38 U.S.C. § 8104 (2024) — Title 38: VETERANS' BENEFITS / Chapter 81 / Subchapter I / Section 8104: Congressional approval of certain medical facility acquisitions
Congressional approval of certain medical facility acquisitions
Status: in_force

(a)(1) The purpose of this subsection is to enable Congress to ensure the equitable distribution of medical facilities throughout the United States, taking into consideration the comparative urgency of the need for the services to be provided in the case of each particular facility.

(2)(A) No funds may be appropriated for any fiscal year, and the Secretary may not obligate or expend funds (other than for advance planning and design), for any major medical facility project unless funds for that project have been specifically authorized by law.

(B) No funds may be appropriated for any fiscal year, and the Secretary may not obligate or expend funds (other than for advance planning and design), for any major medical facility lease unless the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of Representatives each adopt a resolution approving the lease.

(3) For purposes of this subsection:

(A) The term "major medical facility project" means a project for the construction, alteration, or acquisition of a medical facility involving a total expenditure of more than the amount specified in paragraph (4), but such term does not include an acquisition by exchange, nonrecurring maintenance projects of the Department, or the construction, alteration, or acquisition of a shared Federal medical facility for which the Department's estimated share of the project costs does not exceed the amount specified in paragraph (4).

(B) The term "major medical facility lease"—

(i) means a lease for space for use as a new medical facility approved through the General Services Administration under section 3307(a) of title 40 at an average annual rent equal to or greater than the appropriate dollar threshold described in such section, which shall be subject to annual adjustment in accordance with section 3307(h) of such title; and

(ii) does not include a lease for space for use as a shared Federal medical facility for which the Department's estimated share of the lease costs does not exceed such dollar threshold.

(4)(A) The amount specified in this paragraph is $30,000,000, as adjusted pursuant to this paragraph.

(B)(i) The Secretary may annually adjust the amount specified in this paragraph to reflect a percentage increase, if any, in construction costs during the prior calendar year, as determined by—

(I) the relevant composite construction and lease cost indices pursuant to section 3307(h) of title 40, or any similar successor index developed by the Administrator of the General Services Administration; or

(II) the Producer Price Index for New Health Care Building Construction published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the Department of Labor, or any similar successor index developed by the Secretary of Labor.

(ii) If there is no percentage increase in construction costs determined as described in clause (i) for a calendar year, the Secretary may not adjust the amount specified in subparagraph (A) for that year.

(C) If the Secretary adjusts the amount specified in this paragraph, the Secretary shall publish a notice of such adjustment in the Federal Register.

(D) Not later than 30 days before adjusting the amount specified in this paragraph, the Secretary shall notify the Committee on Veterans' Affairs and the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs and the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives.

(E) The Secretary shall determine a logical schedule for adjustments under this paragraph to take effect so that the amounts for and types of construction projects requested by the Department in the budget of the President under section 1105(a) of title 31 are consistent with the threshold for construction projects as so adjusted.

(b)(1) Whenever the President or the Secretary submit 1 to Congress a request for the funding of a major medical facility project (as defined in subsection (a)(3)(A)), the Secretary shall submit to each committee, on the same day, a prospectus of the proposed medical facility. Any such prospectus shall include the following:

(A) A detailed estimate of the total costs of the medical facility to be constructed, altered, or otherwise acquired under this subchapter, including a description of the location of such facility and, in the case of a prospectus proposing the construction of a new or replacement medical facility, a detailed report of the consideration that was given to acquiring an existing facility by lease or purchase and to the sharing of health-care resources with the Department of Defense under section 8111 of this title. Such detailed estimate shall include an identification of each of the following:

(i) Total construction costs.

(ii) Activation costs.

(iii) Special purpose alterations (lump-sum payment) costs.

(iv) Number of personnel.

(v) Total costs of ancillary services, equipment, and all other items.

(B) Demographic data applicable to such facility, including information on projected changes in the population of veterans to be served by the facility over a five-year period, a ten-year period, and a twenty-year period.

(C) Current and projected workload and utilization data regarding the facility, including information on projected changes in workload and utilization over a five-year period, a ten-year period, and a twenty-year period.

(D) Projected operating costs of the facility, including both recurring and non-recurring costs (including and identifying both recurring and non-recurring costs (including activation costs and total costs of ancillary services, equipment and all other items)) over a five-year period, a ten-year period, and a twenty-year period.

(E) The priority score assigned to the project under the Department's prioritization methodology and, if the project is being proposed for funding before a project with a higher score, a specific explanation of the factors other than the priority score that were considered and the basis on which the project is proposed for funding ahead of projects with higher priority scores.

(F) In the case of a prospectus proposing the construction of a new or replacement medical facility, each of the following:

(i) A detailed estimate of the total costs (including total construction costs, activation costs, special purpose alterations (lump-sum payment) costs, number of personnel and total costs of ancillary services, equipment and all other items) for each alternative to construction of the facility that was considered.

(ii) A comparison of total costs to total benefits for each such alternative.

(iii) An explanation of why the preferred alternative is the most effective means to achieve the stated project goals and the most cost-effective alternative.

(2) Whenever the President or the Secretary submit 1 to Congress a request for the funding of a major medical facility lease (as defined in subsection (a)(3)(B)), the Secretary shall submit to each committee, on the same day, a prospectus of the proposed medical facility. Any such prospectus shall include the following:

(A) A description of the facility to be leased.

(B) An estimate of the cost to the Federal Government of the facility to be leased.

(C) An estimate of the energy performance of the proposed lease space, to include a description of anticipated utilization of renewable energy, energy efficient and climate resilient elements, and related matters.

(D) Current and projected workload and utilization data regarding the facility to be leased, including information on projected changes in workload and utilization over a five-year period, a ten-year period, and a twenty-year period.

(E) A detailed analysis of how the lease is expected to comply with Office of Management and Budget Circular A–11 and section 1341 of title 31 (commonly referred to as the "Anti-Deficiency Act"). Any such analysis shall include—

(i) an analysis of the classification of the lease as a "lease purchase", a "capital lease", or an "operating lease" as those terms are defined in Office of Management and Budget Circular A–11;

(ii) an analysis of the obligation of budgetary resources associated with the lease; and

(iii) an analysis of the methodology used in determining the asset cost, fair market value, and cancellation costs of the lease.

(c)(1) Not less than 30 days before obligating funds for a major medical facility project approved by a law described in subsection (a)(2) of this section in an amount that would cause the total amount obligated for that project to exceed the amount specified in the law for that project (or would add to total obligations exceeding such specified amount) by more than 10 percent, the Secretary shall provide the committees with notice of the Secretary's intention to do so and the reasons for the specified amount being exceeded.

(2) The Secretary shall—

(A) enter into a contract or agreement with an appropriate non-department Federal entity with the ability to conduct forensic audits on medical facility projects for the conduct of an external forensic audit of the expenditures relating to any major medical facility or super construction project for which the total expenditures exceed the amount requested in the initial budget request for the project submitted to Congress under section 1105 of title 31 by more than 25 percent; and

(B) enter into a contract or agreement with an appropriate non-department Federal entity with the ability to conduct forensic audits on medical facility projects for the conduct of an external audit of the medical center construction project in Aurora, Colorado.

(d)(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), in any case in which the Secretary proposes that funds be used for a purpose other than the purpose for which such funds were appropriated, the Secretary shall promptly notify each committee, in writing, of the particulars involved and the reasons why such funds were not used for the purpose for which appropriated.

(2)(A) In any fiscal year, unobligated amounts in the Construction, Major Projects account that are a direct result of bid savings from a major construction project may only be obligated for major construction projects authorized for that fiscal year or a previous fiscal year.

(B) Whenever the Secretary obligates amounts for a major construction project under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs and the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs and the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives notice of the following:

(i) The major construction project that is the source of the bid savings.

(ii) If the major construction project that is the source of the bid savings is not complete—

(I) the amount already obligated by the Department or available in the project reserve for such project;

(II) the percentage of such project that has been completed; and

(III) the amount available to the Department to complete such project.

(iii) The other major construction project for which the bid savings amounts are being obligated.

(iv) The bid savings amounts being obligated for such other major construction project.

(C) The Secretary may not obligate an amount under subparagraph (A) to expand the purpose of a major construction project except pursuant to a provision of law enacted after the date on which the Secretary submits to the committees described in subparagraph (B) notice of the following:

(i) The major construction project that is the source of the bid savings.

(ii) The major construction project for which the Secretary intends to expand the purpose.

(iii) A description of such expansion of purpose.

(iv) The amounts the Secretary intends to obligate to expand the purpose.

(e) The Secretary may accept gifts or donations for any of the purposes of this subchapter.

(f) The Secretary may not obligate funds in an amount in excess of $500,000 from the Advance Planning Fund of the Department toward design or development of a major medical facility project (as defined in subsection (a)(3)(A)) until—

(1) the Secretary submits to the committees a report on the proposed obligation; and

(2) a period of 30 days has passed after the date on which the report is received by the committees.

(g) The limitation in subsection (f) does not apply to a project for which funds have been authorized by law in accordance with subsection (a)(2).

(h)(1) Not less than 30 days before entering into a major medical facility lease, the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and the House of Representatives—

(A) notice of the Secretary's intention to enter into the lease;

(B) a detailed summary of the proposed lease;

(C) a description and analysis of any differences between the prospectus submitted pursuant to subsection (b) and the proposed lease; and

(D) a scoring analysis demonstrating that the proposed lease fully complies with Office of Management and Budget Circular A–11.

(2) Each committee described in paragraph (1) shall ensure that any information submitted to the committee under such paragraph is treated by the committee with the same level of confidentiality as is required by law of the Secretary and subject to the same statutory penalties for unauthorized disclosure or use as the Secretary.

(3) Not more than 30 days after entering into a major medical facility lease, the Secretary shall submit to each committee described in paragraph (1) a report on any material differences between the lease that was entered into and the proposed lease described under such paragraph, including how the lease that was entered into changes the previously submitted scoring analysis described in subparagraph (D) of such paragraph.

(i)(1) Notwithstanding subsection (a)(2)(B), the Secretary may carry out interim leasing actions as the Secretary considers necessary for the following leases:

(A) Major medical facility leases (as defined in subsection (a)(3)(B)) approved pursuant to this section and for which a prospectus for a replacement lease has been submitted to Congress pursuant to subsection (b)(2).

(B) Replacement leases that do not require approval under this section and for which a prospectus has been submitted to Congress pursuant to subsection (b)(2).

(2) In this subsection, the term "interim leasing actions" has the meaning given that term by the Administrator of the General Services Administration.

(j) The Secretary may obligate and expend funds to exercise a purchase option included in any major medical facility lease (as defined in subsection (a)(3)(B)).

(Added Pub. L. 96–22, title III, §301(a), June 13, 1979, 93 Stat. 56, §5004; amended Pub. L. 99–166, title III, §§301, 303, Dec. 3, 1985, 99 Stat. 954, 955; Pub. L. 99–576, title II, §221(b), Oct. 28, 1986, 100 Stat. 3259; Pub. L. 100–322, title IV, §422, May 20, 1988, 102 Stat. 553; renumbered §8104 and amended Pub. L. 102–40, title IV, §402(b)(1), (d)(1), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 238, 239; Pub. L. 102–83, §4(b)(1), (2)(E), Aug. 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 404, 405; Pub. L. 102–405, title III, §301(a), Oct. 9, 1992, 106 Stat. 1984; Pub. L. 103–79, §3(a), Aug. 13, 1993, 107 Stat. 771; Pub. L. 104–262, title II, §§205(a), 206(a), (c), Oct. 9, 1996, 110 Stat. 3189, 3190; Pub. L. 105–368, title VII, §704, Nov. 11, 1998, 112 Stat. 3350; Pub. L. 108–170, title II, §201, Dec. 6, 2003, 117 Stat. 2047; Pub. L. 108–422, title IV, §416, Nov. 30, 2004, 118 Stat. 2393; Pub. L. 109–461, title VIII, §812, Dec. 22, 2006, 120 Stat. 3447; Pub. L. 110–387, title VII, §705, Oct. 10, 2008, 122 Stat. 4138; Pub. L. 111–275, title IX, §905, Oct. 13, 2010, 124 Stat. 2895; Pub. L. 112–37, §§6, 7, Oct. 5, 2011, 125 Stat. 394, 396; Pub. L. 113–146, title VI, §602(c), Aug. 7, 2014, 128 Stat. 1794; Pub. L. 114–315, title VIII, §801(b), (c), Dec. 16, 2016, 130 Stat. 1590; Pub. L. 115–182, title V, §503(b), June 6, 2018, 132 Stat. 1476; Pub. L. 116–61, §6(9), Sept. 30, 2019, 133 Stat. 1117; Pub. L. 117–168, title VII, §703(a)–(e), Aug. 10, 2022, 136 Stat. 1797, 1798; Pub. L. 117–263, div. E, title LI, §5124(b), Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 3211; Pub. L. 118–31, div. E, title L, §5001, Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 930.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2023—Subsec. (a)(3)(A). Pub. L. 118–31, §5001(1), substituted "the amount specified in paragraph (4)" for "$20,000,000" in two places.

Subsec. (a)(4). Pub. L. 118–31, §5001(2), added par. (4).

2022—Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 117–168, §703(a), designated existing provisions as subpar. (A), struck out "or any major medical facility lease" after "major medical facility project" and "or lease" after "for that project", and added subpar. (B).

Subsec. (a)(3)(B). Pub. L. 117–168, §703(b), amended subpar. (B) generally. Prior to amendment, subpar. (B) read as follows: "The term 'major medical facility lease' means a lease for space for use as a new medical facility at an average annual rent of more than $1,000,000."

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 117–263, §5124(b), amended Pub. L. 117–168, §703(c)(5). See below.

Pub. L. 117–168, §703(c)(5), (8), as amended by Pub. L. 117–263, §5124(b), designated existing provisions as par. (1), substituted "to Congress" for "to the Congress" and struck out "or a major medical facility lease (as defined in subsection (a)(3)(B))" after "subsection (a)(3)(A))" in introductory provisions, and added par. (2). Former pars. (1) and (2) redesignated subpars. (A) and (B), respectively, of par. (1).

Subsec. (b)(1)(A). Pub. L. 117–168, §703(c)(2), (4), (6), redesignated subsec. (b)(1) and its subpars. (A) to (E) as subsec. (b)(1)(A) and cls. (i) to (v), respectively, and struck out "leased," after "altered," in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (b)(1)(B) to (D). Pub. L. 117–168, §703(c)(4), redesignated subsec. (b)(2) to (4) as subsec. (b)(1)(B) to (D), respectively.

Subsec. (b)(1)(E). Pub. L. 117–168, §703(c)(4), (7), redesignated subsec. (b)(5) as subsec. (b)(1)(E) and struck out "or lease" after "project" wherever appearing and "or leases" after "projects".

Subsec. (b)(6). Pub. L. 117–168, §703(c)(3), (4), redesignated subsec. (b)(6) and its subpars. (A) to (C) as subsec. (b)(1)(F) and cls. (i) to (iii), respectively.

Subsec. (b)(7). Pub. L. 117–168, §703(c)(1), struck out par. (7) which required detailed analyses of proposed funding for major medical facility leases.

Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 117–168, §703(d), added subsec. (i).

Subsec. (j). Pub. L. 117–168, §703(e), added subsec. (j).

2019—Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 116–61 added par. (3) and struck out former par. (3) which read as follows: "For purposes of this subsection, the term 'major medical facility project' means a project for the construction, alteration, or acquisition of a medical facility involving a total expenditure of more than $20,000,000, but such term does not include an acquisition by exchange, nonrecurring maintenance projects of the Department, or the construction, alteration, or acquisition of a shared Federal medical facility for which the Department's estimated share of the project costs does not exceed $20,000,000."

2018—Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 115–182, which directed the general amendment of par. (3) of section 8104(a), without specifying the Code title to be amended, was executed by amending par. (3) of subsec. (a) of this section, to reflect the probable intent of Congress. Prior to amendment, par. (3) read as follows: "For the purpose of this subsection:

"(A) The term 'major medical facility project' means a project for the construction, alteration, or acquisition of a medical facility involving a total expenditure of more than $10,000,000, but such term does not include an acquisition by exchange.

"(B) The term 'major medical facility lease' means a lease for space for use as a new medical facility at an average annual rental of more than $1,000,000."

2016—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 114–315, §801(b), designated existing provisions as par. (1) and added par. (2).

Subsec. (d)(2)(B)(ii) to (iv). Pub. L. 114–315, §801(c), added cl. (ii), redesignated former cls. (ii) and (iii) as (iii) and (iv), respectively, and in cls. (iii) and (iv) substituted "bid savings amounts" for "amounts".

2014—Subsec. (b)(7). Pub. L. 113–146, §602(c)(1), added par. (7).

Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 113–146, §602(c)(2), added subsec. (h).

2011—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 112–37, §6(1)(A), substituted "detailed estimate of the total costs" for "detailed description" and "a detailed report of the consideration" for "a description of the consideration" and inserted at end "Such detailed estimate shall include an identification of each of the following:" and subpars. (A) to (E).

Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 112–37, §6(1)(B), (C), struck out par. (2), redesignated par. (4) as (2), and substituted "a five-year period, a ten-year period, and a twenty-year period" for "a five-year period and a ten-year period". Prior to amendment, par. (2) read as follows: "An estimate of the cost to the United States of the construction, alteration, lease, or other acquisition of such facility (including site costs, if applicable)."

Subsec. (b)(3). Pub. L. 112–37, §6(1)(B), (D), struck out par. (3), redesignated par. (5) as (3), and inserted before period at end ", including information on projected changes in workload and utilization over a five-year period, a ten-year period, and a twenty-year period". Prior to amendment, par. (3) read as follows: "An estimate of the cost to the United States of the equipment required for the operation of such facility."

Subsec. (b)(4). Pub. L. 112–37, §6(1)(B), (E), redesignated par. (6) as (4), substituted "Projected" for "Current and projected", and inserted before period at end "(including and identifying both recurring and non-recurring costs (including activation costs and total costs of ancillary services, equipment and all other items)) over a five-year period, a ten-year period, and a twenty-year period". Former par. (4) redesignated (2).

Subsec. (b)(5). Pub. L. 112–37, §6(1)(B), redesignated par. (7) as (5). Former par. (5) redesignated (3).

Subsec. (b)(6). Pub. L. 112–37, §6(1)(B), (F), redesignated par. (8) as (6), substituted "each of the following:" for "a description of each alternative to construction of the facility that was considered.", and added subpars. (A) to (C). Former par. (6) redesignated (4).

Subsec. (b)(7),(8). Pub. L. 112–37, §6(1)(B), redesignated pars. (7) and (8) as (5) and (6), respectively.

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 112–37, §6(2)(A), substituted "major construction project" for "major medical facility project" wherever appearing.

Subsec. (d)(2)(A). Pub. L. 112–37, §6(2)(B)(i), substituted "major construction projects" for "major medical facility projects".

Subsec. (d)(2)(B). Pub. L. 112–37, §6(2)(B)(ii), substituted "major construction project" for "major medical facility" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (d)(2)(C). Pub. L. 112–37, §7, added subpar. (C).

2010—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 111–275 designated existing provisions as par. (1), substituted "Except as provided in paragraph (2), in any case" for "In any case", and added par. (2).

2008—Subsec. (a)(3)(B). Pub. L. 110–387 substituted "$1,000,000" for "$600,000".

2006—Subsec. (a)(3)(A). Pub. L. 109–461 substituted "$10,000,000" for "$7,000,000".

2004—Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 108–422 added subsec. (g).

2003—Subsec. (a)(3)(A). Pub. L. 108–170 substituted "$7,000,000" for "$4,000,000".

1998—Subsec. (a)(3)(B). Pub. L. 105–368 substituted "$600,000" for "$300,000".

1996—Subsec. (a)(3)(A). Pub. L. 104–262, §206(a), substituted "$4,000,000" for "$3,000,000".

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 104–262, §205(a)(1), inserted introductory provisions and struck out former introductory provisions which read as follows: "In the event that the President or the Secretary proposes to the Congress the funding of any construction, alteration, lease, or other acquisition to which subsection (a) of this section is applicable, the Secretary shall submit to each committee, on the same day, a prospectus of the proposed medical facility. Such prospectus shall include—".

Subsec. (b)(1) to (3). Pub. L. 104–262, §205(a)(2)–(4), substituted "A detailed" for "a detailed" and "title." for "title;" in par. (1), "An estimate" for "an estimate" and "applicable)." for "applicable); and" in par. (2), and "An estimate" for "an estimate" in par. (3).

Subsec. (b)(4) to (8). Pub. L. 104–262, §205(a)(5), added pars. (4) to (8).

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 104–262, §206(c), added subsec. (f).

1993—Subsec. (a)(3)(A). Pub. L. 103–79 substituted "$3,000,000" for "$2,000,000".

1992—Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 102–405, §301(a)(1), amended par. (2) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (2) read as follows: "It shall not be in order in the Senate or in the House of Representatives to consider a bill, resolution, or amendment which would make an appropriation for any fiscal year which may be expended for a major medical facility project or a major medical facility lease unless—

"(A) such bill, resolution, or amendment specifies the amount to be appropriated for that project or lease,

"(B) the project or lease has been approved in a resolution adopted by the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of that House, and

"(C) the amount to be appropriated for that project or lease is no more than the amount specified in that resolution for that project or lease for that fiscal year."

Subsec. (a)(3)(B). Pub. L. 102–405, §301(a)(2), inserted "new" after "as a" and substituted "$300,000" for "$500,000".

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 102–405, §301(a)(3), substituted "law" for "resolution" in two places.

1991—Pub. L. 102–40, §402(b)(1), renumbered section 5004 of this title as this section.

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 102–83 substituted "Secretary" for "Administrator" in two places in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 102–40, §402(d)(1), substituted "8111" for "5011".

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 102–83 substituted "Secretary" for "Administrator" and "Secretary's" for "Administrator's".

Subsecs. (d), (e). Pub. L. 102–83 substituted "Secretary" for "Administrator" wherever appearing.

