUES

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 10 USC 16131; 10 USC 16132; 10 USC 16133; 10 USC 16136

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

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Changes are made to existing regulations to show that 
Montgomery GI Bill--Selected Reserve benefits may be provided for 
distance education courses that are part of a certificate program. The 
certificate must be offered by an institution of higher education. 
Payment for these courses was provided in the Veterans Education and 
Benefits Expansion Act of 2001. We also will amend the regulations to 
remove the language ``in connection with the Persian Gulf war'' and 
``during the Persian Gulf war'' to reflect the removal of this language 
from title 10 U.S.C. The language was removed from sections in title 10 
U.S.C. that address preservation of entitlement for those ordered to 
active duty in support of contingency operations.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    09/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Lynn M. Cossette, 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: edulcose@vba.va.gov

RIN: 2900-AL34
_______________________________________________________________________

2936. PRESUMPTION OF SERVICE CONNECTION FOR CIRRHOSIS OF THE LIVER IN 
FORMER PRISONERS OF WAR

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 38 USC 501(a); 38 USC 1112(b)

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 3.309(c)

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is amending its 
adjudication regulations concerning presumptive service connection for 
certain diseases. The amendment would add cirrhosis of the liver to the 
list of diseases for which entitlement to service connection is 
presumed for former prisoners of war (POWs). The intended effect is to 
make it easier for former POWs to obtain compensation benefits for 
cirrhosis based on scientific and medical research showing a higher 
risk of death from cirrhosis in former POWs than in the general 
population.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            02/10/03                     68 FR 6679
NPRM Comment Period End         04/11/03
Final Action                    10/00/03

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

Related RIN: Previously reported as 2900-AK86
RIN: 2900-AL36
_______________________________________________________________________

2937. EFFECTIVE DATES OF BENEFITS FOR DISABILITY OR DEATH CAUSED BY 
HERBICIDE EXPOSURE; DISPOSITION OF UNPAID BENEFITS AFTER DEATH OF 
BENEFICIARY

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 38 USC 501(a)

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 3.816

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) amends its 
adjudication regulations concerning certain awards of disability 
compensation and dependency and indemnity compensation (DIC). Under the 
proposed amendment, certain awards of disability compensation or DIC 
made pursuant to liberalizing regulations concerning diseases 
presumptively associated with herbicide exposure may be made effective 
retroactive to the date of the claim or the date of a previously denied 
claim, even if such date is earlier than the effective date of the 
regulation establishing the presumption. This amendment also provides 
that VA may pay to certain survivors or the estate of a deceased 
beneficiary any amounts the beneficiary was entitled to receive under 
the effective-date provisions of this rule but which were not paid 
prior to the beneficiary's death. This amendment is necessary to 
reflect the requirements of court orders in a class-action case.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            01/28/03                     68 FR 4132
NPRM Comment Period End         03/31/03
Final Action                    06/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: David Joseph Barrans, Staff Attorney (022), Department 
of Veterans Affairs, Office of General Counsel, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, 
Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202 273-6332

RIN: 2900-AL37
_______________________________________________________________________

2938. 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

[[Page 30909]]

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                    06/00/03

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 
(211), Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefits 
Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202 273-7228
Fax: 202 275-4800
Email: capbwhit@vba.va.gov

Related RIN: Duplicate of 2900-AK24
RIN: 2900-AL38
_______________________________________________________________________

2939. INCREASE IN RATES PAYABLE UNDER THE MONTGOMERY GI BILL--SELECTIVE 
RESERVE

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 10 USC 16131

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 21.7636

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: By statute, the monthly rates of basic educational assistance 
payable to reservists under the Montgomery GI Bill--Selected Reserve 
program must be adjusted each fiscal year. In accordance with the 
statutory formula, the regulations governing the basic rates payable 
under the Montgomery GI Bill--Selected Reserve for fiscal year 2003 
(October 1, 2002, through September 30, 2003) are changed to show a 1.5 
percent increase in these rates.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    07/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Lynn M. Cossette, 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: edulcose@vba.va.gov

RIN: 2900-AL41
_______________________________________________________________________

2940. [bull] VETERANS EDUCATION: INCREASED ALLOWANCES FOR THE 
EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE TEST PROGRAM

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 10 USC 2143; 10 USC 2144; 10 USC 2145

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 21.5820; 38 CFR 21.5822

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This document amends the Department of Veterans Affairs rules 
governing educational allowances payable under the Educational 
Assistance Test Program, which increased by 4.3 percent. The 
regulations are being amended to show the new benefit rates.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    10/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Lynn M. Cossette, 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: edulcose@vba.va.gov

RIN: 2900-AL52
_______________________________________________________________________

2941. [bull] 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 which 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

