Delegation of Subpoena Authority and Description of Means of Service

This document adopts as a final rule an interim rule amending the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) regulations concerning authority of VA officials to issue subpoenas by revoking the delegation of authority to the Inspector General and subordinate officials and by adding a delegation of authority to the Under Secretary for Health and certain subordinate officials. The interim rule also amended the regulations by specifying the means of service for VA subpoenas. The intended effect of this rule is to make the Department's delegations of subpoena power consistent with legal authority and to ensure that VA has the means to obtain information necessary to determine whether individuals are entitled to income-based benefits.