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    <RIN_INFO>
        <RIN>2900-AS52</RIN>
        <PUBLICATION>
            <PUBLICATION_ID>202510</PUBLICATION_ID>
            <PUBLICATION_TITLE>The Regulatory Plan and the Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions</PUBLICATION_TITLE>
        </PUBLICATION>
        <AGENCY>
            <CODE>2900</CODE>
            <NAME>Department of Veterans Affairs</NAME>
            <ACRONYM>VA</ACRONYM>
        </AGENCY>
        <RULE_TITLE>Expanding Eligibility for Readjustment Counseling Services
</RULE_TITLE>
        <ABSTRACT><![CDATA[<!DOCTYPE html>
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<head>
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<p>The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) proposes to amend its regulations on readjustment counseling provided to eligible individuals through VA Vet Centers. We propose aligning the regulations with recent statutory amendments that expanded eligibility to reserve members who served on active duty in response to a declared national emergency or major disaster; National Guard members activated by the State in response to a disaster or civil disorder in that State; members of the Coast Guard who participated in drug interdiction operations; and, those receiving covered educational benefits. This proposed rule would also provide readjustment counseling to a family member of a veteran or member of the Armed Forces who died by suicide. In addition, the rule would authorize readjustment counseling for individuals who cannot immediately produce proof of eligibility but who VA believes likely will be found eligible; it also sets the rate VA charges if any such individual is later found ineligible for the counseling received.&nbsp; Although these cases are uncommon, VA is required by law to collect the costs of care provided to ineligible veterans.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
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        <PRIORITY_CATEGORY>Substantive, Nonsignificant</PRIORITY_CATEGORY>
        <RIN_STATUS>First Time Published in The Unified Agenda</RIN_STATUS>
        <RULE_STAGE>Proposed Rule Stage</RULE_STAGE>
        <MAJOR>No</MAJOR>
        <UNFUNDED_MANDATE_LIST>
            <UNFUNDED_MANDATE>No</UNFUNDED_MANDATE>
        </UNFUNDED_MANDATE_LIST>
        <EO_13771_DESIGNATION>Not subject to, not significant</EO_13771_DESIGNATION>
        <CFR_LIST>
            <CFR>38 CFR 17.2000</CFR>
        </CFR_LIST>
        <LEGAL_AUTHORITY_LIST>
            <LEGAL_AUTHORITY>38 U.S.C. 1712A</LEGAL_AUTHORITY>
        </LEGAL_AUTHORITY_LIST>
        <LEGAL_DLINE_LIST/>
        <RPLAN_ENTRY>No</RPLAN_ENTRY>
        <TIMETABLE_LIST>
            <TIMETABLE>
                <TTBL_ACTION>NPRM</TTBL_ACTION>
                <TTBL_DATE>07/00/2026</TTBL_DATE>
            </TIMETABLE>
        </TIMETABLE_LIST>
        <RFA_REQUIRED>No</RFA_REQUIRED>
        <GOVT_LEVEL_LIST>
            <GOVT_LEVEL>None</GOVT_LEVEL>
        </GOVT_LEVEL_LIST>
        <FEDERALISM>No</FEDERALISM>
        <ENERGY_AFFECTED>No</ENERGY_AFFECTED>
        <PRINT_PAPER>No</PRINT_PAPER>
        <INTERNATIONAL_INTEREST>No</INTERNATIONAL_INTEREST>
        <AGENCY_CONTACT_LIST>
            <CONTACT>
                <FIRST_NAME>Sallie</FIRST_NAME>
                <LAST_NAME>Massarsky</LAST_NAME>
                <TITLE>Director - Office of Regulatory Oversight and Management</TITLE>
                <AGENCY>
                    <CODE>2900</CODE>
                    <NAME>Department of Veterans Affairs</NAME>
                    <ACRONYM>VA</ACRONYM>
                </AGENCY>
                <PHONE>202 632-5798</PHONE>
                <EMAIL>sallie.massarsky@va.gov</EMAIL>
                <MAILING_ADDRESS>
                    <STREET_ADDRESS></STREET_ADDRESS>
                    <CITY>Washington</CITY>
                    <STATE>DC</STATE>
                    <ZIP>20420</ZIP>
                </MAILING_ADDRESS>
            </CONTACT>
        </AGENCY_CONTACT_LIST>
    </RIN_INFO>
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