An act to amend title 38, United States Code, to make certain improvements in the laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes
PL 115-48 (H.R.3218), enacted 08/16/2017

131 STAT. 973 
PUBLIC LAW 115–48—AUG. 16, 2017 
Public Law 115–48 
115th Congress 
An Act 
To amend title 38, United States Code, to make certain improvements in the 
laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, 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 ‘‘Harry W. 
Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2017’’. 
(b) TABLE OF CONTENTS.—The table of contents for this Act 
is as follows: 
Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents. 
Sec. 2. References to title 38, United States Code. 
TITLE I—POST-9/11 EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM 
Sec. 101. Consideration of certain time spent receiving medical care from Secretary 
of Defense as active duty for purposes of eligibility for Post-9/11 Edu-
cational Assistance. 
Sec. 102. Educational assistance under Post-9/11 Educational Assistance Program 
for members of the Armed Forces awarded the Purple Heart. 
Sec. 103. Inclusion of Fry Scholarship recipients and Purple Heart recipients in 
Yellow Ribbon G.I. Education Enhancement Program. 
Sec. 104. Inclusion of certain members of the Armed Forces serving on active duty 
in Yellow Ribbon G.I. Education Enhancement Program. 
Sec. 105. Consolidation of certain eligibility tiers under Post-9/11 Educational As-
sistance Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs. 
Sec. 106. Eligibility for Post-9/11 Educational Assistance for certain members of re-
serve components of Armed Forces who lost entitlement to educational 
assistance under Reserve Educational Assistance Program. 
Sec. 107. Calculation of monthly housing stipend under Post-9/11 Educational As-
sistance Program based on location of campus where classes are at-
tended. 
Sec. 108. Charge to entitlement for certain licensure and certification tests and na-
tional tests under Department of Veterans Affairs Post-9/11 Educational 
Assistance Program. 
Sec. 109. Restoration of entitlement to educational assistance and other relief for 
veterans affected by school closure or disapproval. 
Sec. 110. Additional authorized transfer of unused Post-9/11 Educational Assist-
ance benefits to dependents upon death of originally designated depend-
ent. 
Sec. 111. Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship. 
Sec. 112. Honoring the national service of members of the Armed Forces by elimi-
nation of time limitation for use of entitlement. 
Sec. 113. Monthly stipend for certain members of the reserve components of the 
Armed Forces receiving Post-9/11 Educational Assistance. 
Sec. 114. Annual reports to Congress on information on student progress submitted 
by educational institutions. 
Sec. 115. Improvement of information technology of the veterans benefits adminis-
tration of the Department of Veterans Affairs. 
Sec. 116. Department of Veterans Affairs high technology pilot program. 
TITLE II—OTHER EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS 
Sec. 201. Work-study allowance. 
Harry W. 
Colmery 
Veterans 
Educational 
Assistance Act 
of 2017. 
38 USC 101 note. 
Aug. 16, 2017 
[H.R. 3218] 
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131 STAT. 974 
PUBLIC LAW 115–48—AUG. 16, 2017 
Sec. 202. Duration of educational assistance under Survivors’ and Dependents’ 
Educational Assistance Program. 
Sec. 203. Olin E. Teague increase in amounts of educational assistance payable 
under Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance Program. 
TITLE III—ADMINISTRATION OF EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS 
Sec. 301. State approving agency funding. 
Sec. 302. Authorization for use of Post-9/11 Educational Assistance to pursue inde-
pendent study programs at certain educational institutions that are not 
institutions of higher learning. 
Sec. 303. Provision of information on priority enrollment for veterans in certain 
courses of education. 
Sec. 304. Limitation on use of reporting fees payable to educational institutions and 
sponsors of programs of apprenticeship. 
Sec. 305. Training for school certifying officials. 
Sec. 306. Extension of authority for Advisory Committee on Education. 
Sec. 307. Department of Veterans Affairs provision of on-campus educational and 
vocational counseling for veterans. 
Sec. 308. Provision of information regarding veteran entitlement to educational as-
sistance. 
Sec. 309. Treatment, for purposes of educational assistance administered by the 
Secretary of Veterans Affairs, of educational courses that begin seven or 
fewer days after the first day of an academic term. 
Sec. 310. Inclusion of risk-based reviews in State approving agency oversight activi-
ties. 
Sec. 311. Comptroller General study of State approving agency performance. 
TITLE IV—RESERVE COMPONENT BENEFITS 
Sec. 401. Eligibility of reserve component members for Post-9/11 Educational As-
sistance. 
Sec. 402. Time limitation for training and rehabilitation for veterans with service- 
connected disabilities. 
TITLE V—OTHER MATTERS 
Sec. 501. Repeal inapplicability of modification of basic allowance for housing to 
benefits under laws administered by Secretary of Veterans Affairs. 
Sec. 502. Reconsideration of previously denied claims for disability compensation 
for veterans who allege full-body exposure to nitrogen mustard gas, sul-
fur mustard gas, or Lewisite during World War II. 
SEC. 2. REFERENCES TO TITLE 38, UNITED STATES CODE. 
Except as otherwise expressly provided, whenever in this Act 
an amendment or repeal is expressed in terms of an amendment 
to, or repeal of, a section or other provision, the reference shall 
be considered to be made to a section or other provision of title 
38, United States Code. 
TITLE I—POST-9/11 EDUCATIONAL 
ASSISTANCE PROGRAM 
SEC. 101. CONSIDERATION OF CERTAIN TIME SPENT RECEIVING MED-
ICAL CARE FROM SECRETARY OF DEFENSE AS ACTIVE 
DUTY FOR PURPOSES OF ELIGIBILITY FOR POST-9/11 EDU-
CATIONAL ASSISTANCE. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 3301(1)(B) is amended by inserting 
‘‘12301(h),’’ after ‘‘12301(g),’’. 
(b) RETROACTIVE APPLICATION.—The amendment made by sub-
section (a) shall apply with respect to service in the Armed Forces 
occurring on or after September 11, 2001. 
(c) APPLICATION WITH RESPECT TO USE OF ENTITLEMENT.— 
An individual who is entitled to educational assistance by reason 
of the amendment made by subsection (a) may use such entitlement 
to pursue a course of education beginning on or after August 1, 
2018. 
38 USC 3301 
note. 
38 USC 3301 
note. 
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131 STAT. 975 
PUBLIC LAW 115–48—AUG. 16, 2017 
SEC. 102. EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE UNDER POST-9/11 EDUCATIONAL 
ASSISTANCE PROGRAM FOR MEMBERS OF THE ARMED 
FORCES AWARDED THE PURPLE HEART. 
(a) ELIGIBILITY.—Section 3311(b) is amended by adding at the 
end the following new paragraph: 
‘‘(10) An individual who is awarded the Purple Heart for 
service in the Armed Forces occurring on or after September 
11, 2001, and continues to serve on active duty in the Armed 
Forces or is discharged or released from active duty as described 
in subsection (c).’’. 
(b) AMOUNT
OF ASSISTANCE.—Section 3313(c)(1) is amended 
by striking ‘‘or (9)’’ and inserting ‘‘(9), or (10)’’. 
(c) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendments made by this section 
shall take effect on August 1, 2018. 
SEC. 103. INCLUSION OF FRY SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS AND PURPLE 
HEART RECIPIENTS IN YELLOW RIBBON G.I. EDUCATION 
ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 3317(a) is amended, in the second 
sentence, by striking ‘‘paragraphs (1) and (2)’’ and inserting ‘‘para-
graphs (1), (2), (9), and (10)’’. 
(b) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendment made by subsection (a) 
shall take effect on August 1, 2018. 
SEC. 104. INCLUSION OF CERTAIN MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES 
SERVING ON ACTIVE DUTY IN YELLOW RIBBON G.I. EDU-
CATION ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 3317(a) is amended, in the first sen-
tence, by striking ‘‘section 3313(c)(1)(A)’’ and inserting ‘‘subsection 
(c)(1)(A) or (e)(2)(A) of section 3313 of this title’’. 
(b) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendment made by subsection (a) 
shall take effect on August 1, 2022. 
SEC. 105. CONSOLIDATION OF CERTAIN ELIGIBILITY TIERS UNDER 
POST-9/11 EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM OF THE 
DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS. 
(a) ENTITLEMENT.—Section 3311(b), as amended by section 102, 
is further amended— 
(1) in paragraph (6)(A), by striking ‘‘12 months’’ and 
inserting ‘‘6 months’’; 
(2) by striking paragraph (7); and 
(3) by redesignating paragraphs (8), (9), and (10) as para-
graphs (7), (8), and (9), respectively. 
(b) AMOUNT OF EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE.—Section 3313(c) is 
amended by striking paragraph (7). 
(c) CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.—Chapter 33 is further amended 
as follows: 
(1) In section 3311(f), by striking ‘‘paragraph (9)’’ each 
place it appears and inserting ‘‘paragraph (8)’’. 
(2) In section 3313, as amended by section 102— 
(A) in subsection (c)(1), by striking ‘‘(9), or (10)’’ and 
inserting ‘‘(8), or (9)’’; 
(B) in subsection (d), by striking ‘‘paragraphs (2) 
through (7)’’ each place it appears and inserting ‘‘para-
graphs (2) through (6)’’; 
(C) in subsection (e)(2)(C)— 
(i) by striking ‘‘paragraphs (3) through (8)’’ and 
inserting ‘‘paragraphs (3) through (7)’’; and 
38 USC 3317 
note. 
