,,ib  ,union ,cal5d> ,no4 #cjh  #aad?   
,,congress  #b;d ,session  ,h4 ,r4 #fgg 
,report ,no4 #aad-dje  ,,9 ,,! ,,h\se   
,,( ,,repres5tatives  ,febru>y #c1 #bjae
 ,mr4 ,abraham 7= himself & ,ms4 ,titus7
 introduc$ ! foll[+ bill2 :i* 0 ref]r$  
to ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs   
,febru>y #a1 #bjaf ,report$ ) an        
am5dm5t1 committ$ to ! ,committee ( !   
,:ole ,h\se on ! ,/ate ( ! ,union1 &    
ord]$ to be pr9t$ ,/rike out all aft] ! 
enact+ clause & ins]t ! "p pr9t$ 9      
italic ,= text ( introduc$ bill1 see    
copy ( bill z introduc$ on ,febru>y #c1 
#bjae  ,a ,,bill  ,to am5d title #ch1   
,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 to provide = annual
 co/-(-liv+ adju/m5ts to be made        
automatically by law ea* ye> 9 ! rates (
 disability comp5sation = vet]ans )     
s]vice-connect$ disabilities & ! rates (
 dep5d5cy & indemnity comp5sation =     
survivors ( c]ta9 s]vice-connect$       
disabl$ vet]ans4  #a4 ,%ort title2 table
 ( cont5ts  7a7 ,%ort title ,?is ,act   
may be cit$ z ! ,am]ican ,h]oes ,,cola  

,act ( #bjae4  7b7 ,table ( cont5ts ,!  
table ( cont5ts = ?is ,act is z foll[s3 
,sec4 #a4 ,%ort title2 table ( cont5ts4 
,sec4 #b4 ,expansion ( eligibility =    
m$allions4 ,sec4 #c4 ,def9itions relat+ 
to claims = b5efits "u laws adm9i/]$ by 
! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs4 ,sec4  
#d4 ,qu>t]ly reports on =mal & in=mal   
claims = b5efits "u laws adm9i/]$ by    
,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs4 ,sec4 #e4
 ,exp$it$ paym5t ( survivor's b5efits4  
,sec4 #f4 ,priority = process+ claims ( 
! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs4 ,sec4  
#g4 ,treatm5t ( m$ical evid5ce provid$  
by non-,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs    
m$ical pr(essionals 9 support ( claims =
 disability comp5sation4 ,sec4 #h4      
,automatic annual increase 9 rates (    
disability comp5sation & dep5d5cy &     
indemnity comp5sation4 ,sec4 #i4        
,improvem5t ( fiduci>ies = vet]ans4     
,sec4 #aj4 ,bo>d ( ,vet]ans' ,appeals   
video he>+s4 ,sec4 #aa4 ,improvem5ts to 
au?ority = p]=mance ( m$ical            
disabilities exam9ations by contract    

physicians4 ,sec4 #ab4 ,pilot program on
 fully develop$ appeals4 ,sec4 #ac4     
,deadl9e = c]tification ( appeals =ms by
 regional (fices ( ! ,dep>tm5t (        
,vet]ans ,affairs4 ,sec4 #ad4           
,evaluation ( backlog ( disability      
claims & appeals ( claims ( ,dep>tm5t ( 
,vet]ans ,affairs4 ,sec4 #ae4 ,me?ods = 
validat+ c]ta9 ,_w ,w> ,,ii ,m]*ant     
,m>9] s]vice consid]$ to be active      
s]vice by ! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans        
,affairs4 ,sec4 #af4 ,designation (     
,am]ican ,_w ,w> ,,ii ,cities4 ,sec4    
#ag4 ,s5se ( ,congress reg>d+ ,am]ican  
vet]ans disabl$ = life4  #b4 ,expansion 
( eligibility = m$allions ,section      
#bcjf7;d77#d7 ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates
 ,code1 is am5d$ to read z foll[s3  7#d7
 7,a7 ,9 lieu ( furni%+ a head/one or   
m>k] "u ?is subsection to a deceas$     
individual describ$ 9 subp>agraph 7,b71 
! ,secret>y may furni%1 ^u reque/1 a    
m$allion or o!r device ( a design       
det]m9$ by ! ,secret>y to signify !     
deceas$ individual's /atus z a vet]an1  

to be atta*$ to a head/one or m>k]      
furni%$ at private exp5se4  7,b7 ,a     
deceas$ individual describ$ 9 ?is       
subsection is an individual :o-- 7i7    
s]v$ 9 ! ,arm$ ,=ces on or aft] ,april  
#f1 #aiag2 &  7ii7 is eligible = a      
head/one or m>k] furni%$ "u p>agraph    
7#a7 7or w\ld be s eligible b = ! date (
 ! dea? ( ! individual74  4  #c4        
,def9itions relat+ to claims = b5efits  
"u laws adm9i/]$ by ! ,secret>y (       
,vet]ans ,affairs  7a7 ,def9itions  7#a7
 ,9 g5]al ,section #eajj ( title #ch1   
,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$ to read z 
foll[s3  #eajj4 ,def9itions ,9 ?is      
*apt]3 7#a7 ,! t]m claimant means any   
individual apply+ =1 or submitt+ a claim
 =1 any b5efit "u ! laws adm9i/]$ by !  
,secret>y4  7#b7 ,! t]m claim means a   
communication 9 writ+ reque/+ a         
det]m9ation ( entitlem5t or evid5c+ a   
belief 9 entitlem5t to a b5efit "u !    
laws adm9i/]$ by ! ,secret>y4  7#c7 ,!  
t]m =mal claim means a claim submitt$ on
 an application =m prescrib$ by !       

,secret>y4  4  7#b7 ,cl]ical am5dm5t ,! 
table ( sections at ! beg9n+ ( *apt] #ea
 ( su* title is fur!r am5d$ by /rik+ !  
item relat+ to section #eajj & ins]t+ ! 
foll[+ new item3  #eajj4 ,def9itions4  4
  7b7 ,effective date ,section #eajj (  
title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 z am5d$ 
by subsection 7a71 %all take effect on !
 date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act & %all    
apply ) respect to a claim submitt$ on  
or aft] su* date4  #d4 ,qu>t]ly reports 
on =mal & in=mal claims = b5efits "u    
laws adm9i/]$ by ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans   
,affairs  7a7 ,qu>t]ly reports ,dur+ !  
five-ye> p]iod beg9n+ on ! date ( !     
enactm5t ( ?is ,act1 ! ,secret>y %all   
submit to ! ,committees on ,vet]ans'    
,affairs ( ! ,s5ate & ,h\se (           
,repres5tatives qu>t]ly reports on =mal 
& in=mal claims submitt$ to ! ,secret>y4
 ,ea* su* report %all include1 = !      
?ree-mon? p]iod cov]$ by ! report-- 7#a7
 ! total numb] ( claims submitt$ to !   
,secret>y2  7#b7 ! total numb] ( in=mal 
claims submitt$ to ! ,secret>y2  7#c7 ! 

total numb] ( =mal claims submitt$ to ! 
,secret>y2  7#d7 ! total numb] ( =ms    
indicat+ an int5t to file a claim =     
b5efits submitt$ to ! ,secret>y2  7#e7 !
 total numb] ( claims notification      
lett]s t includ$ an invitation to !     
claimant to submit an additional =mal   
claim t 0 reasonably rais$ dur+ !       
adjudication ( ! claim = :i* !          
notification lett] is s5t2  7#f7 ( !    
claimants :o receiv$ notification lett]s
 describ$ 9 p>agraph 7#e71 ! total numb]
 :o submitt$ a =mal claim 9 response to 
! invitation includ$ 9 ! lett]2  7#g7 ! 
total numb] ( electronically fil$ claims
 submitt$ to ! ,secret>y2 &  7#h7 !     
total numb] ( fully-develop$ claims     
submitt$ to ! ,secret>y4  7b7 ,s5se (   
,congress ,x is ! s5se ( ,congress t !  
,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs %\ld      
develop a designat$ =m = an increase or 
reop5+ ( a claim t does n require !     
resubmittal ( in=mation previ\sly       
submitt$ on a =mal claim =m4  7c7       
,def9itions ,9 ?is section3 7#a7 ,! t]ms

 claim1 claimant1 & =mal claim h !      
mean+s giv5 su* t]ms 9 section #eajj (  
title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 z am5d$ 
by section #d4  7#b7 ,! t]m in=mal claim
 means a communication 9 writ+ reque/+ a
 det]m9ation ( entitlem5t or evid5c+ a  
belief 9 entitlem5t1 to a b5efit "u !   
laws adm9i/]$ by ! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans 
,affairs t-- 7,a7 is submitt$ 9 a =mat  
o!r ?an on an application =m prescrib$  
by ! ,secret>y2  7,b7 indicates an int5t
 to apply = "o or m b5efits "u ! laws   
adm9i/]$ by ! ,secret>y2  7,c7 id5tifies
 ! b5efit s\ght2  7,d7 is made or       
submitt$ by a claimant1 8 or h] duly    
au?oriz$ repres5tative1 a ,memb] (      
,congress1 or ano!r p]son act+ on behalf
 ( a claimant :o meets ! requirem5ts    
e/abli%$ by ! ,secret>y = su* purpose2 &
  7,e7 may include a report ( exam9ation
 or hospitalization1 if ! report relates
 to a disability :i* may e/abli% su* an 
entitlem5t4  7#c7 ,! t]m reasonably     
rais$ ) respect to a claim means t      
evid5ce ( an entitlem5t to a b5efit "u !

 laws adm9i/]$ by ! ,secret>y is inf]r$ 
or logically plac$ at issue ^u a        
sympa!tic read+ ( ano!r claim & ! record
 develop$ ) respect to t claim4  #e4    
,exp$it$ paym5t ( survivor's b5efits    
7a7 ,9 g5]al ,section #eaja7;a77#a7 (   
title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is      
am5d$--  7#a7 by /rik+ ,a specific &    
ins]t+ 7,a7 ,except z provid$ 9         
subp>agraph 7,b71 a specific2 &  7#b7 by
 add+ at ! end ! foll[+ new subp>agraph3
  7,b7  7i7 ,! ,secret>y may pay b5efits
 "u *apt]s #ac & #ae & sections #bcjb1  
#bcjg1 & #eaba ( ?is title to a survivor
 ( a vet]an :o has n fil$ a =mal claim  
if ! ,secret>y det]m9es t ! record      
conta9s suffici5t evid5ce to e/abli% !  
entitlem5t ( ! survivor to su* b5efits4 
7ii7 ,= purposes ( ?is subp>agraph &    
section #eaaj ( ?is title1 ! e>li] ( !  
foll[+ dates %all be treat$ z ! date ( !
 receipt ( ! survivor's application =   
b5efits describ$ 9 clause 7i73  7,i7 ,! 
date on :i* ! survivor ( a vet]an 7or ! 
repres5tative ( su* a survivor7 notifies

 ! ,secret>y ( ! dea? ( ! vet]an ?r\gh a
 dea? c]tificate or o!r relevant m$ical 
evid5ce indicat+ t ! dea? 0 due to a    
s]vice-connect$ or comp5sable           
disability4  7,,ii7 ,! head ( any o!r   
dep>tm5t or ag5cy ( ! ,f$]al ,gov]nm5t  
notifies ! ,secret>y ( ! dea? ( !       
vet]an4  7iii7 ,9 notify+ ! ,secret>y ( 
! dea? ( a vet]an z describ$ 9 clause   
7ii77,i71 ! survivor 7or ! repres5tative
 ( su* a survivor7 may submit to !      
,secret>y additional docum5ts relat+ to 
su* dea? )\t be+ requir$ to file a =mal 
claim4  4  7b7 ,report  7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,n
 lat] ?an "o ye> 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 b5efits paid pursuant to cov]$
 claims4  7#b7 ,cont5ts ,! report "u    
p>agraph 7#a7 %all include ! foll[+3    
7,a7 ,! numb] ( cov]$ claims adjudicat$ 
dur+ ! "o-ye> p]iod prec$+ ! date ( !   

report1 disaggregat$ by ! foll[+3  7i7  
,claims 9 :i* ! claimant claim$         
entitlem5t to comp5sation on ! basis ( !
 claimant's /atus z ! sp\se ( a deceas$ 
vet]an4  7ii7 ,claims 9 :i* ! claimant  
claim$ entitlem5t to comp5sation on !   
basis ( ! claimant's /atus z ! *ild ( a 
deceas$ vet]an4  7iii7 ,claims 9 :i* !  
claimant claim$ entitlem5t to           
comp5sation on ! basis ( ! claimant's   
/atus z ! p>5t ( a deceas$ vet]an4  7,b7
 ,! numb] ( cov]$ claims t 7 adjudicat$ 
dur+ su* p]iod & = :i* comp5sation 0 n  
aw>d$1 disaggregat$ by clauses 7i7 ?r\gh
 7iii7 ( subp>agraph 7,a74  7,c7 ,a     
comp>ison ( ! accuracy & timel9ess (    
cov]$ claims adjudicat$ dur+ su* p]iod )
 non-cov]$ claims fil$ by survivors ( a 
vet]an4  7,d7 ,! f9d+s ( ! ,secret>y )  
respect to adjudicat+ cov]$ claims4     
7,e7 ,su* recomm5dations z ! ,secret>y  
may h = legislative or adm9i/rative     
action to improve ! adjudication (      
claims submitt$ to ! ,secret>y = b5efits
 "u *apt]s #ac & #ae & sections #bcjb1  

