,i  #aac? ,,congress  #b;d ,session  ,h4
 ,r4 #dgff  ,,9 ,,! ,,h\se ,,(          
,,repres5tatives  ,may #bi1 #bjad ,mr4  
,g>dn] 7= himself1 ,mr4 ,tipton1 ,mr4   
,lamborn1 & ,mrs4 ,lummis7 introduc$ !  
foll[+ bill2 :i* 0 ref]r$ to !          
,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs1 & 9   
addition to ! ,committee on ,arm$       
,s]vices1 = a p]iod to be subsequ5tly   
det]m9$ by ! ,speak]1 9 ea* case =      
consid]ation ( su* provisions z fall )9 
! jurisdiction ( ! committee conc]n$  ,a
 ,,bill  ,to prohibit ! ,secret>y (     
,vet]ans ,affairs f pay+ bonuses to     
c]ta9 employees ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans
 ,affairs until ! backlog ( disability  
claims is resolv$1 to e/abli% a         
commission to evaluate su* backlog1 & = 
o!r purposes4  #a4 ,table ( cont5ts ,!  
table ( cont5ts = ?is ,act is z foll[s3 
,sec4 #a4 ,table ( cont5ts4 ,sec4 #b4   
,limitation on paym5t ( bonuses until ! 
resolution ( ! backlog ( disability     
claims4 ,sec4 #c4 ,evaluation ( backlog 
( disability claims & appeals ( claims (

 ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs4 ,sec4   
#d4 ,supplem5tal reports to ! ,/rategic 
,plan to ,elim9ate ! ,comp5sation       
,claims ,backlog4 ,sec4 #e4 ,exp$ition (
 transf] ( c]ta9 records4 ,sec4 #f4     
,claims processors tra9+4 ,sec4 #g4     
,report by ,comptroll] ,g5]al ( ! ,unit$
 ,/ates4 ,sec4 #h4 ,priority = process+ 
claims ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans         
,affairs4 ,sec4 #i4 ,public availability
 ( c]ta9 in=mation ab\t p5d+ & complet$ 
claims = comp5sation "u ! laws adm9i/]$ 
by ! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs4     
,sec4 #aj4 ,annual report on process+ ( 
claims4 ,sec4 #aa4 ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans 
,affairs notice ( av]age times =        
process+ claims & p]c5tage ( claims     
approv$4 ,sec4 #ab4 ,claim def9$4  #b4  
,limitation on paym5t ( bonuses until ! 
resolution ( ! backlog ( disability     
claims ,! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs 
may n pay to an individual :o is employ$
 9 ! ,s5ior ,executive ,s]vice an aw>d  
or bonus "u *apt] #de or #ec ( title #e1
 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 or any o!r aw>d or

 bonus au?oriz$ "u su* title1 until !   
date on :i* ! ,secret>y c]tifies to !   
,committees on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( !   
,h\se ( ,repres5tatives & ! ,s5ate t !  
backlog ( disability claims has be5     
resolv$4  #c4 ,evaluation ( backlog (   
disability claims & appeals ( claims (  
,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs  7a7 ,9   
g5]al ,!re is e/abli%$ a commission or  
task =ce to evaluate ! backlog ( claims 
)9 ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs & !  
appeals process ( claims4  7b7 ,/udies  
7#a7 ,backlog /udy  7,a7 ,9 g5]al ,!    
,commission or ,task ,=ce1 act+ ?r\gh ! 
subcommittee describ$ 9 subsection      
7d77#b77;,a71 %all c>ry out a /udy on ! 
backlog ( claims1 includ+ ! curr5t      
process ! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs 
uses to evaluate claims & appeals & !   
laws & regulations applicable to su*    
claims & appeals4 ,su* /udy %all be a   
compreh5sive evaluation & assessm5t ( ! 
backlog ( claims1 an analysis ( possible
 improvem5ts to ! proc$ures us$ to      
process su* claims1 & any relat$ issues 

t ! ,commission or ,task ,=ce consid]s  
relevant4  7,b7 ,matt]s includ$ ,9 c>ry+
 out ! /udy "u subp>agraph 7,a71 !      
,commission or ,task ,=ce %all exam9e ! 
foll[+3  7i7 ,! backlog ( claims1       
includ+ an analysis (--  7,i7 ! mo/     
effective means to quickly & accurately 
resolve all claims p5d+ z ( ! date ( !  
/udy2 &  7,,ii7 ) respect to !          
,dep>tm5t1 ! annual fund+1 numb] (      
full-"t employees1 workload managem5t   
practices1 & ! progress1 z ( ! date ( ! 
/udy1 ( ! /rategic plan4  7ii7 ,possible
 improvem5ts to ! claims process1       
includ+ an evaluation & recomm5dations )
 respect to :e!r sub/antive & /ructural 
*anges to ! ov]all claims process are   
requir$4  7iii7 ,9 c>ry+ out !          
evaluation & recomm5dations "u          
subp>agraph 7,b71 an exam9ation (--     
7,i7 options t make no major sub/antive 
*anges to ! claims process2  7,,ii7     
options t ma9ta9 ! process b make m9or  
*anges2 &  7,,iii7 options t make broad 
*anges to ! process4  7#b7 ,appeals     

process /udy  7,a7 ,9 g5]al ,!          
,commission or ,task ,=ce1 act+ ?r\gh ! 
subcommittee describ$ 9 subsection      
7d77#b77;,b71 %all c>ry out a /udy on ! 
anticipat$ increase ( appeals ( claims1 
includ+ ! curr5t appeals process & !    
laws & regulations applicable to su*    
appeals4 ,su* /udy %all be a            
compreh5sive evaluation & assessm5t (   
su* anticipat$ increase ( appeals       
claims1 an analysis ( possible          
improvem5ts to ! proc$ures us$ to       
process su* appeals1 & any relat$ issues
 t ! ,commission or ,task ,=ce consid]s 
relevant4  7,b7 ,matt]s includ$ ,9 c>ry+
 out ! /udy "u subp>agraph 7,a71 !      
,commission or ,task ,=ce %all exam9e ! 
foll[+3  7i7 ,! anticipat$ surge 9      
appeals ( claims1 includ+ an analysis   
(--  7,i7 ! mo/ effective means to      
quickly & accurately resolve p5d+       
appeals & future appeals2  7,,ii7 )     
respect to bo? ! ,bo>d & ! ,c\rt (      
,appeals = ,vet]ans ,claims1 ! annual   
fund+1 numb] ( full-"t employees1       

