Veterans Health Care Amendments of 1983
PL 98-160 (H.R.2920), enacted 11/21/1983

PUBLIC LAW 98-160—NOV. 21, 1983 
97 STAT. 993 
Public Law 98-160 
98th Congress 
An Act 
To amend title 38, United States Code, to extend and improve various health-care and 
other programs of the Veterans' Administration; and for other purposes. 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled, 
SHORT TITLE; A M E N D M E N T S TO TITLE 38, UNITED STATES CODE 
SECTION 1. (a) This Act may be cited £is the "Veterans' Health 
Care Amendments of 1983". 
(b) Except as otherwise expressly provided, whenever in this Act 
an amendment is expressed in terms of an amendment to a section 
or other provision, the reference shall be considered to be made to a 
section or other provision of title 38, United States Code. 
TITLE I-VETERANS' ADMINISTRATION HEALTH-CARE 
PROGRAMS 
Nov. 21, 1983 
[H.R. 2920] 
Veterans' 
Health Care 
Amendments 
of 1983. 
38 u s e 101 note. 
Report to 
congressional 
committees. 
VIETNAM-ERA VETERANS READJUSTMENT COUNSEUNG PROGRAM 
SEC. 101. (a) Subsection (a) of section 612A is amended by inserting 
38 USC 612A. 
a period after "life" and striking out all that follows in the first 
sentence. 
(b)(1) Paragraph (1) of subsection (g) of such section is amended by 
striking out "September 30, 1984," and "October 1, 1984," and in-
serting in lieu thereof "September 30,1988," and "October 1, 1988,", 
respectively. 
(2) Paragraph (2) of such subsection is amended to read as follows: 
"(2)(A) Not later than April 1, 1987, the Administrator shall 
submit to the Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and 
House of Representatives a report on the Administrator's evaluation 
of the effectiveness in helping to meet the readjustment needs of 
veterans who served on active duty during the Vietnam era of the 
readjustment counseling and mental health services provided pursu-
ant to this section (and of outreach efforts with respect to such 
counseling and services). Such report shall give particular attention, 
in light of the results of the study required by section 102 of the 
Veterans' Health Care Amendments of 1983, to the provision of such 
Post, p. 994. 
counseling and services to veterans with post-traumatic stress disor-
der and to the diagnosis and treatment of such disorder. 
"(B) The report required by subparagraph (A) of this paragraph 
shall include— 
"(i) the opinion of the Administrator with respect to (I) the 
extent to which the readjustment needs of veterans who served 
on active duty during the Vietnam era remain unmet, and (II) 
the extent to which the provision of readjustment counseling 
services under this section in a program providing such services 
through facilities situated apart from Veterans' Administration 
health-care facilities is needed to meet such needs; and 
11-194 O - 85 ~ 
33 
QL 3 
97 STAT. 994 
PUBLIC LAW 98-160—NOV. 21, 1983 
Report to 
congressional 
committees. 
''(ii) in light of the opinion submitted pursuant to clause (i) of 
this subparagraph, such recommendations for amendments to 
paragraph (1) of this subsection and for other legislative and 
administrative 
action 
as 
the 
Administrator 
considers 
appropriate. 
"(3) Not later than July 1,1987, the Administrator shall submit to 
such committees a report containing a description of the plans made 
and timetable for carrying out paragraph (1) of this subsection.". 
38 u s e 612A 
note. 
Report to 
congressional 
committees. 
STUDY OF POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER AND OTHER POST-WAR 
PSYCHOLOGICAL PROBLEMS 
SEC. 102. (a)(1) The Administrator of Veterans' Affairs shall pro-
vide for the conduct of a comprehensive study of the prevalence and 
incidence in the population of Vietnam veterans of post-traumatic 
stress disorder and other psychological problems in readjusting to 
civilian life (hereinafter in this section collectively referred to as 
"post-war psychological problems") and of the effects of post-war 
psychological problems on such veterans, with particular attention 
to veterans who have service-connected disabilities and with specific 
reference to women veterans. 
(2) The study required by this subsection— 
(A) shall be designed to yield information regarding any 
statistical correlations— 
(i) between post-war psychological problems and physical 
disabilities (by type of disability) in the population of Viet-
nam veterans; 
(ii) between post-war psychological problems and alcohol 
and drug abuse in such population; 
(iii) between veterans in such population having post-war 
psychological problems and being members of minority 
groups; and 
(iv) between post-war psychological problems in such pop-
ulation and the incarceration of such veterans in penal 
institutions; 
(B) shall include an evaluation of the long-term effects of post-
war psychological problems among Vietnam veterans on the 
families of such veterans (and on persons in other primary 
social relationships with such veterans); and 
(C) shall include a survey of the extent to which Vietnam 
veterans with post-war psychological problems use care fur-
nished by the Veterans' Administration. 