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              10/00/03

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: lgyrfinn@vba.va.gov

RIN: 2900-AL54
_______________________________________________________________________

2942. [bull] COMPENSATION AND PENSION PROVISIONS OF THE VETERANS 
BENEFITS ACT OF 2002

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 38 USC 1114(k); 38 USC 1562

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

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Section 1114(k) of title 38, U.S.C., authorizes VA to pay 
special monthly compensation if a woman veteran, as the result of 
service-connected disability, has suffered the anatomical loss of one 
or both breasts (including loss by mastectomy). As part of the Veterans 
Benefits Act of 2002, Congress amended 38 U.S.C. 1114(k) to authorize 
special monthly

[[Page 30910]]

compensation for loss in a woman of 25 percent or more of tissue from a 
single breast or both breasts in combination, including loss by 
mastectomy or partial mastectomy, or following receipt of radiation 
treatment of breast tissue.
Section 1562 of title 38, U.S.C., authorizes VA to pay a monthly 
pension to Medal of Honor recipients, beginning as of the date of 
application for such benefit. As a part of Veterans Benefits Act of 
2002, Congress amended 38 U.S.C. 1562 to provide for an annual increase 
in the Medal of Honor pension effective December 1st of each year, 
beginning December 1, 2004, by a percentage equal to the cost of living 
adjustment of benefits paid under title II of the Social Security Act. 
These amendments are necessary to make to the regulation conform with 
the statute.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    07/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Cheryl Konieczny, Consultant, Regulations Staff, 
(211A), Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefits 
Administration, Compensation and Pension Service, 810 Vermont Avenue 
NW, Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202 273-6779

RIN: 2900-AL62
_______________________________________________________________________

OFFICE OF ACQUISITION AND MATERIEL MANAGEMENT
____________________________________________________
2943. SEALED BIDDING AND COMPETITIVE PROPOSALS

Priority: Info./Admin./Other

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

CFR Citation: 48 CFR 806

Legal Deadline: None

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

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            03/11/98                    63 FR 11865
NPRM Comment Period End         05/11/98
Final Action                    09/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: 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: donald.kaliher@mail.va.gov

Related RIN: Merged With 2900-AK78
RIN: 2900-AI99
_______________________________________________________________________

2944. [bull] IMPLEMENTING THE HEALTH INSURANCE PORTABILITY AND 
ACCOUNTABILITY ACT (HIPAA)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: PL 104-101

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 Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), Public 
Law No. 104-191, title II, subtitle F, sections 261-264, 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              10/00/03

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: cathy.dailey@mail.va.gov

RIN: 2900-AL53
_______________________________________________________________________

BOARD OF VETERANS APPEALS
____________________________________________________
2945. 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 which 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                    10/00/03

[[Page 30911]]

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
_______________________________________________________________________

2946. 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: The Board of Veterans Appeals is amending its Rules of 
Practice at 38 CFR part 20 to add a provision to provide for advancing 
Clear and Unmistakable Error (CUE) motions on the docket.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    10/00/03

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
_______________________________________________________________________

2947. 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                    10/00/03

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
_______________________________________________________________________

2948. BOARD OF VETERANS' APPEALS: SPEEDING APPELLATE REVIEW FOR AGING 
VETERANS

Priority: Other Significant

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

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 20.900(c)

Legal Deadline: None

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

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/12/02                    67 FR 40255
NPRM Comment Period End         08/12/02
Final Action                    10/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

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

RIN: 2900-AL08
_______________________________________________________________________

2949. BOARD OF VETERANS' APPEALS RULES OF PRACTICE: USE OF SUPPLEMENTAL 
STATEMENT OF THE CASE

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

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

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

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Board of Veterans' Appeals is amending its Rules of 
Practice to remove the requirement that an appellant must file a timely 
substantive appeal with respect to issues covered in a Supplemental 
Statement of the Case (SSOC) that were not in the original Statement of 
the Case (SOC). This rule amends 38 CFR 20.302(c) and 20.501(c) to 
eliminate the language relating to responding to ``new issues'' in 
SSOCs.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    10/00/03

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

[[Page 30912]]

Phone: 202 565-5978

Related RIN: Related To 2900-AK91
RIN: 2900-AL42
_______________________________________________________________________

NATIONAL CEMETERY SYSTEM
____________________________________________________
2950. 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              10/00/03

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: karen.barber@mail.va.gov

RIN: 2900-AL40
_______________________________________________________________________

OFFICE OF EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
____________________________________________________
2951. NONDISCRIMINATION ON THE BASIS OF RACE, COLOR, OR NATIONAL ORIGIN; 
HANDICAP; AND AGE IN PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES RECEIVING FEDERAL 
ASSISTANCE

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

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

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 18

Legal Deadline: None

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

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/06/00                    65 FR 76460
NPRM Comment Period End         01/05/01
Final Action                    09/00/03
Final Action Effective          10/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