workload managem5t practices1 & !       
progress1 z ( ! date ( ! /udy1 ( !      
/rategic plan2 &  7,,iii7 ! effici5cy1  
effectiv5ess1 & utility ( ! ,vet]ans    
,b5efits ,managem5t ,sy/em ) respect to 
appeals op]ations1 includ+ an           
id5tification ( key *anges t may ne$ to 
be implem5t$ to su* sy/em4  7ii7        
,possible improvem5ts to ! appeals      
process1 includ+ an evaluation &        
recomm5dations ) respect to :e!r        
sub/antive & /ructural *anges to !      
ov]all appeals process are requir$4     
7iii7 ,9 c>ry+ out ! evaluation &       
recomm5dations "u clause 7ii71 an       
exam9ation (--  7,i7 options t make no  
major sub/antive *anges to ! appeals    
process2  7,,ii7 options t ma9ta9 !     
process b make m9or *anges2  7,,iii7    
options t make broad *anges to !        
process2  7,,iv7 ! necessity ( !        
multi-ti]$ levels ( appeals at !        
regional (fice level1 includ+ fil+ a    
notice ( disagreem5t1 receipt ( a       
/atem5t ( ! case1 supplem5tal /atem5t ( 

! case 7if applicable71 & sub/antive    
appeal 7,,va ,=m #i72  7,v7 ! role ( !  
,bo>d & ! ,appeals ,managem5t ,c5t]1    
includ+--  7aa7 ! effectiv5ess ( !      
workload managem5t ( ! ,bo>d & ! ,c5t]2 
7bb7 :e!r ! ,bo>d & ,c5t] %\ld be       
regionaliz$ or ma9ta9 ! c5traliz$       
/ructure 9 ! ,di/rict ( ,columbia2  7cc7
 :e!r ,bo>d memb]s %\ld be requir$ to   
pass ! adm9i/rative law judges          
c]tification exam9ation2 &  7dd7 :e!r ! 
,bo>d %\ld cont9ue to require de novo   
review ( appeals2 &  7,,vi7 ! role ( !  
,c\rt ( ,appeals = ,vet]ans ,claims & ! 
,unit$ ,/ates ,c\rt ( ,appeals = !      
,f$]al ,circuit1 includ+--  7aa7 !      
cont9u$ effectiv5ess & necessity ( a    
multi-ti]$ /ructure ( judicial review2  
7bb7 :e!r ! ,c\rt ( ,appeals = ,vet]ans 
,claims %\ld h article ,i or article    
,,iii /atus2  7cc7 expansion ( ei!r !   
,c\rt ( ,appeals = ,vet]ans ,claims or !
 ,unit$ ,/ates ,c\rt ( ,appeals = !     
,f$]al ,circuit jurisdiction1 includ+ by
 all[+ su* c\rts to he> class action    

lawsuits ) respect to claims2 &  7dd7 ! 
possibility ( exp&+ judicial review (   
claims to all ,f$]al circuit c\rts (    
appeals or all[+ judicial review beyond 
! ,c\rt ( ,appeals = ,vet]ans ,claims   
only by ! ,supreme ,c\rt4  7#c7         
,consid]ation ,9 c>ry+ out ! /udies "u  
p>agraph 7#a77;,a7 & 7#b77;,a7 & mak+   
any recomm5dations "u ?is section1 !    
,commission or ,task ,=ce %all consid] !
 foll[+3  7,a7 ,! int]e/s ( vet]ans1    
includ+ ) respect to accuracy1 fairness1
 & transp>5cy 9 ! claims process ( !    
,dep>tm5t4  7,b7 ,! values & requirem5ts
 ( ! ,con/itution1 includ+ ) respect to 
compliance ) proc$ural & sub/antive due 
process4  7,c7 ,! public int]e/1 includ+
 ) respect to ! responsible use (       
available res\rces4  7,d7 ,) respect to 
! /udy conduct$ "u p>agraph 7#a77;,a71 !
 importance ( ! claimant fri5dly1       
nonadv]s>ial nature ( ! claims process4 
7,e7 ,) respect to ! /udy conduct$ "u   
p>agraph 7#b77;,a71 ! importance ( an   
appeals process t is effici5t & easily  

und]/&able by a claimant4  7#d7 ,role ( 
,secret>y1 ,*airman ( ! ,bo>d1 & ,*ief  
,judge  7,a7 ,in=mation ,9 c>ry+ out ea*
 /udy "u p>agraph 7#a77;,a7 & 7#b77;,a71
 at times t ! ,commission or ,task ,=ce 
det]m9es appropriate1 ! ,commission or  
,task ,=ce %all submit to ! ,secret>y ( 
,vet]ans ,affairs1 ! ,*airman ( ! ,bo>d1
 & ! ,*ief ,judge ( ! ,c\rt ( ,appeals =
 ,vet]ans ,claims1 z ! case may be1     
in=mation ) respect to rem$ies &        
solutions t ! ,commission or ,task ,=ce 
id5tifies pursuant to su* a /udy4  7,b7 
,implem5tation ,! ,secret>y1 ! ,*airman 
( ! ,bo>d1 & ! ,*ief ,judge %all ea*--  
7i7 fully consid] ! rem$ies & solutions 
submitt$ to ! ,secret>y1 ! ,*airman1 or 
! ,*ief ,judge1 z ! case may be1 "u     
subp>agraph 7,a72  7ii7 implem5t su*    
rem$ies & solutions z ! ,secret>y1 !    
,*airman1 or ! ,*ief ,judge1            
respectively1 det]m9es appropriate2 &   
7iii7 submit to ,congress ju/ification =
 fail+ to implem5t any su* rem$y or     
solution4  7,c7 ,plan ,! ,commission or 

