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[109th Congress Public Law 233]
[From the U.S. Government Printing Office]

[DOCID: f:publ233.109]

[[Page 120 STAT. 397]]

Public Law 109-233
109th Congress

                                 An Act

 
 To amend title 38, United States Code, to improve and extend housing, 
   insurance, outreach, and benefits programs provided under the laws 
administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, to improve and extend 
    employment programs for veterans under laws administered by the 
Secretary of Labor, and for other purposes. <<NOTE: June 15, 2006 -  [S. 
                                1235]>> 

    Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress <<NOTE: Veterans' Housing 
Opportunity and Benefits Improvement Act of 2006. 38 USC 101 
note.>> assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.

    (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Veterans' Housing 
Opportunity and Benefits Improvement Act of 2006''.
    (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act is as 
follows:

Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.

                        TITLE I--HOUSING MATTERS

Sec. 101. Adapted housing assistance for disabled veterans residing 
           temporarily in housing owned by a family member.
Sec. 102. Adjustable rate mortgages.
Sec. 103. Permanent authority to make direct housing loans to Native 
           American veterans.
Sec. 104. Extension of eligibility for direct loans for Native American 
           veterans to a veteran who is the spouse of a Native American.
Sec. 105. Technical corrections to Veterans Benefits Improvement Act of 
           2004.

                      TITLE II--EMPLOYMENT MATTERS

Sec. 201. Additional duty for the Assistant Secretary of Labor for 
           Veterans' Employment and Training to raise awareness of 
           skills of veterans and of the benefits of hiring veterans.
Sec. 202. Modifications to the Advisory Committee on Veterans Employment 
           and Training.
Sec. 203. Reauthorization of appropriations for homeless veterans 
           reintegration programs.

              TITLE III--LIFE AND HEALTH INSURANCE MATTERS

Sec. 301. Duration of Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance coverage for 
           totally disabled veterans following separation from service.
Sec. 302. Limitation on premium increases for reinstated health 
           insurance of servicemembers released from active military 
           service.
Sec. 303. Preservation of employer-sponsored health plan coverage for 
           certain reserve-component members who acquire TRICARE 
           eligibility.

                         TITLE IV--OTHER MATTERS

Sec. 401. Inclusion of additional diseases and conditions in diseases 
           and disabilities presumed to be associated with prisoner of 
           war status.
Sec. 402. Consolidation and revision of outreach authorities.
Sec. 403. Extension of annual report requirement on equitable relief 
           cases.

                      TITLE V--TECHNICAL AMENDMENTS

Sec. 501. Technical and clarifying amendments to new traumatic injury 
           protection coverage under Servicemembers' Group Life 
           Insurance.

[[Page 120 STAT. 398]]

Sec. 502. Terminology amendments to revise references to certain 
           veterans in provisions relating to eligibility for 
           compensation or dependency and indemnity compensation.
Sec. 503. Technical and clerical amendments.

                        TITLE I--HOUSING MATTERS

SEC. 101. ADAPTED HOUSING ASSISTANCE FOR DISABLED VETERANS RESIDING 
            TEMPORARILY IN HOUSING OWNED BY A FAMILY MEMBER.

    (a) Assistance Authorized.--Chapter 21 of title 38, United States 
Code, is amended by inserting after section 2102 the following new 
section:

``Sec. 2102A. Assistance for veterans residing temporarily in housing 
                        owned by a family member

    ``(a) Provision of Assistance.--In the case of a disabled veteran 
who is described in subsection (a)(2) or (b)(2) of section 2101 of this 
title and who is residing, but does not intend to permanently reside, in 
a residence owned by a member of such veteran's family, the Secretary 
may assist the veteran in acquiring such adaptations to such residence 
as are determined by the Secretary to be reasonably necessary because of 
the veteran's disability.
    ``(b) Amount of Assistance.--The assistance authorized under 
subsection (a) may not exceed--
            ``(1) $14,000, in the case of a veteran described in section 
        2101(a)(2) of this title; or
            ``(2) $2,000, in the case of a veteran described in section 
        2101(b)(2) of this title.

    ``(c) Limitation.--The assistance authorized by subsection (a) shall 
be limited in the case of any veteran to one residence.
    ``(d) Regulations.--Assistance under this section shall be provided 
in accordance with such regulations as the Secretary may prescribe.
    ``(e) Termination.--No assistance may be provided under this section 
after the end of the five-year period that begins on the date of the 
enactment of the Veterans' Housing Opportunity and Benefits Improvement 
Act of 2006.''.
    (b) Limitations on Adapted Housing Assistance.--Section 2102 of such 
title is amended--
            (1) in the matter in subsection (a) preceding paragraph 
        (1)--
                    (A) by striking ``shall be limited in the case of 
                any veteran to one housing unit, and necessary land 
                therefor, and''; and
                    (B) by striking ``veteran but shall not exceed 
                $50,000 in any one case--'' and inserting ``veteran--''; 
                and
            (2) by adding at the end the following new subsection:

    ``(d)(1) The aggregate amount of assistance available to a veteran 
under sections 2101(a) and 2102A of this title shall be limited to 
$50,000.
    ``(2) The aggregate amount of assistance available to a veteran 
under sections 2101(b) and 2102A of this title shall be limited to 
$10,000.
    ``(3) No veteran may receive more than three grants of assistance 
under this chapter.''.

[[Page 120 STAT. 399]]

    (c) Coordination of Administration of Benefits.--Chapter 21 of such 
title is further amended by adding at the end the following new section:

``Sec. 2107. Coordination of administration of benefits

    ``The Secretary shall provide for the coordination of the 
administration of programs to provide specially adapted housing that are 
administered by the Under Secretary for Health and such programs that 
are administered by the Under Secretary for Benefits under this chapter, 
chapter 17, and chapter 31 of this title.''.
    (d) Clerical Amendments.--The table of sections at the beginning of 
such chapter is amended--
            (1) by inserting after the item relating to section 2102 the 
        following new item:

``2102A. Assistance for veterans residing temporarily in housing owned 
           by a family member.'';

        and
            (2) by adding at the end the following new item:

``2107. Coordination of administration of benefits.''.

    (e) GAO Reports.--
            (1) Interim report.--Not later than three years after the 
        date of the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall 
        submit to Congress an interim report on the implementation by 
        the Secretary of Veterans Affairs of section 2102A of title 38, 
        United States Code, as added by subsection (a).
            (2) Final report.--Not later than five years after the date 
        of the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall 
        submit to Congress a final report on the implementation of such 
        section.

    (f) <<NOTE: 38 USC 3729 note.>> Temporary Increase in Certain 
Housing Loan Fees.--For a subsequent loan described in subsection (a) of 
section 3710 of title 38, United States Code, to purchase or construct a 
dwelling with 0-down or any other subsequent loan described in that 
subsection, other than a loan with 5-down or 10-down, that is closed 
during fiscal year 2007, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall apply 
section 3729(b)(2) of such title by substituting ``3.35'' for ``3.30''.

