2900-AR96 202510 The Regulatory Plan and the Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions 2900 Department of Veterans Affairs VA Amendments to the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) adopts as final, with revisions, proposed regulations governing VA's Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC). Among other efficiencies and improvements, these revisions will enhance program administration, enable more consistent benefits delivery, and broaden eligibility requirements. 

]]> Economically Significant Previously Published in The Unified Agenda Final Rule Stage Yes No Regulatory 38 CFR part 17 38 U.S.C. 1720G Yes

This final rule will respond to comments and make changes to the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) and Program of General Caregiver Support Services (PGCSS) to improve program operations, update eligibility criteria, and ensure appropriate access to the programs for eligible Veterans, servicemembers, and their caregivers. These changes will further align PCAFC regulations with the decision of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit in Veteran Warriors, Inc. v. Sec'y of Veterans Affairs , 29 F.4th 1320 (Fed. Cir. 2022), which set aside VA’s definition of need for supervision, protection, and instruction. 

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38 U.S.C. 1720G. VA will update its regulations in 38 CFR part 71, which governs PCAFC.

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VA determined that there are no acceptable policy alternatives to implement the desired changes, particularly in light of the Court’s determination in Veteran Warriors .

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Costs are still being determined and will need to consider any changes made based on considerable comments received on the proposed rule.

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Delayed access to PCAFC benefits for eligible Veterans and their Family Caregivers, and decisions that do not align with legal mandates.

]]> NPRM 12/06/2024 89 FR 97404 NPRM Comment Period End 02/04/2025 Final Action 11/00/2026 No None No No No No Colleen Richardson Executive Director - Caregiver Support Program 2900 Department of Veterans Affairs VA 202 461-7337 colleen.richardson2@va.gov Washington DC 20420