,,ii  #aae? ,,congress  #a/ ,session    
,s4 #ajbd  ,,9 ,,! ,,s5ate ,,( ,,!      
,,unit$ ,,/ates  ,may #c1 #bjag,mr4     
,isakson 7= himself1 ,mr4 ,blum5?al1    
,mr4 ,te/]1 ,mr4 ,da9es1 ,ms4 ,hassan1  
,mr4 ,udall1 ,mr4 ,k+1 ,ms4 ,baldw91 &  
,mr4 ,ka9e7 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 ! ,vet]ans ,appeals          
,improvem5t & ,mod]nization ,act (      
#bjag4  #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  7#cf7 ,! t]m supplem5tal claim  
means a claim = b5efits "u laws adm9i/]$
 by ! ,secret>y fil$ by a claimant :o _h
 previ\sly fil$ a claim = ! same or     
simil> b5efits on ! same or simil>      
basis4  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 adjudicator id5tifies or    
le>ns ( 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         
adjudicator %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 or le>ns ( 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$ical op9ion "u section #eaji 
( ?is title4  7#c7 ,no?+ 9 ?is          
subsection %all be con/ru$ to imply t ! 
,secret>y1 dur+ ! consid]ation ( a      
claim1 does n h a duty to correct an    
error describ$ 9 p>agraph 7#a7 or 7#b7 t
 0 errone\sly n id5tifi$ dur+           
high]-level review or dur+ review on    
appeal ) respect to ! claim4  4  7e7    
,decisions & notices ( decisions        
,subsection 7b7 ( section #eajd ( su*   
title is am5d$ to read z foll[s3  7b7   
,ea* notice provid$ "u 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 ,9 ! case ( a d5ial1    
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$  
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 ( 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  7#a7 ,a    
claimant may reque/ a review ( !        
decision ( ! ag5cy ( orig9al            
jurisdiction by a high]-level           
adjudicator )9 ! ag5cy ( orig9al        
jurisdiction4  7#b7 ,! ,secret>y %all   
approve ea* reque/ = review "u p>agraph 
7#a74  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 ,! ,secret>y   
%all n d5y su* reque/ = review by an    
adjudicator at a diff]5t (fice ( ! ag5cy

 ( orig9al jurisdiction )\t good cause4 
7c7 ,decision ,notice ( a high]-level   
review decision "u ?is section %all be  
provid$ 9 writ+ & %all include a g5]al  
/atem5t--  7#a7 reflect+ :e!r evid5ce 0 
n consid]$ pursuant to subsection 7d72 &
  7#b7 not+ ! options available to !    
claimant to h ! evid5ce describ$ 9      
p>agraph 7#a71 if any1 consid]$ by !    
,dep>tm5t4  7d7 ,evid5ti>y record =     
review ,! evid5ti>y record be=e !       
high]-level adjudicator %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 r5d]s a decision on 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 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  7,d7 ,! ,secret>y may1 z !     
,secret>y consid]s appropriate1 develop 
& implem5t a policy = claimants :o--    
7i7 take an action "u p>agraph 7#a72    
7ii7 wi% to )draw ! action be=e !       
high]-level review1 supplem5tal claim1  
or notice ( disagreem5t is adjudicat$2 &
  7iii7 9 lieu ( su* action take a      
diff]5t action "u p>agraph 7#a74  7b7 ,m
 ?an "o ye> aft] decision ,9 any case 9 
:i* ! ,secret>y r5d]s a decision on a   
claim & m ?an "o ye> has pass$ 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 %all rem& a claim to 
direct ! ag5cy ( orig9al jurisdiction to
 obta9 an advisory m$ical op9ion f an   
indep5d5t m$ical exp]t "u ?is section if
 ! ,bo>d f9ds t ! ,vet]ans ,b5efits     
,adm9i/ration %\ld h ex]cis$ its        
discretion to obta9 su* an op9ion4  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 ( return$ & rem&$ claims  7#a7 
,9 g5]al ,section #eaji;,b ( su* title  
is am5d$ to read z foll[s3  #eaji;,b4   
,exp$it$ treatm5t ( return$ & rem&$     
claims ,! ,secret>y %all take su*       
actions z may be necess>y to provide = !
 exp$iti\s treatm5t by ! ,vet]ans       
,b5efits ,adm9i/ration ( any claim t is 

return$ by a high]-level adjudicator "u 
section #eajd;,b ( ?is title or rem&$ by
 ! ,bo>d ( ,vet]ans' ,appeals4  4  7#b7 
,cl]ical am5dm5t ,! table ( sections at 
! beg9n+ ( *apt] #ea ( su* title is     
am5d$ by /rik+ ! item relat+ to section 
#eaji;,b & ins]t+ ! foll[+ new item3    
#eaji;,b4 ,exp$it$ treatm5t ( return$ & 
rem&$ claims4  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,e7 ,a supplem5tal claim "u section    
#eajh ( ?is title on or be=e ! date t is
 "o ye> aft] ! date on :i* ! ,c\rt (    
,appeals = ,vet]ans ,claims 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$-- 7,a7 9        
subsection 7a71 by /rik+ ! fir/ s5t5ce &
 ins]t+ ,appellate review %all be       
initiat$ by ! fil+ ( a notice (         
disagreem5t 9 ! =m prescrib$ by !       
,secret>y42  7,b7 by am5d+ subsection   
7b7 to read z foll[s3  7b7 7#a7 7,a7    
,except 9 ! case ( simultane\sly conte/$
 claims1 a 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 id5tify ! specific       
det]m9ation ) :i* ! claimant disagrees1 
& 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 ,! notice ( disagreem5t %all       
indicate :e!r ! claimant reque/s-- 7,a7 
a he>+ be=e ! ,bo>d1 :i* %all include an
 opportunity to submit evid5ce 9        
accordance ) section #gaac7;b7 ( ?is    
title2  7,b7 an opportunity to submit   
additional evid5ce )\t a he>+ be=e !    
,bo>d1 :i* %all include an opportunity  
to submit evid5ce 9 accordance ) section

