,,ii ,calendar ,no4 #beh #aacth ,,congress #ast ,session ,s4 #idd ,report ,no4 #aac-abc ,,in ,,the ,,senate ,,of ,,the ,,united ,,states ,may #ad1 #bjac,mr4 ,sanders 7for himself and ,mr4 ,burr7 introduced the following bill2 which was read twice and referred to the ,committee on ,veterans' ,affairs,strike out all after the enacting clause and insert the part printed in italic ,december #i1 #bjac,reported by ,mr4 ,sanders1 with an amendment and an amendment to the title,strike out all after the enacting clause and insert the part printed in italic ,a ,,bill ,to amend title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code1 to require courses of education provided by public institutions of higher education that are approved for purposes of the ,all-,volunteer ,force ,educational ,assistance ,program and ,post-#i_/aa ,educational ,assistance to charge veterans tuition and fees at the in-,state tuition rate1 and for other purposes4 #a4 ,short title ,this ,act may be cited as the ,putting ,our ,veterans ,back to ,work ,act of #bjac4 #b4 ,approval of courses of education provided by public institutions of higher education for purposes of ,all-,volunteer ,force ,educational ,assistance ,program and ,post-#i_/aa ,educational ,assistance conditional on in-,state tuition rate for veterans 7a7 ,in general ,section #cfgi of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection3 7c7 7#a7 ,notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter and subject to paragraphs 7#c7 through 7#e71 the ,secretary shall disapprove a course of education provided by a public institution of higher education to a covered individual pursuing a course of education with educational assistance under chapter #cj or #cc of this title while living in the ,state in which the public institution of higher education is located if the institution charges tuition and fees for that course for the covered individual at a rate that is higher than the rate the institution charges for tuition and fees for that course for residents of the ,state in which the institution is located1 regardless of the covered individual's ,state of residence4 7#b7 ,for purposes of this subsection1 a covered individual is any individual as follows3 7,a7 ,a veteran who was discharged or released from a period of not fewer than #ahj days of service in the active military1 naval1 or air service less than two years before the date of enrollment in the course concerned4 7,b7 ,an individual who is entitled to assistance under section #ccaa7;b77#i7 or #ccai of this title by virtue of such individual's relationship to a veteran described in subparagraph 7,a74 7#c7 ,it shall not be grounds to disapprove a course of education under paragraph 7#a7 if a public institution of higher education requires a covered individual pursuing a course of education at the institution to demonstrate an intent to establish residency in the ,state in which the institution is located in order to be charged tuition and fees for that course at a rate that is equal to or less than the rate the institution charges for tuition and fees for that course for residents of the ,state4 7#d7 ,the ,secretary may waive such requirements of paragraph 7#a7 as the ,secretary considers appropriate4 7#e7 ,disapproval under paragraph 7#a7 shall apply only with respect to educational assistance under chapters #cj and #cc of this title4 4 7b7 ,effective date ,subsection 7c7 of section #cfgi of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code 7as added by subsection 7a7 of this section7 shall apply with respect to educational assistance provided for pursuit of programs of education during academic terms that begin after ,july #a1 #bjae4 #a4 ,short title2 table of contents 7a7 ,short title ,this ,act may be cited as the ,veterans ,health and ,benefits ,improvement ,act of #bjac4 7b7 ,table of contents ,the table of contents for this ,act is as follows3 ,sec4 #a4 ,short title2 table of contents4,sec4 #b4 ,references to title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code4,,title ,i--,survivor and ,dependent ,matters,sec4 #aja4 ,extension of initial period for increased dependency and indemnity compensation for surviving spouses with children4,sec4 #ajb4 ,eligibility for dependency and indemnity compensation1 educational assistance1 and housing loans for surviving spouses who remarry after age #ee4,sec4 #ajc4 ,extension of marriage delimiting date for surviving spouses of ,persian ,gulf ,war veterans to qualify for death pension4,sec4 #ajd4 ,expansion of ,marine ,gunnery ,sergeant ,john ,david ,fry ,scholarship4,sec4 #aje4 ,expansion of ,yellow ,ribbon ,g4,i4 ,education ,enhancement ,program4,sec4 #ajf4 ,benefits for children of certain ,thailand service veterans born with spina bifida4,sec4 #ajg4 ,program on assisted living for children of ,vietnam veterans and certain ,korea service veterans born with spina bifida4,sec4 #ajh4 ,program on grief counseling in retreat settings for surviving spouses of members of the ,armed ,forces who die while serving on active duty in the ,armed ,forces4,sec4 #aji4 ,program evaluation on survivors' and dependents' educational assistance authorities4,,title ,,ii--,education ,matters,sec4 #bja4 ,approval of courses of education provided by public institutions of higher learning for purposes of ,all-,volunteer ,force ,educational ,assistance ,program and ,post-#i_/aa ,educational ,assistance conditional on in-,state tuition rate for veterans4,sec4 #bjb4 ,extension and expansion of authority for certain qualifying work-study activities for purposes of the educational assistance programs of the ,department of ,veterans ,affairs4,sec4 #bjc4 ,report on debt management and collection4,sec4 #bjd4 ,restoration of prior reporting fee multipliers4,,title ,,iii--,health ,care ,matters,subtitle ,a--,expansion and ,improvements of ,benefits ,generally,sec4 #cja4 ,expansion of provision of chiropractic care and services to veterans4,sec4 #cjb4 ,modification of commencement date of period of service at ,camp ,lejeune1 ,north ,carolina1 for eligibility for hospital care and medical services in connection with exposure to contaminated water4,sec4 #cjc4 ,expansion of eligibility for sexual trauma counseling and treatment to veterans on inactive duty training4,sec4 #cjd4 ,extension of sunset date regarding transportation of individuals to and from facilities of ,department of ,veterans ,affairs and requirement of report4,sec4 #cje4 ,program on health promotion for overweight and obese veterans through support of fitness center memberships4,sec4 #cjf4 ,program on health promotion for veterans through establishment of ,department of ,veterans ,affairs fitness facilities4,subtitle ,b--,health ,care ,administration,sec4 #caa4 ,extension of ,department of ,veterans ,affairs ,health ,professional ,scholarship ,program4,sec4 #cab4 ,expansion of availability of prosthetic and orthotic care for veterans4,sec4 #cac4 ,corporal ,michael ,j4 ,crescenz ,department of ,veterans ,affairs ,medical ,center4,subtitle ,c--,complementary and ,alternative ,medicine,sec4 #cba4 ,expansion of research and education on and delivery of complementary and alternative medicine to veterans4,sec4 #cbb4 ,program on integration of complementary and alternative medicine within ,department of ,veterans ,affairs medical centers4,sec4 #cbc4 ,studies of barriers encountered by veterans in receiving1 and administrators and clinicians in providing1 complementary and alternative medicine services furnished by the ,department of ,veterans ,affairs4,sec4 #cbd4 ,program on use of wellness programs as complementary approach to mental health care for veterans and family members of veterans4,,title ,,iv--,accountability and ,administrative ,improvements,sec4 #dja4 ,administration of ,veterans ,integrated ,service ,networks4,sec4 #djb4 ,regional support centers for ,veterans ,integrated ,service ,networks4,sec4 #djc4 ,commission on ,capital ,planning for ,department of ,veterans ,affairs ,medical ,facilities4,sec4 #djd4 ,public access to ,department of ,veterans ,affairs research and data sharing between ,departments4,sec4 #dje4 ,budget transparency for outreach activities of ,department of ,veterans ,affairs4,sec4 #djf4 ,comptroller general report on advisory committees of the ,department of ,veterans ,affairs4,,title ,v--,improvement of ,processing of ,claims for ,compensation,subtitle ,a--,claims ,based on ,military ,sexual ,trauma,sec4 #eja4 ,medical examination and opinion for disability compensation claims based on military sexual trauma4,sec4 #ejb4 ,case representative officers for military sexual trauma support4,sec4 #ejc4 ,report on standard of proof for service-connection of mental health conditions related to military sexual trauma4,sec4 #ejd4 ,reports on claims for disabilities incurred or aggravated by military sexual trauma4,subtitle ,b--,agency of ,original ,jurisdiction,sec4 #eaa4 ,working group to improve employee work credit and work management systems of ,veterans ,benefits ,administration in an electronic environment4,sec4 #eab4 ,task force on retention and training of ,department of ,veterans ,affairs claims processors and adjudicators4,sec4 #eac4 ,reports on requests by the ,department of ,veterans ,affairs for records of other ,federal agencies4,sec4 #ead4 ,recognition of representatives of ,indian tribes in the preparation1 presentation1 and prosecution of claims under laws administered by the ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs4,sec4 #eae4 ,program on participation of local and tribal governments in improving quality of claims for disability compensation submitted to ,department of ,veterans ,affairs4,sec4 #eaf4 ,quarterly reports on progress of ,department of ,veterans ,affairs in eliminating backlog of claims for compensation that have not been adjudicated4,sec4 #eag4 ,reports on use of existing authorities to expedite benefits decisions4,sec4 #eah4 ,reports on ,department disability medical examinations and prevention of unnecessary medical examinations4,subtitle ,c--,board of ,veterans' ,appeals and ,court of ,appeals for ,veterans ,claims,sec4 #eba4 ,treatment of certain misfiled documents as a notice of appeal to the ,court of ,appeals for ,veterans ,claims4,sec4 #ebb4 ,modification of filing period for notice of disagreement to initiate appellate review of decisions of ,department of ,veterans ,affairs4,sec4 #ebc4 ,determination of manner of appearance for hearings before ,board of ,veterans' ,appeals4,,title ,,vi--,outreach ,matters,sec4 #fja4 ,program to increase coordination of outreach efforts between the ,department of ,veterans ,affairs and ,federal1 ,state1 and local agencies and nonprofit organizations4,sec4 #fjb4 ,cooperative agreements between ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs and ,states on outreach activities4,sec4 #fjc4 ,advisory committee on outreach activities of ,department of ,veterans ,affairs4,sec4 #fjd4 ,advisory boards on outreach activities of ,department of ,veterans ,affairs relating to health care4,sec4 #fje4 ,modification of requirement for periodic reports to ,congress on outreach activities of ,department of ,veterans ,affairs4,,title ,,vii--,employment and ,related ,matters,subtitle ,a--,employment ,matters,sec4 #gja4 ,employment of veterans with the ,federal ,government4,sec4 #gjb4 ,state recognition of military experience of veterans in issuing licenses and credentials to veterans4,sec4 #gjc4 ,report on unified ,government ,internet portal for veterans on jobs available through the ,federal ,government4,sec4 #gjd4 ,information on disability-related employment and education protections in ,transition ,assistance ,program4,subtitle ,b--,small ,business ,matters,sec4 #gaa4 ,expansion of contracting goals and preferences of ,department of ,veterans ,affairs to include conditionally owned small business concerns #ajj percent owned by veterans4,sec4 #gab4 ,modification of treatment under contracting goals and preferences of ,department of ,veterans ,affairs for small businesses owned by veterans of small businesses after death of disabled veteran owners4,sec4 #gac4 ,treatment of businesses after deaths of servicemember-owners for purposes of ,department of ,veterans ,affairs contracting goals and preferences4,sec4 #gad4 ,special rule for treatment under contracting goals and preferences of ,department of ,veterans ,affairs of small business concerns licensed in community property ,states4,,title ,,viii--,other ,matters,sec4 #hja4 ,consideration by ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs of resources disposed of for less than fair market value by individuals applying for pension4,sec4 #hjb4 ,office of ,national ,veterans ,sports ,programs and ,special ,events4,sec4 #hjc4 ,adaptive sports programs for disabled veterans and members of the ,armed ,forces through ,united ,states ,olympic ,committee4,sec4 #hjd4 ,making effective date provision consistent with provision for benefits eligibility of a veteran's child based upon termination of remarriage by annulment4,sec4 #hje4 ,extended period for scheduling of medical exams for veterans receiving temporary disability ratings for severe mental disorders4,sec4 #hjf4 ,authority to issue ,veterans ,,id ,cards4,sec4 #hjg4 ,honoring as veterans certain persons who performed service in the reserve components of the ,armed ,forces4,sec4 #hjh4 ,extension of authority for ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs to issue and guarantee certain loans4,sec4 #hji4 ,review of determination of certain service in ,philippines during ,world ,war ,,ii4,sec4 #haj4 ,report on ,laotian military support of ,armed ,forces of the ,united ,states during ,vietnam ,war4,sec4 #haa4 ,report on assistance for veterans in obtaining training on purchasing and operating a franchise4,sec4 #hab4 ,limitation on aggregate amount of bonuses payable to personnel of the ,department of ,veterans ,affairs during fiscal year #bjad4 #b4 ,references to title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code ,except as otherwise expressly provided1 whenever in this ,act an amendment or repeal is expressed in terms of an amendment to1 or repeal of1 a section or other provision1 the reference shall be considered to be made to a section or other provision of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code4 ,i ,survivor and ,dependent ,matters #aja4 ,extension of initial period for increased dependency and indemnity compensation for surviving spouses with children 7a7 ,in general ,section #acaa7;f77#b7 is amended by striking two-year and inserting three-year4 7b7 ,effective date ,the amendment made by subsection 7a7 shall take effect as of ,september #cj1 #bjad1 and shall apply to any surviving spouse who was eligible for or in receipt of benefits under section #acaa7;f7 of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code1 on or after the date of the enactment of this ,act4 #ajb4 ,eligibility for dependency and indemnity compensation1 educational assistance1 and housing loans for surviving spouses who remarry after age #ee 7a7 ,in general ,paragraph 7#b77;,b7 of section #ajc7;d7 is amended to read as follows3 7,b7 ,the remarriage after age #ee of the surviving spouse of a veteran shall not bar the furnishing of benefits specified in paragraph 7#e7 to such person as the surviving spouse of the veteran4 4 7b7 ,conforming amendment ,paragraph 7#e7 of such section is amended by striking ,paragraphs 7#b77;,a7 and inserting ,paragraphs 7#b74 7c7 ,effective date ,the amendments made by this section shall take effect on the date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this ,act4 #ajc4 ,extension of marriage delimiting date for surviving spouses of ,persian ,gulf ,war veterans to qualify for death pension ,section #aeda7;f77#a77;,e7 is amended by striking ,january #a1 #bjja and inserting the date that is #aj years and one day after the date on which the ,persian ,gulf ,war was terminated1 as prescribed by ,presidential proclamation or by law4 #ajd4 ,expansion of ,marine ,gunnery ,sergeant ,john ,david ,fry ,scholarship 7a7 ,expansion of entitlement ,subsection 7b77#i7 of section #ccaa is amended by inserting or spouse after child4 7b7 ,limitation and election on certain benefits ,subsection 7f7 of such section is amended-- 7#a7 by redesignating paragraph 7#b7 as paragraph 7#d72 and 7#b7 by inserting after paragraph 7#a7 the following new paragraphs3 7#b7 ,limitation ,the entitlement of an individual to assistance under subsection 7a7 pursuant to paragraph 7#i7 of subsection 7b7 because the individual was a spouse of a person described in such paragraph shall expire on the earlier of-- 7,a7 the date that is #ae years after the date on which the person died2 and 7,b7 the date on which the individual remarries4 7#c7 ,election on receipt of certain benefits ,a surviving spouse entitled to assistance under subsection 7a7 pursuant to paragraph 7#i7 of subsection 7b7 who is also entitled to educational assistance under chapter #ce of this title may not receive assistance under both this section and such chapter1 but shall make an irrevocable election 7in such form and manner as the ,secretary may prescribe7 under which section or chapter to receive educational assistance4 4 7c7 ,conforming amendment ,section #ccba7;b77#d7 is amended-- 7#a7 by striking an individual and inserting a child2 and 7#b7 by striking such individual's each time it appears and inserting such child's4 7d7 ,effective date ,the amendments made by this section shall take effect on the date that is two years after the date of the enactment of this ,act4 #aje4 ,expansion of ,yellow ,ribbon ,g4,i4 ,education ,enhancement ,program 7a7 ,in general ,section #ccag7;a7 is amended by striking in paragraphs 7#a7 and 7#b7 and inserting in paragraphs 7#a71 7#b71 and 7#i74 7b7 ,effective date ,the amendment made by subsection 7a7 shall apply with respect to academic terms beginning after ,july #a1 #bjae4 #ajf4 ,benefits for children of certain ,thailand service veterans born with spina bifida 7a7 ,in general ,subchapter ,,iii of chapter #ah is amended by adding at the end the following new section3 #ahbb4 ,benefits for children of certain ,thailand service veterans born with spina bifida 7a7 ,benefits authorized ,the ,secretary may provide to any child of a veteran of covered service in ,thailand who is suffering from spina bifida the health care1 vocational training and rehabilitation1 and monetary allowance required to be paid to a child of a ,vietnam veteran who is suffering from spina bifida under subchapter ,i of this chapter as if such child of a veteran of covered service in ,thailand were a child of a ,vietnam veteran who is suffering from spina bifida under such subchapter4 7b7 ,spina bifida conditions covered ,this section applies with respect to all forms and manifestations of spina bifida1 except spina bifida occulta4 7c7 ,veteran of covered service in ,thailand ,for purposes of this section1 a veteran of covered service in ,thailand is any individual1 without regard to the characterization of that individual's service1 who-- 7#a7 served in the active military1 naval1 or air service in ,thailand1 as determined by the ,secretary in consultation with the ,secretary of ,defense1 during the period beginning on ,january #i1 #aifb1 and ending on ,may #g1 #aige2 and 7#b7 is determined by the ,secretary1 in consultation with the ,secretary of ,defense1 to have been exposed to a herbicide agent during such service in ,thailand4 7d7 ,herbicide agent ,for purposes of this section1 the term herbicide agent means a chemical in a herbicide used in support of ,united ,states and allied military operations in ,thailand1 as determined by the ,secretary in consultation with the ,secretary of ,defense1 during the period beginning on ,january #i1 #aifb1 and ending on ,may #g1 #aige4 4 7b7 ,conforming amendment to definition of child ,section #ahca7a7 is amended-- 7#a7 in subparagraph 7,b7-- 7,a7 by striking subchapter ,,iii of this chapter and inserting section #ahba of this title2 and 7,b7 in clause 7i71 by striking section #ahba of this title and inserting that section2 and 7#b7 by adding at the end the following new subparagraph3 7,c7 ,for purposes of section #ahbb of this title1 an individual1 regardless of age or marital status1 who-- 7i7 is the natural child of a veteran of covered service in ,thailand 7as determined for purposes of that section72 and 7ii7 was conceived after the date on which that veteran first entered service described in subsection 7c7 of that section4 4 7c7 ,clerical amendments 7#a7 ,subchapter heading ,the heading for subchapter ,,iii of chapter #ah is amended by inserting and ,thailand after ,korea4 7#b7 ,table of sections ,the table of sections at the beginning of chapter #ah is amended-- 7,a7 by striking the item relating to subchapter ,,iii and inserting the following new item3 ,subchapter ,,iii--,children of certain ,korea and ,thailand service veterans born with spina bifida 2 and 7,b7 by inserting after the item relating to section #ahba the following new item3 #ahbb4 ,benefits for children of certain ,thailand service veterans born with spina bifida4 4 7d7 ,effective date ,the amendments made by this section shall take effect on the date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this ,act4 #ajg4 ,program on assisted living for children of ,vietnam veterans and certain ,korea service veterans born with spina bifida 7a7 ,program ,commencing not later than #ahj days after the date on which this section takes effect1 the ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs shall carry out a program to assess the feasibility and advisability of providing assisted living1 group home care1 or similar services in lieu of nursing home care to covered individuals4 7b7 ,covered individuals ,for purposes of this section1 a covered individual is any individual who is entitled to health care under subchapter ,i or ,,iii of chapter #ah of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code4 7c7 ,duration 7#a7 ,in general ,except as otherwise provided in this subsection1 the program shall be carried out during the three-year period beginning on the date of the commencement of the program4 7#b7 ,continuation ,subject to paragraph 7#c71 the ,secretary may continue the program for an additional two-year period as the ,secretary considers appropriate4 7#c7 ,termination ,the program may not operate after the date that is five years after the date of the commencement of the program4 7d7 ,scope of services and program ,under the program1 the ,secretary shall provide covered individuals with integrated1 comprehensive services1 including the following3 7#a7 ,assisted living1 group home care1 or such other similar services as the ,secretary considers appropriate4 7#b7 ,transportation services4 7#c7 ,such other services as the ,secretary considers appropriate for the care of covered individuals under the program4 7e7 ,program requirements ,in carrying out the program1 the ,secretary shall-- 7#a7 inform all covered individuals of the services available under the program2 7#b7 enter into agreements with appropriate providers of assisted living1 group home care1 or other similar services for provision of services under the program2 and 7#c7 determine the appropriate number of covered individuals to be enrolled in the program and criteria for such enrollment4 7f7 ,reports 7#a7 ,preliminary reports 7,a7 ,in general ,not later than one year after the date of the commencement of the program and1 if the program is continued under subsection 7c77#b71 not later than three years after the date of the commencement of the program1 the ,secretary shall submit to the ,committee on ,veterans' ,affairs of the ,senate and the ,committee on ,veterans' ,affairs of the ,house of ,representatives a report on the program4 7,b7 ,contents ,each report submitted under subparagraph 7,a7 shall include the following3 7i7 ,a description of the implementation and operation of the program4 7ii7 ,the number of covered individuals receiving benefits under the program4 7iii7 ,an analysis that compares the costs of furnishing assisted living1 group home care1 or similar service with the costs of furnishing nursing home care4 7iv7 ,an analysis of the costs and benefits under the program4 7v7 ,the findings and conclusions of the ,secretary with respect to the program4 7vi7 ,such recommendations for the continuation or expansion of the program as the ,secretary may have4 7#b7 ,final report 7,a7 ,in general ,not later than #ahj days after the completion of the program1 the ,secretary shall submit to the ,committee on ,veterans' ,affairs of the ,senate and the ,committee on ,veterans' ,affairs of the ,house of ,representatives a report on the program4 7,b7 ,contents ,the report submitted under subparagraph 7,a7 shall include the following3 7i7 ,the findings and conclusions of the ,secretary with respect to the program4 7ii7 ,such recommendations for the continuation or expansion of the program as the ,secretary may have4 7g7 ,funding ,amounts to carry out the program shall be derived from amounts appropriated or otherwise made available for the furnishing of nursing home care under chapter #ah of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code4 7h7 ,effective date ,this section shall take effect on the date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this ,act4 #ajh4 ,program on grief counseling in retreat settings for surviving spouses of members of the ,armed ,forces who die while serving on active duty in the ,armed ,forces 7a7 ,program required 7#a7 ,in general ,commencing not later than #ahj days after the date on which this section takes effect1 the ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs shall carry out1 through the ,readjustment ,counseling ,service of the ,veterans ,health ,administration1 a program to assess the feasibility and advisability of providing grief counseling services described in subsection 7b7 in group retreat settings to surviving spouses of members of the ,armed ,forces who die while serving on active duty in the ,armed ,forces who would1 as determined by the ,readjustment ,counseling ,service1 benefit from the services provided under the program4 7#b7 ,participation at election of surviving spouse ,the participation of a surviving spouse in the program under this section shall be at the election of the surviving spouse4 7b7 ,covered services ,the services provided to a surviving spouse under the program shall include the following3 7#a7 ,information and counseling on coping with grief4 7#b7 ,information about benefits and services available to surviving spouses under laws administered by the ,secretary4 7#c7 ,such other information and counseling as the ,secretary considers appropriate to assist a surviving spouse under the program with adjusting to the death of a spouse4 7c7 ,events ,the ,secretary shall carry out the program at not fewer than six events as follows3 7#a7 ,three events at which surviving spouses with dependent children are encouraged to bring their children4 7#b7 ,three events at which surviving spouses with dependent children are not encouraged to bring their children4 7d7 ,duration ,the program shall be carried out during the two-year period beginning on the date of the commencement of the program4 7e7 ,reports 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #ahj days after the completion of the first year of the program and not later than #ahj days after the completion of the program1 the ,secretary shall submit to ,congress a report on the program4 7#b7 ,contents ,each report submitted under paragraph 7#a7 shall contain the findings and conclusions of the ,secretary as a result of the program1 and shall include such recommendations for the continuation or expansion of the program as the ,secretary considers appropriate4 7f7 ,definitions ,in this section1 the terms active duty1 ,armed ,forces1 and surviving spouse have the meanings given such terms in section #aja of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code4 7g7 ,effective date ,this section shall take effect on the date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this ,act4 #aji4 ,program evaluation on survivors' and dependents' educational assistance authorities 7a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs shall enter into a contract with an appropriate private sector entity to conduct a program evaluation of the authorities for survivors' and dependents' educational assistance under chapter #ce of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code4 7b7 ,report ,not later than six months after the entry into the contract required by subsection 7a71 the ,secretary shall submit to the ,committee on ,veterans' ,affairs of the ,senate and the ,committee on ,veterans' ,affairs of the ,house of ,representatives a report setting forth the results of the program evaluation conducted pursuant to the contract1 together with such comments on the results of the program evaluation as the ,secretary considers appropriate4 7c7 ,effective date ,this section shall take effect one year after the date of the enactment of this ,act4 ,,ii ,education ,matters #bja4 ,approval of courses of education provided by public institutions of higher learning for purposes of ,all-,volunteer ,force ,educational ,assistance ,program and ,post-#i_/aa ,educational ,assistance conditional on in-,state tuition rate for veterans 7a7 ,in general ,section #cfgi is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection3 7c7 7#a7 ,notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter and subject to paragraphs 7#c7 through 7#f71 the ,secretary shall disapprove a course of education provided by a public institution of higher learning to a covered individual pursuing a course of education with educational assistance under chapter #cj or #cc of this title while living in the ,state in which the public institution of higher learning is located if the institution charges tuition and fees for that course for the covered individual at a rate that is higher than the rate the institution charges for tuition and fees for that course for residents of the ,state in which the institution is located1 regardless of the covered individual's ,state of residence4 7#b7 ,for purposes of this subsection1 a covered individual is any individual as follows3 7,a7 ,a veteran who was discharged or released from a period of not fewer than #ij days of service in the active military1 naval1 or air service less than three years before the date of enrollment in the course concerned4 7,b7 ,an individual who is entitled to assistance under section #ccaa7;b77#i7 or #ccai of this title by virtue of such individual's relationship to a veteran described in subparagraph 7,a74 7#c7 ,if after enrollment in a course of education that is subject to disapproval under paragraph 7#a7 by reason of paragraph 7#b77;,a7 or 7#b77;,b7 a covered individual pursues one or more courses of education at the same public institution of higher learning while remaining continuously enrolled 7other than during regularly scheduled breaks between courses1 semesters or terms7 at that institution of higher learning1 any course so pursued by the covered individual at that institution of higher learning while so continuously enrolled shall also be subject to disapproval under paragraph 7#a74 7#d7 ,it shall not be grounds to disapprove a course of education under paragraph 7#a7 if a public institution of higher learning requires a covered individual pursuing a course of education at the institution to demonstrate an intent1 by means other than satisfying a physical presence requirement1 to establish residency in the ,state in which the institution is located1 or to satisfy other requirements not relating to the establishment of residency1 in order to be charged tuition and fees for that course at a rate that is equal to or less than the rate the institution charges for tuition and fees for that course for residents of the ,state4 7#e7 ,the ,secretary may waive such requirements of paragraph 7#a7 as the ,secretary considers appropriate4 7#f7 ,disapproval under paragraph 7#a7 shall apply only with respect to educational assistance under chapters #cj and #cc of this title4 4 7b7 ,effective date ,subsection 7c7 of section #cfgi of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code 7as added by subsection 7a7 of this section71 shall apply with respect to educational assistance provided for pursuit of programs of education during academic terms that begin after ,july #a1 #bjae1 through courses of education that commence on or after that date4 #bjb4 ,extension and expansion of authority for certain qualifying work-study activities for purposes of the educational assistance programs of the ,department of ,veterans ,affairs 7a7 ,extension of expiring current authority ,section #cdhe7;a77#d7 is amended by striking ,june #cj1 #bjac each place it appears and inserting ,june #cj1 #bjae4 7b7 ,expansion to outreach services provided through congressional offices ,such section is further amended by adding at the end the following new subparagraph3 7,k7 ,during the period beginning on ,june #cj1 #bjac1 and ending on ,june #cj1 #bjae1 the following activities carried out at the offices of ,members of ,congress for such ,members3 7i7 ,the distribution of information to members of the ,armed ,forces1 veterans1 and their dependents about the benefits and services under laws administered by the ,secretary and other appropriate governmental and nongovernmental programs4 7ii7 ,the preparation and processing of papers and other documents1 including documents to assist in the preparation and presentation of claims for benefits under laws administered by the ,secretary4 4 7c7 ,annual reports 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than ,june #cj of #bjad and #bjae1 the ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs shall submit to ,congress a report on the work-study allowances paid under paragraph 7#a7 of section #cdhe7;a7 of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code1 during the most recent one-year period for qualifying work-study activities described in paragraph 7#d7 of such section1 as amended by subsections 7a7 and 7b7 of this section4 7#b7 ,contents ,each report submitted under paragraph 7#a7 shall include1 for the year covered by such report1 the following3 7,a7 ,a description of the recipients of such work-study allowances4 7,b7 ,a list of the locations where qualifying work-study activities were carried out4 7,c7 ,a description of the outreach conducted by the ,secretary to increase awareness of the eligibility of such work-study activities for such work-study allowances4 #bjc4 ,report on debt management and collection 7a7 ,report ,not later than one year after the effective date specified in subsection 7c71 the ,comptroller ,general of the ,united ,states shall submit to the ,committee on ,veterans' ,affairs of the ,senate and the ,committee on ,veterans' ,affairs of the ,house of ,representatives a report on processes used by the ,department of ,veterans ,affairs to identify and resolve cases of incorrect payments associated with educational assistance under chapters #cj and #cc of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code4 7b7 ,issues addressed ,the report required by subsection 7a7 shall1 to the extent possible1 address the following3 7#a7 ,the effectiveness of the processes referred to in subsection 7a7 in identifying and resolving incorrect payments associated with educational assistance under chapters #cj and #cc of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code4 7#b7 ,the accuracy of overpayment information provided to veterans by the ,education ,service and ,debt ,management ,center of the ,department4 7#c7 ,how well the ,debt ,management ,center of the ,department communicates and works with veterans to resolve disputed debt amounts4 7#d7 ,how the payment and debt collection processes of the ,department compare to comparable programs in other ,federal agencies4 7#e7 ,any recommendations to improve the payment and debt collection processes of the ,department that the ,comptroller ,general considers appropriate4 7c7 ,effective date ,this section shall take effect on the date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this ,act4 #bjd4 ,restoration of prior reporting fee multipliers ,section #cfhd7;c7 is amended-- 7#a7 by striking #ab and inserting #g2 and 7#b7 by striking #ae and inserting #aa4 ,,iii ,health ,care ,matters ,a ,expansion and ,improvements of ,benefits ,generally #cja4 ,expansion of provision of chiropractic care and services to veterans 7a7 ,program for provision of chiropractic care and services to veterans ,section #bjd7;c7 of the ,department of ,veterans ,affairs ,health ,care ,programs ,enhancement ,act of #bjja 7,public ,law #ajg-ace2 #aae ,stat4 #bdei2 #ch ,u4,s4,c4 #agaj note7 is amended-- 7#a7 by inserting 7#a7 before ,the program2 and 7#b7 by adding at the end the following new paragraph3 7#b7 ,the program shall be carried out at not fewer than two medical centers or clinics in each ,veterans ,integrated ,service ,network by not later than one year after the effective date specified in section #cja7;c7 of the ,veterans ,health and ,benefits ,improvement ,act of #bjac1 and at not fewer than #ej percent of all medical centers in each ,veterans ,integrated ,service ,network by not later than two years after such effective date4 4 7b7 ,expanded chiropractor services available to veterans 7#a7 ,medical services ,paragraph 7#f7 of section #agja is amended by adding at the end the following new subparagraph3 7,h7 ,chiropractic services4 4 7#b7 ,rehabilitative services ,paragraph 7#h7 of such section is amended by inserting chiropractic1 after counseling14 7#c7 ,preventive health services ,paragraph 7#i7 of such section is amended-- 7,a7 by redesignating subparagraphs 7,f7 through 7,k7 as subparagraphs 7,g7 through 7,l71 respectively2 and 7,b7 by inserting after subparagraph 7,e7 the following new subparagraph 7,f73 7,f7 periodic and preventive chiropractic examinations and services2 4 7c7 ,effective date ,this section and the amendments made by this section shall take effect on the date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this ,act4 #cjb4 ,modification of commencement date of period of service at ,camp ,lejeune1 ,north ,carolina1 for eligibility for hospital care and medical services in connection with exposure to contaminated water 7a7 ,modification ,section #agaj7;e77#a77;,f7 is amended by striking ,january #a1 #aieg1 and inserting ,august #a1 #aiec 7or such earlier date for the commencement of exposure to contaminated water at ,camp ,lejeune as the ,secretary1 in consultation with the ,agency for ,toxic ,substances and ,disease ,registry1 shall specify714 7b7 ,publication ,the ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs shall publish in the ,federal ,register a notice of any earlier date for the commencement of exposure to contaminated water at ,camp ,lejeune1 ,north ,carolina1 for purposes of section #agaj7;e77#a77;,f7 of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code1 as amended by subsection 7a74 #cjc4 ,expansion of eligibility for sexual trauma counseling and treatment to veterans on inactive duty training ,section #agbj;,d7a77#a7 is amended by striking or active duty for training and inserting 1 active duty for training1 or inactive duty training4 #cjd4 ,extension of sunset date regarding transportation of individuals to and from facilities of ,department of ,veterans ,affairs and requirement of report 7a7 ,extension of sunset date ,subsection 7a77#b7 of section #aaa;,a is amended by striking the date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this section and inserting ,september #cj1 #bjae4 7b7 ,funding available ,such section is further amended by adding at the end the following new subsection3 7c7 ,funding ,there is hereby authorized to be appropriated for each of fiscal years #bjad and #bjae for the ,department1 #d1jjj1jjj to carry out this section4 4 7c7 ,report ,not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary shall submit to the ,committee on ,veterans' ,affairs of the ,senate and the ,committee on ,veterans' ,affairs of the ,house of ,representatives a report on-- 7#a7 the efforts of the ,secretary to carry out the transportation services required by section #aaa;,a7a7 of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code2 7#b7 the utilization of those services by covered veterans2 and 7#c7 the feasibility and advisability of the continuation of the provision of such services after ,september #cj1 #bjae4 #cje4 ,program on health promotion for overweight and obese veterans through support of fitness center memberships 7a7 ,program required ,commencing not later than #ahj days after the date on which this section takes effect1 the ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs shall1 through the ,national ,center for ,preventive ,health1 carry out a program to assess the feasibility and advisability of promoting health in covered veterans1 including achieving a healthy weight and reducing risks of chronic disease1 through support for fitness center membership4 7b7 ,covered veterans ,for purposes of this section1 a covered veteran is any veteran who-- 7#a7 is enrolled in the system of annual patient enrollment established and operated by the ,secretary under section #agje of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code2 7#b7 is determined by a clinician of the ,department of ,veterans ,affairs to be overweight or obese as of the date of the commencement of the program2 and 7#c7 resides in a location that is more than #ae minutes driving distance from a fitness center at a facility of the ,department that would otherwise be available to the veteran for at least eight hours per day during five or more days per week4 7c7 ,duration of program ,the program shall be carried out during the two-year period beginning on the date of the commencement of the program4 7d7 ,locations 7#a7 ,in general ,in carrying out the program1 the ,secretary shall select-- 7,a7 not less than five medical centers of the ,department at which the ,secretary shall cover the full reasonable cost of a fitness center membership for covered veterans within the catchment area of such centers2 and 7,b7 not less than five medical centers of the ,department at which the ,secretary shall cover half the reasonable cost of a fitness center membership for covered veterans within the catchment area of such centers4 7#b7 ,considerations ,in selecting locations for the program1 the ,secretary shall consider the feasibility and advisability of selecting locations in the following areas3 7,a7 ,rural areas4 7,b7 ,areas that are not in close proximity to an active duty military installation4 7,c7 ,areas in different geographic locations4 7e7 ,participation 7#a7 ,maximum number of participants ,the number of covered veterans who may participate in the program at each location selected under subsection 7d7 may not exceed #ajj4 7#b7 ,voluntary participation ,the participation of a covered veteran in the program shall be at the election of the covered veteran in consultation with a clinician of the ,department4 7f7 ,membership payment 7#a7 ,in general ,except as provided in paragraph 7#b71 in carrying out the program1 the ,secretary shall pay the following3 7,a7 ,the full reasonable cost of a fitness center membership for covered veterans within the catchment area of centers selected under subsection 7d77#a77;,a7 who are participating in the program4 7,b7 ,half the reasonable cost of a fitness center membership for covered veterans within the catchment area of centers selected under subsection 7d77#a77;,b7 who are participating in the program4 7#b7 ,limitation ,payment for a fitness center membership of a covered veteran may not exceed #ej per month of membership4 7g7 ,reports 7#a7 ,periodic reports ,not later than #ij days after the date of the commencement of the program and not less frequently than once every #ij days thereafter1 the ,secretary shall submit to the ,committee on ,veterans' ,affairs of the ,senate and the ,committee on ,veterans' ,affairs of the ,house of ,representatives a report on activities carried out to implement the program1 including outreach activities to veterans and community organizations4 7#b7 ,final report ,not later than #ahj days after the date of the completion of the program1 the ,secretary shall submit to the ,committee on ,veterans' ,affairs of the ,senate and the ,committee on ,veterans' ,affairs of the ,house of ,representatives a report on the program detailing-- 7,a7 the findings and conclusions of the ,secretary as a result of the program2 and 7,b7 recommendations for the continuation or expansion of the program4 7h7 ,effective date ,this section shall take effect on the date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this ,act4 #cjf4 ,program on health promotion for veterans through establishment of ,department of ,veterans ,affairs fitness facilities 7a7 ,program required ,commencing not later than #ahj days after the date on which this section takes effect1 the ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs shall carry out a program to assess the feasibility and advisability of promoting health in covered veterans1 including achieving a healthy weight1 through establishment of ,department of ,veterans ,affairs fitness facilities4 7b7 ,covered veterans ,for purposes of this section1 a covered veteran is any veteran who is enrolled in the system of annual patient enrollment established and operated by the ,secretary under section #agje of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code4 7c7 ,duration of program ,the program shall be carried out during the three-year period beginning on the date of the commencement of the program4 7d7 ,locations 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary shall carry out the program by establishing fitness facilities in ,department facilities as follows3 7,a7 ,in not fewer than five ,department of ,veterans ,affairs medical centers selected by the ,secretary for purposes of the program4 7,b7 ,in not fewer than five outpatient clinics of the ,department selected by the ,secretary for purposes of the program4 7#b7 ,considerations ,in selecting locations for the program1 the ,secretary shall consider the feasibility and advisability of selecting locations in the following areas3 7,a7 ,rural areas4 7,b7 ,areas that are not in close proximity to an active duty military installation4 7,c7 ,areas in different geographic locations4 7e7 ,limitation on expenses ,in establishing and supporting a fitness facility in a facility of the ,department under the program1 the ,secretary may expend amounts as follows3 7#a7 ,for establishment and support of a fitness facility in a ,department of ,veterans ,affairs medical center1 not more than #fj1jjj4 7#b7 ,for establishment and support of a fitness facility in an outpatient clinic of the ,department1 not more than #dj1jjj4 7f7 ,repurposing of physical space and purchases of equipment 7#a7 ,in general ,subject to subsection 7e71 the ,secretary may1 in carrying out the program1 repurpose existing physical space of the ,department and purchase such fitness equipment and supplies as the ,secretary considers appropriate for purposes of the program4 7#b7 ,repurposing exception ,existing physical space used for the direct delivery of health care to patients may not be repurposed under paragraph 7#a74 7g7 ,prohibition on assessment of user fees ,the ,secretary may not assess a fee upon a covered veteran for use of a fitness facility established under the program4 7h7 ,voluntary participation ,the participation of a covered veteran in the program shall be at the election of the covered veteran4 7i7 ,reports 7#a7 ,periodic reports ,not later than #ij days after the date of the commencement of the program and not less frequently than once every #ij days thereafter1 the ,secretary shall submit to the ,committee on ,veterans' ,affairs of the ,senate and the ,committee on ,veterans' ,affairs of the ,house of ,representatives a report on activities carried out to implement the program1 including outreach activities to veterans and community organizations4 7#b7 ,final report ,not later than #ahj days after the date of the completion of the program1 the ,secretary shall submit to the ,committee on ,veterans' ,affairs of the ,senate and the ,committee on ,veterans' ,affairs of the ,house of ,representatives a report on the program detailing-- 7,a7 the findings and conclusions of the ,secretary as a result of the program2 and 7,b7 recommendations for the continuation or expansion of the program4 7j7 ,effective date ,this section shall take effect on the date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this ,act4 ,b ,health ,care ,administration #caa4 ,extension of ,department of ,veterans ,affairs ,health ,professional ,scholarship ,program ,section #gfai is amended by striking ,december #ca1 #bjad and inserting ,december #ca1 #bjai4 #cab4 ,expansion of availability of prosthetic and orthotic care for veterans 7a7 ,establishment or expansion of advanced degree programs ,to expand availability of provision of care ,the ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs shall work with institutions of higher education to develop partnerships for the establishment or expansion of programs of advanced degrees in prosthetics and orthotics in order to improve and enhance the availability of high quality prosthetic and orthotic care for veterans4 7b7 ,report ,not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary shall submit to the ,committee on ,veterans' ,affairs of the ,senate and the ,committee on ,veterans' ,affairs of the ,house of ,representatives a report setting forth a plan for carrying out subsection 7a74 ,the ,secretary shall develop the plan in consultation with veterans service organizations1 institutions of higher education with accredited degree programs in prosthetics and orthotics1 and representatives of the prosthetics and orthotics field4 7c7 ,funding 7#a7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there is hereby authorized to be appropriated for fiscal year #bjae for the ,department of ,veterans ,affairs1 #aj1jjj1jjj to carry out this section4 7#b7 ,availability ,the amount authorized to be appropriated by paragraph 7#a7 shall remain available for expenditure until ,september #cj1 #bjag4 #cac4 ,corporal ,michael ,j4 ,crescenz ,department of ,veterans ,affairs ,medical ,center 7a7 ,designation ,the medical center of the ,department of ,veterans ,affairs located at #cijj ,woodland ,avenue in ,philadelphia1 ,pennsylvania1 shall after the date of the enactment of this ,act be known and designated as the ,corporal ,michael ,j4 ,crescenz ,department of ,veterans ,affairs ,medical ,center4 7b7 ,references ,any reference in any law1 regulation1 map1 document1 paper1 or other record of the ,united ,states to the medical center referred to in subsection 7a7 shall be considered to be a reference to the ,corporal ,michael ,j4 ,crescenz ,department of ,veterans ,affairs ,medical ,center4 ,c ,complementary and ,alternative ,medicine #cba4 ,expansion of research and education on and delivery of complementary and alternative medicine to veterans 7a7 ,development of plan ,to expand research1 education1 and delivery ,not later than six months after the effective date specified in subsection 7f71 the ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs shall develop a plan to expand materially and substantially the scope of research and education on1 and delivery and integration of1 complementary and alternative medicine services into the health care services provided to veterans4 7b7 ,elements ,the plan required by subsection 7a7 shall provide for the following3 7#a7 ,research on the following3 7,a7 ,the comparative effectiveness of various complementary and alternative medicine therapies4 7,b7 ,approaches to integrating complementary and alternative medicine services into other health care services provided by the ,department4 7#b7 ,education and training for health care professionals of the ,department on the following3 7,a7 ,complementary and alternative medicine services selected by the ,secretary for purposes of the plan4 7,b7 ,appropriate uses of such services4 7,c7 ,integration of such services into the delivery of health care to veterans4 7#c7 ,research1 education1 and clinical activities on complementary and alternative medicine at centers of innovation at ,department medical centers4 7#d7 ,identification or development of metrics and outcome measures to evaluate the provision and integration of complementary and alternative medicine services into the delivery of health care to veterans4 7#e7 ,integration and delivery of complementary and alternative medicine services with other health care services provided by the ,department4 7c7 ,consultation 7#a7 ,in general ,in carrying out subsection 7a71 the ,secretary shall consult with the following3 7,a7 ,the ,director of the ,national ,center on ,complementary and ,alternative ,medicine of the ,national ,institutes of ,health4 7,b7 ,the ,commissioner of ,food and ,drugs4 7,c7 ,institutions of higher education1 private research institutes1 and individual researchers with extensive experience in complementary and alternative medicine and the integration of complementary and alternative medicine practices into the delivery of health care4 7,d7 ,nationally recognized providers of complementary and alternative medicine4 7,e7 ,such other officials1 entities1 and individuals with expertise on complementary and alternative medicine as the ,secretary considers appropriate4 7#b7 ,scope of consultation ,the ,secretary shall undertake consultation under paragraph 7#a7 in carrying out subsection 7a7 with respect to the following3 7,a7 ,to develop the plan4 7,b7 ,to identify specific complementary and alternative medicine practices that1 on the basis of research findings or promising clinical interventions1 are appropriate to include as services to veterans4 7,c7 ,to identify barriers to the effective provision and integration of complementary and alternative medicine services into the delivery of health care to veterans1 and to identify mechanisms for overcoming such barriers4 7d7 ,funding ,there is authorized to be appropriated to the ,secretary such sums as may be necessary to carry out this section4 7e7 ,complementary and alternative medicine defined ,in this section1 the term complementary and alternative medicine shall have the meaning given that term in regulations the ,secretary shall prescribe for purposes of this section1 which shall1 to the degree practicable1 be consistent with the meaning given such term by the ,secretary of ,health and ,human ,services4 7f7 ,effective date ,this section shall take effect on the date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this ,act4 #cbb4 ,program on integration of complementary and alternative medicine within ,department of ,veterans ,affairs medical centers 7a7 ,program required ,the ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs shall-- 7#a7 carry out1 through the ,office of ,patient ,centered ,care and ,cultural ,transformation of the ,department of ,veterans ,affairs1 a program to assess the feasibility and advisability of integrating the delivery of complementary and alternative medicine services selected by the ,secretary with other health care services provided by the ,department for veterans with mental health conditions1 chronic pain conditions1 other chronic conditions1 and such other conditions as the ,secretary