Department of Veterans Affairs Codification Act
PL 102-83 (H.R.2525), enacted 08/06/1991

105 STAT. 378 
PUBLIC LAW 102-83—AUG. 6, 1991 
Aug. 6, 1991 
[H.R. 2525] 
Department of 
Veterans Affairs 
Codification Act. 
Government 
organization. 
38 u s e 101 note. 
Public Law 102-83 
102d Congress 
An Act 
To amend title 38, United States Code, to codify the provisions of law relating to the 
establishment of the Department of Veterans Affairs, to restate and reorganize 
certain provisions of that title, 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; REFERENCES TO TITLE 38, UNITED STATES 
CODE. 
(a) SHORT TITLE.—This Act may be cited as the "Department of 
Veterans Affairs Codification Act . 
(b) REFERENCES.—Except in sections 3 and 6 and 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. 
SEC. 2. CODIFICATION, REORGANIZATION, AND REVISION OF LAWS 
RELATING 
TO 
ESTABLISHMENT, 
ORGANIZATION, AND 
AUTHORITY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Part I is amended by striking out chapter 3 and 
inserting in lieu thereof the following: 
'CHAPTER 
3
- DEPARTMENT 
OF 
VETERANS 
AFFAIRS 
"Sec. 
"301. 
"302. 
"303. 
"304. 
"305. 
"306. 
"307. 
"308. 
"309. 
"310. 
"311. 
"312. 
"313. 
"314. 
"315. 
"316. 
Department. 
Seal. 
Secretary of Veterans Affairs. 
Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs. 
Chief Medical Director. 
Chief Benefits Director. 
Director of the National Cemetery System. 
Assistant Secretaries; Deputy Assistant Secretaries. 
Chief Financial Officer. 
Chief Information Resources Officer. 
General Counsel. 
Inspector General. 
Availability of appropriations. 
Central Office. 
Regional offices. 
Colocation of regional offices and medical centers. 
"§ 301. Department 
"(a) The Department of Veterans Affairs is an executive depart-
ment of the United States. 
"(b) The purpose of the Department is to administer the laws 
providing benefits and other services to veterans and the dependents 
and the beneficiaries of veterans. 
"(c) The Department is composed of the following: 
"(1) The Office of the Secretary. 
PUBLIC LAW 102-83—AUG. 6, 1991 
105 STAT. 379 
"(2) The Veterans Health Administration. 
"(3) The Veterans Benefits Administration. 
"(4) The National Cemetery System. 
"(5) The Board of Veterans' Appeals, 
"(6) The Veterans' Canteen Service. 
"(7) The Board of Contract Appeals. 
"(8) Such other offices and agencies as are established or 
designated by law or by the President or the Secretary. 
"(9) Any office, agency, or activity under the control or super-
vision of any element named in paragraphs (1) through (8). 
"§302. Seal 
"(a) The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall cause a seal of office 
to be made for the Department of such device as the President shall 
approve. Judicial notice shall be taken of the seal. 
"(b) Copies of giny public document, record, or paper belonging to 
or in the files of the Department, when authenticated by the seal 
and certified by the Secretary (or by an officer or employee of the 
Department to whom authority has been delegated in writing by the 
Secretary), shall be evidence equsd with the original thereof. 
"§ 303. Secretary of Veterans Affairs 
"There is a Secretary of Veterans Affairs, who is the head of the 
Department and is appointed by the President, by and with the 
advice and consent of the Senate. The Secretary is responsible for 
the proper execution and administration of all laws administered by 
the Department and for the control, direction, and management of 
the Department. 
"§ 304. Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs 
"There is in the Department a Deputy Secretary of Veterans 
Affairs, who is appointed by the President, by and with the advice 
and consent of the Senate. The Deputy Secretary shall perform such 
functions £is the Secretary shall prescribe. Unless the President 
designates another officer of the Government, the Deputy Secretary 
shall be Acting Secretary of Veterans Affairs during the absence or 
disability of the Secretary or in the event of a vacancy in the office 
of Secretary. 
"§ 305. Chief Medical Director 
"(a)(1) There is in the Department a Chief Medical Director, who 
is appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of 
the Senate. 
"(2) The Chief Medical Director shall be a doctor of medicine and 
shall be appointed without regard to political affiliation or activity 
and solely— 
"(A) on the basis of demonstrated ability in the medical 
profession, in health-care administration and policy formula-
tion, and in health-care fiscal management; and 
"(B) on the basis of substantial experience in connection with 
the programs of the Veterans Health Administration or pro-
grams of similar content and scope. 
"(b) The Chief Medical Director is the head of, and is directly 
responsible to the Secretary for the operation of, the Veterans 
Health Administration. 
"(c) The Chief Medical Director shall be appointed for a period of 
four years, with reappointment permissible for successive like peri-
105 STAT. 380 
PUBLIC LAW 102-83—AUG. 6, 1991 
ods. If the President removes the Chief Medical Director before the 
completion of the term for which the Chief Medical Director was 
appointed, the President shall communicate the reasons for the 
removal to Congress. 
"(dXD Whenever a vacancy in the position of Chief Medical 
Director occurs or is anticipated, the Secretary shall establish a 
commission to recommend individuals to the President for appoint-
ment to the position. 
"(2) A commission established under this subsection shall be 
composed of the following members appointed by the Secretary: 
"(A) Three persons representing clinical care and medical 
research and education activities affected by the Veterans 
Health Administration. 
"(B) Two persons representing veterans served by the Veter-
ans Health Administration. 
"(C) Two persons who have experience in the management of 
veterans health services and research programs, or programs of 
similar content and scope. 
"(D) The Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs. 
"(E) The Chairman of the Special Medical Advisory Group 
established under section 7312 of this title. 
"(F) One person who has held the position of Chief Medical 
Director (including service as Chief Medical Director of the 
Veterans' Administration), if the Secretary determines that it is 
desirable for such person to be a member of the Commission. 
"(3) A commission established under this subsection shall rec-
ommend at least three individuals for appointment to the position of 
Chief Medical Director. The commission shall submit all rec-
ommendations to the Secretary. The Secretary shall forward the 
recommendations to the President with any comments the Sec-
retary considers appropriate. Thereafter, the President may request 
the commission to recommend additional individuals for appoint-
ment. 
"(4) The Assistant Secretary or Deputy Assistant Secretary of 
Veterans Affairs who performs personnel management and labor 
relations functions shall serve as the executive secretary of a 
commission established under this subsection. 
"§ 306. Chief Benefits Director 
"(a) There is in the Department a Chief Benefits Director, who is 
appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of 
the Senate. The Chief Benefits Director shall be appointed without 
regard to political affiliation or activity and solely on the basis of 
demonstrated ability in— 
"(1) fiscal management; and 
"(2) the administration of programs within the Veterans 
Benefits Administration or programs of similar content and 
scope. 
"(b) The Chief Benefits Director is the head of, and is directly 
responsible to the Secretary for the operations of, the Veterans 
Benefits Administration. 
"(c) The Chief Benefits Director shall be appointed for a period of 
four years, with reappointment permissible for successive like peri-
ods. If the President removes the Chief Benefits Director before the 
completion of the term for which the Chief Benefits Director was 
appointed, the President shall communicate the reasons for the 
removal to Congress. 
PUBLIC LAW 102-83—AUG. 6, 1991 
105 STAT. 381 
"(d)(1) Whenever a vacancy in the position of Chief Benefits 
Director occurs or is anticipated, the Secretary shall establish a 
commission to recommend individuals to the President for appoint-
ment to the position. 
"(2) A commission established under this subsection shall be 
composed of the following members appointed by the Secretary: 
"(A) Three persons representing education and training, real 
estate, mortgage finance, and related industries, and survivor 
benefits activities affected by the Veterans Benefits Administra-
tion. 
"(B) Two persons representing veterans served by the Veter-
ans Benefits Administration. 
"(C) Two persons who have experience in the management of 
veterans benefits programs or programs of similar content and 
scope. 
"(D) The Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs. 
"(E) The chairman of the Veterans' Advisory Committee on 
Education formed under section 3692 of this title. 
"(F) One person who has held the position of Chief Benefits 
Director (including service as Chief Benefits Director of the 
Veterans' Administration), if the Secretary determines that it is 
desirable for such person to be a member of the Commission. 
"(3) A commission established under this subsection shall rec-
ommend at least three individuals for appointment to the position of 
Chief Benefits Director. The commission shall submit all rec-
ommendations to the Secretary. The Secretary shall forward the 
recommendations to the President with any comments the Sec-
retary considers appropriate. Thereafter, the President may request 
the commission to recommend additional individuals for appoint-
ment. 
"(4) The Assistant Secretary or Deputy Assistant Secretary of 
Veterans Affairs who performs personnel management and labor 
relations functions shall serve as the executive secretary of a 
commission established under this subsection. 
"§ 307. Director of the National Cemetery System 
"There is in the Department a Director of the National Cemetery 
System, who is appointed by the President, by and with the advice 
and consent of the Senate. The Director is the head of the National 
Cemetery System as established in section 2400 of this title and 
shall perform such functions as may be assigned by the Secretary. 
"§ 308. Assistant Secretaries; Deputy Assistant Secretaries 
"(a) There shall be in the Department not more than six Assistant 
Secretaries. Each Assistant Secretary shall be appointed by the 
President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. 
"(b) The Secretary shall assign to the Assistant Secretaries 
responsibility for the administration of such functions and duties as 
the Secretary considers appropriate, including the following func-
tions: 
"(1) Budgetary and financial functions. 
"(2) Personnel management and labor relations functions. . 
"(3) Planning, studies, and evaluations. 
"(4) Management, productivity, and logistic support func-
tions. 
"(5) Information management functions as required by sec-
tion 3506 of title 44. 
"(6) Capital facilities and real property program functions. 
105 STAT. 382 
PUBLIC LAW 102-83—AUG. 6, 1991 
"(7) Equal opportunity functions. 
"(8) Functions regarding the investigation of complaints of 
employment discrimination within the Department. 
"(9) Functions regarding intergovernmental, public, and 
consumer information and affairs. 
"(10) Procurement functions. 
President. 
"(c) Whenever the President nominates an individual for appoint-
ment as an Assistant Secretary, the President shall include in the 
communication to the Senate of the nomination a statement of the 
particular functions of the Department specified in subsection (b), 
and any other functions of the Department, the individual will 
exercise upon taking office. 
