Authorization for Non-VA Medical Services; Withdrawal

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) published a direct final rule in the Federal Register on November 28, 2012, that would have amended its regulations regarding payment by VA for medical services under VA's statutory authority to provide non-VA medical care. VA sought to remove an outdated regulatory limitation on veterans' eligibility to be referred for non-VA medical care. On the same date, VA also published a companion proposed rule containing the same amendments as the direct final rule. Because VA received adverse comments on this action, we are withdrawing the direct final rule. In a companion document in the Federal Register, VA is publishing a final rule that addresses comments received on the proposed and direct final rules.