determines appropriate2 and 7#b7 in developing the program1 identify and resolve barriers to the provision of complementary and alternative medicine services selected by the ,secretary and the integration of those services with other health care services provided by the ,department4 7b7 ,duration of program ,the program shall be carried out during the three-year period beginning on the effective date specified in subsection 7j74 7c7 ,locations 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary shall carry out the program at not fewer than #ae separate ,department medical centers4 7#b7 ,polytrauma centers ,not less than two of the medical centers designated under paragraph 7#a7 shall be located at polytrauma rehabilitation centers of the ,department4 7#c7 ,selection of locations ,in carrying out the program1 the ,secretary shall select locations that include the following areas3 7,a7 ,rural areas4 7,b7 ,areas that are not in close proximity to an active duty military installation4 7,c7 ,areas representing different geographic locations1 such as census tracts established by the ,bureau of the ,census4 7d7 ,provision of services ,under the program1 the ,secretary shall provide covered services to covered veterans by integrating complementary and alternative medicine services with other services provided by the ,department at the medical centers designated under subsection 7c77#a74 7e7 ,covered veterans ,for purposes of the program1 a covered veteran is any veteran who-- 7#a7 has a mental health condition diagnosed by a clinician of the ,department2 7#b7 experiences chronic pain2 or 7#c7 has a chronic condition being treated by a clinician of the ,department4 7f7 ,covered services 7#a7 ,in general ,for purposes of the program1 covered services are services consisting of complementary and alternative medicine as selected by the ,secretary4 7#b7 ,administration of services ,covered services shall be administered under the program as follows3 7,a7 ,covered services shall be administered by clinicians employed by the ,secretary for purposes of this section who1 to the extent practicable1 shall provide services consisting of complementary and alternative medicine1 including those clinicians who solely provide such services4 7,b7 ,covered services shall be included as part of the ,patient ,aligned ,care ,teams initiative of the ,office of ,patient ,care ,services1 ,primary ,care ,program ,office1 in coordination with the ,office of ,patient ,centered ,care and ,cultural ,transformation4 7,c7 ,covered services shall be made available to both-- 7i7 covered veterans with mental health conditions1 pain conditions1 or chronic conditions described in subsection 7e7 who have received conventional treatments from the ,department for such conditions2 and 7ii7 covered veterans with mental health conditions1 pain conditions1 or chronic conditions described in subsection 7e7 who have not received conventional treatments from the ,department for such conditions4 7g7 ,voluntary participation ,the participation of a veteran in the program shall be at the election of the veteran and in consultation with a clinician of the ,department4 7h7 ,reports to ,congress 7#a7 ,quarterly reports ,not later than #ij days after the date of the commencement of the program and not less frequently than once every #ij days thereafter for the duration of the program1 the ,secretary shall submit to the ,committee on ,veterans' ,affairs of the ,senate and the ,committee on ,veterans' ,affairs of the ,house of ,representatives a report on the efforts of the ,secretary to carry out the program1 including a description of the outreach conducted by the ,secretary to veterans and community organizations to inform such organizations about the program4 7#b7 ,final report 7,a7 ,in general ,not later than #ahj days after the completion of the program1 the ,secretary shall submit to the ,committee on ,veterans' ,affairs of the ,senate and the ,committee on ,veterans' ,affairs of the ,house of ,representatives a report on the program4 7,b7 ,contents ,the report submitted under subparagraph 7,a7 shall include the following3 7i7 ,the findings and conclusions of the ,secretary with respect to the program1 including with respect to-- 7,i7 the utilization and efficacy of the complementary and alternative medicine services established under the program2 7,,ii7 an assessment of the benefit of the program to covered veterans in mental health diagnoses1 pain management1 and treatment of chronic illness2 and 7,,iii7 the comparative effectiveness of various complementary and alternative medicine therapies4 7ii7 ,barriers identified under subsection 7a77#b7 that were not resolved4 7iii7 ,such recommendations for the continuation or expansion of the program as the ,secretary considers appropriate4 7i7 ,complementary and alternative medicine defined ,in this section1 the term complementary and alternative medicine shall have the meaning given that term in section #cba7;e7 of this ,act4 7j7 ,effective date ,this section shall take effect on the date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this ,act4 #cbc4 ,studies of barriers encountered by veterans in receiving1 and administrators and clinicians in providing1 complementary and alternative medicine services furnished by the ,department of ,veterans ,affairs 7a7 ,studies required 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs shall conduct comprehensive studies of the barriers encountered by veterans in receiving1 and administrators and clinicians in providing1 complementary and alternative medicine services furnished by the ,department of ,veterans ,affairs4 7#b7 ,studies conducted 7,a7 ,veterans ,in conducting the study of veterans1 the ,secretary shall-- 7i7 survey veterans who seek or receive hospital care or medical services furnished by the ,department1 as well as veterans who do not seek or receive such care or services2 7ii7 administer the survey to a representative sample of veterans from each ,veterans ,integrated ,service ,network2 and 7iii7 ensure that the sample of veterans surveyed is of sufficient size for the study results to be statistically significant4 7,b7 ,administrators and clinicians ,in conducting the study of clinicians and administrators1 the ,secretary shall-- 7i7 survey administrators of the ,department who are involved in the provision of health care services2 7ii7 survey clinicians that have provided complementary and alternative medicine services through the program established under section #cbb of this ,act1 after those clinicians have provided those services through such program for at least #ij days2 and 7iii7 administer the survey to administrators under clause 7i7-- 7,i7 before the introduction of complementary and alternative medicine services through such program2 and 7,,ii7 not earlier than #ij days after the introduction of complementary and alternative medicine services through such program4 7b7 ,elements of studies 7#a7 ,veterans ,in conducting the study of veterans required by subsection 7a71 the ,secretary shall study the following3 7,a7 ,the perceived barriers associated with obtaining complementary and alternative medicine services from the ,department4 7,b7 ,the satisfaction of veterans with complementary and alternative medicine services in primary care4 7,c7 ,the degree to which veterans are aware of eligibility requirements for1 and the scope of services available under1 complementary and alternative medicine services furnished by the ,department4 7,d7 ,the effectiveness of outreach to veterans on the availability of complementary and alternative medicine for veterans4 7,e7 ,such other barriers as the ,secretary considers appropriate4 7#b7 ,administrators and clinicians ,in conducting the study of administrators and clinicians required by subsection 7a71 the ,secretary shall study the following3 7,a7 ,the extent of the integration of complementary and alternative medicine services within the services provided by the ,department4 7,b7 ,the perception by administrators and clinicians of the structural and attitudinal barriers to the delivery of high quality complementary and alternative medicine services by the ,department4 7,c7 ,strategies that have been used to reduce or eliminate such barriers and the results of such strategies4 7,d7 ,the satisfaction of administrators and clinicians regarding the integration of complementary and alternative medicine services within the services provided by the ,department4 7,e7 ,the perception by administrators and clinicians of the value of specific complementary and alternative medicine services for inpatient and outpatient veteran populations4 7c7 ,discharge by contract ,the ,secretary shall enter into a contract with a qualified independent entity or organization to carry out the studies required by this section4 7d7 ,mandatory review of data by the ,national ,research ,advisory ,council 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary shall ensure that the head of the ,national ,research ,advisory ,council reviews the results of the studies conducted under this section4 7#b7 ,submittal of findings ,the head of the ,national ,research ,advisory ,council shall submit findings with respect to the studies to the ,under ,secretary for ,health and to other pertinent program offices within the ,department with responsibilities relating to health care services for veterans4 7e7 ,reports 7#a7 ,report on implementation ,not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary shall submit to ,congress a report on the status of the implementation of this section4 7#b7 ,report on study 7,a7 ,in general ,not later than #de days after the date of the completion of the study1 the ,secretary shall submit to ,congress a report on the study required by subsection 7a74 7,b7 ,contents ,the report required by subparagraph 7,a7 shall include the following3 7i7 ,recommendations for such administrative and legislative proposals and actions as the ,secretary considers appropriate4 7ii7 ,the findings of the head of the ,national ,research ,advisory ,council and of the ,under ,secretary for ,health4 7f7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there is authorized to be appropriated for fiscal year #bjae for the ,department of ,veterans ,affairs1 #b1jjj1jjj to carry out this section4 7g7 ,complementary and alternative medicine defined ,in this section1 the term complementary and alternative medicine shall have the meaning given that term in section #cba7;e7 of this ,act4 #cbd4 ,program on use of wellness programs as complementary approach to mental health care for veterans and family members of veterans 7a7 ,program required 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs shall carry out a program through the award of grants to public or private nonprofit entities to assess the feasibility and advisability of using wellness programs to complement the provision of mental health care to veterans and family members eligible for counseling under section #agab;,a7a77#a77;,c7 of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code4 7#b7 ,matters to be addressed ,the program shall be carried out so as to assess the following3 7,a7 ,means of improving coordination between ,federal1 ,state1 local1 and community providers of health care in the provision of mental health care to veterans and family members described in paragraph 7#a74 7,b7 ,means of enhancing outreach1 and coordination of outreach1 by and among providers of health care referred to in subparagraph 7,a7 on the mental health care services available to veterans and family members described in paragraph 7#a74 7,c7 ,means of using wellness programs of providers of health care referred to in subparagraph 7,a7 as complements to the provision by the ,department of ,veterans ,affairs of mental health care to veterans and family members described in paragraph 7#a74 7,d7 ,whether wellness programs described in subparagraph 7,c7 are effective in enhancing the quality of life and well-being of veterans and family members described in paragraph 7#a74 7,e7 ,whether wellness programs described in subparagraph 7,c7 are effective in increasing the adherence of veterans described in paragraph 7#a7 to the primary mental health services provided such veterans by the ,department4 7,f7 ,whether wellness programs described in subparagraph 7,c7 have an impact on the sense of wellbeing of veterans described in paragraph 7#a7 who receive primary mental health services from the ,department4 7,g7 ,whether wellness programs described in subparagraph 7,c7 are effective in encouraging veterans receiving health care from the ,department to adopt a more healthy lifestyle4 7b7 ,duration ,the ,secretary shall carry out the program for a period of three years beginning on the date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this ,act4 7c7 ,locations ,the ,secretary shall carry out the program at facilities of the ,department providing mental health care services to veterans and family members described in subsection 7a77#a74 7d7 ,grant proposals 7#a7 ,in general ,a public or private nonprofit entity seeking the award of a grant under this section shall submit an application therefor to the ,secretary in such form and in such manner as the ,secretary may require4 7#b7 ,application contents ,each application submitted under paragraph 7#a7 shall include the following3 7,a7 ,a plan to coordinate activities under the program1 to the extent possible1 with the ,federal1 ,state1 and local providers of services for veterans to enhance the following3 7i7 ,awareness by veterans of benefits and health care services provided by the ,department4 7ii7 ,outreach efforts to increase the use by veterans of services provided by the ,department4 7iii7 ,educational efforts to inform veterans of the benefits of a healthy and active lifestyle4 7,b7 ,a statement of understanding from the entity submitting the application that1 if selected1 such entity will be required to report to the ,secretary periodically on standardized data and other performance data necessary to evaluate individual outcomes and to facilitate evaluations among entities participating in the program4 7,c7 ,other requirements that the ,secretary may prescribe4 7e7 ,grant uses 7#a7 ,in general ,a public or private nonprofit entity awarded a grant under this section shall use the award for purposes prescribed by the ,secretary4 7#b7 ,eligible veterans and family ,in carrying out the purposes prescribed by the ,secretary in paragraph 7#a71 a public or private nonprofit entity awarded a grant under this section shall use the award to furnish services only to individuals specified in section #agab;,a7a77#a77;,c7 of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code4 7f7 ,reports 7#a7 ,periodic reports 7,a7 ,in general ,not later than #ahj days after the date of the commencement of the program1 and every #ahj days thereafter1 the ,secretary shall submit to ,congress a report on the program4 7,b7 ,report elements ,each report required by subparagraph 7,a7 shall include the following3 7i7 ,the findings and conclusions of the ,secretary with respect to the program during the #ahj-;day period preceding the report4 7ii7 ,an assessment of the benefits of the program to veterans and their family members during the #ahj-;day period preceding the report4 7#b7 ,final report ,not later than #ahj days after the end of the program1 the ,secretary shall submit to ,congress a report detailing the recommendations of the ,secretary as to the advisability of continuing or expanding the program4 7g7 ,wellness defined ,in this section1 the term wellness has the meaning given that term in regulations prescribed by the ,secretary4 ,,iv ,accountability and ,administrative ,improvements #dja4 ,administration of ,veterans ,integrated ,service ,networks 7a7 ,veterans ,integrated ,service ,networks 7#a7 ,in general ,subchapter ,i of chapter #gc is amended by adding at the end the following new section3 #gcaj4 ,veterans ,integrated ,service ,networks 7a7 ,organization 7#a7 ,the ,secretary shall organize the ,veterans ,health ,administration in geographically defined ,veterans ,integrated ,service ,networks4 7#b7 ,each ,veterans ,integrated ,service ,network shall be organized in consideration of the following3 7,a7 ,the size of the veteran population of the region of the network4 7,b7 ,the complexity of the medical needs of the veterans in such region4 7,c7 ,patient referral patterns4 7,d7 ,the availability of a full continuum of health care services4 7,e7 ,the ability of the ,department to furnish health care efficiently4 7,f7 ,partnerships with non-,department health care entities4 7b7 ,staffing model 7#a7 ,the ,secretary shall establish a staffing model for each ,veterans ,integrated ,service ,network that-- 7,a7 is appropriate for the mission and responsibilities of the ,veterans ,integrated ,service ,network2 and 7,b7 accounts for the specific health care needs of differing populations in the ,veterans ,integrated ,service ,network4 7#b7 ,the ,secretary shall ensure that each ,veterans ,integrated ,service ,network complies with the staffing model established by the ,secretary under paragraph 7#a7 for such ,veterans ,integrated ,service ,network4 7c7 ,integrated health care system ,the ,secretary shall ensure that each ,veterans ,integrated ,service ,network maintains a regional integrated healthcare system by-- 7#a7 implementing alliances with such other governmental1 public1 and private health care organizations and practitioners as the ,secretary considers appropriate to meet the needs of veterans in the ,network2 7#b7 providing oversight and management of1 and taking responsibility for1 a regional budget for the activities of the ,veterans ,health ,administration in the geographic area of the ,network that is-- 7,a7 aligned with the budget guidelines of the ,department and the ,veterans ,health ,administration2 7,b7 balanced at the end of each fiscal year2 and 7,c7 sufficient to provide high-quality health care to veterans within the region and to meet any unique needs of the veterans of the region2 7#c7 using national metrics to develop systems to provide effective1 efficient1 and safe delivery of health care2 and 7#d7 ensuring high-quality clinical programs and services are rendered in and through-- 7,a7 the medical centers and outpatient clinics of the ,department that are located in the ,network2 and 7,b7 other non-,department clinical or health care delivery settings located in the ,network4 7d7 ,reduction in duplicate functions ,the ,secretary shall ensure that the ,veterans ,integrated ,service ,networks identify and reduce1 whenever practicable1 the duplication of functions in clinical1 administrative1 and operational processes and practices of the ,veterans ,health ,administration4 7e7 ,collaboration and cooperation ,the ,secretary shall ensure that each ,veterans ,integrated ,service ,network-- 7#a7 works to achieve maximum effectiveness in patient care and safety1 graduate medical education1 and research2 and 7#b7 assesses the consolidation or realignment of institutional functions1 including capital asset1 safety1 and operational support functions1 in collaboration and cooperation with other ,veterans ,integrated ,service ,networks and the following offices or entities within the geographical area of the ,network3 7,a7 ,the offices of the ,veterans ,benefits ,administration and the ,national ,cemetery ,administration4 7,b7 ,the offices1 installations1 and facilities of the ,department of ,defense1 including the offices1 installations1 and facilities of each branch of the ,armed ,forces and the reserve components of the ,armed ,forces4 7,c7 ,the offices1 installations1 and facilities of the ,coast ,guard4 7,d7 ,offices of ,state and local agencies that have a mission to provide assistance to veterans4 7,e7 ,medical schools and other affiliates4 7,f7 ,offices of ,congress1 offices of ,state and local elected officials1 and other government offices4 7,g7 ,federal1 ,state1 and local emergency preparedness organizations4 7,h7 ,community and nonprofit organizations4 7,i7 ,such other entities of the ,federal ,government as the ,secretary considers appropriate4 7f7 ,headquarters 7#a7 ,the ,secretary shall ensure that each ,veterans ,integrated ,service ,network has only one headquarters office4 7#b7 ,the location of a headquarters office for a ,veterans ,integrated ,service ,network shall be determined by the ,secretary and co-located with a ,department of ,veterans ,affairs medical center4 7#c7 7,a7 ,the ,secretary may employ or contract for the services of such full time equivalent employees and contractors at the headquarters of each ,veterans ,integrated ,service ,network as the ,secretary considers appropriate in accordance with the staffing models established under subsection 7b74 7,b7 ,not later than ,december #ca each year1 the ,secretary shall submit to the ,committee on ,veterans' ,affairs of the ,senate and the ,committee on ,veterans' ,affairs of the ,house of ,representatives a report on employment at the headquarters of ,veterans ,integrated ,service ,networks during the most recently completed fiscal year4 7,c7 ,each report submitted under subparagraph 7,b7 shall include the following for the year covered by the report3 7i7 ,the number of individuals employed at each headquarters of a ,veterans ,integrated ,service ,network4 7ii7 ,the number of individuals employed by the ,veterans ,health ,administration in each ,veterans ,integrated ,service ,network who are not employed at the same location as the headquarters of the ,network4 7iii7 ,the title for each position of employment at a headquarters of a ,veterans ,integrated ,service ,network4 7iv7 ,the title for each position of employment with the ,veterans ,health ,administration in each ,veterans ,integrated ,service ,network that is not at the same location as the headquarters of the ,network4 7v7 ,an assessment of the impact on the budget of the ,department by the employment of individuals at the headquarters of the ,veterans ,integrated ,service ,networks4 7g7 ,triennial structure review1 reassessment1 and report 7#a7 ,beginning three years after the date of the enactment of this section and not less frequently than once every three years thereafter1 the ,secretary shall conduct a review and assessment of the structure and operations of the ,veterans ,integrated ,service ,networks in order to identify recommendations-- 7,a7 for streamlining and reducing costs associated with the operation of each headquarters of a ,veterans ,integrated ,service ,network2 and 7,b7 for reducing costs of health care within the ,veterans ,health ,administration4 7#b7 ,not later than #ahj days after conducting a review and assessment under paragraph 7#a71 the ,secretary shall submit to the ,committee of ,veterans' ,affairs of the ,senate and the ,committee on ,veterans' ,affairs of the ,house of ,representatives a report on such review and assessment1 which shall include such recommendations for legislative or administrative action as the ,secretary considers appropriate to improve the ,veterans ,integrated ,service ,networks4 4 7#b7 ,clerical amendment ,the table of sections at the beginning of chapter #gc is amended by inserting after the item relating to section #gcji the following new item3 #gcaj4 ,veterans ,integrated ,service ,networks4 4 7b7 ,relocation of headquarters 7#a7 ,in general ,in the case of a headquarters office of a ,veterans ,integrated ,service ,network that on the day before the date of the enactment of this ,act was in a location that was not co-located with a ,department of ,veterans ,affairs medical center and the ,secretary is engaged in a lease for such location1 the ,secretary may-- 7,a7 relocate such headquarters upon the expiration of such lease so that such headquarters is co-located as required by section #gcaj7;f77#b7 of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code 7as added by subsection 7a77#a772 or 7,b7 notwithstanding such section #gcaj7;f77#b7 7as so added71 renew such lease or enter into a new lease to keep such headquarters in such location4 7#b7 ,report ,if the ,secretary renews a lease or engages in a new lease under paragraph 7#a77;,b71 the ,secretary shall submit to the ,committee on ,veterans' ,affairs of the ,senate and the ,committee on ,veterans' ,affairs of the ,house of ,representatives1 before renewing such lease or engaging in such lease1 a report describing the reasons for such renewal or engagement4 ,such report shall include the following3 7,a7 ,a list of ,department of ,veterans ,affairs medical centers in the ,veterans ,integrated ,service ,network of the headquarters with underutilized buildings1 the number of such buildings1 and the total underutilized square footage for each such medical center4 7,b7 ,the cost of the current lease 7the annual amount of rent1 the total cost over the life of the lease1 and the total cost per square foot7 and the current square footage being leased4 7,c7 ,the cost of the new lease 7the annual amount of rent1 the total cost over the life of the lease1 and the total cost per square foot7 and the square footage to be leased4 7c7 ,construction ,nothing in this section shall be construed to require any change in the location or type of medical care or service provided by a ,department of ,veterans ,affairs medical center1 a ,department community based outpatient clinic1 a center for readjustment counseling and related mental health services for veterans under section #agab;,a of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code 7known as a vet center71 or other facility that provides direct care or services under a law administered by the ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs4 7d7 ,effective date ,this section1 and the amendments made by this section1 shall take effect on the date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this ,act4 #djb4 ,regional support centers for ,veterans ,integrated ,service ,networks 7a7 ,in general ,subchapter ,i of chapter #gc1 as amended by section #dja7;a77#a7 of this ,act1 is further amended by adding at the end the following new section3 #gcaj;,a4 ,regional support centers for ,veterans ,integrated ,service ,networks 7a7 ,establishment ,the ,secretary shall establish not more than four regional support centers within the ,veterans ,health ,administration to assess the effectiveness and efficiency of the ,veterans ,integrated ,service ,networks4 ,the head of each regional support center shall report to the ,under ,secretary of ,health4 7b7 ,functions ,the functions of the regional support centers established under subsection 7a7 are as follows3 7#a7 ,to assess the quality of work performed within finance operations and other compliance related activities of the ,veterans ,integrated ,service ,networks4 7#b7 ,to assess how effectively and efficiently each ,veterans ,integrated ,service ,network conducts outreach to veterans who served in ,operation ,enduring ,freedom1 ,operation ,iraqi ,freedom1 ,operation ,new ,dawn1 or any other contingency operation 7as that term is defined in section #aja of title #aj74 7#c7 ,to assess how effectively and efficiently each ,veterans ,integrated ,service ,network conducts programs for the benefit of women veterans4 7#d7 ,to assess how effectively and efficiently each ,veterans ,integrated ,service ,network conducts programs that address homelessness among veterans4 7#e7 ,to assess how effectively and efficiently each ,veterans ,integrated ,service ,network consumes energy4 7#f7 ,to assess such other matters concerning the operations and activities of the ,veterans ,integrated ,service ,networks as the ,secretary considers appropriate4 7c7 ,staff ,the ,secretary may hire such employees and contractors as the ,secretary considers appropriate to carry out the functions of the