#bcjg1 & #eaba ( title #ch1 ,unit$      
,/ates ,code4  7#c7 ,cov]$ claim def9$  
,9 ?is subsection1 ! t]m cov]$ claim    
means a claim cov]$ by section          
#eaja7;a77#a77;,b7 ( title #ch1 ,unit$  
,/ates ,code1 z add$ by subsection 7a74 
7c7 ,effective date ,! am5dm5ts made by 
subsection 7a7 %all apply ) respect to  
claims = b5efits bas$ on a dea? occurr+ 
on or aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is    
,act4  #f4 ,priority = process+ claims (
 ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs  7a7 ,9
 g5]al ,sub*apt] ,i ( *apt] #ea ( title 
#ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$ by   
add+ at ! end ! foll[+ new section3     
#eaji;,c4 ,priority = process+ claims   
7a7 ,priority ,9 process+ claims =      
comp5sation "u ?is *apt]1 ! ,secret>y   
%all provide ! foll[+ claimants )       
priority ov] o!r claimants3 7#a7        
,vet]ans :o h atta9$ ! age ( #gj4  7#b7 
,vet]ans :o are t]m9ally ill4  7#c7     
,vet]ans ) life-?reat5+ illnesses4  7#d7
 ,homeless vet]ans 7z def9$ 9 section   
#bjjb ( ?is title74  7#e7 ,vet]ans :o 7 

aw>d$ ! ,m$al ( ,honor4  7#f7 ,vet]ans  
:o are =m] prison]s ( w>4  7#g7 ,vet]ans
 ^: claims are be+ review$ aga9 9       
relation to a previ\sly d5i$ claim      
relat+ to milit>y sexual trauma4  7#h7  
,vet]ans :om ! ,secret>y det]m9es1 on a 
case-by-case basis1 are s]i\sly or v    
s]i\sly injur$4  7#i7 ,vet]ans :om !    
,secret>y det]m9es1 on a case-by-case   
basis1 %\ld be giv5 priority "u ?is     
section bas$ on an application = good   
cause e/abli%$ by ! ,secret>y4  7b7     
,regulations ,! ,secret>y %all prescribe
 regulations to c>ry out subsection 7a74
  4  7b7 ,cl]ical am5dm5t ,! table (    
sections at ! beg9n+ ( su* *apt] is     
am5d$ by ins]t+ aft] ! item relat+ to   
section #eaji;,b ! foll[+ new item3     
#eaji;,c4 ,priority = process+ claims4  
4  #g4 ,treatm5t ( m$ical evid5ce       
provid$ by non-,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans     
,affairs m$ical pr(essionals 9 support (
 claims = disability comp5sation  7a7   
,acceptance ( reports ( private         
physician exam9ations ,section #eabe (  

title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is      
am5d$-- 7#a7 by /rik+ ,= purposes &     
ins]t+ 7a7 ,9 g5]al4--,= purposes2 &    
7#b7 by add+ at ! end ! foll[+ new      
subsections3  7b7 ,suffici5cy ( evid5ce 
,if a vet]an has submitt$ a m$ical      
op9ion or report ( a m$ical exam9ation  
adm9i/]$ by a private physician 9       
support ( ! vet]an's claim1 ! ,secret>y 
may n ord] a m$ical exam9ation to be    
adm9i/]$ by a ,dep>tm5t physician unless
 ! ,secret>y provides ! vet]an ) a      
?or\gh explanation ( :y ! m$ical op9ion 
or report submitt$ by ! vet]an 0 n      
suffici5tly complete & ! reason :y      
additional m$ical evid5ce is necess>y4  
7c7 ,suffici5tly complete def9$ ,=      
purposes ( a m$ical op9ion or report    
describ$ 9 subsection 7a71 ! t]m        
suffici5tly complete means compet5t1    
cr$ible1 probative1 & conta9+ su*       
in=mation z may be requir$ to make a    
decision on ! claim = :i* ! m$ical      
op9ion or report is provid$4  4  7b7    
,effective date ,! am5dm5t made by      

subsection 7a7 %all apply ) respect to  
m$ical evid5ce submitt$ aft] ! date t is
 "o ye> aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is  
,act4  #h4 ,automatic annual increase 9 
rates ( disability comp5sation &        
dep5d5cy & indemnity comp5sation  7a7   
,index+ to social security increases    
,section #ecab ( title #ch1 ,unit$      
,/ates ,code1 is am5d$ by add+ at ! end 
! foll[+ new subsection3  7d7 7#a7      
,:5ev] !re is an increase 9 b5efit      
am\nts payable "u title ,,ii ( ! ,social
 ,security ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #dja et  
seq47 z a result ( a det]m9ation made "u
 section #bae7;i7 ( su* ,act 7#db       
,u4,s4,c4 #dae7;i771 ! ,secret>y %all1  
effective on ! date ( su* increase 9    
b5efit am\nts1 increase ! doll> am\nts 9
 effect = ! paym5t ( disability         
comp5sation & dep5d5cy & indemnity      
comp5sation by ! ,secret>y1 z specifi$ 9
 p>agraph 7#b71 z su* am\nts 7 9 effect 
imm$iately be=e ! date ( su* increase 9 
b5efit am\nts payable "u title ,,ii ( ! 
,social ,security ,act1 by ! same       

p]c5tage z ! p]c5tage by :i* su* b5efit 
am\nts are increas$4  7#b7 ,! doll>     
am\nts to be increas$ pursuant to       
p>agraph 7#a7 are ! foll[+3 7,a7 ,w>time
 disability comp5sation ,ea* ( ! doll>  
am\nts 9 effect "u section #aaad ( ?is  
title4  7,b7 ,additional comp5sation =  
dep5d5ts ,ea* ( ! doll> am\nts 9 effect 
"u section #aaae7a7 ( ?is title4  7,c7  
,clo?+ all[ance ,! doll> am\nt 9 effect 
"u section #aafb ( ?is title4  7,d7     
,dep5d5cy & indemnity comp5sation to    
surviv+ sp\se ,ea* ( ! doll> am\nts 9   
effect "u subsections 7a7 ?r\gh 7d7 (   
section #acaa ( su* title4  7,e7        
,dep5d5cy & indemnity comp5sation to    
*ildr5 ,ea* ( ! doll> am\nts 9 effect "u
 sections #acac7;a7 & #acad ( su* title4
  7#c7 ,:5ev] !re is an increase "u     
p>agraph 7#a7 9 am\nts 9 effect = !     
paym5t ( disability comp5sation &       
dep5d5cy & indemnity comp5sation1 !     
,secret>y %all publi% su* am\nts1 z     
increas$ pursuant to su* p>agraph1 9 !  
,f$]al ,regi/] at ! same "t z ! mat]ial 

requir$ by section #bae7;i77#b77;,d7 ( !
 ,social ,security ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4  
#dae7;i77#b77;,d77 is publi%$ by reason 
( a det]m9ation "u section #bae7;i7 (   
su* ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #dae7;i774  7#d7
 ,ea* doll> am\nt increas$ "u p>agraph  
7#a71 if n a :ole doll> am\nt1 %all be  
r\nd$ to ! next l[] :ole doll> am\nt4   
7#e7 ,! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs   
may adju/ adm9i/ratively1 consi/5t ) !  
increases made "u subsection 7a71 !     
rates ( disability comp5sation payable  
to p]sons "u section #aj ( ,public ,law 
#he-heg 7#gb ,/at4 #abfc7 :o h n receiv$
 comp5sation "u *apt] #aa ( ?is title4  
4  7b7 ,effective date ,subsection 7d7 (
 section #ecab ( title #ch1 ,unit$      
,/ates ,code1 z add$ by subsection 7a7 (
 ?is section1 %all take effect on       
,decemb] #a1 #bjae4  #i4 ,improvem5t (  
fiduci>ies = vet]ans  7a7 ,appo9tm5t &  
sup]vision  7#a7 ,section #eejb ( title 
#ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$ to   
read z foll[s3  #eejb4 ,appo9tm5t (     
fiduci>ies  7a7 ,appo9tm5t ,:]e x appe>s

 to ! ,secret>y t ! int]e/ ( ! b5efici>y
 w\ld be s]v$ !reby1 paym5t ( b5efits "u
 any law adm9i/]$ by ! ,secret>y may be 
made directly to ! b5efici>y or to a    
relative or "s o!r fiduci>y = ! use &   
b5efit ( ! b5efici>y1 reg>dless ( any   
legal disability on ! "p ( ! b5efici>y4 
7b7 ,appeals  7#a7 ,if ! ,secret>y      
det]m9es a b5efici>y to be m5tally      
incompet5t = purposes ( appo9t+ a       
fiduci>y "u ?is *apt]1 ! ,secret>y %all 
provide su* b5efici>y ) a writt5 /atem5t
 detail+ ! reasons = su* det]m9ation4   
7#b7 ,a b5efici>y :om ! ,secret>y has   
det]m9$ to be m5tally incompet5t =      
purposes ( appo9t+ a fiduci>y "u ?is    
*apt] may appeal su* det]m9ation4  7c7  
,modification  7#a7 ,a b5efici>y = :om !
 ,secret>y appo9ts a fiduci>y "u ?is    
*apt] may1 at any "t1 reque/ ! ,secret>y
 to-- 7,a7 remove ! fiduci>y s appo9t$2 
&  7,b7 h a new fiduci>y appo9t$4  7#b7 
,! ,secret>y %all comply ) a reque/ "u  
p>agraph 7#a7 if ! ,secret>y det]m9es t 
! reque/ is made 9 good fai? &--  7,a7 !

 fiduci>y reque/$ to be remov$ receives 
a fee f ! b5efici>y & a suitable        
volunte] fiduci>y is available to assi/ 
! b5efici>y2 or  7,b7 ! b5efici>y       
provides cr$ible in=mation t ! fiduci>y 
reque/$ to be remov$ is--  7i7 n act+ 9 
! int]e/ ( ! b5efici>y2 or  7ii7 unable 
to effectively s]ve ! b5efici>y because 
( an irreconcilable p]sonality conflict 
or disagreem5t4  7#c7 ,! ,secret>y %all 
ensure t any removal or new appo9tm5t ( 
a fiduci>y "u p>agraph 7#a7 does n delay
 or int]rupt ! b5efici>y's receipt (    
b5efits adm9i/]$ by ! ,secret>y4  7d7   
,indep5d5ce ,a fiduci>y appo9t$ by !    
,secret>y %all op]ate indep5d5tly ( !   
,dep>tm5t to det]m9e ! actions t are 9 !
 int]e/ ( ! b5efici>y4  7e7             
,pr$esignation ,a vet]an may pr$esignate
 a fiduci>y by-- 7#a7 submitt+ writt5   
notice to ! ,secret>y ( ! pr$esignat$   
fiduci>y2 or  7#b7 submitt+ a =m provid$
 by ! ,secret>y = su* purpose4  7f7     
,appo9tm5t ( non-,pr$esignat$ fiduci>y  
,if a b5efici>y designates an individual

 to s]ve z a fiduci>y "u subsection 7e7 
& ! ,secret>y appo9ts an individual n s 
designat$ z ! fiduci>y = su* b5efici>y1 
! ,secret>y %all notify su* b5efici>y   
(--  7#a7 ! reason :y su* designat$     
individual 0 n appo9t$2 &  7#b7 !       
ability ( ! b5efici>y to modify !       
appo9t$ fiduci>y "u subsection 7c74  7g7
 ,priority ( appo9tm5t ,9 appo9t+ a     
fiduci>y "u ?is *apt]1 if a b5efici>y   
does n designate a fiduci>y pursuant to 
subsection 7e71 to ! ext5t possible !   
,secret>y %all appo9t a p]son :o is--   
7#a7 a relative ( ! b5efici>y2  7#b7    
appo9t$ z gu>dian ( ! b5efici>y by a    
c\rt ( compet5t jurisdiction2 or  7#c7  
au?oriz$ to act on behalf ( ! b5efici>y 
"u a durable p[] ( attorney4  4  7#b7   
,cl]ical am5dm5t ,! table ( sections at 
! beg9n+ ( *apt] #ee ( title #ch1 ,unit$
 ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$ by /rik+ ! item 
relat+ to section #eejb & ins]t+ !      
foll[+3  #eejb4 ,appo9tm5t ( fiduci>ies4
  4  7b7 ,sup]vision  7#a7 ,9 g5]al     
,*apt] #ee ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates   