 #gaac7;c7 ( ?is title2 or  7,c7 a      
review by ! ,bo>d )\t a he>+ or !       
submittal ( additional evid5ce4  7#d7 ,!
 ,secret>y may develop a policy to p]mit
 a claimant to modify ! in=mation       
id5tifi$ 9 ! notice ( disagreem5t aft] !
 notice ( disagreem5t has be5 fil$ "u   
?is section pursuant to su* requirem5ts 
z ! ,secret>y may prescribe4  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 id5tify ! specific  
det]m9ation ) :i* ! claimant disagrees4 
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  7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,section  
#gajg ( su* title is am5d$ to read z    
foll[s3  #gajg4 ,appeals3 dockets2 he>+s
  7a7 ,dockets  7#a7 ,subject to        
p>agraph 7#b71 ! ,bo>d %all ma9ta9 at   
lea/ two sep>ate dockets4  7#b7 ,! ,bo>d
 may n ma9ta9 m ?an two sep>ate dockets 
unless ! ,bo>d notifies ! ,committee on 
,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,s5ate & !       
,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( !    
,h\se ( ,repres5tatives ( any additional
 docket1 includ+ a ju/ification =       
ma9ta9+ su* additional docket4  7#c7    
7,a7 ,! ,bo>d may assign to ea* docket  
ma9ta9$ "u p>agraph 7#a7 su* cases z !  
,bo>d consid]s appropriate1 except t    
cases describ$ 9 clause 7i7 (           
subp>agraph 7,b7 may n be assign$ to any
 docket to :i* cases describ$ 9 clause  
7ii7 ( su* p>agraph are assign$4  7,b7  
,cases describ$ 9 ?is p>agraph are !    
foll[+3 7i7 ,cases 9 :i* no ,bo>d he>+  
is reque/$ & no additional evid5ce w be 
submitt$4  7ii7 ,cases 9 :i* a ,bo>d    

he>+ is reque/$ 9 ! notice (            
disagreem5t4  7#d7 ,except z provid$ 9  
subsection 7b71 ea* case be=e ! ,bo>d w 
be decid$ 9 regul> ord] accord+ to its  
respective place on ! docket to :i* x is
 assign$ by ! ,bo>d4  7b7 ,advancem5t on
 ! docket  7#a7 ,a case on "o ( !       
dockets ( ! ,bo>d ma9ta9$ "u subsection 
7a7 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*$ul+ ( he>+s = cases on a docket t may
 include a he>+  7#a7 ,= cases on a     
docket ma9ta9$ by ! ,bo>d "u subsection 
7a7 t may include a he>+1 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 location2 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    
7e7 ,policy on *ang+ dockets ,!         
,secret>y may develop & implem5t a      
policy all[+ a claimant to move !       
claimant's case f "o docket to ano!r    
docket4  4  7#b7 ,report ,n lat] ?an !  
date t is #ij days be=e ! date set =? 9 
subsection 7x71 ! ,secret>y %all submit 
to ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( 
! ,s5ate & ! ,committee on ,vet]ans'    
,affairs ( ! ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives a  
report sett+ =? a description ( ! docket
 t w be ma9ta9$ "u section #gajg ( title
 #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 z am5d$ by   
p>agraph 7#a71 = cases 9 :i* no he>+    
be=e ! ,bo>d ( ,vet]ans' ,appeals is    
reque/$ 9 ! notice ( disagreem5t b !    
appellant reque/s1 9 ! notice (         
disagreem5t1 an opportunity to submit   
additional evid5ce4  7u7 ,repeal ( c]ta9
 au?ority = indep5d5t m$ical op9ions    
7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,section #gaji ( su* title
 is repeal$4  7#b7 ,con=m+ am5dm5t      
,section #egja7;b77#a7 ( su* title is   
am5d$ by /rik+ or #gaji4  7#c7 ,cl]ical 

am5dm5t ,! table ( sections at ! beg9n+ 
( *apt] #ga ( su* title is am5d$ by     
/rik+ ! item relat+ to section #gaji4   
7v7 ,cl>ification ( proc$ures = review (
 decisions on gr\nds ( cle> &           
unmi/akable error ,section #gaaa7;e7 (  
su* title is am5d$ 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 ( su* title is am5d$ by add+ at !  
end ! foll[+ new section3  #gaac4       
,evid5ti>y record be=e ! ,bo>d (        
,vet]ans' ,appeals  7a7 ,cases ) no     
reque/ = a he>+ or additional evid5ce ,=
 cases 9 :i* a he>+ be=e ! ,bo>d (      
,vet]ans' ,appeals is n reque/$ 9 !     
notice ( disagreem5t & no reque/ 0 made 
to submit evid5ce1 ! evid5ti>y record   
be=e ! ,bo>d %all be limit$ to ! evid5ce
 ( record at ! "t ( ! decision ( ! ag5cy
 ( orig9al jurisdiction on appeal4  7b7 
,cases ) a reque/ = a he>+  7#a7 ,except
 z provid$ 9 p>agraph 7#b71 = cases 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  
describ$ 9 p>agraph 7#a7 %all include   
ea* ( ! foll[+1 :i* ! ,bo>d %all consid]
 9 ! fir/ in/ance3  7,a7 ,evid5ce       
submitt$ by ! appellant & 8 or h]       
repres5tative1 if any1 at ! ,bo>d he>+4 
7,b7 ,evid5ce submitt$ by ! appellant & 
8 or h] repres5tative1 if any1 )9 #ij   
days foll[+ ! ,bo>d he>+4  7c7 ,cases ) 
no reque/ = a he>+ & ) a reque/ =       
additional evid5ce  7#a7 ,except z      
provid$ 9 p>agraph 7#b71 = cases 9 :i* a
 he>+ is n reque/$ 9 ! notice (         
disagreem5t b an opportunity to submit  
evid5ce is reque/$1 ! evid5ti>y record  
be=e ! ,bo>d %all be limit$ to ! evid5ce
 consid]$ by ! ag5cy ( orig9al          
jurisdiction 9 ! decision on appeal4    
7#b7 ,! evid5ti>y record be=e ! ,bo>d = 
cases describ$ 9 p>agraph 7#a7 %all     