SEC. 102. ADJUSTABLE RATE MORTGAGES.

    Section 3707A(c)(4) of title 38, United States Code, is amended by 
striking ``1 percentage point'' and inserting ``such percentage points 
as the Secretary may prescribe''.

SEC. 103. PERMANENT AUTHORITY TO MAKE DIRECT HOUSING LOANS TO NATIVE 
            AMERICAN VETERANS.

    (a) Permanent Authority.--Section 3761 of title 38, United States 
Code, is amended--
            (1) in subsection (a)--
                    (A) by striking ``establish and implement a pilot 
                program under which the Secretary may'' in the first 
                sentence; and
                    (B) by striking ``shall establish and implement the 
                pilot program'' in the third sentence and inserting 
                ``shall make such loans'';
            (2) in subsection (b), by striking ``In carrying out the 
        pilot program under this subchapter, the'' and inserting 
        ``The''; and

[[Page 120 STAT. 400]]

            (3) by striking subsection (c).

    (b) Reports.--Section 3762(j) of such title <<NOTE: 38 USC 
3762.>> is amended to read as follows:

    ``(j) The Secretary shall include as part of the annual benefits 
report of the Veterans Benefits Administration information concerning 
the cost and number of loans provided under this subchapter for the 
fiscal year covered by the report.''.
    (c) Conforming Amendments.--
            (1) Section 3762.--Section 3762 of such title is amended--
                    (A) in subsection (a), by inserting ``under this 
                subchapter'' after ``to a Native American veteran'';
                    (B) in subsection (b)(1)(E), by striking ``the pilot 
                program established under this subchapter is 
                implemented'' and inserting ``loans under this 
                subchapter are made'';
                    (C) in subsection (c)(1)(B), by striking ``carry out 
                the pilot program under this subchapter in a manner that 
                demonstrates the advisability of making direct housing 
                loans'' in the second sentence and inserting ``make 
                direct housing loans under this subchapter'';
                    (D) in subsection (i)--
                          (i) by striking ``the pilot program provided 
                      for under this subchapter and'' in paragraph (1);
                          (ii) by striking ``under the pilot program and 
                      in assisting such organizations and veterans in 
                      participating in the pilot program'' in paragraph 
                      (2)(A) and inserting ``under this subchapter and 
                      in assisting such organizations and veterans with 
                      respect to such housing benefits''; and
                          (iii) by striking ``in participating in the 
                      pilot program'' in paragraph (2)(E) and inserting 
                      ``with respect to such benefits''.
            (2) Conforming repeal.--Section 8(b) of the Veterans Home 
        Loan Program Amendments of 1992 (Public Law 102-547; 38 U.S.C. 
        3761 note) is repealed.

    (d) Establishment of Maximum Amount of Loans.--Section 3762(c)(1)(B) 
of title 38, United States Code, is amended--
            (1) by striking ``(B) The'' and inserting ``(B)(i) Subject 
        to clause (ii), the''; and
            (2) by adding at the end the following new clause:

    ``(ii) The amount of a loan made by the Secretary under this 
subchapter may not exceed the maximum loan amount authorized for loans 
guaranteed under section 3703(a)(1)(C) of this title.''.
    (e) Technical Amendment.--Subsection (c)(1)(A) of section 3762 of 
such title is amended by inserting ``veteran'' after ``Native 
American''.
    (f) Clerical Amendments.--
            (1) Subchapter heading.--The heading for subchapter V of 
        chapter 37 of such title is amended to read as follows:

  ``SUBCHAPTER V--DIRECT HOUSING LOANS FOR NATIVE AMERICAN VETERANS''.

            (2) Section heading.--The heading for section 3761 of such 
        title is amended to read as follows:

[[Page 120 STAT. 401]]

``Sec. 3761. Direct housing loans to Native American veterans; program 
                        authority''.

            (3) Section heading.--The heading for section 3762 of such 
        title is amended to read as follows:

``Sec. 3762. Direct housing loans to Native American veterans; program 
                        administration''.

            (4) Table of sections.--The table of sections at the 
        beginning of chapter 37 of such title is amended by striking the 
        items relating to subchapter V and sections 3761 and 3762 and 
        inserting the following new items:

    ``subchapter v--direct housing loans for native american veterans

``3761. Direct housing loans to Native American veterans; program 
           authority.
``3762. Direct housing loans to Native American veterans; program 
           administration.''.

SEC. 104. EXTENSION OF ELIGIBILITY FOR DIRECT LOANS FOR NATIVE AMERICAN 
            VETERANS TO A VETERAN WHO IS THE SPOUSE OF A NATIVE 
            AMERICAN.

    (a) Extension.--Subchapter V of chapter 37 of title 38, United 
States Code, is amended--
            (1) by redesignating section 3764 as section 3765; and
            (2) by inserting after section 3763 the following new 
        section:

``Sec. 3764. Qualified non-Native American veterans

    ``(a) Treatment of Non-Native American Veterans.--Subject to the 
succeeding provisions of this section, for purposes of this subchapter--
            ``(1) a qualified non-Native American veteran is deemed to 
        be a Native American veteran; and
            ``(2) for purposes of applicability to a non-Native American 
        veteran, any reference in this subchapter to the jurisdiction of 
        a tribal organization over a Native American veteran is deemed 
        to be a reference to jurisdiction of a tribal organization over 
        the Native American spouse of the qualified non-Native American 
        veteran.

    ``(b) Use of Loan.--In making direct loans under this subchapter to 
a qualified non-Native American veteran by reason of eligibility under 
subsection (a), the Secretary shall ensure that the tribal organization 
permits, and the qualified non-Native American veteran actually holds, 
possesses, or purchases, using the proceeds of the loan, jointly with 
the Native American spouse of the qualified non-Native American veteran, 
a meaningful interest in the lot, dwelling, or both, that is located on 
trust land.
    ``(c) Restrictions Imposed by Tribal Organizations.--Nothing in 
subsection (b) shall be construed as precluding a tribal organization 
from imposing reasonable restrictions on the right of the qualified non-
Native American veteran to convey, assign, or otherwise dispose of such 
interest in the lot or dwelling, or both, if such restrictions are 
designed to ensure the continuation in trust status of the lot or 
dwelling, or both. Such requirements may include the termination of the 
interest of the qualified non-Native American veteran in the lot or 
dwelling, or both, upon the dissolution of the marriage of the qualified 
non-Native American veteran to the Native American spouse.''.

[[Page 120 STAT. 402]]

    (b) Conforming Amendments.--Section 3765 of such title, as 
redesignated by subsection (a)(1), is amended by adding at the end the 
following new paragraph:
            ``(5) The term `qualified non-Native American veteran' means 
        a veteran who--
                    ``(A) is the spouse of a Native American, but
                    ``(B) is not a Native American.''.

    (c) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of 
chapter 37 of such title is amended by striking the item relating to 
section 3764 and inserting the following new items:

``3764. Qualified non-Native American veterans.
``3765. Definitions.''.

