Legal Services, General Counsel, and Miscellaneous Claims

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.

2025-18827 — Extension of Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers Eligibility for Legacy Participants and Legacy Applicants

The VA is giving family caregivers of veterans more time to stay in their special support program by extending the deadline from 2025 to 2028. This means caregivers and veterans who joined the program earlier (the legacy group) can keep getting help for three more years. No changes to money or benefits, just extra time to enjoy the support they deserve!

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.

2026-06004 — 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.

2026-05982 — 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!

2026-05740 — 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.

Previous: 2026-01560 — Special Local Regulations; Marine Events Within the USCG East District

The Coast Guard is updating rules to keep the Patapsco River safe during Fleet Week events in Baltimore from June 24 to July 1, 2026. During this time, only authorized boats can enter certain areas to protect everyone on the water. If you’re boating nearby, plan ahead and watch for these new restrictions—no extra fees, just safer waters!

Next: 2026-01620 — Intent To Establish Negotiated Rulemaking Committee

The Department of Education is forming a special team to help update rules about how colleges get recognized and stay eligible for federal student aid programs. They want people who care about these changes—like schools, students, and accrediting groups—to join the team and share their ideas. If you want to be part of this rule-making crew, you need to apply by February 26, 2026, so these important updates can happen smoothly and fairly.