regional support centers4 7d7 ,location of regional support centers 7#a7 ,except as provided in paragraph 7#b71 the location of each regional support center established under subsection 7a7 shall be determined by the ,secretary and co-located with a medical center of the ,department4 7#b7 ,the ,secretary may choose a location for a regional support center established under subsection 7a7 that is not co-located with a medical center of the ,department if the ,secretary submits to the ,committee on ,veterans' ,affairs of the ,senate and the ,committee on ,veterans' ,affairs of the ,house of ,representatives1 before entering into a contract for a location that is not co-located with a medical center1 a report describing the reasons for choosing a location for the regional support center that is not co-located with a medical center of the ,department4 ,such report shall include the following3 7,a7 ,a list of medical centers of the ,department in the ,veterans ,integrated ,service ,network of the regional support center with underutilized buildings1 the number of all ,veterans ,health ,administration buildings in such ,network1 and the total underutilized square footage for each medical center of the ,department in such ,network4 7,b7 ,the estimated cost of such lease 7the annual amount of rent1 the total cost over the life of the lease1 and the total cost per square foot7 and the square footage to be leased4 4 7b7 ,initial staffing ,in providing for the initial staff of each regional support center established under section #gcaj;,a7a7 of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code1 as added by subsection 7a71 the ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs shall1 to the degree practicable1 transfer employees from headquarters of ,veterans ,integrated ,service ,networks to regional support centers who were employed in positions at such headquarters that covered functions similar to those described in section #gcaj;,a7b7 of such title1 as so added4 7c7 ,clerical amendment ,the table of sections at the beginning of chapter #gc1 as amended by section #dja7;a77#b7 of this ,act1 is further amended by inserting after the item relating to section #gcaj the following new item3 #gcaj;,a4 ,regional support centers for ,veterans ,integrated ,service ,networks4 4 7d7 ,construction ,nothing in this section shall be construed to require any change in the location or type of medical care or service provided by a ,department of ,veterans ,affairs medical center1 a ,department community based outpatient clinic1 a center for readjustment counseling and related mental health services for veterans under section #agab;,a of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code 7known as a vet center71 or other facility that provides direct care or services under a law administered by the ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs4 7e7 ,effective date ,this section1 and the amendments made by this section1 shall take effect on the date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this ,act4 #djc4 ,commission on ,capital ,planning for ,department of ,veterans ,affairs ,medical ,facilities 7a7 ,establishment of commission 7#a7 ,establishment ,there is established the ,commission on ,capital ,planning for ,department of ,veterans ,affairs ,medical ,facilities 7in this section referred to as the ,commission74 7#b7 ,membership 7,a7 ,voting members ,the ,commission shall1 subject to subparagraph 7,b71 be composed of #aj voting members as follows3 7i7 #a shall be appointed by the ,president4 7ii7 #a shall be appointed by the ,administrator of ,general ,services4 7iii7 #c shall be appointed by the ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs1 of whom-- 7,i7 #a shall be an employee of the ,veterans ,health ,administration2 7,,ii7 #a shall be an employee of the ,office of ,asset ,enterprise ,management of the ,department of ,veterans ,affairs2 and 7,,iii7 #a shall be an employee of the ,office of ,construction and ,facilities ,management of the ,department of ,veterans ,affairs4 7iv7 #a shall be appointed by the ,secretary of ,defense from among employees of the ,army ,corps of ,engineers4 7v7 #a shall be appointed by the majority leader of the ,senate4 7vi7 #a shall be appointed by the minority leader of the ,senate4 7vii7 #a shall be appointed by the ,speaker of the ,house of ,representatives4 7viii7 #a shall be appointed by the minority leader of the ,house of ,representatives4 7,b7 ,requirement relating to certain appointments of voting members ,of the members appointed pursuant to clause 7i71 7ii71 and 7iv7 through 7viii7 of subparagraph 7,a71 all shall have expertise in capital leasing1 construction1 or health facility management planning4 7,c7 ,non-voting members ,the ,commission shall be assisted by #aj non-voting members1 appointed by the vote of a majority of members of the ,commission under subparagraph 7,a71 of whom-- 7i7 #f shall be representatives of veterans service organizations recognized by the ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs2 and 7ii7 #d shall be individuals from outside the ,department of ,veterans ,affairs with experience and expertise in matters relating to management1 construction1 and leasing of capital assets4 7,d7 ,date of appointment of voting members ,the appointments of the members of the ,commission under subparagraph 7,a7 shall be made not later than #fj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act4 7#c7 ,period of appointment2 vacancies ,members shall be appointed for the life of the ,commission4 ,any vacancy in the ,commission shall not affect its powers1 but shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment4 7#d7 ,initial meeting ,not later than #ae days after the date on which #g members of the ,commission have been appointed1 the ,commission shall hold its first meeting4 7#e7 ,meetings ,the ,commission shall meet at the call of the ,chair4 7#f7 ,quorum ,a majority of the members of the ,commission shall constitute a quorum1 but a lesser number of members may hold hearings4 7#g7 ,chair and vice chair ,the ,commission shall select a ,chair and ,vice ,chair from among its members4 7b7 ,duties of commission 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,commission shall undertake a comprehensive evaluation and assessment of various options for capital planning for ,department of ,veterans ,affairs medical facilities1 including an evaluation and assessment of the mechanisms by which the ,department currently selects means for the delivery of health care1 whether by major construction1 major medical facility leases1 sharing agreements with the ,department of ,defense1 the ,indian ,health ,service1 and ,federally ,qualified ,health ,clinics under section #ccj of the ,public ,health ,service ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #bed;b71 contract care1 multisite care1 telemedicine1 extended hours for care1 or other means4 7#b7 ,context of evaluation and assessment ,in undertaking the evaluation and assessment1 the ,commission shall consider-- 7,a7 the importance of access to health care through the ,department1 including associated guidelines of the ,department on access to1 and drive time for1 health care2 7,b7 limitations and requirements applicable to the construction and leasing of medical facilities for the ,department1 including applicable laws1 regulations1 and costs as determined by both the ,congressional ,budget ,office and the ,office of ,management and ,budget2 7,c7 the nature of capital planning for ,department medical facilities in an era of fiscal uncertainty2 7,d7 projected future fluctuations in the population of veterans2 and 7,e7 the extent to which the ,department was able to meet the mandates of the ,capital ,asset ,realignment for ,enhanced ,services ,commission4 7#c7 ,particular considerations ,in undertaking the evaluation and assessment1 the ,commission shall address1 in particular1 the following3 7,a7 ,the ,major ,medical ,facility ,lease ,program of the ,department1 including an identification of potential improvements to the lease authorization processes under that ,program4 7,b7 ,the management processes of the ,department for its ,major ,medical ,facility ,construction ,program1 including processes relating to contract award and management1 project management1 and processing of change orders4 7,c7 ,the overall capital planning program of the ,department for medical facilities1 including an evaluation and assessment of-- 7i7 the manner in which the ,department determines whether to use capital or non-capital means to expand access to health care2 7ii7 the manner in which the ,department determines the disposition of under-utilized and un-utilized buildings on campuses of ,department medical centers1 and any barriers to disposition2 7iii7 the effectiveness of the facility master planning initiative of the ,department2 and 7iv7 the extent to which sustainable attributes are planned for to decrease operating costs for ,department medical facilities4 7,d7 ,the current backlog of construction projects for ,department medical facilities1 including an identification of the most effective means to quickly secure the most critical repairs required1 including repairs relating to facility condition deficiencies1 structural safety1 and compliance with the ,americans ,with ,disabilities ,act of #aiij4 7#d7 ,reports ,subject to paragraph 7#e71 the ,commission shall submit to the ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs1 and to the ,committee ,veterans' ,affairs of the ,senate and the ,committee on ,veterans' ,affairs of the ,house of ,representatives1 reports as follows3 7,a7 ,not later than six months after its initial meeting under subsection 7a77#d71 a report on the ,major ,medical ,facility ,lease ,program and the ,congressional lease authorization process4 7,b7 ,not later than one year after its initial meeting1 a report-- 7i7 on the management processes of the ,department for the construction of ,department medical facilities2 and 7ii7 setting forth an update of any matters covered in the report under subparagraph 7,a74 7,c7 ,not later than #ah months after its initial meeting1 a report-- 7i7 on the overall capital planning program of the ,department for medical facilities2 and 7ii7 setting forth an update of any matters covered in earlier reports under this paragraph4 7,d7 ,not later than two years after its initial meeting1 a report-- 7i7 on the current backlog of construction projects for ,department medical facilities2 7ii7 setting forth an update of any matters covered in earlier reports under this paragraph2 and 7iii7 including such other matters relating to the duties of the ,commission that the ,commission considers appropriate4 7,e7 ,not later than #bg months after its initial meeting1 a report on the implementation by the ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs pursuant to subsection 7g7 of the recommendations included pursuant to paragraph 7#e7 in the reports under this paragraph4 7#e7 ,recommendations ,each report under paragraph 7#d7 shall include1 for the aspect of the capital asset planning process of the ,department covered by such report1 such recommendations as the ,commission considers appropriate for the improvement and enhancement of such aspect of the capital asset planning process4 7c7 ,powers of commission 7#a7 ,hearings ,the ,commission may hold such hearings1 sit and act at such times and places1 take such testimony1 and receive such evidence as the ,commission considers advisable to carry out this section4 7#b7 ,information from ,federal agencies ,the ,commission may secure directly from any ,federal department or agency such information as the ,commission considers necessary to carry out this section4 ,upon request of the ,chair of the ,commission1 the head of such department or agency shall furnish such information to the ,commission4 7d7 ,commission personnel matters 7#a7 ,compensation of members ,each member of the ,commission who is not an officer or employee of the ,federal ,government shall be compensated at a rate equal to the daily equivalent of the annual rate of basic pay prescribed for level ,,iv of the ,executive ,schedule under section #ecae of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code1 for each day 7including travel time7 during which such member is engaged in the performance of the duties of the ,commission4 ,all members of the ,commission who are officers or employees of the ,united ,states shall serve without compensation in addition to that received for their services as officers or employees of the ,united ,states4 7#b7 ,travel expenses ,the members of the ,commission shall be allowed travel expenses1 including per diem in lieu of subsistence1 at rates authorized for employees of agencies under subchapter ,i of chapter #eg of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code1 while away from their homes or regular places of business in the performance of services for the ,commission4 7#c7 ,staff 7,a7 ,in general ,the ,chair of the ,commission may1 without regard to the civil service laws and regulations1 appoint and terminate an executive director and such other additional personnel as may be necessary to enable the ,commission to perform its duties4 ,the employment of an executive director shall be subject to confirmation by the ,commission4 7,b7 ,compensation ,the ,chair of the ,commission may fix the compensation of the executive director and other personnel without regard to chapter #ea and subchapter ,,iii of chapter #ec of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code1 relating to classification of positions and ,general ,schedule pay rates1 except that the rate of pay for the executive director and other personnel may not exceed the rate payable for level ,v of the ,executive ,schedule under section #ecaf of such title4 7#d7 ,detail of government employees ,any ,federal ,government employee may be detailed to the ,commission without reimbursement1 and such detail shall be without interruption or loss of civil service status or privilege4 7#e7 ,procurement of temporary and intermittent services ,the ,chair of the ,commission may procure temporary and intermittent services under section #caji7;b7 of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code1 at rates for individuals which do not exceed the daily equivalent of the annual rate of basic pay prescribed for level ,v of the ,executive ,schedule under section #ecaf of such title4 7e7 ,termination of commission ,the ,commission shall terminate #fj days after the date on which the ,commission submits its report under subsection 7b77#d77;,e74 7f7 ,funding ,the ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs shall make available to the ,commission such amounts as the ,secretary and the ,chair of the ,commission jointly consider appropriate for the ,commission to perform its duties under this section4 7g7 ,action on recommendations 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs shall implement each recommendation included in a report under subsection 7b77#d7 that the ,secretary considers feasible and advisable and can be implemented without further legislative action4 7#b7 ,reports ,not later than #abj days after receipt of a report under subparagraphs 7,a7 through 7,d7 of subsection 7b77#d71 the ,secretary shall submit to the ,committee ,veterans' ,affairs of the ,senate and the ,committee on ,veterans' ,affairs of the ,house of ,representatives a report setting forth the following3 7,a7 ,an assessment of the feasibility and advisability of each recommendation contained in such report4 7,b7 ,for each recommendation assessed as feasible and advisable-- 7i7 if such recommendation does not require further legislative action for implementation1 a description of the actions taken1 and to be taken1 by the ,secretary to implement such recommendation2 and 7ii7 if such recommendation requires further legislative action for implementation1 recommendations for such legislative action4 #djd4 ,public access to ,department of ,veterans ,affairs research and data sharing between ,departments 7a7 ,establishment of ,internet website ,the ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs shall make available on an ,internet website of the ,department of ,veterans ,affairs available to the public the following3 7#a7 ,data files that contain information on research of the ,department4 7#b7 ,a data dictionary on each data file4 7#c7 ,instructions for how to obtain access to each data file for use in research4 7b7 ,public access to manuscripts on ,department funded research 7#a7 ,in general ,beginning not later than #edj days after the effective date specified in subsection 7e71 the ,secretary shall require1 as a condition on the use of any data gathered or formulated from research funded by the ,department1 that any final1 peer-reviewed manuscript prepared for publication that uses such data be submitted to the ,secretary for deposit in the digital archive under paragraph 7#b7 and publication under paragraph 7#c74 7#b7 ,digital archive ,not later than #edj days after the effective date specified in subsection 7e71 the ,secretary shall-- 7,a7 establish a digital archive consisting of manuscripts described in paragraph 7#a72 or 7,b7 partner with another executive agency to compile such manuscripts in a digital archive4 7#c7 ,public availability 7,a7 ,availability of archive ,the ,secretary shall ensure that the digital archive under paragraph 7#b7 and the contents of such archive are available to the public via a publicly accessible ,internet website at no cost to the public4 7,b7 ,availability of manuscripts ,the ,secretary shall ensure that each manuscript submitted to the ,secretary under paragraph 7#a7 is available to the public under subparagraph 7,a7 not later than one year after the official date on which the manuscript is otherwise published4 7#d7 ,consistent with copyright law ,the ,secretary shall carry out this subsection in a manner consistent with applicable copyright law4 7#e7 ,annual report 7,a7 ,in general ,not later than one year after the date the ,secretary begins making manuscripts available to the public under this subsection and not less frequently than once each year thereafter1 the ,secretary shall submit to the ,committee on ,veterans' ,affairs of the ,senate and the ,committee on ,veterans' ,affairs of the ,house of ,representatives a report on the implementation of this subsection during the most recent one-year period4 7,b7 ,contents ,each report submitted under subparagraph 7,a7 shall include for the period of the report3 7i7 ,the number of manuscripts submitted under paragraph 7#a74 7ii7 ,the titles of such manuscripts4 7iii7 ,the authors of such manuscripts4 7iv7 ,for each such manuscript1 the name and issue number or volume number1 as the case may be1 of the journal or other publication in which such manuscript was published4 7c7 ,recommendations for data sharing between ,department of ,veterans ,affairs and ,department of ,defense ,not later than one year after the effective date specified in subsection 7e71 the ,department of ,veterans ,affairs-,department of ,defense ,joint ,executive ,committee established by section #cbj7;a7 of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code1 shall submit to the ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs and the ,secretary of ,defense options and recommendations for the establishment of a program for long-term cooperation and data sharing between and within the ,department of ,veterans ,affairs and the ,department of ,defense to facilitate research on outcomes of military service1 readjustment after combat deployment1 and other topics of importance to the following3 7#a7 ,veterans4 7#b7 ,members of the ,armed ,forces4 7#c7 ,family members of veterans4 7#d7 ,family members of members of the ,armed ,forces4 7#e7 ,members of communities that have a significant population of veterans or members of the ,armed ,forces4 7d7 ,executive agency defined ,in this section1 the term executive agency has the meaning given that term in section #acc of title #da1 ,united ,states ,code4 7e7 ,effective date ,this section shall take effect on the date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this ,act4 #dje4 ,budget transparency for outreach activities of ,department of ,veterans ,affairs 7a7 ,in general ,chapter #fc is amended by inserting after section #fcjh the following new section3 #fcji4 ,budget transparency 7a7 ,budget requirements ,in the budget justification materials submitted to ,congress in support of the ,department budget for a fiscal year 7as submitted with the budget of the ,president under section #aaje7;a7 of title #ca71 the ,secretary shall include a separate statement of the amount requested for such fiscal year for activities of the ,office of ,public and ,intergovernmental ,affairs as follows3 7#a7 ,for outreach activities of the ,department in aggregate4 7#b7 ,for outreach activities of each element of the ,department specified in subsection 7b77#a74 7b7 ,procedures for effective coordination and collaboration 7#a7 ,not later than #ahj days after the date of the enactment of the ,veterans ,health and ,benefits ,improvement ,act of #bjac1 the ,secretary shall establish and maintain procedures for the ,office of ,public and ,intergovernmental ,affairs to ensure the effective coordination and collaboration of outreach activities of the ,department between and among the following3 7,a7 ,office of the ,secretary4 7,b7 ,veterans ,health ,administration4 7,c7 ,veterans ,benefits ,administration4 7,d7 ,national ,cemetery ,administration4 7#b7 ,the ,secretary shall-- 7,a7 beginning after the date on which the ,secretary establishes procedures under paragraph 7#a71 not less frequently than once every two years conduct a review of the procedures established and maintained under paragraph 7#a7 to ensure that such procedures meet the requirements of such paragraph2 7,b7 make such modifications to such procedures as the ,secretary considers appropriate based upon reviews conducted under subparagraph 7,a7 in order to better meet such requirements2 and 7,c7 not later than #de days after completing a review under subparagraph 7,a71 submit to ,congress a report on the findings of such review4 4 7b7 ,clerical amendment ,the table of sections at the beginning of chapter #fc is amended by inserting after the item relating to section #fcjh the following new item3 #fcji4 ,budget transparency4 4 #djf4 ,comptroller general report on advisory committees of the ,department of ,veterans ,affairs 7a7 ,in general ,not later than one year after the effective date specified in subsection 7c71 the ,comptroller ,general shall submit to the ,committee on ,veterans' ,affairs of the ,senate and the ,committee on ,veterans' ,affairs of the ,house of ,representatives a report on the advisory committees of the ,department of ,veterans ,affairs4 7b7 ,contents ,the report required by subsection 7a7-- 7#a7 shall include-- 7,a7 recommendations or proposals for continuing1 modifying1 or terminating certain advisory committees1 including noting areas of overlap and duplication among the advisory committees2 and 7,b7 such other information as the ,comptroller ,general considers appropriate2 and 7#b7 may include-- 7,a7 a description of each advisory committee1 including with respect to each committee-- 7i7 the purpose of the committee2 7ii7 the commencement date of the committee2 and 7iii7 the anticipated termination date of the committee2 7,b7 a summary of the anticipated expenses and the actual expenses incurred for each advisory committee during the most recent three fiscal years ending before the date of the enactment of this ,act2 and 7,c7 with respect to meetings held by each advisory committee-- 7i7 the frequency with which each committee has met during the shorter of-- 7,i7 the most recent three fiscal years ending before the date of the enactment of this ,act2 and 7,,ii7 the life of the committee2 7ii7 the date of the most recent meeting held by the committee before such date of enactment2 and 7iii7 the date of the most recent report or other written product developed by the committee before such date of enactment4 7c7 ,effective date ,this section shall take effect on the date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this ,act4 ,v ,improvement of ,processing of ,claims for ,compensation ,a ,claims ,based on ,military ,sexual ,trauma #eja4 ,medical examination and opinion for disability compensation claims based on military sexual trauma 7a7 ,in general ,section #eajc;,a7d7 is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph3 7#c7 7,a7 ,in the case of a claim for disability compensation based on a mental health condition related to military sexual trauma1 the ,secretary shall treat an examination or opinion as being necessary to make a decision on a claim for purposes of paragraph 7#a7 if the evidence of record before the ,secretary1 taking into consideration all information and lay or medical evidence 7including statements of the claimant7-- 7i7 7,i7 contains competent evidence that the claimant has a current disability1 or persistent or recurrent symptoms of disability2 and 7,,ii7 indicates that the disability or symptoms may be associated with the claimant's active military1 naval1 or air service2 but 7ii7 does not contain a diagnosis or opinion by a mental health professional that may assist in corroborating the occurrence of a military sexual trauma stressor related to a diagnosable mental health condition4 7,b7 ,in this paragraph1 the term military sexual trauma shall have the meaning specified by the ,secretary for purposes of this paragraph1 and shall include sexual harassment 7as so specified74 4 7b7 ,report ,not later than #ah months after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs shall submit to the ,committee on ,veterans' ,affairs of the ,senate and the ,committee on ,veterans' ,affairs of the ,house of ,representatives a report on the number of examinations and opinions conducted by the ,secretary pursuant to paragraph 7#c7 of section #eajc;,a7d7 of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code 7as added by subsection 7a771 including the following3 7#a7 ,the number of examinations conducted using a standardized disability assessment4 7#b7 ,the number of examinations conducted using a non-standardized clinical interview4 #ejb4 ,case representative officers for military sexual trauma support 7a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs shall assign to each individual seeking compensation under the laws administered by the ,secretary based on military sexual trauma a case representative officer who shall provide advice and general information to such individual on the claims process for such compensation4 ,each case representative officer so assigned shall be assigned from among current personnel of the ,department of ,veterans ,affairs4 7b7 ,liaison ,a case representative officer assigned to an individual under subsection 7a7 shall be responsible for serving as a liaison between the individual1 an authorized agent or attorney of the individual under section #eijd of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code1 or an otherwise accredited representative of the individual1 and the ,department of ,veterans ,affairs on matters relating to the claim of the individual for compensation under the laws administered by the ,secretary4 7c7 ,case representative officer requirements 7#a7 ,competence and knowledge ,each case representative officer assigned under subsection 7a7 shall be competent and knowledgeable about the following3 7,a7 ,the claims adjudication process and applicable laws1 regulations1 and other authority applicable to the adjudication of disability claims based on military sexual trauma4 7,b7 ,such other services to victims