38 USC 3317 
note. 
38 USC 3311 
note. 
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131 STAT. 976 
PUBLIC LAW 115–48—AUG. 16, 2017 
(ii) by striking ‘‘paragraphs (2) through (7)’’ and 
inserting ‘‘paragraphs (2) through (6)’’; 
(D) in subsection (f)(2)(A)(ii), by striking ‘‘paragraphs 
(2) through (7)’’ and inserting ‘‘paragraphs (2) through (6)’’; 
(E) in subsection (g)(3)— 
(i) in subparagraph (A)(iv)— 
(I) by striking ‘‘paragraphs (3) through (8)’’ 
and inserting ‘‘paragraphs (3) through (7)’’; and 
(II) by striking ‘‘paragraphs (2) through (7)’’ 
and inserting ‘‘paragraphs (2) through (6)’’; 
(ii) in subparagraph (B)(iii)— 
(I) by striking ‘‘paragraphs (3) through (8)’’ 
and inserting ‘‘paragraphs (3) through (7)’’; and 
(II) by striking ‘‘paragraphs (2) through (7)’’ 
and inserting ‘‘paragraphs (2) through (6)’’; 
(iii) in subparagraph (C)(ii)— 
(I) in subclause (I), by striking ‘‘(9)’’ and 
inserting ‘‘(8)’’; and 
(II) in subclause (II)— 
(aa) by striking ‘‘paragraphs (3) through 
(8)’’ and inserting ‘‘paragraphs (3) through (7)’’; 
and 
(bb) by striking ‘‘paragraphs (2) through 
(7)’’ and inserting ‘‘paragraphs (2) through (6)’’; 
and 
(iv) in subparagraph (D)(ii)— 
(I) in subclause (I), by striking ‘‘(9)’’ and 
inserting ‘‘(8)’’; and 
(II) in subclause (II)— 
(aa) by striking ‘‘paragraphs (3) through 
(8)’’ and inserting ‘‘paragraphs (3) through (7)’’; 
and 
(bb) by striking ‘‘paragraphs (2) through 
(7)’’ and inserting ‘‘paragraphs (2) through (6)’’; 
and 
(F) in subsection (h), by striking ‘‘paragraphs (2) 
through (7)’’ and inserting ‘‘paragraphs (2) through (6)’’; 
(3) In section 3316— 
(A) in subsection (a)(1), by striking ‘‘paragraphs (2) 
through (7)’’ and inserting ‘‘paragraphs (2) through (6)’’; 
and 
(B) in subsection (b)(1), by striking ‘‘paragraphs (2) 
through (7)’’ and inserting ‘‘paragraphs (2) through (6)’’. 
(4) In section 3317(a), in the second sentence, as amended 
by section 103, by striking ‘‘paragraphs (1), (2), (9), and (10)’’ 
and inserting ‘‘paragraphs (1), (2), (8), and (9)’’. 
(5) In section 3321(b)(4), as amended by section 112, by 
striking ‘‘section 3311(b)(9)’’ and inserting ‘‘section 3311(b)(8)’’. 
(6) In section 3322— 
(A) in subsection (e), by striking ‘‘3311(b)(9)’’ and 
inserting ‘‘3311(b)(8)’’; 
(B) in subsection (f), by striking ‘‘3311(b)(9)’’ and 
inserting ‘‘3311(b)(8)’’; and 
(C) in subsection (h)(2), by striking ‘‘3311(b)(9)’’ and 
inserting ‘‘3311(b)(8)’’. 
(7) In section 3679(c)(2)(B), by striking ‘‘3311(b)(9)’’ and 
inserting ‘‘3311(b)(8)’’. 
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131 STAT. 977 
PUBLIC LAW 115–48—AUG. 16, 2017 
(d) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendments made by this section 
shall take effect on August 1, 2020. 
SEC. 106. ELIGIBILITY FOR POST-9/11 EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE FOR 
CERTAIN MEMBERS OF RESERVE COMPONENTS OF ARMED 
FORCES WHO LOST ENTITLEMENT TO EDUCATIONAL 
ASSISTANCE UNDER RESERVE EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE 
PROGRAM. 
(a) ELECTION.—Section 16167 of title 10, United States Code, 
is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: 
‘‘(c) ELIGIBILITY FOR POST-9/11 EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE.—A 
member who loses eligibility for benefits under this chapter pursu-
ant to subsection (b) shall be allowed to elect (in such form and 
manner as the Secretary of Veterans Affairs may prescribe) to 
have such service previously credited toward this chapter credited 
towards establishing eligibility for educational assistance under 
chapter 33 of title 38, notwithstanding the provisions of section 
16163(e) of this title or section 3322(h)(1) of title 38.’’. 
(b) QUALIFICATION OF SERVICE.—Section 3301(1) of title 38, 
United States Code, shall be construed to include, in the case 
of a member of a reserve component of the Armed Forces who, 
before November 25, 2015, established eligibility for educational 
assistance under chapter 1607 of title 10, United States Code, 
pursuant to section 16163(a)(1) of such title, but lost eligibility 
for such educational assistance pursuant to section 16167(b) of 
such title, service on active duty (as defined in section 101 of 
such title) that satisfies the requirements of section 16163(a)(1) 
of such title. 
(c) ENTITLEMENT.—Section 3311(b)(6) of title 38, United States 
Code, shall be construed to include an individual who, before 
November 25, 2015, established eligibility for educational assistance 
under chapter 1607 of title 10, United States Code, pursuant to 
section 16163(b) of such title, but lost such eligibility pursuant 
to section 16167(b) of such title. 
(d) DURATION.—Notwithstanding section 3312 of title 38, United 
States Code, an individual who establishes eligibility for educational 
assistance under chapter 33 of such title by crediting towards 
such chapter service previously credited towards chapter 1607 of 
title 10, United States Code, is only entitled to a number of months 
of educational assistance under section 3313 of title 38, United 
States Code, equal to the number of months of entitlement 
remaining under chapter 1607 of title 10, United States Code, 
at the time of conversion to chapter 33 of title 38, United States 
Code. 
SEC. 107. CALCULATION OF MONTHLY HOUSING STIPEND UNDER 
POST-9/11 EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM BASED 
ON 
LOCATION 
OF 
CAMPUS 
WHERE 
CLASSES 
ARE 
ATTENDED. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 3313(c)(1)(B)(i)(I) is amended by 
striking ‘‘the institution of higher learning at which the individual 
is enrolled’’ and inserting ‘‘the campus of the institution of higher 
learning where the individual physically participates in a majority 
of classes’’. 
(b) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendment made by subsection (a) 
shall apply with respect to initial enrollment in a program of 
education on or after August 1, 2018. 
38 USC 3313 
note. 
38 USC 3313 
note. 
38 USC 3311 
note. 
38 USC 3301 
note. 
38 USC 3311 
note. 
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131 STAT. 978 
PUBLIC LAW 115–48—AUG. 16, 2017 
SEC. 108. CHARGE TO ENTITLEMENT FOR CERTAIN LICENSURE AND 
CERTIFICATION TESTS AND NATIONAL TESTS UNDER 
DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS POST-9/11 EDU-
CATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM. 
(a) LICENSURE AND CERTIFICATION TESTS.—Subsection (c) of 
section 3315 is amended— 
(1) by striking ‘‘shall be determined at the rate of one 
month (rounded to the nearest whole month)’’ and inserting 
‘‘shall be pro-rated based on the actual amount of the fee 
charged for the test relative to the rate for 1 month’’; and 
(2) by striking ‘‘for each amount paid that equals’’ and 
inserting ‘‘payable’’. 
(b) NATIONAL TESTS.—Section 3315A is amended— 
(1) in subsection (a), by adding at the end the following 
new paragraph: 
‘‘(3) A national test that evaluates prior learning and 
knowledge and provides an opportunity for course credit at 
an institution of higher learning as so described.’’; and 
(2) in subsection (c)— 
(A) by striking ‘‘shall be determined at the rate of 
one month (rounded to the nearest whole month)’’ and 
inserting ‘‘shall be pro-rated based on the actual amount 
of the fee charged for the test relative to the rate for 
1 month’’; and 
(B) by striking ‘‘for each amount paid that equals’’ 
and inserting ‘‘payable’’. 
(c) TESTS INCLUDED.—Section 3452(b) is amended in the last 
sentence— 
(1) by striking ‘‘and national tests providing’’ and inserting 
‘‘, national tests providing’’; and 
(2) by inserting before the period at the end the following: 
‘‘, and national tests that evaluate prior learning and knowledge 
and provides an opportunity for course credit at an institution 
of higher learning’’. 
(d) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendments made by this Act shall 
apply to a test taken on or after August 1, 2018. 
SEC. 109. RESTORATION OF ENTITLEMENT TO EDUCATIONAL ASSIST-
ANCE AND OTHER RELIEF FOR VETERANS AFFECTED BY 
SCHOOL CLOSURE OR DISAPPROVAL. 