1988—Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 100–322, §422(a), amended par. (2) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (2) read as follows: "After the adoption by the committees during a fiscal year of resolutions with identical texts approving major medical facility projects, it shall not be in order in the House of Representatives or in the Senate to consider a bill, resolution, or amendment making an appropriation for that fiscal year or for the next fiscal year which may be expended for a major medical facility project—

"(A) if the project for which the appropriation is proposed to be made is not approved in those resolutions; or

"(B) in the event that the project is approved in the resolutions, if either—

"(i) the bill, resolution, or amendment making the appropriation does not specify—

"(I) the medical facility project for which the appropriation is proposed to be made; and

"(II) the amount proposed to be appropriated for the project; or

"(ii) the amount proposed to be appropriated for the project (when added to any amount previously appropriated for the project) exceeds the amount approved for the project."

Subsec. (a)(3), (4). Pub. L. 100–322, §422(b), added par. (3) and struck out former pars. (3) and (4) which read as follows:

"(3) No appropriation may be made for the lease of any space for use as a medical facility at an average annual rental of more than $500,000 unless each committee has first adopted a resolution approving such lease and setting forth the estimated cost thereof.

"(4) For the purpose of this subsection, the term 'major medical facility project' means a project for the construction, alteration, or acquisition of a medical facility involving a total expenditure of more than $2,000,000. Such term does not include an acquisition by exchange."

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 100–322, §422(c), amended subsec. (c) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (c) read as follows: "The estimated cost of any construction, alteration, lease, or other acquisition that is approved under this section, as set forth in the pertinent resolutions described in subsection (a) of this section, may be increased by the Administrator in the contract for such construction, alteration, lease, or other acquisition by an amount equal to the percentage increase, if any, as determined by the Administrator, in construction, alteration, lease, or other acquisition costs, as the case may be, from the date of such approval to the date of contract, but in no event may the amount of such increase exceed 10 per centum of such estimated cost."

Subsecs. (d) to (f). Pub. L. 100–322, §422(d), redesignated subsecs. (e) and (f) as (d) and (e), respectively, and struck out former subsec. (d) which read as follows: "In the case of any medical facility approved for construction, alteration, lease, or other acquisition by each committee under subsection (a) of this section for which funds have not been appropriated within one year after the date of such approval, either such committee may by resolution rescind its approval at any time thereafter before such funds are appropriated."

1986—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 99–576 inserted "and to the sharing of health-care resources with the Department of Defense under section 5011 of this title" at end.

1985—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 99–166, §301, amended subsec. (a) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (a) read as follows: "In order to ensure the equitable distribution of medical facilities throughout the United States, taking into consideration the comparative urgency of the need for the services to be provided in the case of each particular facility—

"(1) no appropriation may be made for the construction, alteration, or acquisition (not including exchanges) of any medical facility which involves a total expenditure of more than $2,000,000 unless each committee has first adopted a resolution approving such construction, alteration, or acquisition and setting forth the estimated cost thereof; and

"(2) no appropriation may be made for the lease of any space for use as a medical facility at an average annual rental of more than $500,000 unless each committee has first adopted a resolution approving such lease and setting forth the estimated cost thereof."

Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 99–166, §303, inserted "and, in the case of a prospectus proposing the construction of a new or replacement medical facility, a description of the consideration that was given to acquiring an existing facility by lease or purchase" after "such facility".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2022 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 117–263 effective as if included in the enactment of the Honoring our PACT Act of 2022 (Public Law 117–168), see section 524(d) of Pub. L. 117–263, set out as a note under section 1120 of this title.

Pub. L. 117–168, title VII, §703(f), Aug. 10, 2022, 136 Stat. 1799, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section] shall apply with respect to any lease that has not been specifically authorized by law on or before the date of the enactment of this Act [Aug. 10, 2022]."

Effective Date of 1996 Amendment

Pub. L. 104–262, title II, §205(b), Oct. 9, 1996, 110 Stat. 3190, provided that: "The amendments made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall apply with respect to any prospectus submitted by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs after the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 9, 1996]."

Effective Date of 1992 Amendment

Pub. L. 104–262, title II, §206(b)(2), Oct. 9, 1996, 110 Stat. 3190, provided that: "The amendments made by subsection (a) of such section [meaning section 301(a) of Pub. L. 102–405, amending this section] shall apply with respect to any major medical facility project or any major medical facility lease of the Department of Veterans Affairs, regardless of when funds are first appropriated for that project or lease, except that in the case of a project for which funds were first appropriated before October 9, 1992, such amendments shall not apply with respect to amounts appropriated for that project for a fiscal year before fiscal year 1998."

Pub. L. 102–405, title III, §301(b), Oct. 9, 1992, 106 Stat. 1984, provided that the amendments made by section 301(a) of Pub. L. 102–405, amending this section, were not applicable with respect to any project for which funds were appropriated before Oct. 9, 1992, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 104–262, title II, §206(b)(1), Oct. 9, 1996, 110 Stat. 3190.

Effective Date

Section effective Oct. 1, 1979, but not applicable with respect to the acquisition, construction, or alteration of any medical facilities if the acquisition, construction, or alteration (not including exchange) was approved by the President before Oct. 1, 1979, see section 302 of Pub. L. 96–22, set out as a note under section 8101 of this title.

Budgetary Treatment of Department of Veterans Affairs Major Medical Facilities Leases

Pub. L. 113–146, title VI, §602, Aug. 7, 2014, 128 Stat. 1794, provided that:

"(a) Findings.—Congress finds the following:

"(1) Title 31, United States Code, requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to record the full cost of its contractual obligation against funds available at the time a contract is executed.

"(2) Office of Management and Budget Circular A–11 provides guidance to agencies in meeting the statutory requirements under title 31, United States Code, with respect to leases.

"(3) For operating leases, Office of Management and Budget Circular A–11 requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to record up-front budget authority in an 'amount equal to total payments under the full term of the lease or [an] amount sufficient to cover first year lease payments plus cancellation costs'.

"(b) Requirement for Obligation of Full Cost.—

"(1) In general.—Subject to the availability of appropriations provided in advance, in exercising the authority of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to enter into leases provided in this Act, the Secretary shall record, pursuant to section 1501 of title 31, United States Code, as the full cost of the contractual obligation at the time a contract is executed either—

"(A) an amount equal to total payments under the full term of the lease; or

"(B) if the lease specifies payments to be made in the event the lease is terminated before its full term, an amount sufficient to cover the first year lease payments plus the specified cancellation costs.

"(2) Self-insuring authority.—The requirements of paragraph (1) may be satisfied through the use of the self-insuring authority identified in title 40, United States Code, consistent with Office of Management and Budget Circular A–11.

"(c) Transparency.—[Amended subsecs. (b)(7) and (h) of this section.]

"(d) Rule of Construction.—Nothing in this section, or the amendments made by this section, shall be construed to in any way relieve the Department of Veterans Affairs from any statutory or regulatory obligations or requirements existing prior to the enactment of this section and such amendments."

1 So in original. Probably should be "submits".
38 U.S.C. § 310 (2024) — Title 38: VETERANS' BENEFITS / Chapter 3 / Section 310: Chief Information Officer
Chief Information Officer
Status: in_force

(a) The Chief Information Officer for the Department is designated pursuant to section 3506(a)(2) of title 44.

(b) The Chief Information Officer performs the duties provided for chief information officers of executive agencies under chapter 35 of title 44 and subtitle III of title 40.

(Added Pub. L. 102–83, §2(a), Aug. 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 382; amended Pub. L. 104–106, div. E, title LVI, §5604, Feb. 10, 1996, 110 Stat. 700; Pub. L. 105–85, div. A, title X, §1073(h)(3), Nov. 18, 1997, 111 Stat. 1907; Pub. L. 107–217, §3(j)(2), Aug. 21, 2002, 116 Stat. 1300.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

Prior section 310 was renumbered section 1110 of this title.

Provisions similar to those in this section were contained in section 4(d) of Pub. L. 100–527, known as the Department of Veterans Affairs Act, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 102–83, §3(3).

Amendments

2002—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 107–217 substituted "subtitle III of title 40" for "division E of the Clinger-Cohen Act of 1996 (40 U.S.C. 1401 et seq.)".

1997—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 105–85 substituted "division E of the Clinger-Cohen Act of 1996 (40 U.S.C. 1401 et seq.)" for "the Information Technology Management Reform Act of 1996".

1996—Pub. L. 104–106 substituted "Chief Information Officer" for "Chief Information Resources Officer" in section catchline and amended text generally. Prior to amendment, text consisted of subsecs. (a) to (d), relating to designation, powers, and duties of the Chief Information Resources Officer.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1996 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 104–106 effective 180 days after Feb. 10, 1996, see section 5701 of Pub. L. 104–106, Feb. 10, 1996, 110 Stat. 702.

Creation of Office of Research Reviews Within the Office of Information and Technology of the Department of Veterans Affairs

Pub. L. 116–171, title VII, §705, Oct. 17, 2020, 134 Stat. 830, provided that:

"(a) In General.—Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 17, 2020], the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall establish within the Office of Information and Technology of the Department of Veterans Affairs an Office of Research Reviews (in this section referred to as the 'Office').

"(b) Elements.—The Office shall do the following:

"(1) Perform centralized security reviews and complete security processes for approved research sponsored outside the Department, with a focus on multi-site clinical trials.

"(2) Develop and maintain a list of commercially available software preferred for use in sponsored clinical trials of the Department and ensure such list is maintained as part of the official approved software products list of the Department.

"(3) Develop benchmarks for appropriate timelines for security reviews conducted by the Office.

"(c) Report.—

"(1) In general.—Not later than one year after the establishment of the Office, the Office shall submit to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of Representatives a report on the activity of the Office.

"(2) Elements.—The report required by paragraph (1) shall include, at a minimum, the following:

"(A) The number of security reviews completed.

"(B) The number of personnel assigned for performing the functions described in subsection (b)."
38 U.S.C. § 516 (2024) — Title 38: VETERANS' BENEFITS / Chapter 5 / Subchapter I / Section 516: Equal employment responsibilities
Equal employment responsibilities
Status: in_force

(a)(1) The Secretary shall provide that the employment discrimination complaint resolution system within the Department be established and administered so as to encourage timely and fair resolution of concerns and complaints. The Secretary shall take steps to ensure that the system is administered in an objective, fair, and effective manner and in a manner that is perceived by employees and other interested parties as being objective, fair, and effective.

(2) The Secretary shall ensure that the employment discrimination complaint resolution system established under paragraph (1) requires that any manager of the Department who receives a sexual or other harassment or employment discrimination complaint reports such complaint to the Office of Resolution Management, or successor office, immediately, or if such immediate reporting is impracticable, not later than two days after the date on which the manager receives the complaint.

(b) The Secretary shall provide—

(1) that employees responsible for counseling functions associated with employment discrimination and for receiving, investigating, and processing complaints of employment discrimination shall be supervised in those functions by, and report to, an Assistant Secretary or a Deputy Assistant Secretary, in accordance with subsection (h)(2), for complaint resolution management; and

(2) that employees performing employment discrimination complaint resolution functions at a facility of the Department shall not be subject to the authority, direction, and control of the Director of the facility with respect to those functions.

(c)(1) The Secretary shall ensure that all employees of the Department receive adequate education and training for the purposes of this section and section 319 of this title.

(2)(A) Beginning not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of the Joseph Maxwell Cleland and Robert Joseph Dole Memorial Veterans Benefits and Health Care Improvement Act of 2022, the Secretary shall provide to each employee of the Department mandatory annual training on identifying and addressing sexual and other harassment and employment discrimination, including with respect to processes under the Harassment Prevention Program of the Department, or such successor program.

(B) An employee of the Department who is hired on or after such date shall receive the first such mandatory annual training not later than 60 days after being hired.

(d) The Secretary shall, when appropriate, impose disciplinary measures, as authorized by law, in the case of employees of the Department who engage in unlawful employment discrimination, including retaliation against an employee asserting rights under an equal employment opportunity law.

(e)(1)(A) Not later than 45 days after the end of each calendar quarter, the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and House of Representatives a report summarizing the employment discrimination complaints filed against the individuals referred to in paragraph (2) during such quarter.

(B) Subparagraph (A) shall apply in the case of complaints filed against individuals on the basis of such individuals' personal conduct and shall not apply in the case of complaints filed solely on the basis of such individuals' positions as officials of the Department.

(2) Paragraph (1) applies to the following officers and employees of the Department:

(A) The Secretary.

(B) The Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs.

(C) The Under Secretary for Health and the Under Secretary for Benefits.

(D) Each Assistant Secretary of Veterans Affairs and each Deputy Assistant Secretary of Veterans Affairs.

(E) The Under Secretary of Veterans Affairs for Memorial Affairs.

(F) The General Counsel of the Department.

(G) The Chairman of the Board of Veterans' Appeals.

(H) The Chairman of the Board of Contract Appeals of the Department.

(I) The director and the chief of staff of each medical center of the Department.

(J) The director of each Veterans Integrated Services Network.

(K) The director of each regional office of the Department.

(L) Each program director of the Central Office of the Department.

(3) Each report under this subsection—

(A) may not disclose information which identifies the individuals filing, or the individuals who are the subject of, the complaints concerned or the facilities at which the discrimination identified in such complaints is alleged to have occurred;

(B) shall summarize such complaints by type and by equal employment opportunity field office area in which filed; and

(C) shall include copies of such complaints, with the information described in subparagraph (A) redacted.

(4) Not later than April 1 each year, the Assistant Secretary shall submit to the committees referred to in paragraph (1)(A) a report on the complaints covered by paragraph (1) during the preceding year, including the number of such complaints filed during that year and the status and resolution of the investigation of such complaints.

(f) The Secretary shall ensure that an employee of the Department who seeks counseling relating to employment discrimination may elect to receive such counseling from an employee of the Department who carries out equal employment opportunity counseling functions on a full-time basis rather than from an employee of the Department who carries out such functions on a part-time basis.

(g)(1)(A) Except as provided in paragraph (4), beginning on the date of the enactment of the Joseph Maxwell Cleland and Robert Joseph Dole Memorial Veterans Benefits and Health Care Improvement Act of 2022 and ending on the date that is three years after the date of the enactment of such Act, the number of employees of the Department whose duties include equal employment opportunity counseling functions may not exceed 76 full-time equivalent employees.

(B) Except as provided in paragraph (4), beginning on the date that is three years after the date of enactment of the Joseph Maxwell Cleland and Robert Joseph Dole Memorial Veterans Benefits and Health Care Improvement Act of 2022, the number of employees of the Department whose duties include equal employment opportunity counseling functions may not exceed 81 full-time equivalent employees.

(2) Except as provided in paragraph (4), of the 76 full-time equivalent employees set forth in paragraph (1), the number of employees of the Department whose duties include equal employment opportunity counseling functions as well as other unrelated functions may not exceed 40 full-time equivalent employees.

(3) Except as provided in paragraph (4), any employee described in paragraph (2) whose duties include equal employment opportunity counseling functions as well as other unrelated functions may be assigned equal employment opportunity counseling functions only at Department facilities in remote geographic locations.

(4)(A) Beginning on the date that is one year after the date of enactment of the Joseph Maxwell Cleland and Robert Joseph Dole Memorial Veterans Benefits and Health Care Improvement Act of 2022, the Secretary shall promptly notify Congress if, at any point in time, the number of full-time equivalent employees of the Department specified in paragraph (1), whose duties include equal opportunity counseling functions, is insufficient for the Department to meet its required obligations under law.

(B) Notification under subparagraph (A) shall include—

(i) the specific legal obligations relating to employment discrimination, or other matters similar to those covered by regulations prescribed by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, that the Department is unable to meet; and

(ii) the total additional number of full-time equivalent employees of the Department that would be needed for the Department to meet such obligations.

(h)(1) The provisions of this section shall be implemented in a manner consistent with procedures applicable under regulations prescribed by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

(2) Beginning not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of the Joseph Maxwell Cleland and Robert Joseph Dole Memorial Veterans Benefits and Health Care Improvement Act of 2022, in carrying out paragraph (1), the Secretary shall ensure that the official of the Department who serves as the Equal Employment Opportunity Director of the Department—

(A) reports directly to the Deputy Secretary with respect to the functions under this section; and

(B) does not also serve in a position that has responsibility over personnel functions of the Department or other functions that conflict with the functions under this section.

(i) In accordance with subsection (b), not later than one year after the date of the enactment of the Joseph Maxwell Cleland and Robert Joseph Dole Memorial Veterans Benefits and Health Care Improvement Act of 2022, the Secretary shall ensure that each Equal Employment Opportunity program manager of the Department at the facility level reports to the head of the Office of Resolution Management, or such successor office established pursuant to subsection (a), with respect to the equal employment functions of the program manager.

(Added Pub. L. 105–114, title I, §101(a)(1), Nov. 21, 1997, 111 Stat. 2278; amended Pub. L. 105–368, title IV, §403(d)(2), Nov. 11, 1998, 112 Stat. 3339; Pub. L. 108–170, title IV, §405(a), Dec. 6, 2003, 117 Stat. 2063; Pub. L. 117–76, §7(a), Dec. 21, 2021, 135 Stat. 1520; Pub. L. 117–328, div. U, title IV, §§402(a)–(d), 408(a)(1), Dec. 29, 2022, 136 Stat. 5484, 5485, 5495.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The date of the enactment of the Joseph Maxwell Cleland and Robert Joseph Dole Memorial Veterans Benefits and Health Care Improvement Act of 2022 and the date of the enactment of such Act, referred to in subsecs. (c)(2)(A), (g)(1), (4)(A), (h)(2), and (i), is the date of enactment of div. U of Pub. L. 117–328, which was approved Dec. 29, 2022.

Amendments

2022—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 117–328, §402(c), designated existing provisions as par. (1) and added par. (2).

Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 117–328, §402(a)(2)(A), inserted ", in accordance with subsection (h)(2)," after "an Assistant Secretary or a Deputy Assistant Secretary".

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 117–328, §402(d), designated existing provisions as par. (1) and added par. (2).

Subsec. (e)(1)(A). Pub. L. 117–328, §402(a)(2)(B), substituted "the Secretary" for "the Assistant Secretary for Human Resources and Administration".

Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 117–328, §408(a)(1)(B), added subsec. (g). Former subsec. (g) redesignated (h).

Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 117–328, §§402(a)(1), 408(a)(1)(A), redesignated subsec. (g) as (h), designated existing provisions as par. (1), and added par. (2).

Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 117–328, §402(b), added subsec. (i).

2021—Subsecs. (g), (h). Pub. L. 117–76 redesignated subsec. (h) as (g) and struck out former subsec. (g). Prior to amendment, text of subsec. (g) read as follows: "The number of employees of the Department whose duties include equal employment opportunity counseling functions as well as other, unrelated functions may not exceed 40 full-time equivalent employees. Any such employee may be assigned equal employment opportunity counseling functions only at Department facilities in remote geographic locations (as determined by the Secretary). The Secretary may waive the limitation in the preceding sentence in specific cases."

2003—Subsec. (e)(1)(A). Pub. L. 108–170 substituted "45 days" for "30 days".

1998—Subsec. (e)(2)(E). Pub. L. 105–368 substituted "Under Secretary of Veterans Affairs for Memorial Affairs" for "Director of the National Cemetery System".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Pub. L. 105–114, title I, §101(c), Nov. 21, 1997, 111 Stat. 2280, provided that: "Section 516 of title 38, United States Code, as added by subsection (a), shall take effect 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act [Nov. 21, 1997]. Subsection (e) of that section shall take effect with respect to the first quarter of calendar year 1998."

Harassment and Employment Discrimination Policies and Directives

Pub. L. 117–328, div. U, title IV, §402(e), Dec. 29, 2022, 136 Stat. 5485, provided that: "The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall—

"(1) by not later than the date that is 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 29, 2022], and on a regular basis thereafter, review the policies relating to sexual and other harassment and employment discrimination of the Department of Veterans Affairs to ensure that such policies are complete and in accordance with the sexual and other harassment and employment discrimination policies established by the Office of Resolution Management of the Department, or successor office; and

"(2) by not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, issue a final directive and a handbook for the Harassment Prevention Program of the Department."

Semiannual Reports

Pub. L. 117–328, div. U, title IV, §402(f), Dec. 29, 2022, 136 Stat. 5485, provided that: "Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 29, 2022], and semiannually thereafter for one year, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of Representatives a report on the progress the Secretary has made in carrying out this section [amending this section and enacting provisions set out as a note above] and section 516 of title 38, United States Code, as amended by this section, including with respect to reporting sexual and other harassment and employment discrimination complaints pursuant to subsection (a)(2) of such section 516."

Annual Reports

Pub. L. 117–328, div. U, title IV, §408(c), Dec. 29, 2022, 136 Stat. 5497, provided that: "Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 29, 2022] and once each year thereafter, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall make available to the public on an internet website of the Department an annual report that includes, for the year covered by the report, the following:

"(1) Total number of complaints filed through the employment discrimination complaint resolution system established and administered under subsection (a) of section 516 of title 38, United States Code.

"(2) Total number of such complaints completed processing by such system in a timely manner.

"(3) The percentage of all pre-complaint counseling provided under such section that led to resolution without further action.

"(4) The percentage of all pre-complaint counseling provided under such section that led to resolution via alternative dispute resolution.

"(5) The percentage of all pre-complaint counseling provided under such section that led to filing of a formal complaint via such system.

"(6) An accounting of the amounts, times, and quality of informal claims processed by employees of the Department whose duties include equal employment opportunity counseling under such section.

"(7) An estimate of the required ratio of Department employees whose duties include equal employment opportunity counseling functions relative to the number of full-time equivalent employees in the Department."

Reports on Implementation and Operation of Equal Employment Opportunity System

Pub. L. 105–114, title I, §101(b), Nov. 21, 1997, 111 Stat. 2279, required the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to submit to Congress reports on the implementation and operation of the equal employment opportunity system within the Department of Veterans Affairs setting forth detailed information for each equal employment opportunity field office of the Department, with the first report due not later than Apr. 1, 1998, and subsequent reports due not later than Jan. 1, 1999, and Jan. 1, 2000.

Assessment and Review of Employment Discrimination Complaint Resolution System

Pub. L. 105–114, title I, §103, Nov. 21, 1997, 111 Stat. 2281, provided that:

"(a) Agreement for Assessment and Review.—(1) The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall seek to enter into an agreement with a qualified private entity under which agreement the entity shall carry out the assessment described in subsection (b) and the review described in subsection (c).