"(d)(1) There shall be in the Department such number of Deputy 
Assistant Secretaries, not exceeding 18, as the Secretary may deter-
mine. Each Deputy Assistant Secretary shall be appointed by the 
Secretary and shall perform such functions as the Secretary pre-
scribes. 
"(2) At least two-thirds of the number of positions established and 
filled under paragraph (1) shall be filled by individuals who have at 
least five years of continuous service in the Federal civil service in 
the executive branch immediately preceding their appointment as a 
Deputy Assistant Secretary. For purposes of determining such 
continuous service of an individual, there shall be excluded any 
service by such individual in a position— 
"(A) of a confidential, policy-determining, policy-making, or 
policy-advocating character; 
"(B) in which such individual served as a noncareer appointee 
in the Senior Executive Service, as such term is defined in 
section 3132(a)(7) of title 5; or 
"(C) to which such individual was appointed by the President. 
"§ 309. Chief Financial Officer 
"The Secretary shall designate the Assistant Secretary whose 
functions include budgetary and financial functions as the Chief 
Financial Officer of the Department. The Chief Financial Officer 
shall advise the Secretary on financial management of the Depart-
ment and shall exercise the authority and carry out the functions 
specified in section 902 of title 31. 
"§ 310. Chief Information Resources Officer 
"(a) The Secretary shall designate the Assistant Secretary whose 
functions include information management functions (as required 
by section 3506 of title 44) as the Chief Information Resources 
Officer of the Department. 
"(b) The Chief Information Resources Officer shall advise the 
Secretary on information and management activities of the Depart-
ment as required by section 3506 of title 44. 
"(c) The Chief Information Resources Officer shall develop and 
maintain an information resources management system for the 
Department that provides for— 
"(1) the conduct of, and accountability for, any acquisitions 
made pursuant to a delegation of authority under section 111 of 
the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 
(40 U.S.C. 759); 
"(2) the implementation of all applicable Governmentwide 
and Department information policies, principles, standards, and 
guidelines with respect to information collection, paperwork 
PUBLIC LAW 102-83—AUG. 6, 1991 
105 STAT. 383 
reduction, privacy and security of records, sharing and dissemi-
nation of information, acquisition and use of information tech-
nology, and other information resources management functions; 
"(3) the periodic evaluation of and (as needed) the planning 
and 
implementation 
of improvements 
in 
the 
accuracy, 
completeness, and reliability of data and records contained 
within Department information systems; and 
"(4) the development and annual revision of a five-year plan 
for meeting the Department's information technology needs. 
"(d) The Chief Information Resources Officer shall report directly 
to the Secretary in carrying out the duties of the Chief Information 
Resources Officer under this section and under chapter 35 of title 44, 
"§ 311. General Counsel 
"There is in the Department the Office of the General Counsel. 
There is at the head of the office a General Counsel, who is 
appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of 
the Senate. The General Counsel is the chief legal officer of the 
Department and provides legal assistance to the Secretary concern-
ing the programs and policies of the Department. 
"§ 312. Inspector General 
"(a) There is in the Department an Inspector General, who is 
appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of 
the Senate, as provided in the Inspector General Act of 1978 (5 
U.S.C. App. 3). The Inspector General performs the functions, has 
the responsibilities, and exercises the powers specified in that Act. 
"(b)(1) The Secretary shall provide for not less than 40 full-time 
positions in the Office of Inspector General in addition to the 
number of such positions in that office on March 15,1989. 
"(2) The President shall include in the budget transmitted to the 
Congress for each fiscal year pursuant to section 1105 of title 31 an 
estimate of the amount for the Office of Inspector General that is 
sufficient to provide for a number of full-time positions in that office 
that is not less than the number of full-time positions in that office 
on March 15,1989, plus 40. 
"(3) The Secretary shall provide the number of additional full-
time positions in the Office of Inspector General required by para-
graph (1) not later than September 30,1991. 
"§ 313. Availability of appropriations 
"(a) Funds appropriated to the Department may remain available 
until expended. 
"(b) Funds appropriated to the Department may not be used for a 
settlement of more than $1,000,000 on a construction contract 
unless— 
"(1) the settlement is audited by an entity outside the Depart-
ment for reasonableness and appropriateness of expenditures; 
and 
"(2) the settlement is provided for specifically in an appropria-
tion law. 
"§ 314. Central Office 
"The Central Office of the Department shall be in the District of 
Columbia. 
105 STAT. 384 
PUBLIC LAW 102-83—AUG. 6, 1991 
"§ 315. Regional ofHces 
"(a) The Secretary may establish such regional offices and such 
other field offices within the United States, its Territories, Common-
wealths, and possessions, as the Secretary considers necessary, 
"(b) The Secretary may maintain a regional office in the Republic 
of the Philippines until September 30,1991. 
"§ 316. Colocation of regional ofHces and medical centers 
"(a) To provide for a more economical, efficient, and effective 
operation of such regional offices, the Secretary shall provide for the 
colocation of at least three regional offices with medical centers of 
the Department— 
"(1) on real property under the jurisdiction of the Department 
of Veterans Affairs at such medical centers; or 
"(2) on real property that is adjacent to such a medical center 
and is under the jurisdiction of the Department as a result of 
being conveyed to the United States for the purpose of such 
colocation. 
"(b)(1) In carrjdng out this section and notwithstanding any other 
provision of law, the Secretary may lease, with or without com-
pensation and for a period of not to exceed 35 years, to another 
party at not more than seven locations any of the real property 
described in paragraph (1) or (2) of subsection (a). 
"(2) Such real property shall be used as the site of a facility— 
"(A) constructed and owned by the lessee of such real prop-
erty; and 
"(B) leased under subsection (c)(1) to the Department for such 
use and such other activities as the Secretary determines are 
appropriate. 
"(cXD The Secretary may enter into a lease for the use of any 
facility described in subsection (b)(2) for not more than 35 years 
under such terms and conditions as may be in the best interests of 
the Department. 
"(2) Each agreement for such a lease shall provide— 
"(A) that the obligation of the United States to make pay-
ments under the agreement is subject to the availability of 
appropriations for that purpose; and 
"(B) that the ownership of the facility shall vest in the United 
States at the end of such lease. 
"(d)(1) The Secretary may sublease any space in such a facility to 
another party at a rate not less than— 
"(A) the rental rate paid by the Secretary for such space 
under subsection (c); plus 
"(B) the amount the Secretary pays for the costs of admin-
istering such facility (including operation, maintenance, utility, 
and rehabilitation costs) which are attributable to such space. 
"(2) In any such sublease, the Secretary shall include such terms 
relating to default and nonperformance as the Secretary considers 
appropriate to protect the interests of the United States. 
"(e) The Secretary shall use the receipts of any payment for the 
lease of real property under subsection (b) for the payment of the 
lease of a facility under subsection (c). 
"(f)(1) Subject to paragraph (3)(A), the Secretary shall, not later 
than April 18, 1990, issue an invitation for offers with respect to 
three colocations to be carried out under this section. The invitation 
PUBLIC LAW 102-83—AUG. 6, 1991 
105 STAT. 385 
shall include, with respect to each such colocation, at least the 
following: 
"(A) Identification of the site to be developed. 
"(B) Minimum office space requirements for regional office 
activities. 
"(C) Design criteria of the facility to be constructed. 
"(D) A plan for meeting the security and parking needs for 
the facility and its occupants and visitors. 
"(E) A statement of current and projected rents and other 
costs for regional office activities. 
"(F) The estimated cost of construction of the facility con-
cerned, the estimated annual cost of leasing space for regional 
office activities in the facility, and the estimated total annual 
cost of leasing all space in such facility. 
"(G) A plan for securing appropriate licenses, easements, and 
rights-of-way. 
"(H) A list of terms and conditions the Secretary has ap-
proved for inclusion in the lease agreement for the facility 
concerned. 
"(2) Subject to paragraph (3XB), the Secretary shall— 
"(A) not later than one year after the date on which the 
invitation is issued under paragraph (1), enter into an agree-
ment to carry out one colocation under this subsection; and 
"(B) within 180 days after entering into the agreement re-
ferred to in subparagraph (A), enter into £igreements to carry 
out two additional colocations, 
unless the Secretary determines that it is not economically feasible 
for the Department to undertake them, taking into consideration all 
of the tangible and intangible benefits associated with such 
colocations. 
"(3) The Secretary shall— 
"(A) at least 10 days before the issuance or other publication 
of the invitation referred to in paragraph (1), submit a copy of 
the invitation to the Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the 
Senate and House of Representatives; and 
"(B) at least 30 days before entering into an agreement under 
par^raph (2), submit a copy to the Committees on Veterans' 
Affairs of the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
proposals selected by the Secretary from those received in 
response to the invitation issued under paragraph (1). 
"(g) The authority to enter into an agreement under this section 
shall expire on September 30,1992. 
"CHAPTER 5—AUTHORITY AND DUTIES OF THE 
SECRETARY 
"SUBCHAPTER I—GENERAL AUTHORITIES 
"Sec. 
"501. Rules and regulations. 
"502. Judicial review of rules and regulations. 
"503. Administrative error; equitable relief. 
"505. Opinions of Attorney General. 
"510. Authority to reorganize offices. 
"511. Decisions of the Secretary; finality. 
"512. Delegation of authority; assignment of functions and duties. 
"513. Contracts and personal services. 
"515. Administrative settlement of tort clEums. 
105 STAT. 386 
PUBLIC LAW 102-83—AUG. 6, 1991 
"SUBCHAPTER II—SPECIFIED FUNCTIONS 
"521. Assistance to certain rehabilitation activities. 
"522. Studies of rehabilitation of disabled persons. 
"523. Coordination and promotion of other programs affecting veterans and their 
dependents. 
"525. Publication of laws relating to veterans. 
"527. Evaluation and data collection. 
"529. Annual report to Congress. 
* 
"SUBCHAPTER III—ADVISORY COMMITTEES 
"541. Advisory Committee on Former Prisoners of War. 
"542. Advisory Committee on Women Veterans. 
"SUBCHAPTER I—GENERAL AUTHORITIES 
"§ 501. Rules and regulations 
"(a) The Secretary has authority to prescribe all rules and regula-
tions which are necessary or appropriate to carry out the laws 
administered by the Department and are consistent with those laws, 
including— 
"(1) regulations with respect to the nature and extent of proof 
and evidence and the method of taking and furnishing them in 
order to establish the right to benefits under such laws; 
"(2) the forms of application by claimants under such laws; 
"(8) the methods of making investigations and medical 
examinations; and 
"(4) the manner and form of adjudications and awards. 
