Source: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2016/07/20/2016-17052/recognition-of-tribal-organizations-for-representation-of-va-claimants
Timestamp: 2018-08-18 09:05:16
Document Index: 211225672

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A Proposed Rule by the Veterans Affairs Department on 07/20/2016
47087-47094 (8 pages)
https://www.federalregister.gov/d/2016-17052 https://www.federalregister.gov/d/2016-17052
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is proposing to amend its regulations concerning recognition of Start Printed Page 47088certain national, State, and regional or local organizations for purposes of VA claims representation. Specifically, this rulemaking would allow the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to recognize tribal organizations in a similar manner as the Secretary recognizes State organizations. The proposed rule would allow a tribal organization that is established and funded by one or more tribal governments to be recognized for the purpose of providing assistance on VA benefit claims. In addition, the proposed rule would allow an employee of a tribal government to become accredited through a recognized State organization in a similar manner as a County Veterans' Service Officer (CVSO) may become accredited through a recognized State organization. The intended effect of this proposed rule is to improve access of Native American veterans to VA-recognized organizations and VA-accredited individuals who may assist them on their benefit claims.
Written comments may be submitted through http://www.regulations.gov; by mail or hand delivery to the Director, Regulation Policy and Management (00REG), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Room 1068, Washington, DC 20420; or by fax to (202) 273-9026. Comments should indicate that they are submitted in response to “RIN 2900-AP51, Recognition of Tribal Organizations for Representation of VA Claimants.” Copies of comments received will be available for public inspection in the Office of Regulation Policy and Management, Room 1068, between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday (except holidays). Please call (202) 461-4902 for an appointment. (This is not a toll-free number.) In addition, during the comment period, comments may be viewed online through the Federal Docket Management System at http://www.regulations.gov/​.
Dana Raffaelli, Staff Attorney, Benefits Law Group, Office of the General Counsel, (022D), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420, (202) 461-7699. (This is not a toll free number.)
This proposed rule would amend part 14 of title 38, Code of Federal Regulations, to provide for the recognition of tribal organizations that are established and funded by tribal governments so that representatives of the organizations may assist Native American veterans and their families in the preparation, presentation, and prosecution of their VA benefit claims. The purpose of this proposed rule is to address the needs of Native American populations who are geographically isolated from existing recognized Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) or who may not be utilizing other recognized VSOs due to cultural barriers or lack of familiarity with those organizations. Native American veterans face challenges accessing representation in VA claims because many live in remote areas that are far from the nearest accredited representative. In addition, some Native American veterans may prefer to seek assistance from organizations that are associated with their tribal government, rather than using other organizations that are not as familiar to them. This proposed rule would help facilitate the VA recognition of tribal organizations that are established and funded by one or more tribal governments and whose primary purpose is to serve Native American veterans.
Pursuant to 38 U.S.C. 5902, VA recognizes organizations and accredits their representatives for the preparation, presentation, and prosecution of claims under laws administered by VA. VA's regulation regarding the recognition of such organizations is 38 CFR 14.628, which currently does not expressly allow for the recognition of tribal organizations. Under the current regulations, however, any organization, including an organization created by one or more tribal governments, may apply for recognition by VA as either: (1) A national organization, or (2) a regional or local organization. To be recognized as a national organization, the organization must meet the requirements of § 14.628(a) and (d). To be recognized as a regional or local organization, the organization must meet the requirements of § 14.628(c) and (d). VA also accredits State organizations. To be recognized as a State organization, the organization must meet the requirements of § 14.628(b) and (d). Under the current regulations, VA has received only a few inquiries from tribal governments expressing interest in pursuing any type of VA recognition other than the type of recognition granted to State organizations. Pursuant to 38 CFR 14.627 and 14.629, VA recognition of a State organization is limited to organizations established and funded by a State, possession, territory, or Commonwealth of the United States, and the District of Columbia. This proposed rule would allow tribal governments to establish and fund tribal organizations in a similar manner as the State governments have established and funded State organizations. Allowing organizations that are created and funded by tribal governments to be recognized as “tribal organizations” rather than as national, regional or local organizations would afford VA the opportunity to acknowledge and affirm the long-standing recognition by the Federal government of tribes' inherent sovereignty and right to self-government.