(a) SCHOOL CLOSURE OR DISAPPROVAL.— 
(1) RESTORATION OF ENTITLEMENT.—Chapter 36 is amended 
by adding at the end the following new section: 
‘‘§ 3699. Effects of closure or disapproval of educational 
institution 
‘‘(a) CLOSURE OR DISAPPROVAL.—Any payment of educational 
assistance described in subsection (b) shall not— 
‘‘(1) be charged against any entitlement to educational 
assistance of the individual concerned; or 
‘‘(2) be counted against the aggregate period for which 
section 3695 of this title limits the receipt of educational assist-
ance by such individual. 
‘‘(b) EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE DESCRIBED.—Subject to sub-
section (c), the payment of educational assistance described in this 
paragraph is the payment of such assistance to an individual for 
pursuit of a course or program of education at an educational 
Determination. 
38 USC 3699. 
38 USC 3315 
note. 
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131 STAT. 979 
PUBLIC LAW 115–48—AUG. 16, 2017 
institution under chapter 30, 32, 33, or 35 of this title, or chapter 
1606 or 1607 of title 10, if the Secretary determines that the 
individual— 
‘‘(1) was unable to complete such course or program as 
a result of— 
‘‘(A) the closure of the educational institution; or 
‘‘(B) the disapproval of the course or a course that 
is a necessary part of that program under this chapter 
by reason of— 
‘‘(i) a provision of law enacted after the date on 
which the individual enrolls at such institution 
affecting the approval or disapproval of courses under 
this chapter; or 
‘‘(ii) after the date on which the individual enrolls 
at such institution, the Secretary prescribing or modi-
fying regulations or policies of the Department 
affecting such approval or disapproval; and 
‘‘(2) did not receive credit or lost training time, toward 
completion of the program of education being so pursued. 
‘‘(c) PERIOD NOT CHARGED.—The period for which, by reason 
of this subsection, educational assistance is not charged against 
entitlement or counted toward the applicable aggregate period 
under section 3695 of this title shall not exceed the aggregate 
of— 
‘‘(1) the portion of the period of enrollment in the course 
from which the individual did not receive credit or with respect 
to which the individual lost training time, as determined under 
subsection (b)(2); and 
‘‘(2) the period by which a monthly stipend is extended 
under section 3680(a)(2)(B) of this title. 
‘‘(d) CONTINUING PURSUIT OF DISAPPROVED COURSES.—(1) The 
Secretary may treat a course of education that is disapproved 
under this chapter as being approved under this chapter with 
respect to an individual described in paragraph (2) if the Secretary 
determines, on a case-by-case basis, that— 
‘‘(A) such disapproval is the result of an action described 
in clause (i) or (ii) of subsection (b)(1)(B); and 
‘‘(B) continuing pursuing such course is in the best interest 
of the individual. 
‘‘(2) An individual described in this paragraph is an individual 
who is pursuing a course of education at an educational institution 
under chapter 30, 32, 33, or 35 of this title, or chapter 1606 
or 1607 of title 10, as of the date on which the course is disapproved 
under this chapter. 
‘‘(e) NOTICE OF CLOSURES.—Not later than 5 business days 
after the date on which the Secretary receives notice that an edu-
cational institution will close or is closed, the Secretary shall provide 
to each individual who is enrolled in a course or program or edu-
cation at such educational institution using entitlement to edu-
cational assistance under chapter 30, 32, 33, or 35 of this title, 
or chapter 1606 or 1607 of title 10, notice of— 
‘‘(1) such closure and the date of such closure; and 
‘‘(2) the effect of such closure on the individual’s entitlement 
to educational assistance pursuant to this section.’’. 
Deadline. 
Determination. 
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131 STAT. 980 
PUBLIC LAW 115–48—AUG. 16, 2017 
(2) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The table of sections at the 
beginning of such chapter is amended by inserting after the 
item relating to section 3698 the following new item: 
‘‘3699. Effects of closure or disapproval of educational institution.’’. 
(b) MONTHLY HOUSING STIPEND.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—Subsection (a) section 3680 is amended— 
(A) by striking the matter after paragraph (3)(B); 
(B) in paragraph (3), by redesignating subparagraphs 
(A) and (B) as clauses (i) and (ii), respectively; 
(C) by redesignating paragraphs (1) through (3) as 
subparagraphs (A) through (C), respectively; 
(D) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), as 
redesignated, in the first sentence, by striking ‘‘Payment 
of’’ and inserting ‘‘(1) Except as provided in paragraph 
(2), payment of’’; and 
(E) by adding at the end the following new paragraph 
(2): 
‘‘(2) Notwithstanding paragraph (1), the Secretary may, pursu-
ant to such regulations as the Secretary shall prescribe, continue 
to pay allowances to eligible veterans and eligible persons enrolled 
in courses set forth in paragraph (1)(A)— 
‘‘(A) during periods when educational institutions are 
temporarily closed under an established policy based on an 
Executive order of the President or due to an emergency situa-
tion, except that the total number of weeks for which allowances 
may continue to be so payable in any 12-month period may 
not exceed 4 weeks; or 
‘‘(B) solely for the purpose of awarding a monthly housing 
stipend described in section 3313 of this title, during periods 
following a permanent closure of an educational institution, 
or following the disapproval of a course of study described 
in section 3699(b)(1)(B) of this title, except that payment of 
such a stipend may only be continued until the earlier of— 
‘‘(i) the date of the end of the term, quarter, or semester 
during which the closure or disapproval occurred; and 
‘‘(ii) the date that is 120 days after the date of the 
closure or disapproval.’’. 
(2) CONFORMING AMENDMENT.—Paragraph (1)(C)(ii) of such 
subsection, as redesignated, is amended by striking ‘‘described 
in subclause (A) of this clause’’ and inserting ‘‘described in 
clause (i)’’. 
(c) APPLICABILITY.— 
(1) SCHOOL CLOSURE OR DISAPPROVAL.— 
(A) IN GENERAL.—The amendments made by subsection 
(a) shall take effect on the date that is 90 days after 
the date of the enactment of this Act, and shall apply 
with respect to courses and programs of education discon-
tinued as described in section 3699 of title 38, United 
States Code, as added by subsection (a)(1), after January 
1, 2015. 
(B) SPECIAL APPLICATION.—With respect to courses and 
programs of education discontinued as described in section 
3699 of title 38, United States Code, as added by subsection 
(a)(1), during the period beginning January 1, 2015, and 
ending on the date of the enactment of this Act, an indi-
vidual who does not transfer credits from such program 
Time period. 
38 USC 3699 
note. 
Effective dates. 
Extension dates. 
Time periods. 
Regulations. 
38 USC 
prec. 3670. 
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131 STAT. 981 
PUBLIC LAW 115–48—AUG. 16, 2017 
of education shall be deemed to be an individual who 
did not receive such credits, as described in subsection 
(b)(2) of such section, except that the period for which 
the individual’s entitlement is not charged shall be the 
entire period of the individual’s enrollment in the program 
of education. In carrying out this paragraph, the Secretary 
of Veterans Affairs, in consultation with the Secretary of 
Education, shall establish procedures to determine whether 
the individual transferred credits to a comparable course 
or program of education. 
(2) MONTHLY HOUSING STIPEND.—The amendments made 
by subsection (b) shall take effect on August 1, 2018, and 
shall apply with respect to courses and programs of education 
discontinued as described in section 3699 of title 38, United 
States Code, as added by such subsection, on or after the 
date of the enactment of this Act. 
SEC. 110. ADDITIONAL AUTHORIZED TRANSFER OF UNUSED POST-9/ 
11 EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE BENEFITS TO DEPENDENTS 
UPON DEATH OF ORIGINALLY DESIGNATED DEPENDENT. 
(a) TRANSFER UPON DEATH OF DEPENDENT.—Section 3319 is 
amended— 
(1) in subsection (f)(1), by inserting after ‘‘section 3321’’ 
the following: ‘‘, and except as provided in subsection (k) or 
(l),’’; and 
(2) by adding at the end the following new subsection: 
‘‘(k) ADDITIONAL TRANSFER UPON DEATH OF DEPENDENT.—In 
the case of a dependent to whom entitlement to educational assist-
ance is transferred under this section who dies before using all 
of such entitlement, the individual who transferred the entitlement 
to the dependent may transfer any remaining entitlement to a 
different eligible dependent, notwithstanding whether the indi-
vidual is serving as a member of the Armed Forces when such 
transfer is executed. 
‘‘(l) TRANSFER BY DEPENDENT.—In the case of an individual 
who transfers entitlement to educational assistance under this sec-
tion who dies before the dependent to whom entitlement to edu-
cational assistance is so transferred has used all of such entitlement, 
such dependent may transfer such entitlement to another eligible 
dependent in accordance with the provisions of this section.’’. 
(b) EFFECTIVE DATES.— 
(1) ELIGIBLE DEATHS.—The amendments made by this sec-
tion shall apply with respect to deaths occurring on or after 
August 1, 2009. 
(2) USE OF ENTITLEMENT.—A dependent to whom entitle-
ment to educational assistance is transferred under subsection 
(k) or (l) of section 3319 of title 38, United States Code, as 
added by subsection (a), may use such entitlement to pursue 
a course of education beginning on or after August 1, 2018. 
SEC. 111. EDITH NOURSE ROGERS STEM SCHOLARSHIP. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Subchapter II of chapter 33 is amended by 
adding at the end the following new section: 
38 USC 3680 
note. 
