,,ib ,union ,cal5d> ,no4 #edi #aai?     
,,congress  #b;d ,session  ,h4 ,r4 #bacg
 ,report ,no4 #aai-fcc ,,9 ,,! ,,h\se   
,,( ,,repres5tatives  ,m>* #ad1         
#bjbe,mr4 ,luttrell 7= himself1 ,mr4    
,mc,garvey1 ,mr4 ,web] ( ,texas1 & ,mr4 
,pflug]7 introduc$ ! foll[+ bill2 :i* 0 
ref]r$ to ! ,committee on ,vet]ans'     
,affairs  ,may #d1 #bjbf;,additional    
sponsors3 ,mr4 ,mills1 ,mr4 ,v9dman1    
,mr4 ,neguse1 ,mr4 ,?ompson ( ,cali=nia1
 ,mrs4 ,kiggans ( ,virg9ia1 & ,mr4      
,h]nndez  ,may #d1 #bjbf,report$ ) an   
am5dm5t1 committ$ to ! ,committee ( !   
,:ole ,h\se on ! ,/ate ( ! ,union1 &    
ord]$ to be printed,strike out all aft] 
! enact+ clause & ins]t ! "p pr9t$ 9    
italic,for text ( introduc$ bill1 see   
copy ( bill z introduc$ on ,m>* #ad1    
#bjbe  ,a ,,bill  ,to am5d title #ch1   
,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 to limit ! au?ority
 ( ! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs to   
d5y ! claim ( a vet]an = b5efits "u !   
laws adm9i/]$ by su* ,secret>y on ! sole
 basis t su* vet]an fail$ to appe> = a  

m$ical exam9ation associat$ ) su* claim4
  #a4 ,%ort title ,?is ,act may be cit$ 
z ! ,review ,e ,vet]ans ,claim ,act (   
#bjbe4  #b4 ,prohibition on d5ial (     
claims = b5efits "u laws adm9i/]$ by    
,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs on sole   
basis t vet]an fail$ to appe> = c]ta9   
m$ical exam9ation ,subsection 7d7 (     
section #eajc;,a ( title #ch1 ,unit$    
,/ates ,code1 is am5d$-- 7#a7 9 ! head+1
 by /rik+ comp5sation claims & ins]t+   
claims = b5efits2  7#b7 9 p>agraph 7#b71
 by /rik+ treat an exam9ation or op9ion 
z be+ necess>y to make a decision on a  
claim = purposes ( & ins]t+ provide = a 
m$ical exam9ation or obta9 a m$ical     
op9ion "u2 &  7#c7 by add+ at ! end !   
foll[+ new p>agraph3  7#c7 ,if a vet]an 
fails to appe> = a m$ical exam9ation    
provid$ by ! ,secret>y 9 conjunction ) a
 claim = a b5efit "u a law adm9i/]$ by !
 ,secret>y1 ! ,secret>y may n d5y su*   
claim on ! sole basis t su* vet]an fail$
 to appe> = su* m$ical exam9ation4  4   
#c4 ,improvem5ts to effici5cy (         

adjudications & appeals ( claims =      
b5efits "u laws adm9i/]$ by ,secret>y ( 
,vet]ans ,affairs  7a7 ,annual report on
 l5g? ( adjudications  7#a7 ,9 g5]al    
,section #eaji;,b ( title #ch1 ,unit$   
,/ates ,code1 is am5d$-- 7,a7 by /rik+  
,! ,secret>y & ins]t+ 7a7 ,9 g5]al4--,! 
,secret>y2 &  7,b7 by add+ at ! end !   
foll[+ new subsection3  7b7 ,annual     
report ,! ,secret>y %all submit to !    
,committees on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( !   
,h\se ( ,repres5tatives & ! ,s5ate an   
annual report t includes1 ) respect to !
 p]iod cov]$ by ! report-- 7#a7 ! av]age
 l5g? ( "t a claim 7or an issue )9 a    
claim7 t 0 rem&$ by ! ,bo>d ( ,vet]ans' 
,appeals 0 or has be5 p5d+ be=e !       
,secret>y aft] su* rem&2  7#b7 ! numb] (
 cases t advanc$ on ! docket by reason (
 a motion t 0 fil$ "u section #gajg7;b7 
( ?is title & on :i* ! ,bo>d rul$1      
disaggregat$ by-- 7,a7 :e!r a motion 0  
grant$ or d5i$2 &  7,b7 ! reason provid$
 = ! motion2 &  7#c7 ! numb] ( appeals  
dismiss$ by ! ,bo>d1 disaggregat$ by--  