"(b) Any rule, regulation, guideline, or other published interpreta-
tion or order (and any amendment thereto) issued pursuant to the 
authority granted by this section or any other provision of this title 
shall contain citations to the particular section or sections of statu-
tory law or other legal authority upon which such issuance is based. 
The citation to the authority shall appear immediately following 
each substantive provision of the issuance. 
"(c) In applying section 552(a)(1) of title 5 to the Department, the 
Secretary shall ensure that subparagraphs (C), (D), and (E) of that 
section are complied with, particularly with respect to opinions and 
interpretations of the General Counsel. 
"(d) The provisions of section 553 of title 5 shall apply, without 
regard to subsection (a)(2) of that section, to matters relating to 
loans, grants, or benefits under a law administered by the Secretary. 
"§ 502. Judicial review of rules and regulations 
"An action of the Secretary to which section 552(a)(1) or 553 of 
title 5 (or both) refers (other than an action relating to the adoption 
or revision of the schedule of ratings for disabilities adopted under 
section 1155 of this title) is subject to judicial review. Such review 
shall be in accordance with chapter 7 of title 5 and may be sought 
only in the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. 
However, if such review is sought in connection with an appeal 
brought under the provisions of chapter 72 of this title, the provi-
sions of that chapter shall apply rather than the provisions of 
chapter 7 of title 5. 
"§ 503. Administrative error; equitable relief 
"(a) If the Secretary determines that benefits administered by the 
Department have not been provided by reason of administrative 
error on the part of the Federal Government or any of its employees. 
PUBLIC LAW 102-83—AUG. 6, 1991 
105 STAT. 387 
the Secretary may provide such relief on account of such error as 
the Secretary determines equitable, including the payment of 
moneys to any person whom the Secretary determines is equitably 
entitled to such moneys. 
"(b) If the Secretary determines that a veteran, surviving spouse, 
child of a veteran, or other person hgis suffered loss as a consequence 
of reliance upon a determination by the Department of eligibility or 
entitlement to benefits, without knowledge that it was erroneously 
made, the Secretary may provide such relief on account of such 
error as the Secretary determines is equitable, including the pay-
ment of moneys to any person whom the Secretary determines is 
equitably entitled to such moneys. 
"(c) Not later than April 1 of each year, the Secretary shall submit Reports, 
to Congress a report containing a statement as to the disposition of 
each case recommended to the Secretary for equitable relief under 
this section during the preceding calendar year. 
"§ 505. Opinions of Attorney General 
"The Secretary may require the opinion of the Attorney General 
on any question of law arising in the administration of the Depart-
ment. 
"§ 510. Authority to reorganize offices 
"(a) Except to the extent inconsistent with law, the Secretary 
may— 
"(1) consolidate, eliminate, abolish, or redistribute the func-
tions of the Administrations, offices, facilities, or activities in 
the Department; 
"(2) create new Administrations, offices, facilities, or activities 
in the Department; and 
"(3) fix the functions of £iny such Administration, office, 
facility, or activity and the duties and powers of their respective 
executive heads. 
"(b) The Secretary may not in any fiscal year implement an 
administrative reorganization described in subsection (c) unless the 
Secretary first submits to the appropriate committees of the Con-
gress a report containing a detailed plan and justification for the 
administrative reorganization. No action to carry out such reorga-
nization may be taken after the submission of such report until the 
end of a 90-day period of continuous session of Congress following 
the date of the submission of the report. For purposes of the 
preceding sentence, continuity of a session of Congress is broken 
only by adjournment sine die, and there shall be excluded from the 
computation of such 90-day period any day during which either 
House of Congress is not in session during an adjournment of more 
than three days to a day certain. 
"(c) An administrative reorganization described in this subsection 
is an administrative reorganization of a covered field office or 
facility that involves a reduction during any fiscal year in the 
number of full-time equivalent employees with permanent duty 
stations at such office or facility— 
"(1) by 15 percent or more; or 
"(2) by a percent which, when added to the percent reduction 
made in the number of such employees with permanent duty 
stations at such office or facility during the preceding fiscal 
a 
year, is 25 percent or more. 
105 STAT. 388 
PUBLIC LAW 102-83—AUG. 6, 1991 
"(d)(1) Not less than 30 days before the date on which the im-
plementation of any administrative reorganization described in 
paragraph (2) of a unit in the Central Office is to begin, the 
Secretary shall transmit to the Committees on Veterans' Affairs of 
the Senate and the House of Representatives a notification regard-
ing the reorganization. 
'(2) Paragraph (1) applies to an administrative reorganization of 
any unit of the Central Office that is the duty station for 30 or more 
employees if the reorganization involves a reduction in any fiscal 
year in the number of full-time equivalent employees with perma-
nent duty station in such unit by 50 percent or more. 
"(e) For purposes of this section, the term 'administrative reorga-
nization' does not include a consolidation or redistribution of func-
tions at a covered field office or facility, or between components of 
the Veterans Benefits Administration and the Veterans Health 
Administration at a Department medical and regional office center, 
if after the consolidation or redistribution the same number of full-
time equivalent employees continues to perform the affected func-
tions at that field office, facility, or center. 
"(f) For purposes of this section: 
"(1) The term 'covered field office or facility' means a Depart-
ment office or facility outside the Central Office that is the 
permanent duty station for 25 or more employees or that is a 
free-standing outpatient clinic. 
"(2) The term 'detailed plan and justification' means, with 
respect to an administrative reorganization, a written report 
that, at a minimum, includes the following: 
"(A) Specification of the number of employees by which 
each covered office or facility affected is to be reduced, the 
responsibilities of those employees, and the means by which 
the reduction is to be accomplished. 
"(B) Identification of any existing or planned office or 
facility at which the number of employees is to be increased 
and specification of the number and responsibilities of the 
additional employees at each such office or facility. 
"(C) A description of the changes in the functions carried 
out at any existing office or facility and the functions to be 
assigned to an office or facility not in existence on the date 
that the plan and justification are submitted pursuant to 
subsection (b). 
"(D) An explanation of the reasons for the determination 
that the reorganization is appropriate and advisable in 
terms of the statutory missions and long-term goals of the 
Department. 
"(E) A description of the effects that the reorganization 
may have on the provision of benefits and services to 
veterans and dependents of veterans (including the provi-
sion of benefits and services through offices and facilities of 
the Department not directly affected by the reorganization). 
"(F) Estimates of the costs of the reorganization and of 
the cost impact of the reorganization, together with analy-
ses supporting those estimates. 
"§ 511. Decisions of the Secretary; finality 
"(a) The Secretary shall decide all questions of law and fact 
necessary to a decision by the Secretary under a law that affects the 
provision of benefits by the Secretary to veterans or the dependents 
PUBLIC LAW 102-83—AUG. 6, 1991 
105 STAT. 389 
or survivors of veterans. Subject to subsection (b), the decision of the 
Secretary as to any such question shall be final and conclusive and 
may not be reviewed by any other official or by any court, whether 
by an action in the nature of mandamus or otherwise. 
"(b) The second sentence of subsection (a) does not apply to— 
"(1) matters subject to section 502 of this title; 
"(2) matters covered by sections 1975 and 1984 of this title; 
"(8) matters arising under chapter 37 of this title; and 
"(4) matters covered by chapter 72 of this title. 
"§ 512. Delegation of authority; assignment of functions and duties 
"(a) Except as otherwise provided by law, the Secretary may 
assign functions and duties, and delegate, or authorize successive 
redelegation of, authority to act and to render decisions, with re-
spect to £dl laws administered by the Department, to such officers 
and employees as the Secretary may find necessary. Within the 
limitations of such delegations, redelegations, or assignments, all 
official acts and decisions of such officers and employees shall have 
the same force and effect £is though performed or rendered by the 
Secretary. 
"G)) There shall be included on the technical and administrative 
staff of the Secretary such staff officers, experts, inspectors, and 
assistants (including legal assistants) as the Secretary may pre-
scribe. 
"§ 513. Contracts and personal services 
"The Secretary may, for purposes of all laws administered by the 
Department, accept uncompensated services, and enter into con-
tracts or agreements with private or public agencies or persons 
(including contracts for services of translators without regard to any 
other law), for such necessary services (including personal services) 
as the Secretary may consider practicable. The Secretary may also 
enter into contracts or agreements with private concerns or public 
, 
agencies for the hiring of passenger motor vehicles or aircraft for 
official travel whenever, in the Secretary's judgment, such arrange- 
, 
ments are in the interest of efficiency or economy. 
"§ 515. Administrative settlement of tort claims 
"(aXl) Notwithstanding the limitations contained in section 2672 
of title 28, the Secretary may settle a claim for money damages 
against the United States cognizable under section 1346(b) or 2672 of 
title 28 or section 7316 of this title to the extent the authority to do 
so is delegated to the Secretary by the Attorney General. Such 
delegation may not exceed the authority delegated by the Attorney 
General to United States attorneys to settle claims for money 
damages against the United States. 
"(2) For purposes of this subsection, the term 'settle', with respect 
to a claim, means consider, ascertain, adjust, determine, and dispose 
of the claim, whether by full or partial allowance or by disallow-
ance. 
"(b) The Secretary may pay tort claims, in the msmner authorized 
in the first paragraph of section 2672 of title 28, when such claims 
arise in foreign countries in connection with Department operations 
abroad. A claim may not be allowed under this subsection unless it 
is presented in writing to the Secretary within two years after the 
claim accrues. 
49-194 O - 92 - 14 : QL. 3 Part 1 
105 STAT. 390 
PUBLIC LAW 102-83—AUG. 6, 1991 
"SUBCHAPTER II—SPECIFIED FUNCTIONS 
. 
"§ 521. Assistance to certain rehabilitation activities 
"(a) The Secretary may assist any organization named in or 
approved under section 5902 of this title in providing recreational 
activities which would further the rehabilitation of disabled veter-
£ins. Such assistance may be provided only if— 
"(1) the activities are available to disabled veterans on a 
national basis; and 
"(2) a significant percentage of the individuals participating 
in the activities are eligible for rehabilitative services under 
chapter 17 of this title. 
"(b) The Secretary may accept from any appropriate source con-
tributions of funds and of other assistance to support the Secretary's 
provision of assistance for such activities. 