Procedures. 
Determination. 
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131 STAT. 982 
PUBLIC LAW 115–48—AUG. 16, 2017 
‘‘§ 3320. Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship 
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—Subject to the limitation under subsection 
(f), the Secretary shall provide additional benefits to eligible individ-
uals selected by the Secretary under this section. Such benefits 
shall be known as the ‘Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship’. 
‘‘(b) ELIGIBILITY.—For purposes of this section, an eligible indi-
vidual is an individual— 
‘‘(1) who is or was entitled to educational assistance under 
section 3311 of this title; 
‘‘(2) who has used all of the educational assistance to which 
the individual is entitled under this chapter or will, based 
on the individual’s rate of usage, use all of such assistance 
within 180 days of applying for benefits under this section; 
‘‘(3) who applies for assistance under this section; and 
‘‘(4) who— 
‘‘(A) is an individual who— 
‘‘(i) is enrolled in a program of education leading 
to a post-secondary degree that, in accordance with 
the guidelines of the applicable regional or national 
accrediting agency, requires more than the standard 
128 semester (or 192 quarter) credit hours for comple-
tion in a standard, undergraduate college degree in— 
‘‘(I) biological or biomedical science; 
‘‘(II) physical science; 
‘‘(III) science technologies or technicians; 
‘‘(IV) computer and information science and 
support services; 
‘‘(V) mathematics or statistics; 
‘‘(VI) engineering; 
‘‘(VII) 
engineering 
technologies 
or 
an 
engineering-related field; 
‘‘(VIII) a health profession or related program; 
‘‘(IX) a medical residency program; 
‘‘(X) an agriculture science program or a nat-
ural resources science program; or 
‘‘(XI) other subjects and fields identified by 
the Secretary as meeting national needs; 
‘‘(ii) has completed at least 60 standard semester 
(or 90 quarter) credit hours in a field referred to in 
clause (i); or 
‘‘(B) is an individual who has earned a post-secondary 
degree in a field referred to in subparagraph (A)(i) and 
is enrolled in a program of education leading to a teaching 
certification. 
‘‘(c) PRIORITY.—In selecting eligible individuals to receive addi-
tional benefits under this section, the Secretary shall give priority 
to the following individuals: 
‘‘(1) Individuals who require the most credit hours described 
in subsection (b)(4). 
‘‘(2) Individuals who are entitled to educational assistance 
under this chapter by reason of paragraph (1), (2), (8), or 
(9) of section 3311(b) of this title. 
‘‘(d) AMOUNT OF ASSISTANCE.—(1) The Secretary shall pay to 
each eligible individual who receives additional benefits under this 
section the monthly amount payable under section 3313 of this 
title for not more than 9 months of the program of education 
in which the individual is enrolled (adjusted with respect to the 
Payments. 
Time period. 
Deadline. 
38 USC 3320. 
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131 STAT. 983 
PUBLIC LAW 115–48—AUG. 16, 2017 
individual pursuant to section 3313(c), as appropriate), except that 
the aggregate amount paid to an individual under this section 
may not exceed $30,000. 
‘‘(2) The Secretary may not pay to such an individual an amount 
in addition to the amount payable under paragraph (1) by reason 
of section 3317 of this title. 
‘‘(3) An individual who receives additional benefits under this 
section may also receive amounts payable by a college or university 
pursuant to section 3317 of this title. 
‘‘(e) PROHIBITION ON TRANSFER.—An individual who receives 
additional benefits under this section may not transfer any amount 
of such additional benefits under section 3319 of this title. 
‘‘(f) MAXIMUM
AMOUNT
OF
TOTAL
ASSISTANCE.—The total 
amount of benefits paid to all eligible individuals under this section 
may not exceed— 
‘‘(1) $25,000,000 for fiscal year 2019; 
‘‘(2) $75,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2020 through 2022; 
and 
‘‘(3) $100,000,000 for fiscal year 2023 and each subsequent 
fiscal year. 
‘‘(g) CONGRESSIONAL NOTICE.—If the Secretary identifies a new 
subject or field pursuant to subsection (b)(4)(A)(i)(XI) as meeting 
a national need, the Secretary shall submit to Congress notice 
of such identification at least 90 days before conferring eligibility 
on any individual for purposes of this section on the basis of 
such identification, including any analysis of labor market supply 
and demand used in identifying the new subject or field, as 
applicable.’’. 
(b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The table of sections at the begin-
ning of such chapter is amended by inserting after the item relating 
to section 3319 the following new item: 
‘‘3320. Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship.’’. 
(c) EFFECTIVE DATE.—Section 3320 of title 38, United States 
Code, shall take effect on August 1, 2019. 
(d) COMPTROLLER GENERAL REPORT.— 
(1) INTERIM REPORT.—Not later than August 1, 2022, the 
Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to Con-
gress a report containing the results of an interim assessment 
of the Comptroller General of the Edith Nourse Rogers STEM 
Scholarship program under section 3320 of title 38, United 
States Code, as added by subsection (a). Such report shall 
include the recommendations of the Comptroller General for 
improving the scholarship program and an assessment of each 
of the following, using rigorous, systematic, and objective meth-
odology, and including comparisons to eligible veterans who 
did not participate in the program: 
(A) An explanation of the identification of the Secretary 
of Veterans Affairs of subjects and fields meeting national 
needs under subsection (b)(4)(A)(i)(XI) of such section, 
including any analysis of labor market supply and demand, 
as applicable. 
(B) An evaluation of the types of educational institu-
tions and programs where beneficiaries use the educational 
assistance provided under the scholarship program. 
(C) The completion rate of students participating in 
the program. 
Evaluation. 
Analysis. 
Recommenda- 
tions. 
Assessments. 
38 USC 3320 
note. 
38 USC 
prec. 3301. 
Deadline. 
Analysis. 
Time periods. 
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131 STAT. 984 
PUBLIC LAW 115–48—AUG. 16, 2017 
(D) The job placement rate for individuals who com-
pleted a program of education using educational assistance 
provided under the scholarship program in the field of 
study of the program of education. 
(E) The median annual earnings of individuals who 
completed a program of education using educational assist-
ance provided under the scholarship program. 
(F) The average age of the individuals who received 
educational assistance under the scholarship program. 
(G) An assessment of the extent to which any edu-
cational institutions made changes to degrees or programs 
of education offered by the institution for which the scholar-
ship program may be used after the date of the enactment 
of this Act. 
(2) FINAL REPORT.—Not later than August 1, 2024, the 
Comptroller General shall submit to Congress an assessment 
of such scholarship program that includes each of the following: 
(A) Each item described in subparagraph (A) through 
(G) of paragraph (1). 
(B) The percentage of individuals who completed a 
program of education using educational assistance provided 
under the scholarship program who were subsequently 
employed for a period of 6 months or longer in the field 
of study of the program of education. 
(C) The percentage of individuals who completed a 
program of education using educational assistance provided 
under the scholarship program who were subsequently 
employed for a period of less than 6 months in the field 
of study of the program of education. 
SEC. 112. HONORING THE NATIONAL SERVICE OF MEMBERS OF THE 
ARMED FORCES BY ELIMINATION OF TIME LIMITATION 
FOR USE OF ENTITLEMENT. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Subsection (a) of section 3321 is amended— 
(1) by striking ‘‘individual’s entitlement’’ and all that fol-
lows through the period and inserting ‘‘individual’s entitle-
ment—’’; and 
(2) by adding at the end the following new paragraphs: 
‘‘(1) in the case of an individual whose last discharge or 
release from active duty is before January, 1, 2013, expires 
at the end of the 15-year period beginning on the date of 
such discharge or release; or 
‘‘(2) in the case of an individual whose last discharge or 
release from active duty is on or after January 1, 2013, shall 
not expire.’’. 
(b) CHILDREN
OF DECEASED MEMBERS.—Subsection (b)(4) of 
such section is amended— 
(1) by inserting ‘‘of this title’’ after ‘‘3311(b)(9)’’; 
(2) by striking ‘‘child’s entitlement’’ and all that follows 
through the period and inserting ‘‘child’s entitlement—’’; and 
(3) by adding at the end the following new subparagraphs: 
‘‘(A) in the case of a child who first becomes entitled 
to such entitlement before January 1, 2013, expires at 
the end of the 15-year period beginning on the date of 
such child’s eighteenth birthday; or 
Time period. 
Time period. 
Time periods. 
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131 STAT. 985 
PUBLIC LAW 115–48—AUG. 16, 2017 
‘‘(B) in the case of a child who first becomes entitled 
to such entitlement on or after January 1, 2013, shall 
not expire.’’. 
(c) SPOUSES OF DECEASED MEMBERS.—Subsection (b) of such 
section is further amended by adding at the end the following 
new paragraph: 
‘‘(5) APPLICABILITY TO SPOUSES OF DECEASED MEMBERS.— 
The period during which a spouse entitled to educational assist-
ance by reason of section 3311(b)(9) may use such spouse’s 
entitlement— 
‘‘(A) in the case of a spouse who first becomes entitled 
to such entitlement before January 1, 2013, expires at 
the end of the 15-year period beginning on the date on 
which the spouse first becomes entitled to such entitlement; 
or 
‘‘(B) in the case of a spouse who first becomes entitled 
to such entitlement on or after January 1, 2013, shall 
not expire.’’. 