,task ,=ce %all submit to ! ,secret>y1 !
 ,*airman ( ! ,bo>d1 & ! ,*ief ,judge a 
feasible1 timely1 & co/-effective plan  
to elim9ate ! backlog ( appeals ( claims
 bas$ on ! rem$ies & solutions id5tifi$ 
pursuant to ! /udy "u p>agraph 7#b77;,a7
 & ! in=mation submitt$ "u subp>agraph  
7,a74  7c7 ,compreh5sive reports  7#a7  
,initial compreh5sive report ,n lat] ?an
 #fj days aft] ! date on :i* !          
,commission or ,task ,=ce fir/ meets1 ! 
,commission or ,task ,=ce %all submit to
 ! ,presid5t & ,congress an initial     
compreh5sive report on ! /udies conduct$
 "u p>agraphs 7#a77;,a7 & 7#b77;,a7 (   
subsection 7b71 includ+--  7,a7 ! f9d+s 
( ! causes ( ! backlog ( claims2  7,b7 a
 propos$ plan to h&le ! anticipat$ surge
 9 appeals ( claims2 &  7,c7 ! level (  
coop]ation ! ,commission or ,task ,=ce  
has receiv$ f ! ,secret>y & ! heads (   
o!r dep>tm5ts or ag5cies ( ! ,f$]al     
,gov]nm5t4  7#b7 ,int]im compreh5sive   
reports ,n lat] ?an #ij days aft] ! date
 on :i* ! ,commission or ,task ,=ce fir/

 meets1 & ea* #cj-;day p]iod !reaft]    
end+ on ! date on :i* ! ,commission or  
,task ,=ce submits ! f9al compreh5sive  
report "u p>agraph 7#c71 ! ,commission  
or ,task ,=ce %all submit to ! ,presid5t
 & ,congress a compreh5sive report on-- 
7,a7 ! progress ( ! ,secret>y ) respect 
to implem5t+ solutions to exp$ite !     
elim9ation ( ! backlog ( claims pursuant
 to subsection 7b77#d77;,b77ii72  7,b7 !
 progress ( ! ,secret>y1 ! ,*airman ( ! 
,bo>d1 & ! ,*ief ,judge ( ! ,c\rt (     
,appeals = ,vet]ans ,claims ) respect to
 implem5t+ solutions to complete appeals
 ( claims 9 a timely mann] 9 a timely   
mann] pursuant to su* subsection2 &     
7,c7 ! level ( coop]ation ! ,commission 
or ,task ,=ce has receiv$ f ! ,secret>y 
& ! heads ( o!r dep>tm5ts or ag5cies ( !
 ,f$]al ,gov]nm5t4  7#c7 ,f9al          
compreh5sive report ,n lat] ?an #ahj    
days aft] ! date on :i* ! ,commission or
 ,task ,=ce fir/ meets1 ! ,commission or
 ,task ,=ce %all submit to ! ,presid5t &
 ,congress a compreh5sive report on !   

foll[+3  7,a7 ,) respect to ! /udy      
conduct$ "u subsection 7b77#a77;,a7--   
7i7 ,! f9d+s1 conclusions1 &            
recomm5dations ( ! ,commission or ,task 
,=ce ) respect to ! matt]s ref]r$ to 9  
su* subsection4  7ii7 ,! recomm5dations 
( ! ,commission or ,task ,=ce = revis+ &
 improv+ ! backlog ( claims & !         
proc$ures us$ to process claims4  7iii7 
,! progress ( ! ,secret>y ) respect to  
implem5t+ solutions to exp$ite !        
elim9ation ( ! backlog ( claims pursuant
 to subsection 7b77#d77;,b77ii74  7iv7  
,o!r in=mation & recomm5dations )       
respect to claims z ! ,commission or    
,task ,=ce consid]s appropriate4  7,b7  
,) respect to ! /udy conduct$ "u        
subsection 7b77#b77;,a7--  7i7 ,! f9d+s1
 conclusions1 & recomm5dations ( !      
,commission or ,task ,=ce ) respect to !
 matt]s ref]r$ to 9 su* subsection4     
7ii7 ,! recomm5dations ( ! ,commission  
or ,task ,=ce = revis+ & improv+ !      
appeals process2  7iii7 ,! in=mation    
describ$ 9 subsection 7b77#d77;,a74     

7iv7 ,! feasible1 timely1 & co/         
effective plan describ$ 9 subsection    
7b77#d77;,c74  7v7 ,! progress ( !      
,secret>y1 ! ,*airman ( ! ,bo>d1 & !    
,*ief ,judge ( ! ,c\rt ( ,appeals =     
,vet]ans ,claims ) respect to implem5t+ 
solutions to provide timely appeals (   
claims4  7vi7 ,o!r in=mation &          
recomm5dations ) respect to ! appeals   
process z ! ,commission or ,task ,=ce   
consid]s appropriate4  7d7 ,memb]%ip    
7#a7 ,numb] & appo9tm5t ,! ,commission  
or ,task ,=ce %all be compos$ ( #ae     
memb]s1 appo9t$ z foll[s3  7,a7 ,two    
memb]s appo9t$ by ! ,speak] ( ! ,h\se ( 
,repres5tatives1 "o ( :om %all be       
designat$ to s]ve ^u ! ,subcommittee on 
! ,backlog ( ,claims & "o ( :om %all be 
designat$ to s]ve ^u ! ,subcommittee on 
,appeals4  7,b7 ,two memb]s appo9t$ by !
 m9ority lead] ( ! ,h\se (              
,repres5tatives1 "o ( :om %all be       
designat$ to s]ve ^u ! ,subcommittee on 
! ,backlog ( ,claims & "o ( :om %all be 
designat$ to s]ve ^u ! ,subcommittee on 