,code1 is am5d$ by ins]t+ aft] section  
#eejb1 z am5d$ by subsection 7a77#a71 ! 
foll[+ new section3  #eejb;,a4          
,sup]vision ( fiduci>ies  7a7           
,commission  7#a7  7,a7 ,9 a case 9 :i* 
! ,secret>y det]m9es t a commission is  
necess>y 9 ord] to obta9 ! s]vices ( a  
fiduci>y 9 ! be/ int]e/s ( a b5efici>y1 
! ,secret>y may au?orize a fiduci>y     
appo9t$ by ! ,secret>y to obta9 f !     
mon?ly b5efits provid$ to ! b5efici>y a 
reasonable commission = fiduci>y s]vices
 r5d]$1 b ! commission = any mon? may n 
exce$ ! less] ( ! foll[+ am\nts3 7i7 ,! 
am\nt t equals ?ree p]c5t ( ! mon?ly    
monet>y b5efits "u laws adm9i/]$ by !   
,secret>y paid on behalf ( ! b5efici>y  
to ! fiduci>y4  7ii7 #ce4  7,b7 ,a      
commission paid "u ?is p>agraph may n be
 d]iv$ f any aw>d to a b5efici>y reg>d+ 
back pay or retroactive b5efits paym5ts4
  7,c7 ,a commission may n be au?oriz$ =
 a fiduci>y :o receives any o!r =m (    
remun]ation or paym5t 9 connection )    
r5d]+ fiduci>y s]vices = b5efits "u ?is 

title on behalf ( ! b5efici>y4  7,d7 ,9 
accordance ) section #fajf ( ?is title1 
a commission may n be paid to a fiduci>y
 if ! ,secret>y det]m9es t ! fiduci>y   
misus$ any b5efit paym5ts ( a b5efici>y4
  7,e7 ,if ! ,secret>y det]m9es t !     
fiduci>y has misus$ any b5efit or       
paym5ts ( a b5efici>y1 ! ,secret>y may  
revoke ! fiduci>y /atus ( ! fiduci>y4   
7#b7 ,:]e1 9 ! op9ion ( ! ,secret>y1 any
 fiduci>y receiv+ funds on behalf ( a   
,dep>tm5t b5efici>y is act+ 9 su* a     
numb] ( cases z to make x impracticable 
to cons]ve prop]ly ! e/ates or to       
sup]vise ! p]sons ( ! b5efici>ies1 !    
,secret>y may refuse to make future     
paym5ts 9 su* cases z ! ,secret>y may   
deem prop]4  7b7 ,c\rt ,:5ev] x appe>s t
 any fiduci>y1 9 ! op9ion ( ! ,secret>y1
 is n prop]ly execut+ or has n prop]ly  
execut$ ! duties ( ! tru/ ( su* fiduci>y
 or has collect$ or paid1 or is attempt+
 to collect or pay1 fees1 commissions1  
or all[ances t are inequitable or 9     
excess ( ^? all[$ by law = ! duties     

p]=m$ or exp5ses incurr$1 or has fail$  
to make su* paym5ts z may be necess>y = 
! b5efit ( ! w>d or ! dep5d5ts ( ! w>d1 
!n ! ,secret>y may appe>1 by !          
,secret>y's au?oriz$ attorney1 9 ! c\rt 
:i* has appo9t$ su* fiduci>y1 or 9 any  
c\rt hav+ orig9al1 concurr5t1 or        
appellate jurisdiction ov] said cause1 &
 make prop] pres5tation ( su* matt]s4 ,!
 ,secret>y1 9 ! ,secret>y's discretion1 
may susp5d paym5ts to any su* fiduci>y  
:o %all neglect or refuse1 aft]         
reasonable notice1 to r5d] an acc\nt to 
! ,secret>y f "t to "t %[+ ! application
 ( su* paym5ts = ! b5efit ( su*         
incompet5t or m9or b5efici>y1 or :o %all
 neglect or refuse to adm9i/] ! e/ate   
accord+ to law4 ,! ,secret>y may require
 ! fiduci>y1 z "p ( su* acc\nt1 to      
disclose any additional f9ancial        
in=mation conc]n+ ! b5efici>y 7except = 
in=mation t is n available to !         
fiduci>y74 ,! ,secret>y may appe> or    
int]v5e by ! ,secret>y's duly au?oriz$  
attorney 9 any c\rt z an int]e/$ p>ty 9 

any litigation in/itut$ by ! ,secret>y  
or o!rwise1 directly affect+ money paid 
to su* fiduci>y "u ?is section4  7c7    
,paym5t ( c]ta9 exp5ses ,au?ority is    
h]eby grant$ = ! paym5t ( any c\rt or   
o!r exp5ses incid5t to any inve/igation 
or c\rt proce$+ = ! appo9tm5t ( any     
fiduci>y or o!r p]son = ! purpose (     
paym5t ( b5efits payable "u laws        
adm9i/]$ by ! ,secret>y or ! removal (  
su* fiduci>y & appo9tm5t ( ano!r1 & (   
exp5ses 9 connection ) ! adm9i/ration ( 
su* b5efits by su* fiduci>ies1 or 9     
connection ) any o!r c\rt proce$+ h]eby 
au?oriz$1 :5 su* paym5t is au?oriz$ by !
 ,secret>y4  7d7 ,tempor>y paym5t (     
b5efits ,all or any "p ( any b5efits !  
paym5t ( :i* is susp5d$ or )held "u ?is 
section may1 9 ! discretion ( !         
,secret>y1 be paid tempor>ily to ! p]son
 hav+ cu/ody & control ( ! incompet5t or
 m9or b5efici>y1 to be us$ solely = !   
b5efit ( su* b5efici>y1 or1 9 ! case (  
an incompet5t vet]an1 may be apportion$ 
to ! dep5d5t or dep5d5ts1 if any1 ( su* 

vet]an4 ,any "p n s paid & any funds ( a
 m5tally incompet5t or insane vet]an n  
paid to ! *ief (fic] ( ! in/itution 9   
:i* su* vet]an is a pati5t nor          
apportion$ to ! vet]an's dep5d5t or     
dep5d5ts may be ord]$ held 9 ! ,treasury
 to ! cr$it ( su* b5efici>y4 ,all funds 
s held %all be disburs$ "u ! ord] & 9 ! 
discretion ( ! ,secret>y = ! b5efit (   
su* b5efici>y or ! b5efici>y's dep5d5ts4
 ,any balance rema9+ 9 su* fund to !    
cr$it ( any b5efici>y may be paid to !  
b5efici>y if ! b5efici>y recov]s & is   
f\nd compet5t1 or if a m9or1 atta9s     
majority1 or o!rwise to ! b5efici>y's   
fiduci>y1 or1 9 ! ev5t ( ! b5efici>y's  
dea?1 to ! b5efici>y's p]sonal          
repres5tative1 except z o!rwise provid$ 
by law2 h[ev]1 paym5t w n be made to !  
b5efici>y's p]sonal repres5tative if1 "u
 ! law ( ! b5efici>y's la/ legal        
resid5ce1 ! b5efici>y's e/ate w\ld      
es*eat to ! ,/ate4 ,9 ! ev5t ( ! dea? ( 
a m5tally incompet5t or insane vet]an1  
all gratuit\s b5efits "u laws adm9i/]$  

by ! ,secret>y deposit$ be=e or aft]    
,augu/ #g1 #aiei1 9 ! p]sonal funds (   
pati5t's tru/ fund on acc\nt ( su*      
vet]an %all n be paid to ! p]sonal      
repres5tative ( su* vet]an1 b %all be   
paid to ! foll[+ p]sons liv+ at ! "t (  
settlem5t1 & 9 ! ord] nam$3 ,! surviv+  
sp\se1 ! *ildr5 7)\t reg>d to age or    
m>ital /atus7 9 equal p>ts1 & ! dep5d5t 
p>5ts ( su* vet]an1 9 equal p>ts4 ,if   
any balance rema9s1 su* balance %all be 
deposit$ to ! cr$it ( ! applicable      
curr5t appropriation2 except t !re may  
be paid only s mu* ( su* balance z may  
be necess>y to reimburse a p]son 7o!r   
?an a political subdivision ( ! ,unit$  
,/ates7 :o bore ! exp5ses ( la/ sickness
 or burial ( ! vet]an = su* exp5ses4 ,no
 paym5t %all be made "u ! two prec$+    
s5t5ces ( ?is subsection unless claim   
!re= is fil$ ) ! ,secret>y )9 five ye>s 
aft] ! dea? ( ! vet]an1 except t1 if any
 p]son s entitl$ "u said two s5t5ces is 
"u legal disability at ! "t ( dea? ( !  
vet]an1 su* five-ye> p]iod ( limitation 

%all run f ! t]m9ation or removal ( !   
legal disability4  7e7 ,es*eatm5t ,any  
funds 9 ! h&s ( a fiduci>y appo9t$ by a 
,/ate c\rt or ! ,secret>y d]iv$ f       
b5efits payable "u laws adm9i/]$ by !   
,secret>y1 :i* "u ! law ( ! ,/ate :]e9 !
 b5efici>y _h la/ legal resid5ce w\ld   
es*eat to ! ,/ate1 %all es*eat to !     
,unit$ ,/ates & %all be return$ by su*  
fiduci>y1 or by ! p]sonal repres5tative 
( ! deceas$ b5efici>y1 less legal       
exp5ses ( any adm9i/ration necess>y to  
det]m9e t an es*eat is 9 ord]1 to !     
,dep>tm5t1 & %all be deposit$ to ! cr$it
 ( ! applicable revolv+ fund1 tru/ fund1
 or appropriation4  7f7 ,assi/ance ,!   
,secret>y %all provide to a fiduci>y    
appo9t$ "u section #eejb ( ?is title    
mat]ials & tools to assi/ ! fiduci>y 9  
c>ry+ out ! responsibilities ( !        
fiduci>y "u ?is *apt]1 includ+-- 7#a7   
h&books1 bro*ures1 or o!r writt5 mat]ial
 t expla9 ! responsibilities ( a        
fiduci>y "u ?is *apt]2  7#b7 tools      
locat$ on an ,int]net website1 includ+  

=ms to submit to ! ,secret>y requir$    
in=mation2 &  7#c7 assi/ance provid$ by 
telephone4  4  7#b7 ,cl]ical am5dm5t ,! 
table ( sections at ! beg9n+ ( *apt] #ee
 ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is   
am5d$ by ins]t+ aft] ! item relat+ to   
section #eejb ! foll[+ new item3        
#eejb;,a4 ,sup]vision ( fiduci>ies4  4  
7c7 ,def9ition ( fiduci>y ,section #eejf
 ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is   
am5d$--  7#a7 by /rik+ ,= purposes &    
ins]t+ 7a7 ,= purposes2 &  7#b7 by add+ 
at ! end ! foll[+ new subsection3  7b7  
7#a7 ,= purposes ( subsection 7a71 ! t]m
 p]son includes any-- 7,a7 ,/ate or     
local gov]nm5t ag5cy ^: mission is to   
c>ry out income ma9t5ance1 social       
s]vice1 or heal? c>e-relat$ activities2 
7,b7 any ,/ate or local gov]nm5t ag5cy )
 fiduci>y responsibilities2 or  7,c7 any
 nonpr(it social s]vice ag5cy t !       
,secret>y det]m9es--  7i7 regul>ly      
provides s]vices z a fiduci>y           
concurr5tly to five or m individuals2 & 
7ii7 is n a cr$itor ( any su*           

individual4  7#b7 ,! ,secret>y %all     
ma9ta9 a li/ ( ,/ate or local ag5cies & 
nonpr(it social s]vice ag5cies "u       
p>agraph 7#a7 t are qualifi$ to act z a 
fiduci>y "u ?is *apt]4 ,9 ma9ta9+ su*   
li/1 ! ,secret>y may consult ! li/s     
ma9ta9$ "u section #hjg7;h7 ( ! ,social 
,security ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4           
#ajjg7;h774  4  7d7 ,qualifications     
,section #eejg ( title #ch1 ,unit$      
,/ates ,code1 is am5d$ to read z foll[s3
  #eejg4 ,inquiry1 inve/igations1 &     
qualification ( fiduci>ies  7a7         
,inve/igation ,any c]tification ( a     
p]son = paym5t ( b5efits ( a b5efici>y  
to t p]son z su* b5efici>y's fiduci>y "u
 section #eejb ( ?is title %all be made 
on ! basis (-- 7#a7 an inquiry or       
inve/igation by ! ,secret>y ( ! fitness 
( t p]son to s]ve z fiduci>y = t        
b5efici>y to be conduct$ 9 advance ( su*
 c]tification & 9 accordance )          
subsection 7b72  7#b7 adequate evid5ce t
 c]tification ( t p]son z fiduci>y = t  
b5efici>y is 9 ! int]e/ ( su* b5efici>y 

7z det]m9$ by ! ,secret>y "u            
regulations72  7#c7 adequate evid5ce t !
 p]son to s]ve z fiduci>y protects !    
private in=mation ( a b5efici>y 9       
accordance ) subsection 7d77#a72 &  7#d7
 ! furni%+ ( any bond t may be requir$  
by ! ,secret>y 9 accordance ) subsection
 7f74  7b7 ,elem5ts ( inve/igation  7#a7
 ,9 conduct+ an inquiry or inve/igation 
( a propos$ fiduci>y "u subsection      
7a77#a71 ! ,secret>y %all conduct--     
7,a7 a face-to-face int]view ) ! propos$
 fiduci>y by n lat] ?an #cj days aft] ! 
date on :i* su* inquiry or inve/igation 
beg9s2 &  7,b7 a backgr\nd *eck ( !     
propos$ fiduci>y to--  7i7 9 accordance 
) p>agraph 7#b71 det]m9e :e!r ! propos$ 
fiduci>y has be5 convict$ ( a crime2 &  
7ii7 det]m9e :e!r ! propos$ fiduci>y w  
s]ve ! be/ int]e/ ( ! b5efici>y1 includ+
 by conduct+ a cr$it *eck ( ! propos$   
fiduci>y & *eck+ ! records "u p>agraph  
7#e74  7#b7 ,! ,secret>y %all reque/    
in=mation conc]n+ :e!r t p]son has be5  
convict$ ( any (f5se "u ,f$]al or ,/ate 

law4 ,if t p]son has be5 convict$ ( su* 
an (f5se1 ! ,secret>y may c]tify ! p]son
 z a fiduci>y only if ! ,secret>y f9ds t
 ! p]son is an appropriate p]son to act 
z fiduci>y = ! b5efici>y conc]n$ "u !   
circum/ances4  7#c7 ,! ,secret>y %all   
conduct ! backgr\nd *eck describ$ 9     
p>agraph 7#a77;,b7--  7,a7 ea* "t a     
p]son is propos$ to be a fiduci>y1      
reg>dless ( :e!r ! p]son is s]v+ or has 
s]v$ z a fiduci>y2 &  7,b7 at no exp5se 
to ! b5efici>y4  7#d7 ,ea* propos$      
fiduci>y %all disclose to ! ,secret>y ! 
numb] ( b5efici>ies t ! fiduci>y acts on
 behalf (4  7#e7 ,! ,secret>y %all      
ma9ta9 records ( any p]son :o has--     
7,a7 previ\sly s]v$ z a fiduci>y2 &     
7,b7 _h su* fiduci>y /atus revok$ by !  
,secret>y4  7#f7  7,a7 ,if a fiduci>y   
appo9t$ by ! ,secret>y is convict$ ( a  
crime describ$ 9 subp>agraph 7,b71 !    
,secret>y %all notify ! b5efici>y ( su* 
conviction by n lat] ?an #ad days aft] !
 date on :i* ! ,secret>y le>ns ( su*    
conviction4  7,b7 ,a crime describ$ 9   