"(cXD Subject to paragraph (2), the Secretary may authorize the 
use, for purposes approved by the Secretary in connection with the 
activity involved, of the seal and other official sjnnbols of the 
Department and the name 'Department of Veterans Affairs' by— 
"(A) any organization which provides an activity described in 
subsection (a) with assistance from the Secretary; and 
"(B) any individual or entity from which the Secretary ac-
cepts a significant contribution under subsection (b) or an offer 
of such a contribution. 
"(2) The use of such seal or name of any official symbol of the 
Department in an advertisement may be authorized by the Sec-
retary under this subsection only if— 
"(A) the Secretary has approved the advertisement; and 
"(B) the advertisement contains a clear statement that no 
product, project, or commercial line of endeavor referred to in 
the advertisement is endorsed by the Department of Veterans 
Affairs. 
"§ 522. Studies of rehabilitation of disabled persons 
"(a) The Secretary may conduct studies and investigations, and 
prepare reports, relative to the rehabilitation of disabled persons, 
the relative abilities, aptitudes, and capacities of the several groups 
of the variously handicapped, and how their potentialities can best 
be developed and their services best used in gainful and suitable 
employment including the rehabilitation programs of foreign na-
tions. 
"(b) In carrying out this section, the Secretary (1) may cooperate 
with such public and private agencies as the Secretary considers 
advisable; and (2) may employ consultants who shall receive a 
reasonable per diem, as prescribed by the Secretary, for each day 
actually employed, plus necessary travel and other expenses. 
"§ 523. Coordination and promotion of other programs affecting 
veterans and their dependents 
"(a) The Secretary shall seek to achieve (1) the maximum feasible 
effectiveness, coordination, and interrelationship of services among 
all programs and activities affecting veterans and their dependents 
carried out by and under all other departments, agencies, and 
instrumentalities of the executive branch, and (2) the maximum 
feasible coordination of such programs with programs carried out 
under this title. The Secretary shall actively promote the effective 
PUBLIC LAW 102-83—AUG. 6, 1991 
105 STAT. 391 
implementation, enforcement, and application of all provisions of 
law and regulations providing for special consideration, emphasis, or 
preference for veterans. 
"(b) The Secretary shall seek to achieve the effective coordination 
of the provision, under laws administered by the Department, of 
benefits and services (and information about such benefits and 
services) with appropriate programs (and information about such 
programs) conducted by State and local governmental agencies and 
by private entities at the State and local level. In carrying out this 
subsection, the Secretary shall place special emphasis on veterans 
who are 65 years of age or older. 
"§ 525. Publication of laws relating to veterans 
"(a) The Secretary may compile and publish all Federal laws 
relating to veterans' relief, including laws administered by the 
Department as well as by other agencies of the Government. Such 
compilation and publication shall be in such form as the Secretary 
considers advisable for the purpose of making currently available in 
convenient form for the use of the Department and full-time rep-
resentatives of the several service organizations an annotated, in-
dexed, and cross-referenced statement of the laws providing veter-
ans' relief. 
"(b) The Secretary may maintain such compilation on a current 
basis either by the publication, from time to time, of supplementary 
documents or by complete revision of the compilation. 
"(c) The distribution of the compilation to the representatives of 
the several service organizations shall be as determined by the 
Secretary. 
"§ 527. Evaluation and data collection 
"(a) The Secretary, pursuant to general standards which the 
Secretary shall prescribe in regulations, shall measure and evaluate 
on a continuing basis the effect of all programs authorized under 
this title, in order to determine their effectiveness in achieving 
stated goals in general, and in achieving such goals in relation to 
their cost, their effect on related programs, and their structure and 
mechanisms for delivery of services. Such information as the Sec-
retary may consider necessary for purposes of such evaluations shall 
be made available to the Secretary, upon request, by all depart-
ments, agencies, and instrumentalities of the executive branch. 
"(b) In carrying out this section, the Secretary shall collect, 
collate, and analyze on a continuing basis full statistical data 
regarding participation (including the duration thereof), provision of 
services, categories of beneficiaries, planning and construction of 
facilities, acquisition of real property, proposed excessing of land, 
accretion and attrition of personnel, and categorized expenditures 
attributable thereto, under all programs carried out under this title. 
"(c) The Secretary shall make available to the public, and on a Public 
regular basis provide to the appropriate committees of the Congress, ^formation, 
copies of all completed evaluative research studies and summaries of 
evaluations of program impact and effectiveness carried out, and 
tabulations and analyses of all data collected, under this section. 
"§ 529. Annual report to Congress 
"The Secretary shall submit annually, at the close of each fiscal 
year, a report in writing to Congress. Each such report shall— 
105 STAT. 392 
PUBLIC LAW 102-83—AUG. 6, 1991 
Establishment. 
Reports. 
"(1) give an account of all moneys received and disbursed by 
the Department for such fiscal year; 
"(2) describe the work done during such fiscal year; and 
"(3) state the activities of the Department for such fiscal year. 
"SUBCHAPTER III—ADVISORY COMMITTEES 
"§ 541. Advisory Committee on Former Prisoners of War 
"(a)(1) The Secretary shall establish an advisory committee to be 
known as the Advisory Committee on Former Prisoners of War 
(hereinafter in this section referred to as the 'Committee'). 
"(2)(A) The members of the Committee shall be appointed by the 
Secretary from the general public and shall include— 
"(i) appropriate representatives of veterans who are former 
prisoners of war; 
"(ii) individuals who are recognized authorities in fields perti-
nent to disabilities prevalent among former prisoners of war, 
including authorities in epidemiology, mental health, nutrition, 
geriatrics, and internal medicine; and 
"(iii) appropriate representatives of disabled veterans. 
"(B) The Committee shall also include, as ex officio members, the 
Chief Medical Director and the Chief Benefits Director, or their 
designees. 
"(3) The Secretary shall determine the number, terms of service, 
and pay and allowances of members of the Committee appointed by 
the Secretary, except that the term of service of any such member 
may not exceed three years. 
"(b) The Secretary shall, on a regular basis, consult with and seek 
the advice of the Committee with respect to the administration of 
benefits under this title for veterans who are former prisoners of 
war and the needs of such veterans with respect to compensation, 
health care, and rehabilitation. 
"(c)(1) Not later than July 1 of each odd-numbered year, the 
Committee shall submit to the Secretary a report on the programs 
and activities of the Department that pertain to veterans who are 
former prisoners of war. Each such report shall include— 
"(A) an assessment of the needs of such veterans with respect 
to compensation, health care, and rehabilitation; 
"(B) a review of the programs and activities of the Depart-
ment designed to meet such needs; and 
"(C) such recommendations (including recommendations for 
administrative and legislative action) as the Committee consid-
ers to be appropriate. 
"(2) The Secretary shall, within 60 days after receiving each 
report under paragraph (1), submit to the Congress a copy of the 
report, together with any comments concerning the report that the 
Secretary considers appropriate. 
"(3) The Committee may also submit to the Secretary such other 
reports and recommendations as the Committee considers appro-
priate. 
"(4) The Secretary shall submit with each annual report submit-
ted to the Congress pursuant to section 529 of this title a summary 
of all reports and recommendations of the Committee submitted to 
the Secretary since the previous annual report of the Secretary 
submitted to the Congress pursuant to that section. 
PUBLIC LAW 102-83—AUG. 6, 1991 
105 STAT. 393 
"§ 542. Advisory Committee on Women Veterans 
"(a)(1) The Secretary shall establish an advisory committee to be Establishment, 
known as the Advisory Committee on Women Veterans (hereinafter 
in this section referred to as 'the Committee'). 
"(2)(A) The Committee shall consist of members appointed by the 
Secretary from the general public, including— 
"(i) representatives of women veterans; 
"(ii) individuals who are recognized authorities in fields perti-
nent to the needs of women veterans, including the gender-
specific health-care needs of women; and 
"(iii) representatives of both female and male veterans with 
- 
service-connected disabilities, including at least one female vet-
eran with a service-connected disability and at least one male 
veteran with a service-connected disability. 
"(B) The Committee shall include, as ex officio members— 
"(i) the Secretary of Labor (or j? representative of the Sec-
retary of Labor designated by the Secretary after consultation 
with the Assistant Secretary of Labor for Veterans' Employ-
ment); 
"(ii) the Secretary of Defense (or a representative of the 
Secretary of Defense designated by the Secretary of Defense 
after consultation with the Defense Advisory Committee on 
Women in the Services); and 
"(iii) the Chief Medical Director and the Chief Benefits Direc-
tor, or their designees. 
"(C) The Secretary may invite representatives of other depart-
ments and agencies of the United States to participate in the 
meetings and other activities of the Committee. 
"(3) The Secretary shall determine the number, terms of service, 
and pay and allowances of members of the Committee appointed by 
the Secretary, except that a term of service of any such member 
may not exceed three years. The Secretary may reappoint any such 
member for additional terms of service. 
"(b) The Secretary shall, on a regular basis, consult with and seek 
the advice of the Committee with respect to the administration of 
benefits by the Department for women veterans, reports and studies 
pertaining to women veterans and the needs of women veterans 
with respect to compensation, health care, rehabilitation, outreach, 
and other benefits and programs administered by the Department. 
"(c)(1) Not later than July 1 of each even-numbered year, the Reports. 
Committee shall submit to the Secretary a report on the programs 
and activities of the Department that pertain to women veterans. 
Each such report shall include— 
"(A) an assessment of the needs of women veterans with 
respect to compensation, health care, rehabilitation, outreach, 
and other benefits and programs administered by the Depart-
ment; 
"(B) a review of the programs and activities of the Depart-
ment designed to meet such needs; and 
"(C) such recommendations (including recommendations for 
administrative and legislative action) as the Committee consid-
ers appropriate. 
"(2) The Secretary shall, within 60 days after receiving each 
report under paragraph (1), submit to the Congress a copy of the 
report, together with any comments concerning the report that the 
Secretary considers appropriate. 
105 STAT. 394 
PUBLIC LAW 102-83—AUG. 6, 1991 
"(3) The Committee may also submit to the Secretary such other 
reports and recommendations as the Committee considers appro-
priate. 
"(4) The Secretary shall submit with each annual report submit-
ted to the Congress pursuant to section 529 of this title a summary 
of all reports and recommendations of the Committee submitted to 
the Secretary since the previous annual report of the Secretary 
submitted pursuant to such section. 
"CHAPTER 7—EMPLOYEES 
"Sec. 
"701. Placement of employees in military installations. 
"703. Miscellaneous authorities respecting employees. 
"705. Telephone service for medical officers and facility directors. 