(b) Not later than October 1,1986, the Administrator shall submit 
to the Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and House of 
Representatives a report on the results of the study required by 
subsection (a). Such report shall contain— 
(Da description of the results of the study; 
(2) information regarding the capability of the Veterans' 
Administration to provide treatment to the number of veterans 
estimated in such study to be suffering from post-war psycho-
logical problems; 
(3) descriptions of the policies and procedures of the Veterans' 
Administration with respect to providing disability compensa-
tion for post-war psychological problems; 
(4) a description of the activities of the Administrator in 
attempting to coordinate Veterans' Administration health-care 
PUBLIC LAW 98-160—NOV. 21, 1983 
97 STAT. 995 
and compensation programs with respect to post-traumatic 
stress disorder; and 
(5) such recommendations for administrative and legislative 
action as the Administrator considers appropriate in light of the 
results of the study. 
(c) For the purpose of this section: 
(1) The terms "veteran", "service-connected", and "active 
duty" have the meanings provided in sections 101 (2), (16), and 
(21), respectively, of title 38, United States Code. 
(2) The term "Vietnam veteran" means a veteran who served 
on active duty in the Republic of Vietnam or elsewhere in the 
Vietnam theater of operations during the Vietnam era (as 
defined in section 101(29) of such title). 
Definitions. 
ADULT DAY HEALTH-CARE SERVICES 
SEC. 103. (a)(1) Section 620 is amended by adding at the end the 38 use 620. 
following new subsection: 
"(f)(lXA) The Administrator is authorized to furnish adult day 
health care as provided for in this subsection. For the purpose only 
of authorizing the furnishing of such care and specifying the terms 
and conditions under which it may be furnished to veterans needing 
such care— 
"(i) references to 'nursing home care' in subsections (a) 
through (d) of this section shall be deemed to be references to 
'adult day health care'; and 
"(ii) a veteran who is eligible for medical services under 
section 612(fK2) of this title shall be deemed to be a veteran 
described in subsection (a)(1) of this section. 
"(B) The Administrator may provide in-kind assistance (through 
the services of Veterans' Administration employees and the sharing 
of other Veterans' Administration resources) to a facility furnishing 
care to veterans under subparagraph (A) of this paragraph. Any 
such in-kind assistance shall be provided under a contract between 
the Veterans' Administration and the facility concerned. The Ad- Reimbursement. 
ministrator may provide such assistance only for use solely in the 
furnishing of adult day health care and only if, under such contract, 
the Veterans' Administration receives reimbursement for the full 
cost of such assistance, including the cost of services and supplies 
and normal depreciation and amortization of equipment. Such reim-
bursement may be made by reduction in the charges to the United 
States or by payment to the United States. Any funds received 
through such reimbursement shall be credited to funds allotted to 
the Veterans' Administration facility that provided the assistance. 
"(2) The Administrator may conduct, at facilities over which the 
Administrator has direct jurisdiction, programs for the furnishing of 
adult day health care to veterans who are eligible for such care 
under paragraph (1) of this subsection, except that necessary travel 
and incidental expenses (or transportation in lieu thereof) may be 
furnished under such a program only under the terms and condi-
tions set forth in section 111 of this title. The furnishing of care 
under any such program shall be subject to the limitations that are 
applicable to the duration of adult day health care furnished under 
paragraph (1) of this subsection. 
"(3) Adult day health care may not be furnished under this section Restriction. 
after September 30,1988.". 
(2) The heading of such section is amended to read as follows: 
97 STAT. 996 
PUBLIC LAW 98-160—NOV. 21, 1983 
Study. 
38 u s e 620 note. 
Report to 
congressional 
committees. 
"§ 620. Transfers for nursing home care; adult day health care". 
(3) The item relating to such section in the table of sections at the 
beginning of chapter 17 is amended to read as follows: 
"620. Transfers for nursing home care; adult day health care.". 
(b) If the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs furnishes adult day 
health care under section 620(f) of title 38, United States Code (as 
added by subsection (a)), the Administrator shall conduct a study of 
the medical efficacy and cost-effectiveness of furnishing such care as 
an alternative for nursing home care and of the comparative advan-
tages and disadvantages of providing such care through facilities 
that are not under the direct jurisdiction of the Administrator and 
through facilities that are under the direct jurisdiction of the 
Administrator. 
(c) Not later than February 1, 1988, the Administrator shall 
submit to the Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and 
House of Representatives a report containing— 
(1) the results of the study conducted under subsection (b) (if 
such a study is conducted); 
(2) the Administrator's recommendation with respect to ex-
tending or repealing the date in subsection (f)(3) of section 620 of 
title 38, United States Code (as added by subsection (a)); and 
(3) any other recommendation that the Administrator con-
siders appropriate for legislative and administrative action with 
respect to the furnishing of such care. 
COMMUNITY RESIDENTIAL CARE 
SEC. 104. (a) Subchapter III of chapter 17 is amended by adding at 
the end the following new section: 
38 use 630. 
"§ 630. Community residential care 
"(a)(1) Subject to this section and regulations to be prescribed by 
the Administrator under this section, the Administrator may assist 
a veteran by referring such veteran for placement in, and aiding 
such veteran in obtaining placement in, a community residential-
care facility i
f
— 
"(A) at the time of initiating the assistance the Admin-
istrator— 
"(i) is furnishing the veteran medical services on an 
outpatient basis or hospital, domiciliary, or nursing home 
care; or 
"(ii) has furnished the veteran such care or services 
within the preceding 12 months; and 
"(B) placement of the veteran in a community residential-care 
facility is appropriate. 