?is subp>agraph is a crime--  7i7 = :i* 
! fiduci>y is convict$ :ile s]v+ z a    
fiduci>y = any p]son2  7ii7 t is n      
includ$ 9 a report submitt$ by !        
fiduci>y "u section #eeji7;a7 ( ?is     
title2 &  7iii7 t ! ,secret>y det]m9es  
c\ld affect ! ability ( ! fiduci>y to   
act on behalf ( ! b5efici>y4  7c7       
,inve/igation ( c]ta9 p]sons  7#a7 ,9 ! 
case ( a propos$ fiduci>y describ$ 9    
p>agraph 7#b71 ! ,secret>y1 9 conduct+  
an inquiry or inve/igation "u subsection
 7a77#a71 may c>ry out su* inquiry or   
inve/igation on an exp$it$ basis t may  
include giv+ priority to conduct+ su*   
inquiry or inve/igation4 ,any su*       
inquiry or inve/igation c>ri$ out on su*
 an exp$it$ basis %all be c>ri$ out "u  
regulations prescrib$ = purposes ( ?is  
section4  7#b7 ,p>agraph 7#a7 applies ) 
respect to a propos$ fiduci>y :o is--   
7,a7 ! p>5t 7natural1 adopt$1 or        
/epp>5t7 ( a b5efici>y :o is a m9or2    
7,b7 ! sp\se or p>5t ( an incompet5t    
b5efici>y2  7,c7 a p]son :o has be5     

appo9t$ a fiduci>y ( ! b5efici>y by a   
c\rt ( compet5t jurisdiction2  7,d7 be+ 
appo9t$ to manage an e/ate :]e ! annual 
am\nt ( vet]ans b5efits to be manag$ by 
! propos$ fiduci>y does n exce$ #c1fjj1 
z adju/$ pursuant to section #ecab ( ?is
 title2 or  7,e7 a p]son :o is au?oriz$ 
to act on behalf ( ! b5efici>y "u a     
durable p[] ( attorney4  7d7 ,protection
 ( private in=mation  7#a7 ,a fiduci>y  
%all take all reasonable precautions    
to-- 7,a7 protect ! private in=mation ( 
a b5efici>y1 includ+ p]sonally          
id5tifiable in=mation2 &  7,b7 securely 
conducts f9ancial transactions4  7#b7 ,a
 fiduci>y %all notify ! ,secret>y ( any 
action ( ! fiduci>y t compromises or    
pot5tially compromises ! private        
in=mation ( a b5efici>y4  7e7 ,pot5tial 
misuse ( funds  7#a7 ,if ! ,secret>y has
 reason to believe t a fiduci>y may be  
misus+ all or "p ( ! b5efit ( a         
b5efici>y1 ! ,secret>y %all-- 7,a7      
conduct a ?or\gh inve/igation to det]m9e
 ! v]acity ( su* belief2 &  7,b7 if su* 

v]acity is e/abli%$1 transmit to !      
(ficials describ$ 9 p>agraph 7#b7 a     
report ( su* inve/igation4  7#b7 ,!     
(ficials describ$ 9 ?is p>agraph are !  
foll[+3  7,a7 ,! ,attorney ,g5]al4  7,b7
 ,ea* head ( a ,f$]al dep>tm5t or ag5cy 
t pays to a fiduci>y or o!r p]son       
b5efits "u any law adm9i/]$ by su*      
dep>tm5t ( ag5cy = ! use & b5efit ( a   
m9or1 incompet5t1 or o!r b5efici>y4  7f7
 ,bond ,9 det]m9+ :e!r a propos$        
fiduci>y is requir$ to furni% a bond "u 
subsection 7a77#d71 ! ,secret>y %all    
consid]-- 7#a7 ! exi/5ce ( any familial 
or o!r p]sonal relation%ip betwe5 !     
propos$ fiduci>y & ! b5efici>y2 &  7#b7 
! c>e ! propos$ fiduci>y has tak5 to    
protect ! int]e/s ( ! b5efici>y4  7g7   
,li/ ( fiduci>ies ,ea* regional (fice ( 
! ,vet]ans ,b5efits ,adm9i/ration %all  
ma9ta9 a li/ ( ! foll[+3  7#a7 ,! "n &  
contact in=mation ( ea* fiduci>y1       
includ+ address1 telephone numb]1 &     
email address4  7#b7 ,) respect to ea*  
fiduci>y describ$ 9 p>agraph 7#a7--     

7,a7 ! date ( ! mo/ rec5t backgr\nd *eck
 & cr$it *eck p]=m$ by ! ,secret>y "u   
?is section2  7,b7 ! date t any bond 0  
paid "u ?is section2  7,c7 ! "n1        
address1 & telephone numb] ( ea*        
b5efici>y ! fiduci>y acts on behalf (2 &
  7,d7 ! am\nt t ! fiduci>y controls )  
respect to ea* b5efici>y describ$ 9     
subp>agraph 7,c74  4  7e7 ,annual       
receipt ( paym5ts  7#a7 ,9 g5]al        
,section #eeji ( title #ch1 ,unit$      
,/ates ,code1 is am5d$-- 7,a7 9         
subsection 7a7--  7i7 by /rik+ may      
require a fiduci>y to file a & ins]t+   
%all require a fiduci>y to file an      
annual2 &  7ii7 by add+ at ! end !      
foll[+ new s5t5ce3 ,! ,secret>y %all    
transmit su* annual report or acc\nt+ to
 ! b5efici>y & any legal gu>dian ( su*  
b5efici>y42  7,b7 by add+ at ! end !    
foll[+ new subsections3  7c7 ,matt]s    
includ$ ,except z provid$ by subsection 
7f71 an annual report or acc\nt+ "u     
subsection 7a7 %all include ! foll[+3   
7#a7 ,= ea* b5efici>y t a fiduci>y acts 

on behalf (-- 7,a7 ! am\nt ( ! b5efits (
 ! b5efici>y provid$ "u any law adm9i/]$
 by ! ,secret>y accru$ dur+ ! ye>1 !    
am\nt sp5t1 & ! am\nt rema9+2 &  7,b7 if
 ! fiduci>y s]ves ! b5efici>y ) respect 
to b5efits n adm9i/]$ by ! ,secret>y1 an
 acc\nt+ ( all s\rces ( b5efits or o!r  
income ! fiduci>y ov]sees = ! b5efici>y4
  7#b7 ,a li/ ( ev5ts t occurr$ dur+ !  
ye> cov]$ by ! report t c\ld affect !   
ability ( ! fiduci>y to act on behalf ( 
! b5efici>y1 includ+--  7,a7 ! fiduci>y 
be+ convict$ ( any crime2  7,b7 !       
fiduci>y decl>+ bankruptcy2 &  7,c7 any 
judgm5ts ent]$ aga9/ ! fiduci>y4  7d7   
,r&om audits ,! ,secret>y %all annually 
conduct r&om audits ( fiduci>ies :o     
receive a commission pursuant to        
subsection #eejb;,a7a77#a7 ( ?is title4 
7e7 ,/atus ( fiduci>y ,if a fiduci>y    
includes 9 ! annual report ev5ts        
describ$ 9 subsection 7c77#b71 !        
,secret>y may take appropriate action to
 adju/ ! /atus ( ! fiduci>y z !         
,secret>y det]m9es appropriate1 includ+ 

by revok+ ! fiduci>y /atus ( ! fiduci>y4
  7f7 ,c>egiv]s & c]ta9 o!r fiduci>ies  
7#a7 7,a7 ,9 c>ry+ out ?is section1 !   
,secret>y %all ensure t a c>egiv]       
fiduci>y is requir$ only to file an     
annual report or acc\nt+ "u subsection  
7a7 ) respect to ! am\nt ( ! b5efits ( !
 b5efici>y provid$ "u any law adm9i/]$  
by ! ,secret>y--  7i7 sp5t on-- 7,i7    
food & h\s+ = ! b5efici>y2 &  7,,ii7    
clo?+1 heal?-relat$ exp5ses1 recreation1
 & o!r p]sonal items = ! b5efici>y2 &   
7ii7 sav$ = ! b5efici>y4  7,b7 ,!       
,secret>y %all coord9ate ) ! ,"u        
,secret>y = ,b5efits & ! ,"u ,secret>y =
 ,heal? to-- 7i7 m9imize ! frequ5cy )   
:i* employees ( ! ,dep>tm5t visit ! home
 ( a c>egiv] fiduci>y & b5efici>y2 &    
7ii7 limit ! ext5t ( sup]vision by su*  
,"u ,secret>ies ) respect to su* a      
fiduci>y & b5efici>y4  7,c7 ,9 ?is      
p>agraph1 ! t]m c>egiv] fiduci>y means a
 fiduci>y :o--  7i7 9 addition to act+ z
 a fiduci>y = a b5efici>y1 is approv$ by
 ! ,secret>y to be a provid] ( p]sonal  

c>e s]vices = ! b5efici>y "u p>agraph   
7#c77;,a77i7 ( section #agbj;,g7a7 ( ?is
 title2  7ii7 9 c>ry+ out su* c>e       
s]vices to su* b5efici>y1 has und]gone n
 less ?an f\r home visits "u p>agraph   
7#i77;,a7 ( su* section2 &  7iii7 has n 
be5 requir$ by ! ,secret>y to take      
corrective action pursuant to p>agraph  
7#i77;,c7 ( su* section4  7#b7 ,9 c>ry+ 
out ?is section1 ! ,secret>y may adju/ !
 matt]s requir$ "u an annual report or  
acc\nt+ "u subsection 7a7 ) respect to a
 fiduci>y :om ! ,secret>y det]m9es to h 
effectively protect$ ! int]e/s ( !      
b5efici>y ov] a su/a9$ p]iod4  2 &  7,c7
 by /rik+ ! section head+ & ins]t+ !    
foll[+3 ,annual reports & acc\nt+s (    
fiduci>ies4  7#b7 ,cl]ical am5dm5t ,!   
table ( sections at ! beg9n+ ( *apt] #ee
 ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is   
am5d$ by /rik+ ! item relat+ to section 
#eeji & ins]t+ ! foll[+ new item3       
#eeji4 ,annual reports & acc\nt+s (     
fiduci>ies4  4  7f7 ,repaym5t ( misus$  
b5efits ,section #fajg7;a77#b77;,c7 (   

title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$
 by ins]t+ be=e ! p]iod ! foll[+3 1     
includ+ by ! ,secret>y n act+ 9         
accordance ) section #eejg ( ?is title4 
7g7 ,annual reports ,section #eeaj (    
title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$
 by /rik+ ,! ,secret>y %all include 9 ! 
,annual ,b5efits ,report ( ! ,vet]ans   
,b5efits ,adm9i/ration or ! ,secret>y's 
,annual ,p]=mance & ,acc\ntability      
,report & ins]t+ ,n lat] ?an ,july #a ( 
ea* ye>1 ! ,secret>y %all submit to !   
,committees on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( !   
,h\se ( ,repres5tatives & ! ,s5ate a    
sep>ate report conta9+4  7h7 ,report ,n 
lat] ?an two ye>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  
compreh5sive report on ! implem5tation (
 ! am5dm5ts made by ?is ,act1 includ+-- 
7#a7 detail$ in=mation on ! e/abli%m5t (
 new policies & proc$ures pursuant to   

su* am5dm5ts & tra9+ provid$ on su*     
policies & proc$ures2 &  7#b7 a         
discussion ( :e!r ! ,secret>y %\ld      
provide fiduci>ies ) /&>diz$ f9ancial   
s(tw>e to simplify report+ requirem5ts4 
7i7 ,effective date ,! am5dm5ts made by 
?is section %all take effect on ! date t
 is "o ye> aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t (   
?is ,act4  #aj4 ,bo>d ( ,vet]ans'       
,appeals video he>+s ,section #gajg (   
title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is      
am5d$-- 7#a7 9 subsection 7d71 by am5d+ 
p>agraph 7#a7 to read z foll[s3  7#a7   
7,a7 ,^u reque/ = a he>+1 ! ,bo>d %all  
det]m9e1 = purposes ( s*$ul+ ! he>+ = ! 
e>lie/ possible date1 :e!r a he>+ be=e !
 ,bo>d w be held at its pr9cipal        
location or at a facility ( ! ,dep>tm5t 
or o!r appropriate ,f$]al facility      
locat$ )9 ! area s]v$ by a regional     
(fice ( ! ,dep>tm5t4 ,! ,bo>d %all also 
det]m9e :e!r to provide a he>+ ?r\gh !  
use ( ! facilities & equipm5t describ$ 9
 subsection 7e77#a7 or by ! appellant   
p]sonally appe>+ be=e a ,bo>d memb] or  