SEC. 113. MONTHLY STIPEND FOR CERTAIN MEMBERS OF THE 
RESERVE 
COMPONENTS 
OF 
THE 
ARMED 
FORCES 
RECEIVING POST-9/11 EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 3313 is further amended by adding 
at the end the following new subsection: 
‘‘(j) DETERMINATION OF MONTHLY STIPENDS DURING CERTAIN 
ACTIVE DUTY SERVICE.— 
‘‘(1) PRO RATA BASIS.—In any month in which an individual 
described in paragraph (2) is performing active duty service 
described in section 3301(1)(B) of this title, the Secretary shall 
determine the amount of monthly stipends payable under this 
section for such month on a pro rata basis for the period 
of such month in which the covered individual is not performing 
such active duty service. 
‘‘(2) INDIVIDUAL
DESCRIBED.—An individual described in 
this paragraph is an individual who is— 
‘‘(A) a member of the reserve components of the Armed 
Forces; and 
‘‘(B) pursuing a program of education using educational 
assistance under this chapter.’’. 
(b) APPLICATION.—The amendment made by subsection (a) shall 
apply with respect to a quarter, semester, or term, as applicable, 
commencing on or after August 1, 2018. 
SEC. 114. ANNUAL REPORTS TO CONGRESS ON INFORMATION ON STU-
DENT PROGRESS SUBMITTED BY EDUCATIONAL INSTITU-
TIONS. 
Section 3326 is amended— 
(1) by striking ‘‘As a condition’’ and inserting ‘‘(a) SUB-
MITTAL OF INFORMATION BY EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS.—As 
a condition’’; and 
(2) by adding at the end the following new subsection: 
‘‘(b) REPORTS TO CONGRESS.—Not later than March 1 of each 
year, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report that includes 
a summary of the information provided by educational institutions 
under subsection (a) for the calendar year preceding the year during 
which such report is submitted.’’. 
Summary. 
Time period. 
Effective date. 
38 USC 3313 
note. 
Time period. 
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131 STAT. 986 
PUBLIC LAW 115–48—AUG. 16, 2017 
SEC. 115. IMPROVEMENT OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY OF THE VET-
ERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION OF THE DEPARTMENT 
OF VETERANS AFFAIRS. 
(a) 
PROCESSING
OF
CERTAIN
EDUCATIONAL
ASSISTANCE 
CLAIMS.—The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall, to the maximum 
extent possible, make such changes and improvements to the 
information technology system of the Veterans Benefits Administra-
tion of the Department of Veterans Affairs to ensure that— 
(1) to the maximum extent possible, all original and supple-
mental claims for educational assistance under chapter 33 of 
title 38, United States Code, are adjudicated electronically; 
and 
(2) rules-based processing is used to make decisions with 
respect to such claims with little human intervention. 
(b) IMPLEMENTATION PLAN.—Not later than 180 days after the 
date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs 
shall submit to Congress a plan to implement the changes and 
improvements described in subsection (a). 
(c) REPORT.—Not later than 1 year after the date of the enact-
ment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit 
to Congress a report on the implementation of the changes and 
improvements described in subsection (a). 
(d) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.—There is authorized 
to be appropriated to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs $30,000,000 
to carry out this section during fiscal years 2018 and 2019. 
SEC. 116. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS HIGH TECHNOLOGY 
PILOT PROGRAM. 
(a) PILOT PROGRAM.—The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall 
carry out a pilot program under which the Secretary shall provide 
eligible veterans with the opportunity to enroll in high technology 
programs of education that the Secretary determines provide 
training or skills sought by employers in a relevant field or industry. 
(b) ELIGIBILITY.—For purposes of the pilot program under this 
section, an eligible veteran is a veteran who is entitled to edu-
cational assistance under chapter 30, 32, 33, 34, or 35 of title 
38, United States Code, or chapter 1606 or 1607 of title 10, United 
States Code. 
(c) CONTRACTS.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—For purposes of carrying out subsection 
(a), by not later than 180 days after August 1, 2018, the 
Secretary shall seek to enter into contracts with any number 
of qualified providers of high technology programs of education 
for the provision of such programs to eligible veterans under 
the pilot program. Each such contract shall provide for the 
conditions under which the Secretary may terminate the con-
tract with the provider and the procedures for providing for 
the completion of the instruction of students who were enrolled 
in a program provided by such provider in the case of such 
a termination. 
(2) PAYMENT OF CONTRACTORS.—A contract under this sub-
section shall provide that the Secretary shall pay to a pro-
vider— 
(A) upon the enrollment of an eligible veteran in the 
program, 25 percent of the cost of the tuition and other 
fees for the program of education for the veteran; 
Procedures. 
Deadline. 
Determination. 
38 USC 3001 
note. 
Time periods. 
Deadline. 
38 USC 3301 
note. 
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131 STAT. 987 
PUBLIC LAW 115–48—AUG. 16, 2017 
(B) upon the completion of the program by the veteran, 
25 percent of such cost; and 
(C) upon the employment of the veteran in the field 
of study of the program following completion of the pro-
gram, 50 percent of such cost. 
(3) QUALIFIED PROVIDERS.—For purposes of the pilot pro-
gram, a provider of a high technology program of education 
is qualified if— 
(A) the provider has been operational for at least 2 
years; 
(B) the provider has successfully provided the high 
technology program for at least 1 year; and 
(C) the provider meets the approval criteria developed 
by the Secretary under paragraph (4). 
(4) APPROVAL CRITERIA.—The Secretary shall develop cri-
teria for approving providers for purposes of the pilot program. 
In developing such criteria, the Secretary may consult with 
State approving agencies. Such criteria is not required to meet 
the requirements of section 3672 of title 38, United States 
Code. 
(5) TUITION REIMBURSEMENT.—In entering into contracts 
to carry out the pilot program, the Secretary shall give pref-
erence to a qualified provider that offers tuition reimbursement 
for any student who— 
(A) completes a program of education offered by the 
provider; and 
(B) does not find full-time meaningful employment in 
the field of study of the program within the 180-day period 
beginning on the date the student completes the program. 
(d) HOUSING STIPEND.—The Secretary shall pay to each eligible 
veteran who is enrolled in a high technology program of education 
under the pilot program on a full-time basis a monthly housing 
stipend equal to the product— 
(1) of— 
(A) in the case of a veteran pursuing resident training, 
the monthly amount of the basic allowance for housing 
payable under section 403 of title 37, United States Code, 
for a member with dependents in pay grade E–5 residing 
in the military housing area that encompasses all or the 
majority portion of the ZIP code area in which is located 
the institution at which the individual is enrolled; or 
(B) in the case of a veteran pursuing a program of 
education through distance learning, a monthly amount 
equal to 50 percent of the amount payable under subpara-
graph (A), multiplied by 
(2) the lesser of— 
(A) 1.0; or 
(B) the number of course hours borne by the individual 
in pursuit of the program of education involved, divided 
by the minimum number of course hours required for full- 
time pursuit of such program of education, rounded to 
the nearest multiple of 10. 
(e) HIGH TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM
OF EDUCATION DEFINED.— 
In this section, the term ‘‘high technology program of education’’ 
means a program of education that— 
(1) is offered by an entity other than an institution of 
higher learning; 
Deadline. 
Time periods. 
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131 STAT. 988 
PUBLIC LAW 115–48—AUG. 16, 2017 
(2) does not lead to a degree; and 
(3) provides instruction in computer programming, com-
puter software, media application, data processing, or informa-
tion sciences. 
(f) REPORTS.— 
(1) SECRETARY OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.—Not later than 1 
year after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually 
thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report 
on the pilot program under this section. 
(2) COMPTROLLER GENERAL.— 
(A) INTERIM
REPORT.—Not later than 3 years after 
the date on which the Secretary first enters into a contract 
under this section, the Comptroller General of the United 
States shall submit to Congress a report containing the 
results of the interim assessment of the Comptroller Gen-
eral. Such report shall include the recommendations of 
the Comptroller General for improving the pilot program 
and an assessment of each of the following: 
(i) The technology experience of the directors and 
instructors of the providers of high technology pro-
grams of education under the pilot program. 
(ii) Whether the providers cooperated with the 
technology industry to create the curriculum for the 
program of education. 
(iii) Whether the providers use an open source 
curriculum for the program of education. 
(iv) The admittance rate into the pilot program. 
(v) The job placement and retention rate for vet-
erans who completed a program of education under 
the pilot program in the field of study of the program. 
(vi) The percentage of veterans who completed a 
program of education under the pilot program who 
were subsequently employed for a period of 6 months 
or longer in a field of study of the program. 
(vii) The percentage of veterans who completed 
a program of education under the pilot program who 
were subsequently employed for a period of less than 
6 months in a field of study of the program. 
(viii) The median annual salary of veterans who 
completed a program of education under the pilot pro-
gram and were subsequently employed. 
(ix) As applicable, the transfer rates to other aca-
demic or vocational programs and certifications and 
licensure exam passage rates. 
(x) The average age of veterans who participated 
in the pilot program. 
(B) FINAL REPORT.—Not later than 5 years after the 
date on which the Secretary first enters into a contract 
under this section, the Comptroller General shall submit 
to Congress a final report on the pilot program. Such 
report shall include the recommendation of the Comptroller 
General with respect to whether the program should be 
extended and an assessment of each item described in 
clauses (i) through (x) of subparagraph (A). 
