2900-AR10 202510 The Regulatory Plan and the Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions 2900 Department of Veterans Affairs VA Updating VA Adjudication Regulations for Disability or Death Benefit Claims Related to Exposure to Certain Herbicide Agents

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) updates its adjudication regulations to incorporate the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act of 2019, ensuring veterans and their families receive the benefits to which they are entitled. The amendments include expanding the presumed exposure zone for veterans to offshore waters of Vietnam and adjusting exposure dates in the Korean Demilitarized Zone. The regulation also provides spina bifida benefits for children of certain veterans who served in Thailand and establishes a presumption of exposure based on locations where herbicide agents were used, tested, or stored.

]]> Economically Significant Previously Published in The Unified Agenda Final Rule Stage Yes No Regulatory 38 CFR 3.30 38 CFR 3.309 38 CFR 3.105 38 CFR 3.114 38 CFR 3.313 38 CFR 3.81 38 U.S.C. 1116 38 U.S.C. 1116A 38 U.S.C. 1116B 38 U.S.C. 1821 38 U.S.C. 1822 No NPRM 02/12/2024 89 FR 9803 NPRM Correction 02/23/2024 89 FR 13622 NPRM Comment Period End 04/12/2024 Final Action 08/00/2026 No None No No No No Jadine Piper Acting Assistant Director - Compensation Service 2900 Department of Veterans Affairs VA 202 461-9700 jadine.piper@va.gov Washington DC 20420