"(bXD The Administrator may not provide Eissistance under sub-
section (a) of this section with respect to a community residential-
care facility unless such facility is approved by the Administrator 
for the purposes of this section. 
"(2) The Administrator's approval of a facility for the purposes of 
this section shall be based upon the Administrator's determination, 
after inspection of the facility, that the facility meets the standards 
Standards. 
established in regulations prescribed under this section. Such stand-
ards shall include the following: 
PUBLIC LAW 98-160—NOV. 21, 1983 
97 STAT. 997 
Inspections. 
"(A) Health and safety criteria, including a requirement of 
compliance with applicable State laws and local ordinances 
relating to health and safety. 
"(B) A requirement that the costs charged for care by a 
facility be reasonable, as determined by the Administrator, 
giving consideration to such factors as (i) the level of care, 
supervision, and other services to be provided, (ii) the cost of 
goods and services in the geographic area in which the facility is 
located, and (iii) comparability with other facilities in such area 
providing similar services. 
"(C) Criteria for determining the resources that a facility 
needs in order to provide an appropriate level of services to 
veterans. 
"(D) Such other criteria as the Administrator determines are 
appropriate to protect the welfare of veterans placed in a 
facility under this section. 
"(3) Payment of the charges of a community residential-care 
Payment 
facility for any care or service provided to a veteran whom the 
Administrator has referred to that facility under this section is not 
the responsibility of the United States or of the Veterans' 
Administration. 
"(c)(1) In order to determine continued compliance by community 
residential-care facilities that have been approved under subsection 
(b) of this section with the standards established in regulations 
prescribed under this section, the Administrator shall provide for 
periodic inspection of such facilities. 
"(2) If the Administrator determines that a facility is not in 
compliance with such standards, the Administrator (in accordance 
with regulations prescribed under this section)— 
"(A) shall cease to refer veterans to such facility; and 
"(B) may, with the permission of the veteran (or the person or 
entity authorized by law to give permission on behalf of the 
veteran), assist in removing a veteran from such facility. 
Regulations prescribed to carry out this paragraph shall provide for 
reasonable notice and, upon request made on behalf of the facility, a 
hearing before any action authorized by this paragraph is taken. 
"(d) The Administrator shall prescribe regulations to carry out 
this section. Such regulations shall include the standards required 
by subsection (b) of this section. 
"(e)(1) To the extent possible, the Administrator shall make avail-
able each report of an inspection of a community residential-care 
facility under subsection (bX2) or (c)(1) of this section to each Fed-
eral, State, and local agency charged with the responsibility of 
licensing or otherwise regulating or inspecting such facility. 
"(2) The Administrator shall make the standards prescribed in 
regulations under subsection (d) of this section available to all 
Federal, State, and local agencies charged with the responsibility of 
licensing or otherwise regulating or inspecting community residen-
tial-care facilities. 
"(f) For the purpose of this section, the term 'community residen-
tial-care facility' means a facility that provides room and board and 
such limited personal care for and supervision of residents as the 
Administrator determines, in accordance with regulations pre-
scribed under this section, are necessary for the health, safety, and 
welfare of residents.". 
Regulations. 
Report 
availability. 
"Community 
residential-canj 
facility." 
97 STAT. 998 
PUBLIC LAW 98-160—NOV. 21, 1983 
(b) The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 17 is amended 
by inserting after the item relating to section 629 the following new 
item: 
"630. Community residential care.". 
38 u s e 641. 
Report to 
congressional 
committees. 
Effective date. 
38 u s e 641 note. 
38 u s e 601. 
38 u s e 661. 
38 u s e 663. 
INCREASE IN PER DIEM RATES FOR CARE IN STATE HOMES 
SEC. 105. (a) Section 641 is amended— 
(1) by striking out "$6.35", "12.10", and "$13.25" in subsection 
(a) and inserting in lieu thereof "$7.30", "17.05", and "$15.25", 
respectively; and 
(2) by adding at the end the following new subsection: 
"(c) The Administrator shall submit every three years to the 
Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and House of Repre-
sentatives a report on the adequacy of the rates provided in subsec-
tion (a) of this section in light of projections over each of the 
following five years of the demand on the Veterans' Administration 
for the provision of nursing home care to veterans eligible for such 
care under this section and sections 610 and 620 of this title. The 
first such report shall be submitted not later than June 30, 1986.". 
(b) The amendments made by subsection (a) shall take effect on 
April 1,1984. 
PREVENTIVE HEALTH-CARE SERVICES 
SEC. 106. (a) Section 601(6)(AXi) is amended by inserting "(in the 
case of a person otherwise receiving care or services under this 
chapter) preventive health-care services as defined in section 662 of 
this title," after "podiatric services,". 