"(2) The Secretary shall include in the agreement provisions necessary to ensure that the entity carries out its responsibilities under the agreement (including the exercise of its judgments concerning the assessment and review) in a manner free of influence from any source, including the officials and employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs.

"(3) The Secretary may not enter into the agreement until 15 days after the date on which the Secretary notifies the Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and House of Representatives of the entity with which the Secretary proposes to enter into the agreement.

"(b) Initial Assessment of System.—(1) Under the agreement under subsection (a), the entity shall conduct an assessment of the employment discrimination complaint resolution system administered within the Department of Veterans Affairs, including the extent to which the system meets the objectives set forth in section 516(a) of title 38, United States Code, as added by section 101. The assessment shall include a comprehensive description of the system as of the time of the assessment.

"(2) Under the agreement, the entity shall submit the assessment to the committees referred to in subsection (a)(3) and to the Secretary not later than June 1, 1998.

"(c) Review of Administration of System.—(1) Under the agreement under subsection (a), the entity shall monitor and review the administration by the Secretary of the employment discrimination complaint resolution system administered within the Department.

"(2) Under the agreement, the entity shall submit to the committees referred to in subsection (a)(3) and to the Secretary a report on the results of the review under paragraph (1) not later than June 1, 1999. The report shall include an assessment of the administration of the system, including the extent to which the system meets the objectives referred to in subsection (b)(1), and the effectiveness of the following:

"(A) Programs to train and maintain a cadre of individuals who are competent to investigate claims relating to employment discrimination.

"(B) Programs to train and maintain a cadre of individuals who are competent to provide counseling to individuals who submit such claims.

"(C) Programs to provide education and training to Department employees regarding their rights and obligations under the equal employment opportunity laws.

"(D) Programs to oversee the administration of the system.

"(E) Programs to evaluate the effectiveness of the system in meeting its objectives.

"(F) Other programs, procedures, or activities of the Department relating to the equal employment opportunity laws, including any alternative dispute resolution procedures and informal dispute resolution and settlement procedures.

"(G) Any disciplinary measures imposed by the Secretary on employees determined to have violated the equal employment opportunity laws in preventing or deterring violations of such laws by other employees of the Department."
38 U.S.C. § 101 (2024) — Title 38: VETERANS' BENEFITS / Chapter 1 / Section 101: Definitions
Definitions
Status: in_force

For the purposes of this title—

(1) The terms "Secretary" and "Department" mean the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Veterans Affairs, respectively.

(2) The term "veteran" means a person who served in the active military, naval, air, or space service, and who was discharged or released therefrom under conditions other than dishonorable.

(3) The term "surviving spouse" means (except for purposes of chapter 19 of this title) a person who was the spouse of a veteran at the time of the veteran's death, and who lived with the veteran continuously from the date of marriage to the date of the veteran's death (except where there was a separation which was due to the misconduct of, or procured by, the veteran without the fault of the spouse) and who has not remarried.

(4)(A) The term "child" means (except for purposes of chapter 19 of this title (other than with respect to a child who is an insurable dependent under subparagraph (B) or (C) of section 1965(10) of such chapter) and section 8502(b) of this title) a person who is unmarried and—

(i) who is under the age of eighteen years;

(ii) who, before attaining the age of eighteen years, became permanently incapable of self-support; or

(iii) who, after attaining the age of eighteen years and until completion of education or training (but not after attaining the age of twenty-three years), is pursuing a course of instruction at an approved educational institution;

and who is a legitimate child, a legally adopted child, a stepchild who is a member of a veteran's household or was a member at the time of the veteran's death, or an illegitimate child but, as to the alleged father, only if acknowledged in writing signed by him, or if he has been judicially ordered to contribute to the child's support or has been, before his death, judicially decreed to be the father of such child, or if he is otherwise shown by evidence satisfactory to the Secretary to be the father of such child. A person shall be deemed, as of the date of death of a veteran, to be the legally adopted child of such veteran if such person was at the time of the veteran's death living in the veteran's household and was legally adopted by the veteran's surviving spouse before August 26, 1961, or within two years after the veteran's death; however, this sentence shall not apply if at the time of the veteran's death, such person was receiving regular contributions toward the person's support from some individual other than the veteran or the veteran's spouse, or from any public or private welfare organization which furnishes services or assistance for children. A person with respect to whom an interlocutory decree of adoption has been issued by an appropriate adoption authority shall be recognized thereafter as a legally adopted child, unless and until that decree is rescinded, if the child remains in the custody of the adopting parent or parents during the interlocutory period. A person who has been placed for adoption under an agreement entered into by the adopting parent or parents with any agency authorized under law to so act shall be recognized thereafter as a legally adopted child, unless and until such agreement is terminated, if the child remains in the custody of the adopting parent or parents during the period of placement for adoption under such agreement. A person described in clause (ii) of the first sentence of this subparagraph who was a member of a veteran's household at the time the person became 18 years of age and who is adopted by the veteran shall be recognized as a legally adopted child of the veteran regardless of the age of such person at the time of adoption.

(B) For the purposes of subparagraph (A) of this paragraph, in the case of an adoption under the laws of any jurisdiction other than a State (as defined in section 101(20) of this title and including the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands)—

(i) a person residing outside any of the States shall not be considered to be a legally adopted child of a veteran during the lifetime of such veteran (including for purposes of this subparagraph a Commonwealth Army veteran or new Philippine Scout, as defined in section 3566 of this title) unless such person—

(I) was less than eighteen years of age at the time of adoption;

(II) is receiving one-half or more of such person's annual support from such veteran;

(III) is not in the custody of such person's natural parent, unless such natural parent is such veteran's spouse; and

(IV) is residing with such veteran (or in the case of divorce following adoption, with the divorced spouse who is also an adoptive or natural parent) except for periods during which such person is residing apart from such veteran (or such divorced spouse) for purposes of full-time attendance at an educational institution or during which such person or such veteran (or such divorced spouse) is confined in a hospital, nursing home, other health-care facility, or other institution; and

(ii) a person shall not be considered to have been a legally adopted child of a veteran as of the date of such veteran's death and thereafter unless—

(I) at any time within the one-year period immediately preceding such veteran's death, such veteran was entitled to and was receiving a dependent's allowance or similar monetary benefit under this title for such person; or

(II) for a period of at least one year prior to such veteran's death, such person met the requirements of clause (i) of this subparagraph.

(5) The term "parent" means (except for purposes of chapter 19 of this title) a father, a mother, a father through adoption, a mother through adoption, or an individual who for a period of not less than one year stood in the relationship of a parent to a veteran at any time before the veteran's entry into active military, naval, air, or space service or if two persons stood in the relationship of a father or a mother for one year or more, the person who last stood in the relationship of father or mother before the veteran's last entry into active military, naval, air, or space service.

(6) The term "Spanish-American War" (A) means the period beginning on April 21, 1898, and ending on July 4, 1902, (B) includes the Philippine Insurrection and the Boxer Rebellion, and (C) in the case of a veteran who served with the United States military forces engaged in hostilities in the Moro Province, means the period beginning on April 21, 1898, and ending on July 15, 1903.

(7) The term "World War I" (A) means the period beginning on April 6, 1917, and ending on November 11, 1918, and (B) in the case of a veteran who served with the United States military forces in Russia, means the period beginning on April 6, 1917, and ending on April 1, 1920.

(8) The term "World War II" means (except for purposes of chapters 31 and 37 of this title) the period beginning on December 7, 1941, and ending on December 31, 1946.

(9) The term "Korean conflict" means the period beginning on June 27, 1950, and ending on January 31, 1955.

(10) The term "Armed Forces" means the United States Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Space Force, and Coast Guard, including the reserve components thereof.

(11) The term "period of war" means the Spanish-American War, the Mexican border period, World War I, World War II, the Korean conflict, the Vietnam era, the Persian Gulf War, and the period beginning on the date of any future declaration of war by the Congress and ending on the date prescribed by Presidential proclamation or concurrent resolution of the Congress.

(12) The term "veteran of any war" means any veteran who served in the active military, naval, air, or space service during a period of war.

(13) The term "compensation" means a monthly payment made by the Secretary to a veteran because of service-connected disability, or to a surviving spouse, child, or parent of a veteran because of the service-connected death of the veteran occurring before January 1, 1957.

(14) The term "dependency and indemnity compensation" means a monthly payment made by the Secretary to a surviving spouse, child, or parent (A) because of a service-connected death occurring after December 31, 1956, or (B) pursuant to the election of a surviving spouse, child, or parent, in the case of such a death occurring before January 1, 1957.

(15) The term "pension" means a monthly or other periodic payment made by the Secretary to a veteran because of service, age, or non-service-connected disability, or to a surviving spouse or child of a veteran because of the non-service-connected death of the veteran.

(16) The term "service-connected" means, with respect to disability or death, that such disability was incurred or aggravated, or that the death resulted from a disability incurred or aggravated, in line of duty in the active military, naval, air, or space service.

(17) The term "non-service-connected" means, with respect to disability or death, that such disability was not incurred or aggravated, or that the death did not result from a disability incurred or aggravated, in line of duty in the active military, naval, air, or space service.

(18) The term "discharge or release" includes (A) retirement from the active military, naval, air, or space service, and (B) the satisfactory completion of the period of active military, naval, air, or space service for which a person was obligated at the time of entry into such service in the case of a person who, due to enlistment or reenlistment, was not awarded a discharge or release from such period of service at the time of such completion thereof and who, at such time, would otherwise have been eligible for the award of a discharge or release under conditions other than dishonorable.

(19) The term "State home" means a home established by a State (other than a possession) or Indian tribe (as defined in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304)) for veterans disabled by age, disease, or otherwise who by reason of such disability are incapable of earning a living. Such term also includes such a home which furnishes nursing home care for veterans.

(20) The term "State" means each of the several States, Territories, and possessions of the United States, the District of Columbia, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. For the purpose of section 2303 and chapters 34 and 35 of this title, such term also includes the Canal Zone.

(21) The term "active duty" means—

(A) full-time duty in the Armed Forces, other than active duty for training;

(B) full-time duty (other than for training purposes) as a commissioned officer of the Regular or Reserve Corps 1 of the Public Health Service (i) on or after July 29, 1945, or (ii) before that date under circumstances affording entitlement to "full military benefits" or (iii) at any time, for the purposes of chapter 13 of this title;

(C) full-time duty as a commissioned officer in the commissioned officer corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration or its predecessor organization the Coast and Geodetic Survey (i) on or after July 29, 1945, or (ii) before that date (I) while on transfer to one of the Armed Forces, or (II) while, in time of war or national emergency declared by the President, assigned to duty on a project for one of the Armed Forces in an area determined by the Secretary of Defense to be of immediate military hazard, or (III) in the Philippine Islands on December 7, 1941, and continuously in such islands thereafter, or (iii) at any time, for the purposes of chapter 13 of this title;

(D) service as a cadet at the United States Military, Air Force, or Coast Guard Academy, or as a midshipman at the United States Naval Academy; and

(E) authorized travel to or from such duty or service.

(22) The term "active duty for training" means—

(A) full-time duty in the Armed Forces performed by Reserves for training purposes;

(B) full-time duty for training purposes performed as a commissioned officer of the Reserve Corps 1 of the Public Health Service (i) on or after July 29, 1945, or (ii) before that date under circumstances affording entitlement to "full military benefits", or (iii) at any time, for the purposes of chapter 13 of this title;

(C) in the case of members of the Army National Guard or Air National Guard of any State, full-time duty under section 316, 502, 503, 504, or 505 of title 32, or the prior corresponding provisions of law;

(D) duty performed by a member of a Senior Reserve Officers' Training Corps program when ordered to such duty for the purpose of training or a practice cruise under chapter 103 of title 10 for a period of not less than four weeks and which must be completed by the member before the member is commissioned; and

(E) authorized travel to or from such duty.

The term does not include duty performed as a temporary member of the Coast Guard Reserve.

(23) The term "inactive duty training" means—

(A) duty (other than full-time duty) prescribed for Reserves (including commissioned officers of the Reserve Corps 1 of the Public Health Service), or for members of the Space Force in a space force active status (as defined in section 101(e)(1) of title 10), by the Secretary concerned under section 206 of title 37 or any other provision of law;

(B) special additional duties authorized for Reserves (including commissioned officers of the Reserve Corps 1 of the Public Health Service), or for members of the Space Force in a space force active status (as defined in section 101(e)(1) of title 10), by an authority designated by the Secretary concerned and performed by them on a voluntary basis in connection with the prescribed training or maintenance activities of the units to which they are assigned; and

(C) training (other than active duty for training) by a member of, or applicant for membership (as defined in section 8140(g) of title 5) in, the Senior Reserve Officers' Training Corps prescribed under chapter 103 of title 10.

In the case of a member of the Army National Guard or Air National Guard of any State, such term means duty (other than full-time duty) under sections 316, 502, 503, 504, or 505 of title 32, or the prior corresponding provisions of law. Such term does not include (i) work or study performed in connection with correspondence courses, (ii) attendance at an educational institution in an inactive status, or (iii) duty performed as a temporary member of the Coast Guard Reserve.

(24) The term "active military, naval, air, or space service" includes—

(A) active duty;

(B) any period of active duty for training during which the individual concerned was disabled or died from a disease or injury incurred or aggravated in line of duty; and

(C) any period of inactive duty training during which the individual concerned was disabled or died—

(i) from an injury incurred or aggravated in line of duty; or

(ii) from an acute myocardial infarction, a cardiac arrest, or a cerebrovascular accident occurring during such training.

(25) The term "Secretary concerned" means—

(A) the Secretary of the Army, with respect to matters concerning the Army;

(B) the Secretary of the Navy, with respect to matters concerning the Navy or the Marine Corps;

(C) the Secretary of the Air Force, with respect to matters concerning the Air Force or the Space Force;

(D) the Secretary of Homeland Security, with respect to matters concerning the Coast Guard;

(E) the Secretary of Health and Human Services, with respect to matters concerning the Public Health Service; and

(F) the Secretary of Commerce, with respect to matters concerning the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration or its predecessor organization the Coast and Geodetic Survey.

(26) The term "Reserve" means a member of a reserve component of one of the Armed Forces.

(27) The term "reserve component" means, with respect to the Armed Forces—

(A) the Army Reserve;

(B) the Navy Reserve;

(C) the Marine Corps Reserve;

(D) the Air Force Reserve;

(E) the Coast Guard Reserve;

(F) the Army National Guard of the United States; and

(G) the Air National Guard of the United States.

(28) The term "nursing home care" means the accommodation of convalescents or other persons who are not acutely ill and not in need of hospital care, but who require nursing care and related medical services, if such nursing care and medical services are prescribed by, or are performed under the general direction of, persons duly licensed to provide such care. Such term includes services furnished in skilled nursing care facilities, in intermediate care facilities, and in combined facilities. It does not include domiciliary care.

(29) The term "Vietnam era" means the following:

(A) The period beginning on November 1, 1955, and ending on May 7, 1975, in the case of a veteran who served in the Republic of Vietnam during that period.

(B) The period beginning on August 5, 1964, and ending on May 7, 1975, in all other cases.

(30) The term "Mexican border period" means the period beginning on May 9, 1916, and ending on April 5, 1917, in the case of a veteran who during such period served in Mexico, on the borders thereof, or in the waters adjacent thereto.

(31) The term "spouse" means a person of the opposite sex who is a wife or husband.

(32) The term "former prisoner of war" means a person who, while serving in the active military, naval air, or space service, was forcibly detained or interned in line of duty—

(A) by an enemy government or its agents, or a hostile force, during a period of war; or

(B) by a foreign government or its agents, or a hostile force, under circumstances which the Secretary finds to have been comparable to the circumstances under which persons have generally been forcibly detained or interned by enemy governments during periods of war.

(33) The term "Persian Gulf War" means the period beginning on August 2, 1990, and ending on the date thereafter prescribed by Presidential proclamation or by law.

(34) The term "agency of original jurisdiction" means the activity which entered the original determination with regard to a claim for benefits under laws administered by the Secretary.

(35) The term "relevant evidence" means evidence that tends to prove or disprove a matter in issue.

(36) The term "supplemental claim" means a claim for benefits under laws administered by the Secretary filed by a claimant who had previously filed a claim for the same or similar benefits on the same or similar basis.

(37) The term "toxic exposure" includes the following:

(A) A toxic exposure risk activity, as defined in section 1710(e)(4) of this title.

(B) An exposure to a substance, chemical, or airborne hazard identified in the list under section 1119(b)(2) of this title.

(38) The term "toxic-exposed veteran" means any veteran described in section 1710(e)(1) of this title.

(Pub. L. 85–857, Sept. 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 1106; Pub. L. 86–195, Aug. 25, 1959, 73 Stat. 424; Pub. L. 87–674, §1, Sept. 19, 1962, 76 Stat. 558; Pub. L. 87–815, §3, Oct. 15, 1962, 76 Stat. 927; Pub. L. 88–450, §4(c), (d), Aug. 19, 1964, 78 Stat. 504; Pub. L. 89–311, §2(c)(1), Oct. 31, 1965, 79 Stat. 1155; Pub. L. 89–358, §4(d), Mar. 3, 1966, 80 Stat. 24; Pub. L. 90–77, title II, §201, Aug. 31, 1967, 81 Stat. 181; Pub. L. 91–24, §§1(a), (b), 16, June 11, 1969, 83 Stat. 33, 35; Pub. L. 91–262, §1, May 21, 1970, 84 Stat. 256; Pub. L. 91–588, §9(a), (b), Dec. 24, 1970, 84 Stat. 1584; Pub. L. 91–621, §6(a)(1), (2), Dec. 31, 1970, 84 Stat. 1864; Pub. L. 92–198, §5(a), Dec. 15, 1971, 85 Stat. 664; Pub. L. 92–540, title IV, §407, Oct. 24, 1972, 86 Stat. 1092; Pub. L. 94–169, title I, §101(1), Dec. 23, 1975, 89 Stat. 1013; Pub. L. 94–417, §1(b), Sept. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 1277; Pub. L. 95–126, §3, Oct. 8, 1977, 91 Stat. 1108; Pub. L. 95–202, title III, §309(a), Nov. 23, 1977, 91 Stat. 1446; Pub. L. 95–588, title III, §301, Nov. 4, 1978, 92 Stat. 2506; Pub. L. 96–22, title IV, §401, June 13, 1979, 93 Stat. 62; Pub. L. 97–37, §3(a), Aug. 14, 1981, 95 Stat. 936; Pub. L. 97–295, §4(2), (95)(A), Oct. 12, 1982, 96 Stat. 1304, 1313; Pub. L. 97–306, title I, §113(a), Oct. 14, 1982, 96 Stat. 1432; Pub. L. 98–223, title II, §201, Mar. 2, 1984, 98 Stat. 41; Pub. L. 99–576, title VII, §702(1), Oct. 28, 1986, 100 Stat. 3301; Pub. L. 100–322, title I, §103(a), title III, §311, May 20, 1988, 102 Stat. 493, 534; Pub. L. 100–456, div. A, title VI, §633(c), Sept. 29, 1988, 102 Stat. 1987; Pub. L. 101–237, §2(a), Dec. 18, 1989, 103 Stat. 2062; Pub. L. 102–25, title III, §332, Apr. 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 88; Pub. L. 102–40, title IV, §402(d)(1), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 239; Pub. L. 102–54, §14(a)(1), June 13, 1991, 105 Stat. 282; Pub. L. 102–83, §§4(a)(3), (4), (b)(1), (2)(E), 5(c)(1), Aug. 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 404–406; Pub. L. 103–446, title XII, §1201(a)(1), Nov. 2, 1994, 108 Stat. 4682; Pub. L. 104–275, title V, §505(a), Oct. 9, 1996, 110 Stat. 3342; Pub. L. 106–419, title III, §301(a), Nov. 1, 2000, 114 Stat. 1852; Pub. L. 107–14, §4(a)(2), June 5, 2001, 115 Stat. 26; Pub. L. 107–296, title XVII, §1704(d), Nov. 25, 2002, 116 Stat. 2315; Pub. L. 109–163, div. A, title V, §515(e)(1), Jan. 6, 2006, 119 Stat. 3236; Pub. L. 109–444, §8(b)(1), Dec. 21, 2006, 120 Stat. 3313; Pub. L. 109–461, title X, §§1004(b)(1), 1006(b), Dec. 22, 2006, 120 Stat. 3466, 3468; Pub. L. 110–389, title IV, §402(b), Oct. 10, 2008, 122 Stat. 4174; Pub. L. 115–55, §2(a), Aug. 23, 2017, 131 Stat. 1105; Pub. L. 116–259, title I, §107, Dec. 23, 2020, 134 Stat. 1160; Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title IX, §926(a)(1), (b), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3829, 3831; Pub. L. 116–315, title II, §2001, title III, §3004(a), Jan. 5, 2021, 134 Stat. 4967, 4992; Pub. L. 117–168, title I, §102(b), Aug. 10, 2022, 136 Stat. 1761; Pub. L. 118–31, div. A, title XVII, §1723(a)(1), Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 674; Pub. L. 118–210, title III, §303, Jan. 2, 2025, 138 Stat. 2791.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

For definition of Canal Zone, referred to in par. (20), see section 3602(b) of Title 22, Foreign Relations and Intercourse.

Amendments

2025—Par. (3). Pub. L. 118–210 amended par. (3) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (3) read as follows: "The term 'surviving spouse' means (except for purposes of chapter 19 of this title) a person of the opposite sex who was the spouse of a veteran at the time of the veteran's death, and who lived with the veteran continuously from the date of marriage to the date of the veteran's death (except where there was a separation which was due to the misconduct of, or procured by, the veteran without the fault of the spouse) and who has not remarried or (in cases not involving remarriage) has not since the death of the veteran, and after September 19, 1962, lived with another person and held himself or herself out openly to the public to be the spouse of such other person."

2023—Par. (23)(A), (B). Pub. L. 118–31, §1723(a)(1)(A), inserted ", or for members of the Space Force in a space force active status (as defined in section 101(e)(1) of title 10)," after "(including commissioned officers of the Reserve Corps of the Public Health Service)".