(g) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.—For each fiscal year 
during which the Secretary carries out a pilot program under this 
section, $15,000,000 shall be made available for such purpose from 
Recommenda- 
tions. 
Assessments. 
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131 STAT. 989 
PUBLIC LAW 115–48—AUG. 16, 2017 
funds appropriated to, or otherwise made available to, the Depart-
ment for the payment of readjustment benefits. 
(h) TERMINATION.—The authority to carry out a pilot program 
under this section shall terminate on the date that is 5 years 
after the date on which the Secretary first enters into a contract 
under this section. 
TITLE II—OTHER EDUCATIONAL 
ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS 
SEC. 201. WORK-STUDY ALLOWANCE. 
Section 3485(a)(4) is amended by striking ‘‘the period beginning 
on June 30, 2017, and ending on June 30, 2022,’’ each place it 
appears and inserting ‘‘any time on or after June 30, 2017,’’. 
SEC. 202. DURATION OF EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE UNDER SUR-
VIVORS’ AND DEPENDENTS’ EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE 
PROGRAM. 
Section 3511(a)(1) is amended— 
(1) by striking ‘‘chapter for’’ and all that follows through 
the period and inserting ‘‘chapter—’’; and 
(2) by adding at the end the following new subparagraphs: 
‘‘(A) in the case of a person who first enrolls in a program 
of education using such entitlement before August 1, 2018, 
for an aggregate period not in excess of 45 months (or to 
the equivalent thereof in part-time training); or 
‘‘(B) in the case of a person who first enrolls in a program 
of education using such entitlement on or after August 1, 2018, 
for an aggregate period not in excess of 36 months (or to 
the equivalent thereof in part-time training).’’. 
SEC. 203. OLIN E. TEAGUE INCREASE IN AMOUNTS OF EDUCATIONAL 
ASSISTANCE PAYABLE UNDER SURVIVORS’ AND DEPEND-
ENTS’ EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM. 
(a) INCREASE.—Section 3532 is amended— 
(1) in subsection (a)— 
(A) in paragraph (1)— 
(i) by striking ‘‘$788’’ and inserting ‘‘$1,224’’; 
(ii) by striking ‘‘$592’’ and inserting ‘‘$967’’; and 
(iii) by striking ‘‘$394’’ and inserting ‘‘$710’’; and 
(B) in paragraph (2)(B), by striking ‘‘$788’’ and 
inserting ‘‘$1,224’’; and 
(2) in subsection (b), by striking ‘‘$788’’ and inserting 
‘‘$1,224’’. 
(b) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendments made by subsection 
(a) shall apply with respect to a month that begins on or after 
October 1, 2018. 
TITLE III—ADMINISTRATION OF 
EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS 
SEC. 301. STATE APPROVING AGENCY FUNDING. 
(a) INCREASE.—Section 3674(a) of title 38, United States Code, 
is amended— 
38 USC 3532 
note. 
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131 STAT. 990 
PUBLIC LAW 115–48—AUG. 16, 2017 
(1) in paragraph (2)(A), by striking ‘‘out of amounts avail-
able for the payment of readjustment benefits’’ and inserting 
‘‘out of amounts in the Department of Veterans Affairs readjust-
ment benefits account and amounts appropriated to the Sec-
retary’’; 
(2) by redesignating paragraph (4) as paragraph (5); 
(3) by inserting after paragraph (3) the following new para-
graph (4): 
‘‘(4) In addition to amounts made available under paragraph 
(5), there is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section 
$3,000,000 for fiscal year 2019 and each subsequent fiscal year.’’; 
and 
(4) in paragraph (5), as so redesignated— 
(A) by striking ‘‘The total’’ and inserting ‘‘(A) The total’’; 
(B) by striking ‘‘for any fiscal year shall be $19,000,000’’ 
and inserting ‘‘for fiscal year 2018 shall be $21,000,000 
and for fiscal year 2019 and thereafter shall be 
$23,000,000’’; and 
(C) by adding at the end the following new subpara-
graph: 
‘‘(B) Beginning in fiscal year 2019, whenever there is an 
increase in benefit amounts payable under title II of the Social 
Security Act (42 U.S.C. 401 et seq.) as a result of a determination 
made under section 215(i) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 415(i)), the Sec-
retary shall, effective on the date of such increase in benefit 
amounts, increase the amount in effect under subparagraph (A), 
as in effect immediately prior to the date of such increase in 
benefit amounts payable under title II of the Social Security Act, 
by the same percentage as the percentage by which such benefit 
amounts are increased.’’. 
SEC. 302. AUTHORIZATION FOR USE OF POST-9/11 EDUCATIONAL 
ASSISTANCE TO PURSUE INDEPENDENT STUDY PROGRAMS 
AT CERTAIN EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS THAT ARE NOT 
INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER LEARNING. 
Section 3680A is amended— 
(1) in subsection (a)— 
(A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking 
‘‘in—’’ and inserting ‘‘in any of the following:’’; 
(B) in paragraph (1)— 
(i) by striking ‘‘any’’ and inserting ‘‘Any’’; and 
(ii) by striking the semicolon at the end and 
inserting a period; 
(C) in paragraph (2)— 
(i) by striking ‘‘any’’ and inserting ‘‘Any’’; and 
(ii) by striking the semicolon at the end and 
inserting a period; 
(D) in paragraph (3)— 
(i) by striking ‘‘any’’ and inserting ‘‘Any’’; and 
(ii) by striking ‘‘; or’’ and inserting a period; and 
(E) by striking paragraph (4) and inserting the fol-
lowing new paragraph (4): 
‘‘(4) Any independent study program except an independent 
study program (including such a program taken over open 
circuit television) that— 
Effective date. 
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131 STAT. 991 
PUBLIC LAW 115–48—AUG. 16, 2017 
‘‘(A) is accredited by an accrediting agency or associa-
tion recognized by the Secretary of Education under sub-
part 2 of part H of title IV of the Higher Education Act 
of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1099b); 
‘‘(B) leads to— 
‘‘(i) a standard college degree; 
‘‘(ii) a certificate that reflects educational attain-
ment offered by an institution of higher learning; or 
‘‘(iii) a certificate that reflects completion of a 
course of study offered by— 
‘‘(I) an area career and technical education 
school (as defined in subparagraphs (C) and (D) 
of section 3(3) of the Carl D. Perkins Career and 
Technical Education Act of 2006 (20 U.S.C. 
2302(3))) that provides education at the postsec-
ondary level; or 
‘‘(II) a postsecondary vocational institution (as 
defined in section 102(c) of the Higher Education 
Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1002(c))) that provides edu-
cation at the postsecondary level; and 
‘‘(C) in the case of a program described in subparagraph 
(B)(iii)— 
‘‘(i) provides training aligned with the require-
ments of employers in the State or local area where 
the program is located, which may include in-demand 
industry sectors or occupations; and 
‘‘(ii) provides a student, upon completion of the 
program, with a recognized postsecondary credential 
that is recognized by employers in the relevant 
industry, which may include a credential recognized 
by industry or sector partnerships in the State or local 
area where the industry is located; and 
‘‘(iii) meets such content and instructional stand-
ards as may be required to comply with the criteria 
under section 3676(c)(14) and(15) of this title.’’; and 
(2) by adding at the end the following new subsection: 
‘‘(h) In this section, the terms ‘State or local area’, ‘recognized 
postsecondary credential’, ‘industry or sector partnership’, and ‘in- 
demand industry sector or occupation’ have the meaning given 
such terms in section 3 of the Workforce Innovation and Oppor-
tunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3102).’’. 
SEC. 303. PROVISION OF INFORMATION ON PRIORITY ENROLLMENT 
FOR VETERANS IN CERTAIN COURSES OF EDUCATION. 
Section 3698(c)(1)(C) is amended— 
(1) in clause (ix), by striking ‘‘and’’ at the end; 
(2) in clause (x), by striking the period and inserting ‘‘; 
and’’; and 
(3) by adding at the end the following new clause: 
‘‘(xi) information on whether the institution admin-
isters a priority enrollment system that allows certain stu-
dent veterans to enroll in courses earlier than other stu-
dents.’’. 
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131 STAT. 992 
PUBLIC LAW 115–48—AUG. 16, 2017 
SEC. 304. LIMITATION ON USE OF REPORTING FEES PAYABLE TO EDU-
CATIONAL INSTITUTIONS AND SPONSORS OF PROGRAMS 
OF APPRENTICESHIP. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Subsection (c) of section 3684 is amended 
to read as follows: 
‘‘(c)(1) The Secretary may pay to any educational institution, 
or to the sponsor of a program of apprenticeship, furnishing edu-
cation or training under either this chapter or chapter 31, 34, 
or 35 of this title, a reporting fee which will be in lieu of any 
other compensation or reimbursement for reports or certifications 
which such educational institution or sponsor of a program of 
apprenticeship is required to submit to the Secretary by law or 
regulation. 
‘‘(2) Such reporting fee shall be computed for each calendar 
year by multiplying $16 by the number of eligible veterans or 
eligible persons enrolled under this chapter or chapter 31, 34, 
or 35 of this title. The reporting fee shall be paid to such educational 
institution or sponsor of a program of apprenticeship as soon as 
feasible after the end of the calendar year for which it is applicable. 