7,a7 :e!r or n ! dismissal 0 by reason (
 ! dea? ( ! appellant2 &  7,b7 9 ! case 
( a dismissal by reason ( ! dea? ( !    
appellant1 :e!r or n su* dea? 0 a result
 ( suicide4  4  7#b7 ,deadl9e ,!        
,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs %all      
submit ! fir/ report requir$ by         
subsection 7b7 ( section #eaji;,b ( su* 
title 7z add$ by p>agraph 7#a77 by n    
lat] ?an "o ye> aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t
 ( ?is ,act4  7b7 ,guidel9es =          
advancem5t ( cases on docket ( ,bo>d ,n 
lat] ?an "o ye> aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t
 ( ?is ,act1 ! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans     
,affairs1 9 consultation ) ! ,bo>d (    
,vet]ans' ,appeals & ! ,g5]al ,c\nsel ( 
! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs1 %all   
prescribe guidel9es = ! advancem5t ( a  
case on ! docket ( ! ,bo>d on a motion =
 e>li] consid]ation & det]m9ation "u    
section #gajg7;b77#c7 ( title #ch1      
,unit$ ,/ates ,code4 ,su* guidel9es %all
 include ! type ( evid5ce t may be      
submitt$ ) ! motion = ! advancem5t ( !  
case to %[ gr\nds = su* a motion4  7c7  

,requirem5t ,to track c]ta9 claims =    
b5efits  7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,*apt] #ea (     
title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$
 by ins]t+ aft] section #eaji;,b !      
foll[+ new section3  #eaji;,c4          
,requirem5t to track & ma9ta9 in=mation 
on c]ta9 claims = b5efits2 notice (     
c]ta9 assignm5ts  7a7 ,9 g5]al ,!       
,secret>y %all use te*nology to track & 
ma9ta9 in=mation 7includ+ in=mation )   
respect to timel9ess7 on-- 7#a7 claims =
 b5efits "u ! laws adm9i/]$ by !        
,secret>y 7includ+ issues )9 su* claims7
 t are-- 7,a7 cont9u\sly pursu$ 9       
accordance )-- 7i7 sections #eajd;,c7a7 
& #eaaj7;a77#b7 ( ?is title2 or  7ii7   
any o!r policy e/abli%$ by ! ,secret>y2 
7,b7 fil$ 9 ! ,national ,"w ,queue 7or  
any successor sy/em7 b h n be5 assign$  
to an (fice ( ! ,vet]ans ,b5efits       
,adm9i/ration = adjudication2  7,c7     
af=d$ exp$iti\s treatm5t by ! ,vet]ans  
,b5efits ,adm9i/ration pursuant to      
section #eaji;,b ( ?is title or any o!r 
policy e/abli%$ by ! ,secret>y2  7,d7   

rem&$ by ! ,bo>d ( ,vet]ans' ,appeals to
 ! ,secret>y pursuant to section #gajd (
 ?is title2 or  7,e7 p5d+ a he>+ by !   
,bo>d ( ,vet]ans' ,appeals "u section   
#gajg ( ?is title2  7#b7 in/ances 9 :i* 
an adjudicator ( ! ,vet]ans ,b5efits    
,adm9i/ration does n comply ) a relevant
 decision ( ! ,bo>d ( ,vet]ans' ,appeals
 to rem& a claim = b5efits "u ! laws    
adm9i/]$ by ! ,secret>y 7or an issue )9 
su* a claim71 includ+ any su* in/ance 9 
:i* ! relevant decision conc]n$ a       
failure on ! "p ( ! ag5cy ( orig9al     
jurisdiction to satisfy ! duty ( !      
,secret>y to assi/ "u section #eajc;,a (
 ?is title2  7#c7 supplem5tal claims "u 
section #eajh ( ?is title t are fil$--  
7,a7 9 accordance ) section #eajd;,c7a7 
& section #eaaj7;a77#b7 ( ?is title2 &  
7,b7 aft] ! date ( ! applicable f9al    
decision ( ! ,secret>y ) respect to a   
claim = b5efits "u ! laws adm9i/]$ by ! 
,secret>y 7or an issue )9 su* a claim72 
&  7#d7 fir/ notices submitt$ to !      
,secret>y ( ! dea? ( individuals 9      

receipt ( b5efits "u ! laws adm9i/]$ by 
! ,secret>y1 disaggregat$ by su*        
individuals :o 7-- 7,a7 assign$ a       
fiduci>y2 &  7,b7 n assign$ a fiduci>y4 
7b7 ,annual report  7#a7 ,! ,secret>y   
%all submit to ! ,committees on         
,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,h\se (          
,repres5tatives & ! ,s5ate an annual    
report t includes all in=mation ma9ta9$ 
& track$ pursuant to subsection 7a74    
7#b7 ,! fir/ report requir$ by p>agraph 
7#a7 %all be submitt$ by n lat] ?an "o  
ye> aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( !        
,vet]ans ,appeals ,effici5cy ,act (     
#bjbe4  4  7#b7 ,cl]ical am5dm5t ,!     
table ( sections at ! beg9n+ ( su* *apt]
 is am5d$ by ins]t+ aft] ! item relat+  
to section #eaji;,b ! foll[+ new item3  
#eaji;,c4 ,requirem5t to track & ma9ta9 
in=mation on c]ta9 claims = b5efits2    
notice ( c]ta9 assignm5ts4  4  7d7      
,improvem5ts to ,bo>d ( ,vet]ans'       
,appeals  7#a7 ,au?ority to aggregate   
c]ta9 claims  7,a7 ,9 g5]al ,section    
#gajd7;a7 ( su* title is am5d$ by ins]t+