SEC. 105. TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS TO VETERANS BENEFITS IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 
            2004.

    (a) Corrections.--Section 2101 of title 38, United States Code, as 
amended by section 401 of the Veterans Benefits Improvement Act of 2004 
(Public Law 108-454; 118 Stat. 3614), is amended--
            (1) by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (d);
            (2) by inserting after subsection (b) a new subsection (c) 
        consisting of the text of subsection (c) of such section 2101 as 
        in effect immediately before the enactment of such Act, 
        modified--
                    (A) in paragraph (1)--
                          (i) in the first sentence, by striking 
                      ``paragraph (1), (2), or (3)'' and inserting 
                      ``subparagraph (A), (B), (C), or (D) of paragraph 
                      (2)''; and
                          (ii) in the second sentence, by striking ``the 
                      second sentence'' and inserting ``paragraph (3)''; 
                      and
                    (B) in paragraph (2)--
                          (i) in the first sentence, by striking 
                      ``paragraph (1)'' and inserting ``paragraph (2)''; 
                      and
                          (ii) in the second sentence, by striking 
                      ``paragraph (2)'' and inserting ``paragraph (3)''; 
                      and
            (3) in subsection (a)(3), by striking ``subsection (c)'' in 
        the matter preceding subparagraph (A) and inserting ``subsection 
        (d)''.

    (b) <<NOTE: 38 USC 2101 note.>> Effective Date.--The amendments made 
by subsection (a) shall take effect as of December 10, 2004, as if 
enacted immediately after the enactment of the Veterans Benefits 
Improvement Act of 2004 on that date.

                      TITLE II--EMPLOYMENT MATTERS

SEC. 201. ADDITIONAL DUTY FOR THE ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF LABOR FOR 
            VETERANS' EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING TO RAISE AWARENESS OF 
            SKILLS OF VETERANS AND OF THE BENEFITS OF HIRING VETERANS.

    Subsection (b) of section 4102A of title 38, United States Code, is 
amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
            ``(8) With advice and assistance from the Advisory Committee 
        on Veterans Employment and Training, and Employer Outreach 
        established under section 4110 of this title, furnish 
        information to employers (through meetings in person with hiring 
        executives of corporations and otherwise) with respect to the 
        training and skills of veterans and disabled veterans,

[[Page 120 STAT. 403]]

        and the advantages afforded employers by hiring veterans with 
        such training and skills, and to facilitate employment of 
        veterans and disabled veterans through participation in labor 
        exchanges (Internet-based and otherwise), and other means.''.

SEC. 202. MODIFICATIONS TO THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON VETERANS EMPLOYMENT 
            AND TRAINING.

    (a) Committee Name.--
            (1) Change of name.--Subsection (a)(1) of section 4110 of 
        title 38, United States Code, is amended by striking ``Advisory 
        Committee on Veterans Employment and Training'' and inserting 
        ``Advisory Committee on Veterans Employment, Training, and 
        Employer Outreach''.
            (2) Section heading.--The heading of such section is amended 
        to read as follows:

``Sec. 4110. Advisory Committee on Veterans Employment, Training, and 
                        Employer Outreach''.

            (3) Table of sections.--The item relating to section 4110 in 
        the table of sections at the beginning of chapter 41 of such 
        title is amended to read as follows:

``4110. Advisory Committee on Veterans Employment, Training, and 
           Employer Outreach.''.

            (4) <<NOTE: 38 USC 4110 note.>> References.--Any reference 
        to the Advisory Committee established under section 4110 of such 
        title in any law, regulation, map, document, record, or other 
        paper of the United States shall be considered to be a reference 
        to the Advisory Committee on Veterans Employment, Training, and 
        Employer Outreach.

    (b) Expansion of Duties of Advisory Committee.--Subsection (a)(2) of 
such section is amended--
            (1) in subparagraph (A), by inserting ``and their 
        integration into the workforce'' after ``veterans'';
            (2) by striking ``and'' at the end of subparagraph (B);
            (3) by redesignating subparagraph (C) as subparagraph (E); 
        and
            (4) by inserting after subparagraph (B) the following new 
        subparagraphs:
            ``(C) assist the Assistant Secretary of Labor for Veterans' 
        Employment and Training in carrying out outreach activities to 
        employers with respect to the training and skills of veterans 
        and the advantages afforded employers by hiring veterans;
            ``(D) make recommendations to the Secretary, through the 
        Assistant Secretary of Labor for Veterans' Employment and 
        Training, with respect to outreach activities and the employment 
        and training of veterans; and''.

    (c) Modification of Advisory Committee Membership.--
            (1) Membership.--Subsection (c)(1) of such section is 
        amended to read as follows:

    ``(c)(1) The Secretary of Labor shall appoint at least 12, but no 
more than 15, individuals to serve as members of the advisory committee 
as follows:
            ``(A) Six individuals, one each from among representatives 
        nominated by each of the following organizations:
                    ``(i) The National Society of Human Resource 
                Managers.

[[Page 120 STAT. 404]]

                    ``(ii) The Business Roundtable.
                    ``(iii) The National Association of State Workforce 
                Agencies.
                    ``(iv) The United States Chamber of Commerce.
                    ``(v) The National Federation of Independent 
                Business.
                    ``(vi) A nationally recognized labor union or 
                organization.
            ``(B) Not more than five individuals from among 
        representatives nominated by veterans service organizations that 
        have a national employment program.
            ``(C) Not more than five individuals who are recognized 
        authorities in the fields of business, employment, training, 
        rehabilitation, or labor and who are not employees of the 
        Department of Labor.''.
            (2) Conforming amendments.--Subsection (d) of such section 
        is amended--
                    (A) by striking paragraphs (3), (4), (8), (10), 
                (11), and (12); and
                    (B) by redesignating paragraphs (5), (6), (7), and 
                (9) as paragraphs (3), (4), (5), and (6), respectively.

    (d) Reinstatement and Modification of Reporting Requirement.--
Subsection (f)(1) of such section is amended--
            (1) by striking the first sentence and inserting the 
        following: ``Not later than December 31 of each year, the 
        advisory committee shall submit to the Secretary and to the 
        Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and House of 
        Representatives a report on the employment and training needs of 
        veterans, with special emphasis on disabled veterans, for the 
        previous fiscal year.'';
            (2) in subparagraph (A), by inserting ``and their 
        integration into the workforce'' after ``veterans'';
            (3) by striking ``and'' at the end of subparagraph (B);
            (4) by redesignating subparagraphs (B) and (C) as 
        subparagraphs (C) and (F), respectively;
            (5) by inserting after subparagraph (A) the following new 
        subparagraph:
            ``(B) an assessment of the outreach activities carried out 
        by the Secretary of Labor to employers with respect to the 
        training and skills of veterans and the advantages afforded 
        employers by hiring veterans;''; and
            (6) by inserting after subparagraph (C), as so redesignated, 
        the following new subparagraphs:
            ``(D) a description of the activities of the advisory 
        committee during that fiscal year;
            ``(E) a description of activities that the advisory 
        committee proposes to undertake in the succeeding fiscal year; 
        and''.