"707. Benefits for employees at ovCTseas offices who are United States citizens. 
"709. Emplojmient restrictions. 
"711. Grade reductions. 
"§ 701. Placement of employees in military installations 
"The Secretary may place employees of the Department in such 
Army, Navy, and Air Force installations as may be considered 
advisable for the purpose of adjudicating disability claims of, and 
giving aid and advice to, members of the Armed Forces who are 
. about to be discharged or released from active military, naval, or air 
service. 
"§ 703. Miscellaneous authorities respecting employees 
"(a) The Secretary may furnish and launder such wearing apparel 
as may be prescribed for employees in the performance of their 
official duties. 
"(b) The Secretary may transport children of Department employ-
ees located at isolated stations to and from school in available 
Government-owned automotive equipment. 
"(c) The Secretary may provide recreational facilities, supplies, 
and equipment for the use of patients in hospitals and employees in 
isolated installations. 
"(d) The Secretary may provide for the preparation, shipment, 
installation, and display of exhibits, photographic displays, moving 
pictures, and other visual educational information and descriptive 
material. For the purposes of the preceding sentence, the Secretary 
may purchase or rent equipment. 
"(e) The Secretary may reimburse employees for the cost of 
repairing or replacing their personal property damaged or destroyed 
by patients or domiciliary members while such employees are en-
gaged in the performance of their official duties. 
"(f)(1) The Secretary, upon determining that an emergency situa-
tion exists and that such action is necessary for the effective conduct 
of the affairs of the Department, may use Government-owned, or 
leased, vehicles to transport employees to and from their place of 
employment and the nearest adequate public transportation or, if 
such public transportation is either unavailable or not fegisible to 
use, to and from their place of employment and their home. 
"(2) The Secretary shall establish reasonable rates to cover the 
cost of the service rendered under this subsection, and all proceeds 
collected therefrom shall be applied to the applicable appropriation. 
PUBLIC LAW 102-83—AUG. 6, 1991 
105 STAT. 395 
"§ 705. Telephone service for medical officers and facility directors 
"The Secretary may pay for official telephone service and rental 
in the field whenever incurred in case of official telephones for 
directors of centers, hospitals, independent clinics, domiciliaries, 
and medical officers of the Department where such telephones are 
installed in private residences or private apartments or quarters, 
when authorized under regulations prescribed by the Secretary. 
"§ 707. Benefits for employees at overseas offices who are United 
States citizens 
"(a) The Secretary may, under such rules and regulations as may 
be prescribed by the President or the President's designee, provide 
to personnel of the Department who are United States citizens and 
are assigned by the Secretary to the Department offices in the 
Republic of the Philippines allowances and benefits similar to those 
provided by the following provisions of law: 
"(1) Section 905 of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 (relating to 
allowances to provide for the proper representation of the 
United States). 
"(2) Sections 901 (1), (2), (3), (4), (7), (8), (9), (11), and (12) of the 
Foreign Service Act of 1980 (relating to travel expenses). 
"(3) Section 901(13) of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 (relat-
ing to transportation of automobiles). 
"(4) Section 903 of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 (relating to 
the return of personnel to the United States on leave of ab-
sence). 
"(5) Section 904(d) of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 (relating 
to payments by the United States of expenses for treating 
illness or injury of officers or employees and dependents requir-
ing hospitalization). 
"(6) Section 5724a(a)(3) of title 5 (relating to subsistence ex-
penses for 60 days in connection with the return to the United 
States of the employee and such employee's immediate family). 
"(7) Section 5724a(a)(4) of title 5 (relating to the sale and 
purchase of the residence or settlement of an unexpired lease of 
the employee when transferred from one station to another 
station and both stations are in the United States, its territories 
or possessions, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico). 
"(b) The authority in subsection (a) supplements, but is not in lieu 
of, other allowances and benefits for overseas employees of the 
Department provided by title 5 and the Foreign Service Act of 1980 
(22 U.S.C. 3901 et seq.). 
"§ 709. Employment restrictions 
"(a)(1) Notwithstanding section 3134(d) of title 5, the number of 
Senior Executive Service positions in the Department which are 
filled by noncareer appointees in any fiscal year may not at any 
time exceed 5 percent of the average number of senior executives 
employed in Senior Executive Service positions in the Department 
during the preceding fiscal year. 
"(2) For purposes of this subsection, the average number of senior 
executives employed in Senior Executive Service positions in the 
Department during a fiscal year shall be equal to 25 percent of the 
sum of the total number of senior executives employed in Senior 
Executive Service positions in the Department on the last day of 
each quarter of such fiscal year. 
105 STAT. 396 
PUBLIC LAW 102-83—AUG. 6, 1991 
"(b) The number of positions in the Department which may be 
excepted from the competitive service, on a temporary or permanent 
basis, because of their confidential or poUcy-determining character 
may not at any time exceed the equivalent of 15 positions. 
"(c)(1) Political affiliation or activity may not be taken into ac-
count in connection with the appointment of any person to any 
position in or to perform any service for the Department or in the 
assignment or advancement of any employee in the Department. 
"(2) Paragraph (1) shall not apply— 
"(A) to the appointment of any person by the President under 
this title, other than the appointment of the Chief Medical 
Director, the Chief Benefits Director, and the Inspector General; 
or 
"(B) to the appointment of any person to (i) a Senior Executive 
Service position as a noncareer appointee, or (ii) a position that 
is excepted from the competitive service, on a temporary or 
permanent basis, because of the confidential or policy-determin-
ing character of the position. 
"§711. Grade reductions 
Reports. 
"(a) The Secretary may not implement a grade reduction de-
scribed in subsection (b) unless the Secretary first submits to the 
Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and House of Rep-
resentatives a report containing a detailed plan for such reduction 
and a detailed justification for the plan. The report shall include a 
determination by the Secretary (together with data supporting such 
determination) that, in the personnel area concerned, the Depart-
ment has a disproportionate number of employees at the salary 
grade or grades selected for reduction in comparison to the number 
of such employees at the salary levels involved who perform com-
parable functions in other departments and agencies of the Federal 
Government and in non-Federal entities. Any grade reduction de-
scribed in such report may not take effect until the end of a period 
of 90 calendar days (not including any day on which either House of 
Congress is not in session) after the report is received by the 
committees. 
"(b) A grade reduction referred to in subsection (a) is a systematic 
reduction, for the purpose of reducing the average salary cost for 
Department employees described in subsection (c), in the number of 
such Department employees at a specific grade level. 
"(c) The employees referred to in subsection (b) are— 
"(1) health-care personnel who are determined by the Sec-
retary to be providing either direct patient-care services or 
services incident to direct patient-care services; 
"(2) individuals who meet the definition of professional em-
plovee as set forth in section 7103(a)(15) of title 5; and 
(3) individuals who are employed as computer specialists. 
Reports. 
"(d) Not later than the 45th day after the Secretary submits a 
report under subsection (a), the Comptroller General shall submit to 
such Committees a report on the Secretary's compliance with such 
subsection. The Comptroller General shall include in the report the 
Comptroller General s opinion as to the accuracy of the Secretary's 
determination (and of the data supporting such determination) 
made under such subsection. 
"(e) In the case of Department employees not described in subsec-
tion (c), the Secretary may not in any fiscal year implement a 
systematic reduction for the purpose of reducing the average salary 
PUBLIC LAW 102-83—AUG. 6, 1991 
105 STAT. 397 
cost for such Department employees that will result in a reduction 
in the number of such Department employees at any specific grade 
level at a rate greater than the rate of the reductions systematically 
being made in the numbers of employees at such grade level in all 
other agencies and departments of the Federal Government com-
bined. 
"CHAPTER 
9—SECURITY 
AND 
LAW 
ENFORCE-
MENT ON PROPERTY U N D E R THE JURISDIC-
TION OF THE DEPARTMENT 
"Sec. 
"901. Authority to prescribe rules for conduct and penalties for violations. 
"902. Enforcement and arrest authority of Department police officers. 
"903. Uniform allowance. 
"904. Equipment and weapons. 
"905. Use of facilities and services of other law enforcement agencies. 
"§ 901. Authority to prescribe rules for conduct and penalties for 
violations 
"(aXD The Secretary shall prescribe regulations to provide for the 
maintenance of law and order and the protection of persons and 
property on Department property. 
"(2) In this chapter, the term 'Department property' means land 
and buildings that are under the jurisdiction of the Department and 
are not under control of the Administrator of General Services. 
"(b) Regulations under subsection (a) shall include— 
"(1) rules for conduct on Department property; and 
"(2) the penalties, within the limits specified in subsection (c), 
for violations of such rules. 
"(c) Whoever violates any rule prescribed by regulation under 
subsection (b)(1) shall be fined in accordance with title 18 or impris-
oned not more than six months, or both. The Secretary may pre-
scribe by regulation a maximum fine less than that which would 
otherwise apply under the preceding sentence or a maximum term 
of imprisonment of a shorter period than that which would other-
wise apply under the preceding sentence, or both. Any such regula-
tion shall apply notwithstanding any provision of title 18 or any 
other law to the contrary. 
"(d) The rules prescribed under subsection (a), together with the 
penalties for violations of such rules, shall be posted conspicuously 
on property to which they apply. 
' (e) The Secretary shall consult with the Attorney General before 
prescribing regulations under this section. 
"§ 902. Enforcement and arrest authority of Department police 
officers 
"(a)(1) Employees of the Department who are Department police 
officers shall, with respect to acts occurring on Department prop-
erty, enforce— 
"(A) Federal laws; 
"(B) the rules prescribed under section 901 of this title; and 
"(C) subject to paragraph (2), traffic and motor vehicle laws of 
a State or local government within the jurisdiction of which 
such Department property is located. 
"(2) A law described in subparagraph (C) of paragraph (1) may be 
enforced under such subparagraph only as authorized by an express 
105 STAT. 398 
PUBLIC LAW 102-83—AUG. 6, 1991 
grant of authority under applicable State or local law. Any such 
enforcement shall be by the issuance of a citation for violation of 
such law. 
"(3) Subject to regulations prescribed under subsection (b), a 
Department police officer may make arrests on Department prop-
erty for a violation of a Federal law or any rule prescribed under 
section 901(a) of this title. 
Regulations. 
"(b) The Secretary shall prescribe regulations with respect to 
Department police officers. Such regulations shall include— 
"(1) policies with respect to the exercise by Department police 
officers of the enforcement and arrest authorities provided by 
this section; 
"(2) the scope and duration of training that is required for 
Department police officers, with particular emphasis on dealing 
with situations involving patients; and 
"(3) rules limiting the carrying and use of weapons by Depart-
ment police officers. 
