United States Department of Veterans Affairs
United States Department of Veterans Affairs

Congressional and Legislative Affairs

Federal Regulations Significant to Veterans from the 107th Congress [December 2002 - January 2001]

[December 2002]

  • Extension of the Presumptive Period for Compensation for Gulf War Veterans' Undiagnosed Illnesses - The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) published a final rule in the Federal Register on December 27, 2002, to affirm an amendment to VA adjudication regulations regarding compensation for disabilities resulting from undiagnosed illnesses suffered by Persian Gulf War veterans. The amendment extends the period within which such disabilities must become manifest to a compensable degree in order for entitlement for compensation to be established. The amendment ensures that veterans with compensable disabilities due to undiagnosed illnesses that may be related to active service in the Southwest Asia theater of operations during the Persian Gulf War may qualify for benefits.
    Contact: John Bisset, Jr., Regulations Staff, Compensation and Pension Service, Veterans Benefits Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20420; telephone number (202) 273-7213.

  • Veterans' Advisory Committee on Education; Notice of Meeting - The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) published a notice in the Federal Register on December 27, 2002, that the Veterans' Advisory Committee on Education will meet on January 28, 2003, in Washington, DC. The agenda will include the Partnership for Veterans' Education, recent legislation, the Veterans' Education Outreach program, funding of State Approving Agencies, financial aid and the Montgomery GI Bill, electronic certification, accelerated payment procedures for ``high-tech training'', Education Liaison Representative issues, transfer of GI Bill Benefits status and the desirability of a committee Web site.
    Contact: Mr. Stephen Dillard or Mr. Michael Yunker, Department of Veterans Affairs, Education Service (225B), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20420; telephone: (202) 273-7187.

  • National Commission on VA Nursing; Notice of Meeting - The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) published a notice in the Federal Register on December 27, 2002, that the National Commission on VA Nursing will meet on January 8-9, 2003, in Las Vegas, NV. The Commission will meet to continue data analysis, update the work plan, finalize selection of sites for focus groups, review correspondence from VA staff, finalize issues paper, and review staffing data from VA facilities.
    Contact: Ms. Stephanie Williams, Program Analyst, Department of Veterans Affairs (108N), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20420; telephone: (202) 273-4944.

  • Government Owned Invention for Licensing - The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) published a notice in the Federal Register on December 20, 2002, of an invention owned by the US Government as represented by the Department of Veterans Affairs, and available for licensing in accordance with 35 USC207 and 37 CFRpart 404 to achieve expeditious commercialization of results of federally-funded research and development. Foreign patents are filed on selected inventions to extend market coverage for US companies and may also be available for licensing.
    • Microstimulator Neural Prosthesis
    Contact: Mindy Aisen, MD, Department of Veterans Affairs, Director Technology Transfer Program, Research and Development Office, Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20420; e-mail at mindy.aisen@mail.va.gov; telephone: (202) 275-7228.

  • Additional Disability or Death Due to Hospital Care, Medical or Surgical Treatment, Examination, Training and Rehabilitation Services, or Compensated Work Therapy Program - The Department of Veterans Affairs published a proposed rule in the Federal Register on December 12, 2002, to amend its adjudication regulations concerning awards of compensation or dependency and indemnity compensation for additional disability or death caused by VA hospital care, medical or surgical treatment, examination, training and rehabilitation services, or compensated work therapy program.
    The proposed amendment provides that benefits will be payable for additional disability or death caused by VA hospital care, medical or surgical treatment, or examination only if VA fault or ``an event not reasonably foreseeable'' proximately caused the disability or death. It further provides that benefits will be payable for additional disability or death proximately caused by VA's provision of training and rehabilitation services or compensated work therapy program.
    Comments Deadline: February 10, 2003.
    Address: Director, Office of Regulations Management (02D), Room 1154, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20420; or fax comments to (202) 273-9289; or e-mail comments to OGCRegulations@mail.va.gov. Comments should indicate that they are submitted in response to ``RIN 2900-AK77.''
    Contact: Beth McCoy, Consultant, Regulations Staff, Compensation and Pension Service (211A), Veterans Benefits Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, 111 West Huron Street, Buffalo, NY 14202; telephone: (716) 551-4842.

  • President's Task Force To Improve Health Care Delivery for Our Nation's Veterans, Notice of Meeting - The Department of Veterans Affairs published a notice in the Federal Register on December 10, 2002, that the President's Task Force to Improve Health Care Delivery for Our Nation's Veterans will meet on December 11, 2002, at the Ronald Reagan Building, International Trade Center, Washington, DC. The Task Force will discuss the format of and issues for the Final Report to the President
    Task Force Contact: Dan Amon, Communications Director, President's Task Force to Improve Health Care Delivery for Our Nation's Veterans, 1401 Wilson Boulevard, 4th Floor, Arlington, Virginia, 22209.

  • Enhanced-Use Lease Development of Property at the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Hines, IL - The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) published a notice in the Federal Register on December 10, 2002, that the Secretary is designating a site at the Edward Hines Jr., Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Hines, Illinois, for an enhanced-use lease development. The Department intends to enter into a long-term lease of real property with Catholic Charities, a not-for-profit charitable organization that will finance, design, develop, maintain and manage a transitional living center and low-income senior residence for veterans and non-veterans, at no cost to VA.
    Contact: Jacob Gallun, Office of Asset Enterprise Management (004B2), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW, Washington, DC. 20420; telephone number (202) 273-8862.

  • Vocational Training for Certain Children of Vietnam Veterans--Covered Birth Defects and Spina Bifida - The Department of Veterans Affairs published a final rule in the Federal Register on December 6, 2002, to establish regulations regarding provision of vocational training and rehabilitation for women Vietnam veterans' children with covered birth defects. It revises the current regulations regarding vocational training and rehabilitation for Vietnam veterans' children suffering from spina bifida to also encompass vocational training and rehabilitation for women Vietnam veterans' children with certain other birth defects. This is necessary to provide vocational training and rehabilitation for such children in accordance with recently enacted legislation.
    Effective Date: December 6, 2002.
    Contact: Charles A. Graffam, Consultant, Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Service (282), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20420; telephone: (303) 331-7552.

[November 2002]

  • Notice of Computer Matching Program - The Department of Veterans Affairs published a notice in the Federal Register on November 20, 2002, that the Department will conduct a computer matching program with the Social Security Administration. Data from the proposed match will be utilized to verify the unearned income (i.e., interest, dividends, etc.) of nonservice-connected veterans, and those veterans who are zero percent service-connected (noncompensable), whose eligibility for VA medical care is based on their inability to defray the cost of medical care. These veterans supply household income information that includes their spouses and dependents at the time of application for VA health care benefits.
    Contact: Kathleen E. Watkins, Assistant Director, Income Verification Division, Health Eligibility Center; telephone: (404) 235-1340.

  • Notice of Computer Matching Program - The Department of Veterans Affairs published a notice in the Federal Register on November 20, 2002, that the Department will conduct a computer matching program with the Internal Revenue Service. Data from the proposed match will be utilized to verify the unearned income (i.e., interest, dividends, etc.) of nonservice-connected veterans, and those veterans who are zero percent service-connected (noncompensable), whose eligibility for VA medical care is based on their inability to defray the cost of medical care. These veterans supply household income information that includes their spouses and dependents at the time of application for VA health care benefits.
    Contact: Kathleen E. Watkins, Assistant Director, Income Verification Division, Health Eligibility Center; telephone: (404) 235-1340.

  • Advisory Committee on Homeless Veterans; Notice of Meeting; Notice of Meeting - The Department of Veterans Affairs published a notice in the Federal Register on November 19, 2002, that the Advisory Committee on Homeless Veterans will meet on December 12 - 13, 2002, in Miami, FL. The Committee will receive information about efforts to coordinate services and increase veteran access to homeless services from VA and other health and benefits programs and review new initiatives to assist veterans. A town hall forum will be held to hear comments and concerns from current and formerly homeless veterans, service providers, faith-based organizations and tribal governments.
    Contact: Mr. Pete Dougherty, Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW, Washington, DC. 20420; telephone number (202) 273-5764.

  • Professional Certification and Licensure Advisory Committee; Notice of Meeting - The Department of Veterans Affairs published a notice in the Federal Register on November 15, 2002, that the Professional Certification and Licensure Advisory Committee will meet at the Department of Veterans Affairs, in Washington, DC, on December 4, 2002. The purpose of the Committee is to review the requirements of organizations or entities offering licensing and certification tests to individuals for which payment for such tests may be made under chapters 30, 32, 34, or 35 of Title 38, United States Code.
    Contact: Mr. Giles Larrabee or Mr. Michael Yunker, Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20420; telephone: (202) 273-7187.

  • Chiropractic Advisory Committee; Notice of Meeting - The Department of Veterans Affairs published a notice in the Federal Register on November 15, 2002, that the Chiropractic Advisory Committee will meet at the Department of Veterans Affairs, in Washington, DC, on December 4 - 5, 2002. The Committee will discuss chiropractic education, training, licensure, and techniques, and begin discussion of the scope of chiropractic services.
    Contact: Ms. Sara McVicker, RN, MN, Committee Manager, Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20420; telephone: (202) 273-8558.

