,,ii #aad? ,,congress #b;d ,session ,s4 #cagj ,,9 ,,! ,,s5ate ,,( ,,! ,,unit$ ,,/ates ,july #ab1 #bjaf,mr4 ,rubio introduc$ ! foll[+ bill2 :i* 0 read twice & ref]r$ to ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ,a ,,bill ,to am5d title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 to provide = ! removal or demotion ( employees ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs bas$ on p]=mance or misconduct1 & = o!r purposes4 #a4 ,%ort title2 table ( cont5ts 7a7 ,%ort title ,?is ,act may be cit$ z ! ,,va ,acc\ntability ,fir/ & ,appeals ,mod]nization ,act ( #bjaf4 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 ,sec4 #c4 ,removal or demotion ( employees bas$ on p]=mance or misconduct4 ,sec4 #d4 ,r$uction ( b5efits = memb]s ( ! ,s5ior ,executive ,s]vice )9 ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs convict$ ( c]ta9 crimes4 ,sec4 #e4 ,au?ority to rec\p bonuses or aw>ds paid to employees ( ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs4 ,sec4 #f4 ,au?ority to rec\p relocation exp5ses paid to or on behalf ( employees ( ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs4 ,sec4 #g4 ,s5ior executives3 p]sonnel actions bas$ on p]=mance or misconduct4 ,sec4 #h4 ,treatm5t ( :i/lebl[] compla9ts 9 ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs4 ,sec4 #i4 ,re=m ( rights & processes relat+ to appeals ( decisions reg>d+ claims = b5efits "u laws adm9i/]$ by ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs4 ,sec4 #aj4 ,limitation on aw>ds & bonuses paid to s5ior executive employees ( ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs4 #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 #c4 ,removal or demotion ( employees bas$ on p]=mance or misconduct 7a7 ,9 g5]al ,*apt] #g is am5d$ by add+ at ! end ! foll[+ new section3 #gae4 ,employees3 removal or demotion bas$ on p]=mance or misconduct 7a7 ,9 g5]al ,! ,secret>y may remove or demote an individual :o is an employee ( ! ,dep>tm5t if ! ,secret>y det]m9es ! p]=mance or misconduct ( ! individual w>rants su* removal or demotion4 ,if ! ,secret>y s removes or demotes su* an individual1 ! ,secret>y may-- 7#a7 remove ! individual f ! civil s]vice 7z def9$ 9 section #baja ( title #e72 or 7#b7 demote ! individual by means (-- 7,a7 a r$uction 9 grade = :i* ! individual is qualifi$ & t ! ,secret>y det]m9es is appropriate2 or 7,b7 a r$uction 9 annual rate ( pay t ! ,secret>y det]m9es is appropriate4 7b7 ,pay ( c]ta9 demot$ individuals 7#a7 ,not)/&+ any o!r provision ( law1 any individual subject to a demotion "u subsection 7a77#b77;,a7 %all1 beg9n+ on ! date ( su* demotion1 receive ! annual rate ( pay applicable to su* grade4 7#b7 ,an individual s demot$ may n be plac$ on adm9i/rative leave or any o!r category ( paid leave dur+ ! p]iod dur+ :i* an appeal 7if any7 "u ?is section is ongo+1 & may only receive pay if ! individual reports = duty4 ,if an individual s demot$ does n report = duty1 su* individual %all n receive any pay1 aw>ds1 bonuses1 inc5tives1 all[ances1 diff]5tials1 /ud5t loan repaym5ts1 special paym5ts1 or b5efits f ! ,dep>tm5t4 7c7 ,notice to ,congress ,n lat] ?an #cj days aft] remov+ or demot+ an individual "u subsection 7a71 ! ,secret>y %all submit to ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,s5ate & ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives notice 9 writ+ ( su* removal or demotion & ! reason = su* removal or demotion4 7d7 ,proc$ure 7#a7 ,subsection 7b7 ( section #geac ( title #e %all apply ) respect to a removal or demotion "u ?is section1 except t ! p]iod = notice & response1 :i* includes ! advance notice p]iod requir$ by p>agraph 7#a7 ( su* subsection & ! response p]iod requir$ by p>agraph 7#b7 ( su* subsection1 %all n exce$ a total ( t5 cal5d> days4 7#b7 ,! proc$ures "u *apt] #dc ( title #e %all n apply to a removal or demotion "u ?is section4 7#c7 7,a7 ,subject to subp>agraph 7,b7 & subsection 7e71 any removal or demotion "u subsection 7a7 may be appeal$ to ! ,m]it ,sy/ems ,protection ,bo>d "u section #ggja ( title #e4 7,b7 ,an appeal "u subp>agraph 7,a7 ( a removal or demotion may only be made if su* appeal is made n lat] ?an sev5 days aft] ! date ( su* removal or demotion4 7e7 ,exp$it$ ,review by ,m]it ,sy/ems ,protection ,bo>d 7#a7 ,^u receipt ( an appeal "u subsection 7d77#c77;,a71 ! ,m]it ,sy/ems ,protection ,bo>d %all exp$ite any su* appeal "u su* section &1 9 any su* case1 %all issue a decision n lat] ?an #fj days aft] ! date ( ! appeal4 7#b7 ,not)/&+ section #ggja7;c77#a77;,b7 ( title #e1 ! ,m]it ,sy/ems ,protection ,bo>d %all uphold ! decision ( ! ,secret>y to remove or demote an employee "u subsection 7a7 if ! decision is support$ by sub/antial evid5ce4 7#c7 ,! decision ( ! ,m]it ,sy/ems ,protection ,bo>d "u p>agraph 7#a71 & any f9al removal or demotion describ$ 9 p>agraph 7#d71 may be appeal$ to ! ,unit$ ,/ates ,c\rt ( ,appeals = ! ,f$]al ,circuit pursuant to section #ggjc ( title #e4 ,any decision by su* ,c\rt %all be 9 compliance ) section #gdfb7;f77#b7 ( ?is title4 7#d7 ,9 any case 9 :i* ! ,m]it ,sy/ems ,protection ,bo>d _c issue a decision 9 accordance ) ! #fj-;day requirem5t "u p>agraph 7#a71 ! removal or demotion is f9al4 ,9 su* a case1 ! ,m]it ,sy/ems ,protection ,bo>d %all1 )9 #ad days aft] ! date t su* removal or demotion is f9al1 submit to ,congress & ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,s5ate & ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives a report t expla9s ! reasons :y a decision 0 n issu$ 9 accordance ) su* requirem5t4 7#e7 ,! ,m]it ,sy/ems ,protection ,bo>d may n /ay any removal or demotion "u ?is section4 7#f7 ,dur+ ! p]iod beg9n+ on ! date on :i* an individual appeals a removal f ! civil s]vice "u subsection 7d7 & end+ on ! date t ! ,m]it ,sy/ems ,protection ,bo>d issues a f9al decision on su* appeal1 su* individual may n receive any pay1 aw>ds1 bonuses1 inc5tives1 all[ances1 diff]5tials1 /ud5t loan repaym5ts1 special paym5ts1 or b5efits f ! ,dep>tm5t4 7#g7 ,to ! maximum ext5t practicable1 ! ,secret>y %all provide to ! ,m]it ,sy/ems ,protection ,bo>d su* in=mation & assi/ance z may be necess>y to ensure an appeal "u ?is subsection is exp$it$4 7f7 ,:i/lebl[] protection 7#a7 ,9 ! case ( an individual seek+ corrective action 7or on behalf ( :om corrective action is s\ght7 f ! ,(fice ( ,special ,c\nsel bas$ on an alleg$ prohibit$ p]sonnel practice describ$ 9 section #bcjb7;b7 ( title #e1 ! ,secret>y may n remove or demote su* individual "u subsection 7a7 )\t ! approval ( ! ,special ,c\nsel "u section #abad7;f7 ( title #e4 7#b7 ,9 ! case ( an individual :o has fil$ a :i/lebl[] compla9t1 z su* t]m is def9$ 9 section #gda ( ?is title1 ! ,secret>y may n remove or demote su* individual "u subsection 7a7 until a f9al decision ) respect to ! :i/lebl[] compla9t has be5 made4 7g7 ,t]m9ation ( inve/igations by ,(fice ( ,special ,c\nsel ,not)/&+ any o!r provision ( law1 ! ,special ,c\nsel 7e/abli%$ by section #abaa ( title #e7 may t]m9ate an inve/igation ( a prohibit$ p]sonnel practice