(b) Section 661 is amended— 
(1) by striking out "under which the Administrator may 
attempt to" and inserting in lieu thereof "in order to help"; 
(2) by inserting "veterans otherwise being furnished care or 
services under this chapter, including" after "certain" the first 
place it appears; 
(3) by striking out "for certain" the second place it appears; 
and 
(4) by striking out "treatment" and inserting in lieu thereof 
"care or services". 
(c) Section 663 is amended— 
(1) in subsection (a)(1)— 
(A) by striking out "may" and inserting in lieu thereof 
"shall, during fiscal years 1984 through 1988,"; 
(B) by inserting "otherwise being fiirnished care or serv-
ices under this chapter" after "title"; 
(C) by striking out "and treatment" and inserting in lieu 
thereof "or services"; and 
(D) by adding at the end the following new sentence: "In 
carrying out the pilot program under this subchapter, the 
Administrator may furnish such preventive health-care 
services to any other veteran described in section 612(f)(2) of 
this title."; 
(2) by striking out subsection (b) and redesignating subsec-
tions (c) and (d) as subsections (b) and (c), respectively; and 
(3) in subsection (c) (as so redesignated), by striking out "fiscal 
year 1984" and inserting in lieu thereof "each of fiscal years 
1984 through 1988". 
PUBLIC LAW 98-160—NOV. 21, 1983 
97 STAT. 999 
(d) Section 664 is amended by inserting "for each of fiscal years 
1984 through 1988" after "Ck)ngress". 
38 u s e 664. 
REPORT ON HEALTH-CARE NEEDS OF VETERANS IN PUERTO RICO 
SEC. 107. Not later than December 1, 1983, the Administrator of 
Veterans' Affairs shall submit to the Committees on Veterans' 
Affairs of the Senate and House of Representatives a report contain-
ing the plans of the Administrator, and the reasons therefor, for 
meeting the health-care needs of veterans in the Commonwealth of 
Puerto Rico and in the Virgin Islands who are eligible for health 
care under chapter 17 of title 38, United States Code, and, particu-
larly, the health-care needs of veterans whose disabilities are service 
connected. Such report (1) shall take into account the report by the 
Veterans' Administration's Office of Inspector General entitled 
"Report of Special Audit, Veterans' Administration Medical and 
Regional Office Center, San Juan, Puerto Rico (Report No. 3R2-
A05-043)", dated February 22, 1983, and (2) shall include, with 
respect to each construction project (if any) that the Administrator 
recommends in such plans and for which a prospectus would be 
required under section 5004(b) of such title if such project were 
proposed to the Congress by the President or the Administrator, a 
prospectus that meets the requirements of such section. 
Submittal to 
congressional 
committees. 
38 u s e 601 et 
seq. 
38 u s e 5004. 
38 u s e 521. 
BENEFICIARY TRAVEL 
SEC. 108. (aXD If by January 1, 1984, the Administrator of Vet- 38 use in note. 
erans' Affairs has not prescribed the regulations that the Adminis-
trator is required by subsection (eX2)(A) of section HI of title 38, 
United States Code, to prescribe, pajnnents for travel that occurs 
during the period beginning on such date and ending on the day on 
which the Administrator prescribes such regulations may not be 
made under such section to any person except— 
(A) a person receiving benefits under such title for or in 
connection with a service-connected disability; 
(B) a veteran receiving or eligible to receive pension under 
section 521 of such title; or 
(C) a person whose travel to a Veterans' Administration 
facility was required to be performed by a special mode of 
transportation and such travel (i) was authorized by the Admin-
istrator before such travel, or (ii) was in connection with a 
medical emergency of such a nature that the delay incident to 
obtaining authorization under subclause (i) would have been 
hazardous to the person's life or health. 
(2) For the purpose of this subsection, the term "service-
connected" has the meaning given such term in section 101(16) of 
title 38, United States Code. 
(b) The Administrator of Veterans' Affairs shall review the 
making of payments under section 111 for the purpose of effecting 
management improvements and economies in the making of such 
pajnnents. Not later than April 1, 1984, the Administrator shall 
submit to the Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and 
House of Representatives a report describing and explaining the 
results of such review and including any recommendation for legis-
lative and administrative action that the Administrator considers 
appropriate. 
"Service-
connected.' 
Report to 
congressional 
committees. 
97 STAT. 1000 
PUBLIC LAW 98-160—NOV. 21, 1983 
TITLE II—PROVISIONS TO IMPROVE THE RECRUITMENT 
AND 
RETENTION 
OF 
CERTAIN 
HEALTH-CARE 
PERSONNEL 
AUTHORITY FOR CERTAIN APPOINTMENTS 
38 use 4104. 
SEC. 201. Section 4104 is amended— 
(1) by striking out "physical therapists," in paragraph (2); 
(2) by striking out "bacteriologists" in paragraph (2) and 
inserting in lieu thereof "microbiologists"; 
(3) by striking out the period at the end of paragraph (2) and 
inserting in lieu thereof a semicolon; and 
(4) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: 
"(3) Certified or registered respiratory therapists, licensed 
physical therapists, and licensed practical or vocational 
nurses.". 