 aft] ! second s5t5ce ! foll[+ new      
s5t5ce3 ,if ! ,*airman ( ! ,bo>d        
det]m9es t m ?an "o appeal involves     
common que/ions ( law or fact1 !        
,*airman may aggregate su* appeals to   
decide su* que/ions ( law or fact44     
7,b7 ,effective date ,! am5dm5t made by 
subp>agraph 7,a7 %all take effect on !  
date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act & apply    
beg9n+ on ! date on :i* ! ,secret>y (   
,vet]ans ,affairs completes ! developm5t
 ( ! policies & proc$ures requir$ "u    
subsection 7g77#d77;,a77ii74  7#b7      
,requirem5t to ensure sub/antial        
compliance ) c]ta9 decisions ,su*       
section is fur!r am5d$-- 7,a7 by        
r$esignat+ subsection 7f7 z subsection  
7g72 &  7,b7 by ins]t+ aft] subsection  
7e7 ! foll[+ new subsection 7f73  7f7   
7#a7 ,! ,secret>y1 act+ ?r\gh a memb] ( 
! ,bo>d1 %all ensure sub/antial         
compliance ) any decision ( ! ,bo>d to  
rem& a claim4  7#b7 ,! ag5cy ( orig9al  
adjudication may waive ! requirem5t "u  
p>agraph 7#a7 ) respect to a decision ( 

! ,bo>d to rem& a claim to ! ,secret>y1 
if a memb] ( ! ,bo>d det]m9es-- 7,a7    
evid5ce add$ to ! evid5ti>y record aft] 
! date ( su* decision is suffici5t to   
resolve ! issues und]ly+ su* decision2  
or  7,b7 su* decision 0 unnecess>y4     
7#c7 ,if ! ,secret>y waives su*         
requirem5t1 ! applicable memb] ( ! ,bo>d
 %all include1 pursuant to subsection   
7d71 a det]m9ation ( su* waiv] 9 !      
decision ( ! ,bo>d4  4  7#c7 ,def9ition 
( aggregate2 report ,su* section is     
fur!r am5d$ by add+ at ! end ! foll[+   
new subsections3  7h7 ,n lat] ?an five  
ye>s aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( !       
,vet]ans ,appeals ,effici5cy ,act (     
#bjbe1 & e five ye>s !reaft]1 !         
,secret>y %all submit to ! ,committees  
on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,s5ate & ,h\se
 ( ,repres5tatives a report on !        
aggregation ( claims by ! ,bo>d "u      
subsection 7a74 ,ea* su* report %all    
include-- 7#a7 an id5tification ( ea*   
in/ance 9 :i* ! ,bo>d aggregat$ appeals 
dur+ ! p]iod cov]$ by ! report1 includ+1

 = ea* su* in/ance1 ! numb] ( appeals t 
7 aggregat$2  7#b7 an assessm5t ( :e!r !
 aggregation ( appeals has contribut$ to
 improv$ effici5cy at ! ,bo>d ) issu+   
decisions on appeals2 &  7#c7 su* o!r   
matt]s z ! ,secret>y det]m9es           
appropriate4  7i7 ,9 ?is section1 ! t]m 
aggregate-- 7#a7 means any practice or  
proc$ure to collect common issues1      
claims1 or appeals by multiple p>ties = 
! purposes ( resolv+ su* issues1 claims1
 or appeals2 &  7#b7 includes ! use (   
jo9d]1 consolidation1 int]v5tion1 class 
actions1 & any o!r multip>ty proce$+s4  
4  7e7 ,expansion ( jurisdiction ( ,c\rt
 ( ,appeals = ,vet]ans ,claims ,section 
#gbeb ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 
is am5d$-- 7#a7 by r$esignat+           
subsections 7b7 & 7c7 z subsections 7d7 
& 7e71 respectively2 &  7#b7 by ins]t+  
aft] subsection 7a7 ! foll[+ new        
subsections3  7b7 7#a7 7,a7 ,9 a cov]$  
proce$+ 9 :i* ! appellant or petition]  
files a reque/ = class c]tification     
pursuant to ! rules prescrib$ by ! ,c\rt

 pursuant to section #gbfd ( ?is title1 
! ,c\rt %all h supplem5tal jurisdiction 
ov] any claim = b5efits "u ! laws       
adm9i/]$ by ! ,secret>y-- 7i7 t         
satisfies ! def9ition ( ! class conta9$ 
9 ! reque/ = class c]tification2 &  7ii7
 = :i* ! ag5cy ( orig9al jurisdiction   
has issu$ a nonf9al decision & !        
claimant has fil$ a notice ( disagreem5t
 "u section #eajd;,c7a7 or section #gaje
 ( ?is title1 includ+ any case 9 :i* a  
claimant has fil$ a supplem5tal claim )9
 "o ye> ( a ,bo>d decision "u section   
#eaaj7;a77#b77;,d7 & #eajh ( ?is title  
foll[+ a notice ( disagreem5t & decision
 ( ! ,bo>d4  7,b7 ,= purposes (         
subp>agraph 7,a7-- 7i7 a cov]$ proce$+  
means an appeal ov] :i* ! ,c\rt has     
jurisdiction pursuant to section #gbff (
 ?is title2 &  7ii7 ! def9ition ( !     
class conta9$ 9 ! reque/ = class        
c]tification includes claimants :o h    
fil$ or w file a claim = b5efits "u !   
laws adm9i/]$ by ! ,secret>y specifi$ 9 
su* reque/ = class c]tification4  7#b7  