This proposed rule would amend 38 CFR 14.627 by adding a paragraph (r) that would provide that tribal government means the Federally recognized governing body of any Indian tribe, band, nation, or other organized group or community, including any Alaska Native village or Regional or Village Corporation as defined in or established pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, which is recognized as eligible for the special programs and services provided by the United States to Indians because of their status as Indians. This is consistent with the definition of Indian tribe in 38 CFR 39.2.
This proposed rule would amend current § 14.628(b) by redesignating it as paragraph (b)(1), “State organization,” and adding paragraph (b)(2), “Tribal organization.” VA would clarify that a Tribal organization, for the purposes of 38 CFR 14.626 through 14.637, is a legally established organization that is primarily funded and controlled, sanctioned, or chartered by one or more tribal governments and that has a primary purpose of serving the needs of Native American veterans; that only one tribal organization may be recognized for each tribal government; and, that, if a tribal organization is created and funded by more than one tribal government, the approval of each tribal government must be obtained prior to applying for VA recognition and that, if one of the supporting tribal governments withdraws from the tribal organization, the tribal organization must notify VA of the withdrawal and certify that the tribal organization can continue to meet the recognition requirements in § 14.628(d) without the participation of that tribal government. This change is intended to allow tribal organizations to be recognized in a similar manner as State organizations, while still taking into account the unique circumstances of tribal governments being sovereign nations and of varying sizes.
In order to ensure that all claimants for VA benefits receive responsible, qualified representation in the preparation, presentation, and Start Printed Page 47089prosecution in their claims for veterans' benefits, VA has established general criteria that apply to all organizations requesting VA recognition as a national, State, regional, or local organization under § 14.628(a) through (c). Therefore, tribal organizations would also need to meet these same general requirements in order to be recognized. Pursuant to § 14.628(d), an organization requesting recognition must: (1) Have as a primary purpose serving veterans, (2) demonstrate a substantial service commitment to veterans either by showing a sizable organizational membership or by showing performance of veterans' services to a sizable number of veterans, (3) commit a significant portion of its assets to veterans' services and have adequate funding to properly perform those services, (4) maintain a policy and capability of providing complete claims service to each claimant requesting representation or give written notice of any limitation in its claims service with advice concerning the availability of alternative sources of claims service, and (5) take affirmative action, including training and monitoring of accredited representatives, to ensure proper handling of claims.
We recognize the varying sizes of tribal governments. We further recognize that, due to the size of certain smaller Indian tribes, a single tribal government may be unable to establish an organization that could demonstrate a substantial service commitment to veterans either by showing a sizable organizational membership or by showing performance of veterans' services to a sizable number of veterans. A single tribal government may also be unable to establish an organization that would be able to adequately fund the necessary services of a tribal organization that provides assistance with VA benefit claims. Therefore, VA would consider applications from a tribal organization that is established and funded by one or more tribal governments to be recognized for the purpose of providing assistance on VA benefit claims. The approval of each tribal government would be necessary for VA to process the request for VA recognition. While VA is sensitive to the fact that some tribal governments may have difficulty meeting the substantial service commitment and funding requirements, VA must ensure that VA accredited organizations can provide long-term, competent representation. Therefore, VA would require that, if one of the supporting tribal governments withdraws from the tribal organization, the tribal organization must notify VA of the withdrawal and certify that the tribal organization continues to meet the recognition requirements in § 14.628(d) without the participation of that tribal government. We note that 25 U.S.C. 450b(l) recognizes the existence of tribal coalitions in the definition of tribal organization for the purpose of entering into contracts or grants for certain educational benefits. Additionally, in 38 CFR 39.2, VA has recognized the existence of a parallel concept for the purpose of applying for cemetery grants.
Based on our experience in applying § 14.628, we believe the proposed addition to the regulation would facilitate the recognition of Tribal organizations and would improve Native American veterans' access to accredited representatives. Once a tribal organization has been recognized by VA, the certifying official of the organization would be able to file for VA accreditation for the individuals that the organization wishes to become accredited as its representatives. See 38 CFR 14.629.