of sexual trauma as the ,secretary considers appropriate4 7#b7 ,limitation on number of individuals to which assigned ,a case representative officer may not be assigned to more individuals described in subsection 7a7 than1 as determined by the ,secretary1 is appropriate for the provision of individual case management assistance by such officer4 7d7 ,information on benefits and programs relating to military sexual trauma 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary shall make available to the public information on the availability of case representative officers under subsection 7a7 to assist in the application for benefits based on military sexual trauma4 ,the ,secretary shall revise and update the information so made available in order to ensure that the information is as current as possible4 7#b7 ,individuals separating from military service ,the ,secretary shall1 in consultation with the ,secretary of ,defense1 ensure that individuals who are being separated from the active military1 naval1 or air service are provided appropriate information about programs1 requirements1 and procedures for applying for benefits based on military sexual trauma and the availability of case representative officers under subsection 7a74 7e7 ,information on training for agents and representatives of individuals assigned case representative officer ,the ,secretary shall make available to the authorized agent or attorney of an individual assigned a case representative under subsection 7a71 or to the otherwise accredited representative of the individual1 any relevant materials used to train such case representative officer for the duties of such position4 7f7 ,advisory ,committee on ,women ,veterans consideration of mechanisms ,to enhance coordination between ,,vba and ,,vha on benefits for military sexual trauma ,the ,advisory ,committee on ,women ,veterans established under section #edb of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code1 shall undertake actions to identify mechanisms to enhance coordination between the ,veterans ,benefits ,administration and the ,veterans ,health ,administration in the provision of benefits based on military sexual trauma1 including the identification of barriers to the appropriate provision of benefits for military sexual trauma by such ,administrations and of means of eliminating or reducing such barriers4 7g7 ,annual reports ,not less frequently than annually1 the ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs shall submit to the ,committee on ,veterans' ,affairs of the ,senate and the ,committee on ,veterans' ,affairs of the ,house of ,representatives a report setting forth the following3 7#a7 ,a certification whether or not the case representative officers assigned under subsection 7a7 during the preceding year met the requirements specified in subsection 7c74 7#b7 ,a description of the current training the ,secretary provides to employees of the ,veterans ,benefits ,administration on claims for benefits based on military sexual trauma1 including the frequency1 length1 and content of such training4 7#c7 ,a description of current policies and procedures on the training the ,secretary provides to case representative officers1 including the current position descriptions for case representative officers4 7#d7 ,a description of current efforts to coordinate activities and assistance provided to individuals who seek care or benefits for military sexual trauma between the ,veterans ,health ,administration and ,veterans ,benefits ,administration1 including the efforts of the ,advisory ,committee on ,women ,veterans under subsection 7f74 7h7 ,sunset 7#a7 ,in general ,no case representative officer may be assigned under subsection 7a7 after ,december #ca1 #bjah4 7#b7 ,continuation of duties after sunset date ,paragraph 7#a7 shall not be construed to prohibit any case representative officer assigned to an individual before the date specified in that paragraph from performing duties pursuant to this section after that date with respect to a claim for which that case representative officer was assigned to such individual before that date4 7i7 ,definitions ,in this section3 7#a7 ,active military1 naval1 or air service ,the term active military1 naval1 or air service has the meaning given that term in section #aja of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code4 7#b7 ,military sexual trauma ,the term military sexual trauma shall have the meaning specified by the ,secretary for purposes of this section1 and shall include sexual harassment 7as so specified74 #ejc4 ,report on standard of proof for service-connection of mental health conditions related to military sexual trauma 7a7 ,in general ,not later than #ij days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs shall submit to the ,committee on ,veterans' ,affairs of the ,senate and the ,committee on ,veterans' ,affairs of the ,house of ,representatives a report on the current standard of proof for service-connection under chapter #aa of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code1 for covered mental health conditions based on military sexual trauma4 7b7 ,recommendations ,the ,secretary shall include in the report under subsection 7a7 any recommendations the ,secretary considers appropriate to improve the adjudication of claims for compensation based on military sexual trauma1 including-- 7#a7 recommendations for an appropriate standard of proof for such claims if the ,secretary considers such recommendations advisable2 and 7#b7 recommendations for legislative action1 if necessary1 to carry out such improvement4 7c7 ,definitions ,in this section3 7#a7 ,active military1 naval1 or air service ,the term active military1 naval1 or air service has the meaning given that term in section #aja of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code4 7#b7 ,covered mental health condition ,the term covered mental health condition means post-traumatic stress disorder1 anxiety1 depression1 or other mental health diagnosis that the ,secretary determines to be related to military sexual trauma4 7#c7 ,military sexual trauma ,the term military sexual trauma shall have the meaning specified by the ,secretary for purposes of this section1 and shall include sexual harassment 7as so specified74 #ejd4 ,reports on claims for disabilities incurred or aggravated by military sexual trauma 7a7 ,reports ,not later than ,december #a1 #bjad1 and each year thereafter through #bjah1 the ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs shall submit to ,congress a report on the covered claims submitted to the ,secretary during the previous fiscal year4 7b7 ,elements ,each report under subsection 7a7 shall include the following3 7#a7 ,the number of covered claims submitted to or considered by the ,secretary during the fiscal year covered by the report4 7#b7 ,of the covered claims under paragraph 7#a71 the number and percentage of such claims-- 7,a7 submitted by each gender2 7,b7 that were approved1 including the number and percentage of such approved claims submitted by each gender2 and 7,c7 that were denied1 including the number and percentage of such denied claims submitted by each gender4 7#c7 ,of the covered claims under paragraph 7#a7 that were approved1 the number and percentage1 listed by each gender1 of claims assigned to each rating percentage of disability4 7#d7 ,of the covered claims under paragraph 7#a7 that were denied-- 7,a7 the three most common reasons given by the ,secretary under section #eajd7;b77#a7 of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code1 for such denials2 and 7,b7 the number of denials that were based on the failure of a veteran to report for a medical examination4 7#e7 ,of the covered claims under paragraph 7#a7 that were resubmitted to the ,secretary after denial in a previous adjudication-- 7,a7 the number of such claims submitted to or considered by the ,secretary during the fiscal year covered by the report2 7,b7 the number and percentage of such claims-- 7i7 submitted by each gender2 7ii7 that were approved1 including the number and percentage of such approved claims submitted by each gender2 and 7iii7 that were denied1 including the number and percentage of such denied claims submitted by each gender2 7,c7 the number and percentage1 listed by each gender1 of claims assigned to each rating percentage of disability2 and 7,d7 of such claims that were again denied-- 7i7 the three most common reasons given by the ,secretary under section #eajd7;b77#a7 of such title for such denials2 and 7ii7 the number of denials that were based on the failure of a veteran to report for a medical examination4 7#f7 ,the number of covered claims that1 as of the end of the fiscal year covered by the report1 are pending and1 separately1 the number of such claims on appeal4 7#g7 ,for the fiscal year covered by the report1 the average number of days that covered claims take to complete beginning on the date on which the claim is submitted4 7c7 ,definitions ,in this section3 7#a7 ,active military1 naval1 or air service ,the term active military1 naval1 or air service has the meaning given that term in section #aja of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code4 7#b7 ,covered claims ,the term covered claims means claims for disability compensation submitted to the ,secretary based on post traumatic stress disorder alleged to have been incurred or aggravated by military sexual trauma4 7#c7 ,military sexual trauma ,the term military sexual trauma shall have the meaning specified by the ,secretary for purposes of this section1 and shall include sexual harassment 7as so specified74 ,b ,agency of ,original ,jurisdiction #eaa4 ,working group to improve employee work credit and work management systems of ,veterans ,benefits ,administration in an electronic environment 7a7 ,establishment ,not later than #ij days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs shall establish a working group to assess and develop recommendations for the improvement of the employee work credit and work management systems of the ,veterans ,benefits ,administration in an electronic environment4 7b7 ,composition ,the working group shall be composed of the following3 7#a7 ,the ,secretary or the ,secretary's designee4 7#b7 ,individuals selected by the ,secretary from among employees of the ,department of ,veterans ,affairs who handle claims for compensation and pension benefits and are recommended to the ,secretary by a labor organization for purposes of this section1 including at least one of each of the following individuals3 7,a7 ,a veterans service representative4 7,b7 ,a rating veterans service representative4 7,c7 ,a decision review officer4 7#c7 ,not fewer than three individuals selected by the ,secretary to represent different organizations recognized by the ,secretary for the representation of veterans under section #eijb of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code4 7#d7 ,individuals selected by the ,secretary-- 7,a7 that are not employees of the ,department2 and 7,b7 that are experts in work credit and work management systems4 7c7 ,duties ,the duties of the working group are to assess and develop recommendations for the following3 7#a7 ,the improvement of the employee work credit and work management systems of the ,veterans ,benefits ,administration in an electronic environment4 7#b7 ,a scientific1 data based methodology to be used in revising the employee work credit system of the ,department to improve the quality and quantity of work produced by employees of the ,department4 7#c7 ,the improvement of the resource allocation model of the ,veterans ,benefits ,administration1 with a focus on the processing of claims in an electronic environment4 7#d7 ,a schedule by which the revisions referred to in paragraph 7#b7 will be implemented by the ,department4 7d7 ,review and incorporation of findings from prior study ,in carrying out its duties under subsection 7c71 the working group shall review the findings and conclusions of previous studies of the employee work credit and work management systems of the ,veterans ,benefits ,administration4 7e7 ,role of the ,secretary ,the ,secretary shall consider the recommendations of the working group and implement such recommendations as the ,secretary determines appropriate4 7f7 ,reports 7#a7 ,interim report ,not later than #ahj days after the date of the establishment of the working group1 the working group shall submit to ,congress a report on the progress of the working group4 7#b7 ,final report ,not later than one year after the date of the establishment of the working group1 the ,secretary shall submit to ,congress the methodology described in subsection 7c77#b7 and the schedule described in subsection 7c77#d7 that the ,secretary has decided to implement pursuant to subsection 7e74 7g7 ,implementation of methodology and schedule ,after submitting the report under subsection 7f71 the ,secretary shall take such actions as may be necessary to apply the methodology described in subsection 7c77#b7 and the schedule described in subsection 7c77#d7 that the ,secretary has decided to implement pursuant to subsection 7e74 #eab4 ,task force on retention and training of ,department of ,veterans ,affairs claims processors and adjudicators 7a7 ,establishment ,the ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs shall establish a task force to assess retention and training of claims processors and adjudicators that are employed by the ,department of ,veterans ,affairs and other departments and agencies of the ,federal ,government4 7b7 ,composition ,the task force shall be composed of the following3 7#a7 ,the ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs or designee4 7#b7 ,the ,director of the ,office of ,personnel ,management or designee4 7#c7 ,the ,commissioner of ,social ,security or designee4 7#d7 ,an individual selected by the ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs who represents an organization recognized by the ,secretary for the representation of veterans under section #eijb of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code4 7#e7 ,such other individuals selected by the ,secretary who represent such other organizations and institutions as the ,secretary considers appropriate4 7c7 ,duration ,the task force established under subsection 7a7 shall terminate not later than two years after the date on which the task force is established under such subsection4 7d7 ,duties ,the duties of the task force are as follows3 7#a7 ,to identify key skills required by claims processors and adjudicators to perform the duties of claims processors and adjudicators in the various claims processing and adjudication positions throughout the ,federal ,government4 7#b7 ,to identify reasons for employee attrition from claims processing positions4 7#c7 ,to coordinate with educational institutions to develop training and programs of education for members of the ,armed ,forces to prepare such members for employment in claims processing and adjudication positions in the ,federal ,government4 7#d7 ,to identify and coordinate offices of the ,department of ,defense and the ,department of ,veterans ,affairs located throughout the ,united ,states to provide information about1 and promotion of1 available claims processing positions to members of the ,armed ,forces transitioning to civilian life and to veterans with disabilities4 7#e7 ,to establish performance measures to evaluate the effectiveness of the task force4 7#f7 ,not later than one year after the date of the establishment of the task force1 to develop a ,government-wide strategic and operational plan for promoting employment of veterans in claims processing positions in the ,federal ,government4 7#g7 ,to establish performance measures to assess the plan developed under paragraph 7#f71 to assess the implementation of such plan1 and to revise such plan as the task force considers appropriate4 7e7 ,reports 7#a7 ,submittal of plan ,not later than one year after the date of the establishment of the task force1 the ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs shall submit to ,congress a report on the plan developed by the task force under subsection 7d77#f74 7#b7 ,assessment of implementation ,not later than #abj days after the termination of the task force1 the ,secretary shall submit to ,congress a report that assesses the implementation of the plan developed by the task force under subsection 7d77#f74 #eac4 ,reports on requests by the ,department of ,veterans ,affairs for records of other ,federal agencies 7a7 ,reports required ,not later than #ahj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 and every #ahj days thereafter through the date that is #iaj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs shall submit to the ,committee on ,veterans' ,affairs of the ,senate and the ,committee on ,veterans' ,affairs of the ,house of ,representatives a report on the attempts of the ,department of ,veterans ,affairs to obtain records necessary to adjudicate claims for benefits from another department or agency of the ,federal ,government during the #ahj-;day period ending on the date of such report4 7b7 ,elements 7#a7 ,in general ,each report shall set forth the following3 7,a7 ,for the period covered by such report1 the following3 7i7 ,the total number of requests made by the ,department4 7ii7 ,the types of records requested4 7iii7 ,the number of requests made before the receipt of each record4 7iv7 ,the amount of time between the initial request for each record and the receipt of each record4 7v7 ,the number of occurrences of the receipt of a record after the adjudication of the claim for which the record was sought4 7vi7 ,a description of the efforts of the ,secretary to expedite the delivery of records to the ,department from other departments and agencies of the ,federal ,government4 7,b7 ,such recommendations for legislative or administrative action as the ,secretary considers appropriate in light of such report4 7#b7 ,presentation ,the information in a report under clause 7i7 through 7v7 of paragraph 7#a77;,a7 shall be set forth separately for each department and agency of the ,federal ,government covered by such report4 #ead4 ,recognition of representatives of ,indian tribes in the preparation1 presentation1 and prosecution of claims under laws administered by the ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs ,section #eijb7;a77#a7 is amended by inserting 1 including ,indian tribes 7as defined in section #d of the ,indian ,self-,determination and ,education ,assistance ,act 7#be ,u4,s4,c4 #dej;b77 after as the ,secretary may approve4 #eae4 ,program on participation of local and tribal governments in improving quality of claims for disability compensation submitted to ,department of ,veterans ,affairs 7a7 ,program required ,the ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs shall carry out a program to assess the feasibility and advisability of entering into memoranda of understanding with local governments and tribal organizations-- 7#a7 to improve the quality of claims submitted to the ,secretary for compensation under chapter #aa of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code1 and pension under chapter #ae of such title2 and 7#b7 to provide assistance to veterans who may be eligible for such compensation or pension in submitting such claims4 7b7 ,minimum number of participating tribal organizations ,in carrying out the program required by subsection 7a71 the ,secretary shall enter into1 or maintain existing1 memoranda of understanding with at least-- 7#a7 two tribal organizations2 and 7#b7 #aj ,state or local governments4 7c7 ,duration ,the program shall be carried out during the two-year period beginning on the date of the commencement of the program4 7d7 ,report 7#a7 ,initial report ,not later than one year after the date of the commencement of the program1 the ,secretary shall submit to the ,committee on ,veterans' ,affairs of the ,senate and the ,committee on ,veterans' ,affairs of the ,house of ,representatives a report that includes the following3 7,a7 ,a description of the implementation and operation of the program1 including a description of outreach conducted by the ,secretary to tribal organizations and ,state and local governments4 7,b7 ,an evaluation of the program1 including the total number of memoranda of understanding entered into or maintained by the ,secretary4 7#b7 ,final report ,not later than #ahj days after the termination of the program1 the ,secretary shall submit to the ,committee on ,veterans' ,affairs of the ,senate and the ,committee on ,veterans' ,affairs of the ,house of ,representatives a report that includes the following3 7,a7 ,a description of the implementation and operation of the program1 including a description of outreach conducted by the ,secretary to tribal organizations and ,state and local governments4 7,b7 ,an evaluation of the program1 including the total number of memoranda of understanding entered into or maintained by the ,secretary4 7,c7 ,the findings and conclusions of the ,secretary with respect to the program4 7,d7 ,such recommendations for continuation or expansion of the program as the ,secretary considers appropriate4 7e7 ,tribal organization defined ,in this section1 the term tribal organization has the meaning given that term in section #cgfe of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code4 #eaf4 ,quarterly reports on progress of ,department of ,veterans ,affairs in eliminating backlog of claims for compensation that have not been adjudicated 7a7 ,in general ,not later than #ij days after the date of the enactment of this ,act and not less frequently than quarterly thereafter through calendar year #bjae1 the ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs shall submit to the ,committee on ,veterans' ,affairs of the ,senate and the ,committee on ,veterans' ,affairs of the ,house of ,representatives a report on the backlog of claims filed with the ,department of ,veterans ,affairs for compensation that have not been adjudicated by the ,department4 7b7 ,contents ,each report submitted under subsection 7a7 shall include the following3 7#a7 ,for each month through calendar year #bjae1 a projection of the following3 7,a7 ,the number of claims completed4 7,b7 ,the number of claims received4 7,c7 ,the number of claims on backlog at the end of the month4 7,d7 ,the number of claims pending at the end of the month4 7,e7 ,the number of appeals pending at the end of the month4 7,f7 ,a description of the status of the implementation of initiatives carried out by the ,secretary to address the backlog1 including the expected impact of those initiatives on accuracy and timeliness of adjudication of claims4 7#b7 ,for each quarter through calendar year #bjae1 a projection of the average accuracy of disability determinations for compensation claims that require a disability rating 7or disability decision74 7#c7 ,for each month during the most recently completed quarter1 the following3 7,a7 ,the number of claims completed4 7,b7 ,the number of claims received4 7,c7 ,the number of claims on backlog at the end of the month4 7,d7 ,the number of claims pending at the end of the month4 7,e7 ,the number of appeals pending at the end of the month4 7,f7 ,a description of the status of the implementation of initiatives carried out by the ,secretary to address the backlog1 including the impact of those initiatives on accuracy and timeliness of adjudication of claims4 7,g7 ,an assessment of the accuracy of disability determinations for compensation claims that require a disability rating 7or disability decision74 7#d7 ,for the most recently completed quarter-- 7,a7 the number of cases physically received at the ,board of ,veterans' ,appeals and docketed2 7,b7 the number of cases pending at the ,board of ,veterans' ,appeals at the end of the quarter2 7,c7 the number of cases physically at the ,board of ,veterans' ,appeals at the end of the quarter2 7,d7 the number of notices of disagreement and appeals filed to the agency of original jurisdiction referred to in section #gaje7;b77#a7 of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code2 and 7,e7 the number of decisions made by the ,board of ,veterans' ,appeals and the percentage of such decisions that were allowed1 remanded1 denied1 or otherwise disposed of4 7c7 ,availability to public ,the ,secretary shall make each report submitted under subsection 7a7 available to the public4 7d7 ,on backlog and pending defined ,in this section1 the terms on backlog and pending1 with respect to a claim for compensation received by the ,secretary1 shall have the meaning specified by the ,secretary for purposes of this section4 #eag4 ,reports on use of existing authorities to expedite benefits decisions 7a7 ,report on current use of temporary1 intermediate1 and provisional rating decisions 7#a7 ,report required ,not later than #ahj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs shall submit to the ,committee on ,veterans' ,affairs of the ,senate and the ,committee on ,veterans' ,affairs of the ,house of ,representatives a report on the use of temporary1 intermediate1 and provisional rating decisions to expedite the benefits decisions of the ,department of ,veterans ,affairs4 7#b7 ,report elements ,the report required by paragraph 7#a7 shall include the following3 7,a7 ,with respect to temporary and intermediate rating decisions1 the following3 7i7 ,the number of temporary and intermediate rating decisions issued by the ,department during each of fiscal years #bjaa1 #bjab1 and #bjac4 7ii7 ,a description of any reasons or obstacles that prevent use of existing authorities to issue temporary or intermediate rating decisions4 7iii7 ,a description of the ,quick ,pay ,disability initiative1 including the rationale for not expanding the initiative beyond pilot program status4 7,b7 ,with respect to provisional rating decisions1 the following3 7i7 ,the number of provisional rating decisions issued by the ,department during the oldest claims first initiative4 7ii7 ,of the provisional rating decisions issued during the oldest claims first initiative-- 7,i7 the number of such decisions that involved a claim granted2 7,,ii7 the number of such decisions that involved a claim denied2 and 7,,iii7 the number of such decisions that involved a claim granted in part or a claim denied in part4 7iii7 ,a statement of the most common reasons claims were not granted earlier under the oldest claims first initiative when there was sufficient evidence to render an award of benefits in the provisional rating decision4 7iv7 ,the average number of days to issue a provisional rating decision under the oldest claims first initiative4 7v7 ,of the total number of decisions that were completed under the oldest claims first initiative-- 7,i7 the number that were ,category #a claims and received a final rating decision2 and 7,,ii7 the number that were ,category #b claims and received a provisional rating decision4 7vi7 ,the number of rating decisions issued during the oldest claims first imitative that involved a brokered claim1 set forth by number of such claims by ,regional ,office of the ,department1 including-- 7,i7 the number of brokered claims received by each ,regional ,office2 and 7,,ii7 the number of brokered claims issued by each ,regional ,office4 7vii7 ,the number of provisional rating decisions issued during the oldest claims first initiative with respect to which the veteran requested that the provisional decision become final in order to appeal4 7viii7 ,the number of provisional rating decisions issued during the oldest claims first initiative with respect to which the veteran requested an appeal after the expiration of the #a-year period beginning on the date of notification of the provisional rating decision4 7ix7 ,an assessment of