,a claimant may submit a reque/ =       
adm9i/rative review ( su* a claim "u    
section #eajd;,c7a7 ( ?is title dur+ !  
p]iod beg9n+ on ! date on :i* ! nam$    
claimant ( ! motion = class action      
review submits to ! ,c\rt a motion =    
class action review & end+ on ! date t  
is #fj days aft] ! lat] ( ! foll[+      
dates3 7,a7 ,! date on :i* ! ,c\rt      
issues a f9al decision ) respect to su* 
claim4  7,b7 ,! date on :i* ! ,c\rt     
issues a f9al decision ) respect to su* 
motion = class action review4  7#c7 ,9 !
 case ( a claimant ^: claim is decid$ by
 ! ,bo>d dur+ ! p]iod :5 ! ,c\rt is     
review+ ! motion = class action review !
 deadl9e = su* claimant to file an      
appeal to ! ,c\rt ) respect to !        
decision ( ! ,bo>d %all be toll$ if !   
,c\rt d5ies ! motion = class action     
review4  7c7 7#a7 ,9 ! case ( a claim = 
b5efits "u ! laws adm9i/]$ by !         
,secret>y1 ! ,c\rt may rem& a matt] to !
 ,bo>d ( ,vet]ans' ,appeals = ! limit$  
purpose ( ord]+ ! ,bo>d to address a "q 

( law or fact if ! ,c\rt det]m9es !     
,bo>d fail$ to-- 7,a7 address1 9 !      
relevant decision ( ! ,bo>d1 an issue   
t-- 7i7 ! claimant or ! repres5tative ( 
! claimant rais$2 or  7ii7 0 reasonably 
rais$ by ! evid5ti>y record ( ! claim2  
or  7,b7 provide adequate reasons or    
bases = ! decision ( ! ,bo>d ) respect  
to su* "q4  7#b7 ,! ,c\rt %all issue    
,rules t provide = ea* ( ! foll[+3 7,a7 
,:5 & h[ a p>ty to an appeal 7ei!r !    
appellant or ! ,secret>y7 may reque/ t !
 ,c\rt issue a limit$ rem&4  7,b7 ,!    
p]iod ( "t )9 :i* ! ,bo>d is requir$    
issue a decision on ! relevant "q       
id5tifi$ 9 a limit$ rem&4  7,c7         
,guidel9es = :5 ! ,c\rt may grant a     
reque/ = a limit$ rem&4  7,d7 ,guidel9es
 = :5 ! ,c\rt may decide sua sponte to  
issue a limit$ rem& )\t a reque/ f any  
p>ty4  7,e7 ,a requirem5t t ! p>ties to 
an appeal = :i* a limit$ rem& is issu$  
provide notice to ! ,c\rt :5 ! ,bo>d    
issues its decision on ! relevant "q    
id5tifi$ 9 ! limit$ rem&4  7#c7 ,)      

respect to any matt] rem&$ to ! ,bo>d   
pursuant to p>agraph 7#a71 ! ,c\rt      
%all-- 7,a7 reta9 jurisdiction ov] su*  
matt]2 &  7,b7 /ay ! proce$+s ( ! ,c\rt 
on su* matt] until ! date on :i* ! ,bo>d
 issues ! decision requir$ by su* rem&4 
4  7f7 ,/udy & report on common que/ions
 ( law or fact be=e ,bo>d ( ,vet]ans'   
,appeals  7#a7 ,/udy ,! ,*airman ( !    
,bo>d ( ,vet]ans' ,appeals %all c>ry out
 a /udy to id5tify que/ions ( law or    
fact ! ,bo>d commonly consid]s :5       
review+ appeals pursuant to section     
#gajd ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 
= :i* prec$5tial guidance w\ld assi/ !  
,bo>d 9 issu+ f9al decisions on su*     
appeals4 ,! ,*airman may use artificial 
intellig5ce & o!r te*nology 9 c>ry+ out 
su* /udy4  7#b7 ,report ,n lat] ?an "o  
ye> aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act1
 ! ,*airman ( ! ,bo>d ( ,vet]ans        
,appeals %all submit to ! ,committees on
 ,vet]ans ,affairs ( ! ,h\se (          
,repres5tatives & ! ,s5ate a report t   
includes ! f9d+s ( ! /udy requir$ by    