VA further recognizes that not all tribal governments may want to establish their own Tribal veterans organization and some may have already established working relationships with their respective State organizations to help address the needs of their Native American veteran population. We, therefore, propose to amend 38 CFR 14.629(a)(2) to allow for an employee of a tribal government that is not associated with a tribal organization, to become accredited as a representative of a State organization in a similar manner as a county employee, i.e., a CVSO. In 1990, in order to further ensure the availability of competent representation for VA claimants, VA extended the opportunity for accreditation through State organizations to county veterans' service officers. See 54 FR 50772; 55 FR 38056. In extending this opportunity, VA cited the close association between States and county veterans' service officers, likening the association to that of a State employee under 54 FR 50772. In a previous rulemaking, VA recognized the fact that State governments do not have direct supervision of, or accountability for, CVSO, and therefore, to ensure adequate training and fitness to serve as a VA accredited representative, VA prescribed criteria that such officers must meet in order to become accredited. The criteria for a CVSO to become accredited through a State organization are outlined in § 14.629(a)(2)(i) through (iii). In order for a CVSO to be recommended for VA accreditation by a VA-recognized State organization, the officer must be a paid employee of the county working for it not less than 1,000 hours annually; have successfully completed a course of training and an examination which have been approved by a Regional Counsel with jurisdiction for the State; and receive either regular supervision and monitoring or annual training to assure continued qualification as a representative in the claims process. We note that the VA Office of the General Counsel (OGC) has recently undergone realignment and under the new structure Regional Counsels are now referred to as Chief Counsels. To avoid unnecessary confusion and because we intend to issue a direct final rule addressing the realignment of OGC and the changing of titles of certain OGC positions in the accreditation regulations in a single rulemaking, we are continuing to use the outdated title of Regional Counsel for this rulemaking.
Although tribal governments are not politically subordinate to State governments like county governments are, tribal governments often do have close, productive relationships with State governments through gaming compacts, cross-deputization, and other cooperative agreements. Therefore, we believe that the collaborative nature of the relationship between tribes and States supports the proposed concept of recognizing tribal veterans' service officers in a manner similar to county veterans' service officers. As stated above, we believe this additional path to become an accredited representative would further facilitate veterans obtaining representation across county, State, and tribal borders.
For consistency, the proposed rule would also amend 38 CFR 14.635 to extend office space opportunities already granted to certain employees of State organizations to employees of tribal organizations. The proposed rule would allow the Secretary to furnish office space and facilities, when available, to both State and tribal organization employees who are also accredited to national organizations for the purpose of assisting claimants in the preparation, presentation, and prosecution of claims for benefits.
We are also requesting from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval for the provisions of § 14.628(d) that constitute a collection of information under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501-3521). Therefore, we would remove the current OMB control number parenthetical at the end of § 14.628 and add, in its place, a placeholder parenthetical.
Finally, we would make a technical amendment to § 14.629(a)(2) to correct Start Printed Page 47090“county veteran's service officer” to read as “county veterans' service officer”. In a prior rulemaking, we misplaced the location of the apostrophe associated with the previously mentioned phrase. See 54 FR 50772 (Dec. 11, 1989); 55 FR 38056 (Sept. 17, 1990). Therefore, we would correct that error in this rulemaking.
OMB assigns control numbers to collections of information it approves. VA may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. Proposed § 14.628 contains a collection of information under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. If OMB does not approve the collection of information as requested, VA will immediately remove the provisions containing a collection of information or take such other action as is directed by OMB.
Comments on the collection of information contained in this proposed rule should be submitted to the Office of Management and Budget, Attention: Desk Officer for the Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Washington, DC 20503, with copies sent by mail or hand delivery to the Director, Regulation Policy and Management (00REG), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Room 1068, Washington, DC 20420; fax to (202) 273-9026; email to www.Regulations.gov. Comments should indicate that they are submitted in response to “RIN 2900-AP51.”
The collection of information contained in 38 CFR 14.628 is described immediately following this paragraph, under its respective title.
Summary of collection of information: The collection of information in 38 CFR 14.628 would require organizations seeking VA accreditation under § 14.628 to submit certain documentation to certify that the organization meets the requirements for VA accreditation. Pursuant to § 14.628(d), an organization requesting recognition must have as a primary purpose serving veterans. In establishing that it meets this requirement, an organization requesting recognition shall submit a statement establishing the purpose of the organization and that veterans would benefit by recognition of the organization.
An organization requesting recognition must commit a significant portion of its assets to veterans' services and have adequate funding to properly perform those services. In establishing that it meets this requirement, an organization requesting recognition shall submit: A copy of the last financial statement of the organization indicating the amount of funds allocated for conducting particular veterans' services (VA may, in cases where it deems necessary, require an audited financial statement); and a statement indicating that use of the organization's funding is not subject to limitations imposed under any Federal grant or law which would prevent it from representing claimants before VA.