alleg$ by an employee or =m] employee ( ! ,dep>tm5t aft] ! ,special ,c\nsel provides to ! employee or =m] employee a writt5 /atem5t ( ! reasons = ! t]m9ation ( ! inve/igation4 ,su* /atem5t may n be admissible z evid5ce 9 any judicial or adm9i/rative proce$+ )\t ! cons5t ( su* employee or =m] employee4 7h7 ,relation to o!r au?orities ,! au?ority provid$ by ?is section is 9 addition to ! au?ority provid$ by sub*apt] ,v ( *apt] #gd ( ?is title1 sub*apt] ,,ii ( *apt] #ge ( title #e1 *apt] #dc ( su* title1 & any o!r au?ority ) respect to discipl9+ an individual4 7i7 ,def9itions ,9 ?is section3 7#a7 ,! t]m individual means an individual occupy+ a position at ! ,dep>tm5t b does n include-- 7,a7 an individual1 z t t]m is def9$ 9 section #gac7;g72 or 7,b7 a political appo9tee4 7#b7 ,! t]m grade has ! mean+ giv5 t t]m 9 section #geaa7;a7 ( title #e4 7#c7 ,! t]m misconduct includes neglect ( duty1 malfeasance1 or failure to accept a direct$ reassignm5t or to accompany a position 9 a transf] ( function4 7#d7 ,! t]m political appo9tee means an individual :o is-- 7,a7 employ$ 9 a position describ$ "u sections #ecab ?r\gh #ecaf ( title #e 7relat+ to ! ,executive ,s*$ule72 7,b7 a limit$ t]m appo9tee1 limit$ em]g5cy appo9tee1 or nonc>e] appo9tee 9 ! ,s5ior ,executive ,s]vice1 z def9$ "u p>agraphs 7#e71 7#f71 & 7#g71 respectively1 ( section #cacb7;a7 ( title #e2 or 7,c7 employ$ 9 a position ( a confid5tial or policy-det]m9+ "* "u s*$ule ,c ( subp>t ,c ( "p #bac ( title #e ( ! ,code ( ,f$]al ,regulations 7or any successor regulation74 4 7b7 ,cl]ical & con=m+ am5dm5ts 7#a7 ,cl]ical ,! table ( sections at ! beg9n+ ( *apt] #g is am5d$ by ins]t+ aft] ! item relat+ to section #gac ! foll[+ new item3 #gae4 ,employees3 removal or demotion bas$ on p]=mance or misconduct4 4 7#b7 ,con=m+ ,section #dcjc7;f7 ( title #e1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$-- 7,a7 by /rik+ or at ! end ( p>agraph 7#b72 7,b7 by /rik+ ! p]iod at ! end ( p>agraph 7#c7 & ins]t+ 1 or2 & 7,c7 by add+ at ! end ! foll[+3 7#d7 any removal or demotion "u section #gae ( title #ch4 4 #d4 ,r$uction ( b5efits = memb]s ( ! ,s5ior ,executive ,s]vice )9 ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs convict$ ( c]ta9 crimes 7a7 ,r$uction ( b5efits 7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,*apt] #g is fur!r am5d$ by ins]t+ aft] section #gae1 z add$ by section #c1 ! foll[+ new section3 #gag4 ,s5ior executives3 r$uction ( b5efits ( individuals convict$ ( c]ta9 crimes 7a7 ,r$uction ( annuity = remov$ employee 7#a7 ,! ,secret>y %all ord] t ! cov]$ s]vice ( an individual remov$ f a s5ior executive position = p]=mance or misconduct "u section #gac ( ?is title1 *apt] #dc or sub*apt] ,v ( *apt] #ge ( title #e1 or any o!r provision ( law %all n be tak5 into acc\nt = purposes ( calculat+ an annuity ) respect to su* individual "u *apt] #hc or *apt] #hd ( title #e1 if-- 7,a7 ! individual is convict$ ( a felony t influ5c$ ! individual's p]=mance :ile employ$ 9 ! s5ior executive position2 & 7,b7 be=e su* ord] is made1 ! individual is af=d$-- 7i7 notice ( ! ord] & an opportunity to respond to ! ord]2 & 7ii7 consi/5t ) p>agraph 7#b71 an opportunity to appeal ! ord] to ano!r dep>tm5t or ag5cy ( ! ,f$]al ,gov]nm5t4 7#b7 ,if a f9al decision on an appeal made "u p>agraph 7#a77;,b77ii7 is n made by ! applicable dep>tm5t or ag5cy ( ! ,f$]al ,gov]nm5t )9 #cj days aft] receiv+ su* appeal1 ! ord] ( ! ,secret>y "u p>agraph 7#a7 %all be f9al & n subject to fur!r appeal4 7b7 ,r$uction ( annuity = retir$ employee 7#a7 ,! ,secret>y may ord] t ! cov]$ s]vice ( an individual :o is subject to a removal or transf] action = p]=mance or misconduct "u section #gac ( ?is title1 *apt] #dc or sub*apt] ,v ( *apt] #ge ( title #e1 or any o!r provision ( law b :o leaves employm5t at ! ,dep>tm5t prior to ! issuance ( a f9al decision ) respect to su* action %all n be tak5 into acc\nt = purposes ( calculat+ an annuity ) respect to su* individual "u *apt] #hc or *apt] #hd ( title #e1 if-- 7,a7 ! individual is convict$ ( a felony t influ5c$ ! individual's p]=mance :ile employ$ 9 ! s5ior executive position2 & 7,b7 be=e su* ord] is made1 ! individual is af=d$-- 7i7 notice ( ! ord] & an opportunity to respond to ! ord]2 & 7ii7 an opportunity = a he>+ conduct$ by ano!r dep>tm5t or ag5cy ( ! ,f$]al ,gov]nm5t4 7#b7 ,! ,secret>y %all make su* an ord] n lat] ?an sev5 days aft] ! date ( ! conclusion ( a he>+ describ$ 9 p>agraph 7#a77;,b7 t det]m9es t su* ord] is lawful4 7c7 ,adm9i/rative requirem5ts 7#a7 ,n lat] ?an #cj days aft] ! ,secret>y issues an ord] "u subsection 7a7 or 7b71 ! ,director ( ! ,(fice ( ,p]sonnel ,managem5t %all recalculate ! annuity ( ! individual4 7#b7 ,a decision reg>d+ :e!r ! cov]$ s]vice ( an individual %all be tak5 into acc\nt = purposes ( calculat+ an annuity "u subsection 7a7 or 7b7 is f9al & may n be review$ by any dep>tm5t or ag5cy or any c\rt4 7d7 ,lump-,sum ,annuity ,cr$it ,any individual ) respect to :om an annuity is r$uc$ "u subsection 7a7 or 7b7 %all be entitl$ to be paid s mu* ( su* individual's lump-sum cr$it z is attributable to ! p]iod ( cov]$ s]vice4 7e7 ,sp\se or *ildr5 exception ,! ,secret>y1 9 consultation ) ! ,director ( ! ,(fice ( ,p]sonnel ,managem5t1 %all prescribe regulations t may provide = ! paym5t to ! sp\se or *ildr5 ( any individual ref]r$ to 9 subsection 7a7 or 7b7 ( any am\nts t 7b = ?is subsection7 w\ld o!rwise h be5 nonpayable by reason ( subsection 7a7 or 7b74 ,any su* regulations %all be consi/5t ) ! requirem5ts ( sections #hccb7o77#e7 & #hdaa7l77#e7 ( title #e1 z ! case may be4 7f7 ,def9itions ,9 ?is section3 7#a7 ,! t]m cov]$ s]vice means1 ) respect to an individual subject to a removal or transf] = p]=mance or misconduct "u section #gac ( ?is title1 *apt] #dc or sub*apt] ,v ( *apt] #ge ( title #e1 or any o!r provision ( law1 ! p]iod ( s]vice beg9n+ on ! date t ! ,secret>y det]m9es "u su* applicable provision t ! individual engag$ 9 activity t gave rise to su* action & end+ on ! date t ! individual is remov$ or transf]r$ f ! s5ior executive position or leaves employm5t at ! ,dep>tm5t prior to ! issuance ( a f9al decision ) respect to su* action1 z ! case may be4 7#b7 ,! t]m lump-sum cr$it has ! mean+ giv5 su* t]m 9 section #hcca7h7 or section #hdja7ai7 ( title #e1 z ! case may be4 7#c7 ,! t]m s5ior executive position has ! mean+ giv5 su* t]m 9 section #gac7;g77#c7 ( ?is title4 7#d7 ,! t]m s]vice has ! mean+ giv5 su* t]m 9 section #hcca7ab7 or section #hdja7bf7 ( title #e1 z ! case may be4 4 7#b7 ,cl]ical am5dm5t ,! table ( sections at ! beg9n+ ( *apt] #g is fur!r am5d$ by ins]t+ aft] ! item relat+ to section #gae1 z add$ by section #c1 ! foll[+ new item3 #gag4 ,s5ior executives3 r$uction ( b5efits ( individuals convict$ ( c]ta9 crimes4 4 7b7 ,application ,section #gag ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 z add$ by subsection 7a77#a71 %all apply to any action ( removal or transf] "u section #gac ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 comm5c+ on or aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act4 #e4 ,au?ority to rec\p bonuses or aw>ds paid to employees ( ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs 7a7 ,9 g5]al ,*apt] #g is fur!r am5d$ by ins]t+ aft] section #gag1 z add$ by section #d1 ! foll[+ new section3 #gai4 ,rec\pm5t ( bonuses or aw>ds paid to employees ( ,dep>tm5t 7a7 ,rec\pm5t ,not)/&+ any o!r provision ( law1 ! ,secret>y may issue an ord] direct+ an employee ( ! ,dep>tm5t to repay ! am\nt1 or a portion ( ! am\nt1 ( any aw>d or bonus paid to ! employee "u title #e1 includ+ "u *apt] #de or #ec ( su* title1 or ?is title if-- 7#a7 ! ,secret>y det]m9es su* repaym5t appropriate pursuant to regulations prescrib$ "u subsection 7c72 & 7#b7 be=e su* repaym5t1 ! employee is af=d$ notice & an opportunity = a he>+ conduct$ by ano!r dep>tm5t or ag5cy ( ! ,f$]al ,gov]nm5t4 7b7 ,review 7#a7 ,^u ! issuance ( an ord] by ! ,secret>y "u subsection 7a71 ! employee %all be af=d$-- 7,a7 notice ( ! ord] & an opportunity to respond to ! ord]2 & 7,b7 consi/5t ) p>agraph 7#b71 an opportunity to appeal ! ord] to ano!r dep>tm5t or ag5cy ( ! ,f$]al ,gov]nm5t4 7#b7 ,if a f9al decision on an appeal made "u p>agraph 7#a77;,b7 is n made by ! applicable dep>tm5t or ag5cy ( ! ,f$]al ,gov]nm5t )9 #cj days aft] receiv+ su* appeal1 ! ord] ( ! ,secret>y "u subsection 7a7 %all be f9al & n subject to fur!r appeal4 7c7 ,regulations ,! ,secret>y %all prescribe regulations to c>ry out ?is section4 4 7b7 ,cl]ical am5dm5t ,! table ( sections at ! beg9n+ ( *apt] #g is fur!r am5d$ by ins]t+ aft] ! item relat+ to section #gag1 z add$ by section #d1 ! foll[+ new item3 #gai4 ,rec\pm5t ( bonuses or aw>ds paid to employees ( ,dep>tm5t4 4 7c7 ,effective date ,section #gai ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 z add$ by subsection 7a71 %all apply ) respect to an aw>d or bonus paid by ! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs to an employee ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs on or aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act4 7d7 ,con/ruction ,no?+ 9 ?is section or ! am5dm5ts made by ?is section may be con/ru$ to modify ! c]tification issu$ by ! ,(fice ( ,p]sonnel ,managem5t & ! ,(fice ( ,managem5t & ,budget reg>d+ ! p]=mance appraisal sy/em ( ! ,s5ior ,executive ,s]vice ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs4 #f4 ,au?ority to rec\p relocation exp5ses paid to or on behalf ( employees ( ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs 7a7 ,9 g5]al ,*apt] #g is fur!r am5d$ by ins]t+ aft] section #gai1 z add$ by section #e1 ! foll[+ new section3 #gba4 ,rec\pm5t ( relocation exp5ses paid on behalf ( employees ( ,dep>tm5t 7a7 ,rec\pm5t 7#a7 ,not)/&+ any o!r provision ( law1 ! ,secret>y may direct an employee ( ! ,dep>tm5t to repay ! am\nt1 or a portion ( ! am\nt1 paid to or on behalf ( ! employee = relocation exp5ses "u title #e1 includ+ any exp5ses "u section #egbd or #egbd;a ( su* title1 or ?is title if-- 7,a7 ! ,secret>y det]m9es t-- 7i7 ! employee has committ$ an act ( fraud1 wa/e1 or malfeasance2 & 7ii7 su* repaym5t is appropriate pursuant to regulations prescrib$ "u subsection 7c72 & 7,b7 be=e su* repaym5t is ord]$1 ! individual is af=d$-- 7i7 notice ( ! det]m9ation ( ! ,secret>y & an opportunity to respond to ! det]m9ation2 & 7ii7 consi/5t ) p>agraph 7#b71 an opportunity to appeal ! det]m9ation to ano!r dep>tm5t or ag5cy ( ! ,f$]al ,gov]nm5t4 7#b7 ,if a f9al decision on an appeal made "u p>agraph 7#a77;,b77ii7 is n made by ! applicable dep>tm5t or ag5cy ( ! ,f$]al ,gov]nm5t )9 #cj days aft] receiv+ su* appeal1 ! ord] ( ! ,secret>y "u p>agraph 7#a7 %all be f9al & n subject to fur!r appeal4 7b7 ,review ,a decision by ! applicable dep>tm5t or ag5cy ( ! ,f$]al ,gov]nm5t reg>d+ a repaym5t by an employee pursuant to subsection 7a77#a77;,b77ii7 is f9al & may n be review$ by any dep>tm5t1 ag5cy1 or c\rt4 7c7 ,regulations ,! ,secret>y %all prescribe regulations to c>ry out ?is section4 4 7b7 ,cl]ical am5dm5t ,! table ( sections at ! beg9n+ ( *apt] #g is fur!r am5d$ by ins]t+ aft] ! item relat+ to section #gai1 z add$ by section #e1 ! foll[+ new item3 #gba4 ,rec\pm5t ( relocation exp5ses paid to or on behalf ( employees ( ,dep>tm5t4 4 7c7 ,effective date ,section #gba ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 z add$ by subsection 7a71 %all apply ) respect to an am\nt paid by ! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs to or on behalf ( an employee ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs = relocation exp5ses on or aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act4 7d7 ,con/ruction ,no?+ 9 ?is section or ! am5dm5ts made by ?is section may be con/ru$ to modify ! c]tification issu$ by ! ,(fice ( ,p]sonnel ,managem5t & ! ,(fice ( ,managem5t & ,budget reg>d+ ! p]=mance appraisal sy/em ( ! ,s5ior ,executive ,s]vice ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs4 #g4 ,s5ior executives3 p]sonnel actions bas$ on p]=mance or misconduct 7a7 ,expansion ( cov]$ p]sonnel actions ,subsection 7a77#a7 ( section #gac is am5d$1 9 ! matt] prec$+ subp>agraph 7,a71 by ins]t+ aft] su* removal4 ! foll[+3 ,if ! ,secret>y det]m9es t ! p]=mance or misconduct ( su* an individual does n w>rant removal f ! ,s5ior ,executive ,s]vice position1 ! ,secret>y may susp5d1 reprim&1 or admoni% ! individual44 7b7 ,removal ( appeal to ,m]it ,sy/ems ,protection ,bo>d ,section #gac is fur!r am5d$-- 7#a7 9 subsection 7a7-- 7,a7 9 p>agraph 7#a71 by /rik+ s removes & ins]t+ removes2 & 7,b7 by add+ at ! end ! foll[+3 7#c7 ,on ! date t is #e days be=e tak+ any p]sonnel action aga9/ a s5ior executive "u p>agraph 7#a71 ! ,secret>y %all provide ! individual )-- 7,a7 notice 9 writ+ ( ! propos$ p]sonnel action1 includ+ ! reasons = su* action2 & 7,b7 an opportunity to respond to ! propos$ p]sonnel action )9 ! #e-;day p]iod4 2 7#b7 9 subsection 7b77#b7-- 7,a7 by /rik+ "u ?is section & ins]t+ "u section #gbc ( ?is title2 & 7,b7 by /rik+ ! second s5t5ce2 7#c7 9 subsection 7c7-- 7,a7 by /rik+ #cj & ins]t+ #e2 & 7,b7 by /rik+ & ! reason = su* removal or transf] & ins]t+ 1 ! reason = su* removal or transf]1 ! "n & position ( ! employee1 & all *>g+ docum5ts & evid5ce p]ta9+ to su* removal or transf]2 7#d7 by /rik+ subsections 7d7 & 7e7 & ins]t+ ! foll[+3 7d7 ,proc$ure 7#a7 ,! proc$ures "u title #e %all n apply to any p]sonnel action "u ?is section4 7#b7 ,subject to p>agraph 7#c71 a p]sonnel action "u ?is section-- 7,a7 may be appeal$ to ! ,s5ior ,executive ,discipl9>y ,appeals ,bo>d "u section #gbc2 & 7,b7 may n be appeal$ to ! ,m]it ,sy/ems ,protection ,bo>d "u section #ggja ( title #e4 7#c7 ,an appeal "u p>agraph 7#b77;,a7 ( a p]sonnel action "u ?is section may only be made if su* appeal is made n lat] ?an sev5 days aft] ! date ( su* action4 ,if no su* appeal is made1 ! decision ( ! ,secret>y "u ?is section %all be f9al4 2 7#e7 by r$esignat+ subsections 7f7 & 7g7 z subsections 7e7 & 7f71 respectively2 & 7#f7 9 subsection 7f71 z r$esignat$ by p>agraph 7#e71 by add+ at ! end ! foll[+3 