include ea* ( ! foll[+1 :i* ! ,bo>d %all
 consid] 9 ! fir/ in/ance3  7,a7        
,evid5ce submitt$ by ! appellant & 8 or 
h] repres5tative1 if any1 ) ! notice (  
disagreem5t4  7,b7 ,evid5ce submitt$ by 
! appellant & 8 or h] repres5tative1 if 
any1 )9 #ij days foll[+ receipt ( !     
notice ( disagreem5t4  4  7#b7          
,notification :5 evid5ce n consid]$     
,section #gajd7;d7 ( su* title is       
am5d$-- 7,a7 9 p>agraph 7#a71 by /rik+ 2
 & & ins]t+ a semicolon2  7,b7 by       
r$esignat+ p>agraph 7#b7 z p>agraph     
7#c72 &  7,c7 by ins]t+ aft] p>agraph   
7#a7 ! foll[+ new p>agraph 7#b73  7#b7 a
 g5]al /atem5t-- 7,a7 reflect+ :e!r     
evid5ce 0 n consid]$ 9 mak+ ! decision  
because ! evid5ce 0 receiv$ at a "t :5 n
 p]mitt$ "u section #gaac ( ?is title2 &
  7,b7 not+ su* options z may be        
available = hav+ ! evid5ce consid]$ by !
 ,dep>tm5t2 &  4  7#c7 ,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  7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,except z 
o!rwise provid$ 9 ?is subsection1 !     
am5dm5ts made by ?is section %all apply 
to all claims = :i* notice ( a decision 
"u section #eajd ( title #ch1 ,unit$    
,/ates ,code1 is provid$ by ! ,secret>y 
( ,vet]ans ,affairs on or aft] ! lat]   
(--  7,a7 ! date t is #edj days aft] !  
date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act2 &  7,b7 ! 
date t is #cj days aft] ! date on :i* ! 
,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs submits to
 ! appropriate committees ( ,congress a 
c]tification t ! ,secret>y confirms1 )\t
 delegation1 t ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans   
,affairs has ! res\rces1 p]sonnel1 (fice
 space1 proc$ures1 & in=mation te*nology
 requir$--  7i7 to c>ry out ! new       
appeals sy/em2 &  7ii7 to timely address
 bo? appeals ( decisions on legacy      
claims & appeals "u ! new appeals sy/em4
  7#b7 ,collaboration ,9 det]m9+ :e!r & 
:5 to make a c]tification "u p>agraph   
7#a77;,b71 ! ,secret>y %all collaborate 

)1 p>tn] )1 & give weight to ! advice ( 
vet]ans s]vice organizations & su* o!r  
/akehold]s z ! ,secret>y consid]s       
appropriate4  7#c7 ,e>ly applicability  
,! ,secret>y may apply ! new appeals    
sy/em to a claim ) respect to :i* !     
claimant-- 7,a7 receives a notice ( a   
decision "u section #eajd ( su* title   
aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act &   
be=e ! applicability date set =? 9      
p>agraph 7#a72 &  7,b7 elects to subject
 ! claim to ! new appeals sy/em4  7#d7  
,phas$ roll\t ,! ,secret>y may beg9     
implem5tation ( ! new appeals sy/em 9   
phases1 ) ! fir/ phase ( su* phas$      
implem5tation beg9n+ on ! applicability 
date set =? 9 p>agraph 7#a74  7#e7      
,treatm5t ( legacy claims ,) respect to 
legacy claims1 ^u ! issuance to a       
claimant ( a /atem5t ( ! case or        
supplem5tal /atem5t ( ! case occurr+ on 
or aft] ! applicability date specifi$ 9 
p>agraph 7#a71 a claimant may elect to  
p>ticipate 9 ! new appeals sy/em4  7#f7 
,publication ( applicability date ,n    

lat] ?an ! date on :i* ! new appeals    
sy/em goes into effect 7or ! fir/ phase 
( ! new appeals sy/em goes into effect  
"u p>agraph 7#d71 z ! case may be71 !   
,secret>y %all publi% 9 ! ,f$]al ,regi/]
 su* date4  7#g7 ,def9itions ,9 ?is     
subsection3 7,a7 ,appropriate committees
 ( ,congress ,! t]m appropriate         
committees ( ,congress means--  7i7 !   
,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs & !    
,committee on ,appropriations ( !       
,s5ate2 &  7ii7 ! ,committee on         
,vet]ans' ,affairs & ! ,committee on    
,appropriations ( ! ,h\se (             
,repres5tatives4  7,b7 ,vet]ans s]vice  
organization ,! t]m vet]ans s]vice      
organization means any organization     
recogniz$ by ! ,secret>y = !            
repres5tation ( vet]ans "u section #eijb
 ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code4  7y7 
,rule ( con/ruction ,no?+ 9 ?is section 
or any ( ! am5dm5ts made by ?is section 
%all be con/ru$ to limit ! ability ( a  
claimant to reque/ a revision ( a       
decision "u section #eaji;,a or #gaaa ( 

title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code4  #c4    
,compreh5sive plan = process+ ( legacy  
appeals & implem5t+ new appeals sy/em   
7a7 ,plan requir$ ,n lat] ?an #ij days  
aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act1 !  
,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs %all      
submit to ! appropriate committees (    
,congress & ! ,comptroll] ,g5]al ( !    
,unit$ ,/ates a compreh5sive plan =--   
7#a7 ! process+ ( appeals ( decisions on
 legacy claims t ! ,secret>y consid]s   
p5d+2  7#b7 implem5t+ ! new appeals     
sy/em2  7#c7 timely process+1 "u ! new  
appeals sy/em1 (-- 7,a7 supplem5tal     
claims "u section #eajh ( title #ch1    
,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 z am5d$ by section 
#b7;i72  7,b7 reque/s = high]-level     
review "u section #eajd;,b ( su* title1 
z add$ by section #b7;g72 &  7,c7       
appeals on any docket ma9ta9$ "u section
 #gajg ( su* title1 z am5d$ by section  
#b7t72 &  7#d7 monitor+ ! implem5tation 
( ! new appeals sy/em1 includ+ metrics &
 goals-- 7,a7 to track ! progress ( !   
implem5tation2  7,b7 to evaluate !      