the accuracy of provisional rating decisions issued during the oldest claims first initiative1 set forth by ,category #a claims and ,category #b claims4 7,c7 ,such other matters as the ,secretary considers appropriate for purposes of the report4 7#c7 ,supplemental information ,if the ,secretary continues to obtain information on rating decisions under clauses 7vii7 and 7viii7 of paragraph 7#b77;,b7 after the date of the submittal of the report required by paragraph 7#a71 the ,secretary shall submit to the committees of ,congress referred to in paragraph 7#a7 a report on such information that supplements the information on such clauses in the report under paragraph 7#a7 when the ,secretary completes accumulation of such information4 7b7 ,plan for increase in use of temporary or intermediate rating decisions 7#a7 ,report on plan required ,not later than #ahj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary shall submit to the ,committee on ,veterans' ,affairs of the ,senate and the ,committee on ,veterans' ,affairs of the ,house of ,representatives a report setting forth a plan to increase the use of temporary or intermediate rating decisions to expedite benefit decisions of the ,department when the record contains sufficient evidence to grant any claim at issue1 including service connection4 7#b7 ,plan elements ,the plan required under paragraph 7#a7 shall include the following3 7,a7 ,mechanisms to overcome obstacles to the use of temporary or intermediate rating decisions1 including mechanisms 7such as upgrades7 to assure the ability of the ,veterans ,benefits ,management ,system to facilitate the issuance of temporary or intermediate rating decisions4 7,b7 ,mechanisms to ensure that appropriate claimant populations1 such as claimants who file complex or multi-issue disability compensation claims1 benefit from the availability of temporary or intermediate rating decisions4 7,c7 ,mechanisms to provide for the use of temporary or intermediate rating decisions1 including mechanisms to resolve whether a request by a claimant or claimant representative should trigger use of a temporary or intermediate rating decision depending on the circumstances of the claimant4 7,d7 ,mechanisms to prevent the use of temporary or intermediate rating decisions in lieu of a final rating decision when a final rating decision could be made with little or no additional claim development4 7,e7 ,such recommendations for legislative or administrative action as the ,secretary considers appropriate to increase the use of temporary or intermediate rating decisions to expedite benefit decisions of the ,department4 #eah4 ,reports on ,department disability medical examinations and prevention of unnecessary medical examinations 7a7 ,report on disability medical examinations furnished by ,department of ,veterans ,affairs 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #ahj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs shall submit to the ,committee on ,veterans' ,affairs of the ,senate and the ,committee on ,veterans' ,affairs of the ,house of ,representatives a report on the furnishing of general medical and specialty medical examinations by the ,department of ,veterans ,affairs for purposes of adjudicating claims for benefits under laws administered by the ,secretary4 7#b7 ,contents ,the report submitted under paragraph 7#a7 shall include the following3 7,a7 ,the number of general medical examinations furnished by the ,department during the period of fiscal years #bjji through #bjab for purposes of adjudicating claims for benefits under laws administered by the ,secretary4 7,b7 ,the number of general medical examinations furnished by the ,department during the period of fiscal years #bjji through #bjab for purposes of adjudicating a claim in which a comprehensive joint examination was conducted1 but for which no disability relating to a joint1 bone1 or muscle had been asserted as an issue in the claim4 7,c7 ,the number of specialty medical examinations furnished by the ,department during the period of fiscal years #bjji through #bjab for purposes of adjudicating a claim4 7,d7 ,the number of specialty medical examinations furnished by the ,department during the period of fiscal years #bjji through #bjab for purposes of adjudicating a claim in which one or more joint examinations were conducted4 7,e7 ,a summary with citations to any medical and scientific studies that provide a basis for determining that three repetitions is adequate to determine the effect of repetitive use on functional impairments4 7,f7 ,the names of all examination reports1 including general medical examinations and ,disability ,benefits ,questionnaires1 used for evaluation of compensation and pension disability claims which require measurement of repeated ranges of motion testing and the number of examinations requiring such measurements which were conducted in fiscal year #bjab4 7,g7 ,the average amount of time taken by an individual conducting a medical examination to perform the three repetitions of movement of each joint4 7,h7 ,a discussion of whether there are more efficient and effective scientifically reliable methods of testing for functional loss on repetitive use of an extremity other than the three time repetition currently used by the ,department4 7,i7 ,recommendations as to the continuation of the practice of measuring functional impairment by using three repetitions of movement of each joint during the examination as a criteria for evaluating the effect of repetitive motion on functional impairment with supporting rationale4 7b7 ,report and plan to prevent the ordering of unnecessary medical examinations 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #ahj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary shall submit to the ,committee on ,veterans' ,affairs of the ,senate and the ,committee on ,veterans' ,affairs of the ,house of ,representatives a report on the efforts of the ,secretary in reducing the necessity for in-person disability examinations and other efforts to comply with the provisions of section #eabe of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code4 7#b7 ,contents ,the report required by paragraph 7#a7 shall include the following3 7,a7 ,criteria used by the ,secretary to determine if a claim is eligible for the ,acceptable ,clinical ,evidence initiative4 7,b7 ,the number of claims determined to be eligible for the ,acceptable ,clinical ,evidence initiative during the period beginning on the date of the initiation of the initiative and ending on the date of the enactment of this ,act1 disaggregated-- 7i7 by fiscal year2 and 7ii7 by claims determined eligible based in whole or in part on medical evidence provided by a private health care provider4 7,c7 ,the total number of claims determined to be eligible for the ,acceptable ,clinical ,evidence initiative that required an employee of the ,department to supplement the evidence with information obtained during a telephone interview with a claimant or health care provider4 7,d7 ,information on any other initiatives or efforts1 including disability benefits questionnaires1 of the ,department to further encourage the use of medical evidence provided by a private health care provider and reliance upon reports of a medical examination administered by a private physician if the report is sufficiently complete to be adequate for the purposes of adjudicating a claim4 7,e7 ,a plan-- 7i7 to measure1 track1 and prevent the ordering of unnecessary medical examinations when the provision by a claimant of a medical examination administered by a private physician in support of a claim for benefits under chapter #aa or #ae of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code1 is adequate for the purpose of making a decision on that claim2 and 7ii7 that includes the actions the ,secretary will take to eliminate any request by the ,department for a medical examination in the case of a claim for benefits under chapter #aa or #ae of such title in support of which a claimant submits medical evidence or a medical opinion provided by a private health care provider that is competent1 credible1 probative1 and otherwise adequate for purposes of making a decision on that claim4 ,c ,board of ,veterans' ,appeals and ,court of ,appeals for ,veterans ,claims #eba4 ,treatment of certain misfiled documents as a notice of appeal to the ,court of ,appeals for ,veterans ,claims ,section #gbff is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection3 7e7 7#a7 ,if a person adversely affected by a final decision of the ,board1 who has not filed a notice of appeal with the ,united ,states ,court of ,appeals for ,veterans ,claims under subsection 7a71 misfiles a document with the ,board or the agency of original jurisdiction referred to in section #gaje7;b77#a7 of this title that expresses disagreement with such decision and a clear intent to seek review of such decision by the ,united ,states ,court of ,appeals for ,veterans ,claims1 not later than #abj days after the date of such decision1 such document shall be treated as timely filed under subsection 7a74 7#b7 ,the treatment of misfiled documents under paragraph 7#a7 does not limit equitable relief that may be otherwise available to a person described in that paragraph4 4 #ebb4 ,modification of filing period for notice of disagreement to initiate appellate review of decisions of ,department of ,veterans ,affairs 7a7 ,filing of notice of disagreement by claimants 7#a7 ,in general ,paragraph 7#a7 of section #gaje7;b7 is amended-- 7,a7 by striking one year and inserting #ahj days in the first sentence2 and 7,b7 by striking one-year and inserting #ahj-;day in the third sentence4 7#b7 ,electronic filing ,such paragraph is further amended by inserting or transmitted by electronic means after postmarked4 7#c7 ,good cause exception for untimely filing of notices of disagreement ,such section #gaje7;b7 is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph3 7#c7 ,a notice of disagreement not filed within the time prescribed by paragraph 7#a7 shall be treated by the ,secretary as timely filed if-- 7,a7 the ,secretary determines that the claimant1 legal guardian1 or other accredited representative1 attorney1 or authorized agent filing the notice had good cause for the lack of filing within such time2 and 7,b7 the notice of disagreement is filed not later than #ahf days after the expiration of the period prescribed by paragraph 7#a74 4 7b7 ,application by ,department for review on appeal ,section #gajf is amended in the first sentence by striking one-year period described in section #gaje and inserting period described in section #gaje7;b77#a74 7c7 ,effective date ,the amendments made by this section shall apply with respect to claims for benefits under laws administered by the ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs filed with the ,secretary after the date of the enactment of this ,act4 #ebc4 ,determination of manner of appearance for hearings before ,board of ,veterans' ,appeals 7a7 ,in general ,section #gajg is amended-- 7#a7 in subsection 7a77#a71 by striking in subsection 7f7 and inserting in subsection 7g72 7#b7 by redesignating subsection 7f7 as subsection 7g72 and 7#c7 by striking subsections 7d7 and 7e7 and inserting the following new subsections3 7d7 7#a7 ,except as provided in paragraph 7#b71 a hearing before the ,board shall be conducted through picture and voice transmission1 by electronic or other means1 in such a manner that the appellant is not present in the same location as the members of the ,board during the hearing4 7#b7 7,a7 ,a hearing before the ,board shall be conducted in person upon the request of an appellant4 7,b7 ,in the absence of a request under subparagraph 7,a71 a hearing before the ,board may also be conducted in person as the ,board considers appropriate4 7e7 7#a7 ,in a case in which a hearing before the ,board is to be held as described in subsection 7d77#a71 the ,secretary shall provide suitable facilities and equipment to the ,board or other components of the ,department to enable an appellant located at an appropriate facility within the area served by a regional office to participate as so described4 7#b7 ,any hearing conducted as described in subsection 7d77#a7 shall be conducted in the same manner as1 and shall be considered the equivalent of1 a personal hearing4 7f7 7#a7 ,in a case in which a hearing before the ,board is to be held as described in subsection 7d77#b71 the appellant may request that the hearing be held at the principal location of the ,board or at a facility of the ,department located within the area served by a regional office of the ,department4 7#b7 ,a hearing to be held within an area served by a regional office of the ,department shall 7except as provided in paragraph 7#c77 be scheduled to be held in accordance with the place of the case on the docket under subsection 7a7 relative to other cases on the docket for which hearings are scheduled to be held within that area4 7#c7 ,a hearing to be held within an area served by a regional office of the ,department may1 for cause shown1 be advanced on motion for an earlier hearing4 ,any such motion shall set forth succinctly the grounds upon which the motion is based4 ,such a motion may be granted only-- 7,a7 if the case involves interpretation of law of general application affecting other claims2 7,b7 if the appellant is seriously ill or is under severe financial hardship2 or 7,c7 for other sufficient cause shown4 4 7b7 ,effective date ,the amendments made by subsection 7a7 shall apply with respect to cases received by the ,board of ,veterans' ,appeals pursuant to notices of disagreement submitted on or after the date of the enactment of this ,act4 ,,vi ,outreach ,matters #fja4 ,program to increase coordination of outreach efforts between the ,department of ,veterans ,affairs and ,federal1 ,state1 and local agencies and nonprofit organizations 7a7 ,program required ,the ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs shall carry out a program to assess the feasibility and advisability of using ,state and local government agencies and nonprofit organizations-- 7#a7 to increase awareness of veterans regarding benefits and services for veterans2 and 7#b7 to improve coordination of outreach activities regarding such benefits and services between the ,secretary and ,federal1 ,state1 and local government and nonprofit providers of health care and benefit services for veterans4 7b7 ,duration ,the ,secretary shall carry out the program for a two-year period4 7c7 ,grants 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary shall carry out the program through the competitive award of grants to ,state and local government agencies and nonprofit organizations-- 7,a7 to increase the awareness of veterans regarding benefits and services for veterans2 and 7,b7 to improve coordination of outreach activities regarding such benefits and services between the ,secretary and ,federal1 ,state1 and local government and nonprofit providers of health care and benefit services for veterans4 7#b7 ,application 7,a7 ,in general ,a ,state or local government agency or nonprofit organization seeking a grant under the program shall submit to the ,secretary an application therefor in such form and in such manner as the ,secretary considers appropriate4 7,b7 ,elements ,each application submitted under subparagraph 7,a7 shall include the following3 7i7 ,a description of the consultations1 if any1 with the ,department of ,veterans ,affairs in the development of any proposal under the application4 7ii7 ,a description of the project for which the applicant is seeking a grant under the program1 including a plan to coordinate under the program1 to the greatest extent possible1 the outreach activities of ,federal1 ,state1 and local government agencies that provide health care1 benefits1 and services for veterans and nonprofit organizations that provide such care1 benefits1 and services to enhance the awareness and availability of such care1 benefits1 and services4 7iii7 ,an agreement to report to the ,secretary standardized data and other performance measures necessary for the ,secretary to evaluate the program and to facilitate evaluation of projects for which grants are awarded under the program4 7iv7 ,such other information as the ,secretary may require4 7#c7 ,considerations 7,a7 ,in general ,in awarding grants under the program to carry out projects1 the ,secretary shall consider-- 7i7 where the projects will be carried out and which populations are targeted2 and 7ii7 the likelihood that each potential grantee will successfully carry out the grant proposal4 7,b7 ,considerations regarding location and target population ,in taking the matters specified in subparagraph 7,a77ii7 into consideration1 the ,secretary shall consider in particular the advisability of awarding grants for projects-- 7i7 carried out in areas with populations that have a high proportion of veteran representation2 7ii7 carried out in a variety of geographic areas1 including urban1 rural1 and highly rural areas2 and 7iii7 that target a variety of veteran populations1 including racial and ethnic minorities1 low-income populations1 and older populations4 7#d7 ,use of funds ,the ,secretary shall establish appropriate uses of grant amounts received under the program4 7#e7 ,oversight of use of funds ,the ,secretary shall establish appropriate mechanisms for oversight of the use of grant amounts received under the program1 including the evidence grantees must submit to demonstrate use of grant amounts and procedures for the recovery of grant amounts that were improperly used4 7#f7 ,limitation ,in a fiscal year1 not more than #bj percent of all grant amounts awarded in that fiscal year may be awarded to a single ,state entity4 7d7 ,state matching requirement ,the ,secretary may not make a grant to a ,state under subsection 7c7 unless that ,state agrees that1 with respect to the costs to be incurred by the ,state in carrying out the program or projects for which the grant was awarded1 the ,state will make available 7directly or through donations from public or private entities7 non-,federal contributions in an amount equal to #ej percent of ,federal funds provided under the grant4 7e7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there is hereby authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section the following3 7#a7 #b1ejj1jjj for fiscal year #bjae4 7#b7 #b1ejj1jjj for fiscal year #bjaf4 7f7 ,annual report 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #abj days after the completion of the first calendar year beginning after the date of the commencement of the program1 and not less frequently than once every year thereafter for the duration of the program1 the ,secretary shall submit to ,congress a report evaluating the program and the projects supported by grants awarded under the program4 7#b7 ,elements ,the report required by paragraph 7#a7 shall include the following3 7,a7 ,the findings and conclusions of the ,secretary with respect to the program4 7,b7 ,an assessment of the benefit to veterans of the program4 7,c7 ,the performance measures used by the ,secretary for purposes of the program and data showing the performance of grantees under the program under such measures4 7,d7 ,the recommendations of the ,secretary as to the feasibility and advisability of continuing or expanding or modifying the program4 7g7 ,effective date ,this section shall take effect on the date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this ,act4 #fjb4 ,cooperative agreements between ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs and ,states on outreach activities 7a7 ,in general ,chapter #fc is amended by inserting after section #fcjf the following new section3 #fcjf;,a4 ,cooperative agreements with ,states 7a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary may enter into cooperative agreements and arrangements with various ,state agencies and ,state departments to carry out this chapter and to otherwise carry out1 coordinate1 improve1 or enhance outreach activities of the ,department and the ,states4 7b7 ,report ,the ,secretary shall include in each report submitted under section #fcjh of this title a description of the agreements and arrangements entered into by the ,secretary under subsection 7a74 4 7b7 ,clerical amendment ,the table of sections at the beginning of chapter #fc is amended by inserting after the item relating to section #fcjf the following new item3 #fcjf;,a4 ,cooperative agreements with ,states4 4 #fjc4 ,advisory committee on outreach activities of ,department of ,veterans ,affairs 7a7 ,establishment ,not later than #ahj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs shall establish an advisory committee on outreach activities of the ,department of ,veterans ,affairs4 7b7 ,membership ,the advisory committee shall be composed of individuals selected by the ,secretary from among the following3 7#a7 ,to the maximum extent practicable1 individuals who are eminent in their respective fields of public relations4 7#b7 ,representatives of organizations with offices that focus on communications and distribute messages through major media news outlets and social media4 7#c7 ,to the maximum extent practicable1 individuals with experience communicating financial results and business strategy for purposes of shaping a confident brand image4 7#d7 ,to the maximum extent practicable1 individuals with experience with consumer and lifestyle imaging and creating publicity for a particular product or service4 7#e7 ,to the maximum extent practicable1 veterans who have experience in press and public relations4 7c7 ,duties ,the advisory committee shall advise the ,assistant ,secretary for ,public and ,intergovernmental ,affairs-- 7#a7 to ensure that the ,department of ,veterans ,affairs is strategically and effectively-- 7,a7 engaging the public and ,department stakeholders to increase awareness nationally regarding all benefits and services furnished by the ,department2 7,b7 explaining new or changing policies of the ,department2 7,c7 improving the image and reputation of the ,department2 and 7,d7 coordinating and collaborating with national community-based organizations1 nonprofits1 and ,state and local government agencies2 7#b7 to assist the ,secretary in conducting such other press or public relations activities relating to outreach activities of the ,department as the ,secretary and the ,assistant ,secretary for ,public and ,intergovernmental ,affairs consider appropriate2 and 7#c7 to ensure coordination and collaboration on efforts within the ,department for the development1 implementation1 and review of local outreach with respect to benefits that include the following3 7,a7 ,compensation and pension benefits4 7,b7 ,insurance benefits4 7,c7 ,burial and memorial benefits4 7,d7 ,education benefits4 7,e7 ,vocational rehabilitation and employment benefits4 7,f7 ,readjustment counseling benefits4 7,g7 ,loan guarantee benefits4 7,h7 ,such other benefits as the ,secretary considers appropriate4 7d7 ,location of meetings ,each meeting of the advisory committee shall take place at a location that is property of the ,department and shall1 to the maximum extent practicable1 use teleconference technology4 7e7 ,consultation ,the ,secretary shall consult with and seek the advice of the advisory committee not less frequently than quarterly on matters relating to the duties of the advisory committee under subsection 7c74 7f7 ,reports 7#a7 ,in general ,not less frequently than once every #ij days for the first year and semiannually thereafter1 the advisory committee shall submit to ,congress and to the ,secretary a report on outreach activities of the ,department4 7#b7 ,recommendations ,each report submitted under paragraph 7#a7 shall include such recommendations for legislative and administrative action as the advisory committee considers appropriate to improve the press and public relations of the ,department relating to outreach4 7g7 ,termination ,the advisory committee shall terminate on ,october #a1 #bjae1 and the requirements and authorities under this section shall terminate on such date4 7h7 ,outreach defined ,in this section1 the term outreach has the meaning given the term in section #fcja of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code4 #fjd4 ,advisory boards on outreach activities of ,department of ,veterans ,affairs relating to health care 7a7 ,establishment 7#a7 ,in general ,for each entity described in paragraph 7#b71 the ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs shall1 acting through the director of that entity1 establish not later than #ahj days after the effective date specified in subsection 7h7 an advisory board at that entity on matters relating to outreach activities of the ,department of ,veterans ,affairs at that entity4 7#b7 ,entity described ,an entity described in this paragraph is-- 7,a7 a healthcare system of the ,department2 or 7,b7 a ,veterans ,integrated ,system ,network1 if such ,veterans ,integrated ,system ,network does not contain a healthcare system4 7b7 ,membership 7#a7 ,in general ,each advisory board established under subsection 7a77#a7 shall be1 to the maximum extent practicable1 composed of individuals selected by the ,secretary from among the following3 7,a7 ,individuals who are eminent in their respective fields of public relations4 7,b7 ,representatives of organizations with offices that focus on communications and distribute messages through major media news outlets and social media4 7,c7 ,individuals with experience communicating financial results and business strategy for purposes of shaping a confident brand image4 7,d7 ,individuals with experience with consumer and lifestyle imaging and creating publicity for a particular product or service4 7,e7 ,employees of the ,department who are involved in press and public relations strategy for an entity described in subsection 7a77#b74 7,f7 ,to the maximum extent practicable1 veterans who have experience in press and public relations4 7#b7 ,voluntary participation ,the participation of an individual selected under paragraph 7#a7 shall be at the election of the individual4 7c7 ,duties ,each advisory board established under subsection 7a77#a7 at an entity described in subsection 7a77#b7 shall advise the ,assistant ,secretary for ,public and ,intergovernmental ,affairs-- 7#a7 to ensure that the ,department of ,veterans ,affairs is strategically and effectively-- 7,a7 engaging the public and ,department stakeholders to increase awareness nationally regarding benefits and services furnished by the ,department2 7,b7 explaining new or changing policies of the ,department2 7,c7 improving the image and reputation of the ,department2 7,d7 coordinating and collaborating with national community-based organizations1 nonprofits1 and ,state and local government agencies2 and 7,e7 coordinating and collaborating on efforts within the ,department for the development1 implementation1 and review of local outreach with respect to benefits that include-- 7i7 compensation and pension benefits2 7ii7 insurance benefits2 7iii7 burial and memorial benefits2 7iv7 education benefits2 7v7 vocational rehabilitation and employment benefits2 7vi7 readjustment counseling benefits2 7vii7 loan guarantee benefits2 and 7viii7 such other benefits as the ,secretary considers appropriate2 and 7#b7 to assist the director of that entity in conducting such other press or public relations activities relating to outreach activities of the ,department as that advisory board considers appropriate4 7d7 ,meeting location 7#a7 ,in general ,if teleconference technology is not used1 meetings of each advisory board established under subsection 7a77#a7 shall be held at a location that is property of the ,department4 7#b7 ,teleconference technology ,each advisory