  • Advisory Committee on the Readjustment of Veterans, Notice of Meeting - The Department of Veterans Affairs published a notice in the Federal Register on November 15, 2002, that the Advisory Committee on the Readjustment of Veterans will meet on December 12 - 13, 2002, at The American Legion, Washington Office, Washington, DC. The Advisory Committee agenda will include a review of the Readjustment Counseling Service Vet Center program and an update on VA medical center treatment programs for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and an update from the Veterans Benefits Administration on service-connected compensation for PTSD. The Committee will also focus on available information regarding the military-related service needs of returning combatants from the war on terrorism in Afghanistan, and a follow-up on the mental health needs of older veterans one year after the terrorist attacks in the United States.
    Contact: Mr. Charles M. Flora, M.S.W., Readjustment Counseling Service, Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW, Washington, DC. 20420; telephone: 273-8969.

  • Advisory Committee on Prosthetics and Special-Disabilities Programs, Notice of Meeting - The Department of Veterans Affairs published a notice in the Federal Register on November 8, 2001, that a meeting of the Advisory Committee on Prosthetics and Special-Disabilities Programs will meet on December 3 - 4, 2002, at VA Headquarters, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW, Washington, DC. The Committee's agenda will include briefings by briefings by the Chief Consultant of the Rehabilitation Strategic Healthcare Group, the Director of the Capital Asset Realignment for Enhanced Services (CARES) Program, and the directors of VA's special disability programs--spinal cord injury, blind rehabilitation, prosthetics, audiology and speech pathology. Additional briefings will be provided by the program directors of ophthalmology and optometry.
    Contact: Cynthia Wade, Veterans Health Administration (117), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20420; telephone: (202) 273-8485.

  • Advisory Committee on Minority Veterans, Notice of Meeting - The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) published a notice in the Federal Register on November 8, 2002, that the Advisory Committee on Minority Veterans will meet on November 20 - 22, 2002, at the VA Central Office in Washington, DC. The Committee will review its prior years' annual report recommendations and focus on its strategic plan for 2003.
    Contact: Ms. Ruby Miller, Center for Minority Veterans (00M), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW, Washington, DC. 20420; telephone: 273-6708.

  • Service Connection by Presumption of Aggravation of a Chronic Preexisting Disease - The Department of Veterans Affairs published a final rule in the Federal Register on November 7, 2002, that proposes to amend adjudication regulations concerning presumptive service connection to reflect a statutory presumption that a chronic disease that preexisted the veteran's entry into military service but was first manifest to a 10-percent degree of disability within a specified period after service was aggravated by the veteran's military service.
    Effective Date: November 7, 2002.
    Contact: John Bisset, Jr., Consultant, Regulations Staff, Compensation and Pension Service, Veterans Benefits Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20420; telephone: (202) 273-7213.

  • President's Task Force To Improve Health Care Delivery for Our Nation's Veterans, Notice of Meeting - The Department of Veterans Affairs published a notice in the Federal Register on November 4, 2002, that the President's Task Force to Improve Health Care Delivery for Our Nation's Veterans will meet on November 13, 2002, at the Ronald Reagan Building, International Trade Center, Washington, DC. The Task Force will discuss the format of and issues for the Final Report to the President.
    Task Force Contact: Dan Amon, Communications Director, President's Task Force to Improve Health Care Delivery for Our Nation's Veterans, 1401 Wilson Boulevard, 4th Floor, Arlington, Virginia, 22209.

  • Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA) - The Department of Veterans Affairs published a rule in the Federal Register on November 1, 2002, that proposes to affirm amendments to the Department's medical regulations to extend CHAMPVA eligibility to persons age 65 and over who would have otherwise lost their CHAMPVA eligibility due to attainment of entitlement to hospital insurance benefits under Medicare Part A; implement coverage of physical examinations required in connection with school enrollment for beneficiaries through age 17; and reduce the catastrophic cap for CHAMPVA dependents and survivors (per family) from $7,500 to $3,000 for each calendar year.
    Effective Date: November 1, 2002.
    Contact: Susan Schmetzer, Chief, Policy & Compliance Division, VA Health Administration Center, P.O. Box 65020, Denver, CO 80206-9020; telephone: (303) 331-7552.

[October 2002]

  • Schedule for Rating Disabilities; Evaluation of Multiple Scars - The Department of Veterans Affairs published a proposed rule in the Federal Register on October 29, 2002, to amend that portion of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Schedule for Rating Disabilities that addresses the Skin in order to clarify how to evaluate multiple superficial or deep scars in a uniform and consistent manner.
    Comment date: December 30, 2002.
    Contact: Caroll McBrine, MD, Consultant, Regulations Staff (211A), Compensation and Pension Service, Veterans Benefits Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20420; telephone: (202) 273-7210.

  • Evidence for Accrued Benefits - The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) published an final rule in the Federal Register on October 28, 2002, to amend adjudication regulations dealing with accrued benefits, those benefits to which an individual was entitled under existing ratings or decisions, or those based on ``evidence in the file at date of death,'' which were due and unpaid at the time the individual died. ``Evidence in the file at date of death'' is now interpreted as evidence in VA's possession on or before the date of the beneficiary's death, even if such evidence was not physically located in the VA claims folder on or before the date of death. Further, ``evidence necessary to complete the application'' for accrued benefits is now interpreted as information necessary to establish that the claimant is within the category of eligible persons and that circumstances exist which make the claimant the specific person entitled to the accrued benefits. These amendments reflect our interpretation of the governing statute.
    Effective Date: November 27, 2002.

    Contact: John Bisset, Jr., Regulations Staff, Compensation and Pension Service, Veterans Benefits Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20420; telephone number (202) 273-7213.

  • Government Owned Invention for Licensing - The Department of Veterans Affairs published a notices in the Federal Register on October 17, 2002, of an invention owned by the U.S. Government as represented by the Department of Veterans Affairs, and available for licensing in accordance with 35 USC 207 and 37 CFR part 404 to achieve expeditious commercialization of results of federally-funded research and development. Foreign patents are filed on selected inventions to extend market coverage for US companies and may also be available for licensing:
    • Firm Contact Apparel Prosthesis for Tremor Suppression and Method of Use Thereof
    Contact: Mindy Aisen, MD, Department of Veterans Affairs, Director Technology Transfer Program, Research and Development Office, Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20420; e-mail at mindy.aisen@mail.va.gov; telephone: (202) 275-0473.

  • Definition of Psychosis for Certain VA Purposes - The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) published a proposed rule in the Federal Register on October 11, 2002, to amend the 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. The intended effect of this proposed amendment is consistent application of these statutory provisions.
    Contact: Caroll McBrine, MD, Consultant, Regulations Staff (211A), Compensation and Pension Service, Veterans Benefits Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20420; telephone: (202) 273-7210.

  • Advisory Committee on Cemeteries and Memorials; Notice of Meeting - The Department of Veterans Affairs published a notice in the Federal Register on October 8, 2002, that the Advisory Committee on Cemeteries and Memorials will meet on October 28 - 31, 2002, in Washington, DC. The Committee will receive updates on NCA's ``National Shrine Commitment'' as it relates to historic preservation issues, and the Committee will be briefed on new cemetery construction, the State Cemetery Grants Program, legislative initiatives, and other issues related to the administration and maintenance of national cemeteries.
    Contact: Ms. Paige Lowther, Designated Federal Officer, Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20420; telephone: (202) 273-7380.

  • Loan Guaranty: Net Value and Pre-Foreclosure Debt Waivers - The Department of Veterans Affairs published a notice in the Federal Register on October 8, 2002, to amend the Loan Guaranty Regulations to change the formula for calculating the net value of property securing VA guaranteed loans being terminated and to add criteria for granting preforeclosure debt waivers. The changes regarding net value appear necessary to more accurately reflect current costs. The changes regarding waivers appear necessary to more accurately reflect statutory intent.
    Contact: Mr. Richard Fyne, Assistant Director for Loan Management (261), Loan Guaranty Service, Veterans Benefits Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20420; telephone: (202) 273-7380.

  • President's Task Force To Improve Health Care Delivery for Our Nation's Veterans, Notice of Meeting - The Department of Veterans Affairs published a notice in the Federal Register on October 8, 2002, that the President's Task Force to Improve Health Care Delivery for Our Nation's Veterans will meet on October 9, 2002, in Alexandria, Virginia. The morning and afternoon sessions will be a discussion of format and issues for the Final Report to the President.
    Task Force Contact: Dan Amon, Communications Director, President's Task Force to Improve Health Care Delivery for Our Nation's Veterans, 1401 Wilson Boulevard, 4th Floor, Arlington, Virginia, 22209
    • .

  • <Prohibition of Interment or Memorialization in National Cemeteries and Certain State Cemeteries Due to Commission of Capital Crimes - The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) published a notice in the Federal Register on October 8, 2002, to amend regulations governing eligibility for interment or memorialization in national cemeteries and in State cemeteries receiving State cemetery grants from VA. The final rule concerns statutory provisions designed to ensure that the remains of certain persons who committed Federal or State capital crimes are not interred in such cemeteries and that the memory of such persons is not memorialized in such cemeteries.
    Effective Date: November 7, 2002
    Contact: Kimberly Wright, Program Analyst, Office of Field Programs (401A2), National Cemetery Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20420; telephone: (202) 273-5307.