effici5cy & effectiv5ess ( !            
implem5tation2 &  7,c7 to id5tify       
pot5tial issues relat+ to !             
implem5tation4  7b7 ,elem5ts ,! plan    
requir$ by subsection 7a7 %all include1 
at a m9imum1 ! foll[+3 7#a7 ,del9eation 
( ! total res\rce requirem5ts ( !       
,vet]ans ,b5efits ,adm9i/ration & !     
,bo>d ( ,vet]ans' ,appeals1 disaggregat$
 by res\rces requir$ to implem5t &      
adm9i/] ! new appeals sy/em & res\rces  
requir$ to address ! appeals ( decisions
 on legacy claims4  7#b7 ,del9eation ( !
 p]sonnel requirem5ts ( ! ,adm9i/ration 
& ! ,bo>d1 includ+ /aff+ levels dur+ !--
  7,a7 p]iod 9 :i* ! ,adm9i/ration & !  
,bo>d are concurr5tly process+-- 7i7    
appeals ( decisions on legacy claims2 & 
7ii7 appeals ( decisions on non-legacy  
claims "u ! new appeals sy/em2 &  7,b7 !
 p]iod dur+ :i* ! ,adm9i/ration & !     
,bo>d are no long] process+ any appeals 
( decisions on legacy claims4  7#c7     
,id5tification ( ! legal au?orities "u  
:i* ! ,adm9i/ration or ! ,bo>d may--    

7,a7 hire additional employees to       
conduct ! concurr5t process+ describ$ 9 
p>agraph 7#b77;,a72 &  7,b7 remove      
employees :o are no long] requir$ by !  
,adm9i/ration or ! ,bo>d once !         
,adm9i/ration & ! ,bo>d are no long]    
process+ any appeals ( decisions on     
legacy claims4  7#d7 ,an e/imate ( !    
am\nt ( "t ! ,adm9i/ration & ! ,bo>d w  
require to hire additional employees z  
describ$ 9 p>agraph 7#c77;,a7 once fund+
 has be5 made available = su* purpose1  
includ+ a comp>ison ( su* e/imate & !   
hi/orical av]age "t requir$ by !        
,adm9i/ration & ! ,bo>d to hire         
additional employees4  7#e7 ,a          
description ( ! modifications to !      
in=mation te*nology sy/ems ( !          
,adm9i/ration & ! ,bo>d t !             
,adm9i/ration & ! ,bo>d require to c>ry 
out ! new appeals sy/em1 includ+ co/    
e/imates & a timel9e = mak+ !           
modifications4  7#f7 ,an e/imate ( !    
(fice space ! ,adm9i/ration & ! ,bo>d w 
require dur+ ea* ( ! p]iods describ$ 9  

p>agraph 7#b71 includ+--  7,a7 an       
e/imate ( ! am\nt ( "t ! ,adm9i/ration &
 ! ,bo>d w require to acquire any       
additional (fice space to c>ry out      
process+ ( appeals ( decisions on legacy
 claims & process+ ( appeals "u ! new   
appeals sy/em2  7,b7 a comp>ison ( !    
e/imate "u subp>agraph 7,a7 & !         
hi/orical av]age "t requir$ by !        
,adm9i/ration & ! ,bo>d to acquire new  
(fice space2 &  7,c7 a plan = us+       
telework to accommodate /aff exce$+     
available (fice space1 includ+ h[ !     
,adm9i/ration & ! ,bo>d w provide tra9+ 
& ov]sight ) respect to su* telework+4  
7#g7 ,projections = ! productivity (    
individual employees at ! ,adm9i/ration 
& ! ,bo>d 9 c>ry+ out tasks relat+ to ! 
process+ ( appeals ( decisions on legacy
 claims & appeals "u ! new appeals      
sy/em1 tak+ into acc\nt ! exp]i5ce level
 ( new employees & ! enhanc$ notice     
requirem5ts "u section #eajd7;b7 ( title
 #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 z am5d$ by   
section #b7;e74  7#h7 ,an outl9e ( !    

outrea* ! ,secret>y expects to conduct  
to in=m vet]ans1 families ( vet]ans1    
survivors ( vet]ans1 vet]ans s]vice     
organizations1 milit>y s]vice           
organizations1 congressional casework]s1
 advocates = vet]ans1 & su* o!r         
/akehold]s z ! ,secret>y consid]s       
appropriate ab\t ! new appeals sy/em1   
includ+--  7,a7 a description ( !       
res\rces requir$ to conduct su* outrea*2
 &  7,b7 timel9es = complet+ su*        
outrea*4  7#i7 ,id5tification ( & a     
timel9e =-- 7,a7 any tra9+ t may be     
requir$ z a result ( hir+ new employees 
to c>ry out ! new appeals sy/em or to   
process appeals ( decisions on legacy   
claims2 &  7,b7 any retra9+ ( exi/+     
employees t may be requir$ to c>ry out  
su* sy/em or to process su* claims4     
7#aj7 ,id5tification ( ! co/s to !      
,dep>tm5t ( ! tra9+ id5tifi$ "u p>agraph
 7#i7 & any additional tra9+ /aff & any 
additional tra9+ facilities t w be      
requir$ to provide su* tra9+4  7#aa7    
,timel9es = updat+ any policy guidance1 

,int]net websites1 & (ficial =ms t may  
be necess>y to c>ry out ! new appeals   
sy/em1 includ+--  7,a7 id5tification (  
:i* (fices & entities w be involv$ 9    
ef=ts relat+ to su* updat+2 &  7,b7     
hi/orical in=mation ab\t h[ long simil> 
update ef=ts h tak54  7#ab7 ,a timel9e1 
includ+ int]im mile/ones1 = promulgat+  
su* regulations z may be necess>y to    
c>ry out ! new appeals sy/em & a        
comp>ison ) hi/orical av]ages = "t      
requir$ to promulgate regulations (     
simil> complexity & scope4  7#ac7 ,an   
outl9e ( ! circum/ances "u :i* claimants
 ) p5d+ appeals ( decisions on legacy   
claims w\ld be au?oriz$ to h _! appeals 
review$ "u ! new appeals sy/em4  7#ad7  
,a del9eation ( ! key goals & mile/ones 
= r$uc+ ! numb] ( p5d+ appeals t are n  
process$ "u ! new appeals sy/em1 includ+
 ! expect$ numb] ( appeals1 rem&s1 &    
he>+ reque/s at ! ,adm9i/ration & !     
,bo>d ea* ye>1 beg9n+ ) ! "o ye> p]iod  
beg9n+ on ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is     
,act1 until !re are no long] any appeals