board shall use1 to the maximum extent practicable1 teleconference technology4 7e7 ,consultation ,each director of an entity described in subsection 7a77#b7 shall consult with and seek the advice of the advisory board established at such entity not less frequently than once every two months on matters relating to the duties of the advisory board under subsection 7c74 7f7 ,annual reports ,not less frequently than each year1 each advisory board established under subsection 7a77#a7 shall submit to the ,secretary a report with such information as may be beneficial to the ,secretary in preparing the reports required by section #fcjh of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code4 7g7 ,termination ,each advisory board established under subsection 7a77#a7 and the authorities and requirements of this section shall terminate three years after the effective date specified in subsection 7h74 7h7 ,effective date ,this section shall take effect on the date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this ,act4 #fje4 ,modification of requirement for periodic reports to ,congress on outreach activities of ,department of ,veterans ,affairs 7a7 ,in general ,section #fcjh is amended-- 7#a7 in subsection 7a71 by striking even-numbered2 and 7#b7 in subsection 7b7-- 7,a7 in paragraph 7#a71 by striking biennial2 7,b7 in paragraph 7#b71 by inserting for legislative and administrative action after ,recommendations2 and 7,c7 by adding at the end the following new paragraph3 7#c7 ,recommendations that such administrative actions as may be taken-- 7,a7 to maximize resources for outreach activities of the ,department2 and 7,b7 to focus outreach efforts on activities that are proven to be more effective4 4 7b7 ,clerical amendments 7#a7 ,section heading ,the heading for section #fcjh is amended by striking ,biennial and inserting ,annual4 7#b7 ,table of sections ,the table of sections at the beginning of chapter #fc is amended by striking the item relating to section #fcjh and inserting the following new item3 #fcjh4 ,annual report to ,congress4 4 ,,vii ,employment and ,related ,matters ,a ,employment ,matters #gja4 ,employment of veterans with the ,federal ,government 7a7 ,in general ,section #dbad is amended-- 7#a7 in subsection 7b71 by adding at the end the following3 7#d7 7,a7 ,the requirement under this paragraph is in addition to the appointment of qualified covered veterans under the authority under paragraph 7#a7 by the ,department of ,veterans ,affairs and the ,department of ,defense4 7,b7 ,the head of each agency1 in consultation with the ,director of the ,office of ,personnel ,management1 shall develop a plan for exercising the authority specified in subparagraph 7,c7 during the five-year period beginning on the date of the enactment of the ,veterans ,health and ,benefits ,improvement ,act of #bjac4 7,c7 ,the authority specified in this subparagraph is the authority as follows3 7i7 ,the authority under paragraph 7#a74 7ii7 ,the authority available to the agency concerned under the ,veterans ,employment ,opportunities ,act of #aiih 7,public ,law #aje-cci7 and the amendments made by that ,act4 7,d7 ,the ,director of the ,office of ,personnel ,management shall ensure that under the plans developed under subparagraph 7,b7 agencies shall appoint to existing vacancies not fewer than #ae1jjj qualified covered veterans during the five-year period beginning on the date of the enactment of the ,veterans ,health and ,benefits ,improvement ,act of #bjac4 ,for purposes of complying with this subparagraph1 an appointment pursuant to the authority referred to in subparagraph 7,c77ii7 shall not count toward the number required by this subparagraph unless the appointment is to a vacancy in a full-time1 permanent position4 2 7#b7 in subsection 7d71 in the third sentence1 by inserting 7including1 during the #e-year period beginning on the date of the enactment of the ,veterans ,health and ,benefits ,improvement ,act of #bjac1 the development and implementation by each agency of the plan required under subsection 7b77#d71 which shall include information regarding the grade or pay level of appointments by the agency under the plan and whether the appointments are1 or are converted to1 career or career-conditional appointments7 after subsection 7b7 of this section2 and 7#c7 in subsection 7e7-- 7,a7 in paragraph 7#a7-- 7i7 in the matter before subparagraph 7,a71 by striking to the ,congress and inserting to the appropriate committees of ,congress2 and 7ii7 in subparagraph 7,a71 by inserting 7including1 during the #e-year period beginning on the date of the enactment of the ,veterans ,health and ,benefits ,improvement ,act of #bjac1 the development and implementation by the agency of the plan required under subsection 7b77#d71 which shall include information regarding the grade or pay level of appointments by the agency under the plan and whether the appointments are1 or are converted to1 permanent appointments7 before the period2 and 7,b7 by adding at the end the following new paragraph3 7#c7 ,in this subsection1 the term appropriate committees of ,congress means-- 7,a7 the ,committee on ,veterans' ,affairs and the ,committee on ,homeland ,security and ,governmental ,affairs of the ,senate2 and 7,b7 the ,committee on ,veterans' ,affairs and the ,committee on ,oversight and ,government ,reform of the ,house of ,representatives4 4 7b7 ,report ,not later than #ahj days after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,director of the ,office of ,personnel ,management shall submit to the appropriate committees of ,congress 7as defined under section #dbad7;e77#c7 of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code1 as amended by subsection 7a77 regarding the development of a plan to carry out the amendments made by subsection 7a74 #gjb4 ,state recognition of military experience of veterans in issuing licenses and credentials to veterans 7a7 ,in general ,section #dajb;,a7c7 is amended by striking paragraph 7#i7 and inserting the following new paragraph 7#i73 7#i7 7,a7 ,as a condition of a grant or contract under which funds are made available to a ,state under subsection 7b77#e7 in order to carry out section #dajc;,a or #dajd of this title1 the ,state shall-- 7i7 establish a program under which the ,state administers an examination to each veteran seeking a license or credential issued by the ,state and issues such license or credential to such veteran without requiring such veteran to undergo any training or apprenticeship if the veteran-- 7,i7 receives a satisfactory score on completion of such examination1 as determined by the ,state2 7,,ii7 has been awarded a military occupational specialty that is substantially equivalent to or exceeds the requirements of the ,state for the issuance of such license or credential2 7,,iii7 has engaged in the active practice of the occupation for which the veteran is seeking such license or credential for at least two of the five years preceding the date of application2 and 7,,iv7 pays any customary or usual fees required by the ,state for such license or credential2 and 7ii7 submit each year to the ,secretary a report on the exams administered under clause 7i7 during the most recently completed #ab-month period that includes1 for the period covered by the report the number of veterans who completed an exam administered by the ,state under clause 7i7 and a description of the results of such exams1 disaggregated by occupational field4 7,b7 ,the ,secretary may waive the requirement under subparagraph 7,a7 that a ,state establish a program described in that subparagraph as a condition of a grant or contract if the ,state certifies to the ,secretary that the ,state-- 7i7 takes into account previous military training for the purposes of issuing licenses or credentials2 7ii7 permits veterans to completely satisfy through examination any training or testing requirements for a license or credential with respect to which a veteran has previously completed military training2 and 7iii7 for any credential or license for which a veteran is unable to completely satisfy such requirements through examination1 the ,state substantially reduces training time required to satisfy such requirement based on the military training received by the veteran4 7,c7 ,not less frequently than once each year1 the ,secretary shall submit to ,congress and the ,secretary of ,defense a report summarizing the information received by the ,secretary under subparagraph 7,a77ii74 4 7b7 ,effective date 7#a7 ,exams ,subparagraph 7,a7 of section #dajb;,a7c77#i7 of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code1 as added by subsection 7a71 shall take effect on the date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this ,act and shall apply with respect to grants and contracts described in such subparagraph awarded after such date4 7#b7 ,reports ,subparagraph 7,b7 of such section #dajb;,a7c77#i71 as so added1 shall take effect on the date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this ,act and the ,secretary of ,labor shall submit the first report under such subparagraph not later than two years after the date of the enactment of this ,act4 #gjc4 ,report on unified ,government ,internet portal for veterans on jobs available through the ,federal ,government 7a7 ,identification of ,internet websites and applications that can assist veterans seeking employment 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary of ,labor shall1 in consultation with the ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs1 the ,secretary of ,defense1 and other appropriate public and private entities1 take appropriate actions to identify ,internet websites and applications that can assist veterans in seeking employment4 7#b7 ,priority in identification of certain websites and applications ,in identifying websites and applications pursuant to paragraph 7#a71 the ,secretary shall place a particular priority on identifying websites and applications that do the following3 7,a7 ,match veterans seeking employment with available jobs based on the skills the veterans acquired as members of the ,armed ,forces4 7,b7 ,permit employers to post information about available jobs4 7b7 ,report ,not later than #ahj days after the effective date specified in subsection 7c71 the ,secretary of ,labor shall submit to the ,committee on ,veterans' ,affairs of the ,senate and the ,committee on ,veterans' ,affairs of the ,house of ,representatives a report on the actions of the ,secretary under subsection 7a74 ,the report shall include an assessment of the feasibility and advisability of creating a single1 unified ,internet-based employment portal for the ,federal ,government for use by veterans regarding employment through the ,federal ,government1 including the cost of creating the portal1 the collaboration with other ,federal agencies required to create the portal1 and the anticipated use of the portal4 7c7 ,effective date ,this section shall take effect on the date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this ,act4 #gjd4 ,information on disability-related employment and education protections in ,transition ,assistance ,program 7a7 ,in general ,section #aadd7;b7 of title #aj1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph3 7#i7 ,provide information about disability-related employment and education protections4 4 7b7 ,effective date ,the amendment made by subsection 7a7 shall take effect on the date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this ,act4 ,b ,small ,business ,matters #gaa4 ,expansion of contracting goals and preferences of ,department of ,veterans ,affairs to include conditionally owned small business concerns #ajj percent owned by veterans ,section #habg7l7 is amended-- 7#a7 in paragraph 7#b71 by inserting unconditionally before owned by each place it appears2 and 7#b7 by adding at the end the following new paragraph3 7#c7 ,the term unconditionally owned includes1 with respect to ownership of a small business concern1 conditional ownership of such small business concern if such business concern is #ajj percent owned by one or more veterans4 4 #gab4 ,modification of treatment under contracting goals and preferences of ,department of ,veterans ,affairs for small businesses owned by veterans of small businesses after death of disabled veteran owners 7a7 ,in general ,section #habg7;h7 is amended-- 7#a7 in paragraph 7#c71 by striking rated as and all that follows through disability4 and inserting a period2 and 7#b7 in paragraph 7#b71 by amending subparagraph 7,c7 to read as follows3 7,c7 ,the date that-- 7i7 in the case of a surviving spouse of a veteran with a service-connected disability rated as #ajj percent disabling or who dies as a result of a service-connected disability1 is #aj years after the date of the veteran's death2 or 7ii7 in the case of a surviving spouse of a veteran with a service-connected disability rated as less than #ajj percent disabling who does not die as a result of a service-connected disability1 is three years after the date of the veteran's death4 4 7b7 ,effective date ,the amendments made by subsection 7a7 shall take effect on the date that is #ahj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act and shall apply with respect to applications received pursuant to section #habg7;f77#b7 of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code1 that are verified on or after such date4 #gac4 ,treatment of businesses after deaths of servicemember-owners for purposes of ,department of ,veterans ,affairs contracting goals and preferences 7a7 ,in general ,section #habg is amended-- 7#a7 by redesignating subsections 7i7 through 7l7 as subsections 7j7 through 7m71 respectively2 and 7#b7 by inserting after subsection 7h7 the following new subsection 7i73 7i7 ,treatment of businesses after death of servicemember-,owner 7#a7 ,if a member of the ,armed ,forces owns at least #ea percent of a small business concern and such member is killed in line of duty in the active military1 naval1 or air service1 the surviving spouse or dependent child of such member who acquires such ownership rights in such small business concern shall1 for the period described in paragraph 7#b71 be treated as if the surviving spouse or dependent child were a veteran with a service-connected disability for purposes of determining the status of the small business concern as a small business concern owned and controlled by veterans for purposes of contracting goals and preferences under this section4 7#b7 ,the period referred to in paragraph 7#a7 is the period beginning on the date on which the member of the ,armed ,forces dies and ending on the date as follows3 7,a7 ,in the case of a surviving spouse1 the earliest of the following dates3 7i7 ,the date on which the surviving spouse remarries4 7ii7 ,the date on which the surviving spouse relinquishes an ownership interest in the small business concern and no longer owns at least #ea percent of such small business concern4 7iii7 ,the date that is ten years after the date of the member's death4 7,b7 ,in the case of a dependent child1 the earliest of the following dates3 7i7 ,the date on which the surviving dependent child relinquishes an ownership interest in the small business concern and no longer owns at least #ea percent of such small business concern4 7ii7 ,the date that is ten years after the date of the member's death4 4 7b7 ,effective date ,subsection 7i7 of section #habg of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code1 as added by subsection 7a71 shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this ,act and shall apply with respect to the deaths of members of the ,armed ,forces occurring on or after such date4 #gad4 ,special rule for treatment under contracting goals and preferences of ,department of ,veterans ,affairs of small business concerns licensed in community property ,states ,section #habg1 as amended by section #gac of this ,act1 is further amended by adding at the end the following new subsection3 7n7 ,special rule for community property ,states ,whenever the ,secretary assesses1 for purposes of this section1 the degree of ownership by an individual of a small business concern licensed in a community property ,state1 the ,secretary shall also assess what that degree of ownership would be if such small business concern had been licensed in a ,state other than a community property ,state4 ,if the ,secretary determines that such individual would have had a greater degree of ownership of the small business concern had such small business concern been licensed in a ,state other than a community property ,state1 the ,secretary shall treat1 for purposes of this section1 such small business concern as if it had been licensed in a ,state other than a community property ,state4 4 ,,viii ,other ,matters #hja4 ,consideration by ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs of resources disposed of for less than fair market value by individuals applying for pension 7a7 ,veterans ,section #aebb is amended-- 7#a7 in subsection 7a7-- 7,a7 by inserting 7#a7 before ,the ,secretary2 and 7,b7 by adding at the end the following new paragraph3 7#b7 7,a7 ,if a veteran otherwise eligible for payment of pension under section #aeac or #aeba of this title or the spouse of such veteran disposes of covered resources for less than fair market value on or after the look-back date described in subparagraph 7,c77i71 the ,secretary shall deny or discontinue the payment of pension to such veteran under section #aeac or #aeba of this title1 as the case may be1 for months during the period beginning on the date described in subparagraph 7,d7 and equal to the number of months calculated as provided in subparagraph 7,e74 7,b7 7i7 ,for purposes of this paragraph1 a covered resource is any resource that was a part of the corpus of the estate of the veteran or1 if the veteran has a spouse1 the corpus of the estates of the veteran and of the veteran's spouse1 that the ,secretary considers that under all the circumstances1 if the veteran or spouse had not disposed of such resource1 it would be reasonable that the resource 7or some portion of the resource7 be consumed for the veteran's maintenance4 7ii7 ,for purposes of this paragraph1 the ,secretary may consider1 in accordance with regulations the ,secretary shall prescribe1 a transfer of an asset 7including a transfer of an asset to an annuity1 trust1 or other financial instrument or investment7 a disposal of a covered resource for less than fair market value if such transfer reduces the amount in the corpus of the estate of the veteran or1 if the veteran has a spouse1 the corpus of the estates of the veteran and of the veteran's spouse1 that the ,secretary considers1 under all the circumstances1 would be reasonable to be consumed for the veteran's maintenance4 7,c7 7i7 ,the look-back date described in this clause is a date that is #cf months before the date described in clause 7ii74 7ii7 ,the date described in this clause is the date on which the veteran applies for pension under section #aeac or #aeba of this title or1 if later1 the date on which the veteran 7or the spouse of the veteran7 disposes of covered resources for less than fair market value4 7,d7 ,the date described in this subparagraph is the first day of the first month in or after which covered resources were disposed of for less than fair market value and which does not occur in any other period of ineligibility under this paragraph4 7,e7 ,the number of months calculated under this subparagraph shall be equal to-- 7i7 the total1 cumulative uncompensated value of the portion of covered resources so disposed of by the veteran 7or the spouse of the veteran7 on or after the look-back date described in subparagraph 7,c77i7 that the ,secretary determines would reasonably have been consumed for the veteran's maintenance2 divided by 7ii7 the maximum amount of monthly pension that is payable to a veteran under section #aeac or #aeba of this title1 including the maximum amount of increased pension payable under such sections on account of family members1 but not including any amount of pension payable under such sections because a veteran is in need of regular aid and attendance or is permanently housebound1 rounded down1 in the case of any fraction1 to the nearest whole number1 but shall not in any case exceed #cf months4 2 7#b7 in subsection 7b7-- 7,a7 by inserting 7#a7 before ,the ,secretary2 and 7,b7 by adding at the end the following new paragraph3 7#b7 7,a7 ,if a veteran otherwise eligible for payment of increased pension under subsection 7c71 7d71 7e71 or 7f7 of section #aeba of this title on account of a child1 the spouse of the veteran1 or the child disposes of covered resources for less than fair market value on or after the look-back date described in subparagraph 7,c77i71 the ,secretary shall deny or discontinue payment of such increased pension for months during the period beginning on the date described in subparagraph 7,d7 and equal to the number of months calculated as provided in subparagraph 7,e74 7,b7 7i7 ,for purposes of this paragraph1 a covered resource is any resource that was a part of the corpus of the estate of the child that the ,secretary considers that under all the circumstances1 if the veteran1 the spouse of the veteran1 or the child had not disposed of such resource1 it would be reasonable that the resource 7or some portion of the resource7 be consumed for the child's maintenance4 7ii7 ,for purposes of this paragraph1 the ,secretary may consider1 in accordance with regulations the ,secretary shall prescribe1 a transfer of an asset 7including a transfer of an asset to an annuity1 trust1 or other financial instrument or investment7 a disposal of a covered resource for less than fair market value if such transfer reduces the amount in the corpus of the estate of the child that the ,secretary considers1 under all the circumstances1 would be reasonable to be consumed for the child's maintenance4 7,c7 7i7 ,the look-back date described in this clause is a date that is #cf months before the date described in clause 7ii74 7ii7 ,the date described in this clause is the date on which the veteran applies for payment of increased pension under subsection 7c71 7d71 7e71 or 7f7 of section #aeba of this title on account of a child or1 if later1 the date on which the veteran1 the spouse of the veteran1 or the child disposes of covered resources for less than fair market value4 7,d7 ,the date described in this subparagraph is the first day of the first month in or after which covered resources were disposed of for less than fair market value and which does not occur in any other period of ineligibility under this paragraph4 7,e7 ,the number of months calculated under this subparagraph shall be equal to-- 7i7 the total1 cumulative uncompensated value of the portion of the covered resources so disposed of by the veteran1 the spouse of the veteran1 or the child on or after the look-back date described in subparagraph 7,c77i7 that the ,secretary determines would reasonably have been consumed for the child's maintenance2 divided by 7ii7 the maximum amount of increased monthly pension that is payable to a veteran under subsection 7c71 7d71 7e71 or 7f7 of section #aeba of this title on account of a child1 rounded down1 in the case of any fraction1 to the nearest whole number1 but shall not in any case exceed #cf months4 2 and 7#c7 by adding at the end the following new subsection3 7c7 7#a7 7,a7 ,the ,secretary shall not deny or discontinue payment of pension under section #aeac or #aeba of this title or payment of increased pension under subsection 7c71 7d71 7e71 or 7f7 of section #aeba of this title on account of a child by reason of the application of subsection 7a77#b7 or 7b77#b7 of this section to the disposal of resources by an individual-- 7i7 if-- 7,i7 a satisfactory showing is made to the ,secretary 7in accordance with regulations promulgated by the ,secretary7 that all resources disposed of for less than fair market value have been returned to the individual who disposed of the resources2 or 7,,ii7 the ,secretary determines1 under procedures established by the ,secretary in accordance with subparagraph 7,b71 that the denial or discontinuance of payment would work an undue hardship2 or 7ii7 to the extent that any portion of the resources disposed of for less than fair market value have been returned to the individual who disposed of the resources4 7,b7 ,undue hardship would be worked by the denial or discontinuance of payment for purposes of subparagraph 7,a77i77,,ii7 if the denial or discontinuance of payment would deprive the individual during the period of denial or discontinuance-- 7i7 of medical care such that the individual's life or health would be endangered2 7ii7 of necessary food or clothing1 or other necessities of life2 or 7iii7 on such other basis as the ,secretary shall specify in the procedures required by subparagraph 7,a77i77,,ii74 7,c7 ,if payment of pension or increased pension that would otherwise be denied or discontinued by reason of the application of subsection 7a77#b7 or 7b77#b7 is denied or discontinued only in part by reason of the return of resources as described in subparagraph 7,a77ii71 the period of the denial or discontinuance as determined pursuant to subparagraph 7,e7 of subsection 7a77#b7 or 7b77#b71 as applicable1 shall be recalculated to take into account such return of resources4 7#b7 ,at the time a veteran applies for pension under section #aeac or #aeba of this title or increased pension under subsection 7c71 7d71 7e71 or 7f7 of section #aeba of this title on account of a child1 and at such other times as the ,secretary considers appropriate1 the ,secretary shall-- 7,a7 inform such veteran of the provisions of subsections 7a77#b7 and 7b77#b7 providing for a period of ineligibility for payment of pension under such sections for individuals who make certain dispositions of resources for less than fair market value1 including the exception for hardship from such period of ineligibility2 7,b7 obtain from such veteran information which may be used in determining whether or not a period of ineligibility for such payments would be required by reason of such subsections2 and 7,c7 provide such veteran a timely process for determining whether or not the exception for hardship shall apply to such veteran4 4 7b7 ,surviving spouses and children ,section #aedc is amended-- 7#a7 in subsection 7a7-- 7,a7 by redesignating paragraph 7#b7 as paragraph 7#c72 7,b7 by inserting after paragraph 7#a7 the following new paragraph 7#b73 7#b7 7,a7 ,if a surviving spouse otherwise eligible for payment of pension under section #aeda of this title disposes of covered resources for less than fair market value on or after the look-back date described in subparagraph 7,c77i71 the ,secretary shall deny or discontinue the payment of pension to such surviving spouse under section #aeda of this title for months during the period beginning on the date described in subparagraph 7,d7 and equal to the number of months calculated as provided in subparagraph 7,e74 7,b7 7i7 ,for purposes of this paragraph1 a covered resource is any resource that was a part of the corpus of the estate of the surviving spouse that the ,secretary considers that under all the circumstances1 if the surviving spouse had not disposed of such resource1 it would be reasonable that the resource 7or some portion of the resource7 be consumed for the surviving spouse's maintenance4 7ii7 ,for purposes of this paragraph1 the ,secretary may consider1 in accordance with regulations the ,secretary shall prescribe1 a transfer of an asset 7including a transfer of an asset to an annuity1 trust1 or other financial instrument or investment7 a disposal of a covered resource for less than fair market value if such transfer reduces the amount