An organization requesting recognition must take affirmative action, including training and monitoring of accredited representatives, to ensure proper handling of claims. In establishing that it meets this requirement, an organization requesting recognition shall submit: A statement of the skills, training, and other Start Printed Page 47091qualifications of current paid or volunteer staff personnel for handling veterans' claims; and a plan for recruiting and training qualified claim representatives, including the number of hours of formal classroom instruction, the subjects to be taught, the period of on-the-job training, a schedule or timetable for training, the projected number of trainees for the first year, and the name(s) and qualifications of the individual(s) primarily responsible for the training.
Description of need for information and proposed use of information: The information is used by VA in reviewing accreditation applications to determine whether organizations meet the requirements for VA accreditation under § 14.628.
Description of likely respondents: Organizations seeking VA accreditation under § 14.628.
Estimated number of respondents: 5 applicants per year.
Estimated total annual reporting and recordkeeping burden: 25 hours per year.
The Secretary hereby certifies that this proposed rule would not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities as they are defined in the Regulatory Flexibility Act, 5 U.S.C. 601-612. It does not require any action on the part of any entity but merely provides a new opportunity for tribal organizations to become recognized by VA for the purpose of assisting VA claimants in the preparation, presentation, and prosecution of claims for VA benefits. Therefore, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 605(b), this rulemaking is exempt from the initial and final regulatory flexibility analysis requirements of sections 603 and 604.
On March 3 and 10, 2016, respectively, VA issued letters to tribal leaders as well as a Federal Register notice, 81 FR 12626, seeking comment on VA's consideration of issuing a proposed rule that would amend part 14 of title 38, Code of Federal Regulations, to expressly provide for the recognition of tribal organizations so that representatives of the organizations may assist Native American claimants in the preparation, presentation, and prosecution of their VA benefit claims. Those interested in providing comment were given 30-days to respond. Based on requests from commenters, VA expanded the comment period an additional 15 days to April 26, 2016. VA received comments from 36 commenters. A few commenters submitted more than one comment. Overall, the comments were supportive of issuing such a proposed rule.
Several commenters noted that currently Native American veterans face many roadblocks to obtaining representation. One commenter noted that geography, economic, and culture barriers prevent Native American veterans from utilizing currently available representation. These comments were offered in support of the proposed rule, and therefore, no change to this rulemaking is warranted.
A few commenters misinterpreted the language provided in the consultation and notice as meaning that VA intended to propose that VA's recognition of a tribal organization would be tied to VA's recognition of the corresponding State organization. One commenter stated that VA should recognize a tribal organization as “equal to” a State organization. VA is not tying VA recognition of a tribal organization to a State and is choosing not to make value judgements as to the importance of the recognition granted to State organizations and Tribal organizations. Recognition of a tribal organization would stand on its own. VA has chosen to use the term similar rather than the term equal in this proposed rule because we are proposing some differences in the requirements for VA recognition of a tribal organization and the requirements for State organizations. Specifically, the proposed rule would allow a single tribal government, or multiple tribal governments to join together to establish and fund a tribal organization, but such allowance is not permitted for State governments.
A few commenters misinterpreted the language provided in the consultation and notice as limiting recognition of a tribal veterans' service officer through a State. One commenter asked for clarification on what type of employees would be eligible to become accredited by VA. The commenter stated that employees of a tribal nation as well as a tribal organization should be eligible. We agree, and the proposed rule would allow for both avenues to attain VA accreditation depending on the tribal government's size, relationships with other tribal governments, relationships with States, and the needs of Native American veterans in their area. After a tribal organization becomes recognized by VA, that organization would be able to request to have its own representatives accredited under 38 CFR 14.629. In addition to proposing to recognize tribal organizations and accredit their representatives, VA would provide an additional means by which VA may recognize an employee of a tribal government as a tribal veterans' service officer through a State organization. This accreditation would be akin to accreditation given to county veterans' service officers through State organizations and is only meant to provide an additional path to VA accreditation. We propose that the requirements for a tribal veterans' service officer to become accredited as a representative through a State organization be the same as the requirements for a county veterans' service officer. Therefore, VA makes no changes based on these comments.
One commenter asked what happens to the accreditation of a tribal organization if the Director is relinquished. It seems this comment stems from the misinterpretation previously discussed regarding the accreditation of a tribal organization and the corresponding State organization. The commenter also asked what Start Printed Page 47092happens if the State refuses to sponsor the replacement officer. As discussed above, once a tribal organization becomes recognized by VA, that organization would be able to request to have its own representatives accredited under § 14.629. The tribal organization can file with VA to have a replacement officer accredited. Therefore, VA makes no changes based on this comment.