 p5d+ be=e ! ,adm9i/ration or ! ,bo>d = 
a decision on a legacy claim4  7#ae7 ,a 
description ( ea* risk factor associat$ 
) ea* elem5t ( ! plan & a cont+5cy plan 
to m9imize ea* su* risk4  7c7 ,review by
 ,comptroll] ,g5]al ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates   
7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,n lat] ?an #ij days aft] 
! ,comptroll] ,g5]al ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates  
receives ! plan requir$ by subsection   
7a71 ! ,comptroll] ,g5]al %all--  7,a7  
assess su* plan2 &  7,b7 notify !       
appropriate committees ( ,congress ( !  
f9d+s ( ! ,comptroll] ,g5]al ) respect  
to ! assessm5t conduct$ "u subp>agraph  
7,a74  7#b7 ,elem5ts ,! assessm5t       
conduct$ "u p>agraph 7#a77;,a7 %all     
include ! foll[+3 7,a7 ,an assessm5t (  
:e!r ! plan comports ) s\nd plann+      
practices4  7,b7 ,id5tification ( any   
gaps 9 ! plan4  7,c7 ,=mulation ( su*   
recomm5dations z ! ,comptroll] ,g5]al   
consid]s appropriate4  7d7 ,p]iodic     
progress reports ,n lat] ?an #ij days   
aft] ! date on :i* ! ,secret>y submits !
 plan "u subsection 7a71 n less         

frequ5tly ?an once e #ij days !reaft]   
until ! applicability date set =? 9     
section #b7x77#a71 & n less frequ5tly   
?an once e #ahj days !reaft] = ! #aj-ye>
 p]iod foll[+ su* applicability date1 ! 
,secret>y %all submit to ! appropriate  
committees ( ,congress & ! ,comptroll]  
,g5]al a report on ! progress ( !       
,secret>y 9 c>ry+ out ! plan4  7e7      
,appropriate committees ( ,congress     
def9$ ,9 ?is section1 ! t]m appropriate 
committees ( ,congress means-- 7#a7 !   
,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs & !    
,committee on ,appropriations ( !       
,s5ate2 &  7#b7 ! ,committee on         
,vet]ans' ,affairs & ! ,committee on    
,appropriations ( ! ,h\se (             
,repres5tatives4  #d4 ,programs to te/  
assumptions reli$ on 9 developm5t (     
compreh5sive plan = process+ ( legacy   
appeals & support+ new appeals sy/em    
7a7 ,au?orization  7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,!     
,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs may c>ry  
out su* programs z ! ,secret>y consid]s 
appropriate to te/ any assumptions reli$

 ^u 9 develop+ ! compreh5sive plan      
requir$ by section #c7;a7 & to te/ !    
feasibility & advisability ( any facet (
 ! new appeals sy/em4  7#b7 ,report+    
requir$ ,:5ev] ! ,secret>y det]m9es1    
bas$ on ! conduct ( a program "u        
p>agraph 7#a71 t legislative *anges to !
 new appeals sy/em are necess>y1 !      
,secret>y %all submit to ! ,committee on
 ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,s5ate & !      
,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( !    
,h\se ( ,repres5tatives notice ( su*    
det]m9ation4  7b7 ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans  
,affairs program on fully develop$      
appeals  7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,! ,secret>y (   
,vet]ans ,affairs may1 "u subsection    
7a77#a71 c>ry out a program to provide !
 option ( an alt]native appeals process 
t %all m quickly det]m9e su* appeals 9  
accordance ) ?is subsection4  7#b7      
,election  7,a7 ,fil+ ,9 accordance )   
subp>agraph 7,b71 a claimant may elect  
to file a fully develop$ appeal "u !    
program by fil+ ) ! ,secret>y all ( !   
foll[+3  7i7 ,! notice ( disagreem5t "u 

*apt] #ga ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates    
,code1 along ) ! writt5 election ( !    
claimant to h ! appeal det]m9$ "u !     
program4  7ii7 ,all evid5ce t ! claimant
 believes is ne$$ = ! appeal z ( ! date 
( ! fil+4  7iii7 ,a /atem5t ( ! argum5t 
9 support ( ! claim1 if any4  7,b7 ,tim+
 ,a claimant %all make an election "u   
subp>agraph 7,a7 z "p ( ! notice (      
disagreem5t fil$ by ! claimant 9        
accordance ) subp>agraph 7,a77i74  7,c7 
,triage ,! ,secret>y %all1 ^u expiration
 ( ! p]iod specifi$ 9 p>agraph          
7#c77;,c77iii71 ensure t an assessm5t is
 und]tak5 ( :e!r an appeal fil$ "u      
subp>agraph 7,a7 ( ?is p>agraph         
satisfies ! requirem5ts = appeal "u !   
program & provide appropriate           
notification to ! claimant ( ! results (
 t assessm5t4  7,d7 ,rev]sion  7i7      
,elect$ rev]sion ,at any "t1 a claimant 
:o makes an election "u subp>agraph 7,a7
 may elect to rev]t to ! /&>d appeals   
process4 ,su* a rev]sion %all be f9al4  
7ii7 ,automatic rev]sion ,a claimant    

