WBK Industry - Federal Regulatory Developments

VA Adjusts Civil Monetary Penalties for Inflation

On January 31, 2019, VA published a final rule in the Federal Register adjusting the maximum civil monetary penalties that may be assessed or imposed in calendar year 2019 for false loan guaranty certifications by private lenders that originate VA-guaranteed loans, and fraudulent claims or written statements by any person made in connection with VA programs generally. The rule was effective January 31.

Under the adjustments for inflation, the maximum civil monetary penalties for false loan guaranty certifications has increased from $22,363 to $22,927. For fraudulent claims and written statements in connection with VA programs, the maximum penalties are increased from $11,181 to $11,463. The increase for inflation in the amounts of penalties by VA is made under the provisions of the Federal Civil Penalties Adjustment Act Improvements Act of 2015.