7#d7 ,! t]m susp5d means ! plac+ ( an individual 9 a tempor>y /atus )\t duties & pay = a p]iod great] ?an #ad days4 4 7c7 ,removal ( exp$it$ proc$ures ,section #gjg ( ! ,vet]ans ,access1 ,*oice1 & ,acc\ntability ,act ( #bjad 7#ch ,u4,s4,c4 #gac note7 is am5d$ by-- 7#a7 /rik+ subsection 7b72 & 7#b7 r$esignat+ subsections 7c7 & 7d7 z subsections 7b7 & 7c71 respectively4 7d7 ,s5ior ,executive ,discipl9>y ,appeals ,bo>d ,*apt] #g is fur!r am5d$ by ins]t+ aft] section #gba1 z add$ by section #f1 ! foll[+ new section3 #gbc4 ,s5ior ,executive ,discipl9>y ,appeals ,bo>d 7a7 ,9 g5]al ,! ,secret>y %all f "t to "t appo9t a bo>d to he> appeals ( any p]sonnel action tak5 "u section #gac4 ,su* bo>d %all be kn[n z ! ,s5ior ,executive ,discipl9>y ,appeals ,bo>d 79 ?is section ref]r$ to z ! ,bo>d74 ,ea* ,bo>d %all consi/ ( ?ree employees ( ! ,dep>tm5t4 ,! ,bo>d %all h exclusive jurisdiction to review any p]sonnel action "u section #gac4 7b7 ,review & decision ,^u an appeal ( su* a p]sonnel action1 ! ,bo>d %all-- 7#a7 review all evid5ce provid$ by ! ,secret>y & ! appellant2 & 7#b7 issue a decision n lat] ?an #ba days aft] ! date ( ! appeal4 7c7 ,he>+ ,! ,bo>d %all af=d an employee appeal+ a p]sonnel action an opportunity = an oral he>+4 ,if su* a he>+ is held1 ! appellant may be repres5t$ by c\nsel4 7d7 ,/&>d ( review ,! ,bo>d %all uphold ! decision ( ! ,secret>y if-- 7#a7 !re is sub/antial evid5ce support+ ! decision2 & 7#b7 ! applicable p]sonnel action is )9 ! tol]able b\nds ( reasonabl5ess4 7e7 ,rev]sal by ,secret>y ,if ! ,bo>d issues a decision "u ?is section t rev]ses or o!rwise mitigates ! applicable p]sonnel action1 ! ,secret>y may rev]se ! decision ( ! ,bo>d4 ,consi/5t ) ! requirem5ts ( subsection 7g71 ! decision ( ! ,secret>y "u ?is subsection %all be f9al4 7f7 ,no decision by ,bo>d ,9 any case 9 :i* ! ,bo>d _c issue a decision 9 accordance ) ! #ba-;day requirem5t "u subsection 7b77#b71 ! p]sonnel action is f9al4 7g7 ,appeal ( decision ,a petition to review a f9al ord] or f9al decision ( ! ,secret>y or ! ,bo>d "u ?is section %all be fil$ 9 ! ,unit$ ,/ates ,c\rt ( ,appeals = ! ,f$]al ,circuit4 ,any decision by su* ,c\rt %all be 9 compliance ) section #gdfb7;f77#b7 ( ?is title4 7h7 ,prohibition on receipt ( b5efits ,dur+ ! p]iod beg9n+ on ! date on :i* an individual appeals a removal f ! civil s]vice "u section #gac7;d7 & end+ on ! date t ! ,bo>d or ,secret>y issues a f9al decision on su* appeal1 su* individual may n receive any pay1 aw>ds1 bonuses1 inc5tives1 all[ances1 diff]5tials1 /ud5t loan repaym5ts1 special paym5ts1 or b5efits f ! ,dep>tm5t4 4 7e7 ,te*nical & cl]ical am5dm5ts 7#a7 ,te*nical am5dm5t ,! section head+ ( section #gac is am5d$ to read z foll[s3 ,s5ior executives3 p]sonnel actions bas$ on p]=mance or misconduct4 7#b7 ,cl]ical am5dm5ts ,! table ( sections at ! beg9n+ ( *apt] #g is fur!r am5d$-- 7,a7 by /rik+ ! item relat+ to section #gac & ins]t+ ! foll[+ new item3 #gac4 ,s5ior executives3 p]sonnel actions bas$ on p]=mance or misconduct4 2 & 7,b7 by ins]t+ aft] ! item relat+ to section #gba ! foll[+ new item3 #gbc4 ,s5ior ,executive ,discipl9>y ,appeals ,bo>d4 4 7f7 ,rule ( con/ruction ,no?+ 9 ?is section or section #gbc ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 z add$ by subsection 7d71 %all be con/ru$ to apply to an appeal ( a removal1 transf]1 or o!r p]sonnel action t 0 p5d+ be=e ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act4 #h4 ,treatm5t ( :i/lebl[] compla9ts 9 ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs 7a7 ,9 g5]al ,*apt] #g is fur!r am5d$ by add+ at ! end ! foll[+ new sub*apt]3 ,,ii ,:i/lebl[] compla9ts #gda4 ,:i/lebl[] compla9t def9$ ,9 ?is sub*apt]1 ! t]m :i/lebl[] compla9t means a compla9t by an employee ( ! ,dep>tm5t disclos+1 or assi/+ ano!r employee to disclose1 a pot5tial violation ( any law 7includ+ any regulation7 or rule1 or gross mismanagem5t1 gross wa/e ( funds1 abuse ( au?ority1 or sub/antial & specific dang] to public heal? & safety4 #gdb4 ,treatm5t ( :i/lebl[] compla9ts 7a7 ,fil+ 7#a7 ,9 addition to any o!r me?od e/abli%$ by law 9 :i* an employee may file a :i/lebl[] compla9t1 an employee ( ! ,dep>tm5t may file a :i/lebl[] compla9t 9 accordance ) subsection 7g7 ) a sup]visor ( ! employee4 7#b7 ,except z provid$ by subsection 7d77#a71 9 mak+ a :i/lebl[] compla9t "u p>agraph 7#a71 an employee %all file ! initial compla9t ) ! imm$iate sup]visor ( ! employee4 7b7 ,notification 7#a7 ,n lat] ?an f\r bus9ess days aft] ! date on :i* a sup]visor receives a :i/lebl[] compla9t by an employee "u ?is section1 ! sup]visor %all notify1 9 writ+1 ! employee ( :e!r ! sup]visor det]m9es t !re is a reasonable likelihood t ! compla9t discloses a violation ( any law 7includ+ any regulation7 or rule1 or gross mismanagem5t1 gross wa/e ( funds1 abuse ( au?ority1 or sub/antial & specific dang] to public heal? & safety4 ,! sup]visor %all reta9 writt5 docum5tation reg>d+ ! :i/lebl[] compla9t & %all submit to ! next-level sup]visor a writt5 report on ! compla9t4 7#b7 ,on a mon?ly basis1 ! sup]visor %all submit to ! appropriate director or o!r (ficial :o is sup]ior to ! sup]visor a writt5 report t includes ! numb] ( :i/lebl[] compla9ts receiv$ by ! sup]visor "u ?is section dur+ ! mon? cov]$ by ! report1 ! disposition ( su* compla9ts1 & any actions tak5 because ( su* compla9ts pursuant to subsection 7c74 ,9 ! case 9 :i* su* a director or (ficial c>ries out ?is p>agraph1 ! director or (ficial %all submit su* mon?ly report to ! sup]visor ( ! director or (ficial4 7c7 ,positive det]m9ation ,if a sup]visor makes a positive det]m9ation "u subsection 7b77#a7 reg>d+ a :i/lebl[] compla9t ( an employee1 ! sup]visor %all include 9 ! notification to ! employee "u su* subsection ! specific actions t ! sup]visor w take to address ! compla9t4 7d7 ,fil+ compla9t ) next-,level sup]visors 7#a7 ,if any circum/ance describ$ 9 p>agraph 7#c7 is met1 an employee may file a :i/lebl[] compla9t 9 accordance ) subsection 7g7 ) ! next-level sup]visor :o %all treat su* compla9t 9 accordance ) ?is section4 7#b7 ,an employee may file a :i/lebl[] compla9t ) ! ,secret>y if ! employee has fil$ ! :i/lebl[] compla9t to ea* level ( sup]visors betwe5 ! employee & ! ,secret>y 9 accordance ) p>agraph 7#a74 7#c7 ,a circum/ance describ$ 9 ?is p>agraph are any ( ! foll[+ circum/ances3 7,a7 ,a sup]visor does n make a timely det]m9ation "u subsection 7b77#a7 reg>d+ a :i/lebl[] compla9t4 7,b7 ,! employee :o made a :i/lebl[] compla9t det]m9es t ! sup]visor did n adequately address ! compla9t pursuant to subsection 7c74 7,c7 ,! imm$iate sup]visor ( ! employee is ! basis ( ! :i/lebl[] compla9t4 7e7 ,transf] ( employee :o files :i/lebl[] compla9t ,if a sup]visor makes a positive det]m9ation "u subsection 7b77#a7 reg>d+ a :i/lebl[] compla9t fil$ by an employee1 ! ,secret>y %all-- 7#a7 in=m ! employee ( ! ability to volunte] = a transf] 9 accordance ) section #cceb ( title #e2 & 7#b7 give pref]5ce to ! employee = su* a transf] 9 accordance ) su* section4 7f7 ,prohibition on exemption ,! ,secret>y may n exempt any employee ( ! ,dep>tm5t f be+ cov]$ by ?is section4 7g7 ,:i/lebl[] compla9t =m 7#a7 ,a :i/lebl[] compla9t fil$ by an employee "u subsection 7a7 or 7d7 %all consi/ ( ! =m describ$ 9 p>agraph 7#b7 & any support+ mat]ials or docum5tation ! employee det]m9es necess>y4 7#b7 ,! =m describ$ 9 ?is p>agraph is a =m develop$ by ! ,secret>y1 9 consultation ) ! ,special ,c\nsel 7e/abli%$ by section #abaa ( title #e71 t includes ! foll[+3 7,a7 ,an explanation ( ! purpose ( ! :i/lebl[] compla9t =m4 7,b7 ,in/ructions = fil+ a :i/lebl[] compla9t z describ$ 9 ?is section4 7,c7 ,an explanation t fil+ a :i/lebl[] compla9t "u ?is section does n preclude ! employee f any o!r me?od e/abli%$ by law 9 :i* an employee may file a :i/lebl[] compla9t4 7,d7 ,a /atem5t direct+ ! employee to in=mation accessible on ! ,int]net website ( ! ,dep>tm5t z describ$ 9 section #gde7;c7 ( ?is title4 7,e7 ,fields = ! employee to provide-- 7i7 ! date t ! =m is submitt$2 7ii7 ! "n ( ! employee2 7iii7 ! contact in=mation ( ! employee2 7iv7 a summ>y ( ! :i/lebl[] compla9t 7includ+ ! option to app5d support+ docum5ts pursuant to p>agraph 7#a772 & 7v7 propos$ solutions to compla9t4 7,f7 ,any o!r in=mation or fields t ! ,secret>y det]m9es appropriate4 7#c7 ,! ,secret>y1 9 consultation ) ! ,special ,c\nsel1 %all develop ! =m describ$ 9 p>agraph 7#b7 by n lat] ?an #fj days aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is section4 #gdc4 ,adv]se actions aga9/ sup]visory employees :o commit prohibit$ p]sonnel actions relat+ to :i/lebl[] compla9ts 7a7 ,9 g5]al 7#a7 ,9 accordance ) p>agraph 7#b71 ! ,secret>y %all c>ry out ! foll[+ adv]se actions aga9/ sup]visory employees :om ! ,secret>y1 an adm9i/rative judge1 ! ,m]it ,sy/ems ,protection ,bo>d1 ! ,(fice ( ,special ,c\nsel1 an adjudicat+ body provid$ "u a union contract1 a ,f$]al judge1 or ! ,inspector ,g5]al ( ! ,dep>tm5t det]m9es committ$ a prohibit$ p]sonnel action describ$ 9 subsection 7c73 7,a7 ,) respect to ! fir/ (f5se1 an adv]se action t is n less ?an a #ad-;day susp5sion & n m ?an removal4 7,b7 ,) respect to ! second (f5se1 removal4 7#b7 7,a7 ,except z provid$ by subp>agraph 7,b71 & not)/&+ subsections 7b7 & 7c7 ( section #geac & section #gedc ( title #e1 ! provisions ( subsections 7d7 & 7e7 ( section #gac ( ?is title %all apply ) respect to an adv]se action c>ri$ out "u p>agraph 7#a74 7,b7 ,an employee :o is notifi$ ( be+ ! subject ( a propos$ adv]se action "u p>agraph 7#a7 may n be giv5 m ?an five days foll[+ su* notification to provide evid5ce to dispute su* propos$ adv]se action4 ,if ! employee does n provide any su* evid5ce1 or if ! ,secret>y det]m9es t su* evid5ce is n suffici5t to rev]se ! det]m9ation to propose ! adv]se action1 ! ,secret>y %all c>ry out ! adv]se action foll[+ su* five-day p]iod4 7b7 ,limitation on o!r adv]se actions ,) respect to a prohibit$ p]sonnel action describ$ 9 subsection 7c71 if ! ,secret>y c>ries out an adv]se action aga9/ a sup]visory employee1 ! ,secret>y may c>ry out an additional adv]se action "u ?is section bas$ on ! same prohibit$ p]sonnel action if ! total sev]ity ( ! adv]se actions d n exce$ ! level specifi$ 9 subsection 7a74 7c7 ,prohibit$ p]sonnel action describ$ ,a prohibit$ p]sonnel action describ$ 9 ?is subsection is any ( ! foll[+ actions3 7#a7 ,tak+ or fail+ to take a p]sonnel action 9 violation ( section #bcjb ( title #e aga9/ an employee relat+ to ! employee-- 7,a7 fil+ a :i/lebl[] compla9t 9 accordance ) section #gdb ( ?is title2 7,b7 fil+ a :i/lebl[] compla9t ) ! ,inspector ,g5]al ( ! ,dep>tm5t1 ! ,special ,c\nsel1 or ,congress2 7,c7 provid+ in=mation or p>ticipat+ z a witness 9 an inve/igation ( a :i/lebl[] compla9t 9 accordance ) section #gdb or ) ! ,inspector ,g5]al ( ! ,dep>tm5t1 ! ,special ,c\nsel1 or ,congress2 7,d7 p>ticipat+ 9 an audit or inve/igation by ! ,comptroll] ,g5]al ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates2 7,e7 refus+ to p]=m an action t is unlawful or prohibit$ by ! ,dep>tm5t2 or 7,f7 engag+ 9 communications t are relat$ to ! duties ( ! position or are o!rwise protect$4 7#b7 ,prev5t+ or re/rict+ an employee f mak+ an action describ$ 9 any ( subp>agraphs 7,a7 ?r\gh 7,f7 ( p>agraph 7#a74 7#c7 ,conduct+ a pe] review or op5+ a retaliatory inve/igation relat+ to an activity ( an employee t is protect$ by section #bcjb ( title #e4 7#d7 ,reque/+ a contractor to c>ry out an action t is prohibit$ by section #dgje7;b7 or section #dgab7;a77#a7 ( title #da4 #gdd4 ,evaluation crit]ia ( sup]visors & treatm5t ( bonuses 7a7 ,evaluation crit]ia 7#a7 ,9 evaluat+ ! p]=mance ( sup]visors ( ! ,dep>tm5t1 ! ,secret>y %all include ! crit]ia describ$ 9 p>agraph 7#b74 7#b7 ,! crit]ia describ$ 9 ?is subsection are ! foll[+3 7,a7 ,:e!r ! sup]visor treats :i/lebl[] compla9ts 9 accordance ) section #gdb ( ?is title4 7,b7 ,:e!r ! appropriate decid+ (ficial1 p]=mance review bo>d1 or p]=mance review committee det]m9es t ! sup]visor 0 f\nd to h committ$ a prohibit$ p]sonnel action describ$ 9 section #gdc7;c7 ( ?is title by an adm9i/rative judge1 ! ,m]it ,sy/ems ,protection ,bo>d1 ! ,(fice ( ,special ,c\nsel1 an adjudicat+ body provid$ "u a union contract1 a ,f$]al judge1 or1 9 ! case ( a settlem5t ( a :i/lebl[] compla9t 7reg>dless ( :e!r any fault 0 assign$ "u su* settlem5t71 ! ,secret>y4 7b7 ,bonuses 7#a7 ,! ,secret>y may n pay to a sup]visor describ$ 9 subsection 7a77#b77;,b7 an aw>d or bonus "u ?is title or title #e1 includ+ "u *apt] #de or #ec ( title #e1 dur+ ! "o-ye> p]iod beg9n+ on ! date on :i* ! det]m9ation 0 made "u su* subsection4 7#b7 ,not)/&+ any o!r provision ( law1 ! ,secret>y %all issue an ord] direct+ a sup]visor describ$ 9 subsection 7a77#b77;,b7 to repay ! am\nt ( any aw>d or bonus paid "u ?is title or title #e1 includ+ "u *apt] #de or #ec ( title #e1 if-- 7,a7 su* aw>d or bonus 0 paid = p]=mance dur+ a p]iod 9 :i* ! sup]visor committ$ a prohibit$ p]sonnel action z det]m9$ pursuant to su* subsection 7a77#b77;,b72 7,b7 ! ,secret>y det]m9es su* repaym5t appropriate pursuant to regulations prescrib$ by ! ,secret>y to c>ry out ?is section2 & 7,c7 be=e su* ord] is made1 ! sup]visor is af=d$-- 7i7 notice ( ! ord] & an opportunity to respond to ! ord]2 & 7ii7 an opportunity to appeal ! ord] to ano!r dep>tm5t or ag5cy ( ! ,f$]al ,gov]nm5t1 except t any su* dep>tm5t or ag5cy %all issue a f9al decision ) respect to su* appeal n lat] ?an ! date t is #cj days aft] ! date ! dep>tm5t or ag5cy receiv$ su* appeal4 #gde4 ,tra9+ reg>d+ :i/lebl[] compla9ts 7a7 ,tra9+ ,! ,secret>y1 9 coord9ation ) ! ,:i/lebl[] ,protection ,ombudsman designat$ "u section #c7;d77#a77;,c7 ( ! ,inspector ,g5]al ,act ( #aigh 7#e ,u4,s4,c4 ,app471 %all annually provide to ea* employee ( ! ,dep>tm5t tra9+ reg>d+ :i/lebl[] compla9ts1 includ+-- 7#a7 an explanation ( ea* me?od e/abli%$ by law 9 :i* an employee may file a :i/lebl[] compla9t2 7#b7 an explanation ( prohibit$ p]sonnel actions describ$ 9 section #gdc7;c7 ( ?is title2 7#c7 ) respect to sup]visors1 h[ to treat :i/lebl[] compla9ts 9 accordance ) section #gdb ( ?is title2 7#d7 ! "r ( ! employee to petition ,congress reg>d+ a :i/lebl[] compla9t 9 accordance ) section #gbaa ( title #e2 7#e7 an explanation t ! employee may n be prosecut$ or repris$ aga9/ = disclos+ in=mation to ,congress 9 in/ances 9 :i* su* disclosure is p]mitt$ by law1 includ+ "u sections #egja1 #egje1 & #gccb ( ?is title1 "u section #eeb;a ( title #e 7commonly ref]r$ to z ! ,privacy ,act71 "u *apt] #ic ( title #ah1 & pursuant to regulations promulgat$ "u section #bfd7;c7 ( ! ,heal? ,insurance ,portability & ,acc\ntability ,act ( #aiif 7,public ,law #ajd-aia2 #db ,u4,s4,c4 #acbj;d-#b note72 7#f7 an explanation ( ! language t is requir$ to be includ$ 9 all nondisclosure policies1 =ms1 & agreem5ts pursuant to section #aae7;a77#a7 ( ! ,:i/lebl[] ,protection ,enhancem5t ,act ( #bjab 7,public ,law #aab-aii2 #e ,u4,s4,c4 #bcjb note72 & 7#g7 ! "r ( contractors to be protect$ f reprisal = ! disclosure ( c]ta9 in=mation "u section #dgje or #dgab ( title #da4 7b7 ,c]tification ,! ,secret>y %all annually provide tra9+ on m]it sy/em protection 9 a mann] t ! ,special ,c\nsel c]tifies z be+ satisfactory4 7c7 ,publication 7#a7 ,! ,secret>y %all publi% on ! ,int]net website ( ! ,dep>tm5t1 & display prom95tly at ea* facility ( ! ,dep>tm5t1 ! rights ( an employee to file a :i/lebl[] compla9t1 includ+ ! in=mation describ$ 9 p>agraphs 7#a7 ?r\gh 7#g7 ( subsection 7a74 7#b7 ,! ,secret>y %all publi% on ! ,int]net website ( ! ,dep>tm5t ! :i/lebl[] compla9t =m describ$ 9 section #gdb7;g77#b7 ( ?is title4 #gdf4 ,notice to ,congress ,n lat] ?an #cj days aft] ! date on :i* ! ,secret>y receives f ! ,special ,c\nsel in=mation relat+ to a :i/lebl[] compla9t pursuant to section #abac ( title #e1 ! ,secret>y %all notify ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,s5ate1 ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives1 ! ,committee on ,homel& ,security & ,gov]nm5tal ,affairs ( ! ,s5ate1 & ! ,committee on ,ov]sight & ,gov]nm5t ,re=m ( ! ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives ( su* in=mation1 includ+ ! det]m9ation made by ! ,special ,c\nsel4 4 7b7 ,con=m+ & cl]ical am5dm5ts 7#a7 ,con=m+ am5dm5t ,*apt] #g is fur!r am5d$ by ins]t+ be=e section #gja ! foll[+3 ,i ,g5]al employee matt]s 4 7#b7 ,cl]ical am5dm5ts ,! table ( sections at ! beg9n+ ( *apt] #g is am5d$-- 7,a7 by ins]t+ be=e ! item relat+ to section #gja ! foll[+ new item3 ,sub*apt] ,i--,g5]al employee matt]s 2 & 7,b7 by add+ at ! end ! foll[+ new items3 ,sub*apt] ,,ii--,:i/lebl[] compla9ts#gda4 ,:i/lebl[] compla9t def9$4#gdb4 ,treatm5t ( :i/lebl[] compla9ts4#gdc4 ,adv]se actions aga9/ sup]visory employees :o commit prohibit$ p]sonnel actions relat+ to :i/lebl[] compla9ts4#gdd4 ,evaluation crit]ia ( sup]visors & treatm5t ( bonuses4#gde4 ,tra9+ reg>d+ :i/lebl[] compla9ts4#gdf4 ,notice to ,congress4 4 #i4 ,re=m ( rights & processes relat+ to appeals ( decisions reg>d+ claims = b5efits "u laws adm9i/]$ by ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs 7a7 ,def9itions ,section #aja is am5d$ by add+ at ! end ! foll[+ new p>agraphs3 7#cd7 ,! t]m ag5cy ( orig9al jurisdiction means ! activity :i* ent]$ ! orig9al det]m9ation ) reg>d to a claim = b5efits "u laws adm9i/]$ by ! ,secret>y4 7#ce7 ,! t]m relevant evid5ce means evid5ce t t5ds to prove or disprove a matt] 9 issue4 4 7b7 ,notice reg>d+ claims ,section #eajc7;a7 is am5d$-- 7#a7 9 p>agraph 7#a71 9 ! fir/ s5t5ce1 by /rik+ ,! & ins]t+ ,except z provid$ 9 p>agraph 7#c71 !2 7#b7 9 p>agraph 7#b77;,b77i7 by /rik+ 1 a claim = reop5+ a prior decision on a claim1 or a claim = an increase 9 b5efits2 & ins]t+ or a supplem5tal claim22 & 7#c7 by add+ at ! end ! foll[+ new p>agraph3 7#c7 ,! requirem5t to provide notice "u p>agraph 7#a7 %all n apply ) respect to a supplem5tal claim t is fil$ )9 ! "t frame set =? 9 subp>agraphs 7,b7 & 7,d7 ( section #eaaj7;a77#b7 ( ?is title4 4 7c7 ,modification ( rule reg>d+ disall[$ claims ,section #eajc;,a7f7 is am5d$-- 7#a7 by /rik+ reop5 & ins]t+ readjudicate2 & 7#b7 by /rik+ mat]ial & ins]t+ relevant4 7d7 ,modification ( duty ,to assi/ claimants 7#a7 ,limitations on duty ,section #eajc;,a7a7 is am5d$-- 7,a7 9 p>agraph 7#a71 by /rik+ ,! & ins]t+ ,except z o!rwise provid$ 9 ?is subsection1 !2 & 7,b7 by add+ at ! end ! foll[+ new p>agraphs3 7#d7 ,! ,secret>y's duty to assi/ "u p>agraph 7#a7 %all apply only to a claim1 or supplem5tal claim1 = a b5efit "u a law adm9i/]$ by ! ,secret>y until ! "t t a claimant is provid$ notice ( ! decision ( ! ag5cy ( orig9al jurisdiction ) respect to su* claim1 or supplem5tal claim1 "u section #eajd ( ?is title4 7#e7 ,! ,secret>y's duty to assi/ "u p>agraph 7#a7 %all n apply to-- 7,a7 high]-level review by ! ag5cy ( orig9al jurisdiction1 pursuant to section #eajd;,b ( ?is title2 or 7,b7 to review on appeal by ! ,bo>d ( ,vet]ans' ,appeals4 4 7#b7 ,correction ( errors f duty to assi/ ,section #eajc;,a is am5d$-- 7,a7 by r$esignat+ subsections 7e7 ?r\gh 7g7 z subsections 7f7 ?r\gh 7h71 respectively2 & 7,b7 by ins]t+ aft] subsection 7d7 ! foll[+ new subsection3 7e7 ,correction ( duty ,to assi/ errors 7#a7 ,if1 dur+ review ( ! ag5cy ( orig9al jurisdiction decision "u section #eajd;,b ( ?is title1 ! high]-level review] id5tifies an error on ! "p ( ! ag5cy ( orig9al jurisdiction to satisfy its duties "u ?is section1 & t error occurr$ prior to ! ag5cy ( orig9al jurisdiction decision be+ review$1 unless ! claim c be grant$ 9 full1 ! high]-level review] %all return ! claim = correction ( su* error & readjudication4 7#b7 7,a7 ,if ! ,bo>d1 dur+ review on appeal ( a decision ( ! ag5cy ( orig9al jurisdiction1 id5tifies an error on ! "p ( ! ag5cy ( orig9al jurisdiction to satisfy its duties "u section #eajc;,a ( ?is title1 & t error occurr$ prior to ! decision ( ! ag5cy ( orig9al jurisdiction on appeal1 unless ! claim c be grant$ 9 full1 ! ,bo>d %all rem& ! claim to ! ag5cy ( orig9al jurisdiction = correction ( su* error & readjudication4 7,b7 ,rem& = correction ( an error "u sup>agraph 7,a7 may include direct+ ! ag5cy ( orig9al jurisdiction to obta9 an advisory m$ical op9ion "u section #eaji ( ?is title4 4 7e7 ,decisions & notices ( decisions ,subsection 7b7 ( section #eajd is am5d$ to read z foll[s3 7b7 ,9 any case :]e ! ,secret>y d5ies a b5efit s\ght1 ! notice requir$ by subsection 7a7 %all also include all ( ! foll[+3 7#a7 ,id5tification ( ! issues adjudicat$4 7#b7 ,a summ>y ( ! evid5ce consid]$ by ! ,secret>y4 7#c7 ,a summ>y ( ! applicable laws & regulations4 7#d7 ,id5tification ( f9d+s favorable to ! claimant4 7#e7 ,id5tification ( elem5ts n satisfi$ lead+ to ! d5ial4 7#f7 ,an explanation ( h[ to obta9 or access evid5ce us$ 9 mak+ ! decision4 7#g7 ,if applicable1 id5tification ( ! crit]ia t mu/ be satisfi$ to grant s]vice connection or ! next high] level ( comp5sation4 4 7f7 ,b9d+ nature ( favorable f9d+s 7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,*apt] #ea is am5d$ by ins]t+ aft] section #eajd ! foll[+ new section3 #eajd;,a4 ,b9d+ nature ( favorable f9d+s ,any f9d+ favorable to ! claimant z describ$ 9 section #eajd7;b77#d7 ( ?is title %all be b9d+ on all subsequ5t adjudicators )9 ! ,dep>tm5t1 unless cle> & conv9c+ evid5ce is %[n to ! contr>y to rebut su* favorable f9d+4 4 7#b7 ,cl]ical am5dm5t ,! table ( sections at ! beg9n+ ( *apt] #ea is am5d$ by ins]t+ aft] ! item relat+ to section #eajd ! foll[+ new item3 #eajd;,a4 ,b9d+ nature ( favorable f9d+s4 4 7g7 ,high]-,level review by ag5cy ( orig9al jurisdiction 7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,*apt] #ea1 z am5d$ by subsection 7f71 is fur!r am5d$ by ins]t+ aft] section #eajd;,a1 z add$ by su* subsection1 ! foll[+ new section3 #eajd;,b4 ,high]-level review by ! ag5cy ( orig9al jurisdiction 7a7 ,9 g5]al ,a claimant may reque/ a de novo review ( ! decision ( ! ag5cy ( orig9al jurisdiction by a high]-level adjudicator )9 ! ag5cy ( orig9al jurisdiction4 7b7 ,"t & mann] ( reque/ 7#a7 ,a reque/ = high]-level review by ! ag5cy ( orig9al jurisdiction %all be-- 7,a7 9 writ+ 9 su* =m z ! ,secret>y may prescribe2 & 7,b7 made )9 "o ye> ( ! notice ( ! ag5cy ( orig9al jurisdiction's decision4 7#b7 ,su* reque/ may specifically indicate :e!r su* review is reque/$ by a high]-level adjudicator at ! same (fice )9 ! ag5cy ( orig9al jurisdiction or by an adjudicator at a diff]5t (fice ( ! ag5cy ( orig9al jurisdiction4 7c7 ,decision ,notice ( a high]-level review decision "u ?is section %all be provid$ 9 writ+4 7d7 ,evid5ti>y record = review ,! evid5ti>y record be=e ! high]-level review] %all be limit$ to ! evid5ce ( record 9 ! ag5cy ( orig9al jurisdiction decision be+ review$4 4 7#b7 ,cl]ical am5dm5t ,! table ( sections at ! beg9n+ ( *apt] #ea1 z am5d$ by subsection 7f71 is fur!r am5d$ by ins]t+ aft] ! item relat+ to section #eajd;,a1 z add$ by su* subsection1 ! foll[+ new item3 #eajd;,b4 ,high]-level review by ! ag5cy ( orig9al jurisdiction4 4 7h7 ,supplem5tal claims 7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,section #eajh is am5d$ to read z foll[s3 #eajh4 ,supplem5tal claims ,if new & relevant evid5ce is pres5t$ or secur$ ) respect to a supplem5tal claim1 ! ,secret>y %all readjudicate ! claim tak+ into consid]ation any evid5ce add$ to ! record prior to ! =m] disposition ( ! claim4 4 7#b7 ,cl]ical am5dm5t ,! table ( sections at ! beg9n+ ( *apt] #ea is am5d$ by /rik+ ! item relat+ to section #eajh & ins]t+ ! foll[+ new item3 #eajh4 ,supplem5tal claims4 4 7i7 ,rem& ( claim = advisory m$ical op9ion ,section #eaji is am5d$ by add+ at ! end ! foll[+ new subsection3 7d7 ,! ,bo>d ( ,vet]ans' ,appeals may rem& a claim to direct ! ag5cy ( orig9al jurisdiction to obta9 an advisory m$ical op9ion "u ?is section to correct an error on ! "p ( ! ag5cy ( orig9al jurisdiction to satisfy its duties "u section #eajc;,a ( ?is title :5 su* error occurr$ prior to ! decision ( ! ag5cy ( orig9al jurisdiction on appeal4 ,! rem& in/ructions set =? by ! ,bo>d %all include ! que/ions to be pos$ to ! indep5d5t m$ical exp]t provid+ ! advisory m$ical op9ion4 4 7j7 ,effective dates ( aw>ds ,section #eaaj is am5d$-- 7#a7 by am5d+ subsection 7a7 to read z foll[s3 7a7 7#a7 ,unless specifically provid$ o!rwise 9 ?is *apt]1 ! effective date ( an aw>d bas$ on an initial claim1 or a supplem5tal claim1 ( comp5sation1 dep5d5cy & indemnity comp5sation1 or p5sion1 %all be fix$ 9 accordance ) ! facts f\nd1 b %all n be e>li] ?an ! date ( receipt ( application !re=4 7#b7 ,= purposes ( det]m9+ ! effective date ( an aw>d "u ?is section1 ! date ( application %all be consid]$ ! date ( ! fil+ ( ! initial application = a b5efit if ! claim is cont9u\sly pursu$ by fil+ any ( ! foll[+1 ei!r alone or 9 succession3 7,a7 ,a reque/ = high]-level review "u section #eajd;,b ( ?is title on or be=e ! date t is "o ye> aft] ! date on :i* ! ag5cy ( orig9al jurisdiction issues a decision4 7,b7 ,a supplem5tal claim "u section #eajh ( ?is title on or be=e ! date t is "o ye> aft] ! date on :i* ! ag5cy ( orig9al jurisdiction issues a decision4 7,c7 ,a notice ( disagreem5t on or be=e ! date t is "o ye> aft] ! date on :i* ! ag5cy ( orig9al jurisdiction issues a decision4 7,d7 ,a supplem5tal claim "u section #eajh ( ?is title on or be=e ! date t is "o ye> aft] ! date on :i* ! ,bo>d ( ,vet]ans' ,appeals issues a decision4 7#c7 ,except z o!rwise provid$ 9 ?is section1 = supplem5tal claims receiv$ m ?an "o ye> aft] ! date on :i* ! ag5cy ( orig9al jurisdiction issu$ a decision or ! ,bo>d ( ,vet]ans' ,appeals issu$ a decision1 ! effective date %all be fix$ 9 accordance ) ! facts f\nd1 b %all n be e>li] ?an ! date ( receipt ( ! supplem5tal claim4 2 & 7#b7 9 subsection 7i71 9 ! fir/ s5t5ce-- 7,a7 by /rik+ reop5$ & ins]t+ readjudicat$2 7,b7 by /rik+ mat]ial & ins]t+ relevant2 & 7,c7 by /rik+ reop5+ & ins]t+ readjudication4 7k7 ,def9ition ( aw>d or increas$ aw>d = purposes ( provisions relat+ to comm5cem5t ( p]iod ( paym5t ,section #eaaa7;d77#a7 is am5d$ by /rik+ or reop5$ aw>d & ins]t+ aw>d or aw>d bas$ on a supplem5tal claim4 7l7 ,modification on limitation on fees all[able = repres5tation ,section #eijd7;c7 is am5d$1 9 p>agraphs 7#a7 & 7#b71 by /rik+ notice ( disagreem5t is fil$ bo? places x appe>s & ins]t+ claimant is provid$ notice ( ! ag5cy ( orig9al jurisdiction's initial decision "u section #eajd ( ?is title4 7m7 ,modification ( ,bo>d ( ,vet]ans' ,appeals ref]ral requirem5ts aft] ord] = reconsid]ation ( decisions ,section #gajc7;b77#a7 is am5d$ by /rik+ he>d bo? places x appe>s & ins]t+ decid$4 7n7 ,con=m+ am5dm5t relat+ to readjudication by ,bo>d ( ,vet]ans' ,appeals ,section #gajd7;b7 is am5d$ by /rik+ reop5$ & ins]t+ readjudicat$4 7o7 ,modification ( rights & proc$ures = appeals to ,bo>d ( ,vet]ans' ,appeals 7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,section #gaje is am5d$-- 7,a7 9 subsection 7a7-- 7i7 by /rik+ ! fir/ s5t5ce & ins]t+ ,appellate review %all be initiat$ by ! fil+ ( a notice ( disagreem5t 9 ! =m prescrib$ by ! ,secret>y42 & 7ii7 by /rik+ he>+ &2 7,b7 by am5d+ subsection 7b7 to read z foll[s3 7b7 7#a7 7,a7 ,except 9 ! case ( simultane\sly conte/$ claims1 notice ( disagreem5t %all be fil$ )9 "o ye> f ! date ( ! mail+ ( notice ( ! decision ( ! ag5cy ( orig9al jurisdiction pursuant to section #eajd1 #eajd;,b1 or #eajh ( ?is title4 7,b7 ,a notice ( disagreem5t po/m>k$ be=e ! expiration ( ! "o-ye> p]iod %all be accept$ z timely fil$4 7,c7 ,a "q z to timel9ess or adequacy ( ! notice ( disagreem5t %all be decid$ by ! ,bo>d4 7#b7 7,a7 ,notices ( disagreem5t %all be 9 writ+1 %all set out specific allegations ( error ( fact or law1 & may be fil$ by ! claimant1 ! claimant's legal gu>dian1 or su* accr$it$ repres5tative1 attorney1 or au?oriz$ ag5t z may be select$ by ! claimant or legal gu>dian4 7,b7 ,n m ?an "o recogniz$ organization1 attorney1 or ag5t may be recogniz$ at any "o "t 9 ! prosecution ( a claim4 7,c7 ,notices ( disagreem5t %all be fil$ ) ! ,bo>d4 7#c7 7,a7 ,! notice ( disagreem5t %all indicate :e!r ! claimant reque/s-- 7i7 a he>+ be=e ! ,bo>d2 7ii7 an opportunity to submit additional evid5ce )\t a he>+ be=e ! ,bo>d2 