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

RIN: 2900-AK13
_______________________________________________________________________

OFFICE OF THE GENERAL COUNSEL
____________________________________________________
2952. RELEASE OF INFORMATION FROM DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS RECORDS

Priority: Other Significant

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

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 1.500 to 1.584

Legal Deadline: None

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

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            09/10/98                    63 FR 48455
NPRM Comment Period End         11/09/98
Final Action                    07/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

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

RIN: 2900-AH98
_______________________________________________________________________

2953. [bull] DELEGATIONS OF AUTHORITY; OFFICE OF REGULATORY POLICY AND 
MANAGEMENT (ORPM)

Priority: Info./Admin./Other

Legal Authority: 38 USC 501; 38 USC 503; 38 USC 512

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 2.6; 38 CFR 2.7

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This document sets forth a delegation of authority to the 
Assistant to the Secretary for Regulation Policy and Management to 
manage and coordinate the Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA) 
rulemaking process. The delegation is necessary to transfer certain 
rulemaking responsibilities to the newly formed Office of Regulation 
Policy and Management in the Office of the Secretary. The delegation of 
authority is intended to improve the organization, clarity, and 
timeliness of VA regulations through centralized management and 
control. This document also make minor technical amendments to a 
current delegation of authority that concerns the provision of relief 
on account of administrative error.

[[Page 30913]]

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    05/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Robert C. McFetridge, Director, Regulations Management 
(00REG1), Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of the Secretary, 810 
Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202 273-9215

RIN: 2900-AL61
_______________________________________________________________________

OFFICE OF POLICY AND PLANNING
____________________________________________________
2954. PRIVACY ACT OF 1974--EXEMPTION OF POLICE AND SECURITY RECORDS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 38 USC 552

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 1.582

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This document amends the Department of Veterans Affairs 
regulations governing the confidentiality and release of VA records 
subject to the Privacy Act, 5 U.S.C. 552a. We are revising section 
1.582, which exempts certain records from the provisions of the Privacy 
Act authorized under 5 U.S.C. 552a(j)(2) and (k)(2). This revision 
allows VA to exempt a new Privacy Act system of records relating to 
police and security records.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/19/02                    67 FR 77737
NPRM Comment Period End         02/18/03
Final Action                    10/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tanya Al-Khateeb, Office of Security and Law 
Enforcement (07B), Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Policy and 
Planning, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420
Phone: 202 273-5511

RIN: 2900-AL33
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)                   Long-Term Actions

_______________________________________________________________________

VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION
____________________________________________________
2955. GOVERNMENTWIDE DEBARMENT AND SUSPENSION (NONPROCUREMENT) AND 
REQUIREMENT FOR DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE (ASSISTANCE)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

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

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            01/23/02                     67 FR 3099
NPRM Comment Period End         03/25/02
Final Action                     To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Robert D. Finneran
Phone: 202 273-7368
Fax: 202 275-3523
Email: lgyrfinn@vba.va.gov

RIN: 2900-AK16
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)                   Completed Actions

_______________________________________________________________________

2956. PROVISION OF DRUGS AND MEDICINES TO CERTAIN VETERANS IN STATE 
NURSING HOMES

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 17.96

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    03/13/03                    68 FR 11977
Final Action Effective          03/13/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Jeff Ramirez
Phone: 202 273-8428

RIN: 2900-AJ34
_______________________________________________________________________

2957. PAYMENT OR REIMBURSEMENT FOR EMERGENCY TREATMENT FURNISHED AT NON-
VA FACILITIES

Priority: Economically Significant. Major under 5 USC 801.

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 17

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    01/24/03                     68 FR 3401
Final Action Effective          03/25/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Roscoe G. Butler
Phone: 202 273-8302
Fax: 202 273-9609
Email: roscoe.butler@hq.med.va.gov

RIN: 2900-AK08
_______________________________________________________________________

2958. REASONABLE CHARGES FOR MEDICAL CARE OR SERVICES

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 17.101

[[Page 30914]]

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    04/29/03                    68 FR 22966

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: David Cleaver
Phone: 202 254-0361

Related RIN: Related To 2900-AJ30, Related To 2900-AK73, Related To 
2900-AL05, Related To 2900-AL06
RIN: 2900-AK39
_______________________________________________________________________

2959. REASONABLE CHARGES FOR MEDICAL CARE OR SERVICES

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 17.101

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    04/29/03                    68 FR 22966

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: David Cleaver
Phone: 202 254-0361

Related RIN: Related To 2900-AJ30, Related To 2900-AK39, Related To 
2900-AL05, Related To 2900-AL06
RIN: 2900-AK73
_______________________________________________________________________

2960. HEALTH CARE FOR CHILDREN BORN WITH ONE OR MORE COVERED BIRTH 
DEFECTS TO VIETNAM VETERANS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 17.900 to 1905