p>agraph 7#a74  7g7 ,indep5d5t assessm5t
 ( pot5tial modifications to au?ority ( 
,bo>d ( ,vet]ans' ,appeals  7#a7        
,agreem5t ,n lat] ?an #cj days aft] !   
date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act1 !         
,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs %all seek 
to ent] into an agreem5t ) an ,,ffrdc "u
 :i* ! ,,ffrdc %all conduct an assessm5t
 ( ! feasibility ( modify+ ! au?ority ( 
! ,bo>d ( ,vet]ans' ,appeals e/abli%$ "u
 *apt] #ga ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates   
,code1 to p]mit ! ,bo>d to issue        
prec$5tial decisions ) respect to       
que/ions ( law or fact aris+ 9 matt]s   
be=e ! ,bo>d4  7#b7 ,report2 brief+s ,if
 ! ,secret>y fails to f9alize an        
agreem5t ) an ,,ffrdc "u p>agraph 7#a7  
be=e ! date t is #ahj days aft] ! date  
on :i* ! ,secret>y ent]s negotiations ) 
respect to su* agreem5t1 ! ,secret>y    
%all-- 7,a7 submit to ! ,committees on  
,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,h\se (          
,repres5tatives & ! ,s5ate a report t   
includes-- 7i7 an explanation ( !       
reasons ! ,secret>y fail$ to satisfy su*

 requirem5t2 &  7ii7 an e/imate ( ! date
 on :i* ! ,secret>y w f9alize ! agreem5t
 "u p>agraph 7#a72 &  7,b7 n less       
frequ5tly ?an once e #fj days aft] !    
date on :i* ! ,secret>y fail$ to satisfy
 su* requirem5t1 provide to !           
,committees on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( !   
,h\se ( ,repres5tatives & ! ,s5ate a    
brief+ on ! progress ( ! ,secret>y t[>d 
f9aliz+ su* agreem5t4  7#c7 ,assessm5t  
,an ,,ffrdc t ent]s into an agreem5t "u 
subsection 7a7 %all1 9 consultation )   
vet]ans s]vice organizations1 vet]ans' &
 survivors' advocate gr\ps1 relevant    
legal exp]ts1 & ! ,*air ( !             
,adm9i/rative ,conf]5ce ( ! ,unit$      
,/ates 7or ! designee or designees ( su*
 ,*air7 submit to ! ,secret>y a writt5  
assessm5t t includes ! foll[+3 7,a7 ,!  
det]m9ation ( ! ,,ffrdc ( :e!r modify+ !
 au?ority ( ! ,bo>d to p]mit ! ,bo>d to 
issue prec$5tial decisions ) respect to 
que/ions ( law or fact aris+ 9 matt]s   
be=e ! ,bo>d is feasible4  7,b7 ,an     
assessm5t ( ! au?ority ( ! ,bo>d (      

,vet]ans' ,appeals to aggregate1 =      
review1 m ?an "o appeal "u *apt] #ga (  
su* title t involves common que/ions (  
law or fact pursuant to section #gajd ( 
su* title1 z am5d$ by subsection        
7d77#a74  7,c7 ,! recomm5dations ( !    
,,ffrdc ) respect to rules or pr9ciples 
to :i* ! ,bo>d %\ld adh]e :5 aggregat+  
appeals = review pursuant to section    
#gajd7;a7 ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates    
,code1 z s am5d$4  7#d7 ,report2        
implem5tation  7,a7 ,9 g5]al ,n lat] ?an
 #ij days aft] ! ,secret>y receives !   
assessm5t "u subsection 7b71 ! ,secret>y
 %all-- 7i7 submit to ! ,committees on  
,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,s5ate & ,h\se ( 
,repres5tatives a copy ( su* assessm5t2 
&  7ii7 beg9 develop+ policies &        
proc$ures to implem5t ! recomm5dations 9
 ! assessm5t ) respect to ! au?ority ( !
 ,bo>d ( ,vet]ans' ,appeals ref]r$ to 9 
p>agraph 7#b77;,b74  7,b7 ,deadl9e ,!   
,secret>y %all complete ! developm5t ( !
 policies & proc$ures requir$ "u        
subp>agraph 7,a77ii7 by n lat] ?an six  

mon?s aft] ! date on :i* ! ,secret>y    
beg9s develop+ su* policies & proc$ures4
  7#e7 ,def9itions ,9 ?is subsection3   
7,a7 ,! t]m ,,ffrdc means a f$]ally     
fund$ rese>* & developm5t c5t]4  7,b7 ,!
 t]m vet]ans s]vice organization means  
an organization recogniz$ by ! ,secret>y
 = ! repres5tation ( vet]ans "u section 
#eijb ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code4 
#d4 ,improvem5ts to sy/em = adjudication
 ( claims = b5efits "u laws adm9i/]$ by 
,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs  7a7      
,program = quality assurance 9 decisions
 ( ,bo>d ( ,vet]ans' ,appeals2 p]=mance 
reviews  7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,section #gaja ( 
title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$
 by add+ at ! end ! foll[+ new          
subsection3  7f7 7#a7 ,! ,*airman %all  
c>ry out a program to ensure quality 9 !
 decisions ( ! ,bo>d4 ,"u su* program1 !
 ,*airman %all-- 7,a7 develop policies &
 proc$ures =-- 7i7 measur+ quality 9 su*
 decisions2  7ii7 ma9ta9+ data &        
id5tify+ tr5ds ) respect to-- 7,i7      
errors 9 su* decisions2  7,,ii7 errors 9