Par. (27)(E) to (H). Pub. L. 118–31, §1723(a)(1)(B), redesignated subpars. (F), (G), and (H) as subpars. (E), (F), and (G), respectively, and struck out former subpar. (E) which read as follows: "the Space Force Reserve;".

2022—Pars. (37), (38). Pub. L. 117–168 added pars. (37) and (38).

2021—Par. (2). Pub. L. 116–283, §926(a)(1), substituted "air, or space service" for "or air service".

Par. (5). Pub. L. 116–283, §926(a)(1), substituted "air, or space service" for "or air service" in two places.

Par. (10). Pub. L. 116–283, §926(b)(1), inserted "Space Force," after "Air Force,".

Pars. (12), (16), (17). Pub. L. 116–283, §926(a)(1), substituted "air, or space service" for "or air service".

Par. (18). Pub. L. 116–283, §926(a)(1), substituted "air, or space service" for "or air service" in two places.

Par. (19). Pub. L. 116–315, §3004(a), inserted "or Indian tribe (as defined in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304))" after "(other than a possession)".

Par. (24). Pub. L. 116–283, §926(a)(1), substituted "air, or space service" for "or air service" in introductory provisions.

Par. (27)(E) to (H). Pub. L. 116–283, §926(b)(3), added subpar. (E) and redesignated former subpars. (E) to (G) as (F) to (H), respectively.

Par. (29)(A). Pub. L. 116–315, §2001, substituted "November 1, 1955" for "February 28, 1961".

Par. (32). Pub. L. 116–283, §926(a)(1), substituted "air, or space service" for "or air service" in introductory provisions.

2020—Par. (21)(C). Pub. L. 116–259 inserted "in the commissioned officer corps" before "of the National".

2017—Pars. (34) to (36). Pub. L. 115–55 added pars. (34) to (36).

2008—Par. (4)(A). Pub. L. 110–389 substituted "subparagraph (B) or (C) of section 1965(10)" for "section 1965(10)(B)" in introductory provisions.

2006—Par. (25)(D). Pub. L. 109–461, §1006(b), provided that as of the enactment of Pub. L. 109–461, the amendments made by Pub. L. 109–444 were deemed for all purposes not to have taken effect and that Pub. L. 109–444 ceased to be in effect. See Amendment notes below and section 1006(b) of Pub. L. 109–461, set out as a Coordination of Provisions With Pub. L. 109–444 note below.

Pub. L. 109–461, §1004(b)(1), made technical amendment to directory language of Pub. L. 107–296, §1704(d). See 2002 Amendment note below.

Pub. L. 109–444, which made amendment identical to amendment by Pub. L. 109–461, §1004(b)(1), was terminated by Pub. L. 109–461, §1006(b). See Amendment notes above.

Par. (27)(B). Pub. L. 109–163 substituted "Navy Reserve" for "Naval Reserve".

2002—Par. (25)(D). Pub. L. 107–296, §1704(d), as amended by Pub. L. 109–461, §1004(b)(1), substituted "of Homeland Security" for "of Transportation".

2001—Par. (4)(A). Pub. L. 107–14 inserted "(other than with respect to a child who is an insurable dependent under section 1965(10)(B) of such chapter)" after "except for purposes of chapter 19 of this title" in introductory provisions.

2000—Par. (24). Pub. L. 106–419 amended par. (24) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (24) read as follows: "The term 'active military, naval, or air service' includes active duty, any period of active duty for training during which the individual concerned was disabled or died from a disease or injury incurred or aggravated in line of duty, and any period of inactive duty training during which the individual concerned was disabled or died from an injury incurred or aggravated in line of duty."

1996—Par. (29). Pub. L. 104–275 amended par. (29) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (29) read as follows: "The term 'Vietnam era' means the period beginning August 5, 1964, and ending on May 7, 1975."

1994—Par. (1). Pub. L. 103–446 amended par. (1) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (1) read as follows: "The terms 'Secretary' and 'Administrator' mean the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and the terms 'Department' and 'Department' mean the Department of Veterans Affairs."

1991—Par. (1). Pub. L. 102–83, §4(a)(3), (4), substituted "Department" for "Veterans' Administration".

Par. (4)(A). Pub. L. 102–83, §4(b)(1), (2)(E), substituted "Secretary" for "Administrator" in concluding provisions.

Pub. L. 102–40 substituted "8502(b)" for "5202(b)" in introductory provisions.

Par. (4)(B)(i). Pub. L. 102–83, §5(c)(1), substituted "3566" for "1766" in introductory provisions.

Par. (11). Pub. L. 102–25, §332(1), inserted "the Persian Gulf War," after "the Vietnam era,".

Pars. (13) to (15). Pub. L. 102–83, §4(b)(1), (2)(E), substituted "Secretary" for "Administrator".

Par. (20). Pub. L. 102–83, §5(c)(1), substituted "2303" for "903".

Par. (21)(C)(ii). Pub. L. 102–54 redesignated subcls. (a), (b), and (c) as (I), (II), and (III), respectively.

Par. (32)(B). Pub. L. 102–83, §4(b)(1), (2)(E), substituted "Secretary" for "Administrator".

Par. (33). Pub. L. 102–25, §332(2), added par. (33).

1989—Par. (1). Pub. L. 101–237 amended par. (1) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (1) read as follows: "The term 'Administrator' means the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs."

1988—Par. (22)(D). Pub. L. 100–456, §633(c)(1), substituted "training or a practice cruise under chapter 103 of title 10 for a period of not less than four weeks and which must be completed by the member before the member is commissioned" for "field training or a practice cruise under chapter 103 of title 10".

Par. (23)(C). Pub. L. 100–456, §633(c)(2), added subpar. (C).

Par. (28). Pub. L. 100–322, §103(a), substituted "who require nursing care" for "who require skilled nursing care" and "Such term includes services furnished in skilled nursing care facilities, in intermediate care facilities, and in combined facilities. It does not include domiciliary care." for "The term includes intensive care where the nursing service is under the supervision of a registered professional nurse."

Par. (32)(B). Pub. L. 100–322, §311, struck out "during a period other than a period of war in which such person was held" before "under circumstances which".

1986—Pars. (22)(C), (23), (27)(F). Pub. L. 99–576, §702(1)(A), inserted "Army" before "National Guard".

Par. (31). Pub. L. 99–576, §702(1)(B), struck out "and the term 'surviving spouse' means a person of the opposite sex who is a widow or widower" after "husband".

1984—Par. (4)(A). Pub. L. 98–223 inserted provision that a person described in cl. (ii) of first sentence of subpar. (A) who was a member of a veteran's household at the time the person became 18 years of age and who is adopted by the veteran be recognized as a legally adopted child of the veteran regardless of the age of such person at the time of the adoption.

1982—Par. (4)(A). Pub. L. 97–295, §4(2), substituted "before August 26, 1961, or within two years after the veteran's death" for "within two years after the veteran's death or the date of enactment of this sentence".

Par. (22)(C). Pub. L. 97–306, §113(a)(1), struck out "and" after "of law;".

Par. (22)(D), (E). Pub. L. 97–306, §113(a)(2), (3), added subpar. (D) and redesignated former subpar. (D) as (E).

Par. (25)(E). Pub. L. 97–295, §4(95)(A), substituted "Health and Human Services" for "Health, Education, and Welfare".

1981—Par. (32). Pub. L. 97–37 added par. (32).

1979—Par. (4). Pub. L. 96–22 designated existing provisions as subpar. (A) and existing subpars. (A), (B), and (C) thereof as cls. (i), (ii), and (iii), respectively, and added subpar. (B).

1978—Par. (15). Pub. L. 95–588 inserted "or other periodic" after "monthly".

1977—Par. (18). Pub. L. 95–126 designated existing provisions as cl. (A) and added cl. (B).

Par. (29). Pub. L. 95–202 substituted "May 7, 1975" for "such date as shall thereafter be determined by Presidential proclamation or concurrent resolution of the Congress."

1976—Par. (19). Pub. L. 94–417 struck out "of any war (including the Indian Wars)" before "disabled" and "of any war" after "care for veterans".

1975—Par. (3). Pub. L. 94–169, §101(1)(A), substituted "surviving spouse" for "widow", "person of the opposite sex" for "woman", "spouse" for "wife" wherever appearing, "the veteran's" for "his" wherever appearing, "with the veteran" for "with him", "person" for "man" wherever appearing and "himself or herself" for "herself".

Par. (4). Pub. L. 94–169, §101(1)(B), substituted "regular contributions toward the person's support from some individual other than the veteran or the veteran's spouse" for "regular contribution toward his support from some individual other than the veteran or his spouse".

Par. (5). Pub. L. 94–169, §101(1)(C), substituted "before the veteran's entry" for "before his entry".

Pars. (13) to (15). Pub. L. 94–169, §101(1)(D)–(F), substituted "surviving spouse" for "widow" wherever appearing.

Par. (31). Pub. L. 94–169, §101(1)(G), added par. (31).

1972—Par. (4). Pub. L. 92–540 inserted provision recognizing as a legally adopted child a person who has been placed for adoption under an agreement entered into by the adopting parent or parents with an agency authorized by law to so act.

1971—Par. (30). Pub. L. 92–198 struck out service requirement of 90 days or more.

1970—Par. (4). Pub. L. 91–262 inserted provision recognizing an adopted child of a veteran as a dependent from the date of issuance of an interlocutory decree.

Par. (11). Pub. L. 91–588, §9(a), inserted reference to the Mexican border period.

Par. (21)(C). Pub. L. 91–621, §6(a)(1), included within "active duty" duty as a commissioned officer of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration or its predecessor organization.

Par. (25)(F). Pub. L. 91–621, §6(a)(2), inserted "the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration or its predecessor organization" before "the Coast and Geodetic Survey".

Par. (30). Pub. L. 91–588, §9(b), added par. (30).

1969—Par. (3). Pub. L. 91–24, §16, substituted "September 16, 1962" for "enactment of the 1962 amendment to this paragraph".

Par. (23)(A). Pub. L. 91–24, §1(a), substituted "section 206 of title 37" for "section 301 of title 37".

Par. (25)(D). Pub. L. 91–24, §1(b), substituted "Secretary of Transportation" for "Secretary of the Treasury".

1967—Par. (11). Pub. L. 90–77, §201(a), included Vietnam era within definition of "period of war" and substituted "the date" for "a date".

Par. (29). Pub. L. 90–77, §201(b), added par. (29).

1966—Par. (20). Pub. L. 89–358 defined "State" to include the Canal Zone for the purpose of section 903 and chapters 34 and 35 of this title.

1965—Par. (4)(C). Pub. L. 89–311 substituted "twenty-three years" for "twenty-one years".

1964—Par. (19). Pub. L. 88–450, §4(c), included within "State home" a home which furnishes nursing home care for veterans of any war.

Par. (28). Pub. L. 88–450, §4(d), added par. (28).

1962—Par. (3). Pub. L. 87–674 inserted requirement that a widow, in cases not involving remarriage, must not, since the death of the veteran and after the enactment of this amendment, have lived with another man and held herself out openly to the public to be the wife of such other man, and struck out "(unless the purported remarriage is void)" after "who has not remarried".

Par. (26). Pub. L. 87–815 substituted " 'Reserve' means a member" for " 'Reserves' means members".

1959—Par. (4). Pub. L. 86–195 provided that a person shall be deemed, as of the date of death of a veteran, to be the legally adopted child of the veteran if such person was at the time of the veteran's death living in the veteran's household and was legally adopted by the surviving spouse of the veteran within two years after the veteran's death or Aug. 25, 1959, the date of enactment of Pub. L. 86–195, provided that such person was not receiving regular contributions toward his support from some individual other than the veteran or his spouse, or from any public or private welfare organization.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Change of Name

Reference to Reserve Corps of the Public Health Service deemed to be a reference to the Ready Reserve Corps, see section 204(c)(3) of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare.

Effective Date of 2017 Amendment

Pub. L. 115–55, §2(x), Aug. 23, 2017, 131 Stat. 1115, provided that:

"(1) In general.—Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, the amendments made by this section [enacting sections 5104A to 5104C and 7113 of this title, amending this section and sections 5103 to 5104, 5108, 5109, 5109B, 5110, 5111, 5701, 5904, 7103 to 7105A, 7107, and 7111 of this title, and repealing sections 7106 and 7109 of this title] shall apply to all claims for which notice of a decision under section 5104 of title 38, United States Code, is provided by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs on or after the later of—

"(A) the date that is 540 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Aug. 23, 2017]; and

"(B) the date that is 30 days after the date on which the Secretary of Veterans Affairs submits to the appropriate committees of Congress—

"(i) a certification that the Secretary confirms, without delegation, that the Department of Veterans Affairs has the resources, personnel, office space, procedures, and information technology required—

"(I) to carry out the new appeals system;

"(II) to timely address appeals under the new appeals system; and

"(III) to timely address appeals of decisions on legacy claims; and

"(ii) a summary of the expectations for performance outcomes that the Secretary used in making the certification under clause (i)(III) and a comparison of such expected performance outcomes with actual performance outcomes with respect to appeals of legacy claims before the effective date of the new appeals system.

"(2) Collaboration.—In determining whether and when to make a certification under paragraph (1)(B), the Secretary shall collaborate with, partner with, and give weight to the advice of veterans service organizations and such other stakeholders as the Secretary considers appropriate.

"(3) Early applicability.—The Secretary may apply the new appeals system to a claim with respect to which the claimant—

"(A) receives a notice of a decision under section 5104 of such title after the date of the enactment of this Act and before the applicability date set forth in paragraph (1); and

"(B) elects to subject the claim to the new appeals system.

"(4) Phased rollout.—The Secretary may begin implementation of the new appeals system in phases, with the first phase of such phased implementation beginning on the applicability date set forth in paragraph (1).

"(5) Treatment of legacy claims.—With respect to legacy claims, upon the issuance to a claimant of a statement of the case or supplemental statement of the case occurring on or after the applicability date specified in paragraph (1), a claimant may elect to participate in the new appeals system.

"(6) Publication of applicability date.—Not later than the date on which the new appeals system goes into effect (or the first phase of the new appeals system goes into effect under paragraph (4), as the case may be), the Secretary shall publish in the Federal Register such date.

"(7) Definitions.—In this subsection:

"(A) Appropriate committees of congress.—The term 'appropriate committees of Congress' means—

"(i) the Committee on Veterans' Affairs and the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate; and

"(ii) the Committee on Veterans' Affairs and the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives.

"(B) Veterans service organization.—The term 'veterans service organization' means any organization recognized by the Secretary for the representation of veterans under section 5902 of title 38, United States Code."

[Final rule implementing provisions of Pub. L. 115–55 relating to new Department of Veterans Affairs appeals system went into effect Feb. 19, 2019. See final rule at 84 F.R. 138 and subsequent corrections at 84 F.R. 4336.]

[For definitions of "claimant", "legacy claims", and "new appeals system" as used in section 2(x) of Pub. L. 115–55, set out above, see section 6 of Pub. L. 115–55, set out in a note under section 5101 of this title.]

Effective Date of 2006 Amendment

Pub. L. 109–461, title X, §1004(b), Dec. 22, 2006, 120 Stat. 3466, provided that the amendment made by section 1004(b) is effective Nov. 25, 2002.

Pub. L. 109–444, §8(b), Dec. 21, 2006, 120 Stat. 3313, which provided that the amendment made by section 8(b)(1) would be effective Nov. 25, 2002, was repealed by Pub. L. 109–461, title X, §1006(b), Dec. 22, 2006, 120 Stat. 3468, set out below.

Effective Date of 2002 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 107–296 effective on the date of transfer of the Coast Guard to the Department of Homeland Security, see section 1704(g) of Pub. L. 107–296, set out as a note under section 101 of Title 10, Armed Forces.

Effective Date of 2001 Amendment

Pub. L. 107–14, §4(g), June 5, 2001, 115 Stat. 30, provided that:

"(1) The amendments made by this section [amending this section and sections 1965 and 1967 to 1970 of this title] shall take effect on the first day of the first month that begins more than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [June 5, 2001].

"(2) Each Secretary concerned, acting in consultation with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, shall take such action as is necessary to ensure that during the period between the date of the enactment of this Act and the effective date determined under paragraph (1) each eligible member—

"(A) is furnished an explanation of the insurance benefits available for dependents under the amendments made by this section; and

"(B) is afforded an opportunity before such effective date to make elections that are authorized under those amendments to be made with respect to dependents.

"(3) For purposes of paragraph (2):

"(A) The term 'Secretary concerned' has the meaning given that term in section 101 of title 38, United States Code.

"(B) The term 'eligible member' means a member of the uniformed services described in subparagraph (A) or (C) of section 1967(a)(1) of title 38, United States Code, as amended by subsection (b)(1)."

Effective Date of 1996 Amendment

Pub. L. 104–275, title V, §505(d), Oct. 9, 1996, 110 Stat. 3342, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section and sections 1116 and 1710 of this title] shall take effect on January 1, 1997. No benefit may be paid or provided by reason of such amendments for any period before such date."

Effective Date of 1988 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 100–456 applicable only with respect to training performed after Sept. 30, 1988, see section 633(e) of Pub. L. 100–456, set out as a note under section 2109 of Title 10, Armed Forces.

Effective Date of 1982 Amendment

Pub. L. 97–306, title I, §113(d), Oct. 14, 1982, 96 Stat. 1433, as amended by Pub. L. 98–223, title II, §210, Mar. 2, 1984, 98 Stat. 45, provided that: "The amendments made by subsections (a) [amending this section] and (b) [repealing former section 403 of this title] and the provisions of subsection (c) [set out as a note under section 8140 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees]—

"(1) with respect to deaths and disabilities resulting from diseases or injuries incurred or aggravated after September 30, 1982, shall take effect as of October 1, 1982; and

"(2) with respect to deaths and disabilities resulting from diseases or injuries incurred or aggravated before October 1, 1982, shall take effect as of October 1, 1983."

Effective Date of 1978 Amendment

Pub. L. 95–588, title IV, §401, Nov. 4, 1978, 92 Stat. 2511, provided that: "The amendments made by this Act [see Tables for classification] to title 38, United States Code, shall become effective on January 1, 1979."

Effective Date of 1977 Amendments

Pub. L. 95–202, title V, §501, Nov. 23, 1977, 91 Stat. 1450, provided that: "The provisions of this Act [see Tables for classification] shall become effective on the first day of the first month beginning 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act [Nov. 23, 1977], except that the provisions of title I and section 304(a)(1)(A) shall be effective retroactively to October 1, 1977, the provisions of sections 201 and 202 shall become effective on January 1, 1978, the provisions of section 203 shall be effective retroactively to May 31, 1976, and the provisions of sections 301, 302(2), 304(a)(1)(B), 304(a)(2), 305(a)(3), 305(b)(2), 305(b)(3), 305(b)(4), 305(c), 306, 307, 308, 309, and 310 and of title IV shall be effective upon enactment [Nov. 23, 1977]."

Amendment by Pub. L. 95–126 effective Oct. 8, 1977, see section 5 of Pub. L. 95–126, set out as a note under section 5303 of this title.

Effective Date of 1975 Amendment

Pub. L. 94–169, title I, §101, Dec. 23, 1975, 89 Stat. 1013, provided that the amendment made by that section is effective Jan. 1, 1976.

Effective Date of 1971 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 92–198 effective Jan. 1, 1972, see section 6 of Pub. L. 92–198, set out as a note under section 1521 of this title.

Effective Date of 1970 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 91–588 effective Jan. 1, 1971, see section 10(a) of Pub. L. 91–588, set out as a note under section 1521 of this title.

Effective Date of 1967 Amendment

Pub. L. 90–77, title IV, §405, Aug. 31, 1967, 81 Stat. 191, provided that:

"(a) Except as provided in subsections (b) and (c) of this section, this Act [see Tables for classification] shall become effective on the first day of the first calendar month which begins more than ten days after the date of enactment of this Act [Aug. 31, 1967].

"(b) The amendments made by section 203 of this Act [amending sections 602 and 612 [now 1702 and 1712 of this title] shall become effective upon enactment [Aug. 31, 1967].

"(c) The amendments made by title II [§§201–204] of this Act [amending this section] relating to the payment of burial benefits in the case of veterans of the Vietnam era shall become effective on the date of enactment of this Act [Aug. 31, 1967]. If the burial allowance authorized by section 902 [now 2302] of title 38, United States Code is payable solely by virtue of the enactment of this Act, the two-year period for filing applications, referred to in section 904 [now 2304] of such title 38, shall not end, with respect to an individual whose death occurred prior to the enactment of this Act; before the expiration of the two-year period which begins on the date of enactment of this Act; or in any case involving the correction of a discharge after the date of enactment of this Act; before the expiration of two years from the date of such correction."

Effective Date of 1965 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 89–311 effective first day of second calendar month following Oct. 31, 1965, see section 9 of Pub. L. 89–311, set out as a note under section 1114 of this title.

Short Title of 2025 Amendment

Pub. L. 118–271, §1, Jan. 4, 2025, 138 Stat. 2991, provided that: "This Act [amending sections 2306 and 2402 of this title] may be cited as the 'Keeping Military Families Together Act of 2024'."

Pub. L. 118–210, §1(a), Jan. 2, 2025, 138 Stat. 2706, provided that: "This Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the 'Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act'."

Pub. L. 118–210, title IV, §401, Jan. 2, 2025, 138 Stat. 2794, provided that: "This title [enacting section 2069 of this title, amending section 2012 of this title, and enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 2001 and 2012 of this title] may be cited as the 'Housing our Military Veterans Effectively Act of 2024' or the 'HOME Act of 2024'."

Short Title of 2024 Amendment

Pub. L. 118–196, §1, Dec. 23, 2024, 138 Stat. 2671, provided that: "This Act [enacting section 7114 of this title, amending sections 5101 and 7253 of this title, and enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 706, 5101, and 7114 of this title] may be cited as the 'Veterans Benefits Improvement Act of 2024'."

Pub. L. 118–134, §1, Nov. 25, 2024, 138 Stat. 1646, provided that: "This Act [amending section 2306 of this title] may be cited as the 'Mark Our Place Act'."