‘‘(3) No reporting fee payable to an educational institution under 
this subsection shall be subject to offset by the Secretary against 
any liability of such institution for any overpayment for which 
such institution may be administratively determined to be liable 
under section 3685 of this title unless such liability is not contested 
by such institution or has been upheld by a final decree of a 
court of appropriate jurisdiction. 
‘‘(4) Any reporting fee paid to an educational institution or 
sponsor of a program of apprenticeship after the date of the enact-
ment of the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Improve-
ments Act of 2011 (Public Law 111–377)— 
‘‘(A) shall be utilized by such institution or sponsor solely 
for the making of certifications required under this chapter 
or chapter 31, 34, or 35 of this title or for otherwise supporting 
programs for veterans; and 
‘‘(B) with respect to an institution that has 100 or more 
enrollees described in paragraph (2) may not be used for or 
merged with amounts available for the general fund of the 
educational institution or sponsor of a program of apprentice-
ship. 
‘‘(5) The reporting fee payable under this subsection shall be 
paid from amounts appropriated for readjustment benefits.’’. 
(b) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendment made by subsection (a) 
shall take effect on August 1, 2018. 
SEC. 305. TRAINING FOR SCHOOL CERTIFYING OFFICIALS. 
(a) TRAINING REQUIREMENT.—The Secretary of Veterans Affairs 
shall, in consultation with the State approving agencies, set forth 
requirements relating to training for school certifying officials 
employed by covered educational institutions offering courses of 
education approved under chapter 36 of title 38, United States 
Code. If a covered educational institution does not ensure that 
a school certifying official employed by the educational institution 
meets such requirements, the Secretary may disapprove any course 
of education offered by such educational institution. 
(b) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 
38 USC 3684 
note. 
Consultation. 
38 USC 3684 
note. 
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131 STAT. 993 
PUBLIC LAW 115–48—AUG. 16, 2017 
(1) The term ‘‘covered educational institution’’ means an 
educational institution that has enrolled 20 or more individuals 
using educational assistance under title 38, United States Code. 
(2) The term ‘‘school certifying official’’ means an employee 
of an educational institution with primary responsibility for 
certifying veteran enrollment at the educational institution. 
(3) The term ‘‘State approving agency’’ means a department 
or agency of a State designated under section 3671 of title 
38, United States Code. 
(c) EFFECTIVE DATE.—This section shall take effect on August 
1, 2018. 
SEC. 306. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY FOR ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON 
EDUCATION. 
Section 3692 is amended by striking ‘‘December 31, 2017’’ and 
inserting ‘‘December 31, 2022’’. 
SEC. 307. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS PROVISION OF ON- 
CAMPUS EDUCATIONAL AND VOCATIONAL COUNSELING 
FOR VETERANS. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Chapter 36 is amended by inserting after 
section 3697A the following new section: 
‘‘§ 3697B. On-campus educational and vocational counseling 
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary shall provide educational and 
vocational counseling services for individuals described in section 
3697A(b) of this title at locations on the campuses of institutions 
of higher learning selected by the Secretary. Such counseling serv-
ices shall be provided by employees of the Department who provide 
such services under section 3697A of this title. 
‘‘(b) SELECTION OF LOCATIONS.—(1) To be selected by the Sec-
retary under this section, an institution of higher learning shall 
provide an appropriate space on the campus of the institution 
where counseling services can be provided under this section. 
‘‘(2) In selecting locations for the provision of counseling services 
under this section, the Secretary shall seek to select locations 
where the maximum number of veterans would have access to 
such services. 
‘‘(c) ANNUAL REPORT.—Not later than 180 days after the date 
of the enactment of this section, and each year thereafter, the 
Secretary shall submit to Congress a report on the counseling 
services provided under this section. Such report shall include, 
for the year covered by the report— 
‘‘(1) the average ratio of counselors providing such services 
to individuals who received such services at each location where 
such services were provided; 
‘‘(2) a description of such services provided; 
‘‘(3) the recommendations of the Secretary for improving 
the provision of such services; and 
‘‘(4) any other matters the Secretary determines appro-
priate.’’. 
(b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The table of sections at the begin-
ning of such chapter is amended by inserting after the item relating 
to section 3697A the following new item: 
‘‘3697B. On-campus educational and vocational counseling.’’. 
38 USC 
prec. 3670. 
Recommenda- 
tions. 
38 USC 3697B 
note. 
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131 STAT. 994 
PUBLIC LAW 115–48—AUG. 16, 2017 
SEC. 
308. 
PROVISION 
OF 
INFORMATION 
REGARDING 
VETERAN 
ENTITLEMENT TO EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Subchapter II of chapter 36 is further 
amended by adding at the end the following new section: 
‘‘§ 3699A. Provision of certain information to educational 
institutions 
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—For each veteran or other individual pur-
suing a course of education that has been approved under this 
chapter using educational assistance to which the veteran or other 
individual is entitled under chapter 30, 32, 33, or 35 of this title, 
the Secretary shall make available to the educational institution 
offering the course information about the amount of such edu-
cational assistance to which the veteran or other individual is 
entitled. Such information shall be provided to such educational 
institution through a secure information technology system acces-
sible by the educational institution and shall be regularly updated 
to reflect any amounts used by the veteran or other individual. 
‘‘(b) ELECTION.—A veteran or other individual pursuing a course 
of education described in subsection (a) may elect not to provide 
the information described in such subsection to an educational 
institution in a manner prescribed by the Secretary.’’. 
(b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The table of sections at the begin-
ning of such chapter is further amended by inserting after the 
item relating to section 3699 the following new item: 
‘‘3699A. Provision of certain information to educational institutions.’’. 
(c) EFFECTIVE DATE.—Section 3699A of title 38, United States 
Code, as added by this section, shall take effect on August 1, 
2018. 
SEC. 309. TREATMENT, FOR PURPOSES OF EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE 
ADMINISTERED 
BY 
THE 
SECRETARY 
OF 
VETERANS 
AFFAIRS, OF EDUCATIONAL COURSES THAT BEGIN SEVEN 
OR FEWER DAYS AFTER THE FIRST DAY OF AN ACADEMIC 
TERM. 
Section 3684(a) is amended— 
(1) by redesignating paragraph (4) as paragraph (5); and 
(2) by inserting after paragraph (3) the following new para-
graph (4): 
‘‘(4) A course offered by an educational institution that does 
not begin on the first day of an academic term, but does begin 
seven or fewer days after such day, shall be treated as beginning 
on such day for purposes of this section.’’. 
SEC. 310. INCLUSION OF RISK-BASED SURVEYS IN STATE APPROVING 
AGENCY OVERSIGHT ACTIVITIES. 
Section 3673(d) is amended— 
(1) in the subsection heading, by striking ‘‘COMPLIANCE 
AND’’ ; 
(2) by striking ‘‘such compliance and oversight’’ and 
inserting ‘‘conducting risk-based surveys and other such over-
sight’’; and 
(3) by inserting ‘‘, in consultation with the State approving 
agencies,’’ after ‘‘as the Secretary’’. 
38 USC 3699A 
note. 
38 USC 
prec. 3670. 
Updates. 
38 USC 3699A. 
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131 STAT. 995 
PUBLIC LAW 115–48—AUG. 16, 2017 
SEC. 311. COMPTROLLER GENERAL STUDY OF STATE APPROVING 
AGENCY PERFORMANCE. 
(a) STUDY REQUIRED.—The Comptroller General of the United 
States shall carry out a study on the performance of State approving 
agencies. Such study shall include each of the following: 
(1) An analysis of the effectiveness of the cooperation 
between the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and State approving 
agencies regarding the execution of shared compliance and 
oversight responsibilities under chapter 36 of title 38, United 
States Code. 
(2) An analysis of the resources necessary for State 
approving agencies to fulfill the responsibilities of such agencies 
under such title, including an analysis of whether Congress 
has appropriated sufficient funds for State approving agencies 
to fulfill such responsibilities and the historic effect of funding 
on the ability of such agencies to fulfill such responsibilities. 
(3) An evaluation of the use by State approving agencies 
of risk-based methods of review for identifying violations of 
established standards under such chapter. 
(4) An examination of how State approving agencies use 
risk factors, including rapid increases in veteran enrollment, 
increases in the amount of benefits per capita, volume of stu-
dent complaints, rates of Federal student loan defaults of vet-
erans, veteran completion rates, deficiencies identified by 
accreditors and other State agencies, and deficiencies in Depart-
ment of Veterans Affairs program administration compliance, 
in their oversight and compliance responsibilities and in 
selecting educational institutions for review of eligibility. 
(5) Recommendations on how the Secretary and State 
approving agencies can better use data to evaluate, approve, 
or disapprove educational institutions under such chapter. 
(b) REPORT TO CONGRESS.—Not later than 1 year after the 
date of the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall 
submit to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, the Committee on 
Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate, and the Committee on Veterans’ 
Affairs of the House of Representatives, a report on the study 
required under subsection (a) and the findings and recommenda-
tions of the Comptroller General with respect to such study. 
