,,ii #aad? ,,congress #b;d ,session ,s4 #ccbh ,,9 ,,! ,,s5ate ,,( ,,! ,,unit$ ,,/ates ,septemb] #ad1 #bjaf,mr4 ,blum5?al 7= himself1 ,mr4 ,te/]1 ,mr4 ,k+1 ,mr4 ,udall1 ,ms4 ,baldw91 ,mr4 ,casey1 ,ms4 ,hirono1 ,mr4 ,man*91 ,mr4 ,leahy1 ,mrs4 ,murray1 ,mr4 ,br[n1 & ,mr4 ,s&]s7 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 re=m ! rights & processes relat+ to appeals ( decisions reg>d+ claims = b5efits "u ! laws adm9i/]$ by ! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs1 & = o!r purposes4 #a4 ,%ort title ,?is ,act may be cit$ z ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs ,appeals ,mod]nization ,act ( #bjaf4 #b4 ,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 ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 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 ( su* title 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 ! timeframe 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 ( su* title is am5d$-- 7#a7 by /rik+ reop5 & ins]t+ readjudicate2 & 7#b7 by /rik+ mat]ial & ins]t+ relevant4 7d7 ,modification ( duty ,to assi/ claimants ,section #eajc;,a ( su* title is am5d$-- 7#a7 by r$esignat+ subsections 7e7 ?r\gh 7g7 z subsections 7g7 ?r\gh 7i71 respectively2 & 7#b7 by ins]t+ aft] subsection 7d7 ! foll[+ new subsections3 7e7 ,applicability ( duty ,to assi/ 7#a7 ,! ,secret>y's duty to assi/ "u ?is section %all apply only to a claim1 or supplem5tal claim1 = a b5efit "u a law adm9i/]$ by ! ,secret>y until ! "t t a claimant is provid$ notice ( ! ag5cy ( orig9al jurisdiction's decision ) respect to su* claim1 or supplem5tal claim1 "u section #eajd ( ?is title4 7#b7 ,! ,secret>y's duty to assi/ "u ?is section %all n apply to high]-level review by ! ag5cy ( orig9al jurisdiction1 pursuant to section #eajd;,b ( ?is title1 or to review on appeal by ! ,bo>d ( ,vet]ans' ,appeals4 7f7 ,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>d ( ,vet]ans' ,appeals1 dur+ review on appeal ( an ag5cy ( orig9al jurisdiction decision1 id5tifies an error on ! "p ( ! ag5cy ( orig9al jurisdiction to satisfy its duties "u ?is section1 & t error occurr$ prior to ! ag5cy ( orig9al jurisdiction decision 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 ( su* error may include direct+ ! ag5cy ( orig9al jurisdiction to obta9 an advisory m$ical op9ion "u section #eaji ( ?is title4 4 7e7 ,decisions & notices ( decisions ,subsection 7b7 ( section #eajd ( su* title is am5d$ 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 ( su* title is am5d$ 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 ( su* title 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] #ea ( su* title1 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 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$4 7e7 ,de novo review ,a review ( ! decision ( ! ag5cy ( orig9al jurisdiction by a high]-level adjudicator )9 ! ag5cy ( orig9al jurisdiction %all be de novo4 4 7#b7 ,cl]ical am5dm5t ,! table ( sections at ! beg9n+ ( *apt] #ea ( su* title1 z am5d$ 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 ,options foll[+ decision by ag5cy ( orig9al jurisdiction 7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,*apt] #ea ( su* title1 z am5d$ by subsection 7g71 is fur!r am5d$ by ins]t+ aft] section #eajd;,b1 z add$ by su* subsection1 ! foll[+ new section3 #eajd;,c4 ,options foll[+ decision by ag5cy ( orig9al jurisdiction 7a7 ,)9 "o ye> ( decision 7#a7 ,subject to p>agraph 7#b71 9 any case 9 :i* ! ,secret>y d5ies a claim1 ! claimant may take any ( ! foll[+ actions on or be=e ! date t is "o ye> aft] ! date on :i* ! ag5cy ( orig9al jurisdiction issues a decision ) respect to t claim3 7,a7 ,file a reque/ = high]-level review "u section #eajd;,b ( ?is title4 7,b7 ,file a supplem5tal claim "u section #eajh ( ?is title4 7,c7 ,file a notice ( disagreem5t "u section #gaje ( ?is title4 7#b7 7,a7 ,once a claimant takes an action set =? 9 p>agraph 7#a71 ! claimant may n take ano!r action set =? 9 t p>agraph ) respect to su* claim until-- 7i7 ! high]-level review1 supplem5tal claim1 or appeal 9 connection ) ! notice ( disagreem5t is adjudicat$2 or 7ii7 ! reque/ = high]-level review1 supplem5tal claim1 or notice ( disagreem5t is )drawn4 7,b7 ,no?+ 9 ?is subsection %all prohibit a claimant f tak+ any ( ! actions set =? 9 p>agraph 7#a7 9 succession ) respect to a claim4 7,c7 ,no?+ 9 ?is subsection %all prohibit a claimant f tak+ diff]5t actions set =? 