  • Veterans' Advisory Committee on Rehabilitation; Notice of Meeting - The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) published a notice in the Federal Register on October 8, 2002, that Veterans' Advisory Committee on Rehabilitation will meet on November 13 - 14, 2002, in Washington, DC. The Committee will receive an update regarding the current status of the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment program. In the afternoon, the Committee will receive a briefing regarding Traumatic Brain Injury services available through the VA Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation program.
    Contact: Ms. Alison Rosen, Designated Federal Officer, Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW, Washington, DC. 20420; telephone: 273-7208.

  • Enrollment--Provision of Hospital and Outpatient Care to Veterans Subpriorities of Priority Categories 7 and 8 and Annual Enrollment Level Decision - The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) published a final rule in the Federal Register on October 9, 2002, to implement a national enrollment system to manage the delivery of inpatient hospital care and outpatient medical care. Prior to October 1, 2002, veterans were eligible to be enrolled based on seven priority categories. In this final rule we add veterans awarded the Purple Heart to priority category 3 to implement new statutory requirements. We also delete the copayment provisions from priority category 4 to clarify statutory requirements. In addition, we divide priority category 7 into two new priority categories (7 and 8) to implement new statutory requirements, using the subpriorities for former category 7 for these new categories. Further, we state principles for placing veterans in enrollment categories to help ensure clarity and fairness in making priority category determinations. Finally, we change the VA officials who can make enrollment decisions and provide an additional address for sending a request for voluntary disenrollment.
    Effective Date: This interim final rule is effective January 17, 2003.
    Contact: Amy Hertz, Office of Policy and Planning (105D), Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20420; telephone number (202) 273-8934.

[September 2002]

  • Extension of the Presumptive Period for Compensation for Gulf War Veterans' Undiagnosed Illnesses - The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) published a final rule in the Federal Register on September 27, 2002, to amend VA's adjudication regulation governing recoupment of military severance pay from service-connected disability compensation to conform to the statutory provision that, effective September 15, 1981, requires the recoupment of any severance pay from VA compensation. VA is also amending these regulations to reflect the statutory provision that excludes Federal income tax withheld from payments of separation pay, severance pay, and readjustment pay made after September 30, 1996, from VA recoupment.
    Contact: John Bisset, Jr., Regulations Staff, Compensation and Pension Service, Veterans Benefits Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20420; telephone number (202) 273-7213.

  • Enhanced-Use Lease Development of Property at the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Columbia, South Carolina - The Department of Veterans Affairs published a notice in the Federal Register on September 24, 2002, that the Secretary intends to designate the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Columbia, South Carolina, for an enhanced use development. The Department intends to enter into a long-time lease (up to 75 years) of real property with a competitively selected lessee/developer who will finance, design, develop, maintain and manage this project.
    Contact: Edward Bradley, Office of Asset Enterprise Management (004B), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20420; telephone: (202) 565-9489.

  • Geriatrics and Gerontology Advisory Committee; Notice of Meeting - The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) published a notice in the Federal Register on September 19, 2002, that the Geriatrics and Gerontology Advisory Committee will meet on September 24, 2002. The meeting will be held in Washington, DC. The Committee agenda will include a Site visit to a Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Centers, discussion of the Millennium Act, Geriatrics and Extended Care Initiatives, the Geriatric Fellowship Program, and Aging Research in VA.
    Contact: Ms. Marsha Goodwin, Chief, Geriatrics Programs (114), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20420; telephone: (202) 273-8539.

  • Schedule for Rating Disabilities: Evaluation of Tinnitus - The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) published a proposed rule in the Federal Register on September 19, 2002, to state more explicitly the method of evaluation of tinnitus under diagnostic code 6260 in the 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.
    Comments Deadline: November 18, 2002.
    Contact: Caroll McBrine, MD, Consultant, Regulations Staff (211A), Compensation and Pension Service, Veterans Benefits Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20420; telephone: (202) 273-7210.

  • Advisory Committee on Former Prisoners of War; Notice of Meeting - The Department of Veterans Affairs published a notice in the Federal Register on September 19, 2002, that the Advisory Committee on Former Prisoners of War will meet at the Department of Veterans Affairs San Francisco Medical Center, October 7 - 9, 2002. The agenda will include discussion of future plans for the VA POW Learning Seminars, a report on VA's Compensation and Pension Service programs in progress, and a report on the activities of the Veterans Health Administration.
    Contact: Mr. Ronald J. Henke, Director, Compensation and Pension Service (21), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20420; telephone: (202) 273-6708.

  • Priorities for Outpatient Medical Services and Inpatient Hospital Care - The Department of Veterans Affairs published an interim final rule in the Federal Register on September 17, 2002, to amend the Department's medical regulations to establish that in scheduling appointments for non-emergency outpatient medical services and admissions for inpatient hospital care, VA will give priority to veterans with service-connected disabilities rated 50 percent or greater and veterans needing care for a service-connected disability. The Veterans' Eligibility Reform Act of 1996 authorizes VA to ensure that these two categories of veterans receive priority access to this type of care.
    Effective Date: September 17, 2002.
    Contact: Roscoe Butler, Chief Policy & Operations, Health Administration Service (10C3), Veterans Health Administration of the Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20420; telephone: (202) 273-8302.

  • Advisory Committee on Women Veterans, Notice of Meeting - The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) published a notice in the Federal Register on September 12, 2002, that the Advisory Committee on Women Veterans will will conduct site visits to the James A. Haley Veterans Hospital, in Tampa, Florida, and several other VA facilities in the area, on September 23 - 27, 2002. The purpose of the Committee is to advise the Secretary of Veterans Affairs regarding the needs of women veterans with respect to healthcare, rehabilitation, compensation, outreach, and other programs and activities administered by the VA designed to meet such needs. The Committee will make recommendations to the Secretary regarding such activities.
    Contact: Maryanne Carson, Department of Veterans Affairs, Center for Women Veterans, Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20420; telephone: (202) 273-6193.

  • Voluntary Service National Advisory Committee, Notice of Meeting - The Department of Veterans Affairs published a notice in the Federal Register on September 12, 2002, that the Voluntary Service National Advisory Committee (NAC) will meet in Indianapolis, Indiana, on October 14 - 15, 2002. The agenda will include an update on Veterans Health Administration and the Department's Voluntary Service program's progress since the 2001 NAC annual meeting; Parke Board update; review of the 2001 annual meeting evaluations; and plans for the 57th NAC annual meeting. On October 15, the business topics include: 2005 NAC annual meeting planning; membership report; review recommendations approved at the 2001 NAC annual meeting; subcommittee reports; Standard Operating Procedure Revisions; new business and Executive Committee appointments.
    Contact: Ms. Laura Balun, Administrative Officer, Voluntary Service Office (10C2), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20420; telephone: (202) 273-8392.

  • Research and Development Cooperative Studies Evaluation Committee; Notice of Meeting - The Department of Veterans Affairs published a notice in the Federal Register on September 11, 2002, that the Research and Development Cooperative Studies Evaluation Committee will meet on October 3, 2002, in Arlington, Virginia. The three new studies submitted for review are: Intensive vs Conventional Renal Support in Acute Renal Failure, Perioperative B--Adrenergic Receptor Blockage in Patients Undergoing Major Noncardiac Surgery, Anabolic Steroid Therapy on Pressure Ulcer Healing in Persons with SCI. In addition to the three new studies there will be one resubmission: Diiodothyroproprionic Acid, a Thyroid Analog to Treat Heart Failure and one progress review: Clinical Outcomes Utilizing Revascularization and Aggressive Drug Evaluation.
    Contact: Ms. Denise Shorter, Coordinator, Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW, Washington, DC. 20420; telephone: (202) 565-7016.

  • National Research Advisory Council; Notice of Meeting - The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) published a notice in the Federal Register on September 11, 2002, that the Veterans Affairs National Research Advisory Council will meet on September 26, 2002, in Herndon, Virginia. The Council will receive informational briefings on the VA Cooperative Studies Program; the Cooperative Studies Program DNA Bank; the VA Research, Education and Clinical Centers; and the VA research portfolio.
    Contact: Ms. Karen Scott, Office of Research and Development (12C2), Department of Veterans Affairs, 801 I Street, NW, Washington, DC 20420; telephone: (202) 565-8381.

  • Accelerated Payments Under the Montgomery GI Bill--Active Duty - The Department of Veterans Affairs VApublished a rule in the Federal Register on September 11, 2002, that proposes to amend the 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 rate of basic educational assistance allowance otherwise payable. This document also proposes to amend the regulation defining educational institution to include certain private technology entities.
    Comment date: November 12, 2002.
    Address: Director, Office of Regulations Management (02D), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW, Room 1154, Washington, DC 20420; or fax comments to (202) 273-9289; or e-mail comments to e-mail comments to OGCRegulations@mail.va.gov . Comments should indicate that they are submitted in response to "RIN 2900- AL22''.
    Contact: Lynn M. Cossette, Education Advisor, Education Service, Veterans Benefits Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20420; telephone: (202) 273-7294.