describ$ 9 clause 7i71 or a claimant :o 
makes an election "u subp>agraph 7,a7 b 
is lat] det]m9$ to be ineligible = !    
program "u p>agraph 7#a71 %all rev]t to 
! /&>d appeals process )\t any p5alty to
 ! claimant o!r ?an ! loss ( ! docket   
numb] associat$ ) ! fully develop$      
appeal4  7,e7 ,outrea* ,9 provid+       
claimants ) notices ( ! det]m9ation ( a 
claim dur+ ! p]iod 9 :i* ! program "u   
p>agraph 7#a7 is c>ri$ out1 ! ,secret>y 
%all conduct outrea* z foll[s3  7i7 ,!  
,secret>y %all provide to ! claimant 7& 
to ! repres5tative ( record ( !         
claimant1 if any7 in=mation reg>d+--    
7,i7 ! program1 includ+ ! advantages &  
disadvantages ( ! program2  7,,ii7 h[ to
 make an election "u subp>agraph 7,a72  
7,,iii7 ! limitation on ! use ( new     
evid5ce describ$ 9 subp>agraph 7,c7 (   
p>agraph 7#c7 & ! developm5t ( in=mation
 "u subp>agraph 7,d7 ( su* p>agraph2    
7,,iv7 ! 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 ,code2 &  7,v7
 ! circum/ances "u :i* ! appeal w       
automatically rev]t to ! /&>d appeals   
process1 includ+ by mak+ a reque/ = a   
he>+4  7ii7 ,! ,secret>y %all           
collaborate1 p>tn] )1 & give weight to !
 advice ( ! ?ree vet]ans s]vice         
organizations ) ! mo/ memb]s & su* o!r  
/akehold]s z ! ,secret>y consid]s       
appropriate to publi% on ! ,int]net     
website ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans        
,affairs an onl9e tutorial expla9+ !    
advantages & disadvantages ( ! program4 
7#c7 ,treatm5t by ,dep>tm5t & ,bo>d     
7,a7 ,process ,^u ! election ( a        
claimant to file a fully develop$ appeal
 pursuant to p>agraph 7#b77;,a71 !      
,secret>y %all--  7i7 n provide !       
claimant ) a /atem5t ( ! case nor       
require ! claimant to file a sub/antive 
appeal2 &  7ii7 transf] jurisdiction ov]
 ! fully develop$ appeal directly to !  
,bo>d ( ,vet]ans' ,appeals4  7,b7       
,docket  7i7 ,9 g5]al ,! ,bo>d (        

,vet]ans' ,appeals %all--  7,i7 ma9ta9  
fully develop$ appeals on a sep>ate     
docket ?an /&>d appeals2  7,,ii7 decide 
fully develop$ appeals 9 ! ord] t !     
fully develop$ appeals are receiv$ on ! 
fully develop$ appeal docket2  7,,iii7  
except z provid$ by clause 7ii71 decide 
n m ?an "o fully develop$ appeal = ea*  
f\r /&>d appeals decid$2 &  7,,iv7 to ! 
ext5t practicable1 decide ea* fully     
develop$ appeal by ! date t is "o ye>   
foll[+ ! date on :i* ! claimant files ! 
notice ( disagreem5t4  7ii7 ,adju/m5t   
,beg9n+ "o ye> aft] ! date on :i* !     
program comm5ces1 ! ,bo>d may adju/ !   
numb] ( /&>d appeals decid$ = ea* fully 
develop$ appeal "u clause 7i77,,iii7 if 
! ,bo>d det]m9es t su* adju/m5t is fair 
= bo? /&>d appeals & fully develop$     
appeals4  7,c7 ,limitation on use ( new 
evid5ce  7i7 ,9 g5]al ,except z provid$ 
by clauses 7ii7 & 7iii7-- 7,i7 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 p>agraph 7#b77;,d72 
&  7,,ii7 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 p>agraph 7#b77;,d74
  7ii7 ,evid5ce ga!r$ by ,bo>d ,clause  
7i7 %all n apply to evid5ce develop$    
pursuant to subp>agraphs 7,d7 & 7,e74 ,!
 ,bo>d %all consid] su* evid5ce 9 ! fir/
 in/ance )\t consid]ation by ! ,vet]ans 
,b5efits ,adm9i/ration4  7iii7          
,repres5tative ( record ,! 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$ical exam9ations1 ! ,bo>d %all--  
7i7 9 accordance ) subp>agraph 7,e71    
take su* actions z may be necess>y to   
develop su* records1 op9ions1 or        
exam9ations 9 accordance ) section      
#eajc;,a ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates     
,code2  7ii7 reta9 jurisdiction ( !     
fully develop$ appeal )\t requir+ a     
det]m9ation by ! ,vet]ans ,b5efits      
,adm9i/ration bas$ on su* records1      
op9ions1 or exam9ations2  7iii7 ensure !
 claimant1 & ! repres5tative ( record ( 
a claimant1 if any1 receives a copy (   
su* records1 op9ions1 or exam9ations2 & 
7iv7 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 
p>agraph 7#b77;,d74  7,e7 ,developm5t   
unit  7i7 ,e/abli%m5t ,! ,bo>d (        
,vet]ans' ,appeals %all e/abli% an (fice

 to develop ,f$]al records1 indep5d5t   
m$ical op9ions1 & new m$ical exam9ations
 pursuant to subp>agraph 7,d77i7 t !    
,bo>d det]m9es necess>y to decide a     
fully develop$ appeal4  7ii7            
,requirem5ts ,! ,secret>y %all-- 7,i7   
ensure t ! ,vet]ans ,b5efits            
,adm9i/ration coop]ates ) ! ,bo>d (     
,vet]ans' ,appeals 9 c>ry+ out clause   
7i72 &  7,,ii7 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 clause
 7i7 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$ appeals "u ! program4 
,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 p>agraph 7#b77;,d74  7#d7   
,duration2 applicability  7,a7 ,duration
 ,subject to subsection 7c71 ! ,secret>y
 may c>ry out ! program dur+ su* p]iod z
 ! ,secret>y consid]s appropriate4  7,b7
 ,applicability ,?is section %all apply 
only to fully develop$ appeals t are    
fil$ dur+ ! p]iod 9 :i* ! program is    
c>ri$ out pursuant to subp>agraph 7,a74 
7#e7 ,def9itions ,9 ?is subsection3 7,a7
 ,comp5sation ,! t]m comp5sation has !  
mean+ giv5 t t]m 9 section #aja ( title 
#ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code4  7,b7 ,fully  
develop$ appeal ,! t]m fully develop$   
appeal means an appeal ( a claim =      
disability comp5sation t is-- 7i7 fil$  
by a claimant 9 accordance ) p>agraph   
7#b77;,a72 &  7ii7 consid]$ 9 accordance
 ) ?is subsection4  7,c7 ,/&>d appeal ,!
 t]m /&>d appeal means an appeal ( a    
claim = disability comp5sation t is n a 
fully develop$ appeal4  7c7 ,t]m9ation (
 au?ority ,! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans       
,affairs may n c>ry out a program "u ?is
 section aft] ! applicability date set  