panel4  7,b7 ,! ,bo>d %all notify !     
appellant ( ! det]m9ations ( ! location 
& type ( he>+ made "u subp>agraph 7,a74 
,^u notification1 ! appellant may reque/
 a diff]5t location or type ( he>+ z    
describ$ 9 su* subp>agraph4 ,if s       
reque/$1 ! ,bo>d %all grant su* reque/ &
 ensure t ! he>+ is s*$ul$ at ! e>lie/  
possible date )\t any undue delay or o!r
 prejudice to ! appellant4  2 &  7#b7 9 
subsection 7e71 by am5d+ p>agraph 7#b7  
to read z foll[s3  7#b7 ,any he>+       
provid$ ?r\gh ! use ( ! facilities &    
equipm5t describ$ 9 p>agraph 7#a7 %all  
be conduct$ 9 ! same mann] z1 & %all be 
consid]$ ! equival5t (1 a p]sonal he>+4 
4  #aa4 ,improvem5ts to au?ority =      
p]=mance ( m$ical disabilities          
exam9ations by contract physicians  7a7 
,ext5sion ( tempor>y au?ority           
,subsection 7c7 ( section #gjd ( !      
,vet]ans ,b5efits ,act ( #bjjc 7#ch     
,u4,s4,c4 #eaja note7 is am5d$ by /rik+ 
,decemb] #ca1 #bjae & ins]t+ ,decemb]   
#ca1 #bjag4  7b7 ,lic5sure ( contract   

physicians  7#a7 ,tempor>y au?ority ,su*
 section #gjd is fur!r am5d$--  7,a7 by 
r$esignat+ subsection 7d7 z subsection  
7e72 &  7,b7 by ins]t+ aft] subsection  
7c7 ! foll[+ new subsection 7d73  7d7   
,lic5sure ( contract physicians  7#a7 ,9
 g5]al ,not)/&+ any law reg>d+ !        
lic5sure ( physicians1 a physician      
describ$ 9 p>agraph 7#b7 may conduct an 
exam9ation pursuant to a contract ent]$ 
into "u subsection 7b7 at any location 9
 any ,/ate1 ! ,di/rict ( ,columbia1 or a
 ,commonweal?1 t]ritory1 or possession (
 ! ,unit$ ,/ates1 s long z ! exam9ation 
is )9 ! scope ( ! au?oriz$ duties "u su*
 contract4  7#b7 ,physician describ$ ,a 
physician describ$ 9 ?is p>agraph is a  
physician :o--  7,a7 has a curr5t       
unre/rict$ lic5se to practice ! heal?   
c>e pr(ession ( ! physician2  7,b7 is n 
b>r$ f practic+ su* heal? c>e pr(ession 
9 any ,/ate1 ! ,di/rict ( ,columbia1 or 
a ,commonweal?1 t]ritory1 or possession 
( ! ,unit$ ,/ates2 &  7,c7 is p]=m+     
au?oriz$ duties = ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans

 ,affairs pursuant to a contract ent]$  
into "u subsection 7b74  4  7#b7 ,pilot 
program ,section #ejd ( ! ,vet]ans'     
,b5efits ,improvem5t ,act ( #aiif 7#ch  
,u4,s4,c4 #eaja note7 is am5d$--  7,a7  
by r$esignat+ subsections 7c7 & 7d7 z   
subsections 7d7 & 7e71 respectively2 &  
7,b7 by ins]t+ aft] subsection 7b7 !    
foll[+ new subsection 7c73  7c7         
,lic5sure ( contract physicians  7#a7 ,9
 g5]al ,not)/&+ any law reg>d+ !        
lic5sure ( physicians1 a physician      
describ$ 9 p>agraph 7#b7 may conduct an 
exam9ation pursuant to a contract ent]$ 
into "u subsection 7a7 at any location 9
 any ,/ate1 ! ,di/rict ( ,columbia1 or a
 ,commonweal?1 t]ritory1 or possession (
 ! ,unit$ ,/ates1 s long z ! exam9ation 
is )9 ! scope ( ! au?oriz$ duties "u su*
 contract4  7#b7 ,physician describ$ ,a 
physician describ$ 9 ?is p>agraph is a  
physician :o--  7,a7 has a curr5t       
unre/rict$ lic5se to practice ! heal?   
c>e pr(ession ( ! physician2  7,b7 is n 
b>r$ f practic+ su* heal? c>e pr(ession 

9 any ,/ate1 ! ,di/rict ( ,columbia1 or 
a ,commonweal?1 t]ritory1 or possession 
( ! ,unit$ ,/ates2 &  7,c7 is p]=m+     
au?oriz$ duties = ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans
 ,affairs pursuant to a contract ent]$  
into "u subsection 7a74  4  #ab4 ,pilot 
program on fully develop$ appeals  7a7  
,9 g5]al ,! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans        
,affairs %all c>ry out a pilot program  
to provide ! option ( an alt]native     
appeals process t %all m quickly det]m9e
 su* appeals 9 accordance ) ?is section4
  7b7 ,election  7#a7 ,fil+ ,9          
accordance ) p>agraph 7#b71 a claimant  
may elect to file a fully develop$      
appeal "u ! pilot program "u subsection 
7a7 by fil+ ) ! ,secret>y ! foll[+3 7,a7
 ,! notice ( disagreem5t "u *apt] #ga ( 
title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 along ) 
! writt5 election ( ! claimant to h !   
appeal det]m9$ "u ! pilot program4  7,b7
 ,all evid5ce t ! claimant believes is  
ne$$ = ! appeal z ( ! date ( ! fil+4    
7,c7 ,a /atem5t ( ! argum5t 9 support ( 
! claim1 if any4  7#b7 ,tim+ ,a claimant

 %all make an election "u p>agraph 7#a7 
z "p ( ! notice ( disagreem5t fil$ by ! 
claimant 9 accordance ) p>agraph        
7#a77;,a74  7#c7 ,rev]sion  7,a7 ,at any
 "t1 a claimant :o makes an election "u 
p>agraph 7#a7 may elect to rev]t to !   
/&>d appeals process4 ,su* a rev]sion   
%all be f9al4  7,b7 ,a claimant describ$
 9 subp>agraph 7,a71 or a claimant :o   
makes an election "u p>agraph 7#a7 b is 
lat] det]m9$ to be ineligible = ! pilot 
program "u subsection 7a71 %all rev]t to
 ! /&>d appeals process )\t any p5alty  
to ! claimant o!r ?an ! loss ( ! docket 
numb] associat$ ) ! fully develop$      
appeal4  7#d7 ,outrea* ,9 provid+       
claimants ) notices ( ! det]m9ation ( a 
claim dur+ ! p]iod 9 :i* ! pilot program
 "u subsection 7a7 is c>ri$ out1 !      
,secret>y %all conduct outrea* z foll[s3
  7,a7 ,! ,secret>y %all provide to !   
claimant 7& to ! repres5tative ( record 
( ! claimant1 if any7 in=mation reg>d+--
 7i7 ! pilot program1 includ+ !         
advantages & disadvantages ( ! program2 

7ii7 h[ to make an election "u p>agraph 
7#a72  7iii7 ! limitation on ! use ( new
 evid5ce describ$ 9 p>agraph 7#c7 (     
subsection 7c7 & ! developm5t (         
in=mation "u p>agraph 7#d7 ( su*        
subsection2 &  7iv7 ! ability ( !       
claimant to seek advice & education     
reg>d+ su* process f vet]ans s]vice     
organizations1 attorneys1 & claims ag5ts
 recogniz$ "u *apt] #ei ( title #ch1    
,unit$ ,/ates ,code4  7,b7 ,! ,secret>y 
%all collaborate1 p>tn] )1 & give weight
 to ! advice ( ! ?ree vet]ans s]vice    
organizations ) ! mo/ memb]s to publi%  
on ! ,int]net website ( ! ,dep>tm5t (   
,vet]ans ,affairs an onl9e tutorial     
expla9+ ! advantages & disadvantages ( !
 pilot program4  7c7 ,treatm5t by       
,dep>tm5t & ,bo>d  7#a7 ,process ,^u !  
election ( a claimant to file a fully   
develop$ appeal pursuant to subsection  
7b77#a71 ! ,secret>y %all-- 7,a7 n      
provide ! claimant ) a /atem5t ( ! case 
nor require ! claimant to file a        
sub/antive appeal2 &  7,b7 transf]      

jurisdiction ov] ! fully develop$ appeal
 directly to ! ,bo>d ( ,vet]ans'        
,appeals4  7#b7 ,docket  7,a7 ,! ,bo>d (
 ,vet]ans' ,appeals %all--  7i7 ma9ta9  
fully develop$ appeals on a sep>ate     
docket ?an /&>d appeals2  7ii7 decide   
fully develop$ appeals 9 ! ord] t !     
fully develop$ appeals are receiv$ on ! 
fully develop$ appeal docket2  7iii7    
except z provid$ by subp>agraph 7,b71   
decide n m ?an "o fully develop$ appeal 
= ea* f\r /&>d appeals decid$2 &  7iv7  
to ! ext5t practicable1 decide ea* fully
 develop$ appeal by ! date t is "o ye>  
foll[+ ! date on :i* ! claimant files ! 
notice ( disagreem5t4  7,b7 ,beg9n+ "o  
ye> aft] ! date on :i* ! pilot program  
"u subsection 7a7 comm5ces1 ! ,bo>d may 
adju/ ! numb] ( /&>d appeals decid$ =   
ea* fully develop$ appeal "u subp>agraph
 7,a77iii7 if ! ,bo>d det]m9es t su*    
adju/m5t is fair = bo? /&>d appeals &   
fully develop$ appeals4  7#c7           
,limitation on use ( new evid5ce  7,a7  
,except z provid$ by subp>agraphs 7,b7 &

 7,c7--  7i7 a claimant may n submit or 
id5tify to ! ,bo>d ( ,vet]ans' ,appeals 
any new evid5ce relat+ to a fully       
develop$ appeal aft] fil+ su* appeal    
unless ! claimant rev]ts to ! /&>d      
appeals process pursuant to subsection  
7b77#c72 &  7ii7 if a claimant submits  
or id5tifies any su* new evid5ce1 su*   
submission or id5tification %all be     
deem$ to be an election to make su* a   
rev]sion pursuant to subsection 7b77#c74
  7,b7 ,subp>agraph 7,a7 %all n apply to
 evid5ce develop$ pursuant to p>agraphs 
7#d7 & 7#e74 ,! ,bo>d %all consid] su*  
evid5ce 9 ! fir/ in/ance )\t            
consid]ation by ! ,vet]ans ,b5efits     
,adm9i/ration4  7,c7 ,! repres5tative ( 
record ( a claimant = appeals purposes1 
if any1 %all be provid$ an opportunity  
to review ! fully develop$ appeal ( !   
claimant & submit any additional        
argum5ts or evid5ce t ! repres5tative   
det]m9es necess>y dur+ a p]iod specifi$ 
by ! ,bo>d = purposes ( ?is subp>agraph4
  7#d7 ,prohibition on rem& = additional

 developm5t ,if ! ,bo>d ( ,vet]ans'     
,appeals det]m9es t a fully develop$    
appeal requires ,f$]al records1         
indep5d5t m$ical op9ions1 or new m$ical 
exam9ations1 ! ,bo>d %all-- 7,a7 9      
accordance ) p>agraph 7#e71 take su*    
actions z may be necess>y to develop su*
 records1 op9ions1 or exam9ations 9     
accordance ) section #eajc;,a ( title   
#ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code2  7,b7 reta9   
jurisdiction ( ! fully develop$ appeal  
)\t requir+ a det]m9ation by ! ,vet]ans 
,b5efits ,adm9i/ration bas$ on su*      
records1 op9ions1 or exam9ations2  7,c7 
ensure ! claimant1 & ! repres5tative (  
record ( a claimant1 if any1 receives a 
copy ( su* records1 op9ions1 or         
exam9ations2 &  7,d7 provide ! claimant 
a p]iod ( #ij days aft] ! date ( mail+  
su* records1 op9ions1 or exam9ations    
dur+ :i* ! claimant may provide ! ,bo>d 
any additional evid5ce )\t requir+ !    
claimant to make a rev]sion pursuant to 
subsection 7b77#c74  7#e7 ,developm5t   
unit  7,a7 ,! ,bo>d ( ,vet]ans' ,appeals