  • President's Task Force To Improve Health Care Delivery for Our Nation's Veterans, Notice of Meeting - The Department of Veterans Affairs published a notice in the Federal Register on September 6, 2002, that the President's Task Force to Improve Health Care Delivery for Our Nation's Veterans will meet September 11-12, 2002, at the Ronald Reagan Building, International Trade Center, Washington, DC. The Task Force will receive presentations by and have discussions with Dr. Robert H. Roswell, Under Secretary for Health, Department of Veterans Affairs, Mr. Thomas A. Scully, Administrator, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and Mr. John G. Clarkson, MD, Dean, University of Miami Medical School, representing the Association of American Medical Colleges.
    Task Force Contact: Dan Amon, Communications Director, President's Task Force to Improve Health Care Delivery for Our Nation's Veterans, 1401 Wilson Boulevard, 4th Floor, Arlington, Virginia, 22209.

  • Special Medical Advisory Group; Notice of Meeting - The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) published a notice in the Federal Register on September 6, 2002, that the Special Medical Advisory Group has scheduled a meeting on September 25, 2002. The meeting will be held at (VA) Central Office, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW, Washington, DC. The agenda for the meeting will include an update on Enrollment; Budget; Long Term Care; Tertiary and Specialized Care; Waiting Times; Workforce needs; and Capital Asset Realignment for Enhance services program.
    Contact: Celestine Brockington, Office of the Under Secretary for Health, Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20420; telephone: (202) 273-5878.

  • Chiropractic Advisory Committee; Notice of Meeting; Notice of Meeting - The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) published a notice in the Federal Register on September 4, 2002, that the Chiropractic Advisory Committee will hold its first meeting at the Department of Veterans Affairs, in Washington, DC, on September 23 - 25, 2002. The Committee will convene its opening session with an overview of the mission and objectives of the Committee, an ethics briefing, and orientation briefings on requirements of the Federal Advisory Committee Act and other administrative matters.
    Contact: Sara McVicker, RN, Designated Federal Officer, Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20420; telephone: (202) 273-8558.

  • Advisory Committee on Homeless Veterans, Notice of Meeting - The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) published a notice in the Federal Register on September 4, 2002, that the Advisory Committee on Homeless Veterans will meet on September 18 - 20, 2002, in Brecksville, Ohio. The Committee will visit program sites in the Cleveland, Ohio, receive information about Federal efforts to coordinate services, veteran access to homeless services from VA health and benefits programs and review new initiatives to assist veterans.
    Contact: Pete Dougherty, Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20420; telephone: (202) 273-5764.

  • Schedule for Rating Disabilities; The Spine - The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) published a proposed rule in the Federal Register on September 4, 2002, to amend the Schedule for Rating Disabilities by revising that portion of the Musculoskeletal 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.
    Comments Deadline: This amendment is effective November 4, 2002.
    Contact: Caroll McBrine, MD, Consultant, Regulations Staff (211A), Compensation and Pension Service, Veterans Benefits Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20420; telephone: (202) 273-7210.

[August 2002]

  • National Service Life Insurance - The Department of Veterans Affairs published a final rule in the Federal Register on August 26, 2002, to amend regulations regarding National Service Life Insurance by revising the texts of five sections of regulations into plain English. This amendment supports an Executive Memorandum that mandates plain language in written government communications.
    Contact: Gregory Hosmer, Senior Insurance Specialist, Department of Veterans Affairs Regional Office and Insurance Center, P.O. Box 8079, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19101; telephone: (215) 842-2000 extension 4280.

  • Notice of Intent To Grant Exclusive License - The Department of Veterans Affairs published a notice in the Federal Register on August 22, 2002, that its Research and Development Office intends to grant to 21st Century Medicine, Incorporated, an exclusive license to practice U.S. Patent Application Number 09/546,860, filed April 10, 2000, entitled Compositions and Methods for Tissue Preservation; and International Patent Application Number PCT/US01/11834 (WO 01/76364 A2), filed April 10, 2001, entitled Composition and Methods for Tissue Preservation.
    Comments Deadline: Comments must be received within fifteen (15) days from the date of this published Notice.
    Address: Mindy Aisen, MD, Department of Veterans Affairs, Director Technology Transfer Program, Research and Development Office, Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20420; telephone: (202) 408-3670; Facsimile: (202) 275-7228; e-mail at e-mail at mindy.aisen@mail.va.gov.
    Contact: Copies of the issued patents may be obtained from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office at http://www.uspto.gov.

  • Schedule for Rating Disabilities; Guidelines for Application of Evaluation Criteria for Certain Respiratory and Cardiovascular Conditions; Evaluation of Hypertension With Heart Disease - The Department of Veterans Affairs published a proposed rule in the Federal Register on August 22, 2002, to amend its Schedule for Rating Disabilities, in order to provide guidance in the evaluation of certain respiratory and cardiovascular conditions, and to explain that hypertension will be evaluated separately from hypertensive and other types of heart diseases. 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.
    Comments Deadline: October 21, 2002.
    Address: Director, Office of Regulations Management (02D), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW, Room 1154, Washington, DC 20420; or fax comments to (202) 273-9289; or e-mail comments to e-mail comments to OGCRegulations@mail.va.gov . Comments should indicate that they are submitted in response to "RIN 2900-AL26."
    Contact: Caroll McBrine, MD, Consultant, Regulations Staff (211A), Compensation and Pension Service, Veterans Benefits Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20420; telephone: (202) 273-7210.

  • Schedule for Rating Disabilities; Intervertebral Disc Syndrome - The Department of Veterans Affairs published a final rule in the Federal Register on August 22, 2002, to amend its Schedule for Rating Disabilities that addresses intervertebral disc syndrome. The effect of this action is to clarify the criteria to ensure that veterans diagnosed with this condition meet uniform criteria and receive consistent evaluations.
    Effective Date: September 23, 2002.
    Contact: Caroll McBrine, MD, Policy and Regulations Staff (211A), Compensation and Pension Service, Veterans Benefits Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20420; telephone: (202) 273-7230.

  • Professional Certification and Licensure Advisory Committee; Notice of Meeting - The Department of Veterans Affairs published a notice in the Federal Register on August 14, 2002, that the Professional Certification and Licensure Advisory Committee will meet at the Department of Veterans Affairs, in Washington, DC, on Wednesday, September 4 - 5, 2002. The purpose of the Committee is to review the requirements of organizations or entities offering licensing and certification tests to individuals for which payment for such tests may be made under chapters 30, 32, 34, or 35 of Title 38, United States Code.
    Contact: Mr. Giles Larrabee or Mr. Michael Yunker, Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20420; telephone: (202) 273-7187.

  • Accelerated Benefits Option for Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance and Veterans' Group Life Insurance - The Veterans Programs Enhancement Act of 1998 authorized the payment of accelerated benefits to terminally ill persons insured under Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance or Veterans' Group Life Insurance. The Department of Veterans Affairs published a final rule in the Federal Register on August 12, 2002, to amend the Department of Veterans Affairs regulations to establish a mechanism for implementing these statutory provisions.
    Effective Date: August 12, 2002.
    Contact: Greg Hosmer, Senior Attorney/Insurance Specialist, Insurance Program Administration and Oversight, Department of Veterans Affairs Regional Office and Insurance Center, Post Office Box 8079, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19101; telephone: (215) 842-2000, extension 4280.

  • Research and Development Office; Notice of Intent to Grant Exclusive License - The Department of Veterans Affairs published a notice in the Federal Register on August 5, 2002, that its Research and Development Office intends to grant to TransMedics, Incorporated, an exclusive license to U.S. Patent Numbers: 6,046,046, issued April 4, 2000, entitled Compositions, Methods and Devices for Maintaining an Organ; and 6,100,082, issued August 8, 2000, entitled Perfusion Apparatus and Method Including Chemical Compositions for Maintaining an Organ.
    Comments Deadline: Comments must be received within fifteen (15) days from the date of this published Notice.
    Address: Mindy Aisen, MD, Department of Veterans Affairs, Director Technology Transfer Program, Research and Development Office, Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20420; telephone: (202) 408-3670; Facsimile: (202) 275-7228; e-mail at e-mail at mindy.aisen@mail.va.gov.
    Contact: Copies of the issued patents may be obtained from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office at http://www.uspto.gov.

[July 2002]

  • Schedule for Rating Disabilities; The Skin - The Department of Veterans Affairs published a final rule in the Federal Register on July 31, 2002, to amend the Schedule for Rating Disabilities that addresses the Skin. The intended effect of this action is to update the portion of the rating schedule that deals with skin to ensure that it uses current medical terminology and unambiguous criteria, and that it reflects medical advances that have occurred since the last review.
    Note (1) : A correction to this final rule was published on September 16, 2002, regarding the Rate Schedule for 7802 Scars, other than head, face, or neck, that are superficial and that do not cause limited motion; 7807 American (New World) leishmaniasis (mucocutaneous, espundia); 7811 Tuberculosis luposa (lupus vulgaris), active or inactive; 7813 Dermatophytosis (ringworm: of body, tinea corporis; of head, tinea capitis; of feet, tinea pedis; of beard area, tinea barbae; of nails, tinea unguium; of inguinal area (jock itch), tinea cruris); 7818 Malignant skin neoplasms (other than malignant melanoma); and 7833 Malignant melanoma.
    Effective Date: This amendment is effective September 26, 2003.
    Note (2) : A correction to this final rule was published on October 9, 2002, regarding a 30-percent evaluation for recurrent debilitating episodes.
    Contact: Caroll McBrine, MD, Consultant, Policy and Regulations Staff (211A), Compensation and Pension Service, Veterans Benefits Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW, Room 1154, Washington, DC 20420; telephone: (202) 273-7230.