QUALIFICATIONS OF APPOINTEES 
38 use 4105. 
SEC. 202. (a) Section 4105(a) is amended— 
(1) by striking out "Physicians" in clause (1) and inserting in 
lieu thereof "Physician"; 
(2) by striking out clauses (8) and (9); 
(3) by redesignating clause (10) as clause (8) and by striking 
out the period at the end of such clause and inserting in lieu 
thereof a semicolon and "and"; and 
(4) by adding at the end the following new clause: 
"(9) Physician assistant, expanded-function dental auxiliary, 
certified or registered respiratory therapist, licensed physical 
therapist, licensed practical or vocational nurse, occupational 
therapist, dietitian, microbiologist, chemist, biostatistician, 
medical technologist, dental technologist, or other position— 
"have such medical, dental, scientific, or technical qualifica-
tions as the Administrator shall prescribe.". 
O
t
)
) Section 41050t)) is amended by striking out "as physician" and 
all that follows through "auxiliary" and inserting in lieu thereof "to 
a position listed in section 4104(1) of this title". 
APPOINTMENTS AND PROMOTIONS 
38 use 4106. 
SEC. 203. (a) Section 4106 is amended by adding at the end the 
following new subsection: 
"(g)(1) Upon the recommendation of the Chief Medical Director, 
the Administrator (A) may use the authority in subsection (a) of this 
section to establish the qualifications for and (subject to paragraph 
(2) of this subsection) to appoint individuals to positions listed in 
Supra. 
section 4104(3) of this title, and (B) may use the authority provided 
in subsection (c) of this section for the promotion and advancement 
of Veterans' Administration employees serving in such positions. 
"(2) In using such authority to appoint individuals to such posi-
tions, the Administrator shall apply the principles of preference for 
the hiring of veterans and other persons established in subchapter I 
5 use 3301. 
of chapter 33 of title 5.". 
Publication in 
(b)(1) Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this 
Federal^ 
Act, the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs shall publish in the 
3^usc'^4i06 
Federal Register, for public review and comment for a period of not 
note. 
l6ss than 30 days, proposed regulations for the continued implemen-
PUBLIC LAW 98-160—NOV. 21, 1983 
97 STAT. 1001 
tation of section 4106(g)(2) of title 38, United States Code (as added 
by subsection (a)). 
(2) Not later than 180 days after such date of enactment, the 
Administrator shall publish in the Federal Register final regula-
tions for such implementation. 
Publication in 
Federal 
Register. 
PAY SCALES 
SEC. 204. (a) Subsection (f) of section 4107 is amended— 
38 use 4107. 
(1) by striking out "Under standards which the Administrator 
shall prescribe in regulations, physician" and inserting in lieu 
thereof "Physician"; and 
(2) by adding at the end the following new sentences: "Not-
withstanding any other provision of law, when the Administra-
tor determines it to be necessary in order to obtain or retain the 
services of certified or registered respiratory therapists, licensed 
physical therapists, or licensed practical or vocational nurses, 
the Administrator may, on a nationwide, local, or other geo-
graphic basis, pay persons employed in such positions additional 
pay on the same basis as provided for nurses in subsection (e) 
of this section. The Administrator shall prescribe by regula- Regulations, 
tion standards for compensation and payment under this 
subsection.". 
(b)(1) Paragraph (1)(A) of subsection (g) of such section is amended 
to read as follows: 
"(A) of individuals employed in positions listed in paragraphs 
(1) and (3) of section 4104 of this title; or". 
(2) Paragraph (3) of such subsection is amended by inserting "and 
licensed physical therapists" after "anesthetists". 
(3) Paragraph (4) of such subsection is amended by inserting "with 
respect to health-care personnel described in clause (B) of such 
paragraph" after "subsection". 
MEMBERSHIP OF DISCIPUNARY BOARDS 
SEC. 205. The second sentence of section 4110(a) is amended to 
read as follows: "The majority of employees on a disciplinary board 
shall be employed in the same category of position as the employee 
who is the subject of the charges.". 
38 u s e 4110. 
APPOINTMENT OF ADDITIONAL CIVIL SERVICE EMPLOYEES 
SEC. 206. Section 4111 is amended— 
(1) by inserting "(a)" before "There"; 
(2) by striking out "paragraph (1)" and inserting in lieu 
thereof "paragraphs (1) and (3)"; and 
(3) by adding at the end the following new subsection: 
"(b) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Administra-
tor, after considering an individual's existing pay, higher or unique 
qualifications, or the special needs of the Veterans' Administration, 
may appoint the individual to a position in the Department of 
Medicine and Surgery providing direct patient-care services or serv-
ices incident to direct patient-services at a rate of pay above the 
minimum rate of the appropriate grade.". 
38 use 4111. 
97 STAT. 1002 
PUBLIC LAW 98-160—NOV. 21, 1983 
Submittal to 
congressional 
committees. 
94 Stat. 1040. 
Submittal to 
congressional 
committees. 
Submittal to 
congressional 
committees. 