Pub. L. 118–130, §1, Nov. 25, 2024, 138 Stat. 1639, provided that: "This Act [enacting provisions set out as notes under section 1114 of this title] may be cited as the 'Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2024'."

Pub. L. 118–114, §1, Nov. 25, 2024, 138 Stat. 1605, provided that: "This Act [amending section 6107 of this title] may be cited as the 'Restoring Benefits to Defrauded Veterans Act'."

Pub. L. 118–95, §1, Oct. 1, 2024, 138 Stat. 1567, provided that: "This Act [amending section 3680A of this title] may be cited as the 'Veteran Improvement Commercial Driver License Act of 2023'."

Short Title of 2023 Amendment

Pub. L. 118–21, §1, Nov. 13, 2023, 137 Stat. 109, provided that: "This Act [amending sections 5702 and 5901 of this title and enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 5702 and 5901 of this title] may be cited as the 'Wounded Warrior Access Act'."

Pub. L. 118–20, §1, Nov. 13, 2023, 137 Stat. 108, provided that: "This Act [amending section 109 of this title] may be cited as the 'Korean American Vietnam Allies Long Overdue for Relief Act' or the 'Korean American VALOR Act'."

Pub. L. 118–6, §1, June 14, 2023, 137 Stat. 50, provided that: "This Act [enacting provisions set out as notes under section 1114 of this title] may be cited as the 'Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2023' or the 'Veterans' COLA Act of 2023'."

Pub. L. 117–355, §1, Jan. 5, 2023, 136 Stat. 6278, provided that: "This Act [amending sections 2404, 2406, and 2411 of this title and enacting provisions set out as a note under section 2303 of this title] may be cited as the 'National Cemeteries Preservation and Protection Act of 2022'."

Pub. L. 117–333, §1(a), Jan. 5, 2023, 136 Stat. 6121, provided that: "This Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the 'Veterans Auto and Education Improvement Act of 2022'."

Pub. L. 117–333, §10(a), Jan. 5, 2023, 136 Stat. 6131, provided that: "This section [amending section 3311 of this title] may be cited as the 'Sgt. Wolf Kyle Weninger Veterans Education Fairness Act of 2022'."

Short Title of 2022 Amendment

Pub. L. 117–328, div. U, §1(a), Dec. 29, 2022, 136 Stat. 5404, provided that: "This division [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the 'Joseph Maxwell Cleland and Robert Joseph Dole Memorial Veterans Benefits and Health Care Improvement Act of 2022'."

Pub. L. 117–328, div. U, title II, §231, Dec. 29, 2022, 136 Stat. 5456, provided that: "This subtitle [subtitle C (§§231–234) of title II of div. U of Pub. L. 117–328, amending sections 3031, 3103, 3321, and 3512 of this title] may be cited as the 'GI Bill National Emergency Extended Deadline Act of 2022'."

Pub. L. 117–328, div. U, title II, §251, Dec. 29, 2022, 136 Stat. 5462, provided that: "This subtitle [subtitle E (§§251–255) of title II of div. U of Pub. L. 117–328, enacting sections 5302B and 5314A of this title, amending sections 5302, 5314, and 5315 of this title and enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 5302, 5302B, 5314A, and 5315 of this title] may be cited as the 'VA Beneficiary Debt Collection Improvement Act of 2022'."

Pub. L. 117–328, div. V, §1(a), Dec. 29, 2022, 136 Stat. 5497, provided that: "This division [enacting sections 1167 and 2068 of this title, amending section 1712A of this title, enacting provisions set out as notes preceding section 3001 and under sections 1701, 1712A, 1720F, 6303, 7303, 7401, 7611, and 7681 of this title, and amending provisions set out as a note under section 1701 of this title] may be cited as the 'Support The Resiliency of Our Nation's Great Veterans Act of 2022' or the 'STRONG Veterans Act of 2022'."

Pub. L. 117–313, §1, Dec. 27, 2022, 136 Stat. 4399, provided that: "This Act [amending sections 1917, 1949, and 1952 of this title and enacting provisions set out as notes preceding section 1981 and under section 1917 of this title] may be cited as the 'Faster Payments to Veterans' Survivors Act of 2022'."

Pub. L. 117–297, §1, Dec. 27, 2022, 136 Stat. 4375, provided that: "This Act [amending sections 3319 and 3699 of this title] may be cited as the 'Veterans Eligible to Transfer School (VETS) Credit Act'."

Pub. L. 117–209, §1, Oct. 17, 2022, 136 Stat. 2243, provided that: "This Act [amending section 1967 of this title and enacting provisions set out as a note under section 1967 of this title] may be cited as the 'Supporting Families of the Fallen Act'."

Pub. L. 117–205, §1, Oct. 17, 2022, 136 Stat. 2232, provided that: "This Act [enacting subchapter II of chapter 63 of this title and amending sections 6301 and 6303 to 6307 of this title] may be cited as the 'Solid Start Act of 2022'."

Pub. L. 117–191, §1, Oct. 10, 2022, 136 Stat. 2207, provided that: "This Act [enacting provisions set out as notes under section 1114 of this title] may be cited as the 'Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2022'."

Pub. L. 117–178, §1, Sept. 29, 2022, 136 Stat. 2110, provided that: "This Act [amending sections 4303 and 4312 of this title and section 5149 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare] may be cited as the 'Civilian Reservist Emergency Workforce Act of 2021' or the 'CREW Act'."

Pub. L. 117–175, §1, Sept. 16, 2022, 136 Stat. 2107, provided that: "This Act [amending section 7309A of this title] may be cited as the 'Patient Advocate Tracker Act'."

Pub. L. 117–174, §1, Aug. 26, 2022, 136 Stat. 2104, provided that: "This Act [amending section 3680A of this title and enacting provisions set out as a note under section 3680A of this title] may be cited as the 'Ensuring the Best Schools for Veterans Act of 2022'."

Pub. L. 117–168, §1(a), Aug. 10, 2022, 136 Stat. 1759, provided that: "This Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the 'Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2022' or the 'Honoring our PACT Act of 2022'."

Pub. L. 117–168, title I, §101, Aug. 10, 2022, 136 Stat. 1761, provided that: "This title [amending this section and section 1710 of this title and enacting provisions set out as notes under section 1710 of this title] may be cited as the 'Conceding Our Veterans' Exposure Now and Necessitating Training Act of 2022' or the 'COVENANT Act of 2022'."

Pub. L. 117–168, title II, §201, Aug. 10, 2022, 136 Stat. 1766, provided that: "This title [enacting subchapter VII of chapter 11 and sections 1167 and 1305 of this title, amending sections 1116, 1116B, and 1118 of this title, and enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 1167 and 1305 of this title] may be cited as the 'Toxic Exposure in the American Military Act of 2022' or the 'TEAM Act of 2022'."

Pub. L. 117–168, title III, §301, Aug. 10, 2022, 136 Stat. 1777, provided that: "This title [enacting sections 1119 and 1168 of this title] may be cited as the 'Veterans Burn Pits Exposure Recognition Act of 2022'."

Pub. L. 117–168, title IV, §401(a), Aug. 10, 2022, 136 Stat. 1780, provided that: "This section [amending section 1112 of this title] may be cited as the 'Mark Takai Atomic Veterans Healthcare Parity Act of 2022'."

Pub. L. 117–168, title IV, §402(a), Aug. 10, 2022, 136 Stat. 1780, provided that: "This section [amending section 1112 of this title] may be cited as the 'Palomares or Thule Veterans Act of 2022'."

Pub. L. 117–168, title IV, §403(a), Aug. 10, 2022, 136 Stat. 1780, provided that: "This section [amending sections 1116 and 1710 of this title and enacting provisions set out as a note under section 1116 of this title] may be cited as the 'Veterans Agent Orange Exposure Equity Act of 2022'."

Pub. L. 117–168, title IV, §404(a), Aug. 10, 2022, 136 Stat. 1782, provided that: "This section [amending section 1116 of this title and enacting provisions set out as a note under section 1116 of this title] may be cited as the 'Fair Care for Vietnam Veterans Act of 2022'."

Pub. L. 117–168, title IV, §406(a), Aug. 10, 2022, 136 Stat. 1783, provided that: "This section [enacting section 1120 of this title, amending section 1113 of this title, and enacting provisions set out as a note under section 1120 of this title] may be cited as the 'Presumptive Benefits for War Fighters Exposed to Burn Pits and Other Toxins Act of 2022'."

Pub. L. 117–154, §1, June 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 1303, provided that: "This Act [amending provisions set out as a note preceding section 5701 of this title] may be cited as the 'VA Electronic Health Record Transparency Act of 2021'."

Pub. L. 117–138, §1, June 7, 2022, 136 Stat. 1256, provided that: "This Act [enacting and amending provisions set out as notes preceding section 3001 of this title] may be cited as the 'Veterans Rapid Retraining Assistance Program Restoration and Recovery Act of 2022'."

Pub. L. 117–136, §1, June 7, 2022, 136 Stat. 1251, provided that: "This Act [amending section 312 of this title and enacting provisions set out as a note under section 312 of this title] may be cited as the 'Strengthening Oversight for Veterans Act of 2021'."

Pub. L. 117–133, §1, June 7, 2022, 136 Stat. 1238, provided that: "This Act [amending section 7322 of this title] may be cited as the 'Dr. Kate Hendricks Thomas Supporting Expanded Review for Veterans In Combat Environments Act' or the 'Dr. Kate Hendricks Thomas SERVICE Act'."

Pub. L. 117–103, div. S, title I, §101, Mar. 15, 2022, 136 Stat. 821, provided that: "This title [amending sections 7404 and 7451 of this title] may be cited as the 'Department of Veterans Affairs Nurse and Physician Assistant Retention and Income Security Enhancement Act' or the 'VA Nurse and Physician Assistant RAISE Act'."

Pub. L. 117–103, div. CC, §101, Mar. 15, 2022, 136 Stat. 1109, provided that: "This division [amending sections 2303 and 2408 of this title and enacting provisions set out as a note under section 2408 of this title] may be cited as the 'Burial Equity for Guards and Reserves Act'."

Short Title of 2021 Amendment

Pub. L. 117–76, §1, Dec. 21, 2021, 135 Stat. 1517, provided that: "This Act [amending sections 516, 3313, 3679, 3680, 3689, 3690, 3696, and 3729 of this title, enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 3679 and 3680 of this title, and amending provisions set out as notes preceding section 3001 and under sections 3031, 3103, 3485, and 3687 of this title] may be cited as the 'Responsible Education Mitigating Options and Technical Extensions Act' or the 'REMOTE Act'."

Pub. L. 117–69, §1, Nov. 30, 2021, 135 Stat. 1495, provided that: "This Act [enacting provisions set out as a note under section 1703 of this title] may be cited as the 'Protecting Moms Who Served Act of 2021'."

Pub. L. 117–68, §1, Nov. 30, 2021, 135 Stat. 1493, provided that: "This Act [amending section 3679 of this title and enacting provisions set out as a note under section 3679 of this title] may be cited as the 'Colonel John M. McHugh Tuition Fairness for Survivors Act of 2021'."

Pub. L. 117–67, §1, Nov. 30, 2021, 135 Stat. 1491, provided that: "This Act [amending provisions set out as a note under section 7401 of this title] may be cited as the 'Hire Veteran Health Heroes Act of 2021'."

Pub. L. 117–62, §1, Nov. 22, 2021, 135 Stat. 1482, provided that: "This Act [enacting provisions set out as a note under section 6303 of this title] may be cited as the 'Veterans and Family Information Act'."

Pub. L. 117–45, §1, Oct. 8, 2021, 135 Stat. 389, provided that: "This Act [enacting provisions set out as notes under section 1114 of this title] may be cited as the 'Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2021'."

Pub. L. 117–42, §1, Sept. 30, 2021, 135 Stat. 342, provided that: "This Act [amending section 1712C of this title and provisions set out as a note under section 8103 of this title] may be cited as the 'Department of Veterans Affairs Expiring Authorities Act of 2021'."

Pub. L. 117–37, §1, Aug. 25, 2021, 135 Stat. 329, provided that: "This Act [amending section 1714 of this title and enacting provisions set out as notes under section 1714 of this title] may be cited as the 'Puppies Assisting Wounded Servicemembers for Veterans Therapy Act' or the 'PAWS for Veterans Therapy Act'."

Pub. L. 117–21, §1, June 30, 2021, 135 Stat. 292, provided that: "This Act [enacting provisions set out as a note under section 1712A of this title] may be cited as the 'Sgt. Ketchum Rural Veterans Mental Health Act of 2021'."

Pub. L. 117–16, §1, June 8, 2021, 135 Stat. 280, provided that: "This Act [amending sections 1166, 3313, 3671, 3673A, 3679, 3696, and 3698 of this title, renumbering section 1164 of this title as section 1166, enacting provisions set out as notes preceding section 3001 and under sections 3698 and 3699B of this title, and amending provisions set out as notes preceding section 3001 and under sections 2408, 3671, and 3699B of this title] may be cited as the 'Training in High-demand Roles to Improve Veteran Employment Act' or the 'THRIVE Act'."

Pub. L. 116–315, §1(a), Jan. 5, 2021, 134 Stat. 4932, provided that: "This Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the 'Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020'."

Pub. L. 116–315, title IV, §4001, Jan. 5, 2021, 134 Stat. 5006, provided that: "This title [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the 'Navy SEAL Bill Mulder Act of 2020'."

Pub. L. 116–315, title V, §5001, Jan. 5, 2021, 134 Stat. 5021, provided that: "This title [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the 'Deborah Sampson Act of 2020'."

Pub. L. 116–315, title VI, §6001, Jan. 5, 2021, 134 Stat. 5051, provided that: "This title [enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 1501 and 5101 of this title] may be cited as the 'Financial Refuge for Every Elderly Veteran Act of 2020' or the 'FREE Veteran Act of 2020'."

Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title VII, §761, Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3724, provided that: "This subtitle [subtitle E (§§761–765) of title VII of div. A of Pub. L. 116–283, enacting section 1789 of this title, amending sections 1712A, 1720F, and 1720H of this title, and enacting provisions set out as a note under 1712A of this title] may be cited as the 'Care and Readiness Enhancement for Reservists Act of 2020' or the 'CARE for Reservists Act of 2020'."

Short Title of 2020 Amendment

Pub. L. 116–278, §1, Dec. 31, 2020, 134 Stat. 3373, provided that: "This Act [amending section 1720G of this title and enacting provisions set out as a note under section 1720G of this title] may be cited as the 'Transparency and Effective Accountability Measures for Veteran Caregivers Act' or the 'TEAM Veteran Caregivers Act'."

Pub. L. 116–214, §1(a), Dec. 5, 2020, 134 Stat. 1026, provided that: "This Act [enacting section 1720J of this title and provisions set out as notes under sections 902, 1710, 1720G, 1720J, and 6303 of this title] may be cited as the 'Veterans Comprehensive Prevention, Access to Care, and Treatment Act of 2020' or the 'Veterans COMPACT Act of 2020'."

Pub. L. 116–183, §1, Oct. 30, 2020, 134 Stat. 895, provided that: "This Act [amending section 8127 of this title and enacting provisions set out as a note under section 8127 of this title] may be cited as the 'Protecting Business Opportunities for Veterans Act of 2019'."

Pub. L. 116–178, §1, Oct. 20, 2020, 134 Stat. 853, provided that: "This Act [enacting provisions set out as notes under section 1114 of this title] may be cited as the 'Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2020'."

Pub. L. 116–176, §1, Oct. 20, 2020, 134 Stat. 849, provided that: "This Act [amending section 1712A of this title] may be cited as the 'Vet Center Eligibility Expansion Act'."

Pub. L. 116–171, §1(a), Oct. 17, 2020, 134 Stat. 778, provided that: "This Act [enacting subchapter IX of chapter 76 and section 119 of this title, amending sections 1720I, 7309, 7601 to 7604, and 7632 of this title, and enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 310, 1701, 1712A, 1720F, 6303, 7303, 7401, 7402, 7698, and 8111 of this title] may be cited as the 'Commander John Scott Hannon Veterans Mental Health Care Improvement Act of 2019'."

Pub. L. 116–159, div. E, §5001, Oct. 1, 2020, 134 Stat. 747, provided that: "This division [amending sections 111A, 315, 322, 503, 521A, 1710, 1710A, 2021, 2021A, 2023, 2031, 2033, 2044, 2061, 2108, 3733, 7253, and 8118 of this title, enacting provisions set out as a note under section 301 of this title, and amending provisions set out as notes preceding section 3001 of this title and under sections 1116, 1710, 1712A, 3031, and 7302 of this title] may be cited as the 'Department of Veterans Affairs Expiring Authorities Act of 2020'."

Pub. L. 116–155, §1, Aug. 8, 2020, 134 Stat. 698, provided that: "This Act [amending section 8127 of this title and enacting provisions set out as a note under section 8127 of this title] may be cited as the 'Department of Veterans Affairs Contracting Preference Consistency Act of 2020'."

Pub. L. 116–154, §1, Aug. 8, 2020, 134 Stat. 690, provided that: "This Act [enacting section 3315B of this title, amending sections 2101, 2102, 3485, 3532, and 3729 of this title, and enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 2101, 3315B, and 3485 of this title] may be cited as the 'Ryan Kules and Paul Benne Specially Adaptive Housing Improvement Act of 2019'."

Pub. L. 116–140, §1, Apr. 28, 2020, 134 Stat. 631, provided that: "This Act [enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 3031, 3103, 3105, 3108, 3319, 3321, 3485, 3680, and 3699 of this title and section 16133 of Title 10, Armed Forces] may be cited as the 'Student Veteran Coronavirus Response Act of 2020'."

Pub. L. 116–137, §1, Apr. 10, 2020, 134 Stat. 616, provided that: "This Act [amending sections 7101 and 7107 of this title and enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 7101 and 7107 of this title] may be cited as the 'VA Tele-Hearing Modernization Act'."

Pub. L. 116–106, §1, Jan. 7, 2020, 133 Stat. 3291, provided that: "This Act [amending section 2403 of this title] may be cited as the 'Fallen Warrior Battlefield Cross Memorial Act'."

Short Title of 2019 Amendment

Pub. L. 116–61, §1, Sept. 30, 2019, 133 Stat. 1116, provided that: "This Act [amending sections 315, 714, 1725A, 2044, 3313, 3321, 3683, 3699, 3733, 7462, 7696, and 8104 of this title] may be cited as the 'Department of Veterans Affairs Expiring Authorities Act of 2019'."

Pub. L. 116–58, §1, Sept. 26, 2019, 133 Stat. 1091, provided that: "This Act [enacting provisions set out as notes under section 1114 of this title] may be cited as the 'Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2019'."

Pub. L. 116–23, §1, June 25, 2019, 133 Stat. 966, provided that: "This Act [enacting sections 1116A, 1116B, and 1822 of this title, amending sections 1710, 1831, 3703, 3710, 3729, 3731, and 3762 of this title, and enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 1116A, 1116B, 1822, 3703, and 3731 of this title] may be cited as the 'Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act of 2019'."

Short Title of 2018 Amendment

Pub. L. 115–407, §1(a), Dec. 31, 2018, 132 Stat. 5368, provided that: "This Act [enacting section 728 of this title, amending sections 2021, 2306, 2402, 3105, 3313, 3679, 3698, and 7463 of this title and sections 3955, 3956, 4001, and 4025 of Title 50, War and National Defense, enacting provisions set out as notes preceding sections 5301 and 5701 of this title and under sections 1701, 3679, 3680, and 8125 of this title and sections 4001 and 4025 of Title 50, and amending provisions set out as notes under sections 3001 and 5101 of this title] may be cited as the 'Veterans Benefits and Transition Act of 2018'."

Pub. L. 115–258, §1, Oct. 9, 2018, 132 Stat. 3662, provided that: "This Act [enacting provisions set out as notes under section 1114 of this title] may be cited as the 'Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2018'."

Pub. L. 115–251, §1(a), Sept. 29, 2018, 132 Stat. 3166, provided that: "This Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the 'Department of Veterans Affairs Expiring Authorities Act of 2018'."

Pub. L. 115–188, §1, June 21, 2018, 132 Stat. 1490, provided that: "This Act [enacting section 727 of this title] may be cited as the 'Department of Veterans Affairs Senior Executive Accountability Act of 2018' or the 'SEA Act of 2018'."

Pub. L. 115–184, §1, June 15, 2018, 132 Stat. 1483, provided that: "This Act [amending section 2306 of this title] may be cited as the 'Veterans Cemetery Benefit Correction Act'."

Pub. L. 115–182, §1(a), June 6, 2018, 132 Stat. 1393, provided that: "This Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the 'John S. McCain III, Daniel K. Akaka, and Samuel R. Johnson VA Maintaining Internal Systems and Strengthening Integrated Outside Networks Act of 2018' or the 'VA MISSION Act of 2018'."

Pub. L. 115–182, title I, §100(a), June 6, 2018, 132 Stat. 1395, provided that: "This title [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the 'Caring for Our Veterans Act of 2018'."

Pub. L. 115–159, §1, Mar. 27, 2018, 132 Stat. 1244, provided that: "This Act [amending section 1745 of this title and enacting provisions set out as a note under section 1745 of this title] may be cited as the 'State Veterans Home Adult Day Health Care Improvement Act of 2017'."

Pub. L. 115–131, §1, Mar. 9, 2018, 132 Stat. 334, provided that: "This Act [enacting provisions set out as a note under section 1501 of this title] may be cited as the 'Veterans Care Financial Protection Act of 2017'."

Short Title of 2017 Amendment

Pub. L. 115–95, §1, Dec. 20, 2017, 131 Stat. 2042, provided that: "This Act [enacting provisions set out as a note under section 1701 of this title] may be cited as the 'Enhancing Veteran Care Act'."

Pub. L. 115–89, §1, Nov. 21, 2017, 131 Stat. 1279, provided that: "This Act [amending sections 3672 and 3680 of this title] may be cited as the 'Veterans Apprenticeship and Labor Opportunity Reform Act' or the 'VALOR Act'."

Pub. L. 115–86, §1, Nov. 21, 2017, 131 Stat. 1276, provided that: "This Act [amending section 5701 of this title] may be cited as the 'VA Prescription Data Accountability Act 2017'."

Pub. L. 115–75, §1, Nov. 2, 2017, 131 Stat. 1244, provided that: "This Act [enacting provisions set out as notes under section 1114 of this title] may be cited as the 'Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2017'."