TITLE IV—RESERVE COMPONENT 
BENEFITS 
SEC. 401. ELIGIBILITY OF RESERVE COMPONENT MEMBERS FOR POST- 
9/11 EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 3301(1)(B) is amended by striking 
‘‘or 12304’’ and inserting ‘‘12304, 12304a, or 12304b’’. 
(b) RETROACTIVE APPLICATION.—The amendment made by sub-
section (a) shall apply with respect to service in the Armed Forces 
occurring on or after the date of the enactment of the Post-9/ 
11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008 (Public Law 110– 
252). 
(c) APPLICATION WITH RESPECT TO USE OF ENTITLEMENT.— 
An individual who is entitled to educational assistance by reason 
of the amendment made by subsection (a) may use such entitlement 
38 USC 3301 
note. 
38 USC 3301 
note. 
Effective dates. 
Recommenda- 
tion. 
Examination. 
Evaluation. 
Analyses. 
Analysis. 
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131 STAT. 996 
PUBLIC LAW 115–48—AUG. 16, 2017 
to pursue a course of education beginning on or after August 1, 
2018. 
SEC. 402. TIME LIMITATION FOR TRAINING AND REHABILITATION FOR 
VETERANS WITH SERVICE-CONNECTED DISABILITIES. 
Section 3103(f) is amended by striking ‘‘or 12304’’ and inserting 
‘‘12304, 12304a, or 12304b’’. 
TITLE V—OTHER MATTERS 
SEC. 501. REPEAL INAPPLICABILITY OF MODIFICATION OF BASIC 
ALLOWANCE FOR HOUSING TO BENEFITS UNDER LAWS 
ADMINISTERED BY SECRETARY OF VETERANS AFFAIRS. 
(a) REPEAL.—Subsection (b) of section 604 of the Carl Levin 
and Howard P. ‘‘Buck’’ McKeon National Defense Authorization 
Act for Fiscal Year 2015 (Public Law 113–291; 37 U.S.C. 403 
note) is repealed. 
(b) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendment made by subsection (a) 
shall take effect on January 1, 2018, and shall apply with respect 
to individuals who first use their entitlement to educational assist-
ance under chapter 33 of title 38, United States Code, on or after 
such date. 
SEC. 502. RECONSIDERATION OF PREVIOUSLY DENIED CLAIMS FOR 
DISABILITY COMPENSATION FOR VETERANS WHO ALLEGE 
FULL-BODY EXPOSURE TO NITROGEN MUSTARD GAS, 
SULFUR MUSTARD GAS, OR LEWISITE DURING WORLD WAR 
II. 
(a) IN GENERAL.— 
(1) RECONSIDERATION
REQUIRED.—The Secretary of Vet-
erans Affairs shall reconsider all claims for compensation 
described in paragraph (2) and make a new determination 
regarding each such claim. 
(2) CLAIMS FOR COMPENSATION DESCRIBED.—A claim for 
compensation described in this paragraph is a claim for com-
pensation under chapter 11 of title 38, United States Code, 
that the Secretary determines— 
(A) arose from the alleged full-body exposure of a vet-
eran to a covered substance— 
(i) during active military, naval, or air service 
during World War II; and 
(ii) at a site listed in paragraph (3); and 
(B) was denied before the date of the enactment of 
this Act. 
(3) SITES.—The sites listed in this paragraph are the fol-
lowing: 
(A) Camp Siebert, Alabama. 
(B) Fort McClellan, Alabama. 
(C) Huntsville Arsenal, Alabama. 
(D) Rocky Mountain Arsenal, Colorado. 
(E) Naval Research Laboratory, D.C. 
(F) Bushnell Field, Florida. 
(G) Great Lakes Naval Training Center, Illinois. 
(H) Edgewood Arsenal, Maryland. 
(I) Fort Detrick, Maryland. 
(J) Naval Research Laboratory, Maryland. 
(K) Naval Training Center, Bainbridge, Maryland. 
District of 
Columbia. 
State listing. 
Determination. 
Assessments. 
Applicability. 
37 USC 403 note. 
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131 STAT. 997 
PUBLIC LAW 115–48—AUG. 16, 2017 
(L) Horn Island Installation, Mississippi. 
(M) Camp Crowder, Missouri. 
(N) Hart’s Island, New York. 
(O) Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. 
(P) Charleston, South Carolina. 
(Q) Dugway Proving Ground, Utah. 
(R) Toole Army Depot, Utah. 
(S) Naval Research Laboratory, Virginia. 
(T) U.S.S. Eagle Boat No. 58. 
(U) Ondal, India. 
(V) Fort Clayton, San Jose Island, Panama. 
(W) Any site the Secretary of Veterans Affairs deter-
mines is appropriate. 
(4) FACTORS OF CONSIDERATION.—In making a determina-
tion under paragraph (1), the Secretary— 
(A) shall consider— 
(i) that contemporaneous records of testing of full- 
body exposure to a covered substance frequently may 
be unavailable because such tests were classified or 
such records were lost or destroyed; 
(ii) that many veterans were sworn to secrecy fol-
lowing testing described in clause (i); 
(iii) each statement based on personal knowledge 
of a veteran who served at a site listed in paragraph 
(3); 
(iv) information in the report from the Secretary 
of Defense under subsection (b)(2); and 
(v) any evidence the Secretary considers relevant; 
and 
(B) may not determine that testing of full-body expo-
sure to a covered substance did not occur at a site based 
solely on— 
(i) information contained in the Department of 
Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs Chemical 
Biological Warfare Database; or 
(ii) any list of known sites of testing of full-body 
exposure to a covered substance maintained by the 
Department of Veterans Affairs or the Department 
of Defense. 
(5) PRESUMPTION OF EXPOSURE.—In carrying out paragraph 
(1), when the Secretary of Veterans Affairs makes a determina-
tion regarding whether a veteran experienced full-body expo-
sure to a covered substance, the Secretary— 
(A) shall presume, unless there is affirmative evidence 
to establish otherwise, that the veteran experienced such 
exposure by reason of the service of the veteran in World 
War II— 
(i) based on the locations listed in paragraph (3); 
and 
(ii) consistent with the places, types, and cir-
cumstances of service of the veteran in accordance 
with section 1154 of title 38; and 
(B) shall resolve each reasonable doubt in favor of 
the veteran. 
(6) EFFECTIVE DATE OF AWARD.—The effective date of any 
award of disability compensation resulting from reconsideration 
of a claim under paragraph (1) shall be fixed in accordance 
Panama. 
India. 
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131 STAT. 998 
PUBLIC LAW 115–48—AUG. 16, 2017 
with the facts found, but shall not be earlier than the date 
of the receipt of the claim for compensation described in para-
graph (2). 
(b) INVESTIGATION
AND
REPORT
BY
THE
SECRETARY
OF 
DEFENSE.—Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment 
of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall— 
(1) investigate and assess each site— 
(A) where the Army Corps of Engineers has uncovered 
evidence of testing conducted by the Department of Defense 
during World War II to assess the effects of full-body 
exposure to a covered substance on humans; or 
(B) with regards to which more than two veterans 
have been denied claims for compensation under chapter 
11 of title 38, United States Code, in connection with 
exposure to a covered substance at such site; and 
(2) submit to the appropriate congressional committees and 
the Secretary of Veterans Affairs a report on testing described 
in paragraph (1)(A), including— 
(A) a list of each location where such testing occurred, 
including locations investigated and assessed under para-
graph (1); 
(B) the dates of each such testing; and 
(C) the number of members of the Armed Forces who 
experienced full-body exposure to a covered substance in 
each such testing. 
(c) INVESTIGATION AND REPORT BY SECRETARY OF VETERANS 
AFFAIRS.—Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment 
of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall— 
(1) investigate and assess— 
(A) the actions taken by the Secretary to contact 
individuals who experienced full-body exposure to a covered 
substance in the course of testing described in subsection 
(b)(1)(A); 
(B) the number of claims filed with the Secretary for 
disability compensation under chapter 11 of title 38, United 
States Code, arising from testing described in subsection 
(b)(1)(A); and 
(C) the percentage of claims described in subparagraph 
(B) that the Secretary denied. 
(2) submit to the appropriate congressional committees and 
the Secretary of Defense a report regarding the investigations 
and assessments carried out under paragraph (1). 
(d) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 
(1) The terms ‘‘active military, naval, or air service’’, ‘‘vet-
eran’’, and ‘‘World War II’’ have the meanings given such terms 
in section 101 of title 38, United States Code. 
(2) The term ‘‘appropriate congressional committees’’ 
means— 
(A) the Committees on Armed Services of the House 
of Representatives and the Senate; and 
(B) the Committees on Veterans’ Affairs of the House 
of Representatives and the Senate. 
(3) The term ‘‘covered substance’’ means— 
(A) nitrogen mustard gas; 
(B) sulfur mustard gas; or 
(C) Lewisite. 
List. 
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131 STAT. 999 
PUBLIC LAW 115–48—AUG. 16, 2017 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY—H.R. 3218 (S. 1598): 
HOUSE REPORTS: No. 115–247, Pt. 1 (Comm. on Veterans’ Affairs). 
CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, Vol. 163 (2017): 
July 24, considered and passed House. 
Aug. 2, considered and passed Senate. 
(4) The term ‘‘full-body exposure’’, with respect to a covered 
substance, has the meaning given that term by the Secretary 
of Defense. 
Approved August 16, 2017. 
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