  • Testimony Certified or Under Oath - The Department of Veterans Affairs published a proposed rule in the Federal Register on July 31, 2002, to amend its adjudication regulation that requires written and oral testimony to be certified or given under oath or affirmation in most cases. VA believes that the global requirements in this regulation are no longer necessary to establish the credibility of most testimony offered in support of a claim for benefits. Removal of this regulation will help to streamline the claims process without affecting program integrity.
    Contact: Bob White, Team Leader, Plain Language Regulations Project, Veterans Benefits Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20420; telephone: (202) 273-7228.

  • Duty Periods; Inactive Duty for Training - The Department of Veterans Affairs published a final rule in the Federal Register on July 31, 2002, to amend regulations regarding service connection for disabilities incurred or aggravated during inactive duty for training. This amendment is necessary to insure the regulations accurately reflect a statutory amendment.
    Effective Date: July 31, 2002.
    Contact: Randy McKevitt, Consultant, Regulations Staff, Compensation and Pension Service, Veterans Benefits Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20420; telephone: (202) 273-7138.

  • Monetary Allowances for Certain Children of Vietnam Veterans; Identification of Covered Birth Defects - The Department of Veterans Affairs published a final rule in the Federal Register on July 31, 2002, to provide for payment of a monetary allowance for an individual with disability from one or more covered birth defects who is a child of a woman Vietnam veteran and to provide for the identification of covered birth defects, to implement recent legislation.
    Effective Date: July 31, 2002.
    Contact: Susan Schmetzer, Chief, Policy & Compliance Division, VHA Health Administration Center, Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW, Room 1154, Washington, DC 20420; telephone: (303) 331-7552.

  • Board of Veterans' Appeals: Rules of Practice--Attorney Fee Matters; Notice of Disagreement Requirement - The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) published a final rule in the Federal Register, on July 31, 2002, to amend regulations relating to attorney fees. The Department has removed the requirement that, in order for an agent or attorney to charge a fee for services provided in a case, there must have been a notice of disagreement filed in the case on or after November 18, 1988. This change is required by a statute enacted in December 2001.
    Contact: Steven L. Keller, Senior Deputy Vice Chairman, Board of Veterans' Appeals, Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20420; telephone: (202) 565-5978.

  • VA Acquisition Regulation: Construction and Architect-Engineer Contracts - The Department of Veterans Affairs published a final rule in the Federal Register on July 30, 2002, to amend the Department of Veterans Affairs Acquisition Regulation (VAAR). The rule
    • makes minor grammatical corrections and revisions, revises and updates section numbers and titles, relocates material to correspond to the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), and delegates authority
    • updates regulations and adds coverage regarding the authority of the National Cemetery Administration to award architect-engineer contracts
    • replaces a general prescription directing the use of all VAAR clauses relating to construction contracts with specific prescriptions for each clause, removes obsolete or duplicative material, updates the VAAR regarding the requirement for certificates of current cost or pricing data, and provides agency procedures regarding disclosure of the Government cost estimate on construction contracts
    • removes a ``guaranty'' clause from the VAAR and provides agency procedures for VA contracting officers to use the FAR ``warranty'' clause for construction contracts exceeding the micro-purchase threshold in order to protect the best interests of the Government
    • revises provisions regarding the acceptance of foreign construction materials to correspond to changes made in the FAR and to comply with the Trade Agreements Act and the North American Free Trade Agreement
    Effective Date: August 29, 2002. Contact: Don Kaliher, Acquisition Program Management eam (0495A), Office of Acquisition and Materiel Management, Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20420; telephone: (202) 273-8819.

  • Operation of Child Care Centers at VA Facilities - The Department of Veterans Affairs published a withdrawal in the Federal Register on July 30, 2002, of a of a proposed rule published in the Federal Register on December 27, 1989. The proposed rule and the comments received have been superseded by events. Effective Date: July 17, 2002. Contact: Renee Bruce, National Child Care Program Manager, VA Maryland Health Care System, 10 North Greene Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21201; telephone: (410) 605-7388.

  • Ankylosis and Limitation of Motion of Digits of the Hands - The Department of Veterans Affairs published a final rule in the Federal Register on July 26, 2002, to amend its Schedule for Rating Disabilities by revising the evaluation criteria for ankylosis and limitation of motion of the fingers and thumb in order to assure that veterans diagnosed with these conditions receive consistent evaluations. Effective Date: August 26, 2002. Contact: Caroll McBrine, M.D., Consultant, Regulations Staff (211A), Compensation and Pension Service, Veterans Benefits Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20420; telephone: (202) 273-7210.

  • Enrollment--Provision of Hospital and Outpatient Care to Veterans - VA's medical regulations captioned "Enrollment--Provision of Hospital and Outpatient Care to Veterans" implement a national enrollment system to manage the delivery of inpatient hospital care and outpatient medical care. Veterans currently are eligible to be enrolled based on seven priority categories. VA proposes to
    • add veterans awarded the Purple Heart to priority category 3 to implement new statutory requirements
    • delete the copayment provisions from priority category 4 to clarify statutory requirements
    • divide priority category 7 into two new priority categories (7 and 8) to implement new statutory requirements
    • use the current subpriorities for category 7 for these new categories
    • state principles for placing veterans in enrollment categories to help ensure clarity and fairness in making priority category determinations
    • change the VA officials who can make enrollment decisions and provide an additional address for sending a request for voluntary disenrollment
    Comments Deadline: August 22, 2002. Address: Director, Office of Regulations Management (02D), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW, Room 1154, Washington, DC 20420; or fax comments to (202) 273-9289; or e-mail comments to OGCRegulations@mail.va.gov. Comments should indicate that they are submitted in response to "RIN 2900-AK38." Contact: Amy Hertz, Office of Policy and Planning (105D) or Roscoe Butler, Chief Policy & Operations, Health Administration Service (10C3), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20420; telephone: (202) 273-8934.

  • Adjudication; Fiduciary Activities--Nomenclature Changes- The Department of Veterans Affairs published a final rule in the Federal Register on July 22, 2002, to amend its adjudication and fiduciary regulations to replace the titles of Adjudication Division, Adjudication Officer, Veterans Services Division, and Veterans Services Officer, with Veterans Service Center, and Veterans Service Center Manager. Other, nonsubstantive changes are also made. These changes are made for clarity and accuracy.
    Effective Date: July 17, 2002.
    Contact: Randy A. McKevitt, Consultant, Regulations Staff, Compensation and Pension Service, Veterans Benefits Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW, Washington, DC20420; telephone: (202) 273-7138.

  • Board of Veterans' Appeals: Rules of Practice--Effect of Procedural Defects in Motions for Revision of Decisions on the Grounds of Clear and Unmistakable Error - The Department of Veterans Affairs published a final rule in the Federal Register on July 17, 2002, to affirm an amendment to the Rules of Practice of the Board of Veterans' Appeals (Board) to provide that, when a motion to revise a Board decision on the grounds of clear and unmistakable error (CUE) fails to provide specific allegations of error, the Board will dismiss the motion without prejudice to refiling. This amendment was made necessary by a decision of the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.
    Comments Deadline: August 12, 2002.
    Contact: Steven L. Keller, Senior Deputy Vice Chairman (012), Board of Veterans' Appeals, Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20420; telephone: (202) 565-5978.

  • National Commission on VA Nursing; Notice of Meeting - The Department of Veterans Affairs published a notice in the Federal Register on July 16, 2002, that the National Commission on VA Nursing would meet on July 29-31, 2002, in Washington, DC. The Commission will consider legislative and organizational policy changes to enhance the recruitment and retention of nurses and other nursing personnel in VA; and to evaluate the future of the nursing profession in VA.
    Contact: Ms. Stephanie Williams, Program Analyst, Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW, Washington, DC20420; telephone: (202) 273-4944.

[June 2002]

  • Diseases Not Associated With Exposure to Certain Herbicide Agents - The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) published a notice in the Federal Register on June 24, 2002, under the authority granted by the Agent Orange Act of 1991, (Public Law 102-4), that a presumption of service connection based on exposure to herbicides used in the Republic of Vietnam during the Vietnam era is not warranted for the following Hepatobiliary cancers, nasal and nasopharyngeal cancer, bone cancers, breast cancer, cancers of the female reproductive system, urinary bladder cancer, renal cancer, testicular cancer, leukemia, reproductive effects (abnormal sperm parameters and infertility), Parkinson's disease, chronic persistent peripheral neuropathy, lipid and lipoprotein disorders, gastrointestinal and digestive disease (other than diabetes mellitus), immune system disorders, circulatory disorders, respiratory disorders (other than certain respiratory cancers), skin cancer, cognitive and neuropsychiatric effects, gastrointestinal tract tumors, brain tumors, amyloidosis, and any other condition for which the Secretary has not specifically determined a presumption of service connection is warranted.
    Contact: John Bisset, Jr., Consultant, Regulations Staff, Compensation and Pension Service, Veterans Benefits Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20420; telephone: (202) 273-7213.