in the corpus of the estate of the surviving spouse that the ,secretary considers1 under all the circumstances1 would be reasonable to be consumed for the surviving spouse's maintenance4 7,c7 7i7 ,the look-back date described in this clause is a date that is #cf months before the date described in clause 7ii74 7ii7 ,the date described in this clause is the date on which the surviving spouse applies for pension under section #aeda of this title or1 if later1 the date on which the surviving spouse disposes of covered resources for less than fair market value4 7,d7 ,the date described in this subparagraph is the first day of the first month in or after which covered resources were disposed of for less than fair market value and which does not occur in any other period of ineligibility under this paragraph4 7,e7 ,the number of months calculated under this subparagraph shall be equal to-- 7i7 the total1 cumulative uncompensated value of the portion of the covered resources so disposed of by the surviving spouse on or after the look-back date described in subparagraph 7,c77i7 that the ,secretary determines would reasonably have been consumed for the surviving spouse's maintenance2 divided by 7ii7 the maximum amount of monthly pension that is payable to a surviving spouse under section #aeda of this title1 including the maximum amount of increased pension payable under such section on account of a child1 but not including any amount of pension payable under such section because a surviving spouse is in need of regular aid and attendance or is permanently housebound1 rounded down1 in the case of any fraction1 to the nearest whole number1 but shall not in any case exceed #cf months4 2 7,c7 by adding at the end the following new paragraph3 7#d7 7,a7 ,if a surviving spouse otherwise eligible for payment of increased pension under subsection 7c71 7d71 or 7e7 of section #aeda of this title on account of a child or the child disposes of covered resources for less than fair market value on or after the look-back date described in subparagraph 7,c77i71 the ,secretary shall deny or discontinue payment of such increased pension for months during the period beginning on the date described in subparagraph 7,d7 and equal to the number of months calculated as provided in subparagraph 7,e74 7,b7 7i7 ,for purposes of this paragraph1 a covered resource is any resource that was a part of the corpus of the estate of the child that the ,secretary considers that under all the circumstances1 if the surviving spouse or the child had not disposed of such resource1 it would be reasonable that the resource 7or some portion of the resource7 be consumed for the child's maintenance4 7ii7 ,for purposes of this paragraph1 the ,secretary may consider1 in accordance with regulations the ,secretary shall prescribe1 a transfer of an asset 7including a transfer of an asset to an annuity1 trust1 or other financial instrument or investment7 a disposal of a covered resource for less than fair market value if such transfer reduces the amount in the corpus of the estate of the child that the ,secretary considers1 under all the circumstances1 would be reasonable to be consumed for the child's maintenance4 7,c7 7i7 ,the look-back date described in this clause is a date that is #cf months before the date described in clause 7ii74 7ii7 ,the date described in this clause is the date on which the surviving spouse applies for payment of increased pension under subsection 7c71 7d71 or 7e7 of section #aeda of this title on account of a child or1 if later1 the date on which the surviving spouse 7or the child7 disposes of covered resources for less than fair market value4 7,d7 ,the date described in this subparagraph is the first day of the first month in or after which covered resources were disposed of for less than fair market value and which does not occur in any other period of ineligibility under this paragraph4 7,e7 ,the number of months calculated under this clause shall be equal to-- 7i7 the total1 cumulative uncompensated value of the portion of the covered resources so disposed of by the surviving spouse 7or the child7 on or after the look-back date described in subparagraph 7,c77i7 that the ,secretary determines would reasonably have been consumed for the child's maintenance2 divided by 7ii7 the maximum amount of increased monthly pension that is payable to a surviving spouse under subsection 7c71 7d71 or 7e7 of section #aeda of this title on account of a child1 rounded down1 in the case of any fraction1 to the nearest whole number1 but shall not in any case exceed #cf months4 2 7#b7 in subsection 7b7-- 7,a7 by inserting 7#a7 before ,the ,secretary2 and 7,b7 by adding at the end the following new paragraph3 7#b7 7,a7 ,if a child otherwise eligible for payment of pension under section #aedb of this title or any person with whom such child is residing who is legally responsible for such child's support disposes of covered resources for less than fair market value on or after the look-back date described in subparagraph 7,c77i71 the ,secretary shall deny or discontinue the payment of pension to such child under section #aedb of this title for months during the period beginning on the date described in subparagraph 7,d7 and equal to the number of months calculated as provided in subparagraph 7,e74 7,b7 7i7 ,for purposes of this paragraph1 a covered resource is any resource that was a part of the corpus of the estate of the child or the corpus of the estate of any person with whom such child is residing who is legally responsible for such child's support that the ,secretary considers that under all the circumstances1 if the child or person had not disposed of such resource1 it would be reasonable that the resource 7or some portion of the resource7 be consumed for the child's maintenance4 7ii7 ,for purposes of this paragraph1 the ,secretary may consider1 in accordance with regulations the ,secretary shall prescribe1 a transfer of an asset 7including a transfer of an asset to an annuity1 trust1 or other financial instrument or investment7 a disposal of a covered resource for less than fair market value if such transfer reduces the amount in the corpus of the estate described in clause 7i7 that the ,secretary considers1 under all the circumstances1 would be reasonable to be consumed for the child's maintenance4 7,c7 7i7 ,the look-back date described in this clause is a date that is #cf months before the date described in clause 7ii74 7ii7 ,the date described in this clause is the date on which the child applies for pension under section #aedb of this title or1 if later1 the date on which the child 7or person described in subparagraph 7,b77 disposes of covered resources for less than fair market value4 7,d7 ,the date described in this clause is the first day of the first month in or after which covered resources were disposed of for less than fair market value and which does not occur in any other period of ineligibility under this paragraph4 7,e7 ,the number of months calculated under this clause shall be equal to-- 7i7 the total1 cumulative uncompensated value of the portion of the covered resources so disposed of by the child 7or person described in subparagraph 7,b77 on or after the look-back date described in subparagraph 7,c77i7 that the ,secretary determines would reasonably have been consumed for the child's maintenance2 divided by 7ii7 the maximum amount of monthly pension that is payable to a child under section #aedb of this title1 rounded down1 in the case of any fraction1 to the nearest whole number1 but shall not in any case exceed #cf months4 2 and 7#c7 by adding at the end the following new subsection3 7c7 7#a7 7,a7 ,the ,secretary shall not deny or discontinue payment of pension under section #aeda or #aedb of this title or payment of increased pension under subsection 7c71 7d71 or 7e7 of section #aeda of this title on account of a child by reason of the application of subsection 7a77#b71 7a77#d71 or 7b77#b7 of this section to the disposal of resources by an individual-- 7i7 if-- 7,i7 a satisfactory showing is made to the ,secretary 7in accordance with regulations promulgated by the ,secretary7 that all resources disposed of for less than fair market value have been returned to the individual who disposed of the resources2 or 7,,ii7 the ,secretary determines1 under procedures established by the ,secretary in accordance with subparagraph 7,b71 that the denial or discontinuance of payment would work an undue hardship2 or 7ii7 to the extent that any portion of the resources disposed of for less than fair market value have been returned to the individual who disposed of the resources4 7,b7 ,undue hardship would be worked by the denial or discontinuance of payment for purposes of subparagraph 7,a77i77,,ii7 if the denial or discontinuance of payment would deprive the individual during the period of denial or discontinuance-- 7i7 of medical care such that the individual's life or health would be endangered2 7ii7 of necessary food or clothing1 or other necessities of life2 or 7iii7 on such other basis as the ,secretary shall specify in the procedures required by subparagraph 7,a77i77,,ii74 7,c7 ,if payment of pension or increased pension that would otherwise be denied or discontinued by reason of the application of subsection 7a77#b71 7a77#d71 or 7b77#b7 is denied or discontinued only in part by reason of the return of resources as described in subparagraph 7,a77ii71 the period of the denial or discontinuance as determined pursuant to subparagraph 7,e7 of subsection 7a77#b71 7a77#d71 or 7b77#b71 as applicable1 shall be recalculated to take into account such return of resources4 7#b7 ,at the time a surviving spouse or child applies for pension under section #aeda or #aedb of this title or increased pension under subsection 7c71 7d71 or 7e7 of section #aeda of this title on account of a child1 and at such other times as the ,secretary considers appropriate1 the ,secretary shall-- 7,a7 inform such surviving spouse or child of the provisions of subsections 7a77#b71 7a77#d71 and 7b77#b71 as applicable1 providing for a period of ineligibility for payment of pension or increased pension under such sections for individuals who make certain dispositions of resources for less than fair market value1 including the exception for hardship from such period of ineligibility2 7,b7 obtain from such surviving spouse or child information which may be used in determining whether or not a period of ineligibility for such payments would be required by reason of such subsections2 and 7,c7 provide such surviving spouse or child a timely process for determining whether or not the exception for hardship shall apply to such surviving spouse or child4 4 7c7 ,effective date ,subsections 7a77#b71 7b77#b71 and 7c7 of section #aebb of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code1 as added by subsection 7a71 and subsections 7a77#b71 7a77#d71 7b77#b71 and 7c7 of section #aedc of such title1 as added by subsection 7b71 shall take effect on the date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this ,act and shall apply with respect to payments of pension and increased pension applied for after such date and to payments of pension and increased pension for which eligibility is redetermined after such date1 except that no reduction in pension shall be made under such subsections because of any disposal of covered resources made before such date4 7d7 ,annual reports 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #cj months after the date of the enactment of this ,act and not less frequently than once each year thereafter through #bjah1 the ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs shall submit to the appropriate committees of ,congress a report on the administration of subsections 7a77#b71 7b77#b71 and 7c7 of section #aebb of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code1 as added by subsection 7a71 and subsections 7a77#b71 7a77#d71 7b77#b71 and 7c7 of section #aedc of such title1 as added by subsection 7b71 during the most recent #ab-month period4 7#b7 ,elements ,each report submitted under paragraph 7#a7 shall include the following1 for the period covered by the report3 7,a7 ,the number of individuals who applied for pension under chapter #ae of such title4 7,b7 ,the number of individuals who received pension under such chapter4 7,c7 ,the number of individuals with respect to whom the ,secretary denied or discontinued payment of pension under the subsections referred to in paragraph 7#a74 7,d7 ,a description of any trends identified by the ,secretary regarding pension payments that have occurred as a result of the amendments made by this section4 7,e7 ,such other information as the ,secretary considers appropriate4 7#c7 ,appropriate committees of ,congress defined ,in this subsection1 the term appropriate committees of ,congress means-- 7,a7 the ,committee on ,veterans' ,affairs and the ,select ,committee on ,aging of the ,senate2 and 7,b7 the ,committee on ,veterans' ,affairs of the ,house of ,representatives4 #hjb4 ,office of ,national ,veterans ,sports ,programs and ,special ,events 7a7 ,reauthorization and use of certain funds ,subsection 7d77#d7 of section #cbb is amended-- 7#a7 by inserting 7,a7 after 7#d72 7#b7 by striking #bjac and inserting #bjah2 and 7#c7 by adding at the end the following new subparagraph3 7,b7 ,any amounts appropriated or otherwise made available to carry out this subsection that the ,secretary determines are unnecessary to carry out this subsection may be used by the ,secretary to carry out this section4 4 7b7 ,cooperation with organization ,subsection 7b77#d7 of such section is amended by striking shall1 to the extent feasible1 and inserting may4 7c7 ,substitution of ,,usoc in responsibility for ,united ,states ,paralympics1 ,inc ,such section is further amended-- 7#a7 in subsection 7b77#d7-- 7,a7 by striking ,united ,states ,paralympics1 ,inc41 each place it appears and inserting ,united ,states ,olympic ,committee2 and 7,b7 by striking sporting and inserting paralympic2 and 7#b7 in subsection 7d77#a71 by striking ,united ,states ,paralympics1 ,inc41 each place it appears and inserting ,united ,states ,olympic ,committee4 #hjc4 ,adaptive sports programs for disabled veterans and members of the ,armed ,forces through ,united ,states ,olympic ,committee 7a7 ,authorization of program ,subsection 7a7 of section #eba;,a is amended to read as follows3 7a7 ,adaptive sports program 7#a7 ,the ,secretary may plan1 develop1 manage1 and implement an integrated adaptive sports program for disabled veterans and disabled members of the ,armed ,forces4 7#b7 ,the ,secretary may award grants to the ,united ,states ,olympic ,committee to carry out paragraph 7#a74 4 7b7 ,additional application requirements ,subsection 7c77#b7 of such section is amended-- 7#a7 in subparagraph 7,a71 by striking and at the end2 7#b7 in subparagraph 7,b71 by striking the period at the end and inserting 2 and2 and 7#c7 by adding at the end the following new subparagraph3 7,c7 a statement that includes a detailed description of-- 7i7 the anticipated personnel1 travel1 and administrative costs that will be paid for by the ,united ,states ,olympic ,committee with funds provided under this section2 7ii7 the financial controls implemented by the ,united ,states ,olympic ,committee1 including methods to track expenditures of funds provided under this section2 7iii7 the performance metrics to be used by the ,united ,states ,olympic ,committee to evaluate the effectiveness of the activities to be carried out with the funds provided under this section2 and 7iv7 the anticipated personnel1 travel1 and administrative costs that will be paid for by subgrantees with funds provided under this section4 4 7c7 ,funding ,subsection 7g7 of such section is amended by striking #bjac and inserting #bjae4 7d7 ,exception to prohibition on commingling of funds ,subsection 7h7 of such section is amended by inserting before the period at the end the following3 1 except that funds appropriated to carry out this section may be used by the ,department to carry out subsections 7a71 7b71 and 7c7 of section #cbb of this title4 7e7 ,substitution of ,,usoc in responsibility for ,united ,states ,paralympics1 ,inc ,such section is further amended-- 7#a7 by striking ,united ,states ,paralympics1 ,inc41 each place it appears 7other than in subsection 7d77 and inserting ,united ,states ,olympic ,committee2 and 7#b7 in subsection 7d7-- 7,a7 in paragraph 7#a7-- 7i7 by striking ,united ,states ,paralympics1 ,inc41 with the assistance and inserting ,united ,states ,olympic ,committee1 with the assistance2 and 7ii7 by striking ,united ,states ,paralympics1 ,inc41 has entered and inserting ,united ,states ,olympic ,committee has entered2 7,b7 in paragraph 7#d71 by striking ,united ,states ,paralympics1 ,inc4 and inserting ,united ,states ,olympic ,committee2 and 7,c7 in paragraph 7#e71 by striking ,united ,states ,paralympics1 ,inc41 and inserting ,united ,states ,olympic ,committee4 7f7 ,comptroller general report ,such section is further amended-- 7#a7 by redesignating subsection 7l7 as subsection 7m72 and 7#b7 by inserting after subsection 7k7 the following new subsection 7l73 7l7 ,comptroller ,general report 7#a7 ,not later than two years after the date of the enactment of the ,veterans ,health and ,benefits ,improvement ,act of #bjac1 the ,comptroller ,general of the ,united ,states shall submit to ,congress a report on the use of grants1 if any1 awarded to the ,united ,states ,olympic ,committee1 under this section during the two-year period preceding the report4 7#b7 ,the report required under paragraph 7#a7 shall contain the following3 7,a7 ,an assessment of how the ,department1 the ,united ,states ,olympic ,committee1 and subgrantees of the ,united ,states ,olympic ,committee1 have provided adaptive sports opportunities to veterans and members of the ,armed ,forces through grants awarded under this section4 7,b7 ,an assessment of how the ,department oversees the use of funds provided under this section by the ,united ,states ,olympic ,committee and subgrantees of the ,united ,states ,olympic ,committee4 7,c7 ,a description of the benefit provided to veterans and members of the ,armed ,forces through programs and activities developed through grants awarded under this section4 4 7g7 ,extension of sunset ,subsection 7m7 of such section1 as redesignated by subsection 7f7 of this section1 is amended by striking #bjac and inserting #bjae4 7h7 ,conforming and clerical amendments 7#a7 ,section heading amendment ,the heading of such section is amended to read as follows3 #eba;,a4 ,adaptive sports programs for disabled veterans and members of the ,armed ,forces through the ,united ,states ,olympic ,committee 4 7#b7 ,table of sections ,the table of sections at the beginning of chapter #e is amended by striking the item relating to section #eba;,a and inserting the following new item3 #eba;,a4 ,adaptive sports programs for disabled veterans and members of the ,armed ,forces through the ,united ,states ,olympic ,committee 4 #hjd4 ,making effective date provision consistent with provision for benefits eligibility of a veteran's child based upon termination of remarriage by annulment ,section #eaaj7l7 is amended by striking 1 or of an award or increase of benefits based on recognition of a child upon termination of the child's marriage by death or divorce14 #hje4 ,extended period for scheduling of medical exams for veterans receiving temporary disability ratings for severe mental disorders ,section #aaef7;a77#c7 is amended by striking six months and inserting #ah months4 #hjf4 ,authority to issue ,veterans ,,id ,cards 7a7 ,authority 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs may issue a card to a veteran that identifies the veteran as a veteran and includes a photo of the veteran and the name of the veteran4 7#b7 ,no requirement for enrollment or receipt of benefits ,the ,secretary may issue a card under paragraph 7#a7 to a veteran1 whether or not such veteran is-- 7,a7 enrolled in the system of annual patient enrollment established under section #agje7;a7 of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code2 or 7,b7 in receipt of educational assistance1 compensation1 or pension under laws administered by the ,secretary4 7#c7 ,designation ,a card issued under paragraph 7#a7 may be known as a ,veterans ,,id ,card4 7b7 ,recognition of ,veterans ,,id ,cards for reduced pricing of pharmaceuticals1 consumer products1 and services ,the ,secretary may work with national retail chains that offer reduced prices on pharmaceuticals1 consumer products1 and services to veterans to ensure that such retail chains recognize cards issued under subsection 7a77#a7 for purposes of offering reduced prices on pharmaceuticals1 consumer products1 and services4 7c7 ,veteran defined ,in this section1 the term veteran has the meaning given the term in section #aja of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code4 7d7 ,effective date ,this section shall take effect on the date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this ,act4 #hjg4 ,honoring as veterans certain persons who performed service in the reserve components of the ,armed ,forces ,any person who is entitled under chapter #abbc of title #aj1 ,united ,states ,code1 to retired pay for nonregular service or1 but for age1 would be entitled under such chapter to retired pay for nonregular service shall be honored as a veteran but shall not be entitled to any benefit by reason of this honor4 #hjh4 ,extension of authority for ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs to issue and guarantee certain loans ,section #cgbi7;b77#b7 is amended-- 7#a7 in subparagraph 7,a7-- 7,a7 in clause 7iii71 by striking ,october #a1 #bjag and inserting ,may #a1 #bjah2 and 7,b7 in clause 7iv71 by striking ,october #a1 #bjag and inserting ,may #a1 #bjah2 7#b7 in subparagraph 7,b7-- 7,a7 in clause 7i71 by striking ,october #a1 #bjag and inserting ,may #a1 #bjah2 and 7,b7 in clause 7ii71 by striking ,october #a1 #bjag and inserting ,may #a1 #bjah2 7#c7 in subparagraph 7,c7-- 7,a7 in clause 7i71 by striking ,october #a1 #bjag and inserting ,may #a1 #bjah2 and 7,b7 in clause 7ii71 by striking ,october #a1 #bjag and inserting ,may #a1 #bjah2 and 7#d7 in subparagraph 7,d7-- 7,a7 in clause 7i71 by striking ,october #a1 #bjag and inserting ,may #a1 #bjah2 and 7,b7 in clause 7ii71 by striking ,october #a1 #bjag and inserting ,may #a1 #bjah4 #hji4 ,review of determination of certain service in ,philippines during ,world ,war ,,ii 7a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs1 in consultation with the ,secretary of ,defense and such military historians as the ,secretary of ,defense recommends1 shall review the process used to determine whether a covered individual served in support of the ,armed ,forces of the ,united ,states during ,world ,war ,,ii in accordance with section #ajjb7;d7 of title ,x of ,division ,a of the ,american ,recovery and ,reinvestment ,act of #bjji 7,public ,law #aaa-e2 #ch ,u4,s4,c4 #ajg note7 for purposes of determining whether such covered individual is eligible for payments described in such section4 7b7 ,covered individuals ,in this section1 a covered individual is any individual who timely submitted a claim for benefits under subsection 7c7 of section #ajjb of title ,x of ,division ,a of the ,american ,recovery and ,reinvestment ,act of #bjji 7,public ,law #aaa-e2 #ch ,u4,s4,c4 #ajg note7 based on service as described in subsection 7d7 of that section4 7c7 ,report ,not later than #ij days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs shall submit to the ,committee on ,veterans' ,affairs of the ,senate and the ,committee on ,veterans' ,affairs of the ,house of ,representatives a report detailing any findings1 actions taken1 or recommendations for legislative action with respect to the review conducted under subsection 7a74 7d7 ,prohibition on benefits for disqualifying conduct under new process pursuant to review ,if pursuant to the review conducted under subsection 7a7 the ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs determines to establish a new process for the making of payments as described in that subsection1 the process shall include mechanisms to ensure that individuals are not treated as covered individuals for purposes of such payments if such individuals engaged in any disqualifying conduct during service described in that subsection1 including collaboration with the enemy or criminal conduct4 #haj4 ,report on ,laotian military support of ,armed ,forces of the ,united ,states during ,vietnam ,war 7a7 ,in general ,not later than one year after the effective date specified in subsection 7c71 the ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs1 in consultation with the ,secretary of ,defense and such agencies and individuals as the ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs considers appropriate1 shall submit to the appropriate committees of ,congress a report on-- 7#a7 the extent to which ,laotian military forces provided combat support to the ,armed ,forces of the ,united ,states between ,february #bh1 #aifa1 and ,may #ae1 #aige2 7#b7 whether the current classification by the ,civilian_/,military ,service ,review ,board of the ,department of ,defense of service by individuals of ,hmong ethnicity is appropriate2 and 7#c7 any recommendations for legislative action4 7b7 ,appropriate committees of ,congress ,in this section1 the term appropriate committees of ,congress means-- 7#a7 the ,committee on ,armed ,services and the ,committee on ,veterans' ,affairs of the ,senate2 and 7#b7 the ,committee on ,armed ,services and the ,committee on ,veterans' ,affairs of the ,house of ,representatives4 7c7 ,effective date ,this section shall take effect on the date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this ,act4 #haa4 ,report on assistance for veterans in obtaining training on purchasing and operating a franchise 7a7 ,report required ,not later than one year after the effective date specified in subsection 7c71 the ,secretary of ,labor shall1 in consultation with the ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs1 the ,administrator of the ,small ,business ,administration1 and other appropriate entities1 submit to ,congress a report on the assistance available to veterans to obtain training necessary to purchase and operate a franchise4 7b7 ,elements ,the report required by subsection 7a7 shall include the following3 7#a7 ,a description of the assistance available for veterans through the ,department of ,labor1 the ,department of ,veterans ,affairs1 the ,small ,business ,administration1 or any other agency of the ,federal ,government in order to obtain training necessary to purchase or operate a franchise4 7#b7 ,information on the number of veterans who have sought and obtained the training described in paragraph 7#a7 during the five calendar years preceding the report4 7#c7 ,a description of any barriers encountered by veterans in obtaining the training described in paragraph 7#a74 7c7 ,effective date ,this section shall take effect on the date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this ,act4 #hab4 ,limitation on aggregate amount of bonuses payable to personnel of the ,department of ,veterans ,affairs during fiscal year #bjad ,the aggregate amount of bonuses and awards payable to personnel of the ,department of ,veterans ,affairs under chapter #de or #ec of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code1 or any other provision of such title1 during fiscal year #bjad may not exceed #cfh1jjj1jjj4 ,amend the title so as to read3 ,a bill to improve the provision of medical services and benefits to veterans1 and for other purposes44 ,december #i1 #bjac,reported with an amendment and an amendment to the title