,,ii ,cal5d> ,no4 #beh #aac? ,,congress #a/ ,session ,s4 #idd ,report ,no4 #aac-abc ,,9 ,,! ,,s5ate ,,( ,,! ,,unit$ ,,/ates ,may #ad1 #bjac,mr4 ,s&]s 7= himself & ,mr4 ,burr7 introduc$ ! foll[+ bill2 :i* 0 read twice & ref]r$ to ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs,strike out all aft] ! enact+ clause & ins]t ! "p pr9t$ 9 italic ,decemb] #i1 #bjac,report$ by ,mr4 ,s&]s1 ) an am5dm5t & an am5dm5t to ! title,strike out all aft] ! enact+ clause & ins]t ! "p pr9t$ 9 italic ,a ,,bill ,to am5d title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 to require c\rses ( education provid$ by public in/itutions ( high] education t are approv$ = purposes ( ! ,all-,volunte] ,=ce ,educational ,assi/ance ,program & ,po/-#i_/aa ,educational ,assi/ance to *>ge vet]ans tuition & fees at ! 9-,/ate tuition rate1 & = o!r purposes4 #a4 ,%ort title ,?is ,act may be cit$ z ! ,putt+ ,our ,vet]ans ,back to ,"w ,act ( #bjac4 #b4 ,approval ( c\rses ( education provid$ by public in/itutions ( high] education = purposes ( ,all-,volunte] ,=ce ,educational ,assi/ance ,program & ,po/-#i_/aa ,educational ,assi/ance conditional on 9-,/ate tuition rate = vet]ans 7a7 ,9 g5]al ,section #cfgi ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$ by add+ at ! end ! foll[+ new subsection3 7c7 7#a7 ,not)/&+ any o!r provision ( ?is *apt] & subject to p>agraphs 7#c7 ?r\gh 7#e71 ! ,secret>y %all disapprove a c\rse ( education provid$ by a public in/itution ( high] education to a cov]$ individual pursu+ a c\rse ( education ) educational assi/ance "u *apt] #cj or #cc ( ?is title :ile liv+ 9 ! ,/ate 9 :i* ! public in/itution ( high] education is locat$ if ! in/itution *>ges tuition & fees = t c\rse = ! cov]$ individual at a rate t is high] ?an ! rate ! in/itution *>ges = tuition & fees = t c\rse = resid5ts ( ! ,/ate 9 :i* ! in/itution is locat$1 reg>dless ( ! cov]$ individual's ,/ate ( resid5ce4 7#b7 ,= purposes ( ?is subsection1 a cov]$ individual is any individual z foll[s3 7,a7 ,a vet]an :o 0 dis*>g$ or releas$ f a p]iod ( n few] ?an #ahj days ( s]vice 9 ! active milit>y1 naval1 or air s]vice less ?an two ye>s be=e ! date ( enrollm5t 9 ! c\rse conc]n$4 7,b7 ,an individual :o is entitl$ to assi/ance "u section #ccaa7;b77#i7 or #ccai ( ?is title by virtue ( su* individual's relation%ip to a vet]an describ$ 9 subp>agraph 7,a74 7#c7 ,x %all n be gr\nds to disapprove a c\rse ( education "u p>agraph 7#a7 if a public in/itution ( high] education requires a cov]$ individual pursu+ a c\rse ( education at ! in/itution to demon/rate an int5t to e/abli% resid5cy 9 ! ,/ate 9 :i* ! in/itution is locat$ 9 ord] to be *>g$ tuition & fees = t c\rse at a rate t is equal to or less ?an ! rate ! in/itution *>ges = tuition & fees = t c\rse = resid5ts ( ! ,/ate4 7#d7 ,! ,secret>y may waive su* requirem5ts ( p>agraph 7#a7 z ! ,secret>y consid]s appropriate4 7#e7 ,disapproval "u p>agraph 7#a7 %all apply only ) respect to educational assi/ance "u *apt]s #cj & #cc ( ?is title4 4 7b7 ,effective date ,subsection 7c7 ( section #cfgi ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code 7z add$ by subsection 7a7 ( ?is section7 %all apply ) respect to educational assi/ance provid$ = pursuit ( programs ( education dur+ academic t]ms t beg9 aft] ,july #a1 #bjae4 #a4 ,%ort title2 table ( cont5ts 7a7 ,%ort title ,?is ,act may be cit$ z ! ,vet]ans ,heal? & ,b5efits ,improvem5t ,act ( #bjac4 7b7 ,table ( cont5ts ,! table ( cont5ts = ?is ,act is z foll[s3 ,sec4 #a4 ,%ort title2 table ( cont5ts4,sec4 #b4 ,ref]5ces to title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code4,,title ,i--,survivor & ,dep5d5t ,matters,sec4 #aja4 ,ext5sion ( initial p]iod = increas$ dep5d5cy & indemnity comp5sation = surviv+ sp\ses ) *ildr54,sec4 #ajb4 ,eligibility = dep5d5cy & indemnity comp5sation1 educational assi/ance1 & h\s+ loans = surviv+ sp\ses :o rem>ry aft] age #ee4,sec4 #ajc4 ,ext5sion ( m>riage delimit+ date = surviv+ sp\ses ( ,p]sian ,gulf ,w> vet]ans to qualify = dea? p5sion4,sec4 #ajd4 ,expansion ( ,m>9e ,gunn]y ,s]geant ,john ,david ,fry ,s*ol>%ip4,sec4 #aje4 ,expansion ( ,yell[ ,ribbon ,g4,i4 ,education ,enhancem5t ,program4,sec4 #ajf4 ,b5efits = *ildr5 ( c]ta9 ,?ail& s]vice vet]ans born ) sp9a bifida4,sec4 #ajg4 ,program on assi/$ liv+ = *ildr5 ( ,vietnam vet]ans & c]ta9 ,korea s]vice vet]ans born ) sp9a bifida4,sec4 #ajh4 ,program on grief c\nsel+ 9 retreat sett+s = surviv+ sp\ses ( memb]s ( ! ,arm$ ,=ces :o die :ile s]v+ on active duty 9 ! ,arm$ ,=ces4,sec4 #aji4 ,program evaluation on survivors' & dep5d5ts' educational assi/ance au?orities4,,title ,,ii--,education ,matters,sec4 #bja4 ,approval ( c\rses ( education provid$ by public in/itutions ( high] le>n+ = purposes ( ,all-,volunte] ,=ce ,educational ,assi/ance ,program & ,po/-#i_/aa ,educational ,assi/ance conditional on 9-,/ate tuition rate = vet]ans4,sec4 #bjb4 ,ext5sion & expansion ( au?ority = c]ta9 qualify+ "w-/udy activities = purposes ( ! educational assi/ance programs ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs4,sec4 #bjc4 ,report on debt managem5t & collection4,sec4 #bjd4 ,re/oration ( prior report+ fee multipli]s4,,title ,,iii--,heal? ,c>e ,matters,subtitle ,a--,expansion & ,improvem5ts ( ,b5efits ,generally,sec4 #cja4 ,expansion ( provision ( *iropractic c>e & s]vices to vet]ans4,sec4 #cjb4 ,modification ( comm5cem5t date ( p]iod ( s]vice at ,camp ,lejeune1 ,nor? ,c>ol9a1 = eligibility = hospital c>e & m$ical s]vices 9 connection ) exposure to contam9at$ wat]4,sec4 #cjc4 ,expansion ( eligibility = sexual trauma c\nsel+ & treatm5t to vet]ans on inactive duty tra9+4,sec4 #cjd4 ,ext5sion ( sunset date reg>d+ transportation ( individuals to & f facilities ( ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs & requirem5t ( report4,sec4 #cje4 ,program on heal? promotion = ov]weight & obese vet]ans ?r\gh support ( fitness c5t] memb]%ips4,sec4 #cjf4 ,program on heal? promotion = vet]ans ?r\gh e/abli%m5t ( ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs fitness facilities4,subtitle ,b--,heal? ,c>e ,administration,sec4 #caa4 ,ext5sion ( ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs ,heal? ,pr(essional ,s*ol>%ip ,program4,sec4 #cab4 ,expansion ( availability ( pro/hetic & or?otic c>e = vet]ans4,sec4 #cac4 ,corporal ,mi*ael ,j4 ,cresc5z ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs ,m$ical ,c5t]4,subtitle ,c--,complem5t>y & ,alt]native ,medicine,sec4 #cba4 ,expansion ( rese>* & education on & deliv]y ( complem5t>y & alt]native m$ic9e to vet]ans4,sec4 #cbb4 ,program on integration ( complem5t>y & alt]native m$ic9e )9 ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs m$ical c5t]s4,sec4 #cbc4 ,/udies ( b>ri]s enc\nt]$ by vet]ans 9 receiv+1 & adm9i/rators & cl9icians 9 provid+1 complem5t>y & alt]native m$ic9e s]vices furni%$ by ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs4,sec4 #cbd4 ,program on use ( wellness programs z complem5t>y approa* to m5tal heal? c>e = vet]ans & family memb]s ( vet]ans4,,title ,,iv--,acc\ntability & ,adm9i/rative ,improvements,sec4 #dja4 ,adm9i/ration ( ,vet]ans ,integrat$ ,s]vice ,networks4,sec4 #djb4 ,regional support c5t]s = ,vet]ans ,integrat$ ,s]vice ,networks4,sec4 #djc4 ,commission on ,capital ,plann+ = ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs ,m$ical ,facilities4,sec4 #djd4 ,public access to ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs rese>* & data %>+ betwe5 ,dep>tm5ts4,sec4 #dje4 ,budget transp>5cy = outrea* activities ( ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs4,sec4 #djf4 ,comptroll] g5]al report on advisory committees ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs4,,title ,v--,improvem5t ( ,process+ ( ,claims = ,compensation,subtitle ,a--,claims ,bas$ on ,milit>y ,sexual ,trauma,sec4 #eja4 ,m$ical exam9ation & op9ion = disability comp5sation claims bas$ on milit>y sexual trauma4,sec4 #ejb4 ,case repres5tative (fic]s = milit>y sexual trauma support4,sec4 #ejc4 ,report on /&>d ( pro( = s]vice-connection ( m5tal heal? conditions relat$ to milit>y sexual trauma4,sec4 #ejd4 ,reports on claims = disabilities incurr$ or aggravat$ by milit>y sexual trauma4,subtitle ,b--,ag5cy ( ,orig9al ,jurisdiction,sec4 #eaa4 ,work+ gr\p to improve employee "w cr$it & "w managem5t sy/ems ( ,vet]ans ,b5efits ,adm9i/ration 9 an electronic environm5t4,sec4 #eab4 ,task =ce on ret5tion & tra9+ ( ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs claims processors & adjudicators4,sec4 #eac4 ,reports on reque/s by ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs = records ( o!r ,f$]al ag5cies4,sec4 #ead4 ,recognition ( repres5tatives ( ,indian tribes 9 ! prep>ation1 pres5tation1 & prosecution ( claims "u laws adm9i/]$ by ! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs4,sec4 #eae4 ,program on p>ticipation ( local & tribal gov]nm5ts 9 improv+ quality ( claims = disability comp5sation submitt$ to ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs4,sec4 #eaf4 ,qu>t]ly reports on progress ( ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs 9 elim9at+ backlog ( claims = comp5sation t h n be5 adjudicat$4,sec4 #eag4 ,reports on use ( exi/+ au?orities to exp$ite b5efits decisions4,sec4 #eah4 ,reports on ,dep>tm5t disability m$ical exam9ations & prev5tion ( unnecess>y m$ical exam9ations4,subtitle ,c--,bo>d ( ,vet]ans' ,appeals & ,c\rt ( ,appeals = ,vet]ans ,claims,sec4 #eba4 ,treatm5t ( c]ta9 misfil$ docum5ts z a notice ( appeal to ! ,c\rt ( ,appeals = ,vet]ans ,claims4,sec4 #ebb4 ,modification ( fil+ p]iod = notice ( disagreem5t to initiate appellate review ( decisions ( ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs4,sec4 #ebc4 ,det]m9ation ( mann] ( appe>ance = he>+s be=e ,bo>d ( ,vet]ans' ,appeals4,,title ,,vi--,outrea* ,matters,sec4 #fja4 ,program to increase coord9ation ( outrea* ef=ts betwe5 ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs & ,f$]al1 ,/ate1 & local ag5cies & nonpr(it organizations4,sec4 #fjb4 ,coop]ative agreem5ts betwe5 ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs & ,/ates on outrea* activities4,sec4 #fjc4 ,advisory committee on outrea* activities ( ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs4,sec4 #fjd4 ,advisory bo>ds on outrea* activities ( ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs relat+ to heal? c>e4,sec4 #fje4 ,modification ( requirem5t = p]iodic reports to ,congress on outrea* activities ( ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs4,,title ,,vii--,employm5t & ,relat$ ,matters,subtitle ,a--,employm5t ,matters,sec4 #gja4 ,employm5t ( vet]ans ) ! ,f$]al ,gov]nm5t4,sec4 #gjb4 ,/ate recognition ( milit>y exp]i5ce ( vet]ans 9 issu+ lic5ses & cr$5tials to vet]ans4,sec4 #gjc4 ,report on unifi$ ,gov]nm5t ,int]net portal = vet]ans on jobs available ?r\gh ! ,f$]al ,gov]nm5t4,sec4 #gjd4 ,in=mation on disability-relat$ employm5t & education protections 9 ,transition ,assi/ance ,program4,subtitle ,b--,small ,bus9ess ,matters,sec4 #gaa4 ,expansion ( contract+ goals & pref]5ces ( ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs to include conditionally own$ small bus9ess conc]ns #ajj p]c5t own$ by vet]ans4,sec4 #gab4 ,modification ( treatm5t "u contract+ goals & pref]5ces ( ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs = small bus9esses own$ by vet]ans ( small bus9esses aft] dea? ( disabl$ vet]an own]s4,sec4 #gac4 ,treatm5t ( bus9esses aft] dea?s ( s]vicememb]-own]s = purposes ( ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs contract+ goals & pref]5ces4,sec4 #gad4 ,special rule = treatm5t "u contract+ goals & pref]5ces ( ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs ( small bus9ess conc]ns lic5s$ 9 community prop]ty ,/ates4,,title ,,viii--,o!r ,matters,sec4 #hja4 ,consid]ation by ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs ( res\rces dispos$ ( = less ?an fair m>ket value by individuals apply+ = p5sion4,sec4 #hjb4 ,(fice ( ,national ,vet]ans ,sports ,programs & ,special ,ev5ts4,sec4 #hjc4 ,adaptive sports programs = disabl$ vet]ans & memb]s ( ! ,arm$ ,=ces ?r\gh ,unit$ ,/ates ,olympic ,committee4,sec4 #hjd4 ,mak+ effective date provision consi/5t ) provision = b5efits eligibility ( a vet]an's *ild bas$ ^u t]m9ation ( rem>riage by annulm5t4,sec4 #hje4 ,ext5d$ p]iod = s*$ul+ ( m$ical exams = vet]ans receiv+ tempor>y disability rat+s = sev]e m5tal disord]s4,sec4 #hjf4 ,au?ority to issue ,vet]ans ,,id ,c>ds4,sec4 #hjg4 ,honor+ z vet]ans c]ta9 p]sons :o p]=m$ s]vice 9 ! res]ve compon5ts ( ! ,arm$ ,=ces4,sec4 #hjh4 ,ext5sion ( au?ority = ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs to issue & gu>antee c]ta9 loans4,sec4 #hji4 ,review ( det]m9ation ( c]ta9 s]vice 9 ,philipp9es dur+ ,_w ,w> ,,ii4,sec4 #haj4 ,report on ,laotian milit>y support ( ,arm$ ,=ces ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates dur+ ,vietnam ,w>4,sec4 #haa4 ,report on assi/ance = vet]ans 9 obta9+ tra9+ on pur*as+ & op]at+ a fran*ise4,sec4 #hab4 ,limitation on aggregate am\nt ( bonuses payable to p]sonnel ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs dur+ fiscal ye> #bjad4 #b4 ,ref]5ces to title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code ,except z o!rwise expressly provid$1 :5ev] 9 ?is ,act an am5dm5t or repeal is express$ 9 t]ms ( an am5dm5t to1 or repeal (1 a section or o!r provision1 ! ref]5ce %all be consid]$ to be made to a section or o!r provision ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code4 ,i ,survivor & ,dep5d5t ,matt]s #aja4 ,ext5sion ( initial p]iod = increas$ dep5d5cy & indemnity comp5sation = surviv+ sp\ses ) *ildr5 7a7 ,9 g5]al ,section #acaa7;f77#b7 is am5d$ by /rik+ two-ye> & ins]t+ ?ree-ye>4 7b7 ,effective date ,! am5dm5t made by subsection 7a7 %all take effect z ( ,septemb] #cj1 #bjad1 & %all apply to any surviv+ sp\se :o 0 eligible = or 9 receipt ( b5efits "u section #acaa7;f7 ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 on or aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act4 #ajb4 ,eligibility = dep5d5cy & indemnity comp5sation1 educational assi/ance1 & h\s+ loans = surviv+ sp\ses :o rem>ry aft] age #ee 7a7 ,9 g5]al ,p>agraph 7#b77;,b7 ( section #ajc7;d7 is am5d$ to read z foll[s3 7,b7 ,! rem>riage aft] age #ee ( ! surviv+ sp\se ( a vet]an %all n b> ! furni%+ ( b5efits specifi$ 9 p>agraph 7#e7 to su* p]son z ! surviv+ sp\se ( ! vet]an4 4 7b7 ,con=m+ am5dm5t ,p>agraph 7#e7 ( su* section is am5d$ by /rik+ ,p>agraphs 7#b77;,a7 & ins]t+ ,p>agraphs 7#b74 7c7 ,effective date ,! am5dm5ts made by ?is section %all take effect on ! date t is "o ye> aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act4 #ajc4 ,ext5sion ( m>riage delimit+ date = surviv+ sp\ses ( ,p]sian ,gulf ,w> vet]ans to qualify = dea? p5sion ,section #aeda7;f77#a77;,e7 is am5d$ by /rik+ ,janu>y #a1 #bjja & ins]t+ ! date t is #aj ye>s & "o day aft] ! date on :i* ! ,p]sian ,gulf ,w> 0 t]m9at$1 z prescrib$ by ,presid5tial proclamation or by law4 #ajd4 ,expansion ( ,m>9e ,gunn]y ,s]geant ,john ,david ,fry ,s*ol>%ip 7a7 ,expansion ( entitlem5t ,subsection 7b77#i7 ( section #ccaa is am5d$ by ins]t+ or sp\se aft] *ild4 7b7 ,limitation & election on c]ta9 b5efits ,subsection 7f7 ( su* section is am5d$-- 7#a7 by r$esignat+ p>agraph 7#b7 z p>agraph 7#d72 & 7#b7 by ins]t+ aft] p>agraph 7#a7 ! foll[+ new p>agraphs3 7#b7 ,limitation ,! entitlem5t ( an individual to assi/ance "u subsection 7a7 pursuant to p>agraph 7#i7 ( subsection 7b7 because ! individual 0 a sp\se ( a p]son describ$ 9 su* p>agraph %all expire on ! e>li] (-- 7,a7 ! date t is #ae ye>s aft] ! date on :i* ! p]son di$2 & 7,b7 ! date on :i* ! individual rem>ries4 7#c7 ,election on receipt ( c]ta9 b5efits ,a surviv+ sp\se entitl$ to assi/ance "u subsection 7a7 pursuant to p>agraph 7#i7 ( subsection 7b7 :o is also entitl$ to educational assi/ance "u *apt] #ce ( ?is title may n receive assi/ance "u bo? ?is section & su* *apt]1 b %all make an irrevocable election 79 su* =m & mann] z ! ,secret>y may prescribe7 "u :i* section or *apt] to receive educational assi/ance4 4 7c7 ,con=m+ am5dm5t ,section #ccba7;b77#d7 is am5d$-- 7#a7 by /rik+ an individual & ins]t+ a *ild2 & 7#b7 by /rik+ su* individual's ea* "t x appe>s & ins]t+ su* *ild's4 7d7 ,effective date ,! am5dm5ts made by ?is section %all take effect on ! date t is two ye>s aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act4 #aje4 ,expansion ( ,yell[ ,ribbon ,g4,i4 ,education ,enhancem5t ,program 7a7 ,9 g5]al ,section #ccag7;a7 is am5d$ by /rik+ 9 p>agraphs 7#a7 & 7#b7 & ins]t+ 9 p>agraphs 7#a71 7#b71 & 7#i74 7b7 ,effective date ,! am5dm5t made by subsection 7a7 %all apply ) respect to academic t]ms beg9n+ aft] ,july #a1 #bjae4 #ajf4 ,b5efits = *ildr5 ( c]ta9 ,?ail& s]vice vet]ans born ) sp9a bifida 7a7 ,9 g5]al ,sub*apt] ,,iii ( *apt] #ah is am5d$ by add+ at ! end ! foll[+ new section3 #ahbb4 ,b5efits = *ildr5 ( c]ta9 ,?ail& s]vice vet]ans born ) sp9a bifida 7a7 ,b5efits au?oriz$ ,! ,secret>y may provide to any *ild ( a vet]an ( cov]$ s]vice 9 ,?ail& :o is suff]+ f sp9a bifida ! heal? c>e1 vocational tra9+ & rehabilitation1 & monet>y all[ance requir$ to be paid to a *ild ( a ,vietnam vet]an :o is suff]+ f sp9a bifida "u sub*apt] ,i ( ?is *apt] z if su* *ild ( a vet]an ( cov]$ s]vice 9 ,?ail& 7 a *ild ( a ,vietnam vet]an :o is suff]+ f sp9a bifida "u su* sub*apt]4 7b7 ,sp9a bifida conditions cov]$ ,?is section applies ) respect to all =ms & manife/ations ( sp9a bifida1 except sp9a bifida occulta4 7c7 ,vet]an ( cov]$ s]vice 9 ,?ail& ,= purposes ( ?is section1 a vet]an ( cov]$ s]vice 9 ,?ail& is any individual1 )\t reg>d to ! *>act]ization ( t individual's s]vice1 :o-- 7#a7 s]v$ 9 ! active milit>y1 naval1 or air s]vice 9 ,?ail&1 z det]m9$ by ! ,secret>y 9 consultation ) ! ,secret>y ( ,def5se1 dur+ ! p]iod beg9n+ on ,janu>y #i1 #aifb1 & end+ on ,may #g1 #aige2 & 7#b7 is det]m9$ by ! ,secret>y1 9 consultation ) ! ,secret>y ( ,def5se1 to h be5 expos$ to a h]bicide ag5t dur+ su* s]vice 9 ,?ail&4 7d7 ,h]bicide ag5t ,= purposes ( ?is section1 ! t]m h]bicide ag5t means a *emical 9 a h]bicide us$ 9 support ( ,unit$ ,/ates & alli$ milit>y op]ations 9 ,?ail&1 z det]m9$ by ! ,secret>y 9 consultation ) ! ,secret>y ( ,def5se1 dur+ ! p]iod beg9n+ on ,janu>y #i1 #aifb1 & end+ on ,may #g1 #aige4 4 7b7 ,con=m+ am5dm5t to def9ition ( *ild ,section #ahca7a7 is am5d$-- 7#a7 9 subp>agraph 7,b7-- 7,a7 by /rik+ sub*apt] ,,iii ( ?is *apt] & ins]t+ section #ahba ( ?is title2 & 7,b7 9 clause 7i71 by /rik+ section #ahba ( ?is title & ins]t+ t section2 & 7#b7 by add+ at ! end ! foll[+ new subp>agraph3 7,c7 ,= purposes ( section #ahbb ( ?is title1 an individual1 reg>dless ( age or m>ital /atus1 :o-- 7i7 is ! natural *ild ( a vet]an ( cov]$ s]vice 9 ,?ail& 7z det]m9$ = purposes ( t section72 & 7ii7 0 conceiv$ aft] ! date on :i* t vet]an fir/ ent]$ s]vice describ$ 9 subsection 7c7 ( t section4 4 7c7 ,cl]ical am5dm5ts 7#a7 ,sub*apt] head+ ,! head+ = sub*apt] ,,iii ( *apt] #ah is am5d$ by ins]t+ & ,?ail& aft] ,korea4 7#b7 ,table ( sections ,! table ( sections at ! beg9n+ ( *apt] #ah is am5d$-- 7,a7 by /rik+ ! item relat+ to sub*apt] ,,iii & ins]t+ ! foll[+ new item3 ,sub*apt] ,,iii--,*ildr5 ( c]ta9 ,korea & ,?ail& s]vice vet]ans born ) sp9a bifida 2 & 7,b7 by ins]t+ aft] ! item relat+ to section #ahba ! foll[+ new item3 #ahbb4 ,b5efits = *ildr5 ( c]ta9 ,?ail& s]vice vet]ans born ) sp9a bifida4 4 7d7 ,effective date ,! am5dm5ts made by ?is section %all take effect on ! date t is "o ye> aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act4 #ajg4 ,program on assi/$ liv+ = *ildr5 ( ,vietnam vet]ans & c]ta9 ,korea s]vice vet]ans born ) sp9a bifida 7a7 ,program ,comm5c+ n lat] ?an #ahj days aft] ! date on :i* ?is section takes effect1 ! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs %all c>ry out a program to assess ! feasibility & advisability ( provid+ assi/$ liv+1 gr\p home c>e1 or simil> s]vices 9 lieu ( nurs+ home c>e to cov]$ individuals4 7b7 ,cov]$ individuals ,= purposes ( ?is section1 a cov]$ individual is any individual :o is entitl$ to heal? c>e "u sub*apt] ,i or ,,iii ( *apt] #ah ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code4 7c7 ,duration 7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,except z o!rwise provid$ 9 ?is subsection1 ! program %all be c>ri$ out dur+ ! ?ree-ye> p]iod beg9n+ on ! date ( ! comm5cem5t ( ! program4 7#b7 ,cont9uation ,subject to p>agraph 7#c71 ! ,secret>y may cont9ue ! program = an additional two-ye> p]iod z ! ,secret>y consid]s appropriate4 7#c7 ,t]m9ation ,! program may n op]ate aft] ! date t is five ye>s aft] ! date ( ! comm5cem5t ( ! program4 7d7 ,scope ( s]vices & program ,"u ! program1 ! ,secret>y %all provide cov]$ individuals ) integrat$1 compreh5sive s]vices1 includ+ ! foll[+3 7#a7 ,assi/$ liv+1 gr\p home c>e1 or su* o!r simil> s]vices z ! ,secret>y consid]s appropriate4 7#b7 ,transportation s]vices4 7#c7 ,su* o!r s]vices z ! ,secret>y consid]s appropriate = ! c>e ( cov]$ individuals "u ! program4 7e7 ,program requirem5ts ,9 c>ry+ out ! program1 ! ,secret>y %all-- 7#a7 in=m all cov]$ individuals ( ! s]vices available "u ! program2 7#b7 ent] into agreem5ts ) appropriate provid]s ( assi/$ liv+1 gr\p home c>e1 or o!r simil> s]vices = provision ( s]vices "u ! program2 & 7#c7 det]m9e ! appropriate numb] ( cov]$ individuals to be enroll$ 9 ! program & crit]ia = su* enrollm5t4 7f7 ,reports 7#a7 ,prelim9>y reports 7,a7 ,9 g5]al ,n lat] ?an "o ye> aft] ! date ( ! comm5cem5t ( ! program &1 if ! program is cont9u$ "u subsection 7c77#b71 n lat] ?an ?ree ye>s aft] ! date ( ! comm5cem5t ( ! program1 ! ,secret>y %all submit to ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,s5ate & ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives a report on ! program4 7,b7 ,cont5ts ,ea* report submitt$ "u subp>agraph 7,a7 %all include ! foll[+3 7i7 ,a description ( ! implem5tation & op]ation ( ! program4 7ii7 ,! numb] ( cov]$ individuals receiv+ b5efits "u ! program4 7iii7 ,an analysis t comp>es ! co/s ( furni%+ assi/$ liv+1 gr\p home c>e1 or simil> s]vice ) ! co/s ( furni%+ nurs+ home c>e4 7iv7 ,an analysis ( ! co/s & b5efits "u ! program4 7v7 ,! f9d+s & conclusions ( ! ,secret>y ) respect to ! program4 7vi7 ,su* recomm5dations = ! cont9uation or expansion ( ! program z ! ,secret>y may h4 7#b7 ,f9al report 7,a7 ,9 g5]al ,n lat] ?an #ahj days aft] ! completion ( ! program1 ! ,secret>y %all submit to ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,s5ate & ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives a report on ! program4 7,b7 ,cont5ts ,! report submitt$ "u subp>agraph 7,a7 %all include ! foll[+3 7i7 ,! f9d+s & conclusions ( ! ,secret>y ) respect to ! program4 7ii7 ,su* recomm5dations = ! cont9uation or expansion ( ! program z ! ,secret>y may h4 7g7 ,fund+ ,am\nts to c>ry out ! program %all be d]iv$ f am\nts appropriat$ or o!rwise made available = ! furni%+ ( nurs+ home c>e "u *apt] #ah ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code4 7h7 ,effective date ,?is section %all take effect on ! date t is "o ye> aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act4 #ajh4 ,program on grief c\nsel+ 9 retreat sett+s = surviv+ sp\ses ( memb]s ( ! ,arm$ ,=ces :o die :ile s]v+ on active duty 9 ! ,arm$ ,=ces 7a7 ,program requir$ 7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,comm5c+ n lat] ?an #ahj days aft] ! date on :i* ?is section takes effect1 ! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs %all c>ry out1 ?r\gh ! ,readju/m5t ,c\nsel+ ,s]vice ( ! ,vet]ans ,heal? ,adm9i/ration1 a program to assess ! feasibility & advisability ( provid+ grief c\nsel+ s]vices describ$ 9 subsection 7b7 9 gr\p retreat sett+s to surviv+ sp\ses ( memb]s ( ! ,arm$ ,=ces :o die :ile s]v+ on active duty 9 ! ,arm$ ,=ces :o w\ld1 z det]m9$ by ! ,readju/m5t ,c\nsel+ ,s]vice1 b5efit f ! s]vices provid$ "u ! program4 7#b7 ,p>ticipation at election ( surviv+ sp\se ,! p>ticipation ( a surviv+ sp\se 9 ! program "u ?is section %all be at ! election ( ! surviv+ sp\se4 7b7 ,cov]$ s]vices ,! s]vices provid$ to a surviv+ sp\se "u ! program %all include ! foll[+3 7#a7 ,in=mation & c\nsel+ on cop+ ) grief4 7#b7 ,in=mation ab\t b5efits & s]vices available to surviv+ sp\ses "u laws adm9i/]$ by ! ,secret>y4 7#c7 ,su* o!r in=mation & c\nsel+ z ! ,secret>y consid]s appropriate to assi/ a surviv+ sp\se "u ! program ) adju/+ to ! dea? ( a sp\se4 7c7 ,ev5ts ,! ,secret>y %all c>ry out ! program at n few] ?an six ev5ts z foll[s3 7#a7 ,?ree ev5ts at :i* surviv+ sp\ses ) dep5d5t *ildr5 are enc\rag$ to br+ _! *ildr54 7#b7 ,?ree ev5ts at :i* surviv+ sp\ses ) dep5d5t *ildr5 are n enc\rag$ to br+ _! *ildr54 7d7 ,duration ,! program %all be c>ri$ out dur+ ! two-ye> p]iod beg9n+ on ! date ( ! comm5cem5t ( ! program4 7e7 ,reports 7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,n lat] ?an #ahj days aft] ! completion ( ! fir/ ye> ( ! program & n lat] ?an #ahj days aft] ! completion ( ! program1 ! ,secret>y %all submit to ,congress a report on ! program4 7#b7 ,cont5ts ,ea* report submitt$ "u p>agraph 7#a7 %all conta9 ! f9d+s & conclusions ( ! ,secret>y z a result ( ! program1 & %all include su* recomm5dations = ! cont9uation or expansion ( ! program z ! ,secret>y consid]s appropriate4 7f7 ,def9itions ,9 ?is section1 ! t]ms active duty1 ,arm$ ,=ces1 & surviv+ sp\se h ! mean+s giv5 su* t]ms 9 section #aja ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code4 7g7 ,effective date ,?is section %all take effect on ! date t is "o ye> aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act4 #aji4 ,program evaluation on survivors' & dep5d5ts' educational assi/ance au?orities 7a7 ,9 g5]al ,! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs %all ent] into a contract ) an appropriate private sector entity to conduct a program evaluation ( ! au?orities = survivors' & dep5d5ts' educational assi/ance "u *apt] #ce ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code4 7b7 ,report ,n lat] ?an six mon?s aft] ! entry into ! contract requir$ by subsection 7a71 ! ,secret>y %all submit to ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,s5ate & ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives a report sett+ =? ! results ( ! program evaluation conduct$ pursuant to ! contract1 toge!r ) su* comm5ts on ! results ( ! program evaluation z ! ,secret>y consid]s appropriate4 7c7 ,effective date ,?is section %all take effect "o ye> aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act4 ,,ii ,education ,matt]s #bja4 ,approval ( c\rses ( education provid$ by public in/itutions ( high] le>n+ = purposes ( ,all-,volunte] ,=ce ,educational ,assi/ance ,program & ,po/-#i_/aa ,educational ,assi/ance conditional on 9-,/ate tuition rate = vet]ans 7a7 ,9 g5]al ,section #cfgi is am5d$ by add+ at ! end ! foll[+ new subsection3 7c7 7#a7 ,not)/&+ any o!r provision ( ?is *apt] & subject to p>agraphs 7#c7 ?r\gh 7#f71 ! ,secret>y %all disapprove a c\rse ( education provid$ by a public in/itution ( high] le>n+ to a cov]$ individual pursu+ a c\rse ( education ) educational assi/ance "u *apt] #cj or #cc ( ?is title :ile liv+ 9 ! ,/ate 9 :i* ! public in/itution ( high] le>n+ is locat$ if ! in/itution *>ges tuition & fees = t c\rse = ! cov]$ individual at a rate t is high] ?an ! rate ! in/itution *>ges = tuition & fees = t c\rse = resid5ts ( ! ,/ate 9 :i* ! in/itution is locat$1 reg>dless ( ! cov]$ individual's ,/ate ( resid5ce4 7#b7 ,= purposes ( ?is subsection1 a cov]$ individual is any individual z foll[s3 7,a7 ,a vet]an :o 0 dis*>g$ or releas$ f a p]iod ( n few] ?an #ij days ( s]vice 9 ! active milit>y1 naval1 or air s]vice less ?an ?ree ye>s be=e ! date ( enrollm5t 9 ! c\rse conc]n$4 7,b7 ,an individual :o is entitl$ to assi/ance "u section #ccaa7;b77#i7 or #ccai ( ?is title by virtue ( su* individual's relation%ip to a vet]an describ$ 9 subp>agraph 7,a74 7#c7 ,if aft] enrollm5t 9 a c\rse ( education t is subject to disapproval "u p>agraph 7#a7 by reason ( p>agraph 7#b77;,a7 or 7#b77;,b7 a cov]$ individual pursues "o or m c\rses ( education at ! same public in/itution ( high] le>n+ :ile rema9+ cont9u\sly enroll$ 7o!r ?an dur+ regul>ly s*$ul$ breaks betwe5 c\rses1 seme/]s or t]ms7 at t in/itution ( high] le>n+1 any c\rse s pursu$ by ! cov]$ individual at t in/itution ( high] le>n+ :ile s cont9u\sly enroll$ %all also be subject to disapproval "u p>agraph 7#a74 7#d7 ,x %all n be gr\nds to disapprove a c\rse ( education "u p>agraph 7#a7 if a public in/itution ( high] le>n+ requires a cov]$ individual pursu+ a c\rse ( education at ! in/itution to demon/rate an int5t1 by means o!r ?an satisfy+ a physical pres5ce requirem5t1 to e/abli% resid5cy 9 ! ,/ate 9 :i* ! in/itution is locat$1 or to satisfy o!r requirem5ts n relat+ to ! e/abli%m5t ( resid5cy1 9 ord] to be *>g$ tuition & fees = t c\rse at a rate t is equal to or less ?an ! rate ! in/itution *>ges = tuition & fees = t c\rse = resid5ts ( ! ,/ate4 7#e7 ,! ,secret>y may waive su* requirem5ts ( p>agraph 7#a7 z ! ,secret>y consid]s appropriate4 7#f7 ,disapproval "u p>agraph 7#a7 %all apply only ) respect to educational assi/ance "u *apt]s #cj & #cc ( ?is title4 4 7b7 ,effective date ,subsection 7c7 ( section #cfgi ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code 7z add$ by subsection 7a7 ( ?is section71 %all apply ) respect to educational assi/ance provid$ = pursuit ( programs ( education dur+ academic t]ms t beg9 aft] ,july #a1 #bjae1 ?r\gh c\rses ( education t comm5ce on or aft] t date4 #bjb4 ,ext5sion & expansion ( au?ority = c]ta9 qualify+ "w-/udy activities = purposes ( ! educational assi/ance programs ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs 7a7 ,ext5sion ( expir+ curr5t au?ority ,section #cdhe7;a77#d7 is am5d$ by /rik+ ,june #cj1 #bjac ea* place x appe>s & ins]t+ ,june #cj1 #bjae4 7b7 ,expansion to outrea* s]vices provid$ ?r\gh congressional (fices ,su* section is fur!r am5d$ by add+ at ! end ! foll[+ new subp>agraph3 7,k7 ,dur+ ! p]iod beg9n+ on ,june #cj1 #bjac1 & end+ on ,june #cj1 #bjae1 ! foll[+ activities c>ri$ out at ! (fices ( ,memb]s ( ,congress = su* ,memb]s3 7i7 ,! di/ribution ( in=mation to memb]s ( ! ,arm$ ,=ces1 vet]ans1 & _! dep5d5ts ab\t ! b5efits & s]vices "u laws adm9i/]$ by ! ,secret>y & o!r appropriate gov]nm5tal & nongov]nm5tal programs4 7ii7 ,! prep>ation & process+ ( pap]s & o!r docum5ts1 includ+ docum5ts to assi/ 9 ! prep>ation & pres5tation ( claims = b5efits "u laws adm9i/]$ by ! ,secret>y4 4 7c7 ,annual reports 7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,n lat] ?an ,june #cj ( #bjad & #bjae1 ! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs %all submit to ,congress a report on ! "w-/udy all[ances paid "u p>agraph 7#a7 ( section #cdhe7;a7 ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 dur+ ! mo/ rec5t "o-ye> p]iod = qualify+ "w-/udy activities describ$ 9 p>agraph 7#d7 ( su* section1 z am5d$ by subsections 7a7 & 7b7 ( ?is section4 7#b7 ,cont5ts ,ea* report submitt$ "u p>agraph 7#a7 %all include1 = ! ye> cov]$ by su* report1 ! foll[+3 7,a7 ,a description ( ! recipi5ts ( su* "w-/udy all[ances4 7,b7 ,a li/ ( ! locations :]e qualify+ "w-/udy activities 7 c>ri$ out4 7,c7 ,a description ( ! outrea* conduct$ by ! ,secret>y to increase aw>5ess ( ! eligibility ( su* "w-/udy activities = su* "w-/udy all[ances4 #bjc4 ,report on debt managem5t & collection 7a7 ,report ,n lat] ?an "o ye> aft] ! effective date specifi$ 9 subsection 7c71 ! ,comptroll] ,g5]al ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates %all submit to ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,s5ate & ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives a report on processes us$ by ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs to id5tify & resolve cases ( incorrect paym5ts associat$ ) educational assi/ance "u *apt]s #cj & #cc ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code4 7b7 ,issues address$ ,! report requir$ by subsection 7a7 %all1 to ! ext5t possible1 address ! foll[+3 7#a7 ,! effectiv5ess ( ! processes ref]r$ to 9 subsection 7a7 9 id5tify+ & resolv+ incorrect paym5ts associat$ ) educational assi/ance "u *apt]s #cj & #cc ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code4 7#b7 ,! accuracy ( ov]paym5t in=mation provid$ to vet]ans by ! ,education ,s]vice & ,debt ,managem5t ,c5t] ( ! ,dep>tm5t4 7#c7 ,h[ well ! ,debt ,managem5t ,c5t] ( ! ,dep>tm5t communicates & works ) vet]ans to resolve disput$ debt am\nts4 7#d7 ,h[ ! paym5t & debt collection processes ( ! ,dep>tm5t comp>e to comp>able programs 9 o!r ,f$]al ag5cies4 7#e7 ,any recomm5dations to improve ! paym5t & debt collection processes ( ! ,dep>tm5t t ! ,comptroll] ,g5]al consid]s appropriate4 7c7 ,effective date ,?is section %all take effect on ! date t is "o ye> aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act4 #bjd4 ,re/oration ( prior report+ fee multipli]s ,section #cfhd7;c7 is am5d$-- 7#a7 by /rik+ #ab & ins]t+ #g2 & 7#b7 by /rik+ #ae & ins]t+ #aa4 ,,iii ,heal? ,c>e ,matt]s ,a ,expansion & ,improvem5ts ( ,b5efits ,g5]ally #cja4 ,expansion ( provision ( *iropractic c>e & s]vices to vet]ans 7a7 ,program = provision ( *iropractic c>e & s]vices to vet]ans ,section #bjd7;c7 ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs ,heal? ,c>e ,programs ,enhancem5t ,act ( #bjja 7,public ,law #ajg-ace2 #aae ,/at4 #bdei2 #ch ,u4,s4,c4 #agaj note7 is am5d$-- 7#a7 by ins]t+ 7#a7 be=e ,! program2 & 7#b7 by add+ at ! end ! foll[+ new p>agraph3 7#b7 ,! program %all be c>ri$ out at n few] ?an two m$ical c5t]s or cl9ics 9 ea* ,vet]ans ,integrat$ ,s]vice ,network by n lat] ?an "o ye> aft] ! effective date specifi$ 9 section #cja7;c7 ( ! ,vet]ans ,heal? & ,b5efits ,improvem5t ,act ( #bjac1 & at n few] ?an #ej p]c5t ( all m$ical c5t]s 9 ea* ,vet]ans ,integrat$ ,s]vice ,network by n lat] ?an two ye>s aft] su* effective date4 4 7b7 ,exp&$ *iropractor s]vices available to vet]ans 7#a7 ,m$ical s]vices ,p>agraph 7#f7 ( section #agja is am5d$ by add+ at ! end ! foll[+ new subp>agraph3 7,h7 ,*iropractic s]vices4 4 7#b7 ,rehabilitative s]vices ,p>agraph 7#h7 ( su* section is am5d$ by ins]t+ *iropractic1 aft] c\nsel+14 7#c7 ,prev5tive heal? s]vices ,p>agraph 7#i7 ( su* section is am5d$-- 7,a7 by r$esignat+ subp>agraphs 7,f7 ?r\gh 7,k7 z subp>agraphs 7,g7 ?r\gh 7,l71 respectively2 & 7,b7 by ins]t+ aft] subp>agraph 7,e7 ! foll[+ new subp>agraph 7,f73 7,f7 p]iodic & prev5tive *iropractic exam9ations & s]vices2 4 7c7 ,effective date ,?is section & ! am5dm5ts made by ?is section %all take effect on ! date t is "o ye> aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act4 #cjb4 ,modification ( comm5cem5t date ( p]iod ( s]vice at ,camp ,lejeune1 ,nor? ,c>ol9a1 = eligibility = hospital c>e & m$ical s]vices 9 connection ) exposure to contam9at$ wat] 7a7 ,modification ,section #agaj7;e77#a77;,f7 is am5d$ by /rik+ ,janu>y #a1 #aieg1 & ins]t+ ,augu/ #a1 #aiec 7or su* e>li] date = ! comm5cem5t ( exposure to contam9at$ wat] at ,camp ,lejeune z ! ,secret>y1 9 consultation ) ! ,ag5cy = ,toxic ,sub/ances & ,disease ,regi/ry1 %all specify714 7b7 ,publication ,! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs %all publi% 9 ! ,f$]al ,regi/] a notice ( any e>li] date = ! comm5cem5t ( exposure to contam9at$ wat] at ,camp ,lejeune1 ,nor? ,c>ol9a1 = purposes ( section #agaj7;e77#a77;,f7 ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 z am5d$ by subsection 7a74 #cjc4 ,expansion ( eligibility = sexual trauma c\nsel+ & treatm5t to vet]ans on inactive duty tra9+ ,section #agbj;,d7a77#a7 is am5d$ by /rik+ or active duty = tra9+ & ins]t+ 1 active duty = tra9+1 or inactive duty tra9+4 #cjd4 ,ext5sion ( sunset date reg>d+ transportation ( individuals to & f facilities ( ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs & requirem5t ( report 7a7 ,ext5sion ( sunset date ,subsection 7a77#b7 ( section #aaa;,a is am5d$ by /rik+ ! date t is "o ye> aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is section & ins]t+ ,septemb] #cj1 #bjae4 7b7 ,fund+ available ,su* section is fur!r am5d$ by add+ at ! end ! foll[+ new subsection3 7c7 ,fund+ ,!re is h]eby au?oriz$ to be appropriat$ = ea* ( fiscal ye>s #bjad & #bjae = ! ,dep>tm5t1 #d1jjj1jjj to c>ry out ?is section4 4 7c7 ,report ,n lat] ?an "o ye> aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act1 ! ,secret>y %all submit to ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,s5ate & ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives a report on-- 7#a7 ! ef=ts ( ! ,secret>y to c>ry out ! transportation s]vices requir$ by section #aaa;,a7a7 ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code2 7#b7 ! utilization ( ^? s]vices by cov]$ vet]ans2 & 7#c7 ! feasibility & advisability ( ! cont9uation ( ! provision ( su* s]vices aft] ,septemb] #cj1 #bjae4 #cje4 ,program on heal? promotion = ov]weight & obese vet]ans ?r\gh support ( fitness c5t] memb]%ips 7a7 ,program requir$ ,comm5c+ n lat] ?an #ahj days aft] ! date on :i* ?is section takes effect1 ! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs %all1 ?r\gh ! ,national ,c5t] = ,prev5tive ,heal?1 c>ry out a program to assess ! feasibility & advisability ( promot+ heal? 9 cov]$ vet]ans1 includ+ a*iev+ a heal?y weight & r$uc+ risks ( *ronic disease1 ?r\gh support = fitness c5t] memb]%ip4 7b7 ,cov]$ vet]ans ,= purposes ( ?is section1 a cov]$ vet]an is any vet]an :o-- 7#a7 is enroll$ 9 ! sy/em ( annual pati5t enrollm5t e/abli%$ & op]at$ by ! ,secret>y "u section #agje ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code2 7#b7 is det]m9$ by a cl9ician ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs to be ov]weight or obese z ( ! date ( ! comm5cem5t ( ! program2 & 7#c7 resides 9 a location t is m ?an #ae m9utes driv+ di/ance f a fitness c5t] at a facility ( ! ,dep>tm5t t w\ld o!rwise be available to ! vet]an = at lea/ eight h\rs p] day dur+ five or m days p] week4 7c7 ,duration ( program ,! program %all be c>ri$ out dur+ ! two-ye> p]iod beg9n+ on ! date ( ! comm5cem5t ( ! program4 7d7 ,locations 7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,9 c>ry+ out ! program1 ! ,secret>y %all select-- 7,a7 n less ?an five m$ical c5t]s ( ! ,dep>tm5t at :i* ! ,secret>y %all cov] ! full reasonable co/ ( a fitness c5t] memb]%ip = cov]$ vet]ans )9 ! cat*m5t area ( su* c5t]s2 & 7,b7 n less ?an five m$ical c5t]s ( ! ,dep>tm5t at :i* ! ,secret>y %all cov] half ! reasonable co/ ( a fitness c5t] memb]%ip = cov]$ vet]ans )9 ! cat*m5t area ( su* c5t]s4 7#b7 ,consid]ations ,9 select+ locations = ! program1 ! ,secret>y %all consid] ! feasibility & advisability ( select+ locations 9 ! foll[+ areas3 7,a7 ,rural areas4 7,b7 ,areas t are n 9 close proximity to an active duty milit>y in/allation4 7,c7 ,areas 9 diff]5t geographic locations4 7e7 ,p>ticipation 7#a7 ,maximum numb] ( p>ticipants ,! numb] ( cov]$ vet]ans :o may p>ticipate 9 ! program at ea* location select$ "u subsection 7d7 may n exce$ #ajj4 7#b7 ,volunt>y p>ticipation ,! p>ticipation ( a cov]$ vet]an 9 ! program %all be at ! election ( ! cov]$ vet]an 9 consultation ) a cl9ician ( ! ,dep>tm5t4 7f7 ,memb]%ip paym5t 7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,except z provid$ 9 p>agraph 7#b71 9 c>ry+ out ! program1 ! ,secret>y %all pay ! foll[+3 7,a7 ,! full reasonable co/ ( a fitness c5t] memb]%ip = cov]$ vet]ans )9 ! cat*m5t area ( c5t]s select$ "u subsection 7d77#a77;,a7 :o are p>ticipat+ 9 ! program4 7,b7 ,half ! reasonable co/ ( a fitness c5t] memb]%ip = cov]$ vet]ans )9 ! cat*m5t area ( c5t]s select$ "u subsection 7d77#a77;,b7 :o are p>ticipat+ 9 ! program4 7#b7 ,limitation ,paym5t = a fitness c5t] memb]%ip ( a cov]$ vet]an may n exce$ #ej p] mon? ( memb]%ip4 7g7 ,reports 7#a7 ,p]iodic reports ,n lat] ?an #ij days aft] ! date ( ! comm5cem5t ( ! program & n less frequ5tly ?an once e #ij days !reaft]1 ! ,secret>y %all submit to ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,s5ate & ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives a report on activities c>ri$ out to implem5t ! program1 includ+ outrea* activities to vet]ans & community organizations4 7#b7 ,f9al report ,n lat] ?an #ahj days aft] ! date ( ! completion ( ! program1 ! ,secret>y %all submit to ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,s5ate & ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives a report on ! program detail+-- 7,a7 ! f9d+s & conclusions ( ! ,secret>y z a result ( ! program2 & 7,b7 recomm5dations = ! cont9uation or expansion ( ! program4 7h7 ,effective date ,?is section %all take effect on ! date t is "o ye> aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act4 #cjf4 ,program on heal? promotion = vet]ans ?r\gh e/abli%m5t ( ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs fitness facilities 7a7 ,program requir$ ,comm5c+ n lat] ?an #ahj days aft] ! date on :i* ?is section takes effect1 ! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs %all c>ry out a program to assess ! feasibility & advisability ( promot+ heal? 9 cov]$ vet]ans1 includ+ a*iev+ a heal?y weight1 ?r\gh e/abli%m5t ( ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs fitness facilities4 7b7 ,cov]$ vet]ans ,= purposes ( ?is section1 a cov]$ vet]an is any vet]an :o is enroll$ 9 ! sy/em ( annual pati5t enrollm5t e/abli%$ & op]at$ by ! ,secret>y "u section #agje ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code4 7c7 ,duration ( program ,! program %all be c>ri$ out dur+ ! ?ree-ye> p]iod beg9n+ on ! date ( ! comm5cem5t ( ! program4 7d7 ,locations 7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,! ,secret>y %all c>ry out ! program by e/abli%+ fitness facilities 9 ,dep>tm5t facilities z foll[s3 7,a7 ,9 n few] ?an five ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs m$ical c5t]s select$ by ! ,secret>y = purposes ( ! program4 7,b7 ,9 n few] ?an five outpati5t cl9ics ( ! ,dep>tm5t select$ by ! ,secret>y = purposes ( ! program4 7#b7 ,consid]ations ,9 select+ locations = ! program1 ! ,secret>y %all consid] ! feasibility & advisability ( select+ locations 9 ! foll[+ areas3 7,a7 ,rural areas4 7,b7 ,areas t are n 9 close proximity to an active duty milit>y in/allation4 7,c7 ,areas 9 diff]5t geographic locations4 7e7 ,limitation on exp5ses ,9 e/abli%+ & support+ a fitness facility 9 a facility ( ! ,dep>tm5t "u ! program1 ! ,secret>y may exp5d am\nts z foll[s3 7#a7 ,= e/abli%m5t & support ( a fitness facility 9 a ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs m$ical c5t]1 n m ?an #fj1jjj4 7#b7 ,= e/abli%m5t & support ( a fitness facility 9 an outpati5t cl9ic ( ! ,dep>tm5t1 n m ?an #dj1jjj4 7f7 ,repurpos+ ( physical space & pur*ases ( equipm5t 7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,subject to subsection 7e71 ! ,secret>y may1 9 c>ry+ out ! program1 repurpose exi/+ physical space ( ! ,dep>tm5t & pur*ase su* fitness equipm5t & supplies z ! ,secret>y consid]s appropriate = purposes ( ! program4 7#b7 ,repurpos+ exception ,exi/+ physical space us$ = ! direct deliv]y ( heal? c>e to pati5ts may n be repurpos$ "u p>agraph 7#a74 7g7 ,prohibition on assessm5t ( us] fees ,! ,secret>y may n assess a fee ^u a cov]$ vet]an = use ( a fitness facility e/abli%$ "u ! program4 7h7 ,volunt>y p>ticipation ,! p>ticipation ( a cov]$ vet]an 9 ! program %all be at ! election ( ! cov]$ vet]an4 7i7 ,reports 7#a7 ,p]iodic reports ,n lat] ?an #ij days aft] ! date ( ! comm5cem5t ( ! program & n less frequ5tly ?an once e #ij days !reaft]1 ! ,secret>y %all submit to ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,s5ate & ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives a report on activities c>ri$ out to implem5t ! program1 includ+ outrea* activities to vet]ans & community organizations4 7#b7 ,f9al report ,n lat] ?an #ahj days aft] ! date ( ! completion ( ! program1 ! ,secret>y %all submit to ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,s5ate & ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives a report on ! program detail+-- 7,a7 ! f9d+s & conclusions ( ! ,secret>y z a result ( ! program2 & 7,b7 recomm5dations = ! cont9uation or expansion ( ! program4 7j7 ,effective date ,?is section %all take effect on ! date t is "o ye> aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act4 ,b ,heal? ,c>e ,adm9i/ration #caa4 ,ext5sion ( ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs ,heal? ,pr(essional ,s*ol>%ip ,program ,section #gfai is am5d$ by /rik+ ,decemb] #ca1 #bjad & ins]t+ ,decemb] #ca1 #bjai4 #cab4 ,expansion ( availability ( pro/hetic & or?otic c>e = vet]ans 7a7 ,e/abli%m5t or expansion ( advanc$ degree programs ,to exp& availability ( provision ( c>e ,! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs %all "w ) in/itutions ( high] education to develop p>tn]%ips = ! e/abli%m5t or expansion ( programs ( advanc$ degrees 9 pro/hetics & or?otics 9 ord] to improve & enhance ! availability ( high quality pro/hetic & or?otic c>e = vet]ans4 7b7 ,report ,n lat] ?an "o ye> aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act1 ! ,secret>y %all submit to ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,s5ate & ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives a report sett+ =? a plan = c>ry+ out subsection 7a74 ,! ,secret>y %all develop ! plan 9 consultation ) vet]ans s]vice organizations1 in/itutions ( high] education ) accr$it$ degree programs 9 pro/hetics & or?otics1 & repres5tatives ( ! pro/hetics & or?otics field4 7c7 ,fund+ 7#a7 ,au?orization ( appropriations ,!re is h]eby au?oriz$ to be appropriat$ = fiscal ye> #bjae = ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs1 #aj1jjj1jjj to c>ry out ?is section4 7#b7 ,availability ,! am\nt au?oriz$ to be appropriat$ by p>agraph 7#a7 %all rema9 available = exp5diture until ,septemb] #cj1 #bjag4 #cac4 ,corporal ,mi*ael ,j4 ,cresc5z ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs ,m$ical ,c5t] 7a7 ,designation ,! m$ical c5t] ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs locat$ at #cijj ,woodl& ,av5ue 9 ,philadelphia1 ,p5nsylvania1 %all aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act be kn[n & designat$ z ! ,corporal ,mi*ael ,j4 ,cresc5z ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs ,m$ical ,c5t]4 7b7 ,ref]5ces ,any ref]5ce 9 any law1 regulation1 map1 docum5t1 pap]1 or o!r record ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates to ! m$ical c5t] ref]r$ to 9 subsection 7a7 %all be consid]$ to be a ref]5ce to ! ,corporal ,mi*ael ,j4 ,cresc5z ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs ,m$ical ,c5t]4 ,c ,complem5t>y & ,alt]native ,m$ic9e #cba4 ,expansion ( rese>* & education on & deliv]y ( complem5t>y & alt]native m$ic9e to vet]ans 7a7 ,developm5t ( plan ,to exp& rese>*1 education1 & deliv]y ,n lat] ?an six mon?s aft] ! effective date specifi$ 9 subsection 7f71 ! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs %all develop a plan to exp& mat]ially & sub/antially ! scope ( rese>* & education on1 & deliv]y & integration (1 complem5t>y & alt]native m$ic9e s]vices into ! heal? c>e s]vices provid$ to vet]ans4 7b7 ,elem5ts ,! plan requir$ by subsection 7a7 %all provide = ! foll[+3 7#a7 ,rese>* on ! foll[+3 7,a7 ,! comp>ative effectiv5ess ( v>i\s complem5t>y & alt]native m$ic9e !rapies4 7,b7 ,approa*es to integrat+ complem5t>y & alt]native m$ic9e s]vices into o!r heal? c>e s]vices provid$ by ! ,dep>tm5t4 7#b7 ,education & tra9+ = heal? c>e pr(essionals ( ! ,dep>tm5t on ! foll[+3 7,a7 ,complem5t>y & alt]native m$ic9e s]vices select$ by ! ,secret>y = purposes ( ! plan4 7,b7 ,appropriate uses ( su* s]vices4 7,c7 ,integration ( su* s]vices into ! deliv]y ( heal? c>e to vet]ans4 7#c7 ,rese>*1 education1 & cl9ical activities on complem5t>y & alt]native m$ic9e at c5t]s ( innovation at ,dep>tm5t m$ical c5t]s4 7#d7 ,id5tification or developm5t ( metrics & outcome measures to evaluate ! provision & integration ( complem5t>y & alt]native m$ic9e s]vices into ! deliv]y ( heal? c>e to vet]ans4 7#e7 ,integration & deliv]y ( complem5t>y & alt]native m$ic9e s]vices ) o!r heal? c>e s]vices provid$ by ! ,dep>tm5t4 7c7 ,consultation 7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,9 c>ry+ out subsection 7a71 ! ,secret>y %all consult ) ! foll[+3 7,a7 ,! ,director ( ! ,national ,c5t] on ,complem5t>y & ,alt]native ,m$ic9e ( ! ,national ,in/itutes ( ,heal?4 7,b7 ,! ,commission] ( ,food & ,drugs4 7,c7 ,in/itutions ( high] education1 private rese>* in/itutes1 & individual rese>*]s ) ext5sive exp]i5ce 9 complem5t>y & alt]native m$ic9e & ! integration ( complem5t>y & alt]native m$ic9e practices into ! deliv]y ( heal? c>e4 7,d7 ,nationally recogniz$ provid]s ( complem5t>y & alt]native m$ic9e4 7,e7 ,su* o!r (ficials1 entities1 & individuals ) exp]tise on complem5t>y & alt]native m$ic9e z ! ,secret>y consid]s appropriate4 7#b7 ,scope ( consultation ,! ,secret>y %all und]take consultation "u p>agraph 7#a7 9 c>ry+ out subsection 7a7 ) respect to ! foll[+3 7,a7 ,to develop ! plan4 7,b7 ,to id5tify specific complem5t>y & alt]native m$ic9e practices t1 on ! basis ( rese>* f9d+s or promis+ cl9ical int]v5tions1 are appropriate to include z s]vices to vet]ans4 7,c7 ,to id5tify b>ri]s to ! effective provision & integration ( complem5t>y & alt]native m$ic9e s]vices into ! deliv]y ( heal? c>e to vet]ans1 & to id5tify me*anisms = ov]com+ su* b>ri]s4 7d7 ,fund+ ,!re is au?oriz$ to be appropriat$ to ! ,secret>y su* sums z may be necess>y to c>ry out ?is section4 7e7 ,complem5t>y & alt]native m$ic9e def9$ ,9 ?is section1 ! t]m complem5t>y & alt]native m$ic9e %all h ! mean+ giv5 t t]m 9 regulations ! ,secret>y %all prescribe = purposes ( ?is section1 :i* %all1 to ! degree practicable1 be consi/5t ) ! mean+ giv5 su* t]m by ! ,secret>y ( ,heal? & ,human ,s]vices4 7f7 ,effective date ,?is section %all take effect on ! date t is "o ye> aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act4 #cbb4 ,program on integration ( complem5t>y & alt]native m$ic9e )9 ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs m$ical c5t]s 7a7 ,program requir$ ,! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs %all-- 7#a7 c>ry out1 ?r\gh ! ,(fice ( ,pati5t ,c5t]$ ,c>e & ,cultural ,trans=mation ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs1 a program to assess ! feasibility & advisability ( integrat+ ! deliv]y ( complem5t>y & alt]native m$ic9e s]vices select$ by ! ,secret>y ) o!r heal? c>e s]vices provid$ by ! ,dep>tm5t = vet]ans ) m5tal heal? conditions1 *ronic pa9 conditions1 o!r *ronic conditions1 & su* o!r conditions z ! ,secret>y det]m9es appropriate2 & 7#b7 9 develop+ ! program1 id5tify & resolve b>ri]s to ! provision ( complem5t>y & alt]native m$ic9e s]vices select$ by ! ,secret>y & ! integration ( ^? s]vices ) o!r heal? c>e s]vices provid$ by ! ,dep>tm5t4 7b7 ,duration ( program ,! program %all be c>ri$ out dur+ ! ?ree-ye> p]iod beg9n+ on ! effective date specifi$ 9 subsection 7j74 7c7 ,locations 7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,! ,secret>y %all c>ry out ! program at n few] ?an #ae sep>ate ,dep>tm5t m$ical c5t]s4 7#b7 ,polytrauma c5t]s ,n less ?an two ( ! m$ical c5t]s designat$ "u p>agraph 7#a7 %all be locat$ at polytrauma rehabilitation c5t]s ( ! ,dep>tm5t4 7#c7 ,selection ( locations ,9 c>ry+ out ! program1 ! ,secret>y %all select locations t include ! foll[+ areas3 7,a7 ,rural areas4 7,b7 ,areas t are n 9 close proximity to an active duty milit>y in/allation4 7,c7 ,areas repres5t+ diff]5t geographic locations1 su* z c5sus tracts e/abli%$ by ! ,bureau ( ! ,c5sus4 7d7 ,provision ( s]vices ,"u ! program1 ! ,secret>y %all provide cov]$ s]vices to cov]$ vet]ans by integrat+ complem5t>y & alt]native m$ic9e s]vices ) o!r s]vices provid$ by ! ,dep>tm5t at ! m$ical c5t]s designat$ "u subsection 7c77#a74 7e7 ,cov]$ vet]ans ,= purposes ( ! program1 a cov]$ vet]an is any vet]an :o-- 7#a7 has a m5tal heal? condition diagnos$ by a cl9ician ( ! ,dep>tm5t2 7#b7 exp]i5ces *ronic pa92 or 7#c7 has a *ronic condition be+ treat$ by a cl9ician ( ! ,dep>tm5t4 7f7 ,cov]$ s]vices 7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,= purposes ( ! program1 cov]$ s]vices are s]vices consi/+ ( complem5t>y & alt]native m$ic9e z select$ by ! ,secret>y4 7#b7 ,adm9i/ration ( s]vices ,cov]$ s]vices %all be adm9i/]$ "u ! program z foll[s3 7,a7 ,cov]$ s]vices %all be adm9i/]$ by cl9icians employ$ by ! ,secret>y = purposes ( ?is section :o1 to ! ext5t practicable1 %all provide s]vices consi/+ ( complem5t>y & alt]native m$ic9e1 includ+ ^? cl9icians :o solely provide su* s]vices4 7,b7 ,cov]$ s]vices %all be includ$ z "p ( ! ,pati5t ,align$ ,c>e ,teams initiative ( ! ,(fice ( ,pati5t ,c>e ,s]vices1 ,prim>y ,c>e ,program ,(fice1 9 coord9ation ) ! ,(fice ( ,pati5t ,c5t]$ ,c>e & ,cultural ,trans=mation4 7,c7 ,cov]$ s]vices %all be made available to bo?-- 7i7 cov]$ vet]ans ) m5tal heal? conditions1 pa9 conditions1 or *ronic conditions describ$ 9 subsection 7e7 :o h receiv$ conv5tional treatm5ts f ! ,dep>tm5t = su* conditions2 & 7ii7 cov]$ vet]ans ) m5tal heal? conditions1 pa9 conditions1 or *ronic conditions describ$ 9 subsection 7e7 :o h n receiv$ conv5tional treatm5ts f ! ,dep>tm5t = su* conditions4 7g7 ,volunt>y p>ticipation ,! p>ticipation ( a vet]an 9 ! program %all be at ! election ( ! vet]an & 9 consultation ) a cl9ician ( ! ,dep>tm5t4 7h7 ,reports to ,congress 7#a7 ,qu>t]ly reports ,n lat] ?an #ij days aft] ! date ( ! comm5cem5t ( ! program & n less frequ5tly ?an once e #ij days !reaft] = ! duration ( ! program1 ! ,secret>y %all submit to ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,s5ate & ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives a report on ! ef=ts ( ! ,secret>y to c>ry out ! program1 includ+ a description ( ! outrea* conduct$ by ! ,secret>y to vet]ans & community organizations to in=m su* organizations ab\t ! program4 7#b7 ,f9al report 7,a7 ,9 g5]al ,n lat] ?an #ahj days aft] ! completion ( ! program1 ! ,secret>y %all submit to ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,s5ate & ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives a report on ! program4 7,b7 ,cont5ts ,! report submitt$ "u subp>agraph 7,a7 %all include ! foll[+3 7i7 ,! f9d+s & conclusions ( ! ,secret>y ) respect to ! program1 includ+ ) respect to-- 7,i7 ! utilization & efficacy ( ! complem5t>y & alt]native m$ic9e s]vices e/abli%$ "u ! program2 7,,ii7 an assessm5t ( ! b5efit ( ! program to cov]$ vet]ans 9 m5tal heal? diagnoses1 pa9 managem5t1 & treatm5t ( *ronic illness2 & 7,,iii7 ! comp>ative effectiv5ess ( v>i\s complem5t>y & alt]native m$ic9e !rapies4 7ii7 ,b>ri]s id5tifi$ "u subsection 7a77#b7 t 7 n resolv$4 7iii7 ,su* recomm5dations = ! cont9uation or expansion ( ! program z ! ,secret>y consid]s appropriate4 7i7 ,complem5t>y & alt]native m$ic9e def9$ ,9 ?is section1 ! t]m complem5t>y & alt]native m$ic9e %all h ! mean+ giv5 t t]m 9 section #cba7;e7 ( ?is ,act4 7j7 ,effective date ,?is section %all take effect on ! date t is "o ye> aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act4 #cbc4 ,/udies ( b>ri]s enc\nt]$ by vet]ans 9 receiv+1 & adm9i/rators & cl9icians 9 provid+1 complem5t>y & alt]native m$ic9e s]vices furni%$ by ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs 7a7 ,/udies requir$ 7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs %all conduct compreh5sive /udies ( ! b>ri]s enc\nt]$ by vet]ans 9 receiv+1 & adm9i/rators & cl9icians 9 provid+1 complem5t>y & alt]native m$ic9e s]vices furni%$ by ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs4 7#b7 ,/udies conduct$ 7,a7 ,vet]ans ,9 conduct+ ! /udy ( vet]ans1 ! ,secret>y %all-- 7i7 survey vet]ans :o seek or receive hospital c>e or m$ical s]vices furni%$ by ! ,dep>tm5t1 z well z vet]ans :o d n seek or receive su* c>e or s]vices2 7ii7 adm9i/] ! survey to a repres5tative sample ( vet]ans f ea* ,vet]ans ,integrat$ ,s]vice ,network2 & 7iii7 ensure t ! sample ( vet]ans survey$ is ( suffici5t size = ! /udy results to be /ati/ically significant4 7,b7 ,adm9i/rators & cl9icians ,9 conduct+ ! /udy ( cl9icians & adm9i/rators1 ! ,secret>y %all-- 7i7 survey adm9i/rators ( ! ,dep>tm5t :o are involv$ 9 ! provision ( heal? c>e s]vices2 7ii7 survey cl9icians t h provid$ complem5t>y & alt]native m$ic9e s]vices ?r\gh ! program e/abli%$ "u section #cbb ( ?is ,act1 aft] ^? cl9icians h provid$ ^? s]vices ?r\gh su* program = at lea/ #ij days2 & 7iii7 adm9i/] ! survey to adm9i/rators "u clause 7i7-- 7,i7 be=e ! introduction ( complem5t>y & alt]native m$ic9e s]vices ?r\gh su* program2 & 7,,ii7 n e>li] ?an #ij days aft] ! introduction ( complem5t>y & alt]native m$ic9e s]vices ?r\gh su* program4 7b7 ,elem5ts ( /udies 7#a7 ,vet]ans ,9 conduct+ ! /udy ( vet]ans requir$ by subsection 7a71 ! ,secret>y %all /udy ! foll[+3 7,a7 ,! p]ceiv$ b>ri]s associat$ ) obta9+ complem5t>y & alt]native m$ic9e s]vices f ! ,dep>tm5t4 7,b7 ,! satisfaction ( vet]ans ) complem5t>y & alt]native m$ic9e s]vices 9 prim>y c>e4 7,c7 ,! degree to :i* vet]ans are aw>e ( eligibility requirem5ts =1 & ! scope ( s]vices available "u1 complem5t>y & alt]native m$ic9e s]vices furni%$ by ! ,dep>tm5t4 7,d7 ,! effectiv5ess ( outrea* to vet]ans on ! availability ( complem5t>y & alt]native m$ic9e = vet]ans4 7,e7 ,su* o!r b>ri]s z ! ,secret>y consid]s appropriate4 7#b7 ,adm9i/rators & cl9icians ,9 conduct+ ! /udy ( adm9i/rators & cl9icians requir$ by subsection 7a71 ! ,secret>y %all /udy ! foll[+3 7,a7 ,! ext5t ( ! integration ( complem5t>y & alt]native m$ic9e s]vices )9 ! s]vices provid$ by ! ,dep>tm5t4 7,b7 ,! p]ception by adm9i/rators & cl9icians ( ! /ructural & attitud9al b>ri]s to ! deliv]y ( high quality complem5t>y & alt]native m$ic9e s]vices by ! ,dep>tm5t4 7,c7 ,/rategies t h be5 us$ to r$uce or elim9ate su* b>ri]s & ! results ( su* /rategies4 7,d7 ,! satisfaction ( adm9i/rators & cl9icians reg>d+ ! integration ( complem5t>y & alt]native m$ic9e s]vices )9 ! s]vices provid$ by ! ,dep>tm5t4 7,e7 ,! p]ception by adm9i/rators & cl9icians ( ! value ( specific complem5t>y & alt]native m$ic9e s]vices = inpati5t & outpati5t vet]an populations4 7c7 ,dis*>ge by contract ,! ,secret>y %all ent] into a contract ) a qualifi$ indep5d5t entity or organization to c>ry out ! /udies requir$ by ?is section4 7d7 ,m&atory review ( data by ! ,national ,rese>* ,advisory ,c\ncil 7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,! ,secret>y %all ensure t ! head ( ! ,national ,rese>* ,advisory ,c\ncil reviews ! results ( ! /udies conduct$ "u ?is section4 7#b7 ,submittal ( f9d+s ,! head ( ! ,national ,rese>* ,advisory ,c\ncil %all submit f9d+s ) respect to ! /udies to ! ,"u ,secret>y = ,heal? & to o!r p]t95t program (fices )9 ! ,dep>tm5t ) responsibilities relat+ to heal? c>e s]vices = vet]ans4 7e7 ,reports 7#a7 ,report on implem5tation ,n lat] ?an "o ye> aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act1 ! ,secret>y %all submit to ,congress a report on ! /atus ( ! implem5tation ( ?is section4 7#b7 ,report on /udy 7,a7 ,9 g5]al ,n lat] ?an #de days aft] ! date ( ! completion ( ! /udy1 ! ,secret>y %all submit to ,congress a report on ! /udy requir$ by subsection 7a74 7,b7 ,cont5ts ,! report requir$ by subp>agraph 7,a7 %all include ! foll[+3 7i7 ,recomm5dations = su* adm9i/rative & legislative proposals & actions z ! ,secret>y consid]s appropriate4 7ii7 ,! f9d+s ( ! head ( ! ,national ,rese>* ,advisory ,c\ncil & ( ! ,"u ,secret>y = ,heal?4 7f7 ,au?orization ( appropriations ,!re is au?oriz$ to be appropriat$ = fiscal ye> #bjae = ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs1 #b1jjj1jjj to c>ry out ?is section4 7g7 ,complem5t>y & alt]native m$ic9e def9$ ,9 ?is section1 ! t]m complem5t>y & alt]native m$ic9e %all h ! mean+ giv5 t t]m 9 section #cba7;e7 ( ?is ,act4 #cbd4 ,program on use ( wellness programs z complem5t>y approa* to m5tal heal? c>e = vet]ans & family memb]s ( vet]ans 7a7 ,program requir$ 7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs %all c>ry out a program ?r\gh ! aw>d ( grants to public or private nonpr(it entities to assess ! feasibility & advisability ( us+ wellness programs to complem5t ! provision ( m5tal heal? c>e to vet]ans & family memb]s eligible = c\nsel+ "u section #agab;,a7a77#a77;,c7 ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code4 7#b7 ,matt]s to be address$ ,! program %all be c>ri$ out s z to assess ! foll[+3 7,a7 ,means ( improv+ coord9ation betwe5 ,f$]al1 ,/ate1 local1 & community provid]s ( heal? c>e 9 ! provision ( m5tal heal? c>e to vet]ans & family memb]s describ$ 9 p>agraph 7#a74 7,b7 ,means ( enhanc+ outrea*1 & coord9ation ( outrea*1 by & among provid]s ( heal? c>e ref]r$ to 9 subp>agraph 7,a7 on ! m5tal heal? c>e s]vices available to vet]ans & family memb]s describ$ 9 p>agraph 7#a74 7,c7 ,means ( us+ wellness programs ( provid]s ( heal? c>e ref]r$ to 9 subp>agraph 7,a7 z complem5ts to ! provision by ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs ( m5tal heal? c>e to vet]ans & family memb]s describ$ 9 p>agraph 7#a74 7,d7 ,:e!r wellness programs describ$ 9 subp>agraph 7,c7 are effective 9 enhanc+ ! quality ( life & well-be+ ( vet]ans & family memb]s describ$ 9 p>agraph 7#a74 7,e7 ,:e!r wellness programs describ$ 9 subp>agraph 7,c7 are effective 9 increas+ ! adh]5ce ( vet]ans describ$ 9 p>agraph 7#a7 to ! prim>y m5tal heal? s]vices provid$ su* vet]ans by ! ,dep>tm5t4 7,f7 ,:e!r wellness programs describ$ 9 subp>agraph 7,c7 h an impact on ! s5se ( wellbe+ ( vet]ans describ$ 9 p>agraph 7#a7 :o receive prim>y m5tal heal? s]vices f ! ,dep>tm5t4 7,g7 ,:e!r wellness programs describ$ 9 subp>agraph 7,c7 are effective 9 enc\rag+ vet]ans receiv+ heal? c>e f ! ,dep>tm5t to adopt a m heal?y life/yle4 7b7 ,duration ,! ,secret>y %all c>ry out ! program = a p]iod ( ?ree ye>s beg9n+ on ! date t is "o ye> aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act4 7c7 ,locations ,! ,secret>y %all c>ry out ! program at facilities ( ! ,dep>tm5t provid+ m5tal heal? c>e s]vices to vet]ans & family memb]s describ$ 9 subsection 7a77#a74 7d7 ,grant proposals 7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,a public or private nonpr(it entity seek+ ! aw>d ( a grant "u ?is section %all submit an application !re= to ! ,secret>y 9 su* =m & 9 su* mann] z ! ,secret>y may require4 7#b7 ,application cont5ts ,ea* application submitt$ "u p>agraph 7#a7 %all include ! foll[+3 7,a7 ,a plan to coord9ate activities "u ! program1 to ! ext5t possible1 ) ! ,f$]al1 ,/ate1 & local provid]s ( s]vices = vet]ans to enhance ! foll[+3 7i7 ,aw>5ess by vet]ans ( b5efits & heal? c>e s]vices provid$ by ! ,dep>tm5t4 7ii7 ,outrea* ef=ts to increase ! use by vet]ans ( s]vices provid$ by ! ,dep>tm5t4 7iii7 ,educational ef=ts to in=m vet]ans ( ! b5efits ( a heal?y & active life/yle4 7,b7 ,a /atem5t ( und]/&+ f ! entity submitt+ ! application t1 if select$1 su* entity w be requir$ to report to ! ,secret>y p]iodically on /&>diz$ data & o!r p]=mance data necess>y to evaluate individual outcomes & to facilitate evaluations among entities p>ticipat+ 9 ! program4 7,c7 ,o!r requirem5ts t ! ,secret>y may prescribe4 7e7 ,grant uses 7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,a public or private nonpr(it entity aw>d$ a grant "u ?is section %all use ! aw>d = purposes prescrib$ by ! ,secret>y4 7#b7 ,eligible vet]ans & family ,9 c>ry+ out ! purposes prescrib$ by ! ,secret>y 9 p>agraph 7#a71 a public or private nonpr(it entity aw>d$ a grant "u ?is section %all use ! aw>d to furni% s]vices only to individuals specifi$ 9 section #agab;,a7a77#a77;,c7 ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code4 7f7 ,reports 7#a7 ,p]iodic reports 7,a7 ,9 g5]al ,n lat] ?an #ahj days aft] ! date ( ! comm5cem5t ( ! program1 & e #ahj days !reaft]1 ! ,secret>y %all submit to ,congress a report on ! program4 7,b7 ,report elem5ts ,ea* report requir$ by subp>agraph 7,a7 %all include ! foll[+3 7i7 ,! f9d+s & conclusions ( ! ,secret>y ) respect to ! program dur+ ! #ahj-;day p]iod prec$+ ! report4 7ii7 ,an assessm5t ( ! b5efits ( ! program to vet]ans & _! family memb]s dur+ ! #ahj-;day p]iod prec$+ ! report4 7#b7 ,f9al report ,n lat] ?an #ahj days aft] ! end ( ! program1 ! ,secret>y %all submit to ,congress a report detail+ ! recomm5dations ( ! ,secret>y z to ! advisability ( cont9u+ or exp&+ ! program4 7g7 ,wellness def9$ ,9 ?is section1 ! t]m wellness has ! mean+ giv5 t t]m 9 regulations prescrib$ by ! ,secret>y4 ,,iv ,acc\ntability & ,adm9i/rative ,improvem5ts #dja4 ,adm9i/ration ( ,vet]ans ,integrat$ ,s]vice ,networks 7a7 ,vet]ans ,integrat$ ,s]vice ,networks 7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,sub*apt] ,i ( *apt] #gc is am5d$ by add+ at ! end ! foll[+ new section3 #gcaj4 ,vet]ans ,integrat$ ,s]vice ,networks 7a7 ,organization 7#a7 ,! ,secret>y %all organize ! ,vet]ans ,heal? ,adm9i/ration 9 geographically def9$ ,vet]ans ,integrat$ ,s]vice ,networks4 7#b7 ,ea* ,vet]ans ,integrat$ ,s]vice ,network %all be organiz$ 9 consid]ation ( ! foll[+3 7,a7 ,! size ( ! vet]an population ( ! region ( ! network4 7,b7 ,! complexity ( ! m$ical ne$s ( ! vet]ans 9 su* region4 7,c7 ,pati5t ref]ral patt]ns4 7,d7 ,! availability ( a full cont9uum ( heal? c>e s]vices4 7,e7 ,! ability ( ! ,dep>tm5t to furni% heal? c>e effici5tly4 7,f7 ,p>tn]%ips ) non-,dep>tm5t heal? c>e entities4 7b7 ,/aff+ model 7#a7 ,! ,secret>y %all e/abli% a /aff+ model = ea* ,vet]ans ,integrat$ ,s]vice ,network t-- 7,a7 is appropriate = ! mission & responsibilities ( ! ,vet]ans ,integrat$ ,s]vice ,network2 & 7,b7 acc\nts = ! specific heal? c>e ne$s ( diff]+ populations 9 ! ,vet]ans ,integrat$ ,s]vice ,network4 7#b7 ,! ,secret>y %all ensure t ea* ,vet]ans ,integrat$ ,s]vice ,network complies ) ! /aff+ model e/abli%$ by ! ,secret>y "u p>agraph 7#a7 = su* ,vet]ans ,integrat$ ,s]vice ,network4 7c7 ,integrat$ heal? c>e sy/em ,! ,secret>y %all ensure t ea* ,vet]ans ,integrat$ ,s]vice ,network ma9ta9s a regional integrat$ heal?c>e sy/em by-- 7#a7 implem5t+ alliances ) su* o!r gov]nm5tal1 public1 & private heal? c>e organizations & practition]s z ! ,secret>y consid]s appropriate to meet ! ne$s ( vet]ans 9 ! ,network2 7#b7 provid+ ov]sight & managem5t (1 & tak+ responsibility =1 a regional budget = ! activities ( ! ,vet]ans ,heal? ,adm9i/ration 9 ! geographic area ( ! ,network t is-- 7,a7 align$ ) ! budget guidel9es ( ! ,dep>tm5t & ! ,vet]ans ,heal? ,adm9i/ration2 7,b7 balanc$ at ! end ( ea* fiscal ye>2 & 7,c7 suffici5t to provide high-quality heal? c>e to vet]ans )9 ! region & to meet any unique ne$s ( ! vet]ans ( ! region2 7#c7 us+ national metrics to develop sy/ems to provide effective1 effici5t1 & safe deliv]y ( heal? c>e2 & 7#d7 ensur+ high-quality cl9ical programs & s]vices are r5d]$ 9 & ?r\gh-- 7,a7 ! m$ical c5t]s & outpati5t cl9ics ( ! ,dep>tm5t t are locat$ 9 ! ,network2 & 7,b7 o!r non-,dep>tm5t cl9ical or heal? c>e deliv]y sett+s locat$ 9 ! ,network4 7d7 ,r$uction 9 duplicate functions ,! ,secret>y %all ensure t ! ,vet]ans ,integrat$ ,s]vice ,networks id5tify & r$uce1 :5ev] practicable1 ! duplication ( functions 9 cl9ical1 adm9i/rative1 & op]ational processes & practices ( ! ,vet]ans ,heal? ,adm9i/ration4 7e7 ,collaboration & coop]ation ,! ,secret>y %all ensure t ea* ,vet]ans ,integrat$ ,s]vice ,network-- 7#a7 works to a*ieve maximum effectiv5ess 9 pati5t c>e & safety1 graduate m$ical education1 & rese>*2 & 7#b7 assesses ! consolidation or realignm5t ( in/itutional functions1 includ+ capital asset1 safety1 & op]ational support functions1 9 collaboration & coop]ation ) o!r ,vet]ans ,integrat$ ,s]vice ,networks & ! foll[+ (fices or entities )9 ! geographical area ( ! ,network3 7,a7 ,! (fices ( ! ,vet]ans ,b5efits ,adm9i/ration & ! ,national ,cemet]y ,adm9i/ration4 7,b7 ,! (fices1 in/allations1 & facilities ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,def5se1 includ+ ! (fices1 in/allations1 & facilities ( ea* bran* ( ! ,arm$ ,=ces & ! res]ve compon5ts ( ! ,arm$ ,=ces4 7,c7 ,! (fices1 in/allations1 & facilities ( ! ,coa/ ,gu>d4 7,d7 ,(fices ( ,/ate & local ag5cies t h a mission to provide assi/ance to vet]ans4 7,e7 ,m$ical s*ools & o!r affiliates4 7,f7 ,(fices ( ,congress1 (fices ( ,/ate & local elect$ (ficials1 & o!r gov]nm5t (fices4 7,g7 ,f$]al1 ,/ate1 & local em]g5cy prep>$ness organizations4 7,h7 ,community & nonpr(it organizations4 7,i7 ,su* o!r entities ( ! ,f$]al ,gov]nm5t z ! ,secret>y consid]s appropriate4 7f7 ,headqu>t]s 7#a7 ,! ,secret>y %all ensure t ea* ,vet]ans ,integrat$ ,s]vice ,network has only "o headqu>t]s (fice4 7#b7 ,! location ( a headqu>t]s (fice = a ,vet]ans ,integrat$ ,s]vice ,network %all be det]m9$ by ! ,secret>y & co-locat$ ) a ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs m$ical c5t]4 7#c7 7,a7 ,! ,secret>y may employ or contract = ! s]vices ( su* full "t equival5t employees & contractors at ! headqu>t]s ( ea* ,vet]ans ,integrat$ ,s]vice ,network z ! ,secret>y consid]s appropriate 9 accordance ) ! /aff+ models e/abli%$ "u subsection 7b74 7,b7 ,n lat] ?an ,decemb] #ca ea* ye>1 ! ,secret>y %all submit to ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,s5ate & ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives a report on employm5t at ! headqu>t]s ( ,vet]ans ,integrat$ ,s]vice ,networks dur+ ! mo/ rec5tly complet$ fiscal ye>4 7,c7 ,ea* report submitt$ "u subp>agraph 7,b7 %all include ! foll[+ = ! ye> cov]$ by ! report3 7i7 ,! numb] ( individuals employ$ at ea* headqu>t]s ( a ,vet]ans ,integrat$ ,s]vice ,network4 7ii7 ,! numb] ( individuals employ$ by ! ,vet]ans ,heal? ,adm9i/ration 9 ea* ,vet]ans ,integrat$ ,s]vice ,network :o are n employ$ at ! same location z ! headqu>t]s ( ! ,network4 7iii7 ,! title = ea* position ( employm5t at a headqu>t]s ( a ,vet]ans ,integrat$ ,s]vice ,network4 7iv7 ,! title = ea* position ( employm5t ) ! ,vet]ans ,heal? ,adm9i/ration 9 ea* ,vet]ans ,integrat$ ,s]vice ,network t is n at ! same location z ! headqu>t]s ( ! ,network4 7v7 ,an assessm5t ( ! impact on ! budget ( ! ,dep>tm5t by ! employm5t ( individuals at ! headqu>t]s ( ! ,vet]ans ,integrat$ ,s]vice ,networks4 7g7 ,tri5nial /ructure review1 reassessm5t1 & report 7#a7 ,beg9n+ ?ree ye>s aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is section & n less frequ5tly ?an once e ?ree ye>s !reaft]1 ! ,secret>y %all conduct a review & assessm5t ( ! /ructure & op]ations ( ! ,vet]ans ,integrat$ ,s]vice ,networks 9 ord] to id5tify recomm5dations-- 7,a7 = /reaml9+ & r$uc+ co/s associat$ ) ! op]ation ( ea* headqu>t]s ( a ,vet]ans ,integrat$ ,s]vice ,network2 & 7,b7 = r$uc+ co/s ( heal? c>e )9 ! ,vet]ans ,heal? ,adm9i/ration4 7#b7 ,n lat] ?an #ahj days aft] conduct+ a review & assessm5t "u p>agraph 7#a71 ! ,secret>y %all submit to ! ,committee ( ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,s5ate & ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives a report on su* review & assessm5t1 :i* %all include su* recomm5dations = legislative or adm9i/rative action z ! ,secret>y consid]s appropriate to improve ! ,vet]ans ,integrat$ ,s]vice ,networks4 4 7#b7 ,cl]ical am5dm5t ,! table ( sections at ! beg9n+ ( *apt] #gc is am5d$ by ins]t+ aft] ! item relat+ to section #gcji ! foll[+ new item3 #gcaj4 ,vet]ans ,integrat$ ,s]vice ,networks4 4 7b7 ,relocation ( headqu>t]s 7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,9 ! case ( a headqu>t]s (fice ( a ,vet]ans ,integrat$ ,s]vice ,network t on ! day be=e ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act 0 9 a location t 0 n co-locat$ ) a ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs m$ical c5t] & ! ,secret>y is engag$ 9 a lease = su* location1 ! ,secret>y may-- 7,a7 relocate su* headqu>t]s ^u ! expiration ( su* lease s t su* headqu>t]s is co-locat$ z requir$ by section #gcaj7;f77#b7 ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code 7z add$ by subsection 7a77#a772 or 7,b7 not)/&+ su* section #gcaj7;f77#b7 7z s add$71 r5ew su* lease or ent] into a new lease to keep su* headqu>t]s 9 su* location4 7#b7 ,report ,if ! ,secret>y r5ews a lease or engages 9 a new lease "u p>agraph 7#a77;,b71 ! ,secret>y %all submit to ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,s5ate & ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives1 be=e r5ew+ su* lease or engag+ 9 su* lease1 a report describ+ ! reasons = su* r5ewal or engagem5t4 ,su* report %all include ! foll[+3 7,a7 ,a li/ ( ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs m$ical c5t]s 9 ! ,vet]ans ,integrat$ ,s]vice ,network ( ! headqu>t]s ) und]utiliz$ build+s1 ! numb] ( su* build+s1 & ! total und]utiliz$ squ>e footage = ea* su* m$ical c5t]4 7,b7 ,! co/ ( ! curr5t lease 7! annual am\nt ( r5t1 ! total co/ ov] ! life ( ! lease1 & ! total co/ p] squ>e foot7 & ! curr5t squ>e footage be+ leas$4 7,c7 ,! co/ ( ! new lease 7! annual am\nt ( r5t1 ! total co/ ov] ! life ( ! lease1 & ! total co/ p] squ>e foot7 & ! squ>e footage to be leas$4 7c7 ,con/ruction ,no?+ 9 ?is section %all be con/ru$ to require any *ange 9 ! location or type ( m$ical c>e or s]vice provid$ by a ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs m$ical c5t]1 a ,dep>tm5t community bas$ outpati5t cl9ic1 a c5t] = readju/m5t c\nsel+ & relat$ m5tal heal? s]vices = vet]ans "u section #agab;,a ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code 7kn[n z a vet c5t]71 or o!r facility t provides direct c>e or s]vices "u a law adm9i/]$ by ! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs4 7d7 ,effective date ,?is section1 & ! am5dm5ts made by ?is section1 %all take effect on ! date t is "o ye> aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act4 #djb4 ,regional support c5t]s = ,vet]ans ,integrat$ ,s]vice ,networks 7a7 ,9 g5]al ,sub*apt] ,i ( *apt] #gc1 z am5d$ by section #dja7;a77#a7 ( ?is ,act1 is fur!r am5d$ by add+ at ! end ! foll[+ new section3 #gcaj;,a4 ,regional support c5t]s = ,vet]ans ,integrat$ ,s]vice ,networks 7a7 ,e/abli%m5t ,! ,secret>y %all e/abli% n m ?an f\r regional support c5t]s )9 ! ,vet]ans ,heal? ,adm9i/ration to assess ! effectiv5ess & effici5cy ( ! ,vet]ans ,integrat$ ,s]vice ,networks4 ,! head ( ea* regional support c5t] %all report to ! ,"u ,secret>y ( ,heal?4 7b7 ,functions ,! functions ( ! regional support c5t]s e/abli%$ "u subsection 7a7 are z foll[s3 7#a7 ,to assess ! quality ( "w p]=m$ )9 f9ance op]ations & o!r compliance relat$ activities ( ! ,vet]ans ,integrat$ ,s]vice ,networks4 7#b7 ,to assess h[ effectively & effici5tly ea* ,vet]ans ,integrat$ ,s]vice ,network conducts outrea* to vet]ans :o s]v$ 9 ,op]ation ,endur+ ,fre$om1 ,op]ation ,iraqi ,fre$om1 ,op]ation ,new ,dawn1 or any o!r cont+5cy op]ation 7z t t]m is def9$ 9 section #aja ( title #aj74 7#c7 ,to assess h[ effectively & effici5tly ea* ,vet]ans ,integrat$ ,s]vice ,network conducts programs = ! b5efit ( wom5 vet]ans4 7#d7 ,to assess h[ effectively & effici5tly ea* ,vet]ans ,integrat$ ,s]vice ,network conducts programs t address homelessness among vet]ans4 7#e7 ,to assess h[ effectively & effici5tly ea* ,vet]ans ,integrat$ ,s]vice ,network consumes en]gy4 7#f7 ,to assess su* o!r matt]s conc]n+ ! op]ations & activities ( ! ,vet]ans ,integrat$ ,s]vice ,networks z ! ,secret>y consid]s appropriate4 7c7 ,/aff ,! ,secret>y may hire su* employees & contractors z ! ,secret>y consid]s appropriate to c>ry out ! functions ( ! regional support c5t]s4 7d7 ,location ( regional support c5t]s 7#a7 ,except z provid$ 9 p>agraph 7#b71 ! location ( ea* regional support c5t] e/abli%$ "u subsection 7a7 %all be det]m9$ by ! ,secret>y & co-locat$ ) a m$ical c5t] ( ! ,dep>tm5t4 7#b7 ,! ,secret>y may *oose a location = a regional support c5t] e/abli%$ "u subsection 7a7 t is n co-locat$ ) a m$ical c5t] ( ! ,dep>tm5t if ! ,secret>y submits to ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,s5ate & ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives1 be=e ent]+ into a contract = a location t is n co-locat$ ) a m$ical c5t]1 a report describ+ ! reasons = *oos+ a location = ! regional support c5t] t is n co-locat$ ) a m$ical c5t] ( ! ,dep>tm5t4 ,su* report %all include ! foll[+3 7,a7 ,a li/ ( m$ical c5t]s ( ! ,dep>tm5t 9 ! ,vet]ans ,integrat$ ,s]vice ,network ( ! regional support c5t] ) und]utiliz$ build+s1 ! numb] ( all ,vet]ans ,heal? ,adm9i/ration build+s 9 su* ,network1 & ! total und]utiliz$ squ>e footage = ea* m$ical c5t] ( ! ,dep>tm5t 9 su* ,network4 7,b7 ,! e/imat$ co/ ( su* lease 7! annual am\nt ( r5t1 ! total co/ ov] ! life ( ! lease1 & ! total co/ p] squ>e foot7 & ! squ>e footage to be leas$4 4 7b7 ,initial /aff+ ,9 provid+ = ! initial /aff ( ea* regional support c5t] e/abli%$ "u section #gcaj;,a7a7 ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 z add$ by subsection 7a71 ! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs %all1 to ! degree practicable1 transf] employees f headqu>t]s ( ,vet]ans ,integrat$ ,s]vice ,networks to regional support c5t]s :o 7 employ$ 9 positions at su* headqu>t]s t cov]$ functions simil> to ^? describ$ 9 section #gcaj;,a7b7 ( su* title1 z s add$4 7c7 ,cl]ical am5dm5t ,! table ( sections at ! beg9n+ ( *apt] #gc1 z am5d$ by section #dja7;a77#b7 ( ?is ,act1 is fur!r am5d$ by ins]t+ aft] ! item relat+ to section #gcaj ! foll[+ new item3 #gcaj;,a4 ,regional support c5t]s = ,vet]ans ,integrat$ ,s]vice ,networks4 4 7d7 ,con/ruction ,no?+ 9 ?is section %all be con/ru$ to require any *ange 9 ! location or type ( m$ical c>e or s]vice provid$ by a ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs m$ical c5t]1 a ,dep>tm5t community bas$ outpati5t cl9ic1 a c5t] = readju/m5t c\nsel+ & relat$ m5tal heal? s]vices = vet]ans "u section #agab;,a ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code 7kn[n z a vet c5t]71 or o!r facility t provides direct c>e or s]vices "u a law adm9i/]$ by ! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs4 7e7 ,effective date ,?is section1 & ! am5dm5ts made by ?is section1 %all take effect on ! date t is "o ye> aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act4 #djc4 ,commission on ,capital ,plann+ = ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs ,m$ical ,facilities 7a7 ,e/abli%m5t ( commission 7#a7 ,e/abli%m5t ,!re is e/abli%$ ! ,commission on ,capital ,plann+ = ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs ,m$ical ,facilities 79 ?is section ref]r$ to z ! ,commission74 7#b7 ,memb]%ip 7,a7 ,vot+ memb]s ,! ,commission %all1 subject to subp>agraph 7,b71 be compos$ ( #aj vot+ memb]s z foll[s3 7i7 #a %all be appo9t$ by ! ,presid5t4 7ii7 #a %all be appo9t$ by ! ,adm9i/rator ( ,g5]al ,s]vices4 7iii7 #c %all be appo9t$ by ! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs1 ( :om-- 7,i7 #a %all be an employee ( ! ,vet]ans ,heal? ,adm9i/ration2 7,,ii7 #a %all be an employee ( ! ,(fice ( ,asset ,ent]prise ,managem5t ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs2 & 7,,iii7 #a %all be an employee ( ! ,(fice ( ,con/ruction & ,facilities ,managem5t ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs4 7iv7 #a %all be appo9t$ by ! ,secret>y ( ,def5se f among employees ( ! ,army ,corps ( ,eng9e]s4 7v7 #a %all be appo9t$ by ! majority lead] ( ! ,s5ate4 7vi7 #a %all be appo9t$ by ! m9ority lead] ( ! ,s5ate4 7vii7 #a %all be appo9t$ by ! ,speak] ( ! ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives4 7viii7 #a %all be appo9t$ by ! m9ority lead] ( ! ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives4 7,b7 ,requirem5t relat+ to c]ta9 appo9tm5ts ( vot+ memb]s ,( ! memb]s appo9t$ pursuant to clause 7i71 7ii71 & 7iv7 ?r\gh 7viii7 ( subp>agraph 7,a71 all %all h exp]tise 9 capital leas+1 con/ruction1 or heal? facility managem5t plann+4 7,c7 ,non-vot+ memb]s ,! ,commission %all be assi/$ by #aj non-vot+ memb]s1 appo9t$ by ! vote ( a majority ( memb]s ( ! ,commission "u subp>agraph 7,a71 ( :om-- 7i7 #f %all be repres5tatives ( vet]ans s]vice organizations recogniz$ by ! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs2 & 7ii7 #d %all be individuals f outside ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs ) exp]i5ce & exp]tise 9 matt]s relat+ to managem5t1 con/ruction1 & leas+ ( capital assets4 7,d7 ,date ( appo9tm5t ( vot+ memb]s ,! appo9tm5ts ( ! memb]s ( ! ,commission "u subp>agraph 7,a7 %all be made n lat] ?an #fj days aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act4 7#c7 ,p]iod ( appo9tm5t2 vacancies ,memb]s %all be appo9t$ = ! life ( ! ,commission4 ,any vacancy 9 ! ,commission %all n affect its p[]s1 b %all be fill$ 9 ! same mann] z ! orig9al appo9tm5t4 7#d7 ,initial meet+ ,n lat] ?an #ae days aft] ! date on :i* #g memb]s ( ! ,commission h be5 appo9t$1 ! ,commission %all hold its fir/ meet+4 7#e7 ,meet+s ,! ,commission %all meet at ! call ( ! ,*air4 7#f7 ,quorum ,a majority ( ! memb]s ( ! ,commission %all con/itute a quorum1 b a less] numb] ( memb]s may hold he>+s4 7#g7 ,*air & vice *air ,! ,commission %all select a ,*air & ,vice ,*air f among its memb]s4 7b7 ,duties ( commission 7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,! ,commission %all und]take a compreh5sive evaluation & assessm5t ( v>i\s options = capital plann+ = ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs m$ical facilities1 includ+ an evaluation & assessm5t ( ! me*anisms by :i* ! ,dep>tm5t curr5tly selects means = ! deliv]y ( heal? c>e1 :e!r by major con/ruction1 major m$ical facility leases1 %>+ agreem5ts ) ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,def5se1 ! ,indian ,heal? ,s]vice1 & ,f$]ally ,qualifi$ ,heal? ,cl9ics "u section #ccj ( ! ,public ,heal? ,s]vice ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #bed;b71 contract c>e1 multisite c>e1 telem$ic9e1 ext5d$ h\rs = c>e1 or o!r means4 7#b7 ,context ( evaluation & assessm5t ,9 und]tak+ ! evaluation & assessm5t1 ! ,commission %all consid]-- 7,a7 ! importance ( access to heal? c>e ?r\gh ! ,dep>tm5t1 includ+ associat$ guidel9es ( ! ,dep>tm5t on access to1 & drive "t =1 heal? c>e2 7,b7 limitations & requirem5ts applicable to ! con/ruction & leas+ ( m$ical facilities = ! ,dep>tm5t1 includ+ applicable laws1 regulations1 & co/s z det]m9$ by bo? ! ,congressional ,budget ,(fice & ! ,(fice ( ,managem5t & ,budget2 7,c7 ! nature ( capital plann+ = ,dep>tm5t m$ical facilities 9 an era ( fiscal unc]ta9ty2 7,d7 project$ future fluctuations 9 ! population ( vet]ans2 & 7,e7 ! ext5t to :i* ! ,dep>tm5t 0 able to meet ! m&ates ( ! ,capital ,asset ,realignm5t = ,enhanc$ ,s]vices ,commission4 7#c7 ,p>ticul> consid]ations ,9 und]tak+ ! evaluation & assessm5t1 ! ,commission %all address1 9 p>ticul>1 ! foll[+3 7,a7 ,! ,major ,m$ical ,facility ,lease ,program ( ! ,dep>tm5t1 includ+ an id5tification ( pot5tial improvem5ts to ! lease au?orization processes "u t ,program4 7,b7 ,! managem5t processes ( ! ,dep>tm5t = its ,major ,m$ical ,facility ,con/ruction ,program1 includ+ processes relat+ to contract aw>d & managem5t1 project managem5t1 & process+ ( *ange ord]s4 7,c7 ,! ov]all capital plann+ program ( ! ,dep>tm5t = m$ical facilities1 includ+ an evaluation & assessm5t (-- 7i7 ! mann] 9 :i* ! ,dep>tm5t det]m9es :e!r to use capital or non-capital means to exp& access to heal? c>e2 7ii7 ! mann] 9 :i* ! ,dep>tm5t det]m9es ! disposition ( "u-utiliz$ & un-utiliz$ build+s on campuses ( ,dep>tm5t m$ical c5t]s1 & any b>ri]s to disposition2 7iii7 ! effectiv5ess ( ! facility ma/] plann+ initiative ( ! ,dep>tm5t2 & 7iv7 ! ext5t to :i* su/a9able attributes are plann$ = to decrease op]at+ co/s = ,dep>tm5t m$ical facilities4 7,d7 ,! curr5t backlog ( con/ruction projects = ,dep>tm5t m$ical facilities1 includ+ an id5tification ( ! mo/ effective means to quickly secure ! mo/ critical repairs requir$1 includ+ repairs relat+ to facility condition defici5cies1 /ructural safety1 & compliance ) ! ,am]icans ,) ,disabilities ,act ( #aiij4 7#d7 ,reports ,subject to p>agraph 7#e71 ! ,commission %all submit to ! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs1 & to ! ,committee ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,s5ate & ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives1 reports z foll[s3 7,a7 ,n lat] ?an six mon?s aft] its initial meet+ "u subsection 7a77#d71 a report on ! ,major ,m$ical ,facility ,lease ,program & ! ,congressional lease au?orization process4 7,b7 ,n lat] ?an "o ye> aft] its initial meet+1 a report-- 7i7 on ! managem5t processes ( ! ,dep>tm5t = ! con/ruction ( ,dep>tm5t m$ical facilities2 & 7ii7 sett+ =? an update ( any matt]s cov]$ 9 ! report "u subp>agraph 7,a74 7,c7 ,n lat] ?an #ah mon?s aft] its initial meet+1 a report-- 7i7 on ! ov]all capital plann+ program ( ! ,dep>tm5t = m$ical facilities2 & 7ii7 sett+ =? an update ( any matt]s cov]$ 9 e>li] reports "u ?is p>agraph4 7,d7 ,n lat] ?an two ye>s aft] its initial meet+1 a report-- 7i7 on ! curr5t backlog ( con/ruction projects = ,dep>tm5t m$ical facilities2 7ii7 sett+ =? an update ( any matt]s cov]$ 9 e>li] reports "u ?is p>agraph2 & 7iii7 includ+ su* o!r matt]s relat+ to ! duties ( ! ,commission t ! ,commission consid]s appropriate4 7,e7 ,n lat] ?an #bg mon?s aft] its initial meet+1 a report on ! implem5tation by ! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs pursuant to subsection 7g7 ( ! recomm5dations includ$ pursuant to p>agraph 7#e7 9 ! reports "u ?is p>agraph4 7#e7 ,recomm5dations ,ea* report "u p>agraph 7#d7 %all include1 = ! aspect ( ! capital asset plann+ process ( ! ,dep>tm5t cov]$ by su* report1 su* recomm5dations z ! ,commission consid]s appropriate = ! improvem5t & enhancem5t ( su* aspect ( ! capital asset plann+ process4 7c7 ,p[]s ( commission 7#a7 ,he>+s ,! ,commission may hold su* he>+s1 sit & act at su* times & places1 take su* te/imony1 & receive su* evid5ce z ! ,commission consid]s advisable to c>ry out ?is section4 7#b7 ,in=mation f ,f$]al ag5cies ,! ,commission may secure directly f any ,f$]al dep>tm5t or ag5cy su* in=mation z ! ,commission consid]s necess>y to c>ry out ?is section4 ,^u reque/ ( ! ,*air ( ! ,commission1 ! head ( su* dep>tm5t or ag5cy %all furni% su* in=mation to ! ,commission4 7d7 ,commission p]sonnel matt]s 7#a7 ,comp5sation ( memb]s ,ea* memb] ( ! ,commission :o is n an (fic] or employee ( ! ,f$]al ,gov]nm5t %all be comp5sat$ at a rate equal to ! daily equival5t ( ! annual rate ( basic pay prescrib$ = level ,,iv ( ! ,executive ,s*$ule "u section #ecae ( title #e1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 = ea* day 7includ+ travel "t7 dur+ :i* su* memb] is engag$ 9 ! p]=mance ( ! duties ( ! ,commission4 ,all memb]s ( ! ,commission :o are (fic]s or employees ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates %all s]ve )\t comp5sation 9 addition to t receiv$ = _! s]vices z (fic]s or employees ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates4 7#b7 ,travel exp5ses ,! memb]s ( ! ,commission %all be all[$ travel exp5ses1 includ+ p] diem 9 lieu ( subsi/5ce1 at rates au?oriz$ = employees ( ag5cies "u sub*apt] ,i ( *apt] #eg ( title #e1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 :ile away f _! homes or regul> places ( bus9ess 9 ! p]=mance ( s]vices = ! ,commission4 7#c7 ,/aff 7,a7 ,9 g5]al ,! ,*air ( ! ,commission may1 )\t reg>d to ! civil s]vice laws & regulations1 appo9t & t]m9ate an executive director & su* o!r additional p]sonnel z may be necess>y to enable ! ,commission to p]=m its duties4 ,! employm5t ( an executive director %all be subject to confirmation by ! ,commission4 7,b7 ,comp5sation ,! ,*air ( ! ,commission may fix ! comp5sation ( ! executive director & o!r p]sonnel )\t reg>d to *apt] #ea & sub*apt] ,,iii ( *apt] #ec ( title #e1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 relat+ to classification ( positions & ,g5]al ,s*$ule pay rates1 except t ! rate ( pay = ! executive director & o!r p]sonnel may n exce$ ! rate payable = level ,v ( ! ,executive ,s*$ule "u section #ecaf ( su* title4 7#d7 ,detail ( gov]nm5t employees ,any ,f$]al ,gov]nm5t employee may be detail$ to ! ,commission )\t reimbursem5t1 & su* detail %all be )\t int]ruption or loss ( civil s]vice /atus or privilege4 7#e7 ,procurem5t ( tempor>y & int]mitt5t s]vices ,! ,*air ( ! ,commission may procure tempor>y & int]mitt5t s]vices "u section #caji7;b7 ( title #e1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 at rates = individuals :i* d n exce$ ! daily equival5t ( ! annual rate ( basic pay prescrib$ = level ,v ( ! ,executive ,s*$ule "u section #ecaf ( su* title4 7e7 ,t]m9ation ( commission ,! ,commission %all t]m9ate #fj days aft] ! date on :i* ! ,commission submits its report "u subsection 7b77#d77;,e74 7f7 ,fund+ ,! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs %all make available to ! ,commission su* am\nts z ! ,secret>y & ! ,*air ( ! ,commission jo9tly consid] appropriate = ! ,commission to p]=m its duties "u ?is section4 7g7 ,action on recomm5dations 7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs %all implem5t ea* recomm5dation includ$ 9 a report "u subsection 7b77#d7 t ! ,secret>y consid]s feasible & advisable & c be implem5t$ )\t fur!r legislative action4 7#b7 ,reports ,n lat] ?an #abj days aft] receipt ( a report "u subp>agraphs 7,a7 ?r\gh 7,d7 ( subsection 7b77#d71 ! ,secret>y %all submit to ! ,committee ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,s5ate & ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives a report sett+ =? ! foll[+3 7,a7 ,an assessm5t ( ! feasibility & advisability ( ea* recomm5dation conta9$ 9 su* report4 7,b7 ,= ea* recomm5dation assess$ z feasible & advisable-- 7i7 if su* recomm5dation does n require fur!r legislative action = implem5tation1 a description ( ! actions tak51 & to be tak51 by ! ,secret>y to implem5t su* recomm5dation2 & 7ii7 if su* recomm5dation requires fur!r legislative action = implem5tation1 recomm5dations = su* legislative action4 #djd4 ,public access to ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs rese>* & data %>+ betwe5 ,dep>tm5ts 7a7 ,e/abli%m5t ( ,int]net website ,! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs %all make available on an ,int]net website ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs available to ! public ! foll[+3 7#a7 ,data files t conta9 in=mation on rese>* ( ! ,dep>tm5t4 7#b7 ,a data diction>y on ea* data file4 7#c7 ,in/ructions = h[ to obta9 access to ea* data file = use 9 rese>*4 7b7 ,public access to manuscripts on ,dep>tm5t fund$ rese>* 7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,beg9n+ n lat] ?an #edj days aft] ! effective date specifi$ 9 subsection 7e71 ! ,secret>y %all require1 z a condition on ! use ( any data ga!r$ or =mulat$ f rese>* fund$ by ! ,dep>tm5t1 t any f9al1 pe]-review$ manuscript prep>$ = publication t uses su* data be submitt$ to ! ,secret>y = deposit 9 ! digital ar*ive "u p>agraph 7#b7 & publication "u p>agraph 7#c74 7#b7 ,digital ar*ive ,n lat] ?an #edj days aft] ! effective date specifi$ 9 subsection 7e71 ! ,secret>y %all-- 7,a7 e/abli% a digital ar*ive consi/+ ( manuscripts describ$ 9 p>agraph 7#a72 or 7,b7 p>tn] ) ano!r executive ag5cy to compile su* manuscripts 9 a digital ar*ive4 7#c7 ,public availability 7,a7 ,availability ( ar*ive ,! ,secret>y %all ensure t ! digital ar*ive "u p>agraph 7#b7 & ! cont5ts ( su* ar*ive are available to ! public via a publicly accessible ,int]net website at no co/ to ! public4 7,b7 ,availability ( manuscripts ,! ,secret>y %all ensure t ea* manuscript submitt$ to ! ,secret>y "u p>agraph 7#a7 is available to ! public "u subp>agraph 7,a7 n lat] ?an "o ye> aft] ! (ficial date on :i* ! manuscript is o!rwise publi%$4 7#d7 ,consi/5t ) copyright law ,! ,secret>y %all c>ry out ?is subsection 9 a mann] consi/5t ) applicable copyright law4 7#e7 ,annual report 7,a7 ,9 g5]al ,n lat] ?an "o ye> aft] ! date ! ,secret>y beg9s mak+ manuscripts available to ! public "u ?is subsection & n less frequ5tly ?an once ea* ye> !reaft]1 ! ,secret>y %all submit to ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,s5ate & ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives a report on ! implem5tation ( ?is subsection dur+ ! mo/ rec5t "o-ye> p]iod4 7,b7 ,cont5ts ,ea* report submitt$ "u subp>agraph 7,a7 %all include = ! p]iod ( ! report3 7i7 ,! numb] ( manuscripts submitt$ "u p>agraph 7#a74 7ii7 ,! titles ( su* manuscripts4 7iii7 ,! au?ors ( su* manuscripts4 7iv7 ,= ea* su* manuscript1 ! "n & issue numb] or volume numb]1 z ! case may be1 ( ! j\rnal or o!r publication 9 :i* su* manuscript 0 publi%$4 7c7 ,recomm5dations = data %>+ betwe5 ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs & ,dep>tm5t ( ,def5se ,n lat] ?an "o ye> aft] ! effective date specifi$ 9 subsection 7e71 ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs-,dep>tm5t ( ,def5se ,jo9t ,executive ,committee e/abli%$ by section #cbj7;a7 ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 %all submit to ! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs & ! ,secret>y ( ,def5se options & recomm5dations = ! e/abli%m5t ( a program = long-t]m coop]ation & data %>+ betwe5 & )9 ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs & ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,def5se to facilitate rese>* on outcomes ( milit>y s]vice1 readju/m5t aft] combat deploym5t1 & o!r topics ( importance to ! foll[+3 7#a7 ,vet]ans4 7#b7 ,memb]s ( ! ,arm$ ,=ces4 7#c7 ,family memb]s ( vet]ans4 7#d7 ,family memb]s ( memb]s ( ! ,arm$ ,=ces4 7#e7 ,memb]s ( communities t h a significant population ( vet]ans or memb]s ( ! ,arm$ ,=ces4 7d7 ,executive ag5cy def9$ ,9 ?is section1 ! t]m executive ag5cy has ! mean+ giv5 t t]m 9 section #acc ( title #da1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code4 7e7 ,effective date ,?is section %all take effect on ! date t is "o ye> aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act4 #dje4 ,budget transp>5cy = outrea* activities ( ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs 7a7 ,9 g5]al ,*apt] #fc is am5d$ by ins]t+ aft] section #fcjh ! foll[+ new section3 #fcji4 ,budget transp>5cy 7a7 ,budget requirem5ts ,9 ! budget ju/ification mat]ials submitt$ to ,congress 9 support ( ! ,dep>tm5t budget = a fiscal ye> 7z submitt$ ) ! budget ( ! ,presid5t "u section #aaje7;a7 ( title #ca71 ! ,secret>y %all include a sep>ate /atem5t ( ! am\nt reque/$ = su* fiscal ye> = activities ( ! ,(fice ( ,public & ,int]gov]nm5tal ,affairs z foll[s3 7#a7 ,= outrea* activities ( ! ,dep>tm5t 9 aggregate4 7#b7 ,= outrea* activities ( ea* elem5t ( ! ,dep>tm5t specifi$ 9 subsection 7b77#a74 7b7 ,proc$ures = effective coord9ation & collaboration 7#a7 ,n lat] ?an #ahj days aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ! ,vet]ans ,heal? & ,b5efits ,improvem5t ,act ( #bjac1 ! ,secret>y %all e/abli% & ma9ta9 proc$ures = ! ,(fice ( ,public & ,int]gov]nm5tal ,affairs to ensure ! effective coord9ation & collaboration ( outrea* activities ( ! ,dep>tm5t betwe5 & among ! foll[+3 7,a7 ,(fice ( ! ,secret>y4 7,b7 ,vet]ans ,heal? ,adm9i/ration4 7,c7 ,vet]ans ,b5efits ,adm9i/ration4 7,d7 ,national ,cemet]y ,adm9i/ration4 7#b7 ,! ,secret>y %all-- 7,a7 beg9n+ aft] ! date on :i* ! ,secret>y e/abli%es proc$ures "u p>agraph 7#a71 n less frequ5tly ?an once e two ye>s conduct a review ( ! proc$ures e/abli%$ & ma9ta9$ "u p>agraph 7#a7 to ensure t su* proc$ures meet ! requirem5ts ( su* p>agraph2 7,b7 make su* modifications to su* proc$ures z ! ,secret>y consid]s appropriate bas$ ^u reviews conduct$ "u subp>agraph 7,a7 9 ord] to bett] meet su* requirem5ts2 & 7,c7 n lat] ?an #de days aft] complet+ a review "u subp>agraph 7,a71 submit to ,congress a report on ! f9d+s ( su* review4 4 7b7 ,cl]ical am5dm5t ,! table ( sections at ! beg9n+ ( *apt] #fc is am5d$ by ins]t+ aft] ! item relat+ to section #fcjh ! foll[+ new item3 #fcji4 ,budget transp>5cy4 4 #djf4 ,comptroll] g5]al report on advisory committees ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs 7a7 ,9 g5]al ,n lat] ?an "o ye> aft] ! effective date specifi$ 9 subsection 7c71 ! ,comptroll] ,g5]al %all submit to ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,s5ate & ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives a report on ! advisory committees ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs4 7b7 ,cont5ts ,! report requir$ by subsection 7a7-- 7#a7 %all include-- 7,a7 recomm5dations or proposals = cont9u+1 modify+1 or t]m9at+ c]ta9 advisory committees1 includ+ not+ areas ( ov]lap & duplication among ! advisory committees2 & 7,b7 su* o!r in=mation z ! ,comptroll] ,g5]al consid]s appropriate2 & 7#b7 may include-- 7,a7 a description ( ea* advisory committee1 includ+ ) respect to ea* committee-- 7i7 ! purpose ( ! committee2 7ii7 ! comm5cem5t date ( ! committee2 & 7iii7 ! anticipat$ t]m9ation date ( ! committee2 7,b7 a summ>y ( ! anticipat$ exp5ses & ! actual exp5ses incurr$ = ea* advisory committee dur+ ! mo/ rec5t ?ree fiscal ye>s end+ be=e ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act2 & 7,c7 ) respect to meet+s held by ea* advisory committee-- 7i7 ! frequ5cy ) :i* ea* committee has met dur+ ! %ort] (-- 7,i7 ! mo/ rec5t ?ree fiscal ye>s end+ be=e ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act2 & 7,,ii7 ! life ( ! committee2 7ii7 ! date ( ! mo/ rec5t meet+ held by ! committee be=e su* date ( enactm5t2 & 7iii7 ! date ( ! mo/ rec5t report or o!r writt5 product develop$ by ! committee be=e su* date ( enactm5t4 7c7 ,effective date ,?is section %all take effect on ! date t is "o ye> aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act4 ,v ,improvem5t ( ,process+ ( ,claims = ,comp5sation ,a ,claims ,bas$ on ,milit>y ,sexual ,trauma #eja4 ,m$ical exam9ation & op9ion = disability comp5sation claims bas$ on milit>y sexual trauma 7a7 ,9 g5]al ,section #eajc;,a7d7 is am5d$ by add+ at ! end ! foll[+ new p>agraph3 7#c7 7,a7 ,9 ! case ( a claim = disability comp5sation bas$ on a m5tal heal? condition relat$ to milit>y sexual trauma1 ! ,secret>y %all treat an exam9ation or op9ion z be+ necess>y to make a decision on a claim = purposes ( p>agraph 7#a7 if ! evid5ce ( record be=e ! ,secret>y1 tak+ into consid]ation all in=mation & lay or m$ical evid5ce 7includ+ /atem5ts ( ! claimant7-- 7i7 7,i7 conta9s compet5t evid5ce t ! claimant has a curr5t disability1 or p]si/5t or recurr5t symptoms ( disability2 & 7,,ii7 indicates t ! disability or symptoms may be associat$ ) ! claimant's active milit>y1 naval1 or air s]vice2 b 7ii7 does n conta9 a diagnosis or op9ion by a m5tal heal? pr(essional t may assi/ 9 corroborat+ ! occurr5ce ( a milit>y sexual trauma /ressor relat$ to a diagnosable m5tal heal? condition4 7,b7 ,9 ?is p>agraph1 ! t]m milit>y sexual trauma %all h ! mean+ specifi$ by ! ,secret>y = purposes ( ?is p>agraph1 & %all include sexual h>assm5t 7z s specifi$74 4 7b7 ,report ,n lat] ?an #ah mon?s aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act1 ! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs %all submit to ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,s5ate & ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives a report on ! numb] ( exam9ations & op9ions conduct$ by ! ,secret>y pursuant to p>agraph 7#c7 ( section #eajc;,a7d7 ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code 7z add$ by subsection 7a771 includ+ ! foll[+3 7#a7 ,! numb] ( exam9ations conduct$ us+ a /&>diz$ disability assessm5t4 7#b7 ,! numb] ( exam9ations conduct$ us+ a non-/&>diz$ cl9ical int]view4 #ejb4 ,case repres5tative (fic]s = milit>y sexual trauma support 7a7 ,9 g5]al ,! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs %all assign to ea* individual seek+ comp5sation "u ! laws adm9i/]$ by ! ,secret>y bas$ on milit>y sexual trauma a case repres5tative (fic] :o %all provide advice & g5]al in=mation to su* individual on ! claims process = su* comp5sation4 ,ea* case repres5tative (fic] s assign$ %all be assign$ f among curr5t p]sonnel ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs4 7b7 ,liaison ,a case repres5tative (fic] assign$ to an individual "u subsection 7a7 %all be responsible = s]v+ z a liaison betwe5 ! individual1 an au?oriz$ ag5t or attorney ( ! individual "u section #eijd ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 or an o!rwise accr$it$ repres5tative ( ! individual1 & ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs on matt]s relat+ to ! claim ( ! individual = comp5sation "u ! laws adm9i/]$ by ! ,secret>y4 7c7 ,case repres5tative (fic] requirem5ts 7#a7 ,compet5ce & k ,ea* case repres5tative (fic] assign$ "u subsection 7a7 %all be compet5t & kn[l$geable ab\t ! foll[+3 7,a7 ,! claims adjudication process & applicable laws1 regulations1 & o!r au?ority applicable to ! adjudication ( disability claims bas$ on milit>y sexual trauma4 7,b7 ,su* o!r s]vices to victims ( sexual trauma z ! ,secret>y consid]s appropriate4 7#b7 ,limitation on numb] ( individuals to :i* assign$ ,a case repres5tative (fic] may n be assign$ to m individuals describ$ 9 subsection 7a7 ?an1 z det]m9$ by ! ,secret>y1 is appropriate = ! provision ( individual case managem5t assi/ance by su* (fic]4 7d7 ,in=mation on b5efits & programs relat+ to milit>y sexual trauma 7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,! ,secret>y %all make available to ! public in=mation on ! availability ( case repres5tative (fic]s "u subsection 7a7 to assi/ 9 ! application = b5efits bas$ on milit>y sexual trauma4 ,! ,secret>y %all revise & update ! in=mation s made available 9 ord] to ensure t ! in=mation is z curr5t z possible4 7#b7 ,individuals sep>at+ f milit>y s]vice ,! ,secret>y %all1 9 consultation ) ! ,secret>y ( ,def5se1 ensure t individuals :o are be+ sep>at$ f ! active milit>y1 naval1 or air s]vice are provid$ appropriate in=mation ab\t programs1 requirem5ts1 & proc$ures = apply+ = b5efits bas$ on milit>y sexual trauma & ! availability ( case repres5tative (fic]s "u subsection 7a74 7e7 ,in=mation on tra9+ = ag5ts & repres5tatives ( individuals assign$ case repres5tative (fic] ,! ,secret>y %all make available to ! au?oriz$ ag5t or attorney ( an individual assign$ a case repres5tative "u subsection 7a71 or to ! o!rwise accr$it$ repres5tative ( ! individual1 any relevant mat]ials us$ to tra9 su* case repres5tative (fic] = ! duties ( su* position4 7f7 ,advisory ,committee on ,wom5 ,vet]ans consid]ation ( me*anisms ,to enhance coord9ation betwe5 ,,vba & ,,vha on b5efits = milit>y sexual trauma ,! ,advisory ,committee on ,wom5 ,vet]ans e/abli%$ "u section #edb ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 %all und]take actions to id5tify me*anisms to enhance coord9ation betwe5 ! ,vet]ans ,b5efits ,adm9i/ration & ! ,vet]ans ,heal? ,adm9i/ration 9 ! provision ( b5efits bas$ on milit>y sexual trauma1 includ+ ! id5tification ( b>ri]s to ! appropriate provision ( b5efits = milit>y sexual trauma by su* ,adm9i/rations & ( means ( elim9at+ or r$uc+ su* b>ri]s4 7g7 ,annual reports ,n less frequ5tly ?an annually1 ! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs %all submit to ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,s5ate & ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives a report sett+ =? ! foll[+3 7#a7 ,a c]tification :e!r or n ! case repres5tative (fic]s assign$ "u subsection 7a7 dur+ ! prec$+ ye> met ! requirem5ts specifi$ 9 subsection 7c74 7#b7 ,a description ( ! curr5t tra9+ ! ,secret>y provides to employees ( ! ,vet]ans ,b5efits ,adm9i/ration on claims = b5efits bas$ on milit>y sexual trauma1 includ+ ! frequ5cy1 l5g?1 & cont5t ( su* tra9+4 7#c7 ,a description ( curr5t policies & proc$ures on ! tra9+ ! ,secret>y provides to case repres5tative (fic]s1 includ+ ! curr5t position descriptions = case repres5tative (fic]s4 7#d7 ,a description ( curr5t ef=ts to coord9ate activities & assi/ance provid$ to individuals :o seek c>e or b5efits = milit>y sexual trauma betwe5 ! ,vet]ans ,heal? ,adm9i/ration & ,vet]ans ,b5efits ,adm9i/ration1 includ+ ! ef=ts ( ! ,advisory ,committee on ,wom5 ,vet]ans "u subsection 7f74 7h7 ,sunset 7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,no case repres5tative (fic] may be assign$ "u subsection 7a7 aft] ,decemb] #ca1 #bjah4 7#b7 ,cont9uation ( duties aft] sunset date ,p>agraph 7#a7 %all n be con/ru$ to prohibit any case repres5tative (fic] assign$ to an individual be=e ! date specifi$ 9 t p>agraph f p]=m+ duties pursuant to ?is section aft] t date ) respect to a claim = :i* t case repres5tative (fic] 0 assign$ to su* individual be=e t date4 7i7 ,def9itions ,9 ?is section3 7#a7 ,active milit>y1 naval1 or air s]vice ,! t]m active milit>y1 naval1 or air s]vice has ! mean+ giv5 t t]m 9 section #aja ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code4 7#b7 ,milit>y sexual trauma ,! t]m milit>y sexual trauma %all h ! mean+ specifi$ by ! ,secret>y = purposes ( ?is section1 & %all include sexual h>assm5t 7z s specifi$74 #ejc4 ,report on /&>d ( pro( = s]vice-connection ( m5tal heal? conditions relat$ to milit>y sexual trauma 7a7 ,9 g5]al ,n lat] ?an #ij days aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act1 ! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs %all submit to ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,s5ate & ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives a report on ! curr5t /&>d ( pro( = s]vice-connection "u *apt] #aa ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 = cov]$ m5tal heal? conditions bas$ on milit>y sexual trauma4 7b7 ,recomm5dations ,! ,secret>y %all include 9 ! report "u subsection 7a7 any recomm5dations ! ,secret>y consid]s appropriate to improve ! adjudication ( claims = comp5sation bas$ on milit>y sexual trauma1 includ+-- 7#a7 recomm5dations = an appropriate /&>d ( pro( = su* claims if ! ,secret>y consid]s su* recomm5dations advisable2 & 7#b7 recomm5dations = legislative action1 if necess>y1 to c>ry out su* improvem5t4 7c7 ,def9itions ,9 ?is section3 7#a7 ,active milit>y1 naval1 or air s]vice ,! t]m active milit>y1 naval1 or air s]vice has ! mean+ giv5 t t]m 9 section #aja ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code4 7#b7 ,cov]$ m5tal heal? condition ,! t]m cov]$ m5tal heal? condition means po/-traumatic /ress disord]1 anxiety1 depression1 or o!r m5tal heal? diagnosis t ! ,secret>y det]m9es to be relat$ to milit>y sexual trauma4 7#c7 ,milit>y sexual trauma ,! t]m milit>y sexual trauma %all h ! mean+ specifi$ by ! ,secret>y = purposes ( ?is section1 & %all include sexual h>assm5t 7z s specifi$74 #ejd4 ,reports on claims = disabilities incurr$ or aggravat$ by milit>y sexual trauma 7a7 ,reports ,n lat] ?an ,decemb] #a1 #bjad1 & ea* ye> !reaft] ?r\gh #bjah1 ! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs %all submit to ,congress a report on ! cov]$ claims submitt$ to ! ,secret>y dur+ ! previ\s fiscal ye>4 7b7 ,elem5ts ,ea* report "u subsection 7a7 %all include ! foll[+3 7#a7 ,! numb] ( cov]$ claims submitt$ to or consid]$ by ! ,secret>y dur+ ! fiscal ye> cov]$ by ! report4 7#b7 ,( ! cov]$ claims "u p>agraph 7#a71 ! numb] & p]c5tage ( su* claims-- 7,a7 submitt$ by ea* g5d]2 7,b7 t 7 approv$1 includ+ ! numb] & p]c5tage ( su* approv$ claims submitt$ by ea* g5d]2 & 7,c7 t 7 d5i$1 includ+ ! numb] & p]c5tage ( su* d5i$ claims submitt$ by ea* g5d]4 7#c7 ,( ! cov]$ claims "u p>agraph 7#a7 t 7 approv$1 ! numb] & p]c5tage1 li/$ by ea* g5d]1 ( claims assign$ to ea* rat+ p]c5tage ( disability4 7#d7 ,( ! cov]$ claims "u p>agraph 7#a7 t 7 d5i$-- 7,a7 ! ?ree mo/ common reasons giv5 by ! ,secret>y "u section #eajd7;b77#a7 ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 = su* d5ials2 & 7,b7 ! numb] ( d5ials t 7 bas$ on ! failure ( a vet]an to report = a m$ical exam9ation4 7#e7 ,( ! cov]$ claims "u p>agraph 7#a7 t 7 resubmitt$ to ! ,secret>y aft] d5ial 9 a previ\s adjudication-- 7,a7 ! numb] ( su* claims submitt$ to or consid]$ by ! ,secret>y dur+ ! fiscal ye> cov]$ by ! report2 7,b7 ! numb] & p]c5tage ( su* claims-- 7i7 submitt$ by ea* g5d]2 7ii7 t 7 approv$1 includ+ ! numb] & p]c5tage ( su* approv$ claims submitt$ by ea* g5d]2 & 7iii7 t 7 d5i$1 includ+ ! numb] & p]c5tage ( su* d5i$ claims submitt$ by ea* g5d]2 7,c7 ! numb] & p]c5tage1 li/$ by ea* g5d]1 ( claims assign$ to ea* rat+ p]c5tage ( disability2 & 7,d7 ( su* claims t 7 aga9 d5i$-- 7i7 ! ?ree mo/ common reasons giv5 by ! ,secret>y "u section #eajd7;b77#a7 ( su* title = su* d5ials2 & 7ii7 ! numb] ( d5ials t 7 bas$ on ! failure ( a vet]an to report = a m$ical exam9ation4 7#f7 ,! numb] ( cov]$ claims t1 z ( ! end ( ! fiscal ye> cov]$ by ! report1 are p5d+ &1 sep>ately1 ! numb] ( su* claims on appeal4 7#g7 ,= ! fiscal ye> cov]$ by ! report1 ! av]age numb] ( days t cov]$ claims take to complete beg9n+ on ! date on :i* ! claim is submitt$4 7c7 ,def9itions ,9 ?is section3 7#a7 ,active milit>y1 naval1 or air s]vice ,! t]m active milit>y1 naval1 or air s]vice has ! mean+ giv5 t t]m 9 section #aja ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code4 7#b7 ,cov]$ claims ,! t]m cov]$ claims means claims = disability comp5sation submitt$ to ! ,secret>y bas$ on po/ traumatic /ress disord] alleg$ to h be5 incurr$ or aggravat$ by milit>y sexual trauma4 7#c7 ,milit>y sexual trauma ,! t]m milit>y sexual trauma %all h ! mean+ specifi$ by ! ,secret>y = purposes ( ?is section1 & %all include sexual h>assm5t 7z s specifi$74 ,b ,ag5cy ( ,orig9al ,jurisdiction #eaa4 ,work+ gr\p to improve employee "w cr$it & "w managem5t sy/ems ( ,vet]ans ,b5efits ,adm9i/ration 9 an electronic environm5t 7a7 ,e/abli%m5t ,n lat] ?an #ij days aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act1 ! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs %all e/abli% a work+ gr\p to assess & develop recomm5dations = ! improvem5t ( ! employee "w cr$it & "w managem5t sy/ems ( ! ,vet]ans ,b5efits ,adm9i/ration 9 an electronic environm5t4 7b7 ,composition ,! work+ gr\p %all be compos$ ( ! foll[+3 7#a7 ,! ,secret>y or ! ,secret>y's designee4 7#b7 ,individuals select$ by ! ,secret>y f among employees ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs :o h&le claims = comp5sation & p5sion b5efits & are recomm5d$ to ! ,secret>y by a labor organization = purposes ( ?is section1 includ+ at lea/ "o ( ea* ( ! foll[+ individuals3 7,a7 ,a vet]ans s]vice repres5tative4 7,b7 ,a rat+ vet]ans s]vice repres5tative4 7,c7 ,a decision review (fic]4 7#c7 ,n few] ?an ?ree individuals select$ by ! ,secret>y to repres5t diff]5t organizations recogniz$ by ! ,secret>y = ! repres5tation ( vet]ans "u section #eijb ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code4 7#d7 ,individuals select$ by ! ,secret>y-- 7,a7 t are n employees ( ! ,dep>tm5t2 & 7,b7 t are exp]ts 9 "w cr$it & "w managem5t sy/ems4 7c7 ,duties ,! duties ( ! work+ gr\p are to assess & develop recomm5dations = ! foll[+3 7#a7 ,! improvem5t ( ! employee "w cr$it & "w managem5t sy/ems ( ! ,vet]ans ,b5efits ,adm9i/ration 9 an electronic environm5t4 7#b7 ,a sci5tific1 data bas$ me?odology to be us$ 9 revis+ ! employee "w cr$it sy/em ( ! ,dep>tm5t to improve ! quality & quantity ( "w produc$ by employees ( ! ,dep>tm5t4 7#c7 ,! improvem5t ( ! res\rce allocation model ( ! ,vet]ans ,b5efits ,adm9i/ration1 ) a focus on ! process+ ( claims 9 an electronic environm5t4 7#d7 ,a s*$ule by :i* ! revisions ref]r$ to 9 p>agraph 7#b7 w be implem5t$ by ! ,dep>tm5t4 7d7 ,review & incorporation ( f9d+s f prior /udy ,9 c>ry+ out its duties "u subsection 7c71 ! work+ gr\p %all review ! f9d+s & conclusions ( previ\s /udies ( ! employee "w cr$it & "w managem5t sy/ems ( ! ,vet]ans ,b5efits ,adm9i/ration4 7e7 ,role ( ! ,secret>y ,! ,secret>y %all consid] ! recomm5dations ( ! work+ gr\p & implem5t su* recomm5dations z ! ,secret>y det]m9es appropriate4 7f7 ,reports 7#a7 ,int]im report ,n lat] ?an #ahj days aft] ! date ( ! e/abli%m5t ( ! work+ gr\p1 ! work+ gr\p %all submit to ,congress a report on ! progress ( ! work+ gr\p4 7#b7 ,f9al report ,n lat] ?an "o ye> aft] ! date ( ! e/abli%m5t ( ! work+ gr\p1 ! ,secret>y %all submit to ,congress ! me?odology describ$ 9 subsection 7c77#b7 & ! s*$ule describ$ 9 subsection 7c77#d7 t ! ,secret>y has decid$ to implem5t pursuant to subsection 7e74 7g7 ,implem5tation ( me?odology & s*$ule ,aft] submitt+ ! report "u subsection 7f71 ! ,secret>y %all take su* actions z may be necess>y to apply ! me?odology describ$ 9 subsection 7c77#b7 & ! s*$ule describ$ 9 subsection 7c77#d7 t ! ,secret>y has decid$ to implem5t pursuant to subsection 7e74 #eab4 ,task =ce on ret5tion & tra9+ ( ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs claims processors & adjudicators 7a7 ,e/abli%m5t ,! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs %all e/abli% a task =ce to assess ret5tion & tra9+ ( claims processors & adjudicators t are employ$ by ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs & o!r dep>tm5ts & ag5cies ( ! ,f$]al ,gov]nm5t4 7b7 ,composition ,! task =ce %all be compos$ ( ! foll[+3 7#a7 ,! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs or designee4 7#b7 ,! ,director ( ! ,(fice ( ,p]sonnel ,managem5t or designee4 7#c7 ,! ,commission] ( ,social ,security or designee4 7#d7 ,an individual select$ by ! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs :o repres5ts an organization recogniz$ by ! ,secret>y = ! repres5tation ( vet]ans "u section #eijb ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code4 7#e7 ,su* o!r individuals select$ by ! ,secret>y :o repres5t su* o!r organizations & in/itutions z ! ,secret>y consid]s appropriate4 7c7 ,duration ,! task =ce e/abli%$ "u subsection 7a7 %all t]m9ate n lat] ?an two ye>s aft] ! date on :i* ! task =ce is e/abli%$ "u su* subsection4 7d7 ,duties ,! duties ( ! task =ce are z foll[s3 7#a7 ,to id5tify key skills requir$ by claims processors & adjudicators to p]=m ! duties ( claims processors & adjudicators 9 ! v>i\s claims process+ & adjudication positions ?r\gh\t ! ,f$]al ,gov]nm5t4 7#b7 ,to id5tify reasons = employee attrition f claims process+ positions4 7#c7 ,to coord9ate ) educational in/itutions to develop tra9+ & programs ( education = memb]s ( ! ,arm$ ,=ces to prep>e su* memb]s = employm5t 9 claims process+ & adjudication positions 9 ! ,f$]al ,gov]nm5t4 7#d7 ,to id5tify & coord9ate (fices ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,def5se & ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs locat$ ?r\gh\t ! ,unit$ ,/ates to provide in=mation ab\t1 & promotion (1 available claims process+ positions to memb]s ( ! ,arm$ ,=ces transition+ to civilian life & to vet]ans ) disabilities4 7#e7 ,to e/abli% p]=mance measures to evaluate ! effectiv5ess ( ! task =ce4 7#f7 ,n lat] ?an "o ye> aft] ! date ( ! e/abli%m5t ( ! task =ce1 to develop a ,gov]nm5t-wide /rategic & op]ational plan = promot+ employm5t ( vet]ans 9 claims process+ positions 9 ! ,f$]al ,gov]nm5t4 7#g7 ,to e/abli% p]=mance measures to assess ! plan develop$ "u p>agraph 7#f71 to assess ! implem5tation ( su* plan1 & to revise su* plan z ! task =ce consid]s appropriate4 7e7 ,reports 7#a7 ,submittal ( plan ,n lat] ?an "o ye> aft] ! date ( ! e/abli%m5t ( ! task =ce1 ! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs %all submit to ,congress a report on ! plan develop$ by ! task =ce "u subsection 7d77#f74 7#b7 ,assessm5t ( implem5tation ,n lat] ?an #abj days aft] ! t]m9ation ( ! task =ce1 ! ,secret>y %all submit to ,congress a report t assesses ! implem5tation ( ! plan develop$ by ! task =ce "u subsection 7d77#f74 #eac4 ,reports on reque/s by ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs = records ( o!r ,f$]al ag5cies 7a7 ,reports requir$ ,n lat] ?an #ahj days aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act1 & e #ahj days !reaft] ?r\gh ! date t is #iaj days aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act1 ! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs %all submit to ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,s5ate & ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives a report on ! attempts ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs to obta9 records necess>y to adjudicate claims = b5efits f ano!r dep>tm5t or ag5cy ( ! ,f$]al ,gov]nm5t dur+ ! #ahj-;day p]iod end+ on ! date ( su* report4 7b7 ,elem5ts 7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,ea* report %all set =? ! foll[+3 7,a7 ,= ! p]iod cov]$ by su* report1 ! foll[+3 7i7 ,! total numb] ( reque/s made by ! ,dep>tm5t4 7ii7 ,! types ( records reque/$4 7iii7 ,! numb] ( reque/s made be=e ! receipt ( ea* record4 7iv7 ,! am\nt ( "t betwe5 ! initial reque/ = ea* record & ! receipt ( ea* record4 7v7 ,! numb] ( occurr5ces ( ! receipt ( a record aft] ! adjudication ( ! claim = :i* ! record 0 s\ght4 7vi7 ,a description ( ! ef=ts ( ! ,secret>y to exp$ite ! deliv]y ( records to ! ,dep>tm5t f o!r dep>tm5ts & ag5cies ( ! ,f$]al ,gov]nm5t4 7,b7 ,su* recomm5dations = legislative or adm9i/rative action z ! ,secret>y consid]s appropriate 9 light ( su* report4 7#b7 ,pres5tation ,! in=mation 9 a report "u clause 7i7 ?r\gh 7v7 ( p>agraph 7#a77;,a7 %all be set =? sep>ately = ea* dep>tm5t & ag5cy ( ! ,f$]al ,gov]nm5t cov]$ by su* report4 #ead4 ,recognition ( repres5tatives ( ,indian tribes 9 ! prep>ation1 pres5tation1 & prosecution ( claims "u laws adm9i/]$ by ! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs ,section #eijb7;a77#a7 is am5d$ by ins]t+ 1 includ+ ,indian tribes 7z def9$ 9 section #d ( ! ,indian ,self-,det]m9ation & ,education ,assi/ance ,act 7#be ,u4,s4,c4 #dej;b77 aft] z ! ,secret>y may approve4 #eae4 ,program on p>ticipation ( local & tribal gov]nm5ts 9 improv+ quality ( claims = disability comp5sation submitt$ to ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs 7a7 ,program requir$ ,! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs %all c>ry out a program to assess ! feasibility & advisability ( ent]+ into memor&a ( und]/&+ ) local gov]nm5ts & tribal organizations-- 7#a7 to improve ! quality ( claims submitt$ to ! ,secret>y = comp5sation "u *apt] #aa ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 & p5sion "u *apt] #ae ( su* title2 & 7#b7 to provide assi/ance to vet]ans :o may be eligible = su* comp5sation or p5sion 9 submitt+ su* claims4 7b7 ,m9imum numb] ( p>ticipat+ tribal organizations ,9 c>ry+ out ! program requir$ by subsection 7a71 ! ,secret>y %all ent] into1 or ma9ta9 exi/+1 memor&a ( und]/&+ ) at lea/-- 7#a7 two tribal organizations2 & 7#b7 #aj ,/ate or local gov]nm5ts4 7c7 ,duration ,! program %all be c>ri$ out dur+ ! two-ye> p]iod beg9n+ on ! date ( ! comm5cem5t ( ! program4 7d7 ,report 7#a7 ,initial report ,n lat] ?an "o ye> aft] ! date ( ! comm5cem5t ( ! program1 ! ,secret>y %all submit to ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,s5ate & ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives a report t includes ! foll[+3 7,a7 ,a description ( ! implem5tation & op]ation ( ! program1 includ+ a description ( outrea* conduct$ by ! ,secret>y to tribal organizations & ,/ate & local gov]nm5ts4 7,b7 ,an evaluation ( ! program1 includ+ ! total numb] ( memor&a ( und]/&+ ent]$ into or ma9ta9$ by ! ,secret>y4 7#b7 ,f9al report ,n lat] ?an #ahj days aft] ! t]m9ation ( ! program1 ! ,secret>y %all submit to ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,s5ate & ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives a report t includes ! foll[+3 7,a7 ,a description ( ! implem5tation & op]ation ( ! program1 includ+ a description ( outrea* conduct$ by ! ,secret>y to tribal organizations & ,/ate & local gov]nm5ts4 7,b7 ,an evaluation ( ! program1 includ+ ! total numb] ( memor&a ( und]/&+ ent]$ into or ma9ta9$ by ! ,secret>y4 7,c7 ,! f9d+s & conclusions ( ! ,secret>y ) respect to ! program4 7,d7 ,su* recomm5dations = cont9uation or expansion ( ! program z ! ,secret>y consid]s appropriate4 7e7 ,tribal organization def9$ ,9 ?is section1 ! t]m tribal organization has ! mean+ giv5 t t]m 9 section #cgfe ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code4 #eaf4 ,qu>t]ly reports on progress ( ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs 9 elim9at+ backlog ( claims = comp5sation t h n be5 adjudicat$ 7a7 ,9 g5]al ,n lat] ?an #ij days aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act & n less frequ5tly ?an qu>t]ly !reaft] ?r\gh cal5d> ye> #bjae1 ! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs %all submit to ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,s5ate & ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives a report on ! backlog ( claims fil$ ) ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs = comp5sation t h n be5 adjudicat$ by ! ,dep>tm5t4 7b7 ,cont5ts ,ea* report submitt$ "u subsection 7a7 %all include ! foll[+3 7#a7 ,= ea* mon? ?r\gh cal5d> ye> #bjae1 a projection ( ! foll[+3 7,a7 ,! numb] ( claims complet$4 7,b7 ,! numb] ( claims receiv$4 7,c7 ,! numb] ( claims on backlog at ! end ( ! mon?4 7,d7 ,! numb] ( claims p5d+ at ! end ( ! mon?4 7,e7 ,! numb] ( appeals p5d+ at ! end ( ! mon?4 7,f7 ,a description ( ! /atus ( ! implem5tation ( initiatives c>ri$ out by ! ,secret>y to address ! backlog1 includ+ ! expect$ impact ( ^? initiatives on accuracy & timel9ess ( adjudication ( claims4 7#b7 ,= ea* qu>t] ?r\gh cal5d> ye> #bjae1 a projection ( ! av]age accuracy ( disability det]m9ations = comp5sation claims t require a disability rat+ 7or disability decision74 7#c7 ,= ea* mon? dur+ ! mo/ rec5tly complet$ qu>t]1 ! foll[+3 7,a7 ,! numb] ( claims complet$4 7,b7 ,! numb] ( claims receiv$4 7,c7 ,! numb] ( claims on backlog at ! end ( ! mon?4 7,d7 ,! numb] ( claims p5d+ at ! end ( ! mon?4 7,e7 ,! numb] ( appeals p5d+ at ! end ( ! mon?4 7,f7 ,a description ( ! /atus ( ! implem5tation ( initiatives c>ri$ out by ! ,secret>y to address ! backlog1 includ+ ! impact ( ^? initiatives on accuracy & timel9ess ( adjudication ( claims4 7,g7 ,an assessm5t ( ! accuracy ( disability det]m9ations = comp5sation claims t require a disability rat+ 7or disability decision74 7#d7 ,= ! mo/ rec5tly complet$ qu>t]-- 7,a7 ! numb] ( cases physically receiv$ at ! ,bo>d ( ,vet]ans' ,appeals & docket$2 7,b7 ! numb] ( cases p5d+ at ! ,bo>d ( ,vet]ans' ,appeals at ! end ( ! qu>t]2 7,c7 ! numb] ( cases physically at ! ,bo>d ( ,vet]ans' ,appeals at ! end ( ! qu>t]2 7,d7 ! numb] ( notices ( disagreem5t & appeals fil$ to ! ag5cy ( orig9al jurisdiction ref]r$ to 9 section #gaje7;b77#a7 ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code2 & 7,e7 ! numb] ( decisions made by ! ,bo>d ( ,vet]ans' ,appeals & ! p]c5tage ( su* decisions t 7 all[$1 rem&$1 d5i$1 or o!rwise dispos$ (4 7c7 ,availability to public ,! ,secret>y %all make ea* report submitt$ "u subsection 7a7 available to ! public4 7d7 ,on backlog & p5d+ def9$ ,9 ?is section1 ! t]ms on backlog & p5d+1 ) respect to a claim = comp5sation receiv$ by ! ,secret>y1 %all h ! mean+ specifi$ by ! ,secret>y = purposes ( ?is section4 #eag4 ,reports on use ( exi/+ au?orities to exp$ite b5efits decisions 7a7 ,report on curr5t use ( tempor>y1 int]m$iate1 & provisional rat+ decisions 7#a7 ,report requir$ ,n lat] ?an #ahj days aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act1 ! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs %all submit to ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,s5ate & ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives a report on ! use ( tempor>y1 int]m$iate1 & provisional rat+ decisions to exp$ite ! b5efits decisions ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs4 7#b7 ,report elem5ts ,! report requir$ by p>agraph 7#a7 %all include ! foll[+3 7,a7 ,) respect to tempor>y & int]m$iate rat+ decisions1 ! foll[+3 7i7 ,! numb] ( tempor>y & int]m$iate rat+ decisions issu$ by ! ,dep>tm5t dur+ ea* ( fiscal ye>s #bjaa1 #bjab1 & #bjac4 7ii7 ,a description ( any reasons or ob/acles t prev5t use ( exi/+ au?orities to issue tempor>y or int]m$iate rat+ decisions4 7iii7 ,a description ( ! ,quick ,pay ,disability initiative1 includ+ ! rationale = n exp&+ ! initiative beyond pilot program /atus4 7,b7 ,) respect to provisional rat+ decisions1 ! foll[+3 7i7 ,! numb] ( provisional rat+ decisions issu$ by ! ,dep>tm5t dur+ ! olde/ claims fir/ initiative4 7ii7 ,( ! provisional rat+ decisions issu$ dur+ ! olde/ claims fir/ initiative-- 7,i7 ! numb] ( su* decisions t involv$ a claim grant$2 7,,ii7 ! numb] ( su* decisions t involv$ a claim d5i$2 & 7,,iii7 ! numb] ( su* decisions t involv$ a claim grant$ 9 "p or a claim d5i$ 9 "p4 7iii7 ,a /atem5t ( ! mo/ common reasons claims 7 n grant$ e>li] "u ! olde/ claims fir/ initiative :5 !re 0 suffici5t evid5ce to r5d] an aw>d ( b5efits 9 ! provisional rat+ decision4 7iv7 ,! av]age numb] ( days to issue a provisional rat+ decision "u ! olde/ claims fir/ initiative4 7v7 ,( ! total numb] ( decisions t 7 complet$ "u ! olde/ claims fir/ initiative-- 7,i7 ! numb] t 7 ,category #a claims & receiv$ a f9al rat+ decision2 & 7,,ii7 ! numb] t 7 ,category #b claims & receiv$ a provisional rat+ decision4 7vi7 ,! numb] ( rat+ decisions issu$ dur+ ! olde/ claims fir/ imitative t involv$ a brok]$ claim1 set =? by numb] ( su* claims by ,regional ,(fice ( ! ,dep>tm5t1 includ+-- 7,i7 ! numb] ( brok]$ claims receiv$ by ea* ,regional ,(fice2 & 7,,ii7 ! numb] ( brok]$ claims issu$ by ea* ,regional ,(fice4 7vii7 ,! numb] ( provisional rat+ decisions issu$ dur+ ! olde/ claims fir/ initiative ) respect to :i* ! vet]an reque/$ t ! provisional decision become f9al 9 ord] to appeal4 7viii7 ,! numb] ( provisional rat+ decisions issu$ dur+ ! olde/ claims fir/ initiative ) respect to :i* ! vet]an reque/$ an appeal aft] ! expiration ( ! #a-ye> p]iod beg9n+ on ! date ( notification ( ! provisional rat+ decision4 7ix7 ,an assessm5t ( ! accuracy ( provisional rat+ decisions issu$ dur+ ! olde/ claims fir/ initiative1 set =? by ,category #a claims & ,category #b claims4 7,c7 ,su* o!r matt]s z ! ,secret>y consid]s appropriate = purposes ( ! report4 7#c7 ,supplem5tal in=mation ,if ! ,secret>y cont9ues to obta9 in=mation on rat+ decisions "u clauses 7vii7 & 7viii7 ( p>agraph 7#b77;,b7 aft] ! date ( ! submittal ( ! report requir$ by p>agraph 7#a71 ! ,secret>y %all submit to ! committees ( ,congress ref]r$ to 9 p>agraph 7#a7 a report on su* in=mation t supplem5ts ! in=mation on su* clauses 9 ! report "u p>agraph 7#a7 :5 ! ,secret>y completes accumulation ( su* in=mation4 7b7 ,plan = increase 9 use ( tempor>y or int]m$iate rat+ decisions 7#a7 ,report on plan requir$ ,n lat] ?an #ahj days aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act1 ! ,secret>y %all submit to ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,s5ate & ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives a report sett+ =? a plan to increase ! use ( tempor>y or int]m$iate rat+ decisions to exp$ite b5efit decisions ( ! ,dep>tm5t :5 ! record conta9s suffici5t evid5ce to grant any claim at issue1 includ+ s]vice connection4 7#b7 ,plan elem5ts ,! plan requir$ "u p>agraph 7#a7 %all include ! foll[+3 7,a7 ,me*anisms to ov]come ob/acles to ! use ( tempor>y or int]m$iate rat+ decisions1 includ+ me*anisms 7su* z upgrades7 to assure ! ability ( ! ,vet]ans ,b5efits ,managem5t ,sy/em to facilitate ! issuance ( tempor>y or int]m$iate rat+ decisions4 7,b7 ,me*anisms to ensure t appropriate claimant populations1 su* z claimants :o file complex or multi-issue disability comp5sation claims1 b5efit f ! availability ( tempor>y or int]m$iate rat+ decisions4 7,c7 ,me*anisms to provide = ! use ( tempor>y or int]m$iate rat+ decisions1 includ+ me*anisms to resolve :e!r a reque/ by a claimant or claimant repres5tative %\ld trigg] use ( a tempor>y or int]m$iate rat+ decision dep5d+ on ! circum/ances ( ! claimant4 7,d7 ,me*anisms to prev5t ! use ( tempor>y or int]m$iate rat+ decisions 9 lieu ( a f9al rat+ decision :5 a f9al rat+ decision c\ld be made ) little or no additional claim developm5t4 7,e7 ,su* recomm5dations = legislative or adm9i/rative action z ! ,secret>y consid]s appropriate to increase ! use ( tempor>y or int]m$iate rat+ decisions to exp$ite b5efit decisions ( ! ,dep>tm5t4 #eah4 ,reports on ,dep>tm5t disability m$ical exam9ations & prev5tion ( unnecess>y m$ical exam9ations 7a7 ,report on disability m$ical exam9ations furni%$ by ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs 7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,n lat] ?an #ahj days aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act1 ! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs %all submit to ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,s5ate & ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives a report on ! furni%+ ( g5]al m$ical & specialty m$ical exam9ations by ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs = purposes ( adjudicat+ claims = b5efits "u laws adm9i/]$ by ! ,secret>y4 7#b7 ,cont5ts ,! report submitt$ "u p>agraph 7#a7 %all include ! foll[+3 7,a7 ,! numb] ( g5]al m$ical exam9ations furni%$ by ! ,dep>tm5t dur+ ! p]iod ( fiscal ye>s #bjji ?r\gh #bjab = purposes ( adjudicat+ claims = b5efits "u laws adm9i/]$ by ! ,secret>y4 7,b7 ,! numb] ( g5]al m$ical exam9ations furni%$ by ! ,dep>tm5t dur+ ! p]iod ( fiscal ye>s #bjji ?r\gh #bjab = purposes ( adjudicat+ a claim 9 :i* a compreh5sive jo9t exam9ation 0 conduct$1 b = :i* no disability relat+ to a jo9t1 bone1 or muscle _h be5 ass]t$ z an issue 9 ! claim4 7,c7 ,! numb] ( specialty m$ical exam9ations furni%$ by ! ,dep>tm5t dur+ ! p]iod ( fiscal ye>s #bjji ?r\gh #bjab = purposes ( adjudicat+ a claim4 7,d7 ,! numb] ( specialty m$ical exam9ations furni%$ by ! ,dep>tm5t dur+ ! p]iod ( fiscal ye>s #bjji ?r\gh #bjab = purposes ( adjudicat+ a claim 9 :i* "o or m jo9t exam9ations 7 conduct$4 7,e7 ,a summ>y ) citations to any m$ical & sci5tific /udies t provide a basis = det]m9+ t ?ree repetitions is adequate to det]m9e ! effect ( repetitive use on functional impairm5ts4 7,f7 ,! names ( all exam9ation reports1 includ+ g5]al m$ical exam9ations & ,disability ,b5efits ,que/ionnaires1 us$ = evaluation ( comp5sation & p5sion disability claims :i* require measurem5t ( repeat$ ranges ( motion te/+ & ! numb] ( exam9ations requir+ su* measurem5ts :i* 7 conduct$ 9 fiscal ye> #bjab4 7,g7 ,! av]age am\nt ( "t tak5 by an individual conduct+ a m$ical exam9ation to p]=m ! ?ree repetitions ( movem5t ( ea* jo9t4 7,h7 ,a discussion ( :e!r !re are m effici5t & effective sci5tifically reliable me?ods ( te/+ = functional loss on repetitive use ( an extremity o!r ?an ! ?ree "t repetition curr5tly us$ by ! ,dep>tm5t4 7,i7 ,recomm5dations z to ! cont9uation ( ! practice ( measur+ functional impairm5t by us+ ?ree repetitions ( movem5t ( ea* jo9t dur+ ! exam9ation z a crit]ia = evaluat+ ! effect ( repetitive motion on functional impairm5t ) support+ rationale4 7b7 ,report & plan to prev5t ! ord]+ ( unnecess>y m$ical exam9ations 7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,n lat] ?an #ahj days aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act1 ! ,secret>y %all submit to ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,s5ate & ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives a report on ! ef=ts ( ! ,secret>y 9 r$uc+ ! necessity = 9-p]son disability exam9ations & o!r ef=ts to comply ) ! provisions ( section #eabe ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code4 7#b7 ,cont5ts ,! report requir$ by p>agraph 7#a7 %all include ! foll[+3 7,a7 ,crit]ia us$ by ! ,secret>y to det]m9e if a claim is eligible = ! ,acceptable ,cl9ical ,evid5ce initiative4 7,b7 ,! numb] ( claims det]m9$ to be eligible = ! ,acceptable ,cl9ical ,evid5ce initiative dur+ ! p]iod beg9n+ on ! date ( ! initiation ( ! initiative & end+ on ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act1 disaggregat$-- 7i7 by fiscal ye>2 & 7ii7 by claims det]m9$ eligible bas$ 9 :ole or 9 "p on m$ical evid5ce provid$ by a private heal? c>e provid]4 7,c7 ,! total numb] ( claims det]m9$ to be eligible = ! ,acceptable ,cl9ical ,evid5ce initiative t requir$ an employee ( ! ,dep>tm5t to supplem5t ! evid5ce ) in=mation obta9$ dur+ a telephone int]view ) a claimant or heal? c>e provid]4 7,d7 ,in=mation on any o!r initiatives or ef=ts1 includ+ disability b5efits que/ionnaires1 ( ! ,dep>tm5t to fur!r enc\rage ! use ( m$ical evid5ce provid$ by a private heal? c>e provid] & reliance ^u reports ( a m$ical exam9ation adm9i/]$ by a private physician if ! report is suffici5tly complete to be adequate = ! purposes ( adjudicat+ a claim4 7,e7 ,a plan-- 7i7 to measure1 track1 & prev5t ! ord]+ ( unnecess>y m$ical exam9ations :5 ! provision by a claimant ( a m$ical exam9ation adm9i/]$ by a private physician 9 support ( a claim = b5efits "u *apt] #aa or #ae ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is adequate = ! purpose ( mak+ a decision on t claim2 & 7ii7 t includes ! actions ! ,secret>y w take to elim9ate any reque/ by ! ,dep>tm5t = a m$ical exam9ation 9 ! case ( a claim = b5efits "u *apt] #aa or #ae ( su* title 9 support ( :i* a claimant submits m$ical evid5ce or a m$ical op9ion provid$ by a private heal? c>e provid] t is compet5t1 cr$ible1 probative1 & o!rwise adequate = purposes ( mak+ a decision on t claim4 ,c ,bo>d ( ,vet]ans' ,appeals & ,c\rt ( ,appeals = ,vet]ans ,claims #eba4 ,treatm5t ( c]ta9 misfil$ docum5ts z a notice ( appeal to ! ,c\rt ( ,appeals = ,vet]ans ,claims ,section #gbff is am5d$ by add+ at ! end ! foll[+ new subsection3 7e7 7#a7 ,if a p]son adv]sely affect$ by a f9al decision ( ! ,bo>d1 :o has n fil$ a notice ( appeal ) ! ,unit$ ,/ates ,c\rt ( ,appeals = ,vet]ans ,claims "u subsection 7a71 misfiles a docum5t ) ! ,bo>d or ! ag5cy ( orig9al jurisdiction ref]r$ to 9 section #gaje7;b77#a7 ( ?is title t expresses disagreem5t ) su* decision & a cle> int5t to seek review ( su* decision by ! ,unit$ ,/ates ,c\rt ( ,appeals = ,vet]ans ,claims1 n lat] ?an #abj days aft] ! date ( su* decision1 su* docum5t %all be treat$ z timely fil$ "u subsection 7a74 7#b7 ,! treatm5t ( misfil$ docum5ts "u p>agraph 7#a7 does n limit equitable relief t may be o!rwise available to a p]son describ$ 9 t p>agraph4 4 #ebb4 ,modification ( fil+ p]iod = notice ( disagreem5t to initiate appellate review ( decisions ( ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs 7a7 ,fil+ ( notice ( disagreem5t by claimants 7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,p>agraph 7#a7 ( section #gaje7;b7 is am5d$-- 7,a7 by /rik+ "o ye> & ins]t+ #ahj days 9 ! fir/ s5t5ce2 & 7,b7 by /rik+ "o-ye> & ins]t+ #ahj-;day 9 ! ?ird s5t5ce4 7#b7 ,electronic fil+ ,su* p>agraph is fur!r am5d$ by ins]t+ or transmitt$ by electronic means aft] po/m>k$4 7#c7 ,good cause exception = untimely fil+ ( notices ( disagreem5t ,su* section #gaje7;b7 is am5d$ by add+ at ! end ! foll[+ new p>agraph3 7#c7 ,a notice ( disagreem5t n fil$ )9 ! "t prescrib$ by p>agraph 7#a7 %all be treat$ by ! ,secret>y z timely fil$ if-- 7,a7 ! ,secret>y det]m9es t ! claimant1 legal gu>dian1 or o!r accr$it$ repres5tative1 attorney1 or au?oriz$ ag5t fil+ ! notice _h good cause = ! lack ( fil+ )9 su* "t2 & 7,b7 ! notice ( disagreem5t is fil$ n lat] ?an #ahf days aft] ! expiration ( ! p]iod prescrib$ by p>agraph 7#a74 4 7b7 ,application by ,dep>tm5t = review on appeal ,section #gajf is am5d$ 9 ! fir/ s5t5ce by /rik+ "o-ye> p]iod describ$ 9 section #gaje & ins]t+ p]iod describ$ 9 section #gaje7;b77#a74 7c7 ,effective date ,! am5dm5ts made by ?is section %all apply ) respect to claims = b5efits "u laws adm9i/]$ by ! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs fil$ ) ! ,secret>y aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act4 #ebc4 ,det]m9ation ( mann] ( appe>ance = he>+s be=e ,bo>d ( ,vet]ans' ,appeals 7a7 ,9 g5]al ,section #gajg is am5d$-- 7#a7 9 subsection 7a77#a71 by /rik+ 9 subsection 7f7 & ins]t+ 9 subsection 7g72 7#b7 by r$esignat+ subsection 7f7 z subsection 7g72 & 7#c7 by /rik+ subsections 7d7 & 7e7 & ins]t+ ! foll[+ new subsections3 7d7 7#a7 ,except z provid$ 9 p>agraph 7#b71 a he>+ be=e ! ,bo>d %all be conduct$ ?r\gh picture & voice transmission1 by electronic or o!r means1 9 su* a mann] t ! appellant is n pres5t 9 ! same location z ! memb]s ( ! ,bo>d dur+ ! he>+4 7#b7 7,a7 ,a he>+ be=e ! ,bo>d %all be conduct$ 9 p]son ^u ! reque/ ( an appellant4 7,b7 ,9 ! abs5ce ( a reque/ "u subp>agraph 7,a71 a he>+ be=e ! ,bo>d may also be conduct$ 9 p]son z ! ,bo>d consid]s appropriate4 7e7 7#a7 ,9 a case 9 :i* a he>+ be=e ! ,bo>d is to be held z describ$ 9 subsection 7d77#a71 ! ,secret>y %all provide suitable facilities & equipm5t to ! ,bo>d or o!r compon5ts ( ! ,dep>tm5t to enable an appellant locat$ at an appropriate facility )9 ! area s]v$ by a regional (fice to p>ticipate z s describ$4 7#b7 ,any he>+ conduct$ z describ$ 9 subsection 7d77#a7 %all be conduct$ 9 ! same mann] z1 & %all be consid]$ ! equival5t (1 a p]sonal he>+4 7f7 7#a7 ,9 a case 9 :i* a he>+ be=e ! ,bo>d is to be held z describ$ 9 subsection 7d77#b71 ! appellant may reque/ t ! he>+ be held at ! pr9cipal location ( ! ,bo>d or at a facility ( ! ,dep>tm5t locat$ )9 ! area s]v$ by a regional (fice ( ! ,dep>tm5t4 7#b7 ,a he>+ to be held )9 an area s]v$ by a regional (fice ( ! ,dep>tm5t %all 7except z provid$ 9 p>agraph 7#c77 be s*$ul$ to be held 9 accordance ) ! place ( ! case on ! docket "u subsection 7a7 relative to o!r cases on ! docket = :i* he>+s are s*$ul$ to be held )9 t area4 7#c7 ,a he>+ to be held )9 an area s]v$ by a regional (fice ( ! ,dep>tm5t may1 = cause %[n1 be advanc$ on motion = an e>li] he>+4 ,any su* motion %all set =? succ9ctly ! gr\nds ^u :i* ! motion is bas$4 ,su* a motion may be grant$ only-- 7,a7 if ! case involves int]pretation ( law ( g5]al application affect+ o!r claims2 7,b7 if ! appellant is s]i\sly ill or is "u sev]e f9ancial h>d%ip2 or 7,c7 = o!r suffici5t cause %[n4 4 7b7 ,effective date ,! am5dm5ts made by subsection 7a7 %all apply ) respect to cases receiv$ by ! ,bo>d ( ,vet]ans' ,appeals pursuant to notices ( disagreem5t submitt$ on or aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act4 ,,vi ,outrea* ,matt]s #fja4 ,program to increase coord9ation ( outrea* ef=ts betwe5 ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs & ,f$]al1 ,/ate1 & local ag5cies & nonpr(it organizations 7a7 ,program requir$ ,! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs %all c>ry out a program to assess ! feasibility & advisability ( us+ ,/ate & local gov]nm5t ag5cies & nonpr(it organizations-- 7#a7 to increase aw>5ess ( vet]ans reg>d+ b5efits & s]vices = vet]ans2 & 7#b7 to improve coord9ation ( outrea* activities reg>d+ su* b5efits & s]vices betwe5 ! ,secret>y & ,f$]al1 ,/ate1 & local gov]nm5t & nonpr(it provid]s ( heal? c>e & b5efit s]vices = vet]ans4 7b7 ,duration ,! ,secret>y %all c>ry out ! program = a two-ye> p]iod4 7c7 ,grants 7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,! ,secret>y %all c>ry out ! program ?r\gh ! competitive aw>d ( grants to ,/ate & local gov]nm5t ag5cies & nonpr(it organizations-- 7,a7 to increase ! aw>5ess ( vet]ans reg>d+ b5efits & s]vices = vet]ans2 & 7,b7 to improve coord9ation ( outrea* activities reg>d+ su* b5efits & s]vices betwe5 ! ,secret>y & ,f$]al1 ,/ate1 & local gov]nm5t & nonpr(it provid]s ( heal? c>e & b5efit s]vices = vet]ans4 7#b7 ,application 7,a7 ,9 g5]al ,a ,/ate or local gov]nm5t ag5cy or nonpr(it organization seek+ a grant "u ! program %all submit to ! ,secret>y an application !re= 9 su* =m & 9 su* mann] z ! ,secret>y consid]s appropriate4 7,b7 ,elem5ts ,ea* application submitt$ "u subp>agraph 7,a7 %all include ! foll[+3 7i7 ,a description ( ! consultations1 if any1 ) ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs 9 ! developm5t ( any proposal "u ! application4 7ii7 ,a description ( ! project = :i* ! applicant is seek+ a grant "u ! program1 includ+ a plan to coord9ate "u ! program1 to ! greate/ ext5t possible1 ! outrea* activities ( ,f$]al1 ,/ate1 & local gov]nm5t ag5cies t provide heal? c>e1 b5efits1 & s]vices = vet]ans & nonpr(it organizations t provide su* c>e1 b5efits1 & s]vices to enhance ! aw>5ess & availability ( su* c>e1 b5efits1 & s]vices4 7iii7 ,an agreem5t to report to ! ,secret>y /&>diz$ data & o!r p]=mance measures necess>y = ! ,secret>y to evaluate ! program & to facilitate evaluation ( projects = :i* grants are aw>d$ "u ! program4 7iv7 ,su* o!r in=mation z ! ,secret>y may require4 7#c7 ,consid]ations 7,a7 ,9 g5]al ,9 aw>d+ grants "u ! program to c>ry out projects1 ! ,secret>y %all consid]-- 7i7 :]e ! projects w be c>ri$ out & :i* populations are t>get$2 & 7ii7 ! likelihood t ea* pot5tial grantee w successfully c>ry out ! grant proposal4 7,b7 ,consid]ations reg>d+ location & t>get population ,9 tak+ ! matt]s specifi$ 9 subp>agraph 7,a77ii7 into consid]ation1 ! ,secret>y %all consid] 9 p>ticul> ! advisability ( aw>d+ grants = projects-- 7i7 c>ri$ out 9 areas ) populations t h a high proportion ( vet]an repres5tation2 7ii7 c>ri$ out 9 a v>iety ( geographic areas1 includ+ urban1 rural1 & highly rural areas2 & 7iii7 t t>get a v>iety ( vet]an populations1 includ+ racial & e?nic m9orities1 l[-income populations1 & old] populations4 7#d7 ,use ( funds ,! ,secret>y %all e/abli% appropriate uses ( grant am\nts receiv$ "u ! program4 7#e7 ,ov]sight ( use ( funds ,! ,secret>y %all e/abli% appropriate me*anisms = ov]sight ( ! use ( grant am\nts receiv$ "u ! program1 includ+ ! evid5ce grantees mu/ submit to demon/rate use ( grant am\nts & proc$ures = ! recov]y ( grant am\nts t 7 improp]ly us$4 7#f7 ,limitation ,9 a fiscal ye>1 n m ?an #bj p]c5t ( all grant am\nts aw>d$ 9 t fiscal ye> may be aw>d$ to a s+le ,/ate entity4 7d7 ,/ate mat*+ requirem5t ,! ,secret>y may n make a grant to a ,/ate "u subsection 7c7 unless t ,/ate agrees t1 ) respect to ! co/s to be incurr$ by ! ,/ate 9 c>ry+ out ! program or projects = :i* ! grant 0 aw>d$1 ! ,/ate w make available 7directly or ?r\gh donations f public or private entities7 non-,f$]al contributions 9 an am\nt equal to #ej p]c5t ( ,f$]al funds provid$ "u ! grant4 7e7 ,au?orization ( appropriations ,!re is h]eby au?oriz$ to be appropriat$ to c>ry out ?is section ! foll[+3 7#a7 #b1ejj1jjj = fiscal ye> #bjae4 7#b7 #b1ejj1jjj = fiscal ye> #bjaf4 7f7 ,annual report 7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,n lat] ?an #abj days aft] ! completion ( ! fir/ cal5d> ye> beg9n+ aft] ! date ( ! comm5cem5t ( ! program1 & n less frequ5tly ?an once e ye> !reaft] = ! duration ( ! program1 ! ,secret>y %all submit to ,congress a report evaluat+ ! program & ! projects support$ by grants aw>d$ "u ! program4 7#b7 ,elem5ts ,! report requir$ by p>agraph 7#a7 %all include ! foll[+3 7,a7 ,! f9d+s & conclusions ( ! ,secret>y ) respect to ! program4 7,b7 ,an assessm5t ( ! b5efit to vet]ans ( ! program4 7,c7 ,! p]=mance measures us$ by ! ,secret>y = purposes ( ! program & data %[+ ! p]=mance ( grantees "u ! program "u su* measures4 7,d7 ,! recomm5dations ( ! ,secret>y z to ! feasibility & advisability ( cont9u+ or exp&+ or modify+ ! program4 7g7 ,effective date ,?is section %all take effect on ! date t is "o ye> aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act4 #fjb4 ,coop]ative agreem5ts betwe5 ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs & ,/ates on outrea* activities 7a7 ,9 g5]al ,*apt] #fc is am5d$ by ins]t+ aft] section #fcjf ! foll[+ new section3 #fcjf;,a4 ,coop]ative agreem5ts ) ,/ates 7a7 ,9 g5]al ,! ,secret>y may ent] into coop]ative agreem5ts & arrangem5ts ) v>i\s ,/ate ag5cies & ,/ate dep>tm5ts to c>ry out ?is *apt] & to o!rwise c>ry out1 coord9ate1 improve1 or enhance outrea* activities ( ! ,dep>tm5t & ! ,/ates4 7b7 ,report ,! ,secret>y %all include 9 ea* report submitt$ "u section #fcjh ( ?is title a description ( ! agreem5ts & arrangem5ts ent]$ into by ! ,secret>y "u subsection 7a74 4 7b7 ,cl]ical am5dm5t ,! table ( sections at ! beg9n+ ( *apt] #fc is am5d$ by ins]t+ aft] ! item relat+ to section #fcjf ! foll[+ new item3 #fcjf;,a4 ,coop]ative agreem5ts ) ,/ates4 4 #fjc4 ,advisory committee on outrea* activities ( ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs 7a7 ,e/abli%m5t ,n lat] ?an #ahj days aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act1 ! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs %all e/abli% an advisory committee on outrea* activities ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs4 7b7 ,memb]%ip ,! advisory committee %all be compos$ ( individuals select$ by ! ,secret>y f among ! foll[+3 7#a7 ,to ! maximum ext5t practicable1 individuals :o are em95t 9 _! respective fields ( public relations4 7#b7 ,repres5tatives ( organizations ) (fices t focus on communications & di/ribute messages ?r\gh major m$ia news outlets & social m$ia4 7#c7 ,to ! maximum ext5t practicable1 individuals ) exp]i5ce communicat+ f9ancial results & bus9ess /rategy = purposes ( %ap+ a confid5t br& image4 7#d7 ,to ! maximum ext5t practicable1 individuals ) exp]i5ce ) consum] & life/yle imag+ & creat+ publicity = a p>ticul> product or s]vice4 7#e7 ,to ! maximum ext5t practicable1 vet]ans :o h exp]i5ce 9 press & public relations4 7c7 ,duties ,! advisory committee %all advise ! ,assi/ant ,secret>y = ,public & ,int]gov]nm5tal ,affairs-- 7#a7 to ensure t ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs is /rategically & effectively-- 7,a7 engag+ ! public & ,dep>tm5t /akehold]s to increase aw>5ess nationally reg>d+ all b5efits & s]vices furni%$ by ! ,dep>tm5t2 7,b7 expla9+ new or *ang+ policies ( ! ,dep>tm5t2 7,c7 improv+ ! image & reputation ( ! ,dep>tm5t2 & 7,d7 coord9at+ & collaborat+ ) national community-bas$ organizations1 nonpr(its1 & ,/ate & local gov]nm5t ag5cies2 7#b7 to assi/ ! ,secret>y 9 conduct+ su* o!r press or public relations activities relat+ to outrea* activities ( ! ,dep>tm5t z ! ,secret>y & ! ,assi/ant ,secret>y = ,public & ,int]gov]nm5tal ,affairs consid] appropriate2 & 7#c7 to ensure coord9ation & collaboration on ef=ts )9 ! ,dep>tm5t = ! developm5t1 implem5tation1 & review ( local outrea* ) respect to b5efits t include ! foll[+3 7,a7 ,comp5sation & p5sion b5efits4 7,b7 ,insurance b5efits4 7,c7 ,burial & memorial b5efits4 7,d7 ,education b5efits4 7,e7 ,vocational rehabilitation & employm5t b5efits4 7,f7 ,readju/m5t c\nsel+ b5efits4 7,g7 ,loan gu>antee b5efits4 7,h7 ,su* o!r b5efits z ! ,secret>y consid]s appropriate4 7d7 ,location ( meet+s ,ea* meet+ ( ! advisory committee %all take place at a location t is prop]ty ( ! ,dep>tm5t & %all1 to ! maximum ext5t practicable1 use teleconf]5ce te*nology4 7e7 ,consultation ,! ,secret>y %all consult ) & seek ! advice ( ! advisory committee n less frequ5tly ?an qu>t]ly on matt]s relat+ to ! duties ( ! advisory committee "u subsection 7c74 7f7 ,reports 7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,n less frequ5tly ?an once e #ij days = ! fir/ ye> & semiannually !reaft]1 ! advisory committee %all submit to ,congress & to ! ,secret>y a report on outrea* activities ( ! ,dep>tm5t4 7#b7 ,recomm5dations ,ea* report submitt$ "u p>agraph 7#a7 %all include su* recomm5dations = legislative & adm9i/rative action z ! advisory committee consid]s appropriate to improve ! press & public relations ( ! ,dep>tm5t relat+ to outrea*4 7g7 ,t]m9ation ,! advisory committee %all t]m9ate on ,octob] #a1 #bjae1 & ! requirem5ts & au?orities "u ?is section %all t]m9ate on su* date4 7h7 ,outrea* def9$ ,9 ?is section1 ! t]m outrea* has ! mean+ giv5 ! t]m 9 section #fcja ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code4 #fjd4 ,advisory bo>ds on outrea* activities ( ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs relat+ to heal? c>e 7a7 ,e/abli%m5t 7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,= ea* entity describ$ 9 p>agraph 7#b71 ! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs %all1 act+ ?r\gh ! director ( t entity1 e/abli% n lat] ?an #ahj days aft] ! effective date specifi$ 9 subsection 7h7 an advisory bo>d at t entity on matt]s relat+ to outrea* activities ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs at t entity4 7#b7 ,entity describ$ ,an entity describ$ 9 ?is p>agraph is-- 7,a7 a heal?c>e sy/em ( ! ,dep>tm5t2 or 7,b7 a ,vet]ans ,integrat$ ,sy/em ,network1 if su* ,vet]ans ,integrat$ ,sy/em ,network does n conta9 a heal?c>e sy/em4 7b7 ,memb]%ip 7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,ea* advisory bo>d e/abli%$ "u subsection 7a77#a7 %all be1 to ! maximum ext5t practicable1 compos$ ( individuals select$ by ! ,secret>y f among ! foll[+3 7,a7 ,individuals :o are em95t 9 _! respective fields ( public relations4 7,b7 ,repres5tatives ( organizations ) (fices t focus on communications & di/ribute messages ?r\gh major m$ia news outlets & social m$ia4 7,c7 ,individuals ) exp]i5ce communicat+ f9ancial results & bus9ess /rategy = purposes ( %ap+ a confid5t br& image4 7,d7 ,individuals ) exp]i5ce ) consum] & life/yle imag+ & creat+ publicity = a p>ticul> product or s]vice4 7,e7 ,employees ( ! ,dep>tm5t :o are involv$ 9 press & public relations /rategy = an entity describ$ 9 subsection 7a77#b74 7,f7 ,to ! maximum ext5t practicable1 vet]ans :o h exp]i5ce 9 press & public relations4 7#b7 ,volunt>y p>ticipation ,! p>ticipation ( an individual select$ "u p>agraph 7#a7 %all be at ! election ( ! individual4 7c7 ,duties ,ea* advisory bo>d e/abli%$ "u subsection 7a77#a7 at an entity describ$ 9 subsection 7a77#b7 %all advise ! ,assi/ant ,secret>y = ,public & ,int]gov]nm5tal ,affairs-- 7#a7 to ensure t ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs is /rategically & effectively-- 7,a7 engag+ ! public & ,dep>tm5t /akehold]s to increase aw>5ess nationally reg>d+ b5efits & s]vices furni%$ by ! ,dep>tm5t2 7,b7 expla9+ new or *ang+ policies ( ! ,dep>tm5t2 7,c7 improv+ ! image & reputation ( ! ,dep>tm5t2 7,d7 coord9at+ & collaborat+ ) national community-bas$ organizations1 nonpr(its1 & ,/ate & local gov]nm5t ag5cies2 & 7,e7 coord9at+ & collaborat+ on ef=ts )9 ! ,dep>tm5t = ! developm5t1 implem5tation1 & review ( local outrea* ) respect to b5efits t include-- 7i7 comp5sation & p5sion b5efits2 7ii7 insurance b5efits2 7iii7 burial & memorial b5efits2 7iv7 education b5efits2 7v7 vocational rehabilitation & employm5t b5efits2 7vi7 readju/m5t c\nsel+ b5efits2 7vii7 loan gu>antee b5efits2 & 7viii7 su* o!r b5efits z ! ,secret>y consid]s appropriate2 & 7#b7 to assi/ ! director ( t entity 9 conduct+ su* o!r press or public relations activities relat+ to outrea* activities ( ! ,dep>tm5t z t advisory bo>d consid]s appropriate4 7d7 ,meet+ location 7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,if teleconf]5ce te*nology is n us$1 meet+s ( ea* advisory bo>d e/abli%$ "u subsection 7a77#a7 %all be held at a location t is prop]ty ( ! ,dep>tm5t4 7#b7 ,teleconf]5ce te*nology ,ea* advisory bo>d %all use1 to ! maximum ext5t practicable1 teleconf]5ce te*nology4 7e7 ,consultation ,ea* director ( an entity describ$ 9 subsection 7a77#b7 %all consult ) & seek ! advice ( ! advisory bo>d e/abli%$ at su* entity n less frequ5tly ?an once e two mon?s on matt]s relat+ to ! duties ( ! advisory bo>d "u subsection 7c74 7f7 ,annual reports ,n less frequ5tly ?an ea* ye>1 ea* advisory bo>d e/abli%$ "u subsection 7a77#a7 %all submit to ! ,secret>y a report ) su* in=mation z may be b5eficial to ! ,secret>y 9 prep>+ ! reports requir$ by section #fcjh ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code4 7g7 ,t]m9ation ,ea* advisory bo>d e/abli%$ "u subsection 7a77#a7 & ! au?orities & requirem5ts ( ?is section %all t]m9ate ?ree ye>s aft] ! effective date specifi$ 9 subsection 7h74 7h7 ,effective date ,?is section %all take effect on ! date t is "o ye> aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act4 #fje4 ,modification ( requirem5t = p]iodic reports to ,congress on outrea* activities ( ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs 7a7 ,9 g5]al ,section #fcjh is am5d$-- 7#a7 9 subsection 7a71 by /rik+ ev5-numb]$2 & 7#b7 9 subsection 7b7-- 7,a7 9 p>agraph 7#a71 by /rik+ bi5nial2 7,b7 9 p>agraph 7#b71 by ins]t+ = legislative & adm9i/rative action aft] ,recomm5dations2 & 7,c7 by add+ at ! end ! foll[+ new p>agraph3 7#c7 ,recomm5dations t su* adm9i/rative actions z may be tak5-- 7,a7 to maximize res\rces = outrea* activities ( ! ,dep>tm5t2 & 7,b7 to focus outrea* ef=ts on activities t are prov5 to be m effective4 4 7b7 ,cl]ical am5dm5ts 7#a7 ,section head+ ,! head+ = section #fcjh is am5d$ by /rik+ ,bi5nial & ins]t+ ,annual4 7#b7 ,table ( sections ,! table ( sections at ! beg9n+ ( *apt] #fc is am5d$ by /rik+ ! item relat+ to section #fcjh & ins]t+ ! foll[+ new item3 #fcjh4 ,annual report to ,congress4 4 ,,vii ,employm5t & ,relat$ ,matt]s ,a ,employm5t ,matt]s #gja4 ,employm5t ( vet]ans ) ! ,f$]al ,gov]nm5t 7a7 ,9 g5]al ,section #dbad is am5d$-- 7#a7 9 subsection 7b71 by add+ at ! end ! foll[+3 7#d7 7,a7 ,! requirem5t "u ?is p>agraph is 9 addition to ! appo9tm5t ( qualifi$ cov]$ vet]ans "u ! au?ority "u p>agraph 7#a7 by ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs & ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,def5se4 7,b7 ,! head ( ea* ag5cy1 9 consultation ) ! ,director ( ! ,(fice ( ,p]sonnel ,managem5t1 %all develop a plan = ex]cis+ ! au?ority specifi$ 9 subp>agraph 7,c7 dur+ ! five-ye> p]iod beg9n+ on ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ! ,vet]ans ,heal? & ,b5efits ,improvem5t ,act ( #bjac4 7,c7 ,! au?ority specifi$ 9 ?is subp>agraph is ! au?ority z foll[s3 7i7 ,! au?ority "u p>agraph 7#a74 7ii7 ,! au?ority available to ! ag5cy conc]n$ "u ! ,vet]ans ,employm5t ,opportunities ,act ( #aiih 7,public ,law #aje-cci7 & ! am5dm5ts made by t ,act4 7,d7 ,! ,director ( ! ,(fice ( ,p]sonnel ,managem5t %all ensure t "u ! plans develop$ "u subp>agraph 7,b7 ag5cies %all appo9t to exi/+ vacancies n few] ?an #ae1jjj qualifi$ cov]$ vet]ans dur+ ! five-ye> p]iod beg9n+ on ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ! ,vet]ans ,heal? & ,b5efits ,improvem5t ,act ( #bjac4 ,= purposes ( comply+ ) ?is subp>agraph1 an appo9tm5t pursuant to ! au?ority ref]r$ to 9 subp>agraph 7,c77ii7 %all n c\nt t[>d ! numb] requir$ by ?is subp>agraph unless ! appo9tm5t is to a vacancy 9 a full-"t1 p]man5t position4 2 7#b7 9 subsection 7d71 9 ! ?ird s5t5ce1 by ins]t+ 7includ+1 dur+ ! #e-ye> p]iod beg9n+ on ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ! ,vet]ans ,heal? & ,b5efits ,improvem5t ,act ( #bjac1 ! developm5t & implem5tation by ea* ag5cy ( ! plan requir$ "u subsection 7b77#d71 :i* %all include in=mation reg>d+ ! grade or pay level ( appo9tm5ts by ! ag5cy "u ! plan & :e!r ! appo9tm5ts are1 or are conv]t$ to1 c>e] or c>e]-conditional appo9tm5ts7 aft] subsection 7b7 ( ?is section2 & 7#c7 9 subsection 7e7-- 7,a7 9 p>agraph 7#a7-- 7i7 9 ! matt] be=e subp>agraph 7,a71 by /rik+ to ! ,congress & ins]t+ to ! appropriate committees ( ,congress2 & 7ii7 9 subp>agraph 7,a71 by ins]t+ 7includ+1 dur+ ! #e-ye> p]iod beg9n+ on ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ! ,vet]ans ,heal? & ,b5efits ,improvem5t ,act ( #bjac1 ! developm5t & implem5tation by ! ag5cy ( ! plan requir$ "u subsection 7b77#d71 :i* %all include in=mation reg>d+ ! grade or pay level ( appo9tm5ts by ! ag5cy "u ! plan & :e!r ! appo9tm5ts are1 or are conv]t$ to1 p]man5t appo9tm5ts7 be=e ! p]iod2 & 7,b7 by add+ at ! end ! foll[+ new p>agraph3 7#c7 ,9 ?is subsection1 ! t]m appropriate committees ( ,congress means-- 7,a7 ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs & ! ,committee on ,homel& ,security & ,gov]nm5tal ,affairs ( ! ,s5ate2 & 7,b7 ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs & ! ,committee on ,ov]sight & ,gov]nm5t ,re=m ( ! ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives4 4 7b7 ,report ,n lat] ?an #ahj days aft] ! date ( enactm5t ( ?is ,act1 ! ,director ( ! ,(fice ( ,p]sonnel ,managem5t %all submit to ! appropriate committees ( ,congress 7z def9$ "u section #dbad7;e77#c7 ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 z am5d$ by subsection 7a77 reg>d+ ! developm5t ( a plan to c>ry out ! am5dm5ts made by subsection 7a74 #gjb4 ,/ate recognition ( milit>y exp]i5ce ( vet]ans 9 issu+ lic5ses & cr$5tials to vet]ans 7a7 ,9 g5]al ,section #dajb;,a7c7 is am5d$ by /rik+ p>agraph 7#i7 & ins]t+ ! foll[+ new p>agraph 7#i73 7#i7 7,a7 ,z a condition ( a grant or contract "u :i* funds are made available to a ,/ate "u subsection 7b77#e7 9 ord] to c>ry out section #dajc;,a or #dajd ( ?is title1 ! ,/ate %all-- 7i7 e/abli% a program "u :i* ! ,/ate adm9i/]s an exam9ation to ea* vet]an seek+ a lic5se or cr$5tial issu$ by ! ,/ate & issues su* lic5se or cr$5tial to su* vet]an )\t requir+ su* vet]an to und]go any tra9+ or appr5tice%ip if ! vet]an-- 7,i7 receives a satisfactory score on completion ( su* exam9ation1 z det]m9$ by ! ,/ate2 7,,ii7 has be5 aw>d$ a milit>y occupational specialty t is sub/antially equival5t to or exce$s ! requirem5ts ( ! ,/ate = ! issuance ( su* lic5se or cr$5tial2 7,,iii7 has engag$ 9 ! active practice ( ! occupation = :i* ! vet]an is seek+ su* lic5se or cr$5tial = at lea/ two ( ! five ye>s prec$+ ! date ( application2 & 7,,iv7 pays any cu/om>y or usual fees requir$ by ! ,/ate = su* lic5se or cr$5tial2 & 7ii7 submit ea* ye> to ! ,secret>y a report on ! exams adm9i/]$ "u clause 7i7 dur+ ! mo/ rec5tly complet$ #ab-mon? p]iod t includes1 = ! p]iod cov]$ by ! report ! numb] ( vet]ans :o complet$ an exam adm9i/]$ by ! ,/ate "u clause 7i7 & a description ( ! results ( su* exams1 disaggregat$ by occupational field4 7,b7 ,! ,secret>y may waive ! requirem5t "u subp>agraph 7,a7 t a ,/ate e/abli% a program describ$ 9 t subp>agraph z a condition ( a grant or contract if ! ,/ate c]tifies to ! ,secret>y t ! ,/ate-- 7i7 takes into acc\nt previ\s milit>y tra9+ = ! purposes ( issu+ lic5ses or cr$5tials2 7ii7 p]mits vet]ans to completely satisfy ?r\gh exam9ation any tra9+ or te/+ requirem5ts = a lic5se or cr$5tial ) respect to :i* a vet]an has previ\sly complet$ milit>y tra9+2 & 7iii7 = any cr$5tial or lic5se = :i* a vet]an is unable to completely satisfy su* requirem5ts ?r\gh exam9ation1 ! ,/ate sub/antially r$uces tra9+ "t requir$ to satisfy su* requirem5t bas$ on ! milit>y tra9+ receiv$ by ! vet]an4 7,c7 ,n less frequ5tly ?an once ea* ye>1 ! ,secret>y %all submit to ,congress & ! ,secret>y ( ,def5se a report summ>iz+ ! in=mation receiv$ by ! ,secret>y "u subp>agraph 7,a77ii74 4 7b7 ,effective date 7#a7 ,exams ,subp>agraph 7,a7 ( section #dajb;,a7c77#i7 ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 z add$ by subsection 7a71 %all take effect on ! date t is "o ye> aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act & %all apply ) respect to grants & contracts describ$ 9 su* subp>agraph aw>d$ aft] su* date4 7#b7 ,reports ,subp>agraph 7,b7 ( su* section #dajb;,a7c77#i71 z s add$1 %all take effect on ! date t is "o ye> aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act & ! ,secret>y ( ,labor %all submit ! fir/ report "u su* subp>agraph n lat] ?an two ye>s aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act4 #gjc4 ,report on unifi$ ,gov]nm5t ,int]net portal = vet]ans on jobs available ?r\gh ! ,f$]al ,gov]nm5t 7a7 ,id5tification ( ,int]net websites & applications t c assi/ vet]ans seek+ employm5t 7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,! ,secret>y ( ,labor %all1 9 consultation ) ! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs1 ! ,secret>y ( ,def5se1 & o!r appropriate public & private entities1 take appropriate actions to id5tify ,int]net websites & applications t c assi/ vet]ans 9 seek+ employm5t4 7#b7 ,priority 9 id5tification ( c]ta9 websites & applications ,9 id5tify+ websites & applications pursuant to p>agraph 7#a71 ! ,secret>y %all place a p>ticul> priority on id5tify+ websites & applications t d ! foll[+3 7,a7 ,mat* vet]ans seek+ employm5t ) available jobs bas$ on ! skills ! vet]ans acquir$ z memb]s ( ! ,arm$ ,=ces4 7,b7 ,p]mit employ]s to po/ in=mation ab\t available jobs4 7b7 ,report ,n lat] ?an #ahj days aft] ! effective date specifi$ 9 subsection 7c71 ! ,secret>y ( ,labor %all submit to ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,s5ate & ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives a report on ! actions ( ! ,secret>y "u subsection 7a74 ,! report %all include an assessm5t ( ! feasibility & advisability ( creat+ a s+le1 unifi$ ,int]net-bas$ employm5t portal = ! ,f$]al ,gov]nm5t = use by vet]ans reg>d+ employm5t ?r\gh ! ,f$]al ,gov]nm5t1 includ+ ! co/ ( creat+ ! portal1 ! collaboration ) o!r ,f$]al ag5cies requir$ to create ! portal1 & ! anticipat$ use ( ! portal4 7c7 ,effective date ,?is section %all take effect on ! date t is "o ye> aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act4 #gjd4 ,in=mation on disability-relat$ employm5t & education protections 9 ,transition ,assi/ance ,program 7a7 ,9 g5]al ,section #aadd7;b7 ( title #aj1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$ by add+ at ! end ! foll[+ new p>agraph3 7#i7 ,provide in=mation ab\t disability-relat$ employm5t & education protections4 4 7b7 ,effective date ,! am5dm5t made by subsection 7a7 %all take effect on ! date t is "o ye> aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act4 ,b ,small ,bus9ess ,matt]s #gaa4 ,expansion ( contract+ goals & pref]5ces ( ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs to include conditionally own$ small bus9ess conc]ns #ajj p]c5t own$ by vet]ans ,section #habg7l7 is am5d$-- 7#a7 9 p>agraph 7#b71 by ins]t+ unconditionally be=e own$ by ea* place x appe>s2 & 7#b7 by add+ at ! end ! foll[+ new p>agraph3 7#c7 ,! t]m unconditionally own$ includes1 ) respect to own]%ip ( a small bus9ess conc]n1 conditional own]%ip ( su* small bus9ess conc]n if su* bus9ess conc]n is #ajj p]c5t own$ by "o or m vet]ans4 4 #gab4 ,modification ( treatm5t "u contract+ goals & pref]5ces ( ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs = small bus9esses own$ by vet]ans ( small bus9esses aft] dea? ( disabl$ vet]an own]s 7a7 ,9 g5]al ,section #habg7;h7 is am5d$-- 7#a7 9 p>agraph 7#c71 by /rik+ rat$ z & all t foll[s ?r\gh disability4 & ins]t+ a p]iod2 & 7#b7 9 p>agraph 7#b71 by am5d+ subp>agraph 7,c7 to read z foll[s3 7,c7 ,! date t-- 7i7 9 ! case ( a surviv+ sp\se ( a vet]an ) a s]vice-connect$ disability rat$ z #ajj p]c5t disabl+ or :o dies z a result ( a s]vice-connect$ disability1 is #aj ye>s aft] ! date ( ! vet]an's dea?2 or 7ii7 9 ! case ( a surviv+ sp\se ( a vet]an ) a s]vice-connect$ disability rat$ z less ?an #ajj p]c5t disabl+ :o does n die z a result ( a s]vice-connect$ disability1 is ?ree ye>s aft] ! date ( ! vet]an's dea?4 4 7b7 ,effective date ,! am5dm5ts made by subsection 7a7 %all take effect on ! date t is #ahj days aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act & %all apply ) respect to applications receiv$ pursuant to section #habg7;f77#b7 ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 t are v]ifi$ on or aft] su* date4 #gac4 ,treatm5t ( bus9esses aft] dea?s ( s]vicememb]-own]s = purposes ( ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs contract+ goals & pref]5ces 7a7 ,9 g5]al ,section #habg is am5d$-- 7#a7 by r$esignat+ subsections 7i7 ?r\gh 7l7 z subsections 7j7 ?r\gh 7m71 respectively2 & 7#b7 by ins]t+ aft] subsection 7h7 ! foll[+ new subsection 7i73 7i7 ,treatm5t ( bus9esses aft] dea? ( s]vicememb]-,own] 7#a7 ,if a memb] ( ! ,arm$ ,=ces owns at lea/ #ea p]c5t ( a small bus9ess conc]n & su* memb] is kill$ 9 l9e ( duty 9 ! active milit>y1 naval1 or air s]vice1 ! surviv+ sp\se or dep5d5t *ild ( su* memb] :o acquires su* own]%ip rights 9 su* small bus9ess conc]n %all1 = ! p]iod describ$ 9 p>agraph 7#b71 be treat$ z if ! surviv+ sp\se or dep5d5t *ild 7 a vet]an ) a s]vice-connect$ disability = purposes ( det]m9+ ! /atus ( ! small bus9ess conc]n z a small bus9ess conc]n own$ & controll$ by vet]ans = purposes ( contract+ goals & pref]5ces "u ?is section4 7#b7 ,! p]iod ref]r$ to 9 p>agraph 7#a7 is ! p]iod beg9n+ on ! date on :i* ! memb] ( ! ,arm$ ,=ces dies & end+ on ! date z foll[s3 7,a7 ,9 ! case ( a surviv+ sp\se1 ! e>lie/ ( ! foll[+ dates3 7i7 ,! date on :i* ! surviv+ sp\se rem>ries4 7ii7 ,! date on :i* ! surviv+ sp\se rel9qui%es an own]%ip int]e/ 9 ! small bus9ess conc]n & no long] owns at lea/ #ea p]c5t ( su* small bus9ess conc]n4 7iii7 ,! date t is t5 ye>s aft] ! date ( ! memb]'s dea?4 7,b7 ,9 ! case ( a dep5d5t *ild1 ! e>lie/ ( ! foll[+ dates3 7i7 ,! date on :i* ! surviv+ dep5d5t *ild rel9qui%es an own]%ip int]e/ 9 ! small bus9ess conc]n & no long] owns at lea/ #ea p]c5t ( su* small bus9ess conc]n4 7ii7 ,! date t is t5 ye>s aft] ! date ( ! memb]'s dea?4 4 7b7 ,effective date ,subsection 7i7 ( section #habg ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 z add$ by subsection 7a71 %all take effect on ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act & %all apply ) respect to ! dea?s ( memb]s ( ! ,arm$ ,=ces occurr+ on or aft] su* date4 #gad4 ,special rule = treatm5t "u contract+ goals & pref]5ces ( ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs ( small bus9ess conc]ns lic5s$ 9 community prop]ty ,/ates ,section #habg1 z am5d$ by section #gac ( ?is ,act1 is fur!r am5d$ by add+ at ! end ! foll[+ new subsection3 7n7 ,special rule = community prop]ty ,/ates ,:5ev] ! ,secret>y assesses1 = purposes ( ?is section1 ! degree ( own]%ip by an individual ( a small bus9ess conc]n lic5s$ 9 a community prop]ty ,/ate1 ! ,secret>y %all also assess :at t degree ( own]%ip w\ld be if su* small bus9ess conc]n _h be5 lic5s$ 9 a ,/ate o!r ?an a community prop]ty ,/ate4 ,if ! ,secret>y det]m9es t su* individual w\ld h _h a great] degree ( own]%ip ( ! small bus9ess conc]n _h su* small bus9ess conc]n be5 lic5s$ 9 a ,/ate o!r ?an a community prop]ty ,/ate1 ! ,secret>y %all treat1 = purposes ( ?is section1 su* small bus9ess conc]n z if x _h be5 lic5s$ 9 a ,/ate o!r ?an a community prop]ty ,/ate4 4 ,,viii ,o!r ,matt]s #hja4 ,consid]ation by ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs ( res\rces dispos$ ( = less ?an fair m>ket value by individuals apply+ = p5sion 7a7 ,vet]ans ,section #aebb is am5d$-- 7#a7 9 subsection 7a7-- 7,a7 by ins]t+ 7#a7 be=e ,! ,secret>y2 & 7,b7 by add+ at ! end ! foll[+ new p>agraph3 7#b7 7,a7 ,if a vet]an o!rwise eligible = paym5t ( p5sion "u section #aeac or #aeba ( ?is title or ! sp\se ( su* vet]an disposes ( cov]$ res\rces = less ?an fair m>ket value on or aft] ! look-back date describ$ 9 subp>agraph 7,c77i71 ! ,secret>y %all d5y or discont9ue ! paym5t ( p5sion to su* vet]an "u section #aeac or #aeba ( ?is title1 z ! case may be1 = mon?s dur+ ! p]iod beg9n+ on ! date describ$ 9 subp>agraph 7,d7 & equal to ! numb] ( mon?s calculat$ z provid$ 9 subp>agraph 7,e74 7,b7 7i7 ,= purposes ( ?is p>agraph1 a cov]$ res\rce is any res\rce t 0 a "p ( ! corpus ( ! e/ate ( ! vet]an or1 if ! vet]an has a sp\se1 ! corpus ( ! e/ates ( ! vet]an & ( ! vet]an's sp\se1 t ! ,secret>y consid]s t "u all ! circum/ances1 if ! vet]an or sp\se _h n dispos$ ( su* res\rce1 x w\ld be reasonable t ! res\rce 7or "s portion ( ! res\rce7 be consum$ = ! vet]an's ma9t5ance4 7ii7 ,= purposes ( ?is p>agraph1 ! ,secret>y may consid]1 9 accordance ) regulations ! ,secret>y %all prescribe1 a transf] ( an asset 7includ+ a transf] ( an asset to an annuity1 tru/1 or o!r f9ancial in/rum5t or inve/m5t7 a disposal ( a cov]$ res\rce = less ?an fair m>ket value if su* transf] r$uces ! am\nt 9 ! corpus ( ! e/ate ( ! vet]an or1 if ! vet]an has a sp\se1 ! corpus ( ! e/ates ( ! vet]an & ( ! vet]an's sp\se1 t ! ,secret>y consid]s1 "u all ! circum/ances1 w\ld be reasonable to be consum$ = ! vet]an's ma9t5ance4 7,c7 7i7 ,! look-back date describ$ 9 ?is clause is a date t is #cf mon?s be=e ! date describ$ 9 clause 7ii74 7ii7 ,! date describ$ 9 ?is clause is ! date on :i* ! vet]an applies = p5sion "u section #aeac or #aeba ( ?is title or1 if lat]1 ! date on :i* ! vet]an 7or ! sp\se ( ! vet]an7 disposes ( cov]$ res\rces = less ?an fair m>ket value4 7,d7 ,! date describ$ 9 ?is subp>agraph is ! fir/ day ( ! fir/ mon? 9 or aft] :i* cov]$ res\rces 7 dispos$ ( = less ?an fair m>ket value & :i* does n occur 9 any o!r p]iod ( ineligibility "u ?is p>agraph4 7,e7 ,! numb] ( mon?s calculat$ "u ?is subp>agraph %all be equal to-- 7i7 ! total1 cumulative uncomp5sat$ value ( ! portion ( cov]$ res\rces s dispos$ ( by ! vet]an 7or ! sp\se ( ! vet]an7 on or aft] ! look-back date describ$ 9 subp>agraph 7,c77i7 t ! ,secret>y det]m9es w\ld reasonably h be5 consum$ = ! vet]an's ma9t5ance2 divid$ by 7ii7 ! maximum am\nt ( mon?ly p5sion t is payable to a vet]an "u section #aeac or #aeba ( ?is title1 includ+ ! maximum am\nt ( increas$ p5sion payable "u su* sections on acc\nt ( family memb]s1 b n includ+ any am\nt ( p5sion payable "u su* sections because a vet]an is 9 ne$ ( regul> aid & att5dance or is p]man5tly h\seb\nd1 r\nd$ d[n1 9 ! case ( any fraction1 to ! ne>e/ :ole numb]1 b %all n 9 any case exce$ #cf mon?s4 2 7#b7 9 subsection 7b7-- 7,a7 by ins]t+ 7#a7 be=e ,! ,secret>y2 & 7,b7 by add+ at ! end ! foll[+ new p>agraph3 7#b7 7,a7 ,if a vet]an o!rwise eligible = paym5t ( increas$ p5sion "u subsection 7c71 7d71 7e71 or 7f7 ( section #aeba ( ?is title on acc\nt ( a *ild1 ! sp\se ( ! vet]an1 or ! *ild disposes ( cov]$ res\rces = less ?an fair m>ket value on or aft] ! look-back date describ$ 9 subp>agraph 7,c77i71 ! ,secret>y %all d5y or discont9ue paym5t ( su* increas$ p5sion = mon?s dur+ ! p]iod beg9n+ on ! date describ$ 9 subp>agraph 7,d7 & equal to ! numb] ( mon?s calculat$ z provid$ 9 subp>agraph 7,e74 7,b7 7i7 ,= purposes ( ?is p>agraph1 a cov]$ res\rce is any res\rce t 0 a "p ( ! corpus ( ! e/ate ( ! *ild t ! ,secret>y consid]s t "u all ! circum/ances1 if ! vet]an1 ! sp\se ( ! vet]an1 or ! *ild _h n dispos$ ( su* res\rce1 x w\ld be reasonable t ! res\rce 7or "s portion ( ! res\rce7 be consum$ = ! *ild's ma9t5ance4 7ii7 ,= purposes ( ?is p>agraph1 ! ,secret>y may consid]1 9 accordance ) regulations ! ,secret>y %all prescribe1 a transf] ( an asset 7includ+ a transf] ( an asset to an annuity1 tru/1 or o!r f9ancial in/rum5t or inve/m5t7 a disposal ( a cov]$ res\rce = less ?an fair m>ket value if su* transf] r$uces ! am\nt 9 ! corpus ( ! e/ate ( ! *ild t ! ,secret>y consid]s1 "u all ! circum/ances1 w\ld be reasonable to be consum$ = ! *ild's ma9t5ance4 7,c7 7i7 ,! look-back date describ$ 9 ?is clause is a date t is #cf mon?s be=e ! date describ$ 9 clause 7ii74 7ii7 ,! date describ$ 9 ?is clause is ! date on :i* ! vet]an applies = paym5t ( increas$ p5sion "u subsection 7c71 7d71 7e71 or 7f7 ( section #aeba ( ?is title on acc\nt ( a *ild or1 if lat]1 ! date on :i* ! vet]an1 ! sp\se ( ! vet]an1 or ! *ild disposes ( cov]$ res\rces = less ?an fair m>ket value4 7,d7 ,! date describ$ 9 ?is subp>agraph is ! fir/ day ( ! fir/ mon? 9 or aft] :i* cov]$ res\rces 7 dispos$ ( = less ?an fair m>ket value & :i* does n occur 9 any o!r p]iod ( ineligibility "u ?is p>agraph4 7,e7 ,! numb] ( mon?s calculat$ "u ?is subp>agraph %all be equal to-- 7i7 ! total1 cumulative uncomp5sat$ value ( ! portion ( ! cov]$ res\rces s dispos$ ( by ! vet]an1 ! sp\se ( ! vet]an1 or ! *ild on or aft] ! look-back date describ$ 9 subp>agraph 7,c77i7 t ! ,secret>y det]m9es w\ld reasonably h be5 consum$ = ! *ild's ma9t5ance2 divid$ by 7ii7 ! maximum am\nt ( increas$ mon?ly p5sion t is payable to a vet]an "u subsection 7c71 7d71 7e71 or 7f7 ( section #aeba ( ?is title on acc\nt ( a *ild1 r\nd$ d[n1 9 ! case ( any fraction1 to ! ne>e/ :ole numb]1 b %all n 9 any case exce$ #cf mon?s4 2 & 7#c7 by add+ at ! end ! foll[+ new subsection3 7c7 7#a7 7,a7 ,! ,secret>y %all n d5y or discont9ue paym5t ( p5sion "u section #aeac or #aeba ( ?is title or paym5t ( increas$ p5sion "u subsection 7c71 7d71 7e71 or 7f7 ( section #aeba ( ?is title on acc\nt ( a *ild by reason ( ! application ( subsection 7a77#b7 or 7b77#b7 ( ?is section to ! disposal ( res\rces by an individual-- 7i7 if-- 7,i7 a satisfactory %[+ is made to ! ,secret>y 79 accordance ) regulations promulgat$ by ! ,secret>y7 t all res\rces dispos$ ( = less ?an fair m>ket value h be5 return$ to ! individual :o dispos$ ( ! res\rces2 or 7,,ii7 ! ,secret>y det]m9es1 "u proc$ures e/abli%$ by ! ,secret>y 9 accordance ) subp>agraph 7,b71 t ! d5ial or discont9uance ( paym5t w\ld "w an undue h>d%ip2 or 7ii7 to ! ext5t t any portion ( ! res\rces dispos$ ( = less ?an fair m>ket value h be5 return$ to ! individual :o dispos$ ( ! res\rces4 7,b7 ,undue h>d%ip w\ld be work$ by ! d5ial or discont9uance ( paym5t = purposes ( subp>agraph 7,a77i77,,ii7 if ! d5ial or discont9uance ( paym5t w\ld deprive ! individual dur+ ! p]iod ( d5ial or discont9uance-- 7i7 ( m$ical c>e su* t ! individual's life or heal? w\ld be endang]$2 7ii7 ( necess>y food or clo?