=? 9 section #b7x77#a74  #e4 ,p]iodic   
publication ( metrics relat+ to process+
 ( appeals by ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans      
,affairs ,! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans        
,affairs %all p]iodically publi% on an  
,int]net website ( ! ,dep>tm5t (        
,vet]ans ,affairs ! foll[+3  7#a7 ,)    
respect to ! process+ by ! ,secret>y (  
appeals "u ! new appeals sy/em (        
decisions reg>d+ claims = b5efits "u    
laws adm9i/]$ by ! ,secret>y1 ! foll[+3 
7,a7 ,= ! ,vet]ans ,b5efits             
,adm9i/ration &1 to ! ext5t practicable1
 ea* regional (fice ( ! ,dep>tm5t (     
,vet]ans ,affairs1 ! numb] (--  7i7     
supplem5tal claims "u section #eajh (   
title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 z am5d$ 
by section #b7;i71 t are p5d+2 &  7ii7  
reque/s = high]-level review "u section 
#eajd;,b ( su* title1 z add$ by section 
#b7;g71 t are p5d+4  7,b7 ,! numb] (    
appeals on any docket ma9ta9$ "u section
 #gajg ( su* title1 z am5d$ by section  
#b7t71 t are p5d+4  7,c7 ,! av]age      
duration = process+ claims & supplem5tal

 claims1 disaggregat$ by regional (fice4
  7,d7 ,! av]age duration = process+    
reque/s = high]-level review "u section 
#eajd;,b ( su* title1 z add$ by section 
#b7;g71 disaggregat$ by regional (fice4 
7,e7 ,! av]age numb] ( days t appeals   
are p5d+ on a non-he>+ option docket ( !
 ,bo>d ( ,vet]ans' ,appeals ma9ta9$     
pursuant to section #gajg ( su* title1 z
 am5d$ by section #b7t71 & any o!r      
docket ma9ta9$ by ! ,bo>d "u su* section
 t prohibits ! submittal ( additional   
evid5ce4  7,f7 ,! av]age numb] ( days t 
appeals are p5d+ on dockets ma9ta9$ "u  
su* section 9 :i* he>+s are reque/$ or  
submittal ( additional evid5ce is all[$4
  7,g7 ,! av]age numb] ( days t an      
appeal is p5d+ on any o!r docket ma9ta9$
 by ! ,bo>d "u su* section4  7,h7 ,9 !  
case t ! ,secret>y develops & implem5ts 
a policy "u section #gajg7;e7 ( su*     
title1 z am5d$ by section #b7t7--  7i7 !
 numb] ( cases mov$ f "o docket to ano!r
 pursuant to su* policy2  7ii7 ! av]age 
"t cases 7 p5d+ prior to mov+ f "o      

docket to ano!r2 &  7iii7 ! av]age "t to
 adjudicate ! cases aft] s mov+4  7,i7  
,! total numb] ( rem&s to obta9 advisory
 m$ical op9ions "u section #eaji7;d7 (  
title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 z add$  
by section #b7;j74  7,j7 ,! av]age numb]
 ( days betwe5 ! date on :i* ! ,bo>d    
rem&s a claim to obta9 an advisory      
m$ical op9ion "u section #eaji7;d7 ( su*
 title1 z s add$1 & ! date on :i* !     
advisory m$ical op9ion is obta9$4  7,k7 
,! av]age numb] ( days betwe5 ! date on 
:i* ! ,bo>d rem&s a claim to obta9 an   
advisory m$ical op9ion "u section       
#eaji7;d7 ( su* title1 z s add$1 & !    
date on :i* ! ag5cy ( orig9al           
jurisdiction issues a decision tak+ t   
advisory op9ion into acc\nt4  7,l7 ,!   
numb] ( appeals t are grant$1 ! numb] ( 
appeals t are rem&$1 & ! numb] ( appeals
 t are d5i$ by ! ,bo>d disaggregat$ by  
docket4  7,m7 ,! numb] ( claimants ea*  
ye> t take action )9 ! p]iod set =? 9   
section #eaaj7;a77#b7 ( su* title1 z    
add$ by section #b7l71 to protect _!    

effective date "u su* section           
#eaaj7;a77#b71 disaggregat$ by ! /atus (
 ! claimants tak+ ! actions1 su* z :e!r 
! claimant is repres5t$ by a vet]ans    
s]vice organization1 ! claimant is      
repres5t$ by an attorney1 or ! claimant 
is tak+ su* action pro se4  7,n7 ,!     
total numb] ( times on av]age ea*       
claimant files "u section #eaaj7;a77#b7 
( su* title1 z s add$1 to protect _!    
effective date "u su* section1          
disaggregat$ by ! subp>agraph ( su*     
section "u :i* !y file4  7,o7 ,! av]age 
duration1 f ! fil+ ( an initial claim   
until ! claim is resolv$ & claimants no 
long] take any action to protect _!     
effective date "u section #eaaj7;a77#b7 
( su* title1 z s add$--  7i7 ( claims "u
 ! new appeals sy/em1 exclud+ legacy    
claims t opt 9 to ! new appeals sy/em2 &
  7ii7 ( legacy claims t opt 9 to ! new 
appeals sy/em4  7,p7 ,h[ frequ5tly an   
action tak5 )9 "o ye> to protect an     
effective date "u section #eaaj7;a77#b7 
( su* title1 z s add$1 leads to         

additional grant ( b5efits1 disaggregat$
 by action tak54  7,q7 ,! av]age ( h[   
long x takes to complete ea* segm5t ( ! 
claims process :ile claimants are       
protect+ ! effective date "u su*        
section1 disaggregat$ by ! "t wait+ = ! 
claimant to take an action & ! "t wait+ 
= ! ,secret>y to take an action4  7,r7  
,! numb] & ! av]age am\nt ( retroactive 
aw>ds ( b5efits f ! ,secret>y z a result
 ( protect$ effective dates "u su*      
section1 disaggregat$ by action tak54   
7,s7 ,! av]age numb] ( times claimants  
submit to ! ,secret>y diff]5t claims )  
respect to same condition1 su* z an     
initial claim & a supplem5tal claim4    
7,t7 ,! numb] ( cases ea* ye> 9 :i* a   
claimant inappropriately tri$ to take   
simultane\s actions1 su* z fil+ a       
supplem5tal claim :ile a high]-level    
review is p5d+1 :at actions ! ,secret>y 
took 9 response1 & h[ long x took on    
av]age to take ^? actions4  7,u7 ,9 !   
case t ! ,secret>y develops & implem5ts 
a policy "u section #eajd;,c7a77#b77;,d7