"(c) The Secretary shall consult with the Attorney General before 
prescribing regulations under paragraph (1) of subsection (b). 
"(d) Rates of basic pay for Department police officers may be 
increased by the Secretary under section 7455 of this title. 
"§ 903. Uniform allowance 
"(a) The Secretary may pay an allowance under this section for 
the purchase of uniforms to any Department police officer who is 
required to wear a prescribed uniform in the performance of official 
duties. 
"(b) The amount of the allowance that the Secretary may pay 
under this section— 
"(1) may be based on estimated average costs or actual costs; 
"(2) may vary by geographic regions; and 
"(3) except as provided in subsection (c), may not exceed $200 
in a fiscal year for any police officer. 
"(c) The amount of an allowance under this section may be 
increased to an amount up to $400 for not more than one fiscal year 
in the case of any Department police officer. In the CEise of a person 
who is appointed as a Department police officer on or after January 
1, 1990, an allowance in an amount established under this subsec-
tion shall be paid at the beginning of such person's employment as 
such an officer. In the case of any other Department police officer, 
an allowance in an amount established under this subsection shall 
be paid upon the request of the officer. 
"(d) A police officer who resigns as a police officer less thein one 
year after receiving an allowance in an amount established under 
this section shall repay to the Department a pro rata share of the 
amount paid, based on the number of months the officer was 
actually employed as such an officer during the twelve-month period 
following the date on which such officer began such employment or 
the date on which the officer submitted a request for such an 
allowance, as the case may be. 
"(e) An allowance may not be paid to a Department police officer 
under this section and under section 5901 of title 5 for the same 
fiscal year. 
PUBLIC LAW 102-83—AUG. 6, 1991 
105 STAT. 399 
"§ 904. Equipment and weapons 
"The Secretary shall furnish Department police officers with such 
weapons and related equipment as the Secretary determines to be 
necessary and appropriate. 
"§ 905. Use of facilities and services of other law enforcement 
agencies 
"With the permission of the head of the agency concerned, the 
Secretary may use the facilities and services of Federal, State, and 
local law enforcement agencies when it is economical and in the 
public interest to do so.". 
(b) VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION.—Part V of title 38, 
United States Code, is amended by inserting after chapter 76 the 
following new chapter: 
"CHAPTER 77—VETERANS BENEFITS 
ADMINISTRATION 
"SUBCHAPTER I—ORGANIZATION; GENERAL 
"Sec. 
"7701. Organization of the Administration. 
"7703. Functions of the Administration. 
"SUBCHAPTER II—VETERANS OUTREACH SERVICES PROGRAM 
"7721. Purpose; definitions. 
"7722. Outreach services. 
"7723. Veterans assistance offices. 
"7724. Outstationing of counseling and outreach personnel. 
"7725. Use of other agencies. 
"7726. Annual report to Congress. 
-
: 
"SUBCHAPTER I—ORGANIZATION; GENERAL 
"§ 7701. Organization of the Administration 
"(a) There is in the Department of Veterans Affairs a Veterans 
Benefits Administration. The primary function of the Veterans 
Benefits Administration is the administration of nonmedical bene-
fits programs of the Department which provide assistance to veter-
ans and their dependents and survivors. 
"(b) The Veterans Benefits Administration is under the Chief 
Benefits Director, who is directly responsible to the Secretary for 
the operations of the Administration. 
"§ 7703. Functions of the Administration 
"The Veterans Benefits Administration is responsible for the 
administration of the following programs of the Department: 
"(1) Compensation and pension programs. 
"(2) Vocational rehabilitation and educational assistance pro-
grams. 
"(3) Veterans' housing loan programs. 
"(4) Veterans' and servicemembers' life insurance programs. 
"(5) Outreach programs and other veterans' services pro-
grams. 
105 STAT. 400 
PUBLIC LAW 102-83—AUG. 6, 1991 
"SUBCHAPTER II—VETERANS OUTREACH SERVICES 
PROGRAM 
"§ 7721. Purpose; definitions 
, 
"(a) The Congress declares that the outreach services program 
authorized by this subchapter 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 depend-
ents. The Congress further declares that the outreach services pro-
gram authorized by this subchapter 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) For the purposes of this subchapter— 
"(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 an 'eligible person' as 
defined in section 3501(a)(1) of this title. 
"§ 7722. Outreach services 
"(a) In carrying out the purposes of this subchapter, 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 fea-
sible extent, be provided in the principal language of such persons. 
"(b) 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 Depart-
ment 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) The Secretary 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 
Department and 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. 
"(d) 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. 
PUBLIC LAW 102-83—AUG. 6, 1991 
105 STAT. 401 
"§ 7723. Veterans assistance offices 
"(a) The Secretary shall establish and maintain veterans assist-
ance 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 subchapter. In establishing and maintaining such 
offices, the Secretary shall give due regard to— 
"(1) the geographical distribution of veterans recently dis-
charged 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. 
"(b) The Secretary shall establish and carry out all possible 
programs and services, including special telephone facilities, as may 
be necessary to make the outreach services provided for under this 
subchapter as widely available as possible. 
"§ 7724. 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 counseling and other assistance regarding 
benefits under this title to veterans and other persons eligible for 
benefits under this title and to provide outreach services under this 
subchapter. 
"§ 7725. Use of other agencies 
"In carrying out this subchapter, the Secretary shall do the 
following: 
"(1) 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, arrange-
ments for outstationing the State employment personnel who 
provide such assistance at appropriate facilities of the Depart-
ment. 
"(2) In consultation with the Secretary of Labor, actively seek 
to promote the development and establishment of emplo3mient 
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, 
"(3) 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. 
"(4) Where appropriate, make referrals to any Federal depart-
ment or agency or State or local governmental unit or recog-
nized national or other organization. 
' 
"(5) At the Secretary of Veterans Affairs discretion, furnish 
available space and office facilities for the use of authorized 
representatives of such governmental unit or other organization 
providing services. 
"(6) Conduct and provide for studies in consultation with 
appropriate Federal departments and agencies to determine the 
105 STAT. 402 
PUBLIC LAW 102-83—AUG. 6, 1991 . 
most effective program design to carry out the purposes of this 
subchapter. 
"§ 7726. Annual report to Congress 
"The Secretary shall include in the annual report to the Congress 
required by section 529 of this title a report on the activities carried 
out under this subchapter. Each such report shall include an ap-
praisal of the effectiveness of the programs authorized in this 
subchapter and recommendations for the improvement or more 
effective administration of those programs.". 
(c) CROSS-REFERENCES TO PREVIOUS CHAPTER 3 SECTIONS.— 
(1) Section 621 is amended by striking out "section 210(cXl)" 
and inserting in lieu thereof "section 501(a)". 
(2) Section 1685(a)(1) is amended by striking out "subchapter 
IV of chapter 3" and inserting in lieu thereof "subchapter II of 
chapter 77". 
(3) The following sections are amended by striking out "sec-
tion 214" and inserting in lieu thereof "section 529': sections 
618(c)(3), 654,1521(c), 1833(cX2), and 7101(cX3). 
(4) Section 2003A(bX2) is amended by striking out "section 
242" and inserting in lieu thereof "section 7723". 
(5) Section 2014(g) is amended by striking out "section 241" 
and "section 243" and inserting in lieu thereof "section 7722" 
and "section 7724", respectively. 
(6) Section 5701(gX2XAXii) is amended by striking out "section 
219" and inserting in lieu thereof "section 527". 
(7) Section 7455(aX2XC) is amended by striking out "section 
218" and inserting in lieu thereof "section 902". 
(d) TABLES OF CHAPTERS.— 
(1) The table of chapters before part I is amended— 
(A) by striking out the item relating to chapter 3 and 
inserting in lieu thereof the following: 
"3. Department of Veterans Affairs 
301 
"5. Authority and Duties of the Secretary 
501 
"7. Employees 
701 
"9. Security and Law Enforcement on Property Under the Jurisdiction of 
the Department 
901"; 
and 
(B) by inserting after the item relating to chapter 76 the 
following new item: 
"77. Veterans Beneflts Administration 
7701". 
(2) The table of chapters at the beginning of part I is amended 
by striking out the item relating to chapter 3 and inserting in 
lieu thereof the following: 
"3. Department of Veterans Affairs 
301 
"5. Authority and Duties of the Secretary 
501 
"7. Employees 
701 
"9. Security and Law Enforcement on Property Under the Jurisdiction of 
the Department 
901". 
(3) The table of chapters at the beginning of part V is 
amended by inserting after the item relating to chapter 76 the 
following new item: 
"77. Veterans Benefits Administration 
7701". 
SEC. 3. CONFORMING REPEALS TO DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS 
ACT. 
The following provisions of the Department of Veterans Affairs 
Act (Public Law 100-527) are repealed: 
PUBLIC LAW 102-83—AUG. 6, 1991 
105 STAT. 403 
(1) The second and third sentences of section 2. 
, 
38 USC 201 note. 
'-••• • (2) The second sentence of section 7. 
38 USC 201 note. 
(8) Sections 8, 4, 5, 8(a), 9(b), 12, and 16. 
38 USC 201 note. 
SEC. 4. ADDITIONAL CONFORMING AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 38, UNITED 
STATES CODE, TO REFLECT THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE 
DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS. 
(a) REFERENCES TO VETERANS' ADMINISTRATION.— 
(1) Title 38 is amended by striking out "administered by the 
Veterans' Administration" each place it appears and inserting 
in lieu thereof "administered by the Secretary". 
(2)(A) The following provisions are amended by striking out 
"Veterans' Administration" and inserting in lieu thereof "Sec-
retary": 
(i) Subsections (d) and (e) of section 103. 
(ii) Section 620(f)(1)(B) (in the second sentence). 
(iii) In chapter 19— 
(I) subsection (a) and the first sentence of subsection 
(b) of section 707; 
(II) section 710; 
(III) section 718(a); 
(IV) subsections (a) and (b) (in two places) of section 
722" 
(V) section 746; 
(VI) section 747 (in the last sentence); 
^ 
(VII) section 784(a) (in each of the four places "Veter-
ans' Administration" appears); and 
(VIII) section 784(b) (in the sixth sentence). 
(iv) Section 1810(e)(2). 