 decisions rem&$ or return$ to ! ,bo>d  
by ! ,c\rt ( ,appeals = ,vet]ans        
,claims2 &  7,,iii7 specific memb]s ( ! 
,bo>d t issu$ decisions t 7 subsequ5tly 
vacat$ by ! ,c\rt ( ,appeals = ,vet]ans 
,claims2 &  7iii7 ensur+ any su*        
decision ( ! ,bo>d to rem& a claim = a  
b5efit "u a law adm9i/]$ by ! ,secret>y 
is necess>y "u any applicable law or    
regulation2  7,b7 ) respect to a claim =
 su* a b5efit t is rem&$ to ! ,bo>d by !
 ,c\rt ( ,appeals = ,vet]ans ,claims--  
7i7 in=m any employee ( ! ,bo>d         
responsible = draft+ ! decision ( !     
,bo>d ) respect to su* claim t su*      
decision 0 rem&$2  7ii7 provide any su* 
employee ) a copy ( ! relevant ord] ( ! 
,c\rt ( ,appeals = ,vet]ans ,claims     
7includ+ a copy ( any accompany+ jo9t   
motion = rem&72 &  7iii7 provide        
inc5tives to su* employees to review su*
 relevant ord]s & jo9t motions = rem&2 &
  7,c7 ensure1 to ! maximum ext5t       
practicable1 t any error id5tifi$ by !  
,bo>d "u su* program is correct$ be=e ! 

date on :i* ! ,bo>d issues ! f9al       
decision associat$ ) su* error4  7#b7 ,9
 develop+ policies & proc$ures to       
measure quality 9 decisions ( ! ,bo>d   
pursuant to clause 7i7 ( subp>agraph    
7,a7 ( p>agraph 7#a71 ! ,*airman %all   
consid] ! data & tr5ds ma9ta9$ &        
id5tifi$ pursuant to clause 7ii7 ( su*  
subp>agraph4  7#c7 ,! ,*airman may use  
te*nology1 includ+ artificial           
intellig5ce1 to ma9ta9 su* data &       
id5tify su* tr5ds4  7#d7 ,! ,secret>y   
%all submit to ! ,committees on         
,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,h\se (          
,repres5tatives & ! ,s5ate an annual    
report on ! program requir$ by ?is      
subsection t includes1 ) respect to !   
p]iod cov]$ by ! report1 an             
id5tification (-- 7,a7 elem5ts1 if any (
 ! process ( ! ,bo>d = review+ an appeal
 "u ?is *apt] t lead to errors 9        
decisions ( ! ,bo>d2 &  7,b7 ! mo/      
common reasons t a claim = a b5efit "u a
 law adm9i/]$ by ! ,secret>y 0 rem&$ to 
su* ,bo>d by ! ,c\rt ( ,appeals =       

,vet]ans ,claims4  4  7#b7 ,deadl9e ,!  
,secret>y %all submit ! fir/ report     
requir$ by p>agraph 7#b7 ( su* section  
7z add$ by p>agraph 7#a77 by n lat] ?an 
"o ye> aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is   
,act4  7b7 ,tra9+ program = c]ta9       
employees ( ,bo>d ( ,vet]ans' ,appeals2 
p]=mance reviews  7#a7 ,tra9+ program   
7,a7 ,9 g5]al ,*apt] #ga ( su* title 7z 
am5d$ by subsection 7a77 is fur!r am5d$ 
by ins]t+ aft] section #gaja;,a ! foll[+
 new section3  #gaja;,b4 ,tra9+ program 
= ,memb]s ( ,bo>d on timely & correct   
adjudication ( appeals  7a7 ,9 g5]al ,! 
,secret>y1 9 conjunction ) ! ,*airman ( 
! ,bo>d ( ,vet]ans' ,appeals1 %all      
develop & c>ry out a program to provide 
,memb]s ( ! ,bo>d tra9+ on timely &     
correct adjudication ( appeals "u ?is   
*apt]4  7b7 ,requir$ consid]ations ,9   
c>ry+ out ! program requir$ by          
subsection 7a71 ! ,secret>y %all consid]
 ! foll[+3 7#a7 ,fe$back1 if any1 f     
memb]s ( ! ,bo>d & cov]$ employees )    
respect to su* program4  7#b7 ,data on  

errors 9 decisions ( ! ,bo>d ma9ta9$    
pursuant to ! program = quality         
assurance requir$ by subsection 7f7 (   
section #gaja ( ?is title4  7#c7 ,any   
decision ( ! ,c\rt ( ,appeals = ,vet]ans
 ,claims to rem& a claim = b5efits "u ! 
laws adm9i/]$ by ! ,secret>y to ! ,bo>d 
= fur!r action1 includ+ a jo9t motion to
 rem& su* claim4  7c7 ,assessm5ts (     
effectiv5ess ,! ,secret>y1 9 conjunction
 ) ! ,*airman ( ! ,bo>d ( ,vet]ans'     
,appeals1 %all develop a me?od to       
assess1 on an annual basis1 !           
effectiv5ess ( ! tra9+ program "u ?is   
section4 ,9 develop+ su* me?od1 !       
,secret>y %all consid] be/ practices =  
assess+ ! effectiv5ess ( tra9+ programs1
 includ+ ! ,kirkpatrick evaluation      
model4  7d7 ,report ,! ,secret>y %all   
submit to ! ,committees on ,vet]ans'    
,affairs ( ! ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives & !
 ,s5ate an annual report on ! program   
requir$ by subsection 7a7 t includes1 ) 
respect to ! p]iod cov]$ by ! report--  
7#a7 a /atem5t ( ! topics ( ! tra9+     