 ( su* title1 z am5d$ by section        
#b7;h77#a71 ! numb] ( actions )drawn &  
new actions tak5 pursuant to su* policy4
  7,v7 ,! numb] ( times ! ,secret>y     
receiv$ evid5ce relat+ to an appeal or  
high]-level review at a "t n au?oriz$ "u
 ! new appeals sy/em1 disaggregat$ by   
actions tak5 by ! ,secret>y to deal ) ! 
evid5ce & h[ long on av]age x took to   
take ^? actions4  7,w7 ,! numb] ( errors
 committ$ by ! ,secret>y 9 c>ry+ out !  
,secret>y's duty to assi/ "u section    
#eajc;,a ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates     
,code1 t 7 id5tifi$ by high]-level      
review & by ! ,bo>d1 disaggregat$ by    
type ( error1 su* z errors relat+ to    
private records & inadequate            
exam9ations1 & a comp>ison ) errors     
committ$ by ! ,secret>y 9 c>ry+ out su* 
duty ) respect to appeals ( decisions on
 legacy claims4  7,x7 ,an assessm5t ( ! 
productivity ( employees at ! regional  
(fices & at ! ,bo>d1 disaggregat$ by    
level ( exp]i5ce ( ! employees4  7#b7 ,)
 respect to ! process+ by ! ,secret>y ( 

appeals ( decisions on legacy claims1 ! 
foll[+3  7,a7 ,! av]age duration ( ea*  
segm5t ( ! appeals process1 disaggregat$
 by p]iods 9 :i* ! ,secret>y is wait+ = 
a claimant to take an action & p]iods 9 
:i* ! claimant is wait+ = ! ,secret>y to
 take an action4  7,b7 ,! frequ5cy by   
:i* appeals lead to additional grant (  
b5efits by ! ,secret>y1 disaggregat$ by 
:e!r ! additional b5efits are a result (
 additional evid5ce add$ aft] ! initial 
decision4  7,c7 ,! numb] & av]age am\nt 
( retroactive aw>ds ( b5efits result+ f 
an appeal4  7,d7 ,! av]age duration f   
fil+ a legacy claim ) ! ,secret>y until 
all appeals & rem&s relat+ to su* legacy
 claim are complet$4  7,e7 ,! av]age    
numb] ( times claimants submit to !     
,secret>y diff]5t claims ) respect to   
same condition1 su* z an initial claim1 
new & mat]ial evid5ce1 or a claim = an  
increase 9 b5efits4  7,f7 ,an assessm5t 
( ! productivity ( employees at !       
regional (fices & at ! ,bo>d1           
disaggregat$ by level ( exp]i5ce ( !    

employees4  7,g7 ,! av]age numb] ( days 
! duration ( an appeal is ext5d$ because
 ! ,secret>y secur$ or attempt$ to      
secure an advisory m$ical op9ion "u     
section #eaji ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates
 ,code1 or section #gaji ( su* title 7z 
9 effect on ! day be=e ! date ( !       
enactm5t ( ?is ,act74  7#c7 ,) respect  
to ! process+ by ! ,secret>y ( appeals (
 decisions on legacy claims t opt 9 to !
 new appeals sy/em1 ! foll[+3  7,a7 ,!  
cumulative numb] ( su* legacy claims4   
7,b7 ,! portion ( "w 9 ! new appeals    
sy/em attributable to appeals (         
decisions on su* legacy claims4  7,c7 ,!
 av]age p]iod su* legacy claims 7 p5d+  
be=e opt+ 9 to ! new appeals sy/em & !  
av]age p]iod requir$ to adjudicate su*  
legacy claims on av]age aft] opt+ 9--   
7i7 ) respect to claims at a regional   
(fice ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs1
 disaggregat$ by--  7,i7 supplem5tal    
claims "u section #eajh ( title #ch1    
,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 z am5d$ by section 
#b7;i72 &  7,,ii7 reque/s = high]-level 

review "u section #eajd;,b ( su* title1 
z add$ by section #b7;g72 &  7ii7 )     
respect to appeals1 disaggregat$ by     
docket ( ! ,bo>d ma9ta9$ "u section     
#gajg ( su* title1 z am5d$ by section   
#b7t74  #f4 ,def9itions ,9 ?is ,act3    
7#a7 ,claimant ,! t]m claimant has !    
mean+ giv5 su* t]m 9 section #eajj (    
title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code4  7#b7   
,legacy claims ,! t]m legacy claim means
 a claim-- 7,a7 t 0 submitt$ to !       
,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs = a b5efit
 "u a law adm9i/]$ by ! ,secret>y2 &    
7,b7 = :i* notice ( a decision "u       
section #eajd ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates
 ,code1 0 provid$ by ! ,secret>y be=e ! 
date set =? 9 section #b7x74  7#c7 ,opt 
9 ,! t]m opt 9 means1 ) respect to a    
legacy claim ( a claimant1 t ! claimant 
elects to subject ! claim to ! new      
appeals sy/em pursuant to--  7,a7       
section #b7x77#c72 or  7,b7 su* o!r     
me*anism z ! ,secret>y may prescribe =  
purposes ( c>ry+ out ?is ,act & !       
am5dm5ts made by ?is ,act4  7#d7 ,new   

appeals sy/em ,! t]m new appeals sy/em  
means ! set ( processes & me*anisms by  
:i* ! ,secret>y processes1 pursuant to !
 au?orities & requirem5ts modifi$ by    
section #b1 claims = b5efits "u laws    
adm9i/]$ by ! ,secret>y4