SEC. 203. REAUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS FOR HOMELESS VETERANS 
            REINTEGRATION PROGRAMS.

    Subsection (e)(1) of section 2021 of title 38, United States Code, 
is amended by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
            ``(F) $50,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2007 through 
        2009.''.

[[Page 120 STAT. 405]]

              TITLE III--LIFE AND HEALTH INSURANCE MATTERS

SEC. 301. DURATION OF SERVICEMEMBERS' GROUP LIFE INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR 
            TOTALLY DISABLED VETERANS FOLLOWING SEPARATION FROM SERVICE.

    (a) Separation or Release From Active Duty.--
            (1) Extension of period of coverage.--Paragraph (1)(A) of 
        section 1968(a) of title 38, United States Code, is amended by 
        striking ``shall cease'' and all that follows and inserting 
        ``shall cease on the earlier of the following dates (but in no 
        event before the end of 120 days after such separation or 
        release):
                          ``(i) The date on which the insured ceases to 
                      be totally disabled.
                          ``(ii) The date that is--
                                    ``(I) two years after the date of 
                                separation or release from such active 
                                duty or active duty for training, in the 
                                case of such a separation or release 
                                during the period beginning on the date 
                                that is one year before the date of the 
                                enactment of Veterans' Housing 
                                Opportunity and Benefits Improvement Act 
                                of 2006 and ending on September 30, 
                                2011; and
                                    ``(II) 18 months after the date of 
                                separation or release from such active 
                                duty or active duty for training, in the 
                                case of such a separation or release on 
                                or after October 1, 2011.''.
            (2) Technical amendments.--Paragraph (1) of such section is 
        further amended--
                    (A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by 
                striking ``shall cease--'' and inserting ``shall cease 
                as follows:''; and
                    (B) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``at'' after 
                ``(B)'' and inserting ``At''.

    (b) Separation or Release From Certain Reserve Assignments.--
Paragraph (4) of such section is amended by striking ``shall cease'' the 
second place it appears and all that follows and inserting ``shall cease 
on the earlier of the following dates (but in no event before the end of 
120 days after separation or release from such assignment):
                    ``(A) The date on which the insured ceases to be 
                totally disabled.
                    ``(B) The date that is--
                          ``(i) two years after the date of separation 
                      or release from such assignment, in the case of 
                      such a separation or release during the period 
                      beginning on the date that is one year before the 
                      date of the enactment of Veterans' Housing 
                      Opportunity and Benefits Improvement Act of 2006 
                      and ending on September 30, 2011; and
                          ``(ii) 18 months after the date of separation 
                      or release from such assignment, in the case of 
                      such a separation or release on or after October 
                      1, 2011.''.

[[Page 120 STAT. 406]]

SEC. 302. LIMITATION ON PREMIUM INCREASES FOR REINSTATED HEALTH 
            INSURANCE OF SERVICEMEMBERS RELEASED FROM ACTIVE MILITARY 
            SERVICE.

    (a) Premium Protection.--Section 704 of the Servicemembers Civil 
Relief Act (50 U.S.C. App. 594) is amended by adding at the end the 
following new subsection:
    ``(e) Limitation on Premium Increases.--
            ``(1) Premium protection.--The amount of the premium for 
        health insurance coverage that was terminated by a servicemember 
        and required to be reinstated under subsection (a) may not be 
        increased, for the balance of the period for which coverage 
        would have been continued had the coverage not been terminated, 
        to an amount greater than the amount chargeable for such 
        coverage before the termination.
            ``(2) Increases of general applicability not precluded.--
        Paragraph (1) does not prevent an increase in premium to the 
        extent of any general increase in the premiums charged by the 
        carrier of the health care insurance for the same health 
        insurance coverage for persons similarly covered by such 
        insurance during the period between the termination and the 
        reinstatement.''.

    (b) Technical Amendment.--Subsection (b)(3) of such section is 
amended by striking ``if the'' and inserting ``in a case in which the''.

SEC. 303. PRESERVATION OF EMPLOYER-SPONSORED HEALTH PLAN COVERAGE FOR 
            CERTAIN RESERVE-COMPONENT MEMBERS WHO ACQUIRE TRICARE 
            ELIGIBILITY.

    (a) Continuation of Coverage.--Subsection (a)(1) of section 4317 of 
title 38, United States Code, is amended by inserting after ``by reason 
of service in the uniformed services,'' the following: ``or such person 
becomes eligible for medical and dental care under chapter 55 of title 
10 by reason of subsection (d) of section 1074 of that title,''.
    (b) Reinstatement of Coverage.--Subsection (b) of such section is 
amended--
            (1) in paragraph (1)--
                    (A) by inserting after ``by reason of service in the 
                uniformed services,'' the following: ``or by reason of 
                the person's having become eligible for medical and 
                dental care under chapter 55 of title 10 by reason of 
                subsection (d) of section 1074 of that title,''; and
                    (B) by inserting ``or eligibility'' before the 
                period at the end of the first sentence; and
            (2) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:

    ``(3) In the case of a person whose coverage under a health plan is 
terminated by reason of the person having become eligible for medical 
and dental care under chapter 55 of title 10 by reason of subsection (d) 
of section 1074 of that title but who subsequently does not commence a 
period of active duty under the order to active duty that established 
such eligibility because the order is canceled before such active duty 
commences, the provisions of paragraph (1) relating to any exclusion or 
waiting period in connection with the reinstatement of coverage under a 
health plan shall apply to such person's continued employment, upon the 
termination of such eligibility for medical and dental care under 
chapter 55 of title 10 that is incident to the cancellation of such 
order, in the

[[Page 120 STAT. 407]]

same manner as if the person had become reemployed upon such termination 
of eligibility.''.

                         TITLE IV--OTHER MATTERS

SEC. 401. INCLUSION OF ADDITIONAL DISEASES AND CONDITIONS IN DISEASES 
            AND DISABILITIES PRESUMED TO BE ASSOCIATED WITH PRISONER OF 
            WAR STATUS.

    Section 1112(b)(3) of title 38, United States Code, is amended by 
adding at the end the following new subparagraphs:
            ``(L) Atherosclerotic heart disease or hypertensive vascular 
        disease (including hypertensive heart disease) and their 
        complications (including myocardial infarction, congestive heart 
        failure and arrhythmia).
            ``(M) Stroke and its complications.''.

SEC. 402. CONSOLIDATION AND REVISION OF OUTREACH AUTHORITIES.

    (a) In General.--Part IV of title 38, United States Code, is amended 
by adding at the end the following new chapter:

                    ``CHAPTER 63--OUTREACH ACTIVITIES

``6301. Purpose; definitions.
``6302. Biennial plan.
``6303. Outreach services.
``6304. Veterans assistance offices.
``6305. Outstationing of counseling and outreach personnel.
``6306. Use of other agencies.
``6307. Outreach for eligible dependents.
``6308. Biennial report to Congress.