9 p>agraph 7#a7 ) respect to diff]5t claims4 7b7 ,m ?an "o ye> aft] decision ,9 any case 9 :i* ! ,secret>y d5ies a claim & m ?an "o ye> has pass$ s9ce ! date on :i* ! ag5cy ( orig9al jurisdiction issues a decision ) respect to t claim1 ! claimant may file a supplem5tal claim "u section #eajh ( ?is title4 4 7#b7 ,cl]ical am5dm5t ,! table ( sections at ! beg9n+ ( *apt] #ea ( su* title1 z am5d$ by subsection 7g71 is fur!r am5d$ by ins]t+ aft] ! item relat+ to section #eajd;,b1 z add$ by su* subsection1 ! foll[+ new item3 #eajd;,c4 ,options foll[+ decision by ag5cy ( orig9al jurisdiction4 4 7i7 ,supplem5tal claims 7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,section #eajh ( su* title 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 ( su* title is am5d$ by /rik+ ! item relat+ to section #eajh & ins]t+ ! foll[+ new item3 #eajh4 ,supplem5tal claims4 4 7j7 ,rem& ,to obta9 advisory m$ical op9ion ,section #eaji ( su* title is am5d$ by add+ at ! end ! foll[+ new subsection3 7d7 7#a7 ,! ,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 ! ag5cy ( orig9al jurisdiction decision on appeal4 7#b7 ,! ,bo>d's rem& in/ructions %all include ! que/ions to be pos$ to ! indep5d5t m$ical exp]t provid+ ! advisory m$ical op9ion4 4 7k7 ,re/atem5t ( requirem5t = exp$it$ treatm5t ( rem&$ claims ,section #eaji;,b ( su* title is am5d$ to read z foll[s3 #eaji;,b4 ,exp$it$ treatm5t ( rem&$ claims ,! ,secret>y %all take su* actions z may be necess>y to provide = ! exp$iti\s treatm5t by ! ag5cy ( orig9al jurisdiction ( any claim t is rem&$ by ! ,bo>d ( ,vet]ans' ,appeals4 4 7l7 ,effective dates ( aw>ds ,section #eaaj ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 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$2 7,b7 by /rik+ mat]ial & ins]t+ relevant2 & 7,c7 by /rik+ reop5+ & ins]t+ readjudication4 7m7 ,def9ition ( aw>d or increas$ aw>d = purposes ( provisions relat+ to comm5cem5t ( p]iod ( paym5t ,section #eaaa7;d77#a7 ( su* title is am5d$ by /rik+ or reop5$ aw>d & ins]t+ aw>d or aw>d bas$ on a supplem5tal claim4 7n7 ,modification on limitation on fees all[able = repres5tation ,section #eijd7;c7 ( su* title 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 7o7 ,cl>ification ( ,bo>d ( ,vet]ans' ,appeals ref]ral requirem5ts aft] ord] = reconsid]ation ( decisions ,section #gajc7;b77#a7 ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$ by /rik+ he>d bo? places x appe>s & ins]t+ decid$4 7p7 ,con=m+ am5dm5t relat+ to readjudication ,section #gajd7;b7 ( su* title is am5d$ by /rik+ reop5$ & ins]t+ readjudicat$4 7q7 ,modification ( proc$ures = appeals to ,bo>d ( ,vet]ans' ,appeals 7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,section #gaje ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 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 ( ! #a-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 %all 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 %all 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 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$4 2 7,e7 by /rik+ subsection 7e72 & 7,f7 9 ! section head+1 by /rik+ notice ( disagreem5t &4 7#b7 ,cl]ical am5dm5t ,! table ( sections at ! beg9n+ ( *apt] #ga ( su* title is am5d$ by /rik+ ! item relat+ to section #gaje & ins]t+ ! foll[+ new item3 #gaje4 ,fil+ ( appeal4 4 7r7 ,modification ( proc$ures & requirem5ts = simultane\sly conte/$ claims ,subsection 7b7 ( section #gaje;,a ( su* title 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$1 & su* action %all con/itute suffici5t evid5ce ( notice4 4 7s7 ,repeal ( proc$ures = adm9i/rative appeals 7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,*apt] #ga ( su* title is am5d$ by /rik+ section #gajf4 7#b7 ,cl]ical am5dm5t ,! table ( sections at ! beg9n+ ( *apt] #ga ( su* title is am5d$ by /rik+ ! item relat+ to section #gajf4 7t7 ,modifications relat+ to appeals3 dockets2 he>+s ,section #gajg ( su* title 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 7u7 ,repeal ( c]ta9 au?ority = indep5d5t m$ical op9ions 7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,section #gaji ( su* title is h]eby repeal$4 7#b7 ,cl]ical am5dm5t ,! table ( sections at ! beg9n+ ( *apt] #ga ( su* title is am5d$ by /rik+ ! item relat+ to section #gaji4 7v7 ,cl>ification ( proc$ures = review ( decisions on gr\nds ( cle> & unmi/akable error ,section #gaaa7;e7 ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$ by /rik+ 1 )\t ref]ral to any adjudicative or he>+ (ficial act+ on behalf ( ! ,secret>y4 7w7 ,evid5ti>y record be=e ,bo>d ( ,vet]ans' ,appeals 7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,*apt] #ga ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 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,b7 ( ?is p>agraph1 = 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,b7 ( ?is p>agraph1 = 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 ( su* title 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 7x7 ,applicability ,! am5dm5ts made by ?is ,act %all apply to all claims = :i* notice ( a decision "u section #eajd ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is provid$ by ! ,secret>y on or aft] ! date t is #edj days aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act4