Pub. L. 115–62, §1(a), Sept. 29, 2017, 131 Stat. 1159, provided that: "This Act [amending sections 111A, 315, 322, 503, 521A, 544, 1710, 1710A, 1720G, 1729, 2021, 2021A, 2023, 2031, 2033, 2044, 2061, 2066, 2101, 2108, 3313, 3673, 3720, 3732, and 3733 of this title, enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 1710C, 3313, and 3684 of this title, and amending provisions set out as notes under sections 1116, 1710, 1710C, 1712A, 3313, 3684, and 3699 of this title and section 1071 of Title 10, Armed Forces] may be cited as the 'Department of Veterans Affairs Expiring Authorities Act of 2017'."

Pub. L. 115–55, §1, Aug. 23, 2017, 131 Stat. 1105, provided that: "This Act [enacting sections 5104A to 5104C and 7113 of this title, amending this section and sections 5103 to 5104, 5108, 5109, 5109B, 5110, 5111, 5701, 5904, 7103 to 7105A, and 7111 of this title, repealing sections 7106 and 7109 of this title, and enacting provisions set out as notes under this section and sections 5101 and 5108 of this title] may be cited as the 'Veterans Appeals Improvement and Modernization Act of 2017'."

Pub. L. 115–48, §1(a), Aug. 16, 2017, 131 Stat. 973, provided that: "This Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the 'Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2017'."

Pub. L. 115–46, §1(a), Aug. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 958, provided that: "This Act [enacting subchapter III of chapter 7 and section 725 of this title, amending sections 3729, 5317, 5503, 7412, and 7451 of this title and section 3304 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees, and enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 701, 741, and 7401 of this title] may be cited as the 'VA Choice and Quality Employment Act of 2017'."

Pub. L. 115–41, §1(a), June 23, 2017, 131 Stat. 862, provided that: "This Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the 'Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act of 2017'."

Short Title of 2016 Amendment

Pub. L. 114–315, §1(a), Dec. 16, 2016, 130 Stat. 1536, provided that: "This Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the 'Jeff Miller and Richard Blumenthal Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2016'."

Pub. L. 114–273, §1, Dec. 14, 2016, 130 Stat. 1400, provided that: "This Act [amending section 2306 of this title] may be cited as the 'Charles Duncan Buried with Honor Act of 2016'."

Pub. L. 114–256, §1, Dec. 14, 2016, 130 Stat. 1345, provided that: "This Act [amending sections 3903, 7401, and 7402 of this title and enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 3902 and 7401 of this title] may be cited as the 'Veterans Mobility Safety Act of 2016'."

Pub. L. 114–228, §1(a), Sept. 29, 2016, 130 Stat. 935, provided that: "This Act [amending sections 111A, 315, 322, 503, 521A, 544, 1710, 1710A, 1720G, 1729, 2013, 2021, 2021A, 2023, 2031, 2033, 2041, 2044, 2061, 2066, 2101, 2108, 3679, 3692, 3720, 3732, and 3733 of this title and provisions set out as notes under sections 523, 1116, 1710, 1712A, 3684, and 5101 of this title and section 1071 of Title 10, Armed Forces] may be cited as the 'Department of Veterans Affairs Expiring Authorities Act of 2016'."

Pub. L. 114–226, §1, Sept. 29, 2016, 130 Stat. 926, provided that: "This Act [amending sections 8161, 8162, 8163, and 8168 of this title] may be cited as the 'West Los Angeles Leasing Act of 2016'."

Pub. L. 114–218, §1, July 29, 2016, 130 Stat. 842, provided that: "This Act [enacting section 1712C of this title and repealing provisions set out as a note under section 1712 of this title] may be cited as the 'Department of Veterans Affairs Dental Insurance Reauthorization Act of 2016'."

Pub. L. 114–197, §1, July 22, 2016, 130 Stat. 693, provided that: "This Act [enacting provisions set out as notes under section 1114 of this title] may be cited as the 'Veterans' Compensation COLA Act of 2016'."

Pub. L. 114–188, §1, June 30, 2016, 130 Stat. 611, provided that: "This Act [amending section 1709B of this title] may be cited as the 'Female Veteran Suicide Prevention Act'."

Short Title of 2015 Amendment

Pub. L. 114–58, §1(a), Sept. 30, 2015, 129 Stat. 530, provided that: "This Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the 'Department of Veterans Affairs Expiring Authorities Act of 2015'."

Pub. L. 114–41, title IV, §4001, July 31, 2015, 129 Stat. 460, provided that: "This title [amending sections 223 and 4980H of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code, enacting provisions set out as notes under section 1701 of this title and sections 223 and 4980H of Title 26, and amending provisions set out as a note under section 1701 of this title] may be cited as the 'VA Budget and Choice Improvement Act'."

Pub. L. 114–31, §1, July 20, 2015, 129 Stat. 428, provided that: "This Act [enacting section 5706 of this title and provisions set out as notes under section 5706 of this title] may be cited as the 'Veterans Identification Card Act 2015'."

Pub. L. 114–19, §1, May 22, 2015, 129 Stat. 215, provided that: "This Act [enacting and amending provisions set out as notes under section 1701 of this section] may be cited as the 'Construction Authorization and Choice Improvement Act'."

Pub. L. 114–2, §1, Feb. 12, 2015, 129 Stat. 30, provided that: "This Act [enacting section 1709B of this title, amending section 1710 of this title, and enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 1712A, 1720F, and 7681 of this title] may be cited as the 'Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for American Veterans Act' or the 'Clay Hunt SAV Act'."

Short Title of 2014 Amendment

Pub. L. 113–257, §1, Dec. 18, 2014, 128 Stat. 2924, provided that: "This Act [enacting and amending provisions set out as notes under section 1710C of this title] may be cited as the 'Veterans Traumatic Brain Injury Care Improvement Act of 2014'."

Pub. L. 113–181, §1, Sept. 26, 2014, 128 Stat. 1916, provided that: "This Act [enacting provisions set out as notes under section 1114 of this title] may be cited as the 'Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2014'."

Pub. L. 113–175, §1(a), Sept. 26, 2014, 128 Stat. 1901, provided that: "This Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the 'Department of Veterans Affairs Expiring Authorities Act of 2014'."

Pub. L. 113–146, §1(a), Aug. 7, 2014, 128 Stat. 1754, provided that: "This Act [enacting sections 713 and 7412 of this title, amending sections 1720D, 3311, 3321, 3679, 3729, 5317, 5503, 7302, 7612, 7619, 7683, and 8104 of this title, enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 703, 713, 1701, 1720D, 3311, 3679, 7302, 7412, and 8104 of this title, and amending provisions set out as notes under sections 1703 and 1710C of this title] may be cited as the 'Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014'."

Short Title of 2013 Amendment

Pub. L. 113–65, §1, Dec. 20, 2013, 127 Stat. 669, provided that: "This Act [amending section 2411 of this title and enacting provisions set out as a note under section 2411 of this title] may be cited as the 'Alicia Dawn Koehl Respect for National Cemeteries Act'."

Pub. L. 113–59, §1(a), Dec. 20, 2013, 127 Stat. 658, provided that: "This Act [amending sections 111A, 315, 322, 521A, 1710A, 2031, 2033, 2041, 2066, 3692, and 3733 of this title, enacting provisions set out as a note under section 521A of this title, and amending provisions set out as a note under section 5101 of this title] may be cited as the 'VA Expiring Authorities Extension Act of 2013'."

Pub. L. 113–52, §1, Nov. 21, 2013, 127 Stat. 582, provided that: "This Act [enacting provisions set out as notes under section 1114 of this title] may be cited as the 'Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2013'."

Pub. L. 113–37, §1, Sept. 30, 2013, 127 Stat. 523, provided that: "This Act [amending sections 322, 521A, 1710, 1729, 2013, 2021, 2023, 2044, 2061, 2101, 3732, and 5317A of this title and section 653 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare, enacting provisions set out as a note under section 322 of this title, and amending provisions set out as a note under section 1710 of this title] may be cited as the 'Department of Veterans Affairs Expiring Authorities Act of 2013'."

Pub. L. 112–260, §1(a), Jan. 10, 2013, 126 Stat. 2417, provided that: "This Act [enacting sections 111A and 2414 of this title, amending sections 111, 111A, 2302, 2306, 2308, 2404, 2411, 5503, 7253, and 7255 of this title, enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 527, 2302, 2306, 2402, 2404, 2411, 2414, 7253, and 7255 of this title, section 1144 of Title 10, Armed Forces, and section 2104 of Title 36, Patriotic and National Observances, Ceremonies, and Organizations, and amending provisions set out as a note under section 1712A of this title] may be cited as the 'Dignified Burial and Other Veterans' Benefits Improvement Act of 2012'."

Short Title of 2012 Amendment

Pub. L. 112–198, §1, Nov. 27, 2012, 126 Stat. 1463, provided that: "This Act [enacting provisions set out as notes under section 1114 of this title] may be cited as the 'Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2012'."

Pub. L. 112–191, §1(a), Oct. 5, 2012, 126 Stat. 1437, provided that: "This Act [amending sections 315, 2031, 2033, 2041, 2066, and 3732 of this title, enacting provisions set out as a note under section 315 of this title, and amending provisions set out as a note under section 5101 of this title] may be cited as the 'VA Major Construction Authorization and Expiring Authorities Extension Act of 2012'."

Pub. L. 112–154, §1(a), Aug. 6, 2012, 126 Stat. 1165, provided that: "This Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the 'Honoring America's Veterans and Caring for Camp Lejeune Families Act of 2012'."

Pub. L. 112–154, title I, §101, Aug. 6, 2012, 126 Stat. 1167, provided that: "This title [enacting sections 1709, 1709A, 1722B, and 1787 of this title, amending sections 901, 1710, 1710C to 1710E, 1720, 1729, 1745, and 7308 of this title, and enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 1710, 1720, 1729A, and 7406 of this title] may be cited as the 'Janey Ensminger Act'."

Pub. L. 112–154, title II, §201, Aug. 6, 2012, 126 Stat. 1176, provided that: "This title [enacting section 8168 of this title, amending sections 2101, 2102, 2102A, 3701, 3704, 3707, 3707A, 3729, 8161, 8162, 8164 to 8167, and 8169 of this title, and enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 2101, 2102, 2102A, 3701, 8162, and 8168 of this title] may be cited as the 'Andrew Connolly Veterans Housing Act'."

Short Title of 2011 Amendment

Pub. L. 112–56, title II, §201, Nov. 21, 2011, 125 Stat. 712, provided that: "This title [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the 'VOW to Hire Heroes Act of 2011'."

Pub. L. 112–53, §1, Nov. 9, 2011, 125 Stat. 548, provided that: "This Act [enacting provisions set out as notes under section 1114 of this title] may be cited as the 'Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2011'."

Pub. L. 112–37, §1(a), Oct. 5, 2011, 125 Stat. 392, provided that: "This Act [amending sections 1703, 2013, 2021, 2031, 2033, 2041, 2044, 2061, 2066, 2102A, 3729, 5317, 5317A, 8104, and 8118 of this title and section 653 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare] may be cited as the 'Veterans Health Care Facilities Capital Improvement Act of 2011'."

Pub. L. 112–26, §1, Aug. 3, 2011, 125 Stat. 268, provided that: "This Act [amending section 3729 of this title and enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 3313 and 3729 of this title] may be cited as the 'Restoring GI Bill Fairness Act of 2011'."

Pub. L. 111–377, §1(a), Jan. 4, 2011, 124 Stat. 4106, provided that: "This Act [enacting section 3315A of this title, amending sections 3031, 3034, 3108, 3301, 3311, 3313, 3315, 3316, 3319, 3322, 3323, 3512, 3671 to 3673, 3675, 3679, 3680, 3681, 3684, and 3689 of this title and section 2006 of Title 10, Armed Forces, and enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 3031, 3034, 3108, 3301, 3311, 3313, 3315, 3315A, 3319, 3322, 3680, and 3684 of this title and section 2006 of Title 10] may be cited as the 'Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Improvements Act of 2010'."

Short Title of 2010 Amendment

Pub. L. 111–275, §1(a), Oct. 13, 2010, 124 Stat. 2864, provided that: "This Act [enacting sections 2021A and 2108 of this title and sections 4041 to 4043 of Title 50, War and National Defense, amending sections 107, 315, 503, 1114, 1311, 1318, 1503, 1521, 1541, 1542, 1717, 1785, 1922A, 1967, 1968, 1977, 1980, 1980A, 2021, 2044, 2106, 2301, 2303, 2306, 2402, 3120, 3313, 3316, 3318, 3319, 3321, 3485, 3512, 3684, 3692, 3729, 3732, 3733, 3901, 3902, 4102A, 4303, 4324, 5111, 5503, 5510, 5723, 5727, 7325, 7903, 8104, 8111A, 8117, and 8127 of this title, section 1316 of Title 2, The Congress, section 416 of Title 3, The President, and sections 3937, 3951 to 3953, and 3955 to 3958 of Title 50, enacting provisions set out as notes under this section and sections 107, 1114, 1318, 1503, 1521, 1922A, 1968, 1977, 1980, 1980A, 2106, 2303, 2400, 2402, 3120, 3317, 3485, 3732, 3901, 3902, 4102A, 4301, 4303, 5111, and 8127 of this title and section 2913 of Title 29, Labor, and amending provisions set out as notes under sections 1117, 1980A, and 5101 of this title] may be cited as the 'Veterans' Benefits Act of 2010'."

Pub. L. 111–275, title I, §104(a), Oct. 13, 2010, 124 Stat. 2867, provided that: "This section [amending section 8127 of this title and enacting provisions set out as a note under section 8127 of this title] may be cited as the 'Veterans Small Business Verification Act'."

Pub. L. 111–275, title V, §502(a), Oct. 13, 2010, 124 Stat. 2882, provided that: "This section [amending sections 107, 2301, 2306, and 2402 of this title and enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 107 and 2402 of this title] may be cited as the 'Corey Shea Act'."

Pub. L. 111–247, §1, Sept. 30, 2010, 124 Stat. 2623, provided that: "This Act [enacting provisions set out as notes under section 1114 of this title] may be cited as [the] 'Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2010'."

Pub. L. 111–163, §1(a), May 5, 2010, 124 Stat. 1130, provided that: "This Act [enacting chapter 75 and sections 118, 1720G, 1730A, 1786, 7311A, 7321A, 7459, and 7618 of this title, amending sections 111, 542, 544, 902, 903, 1705, 1710, 1710E, 1712A, 1717, 1720, 1720D, 1729, 1781, 1782, 2012, 7306, 7311, 7332, 7361 to 7364, 7366, 7401, 7403 to 7405, 7410, 7431, 7451 to 7456, 7456A, 7612, 7618, and 7681 to 7683 of this title, renumbering sections 7364A and 7618 of this title as sections 7365 and 7619, respectively, repealing sections 7365 and 8107 of this title, enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 111, 523, 542, 1703, 1710, 1712, 1712A, 1717, 1720G, 7306, 7404, 7431, 7501, and 7681 of this title, and amending provisions set out as notes under sections 527 and 1703 of this title] may be cited as the 'Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2010'."

Short Title of 2009 Amendment

Pub. L. 111–81, §1, Oct. 22, 2009, 123 Stat. 2137, provided that: "This Act [enacting section 117 of this title, amending section 1105 of Title 31, Money and Finance, and enacting provisions set out as a note under section 117 of this title] may be cited as the 'Veterans Health Care Budget Reform and Transparency Act of 2009'."

Pub. L. 111–37, §1, June 30, 2009, 123 Stat. 1927, provided that: "This Act [amending sections 1114, 1115, 1162, 1311, and 1313 to 1315 of this title and enacting provisions set out as notes under section 1114 of this title] may be cited as the 'Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2009'."

Short Title of 2008 Amendment

Pub. L. 110–389, §1(a), Oct. 10, 2008, 122 Stat. 4145, provided that: "This Act [enacting sections 321, 322, 521A, 532, 546, 1156, 3122, 4327, 4335, 5121A, 7288, and 7732A of this title and section 3956 of Title 50, War and National Defense, amending this section, sections 502, 544, 1112, 1161, 1922, 1965, 1967 to 1969, 1973, 2103, 2306, 3105, 3120, 3512, 3673, 3676, 3677, 3686, 3691, 3703, 3707, 3707A, 3710, 4103, 4110A, 4322 to 4324, 4332, 5103, 5317, 7253, 7257, 7268, 7285, 7296, 7731, and 8127 of this title, section 3711 of Title 31, Money and Finance, and section 3937 of Title 50, enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 322, 521A, 1156, 1161, 1967 to 1969, 1973, 2306, 3703, 4332, 5101, 5103, 5121A, 5302A, and 7732A of this title, and amending provisions set out as notes under section 5101 of this title and section 1212 of Title 10, Armed Forces] may be cited as the 'Veterans' Benefits Improvement Act of 2008'."

Pub. L. 110–387, §1(a), Oct. 10, 2008, 122 Stat. 4110, provided that: "This Act [enacting sections 1729B, 2044, 7330A, and 8119 of this title, amending sections 111, 542, 1701, 1703, 1708, 1710, 1710A, 1712A, 1725, 1728, 1729, 1782, 1803, 2013, 2022, 2023, 2043, 2065, 4110, 7314, 7320, 7321, 7325, 7328, 7402, 7458, 8104, and 8117 of this title, repealing section 7368 of this title, enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 111, 1701, 1703, 1712A, 1720A, 1803, 2044, 7311, and 8119 of this title, amending provisions set out as notes under sections 1710B and 1712A of this title, and repealing provisions set out as a note under section 7333 of this title] may be cited as the 'Veterans' Mental Health and Other Care Improvements Act of 2008'."

Pub. L. 110–324, §1, Sept. 24, 2008, 122 Stat. 3549, provided that: "This Act [amending sections 1114, 1115, 1162, 1311, 1313, and 1314 of this title and enacting provisions set out as notes under section 1114 of this title] may be cited as the 'Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2008'."

Pub. L. 110–252, title I, §1303(d), June 30, 2008, 122 Stat. 2328, provided that: "This section [enacting section 5302A of this title and provisions set out as notes under section 5302A of this title] may be cited as the 'Combat Veterans Debt Elimination Act of 2008'."

Pub. L. 110–252, title V, §5001, June 30, 2008, 122 Stat. 2357, provided that: "This title [enacting chapter 33 of this title and sections 16132a and 16163a of Title 10, Armed Forces, amending sections 3015, 3020, 3033, 3485, 3674, 3688 to 3690, 3692, 3695, 3697, and 3697A of this title and sections 16133 and 16163 of Title 10, and enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 3015 and 3301 of this title and section 16163 of Title 10] may be cited as the 'Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008'."

Short Title of 2007 Amendment

Pub. L. 110–157, §1(a), Dec. 26, 2007, 121 Stat. 1831, provided that: "This Act [enacting section 5317A of this title, amending sections 1114, 1160, 2306, 2408, and 3485 of this title and section 653 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare, and enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 2306 and 2408 of this title] may be cited as the 'Dr. James Allen Veteran Vision Equity Act of 2007'."

Pub. L. 110–111, §1, Nov. 5, 2007, 121 Stat. 1035, provided that: "This Act [enacting provisions set out as notes under section 1114 of this title] may be cited as the 'Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2007'."

Pub. L. 110–110, §1, Nov. 5, 2007, 121 Stat. 1031, provided that: "This Act [enacting section 1720F of this title and provisions set out as a note under section 1720F of this title] may be cited as the 'Joshua Omvig Veterans Suicide Prevention Act'."

Short Title of 2006 Amendment

Pub. L. 109–461, §1(a), Dec. 22, 2006, 120 Stat. 3403, provided that: "This Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the 'Veterans Benefits, Health Care, and Information Technology Act of 2006'."

Pub. L. 109–461, title IX, §901, Dec. 22, 2006, 120 Stat. 3450, provided that: "This title [enacting subchapter III of chapter 57 and chapter 79 of this title] may be cited as the 'Department of Veterans Affairs Information Security Enhancement Act of 2006'."

Pub. L. 109–444, §1(a), Dec. 21, 2006, 120 Stat. 3304, which provided that the Act (see Tables for classification) could be cited as the "Veterans Programs Extension Act of 2006", was repealed by Pub. L. 109–461, title X, §1006(b), Dec. 22, 2006, 120 Stat. 3468, set out below.

Pub. L. 109–361, §1, Oct. 16, 2006, 120 Stat. 2062, provided that: "This Act [amending section 1311 of this title and enacting provisions set out as notes under section 1114 of this title] may be cited as the 'Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2006'."

Pub. L. 109–233, §1(a), June 15, 2006, 120 Stat. 397, provided that: "This Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the 'Veterans' Housing Opportunity and Benefits Improvement Act of 2006'."

Pub. L. 109–228, §1, May 29, 2006, 120 Stat. 387, provided that: "This Act [enacting section 2413 of this title, section 1387 of Title 18, Crimes and Criminal Procedure, and provisions set out as a note under section 2413 of this title] may be cited as the 'Respect for America's Fallen Heroes Act'."

Short Title of 2005 Amendments

Pub. L. 109–111, §1, Nov. 22, 2005, 119 Stat. 2362, provided that: "This Act [amending sections 1114, 1115, 1162, 1311, 1313, and 1314 of this title and enacting provisions set out as notes under section 1114 of this title] may be cited as the 'Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2005'."

Pub. L. 109–80, §1, Sept. 30, 2005, 119 Stat. 2045, provided that: "This Act [amending sections 1967, 1969, 1970, and 1977 of this title and enacting and repealing provisions set out as notes under section 1967 of this title] may be cited as the 'Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance Enhancement Act of 2005'."

Short Title of 2004 Amendments

Pub. L. 108–454, §1(a), Dec. 10, 2004, 118 Stat. 3598, provided that: "This Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the 'Veterans Benefits Improvement Act of 2004'."

Pub. L. 108–454, title I, §101, Dec. 10, 2004, 118 Stat. 3600, provided that: "This title [amending sections 3011, 3012, 3032, 3232, 3452, 3501, 3512, 3532, 3672, 3675, 3677, 3684, 3687, and 3694 of this title and enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 3032, 3233, 3675, and 3687 of this title and section 16131 of Title 10, Armed Forces] may be cited as the 'Veterans Earn and Learn Act of 2004'."