``Sec. 6301. Purpose; definitions

    ``(a) Purpose.--The Congress declares that--
            ``(1) the outreach services program authorized by this 
        chapter is for the purpose of ensuring that all veterans 
        (especially those who have been recently discharged or released 
        from active military, naval, or air service and those who are 
        eligible for readjustment or other benefits and services under 
        laws administered by the Department) are provided timely and 
        appropriate assistance to aid and encourage them in applying for 
        and obtaining such benefits and services in order that they may 
        achieve a rapid social and economic readjustment to civilian 
        life and obtain a higher standard of living for themselves and 
        their dependents; and
            ``(2) the outreach services program authorized by this 
        chapter is for the purpose of charging the Department with the 
        affirmative duty of seeking out eligible veterans and eligible 
        dependents and providing them with such services.

    ``(b) Definitions.--For the purposes of this chapter--
            ``(1) the term `other governmental programs' includes all 
        programs under State or local laws as well as all programs under 
        Federal law other than those authorized by this title; and
            ``(2) the term `eligible dependent' means a spouse, 
        surviving spouse, child, or dependent parent of a person who 
        served in the active military, naval, or air service.

[[Page 120 STAT. 408]]

``Sec. 6302. Biennial plan

    ``(a) Biennial Plan Required.--The Secretary shall, during the first 
nine months of every odd-numbered year, prepare a biennial plan for the 
outreach activities of the Department for the two-fiscal-year period 
beginning on October 1 of that year.
    ``(b) Elements.--Each biennial plan under subsection (a) shall 
include the following:
            ``(1) Plans for efforts to identify eligible veterans and 
        eligible dependents who are not enrolled or registered with the 
        Department for benefits or services under the programs 
        administered by the Secretary.
            ``(2) Plans for informing eligible veterans and eligible 
        dependents of modifications of the benefits and services under 
        the programs administered by the Secretary, including 
        eligibility for medical and nursing care and services.

    ``(c) Coordination in Development.--In developing the biennial plan 
under subsection (a), the Secretary shall consult with the following:
            ``(1) Directors or other appropriate officials of 
        organizations approved by the Secretary under section 5902 of 
        this title.
            ``(2) Directors or other appropriate officials of State and 
        local education and training programs.
            ``(3) Representatives of nongovernmental organizations that 
        carry out veterans outreach programs.
            ``(4) Representatives of State and local veterans employment 
        organizations.
            ``(5) Other individuals and organizations that the Secretary 
        considers appropriate.

``Sec. 6303. Outreach services

    ``(a) Requirement To Provide Services.--In carrying out the purposes 
of this chapter, the Secretary shall provide the outreach services 
specified in subsections (b) through (d). In areas where a significant 
number of eligible veterans and eligible dependents speak a language 
other than English as their principal language, such services shall, to 
the maximum feasible extent, be provided in the principal language of 
such persons.
    ``(b) Individual Notice to New Veterans.--The Secretary shall by 
letter advise each veteran at the time of the veteran's discharge or 
release from active military, naval, or air service (or as soon as 
possible after such discharge or release) of all benefits and services 
under laws administered by the Department for which the veteran may be 
eligible. In carrying out this subsection, the Secretary shall ensure, 
through the use of veteran-student services under section 3485 of this 
title, that contact, in person or by telephone, is made with those 
veterans who, on the basis of their military service records, do not 
have a high school education or equivalent at the time of discharge or 
release.
    ``(c) Distribution of Information.--(1) The Secretary--
            ``(A) shall distribute full information to eligible veterans 
        and eligible dependents regarding all benefits and services to 
        which they may be entitled under laws administered by the 
        Secretary; and
            ``(B) may, to the extent feasible, distribute information on 
        other governmental programs (including manpower and training 
        programs) which the Secretary determines would be beneficial to 
        veterans.

[[Page 120 STAT. 409]]

    ``(2) Whenever a veteran or dependent first applies for any benefit 
under laws administered by the Secretary (including a request for burial 
or related benefits or an application for life insurance proceeds), the 
Secretary shall provide to the veteran or dependent information 
concerning benefits and health care services under programs administered 
by the Secretary. <<NOTE: Deadline.>> Such information shall be provided 
not later than three months after the date of such application.

    ``(d) Provision of Aid and Assistance.--The Secretary shall provide, 
to the maximum extent possible, aid and assistance (including personal 
interviews) to members of the Armed Forces, veterans, and eligible 
dependents with respect to subsections (b) and (c) and in the 
preparation and presentation of claims under laws administered by the 
Department.
    ``(e) <<NOTE: Homeless.>> Assignment of Employees.--In carrying out 
this section, the Secretary shall assign such employees as the Secretary 
considers appropriate to conduct outreach programs and provide outreach 
services for homeless veterans. Such outreach services may include site 
visits through which homeless veterans can be identified and provided 
assistance in obtaining benefits and services that may be available to 
them.

``Sec. 6304. Veterans assistance offices

    ``(a) <<NOTE: Establishment.>> In General.--The Secretary shall 
establish and maintain veterans assistance offices at such places 
throughout the United States and its territories and possessions, and in 
the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, as the Secretary determines to be 
necessary to carry out the purposes of this chapter. The Secretary may 
maintain such offices on such military installations located elsewhere 
as the Secretary, after consultation with the Secretary of Defense and 
taking into account recommendations, if any, of the Secretary of Labor, 
determines to be necessary to carry out such purposes.

    ``(b) Location of Offices.--In establishing and maintaining such 
offices, the Secretary shall give due regard to--
            ``(1) the geographical distribution of veterans recently 
        discharged or released from active military, naval, or air 
        service;
            ``(2) the special needs of educationally disadvantaged 
        veterans (including their need for accessibility of outreach 
        services); and
            ``(3) the necessity of providing appropriate outreach 
        services in less populated areas.

``Sec. 6305. Outstationing of counseling and outreach personnel

    ``The Secretary may station employees of the Department at locations 
other than Department offices, including educational institutions, to 
provide--
            ``(1) counseling and other assistance regarding benefits 
        under this title to veterans and other persons eligible for 
        benefits under this title; and
            ``(2) outreach services under this chapter.

``Sec. 6306. Use of other agencies

    ``(a) In carrying out this chapter, the Secretary shall arrange with 
the Secretary of Labor for the State employment service to match the 
particular qualifications of an eligible veteran or eligible dependent 
with an appropriate job or job training opportunity, including, where 
possible, arrangements for outstationing the State

[[Page 120 STAT. 410]]

employment personnel who provide such assistance at appropriate 
facilities of the Department.
    ``(b) In carrying out this chapter, the Secretary shall, in 
consultation with the Secretary of Labor, actively seek to promote the 
development and establishment of employment opportunities, training 
opportunities, and other opportunities for veterans, with particular 
emphasis on the needs of veterans with service-connected disabilities 
and other eligible veterans, taking into account applicable rates of 
unemployment and the employment emphases set forth in chapter 42 of this 
title.
    ``(c) In carrying out this chapter, the Secretary shall cooperate 
with and use the services of any Federal department or agency or any 
State or local governmental agency or recognized national or other 
organization.
    ``(d) In carrying out this chapter, the Secretary shall, where 
appropriate, make referrals to any Federal department or agency or State 
or local governmental unit or recognized national or other organization.
    ``(e) In carrying out this chapter, the Secretary may furnish 
available space and office facilities for the use of authorized 
representatives of such governmental unit or other organization 
providing services.
    ``(f) In carrying out this chapter, the Secretary shall conduct and 
provide for studies, in consultation with appropriate Federal 
departments and agencies, to determine the most effective program design 
to carry out the purposes of this chapter.