,appeals4  7,c7 ,two memb]s appo9t$ by !
 majority lead] ( ! ,s5ate1 "o ( :om    
%all be designat$ to s]ve ^u !          
,subcommittee on ! ,backlog ( ,claims & 
"o ( :om %all be designat$ to s]ve ^u ! 
,subcommittee on ,appeals4  7,d7 ,two   
memb]s appo9t$ by ! m9ority lead] ( !   
,s5ate1 "o ( :om %all be designat$ to   
s]ve ^u ! ,subcommittee on ! ,backlog ( 
,claims & "o ( :om %all be designat$ to 
s]ve ^u ! ,subcommittee on ,appeals4    
7,e7 ,?ree memb]s appo9t$ by !          
,presid5t1 two ( :om %all be designat$  
to s]ve ^u ! ,subcommittee on ! ,backlog
 ( ,claims & "o ( :om %all be designat$ 
to s]ve ^u ! ,subcommittee on ,appeals4 
7,f7 ,"o memb] appo9t$ by ! ,secret>y ( 
,def5se1 :om %all be designat$ to s]ve  
^u ! ,subcommittee on ! ,backlog (      
,claims4  7,g7 ,two memb]s appo9t$ by ! 
,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs1 "o ( :om 
%all be designat$ to s]ve ^u !          
,subcommittee on ! ,backlog ( ,claims & 
"o ( :om %all be designat$ to s]ve ^u ! 
,subcommittee on ,appeals4  7,h7 ,"o    

memb] appo9t$ by ! ,*ief ,judge ( !     
,c\rt ( ,appeals = ,vet]ans ,claims1 :om
 %all be designat$ to s]ve ^u !         
,subcommittee on ,appeals4  7#b7        
,subcommittees ,! ,commission or ,task  
,=ce %all h two subcommittees z foll[s3 
7,a7 ,a ,subcommittee on ! ,backlog (   
,claims consi/+ ( ! eight memb]s        
designat$ 9 accordance ) p>agraph 7#a74 
7,b7 ,a ,subcommittee on ,appeals       
consi/+ ( ! sev5 memb]s designat$ 9     
accordance ) p>agraph 7#a74  7#c7       
,qualifications ,ea* memb] appo9t$ "u   
p>agraph 7#a7 %all be appo9t$ bas$ on ! 
exp]i5ce ( ! memb] z a vet]an or on !   
subject matt] exp]tise or o!r relevant  
exp]i5ce ( ! memb]4  7#d7 ,advisors     
7,a7 ,9 g5]al ,9 addition to ! #ae      
memb]s appo9t$ "u p>agraph 7#a71 !      
,commission or ,task ,=ce %all--  7i7 h 
five nonvot+1 nonmemb] advisors1 appo9t$
 by a majority ( ! ,commission or ,task 
,=ce1 ea* f a diff]5t organization t    
repres5ts ! int]e/s ( vet]ans2 &  7ii7  
seek advice f exp]ts f nongov]nm5tal    

organizations 7includ+ vet]ans s]vice   
organizations & milit>y organizations71 
! ,int]net te*nology indu/ry1 & !       
insurance indu/ry4  7,b7 ,advice        
,individuals describ$ 9 clause 7i7 &    
7ii7 ( subp>agraph 7,a7 %all provide    
advice to bo? subcommittees describ$ 9  
p>agraph 7#b74  7#e7 ,*airman ,!        
,presid5t %all designate a memb] ( !    
,commission or ,task ,=ce :o is appo9t$ 
by ! ,presid5t & designat$ to s]ve ^u ! 
,subcommittee on ! ,backlog ( ,claims to
 s]ve z ! *airman ( ! ,commission or    
,task ,=ce4 ,! *airman may designate a  
memb] to s]ve z ! *airman ( !           
,subcommittee on ! ,backlog ( ,claims & 
a memb] to s]ve z ! *airman ( !         
,subcommittee on ,appeals to *air su*   
subcommittees z ! designee ( ! *airman (
 ! ,commission or ,task ,=ce4  7#f7     
,p]iod ( ,appo9tm5t ,memb]s ( !         
,commission or ,task ,=ce %all be       
appo9t$ = ! life ( ! ,commission or     
,task ,=ce4 ,a vacancy %all n affect its
 p[]s4  7#g7 ,vacancy ,a vacancy on !   

,commission or ,task ,=ce %all be fill$ 
9 ! mann] 9 :i* ! orig9al appo9tm5t 0   
made4  7#h7 ,appo9tm5t deadl9e ,!       
appo9tm5t ( memb]s ( ! ,commission or   
,task ,=ce e/abli%$ 9 ?is section %all  
be made n lat] ?an #ae days aft] ! date 
( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act4  7e7 ,meet+s   
7#a7 ,initial meet+ ,! ,commission or   
,task ,=ce %all hold its fir/ meet+ n   
lat] ?an #ae days aft] ! date on :i* a  
majority ( ! memb]s are appo9t$4  7#b7  
,meet+s ,! ,commission or ,task ,=ce    
%all meet at ! call ( ! *airman4  7#c7  
,quorum ,a majority ( ! memb]s ( !      
,commission or ,task ,=ce %all con/itute
 a quorum1 b a less] numb] may hold     
he>+s4  7f7 ,p[]s ( ! ,commission or    
,task ,=ce  7#a7 ,he>+s ,! ,commission  
or ,task ,=ce may hold su* he>+s1 sit & 
act at su* times & places1 take su*     
te/imony1 & receive su* evid5ce z !     
,commission or ,task ,=ce consid]s      
advisable to c>ry out ! purposes ( ?is  
section4  7#b7 ,in=mation f ,f$]al      
,ag5cies ,! ,commission or ,task ,=ce   

