PUBLIC LAW 109–233—JUNE 15, 2006 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.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of

the United States of America in Congress 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.

Veterans’

Housing

Opportunity and

Benefits

Improvement Act

of 2006.

38 USC 101 note.

June 15, 2006

[S. 1235]

120 STAT. 398 PUBLIC LAW 109–233—JUNE 15, 2006

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:

‘‘§ 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.’’.

PUBLIC LAW 109–233—JUNE 15, 2006 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:

‘‘§ 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) 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

38 USC 3729

note.

120 STAT. 400 PUBLIC LAW 109–233—JUNE 15, 2006

(3) by striking subsection (c).

(b) REPORTS.—Section 3762(j) of such title 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:

38 USC 3762.

PUBLIC LAW 109–233—JUNE 15, 2006 120 STAT. 401

‘‘§ 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:

‘‘§ 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:

‘‘§ 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 nonNative 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.’’.

120 STAT. 402 PUBLIC LAW 109–233—JUNE 15, 2006

(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) 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,

38 USC 2101

note.

PUBLIC LAW 109–233—JUNE 15, 2006 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:

‘‘§ 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) 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.

38 USC 4110

note.

120 STAT. 404 PUBLIC LAW 109–233—JUNE 15, 2006

‘‘(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.’’.

PUBLIC LAW 109–233—JUNE 15, 2006 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.’’.

120 STAT. 406 PUBLIC LAW 109–233—JUNE 15, 2006

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

PUBLIC LAW 109–233—JUNE 15, 2006 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.

‘‘§ 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.

120 STAT. 408 PUBLIC LAW 109–233—JUNE 15, 2006

‘‘§ 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.

‘‘§ 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.

PUBLIC LAW 109–233—JUNE 15, 2006 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. 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) 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.

‘‘§ 6304. Veterans assistance offices

‘‘(a) 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.

‘‘§ 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.

‘‘§ 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

Establishment.

Homeless.

Deadline.

120 STAT. 410 PUBLIC LAW 109–233—JUNE 15, 2006

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.

‘‘§ 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.

‘‘§ 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

PUBLIC LAW 109–233—JUNE 15, 2006 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, 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

38 USC

7721–7727.

120 STAT. 412 PUBLIC LAW 109–233—JUNE 15, 2006

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:

PUBLIC LAW 109–233—JUNE 15, 2006 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) 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) 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:

Regulations.

Regulations.

120 STAT. 414 PUBLIC LAW 109–233—JUNE 15, 2006

‘‘(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) Regulations under this section shall be prescribed in consultation with the Secretary of Defense.’’.

(b) 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.

38 USC 1980A

note.

Regulations.

PUBLIC LAW 109–233—JUNE 15, 2006 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’’.

120 STAT. 416 PUBLIC LAW 109–233—JUNE 15, 2006

(2) INSERTION OF MISSING WORD.—Section 1513(a) 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’’.

38 USC 1513.

PUBLIC LAW 109–233—JUNE 15, 2006 120 STAT. 417

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.

Æ

(12) REPEAL OF OBSOLETE PROVISIONS.—Section 4105(b) 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.

38 USC 4105.