(v) Paragraphs (4)(B) and (5)(B) of section 1812(a). 
i- 
(vi) Section 5110(n). 
(vii) Section 5301(e)(2). 
j 
(viii) Section 5305 (in the last sentence). 
(ix) Subsection (a)(2) (in the first place "Veterans' 
Administration" appears), subsection (d) (in the last sen-
tence), and subsection (e) (in the first place "Veterans' 
Administration" appears) of section 5502. 
(x) Section 5503(b)(1)(A). 
(xi) Paragraph (1) (in the first place "Veterans' Adminis-
tration" appears), paragraph (2), and paragraph (3) of sec-
tion 5701(c). 
(xii) Section 5702(a) (in two places). 
(xiii) Section 5703 (in each place "Veterans' Administra-
tion" appears). 
(xiv) Section 6105(a) (in the second sentence). 
(B) The following provisions are amended by striking out 
"Veterans' Administration" and inserting in lieu thereof 
"Department of Veterans Affairs": 
(i) Section 11303)(2)(A). 
(ii) Section 725(d)(3) (the second place 
"Veterans' 
Administration" appears), 
(iii) Section 777(g). 
(iv) Section 1814(d). 
(v) Section 1849(a). 
(vi) Sections 7601(a), 7611, and 7621. 
(C) The following provisions of chapter 19 are amended by 
striking out "in the Veterans' Administration" and inserting in 
lieu thereof "by the Secretary": 
105 STAT. 404 
PUBLIC LAW 102-83—AUG. 6, 1991 
(i) The second sentence of section 707(b). 
(ii) Section 712(b). 
(iii) Section 742(c). 
(D) The following provisions of chapter 19 are amended by 
striking out "in the Veterans'Administration" and inserting in 
lieu thereof "with the Secretary": 
(i) Section 722(b)(3). 
(ii) Section 784(b) (in the third sentence). 
(E) Section 601(4) is amended by striking out "Veterans' 
Administration facilities" and inserting in lieu thereof "facili-
ties of the Department". 
(F) Section 5705(b) is amended— 
(i) by striking out "Veterans' Administration patient or 
employee," in paragraph (2) and inserting in lieu thereof 
"patient or employee of the Department,"; and 
(ii) by striking out "Veterans' Administration patients or 
employees" in paragraph (6) and inserting in lieu thereof 
"patients or employees of the Department,". 
(3) Such title is further amended by striking out "Veterans' 
Administration" each place it appears (other than as amended 
under paragraphs (1) and (2) and as specified in paragraph (4)) 
and inserting in lieu thereof "Department". 
(4) Paragraph (3) does not apply to the following provisions: 
(A) Section 532(c). 
(B) Section l()00(b) (each place the term "Veterans' 
Administration" appears). 
(C) Section 1004(c)(2XA). 
(D) Section 5311. 
(5) Such title is further amended by striking out "non-Veter-
ans' Administration" each place it appears and inserting in lieu 
thereof "non-Department". 
(6) Section 111(b)(3)(B) is amended by striking out "Veteran's 
Administration facility" and inserting in lieu thereof "Depart-
ment facility", 
(b) REFERENCES TO ADMINISTRATOR.— 
(1) Title 38 is further amended by striking out "Adminis-
trator" and "Administrator's" each place they appear (except as 
provided in paragraphs (2) and (9) and including where they 
appear in section headings and tables of sections) and inserting 
in lieu thereof "Secretary" and "Secretary's", respectively. 
(2)(A) Section 422 is amended— 
(i) in subsection (a), by striking out "Administrator" both 
places it appears and inserting in lieu thereof "Secretary of 
Veterans Affairs"; and 
(ii) in subsection (b)— 
(I) by striking out "Upon the basis o f and all that 
follows through "shall pay to the Secretary" and insert-
ing in lieu thereof "The Secretary shall pay to the 
Secretary of Health and Human Services"; and 
(II) by striking out "as the Secretary and the 
Administrator may prescribe" and inserting in lieu 
thereof "as the two Secretaries may prescribe, with the 
amount of such payments to be made on the basis of 
estimates made by the Secretary of Health and Human 
Services after consultation with the Secretary". 
(B) Section 613(b)(1) is amended— 
PUBLIC LAW 102-83—AUG. 6, 1991 
105 STAT. 405 
(i) by striking out "Administrator" and inserting in lieu 
thereof "Secretary of Veterans Affairs"; 
(ii) by striking out "the Secretary" the second and third 
places it appears and inserting in lieu thereof "that Sec-
retary"; and 
(iii) by striking out "the Secretary" the last place it 
appears and inserting in lieu thereof "the Secretary of 
Defense". 
(C) Section 723(c) is amended by striking out "the Adminis-
trator and Secretary" at the end of the first sentence and 
inserting in lieu thereof "the two Secretaries". 
(D) Section 8153(d)(2) is amended by striking out "the Sec-
retary and the Administrator" and inserting in lieu thereof 
"the two Secretaries". 
(E) Paragraph (1) does not apply to the following provisions: 
(i) Section 101(1). 
(ii) Section 111 the second place "Administrator" appears 
in subsection (g)(1) of that section. 
(iii) Section 16520)). 
(iv) Section 5105. 
(v) Section 7267(e) the second place "Administrator" ap-
pears. 
(vi) Section 8111 
A(d). 
(3)(A) The heading of section 423 is amended to read as 
follows: 
"§ 423. Certincations with respect to circumstances of death". 
(B) The item relating to that section in the table of sections at 
the beginning of chapter 13 is amended to read as follows: 
"423. Certifications with respect to circumstances of death.". 
(4) The following provisions are amended by striking out "the 
Secretary" and inserting in lieu thereof "that Secretary": 
(A) Section 5600)) (the second place "the Secretary" ap-
pears). 
(B) Section 5110(j) (the second place "the Secretary" ap-
pears). 
(C) Section 5301(c)(2) (the second, third, and fourth place 
"the Secretary" appears). 
(5) Section 612(j) is amended by striking out "the Secretary" 
in the second and third sentences and inserting in lieu thereof 
"the Secretary of Health and Human Services". 
(6) Section 612A(h) is repealed. 
(7) Section 1004(c)(2)(A) is amended by striking out "Sec-
retary" the first place it appears and inserting in lieu thereof 
"Administrator of Veterans' Affairs". 
(8) Section 2012 is amended by striking out "Secretary" each 
place it appears in subsections (c) and (d) and inserting in lieu 
thereof "Secretary of Labor". 
(9) Section 5105 is amended— 
(A) by inserting "(a)" at the beginning of the text of the 
section; 
(B) by striking out "Administrator" in the first sentence 
and inserting in lieu thereof "Secretary"; 
(C) by striking out "; and" in the second sentence and 
inserting in lieu thereof a period; 
105 STAT. 406 
PUBLIC LAW 102-83—AUG. 6, 1991 
I 
(D) by striking out "when an application on such form 
has been filed with either the Administrator" and inserting 
in lieu thereof the following (indented so as to make the 
following text a new subsection): 
"(b) When an application on such a form is filed with either the 
Secretary"; 
(E) by striking out "filed with the Administrator" and 
inserting in lieu thereof "filed with either Secretary"; 
(F) by striking out "received by the Administrator" and 
inserting in lieu thereof "received by that Secretary"; 
(G) by striking out "needed by the Secretary" and insert-
ing in lieu thereof "needed by the other Secretary"; 
(H) by striking out "by the Administrator to the Sec-
retary;" and inserting in lieu thereof "by the Secretary 
receiving the application to the other Secretary."; 
(I) by striking out "and a copy" and all that follows 
through "to the Administrator."; and 
(J) by striking out "the Secretary and the Administrator" 
in the last sentence and inserting in lieu thereof "the 
Secretary and the Secretary of Health and Human Serv-
ices", 
(c) REFERENCES TO CHIEF LAW OFFICER.—Section 7104(c) is amend-
ed by striking out "chief law officer" and inserting in lieu thereof 
"chief legal officer of the Department". 
SEC. 5. REDESIGNATION OF SECTIONS OF CHAPTERS 11 THROUGH 42. 
(a) REDESIGNATION OF SECTIONS TO CONFORM TO CHAPTER NUM-
BERS.—Each section contained in any of chapters 11 through 23 is 
redesignated by replacing the first digit of the section number with 
the number of the chapter containing that section. Each section 
contained in any of chapters 24 through 42 is redesignated so that 
the first two digits of the section number of that section are the 
same as the chapter number of the chapter containing that section. 
(b) TABLES OF SECTIONS AND CHAPTERS.—(1) The tables of sections 
at the beginning of the chapters referred to in subsection (a) are 
revised so as to conform the section references in those tables to the 
redesignations made by that subsection. 
(2) The table of chapters before part I and the tables of chapters at 
the beginning of parts I, II, and III are revised so as to conform the 
section references in those tables to the redesignations made by 
subsection (a). 
(c) CROSS-REFERENCES.—(1) Each provision of title 38, United 
States Code, that contains a reference to a section redesignated by 
subsection (a) is amended so that the reference refers to the section 
as redesignated. 
(2) Any reference in a provision of law other than title 38, United 
States Code, to a section redesignated by subsection (a) shall be 
deemed to refer to the section as so redesignated. 
38 use 101 note. 
(d) RuLE FOR EXECUTION.—The redesignations made by subsection 
(a) and the amendments made by subsections (b) and (c) shall be 
executed after any other amendments made by this Act. 
PUBLIC LAW 102-83—AUG. 6, 1991 
105 STAT. 407 
SEC. 6. CONFORMING AMENDMENTS TO OTHER VETERANS LAWS TO RE-
FLECT THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE DEPARTMENT OF VETER-
ANS AFFAIRS. 
(a) PuBuc LAW 94-581.—Section 105(b) of the Veterans Omnibus 
Health Care Act of 1976 (Public Law 94-581; 38 U.S.C. 619 note) is 38 use 618 note, 
amended— 
(1) by striking out "Administrator is authorized to" and 
inserting in lieu thereof "Secretary of Veterans Affairs may"; 
(2) by striking out "Veterans' Administration" the first place 
it appears and inserting in lieu thereof "Department of Veter-
ans Affairs"; 
(3) by striking out "Veterans' Administration facilities and 
personnel" and inserting in lieu thereof "facilities and person-
nel of the Department"; 
(4) by striking out "Veterans' Administration health care 
facilities" and inserting in lieu thereof "health care facilities of 
the Department"; 
(5) by striking out "Administrator deems" and inserting in 
lieu thereof "Secretary considers"; and 
(6) by striking out "Administrator" both places it appears in 
paragraph (2) and inserting in lieu thereof "Secretary". 