may secure directly f any dep>tm5t or   
ag5cy ( ! ,f$]al ,gov]nm5t su* in=mation
 z ! ,commission or ,task ,=ce consid]s 
necess>y to c>ry out ! provisions ( ?is 
section4 ,^u reque/ ( ! *airman1 ! head 
( su* dep>tm5t or ag5cy %all furni% su* 
in=mation to ! ,commission or ,task     
,=ce4  7#c7 ,po/al ,s]vices ,!          
,commission or ,task ,=ce may use !     
,unit$ ,/ates mails 9 ! same mann] & "u 
! same conditions z o!r dep>tm5ts &     
ag5cies ( ! ,f$]al ,gov]nm5t4  7#d7     
,gifts ,! ,commission or ,task ,=ce may 
accept1 use1 & dispose ( gifts or       
donations ( s]vice or prop]ty4  7g7     
,p]sonnel ,matt]s  7#a7 ,comp5sation (  
,memb]s ,ea* memb] ( ! ,commission or   
,task ,=ce :o is n an (fic] or employee 
( ! ,unit$ ,/ates %all be comp5sat$ at a
 rate equal to ! daily equival5t ( !    
annual rate ( basic pay prescrib$ =     
level ,,iv ( ! ,executive ,s*$ule "u    
section #ecae ( title #e1 ,unit$ ,/ates 
,code1 = ea* day 7includ+ travel "t7    
dur+ :i* ! memb] is engag$ 9 ! p]=mance 

( ! duties ( ! ,commission or ,task     
,=ce4 ,all memb]s ( ! ,commission or    
,task ,=ce :o are (fic]s or employees ( 
! ,unit$ ,/ates %all s]ve )\t           
comp5sation 9 addition to t receiv$ = _!
 s]vices z (fic]s or employees ( !      
,unit$ ,/ates4  7#b7 ,travel ,exp5ses ,!
 memb]s ( ! ,commission or ,task ,=ce   
%all be all[$ travel exp5ses1 includ+ p]
 diem 9 lieu ( subsi/5ce1 at rates      
au?oriz$ = employees ( ag5cies "u       
sub*apt] ,i ( *apt] #eg ( title #e1     
,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 :ile away f _!     
homes or regul> places ( bus9ess 9 !    
p]=mance ( s]vice ( ! ,commission or    
,task ,=ce4  7#c7 ,/aff  7,a7 ,appo9tm5t
 ,! *airman ( ! ,commission or ,task    
,=ce may1 )\t reg>d to ! civil s]vice   
laws & regulations1 appo9t an executive 
director & su* o!r p]sonnel z may be    
necess>y to enable ! ,commission or     
,task ,=ce to p]=m its duties4 ,!       
appo9tm5t ( an executive director %all  
be subject to ! approval ( ! ,commission
 or ,task ,=ce4  7,b7 ,comp5sation ,!   

*airman ( ! ,commission or ,task ,=ce   
may fix ! comp5sation ( ! executive     
director & o!r p]sonnel )\t reg>d to !  
provisions ( *apt] #ea & sub*apt] ,,iii 
( *apt] #ec ( title #e1 ,unit$ ,/ates   
,code1 relat+ to classification (       
positions & ,g5]al ,s*$ule pay rates1   
except t ! rate ( pay = ! executive     
director & o!r p]sonnel may n exce$ !   
rate payable = level ,v ( ! ,executive  
,s*$ule "u section #ecaf ( su* title4   
7#d7 ,detail ( ,gov]nm5t ,employees ,^u 
reque/ ( ! *airman ( ! ,commission or   
,task ,=ce1 ! head ( any dep>tm5t or    
ag5cy ( ! ,f$]al ,gov]nm5t may detail1  
on a nonreimbursable basis1 any p]sonnel
 ( t dep>tm5t or ag5cy to ! ,commission 
or ,task ,=ce to assi/ x 9 c>ry+ out its
 duties4  7#e7 ,procurem5t ( ,tempor>y &
 ,int]mitt5t ,s]vices ,! *airman ( !    
,commission or ,task ,=ce may procure   
tempor>y & int]mitt5t s]vices "u section
 #caji7;b7 ( title #e1 ,unit$ ,/ates    
,code1 at rates = individuals :i* d n   
exce$ ! daily equival5t ( ! annual rate 

( basic pay prescrib$ = level ,v ( !    
,executive ,s*$ule "u section #ecaf (   
su* title4  7h7 ,t]m9ation ( ,commission
 or ,task ,=ce ,! ,commission or ,task  
,=ce %all t]m9ate #fj days aft] ! date  
on :i* ! ,commission or ,task ,=ce      
submits ! f9al compreh5sive report "u   
subsection 7c77#c74  7i7 ,fund+  7#a7 ,9
 g5]al ,! ,secret>y %all1 ^u ! reque/ ( 
! *airman ( ! ,commission or ,task ,=ce1
 make available to ! ,commission or     
,task ,=ce su* am\nts z ! ,commission or
 ,task ,=ce may require to c>ry out !   
duties ( ! ,commission or ,task ,=ce "u 
?is section4  7#b7 ,availability ,any   
sums made available to ! ,commission or 
,task ,=ce %all rema9 available1 )\t    
fiscal ye> limitation1 until ! t]m9ation
 ( ! ,commission or ,task ,=ce4  7j7    
,def9itions ,9 ?is section3  7#a7 ,! t]m
 appeals process means ! process to     
appeal ! det]m9ation by ! ,secret>y ( a 
claim beg9n+ ) ! notice ( disagreem5t   
fil$ pursuant to section #gaje ( title  
#ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 & end+ ) !    

review ( a decision by ! ,supreme ,c\rt 
pursuant to section #gbib7;c7 ( su*     
title4  7#b7 ,! t]m ,bo>d means ! ,bo>d 
( ,vet]ans' ,appeals4  7#c7 ,! t]m      
/rategic plan means ! ,/rategic ,plan to
 ,elim9ate ! ,comp5sation ,claims       
,backlog1 publi%$ by ! ,secret>y (      
,vet]ans ,affairs on ,janu>y #be1 #bjac4
  #d4 ,supplem5tal reports to !         
,/rategic ,plan to ,elim9ate !          
,comp5sation ,claims ,backlog ,n lat]   
?an #fj days aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( 
?is ,act1 & e #abj days !reaft] until   
,memorial ,day 7,may #be71 #bjae1 !     
,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs %all      
submit to ,congress a supplem5tal report
 on ! implem5tation by ! ,dep>tm5t (    
,vet]ans ,affairs ( ! ,/rategic ,plan to
 ,elim9ate ! ,comp5sation ,claims       
,backlog4 ,ea* su* report %all include--
  7#a7 v]ification t dur+ ! p]iod cov]$ 
by ! report1 ea* claim 0 approv$ or d5i$
 by n lat] ?an #abe days aft] ! date on 
:i* ! claim is submitt$ ) an accuracy   
rate ( #ih p]c5t1 z specifi$ 9 !        

