VA Extends Caregiver Support to 2028 for Vets

2025-21242 — Extending Deadline for Debtor To Request a Waiver

The VA is giving veterans more time—up to one year instead of 180 days—to ask for a waiver on debts related to benefits. This change, effective January 26, 2026, helps reduce stress by giving veterans extra breathing room to handle their debt issues. It doesn’t cost veterans extra money but makes the process friendlier and fairer.

2025-14687 — Reproductive Health Services

The VA is planning to stop covering abortions and abortion counseling again, reversing a 2022 change. This affects veterans and their families who use VA and CHAMPVA health benefits. The change aims to focus VA services on what they consider essential care, with no new costs or timing details shared yet.

2026-05982 — Agency Information Collection Activity Under OMB Review: Application for High-Technology Veterans Education, Training and Skills (VET TEC 2.0) Program

The VA is rolling out a new application for the VET TEC 2.0 program, helping veterans get training in cool tech jobs outside traditional college paths. Veterans under 62 with at least 3 years of service can apply, and the program runs through September 2027. Comments on the application process are open until April 27, 2026, so now’s the time to weigh in!

2026-06004 — Notice of Exception to Date of Receipt Rule

Because of a big Canadian postal strike from November 15 to December 17, 2024, mail to and from Canada was seriously delayed. To help veterans and claimants in Canada, the VA is making a temporary rule change so late mail won’t hurt their benefits or claims. This exception started after mail service fully resumed on January 6, 2025, making sure no one loses out because of the strike delays.

2026-05740 — Agency Information Collection Activity: Department of Veterans Affairs Acquisition Regulation (VAAR)-Information Security and Privacy Contract Clauses

The Department of Veterans Affairs is updating rules to keep veterans' information safe when contractors work with their computer systems. These changes affect companies that provide IT services or develop and host VA information systems. Comments on these updates are open until April 24, 2026, and the goal is to make sure everyone handles data securely without adding extra costs.

2026-05739 — Agency Information Collection Activity: Gray Market Clauses: 852.212-71 and 852.212-72

The Department of Veterans Affairs is keeping two important rules that stop fake or gray market medical and tech parts from sneaking into their supply chain. These rules affect companies that sell new medical gear or IT equipment to the VA. They’re asking for public comments by April 23, 2026, but there’s no change in costs or paperwork burden—just a smooth extension of the current process.

Previous: 2025-18816 — Water Quality Standards To Protect Aquatic Life in the Delaware River

The EPA is updating water rules to keep fish and other water creatures safe in parts of the Delaware River. These changes affect Zones 3, 4, and upper Zone 5, making sure the water has enough oxygen for aquatic life to thrive. This means cleaner water and healthier habitats, with new standards kicking in soon to protect the river’s residents and visitors alike.

Next: 2025-18828 — Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance and Veterans’ Group Life Insurance-Accelerated Benefit Option Regulation Update

The VA is updating rules for Servicemembers’ and Veterans’ Group Life Insurance to let someone else apply for an Accelerated Benefit in special cases. This change helps families get money faster when needed. It also cleans up the rules by defining terms and removing old contact info and forms from the text.