``Sec. 6307. Outreach for eligible dependents

    ``(a) Needs of Dependents.--In carrying out this chapter, the 
Secretary shall ensure that the needs of eligible dependents are fully 
addressed.
    ``(b) Information as to Availability of Outreach Services for 
Dependents.--The Secretary shall ensure that the availability of 
outreach services and assistance for eligible dependents under this 
chapter is made known through a variety of means, including the 
Internet, announcements in veterans publications, and announcements to 
the media.

``Sec. 6308. Biennial report to Congress

    ``(a) Report Required.--The Secretary shall, not later than December 
1 of every even-numbered year (beginning in 2008), submit to Congress a 
report on the outreach activities carried out by the Department.
    ``(b) Content.--Each report under this section shall include the 
following:
            ``(1) A description of the implementation during the 
        preceding fiscal year of the current biennial plan under section 
        6302 of this title.
            ``(2) Recommendations for the improvement or more effective 
        administration of the outreach activities of the Department.''.

    (b) Incorporation of Recommendations To Improve Outreach and 
Awareness.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall, to the extent 
appropriate, incorporate the recommendations for the improvement of 
veterans outreach and awareness activities included in the report 
submitted to Congress by the Secretary

[[Page 120 STAT. 411]]

pursuant to section 805 of the Veterans Benefits Improvement Act of 2004 
(Public Law 108-454).
    (c) Repeal of Recodified Provisions.--Subchapter II of chapter 77 of 
title 38, <<NOTE: 38 USC 7721-7727.>> United States Code, is repealed.

    (d) Conforming and Clerical Amendments.--
            (1) Subchapter III of chapter 77 of such title is 
        redesignated as subchapter II.
            (2) The table of sections at the beginning of such chapter 
        is amended by striking the items relating to the heading for 
        subchapter II, sections 7721 through 7727, and the heading for 
        subchapter III and inserting the following:

                  ``subchapter ii--quality assurance''.

            (3) The tables of chapters at the beginning of such title, 
        and at the beginning of part IV of such title, are amended by 
        inserting after the item relating to chapter 61 the following 
        new item:

``63. Outreach Activities........................................6301''.

    (e) Cross-Reference Amendments.--
            (1) Section 3485(a)(4)(A) of title 38, United States Code, 
        is amended by striking ``subchapter II of chapter 77'' and 
        inserting ``chapter 63''.
            (2) Section 4113(a)(2) of such title is amended by striking 
        ``section 7723(a)'' and inserting ``section 6304(a)''.
            (3) Section 4214(g) of such title is amended by striking 
        ``section 7722'' and ``section 7724'' and inserting ``section 
        6303'' and ``section 6305'', respectively.
            (4) Section 168(b)(2)(B) of the Workforce Investment Act of 
        1998 (29 U.S.C. 2913(b)(2)(B)) is amended by striking 
        ``subchapter II of chapter 77'' and inserting ``chapter 63''.

SEC. 403. EXTENSION OF ANNUAL REPORT REQUIREMENT ON EQUITABLE RELIEF 
            CASES.

    Section 503(c) of title 38, United States Code, is amended by 
striking ``December 31, 2004'' and inserting ``December 31, 2009''.

                      TITLE V--TECHNICAL AMENDMENTS

SEC. 501. TECHNICAL AND CLARIFYING AMENDMENTS TO NEW TRAUMATIC INJURY 
            PROTECTION COVERAGE UNDER SERVICEMEMBERS' GROUP LIFE 
            INSURANCE.

    (a) Section 1980A.--Section 1980A of title 38, United States Code, 
is amended as follows:
            (1) Subsection (a) is amended to read as follows:

    ``(a)(1) A member of the uniformed services who is insured under 
Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance shall automatically be insured for 
traumatic injury in accordance with this section. Insurance benefits 
under this section shall be payable if the member, while so insured, 
sustains a traumatic injury on or after December 1, 2005, that results 
in a qualifying loss specified pursuant to subsection (b)(1).
    ``(2) If a member suffers more than one such qualifying loss as a 
result of traumatic injury from the same traumatic event, payment shall 
be made under this section in accordance with the

[[Page 120 STAT. 412]]

schedule prescribed pursuant to subsection (d) for the single loss 
providing the highest payment.''.
            (2) Subsection (b) is amended--
                    (A) in paragraph (1)--
                          (i) by striking ``issued a'' and all that 
                      follows through ``limited to--'' and inserting 
                      ``insured against traumatic injury under this 
                      section is insured against such losses due to 
                      traumatic injury (in this section referred to as 
                      `qualifying losses') as are prescribed by the 
                      Secretary by regulation. Qualifying losses so 
                      prescribed shall include the following:'';
                          (ii) by capitalizing the first letter of the 
                      first word of each of subparagraphs (A) through 
                      (H);
                          (iii) by striking the semicolon at the end of 
                      each of subparagraphs (A) through (F) and 
                      inserting a period; and
                          (iv) by striking ``; and'' at the end of 
                      subparagraph (G) and inserting a period;
                    (B) in paragraph (2)--
                          (i) by striking ``subsection--'' and inserting 
                      ``subsection:'';
                          (ii) by striking ``the'' at the beginning of 
                      subparagraphs (A), (B), and (C) and inserting 
                      ``The'';
                          (iii) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``4 
                      limbs;'' and inserting ``four limbs.'';
                          (iv) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``; 
                      and'' at the end and inserting a period;
                          (v) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``1 
                      side'' and inserting ``one side''; and
                          (vi) by adding at the end the following new 
                      subparagraph:
            ``(D) The term `inability to carry out the activities of 
        daily living' means the inability to independently perform two 
        or more of the following six functions:
                    ``(i) Bathing.
                    ``(ii) Continence.
                    ``(iii) Dressing.
                    ``(iv) Eating.
                    ``(v) Toileting.
                    ``(vi) Transferring.'';
                    (C) in paragraph (3)--
                          (i) by striking ``, in collaboration with the 
                      Secretary of Defense,'';
                          (ii) by striking ``shall prescribe'' and 
                      inserting ``may prescribe''; and
                          (iii) by striking ``the conditions under which 
                      coverage against loss will not be provided'' and 
                      inserting ``conditions under which coverage 
                      otherwise provided under this section is 
                      excluded''; and
                    (D) by adding at the end the following new 
                paragraph:

    ``(4) A member shall not be considered for the purposes of this 
section to be a member insured under Servicemembers' Group Life 
Insurance if the member is insured under Servicemembers' Group Life 
Insurance only as an insurable dependent of another member pursuant to 
subparagraph (A)(ii) or (C)(ii) of section 1967(a)(1) of this title.''.
            (3) Subsection (c) is amended to read as follows:

[[Page 120 STAT. 413]]

    ``(c)(1) A payment may be made to a member under this section only 
for a qualifying loss that results directly from a traumatic injury 
sustained while the member is covered against loss under this section 
and from no other cause.
    ``(2)(A) A payment may be made to a member under this section for a 
qualifying loss resulting from a traumatic injury only for a loss that 
is incurred during the applicable period of time specified pursuant to 
subparagraph (B).
    ``(B) <<NOTE: Regulations.>> For each qualifying loss, the Secretary 
shall prescribe, by regulation, a period of time to be the period of 
time within which a loss of that type must be incurred, determined from 
the date on which the member sustains the traumatic injury resulting in 
that loss, in order for that loss to be covered under this section.''.
            (4) <<NOTE: Regulations.>> Subsection (d) is amended by 
        striking ``losses described in subsection (b)(1) shall be--'' 
        and all that follows and inserting ``qualifying losses shall be 
        made in accordance with a schedule prescribed by the Secretary, 
        by regulation, specifying the amount of payment to be made for 
        each type of qualifying loss, to be based on the severity of the 
        qualifying loss. The minimum payment that may be prescribed for 
        a qualifying loss is $25,000, and the maximum payment that may 
        be prescribed for a qualifying loss is $100,000.''.
            (5) Subsection (e) is amended--
                    (A) by striking ``of Veterans Affairs'' each place 
                it appears;
                    (B) in paragraph (1), by striking ``as the premium 
                allocable'' and all that follows through ``protection 
                under this section'';
                    (C) in paragraph (2), by striking ``Secretary of the 
                concerned service'' and inserting ``Secretary 
                concerned''; and
                    (D) by striking paragraphs (6), (7), and (8) and 
                inserting the following:

    ``(6) The cost attributable to insuring members under this section 
for any month or other period specified by the Secretary, less the 
premiums paid by the members, shall be paid by the Secretary concerned 
to the Secretary. The Secretary shall allocate the amount payable among 
the uniformed services using such methods and data as the Secretary 
determines to be reasonable and practicable. Payments under this 
paragraph shall be made on a monthly basis or at such other intervals as 
may be specified by the Secretary and shall be made within 10 days of 
the date on which the Secretary provides notice to the Secretary 
concerned of the amount required.
    ``(7) For each period for which a payment by a Secretary concerned 
is required under paragraph (6), the Secretary concerned shall 
contribute such amount from appropriations available for active duty pay 
of the uniformed service concerned.
    ``(8) The sums withheld from the basic or other pay of members, or 
collected from them by the Secretary concerned, under this subsection, 
and the sums contributed from appropriations under this subsection, 
together with the income derived from any dividends or premium rate 
adjustments received from insurers shall be deposited to the credit of 
the revolving fund established in the Treasury of the United States 
under section 1869(d)(1) of this title.''.
            (6) Subsection (f) is amended to read as follows:

[[Page 120 STAT. 414]]

    ``(f) When a claim for benefits is submitted under this section, the 
Secretary of Defense or, in the case of a member not under the 
jurisdiction of the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary concerned, shall 
certify to the Secretary whether the member with respect to whom the 
claim is submitted--
            ``(1) was at the time of the injury giving rise to the claim 
        insured under Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance for the 
        purposes of this section; and
            ``(2) has sustained a qualifying loss.''.
            (7) Subsection (g) of such section is amended--
                    (A) by inserting ``(1)'' after ``(g)'';
                    (B) by striking ``will not be made'' and inserting 
                ``may not be made under the insurance coverage under 
                this section'';
                    (C) by striking ``the period'' and all that follows 
                through ``the date'' and inserting ``a period prescribed 
                by the Secretary, by regulation, for such purpose that 
                begins on the date'';
                    (D) by designating the second sentence as paragraph 
                (2);
                    (E) by striking ``If the member'' and inserting ``If 
                a member eligible for a payment under this section'';
                    (F) by striking ``will be'' and inserting ``shall 
                be''; and
                    (G) by striking ``according to'' and all that 
                follows and inserting ``to the beneficiary or 
                beneficiaries to whom the payment would be made if the 
                payment were life insurance under section 1967(a) of 
                this title.''.
            (8) Subsection (h) of such section is amended--
                    (A) in the first sentence, by striking ``member's 
                separation from the uniformed service'' and inserting 
                ``termination of the member's duty status in the 
                uniformed services that established eligibility for 
                Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance'';
                    (B) by striking the second sentence; and
                    (C) by adding at the end the following new sentence: 
                ``The termination of coverage under this section is 
                effective in accordance with the preceding sentence, 
                notwithstanding any continuation after the date 
                specified in that sentence of Servicemembers' Group Life 
                Insurance coverage pursuant to 1968(a) of this title for 
                a period specified in that section.''.
            (9) Such section is further amended by adding at the end the 
        following new subsection:

    ``(j) <<NOTE: Regulations.>> Regulations under this section shall be 
prescribed in consultation with the Secretary of Defense.''.

    (b) <<NOTE: 38 USC 1980A note.>> Applicability to Qualifying Losses 
Incurred in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom 
Before Effective Date of New Program.--
            (1) Eligibility.--A member of the uniformed services who 
        during the period beginning on October 7, 2001, and ending at 
        the close of November 30, 2005, sustains a traumatic injury 
        resulting in a qualifying loss is eligible for coverage for that 
        loss under section 1980A of title 38, United States Code, if, as 
        determined by the Secretary concerned, that loss was a direct 
        result of a traumatic injury incurred in the theater of 
        operations for Operation Enduring Freedom or Operation Iraqi 
        Freedom.

[[Page 120 STAT. 415]]

            (2) Certification of persons entitled to payment.--The 
        Secretary concerned shall certify to the life insurance company 
        issuing the policy of life insurance for Servicemembers' Group 
        Life Insurance under chapter 19 of title 38, United States Code, 
        the name and address of each person who the Secretary concerned 
        determines to be entitled by reason of paragraph (1) to a 
        payment under section 1980A of title 38, United States Code, 
        plus such additional information as the Secretary of Veterans 
        Affairs may require.
            (3) Funding.--At the time a certification is made under 
        paragraph (2), the Secretary concerned, from funds then 
        available to that Secretary for the pay of members of the 
        uniformed services under the jurisdiction of that Secretary, 
        shall pay to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs the amount of 
        funds the Secretary of Veterans Affairs determines to be 
        necessary to pay all costs related to payments to be made under 
        that certification. Amounts received by the Secretary of 
        Veterans Affairs under this paragraph shall be deposited to the 
        credit of the revolving fund in the Treasury of the United 
        States established under section 1969(d) of title 38, United 
        States Code.
            (4) Qualifying loss.--For purposes of this subsection, the 
        term ``qualifying loss'' means--
                    (A) a loss specified in the second sentence of 
                subsection (b)(1) of section 1980A of title 38, United 
                States Code, as amended by subsection (a); and
                    (B) any other loss specified by the Secretary of 
                Veterans Affairs pursuant to the first sentence of that 
                subsection.
            (5) Secretary concerned.--For purposes of this subsection, 
        the term ``Secretary concerned'' has the meaning given that term 
        in paragraph (25) of section 101 of title 38, United States 
        Code.