Several commenters also expressed concern over the requirements for recognition in § 14.628(d). Specifically, the commenters expressed concern that many tribal organizations may not be able to satisfy the primary purpose, size, funding, and training requirements, to include providing the required, supporting documentation. One commenter suggested that VA provide the funding for tribes “to engage in this work.” Another commenter suggested including Indian Health Services for funding assistance. A few commenters expressed concern about the requirement that the organization must maintain a policy of either providing complete claims representation or provide “written notice of any limitation in its claims service with advice concerning the availability of alternative sources of claims service.” 38 CFR 14.628(d)(1)(iv). One commenter seemed to believe VA was questioning the level of competence of tribal representatives. VA must ensure that VA accredited organizations can provide long-term, competent representation and has found that the § 14.628(d) requirements are protective of that mission. These requirements apply to all organizations seeking VA recognition. Exempting tribal organizations from meeting the § 14.628(d) requirements would not be consistent with the purpose of VA recognition to ensure that veterans are receiving qualified, competent representation on their VA benefit claims. As previously discussed, VA has provided additional means to achieve VA recognition or accreditation for those tribal governments that may have difficulty establishing a tribal organization capable of meeting the § 14.628(d) requirements, to include the ability for one or more tribal governments to establish and fund a tribal organization and the ability of an employee of a tribal government to become accredited as a tribal veterans' service officer through a recognized State organization. Therefore, VA makes no changes based on these comments.
One commenter suggested that VA engage in additional consultation with Tribes that would be “interested in becoming recognized veterans['] service organizations, but are unable to meet the requirements.” In the proposed rule, VA offers alternative avenues for VA recognition and accreditation for tribal governments that may not be capable of establishing an organization that can meet the VA recognition requirements in the proposed rule on their own. VA further welcomes additional comments as to the suitability of those alternative avenues through comments on this proposed rule. VA declines to make any changes based on this comment.
One commenter also recommended that “VA enter into Memorandums of Understanding with [F]ederally-recognized tribes and tribal organizations for [v]eterans' [s]ervice [o]fficer training and service reimbursement, on individual bases.” Another commenter objected to the fact that there was “no mention of funding to train and maintain such a position.” Section 5902, of title 38, United State Code, which is the law that authorizes VA to recognize organizations for the purpose of providing assistance on VA benefit claims, does not provide for the funding of such organizations to train and maintain representatives. Pursuant to § 14.628(d)(iii)(B), organizations are not precluded from seeking and receiving other sources of State and Federal grant funding so long as the organization's funding is not subject to limitations imposed under any Federal grant or law which would prevent it from representing claimants before VA. Therefore, VA declines to make any changes based on these comments.
One commenter wrote that VA “. . . should include [F]ederally-recognized tribes, not just tribal organizations funded by tribal governments, as an entity from which applications will be considered to be recognized for . . .” VA accreditation. Another commenter suggested adding “[F]ederally recognized tribes” or “[F]ederally recognized tribal governments” as part of the definition for tribal organizations. Another commenter suggested adding tribal communities. For the purposes of the regulations pertaining to the representation of VA claimants, VA proposes to define a tribal government to mean “the Federally recognized governing body of any Indian tribe, band, nation, or other organized group or community . . .”. VA finds this definition to be inclusive of the comments, and therefore, no change is warranted.
Several commenters asked VA to clarify whether tribal governments, including veterans departments within these governments, would be eligible for VA recognition. A Department of Veterans Affairs or a Veterans Affairs office that is established and funded by a tribal government would be included in the definition of tribal organization. Therefore, no change to this rulemaking is warranted based on these comments.
One commenter asked that VA provide recognition for urban Indian organizations. The comment is unclear on whether such an organization would be able to apply for VA recognition as a tribal organization. VA declines to add an additional organization category at this time. In addition to the proposed amendments discussed in this rulemaking, an organization may still utilize other avenues to apply for VA recognition such as requesting VA Start Printed Page 47093recognition as a regional or local organization. To be recognized as a regional or local organization, an organization must meet the requirements of § 14.628(c) and (d).