REPORT ON STATUS OF RECOMMENDATIONS 
SEC. 207. (a)(1) Not later than January 1, 1984, the Administrator 
of Veterans' Affairs and the Director of the Office of Personnel 
Management shall submit to the Committees on Veterans' Affairs of 
the Senate and House of Representatives (hereinafter in this section 
referred to as "the Committees") a joint report regarding the status 
of efforts to carry out the recommendations made in the report, 
prepared pursuant to section 117 of Public Law 96-330, entitled 
"Study of the Feasibility and Desirability of Converting Selected 
Health Care Occupations to title 38, United States Code", and 
transmitted by the Administrator to the Committees on September 
1, 1982 (hereinafter in this section referred to as the "1982 report"). 
(2) The report required by paragraph (1) shall contain— 
(A) with respect to each recommendation in the 1982 report, 
information on the decision that has been made as to whether 
such recommendation is being implemented in the manner 
described in the report and, if not, as to whether it is to be 
implemented in a modified form or not implemented and a 
statement of the reasons for such decision, and of the position of 
each agency with respect to such recommendation and such 
decision; 
(B) the timetable for the actions planned for the implementa-
tion of each recommendation that is being implemented either 
in its original form or as modified; 
(C) any further recommendation of the Administrator or 
Director, or both, for legislative or administrative action, or 
both, relating to the subject matter of the 1982 report; and 
(D) such other information relating to the subject matter of 
the 1982 report as the Administrator or the Director, or both, 
consider appropriate. 
(b)(1) Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this 
Act, the Administrator shall submit to the Committees a report on 
the implementation of the amendments made by this title. The 
report shall include— 
(A) a description of the steps taken, as of the submission of the 
report, to exercise the authorities provided by such amendments 
and the justification for such steps; 
(B) a description of the steps planned, as of the submission of 
the report, to be taken to exercise such authorities (including 
the timetable for the implementation of such steps) and the 
justification for such steps; and 
(C) a description and justification of the extent to which such 
authorities have not been or are not planned to be exercised. 
(2) Not later than September 30, 1985, the Administrator shall 
submit to the Committees a report containing— 
(A) descriptions of (i) the results of the exercise of the authori-
ties provided in the amendments made by this title, and (ii) the 
efforts under section 4101(b) of title 38, United States Code, to 
develop and carry out programs of education and training for 
career advancement for nursing assistants, noncertified, non-
registered inhalation therapists, and other personnel employed 
in the Department of Medicine and Surgery who provide either 
direct patient-care services or services incident to direct patient-
care services; 
(B) an evaluation of the effects of both the exercise of such 
authorities and such programs on the recruitment and reten-
PUBLIC LAW 98-160—NOV. 21, 1983 
97 STAT. 1003 
tion of Veterans' Administration employees, on such employees' 
productivity and morale, and on such employees' effectiveness 
in carrying out the missions of the Veterans' Administration; 
and 
(C) such recommendations for administrative or legislative 
action, or both, as the Administrator considers appropriate in 
light of such evaluation. 
TITLE III—WOMEN VETERANS 
ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON WOMEN VETERANS 
SEC. 301. (a) Chapter 3 is amended by inserting after section 221 
the following new section: 
"§ 222. Advisory Committee on Women Veterans 
"(a) The Administrator shall establish an advisory committee to 
be known as the Advisory Committee on Women Veterans (herein-
after in this section referred to as 'the Committee'). 
"(b)(1)(A) The Committee shall consist of members appointed by 
the Administrator 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 a representative of the Secre-
tary of Labor designated by the Secretary after consultation 
with the Assistant Secretary of Labor for 
Veterans' 
Employment); 
"(ii) the Secretary of Defense (or a representative of the 
Secretary of Defense designated by the Secretary after consulta-
tion with the Defense Advisory Committee on Women in the 
Services); and 
"(iii) the Chief Medical Director and Chief Benefits Director, 
or their designees. 
"(C) The Administrator may invite representatives of other de-
partments and agencies of the United States to participate in the 
meetings and other activities of the Committee. 
"(2) The Administrator shall determine the number, terms of 
service, and pay and allowances of members of the Committee 
appointed by the Administrator, except that a term of service of any 
such member may not exceed 3 years. The Administrator may 
reappoint any such member for additional terms of service. 
"(c) The Administrator shall, on a regular basis, consult with and 
seek the advice of the Committee with respect to— 
"(1) the administration of benefits by the Veterans' Adminis-
tration for women veterans; 
"(2) reports and studies pertaining to women veterans; and 
"(3) the needs of women veterans with respect to compensa-
tion, health care, rehabilitation, outreach, and other benefits 
and programs administered by the Veterans' Administration. 
38 u s e 222. 
Membership. 
Terms of service 
pay and 
allowances. 
97 STAT. 1004 
PUBLIC LAW 98-160—NOV. 21, 1983 
Report to 
Administrator. 
Report to 
Congress. 
Report and 
recommendation 
submittal. 