Pub. L. 108–445, §1, Dec. 3, 2004, 118 Stat. 2636, provided that: "This Act [enacting section 7456A of this title, amending sections 7404, 7431 to 7433, and 7452 of this title, omitting sections 7434 to 7440 of this title, and enacting provisions set out as notes under section 7431 of this title] may be cited as the 'Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel Enhancement Act of 2004'."

Pub. L. 108–422, §1(a), Nov. 30, 2004, 118 Stat. 2379, provided that: "This Act [enacting sections 1744, 7327, 7328, and 8118 of this title, amending sections 305, 1703, 1710B, 1720D, 1741, 2013, 7401, 7803, 8104, 8109, 8111, 8122, and 8164 to 8166 of this title, repealing section 8116 of this title, enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 1710B, 1744, 7327, 7328, 7451, 8110, and 8118 of this title, and amending provisions set out as a note under section 1710B of this title] may be cited as the 'Veterans Health Programs Improvement Act of 2004'."

Pub. L. 108–363, §1, Oct. 25, 2004, 118 Stat. 1705, provided that: "This Act [enacting provisions set out as notes under section 1114 of this title] may be cited as the 'Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2004'."

Short Title of 2003 Amendments

Pub. L. 108–183, §1(a), Dec. 16, 2003, 117 Stat. 2651, provided that: "This Act [enacting sections 1821, 4113, 5109B, and 7112 of this title and section 657f of Title 15, Commerce and Trade, amending sections 103, 107, 315, 544, 1104, 1112, 1303, 1311, 1322, 1729A, 1804, 1811, 1831, 1834, 1917, 1952, 1974, 2101, 2102, 2303, 2307, 2402, 2408, 3015, 3452, 3462, 3471, 3485, 3512, 3532, 3534, 3542, 3564, 3675, 3687, 3692, 3702, 3729, 3732, 3733, 3902, 4102A, 5101, 5102, 5103, 5121, 5301, 5317, 5318, 6105, and 7723 of this title, repealing sections 3698 and 3699 of this title, enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 103, 107, 1154, 1917, 2102, 2402, 3452, 3462, 3485, 3512, 3532, 3698, 3729, 4102A, 4113, 5101, 5102, 5103, 5121, 6105, and 7723 of this title, amending provisions set out as a note under section 103 of this title, and repealing provisions set out as a note under section 5101 of this title] may be cited as the 'Veterans Benefits Act of 2003'."

Pub. L. 108–170, §1(a), Dec. 6, 2003, 117 Stat. 2042, provided that: "This Act [enacting sections 7307 and 7364A of this title, amending sections 516, 1701, 1710, 1710A, 1712, 1718, 1720, 1722A, 1734, 2041, 2065, 7303, 7316, 7321, 7366, 7368, 7401 to 7405, 7409, 7421, 7454, 7802, 8104, 8107, 8121, 8153, and 8163 to 8165 of this title and section 1680f of Title 25, Indians, enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 7316, 7401, 7454, and 8121 of this title and section 1680f of Title 25, and amending provisions set out as notes under sections 1710B and 1712A of this title] may be cited as the 'Veterans Health Care, Capital Asset, and Business Improvement Act of 2003'."

Pub. L. 108–147, §1, Dec. 3, 2003, 117 Stat. 1885, provided that: "This Act [enacting provisions set out as notes under section 1114 of this title] may be cited as the 'Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2003'."

Short Title of 2002 Amendments

Pub. L. 107–330, §1(a), Dec. 6, 2002, 116 Stat. 2820, provided that: "This Act [enacting section 3707A of this title, amending sections 103, 107, 112, 1114, 1115, 1160, 1162, 1311, 1313, 1314, 1562, 1701, 1705, 1707, 1710, 1729B, 1781, 2106, 2301, 2306, 2411, 3011, 3014A, 3018C, 3031, 3035, 3103, 3485, 3512, 3674, 3689, 3703, 3734, 7261, 7292, and 7315 of this title, section 6103 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code, and section 3911 of Title 50, War and National Defense, enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 103, 112, 1562, 2306, 2409, 3035, 3103, 3512, 3703, 3729, 7261, and 7292 of this title and section 2412 of Title 28, Judiciary and Judicial Procedure, and amending provisions set out as notes under sections 2306 and 2400 of this title] may be cited as the 'Veterans Benefits Act of 2002'."

Pub. L. 107–288, §1(a), Nov. 7, 2002, 116 Stat. 2033, provided that: "This Act [enacting sections 4112 and 4215 of this title, amending sections 3117, 4101 to 4104, 4106, 4107, 4109, 4211, 4212, and 4214 of this title, repealing section 4104A of this title, and enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 4100, 4101, 4102, 4102A, 4103A, 4106, 4107, 4211, 4214, and 4215 of this title] may be cited as the 'Jobs for Veterans Act'."

Pub. L. 107–287, §1, Nov. 7, 2002, 116 Stat. 2024, provided that: "This Act [enacting sections 1785, 7325, 7326, and 8117 of this title, amending sections 308 and 8111A of this title and section 5315 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees, enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 7325 and 7326 of this title, and amending provisions set out as a note preceding section 8117 of this title] may be cited as the 'Department of Veterans Affairs Emergency Preparedness Act of 2002'."

Pub. L. 107–247, §1, Oct. 23, 2002, 116 Stat. 1517, provided that: "This Act [enacting provisions set out as notes under section 1114 of this title] may be cited as the 'Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2002'."

Pub. L. 107–135, §1(a), Jan. 23, 2002, 115 Stat. 2446, provided that: "This Act [enacting sections 1782 to 1784 and 7324 of this title, amending sections 103, 1701, 1705 to 1707, 1710, 1711, 1712A, 1714, 1729, 1729A, 1781, 7303, 7306, 7426, 7451, 7454, 7631, 7672, 7673, 7682, 7683, 8110 to 8111A, 8152, 8502, 8520, and 8521 of this title and sections 8415 and 8422 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees, renumbering section 1713 of this title as section 1781 of this title, repealing sections 7676 and 7684 of this title, and enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 1705, 1710, 7303, 7311, 7324, 7451, 7454, 7631, and 7682 of this title and section 8415 of Title 5] may be cited as the 'Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Programs Enhancement Act of 2001'."

Short Title of 2001 Amendments

Pub. L. 107–103, §1(a), Dec. 27, 2001, 115 Stat. 976, provided that: "This Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the 'Veterans Education and Benefits Expansion Act of 2001'."

Pub. L. 107–95, §1(a), Dec. 21, 2001, 115 Stat. 903, provided that: "This Act [enacting chapter 20 of this title, amending sections 1706, 1720A, 2031, 2033, 2034, 2051, 2052, 4103A, 4104, 8122, and 8162 of this title and sections 1437f and 11312 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare, renumbering sections 1771 to 1774 of this title as sections 2031 to 2034 of this title, respectively, section 3735 of this title as section 2041 of this title, and sections 3772 to 3775 of this title as sections 2051 to 2054 of this title, respectively, repealing sections 3771 and 4111 of this title and section 11448 of Title 42, enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 2001, 2061, and 8162 of this title, and repealing provisions set out as notes under section 7721 of this title] may be cited as the 'Homeless Veterans Comprehensive Assistance Act of 2001'."

Pub. L. 107–94, §1(a), Dec. 21, 2001, 115 Stat. 900, provided that: "This Act [amending sections 1114, 1115, 1162, 1311, 1313, and 1314 of this title and enacting provisions set out as notes under section 1114 of this title] may be cited as the 'Veterans' Compensation Rate Amendments of 2001'."

Pub. L. 107–14, §1(a), June 5, 2001, 115 Stat. 25, provided that: "This Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the 'Veterans' Survivor Benefits Improvements Act of 2001'."

Short Title of 2000 Amendments

Pub. L. 106–475, §1, Nov. 9, 2000, 114 Stat. 2096, provided that: "This Act [enacting sections 5100, 5102 to 5103A, and 5126 of this title, amending sections 5106 and 5107 of this title, repealing former sections 5102 and 5103 of this title, and enacting provisions set out as a note under section 5107 of this title] may be cited as the 'Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000'."

Pub. L. 106–419, §1(a), Nov. 1, 2000, 114 Stat. 1822, provided that: "This Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the 'Veterans Benefits and Health Care Improvement Act of 2000'."

Pub. L. 106–413, §1, Nov. 1, 2000, 114 Stat. 1798, provided that: "This Act [enacting provisions set out as notes under section 1114 of this title] may be cited as the 'Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2000'."

Short Title of 1999 Amendments

Pub. L. 106–118, §1(a), Nov. 30, 1999, 113 Stat. 1601, provided that: "This Act [amending sections 1114, 1115, 1162, 1311, 1313, and 1314 of this title and enacting provisions set out as notes under section 1114 of this title] may be cited as the 'Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 1999'."

Pub. L. 106–117, §1(a), Nov. 30, 1999, 113 Stat. 1545, provided that: "This Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the 'Veterans Millennium Health Care and Benefits Act'."

Pub. L. 106–117, title V, §501(a), Nov. 30, 1999, 113 Stat. 1573, provided that: "This section [amending section 1318 of this title] may be cited as the 'John William Rolen Act'."

Pub. L. 106–117, title X, §1001, Nov. 30, 1999, 113 Stat. 1587, provided that: "This title [enacting sections 7257 and 7299 of this title, amending sections 7253, 7254, 7281, and 7296 to 7298 of this title, and enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 7253 and 7296 of this title] may be cited as the 'Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims Amendments of 1999'."

Short Title of 1998 Amendments

Pub. L. 105–368, §1(a), Nov. 11, 1998, 112 Stat. 3315, provided that: "This Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the 'Veterans Programs Enhancement Act of 1998'."

Pub. L. 105–368, title VIII, §801, Nov. 11, 1998, 112 Stat. 3352, provided that: "This title [enacting sections 7671 to 7676 and 7681 to 7684 of this title, amending sections 7601 to 7604, 7632, and 7636 of this title, and repealing provisions set out as a note under section 7601 of this title] may be cited as the 'Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel Incentive Act of 1998'."

Pub. L. 105–277, div. C, title XVI, §1601, Oct. 21, 1998, 112 Stat. 2681–742, provided that: "This title [enacting section 1118 of this title, amending sections 1113 and 1117 of this title, and enacting provisions set out as a note under section 1117 of this title] may be cited as the 'Persian Gulf War Veterans Act of 1998'."

Pub. L. 105–178, title VIII, §8201, June 9, 1998, 112 Stat. 492, provided that: "This subtitle [subtitle B (§§8201–8209) of title VIII of Pub. L. 105–178, amending sections 1110, 1131, 1311, 2102, 3015, and 3902 of this title and section 16131 of Title 10, Armed Forces, and enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 1311, 1521, 2102, 3015, and 3902 of this title and sections 1174 and 16131 of Title 10] may be cited as the 'Veterans Benefits Act of 1998'."

Short Title of 1997 Amendments

Pub. L. 105–114, §1(a), Nov. 21, 1997, 111 Stat. 2277, provided that: "This Act [enacting sections 319, 516, 1771 to 1774, and 7322 of this title, amending sections 1710, 1717, 1720, 1720A, 1720C, 1801, 1804, 1806, 2303, 3015, 3018C, 3680A, 3735, 3761, 3762, 5310, 7618, 8153, and 8169 of this title and sections 11448 and 11450 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare, repealing section 8168 of this title, enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 319, 516, 1710, 1801, 7322, and 7611 of this title, amending provisions set out as a note under section 7721 of this title, and repealing provisions set out as notes under sections 527, 1712, 1718, and 7721 of this title] may be cited as the 'Veterans' Benefits Act of 1997'."

Pub. L. 105–98, §1(a), Nov. 19, 1997, 111 Stat. 2155, provided that: "This Act [amending sections 1114, 1115, 1162, 1311, 1313, and 1314 of this title and enacting provisions set out as notes under section 1114 of this title] may be cited as the 'Veterans' Compensation Rate Amendments of 1997'."

Pub. L. 105–33, title VIII, §8001(a), Aug. 5, 1997, 111 Stat. 663, provided that: "This title [enacting sections 1103, 1303, and 1729A of this title, amending sections 712, 1710, 1722A, 1729, 3720, 3726, 3729, 3732, 5302, 5317, and 5503 of this title, enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 712, 1729, 1729A, and 3726 of this title, and amending provisions set out as a note under section 1710 of this title] may be cited as the 'Veterans Reconciliation Act of 1997'."

Short Title of 1996 Amendments

Pub. L. 104–275, §1(a), Oct. 9, 1996, 110 Stat. 3322, provided that: "This Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the 'Veterans' Benefits Improvements Act of 1996'."

Pub. L. 104–275, title IV, §401, Oct. 9, 1996, 110 Stat. 3337, provided that: "This title [amending sections 1315, 1965, 1967 to 1971, 1973, 1974, 1977, 3017, and 3224 of this title and enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 1965 and 1968 of this title] may be cited as the 'Veterans' Insurance Reform Act of 1996'."

Pub. L. 104–263, §1, Oct. 9, 1996, 110 Stat. 3212, provided that: "This Act [enacting provisions set out as a note under section 1114 of this title] may be cited as the 'Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 1996'."

Pub. L. 104–262, §1(a), Oct. 9, 1996, 110 Stat. 3177, provided that: "This Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the 'Veterans' Health Care Eligibility Reform Act of 1996'."

Pub. L. 104–106, div. B, title XXVIII, §2822(a), Feb. 10, 1996, 110 Stat. 556, provided that: "This section [enacting section 3708 of this title and provisions set out as a note under section 3708 of this title] may be cited as the 'Military Housing Assistance Act of 1995'."

Short Title of 1995 Amendment

Pub. L. 104–57, §1, Nov. 22, 1995, 109 Stat. 555, provided that: "This Act [enacting provisions set out as notes under section 1114 of this title] may be cited as the 'Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 1995'."

Short Title of 1994 Amendments

Pub. L. 103–452, §1(a), Nov. 2, 1994, 108 Stat. 4783, provided that: "This Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the 'Veterans Health Programs Extension Act of 1994'."

Pub. L. 103–446, §1(a), Nov. 2, 1994, 108 Stat. 4645, provided that: "This Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the 'Veterans' Benefits Improvements Act of 1994'."

Pub. L. 103–446, title I, §101, Nov. 2, 1994, 108 Stat. 4647, provided that: "This Act [probably means title I of Pub. L. 103–446, see Tables for classification] may be cited as the 'Persian Gulf War Veterans' Benefits Act'."

Pub. L. 103–418, §1, Oct. 25, 1994, 108 Stat. 4336, provided that: "This Act [enacting provisions set out as notes under section 1114 of this title] may be cited as the 'Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 1994'."

Pub. L. 103–353, §1, Oct. 13, 1994, 108 Stat. 3149, provided that: "This Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the 'Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994'."

Pub. L. 103–271, §1, July 1, 1994, 108 Stat. 740, provided that: "This Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the 'Board of Veterans' Appeals Administrative Procedures Improvement Act of 1994'."

Short Title of 1993 Amendments

Pub. L. 103–140, §1(a), Nov. 11, 1993, 107 Stat. 1485, provided that: "This Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the 'Veterans' Compensation Rates Amendments of 1993'."

Pub. L. 103–66, title XII, §12001, Aug. 10, 1993, 107 Stat. 413, provided that: "This title [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the 'Veterans Reconciliation Act of 1993'."

Short Title of 1992 Amendments

Pub. L. 102–590, §1, Nov. 10, 1992, 106 Stat. 5136, provided that: "This Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the 'Homeless Veterans Comprehensive Service Programs Act of 1992'."

Pub. L. 102–585, §1(a), Nov. 4, 1992, 106 Stat. 4943, provided that: "This Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the 'Veterans Health Care Act of 1992'."

Pub. L. 102–585, title I, §101, Nov. 4, 1992, 106 Stat. 4944, provided that: "This title [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the 'Women Veterans Health Programs Act of 1992'."

Pub. L. 102–578, §1, Oct. 30, 1992, 106 Stat. 4774, provided that: "This Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the 'Veterans' Radiation Exposure Amendments of 1992'."

Pub. L. 102–568, §1(a), Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4320, provided that: "This Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the 'Veterans' Benefits Act of 1992'."

Pub. L. 102–568, title I, §101, Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4321, provided that: "This title [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the 'Dependency and Indemnity Compensation Reform Act of 1992'."

Pub. L. 102–547, §1, Oct. 28, 1992, 106 Stat. 3633, provided that: "This Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the 'Veterans Home Loan Program Amendments of 1992'."

Pub. L. 102–510, §1, Oct. 24, 1992, 106 Stat. 3318, provided that: "This Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the 'Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 1992'."

Pub. L. 102–405, §1(a), Oct. 9, 1992, 106 Stat. 1972, provided that: "This Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the 'Veterans' Medical Programs Amendments of 1992'."

Short Title of 1991 Amendments

Pub. L. 102–152, §1(a), Nov. 12, 1991, 105 Stat. 985, provided that: "This Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the 'Veterans' Compensation Rate Amendments of 1991'."

Pub. L. 102–127, §1, Oct. 10, 1991, 105 Stat. 619, provided that: "This Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the 'Veterans' Educational Assistance Amendments of 1991'."

Pub. L. 102–86, §1(a), Aug. 14, 1991, 105 Stat. 414, provided that: "This Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the 'Veterans' Benefits Programs Improvement Act of 1991'."

Pub. L. 102–83, §1(a), Aug. 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 378, provided that: "This Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the 'Department of Veterans Affairs Codification Act'."

Pub. L. 102–40, §1(a), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 187, provided that: "This Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the 'Department of Veterans Affairs Health-Care Personnel Act of 1991'."

Pub. L. 102–40, title I, §101, May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 187, provided that: "This title [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the 'Department of Veterans Affairs Physician and Dentist Recruitment and Retention Act of 1991'."

Pub. L. 102–40, title II, §201, May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 200, provided that: "This title [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the 'Department of Veterans Affairs Labor Relations Improvement Act of 1991'."

Pub. L. 102–25, title III, §331, Apr. 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 88, provided that: "This part [part C (§§331–341) of title III of Pub. L. 102–25, see Tables for classification] may be cited as the 'Persian Gulf War Veterans' Benefits Act of 1991'."

Pub. L. 102–4, §1, Feb. 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 11, provided that: "This Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the 'Agent Orange Act of 1991'."

Pub. L. 102–3, §1(a), Feb. 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 7, provided that: "This Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the 'Veterans' Compensation Amendments of 1991'."

Short Title of 1990 Amendment

Pub. L. 101–366, §1, Aug. 15, 1990, 104 Stat. 430, provided that: "This Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the 'Department of Veterans Affairs Nurse Pay Act of 1990'."

Short Title of 1989 Amendments

Pub. L. 101–237, §1(a), Dec. 18, 1989, 103 Stat. 2062, provided that: "This Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the 'Veterans' Benefits Amendments of 1989'."

Pub. L. 101–237, title III, §301, Dec. 18, 1989, 103 Stat. 2069, provided that: "This title [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the 'Veterans Home Loan Indemnity and Restructuring Act of 1989'."

Pub. L. 101–237, title IV, §401, Dec. 18, 1989, 103 Stat. 2078, provided that: "This title [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the 'Veterans Education and Employment Amendments of 1989'."

Pub. L. 101–94, §1, Aug. 16, 1989, 103 Stat. 617, provided that: "This Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the 'Court of Veterans Appeals Judges Retirement Act'."

Short Title of 1988 Amendments

Pub. L. 100–689, §1, Nov. 18, 1988, 102 Stat. 4161, provided that: "This Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the 'Veterans' Benefits and Programs Improvement Act of 1988'."

Pub. L. 100–687, div. A, §1(a), Nov. 18, 1988, 102 Stat. 4105, provided that: "This division [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the 'Veterans' Judicial Review Act'."

Pub. L. 100–687, div. B, §1001(a), Nov. 18, 1988, 102 Stat. 4122, provided that: "This division [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the 'Veterans' Benefits Improvement Act of 1988'."

For short title of Pub. L. 100–527 as the "Department of Veterans Affairs Act", see section 1 of Pub. L. 100–527, set out as a note under section 301 of this title.

Pub. L. 100–323, §1(a), May 20, 1988, 102 Stat. 556, provided that: "This Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the 'Veterans' Employment, Training, and Counseling Amendments of 1988'."

Pub. L. 100–322, §1(a), May 20, 1988, 102 Stat. 487, provided that: "This Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the 'Veterans' Benefits and Services Act of 1988'."

Pub. L. 100–321, §1, May 20, 1988, 102 Stat. 485, provided that: "This Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the 'Radiation-Exposed Veterans Compensation Act of 1988'."

Pub. L. 100–253, §1, Feb. 29, 1988, 102 Stat. 20, provided that: "This Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the 'Veterans' Home Loan Program Emergency Amendments of 1988'."

Short Title of 1987 Amendments

Pub. L. 100–227, §1(a), Dec. 31, 1987, 101 Stat. 1552, provided that: "This Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the 'Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 1987'."

Pub. L. 100–198, §1(a), Dec. 21, 1987, 101 Stat. 1315, provided that: "This Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the 'Veterans' Home Loan Program Improvements and Property Rehabilitation Act of 1987'."

Pub. L. 100–48, §1, June 1, 1987, 101 Stat. 331, provided that: "This Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the 'New GI Bill Continuation Act'."

Short Title of 1986 Amendments

Pub. L. 99–576, §1(a), Oct. 28, 1986, 100 Stat. 3248, provided that: "This Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the 'Veterans' Benefits Improvement and Health-Care Authorization Act of 1986'."

Pub. L. 99–272, title XIX, §19001(a), Apr. 7, 1986, 100 Stat. 372, provided that: "This title [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the 'Veterans' Health-Care Amendments of 1986'."

Pub. L. 99–238, §1, Jan. 13, 1986, 99 Stat. 1765, provided that: "This Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the 'Veterans' Compensation Rate Increase and Job Training Amendments of 1985'."

Short Title of 1985 Amendment

Pub. L. 99–166, §1(a), Dec. 3, 1985, 99 Stat. 941, provided that: "This Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the 'Veterans' Administration Health-Care Amendments of 1985'."

Short Title of 1984 Amendments

Pub. L. 98–543, §1(a), Oct. 24, 1984, 98 Stat. 2735, provided that: "This Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the 'Veterans' Benefits Improvement Act of 1984'."