 %all e/abli% an (fice to develop ,f$]al
 records1 indep5d5t m$ical op9ions1 &   
new m$ical exam9ations pursuant to      
p>agraph 7#d77;,a7 t ! ,bo>d det]m9es   
necess>y to decide a fully develop$     
appeal4  7,b7 ,! ,secret>y %all-- 7i7   
ensure t ! ,vet]ans ,b5efits            
,adm9i/ration coop]ates ) ! ,bo>d (     
,vet]ans' ,appeals 9 c>ry+ out          
subp>agraph 7,a72 &  7ii7 transf]       
employees ( ! ,vet]ans ,b5efits         
,adm9i/ration :o1 prior to ! enactm5t ( 
?is ,act1 7 responsible = process+      
claims rem&$ by ! ,bo>d ( ,vet]ans'     
,appeals to positions )9 ! (fice ( !    
,bo>d e/abli%$ "u subp>agraph 7,a7 9 a  
numb] ! ,secret>y det]m9es suffici5t to 
c>ry out su* subp>agraph4  7#f7 ,he>+s  
,not)/&+ section #gajg ( title #ch1     
,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 ! ,secret>y may n  
provide he>+s ) respect to fully        
develop$ appeals4 ,if a claimant reque/s
 to hold a he>+ pursuant to su* section 
#gajg1 su* reque/ %all be deem$ to be an
 election to rev]t to ! /&>d appeals    

process pursuant to subsection 7b77#c74 
7d7 ,duration2 application ,! ,secret>y 
%all c>ry out ! pilot program "u        
subsection 7a7 = a five-ye> p]iod beg9n+
 "o ye> aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is  
,act4 ,?is section %all apply only to   
fully develop$ appeals t are fil$ dur+  
su* p]iod4  7e7 ,reports ,dur+ ea* ye> 9
 :i* ! pilot program "u subsection 7a7  
is c>ri$ out1 ! ,secret>y %all submit to
 ! ,committees on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( !
 ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives & ! ,s5ate a   
report on ! pilot program4 ,! fir/ su*  
report %all be submitt$ by n lat] ?an   
#ahj days aft] ! date on :i* ! pilot    
program comm5ces4 ,ea* report %all      
include ! foll[+3  7#a7 ,= ! p]iod cov]$
 by ! report-- 7,a7 ! numb] ( claimants 
:o fil$ a fully develop$ appeal "u !    
pilot program2  7,b7 ! av]age process+  
"t = ea* su* appeal1 measur$ by ea*     
phase ( ! appeal1 &1 if ! process+ "t = 
appeals exce$ "o ye>1 ! reasons = su*   
process+ "t2  7,c7 a summ>y ( reasons = 
:i* ! developm5t ( evid5ce 0 requir$ "u 

subsection 7c77#e72  7,d7 ! numb] (     
issues decid$1 li/$ by ! disposition ( !
 issue2  7,e7 ( ! numb] id5tifi$ 9      
subp>agraph 7,d71 ! numb] ( issues = :i*
 evid5ce 0 n s develop$1 li/$ by !      
disposition ( ! issue2  7,f7 ( ! numb] (
 fully develop$ appeals decid$ by !     
,bo>d ( ,vet]ans' ,appeals1 ! numb] (   
cases f ea* ag5cy ( orig9al             
jurisdiction1 li/$ by ! disposition ( ! 
issue2  7,g7 ! numb] ( fully develop$   
appeals appeal$ to ! ,c\rt ( ,appeals = 
,vet]ans ,claims1 li/$ by ! disposition 
( ! case2  7,h7 ! numb] ( rev]sions made
 "u subsection 7b77#c72 &  7,i7 any     
reasons = :y a claimant 0 det]m9$ to be 
ineligible to p>ticipate 9 ! pilot      
program4  7#b7 ,a review1 made 9        
conjunction ) vet]ans s]vice            
organizations1 ( ! ef=ts ( ! ,secret>y  
to provide cle> rat+ decisions & improve
 disability rat+ notification lett]s1   
includ+ ) respect to-- 7,a7 ! op9ions ( 
vet]ans s]vice organizations reg>d+ su* 
ef=ts2 &  7,b7 h[ ! pilot program       

improves su* ef=ts4  7#c7 ,a            
recomm5dation = any *anges to improve ! 
pilot program4  7#d7 ,an assessm5t ( !  
feasibility & advisability ( exp&+ !    
pilot program4  7f7 ,regulations ,n lat]
 ?an "o day aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t (  
?is ,act1 ! ,secret>y %all publi% int]im
 guidance on ! pilot program "u         
subsection 7a74 ,n lat] ?an #ij days    
aft] su* date ( enactm5t1 ! ,secret>y   
%all prescribe regulations to c>ry out  
su* pilot program4  7g7 ,def9itions ,9  
?is section3 7#a7 ,! t]m claimant has ! 
mean+ giv5 t t]m 9 section #eajj ( title
 #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code4  7#b7 ,! t]m 
comp5sation has ! mean+ giv5 t t]m 9    
section #aja ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates 
,code4  7#c7 ,! t]m fully develop$      
appeal means an appeal ( a claim =      
disability comp5sation t is--  7,a7 fil$
 by a claimant 9 accordance ) subsection
 7b77#a72 &  7,b7 consid]$ 9 accordance 
) ?is section4  7#d7 ,! t]m /&>d appeal 
means an appeal ( a claim = disability  
comp5sation t is n a fully develop$     

appeal4  #ac4 ,deadl9e = c]tification ( 
appeals =ms by regional (fices ( !      
,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs ,!        
,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs %all take 
su* /eps z may be necess>y to ensure t  
:5 a regional (fice ( ! ,dep>tm5t (     
,vet]ans ,affairs receives a =m kn[n z  
,,va ,=m #i1 ,appeal to ,bo>d (         
,vet]ans' ,appeals1 or any successor =m1
 submitt$ by a vet]an to appeal a       
decision relat+ to a claim1 ! regional  
(fice c]tifies su* =m by n lat] ?an "o  
ye> aft] ! date ( ! receipt ( ! =m4     
#ad4 ,evaluation ( backlog ( disability 
claims & appeals ( claims ( ,dep>tm5t ( 
,vet]ans ,affairs  7a7 ,9 g5]al ,!re is 
e/abli%$ a commission or task =ce to    
evaluate ! backlog ( claims )9 !        
,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs & !       
appeals process ( claims4  7b7 ,/udies  
7#a7 ,backlog /udy  7,a7 ,9 g5]al ,!    
,commission or ,task ,=ce1 act+ ?r\gh ! 
subcommittee describ$ 9 subsection      
7d77#b77;,a71 %all c>ry out a /udy on ! 
backlog ( claims1 includ+ ! curr5t      

process ! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs 
uses to evaluate claims & appeals & !   
laws & regulations applicable to su*    
claims & appeals4 ,su* /udy %all be a   
compreh5sive evaluation & assessm5t ( ! 
backlog ( claims1 an analysis ( possible
 improvem5ts to ! proc$ures us$ to      
process su* claims1 & any relat$ issues 
t ! ,commission or ,task ,=ce consid]s  
relevant4  7,b7 ,matt]s includ$ ,9 c>ry+
 out ! /udy "u subp>agraph 7,a71 !      
,commission or ,task ,=ce %all exam9e ! 
foll[+3 7i7 ,! backlog ( claims1 includ+
 an analysis (--  7,i7 ! mo/ effective  
means to quickly & accurately resolve   
all claims p5d+ z ( ! date ( ! /udy2 &  
7,,ii7 ) respect to ! ,dep>tm5t1 !      
annual fund+1 numb] ( full-"t employees1
 workload managem5t practices1 & !      
progress1 z ( ! date ( ! /udy1 ( !      
/rategic plan4  7ii7 ,possible          
improvem5ts to ! claims process1 includ+
 an evaluation & recomm5dations )       
respect to :e!r sub/antive & /ructural  
*anges to ! ov]all claims process are   

requir$4  7iii7 ,9 c>ry+ out !          
evaluation & recomm5dations "u          
subp>agraph 7,b71 an exam9ation (--     
7,i7 options t make no major sub/antive 
*anges to ! claims process2  7,,ii7     
options t ma9ta9 ! process b make m9or  
*anges2 &  7,,iii7 options t make broad 
*anges to ! process4  7#b7 ,appeals     
process /udy  7,a7 ,9 g5]al ,!          
,commission or ,task ,=ce1 act+ ?r\gh ! 
subcommittee describ$ 9 subsection      
7d77#b77;,b71 %all c>ry out a /udy on ! 
anticipat$ increase ( appeals ( claims1 
includ+ ! curr5t appeals process & !    
laws & regulations applicable to su*    
appeals4 ,su* /udy %all be a            
compreh5sive evaluation & assessm5t (   
su* anticipat$ increase ( appeals       
claims1 an analysis ( possible          
improvem5ts to ! proc$ures us$ to       
process su* appeals1 & any relat$ issues
 t ! ,commission or ,task ,=ce consid]s 
relevant4  7,b7 ,matt]s includ$ ,9 c>ry+
 out ! /udy "u subp>agraph 7,a71 !      
,commission or ,task ,=ce %all exam9e ! 

foll[+3 7i7 ,! anticipat$ surge 9       
appeals ( claims1 includ+ an analysis   
(--  7,i7 ! mo/ effective means to      
quickly & accurately resolve p5d+       
appeals & future appeals2  7,,ii7 )     
respect to bo? ! ,bo>d & ! ,c\rt (      
,appeals = ,vet]ans ,claims1 ! annual   
fund+1 numb] ( full-"t employees1       
workload managem5t practices1 & !       
progress1 z ( ! date ( ! /udy1 ( !      
/rategic plan2 &  7,,iii7 ! effici5cy1  
effectiv5ess1 & utility ( ! ,vet]ans    
,b5efits ,managem5t ,sy/em ) respect to 
appeals op]ations1 includ+ an           
id5tification ( key *anges t may ne$ to 
be implem5t$ to su* sy/em4  7ii7        
,possible improvem5ts to ! appeals      
process1 includ+ an evaluation &        
recomm5dations ) respect to :e!r        
sub/antive & /ructural *anges to !      
ov]all appeals process are requir$4     
7iii7 ,9 c>ry+ out ! evaluation &       
recomm5dations "u clause 7ii71 an       
exam9ation (-- 7,i7 options t make no   
major sub/antive *anges to ! appeals    

process2  7,,ii7 options t ma9ta9 !     
process b make m9or *anges2  7,,iii7    
options t make broad *anges to !        
process2  7,,iv7 ! necessity ( !        
multi-ti]$ levels ( appeals at !        
regional (fice level1 includ+ fil+ a    
notice ( disagreem5t1 receipt ( a       
/atem5t ( ! case1 supplem5tal /atem5t ( 
! case 7if applicable71 & sub/antive    
appeal 7,,va ,=m #i72  7,v7 ! role ( !  
,bo>d & ! ,appeals ,managem5t ,c5t]1    
includ+--  7aa7 ! effectiv5ess ( !      
workload managem5t ( ! ,bo>d & ! ,c5t]2 
7bb7 :e!r ! ,bo>d & ,c5t] %\ld be       
regionaliz$ or ma9ta9 ! c5traliz$       
/ructure 9 ! ,di/rict ( ,columbia2  7cc7
 :e!r ,bo>d memb]s %\ld be requir$ to   
pass ! adm9i/rative law judges          
c]tification exam9ation2 &  7dd7 :e!r ! 
,bo>d %\ld cont9ue to require de novo   
review ( appeals2 &  7,,vi7 ! role ( !  
,c\rt ( ,appeals = ,vet]ans ,claims & ! 
,unit$ ,/ates ,c\rt ( ,appeals = !      
,f$]al ,circuit1 includ+-- 7aa7 !       
cont9u$ effectiv5ess & necessity ( a    

multi-ti]$ /ructure ( judicial review2  
7bb7 :e!r ! ,c\rt ( ,appeals = ,vet]ans 
,claims %\ld h ,article ,i or ,article  
,,iii /atus2  7cc7 expansion ( ei!r !   
,c\rt ( ,appeals = ,vet]ans ,claims or !
 ,unit$ ,/ates ,c\rt ( ,appeals = !     
,f$]al ,circuit jurisdiction1 includ+ by
 all[+ su* c\rts to he> class action    
lawsuits ) respect to claims2 &  7dd7 ! 
possibility ( exp&+ judicial review (   
claims to all ,f$]al circuit c\rts (    
appeals or all[+ judicial review beyond 
! ,c\rt ( ,appeals = ,vet]ans ,claims   
only by ! ,supreme ,c\rt4  7#c7         
,consid]ation ,9 c>ry+ out ! /udies "u  
p>agraph 7#a77;,a7 & 7#b77;,a7 & mak+   
any recomm5dations "u ?is section1 !    
,commission or ,task ,=ce %all consid] !
 foll[+3  7,a7 ,! int]e/s ( vet]ans1    
includ+ ) respect to accuracy1 fairness1
 & transp>5cy 9 ! claims process ( !    
,dep>tm5t4  7,b7 ,! values & requirem5ts
 ( ! ,con/itution1 includ+ ) respect to 
compliance ) proc$ural & sub/antive due 
process4  7,c7 ,! public int]e/1 includ+

 ) respect to ! responsible use (       
available res\rces4  7,d7 ,) respect to 
! /udy conduct$ "u p>agraph 7#a77;,a71 !
 importance ( ! claimant fri5dly1       
nonadv]s>ial nature ( ! claims process4 
7,e7 ,) respect to ! /udy conduct$ "u   
p>agraph 7#b77;,a71 ! importance ( an   
appeals process t is effici5t & easily  
und]/&able by a claimant4  7#d7 ,role ( 
,secret>y1 ,*airman ( ! ,bo>d1 & ,*ief  
,judge  7,a7 ,in=mation ,9 c>ry+ out ea*
 /udy "u p>agraph 7#a77;,a7 & 7#b77;,a71
 at times t ! ,commission or ,task ,=ce 
det]m9es appropriate1 ! ,commission or  
,task ,=ce %all submit to ! ,secret>y ( 
,vet]ans ,affairs1 ! ,*airman ( ! ,bo>d1
 & ! ,*ief ,judge ( ! ,c\rt ( ,appeals =
 ,vet]ans ,claims1 z ! case may be1     
in=mation ) respect to rem$ies &        
solutions t ! ,commission or ,task ,=ce 
id5tifies pursuant to su* a /udy4  7,b7 
,implem5tation ,! ,secret>y1 ! ,*airman 
( ! ,bo>d1 & ! ,*ief ,judge %all ea*--  
7i7 fully consid] ! rem$ies & solutions 
submitt$ to ! ,secret>y1 ! ,*airman1 or 