"(d)(1) Not later than July 1, 1984, and not later than July 1 of 
each second year thereafter, the Committee shall submit to the 
Administrator a report on the programs and activities of the Veter-
ans' Administration that pertain to women veterans. Each such 
report shall contain (A) an assessment of the needs of such veterans 
with respect to compensation, health care, rehabilitation, outreach, 
and other benefits and programs administered by the Veterans' 
Administration, (B) a review of the programs and activities of the 
Veterans' Administration designed to meet such needs, and (C) such 
recommendations (including recommendations for administrative 
and legislative action) as the Committee considers appropriate. 
Within 60 days after receiving each such report, the Administrator 
shall submit to the Congress a copy of the report, together with any 
comments concerning the report that the Administrator considers 
appropriate. 
"(2) The Committee may submit to the Administrator such other 
reports 
and 
recommendations 
as 
the 
Committee 
considers 
appropriate. 
"(3) The Administrator shall submit with each annual report 
submitted to the Congress pursuant to section 214 of this title a 
summary of all reports and recommendations of the Committee 
submitted to the Administrator since the previous annual report of 
the Administrator submitted pursuant to such section.". 
(b) The table of sections at the beginning of such chapter is 
amended by inserting after the item relating to section 221 the 
following new item: 
"222. Advisory Committee on Women Veterans.". 
38 u s e 601 note. 
38 u s e 601 et 
seq., 1500 et seq. 
GENDER-SPECIFIC HEALTH-CARE SERVICES 
SEC. 302. The Administrator of Veterans' Affairs shall ensure that 
each health-care facility under the direct jurisdiction of the Admin-
istrator is able, through services made available either by individ-
uals appointed to positions in the Department of Medicine and 
Surgery or under contracts or other agreements made under section 
4117, 5011, or 5053 of title 38, United States Code, to provide 
appropriate care, in a timely fashion, for any gender-specific disabil-
ity (as defined in section 601(1) of such title) of a woman veteran 
eligible for such care under chapter 17 or chapter 31 of such title. 
TITLE IV—VETERANS' ADMINISTRATION REAL PROPERTY 
REAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT 
38 use 5022. 
SEC. 401. Section 5022 is amended— 
(1) by striking out "30 days" in subsection (a)(2)(A) and insert-
ing in lieu thereof "180 days"; and 
(2) by adding at the end the following new subsection: 
"(d) Real property under the jurisdiction of the Administrator 
may not be declared excess by the Administrator and disposed of by 
the General Services Administration or any other entity of the 
Federal Government unless the Administrator determines that the 
property is no longer needed by the Veterans' Administration in 
carrying out its functions.". 
PUBLIC LAW 98-160—NOV. 21, 1983 
97 STAT. 1005 
RELEASE OF REVERSIONARY INTEREST, BILOXI, MISSISSIPPI 
SEC. 402. (a) The Administrator of Veterans' Affairs may execute 
such instruments as may be necessary to release the reversionary 
interest of the United States restricting to use as a public park or 
other public purpose the parcel of land described in subsection (b) 
which is a portion of a larger tract of land previously conveyed by 
the United States to the city of Biloxi, Mississippi, pursuant to the 
Act entitled "An Act to provide for the conveyance of certain real 
property to the city of Biloxi, Mississippi", approved October 4, 1966 
(Public Law 89-629; 80 Stat. 876). 
(b) The parcel of land referred to in subsection (a) is that parcel of 
land, consisting of approximately 7.24 acres, conveyed from the city 
of Biloxi, Mississippi, to Gulf Paving, Incorporated (a corporation 
organized under the laws of the State of Mississippi), by deed of June 
29,1973, recorded at book 65, page 589, in the records of the Office of 
the Chancery Clerk of Harrison County, Mississippi. 
TITLE V—STATUS AND ROLE OF ADMINISTRATOR OF 
VETERANS' AFFAIRS 
CONGRESSIONAL FINDINGS 
SEC. 501. The Congress finds that— 
38 use 210 note. 
(1) the Nation has an historic and deeply-rooted commitment 
to providing benefits and services to those who served in the 
Armed Forces; 
(2) this commitment must be continued and maintained, both 
to fulfill moral obligations to those who served in the past and 
to assure current and potential members of the Armed Forces 
that the Nation's obligations to those who serve will always be 
honored; 
(3) the Veterans' Administration is the principal Federal 
entity responsible for veterans' benefits and programs; 
(4) the Veterans' Administration has a potential population of 
beneficiaries of over 28 million veterans and over 55 million 
survivors and dependents; 
(5) the Veterans' Administration will distribute over $13.8 
billion in income maintenance payments and over $1.5 billion in 
education, training, and rehabilitation assistance payments 
during fiscal year 1984, operates one of the Federal Govern-
ment's two major home loan guaranty programs, with over four 
million loans currently guaranteed, administers the largest 
direct insurance program in the Nation, and operates 108 na-
tional cemeteries and provides burial assistance for nearly 
350,000 deceased veterans annually; 
(6) the Veterans' Administration operates the largest cen-
trally administered health-care system—consisting of, among 
other facilities, 172 hospitals, 226 outpatient clinics, and 99 
nursing home care units—in the United States; 
(7) the Veterans' Administration health-care system serves as 
the primary backup to the medical resources of the Department 
of Defense in time of war or national emergency involving the 
use of the Armed Forces in armed conflict; 
(8) in terms of share of the annual Federal budget, the 
Veterans' Administration ranks sixth among Federal depart-
97 STAT. 1006 
PUBLIC LAW 98-160—NOV. 21, 1983 
Cabinet member, 
designation. 