  • President's Task Force To Improve Health Care Delivery for Our Nation's Veterans, Notice of Meeting - The Department of Veterans Affairs published a notice in the Federal Register on June 20, 2002, that the President's Task Force to Improve Health Care Delivery for Our Nation's Veterans will meet on July 1, 2002, at the Ronald Reagan Building, International Trade Center, Washington, DC. The Task Force will hold an open discussion on the Draft Interim Report as discussed during the June 2002 meeting.
    Task Force Contact: Dan Amon, Communications Director, President's Task Force to Improve Health Care Delivery for Our Nation's Veterans, 1401 Wilson Boulevard, 4th Floor, Arlington, Virginia, 22209.

  • Suspension of CHAMPVA or TRICARE or TRICARE-for-Life Eligibles' Enrollment in the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program - The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) published a final rule in the Federal Register on June 18, 2002, allow CHAMPVA or TRICARE or TRICARE-for-Life eligible FEHB Program annuitants, survivors, and former spouses to suspend their FEHB enrollments, and then return to the FEHB Program during the Open Season, or return to FEHB coverage immediately, if they involuntarily lose CHAMPVA or TRICARE or TRICARE-for-Life coverage. The intent of this rule is to allow these beneficiaries to avoid the expense of continuing to pay FEHB Program premiums while they are using TRICARE or TRICARE-for-Life or CHAMPVA coverage, without endangering their ability to return to the FEHB Program in the future.
    OPM Effective date: July 18, 2002.
    OPM Contact: Michael W. Kaszynski, Policy Analyst, Insurance Policy and Information Division, Office of Personnel Management, Room 3425, 1900 E Street, NW, Washington, DC 20415-0001; telephone: (202) 606-0004.

  • Filipino Veterans Eligible for Hospital Care, Nursing Home Care, and Medical Services -The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) published a final rule in the Federal Register on June 17, 2002, to amend VA's medical regulations to add provisions implementing statutory changes providing that certain Filipino veterans in receipt of disability compensation at the full dollar rate are eligible for hospital care, nursing home care, and medical services in the same manner as a veteran.
    Effective Date: June 17, 2002.
    Contact: Roscoe Butler, Health Administration Service, (10C3), Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20420; telephone: (202) 273-8302.

  • Repeal of Dual Compensation Reductions for Military Retirees - The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) published a final rule in the Federal Register on June 14, 2002, recognizing the end of reductions in uniformed service (military) retired or retainer pay previously required by law of military retirees employed by the Federal Government. OPM has adopted the interim regulations published in the Federal Register on April 12, 2000 as final without change.
    OPM Effective date: July 15, 2002.
    OPM Contact: Laurence T. Lorenz; telephone: (202) 606-0960; facsimile: (202) 606-2329; or e-mail: ltlorenz@opm.gov.

  • Draft Information Quality Guidelines - The Department of Veterans Affairs' Office of Information and Technology published a notice in the Federal Register on June 12, 2002, announcing an opportunity for public comment on the proposed Information Quality Guidelines for Ensuring and Maximizing the Quality, Objectivity, Utility, and Integrity of Information Disseminated by VA. This notice solicits comments on procedures to obtain correction of information disseminated by VA.
    Link to Draft Guidelines: http://www.va.gov/oirm/s515.
    Comments Deadline: July 2, 2002.
    Address: Denise McLamb, Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20420; Fax: (202) 273-5981; E-mail: 515.pocs@mail.va.gov.
    Contact: Denise McLamb, Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20420; telephone: (202) 273-8030.

  • Rehabilitation Research and Development Service Scientific Merit Review Board; Notice of Meeting - The Department of Veterans Affairs published a notice in the Federal Register on June 12, 2002, that the Rehabilitation Research and Development Service Scientific Merit Review Board will meet on July 24-25, 2002, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, in Washington, DC. The purpose of the meeting is to review rehabilitation research and development applications for scientific and technical merit and to make recommendations to the Director, Rehabilitation Research and Development Service, regarding their funding.
    Contact: Ms. Victoria Mongiardo, Program Analyst, Rehabilitation Research and Development Service (122P), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW, Washington, DC. 20420; telephone: (202) 408-3684.

  • Board of Veterans' Appeals Rules of Practice: Speeding Appellate Review for Aging Veterans - The Department of Veterans Affairs published a proposed rule in the Federal Register on June 12, 2002, to amend Rules of Practice at the Board of Veterans' Appeals to provide that a case may be advanced on the Board's docket because of the appellant's advanced age. This change is necessary to speed the appellate process for the large group of aging veterans.
    Comments Deadline: August 12, 2002.
    Address: Director, Office of Regulations Management (02D), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW, Room 1154, Washington, DC 20420. Fax: (202) 273-9289. E-mail: OGCRegulations@mail.va.gov. Comments should indicate that they are submitted in response to ``RIN 2900-AL08.''
    Contact: Steven L. Keller, Senior Deputy Vice Chairman (012), Board of Veterans' Appeals, Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20420; telephone: (202) 565-5978.

  • Research Advisory Committee on Gulf War Veterans' Illnesses; Notice of Meeting - The Department of Veterans Affairs published a notice in the Federal Register on June 6, 2002, that the Research Advisory Committee on Gulf War Veterans' Illnesses will meet on June 25, 2002 at the American Legion Building, 1608 K Street, NW, Washington, DC. The meeting will begin with a presentation of the Committee's interim report and will be followed by a discussion on research studies. Committee members will present and discuss key scientific research and research recommendation proposals affecting Gulf War veterans.
    Contact: Ms. Laura O'Shea (008A1), Committee Manager, Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20420; telephone: (202) 273-5031.

  • Enhanced-Use Lease Development of Property at the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Tuscaloosa, AL - The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) published a notice in the Federal Register on June 6, 2002, that the Secretary is designating the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Tuscaloosa, for an enhanced-use leasing development. The Department intends to enter into a long-term lease of real property with a competitively selected lessee/developer who will finance, design, develop, maintain and manage a hospice facility, all at not cost to VA.
    Contact: Jacob Gallun, Office of Asset Enterprise Management (004B2), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20420; telephone number (202) 273-8862.

[May 2002]

  • Cost-of-Living Adjustments and Headstone or Marker Allowance Rate - The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) published a notice in the Federal Register, on May 24, 2002, of cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) in certain benefit rates and income limitations. These COLAs affect the pension, parents' dependency and indemnity compensation (DIC), and spina bifida, and birth defects programs. These adjustments are based on the rise in the Consumer Price Index during the one year period ending September 30, 2001. VA is also giving notice of the maximum amount of reimbursement that may be paid for headstones or markers purchased in lieu of Government-furnished headstones or markers in Fiscal Year 2002, which began on October 1, 2001.
    Effective Date: December 1, 2001.
    Contact: Paul Trowbridge, Consultant, Compensation and Pension Service (212A), Veterans Benefit Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20420; telephone: (202) 273-7218.

  • Advisory Committee on Structural Safety of Department of Veterans Affairs Facilities; Notice of Meeting - The Department of Veterans Affairs published a notice in the Federal Register on May 24, 2002, that the Advisory Committee on Structural Safety of Department of Veterans Affairs Facilities will meet on June 6 - 7, 2002, at the Export Import Bank, 811 Vermont Avenue, NW, Washington, DC. The Committee will review developments in the field of structural design, as they relate to seismic safety of buildings, fire safety issues, and will vote on structural and fire safety issues for inclusion in VA's standards.
    Task Force Contact: Kristna K. Banga, Senior Structural Engineer, Facilities Quality Service, Office of Facilities Management, Department of Veterans Affairs, Washington, DC 20420; telephone: (202) 565-9370.

  • President's Task Force To Improve Health Care Delivery for Our Nation's Veterans, Notice of Meeting - The Department of Veterans Affairs published a notice in the Federal Register on May 24, 2002, that the President's Task Force to Improve Health Care Delivery for Our Nation's Veterans will meet on June 5 - 6, 2002, at the Ronald Reagan Building, International Trade Center, Washington, DC.
    Task Force Contact: Dan Amon, Communications Director, President's Task Force to Improve Health Care Delivery for Our Nation's Veterans, 1401 Wilson Boulevard, 4th Floor, Arlington, Virginia, 22209.

  • National Research Advisory Council; Notice of Meeting - The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) published a notice in the Federal Register on May 24, 2002, that the Veterans Affairs National Research Advisory Council will meet on June 20, 2002, in Herndon, Virginia. The purpose of the Council is to provide external advice and review for VA's research mission.
    Contact: Ms. Karen Scott, Office of Research and Development (12C2), Department of Veterans Affairs, 801 I Street, NW, Washington, DC 20420; telephone: (202) 565-8381.

  • Scientific Review and Evaluation Board for Health Services Research and Development Service, Notice of Meeting - The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) published a notice in the Federal Register on May 24, 2002, that a meeting of the Scientific Review and Evaluation Board for Health Services Research and Development Service will be held at the Washington Plaza Hotel, 10 Thomas Circle, NW, Washington, March 6, 2001. The purpose of the meeting is to review research and development applications concerned with the measurement and evaluation of health care services and with testing new methods of health care delivery and management, and nursing research.
    Contact: Dr. Martha Bryan, Assistant Director, Scientific Review (124F), Health Services Research and Development Service, Department of Veterans Affairs, 1400 I Street, NW, Suite 780, Washington, DC; telephone: (202) 408-3665.