+1 or o!r necessities ( life2 or 7iii7 on su* o!r basis z ! ,secret>y %all specify 9 ! proc$ures requir$ by subp>agraph 7,a77i77,,ii74 7,c7 ,if paym5t ( p5sion or increas$ p5sion t w\ld o!rwise be d5i$ or discont9u$ by reason ( ! application ( subsection 7a77#b7 or 7b77#b7 is d5i$ or discont9u$ only 9 "p by reason ( ! return ( res\rces z describ$ 9 subp>agraph 7,a77ii71 ! p]iod ( ! d5ial or discont9uance z det]m9$ pursuant to subp>agraph 7,e7 ( subsection 7a77#b7 or 7b77#b71 z applicable1 %all be recalculat$ to take into acc\nt su* return ( res\rces4 7#b7 ,at ! "t a vet]an applies = p5sion "u section #aeac or #aeba ( ?is title or increas$ p5sion "u subsection 7c71 7d71 7e71 or 7f7 ( section #aeba ( ?is title on acc\nt ( a *ild1 & at su* o!r times z ! ,secret>y consid]s appropriate1 ! ,secret>y %all-- 7,a7 in=m su* vet]an ( ! provisions ( subsections 7a77#b7 & 7b77#b7 provid+ = a p]iod ( ineligibility = paym5t ( p5sion "u su* sections = individuals :o make c]ta9 dispositions ( res\rces = less ?an fair m>ket value1 includ+ ! exception = h>d%ip f su* p]iod ( ineligibility2 7,b7 obta9 f su* vet]an in=mation :i* may be us$ 9 det]m9+ :e!r or n a p]iod ( ineligibility = su* paym5ts w\ld be requir$ by reason ( su* subsections2 & 7,c7 provide su* vet]an a timely process = det]m9+ :e!r or n ! exception = h>d%ip %all apply to su* vet]an4 4 7b7 ,surviv+ sp\ses & *ildr5 ,section #aedc is am5d$-- 7#a7 9 subsection 7a7-- 7,a7 by r$esignat+ p>agraph 7#b7 z p>agraph 7#c72 7,b7 by ins]t+ aft] p>agraph 7#a7 ! foll[+ new p>agraph 7#b73 7#b7 7,a7 ,if a surviv+ sp\se o!rwise eligible = paym5t ( p5sion "u section #aeda ( ?is title disposes ( cov]$ res\rces = less ?an fair m>ket value on or aft] ! look-back date describ$ 9 subp>agraph 7,c77i71 ! ,secret>y %all d5y or discont9ue ! paym5t ( p5sion to su* surviv+ sp\se "u section #aeda ( ?is title = mon?s dur+ ! p]iod beg9n+ on ! date describ$ 9 subp>agraph 7,d7 & equal to ! numb] ( mon?s calculat$ z provid$ 9 subp>agraph 7,e74 7,b7 7i7 ,= purposes ( ?is p>agraph1 a cov]$ res\rce is any res\rce t 0 a "p ( ! corpus ( ! e/ate ( ! surviv+ sp\se t ! ,secret>y consid]s t "u all ! circum/ances1 if ! surviv+ sp\se _h n dispos$ ( su* res\rce1 x w\ld be reasonable t ! res\rce 7or "s portion ( ! res\rce7 be consum$ = ! surviv+ sp\se's ma9t5ance4 7ii7 ,= purposes ( ?is p>agraph1 ! ,secret>y may consid]1 9 accordance ) regulations ! ,secret>y %all prescribe1 a transf] ( an asset 7includ+ a transf] ( an asset to an annuity1 tru/1 or o!r f9ancial in/rum5t or inve/m5t7 a disposal ( a cov]$ res\rce = less ?an fair m>ket value if su* transf] r$uces ! am\nt 9 ! corpus ( ! e/ate ( ! surviv+ sp\se t ! ,secret>y consid]s1 "u all ! circum/ances1 w\ld be reasonable to be consum$ = ! surviv+ sp\se's ma9t5ance4 7,c7 7i7 ,! look-back date describ$ 9 ?is clause is a date t is #cf mon?s be=e ! date describ$ 9 clause 7ii74 7ii7 ,! date describ$ 9 ?is clause is ! date on :i* ! surviv+ sp\se applies = p5sion "u section #aeda ( ?is title or1 if lat]1 ! date on :i* ! surviv+ sp\se disposes ( cov]$ res\rces = less ?an fair m>ket value4 7,d7 ,! date describ$ 9 ?is subp>agraph is ! fir/ day ( ! fir/ mon? 9 or aft] :i* cov]$ res\rces 7 dispos$ ( = less ?an fair m>ket value & :i* does n occur 9 any o!r p]iod ( ineligibility "u ?is p>agraph4 7,e7 ,! numb] ( mon?s calculat$ "u ?is subp>agraph %all be equal to-- 7i7 ! total1 cumulative uncomp5sat$ value ( ! portion ( ! cov]$ res\rces s dispos$ ( by ! surviv+ sp\se on or aft] ! look-back date describ$ 9 subp>agraph 7,c77i7 t ! ,secret>y det]m9es w\ld reasonably h be5 consum$ = ! surviv+ sp\se's ma9t5ance2 divid$ by 7ii7 ! maximum am\nt ( mon?ly p5sion t is payable to a surviv+ sp\se "u section #aeda ( ?is title1 includ+ ! maximum am\nt ( increas$ p5sion payable "u su* section on acc\nt ( a *ild1 b n includ+ any am\nt ( p5sion payable "u su* section because a surviv+ sp\se is 9 ne$ ( regul> aid & att5dance or is p]man5tly h\seb\nd1 r\nd$ d[n1 9 ! case ( any fraction1 to ! ne>e/ :ole numb]1 b %all n 9 any case exce$ #cf mon?s4 2 7,c7 by add+ at ! end ! foll[+ new p>agraph3 7#d7 7,a7 ,if a surviv+ sp\se o!rwise eligible = paym5t ( increas$ p5sion "u subsection 7c71 7d71 or 7e7 ( section #aeda ( ?is title on acc\nt ( a *ild or ! *ild disposes ( cov]$ res\rces = less ?an fair m>ket value on or aft] ! look-back date describ$ 9 subp>agraph 7,c77i71 ! ,secret>y %all d5y or discont9ue paym5t ( su* increas$ p5sion = mon?s dur+ ! p]iod beg9n+ on ! date describ$ 9 subp>agraph 7,d7 & equal to ! numb] ( mon?s calculat$ z provid$ 9 subp>agraph 7,e74 7,b7 7i7 ,= purposes ( ?is p>agraph1 a cov]$ res\rce is any res\rce t 0 a "p ( ! corpus ( ! e/ate ( ! *ild t ! ,secret>y consid]s t "u all ! circum/ances1 if ! surviv+ sp\se or ! *ild _h n dispos$ ( su* res\rce1 x w\ld be reasonable t ! res\rce 7or "s portion ( ! res\rce7 be consum$ = ! *ild's ma9t5ance4 7ii7 ,= purposes ( ?is p>agraph1 ! ,secret>y may consid]1 9 accordance ) regulations ! ,secret>y %all prescribe1 a transf] ( an asset 7includ+ a transf] ( an asset to an annuity1 tru/1 or o!r f9ancial in/rum5t or inve/m5t7 a disposal ( a cov]$ res\rce = less ?an fair m>ket value if su* transf] r$uces ! am\nt 9 ! corpus ( ! e/ate ( ! *ild t ! ,secret>y consid]s1 "u all ! circum/ances1 w\ld be reasonable to be consum$ = ! *ild's ma9t5ance4 7,c7 7i7 ,! look-back date describ$ 9 ?is clause is a date t is #cf mon?s be=e ! date describ$ 9 clause 7ii74 7ii7 ,! date describ$ 9 ?is clause is ! date on :i* ! surviv+ sp\se applies = paym5t ( increas$ p5sion "u subsection 7c71 7d71 or 7e7 ( section #aeda ( ?is title on acc\nt ( a *ild or1 if lat]1 ! date on :i* ! surviv+ sp\se 7or ! *ild7 disposes ( cov]$ res\rces = less ?an fair m>ket value4 7,d7 ,! date describ$ 9 ?is subp>agraph is ! fir/ day ( ! fir/ mon? 9 or aft] :i* cov]$ res\rces 7 dispos$ ( = less ?an fair m>ket value & :i* does n occur 9 any o!r p]iod ( ineligibility "u ?is p>agraph4 7,e7 ,! numb] ( mon?s calculat$ "u ?is clause %all be equal to-- 7i7 ! total1 cumulative uncomp5sat$ value ( ! portion ( ! cov]$ res\rces s dispos$ ( by ! surviv+ sp\se 7or ! *ild7 on or aft] ! look-back date describ$ 9 subp>agraph 7,c77i7 t ! ,secret>y det]m9es w\ld reasonably h be5 consum$ = ! *ild's ma9t5ance2 divid$ by 7ii7 ! maximum am\nt ( increas$ mon?ly p5sion t is payable to a surviv+ sp\se "u subsection 7c71 7d71 or 7e7 ( section #aeda ( ?is title on acc\nt ( a *ild1 r\nd$ d[n1 9 ! case ( any fraction1 to ! ne>e/ :ole numb]1 b %all n 9 any case exce$ #cf mon?s4 2 7#b7 9 subsection 7b7-- 7,a7 by ins]t+ 7#a7 be=e ,! ,secret>y2 & 7,b7 by add+ at ! end ! foll[+ new p>agraph3 7#b7 7,a7 ,if a *ild o!rwise eligible = paym5t ( p5sion "u section #aedb ( ?is title or any p]son ) :om su* *ild is resid+ :o is legally responsible = su* *ild's support disposes ( cov]$ res\rces = less ?an fair m>ket value on or aft] ! look-back date describ$ 9 subp>agraph 7,c77i71 ! ,secret>y %all d5y or discont9ue ! paym5t ( p5sion to su* *ild "u section #aedb ( ?is title = mon?s dur+ ! p]iod beg9n+ on ! date describ$ 9 subp>agraph 7,d7 & equal to ! numb] ( mon?s calculat$ z provid$ 9 subp>agraph 7,e74 7,b7 7i7 ,= purposes ( ?is p>agraph1 a cov]$ res\rce is any res\rce t 0 a "p ( ! corpus ( ! e/ate ( ! *ild or ! corpus ( ! e/ate ( any p]son ) :om su* *ild is resid+ :o is legally responsible = su* *ild's support t ! ,secret>y consid]s t "u all ! circum/ances1 if ! *ild or p]son _h n dispos$ ( su* res\rce1 x w\ld be reasonable t ! res\rce 7or "s portion ( ! res\rce7 be consum$ = ! *ild's ma9t5ance4 7ii7 ,= purposes ( ?is p>agraph1 ! ,secret>y may consid]1 9 accordance ) regulations ! ,secret>y %all prescribe1 a transf] ( an asset 7includ+ a transf] ( an asset to an annuity1 tru/1 or o!r f9ancial in/rum5t or inve/m5t7 a disposal ( a cov]$ res\rce = less ?an fair m>ket value if su* transf] r$uces ! am\nt 9 ! corpus ( ! e/ate describ$ 9 clause 7i7 t ! ,secret>y consid]s1 "u all ! circum/ances1 w\ld be reasonable to be consum$ = ! *ild's ma9t5ance4 7,c7 7i7 ,! look-back date describ$ 9 ?is clause is a date t is #cf mon?s be=e ! date describ$ 9 clause 7ii74 7ii7 ,! date describ$ 9 ?is clause is ! date on :i* ! *ild applies = p5sion "u section #aedb ( ?is title or1 if lat]1 ! date on :i* ! *ild 7or p]son describ$ 9 subp>agraph 7,b77 disposes ( cov]$ res\rces = less ?an fair m>ket value4 7,d7 ,! date describ$ 9 ?is clause is ! fir/ day ( ! fir/ mon? 9 or aft] :i* cov]$ res\rces 7 dispos$ ( = less ?an fair m>ket value & :i* does n occur 9 any o!r p]iod ( ineligibility "u ?is p>agraph4 7,e7 ,! numb] ( mon?s calculat$ "u ?is clause %all be equal to-- 7i7 ! total1 cumulative uncomp5sat$ value ( ! portion ( ! cov]$ res\rces s dispos$ ( by ! *ild 7or p]son describ$ 9 subp>agraph 7,b77 on or aft] ! look-back date describ$ 9 subp>agraph 7,c77i7 t ! ,secret>y det]m9es w\ld reasonably h be5 consum$ = ! *ild's ma9t5ance2 divid$ by 7ii7 ! maximum am\nt ( mon?ly p5sion t is payable to a *ild "u section #aedb ( ?is title1 r\nd$ d[n1 9 ! case ( any fraction1 to ! ne>e/ :ole numb]1 b %all n 9 any case exce$ #cf mon?s4 2 & 7#c7 by add+ at ! end ! foll[+ new subsection3 7c7 7#a7 7,a7 ,! ,secret>y %all n d5y or discont9ue paym5t ( p5sion "u section #aeda or #aedb ( ?is title or paym5t ( increas$ p5sion "u subsection 7c71 7d71 or 7e7 ( section #aeda ( ?is title on acc\nt ( a *ild by reason ( ! application ( subsection 7a77#b71 7a77#d71 or 7b77#b7 ( ?is section to ! disposal ( res\rces by an individual-- 7i7 if-- 7,i7 a satisfactory %[+ is made to ! ,secret>y 79 accordance ) regulations promulgat$ by ! ,secret>y7 t all res\rces dispos$ ( = less ?an fair m>ket value h be5 return$ to ! individual :o dispos$ ( ! res\rces2 or 7,,ii7 ! ,secret>y det]m9es1 "u proc$ures e/abli%$ by ! ,secret>y 9 accordance ) subp>agraph 7,b71 t ! d5ial or discont9uance ( paym5t w\ld "w an undue h>d%ip2 or 7ii7 to ! ext5t t any portion ( ! res\rces dispos$ ( = less ?an fair m>ket value h be5 return$ to ! individual :o dispos$ ( ! res\rces4 7,b7 ,undue h>d%ip w\ld be work$ by ! d5ial or discont9uance ( paym5t = purposes ( subp>agraph 7,a77i77,,ii7 if ! d5ial or discont9uance ( paym5t w\ld deprive ! individual dur+ ! p]iod ( d5ial or discont9uance-- 7i7 ( m$ical c>e su* t ! individual's life or heal? w\ld be endang]$2 7ii7 ( necess>y food or clo?+1 or o!r necessities ( life2 or 7iii7 on su* o!r basis z ! ,secret>y %all specify 9 ! proc$ures requir$ by subp>agraph 7,a77i77,,ii74 7,c7 ,if paym5t ( p5sion or increas$ p5sion t w\ld o!rwise be d5i$ or discont9u$ by reason ( ! application ( subsection 7a77#b71 7a77#d71 or 7b77#b7 is d5i$ or discont9u$ only 9 "p by reason ( ! return ( res\rces z describ$ 9 subp>agraph 7,a77ii71 ! p]iod ( ! d5ial or discont9uance z det]m9$ pursuant to subp>agraph 7,e7 ( subsection 7a77#b71 7a77#d71 or 7b77#b71 z applicable1 %all be recalculat$ to take into acc\nt su* return ( res\rces4 7#b7 ,at ! "t a surviv+ sp\se or *ild applies = p5sion "u section #aeda or #aedb ( ?is title or increas$ p5sion "u subsection 7c71 7d71 or 7e7 ( section #aeda ( ?is title on acc\nt ( a *ild1 & at su* o!r times z ! ,secret>y consid]s appropriate1 ! ,secret>y %all-- 7,a7 in=m su* surviv+ sp\se or *ild ( ! provisions ( subsections 7a77#b71 7a77#d71 & 7b77#b71 z applicable1 provid+ = a p]iod ( ineligibility = paym5t ( p5sion or increas$ p5sion "u su* sections = individuals :o make c]ta9 dispositions ( res\rces = less ?an fair m>ket value1 includ+ ! exception = h>d%ip f su* p]iod ( ineligibility2 7,b7 obta9 f su* surviv+ sp\se or *ild in=mation :i* may be us$ 9 det]m9+ :e!r or n a p]iod ( ineligibility = su* paym5ts w\ld be requir$ by reason ( su* subsections2 & 7,c7 provide su* surviv+ sp\se or *ild a timely process = det]m9+ :e!r or n ! exception = h>d%ip %all apply to su* surviv+ sp\se or *ild4 4 7c7 ,effective date ,subsections 7a77#b71 7b77#b71 & 7c7 ( section #aebb ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 z add$ by subsection 7a71 & subsections 7a77#b71 7a77#d71 7b77#b71 & 7c7 ( section #aedc ( su* title1 z add$ by subsection 7b71 %all take effect on ! date t is "o ye> aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act & %all apply ) respect to paym5ts ( p5sion & increas$ p5sion appli$ = aft] su* date & to paym5ts ( p5sion & increas$ p5sion = :i* eligibility is r$et]m9$ aft] su* date1 except t no r$uction 9 p5sion %all be made "u su* subsections because ( any disposal ( cov]$ res\rces made be=e su* date4 7d7 ,annual reports 7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,n lat] ?an #cj mon?s aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act & n less frequ5tly ?an once ea* ye> !reaft] ?r\gh #bjah1 ! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs %all submit to ! appropriate committees ( ,congress a report on ! adm9i/ration ( subsections 7a77#b71 7b77#b71 & 7c7 ( section #aebb ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 z add$ by subsection 7a71 & subsections 7a77#b71 7a77#d71 7b77#b71 & 7c7 ( section #aedc ( su* title1 z add$ by subsection 7b71 dur+ ! mo/ rec5t #ab-mon? p]iod4 7#b7 ,elem5ts ,ea* report submitt$ "u p>agraph 7#a7 %all include ! foll[+1 = ! p]iod cov]$ by ! report3 7,a7 ,! numb] ( individuals :o appli$ = p5sion "u *apt] #ae ( su* title4 7,b7 ,! numb] ( individuals :o receiv$ p5sion "u su* *apt]4 7,c7 ,! numb] ( individuals ) respect to :om ! ,secret>y d5i$ or discont9u$ paym5t ( p5sion "u ! subsections ref]r$ to 9 p>agraph 7#a74 7,d7 ,a description ( any tr5ds id5tifi$ by ! ,secret>y reg>d+ p5sion paym5ts t h occurr$ z a result ( ! am5dm5ts made by ?is section4 7,e7 ,su* o!r in=mation z ! ,secret>y consid]s appropriate4 7#c7 ,appropriate committees ( ,congress def9$ ,9 ?is subsection1 ! t]m appropriate committees ( ,congress means-- 7,a7 ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs & ! ,select ,committee on ,ag+ ( ! ,s5ate2 & 7,b7 ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives4 #hjb4 ,(fice ( ,national ,vet]ans ,sports ,programs & ,special ,ev5ts 7a7 ,reau?orization & use ( c]ta9 funds ,subsection 7d77#d7 ( section #cbb is am5d$-- 7#a7 by ins]t+ 7,a7 aft] 7#d72 7#b7 by /rik+ #bjac & ins]t+ #bjah2 & 7#c7 by add+ at ! end ! foll[+ new subp>agraph3 7,b7 ,any am\nts appropriat$ or o!rwise made available to c>ry out ?is subsection t ! ,secret>y det]m9es are unnecess>y to c>ry out ?is subsection may be us$ by ! ,secret>y to c>ry out ?is section4 4 7b7 ,coop]ation ) organization ,subsection 7b77#d7 ( su* section is am5d$ by /rik+ %all1 to ! ext5t feasible1 & ins]t+ may4 7c7 ,sub/itution ( ,,usoc 9 responsibility = ,unit$ ,/ates ,p>alympics1 ,inc ,su* section is fur!r am5d$-- 7#a7 9 subsection 7b77#d7-- 7,a7 by /rik+ ,unit$ ,/ates ,p>alympics1 ,inc41 ea* place x appe>s & ins]t+ ,unit$ ,/ates ,olympic ,committee2 & 7,b7 by /rik+ sport+ & ins]t+ p>alympic2 & 7#b7 9 subsection 7d77#a71 by /rik+ ,unit$ ,/ates ,p>alympics1 ,inc41 ea* place x appe>s & ins]t+ ,unit$ ,/ates ,olympic ,committee4 #hjc4 ,adaptive sports programs = disabl$ vet]ans & memb]s ( ! ,arm$ ,=ces ?r\gh ,unit$ ,/ates ,olympic ,committee 7a7 ,au?orization ( program ,subsection 7a7 ( section #eba;,a is am5d$ to read z foll[s3 7a7 ,adaptive sports program 7#a7 ,! ,secret>y may plan1 develop1 manage1 & implem5t an integrat$ adaptive sports program = disabl$ vet]ans & disabl$ memb]s ( ! ,arm$ ,=ces4 7#b7 ,! ,secret>y may aw>d grants to ! ,unit$ ,/ates ,olympic ,committee to c>ry out p>agraph 7#a74 4 7b7 ,additional application requirem5ts ,subsection 7c77#b7 ( su* section is am5d$-- 7#a7 9 subp>agraph 7,a71 by /rik+ & at ! end2 7#b7 9 subp>agraph 7,b71 by /rik+ ! p]iod at ! end & ins]t+ 2 &2 & 7#c7 by add+ at ! end ! foll[+ new subp>agraph3 7,c7 a /atem5t t includes a detail$ description (-- 7i7 ! anticipat$ p]sonnel1 travel1 & adm9i/rative co/s t w be paid = by ! ,unit$ ,/ates ,olympic ,committee ) funds provid$ "u ?is section2 7ii7 ! f9ancial controls implem5t$ by ! ,unit$ ,/ates ,olympic ,committee1 includ+ me?ods to track exp5ditures ( funds provid$ "u ?is section2 7iii7 ! p]=mance metrics to be us$ by ! ,unit$ ,/ates ,olympic ,committee to evaluate ! effectiv5ess ( ! activities to be c>ri$ out ) ! funds provid$ "u ?is section2 & 7iv7 ! anticipat$ p]sonnel1 travel1 & adm9i/rative co/s t w be paid = by subgrantees ) funds provid$ "u ?is section4 4 7c7 ,fund+ ,subsection 7g7 ( su* section is am5d$ by /rik+ #bjac & ins]t+ #bjae4 7d7 ,exception to prohibition on comm+l+ ( funds ,subsection 7h7 ( su* section is am5d$ by ins]t+ be=e ! p]iod at ! end ! foll[+3 1 except t funds appropriat$ to c>ry out ?is section may be us$ by ! ,dep>tm5t to c>ry out subsections 7a71 7b71 & 7c7 ( section #cbb ( ?is title4 7e7 ,sub/itution ( ,,usoc 9 responsibility = ,unit$ ,/ates ,p>alympics1 ,inc ,su* section is fur!r am5d$-- 7#a7 by /rik+ ,unit$ ,/ates ,p>alympics1 ,inc41 ea* place x appe>s 7o!r ?an 9 subsection 7d77 & ins]t+ ,unit$ ,/ates ,olympic ,committee2 & 7#b7 9 subsection 7d7-- 7,a7 9 p>agraph 7#a7-- 7i7 by /rik+ ,unit$ ,/ates ,p>alympics1 ,inc41 ) ! assi/ance & ins]t+ ,unit$ ,/ates ,olympic ,committee1 ) ! assi/ance2 & 7ii7 by /rik+ ,unit$ ,/ates ,p>alympics1 ,inc41 has ent]$ & ins]t+ ,unit$ ,/ates ,olympic ,committee has ent]$2 7,b7 9 p>agraph 7#d71 by /rik+ ,unit$ ,/ates ,p>alympics1 ,inc4 & ins]t+ ,unit$ ,/ates ,olympic ,committee2 & 7,c7 9 p>agraph 7#e71 by /rik+ ,unit$ ,/ates ,p>alympics1 ,inc41 & ins]t+ ,unit$ ,/ates ,olympic ,committee4 7f7 ,comptroll] g5]al report ,su* section is fur!r am5d$-- 7#a7 by r$esignat+ subsection 7l7 z subsection 7m72 & 7#b7 by ins]t+ aft] subsection 7k7 ! foll[+ new subsection 7l73 7l7 ,comptroll] ,g5]al report 7#a7 ,n lat] ?an two ye>s aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ! ,vet]ans ,heal? & ,b5efits ,improvem5t ,act ( #bjac1 ! ,comptroll] ,g5]al ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates %all submit to ,congress a report on ! use ( grants1 if any1 aw>d$ to ! ,unit$ ,/ates ,olympic ,committee1 "u ?is section dur+ ! two-ye> p]iod prec$+ ! report4 7#b7 ,! report requir$ "u p>agraph 7#a7 %all conta9 ! foll[+3 7,a7 ,an assessm5t ( h[ ! ,dep>tm5t1 ! ,unit$ ,/ates ,olympic ,committee1 & subgrantees ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates ,olympic ,committee1 h provid$ adaptive sports opportunities to vet]ans & memb]s ( ! ,arm$ ,=ces ?r\gh grants aw>d$ "u ?is section4 7,b7 ,an assessm5t ( h[ ! ,dep>tm5t ov]sees ! use ( funds provid$ "u ?is section by ! ,unit$ ,/ates ,olympic ,committee & subgrantees ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates ,olympic ,committee4 7,c7 ,a description ( ! b5efit provid$ to vet]ans & memb]s ( ! ,arm$ ,=ces ?r\gh programs & activities develop$ ?r\gh grants aw>d$ "u ?is section4 4 7g7 ,ext5sion ( sunset ,subsection 7m7 ( su* section1 z r$esignat$ by subsection 7f7 ( ?is section1 is am5d$ by /rik+ #bjac & ins]t+ #bjae4 7h7 ,con=m+ & cl]ical am5dm5ts 7#a7 ,section head+ am5dm5t ,! head+ ( su* section is am5d$ to read z foll[s3 #eba;,a4 ,adaptive sports programs = disabl$ vet]ans & memb]s ( ! ,arm$ ,=ces ?r\gh ! ,unit$ ,/ates ,olympic ,committee 4 7#b7 ,table ( sections ,! table ( sections at ! beg9n+ ( *apt] #e is am5d$ by /rik+ ! item relat+ to section #eba;,a & ins]t+ ! foll[+ new item3 #eba;,a4 ,adaptive sports programs = disabl$ vet]ans & memb]s ( ! ,arm$ ,=ces ?r\gh ! ,unit$ ,/ates ,olympic ,committee 4 #hjd4 ,mak+ effective date provision consi/5t ) provision = b5efits eligibility ( a vet]an's *ild bas$ ^u t]m9ation ( rem>riage by annulm5t ,section #eaaj7l7 is am5d$ by /rik+ 1 or ( an aw>d or increase ( b5efits bas$ on recognition ( a *ild ^u t]m9ation ( ! *ild's m>riage by dea? or divorce14 #hje4 ,ext5d$ p]iod = s*$ul+ ( m$ical exams = vet]ans receiv+ tempor>y disability rat+s = sev]e m5tal disord]s ,section #aaef7;a77#c7 is am5d$ by /rik+ six mon?s & ins]t+ #ah mon?s4 #hjf4 ,au?ority to issue ,vet]ans ,,id ,c>ds 7a7 ,au?ority 7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs may issue a c>d to a vet]an t id5tifies ! vet]an z a vet]an & includes a photo ( ! vet]an & ! "n ( ! vet]an4 7#b7 ,no requirem5t = enrollm5t or receipt ( b5efits ,! ,secret>y may issue a c>d "u p>agraph 7#a7 to a vet]an1 :e!r or n su* vet]an is-- 7,a7 enroll$ 9 ! sy/em ( annual pati5t enrollm5t e/abli%$ "u section #agje7;a7 ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code2 or 7,b7 9 receipt ( educational assi/ance1 comp5sation1 or p5sion "u laws adm9i/]$ by ! ,secret>y4 7#c7 ,designation ,a c>d issu$ "u p>agraph 7#a7 may be kn[n z a ,vet]ans ,,id ,c>d4 7b7 ,recognition ( ,vet]ans ,,id ,c>ds = r$uc$ pric+ ( ph>maceuticals1 consum] products1 & s]vices ,! ,secret>y may "w ) national retail *a9s t (f] r$uc$ prices on ph>maceuticals1 consum] products1 & s]vices to vet]ans to ensure t su* retail *a9s recognize c>ds issu$ "u subsection 7a77#a7 = purposes ( (f]+ r$uc$ prices on ph>maceuticals1 consum] products1 & s]vices4 7c7 ,vet]an def9$ ,9 ?is section1 ! t]m vet]an has ! mean+ giv5 ! t]m 9 section #aja ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code4 7d7 ,effective date ,?is section %all take effect on ! date t is "o ye> aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act4 #hjg4 ,honor+ z vet]ans c]ta9 p]sons :o p]=m$ s]vice 9 ! res]ve compon5ts ( ! ,arm$ ,=ces ,any p]son :o is entitl$ "u *apt] #abbc ( title #aj1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 to retir$ pay = nonregul> s]vice or1 b = age1 w\ld be entitl$ "u su* *apt] to retir$ pay = nonregul> s]vice %all be honor$ z a vet]an b %all n be entitl$ to any b5efit by reason ( ?is honor4 #hjh4 ,ext5sion ( au?ority = ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs to issue & gu>antee c]ta9 loans ,section #cgbi7;b77#b7 is am5d$-- 7#a7 9 subp>agraph 7,a7-- 7,a7 9 clause 7iii71 by /rik+ ,octob] #a1 #bjag & ins]t+ ,may #a1 #bjah2 & 7,b7 9 clause 7iv71 by /rik+ ,octob] #a1 #bjag & ins]t+ ,may #a1 #bjah2 7#b7 9 subp>agraph 7,b7-- 7,a7 9 clause 7i71 by /rik+ ,octob] #a1 #bjag & ins]t+ ,may #a1 #bjah2 & 7,b7 9 clause 7ii71 by /rik+ ,octob] #a1 #bjag & ins]t+ ,may #a1 #bjah2 7#c7 9 subp>agraph 7,c7-- 7,a7 9 clause 7i71 by /rik+ ,octob] #a1 #bjag & ins]t+ ,may #a1 #bjah2 & 7,b7 9 clause 7ii71 by /rik+ ,octob] #a1 #bjag & ins]t+ ,may #a1 #bjah2 & 7#d7 9 subp>agraph 7,d7-- 7,a7 9 clause 7i71 by /rik+ ,octob] #a1 #bjag & ins]t+ ,may #a1 #bjah2 & 7,b7 9 clause 7ii71 by /rik+ ,octob] #a1 #bjag & ins]t+ ,may #a1 #bjah4 #hji4 ,review ( det]m9ation ( c]ta9 s]vice 9 ,philipp9es dur+ ,_w ,w> ,,ii 7a7 ,9 g5]al ,! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs1 9 consultation ) ! ,secret>y ( ,def5se & su* milit>y hi/orians z ! ,secret>y ( ,def5se recomm5ds1 %all review ! process us$ to det]m9e :e!r a cov]$ individual s]v$ 9 support ( ! ,arm$ ,=ces ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates dur+ ,_w ,w> ,,ii 9 accordance ) section #ajjb7;d7 ( title ,x ( ,division ,a ( ! ,am]ican ,recov]y & ,re9ve/m5t ,act ( #bjji 7,public ,law #aaa-e2 #ch ,u4,s4,c4 #ajg note7 = purposes ( det]m9+ :e!r su* cov]$ individual is eligible = paym5ts describ$ 9 su* section4 7b7 ,cov]$ individuals ,9 ?is section1 a cov]$ individual is any individual :o timely submitt$ a claim = b5efits "u subsection 7c7 ( section #ajjb ( title ,x ( ,division ,a ( ! ,am]ican ,recov]y & ,re9ve/m5t ,act ( #bjji 7,public ,law #aaa-e2 #ch ,u4,s4,c4 #ajg note7 bas$ on s]vice z describ$ 9 subsection 7d7 ( t section4 7c7 ,report ,n lat] ?an #ij days aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act1 ! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs %all submit to ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,s5ate & ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives a report detail+ any f9d+s1 actions tak51 or recomm5dations = legislative action ) respect to ! review conduct$ "u subsection 7a74 7d7 ,prohibition on b5efits = disqualify+ conduct "u new process pursuant to review ,if pursuant to ! review conduct$ "u subsection 7a7 ! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs det]m9es to e/abli% a new process = ! mak+ ( paym5ts z describ$ 9 t subsection1 ! process %all include me*anisms to ensure t individuals are n treat$ z cov]$ individuals = purposes ( su* paym5ts if su* individuals engag$ 9 any disqualify+ conduct dur+ s]vice describ$ 9 t subsection1 includ+ collaboration ) ! enemy or crim9al conduct4 #haj4 ,report on ,laotian milit>y support ( ,arm$ ,=ces ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates dur+ ,vietnam ,w> 7a7 ,9 g5]al ,n lat] ?an "o ye> aft] ! effective date specifi$ 9 subsection 7c71 ! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs1 9 consultation ) ! ,secret>y ( ,def5se & su* ag5cies & individuals z ! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs consid]s appropriate1 %all submit to ! appropriate committees ( ,congress a report on-- 7#a7 ! ext5t to :i* ,laotian milit>y =ces provid$ combat support to ! ,arm$ ,=ces ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates betwe5 ,febru>y #bh1 #aifa1 & ,may #ae1 #aige2 7#b7 :e!r ! curr5t classification by ! ,civilian_/,milit>y ,s]vice ,review ,bo>d ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,def5se ( s]vice by individuals ( ,hmong e?nicity is appropriate2 & 7#c7 any recomm5dations = legislative action4 7b7 ,appropriate committees ( ,congress ,9 ?is section1 ! t]m appropriate committees ( ,congress means-- 7#a7 ! ,committee on ,arm$ ,s]vices & ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,s5ate2 & 7#b7 ! ,committee on ,arm$ ,s]vices & ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives4 7c7 ,effective date ,?is section %all take effect on ! date t is "o ye> aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act4 #haa4 ,report on assi/ance = vet]ans 9 obta9+ tra9+ on pur*as+ & op]at+ a fran*ise 7a7 ,report requir$ ,n lat] ?an "o ye> aft] ! effective date specifi$ 9 subsection 7c71 ! ,secret>y ( ,labor %all1 9 consultation ) ! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs1 ! ,adm9i/rator ( ! ,small ,bus9ess ,adm9i/ration1 & o!r appropriate entities1 submit to ,congress a report on ! assi/ance available to vet]ans to obta9 tra9+ necess>y to pur*ase & op]ate a fran*ise4 7b7 ,elem5ts ,! report requir$ by subsection 7a7 %all include ! foll[+3 7#a7 ,a description ( ! assi/ance available = vet]ans ?r\gh ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,labor1 ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs1 ! ,small ,bus9ess ,adm9i/ration1 or any o!r ag5cy ( ! ,f$]al ,gov]nm5t 9 ord] to obta9 tra9+ necess>y to pur*ase or op]ate a fran*ise4 7#b7 ,in=mation on ! numb] ( vet]ans :o h s\ght & obta9$ ! tra9+ describ$ 9 p>agraph 7#a7 dur+ ! five cal5d> ye>s prec$+ ! report4 7#c7 ,a description ( any b>ri]s enc\nt]$ by vet]ans 9 obta9+ ! tra9+ describ$ 9 p>agraph 7#a74 7c7 ,effective date ,?is section %all take effect on ! date t is "o ye> aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act4 #hab4 ,limitation on aggregate am\nt ( bonuses payable to p]sonnel ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs dur+ fiscal ye> #bjad ,! aggregate am\nt ( bonuses & aw>ds payable to p]sonnel ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs "u *apt] #de or #ec ( title #e1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 or any o!r provision ( su* title1 dur+ fiscal ye> #bjad may n exce$ #cfh1jjj1jjj4 ,am5d ! title s z to read3 ,a bill to improve ! provision ( m$ical s]vices & b5efits to vet]ans1 & = o!r purposes44 ,decemb] #i1 #bjac,report$ ) an am5dm5t & an am5dm5t to ! title