    (c) Conforming Amendments.--
            (1) Section 1965 of title 38, United States Code, is amended 
        by striking paragraph (11).
            (2) Section 1032(c) of Public Law 109-13 (119 Stat. 257; 38 
        U.S.C. 1980A note) is repealed.

SEC. 502. TERMINOLOGY AMENDMENTS TO REVISE REFERENCES TO CERTAIN 
            VETERANS IN PROVISIONS RELATING TO ELIGIBILITY FOR 
            COMPENSATION OR DEPENDENCY AND INDEMNITY COMPENSATION.

    Title 38, United States Code, is amended as follows:
            (1) Section 1114(l) is amended by striking ``so helpless'' 
        and inserting ``with such significant disabilities''.
            (2) Section 1114(m) is amended by striking ``so helpless'' 
        and inserting ``so significantly disabled''.
            (3) Sections 1115(1)(E)(ii), 1122(b)(2), 1311(c)(2), 
        1315(g)(2), and 1502(b)(2) are amended by striking ``helpless or 
        blind, or so nearly helpless or blind as to'' and inserting 
        ``blind, or so nearly blind or significantly disabled as to''.

SEC. 503. TECHNICAL AND CLERICAL AMENDMENTS.

    Title 38, United States Code, is amended as follows:
            (1) Typographical error.--Section 1117(h)(1) is amended by 
        striking ``nothwithstanding'' and inserting ``notwithstanding''.

[[Page 120 STAT. 416]]

            (2) Insertion of missing word.--Section 1513(a) <<NOTE: 38 
        USC 1513.>> is amended by inserting ``section'' after 
        ``prescribed by''.
            (3) Deletion of extra words.--Section 3012(a)(1)(C)(ii) is 
        amended by striking ``on or''.
            (4) Cross reference correction.--Section 3017(b)(1)(D) is 
        amended by striking ``3011(c)'' and inserting ``3011(e)''.
            (5) Stylistic amendments.--Section 3018A is amended--
                    (A) by striking ``of this section'' in subsections 
                (b) and (c);
                    (B) by striking ``of this subsection'' in 
                subsections (a)(4), (a)(5), (d)(1) (both places it 
                appears), and (d)(3); and
                    (C) by striking ``of this chapter'' in subsection 
                (d)(3) and inserting ``of this title''.
            (6) Cross reference correction.--Section 3117(b)(1) is 
        amended--
                    (A) by striking ``section 8'' and inserting 
                ``section 4(b)(1)''; and
                    (B) by striking ``633(b)'' and inserting 
                ``633(b)(1)''.
            (7) Insertion of missing word.--Section 3511(a)(1) is 
        amended by inserting ``sections'' after ``under both''.
            (8) Subsection headings.--
                    (A) Sections 3461, 3462, 3481, 3565, 3680, and 3690 
                are each amended by revising each subsection heading for 
                a subsection therein (appearing as a centered heading 
                immediately before the text of the subsection) so that 
                such heading appears immediately after the subsection 
                designation and is set forth in capitals-and-small-
                capitals typeface, followed by a period and a one-em 
                dash.
                    (B) Section 3461(c) is amended by inserting after 
                the subsection designation the following: ``Duration of 
                Entitlement.--''.
                    (C) Section 3462 is amended--
                          (i) in subsection (d), by inserting after the 
                      subsection designation the following: ``Prisoners 
                      of War.--''; and
                          (ii) in subsection (e), by inserting after the 
                      subsection designation the following: 
                      ``Termination of Assistance.--''.
            (9) Cross reference correction.--Section 3732(c)(10)(D) is 
        amended by striking ``clause (B) of paragraphs (5), (6), (7), 
        and (8) of this subsection'' and inserting ``paragraphs (5)(B), 
        (6), (7)(B), and (8)(B)''.
            (10) Date of enactment reference.--Section 3733(a)(7) is 
        amended by striking ``the date of the enactment of the Veterans 
        Benefits Act of 2003'' and inserting ``December 16, 2003''.
            (11) Repeal of obsolete provisions.--Section 4102A is 
        amended--
                    (A) in subsection (c)(7)--
                          (i) by striking ``With respect to program 
                      years beginning during or after fiscal year 2004, 
                      one percent of'' and inserting ``Of''; and
                          (ii) by striking ``for the program year'' and 
                      inserting ``for any program year, one percent''; 
                      and
                    (B) in subsection (f)(1), by striking ``By not later 
                than May 7, 2003, the'' and inserting ``The''.

[[Page 120 STAT. 417]]

            (12) Repeal of obsolete provisions.--Section 
        4105(b) <<NOTE: 38 USC 4105.>> is amended--
                    (A) by striking ``shall provide,'' and all that 
                follows through ``Affairs with'' and inserting ``shall, 
                on the 15th day of each month, provide the Secretary and 
                the Secretary of Veterans Affairs with updated 
                information regarding''; and
                    (B) by striking ``and shall'' and all that follows 
                through ``regarding the list''.
            (13) Citation correction.--Section 4110B is amended--
                    (A) by striking ``this Act'' and inserting ``the 
                Workforce Investment Act of 1998''; and
                    (B) by inserting ``(29 U.S.C. 2822(b))'' before the 
                period at the end.
            (14) Cross-reference correction.--Section 4331(b)(2)(C) is 
        amended by striking ``section 2303(a)(2)(C)(ii)'' and inserting 
        ``section 2302(a)(2)(C)(ii)''.
            (15) Capitalization correction.--Section 7253(d)(5) is 
        amended by striking ``court'' and inserting ``Court''.

    Approved June 15, 2006.

LEGISLATIVE HISTORY--S. 1235 (H.R. 2046) (H.R. 3665):
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

HOUSE REPORTS: Nos. 109-88 accompanying H.R. 2046 and 109-263 
accompanying H.R. 3665 (both from Comm. on Veterans' Affairs).
SENATE REPORTS: No. 109-139 (Comm. on Veterans' Affairs).
CONGRESSIONAL RECORD:
                                                        Vol. 151 (2005):
                                    Sept. 28, considered and passed 
                                        Senate.
                                                        Vol. 152 (2006):
                                    May 22, considered and passed House, 
                                        amended.
                                    May 25, Senate concurred in House 
                                        amendments.

                                  <all>
```