,/rategic ,plan2  7#b7 a description ( !
 specific measures1 proc$ures1 & metrics
 us$ to assess ! implem5tation ( !      
,/rategic ,plan = purposes ( !          
supplem5tal report2 &  7#c7 a detail$   
timel9e = ! implem5tation ( ea*         
initiative conta9$ 9 ! ,/rategic ,plan4 
#e4 ,exp$ition ( transf] ( c]ta9 records
  7a7 ,,ssa records ,n lat] ?an #fj days
 aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act1 ! 
,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs %all ent] 
into an agreem5t ) ! ,commission] ( !   
,social ,security ,adm9i/ration to      
ensure t ! ,commission] transf]s to !   
,secret>y disability or m$ical records (
 ! ,commission] t ! ,secret>y w use to  
evaluate a claim by n lat] ?an #cj days 
aft] ! ,secret>y reque/s su* records4   
7b7 ,,dod records ,n lat] ?an #fj days  
aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act1 !  
,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs %all ent] 
into an agreem5t ) ! ,secret>y ( ,def5se
 to ensure t ! ,secret>y ( ,def5se      
transf]s to ! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans      
,affairs m$ical records ( memb]s or =m] 

memb]s ( ! ,arm$ ,=ces t ! ,secret>y w  
use to evaluate a claim by n lat] ?an   
#cj days aft] ! ,secret>y reque/s su*   
records4  7c7 ,national ,gu>d records ,n
 lat] ?an #fj days aft] ! date ( !      
enactm5t ( ?is ,act1 ! ,secret>y (      
,vet]ans ,affairs & ! ,secret>y (       
,def5se %all jo9tly--  7#a7 submit to   
,congress a plan to r$uce to #cj days ! 
am\nt ( "t ne$$ to provide memb]s ( !   
,national ,gu>d & ! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans
 ,affairs ) ! m$ical records ( su*      
memb]s1 includ+ by p>tn]+ ) appropriate 
(ficials ( ,f$]al or ,/ate dep>tm5ts or 
ag5cies2 &  7#b7 implem5t su* plan4  7d7
 ,effective date ,?is section %all take 
effect on ! date t is "o ye> aft] ! date
 ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act4  #f4 ,claims  
processors tra9+  7a7 ,e/abli%m5t ,!    
,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs %all      
e/abli% a tra9+ program to provide newly
 hir$ claims processors ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( 
,vet]ans ,affairs ) tra9+ = a p]iod ( n 
less ?an two ye>s4 ,9 c>ry+ out su*     
program1 ! ,secret>y %all id5tify       

successful claims processors ( !        
,dep>tm5t :o c assi/ 9 ! tra9+ ( newly  
hir$ claims processors4  7b7 ,ability   
,to process claims ,! ,secret>y %all    
c>ry out ! tra9+ program e/abli%$ "u    
subsection 7a7 )\t increas+ ! am\nt ( "t
 9 :i* claims are process$ by !         
,dep>tm5t4  7c7 ,effective date ,?is    
section %all take effect on ! date t is 
"o ye> aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is   
,act4  #g4 ,report by ,comptroll] ,g5]al
 ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates ,n lat] ?an "o ye>   
aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act1 !  
,comptroll] ,g5]al ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates    
%all submit to ,congress a report on !  
progress ( ! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans       
,affairs 9 improv+ ! timel9ess ( claims 
process+ & elim9at+ ! backlog ( claims4 
,! report %all include any              
recomm5dations ( ! ,comptroll] ,g5]al ) 
respect to improv+ ! ability ( !        
,secret>y to make su* progress4  #h4    
,priority = process+ claims ( !         
,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs  7a7 ,9   
g5]al ,sub*apt] ,i ( *apt] #ea ( title  

#ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$ by   
add+ at ! end ! foll[+ new section3     
#eaji;,c4 ,priority = process+ claims   
7a7 ,priority ,9 process+ claims =      
comp5sation "u ?is *apt]1 ! ,secret>y   
%all provide ! foll[+ claimants )       
priority ov] o!r claimants3  7#a7       
,vet]ans :o h atta9$ ! age ( #gj4  7#b7 
,vet]ans :o are t]m9ally ill4  7#c7     
,vet]ans ) life-?reat5+ illnesses4  7#d7
 ,homeless vet]ans 7z def9$ 9 section   
#bjjb ( ?is title74  7#e7 ,vet]ans :o 7 
aw>d$ ! ,m$al ( ,honor4  7#f7 ,vet]ans  
:o are =m] prison]s ( w>4  7#g7 ,vet]ans
 ^: claims are be+ review$ aga9 9       
relation to a previ\sly d5i$ claim      
relat+ to milit>y sexual trauma4  7#h7  
,vet]ans :om ! ,secret>y det]m9es1 on a 
case-by-case basis1 are s]i\sly or v    
s]i\sly injur$4  7#i7 ,vet]ans :om !    
,secret>y det]m9es1 on a case-by-case   
basis1 %\ld be giv5 priority "u ?is     
section bas$ on an application = good   
cause e/abli%$ by ! ,secret>y4  7b7     
,regulations ,! ,secret>y %all prescribe