! ,*ief ,judge1 z ! case may be1 "u     
subp>agraph 7,a72  7ii7 implem5t su*    
rem$ies & solutions z ! ,secret>y1 !    
,*airman1 or ! ,*ief ,judge1            
respectively1 det]m9es appropriate2 &   
7iii7 submit to ,congress ju/ification =
 fail+ to implem5t any su* rem$y or     
solution4  7,c7 ,plan ,! ,commission or 
,task ,=ce %all submit to ! ,secret>y1 !
 ,*airman ( ! ,bo>d1 & ! ,*ief ,judge a 
feasible1 timely1 & co/-effective plan  
to elim9ate ! backlog ( appeals ( claims
 bas$ on ! rem$ies & solutions id5tifi$ 
pursuant to ! /udy "u p>agraph 7#b77;,a7
 & ! in=mation submitt$ "u subp>agraph  
7,a74  7c7 ,compreh5sive reports  7#a7  
,initial compreh5sive report ,n lat] ?an
 #fj days aft] ! date on :i* !          
,commission or ,task ,=ce fir/ meets1 ! 
,commission or ,task ,=ce %all submit to
 ! ,presid5t & ,congress an initial     
compreh5sive report on ! /udies conduct$
 "u p>agraphs 7#a77;,a7 & 7#b77;,a7 (   
subsection 7b71 includ+--  7,a7 ! f9d+s 
( ! causes ( ! backlog ( claims2  7,b7 a

 propos$ plan to h&le ! anticipat$ surge
 9 appeals ( claims2 &  7,c7 ! level (  
coop]ation ! ,commission or ,task ,=ce  
has receiv$ f ! ,secret>y & ! heads (   
o!r dep>tm5ts or ag5cies ( ! ,f$]al     
,gov]nm5t4  7#b7 ,int]im compreh5sive   
reports ,n lat] ?an #ij days aft] ! date
 on :i* ! ,commission or ,task ,=ce fir/
 meets1 & ea* #cj-;day p]iod !reaft]    
end+ on ! date on :i* ! ,commission or  
,task ,=ce submits ! f9al compreh5sive  
report "u p>agraph 7#c71 ! ,commission  
or ,task ,=ce %all submit to ! ,presid5t
 & ,congress a compreh5sive report on-- 
7,a7 ! progress ( ! ,secret>y ) respect 
to implem5t+ solutions to exp$ite !     
elim9ation ( ! backlog ( claims pursuant
 to subsection 7b77#d77;,b77ii72  7,b7 !
 progress ( ! ,secret>y1 ! ,*airman ( ! 
,bo>d1 & ! ,*ief ,judge ( ! ,c\rt (     
,appeals = ,vet]ans ,claims ) respect to
 implem5t+ solutions to complete appeals
 ( claims 9 a timely mann] 9 a timely   
mann] pursuant to su* subsection2 &     
7,c7 ! level ( coop]ation ! ,commission 

or ,task ,=ce has receiv$ f ! ,secret>y 
& ! heads ( o!r dep>tm5ts or ag5cies ( !
 ,f$]al ,gov]nm5t4  7#c7 ,f9al          
compreh5sive report ,n lat] ?an #ahj    
days aft] ! date on :i* ! ,commission or
 ,task ,=ce fir/ meets1 ! ,commission or
 ,task ,=ce %all submit to ! ,presid5t &
 ,congress a compreh5sive report on !   
foll[+3  7,a7 ,) respect to ! /udy      
conduct$ "u subsection 7b77#a77;,a7--   
7i7 ,! f9d+s1 conclusions1 &            
recomm5dations ( ! ,commission or ,task 
,=ce ) respect to ! matt]s ref]r$ to 9  
su* subsection4  7ii7 ,! recomm5dations 
( ! ,commission or ,task ,=ce = revis+ &
 improv+ ! backlog ( claims & !         
proc$ures us$ to process claims4  7iii7 
,! progress ( ! ,secret>y ) respect to  
implem5t+ solutions to exp$ite !        
elim9ation ( ! backlog ( claims pursuant
 to subsection 7b77#d77;,b77ii74  7iv7  
,o!r in=mation & recomm5dations )       
respect to claims z ! ,commission or    
,task ,=ce consid]s appropriate4  7,b7  
,) respect to ! /udy conduct$ "u        

subsection 7b77#b77;,a7--  7i7 ,! f9d+s1
 conclusions1 & recomm5dations ( !      
,commission or ,task ,=ce ) respect to !
 matt]s ref]r$ to 9 su* subsection4     
7ii7 ,! recomm5dations ( ! ,commission  
or ,task ,=ce = revis+ & improv+ !      
appeals process2  7iii7 ,! in=mation    
describ$ 9 subsection 7b77#d77;,a74     
7iv7 ,! feasible1 timely1 & co/         
effective plan describ$ 9 subsection    
7b77#d77;,c74  7v7 ,! progress ( !      
,secret>y1 ! ,*airman ( ! ,bo>d1 & !    
,*ief ,judge ( ! ,c\rt ( ,appeals =     
,vet]ans ,claims ) respect to implem5t+ 
solutions to provide timely appeals (   
claims4  7vi7 ,o!r in=mation &          
recomm5dations ) respect to ! appeals   
process z ! ,commission or ,task ,=ce   
consid]s appropriate4  7d7 ,memb]%ip    
7#a7 ,numb] & appo9tm5t ,! ,commission  
or ,task ,=ce %all be compos$ ( #ae     
memb]s1 appo9t$ z foll[s3 7,a7 ,two     
memb]s appo9t$ by ! ,speak] ( ! ,h\se ( 
,repres5tatives1 "o ( :om %all be       
designat$ to s]ve ^u ! ,subcommittee on 

! ,backlog ( ,claims & "o ( :om %all be 
designat$ to s]ve ^u ! ,subcommittee on 
,appeals4  7,b7 ,two memb]s appo9t$ by !
 m9ority lead] ( ! ,h\se (              
,repres5tatives1 "o ( :om %all be       
designat$ to s]ve ^u ! ,subcommittee on 
! ,backlog ( ,claims & "o ( :om %all be 
designat$ to s]ve ^u ! ,subcommittee on 
,appeals4  7,c7 ,two memb]s appo9t$ by !
 majority lead] ( ! ,s5ate1 "o ( :om    
%all be designat$ to s]ve ^u !          
,subcommittee on ! ,backlog ( ,claims & 
"o ( :om %all be designat$ to s]ve ^u ! 
,subcommittee on ,appeals4  7,d7 ,two   
memb]s appo9t$ by ! m9ority lead] ( !   
,s5ate1 "o ( :om %all be designat$ to   
s]ve ^u ! ,subcommittee on ! ,backlog ( 
,claims & "o ( :om %all be designat$ to 
s]ve ^u ! ,subcommittee on ,appeals4    
7,e7 ,?ree memb]s appo9t$ by !          
,presid5t1 two ( :om %all be designat$  
to s]ve ^u ! ,subcommittee on ! ,backlog
 ( ,claims & "o ( :om %all be designat$ 
to s]ve ^u ! ,subcommittee on ,appeals4 
7,f7 ,"o memb] appo9t$ by ! ,secret>y ( 

,def5se1 :om %all be designat$ to s]ve  
^u ! ,subcommittee on ! ,backlog (      
,claims4  7,g7 ,two memb]s appo9t$ by ! 
,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs1 "o ( :om 
%all be designat$ to s]ve ^u !          
,subcommittee on ! ,backlog ( ,claims & 
"o ( :om %all be designat$ to s]ve ^u ! 
,subcommittee on ,appeals4  7,h7 ,"o    
memb] appo9t$ by ! ,*ief ,judge ( !     
,c\rt ( ,appeals = ,vet]ans ,claims1 :om
 %all be designat$ to s]ve ^u !         
,subcommittee on ,appeals4  7#b7        
,subcommittees ,! ,commission or ,task  
,=ce %all h two subcommittees z foll[s3 
7,a7 ,a ,subcommittee on ! ,backlog (   
,claims consi/+ ( ! eight memb]s        
designat$ 9 accordance ) p>agraph 7#a74 
7,b7 ,a ,subcommittee on ,appeals       
consi/+ ( ! sev5 memb]s designat$ 9     
accordance ) p>agraph 7#a74  7#c7       
,qualifications ,ea* memb] appo9t$ "u   
p>agraph 7#a7 %all be appo9t$ bas$ on ! 
exp]i5ce ( ! memb] z a vet]an or on !   
subject matt] exp]tise or o!r relevant  
exp]i5ce ( ! memb]4  7#d7 ,advisors     

7,a7 ,9 g5]al ,9 addition to ! #ae      
memb]s appo9t$ "u p>agraph 7#a71 !      
,commission or ,task ,=ce %all--  7i7 h 
five nonvot+1 nonmemb] advisors1 appo9t$
 by a majority ( ! ,commission or ,task 
,=ce1 ea* f a diff]5t organization t    
repres5ts ! int]e/s ( vet]ans2 &  7ii7  
seek advice f exp]ts f nongov]nm5tal    
organizations 7includ+ vet]ans s]vice   
organizations & milit>y organizations71 
! ,int]net te*nology indu/ry1 & !       
insurance indu/ry4  7,b7 ,advice        
,individuals describ$ 9 clause 7i7 &    
7ii7 ( subp>agraph 7,a7 %all provide    
advice to bo? subcommittees describ$ 9  
p>agraph 7#b74  7#e7 ,*airman ,!        
,presid5t %all designate a memb] ( !    
,commission or ,task ,=ce :o is appo9t$ 
by ! ,presid5t & designat$ to s]ve ^u ! 
,subcommittee on ! ,backlog ( ,claims to
 s]ve z ! *airman ( ! ,commission or    
,task ,=ce4 ,! *airman may designate a  
memb] to s]ve z ! *airman ( !           
,subcommittee on ! ,backlog ( ,claims & 
a memb] to s]ve z ! *airman ( !         

,subcommittee on ,appeals to *air su*   
subcommittees z ! designee ( ! *airman (
 ! ,commission or ,task ,=ce4  7#f7     
,p]iod ( ,appo9tm5t ,memb]s ( !         
,commission or ,task ,=ce %all be       
appo9t$ = ! life ( ! ,commission or     
,task ,=ce4 ,a vacancy %all n affect its
 p[]s4  7#g7 ,vacancy ,a vacancy on !   
,commission or ,task ,=ce %all be fill$ 
9 ! mann] 9 :i* ! orig9al appo9tm5t 0   
made4  7#h7 ,appo9tm5t deadl9e ,!       
appo9tm5t ( memb]s ( ! ,commission or   
,task ,=ce e/abli%$ 9 ?is section %all  
be made n lat] ?an #ae days aft] ! date 
( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act4  7e7 ,meet+s   
7#a7 ,initial meet+ ,! ,commission or   
,task ,=ce %all hold its fir/ meet+ n   
lat] ?an #ae days aft] ! date on :i* a  
majority ( ! memb]s are appo9t$4  7#b7  
,meet+s ,! ,commission or ,task ,=ce    
%all meet at ! call ( ! *airman4  7#c7  
,quorum ,a majority ( ! memb]s ( !      
,commission or ,task ,=ce %all con/itute
 a quorum1 b a less] numb] may hold     
he>+s4  7f7 ,p[]s ( ! ,commission or    

,task ,=ce  7#a7 ,he>+s ,! ,commission  
or ,task ,=ce may hold su* he>+s1 sit & 
act at su* times & places1 take su*     
te/imony1 & receive su* evid5ce z !     
,commission or ,task ,=ce consid]s      
advisable to c>ry out ! purposes ( ?is  
section4  7#b7 ,in=mation f ,f$]al      
,ag5cies ,! ,commission or ,task ,=ce   
may secure directly f any dep>tm5t or   
ag5cy ( ! ,f$]al ,gov]nm5t su* in=mation
 z ! ,commission or ,task ,=ce consid]s 
necess>y to c>ry out ! provisions ( ?is 
section4 ,^u reque/ ( ! *airman1 ! head 
( su* dep>tm5t or ag5cy %all furni% su* 
in=mation to ! ,commission or ,task     
,=ce4  7#c7 ,po/al ,s]vices ,!          
,commission or ,task ,=ce may use !     
,unit$ ,/ates mails 9 ! same mann] & "u 
! same conditions z o!r dep>tm5ts &     
ag5cies ( ! ,f$]al ,gov]nm5t4  7#d7     
,gifts ,! ,commission or ,task ,=ce may 
accept1 use1 & dispose ( gifts or       
donations ( s]vice or prop]ty4  7g7     
,p]sonnel ,matt]s  7#a7 ,comp5sation (  
,memb]s ,ea* memb] ( ! ,commission or   