For short title of Pub. L. 98–542 as the "Veterans' Dioxin and Radiation Exposure Compensation Standards Act", see section 1 of Pub. L. 98–542, set out as a note under section 1154 of this title.

Pub. L. 98–528, §1(a), Oct. 19, 1984, 98 Stat. 2686, provided that: "This Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the 'Veterans' Health Care Act of 1984'."

Pub. L. 98–525, title VII, §701, Oct. 19, 1984, 98 Stat. 2553, as amended by Pub. L. 100–48, §2, June 1, 1987, 101 Stat. 331, provided that: "This title [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the 'Montgomery GI Bill Act of 1984'."

Pub. L. 98–223, §1(a), Mar. 2, 1984, 98 Stat. 37, provided: "That (a) this Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the 'Veterans' Compensation and Program Improvements Amendments of 1984'."

Short Title of 1983 Amendment

Pub. L. 98–160, §1(a), Nov. 21, 1983, 97 Stat. 993, provided that: "This Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the 'Veterans' Health Care Amendments of 1983'."

Short Title of 1982 Amendments

Pub. L. 97–306, §1(a), Oct. 14, 1982, 96 Stat. 1429, provided that: "This Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the 'Veterans' Compensation, Education, and Employment Amendments of 1982'."

Pub. L. 97–251, §1(a), Sept. 8, 1982, 96 Stat. 711, provided that: "This Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the 'Veterans' Administration Health-Care Programs Improvement and Extension Act of 1982'."

Pub. L. 97–174, §1, May 4, 1982, 96 Stat. 70, provided: "That this Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the 'Veterans' Administration and Department of Defense Health Resources Sharing and Emergency Operations Act'."

Short Title of 1981 Amendments

Pub. L. 97–72, §1(a), Nov. 3, 1981, 95 Stat. 1047, provided that: "This Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the 'Veterans' Health Care, Training, and Small Business Loan Act of 1981'."

Pub. L. 97–72, title III, §301, Nov. 3, 1981, 95 Stat. 1055, provided that: "This title [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the 'Veterans' Small Business Loan Act of 1981'."

Pub. L. 97–66, §1(a), Oct. 17, 1981, 95 Stat. 1026, provided that: "This Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the 'Veterans' Disability Compensation, Housing, and Memorial Benefits Amendments of 1981'."

Pub. L. 97–37, §1(a), Aug. 14, 1981, 95 Stat. 935, provided that: "this Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the 'Former Prisoner of War Benefits Act of 1981'."

Short Title of 1980 Amendments

Pub. L. 96–466, §1(a), Oct. 17, 1980, 94 Stat. 2171, provided that: "this Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the 'Veterans' Rehabilitation and Education Amendments of 1980'."

Pub. L. 96–385, §1(a), Oct. 7, 1980, 94 Stat. 1528, provided that: "This Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the 'Veterans' Disability Compensation and Housing Benefits Amendments of 1980'."

Pub. L. 96–330, §1(a), Aug. 26, 1980, 94 Stat. 1030, provided that: "this Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the 'Veterans' Administration Health-Care Amendments of 1980'."

Short Title of 1979 Amendments

Pub. L. 96–151, §1(a), Dec. 20, 1979, 93 Stat. 1092, provided that: "This Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the 'Veterans Health Programs Extension and Improvement Act of 1979'."

Pub. L. 96–128, §1, Nov. 28, 1979, 93 Stat. 982, provided: "That this Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the 'Veterans' Disability Compensation and Survivors' Benefits Amendments of 1979'."

Pub. L. 96–22, §1(a), June 13, 1979, 93 Stat. 47, provided that: "This Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the 'Veterans' Health Care Amendments of 1979'."

Short Title of 1978 Amendments

Pub. L. 95–588, §1, Nov. 4, 1978, 92 Stat. 2497, provided: "That this Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the 'Veterans' and Survivors' Pension Improvement Act of 1978'."

Pub. L. 95–520, §1, Oct. 26, 1978, 92 Stat. 1820, provided: "That this Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the 'Veterans' Administration Programs Extension Act of 1978'."

Pub. L. 95–479, §1(a), Oct. 18, 1978, 92 Stat. 1560, provided that: "This Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the 'Veterans' Disability Compensation and Survivors' Benefits Act of 1978'."

Pub. L. 95–476, §1(a), Oct. 18, 1978, 92 Stat. 1497, provided that: "This Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the 'Veterans' Housing Benefits Act of 1978'."

Short Title of 1977 Amendments

Pub. L. 95–204, §1, Dec. 2, 1977, 91 Stat. 1455, provided: "That this Act [see Tables for classification] be cited as the 'Veterans and Survivors Pension Adjustment Act of 1977'."

Pub. L. 95–202, §1, Nov. 23, 1977, 91 Stat. 1433, provided: "That this Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the 'GI Bill Improvement Act of 1977'."

Pub. L. 95–201, §1, Nov. 23, 1977, 91 Stat. 1429, provided: "That this Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the 'Veterans' Administration Physician and Dentist Pay Comparability Amendments of 1977'."

Pub. L. 95–117, §1, Oct. 3, 1977, 91 Stat. 1063, provided: "That this Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the 'Veterans Disability Compensation and Survivor Benefits Act of 1977'."

Pub. L. 95–62, §1, July 5, 1977, 91 Stat. 262, provided: "That this Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the 'State Veterans' Home Assistance Improvement Act of 1977'."

Short Title of 1976 Amendments

Pub. L. 94–581, §1, Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2842, provided: "That this Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the 'Veterans Omnibus Health Care Act of 1976'."

Pub. L. 94–581, title II, §201, Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2855, provided that: "This title [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the 'Veterans Medical Technical and Conforming Amendments of 1976'."

Pub. L. 94–502, §1, Oct. 15, 1976, 90 Stat. 2383, provided: "That this Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the 'Veterans' Education and Employment Assistance Act of 1976'."

Pub. L. 94–502, §401, Oct. 15, 1976, 90 Stat. 2392, provided that: "This title [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the 'Post-Vietnam Era Veterans' Educational Assistance Act of 1977'."

Pub. L. 94–433, §1, Sept. 30, 1976, 90 Stat. 1374, provided: "That this Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the 'Veterans Disability Compensation and Survivor Benefits Act of 1976'."

Pub. L. 94–432, §1, Sept. 30, 1976, 90 Stat. 1369, provided: "That this Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the 'Veterans and Survivors Pension Adjustment Act of 1976'."

Pub. L. 94–324, §1, June 30, 1976, 90 Stat. 720, provided that: "This Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the 'Veterans Housing Amendments Act of 1976'."

Short Title of 1975 Amendments

Pub. L. 94–169, §1, Dec. 23, 1975, 89 Stat. 1013, provided: "That this Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the 'Veterans and Survivors Pension Interim Adjustment Act of 1975'."

Pub. L. 94–123, §1, Oct. 22, 1975, 89 Stat. 669, provided: "That this Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the 'Veterans' Administration Physician and Dentist Pay Comparability Act of 1975'."

Pub. L. 94–71, §1, Aug. 5, 1975, 89 Stat. 395, provided: "That this Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the 'Veterans Disability Compensation and Survivor Benefits Act of 1975'."

Short Title of 1974 Amendments

Pub. L. 93–602, title II, §201, Jan. 2, 1975, 88 Stat. 1958, provided that: "This title [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the 'Veterans' Education and Rehabilitation Equalization Amendments Act of 1974'."

Pub. L. 93–569, §1, Dec. 31, 1974, 88 Stat. 1863, provided: "That this Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the 'Veterans Housing Act of 1974'."

Pub. L. 93–538, §1, Dec. 22, 1974, 88 Stat. 1736, provided: "That this Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the 'Disabled Veterans' and Servicemen's Automobile and Adaptive Equipment Amendments of 1974'."

Pub. L. 93–527, §1, Dec. 21, 1974, 88 Stat. 1702, provided: "That this Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the 'Veterans and Survivors Pension Adjustment Act of 1974'."

Pub. L. 93–508, §1, Dec. 3, 1974, 88 Stat. 1578, provided: "That this Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the 'Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974'."

Pub. L. 93–295, §1, May 31, 1974, 88 Stat. 180, provided: "That this Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the 'Veterans Disability Compensation and Survivor Benefits Act of 1974'."

Pub. L. 93–289, §1, May 24, 1974, 88 Stat. 165, provided: "That this Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the 'Veterans' Insurance Act of 1974'."

Short Title of 1973 Amendments

Pub. L. 93–82, §1, Aug. 2, 1973, 87 Stat. 179, provided: "That this Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the 'Veterans Health Care Expansion Act of 1973'."

Pub. L. 93–43, §1, June 18, 1973, 87 Stat. 75, provided: "That this Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the 'National Cemeteries Act of 1973'."

Short Title of 1972 Amendments

Pub. L. 92–541, §1, Oct. 24, 1972, 86 Stat. 1100, provided: "That this Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the 'Veterans' Administration Medical School Assistance and Health Manpower Training Act of 1972'."

Pub. L. 92–540, §1, Oct. 24, 1972, 86 Stat. 1074, provided: "That this Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the 'Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act of 1972'."

Pub. L. 92–540, title V, §501, Oct. 24, 1972, 86 Stat. 1094, provided that: "This title [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the 'Veterans' Employment and Readjustment Act of 1972'."

Pub. L. 92–328, §1, June 30, 1972, 86 Stat. 393, provided that: "This Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the 'Veterans' Compensation and Relief Act of 1972'."

Short Title of 1971 Amendment

Pub. L. 91–666, §1, Jan. 11, 1971, 84 Stat. 1998, provided: "That this Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the 'Disabled Veterans' and Servicemen's Automobile Assistance Act of 1970'."

Short Title of 1970 Amendments

Pub. L. 91–506, §1, Oct. 23, 1970, 84 Stat. 1108, provided: "That this Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the 'Veterans' Housing Act of 1970'."

Pub. L. 91–219, §1, Mar. 26, 1970, 84 Stat. 76, provided: "That this Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the 'Veterans Education and Training Amendments Act of 1970'."

Short Title of 1967 Amendment

Pub. L. 90–77, §1, Aug. 31, 1967, 81 Stat. 178, provided that: "This Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the 'Veterans' Pension and Readjustment Assistance Act of 1967'."

Short Title of 1966 Amendments

Pub. L. 89–785, §1, Nov. 7, 1966, 80 Stat. 1368, provided: "That this Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the 'Veterans Hospitalization and Medical Services Modernization Amendments of 1966'."

Pub. L. 89–358, §1, Mar. 3, 1966, 80 Stat. 12, provided that: "This Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the 'Veterans' Readjustment Benefits Act of 1966'."

Short Title of 1959 Amendment

Pub. L. 86–211, §1, Aug. 29, 1959, 73 Stat. 432, provided: "That this Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the 'Veterans' Pension Act of 1959'."

Construction of 2022 Amendment

Pub. L. 117–168, title IV, §407, Aug. 10, 2022, 136 Stat. 1785, provided that:

"(a) Generally.—Nothing in this Act [see Short Title of 2022 Amendment note set out above] shall be construed to prevent the Secretary of Veterans Affairs from processing claims for benefits under title 38, United States Code, for a condition or disease for which this Act establishes a presumption of service connection, as a claim for benefits for a condition or disease with direct service connection.

"(b) Effective Dates and Applicability.—The Secretary shall not deny a claim for benefits under title 38, United States Code, for a condition or disease for which this Act establishes a presumption of service connection because the claimant filed the claim prior to the effective date or date of applicability for that particular condition or disease."

Construction of 2017 Amendment

Pub. L. 115–55, §2(y), Aug. 23, 2017, 131 Stat. 1116, provided that: "Nothing in this section [enacting sections 5104A to 5104C and 7113 of this title, amending this section and sections 5103 to 5104, 5108, 5109, 5109B, 5110, 5111, 5701, 5904, 7103 to 7105A, and 7111 of this title, repealing sections 7106 and 7109 of this title, and enacting provisions set out as notes under this section and section 5108 of this title] or any of the amendments made by this section shall be construed to limit the ability of a claimant to request a revision of a decision under section 5109A or 7111 of title 38, United States Code."

[For definition of "claimant" as used in section 2(y) of Pub. L. 115–55, set out above, see section 6 of Pub. L. 115–55, set out in a note under section 5101 of this title.]

Transfer of Functions

For transfer of authorities, functions, personnel, and assets of the Coast Guard, including the authorities and functions of the Secretary of Transportation relating thereto, to the Department of Homeland Security, and for treatment of related references, see sections 468(b), 551(d), 552(d), and 557 of Title 6, Domestic Security, and the Department of Homeland Security Reorganization Plan of November 25, 2002, as modified, set out as a note under section 542 of Title 6.

Amendments to Tables of Contents by Pub. L. 117–168

Pub. L. 117–168, §1(b)(2), Aug. 10, 2022, 136 Stat. 1759, provided that: "Except as otherwise expressly provided, when an amendment made by this Act to title 38, United States Code [see Tables for classification], adds a section or larger organizational unit to that title or amends the designation or heading of a section or larger organizational unit in that title, that amendment also shall have the effect of amending any table of sections in that title to alter the table to conform to the changes made by the amendment."

Honoring as Veterans Certain Persons Who Performed Service in the Reserve Components of the Armed Forces

Pub. L. 114–315, title III, §305, Dec. 16, 2016, 130 Stat. 1552, provided that: "Any person who is entitled under chapter 1223 of title 10, United States Code, to retired pay for nonregular service or, but for age, would be entitled under such chapter to retired pay for nonregular service shall be honored as a veteran but shall not be entitled to any benefit by reason of this honor."

Coordination of Provisions With Pub. L. 109–444

Pub. L. 109–461, title X, §1006(b), Dec. 22, 2006, 120 Stat. 3468, provided that: "If this Act is enacted after the enactment of the Veterans Programs Extension Act of 2006 [Pub. L. 109–444, approved Dec. 21, 2006], then as of the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 22, 2006], the Veterans Programs Extension Act of 2006 [see Tables for classification] and the amendments made by that Act shall be deemed for all purposes not to have taken effect and the Veterans Programs Extension Act of 2006 and the amendments made by that Act shall cease to be in effect."

Redesignation of Sections; Coordination of Redesignations With Other Amendments by Pub. L. 102–83

Pub. L. 102–83, §5, Aug. 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 406, provided that:

"(a) Redesignation of Sections To Conform To Chapter Numbers.—Each section contained in any of chapters 11 through 23 is redesignated by replacing the first digit of the section number with the number of the chapter containing that section. Each section contained in any of chapters 24 through 42 is redesignated so that the first two digits of the section number of that section are the same as the chapter number of the chapter containing that section.

"(b) Tables of Sections and Chapters.—(1) The tables of sections at the beginning of the chapters referred to in subsection (a) are revised so as to conform the section references in those tables to the redesignations made by that subsection.

"(2) The table of chapters before part I and the tables of chapters at the beginning of parts I, II, and III are revised so as to conform the section references in those tables to the redesignations made by subsection (a).

"(c) Cross-References.—(1) Each provision of title 38, United States Code, that contains a reference to a section redesignated by subsection (a) is amended so that the reference refers to the section as redesignated.

"(2) Any reference in a provision of law other than title 38, United States Code, to a section redesignated by subsection (a) shall be deemed to refer to the section as so redesignated.

"(d) Rule for Execution.—The redesignations made by subsection (a) and the amendments made by subsections (b) and (c) shall be executed after any other amendments made by this Act [see Tables for classification]."

Study of Benefits Payable to Persons Residing Outside the United States; Report and Recommendations Not Later Than February 1, 1980

Pub. L. 96–22, title IV, §402, June 13, 1979, 93 Stat. 63, authorized Administrator of Veterans' Affairs, in consultation with Secretary of State, to carry out a comprehensive study of benefits payable under this title to persons residing outside the fifty States and the District of Columbia and required submission of a report to Congress and to President on results of such study not later than Feb. 1, 1980.

Disability Compensation or Dependency and Indemnity Compensation Award; Effective Date

Pub. L. 91–621, §6(b), Dec. 31, 1970, 84 Stat. 1864, provided effective date for an award by Veteran's Administration arising from injury or death occurring prior to Dec. 31, 1970, and based on a claim arising from amendments made to pars. (21)(C) and (25)(F) of this section and section 5305 of this title, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 107–372, title II, §271(3), Dec. 19, 2002, 116 Stat. 3094.

Secretary and Department Defined

Pub. L. 106–117, §3, Nov. 30, 1999, 113 Stat. 1547, provided that: "For purposes of this Act [see Tables for classification]—

"(1) the term 'Secretary' means the Secretary of Veterans Affairs; and

"(2) the term 'Department' means the Department of Veterans Affairs."

Definition of Administrator for 1988 Amendments

Pub. L. 100–687, div. B, §1002, Nov. 18, 1988, 102 Stat. 4122, provided that: "For purposes of this division [see Tables for classification], the term 'Administrator' means the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs."

Pub. L. 100–322, §3, May 20, 1988, 102 Stat. 489, provided that: "For purposes of this Act [see Tables for classification], the term 'Administrator' means the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs."

Executive Documents

Proc. No. 4373. Terminal Date Respecting Service During Vietnam Era

Proc. No. 4373, May 7, 1975, 40 F.R. 20257, provided:

The Congress has provided that entitlement to certain veterans benefits be limited to persons serving in the Armed Forces during the period, beginning August 5, 1964, referred to as the Vietnam era. The President is authorized to determine the last day on which a person must have entered the active military, naval, or air service during that period.

The signing of the cease-fire agreements and implementing protocols on January 27, 1973, between the United States of America and the Republic of Vietnam, on the one hand, and the Democratic Republic of Vietnam and the Provisional Revolutionary Government of the Republic of South Vietnam on the other hand, has terminated active participation by the Armed Forces of the United States in the Vietnam conflict.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GERALD R. FORD, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by Section 101(29) of Title 38 of the United States Code, do hereby proclaim, for the purposes of said Section 101(29), that May 7, 1975, is designated as the last day of the "Vietnam era."

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this seventh day of May in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred seventy-five, and of the Independence of the United States of America the one hundred ninety-ninth.

Gerald R. Ford.      

1 See Change of Name note below.
38 U.S.C. § 3021 (2024) — Title 38: VETERANS' BENEFITS / Chapter 30 / Subchapter III / Section 3021: Supplemental educational assistance for additional service
Supplemental educational assistance for additional service
Status: in_force

(a) The Secretary concerned, pursuant to regulations to be prescribed by the Secretary of Defense, may provide for the payment of supplemental educational assistance under this subchapter to any individual eligible for basic educational assistance under section 3011 or 3018 of this title who—

(1) serves five or more consecutive years of active duty in the Armed Forces after the years of active duty counted under section 3011(a)(1) of this title without a break in such service; and

(2) after completion of the service described in clause (1) of this subsection—

(A) is discharged from service with an honorable discharge, is placed on the retired list, is transferred to the Fleet Reserve or Fleet Marine Corps Reserve, or is placed on the temporary disability retired list;

(B) continues on active duty without a break in service; or

(C) is released from active duty for further service in a reserve component of the Armed Forces after service on active duty characterized by the Secretary concerned as honorable service.

(b) The Secretary concerned, pursuant to regulations to be prescribed by the Secretary of Defense, may provide for the payment of supplemental educational assistance under this subchapter to any individual eligible for basic educational assistance under section 3012 or 3018 of this title who—

(1) serves two or more consecutive years of active duty in the Armed Forces after the years of active duty counted under section 3012(a)(1) of this title and four or more consecutive years of duty in the Selected Reserve after the years of duty in the Selected Reserve counted under such section without a break in service; and

(2) after completion of the service described in clause (1) of this subsection—

(A) is discharged from service with an honorable discharge, is placed on the retired list, is transferred to the Fleet Reserve or Fleet Marine Corps Reserve, or is placed on the temporary disability retired list; or

(B) continues on active duty or in the Selected Reserve.

(c) Continuity of service of a member in the Selected Reserve for purposes of subsection (b)(1) of this section shall not be considered to be broken—

(1) by any period of time (not to exceed a maximum period prescribed by the Secretary concerned by regulation) during which the member is not able to locate a unit of the Selected Reserve of the member's Armed Force that the member is eligible to join or that has a vacancy; or

(2) by any other period of time (not to exceed a maximum period prescribed by the Secretary concerned by regulation) during which the member is not attached to a unit of the Selected Reserve that the Secretary concerned, pursuant to regulations, considers to be inappropriate to consider for such purpose.

(d) A period of active duty or duty in the Selected Reserve that occurs before the period of duty by which the individual concerned qualifies for basic educational assistance may not be counted for purposes of this section.

(Added Pub. L. 98–525, title VII, §702(a)(1), Oct. 19, 1984, 98 Stat. 2558, §1421; amended Pub. L. 99–576, title III, §321(5), (6), Oct. 28, 1986, 100 Stat. 3278; Pub. L. 100–689, title I, §103(b)(5), Nov. 18, 1988, 102 Stat. 4166; Pub. L. 101–237, title IV, §423(b)(4)(B), Dec. 18, 1989, 103 Stat. 2092; renumbered §3021 and amended Pub. L. 102–83, §5(a), (c)(1), Aug. 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 406.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

Prior section 3021 was renumbered section 5121 of this title.

Amendments

1991—Pub. L. 102–83, §5(a), renumbered section 1421 of this title as this section.

Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 102–83, §5(c)(1), substituted "3011 or 3018" for "1411 or 1418" in introductory provisions and "3011(a)(1)" for "1411(a)(1)" in par. (1).

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 102–83, §5(c)(1), substituted "3012 or 3018" for "1412 or 1418" in introductory provisions and "3012(a)(1)" for "1412(a)(1)" in par. (1).

1989—Subsecs. (a), (b). Pub. L. 101–237 inserted "of Defense" after second reference to "Secretary".

1988—Subsecs. (a), (b). Pub. L. 100–689 inserted reference to section 1418 of this title.

1986—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 99–576, §321(5), substituted "after" for "in addition to".

Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 99–576, §321(5), substituted "after" for "in addition to" in two places.

Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 99–576, §321(6), substituted "the member's" for "his".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Pub. L. 98–525, title VII, §702(b), Oct. 19, 1984, 98 Stat. 2563, provided that: "Subchapter III of chapter 30 of title 38, United States Code, as added by subsection (a), shall take effect on July 1, 1986."