 regulations to c>ry out subsection 7a74
  4  7b7 ,cl]ical am5dm5t ,! table (    
sections at ! beg9n+ ( su* *apt] is     
am5d$ by ins]t+ aft] ! item relat+ to   
section #eaji;,b ! foll[+ new item3     
#eaji;,c4 ,priority = process+ claims4  
4  #i4 ,public availability ( c]ta9     
in=mation ab\t p5d+ & complet$ claims = 
comp5sation "u ! laws adm9i/]$ by !     
,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs  7a7 ,9   
g5]al ,sub*apt] ,i ( *apt] #ea ( title  
#ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$ by   
add+ aft] section #eaji;,c1 z add$ by   
section #ajf1 ! foll[+ new section3     
#eaji;,d4 ,in=mation ab\t p5d+ &        
complet$ claims  7a7 ,availability (    
in=mation ,! ,secret>y %all ma9ta9 on ! 
,int]net website ( ! ,dep>tm5t publicly 
accessible in=mation ab\t p5d+ &        
complet$ claims = comp5sation "u *apt]  
#aa ( ?is title4 ,su* in=mation %all    
include ea* ( ! foll[+3  7#a7 ,= ea*    
regional (fice & = ! ,dep>tm5t z a      
:ole--  7,a7 ! av]age numb] ( days      
betwe5 ! date ( ! submittal ( a claim & 

! date ( ! decision ) respect to ! claim
 = ea* ( ! prec$+ ?ree-mon? & "o-ye>    
p]iod2  7,b7 ! av]age numb] ( days su* a
 claim is p5d+ dur+ ! prec$+ ?ree-mon? &
 "o-ye> p]iods2  7,c7 ! quality &       
accuracy rat+ ( ! claims adjudication   
process dur+ ! prec$+ ?ree-mon? & "o-ye>
 p]iods2  7,d7 ! numb] ( claims p5d+2   
7,e7 ! numb] ( p5d+ claims t h be5 p5d+ 
= m ?an #abe days2 &  7,f7 ! numb] (    
claims complet$ dur+--  7i7 ! curr5t    
mon?1 to date2  7ii7 ! mon? prec$+ !    
curr5t mon?2  7iii7 ! curr5t cal5d> ye>1
 to date2 &  7iv7 ! cal5d> ye> prec$+ ! 
curr5t cal5d> ye>4  7#b7 ,= ea* m$ical  
condition = :i* a claim = comp5sation is
 submitt$1 = ea* regional (fice & = !   
,dep>tm5t z a :ole--  7,a7 ! av]age     
numb] ( days betwe5 ! date ( ! submittal
 ( a claim relat+ to su* m$ical         
condition & ! date ( ! decision )       
respect to ! claim = ea* ( ! prec$+     
?ree-mon? & "o-ye> p]iod2  7,b7 ! av]age
 numb] ( days su* a claim is p5d+ dur+ !
 prec$+ ?ree-mon? & "o-ye> p]iods2  7,c7

 ! quality & accuracy rat+ ( ! claims   
adjudication process z appli$ to claims 
relat+ to su* m$ical condition dur+ !   
prec$+ ?ree-mon? & "o-ye> p]iods2  7,d7 
! numb] ( p5d+ claims relat+ to su*     
condition2  7,e7 ! numb] ( su* p5d+     
claims t h be5 p5d+ = m ?an #abe days2 &
  7,f7 ! numb] ( claims relat+ to su*   
m$ical condition complet$ dur+--  7i7 ! 
curr5t mon?1 to date2  7ii7 ! mon?      
prec$+ curr5t mon?2  7iii7 ! curr5t     
cal5d> ye>1 to date2 &  7iv7 ! cal5d>   
ye> prec$+ ! curr5t cal5d> ye>4  7b7    
,updates ,! ,secret>y %all update !     
in=mation on ! website "u subsection 7a7
 n less frequ5tly ?an once e sev5 days4 
4  7b7 ,cl]ical am5dm5t ,! table (      
sections at ! beg9n+ ( su* *apt] is     
am5d$ by add+ aft] ! item relat+ to     
section #eaji;,c1 z add$ by section #h1 
! foll[+ new item3  #eaji;,d4 ,in=mation
 ab\t p5d+ & complet$ claims4  4  #aj4  
,annual report on process+ ( claims  7a7
 ,9 g5]al ,sub*apt] ,i ( *apt] #ea (    
title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$

 by add+ aft] section #eaji;,d1 z add$  
by section #i1 ! foll[+ new section3    
#eaji;,e4 ,annual report on process+ (  
claims  7a7 ,annual report ,! ,secret>y 
%all include 9 ! annual report to       
,congress requir$ "u section #ebi ( ?is 
title in=mation on ! foll[+3  7#a7 ,!   
automatic process+ ( claims =           
comp5sation4  7#b7 ,! p]=mance ( any    
regional (fice t fails to meet !        
adm9i/rative goals ( ! regional (fice ) 
respect to timel9ess & accuracy 9       
process+ claims = comp5sation4  7#c7 ,! 
timel9ess ( receiv+ in=mation pursuant  
to a reque/ by ! ,secret>y to ! head (  
ano!r dep>tm5t or ag5cy ( ! ,unit$      
,/ates = in=mation requir$ by !         
,secret>y 9 adjudicat+ a claim =        
comp5sation "u *apt] #aa ( ?is title4   
7b7 ,matt]s includ$ ,9 c>ry+ out        
subsection 7a7 to include in=mation 9 ! 
report requir$ "u section #ebi ( ?is    
title1 ! ,secret>y %all include !       
foll[+3  7#a7 ,) respect to ! in=mation 
requir$ by subsection 7a77#a7--  7,a7   

ea* m$ical condition = :i* claims relat+
 to su* condition 7 process$ 9 an       
electronic automat$ fa%ion dur+ ! fiscal
 ye> cov]$ by ! report2  7,b7 !         
feasibility ( process+ any additional   
m$ical conditions 9 an electronic       
automat$ fa%ion & any b>ri]s to su*     
process+1 includ+ any su* b>ri]s relat+ 
to ! s*$ule = rat+ disabilities "u      
section #aaee ( ?is title2  7,c7 ! numb]
 ( claims = comp5sation relat+ to ea*   
m$ical condition submitt$ dur+ su*      
fiscal ye>2 &  7,d7 = ea* m$ical        
condition1 ! p]c5tage ( claims d5i$ & ! 
p]c5tage ( claims approv$ dur+ su*      
fiscal ye>4  7#b7 ,) respect to !       
in=mation requir$ by subsection 7a77#b71
 9 ! case ( any regional (fice t1 = !   
fiscal ye> cov]$ by ! report1 did n meet
 ! adm9i/rative goal ( hav+ no claim    
p5d+ = m ?an #abe days & a*iev+ an      
accuracy rat+ ( #ih p]c5t--  7,a7 a     
sign$ /atem5t prep>$ by ! individual    
s]v+ z director ( ! regional (fice z ( !
 date ( ! submittal ( ! report conta9+--