provid$ pursuant to ?is section1        
disaggregat$ by-- 7,a7 m&atory tra9+2 & 
7,b7 non-m&atory tra9+2 &  7#b7 !       
results ( ! assessm5t ( ! effectiv5ess (
 su* program requir$ "u subsection 7b74 
7e7 ,cov]$ employee def9$ ,9 ?is        
section1 ! t]m cov]$ employee means an  
employee ( ! ,bo>d :o is-- 7#a7 n a     
memb] ( ! ,bo>d2 &  7#b7 responsible =  
draft+ decisions ( ! ,bo>d4  4  7,b7    
,cl]ical am5dm5t ,! table ( sections at 
! beg9n+ ( su* *apt] is am5d$ by ins]t+ 
aft] ! item relat+ to section #gaja;,a !
 foll[+ new item3  #gaja;,b4 ,tra9+     
program = ,memb]s ( ,bo>d on timely &   
correct adjudication ( appeals4  4  7#b7
 ,p]=mance reviews ( ,memb]s ( ! ,bo>d  
,section #gaja;,a ( su* title 7z am5d$  
by p>agraph 7#a77 is am5d$-- 7,a7 9     
subp>agraph 7,b7 ( subsection 7c77#a7 by
 /rik+ n less (t5 ?an once e ?ree ye>s &
 ins]t+ n less (t5 ?an annually2 &  7,b7
 by add+ at ! end ! foll[+ new          
subsection3  7h7 7#a7 ,) respect to any 
p]=mance review ( a cov]$ employee1 !   

,secret>y may n consid] ! timel9ess or  
quality ( "w ( any ,memb] ( ! ,bo>d4    
7#b7 ,9 ?is subsection1 ! t]m cov]$     
employee has ! mean+ giv5 su* t]m 9     
section #gaja;,b ( ?is title4  4  7c7   
,decisions ( ,bo>d to rem&  7#a7        
,in=mation relat+ to decisions to rem&  
,section #gajd ( su* title is am5d$ 9   
subsection 7d7-- 7,a7 by r$esignat+     
p>agraphs 7#a7 ?r\gh 7#c7 z p>agraphs   
7#b7 ?r\gh 7#d71 respsectively2 &  7,b7 
by ins]t+ be=e p>agraph 7#b7 7z s       
r$esignat$71 ! foll[+ new p>agraph3     
7#a7 ) respect to a claim t ! ,bo>d     
rem&s = fur!r action1 a /atem5t ( !     
specific reasons su* claim 0 rem&$1     
includ+ any failure on ! "p ( !         
,secret>y to comply )-- 7,a7 !          
,secret>y's duty to assi/ "u section    
#eajc;,a ( ?is title2 &  7,b7 !         
,secret>y's duty to notify "u section   
#eajc ( ?is title2  4  7#b7 ,notice (   
rem&$ decision = c]ta9 employees ,su*   
section is fur!r am5d$ 9-- 7,a7         
subsection 7e7-- 7i7 by r$esignat+      

p>agraphs 7#a7 ?r\gh 7#c7 z subp>agraphs
 7,a7 ?r\gh 7,c71 respectively2  7ii7 by
 /rik+ ,aft] & ins]t+ 7#a7 ,aft]2 &     
7iii7 by add+ at ! end ! foll[+ new     
p>agraph3  7#b7 ,if1 pursuant to a      
decision on an appeal1 ! ,bo>d rem&s a  
claim = a b5efit "u a law adm9i/]$ by ! 
,secret>y = fur!r action1 ! ,secret>y   
%all1 to ! maximum ext5t practicable1   
issue a copy ( su* decision to ea*      
employee ( ! ,vet]ans ,b5efits          
,adm9i/ration :o committ$ ! error       
result+ 9 ! decision ( ! ,bo>d to rem&1 
:5 applicable4  2 &  7,b7 9 subsection  
7g71 z r$esignat$ by section            
#c7;d77#b77;,a71 by /rik+ "u subsection 
7e7 & ins]t+ "u p>agraph 7#a7 (         
subsection 7e74  7d7 ,annual reports =  
,bo>d ( ,vet]ans' ,appeals  7#a7 ,9     
g5]al ,*apt] #ga ( title #ch1 ,unit$    
,/ates ,code1 is am5d$ by ins]t+ aft]   
section #gaad ! foll[+ new section3     
#gaae4 ,annual report on ,bo>d (        
,vet]ans' ,appeals ,! ,*airman ( ! ,bo>d
 %all submit to ! ,committees on        