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    01/08/03                     68 FR 1009
Final Action Effective          01/08/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Susan K. Schmetzer
Phone: 303 331-7552
Email: schmetzer@champva.denver.va.gov

RIN: 2900-AK88
_______________________________________________________________________

2961. CIVILIAN HEALTH AND MEDICAL PROGRAM OF DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS 
AFFAIRS (CHAMPVA)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

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

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    11/01/02                    67 FR 66554
Final Action Effective          11/01/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Susan K. Schmetzer
Phone: 303 331-7552
Email: schmetzer@champva.denver.va.gov

RIN: 2900-AK89
_______________________________________________________________________

2962. FISHER HOUSES AND OTHER TEMPORARY LODGING

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 60 (New)

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    02/24/03                     68 FR 8547
Final Action Effective          03/26/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Jill E. Manske
Phone: 202 273-8549
Fax: 202 273-8385
Email: jill.manske@hq.med.va.gov

RIN: 2900-AL13
_______________________________________________________________________

2963. VOCATIONAL TRAINING FOR CERTAIN CHILDREN OF VIETNAM VETERANS--
COVERED BIRTH DEFECTS AND SPINA BIFIDA

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 21.8010 to 21.8410

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    12/06/02                    67 FR 72563
Final Action Effective          12/06/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Charles A. Graffam
Phone: 202 273-7410
TDD Phone: 202 275-5636
Email: vrecgraf@vba.va.gov

RIN: 2900-AK90
_______________________________________________________________________

2964. EXTENSION OF THE PRESUMPTIVE PERIOD FOR COMPENSATION FOR GULF WAR 
VETERANS' UNDIAGNOSED ILLNESSES

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 3.317

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    12/27/02                    67 FR 78979
Final Action Effective          12/27/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Randy A. McKevitt
Phone: 202 273-7211
Fax: 202 273-1728
Email: caprmcke@vba.va.gov

RIN: 2900-AK98
_______________________________________________________________________

2965. SERVICE CONNECTION BY PRESUMPTION OF AGGRAVATION OF A CHRONIC 
PREEXISTING DISEASE; PRESUMPTION OF HERBICIDE EXPOSURE

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 3.307; 38 CFR 3.309

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    11/07/02                     67 FR 2002
Final Action Effective          11/07/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: John Bisset
Phone: 202 273-7213
Fax: 202 275-1728

RIN: 2900-AL20
_______________________________________________________________________

2966. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS ACQUISITION REGULATION--SIMPLIFIED 
ACQUISITION PROCEDURES FOR HEALTH CARE RESOURCES

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

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

[[Page 30915]]

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    01/24/03                     68 FR 3465
Final Action Effective          02/24/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Donald E. Kaliher
Phone: 202 273-8819
Fax: 202 273-9302
Email: donald.kaliher@mail.va.gov

RIN: 2900-AI71
_______________________________________________________________________

2967. APPEALS REGULATIONS: TITLE FOR MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF VETERANS 
APPEALS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 19.2

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    02/10/03                     68 FR 6622
Final Action Effective          02/10/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

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

RIN: 2900-AK62
_______________________________________________________________________

2968. BOARD OF VETERANS' APPEALS: RULES OF PRACTICE--APPEAL WITHDRAWAL

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 20.204

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Rule                      03/19/03                    68 FR 13235
Final Action Effective          04/18/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

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

RIN: 2900-AK71
_______________________________________________________________________

2969. ELIGIBILITY FOR BURIAL OF DEPENDENT ADULT CHILDREN OF ELIGIBLE 
VETERANS AND ELIGIBILITY FOR BURIAL OF CERTAIN FILIPINO VETERANS

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 1.620

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    04/01/03                    68 FR 15659
Final Action Effective          05/01/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Karen Barber
Phone: 202 273-5183
Fax: 202 273-6697
Email: karen.barber@mail.va.gov

RIN: 2900-AI95
_______________________________________________________________________

2970. RECOGNITION OF ORGANIZATIONS AND ACCREDITATION OF REPRESENTATIVES

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 14.626 to 14.635

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    02/24/03                     68 FR 8541
Final Action Effective          02/24/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: State

Agency Contact: Richard J. Hipolit
Phone: 202 273-6329

RIN: 2900-AI93
_______________________________________________________________________

2971. REFERRAL OF INFORMATION REGARDING CRIMINAL VIOLATIONS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 38 CFR 0.800; 38 CFR 0.810; 38 CFR 0.820; 38 CFR 0.830; 
38 CFR 0.840; 38 CFR 14.560; 38 CFR 14.563; 38 CFR 17.170

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    04/10/03                    68 FR 17549

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Federal

Agency Contact: Michael R. Bennett
Phone: 202 565-8678
Fax: 202 565-8113

RIN: 2900-AL31
[FR Doc. 03-8007 Filed 05-23-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8320-01-S