  7i7 an explanation = :y ! regional    
(fice did n meet ! goal2  7ii7 a        
description ( ! additional res\rces ne$$
 to enable ! regional (fice to rea* !   
goal2 &  7iii7 a description ( any      
additional actions plann$ = ! subsequ5t 
fiscal ye> t are propos$ to enable !    
regional (fice to meet ! goal2 &  7,b7 a
 /atem5t prep>$ by ! ,"u ,secret>y =    
,b5efits expla9+ h[ ! failure ( !       
regional (fice to meet ! goal affect$ ! 
p]=mance evaluation ( ! director ( !    
regional (fice4  7#c7 ,) respect to !   
in=mation requir$ by subsection         
7a77#c7--  7,a7 ! numb] ( reque/s       
describ$ 9 su* p>agraph made dur+ !     
fiscal ye> cov]$ by ! report2 &  7,b7 ! 
av]age response "t = su* reque/s made   
dur+ ea* mon? ( su* fiscal ye>1 z       
det]m9$ bas$ on ! p]iod beg9n+ on ! date
 on :i* ! ,secret>y made ! reque/ & end+
 on ! date on :i* ! ,secret>y det]m9es t
 ! reque/ is complet$4  4  7b7 ,cl]ical 
am5dm5t ,! table ( sections at ! beg9n+ 
( su* *apt] is am5d$ by add+ aft] ! item

 relat+ to section #eaji;,d1 z add$ by  
section #i1 ! foll[+ new item3          
#eaji;,e4 ,annual report on process+ (  
claims4  4  7c7 ,effective date ,section
 #eaji;,e ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates    
,code1 z add$ by subsection 7a7 %all    
take effect on ! date t is "o ye> aft] !
 date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act4  #aa4    
,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs notice (  
av]age times = process+ claims &        
p]c5tage ( claims approv$  7a7 ,public  
notice ,! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs 
%all po/ ! in=mation describ$ 9         
subsection 7c7--  7#a7 9 a conspicu\s   
place 9 ea* regional (fice & claims     
intake facilities ( ! ,dep>tm5t (       
,vet]ans ,affairs2 &  7#b7 on ! ,int]net
 website ( ! ,dep>tm5t4  7b7 ,notice to 
applicants  7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,! ,secret>y  
%all provide to ea* p]son :o submits a  
claim = b5efits "u ! laws adm9i/]$ by ! 
,secret>y be=e ! p]son submits su*      
claim--  7,a7 notice ( ! in=mation      
describ$ 9 subsection 7c72 &  7,b7      
notice t1 dur+ ! p]iod end+ on ,augu/   

#f1 #bjae1 ! p]son is eligible to       
receive up to an extra ye> ( b5efits    
paym5ts if ! p]son files an orig9al     
claim t is fully develop$4  7#b7        
,ackn[l$gm5t ( receipt ( notice ,ea*    
p]son :o submits a claim = b5efits "u ! 
laws adm9i/]$ by ! ,secret>y %all       
include 9 su* application a sign$ =m    
ackn[l$g+ t ! p]son receiv$ ! in=mation 
describ$ 9 subsection 7c74  7c7         
,in=mation describ$  7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,!   
in=mation describ$ 9 ?is subsection is !
 foll[+3  7,a7 ,! av]age process+ "t ( !
 claims describ$ 9 p>agraph 7#b7 & !    
p]c5tage ( su* submitt$ claims = :i*    
b5efits are aw>d$4  7,b7 ,! p]c5tage (  
ea* ( ! foll[+ types ( submitt$ claims =
 b5efits "u ! laws adm9i/]$ by !        
,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs = :i*     
b5efits are aw>d$3  7i7 ,claims fil$ by 
vet]ans :o au?oriz$ a vet]ans s]vice    
organization to act on ! vet]ans' behalf
 "u a durable p[] ( attorney4  7ii7     
,claims fil$ by vet]ans :o au?oriz$ a   
p]son o!r ?an a vet]ans s]vice          

organization to act on ! vet]ans' behalf
 "u a durable p[] ( attorney4  7iii7    
,claims fil$ by vet]ans :o did n        
au?orize a p]son to act on ! vet]ans'   
behalf "u a durable p[] ( attorney4     
7#b7 ,claims describ$ ,! claims describ$
 9 ?is p>agraph are ea* ( ! foll[+ types
 ( claims = b5efits "u ! laws adm9i/]$  
by ! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs3     
7,a7 ,a fully develop$ claim t is       
submitt$ 9 /&>d electronic =m4  7,b7 ,a 
fully develop$ claim t is submitt$ 9    
/&>d pap] =m4  7,c7 ,a claim t is n     
fully develop$ t is submitt$ 9 /&>d     
electronic =m4  7,d7 ,a claim t is n    
fully develop$ t is submitt$ 9 /&>d pap]
 =m4  7,e7 ,a claim t is n fully        
develop$ t is submitt$ 9 non/&>d pap]   
=m4  7#c7 ,update ( in=mation ,!        
in=mation describ$ 9 ?is subsection %all
 be updat$ n less frequ5tly ?an once ea*
 fiscal qu>t]4  7d7 ,effective date ,?is
 section %all take effect on ! date t is
 "o ye> aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is  
,act4  #ab4 ,claim def9$ ,except z      

o!rwise provid$1 9 ?is ,act1 ! t]m claim
 means a claim = disability comp5sation 
"u ! laws adm9i/]$ by ! ,secret>y (     
,vet]ans ,affairs4