One commenter expressed support for VA recognizing tribal organizations in an equal manner as VA recognizes State organizations but suggested that VA authorize a field office close to tribal administration locations and fund one or two veterans service officer positions. The tribal consultation and this proposed rulemaking are limited in scope to recognition for purposes of VA claims representation. The commenter's suggestion of adding a field office is beyond the scope, and therefore, VA declines to make any changes based on this comment. VA also declines to make any changes to the commenter's suggestion of funding job positions for veterans service officers. Part of the § 14.628(d) requirements is that an organization seeking accreditation must commit a significant portion of its assets to veterans' services and have adequate funding to properly perform those services. 38 CFR 14.628(d)(1)(iii).
A few commenters expressed concern that the proposed rulemaking is limiting VA recognition for the preparation, presentation, and prosecution of claims for VA benefits. One commenter seemed to think VA is depriving veterans from other title 38 benefits. The commenters did not specify what other accreditation they are seeking. As previously discussed, 38 CFR part 14 is limited in jurisdiction to recognizing organizations and accrediting individuals to assist in the preparation, presentation, and prosecution of VA benefit claims. Pursuant to section 5902, VA accreditation may not be granted for any other purpose. This rulemaking in no way deprives any veteran of any title 38 benefits. Therefore, no change is warranted based on these comments.
One commenter suggested that office space opportunities should be available to tribal governments and organizations in the same manner as they are available to State organizations. As previously discussed, this proposed rule would, under § 14.635, allow the Secretary to furnish office space and facilities, when available, to both State and tribal organization employees who are also accredited to national organizations for the purpose of assisting claimants in the preparation, presentation, and prosecution of claims for benefits. VA would be furnishing office space to tribal organizations in the same manner as it furnishes such space to State organizations. Therefore, no change is warranted based on this comment.
Several commenters suggested further outreach and collaboration. One commenter suggested that VA form a tribal workgroup to allow representatives from tribal organizations to collaborate on implementing the new program. One commenter provided VA with their tribal consultation policy. Other commenters suggested that VA engage in additional consultation with experts in Indian law and hold an all-tribes call to gather additional input for this rulemaking. VA appreciates this information. As previously noted, VA extended the comment period for an additional 15 days to ensure that all interested parties had an appropriate time to provide input. Therefore, VA finds that it has complied with the requirements of Executive Order 13175. VA notes that an additional 60-day comment period is provided for this proposed rule and invites any additional comment to this rulemaking to be provided during that time.
One commenter asked for the projected implementation date of this rulemaking. VA will publish a final rule to this proposed rule which will contain the effective date of the rulemaking.
The economic, interagency, budgetary, legal, and policy implications of this regulatory action have been examined, and it has been determined not to be a significant regulatory action under Executive Order 12866. VA's impact analysis can be found as a supporting document at http://www.regulations.gov, usually within 48 hours after the rulemaking document is published. Additionally, a copy of this rulemaking and its impact analysis are available on VA's Web site at http://www.va.gov/​orpm/​, by following the link for “VA Regulations Published From FY 2004 Through Fiscal Year to Date.”Start Printed Page 47094
There are no Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance programs numbers and titles associated with this proposed rule.
The Secretary of Veterans Affairs, or designee, approved this document and authorized Gina S. Farrisee, Deputy Chief of Staff, to sign and submit the document to the Office of the Federal Register for publication electronically as an official document of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Gina S. Farrisee, Deputy Chief of Staff, Department of Veterans Affairs, approved this document on July 14, 2016 for publication.
For the reasons set out in the preamble, the Department of Veterans Affairs proposes to amend 38 CFR part 14 as follows:
a. Redesignating paragraph (b) as paragraph (b)(1) and adding paragraph (b)(2); and
b. In the parenthetical at the end of the section, removing “2900-0439” and adding, in its place, 2900-XXXX”.
(b)(1) State organization. * * *
(2) Tribal organization. For the purposes of 38 CFR 14.626 through 14.637, an organization that is a legally established organization that is primarily funded and controlled, sanctioned, or chartered by one or more tribal governments and that has a primary purpose of serving the needs of Native American veterans. Only one tribal organization may be recognized for each tribal government. If a tribal organization is created and funded by more than one tgovernment, the approval of each tribal government must be obtained prior to applying for VA recognition. If one of the supporting tribal governments withdraws from the tribal organization, the tribal organization must notify VA of the withdrawal and certify that the tribal organization continues to meet the recognition requirements in paragraph (d) of this section.
[FR Doc. 2016-17052 Filed 7-19-16; 8:45 am]