  • Board of Veterans' Appeals: Rules of Practice--Attorney Fee Matters - The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) published a proposed rule in the Federal Register, on May 23, 2002, by establishing safeguards in the case of ``disinterested third-parties'' who pay a veteran's attorney fees and by simplifying certain notice procedures.
    Effective Date: June 24, 2002, except for 20.609(i) which is effective July 22, 2002.
    Applicability Date: Amendments to 38 CFR 20.609(i) will apply to third-party agreements received at the Board of Veterans' Appeals on or after July 22, 2002. Third party fee agreements received prior to that date will be subject to the pre-existing rules, which require that all fee agreements--including third-party agreements--be filed with the Board.
    Contact: Steven L. Keller, Senior Deputy Vice Chairman, Board of Veterans' Appeals, Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20420; telephone: (202) 565-5978.

  • Advisory Committee on Minority Veterans, Notice of Meeting - The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) published a notice in the Federal Register on May 21, 2002, that the Advisory Committee on Minority Veterans will meet on June 10 - 12, 2002, at the VA Central Office in Washington, DC. The Committee will meet to write the Committee's legislatively mandated annual report.
    Contact: Anthony T. Hawkins, Center for Minority Veterans (00M), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20420; telephone: 273-6708.

  • Medical Benefits Package; Copayments for Extended Care Services - The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) published a final rule in the Federal Register on May 17, 2002, to amend VA's medical regulations by adding the following extended care services to the medical benefits package:
    • noninstitutional adult day health care
    • noninstitutional adult day health care
    • noninstitutional respite care
    Also, this document amends VA's medical regulations to establish provisions regarding copayments for extended care services. These actions implement provisions of the Veterans Millennium Health Care and Benefits Act.
    Contact on the medical benefits package: Daniel Schoeps, Geriatrics and Extended Care (114), Veterans Benefits Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20420; telephone: (202) 273-8540.
    Contact on issues regarding copayments for extended care services: Nancy Howard, Revenue Office (174), Veterans Benefits Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20420; telephone: (202) 273-8198.

  • Eligibility for Burial of Adult Children; Eligibility for Burial of Minor Children; Eligibility for Burial of Certain Filipino Veterans - The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) published a proposed rule in the Federal Register on May 16, 2002, to amend regulations to provide a list of those individuals who are eligible for burial in a national cemetery. Under VA'sstatutory authority to determine which unmarried adult children of eligible persons may be buried in national cemeteries with available space, VA proposes to limit such burials to the remains of those adult children of any age who became permanently incapable of self-support because of a physical or mental disability incurred before their reaching the age of 21 years. VA also proposes to specify that the burial of minor children of eligible persons is limited to those under 21 years of age, or under 23 years of age if pursuing a full-time course of instruction at an approved educational institution. Additionally, this proposed amendment recognizes the eligibility for burial of certain Philippine Commonwealth Army veterans in national cemeteries.
    Comments Deadline: July 15, 2002.
    Address: Director, Office of Regulations Management (02D), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW, Room 1154, Washington, DC 20420. Fax: (202) 273-9289. E-mail: OGCRegulations@mail.va.gov. Comments should indicate that they are submitted in response to ``RIN 2900-AI95.''
    Contact: Karen Barber, Program Analyst, Communications and Regulatory Division (402B1), National Cemetery Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20420; telephone: (202) 273-5183.

  • Veterans Education: Increased Allowances for the Educational Assistance Test Program - The Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs published a final rule in the Federal Register on May 14, 2002, regarding the rates of subsistence allowance and educational assistance payable under the Educational Assistance Test Program. After consultation with the Department of Education, the Department of Defense has concluded that the rates for the 2001-02 academic year should be increased by 4.7% over the rates payable for the 2000-01 academic year. The regulations dealing with these rates are amended accordingly.
    Effective date: May 14, 2002.
    Contact: William G. Susling, Jr., Assistant Director for Policy and Program Development, Education Service (225), Veterans Benefits Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20420; telephone: (202) 273-7187.

  • Government Owned Invention for Licensing - The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) published a notice in the Federal Register on May 8, 2002, of an invention owned by the US Government as represented by the Department of Veterans Affairs, and available for licensing in accordance with 35 USC207 and 37 CFRpart 404 to achieve expeditious commercialization of results of federally-funded research and development. Foreign patents are filed on selected inventions to extend market coverage for US companies and may also be available for licensing.
    • Compositions and Methods for Tissue Preservation
    Contact: Mindy Aisen, MD, Department of Veterans Affairs, Director Technology Transfer Program, Research and Development Office, Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20420; e-mail at mindy.aisen@mail.va.gov; telephone: (202) 275-7228.

  • Advisory Committee on Homeless Veterans; Notice of Meeting; Notice of Meeting - The Department of Veterans Affairs published a notice in the Federal Register on May 7, 2002, that the Advisory Committee on Homeless Veterans will meet on June 3 - 5, 2002, at the Ronald Reagan Building, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC. The Committee shall assemble and review information relating to the needs of homeless veterans and provide advice on the most appropriate means of providing assistance to homeless veterans. The Committee will make recommendations to the Secretary regarding such activities.
    Contact: Mr. Pete Dougherty, Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20420; telephone: (202) 273-5764.

  • Copayments for Inpatient Hospital Care and Outpatient Medical Care - The Department of Veterans Affairs published a proposed rule in the Federal Register on May 7, 2002, to set forth a mechanism for determining copayments for inpatient hospital care and outpatient medical care. These amendments were made by an interim final rule, on December 6, 2001, and were necessary to implement provisions of the Veterans Millennium Health Care and Benefits Act and to set forth exemptions from copayment requirements as mandated by statute.
    Effective Date: May 2, 2002.
    Contact: Nancy L. Howard, Revenue Office (174), Office of Finance, Veterans Health Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20420; telephone: (202) 273-8198.

  • Research and Development Cooperative Studies Evaluation Committee; Notice of Meeting - The Department of Veterans Affairs published a notice in the Federal Register on May 2, 2002, that the Research and Development Cooperative Studies Evaluation Committee will meet at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City at Reagan National Airport, 2799 Jefferson Davis Highway, Arlington, Virginia 22202, on May 16, 2002. The three new studies submitted for review are: Diiodothyroproprionic Acid, a Thyroid Analog to Treat Heart Failure, Phase II Trial; The Midwest Gulf War Cohort Study; and Ft. Devens Gulf War Veteran Cohort, A Longitudinal Study
    Contact: Ms. Denise Shorter, Staff Assistant, Department of Veterans Affairs (125D), 810 Vermont Avenue, NW, Washington, DC. 20420; telephone: (202) 565-7016.

[April 2002]

  • Enhanced-Use Lease Development of Property at the Department of Veterans Affairs Somerville Asset Management Service Facility, Hillsborough, NJ - The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) published a notice in the Federal Register on April 15, 2002, that the Secretary intends to designate the VA Somerville Asset Management Service facility, Hillsborough, NJ, for an enhanced-use lease development. The Department intends to enter into a long-term lease of real property with a competitively selected lessee/developer who will finance, design, develop, maintain, and manage the project, all at no cost to VA.
    Contact: Ed Bradley, Office of Asset Enterprise Management (004B), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20420; telephone number: (202) 565-9489.

  • Professional Certification and Licensure Advisory Committee; Notice of Meeting - The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) published a notice in the Federal Register on April 11, 2002, that the Professional Certification and Licensure Advisory Committee will meet at the Department of Veterans Affairs, Washington, DC, on April 23 - 24, 2002. Discussions will include outreach actions and training for State approving agency personnel, Certification Opportunities On-Line, Defense Activities Non-Traditional Education Support, and Licensing and Certification Approval System.
    Contact: Giles Larrabee or Michael Yunker, Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20420; telephone number: (202) 273-7187.

  • Advisory Committee on Former Prisoners of War; Notice of Meeting - The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) published a notice in the Federal Register on April 11, 2002, that the Advisory Committee on Former Prisoners of War will meet at the Department of Veterans Affairs, Washington, DC, on April 22 - 24, 2002. Discussions will include future plans for the VA POW Learning Seminars; a report from the Special Medical Panel on Presumptive Conditions among Former Prisoners of War; a review of VA's Compensation and Pension Service activities, including new outreach initiatives to Former POWs, a progress report from VA's Presumptions Process Workgroup, a report on priority for POWs in Long-Term Health Care programs; and a presentation from the Robert E. Mitchell Center for Prisoner of War Studies.
    Contact: Ronald J. Henke, Director, Compensation and Pension Service (21), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20420; telephone number: (202) 273-7187.

  • Board of Veterans' Appeals Rules of Practice: Claim for Death Benefits by Survivor - The Department of Veterans Affairs published a final rule in the Federal Register on April 5, 2002, to amend Rules of Practice at the Board of Veterans' Appeals to clarify that the general rule that the Board is not bound by prior dispositions during the veteran's lifetime of issues involved in the survivor's claim does not apply to claims for "enhanced" Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC). This amendment is necessary to eliminate confusion between the Board's current rule and another rule relating to DIC for survivors of certain veterans rated totally disabled at the time of death.
    Effective Date: May 6, 2002.
    Contact: Steven L. Keller, Senior Deputy Vice Chairman (012), Board of Veterans' Appeals, Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20420; telephone: (202) 565-5978.