,task ,=ce :o is n an (fic] or employee 
( ! ,unit$ ,/ates %all be comp5sat$ at a
 rate equal to ! daily equival5t ( !    
annual rate ( basic pay prescrib$ =     
level ,,iv ( ! ,executive ,s*$ule "u    
section #ecae ( title #e1 ,unit$ ,/ates 
,code1 = ea* day 7includ+ travel "t7    
dur+ :i* ! memb] is engag$ 9 ! p]=mance 
( ! duties ( ! ,commission or ,task     
,=ce4 ,all memb]s ( ! ,commission or    
,task ,=ce :o are (fic]s or employees ( 
! ,unit$ ,/ates %all s]ve )\t           
comp5sation 9 addition to t receiv$ = _!
 s]vices z (fic]s or employees ( !      
,unit$ ,/ates4  7#b7 ,travel ,exp5ses ,!
 memb]s ( ! ,commission or ,task ,=ce   
%all be all[$ travel exp5ses1 includ+ p]
 diem 9 lieu ( subsi/5ce1 at rates      
au?oriz$ = employees ( ag5cies "u       
sub*apt] ,i ( *apt] #eg ( title #e1     
,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 :ile away f _!     
homes or regul> places ( bus9ess 9 !    
p]=mance ( s]vice ( ! ,commission or    
,task ,=ce4  7#c7 ,/aff  7,a7 ,appo9tm5t
 ,! *airman ( ! ,commission or ,task    

,=ce may1 )\t reg>d to ! civil s]vice   
laws & regulations1 appo9t an executive 
director & su* o!r p]sonnel z may be    
necess>y to enable ! ,commission or     
,task ,=ce to p]=m its duties4 ,!       
appo9tm5t ( an executive director %all  
be subject to ! approval ( ! ,commission
 or ,task ,=ce4  7,b7 ,comp5sation ,!   
*airman ( ! ,commission or ,task ,=ce   
may fix ! comp5sation ( ! executive     
director & o!r p]sonnel )\t reg>d to !  
provisions ( *apt] #ea & sub*apt] ,,iii 
( *apt] #ec ( title #e1 ,unit$ ,/ates   
,code1 relat+ to classification (       
positions & ,g5]al ,s*$ule pay rates1   
except t ! rate ( pay = ! executive     
director & o!r p]sonnel may n exce$ !   
rate payable = level ,v ( ! ,executive  
,s*$ule "u section #ecaf ( su* title4   
7#d7 ,detail ( ,gov]nm5t ,employees ,^u 
reque/ ( ! *airman ( ! ,commission or   
,task ,=ce1 ! head ( any dep>tm5t or    
ag5cy ( ! ,f$]al ,gov]nm5t may detail1  
on a nonreimbursable basis1 any p]sonnel
 ( t dep>tm5t or ag5cy to ! ,commission 

or ,task ,=ce to assi/ x 9 c>ry+ out its
 duties4  7#e7 ,procurem5t ( ,tempor>y &
 ,int]mitt5t ,s]vices ,! *airman ( !    
,commission or ,task ,=ce may procure   
tempor>y & int]mitt5t s]vices "u section
 #caji7;b7 ( title #e1 ,unit$ ,/ates    
,code1 at rates = individuals :i* d n   
exce$ ! daily equival5t ( ! annual rate 
( basic pay prescrib$ = level ,v ( !    
,executive ,s*$ule "u section #ecaf (   
su* title4  7h7 ,t]m9ation ( ,commission
 or ,task ,=ce ,! ,commission or ,task  
,=ce %all t]m9ate #fj days aft] ! date  
on :i* ! ,commission or ,task ,=ce      
submits ! f9al compreh5sive report "u   
subsection 7c77#c74  7i7 ,fund+  7#a7 ,9
 g5]al ,! ,secret>y %all1 ^u ! reque/ ( 
! *airman ( ! ,commission or ,task ,=ce1
 make available to ! ,commission or     
,task ,=ce su* am\nts z ! ,commission or
 ,task ,=ce may require to c>ry out !   
duties ( ! ,commission or ,task ,=ce "u 
?is section4  7#b7 ,availability ,any   
sums made available to ! ,commission or 
,task ,=ce %all rema9 available1 )\t    

fiscal ye> limitation1 until ! t]m9ation
 ( ! ,commission or ,task ,=ce4  7j7    
,def9itions ,9 ?is section3  7#a7 ,! t]m
 appeals process means ! process to     
appeal ! det]m9ation by ! ,secret>y ( a 
claim beg9n+ ) ! notice ( disagreem5t   
fil$ pursuant to section #gaje ( title  
#ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 & end+ ) !    
review ( a decision by ! ,supreme ,c\rt 
pursuant to section #gbib7;c7 ( su*     
title4  7#b7 ,! t]m ,bo>d means ! ,bo>d 
( ,vet]ans' ,appeals4  7#c7 ,! t]m      
/rategic plan means ! ,/rategic ,plan to
 ,elim9ate ! ,comp5sation ,claims       
,backlog1 publi%$ by ! ,secret>y (      
,vet]ans ,affairs on ,janu>y #be1 #bjac4
  7k7 ,effective date ,?is section %all 
take effect on ! date t is "o ye> aft] !
 date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act4  #ae4    
,me?ods = validat+ c]ta9 ,_w ,w> ,,ii   
,m]*ant ,m>9] s]vice consid]$ to be     
active s]vice by ! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans 
,affairs  7a7 ,9 g5]al ,= ! purposes (  
v]ify+ t an individual p]=m$ s]vice "u  
honorable conditions t satisfies !      

requirem5ts ( a coa/wise m]*ant seaman  
:o is recogniz$ pursuant to section #dja
 ( ! ,,gi ,bill ,improvem5t ,act ( #aigg
 7,public ,law #ie-bjb2 #ch ,u4,s4,c4   
#ajf note7 z hav+ p]=m$ active duty     
s]vice = ! purposes describ$ 9          
subsection 7c77#a71 ! ,secret>y (       
,homel& ,security %all accept ! foll[+3 
7#a7 ,9 ! case ( an individual :o s]v$  
on a coa/wise m]*ant vessel seek+ su*   
recognition = :om no applicable ,coa/   
,gu>d %ipp+ or dis*>ge =m1 %ip logbook1 
m]*ant m>9]'s docum5t or ,z-c>d1 or o!r 
(ficial employm5t record is available1 !
 ,secret>y %all provide su* recognition 
on ! basis ( applicable ,social         
,security ,adm9i/ration records submitt$
 = or by ! individual1 toge!r ) validat$
 te/imony giv5 by ! individual or !     
prim>y next ( k9 ( ! individual t !     
individual p]=m$ su* s]vice dur+ ! p]iod
 beg9n+ on ,decemb] #g1 #aida1 & end+ on
 ,decemb] #ca1 #aidf4  7#b7 ,9 ! case ( 
an individual :o s]v$ on a coa/wise     
m]*ant vessel seek+ su* recognition =   

:om ! applicable ,coa/ ,gu>d %ipp+ or   
dis*>ge =m1 %ip logbook1 m]*ant m>9]'s  
docum5t or ,z-c>d1 or o!r (ficial       
employm5t record has be5 de/roy$ or     
o!rwise become unavailable by reason (  
any action committ$ by a p]son          
responsible = ! control & ma9t5ance (   
su* =m1 logbook1 or record1 ! ,secret>y 
%all accept o!r (ficial docum5tation    
demon/rat+ t ! individual p]=m$ su*     
s]vice dur+ p]iod beg9n+ on ,decemb] #g1
 #aida1 & end+ on ,decemb] #ca1 #aidf4  
7#c7 ,= ! purpose ( det]m9+ :e!r to     
recognize s]vice alleg$ly p]=m$ dur+ !  
p]iod beg9n+ on ,decemb] #g1 #aida1 &   
end+ on ,decemb] #ca1 #aidf1 ! ,secret>y
 %all recognize ma/]s ( seago+ vessels  
or o!r (fic]s 9 comm& ( simil>ly        
organiz$ gr\ps z ag5ts ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates
 :o 7 au?oriz$ to docum5t any individual
 = purposes ( hir+ ! individual to p]=m 
s]vice 9 ! m]*ant m>9e or dis*>g+ an    
individual f su* s]vice4  7b7 ,treatm5t 
( o!r docum5tation ,o!r docum5tation    
accept$ by ! ,secret>y ( ,homel&        

,security pursuant to subsection 7a77#b7
 %all satisfy all requirem5ts =         
eligibility ( s]vice dur+ ! p]iod beg9n+
 on ,decemb] #g1 #aida1 & end+ on       
,decemb] #ca1 #aidf4  7c7 ,b5efits all[$
  7#a7 ,burial b5efits eligibility      
,s]vice ( an individual t is consid]$   
active duty pursuant to subsection 7a7  
%all be consid]$ z active duty s]vice ) 
respect to provid+ burial b5efits "u    
*apt]s #bc & #bd ( title #ch1 ,unit$    
,/ates ,code1 to ! individual4  7#b7    
,m$als1 ribbons1 & decorations ,an      
individual ^: s]vice is recogniz$ z     
active duty pursuant to subsection 7a7  
may be aw>d$ an appropriate m$al1       
ribbon1 or o!r milit>y decoration bas$  
on su* s]vice4  7#c7 ,/atus ( vet]an ,an
 individual ^: s]vice is recogniz$ z    
active duty pursuant to subsection 7a7  
%all be honor$ z a vet]an b %all n be   
entitl$ by reason ( su* recogniz$ s]vice
 to any b5efit t is n describ$ 9 ?is    
subsection4  7d7 ,det]m9ation ( coa/wise
 m]*ant seaman ,! ,secret>y ( ,homel&   

,security %all v]ify t an individual    
p]=m$ s]vice "u honorable conditions t  
satisfies ! requirem5ts ( a coa/wise    
m]*ant seaman pursuant to ?is section   
)\t reg>d to ! sex1 age1 or disability (
 ! individual dur+ ! p]iod 9 :i* !      
individual s]v$ z su* a coa/wise m]*ant 
seaman4  7e7 ,def9ition ( prim>y next ( 
k9 ,9 ?is section1 ! t]m prim>y next (  
k9 ) respect to an individual seek+     
recognition = s]vice "u ?is section     
means ! close/ liv+ relative ( !        
individual :o 0 alive dur+ ! p]iod ( su*
 s]vice4  7f7 ,effective date ,?is      
section %all take effect #ij days aft] !
 date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act4  #af4    
,designation ( ,am]ican ,_w ,w> ,,ii    
,cities  7a7 ,9 g5]al ,! ,secret>y (    
,vet]ans ,affairs %all designate at lea/
 "o city 9 ! ,unit$ ,/ates ea* ye> z an 
,am]ican ,_w ,w> ,,ii ,city4  7b7       
,crit]ia = designation ,aft] !          
designation made "u subsection 7c71 !   
,secret>y1 9 consultation ) ! ,secret>y 
( ,def5se1 %all make ea* designation "u 

subsection 7a7 bas$ on ! foll[+ crit]ia3
 7#a7 ,contributions by a city to ! w>  
ef=t dur+ ,_w ,w> ,,ii1 includ+ ^?      
relat$ to def5se manufactur+1 bond      
drives1 s]vice 9 ! ,arm$ ,=ces1 & !     
pres5ce ( milit>y facilities )9 ! city4 
7#b7 ,ef=ts by a city to pres]ve !      
hi/ory ( ! city's contributions dur+ ,_w
 ,w> ,,ii1 includ+ ?r\gh ! e/abli%m5t ( 
pres]vation organizations or museums1   
re/oration ( ,_w ,w> ,,ii facilities1 & 
recognition ( ,_w ,w> ,,ii vet]ans4  7c7
 ,fir/ ,am]ican ,_w ,w> ,,ii ,city ,!   
city ( ,wilm+ton1 ,nor? ,c>ol9a1 is     
designat$ z an ,am]ican ,_w ,w> ,,ii    
,city4  #ag4 ,s5se ( ,congress reg>d+   
,am]ican vet]ans disabl$ = life  7a7    
,f9d+s ,congress makes ! foll[+ f9d+s3  
7#a7 ,!re are at lea/ #c1fjj1jjj vet]ans
 curr5tly liv+ ) s]vice-connect$        
disabilities4  7#b7 ,z a result ( _!    
s]vice1 _m vet]ans are p]man5tly disabl$
 ?r\gh\t _! lives & 9 _m cases mu/ rely 
on ! support ( _! families & fri5ds :5  
^! visible & invisible burd5s become too

 mu* to be> alone4  7#c7 ,octob] #e1 :i*
 is ! anniv]s>y ( ! d$ication ( !       
,am]ican ,vet]ans ,disabl$ = ,life      
,memorial1 has be5 recogniz$ z an       
appropriate day on :i* to honor ,am]ican
 vet]ans disabl$ = life ea* ye>4  7b7   
,s5se ( ,congress ,congress-- 7#a7      
expresses its appreciation to ! m5 &    
wom5 left p]man5tly w\nd$1 ill1 or      
injur$ z a result ( _! s]vice 9 ! ,arm$ 
,=ces2  7#b7 supports ! annual          
recognition ( ,am]ican vet]ans disabl$ =
 life ea* ye>2 &  7#c7 enc\rages !      
,am]ican p to honor ,am]ican vet]ans    
disabl$ = life ea* ye> ) appropriate    
programs & activities4  ,febru>y #a1    
#bjaf ,report$ ) an am5dm5t1 committ$ to
 ! ,committee ( ! ,:ole ,h\se on ! ,/ate
 ( ! ,union1 & ord]$ to be pr9t$