Oregon Administrative Rules Chapter 274 - DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS' AFFAIRS
🏛️ Structure and Divisions of OAR Chapter 274
OAR Chapter 274 is organized into multiple divisions, each addressing specific aspects of veterans' services. Some key divisions include:
Division 40 – Oregon Veterans' Home: Establishes eligibility criteria and procedures for admission to the Oregon Veterans' Home, a facility providing long-term care to veterans. OregonLaws
Division 28 – Veterans’ Home Improvement Loan Program: Administers loans for qualified veterans to finance improvements to their owner-occupied homes. OregonLaws
Division 32 – Distribution of Funds to Oregon Tribes: Outlines the process for distributing funds to Oregon tribes to support veteran services. secure.sos.state.or.us
Division 39 – Veterans' Transportation Grant Program: Provides grants to support transportation services for veterans, particularly in rural areas. Casetext
Division 45 – Post Vietnam Era Veterans’ Home Improvement Loan Program: Offers loans to post-Vietnam era veterans for home improvements, similar to the Veterans’ Home Improvement Loan Program. OregonLaws
⚖️ Legal Authority and Rulemaking
The authority for OAR Chapter 274 stems from Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS) Chapter 407, which governs veterans' loans and related programs. The Department of Veterans' Affairs adopts these rules to implement the provisions of ORS 407.145 (Purchase and control of property) and 407.225 (Processing of loan applications). OregonLaws
🧾 Case Law and Legal Precedents
While specific case law directly interpreting OAR Chapter 274 is limited, the rules within this chapter are subject to judicial review under Oregon's Administrative Procedures Act (APA), ORS Chapter 183. This means that decisions made by the Department of Veterans' Affairs can be contested in court if they are believed to be unlawful or unjust.
For instance, if a veteran is denied benefits under the Veterans' Home Improvement Loan Program, they have the right to request a review of the decision. According to OAR 274-045-0205, any person adversely affected by a decision of an ODVA official may write a letter of complaint to the Director. The Director or other designated official shall prepare and deposit in the ordinary mail, or personally deliver, a written response within 30 days of receipt of the written complaint. OregonLaws
If the Director's response is unsatisfactory, the individual may request an informal hearing. This process ensures that veterans have an avenue to challenge decisions and seek redress.
đź“ť Summary
OAR Chapter 274 serves as a comprehensive framework for delivering services and benefits to veterans in Oregon. Through its various divisions, it addresses a wide range of needs, from healthcare and housing to financial assistance and education. The rules within this chapter are designed to ensure that veterans receive fair and equitable treatment in accessing these services.
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