    • [Board of Veterans Appeals Link]
    		 Board of Veterans Appeals Link

  • Board of Veterans' Appeals Title Change - The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) published a final rule in the Federal Register on April 4, 2002, to amend VA regulations to reflect that the "Director of Administrative Service (014)" at the Board has been changed to the "Director, Management and Administration (01E)".
    Effective Date: April 4, 2002.
    Contact: Steven L. Keller, Senior Deputy Vice Chairman (012), Board of Veterans' Appeals, Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20420; telephone: (202) 565-5978.

  • President's Task Force To Improve Health Care Delivery for Our Nation's Veterans, Notice of Meeting - The Department of Veterans Affairs published a notice in the Federal Register on April 4, 2002, that the President's Task Force to Improve Health Care Delivery for Our Nation's Veterans will meet on April 10, 2002, at the Ronald Reagan Building International Trade Center, Washington, DC.
    Task Force Contact: Dan Amon, Communications Director, President's Task Force to Improve Health Care Delivery for Our Nation's Veterans, 1401 Wilson Boulevard, 4th Floor, Arlington, Virginia, 22209.

[March 2002]

  • Research Advisory Committee on Gulf War Veterans' Illnesses; Notice of Meeting - The Department of Veterans Affairs published a notice in the Federal Register on March 29, 2002, that the Research Advisory Committee on Gulf War Veterans' Illnesses will meet on April 11 - 12, 2002, at the Department of Veterans Affairs Central Office in Washington, DC. The Committee will receive briefings on research initiatives affecting Gulf War veterans. Those briefings will focus on epidemiology, risk factors, the nature of the disease, treatments, research policies, and other related topics. The meeting will include opportunities to discuss the material presented in the briefings, and planning for the Committee's first annual report.
    Contact: Ms. Laura O'Shea, Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20420; telephone: (202) 273-5031.

  • Advisory Committee on Education, Notice of Meeting - The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) published a notice in the Federal Register on March 20, 2002, that the Advisory Committee on Education will meet on March 25 - 26, 2002, at the Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges in Washington, DC. The Committee will receive an ethics briefing from the Office of General Counsel; examine the results of the Secretary's VAClaims Processing Task Force; focus on minority business access to government contracting and problems experienced by minority veteran-owned businesses; and be briefed about VAReadjustment Counseling services located on Indian Reservations.
    Michael Yunker, Education Strategy Development (224B), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20420; telephone: (202) 273-7187.

  • Privacy Act of 1974; Report of Matching Program - The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) published a notice in the Federal Register on March 20, 2002, that VAintends to continue a recurring computer program matching Social Security Administration (SSA) records with VApension and parents' dependency and indemnity compensation (DIC) records. VAplans to match records of veterans, surviving spouses and children who receive pension, and parents who receive DIC, with SSAincome tax return information as it relates to earned income. VAwill also match records of veterans receiving disability compensation at the 100 percent rate based on unemployability with SSAincome tax return information as it relates to earned income.

  • Advisory Committee on Minority Veterans, Notice of Meeting - The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) published a notice in the Federal Register on March 18, 2002, that the Advisory Committee on Minority Veterans will meet on March 25 - 27, 2002, at the VARegional Office in Washington, DC. The Committee will discuss the Partnership for Veterans' Education and recent legislation; and receive briefings on the Veterans' Claims Processing Task Force's report.
    Advisory Committee on Minority Veterans, Center for Minority Veterans (00M), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20420.

  • President's Task Force To Improve Health Care Delivery for Our Nation's Veterans, Notice of Meeting - The Department of Veterans Affairs published a notice in the Federal Register on March 14, 2002, that the President's Task Force to Improve Health Care Delivery for Our Nation's Veterans will meet on March 13, 2002, at the Ronald Reagan Building International Trade Center, Washington, DC.
    Task Force Contact: Dan Amon, Communications Director, President's Task Force to Improve Health Care Delivery for Our Nation's Veterans, 1401 Wilson Boulevard, 4th Floor, Arlington, Virginia, 22209.

  • Time Limit for Requests for De Novo Review - The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) published a notice in the Federal Register on March 11, 2002, to amend adjudication regulations concerning the time a claimant has in which to request a de novo review of a claim at the Veterans Service Center level after filing a Notice of Disagreement. VA believes this amendment will eliminate unnecessary delays in the appeals process without adversely affecting claimants.
    Comments Deadline: March 10, 2002.
    Address: Director, Office of Regulations Management (02D), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW, Room 1154, Washington, DC 20420; fax: (202) 273-9289; or e-mail: OGCRegulations@mail.va.gov. Comments should indicate that they are submitted in response to ``RIN 2900- AK97.''
    Contact: Bill Russo, Regulations Staff, Compensation and Pension Service, Veterans Benefits Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW, Room 1154, Washington, DC 20420; telephone: (202) 273-7211.

  • Notice of Government Owned Invention Available for Licensing - The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) published a notice in the Federal Register on March 7, 2002, of an invention owned by the U.S. Government as represented by the Department of Veterans Affairs, and available for licensing in accordance with 35 USC 207 and 37 CFR part 404 to achieve expeditious commercialization of results of federally-funded research and development. Foreign patents are filed on selected inventions to extend market coverage for U.S. companies and may also be available for licensing:
    • Proinflammatory Fibrinopeptide
    Contact: Mindy Aisen, MD, Department of Veterans Affairs, Director Technology Transfer Program, Research and Development Office, Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20420; e-mail at mindy.aisen@mail.va.gov; telephone: (202) 275-7228.

  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Claims Based on Personal Assault - The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) published a final rule in the Federal Register on March 7, 2002, to amend adjudication regulations concerning the type of evidence that may be relevant in corroborating a veteran's statement regarding the occurrence of a stressor in claims for service connection of post-traumatic stress disorder resulting from personal assault. Effective Date: March 7, 2002. Contact: Bill Russo, Regulations Staff, Compensation and Pension Service, Veterans Benefits Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20420; telephone number (202) 273-7211.
    [National Center for PTSD Link]
    		 National Center for PTSD Link

  • Notice of Government Owned Invention Available for Licensing - The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) published a notice in the Federal Register on March 6, 2002, of an invention owned by the U.S. Government as represented by the Department of Veterans Affairs, and available for licensing in accordance with 35 USC 207 and 37 CFR part 404 to achieve expeditious commercialization of results of federally-funded research and development. Foreign patents are filed on selected inventions to extend market coverage for U.S. companies and may also be available for licensing:
    • Glucose Sensitive Regulator of Insulin Transcription
    Contact: Mindy Aisen, MD, Department of Veterans Affairs, Director Technology Transfer Program, Research and Development Office, Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20420; e-mail at mindy.aisen@mail.va.gov; telephone: (202) 275-7228.

  • Advisory Committee on Women Veterans, Notice of Meeting - The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) published a notice in the Federal Register on March 5, 2002, that the Advisory Committee on Women Veterans will meet on March 12-14, 2002, at the VA Headquarters, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW, Washington, DC. The purpose of the Committee is to advise the Secretary of Veterans Affairs regarding the needs of women veterans with respect to health care, rehabilitation, compensation, outreach, and other programs and activities administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs designed to meet such needs. The Committee will make recommendations to the Secretary regarding such activities. The agenda will include the introduction of New Member Dr. Irene Trowell-Harris, Director, Center for Women Veterans.
    Contact: Maryanne Carson, Department of Veterans Affairs, Center for Women Veterans, Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20420; telephone: (202) 273-6193.

  • Special Medical Advisory Group; Notice of Meeting - The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) published a notice in the Federal Register on March 5, 2002, that the Special Medical Advisory Group has scheduled a meeting on March 27, 2002. The meeting will be held at VA Central Office, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW, Washington, DC. The purpose of the meeting is to advise the Secretary and Under Secretary for Health relative to the care and treatment of disabled veterans, and other matters pertinent to the Department's Veterans Health Administration (VHA). The agenda for the meeting will include an update on VHA Quality and Performance program and an update on Capital Asset Realignment for Enhanced Services (CARES) program.
    Contact: Celestine Brockington, Office of the Under Secretary for Health, Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20420; telephone: (202) 273-5878.

  • Evidence for Accrued Benefits - The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) published an proposed rule in the Federal Register on March 4, 2002, dealing with accrued benefits, those benefits to which an individual was entitled under existing ratings or decisions, or those based on ''evidence in the file at date of death'' which were due and unpaid at the time the individual died.
    Comment date: Comments must be received by VA on or before May 3, 2002.
    Address: Director, Office of Regulations Management (02D), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW, Room 1154, Washington, DC 20420; fax: (202) 273-9289; e-mail: OGCRegulations@mail.va.gov. Comments should indicate that they are submitted in response to "RIN 2900-AH42."
    Contact: Randy A. McKevitt, Consultant, Regulations Staff, Compensation and Pension Service (211A), Veterans Benefits Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20420; phone: (202) 273-7138.

  • National Research Advisory Council; Notice of Meeting - The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) published a notice in the Federal Register on March