,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,h\se (          
,repres5tatives & ! ,s5ate an annual    
report t includes1 = ea* decision ( !   
,bo>d to rem& a claim = a b5efit "u a   
law adm9i/]$ by ! ,secret>y to !        
,secret>y = fur!r adjudication dur+ !   
p]iod cov]$ by ! report1 a /atem5t ( !  
reasons = su* decision ( ! ,bo>d1       
disaggregat$ by decisions on-- 7#a7     
claims ) a rat+ decision dat$ on or aft]
 ,febru>y #ai1 #bjai2 &  7#b7 claims ) a
 rat+ decision dat$ be=e su* date4  4   
7#b7 ,deadl9es ,! ,secret>y %all submit 
! fir/ reports requir$ by subsections   
7a7 & 7b7 ( section #gaae ( su* title 7z
 add$ by p>agraph 7#a77 by n lat] ?an "o
 ye> aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is     
,act4  7#c7 ,cl]ical am5dm5t ,! table ( 
sections at ! beg9n+ ( su* *apt] is     
am5d$ by ins]t+ aft] ! item relat+ to   
section #gaad ! foll[+ new item3  #gaae4
 ,annual report on ,bo>d ( ,vet]ans'    
,appeals  4  7e7 ,plan = improvem5ts to 
quality 9 decisions ( ,bo>d  7#a7 ,9    
g5]al ,n lat] ?an six mon?s aft] ! date 

( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act1 ! ,secret>y (  
,vet]ans ,affairs1 9 consultation ) !   
,*airman ( ! ,bo>d ( ,vet]ans' ,appeals 
& ! head ( ! ,(fice ( ,adm9i/rative     
,review ( ! ,vet]ans ,b5efits           
,adm9i/ration1 %all develop a plan to-- 
7,a7 improve ! quality ( decisions ( !  
,bo>d to rem&1 pursuant to section #gajd
 ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1      
claims = a b5efit "u a law adm9i/]$ by !
 ,secret>y to ! ,secret>y = fur!r       
action2 &  7,b7 mitigate ! numb] ( su*  
decisions t are unnecess>y "u any       
applicable law or regulation4  7#b7     
,report ,! ,secret>y %all submit to !   
,committees on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( !   
,h\se ( ,repres5tatives & ! ,s5ate a    
report on su* plan by n lat] ?an six    
mon?s aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is    
,act4  #e4 ,notice ( avoidable def]rals 
( claims = b5efits "u laws adm9i/]$ by !
 ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs2 /udy &  
report on c]ta9 op9ions ( ,dep>tm5t (   
,vet]ans ,affairs ,(fice ( ,g5]al       
,c\nsel  7a7 ,notice ( avoidable        

def]rals ,n lat] ?an "o ye> aft] ! date 
( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act1 ! ,secret>y (  
,vet]ans ,affairs %all develop policies1
 proc$ures1 & te*nological capabilities 
to ensure t ea* employee ( ! ,vet]ans   
,b5efits ,adm9i/ration t commits an     
avoidable def]ral ) respect to a claim =
 b5efits "u ! laws adm9i/]$ by !        
,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs 9 !       
,national ,"w ,queue is notifi$ ( any   
avoidable def]rals t su* employee       
commits ) respect to ! same claim4  7b7 
,/udy & report on c]ta9 ,,ogc op9ions   
7#a7 ,/udy ,n lat] ?an "o ye> aft] !    
date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act1 !         
,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs1 9        
consultation ) ! ,(fice ( ! ,g5]al      
,c\nsel ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans        
,affairs & ! ,*airman ( ! ,bo>d (       
,vet]ans' ,appeals1 %all complete a /udy
 to id5tify-- 7,a7 issues ab\t :i* an   
op9ion f ! ,(fice ( ! ,g5]al ,c\nsel ( !
 ,dep>tm5t w\ld fo/] consi/5cy 9 !      
decisions ( ! ,secret>y ) respect to    
claims = b5efits "u ! laws adm9i/]$ by !

 ,secret>y2 &  7,b7 issues rais$ 9      
appeals ( su* decisions to ! ,unit$     
,/ates ,c\rt ( ,appeals = ,vet]ans      
,claims be=e ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is  
,act ab\t :i* ! ,(fice ( ! ,g5]al       
,c\nsel has _h inconsi/5t op9ions 9     
matt]s involv+ sub/antially simil>      
que/ions ( law or fact4  7#b7 ,report ,n
 lat] ?an "o ye> aft] ! date ( !        
enactm5t ( ?is ,act1 ! ,secret>y (      
,vet]ans ,affairs %all submit to !      
,committees on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( !   
,h\se ( ,repres5tatives a report t      
includes-- 7,a7 ! f9d+s ( ! /udy requir$
 by p>agraph 7#a72  7,b7 a /atem5t ( :i*
 issues id5tifi$ pursuant to su* /udy   
ab\t :i* ! ,(fice ( ! ,g5]al ,c\nsel ( !
 ,dep>tm5t int5ds to publi% an op9ion2 &
  7,c7 a timel9e = ! publication ( any  
su* op9ion4  #f4 ,ext5sion ( c]ta9      
limits on paym5ts ( p5sion ,section     
#eejc7;d77#g7 ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates
 ,code1 is am5d$ by /rik+ ,novemb] #cj1 
#bjca & ins]t+ ,decemb] #ca1 #bjcd4     
,may #d1 #bjbf,report$ ) an am5dm5t1    

committ$ to ! ,committee ( ! ,:ole ,h\se
 on ! ,/ate ( ! ,union1 & ord]$ to be   
pr9t$