(b) PuBUC LAW 95-202.—Section 401 of the GI Bill Improvement 
Act of 1977 (38 U.S.C. 106 note) is amended by striking out "laws 
administered by the Veterans' Administration" in subsections (a)(1) 
and (bX2) and inserting in lieu thereof "laws administered by the 
Secretary of Veterans Affairs". 
(c) PuBUC LAW 95-588.—Section 306 of the Veterans' and Survi-
vors' Pension Improvement Act of 1978 (38 U.S.C. 521 note) is 
amended— 
(1) by striking out "Administrator" in subsection (a)(lXA) and 
inserting in lieu thereof "Secretary of Veterans Affairs (herein-
after in this section referred to as the 'Secretary')"; 
(2) by striking out "Administrator of Veterans' Affairs" in 
subsections (aX3), (bX2)(A), and (e) and inserting in lieu thereof 
"Secretary"; and 
(3) by striking out "Administrator" in subsection (bX4) and 
inserting in lieu thereof "Secretary". 
(d) PuBUC LAW 96-22.—Section 103(b) of the Veterans' Health 
Care Amendments of 1979 (Public Law 96-22; 38 U.S.C. 612A note) is 
amended by striking out "the date of the enactment of this Act, the 
Administrator of Veterans' Affairs" and inserting in lieu thereof 
"June 13,1979, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs". 
(e) PuBUC LAW 96-128.—Section 502 of the Veterans' Disability 
Clompensation and Survivors' Benefits Amendments of 1979 (Public 
Law 96-128; 93 Stat. 987) is amended— 
26 USC 6103 
(1) by striking out "Administrator of Veterans' Affairs" and ^°*®-
inserting in lieu thereof "Secretary of Veterans Affairs"; 
(2) by striking out "such Administrator" both places it ap-
pears and inserting in lieu thereof "such Secretary"; and 
(3) by striking out "Veterans' Administration" and inserting 
in lieu thereof "Department of Veterans Affairs". 
(f) PUBLIC LAW 98-160.—Section 302 of the Veterans Health Care 
Amendments of 1983 (Public Law 98-160; 38 U.S.C. 601 note) is 
amended— 
105 STAT. 408 
PUBLIC LAW 102-83—AUG. 6, 1991 
(1) by striking out "The Administrator of Veterans' Affairs" 
and inserting in lieu thereof "The Secretary of Veterans Af-
fairs"; 
(2) by striking out "the Administrator" and inserting in lieu 
thereof "the Secretary"; and 
(3) by striking out "Department of Medicine and Surgery" 
and inserting in lieu thereof "Veterans Health Administra-
tion". 
(g) PUBLIC LAW 99-238.—Section 202 of the Veterans' Compensa-
tion Rate Increase and Job Training Amendments of 1985 (38 U.S.C. 
1516 note) is amended— 
(1) by striking out "Administrator of Veterans' Affairs" in 
subsection (a) and inserting in lieu thereof "Secretary of Veter-
ans Affairs"; and 
(2) by striking out "Administrator" in subsection (b) and 
inserting in lieu thereof "Secretary of Veterans Affairs". 
(h) PuBUC LAW 99-576.—Section 232 of the Veterans' Benefits 
Improvement and Health-Care Authorization Act of 1986 (38 U.S.C. 
354 note) is amended as follows: 
(1) Subsection (a) is amended by striking out "Administrator 
of Veterans' Affairs" and inserting in lieu thereof "Secretary of 
Veterans Affairs". 
(2) Subsection (b) is amended by striking out "Veterans' 
Administration" each place it appears and inserting in lieu 
thereof "Department of Veterans Affairs". 
(3) Subsection (c) is amended by striking out "before the date 
of the enactment of this Act, the Administrator" and inserting 
in lieu thereof "before October 28,1986, the Secretary". 
(4) Subsection (d) is amended— 
(A) by striking out "Administrator" both places it ap-
pears and inserting in lieu thereof "Secretary of Veterans 
Affairs"; 
(B) by striking out "Veterans' Administration" each place 
it appears and inserting in lieu thereof "Department of 
Veterans Affairs"; 
(C) by striking out "the Department of Veterans' Benefits 
and the Department of Medicine and Surgery" in para-
graph (1)(A) and inserting in lieu thereof "the Veterans 
Benefits Administration and the Veterans Health Adminis-
:, 
tration"; and 
(D) by striking out "after the enactment of this Act" and 
inserting in lieu thereof "after October 28,1986". 
(5) Subsection (e) is amended by striking out "Administrator" 
both places it appears and inserting in lieu thereof "Secretary 
of Veterans Affairs''. 
(i) PuBUC LAW 100-198.—Section 9 of the Veterans' Home Loan 
Program Improvements and Property Rehabilitation Act of 1987 (38 
38 use 1820 
U.S.C. 1823 note) is amended— 
note. 
(1) by striking out "Administrator of Veterans' Affairs" in 
subsections (a)(1) and (b)(1) and inserting in lieu thereof "Sec-
retary of Veterans Affairs"; 
(2) by striking out "Administrator" each additional place it 
• - 
appears in subsections (a) and (b) and inserting in lieu thereof 
"Secretary of Veterans Affairs"; 
(3) by striking out "Veterans' Administration's ability" in 
i 
subsection (aX3)(A) and inserting in lieu thereof "ability of the 
Department of Veterans Affairs'; and 
PUBLIC LAW 102-83—AUG. 6, 1991 
105 STAT. 409 
(4) by striking out "Veterans' Administration" in subsections 
(a)(3)(A)(i) and (a)(3)(C) and inserting in lieu thereof "Depart-
ment of Veterans Affairs", 
(j) PUBLIC LAW 100-322.—The Veterans' Benefits and Services Act 
of 1988 (Public Law 100-322) is amended as follows: 
(1) Section 115 (38 U.S.C. 612 note) is amended— 
(A) by striking out "Administrator" in subsection (a)(1) 
and inserting in lieu thereof "Secretary of Veterans Af-
fairs"; 
(B) by striking out "Administrator" each place it appears 
in subsections (a)(2), (b), and (c) and inserting in lieu thereof 
"Secretary"; and 
(C) by striking out "Veterans' Administration" each place 
it appears (other than in subsection (e)) and inserting in lieu 
thereof "Department of Veterans Affairs". 
(2) Section 123 (38 U.S.C. 210 note) is amended— 
(A) by striking out "Administrator" in subsection (a) and 
inserting in lieu thereof "Secretary of Veterans Affairs"; 
(B) by striking out "Administrator" each place it appears 
in subsections (b) and (c) and inserting in lieu thereof 
"Secretary"; and 
(C) by striking out "Veterans' Administration" each place 
it appears and inserting in lieu thereof "Department of 
(3) Section 124 (38 u'.S.C. 4133 note) is amended— 
38 use 7333 
(A) by striking out "Administrator" in subsection (a) and "°*®-
inserting in lieu thereof "Secretary of Veterans Affairs"; 
(B) by striking out "Administrator" each place it appears 
in subsection (b) and inserting in lieu thereof "Secretary"; 
(C) by striking out "Veterans' Administration" the first 
two places it appears and inserting in lieu thereof "Depart-
ment of Veterans Affairs"; and 
(D) by striking out "Veterans' Administration" the last 
place it appears and inserting in lieu thereof "Depart-
ment". 
(k) PuBUC LAW 100-687.—The Veterans' Benefits Improvement 
Act of 1988 (division B of Public Law 100-687) is amended as follows: 
(1) Section 1203 (102 Stat. 4125) is amended by striking out 
"laws administered by the Veterans' Administration" and 
inserting in lieu thereof "laws administered by the Secretary of 
V^6tGr3.iis A^fPflirs 
(2) Section 1204 (102 Stat. 4125; 38 U.S.C. 241 note) is 
amended— 
(A) by striking out "The Administrator" in subsections (a) 
and Ot)) and inserting in lieu thereof "The Secretary of 
Veterans Affairs"; 
(B) by striking out "Veterans' Administration" in subsec-
tion (b) and inserting in lieu thereof "Department of Veter-
ans Affairs"; and 
(C) by striking out "the Administrator" both places it 
appears in subsection (b) and inserting in lieu thereof "the 
S©crGtfl.rv'' 
(3) Section 1404 (102 Stat. 4131; 38 U.S.C. 210 note) is 
amended— 
(A) by striking out "Veterans' Administration" both 
places it appears in subsection (a) and inserting in lieu 
thereof "Department of Veterans Affairs"; 
105 STAT. 410 
PUBLIC LAW 102-83—AUG. 6, 1991 
(B) by striking out "the Administrator" the first place it 
appears in subsection (a) and inserting in lieu thereof "the 
Secretary of Veterans Affairs"; 
(C) by striking out "the Administrator and the Secretary" 
in subsections (a) and (b) and inserting in lieu thereof "the 
Secretary of Veterans Affairs and the Secretary of Labor"; 
(D) by striking out "the Administrator" the first place it 
appears in subsection (b) and inserting in lieu thereof "the 
Secretary of Veterans Affairs"; and 
(E) by striking out "the Administrator or the Secretary" 
in the third sentence of subsection (b) and inserting in lieu 
thereof "the Secretary of Veterans Affairs or the Secretary 
of Labor". 
SEC. 7. GENERAL SAVINGS PROVISIONS. 
38 use prec. 101 
(a) REFERENCES TO REPLACED LAWS.—A reference to a provision of 
^°^- 
title 38, United States Code, replaced by a provision of that title 
enacted by section 2 (including a reference in a regulation, order, or 
other law) shall be treated as referring to the corresponding provi-
sion enacted by this Act. 
(b) SAVINGS PROVISION FOR REGULATIONS.—A regulation, rule, or 
order in effect under a provision of title 38, United States Code, 
replaced by a provision of that title enacted by section 2 shall 
continue in effect under the corresponding provision enacted by this 
Act until repealed, amended, or superseded. 
(c) GENERAL SAVINGS PROVISION.—An action taken or an offense 
committed under a provision of title 38, United States Code, re-
placed by a provision of that title enacted by section 2 shall be 
treated as having been taken or committed under the corresponding 
provision enacted by this Act. 
Approved August 6, 1991. 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY—H.R. 2525: 
CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, Vol. 137 (1991): 
June 25, considered and passed House. 
July 22, considered and passed Senate.