or 7iii7 a review by ! ,bo>d )\t a he>+ or submission ( additional evid5ce4 7,b7 ,if ! claimant does n expressly reque/ a he>+ be=e ! ,bo>d 9 ! notice ( disagreem5t1 no he>+ be=e ! ,bo>d may be held4 2 7,c7 by am5d+ subsection 7c7 to read z foll[s3 7c7 ,if no notice ( disagreem5t is fil$ 9 accordance ) ?is *apt] )9 ! prescrib$ p]iod1 ! action or decision ( ! ag5cy ( orig9al jurisdiction %all become f9al & ! claim may n !reaft] be readjudicat$ or all[$1 except z may o!rwise be provid$ by section #eajd;,b or #eajh ( ?is title or su* regulations z ! ,secret>y may promulgate t are consi/5t ) ?is title4 2 7,d7 by /rik+ subsection 7d7 & ins]t+ ! foll[+ new subsection 7d73 7d7 ,! ,bo>d ( ,vet]ans' ,appeals may dismiss any appeal :i* fails to allege specific error ( fact or law 9 ! decision be+ appeal$4 2 7,e7 by /rik+ subsection 7e72 & 7,f7 9 ! section head+1 by /rik+ notice ( disagreem5t &4 7#b7 ,cl]ical am5dm5t ,! table ( sections at ! beg9n+ ( *apt] #ga is am5d$ by /rik+ ! item relat+ to section #gaje & ins]t+ ! foll[+ new item3 #gaje4 ,fil+ ( appeal4 4 7p7 ,modification ( proc$ures & requirem5ts = simultane\sly conte/$ claims ,subsection 7b7 ( section #gaje;,a is am5d$ to read z foll[s3 7b7 7#a7 ,! sub/ance ( ! notice ( disagreem5t %all be communicat$ to ! o!r p>ty or p>ties 9 int]e/ & a p]iod ( ?irty days %all be all[$ = fil+ a brief or argum5t 9 response !reto4 7#b7 ,su* notice %all be =w>d$ to ! la/ kn[n address ( record ( ! p>ties conc]n$1 & su* action %all con/itute suffici5t evid5ce ( notice4 4 7q7 ,repeal ( proc$ures = adm9i/rative appeals 7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,*apt] #ga is am5d$ by /rik+ section #gajf4 7#b7 ,cl]ical am5dm5t ,! table ( sections at ! beg9n+ ( *apt] #ga is am5d$ by /rik+ ! item relat+ to section #gajf4 7r7 ,modifications relat+ to appeals3 dockets2 he>+s ,section #gajg is am5d$ to read z foll[s3 #gajg4 ,appeals3 dockets2 he>+s 7a7 ,dockets 7#a7 ,! ,bo>d %all ma9ta9 two sep>ate dockets z foll[s3 7,a7 ,a non-he>+ option docket %all be ma9ta9$ = cases 9 :i* no ,bo>d he>+ is reque/$ & no additional evid5ce w be submitt$4 7,b7 ,a sep>ate & di/9ct he>+ option docket %all be ma9ta9$ = cases 9 :i* a ,bo>d he>+ is reque/$ 9 ! notice ( disagreem5t or 9 :i* no ,bo>d he>+ is reque/$1 b ! appellant reque/s1 9 ! notice ( disagreem5t1 an opportunity to submit additional evid5ce4 7#b7 ,except z provid$ 9 subsection 7b71 ea* case be=e ! ,bo>d w be decid$ 9 regul> ord] accord+ to its respective place on ! ,bo>d's non-he>+ option docket or ! he>+ option docket4 7b7 ,advancem5t on ! docket 7#a7 ,a case on ei!r ! ,bo>d's non-he>+ option docket or he>+ option docket may1 = cause %[n1 be advanc$ on motion = e>li] consid]ation & det]m9ation4 7#b7 ,any su* motion %all set =? succ9ctly ! gr\nds ^u :i* ! motion is bas$4 7#c7 ,su* a motion may be grant$ 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 7c7 ,mann] & s*$ul+ ( he>+s = cases on bo>d he>+ option docket 7#a7 ,= cases on ! ,bo>d he>+ option docket 9 :i* a he>+ is reque/$ 9 ! notice ( disagreem5t1 ! ,bo>d %all notify ! appellant :e!r a ,bo>d he>+ w be held-- 7,a7 at its pr9cipal location1 or 7,b7 by picture & voice transmission at a facility ( ! ,dep>tm5t :]e ! ,secret>y has provid$ suitable facilities & equipm5t to conduct su* he>+s4 7#b7 7,a7 ,^u notification ( a ,bo>d he>+ at ! ,bo>d's pr9cipal location z describ$ 9 subp>agraph 7,a7 ( p>agraph 7#a71 ! appellant may alt]natively reque/ a he>+ z describ$ 9 subp>agraph 7,b7 ( su* p>agraph4 ,if s reque/$1 ! ,bo>d %all grant su* reque/4 7,b7 ,^u notification ( a ,bo>d he>+ by picture & voice transmission z describ$ 9 subp>agraph 7,b7 ( p>agraph 7#a71 ! appellant may alt]natively reque/ a he>+ z describ$ 9 subp>agraph 7,a7 ( su* p>agraph4 ,if s reque/$1 ! ,bo>d %all grant su* reque/4 7d7 ,scre5+ ( cases ,no?+ 9 ?is section %all be con/ru$ to preclude ! scre5+ ( cases = purposes (-- 7#a7 det]m9+ ! adequacy ( ! record = decisional purposes2 or 7#b7 ! developm5t1 or attempt$ developm5t1 ( a record f\nd to be inadequate = decisional purposes4 4 7s7 ,repeal ( au?ority = indep5d5t m$ical op9ions 7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,*apt] #ga is am5d$ by /rik+ section #gaji4 7#b7 ,cl]ical am5dm5t ,! table ( sections at ! beg9n+ ( *apt] #ga is am5d$ by /rik+ ! item relat+ to section #gaji4 7t7 ,modification ( /&>d = review ( decisions on gr\nds ( cle> & unmi/akable error ,section #gaaa7;e7 is am5d$ by /rik+ 1 )\t ref]ral to any adjudicative or he>+ (ficial act+ on behalf ( ! ,secret>y4 7u7 ,evid5ti>y record be=e ,bo>d ( ,vet]ans' ,appeals 7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,*apt] #ga is am5d$ by add+ at ! end ! foll[+ new section3 #gaac4 ,evid5ti>y record be=e ! ,bo>d ( ,vet]ans' ,appeals 7a7 ,non-,he>+ option docket ,= cases 9 :i* a he>+ be=e ! ,bo>d ( ,vet]ans' ,appeals is n reque/$ 9 ! notice ( disagreem5t1 ! evid5ti>y record be=e ! ,bo>d %all be limit$ to ! evid5ce ( record at ! "t ( ! decision ( ! ag5cy ( orig9al jurisdiction on appeal4 7b7 ,he>+ option docket 7#a7 7,a7 ,except z provid$ 9 subp>agraph 7,b71 = cases on ! he>+ option docket 9 :i* a he>+ is reque/$ 9 ! notice ( disagreem5t1 ! evid5ti>y record be=e ! ,bo>d %all be limit$ to ! evid5ce ( record at ! "t ( ! decision ( ! ag5cy ( orig9al jurisdiction on appeal4 7,b7 ,! evid5ti>y record be=e ! ,bo>d = cases on ! he>+ option docket 9 :i* a he>+ is reque/$1 %all include ea* ( ! foll[+1 :i* ! ,bo>d %all consid] 9 ! fir/ in/ance3 7i7 ,evid5ce submitt$ by ! appellant & 8 or h] repres5tative1 if any1 at ! ,bo>d he>+4 7ii7 ,evid5ce submitt$ by ! appellant & 8 or h] repres5tative1 if any1 )9 #ij days foll[+ ! ,bo>d he>+4 7#b7 7,a7 ,except z provid$ 9 subp>agraph 7,b71 = cases on ! he>+ option docket 9 :i* a he>+ is n reque/$ 9 ! notice ( disagreem5t1 ! evid5ti>y record be=e ! ,bo>d %all be limit$ to ! evid5ce consid]$ by ! ag5cy ( orig9al jurisdiction 9 ! decision on appeal4 7,b7 ,! evid5ti>y record be=e ! ,bo>d = cases on ! he>+ option docket 9 :i* a he>+ is n reque/$1 %all include ea* ( ! foll[+1 :i* ! ,bo>d %all consid] 9 ! fir/ in/ance3 7i7 ,evid5ce submitt$ by ! appellant & 8 or h] repres5tative1 if any1 ) ! notice ( disagreem5t4 7ii7 ,evid5ce submitt$ by ! appellant & 8 or h] repres5tative1 if any1 )9 #ij days foll[+ receipt ( ! notice ( disagreem5t4 4 7#b7 ,cl]ical am5dm5t ,! table ( sections at ! beg9n+ ( *apt] #ga is am5d$ by ins]t+ aft] ! item relat+ to section #gaab ! foll[+ new item3 #gaac4 ,evid5ti>y record be=e ! ,bo>d ( ,vet]ans' ,appeals4 4 #aj4 ,limitation on aw>ds & bonuses paid to s5ior executive employees ( ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs ,section #gje ( ! ,vet]ans ,access1 ,*oice1 & ,acc\ntability ,act ( #bjad 7,public ,law #aac-adf2 #ch ,u4,s4,c4 #gjc note7 is am5d$ by /rik+ ! p]iod at ! end & ins]t+ ! foll[+3 1 except t dur+ ea* ( fiscal ye>s #bjag ?r\gh #bjba1 no aw>d or bonus may be paid to any employee ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs :o is a memb] ( ! ,s5ior ,executive ,s]vice44