38 u s e 210 note. 
ments and agencies, and among Federal departments and agen-
cies only the Department of Defense employs more personnel; 
(9) the Administrator of Veterans* Affairs is the principal 
executive branch official responsible for the administration of 
the benefits, services, and programs of the Veterans' Adminis-
tration and for seeking the coordination of veterans' programs 
administered by other Federal departments and agencies; 
(10) there is a need for greater coordination between the 
Veterans' Administration and other Federal entities adminis-
tering veterans programs and between the Veterans' Adminis-
tration and other Federal entities providing similar benefits to 
individuals on a basis other than their status as veterans; 
(11) by virtue of the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs not 
being included in the President's Cabinet, the Administrator 
generally is not included in Cabinet meetings and deliberations 
and generally does not have the ready access to the President 
and senior advisers on the President's staff that Cabinet mem-
bers have; and 
(12) as a consequence. Presidential decisions affecting vet-
erans and the Veterans' Administration are made from time to 
time without an understanding of their full impact on veterans 
and on the Veterans' Administration's performance of its statu-
tory missions. 
SENSE OF THE CONGRESS 
SEC. 502. In view of the findings in section 501, it is the sense of 
the Congress that the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs should be 
designated by the President as a member of, and a full participant 
in all activities of, the Cabinet and as the President's principal 
adviser on all matters relating to veterans and their dependents. 
TITLE VI—RADIATION EXPOSURE STUDY AND GUIDE 
C!ontracts or 
agreements. 
38 u s e 219 note. 
Submittal to 
congressional 
committees. 
RADIATION EXPOSURE STUDY AND GUIDE 
SEC. 601. (aXlXA) Subject to subparagraphs (B) and (C), the Admin-
istrator of Veterans' Affairs, through contracts or agreements with 
private or public agencies or persons and in consultation with the 
Director of the Office of Technology Assessment, shall provide for 
the conduct of epidemiological study of the long-term adverse health 
effects of exposure to ionizing radiation from the detonation of 
nuclear devices in connection with the test of such devices or in 
connection with the American occupation of Hiroshima and Naga-
saki, Japan, during the period beginning on September 11,1945, and 
ending on July 1, 1946, in persons who, while serving in the Armed 
Forces of the United States, were exposed to such radiation. Such 
study shall include, but not necessarily be limited to, a study of 
identifiable prevalent illnesses, including malignancies, in the per-
sons exposed. 
(B) If the Administrator, in consultation with the Director of the 
Office of Technology Assessment, determines that it is not feasible 
to conduct scientifically valid study of any or all of the matters 
required under subparagraph (A) to be studied— 
(i) the Administrator shall promptly submit to the appropri-
ate committees of the Congress notice of that determination and 
the reasons therefor; and 
PUBLIC LAW 98-160—NOV. 21, 1983 
97 STAT. 1007 
(ii) the Director, not later than 60 days after such notice is 
provided, shall submit to such committees a report evaluating 
and commenting on such determination. 
(C) If the Administrator notifies the Congress of a determination 
or determinations made pursuant to subparagraph (B), the matter 
or matters required under subparagraph (A) to be studied to which 
such determination or determinations apply shall not be required to 
be studied. If the Administrator notifies the Congress of a determi-
nation made pursuant to subparagraph (B) that, taken as a whole, 
study under subparagraph (A) is not scientifically feasible, the 
requirement in subparagraph (A) that the Administrator provide for 
the conduct of epidemiological study shall cease to have effect as if 
repealed by law. 
(2) Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this 
Reports to 
Act, the Administrator shall submit to the appropriate committees 
conSilttees 
of the Congress a report on the development of a protocol or 
protocols for study under paragraph (1)(A). With respect to any such 
protocol under consideration for development, or in the process of 
development, that has not been completed by the end of such year, 
the report shall include an estimate of the completion date for such 
protocol and an estimate of the cost to be incurred in developing 
such protocol. 
(3)(A) The Director of the Office of Technology Assessment shall 
monitor the development of the protocol or protocols for, and the 
conduct of, study under paragraph (1)(A) and shall submit to the 
appropriate committees of the Congress, at each of the times speci-
fied in the next sentence, a report on such monitoring. Reports 
under the preceding sentence shall be submitted within 6 months 
after the date of the enactment of this Act, within 12 months after 
such date, within 25 months after such date, and annually there-
after until such study is completed. 
(B) If any protocol to which paragraph (2) applies (or any part of 
such protocol) is not completed by the end of the 12-month period 
beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act, the Director 
shall periodically submit to such committees reports on the status of 
the development of such protocol. 
(4) When the Administrator has entered into a contract or agree-
ment with an agency or person for the conduct of a study under 
paragraph (1)(A), the Administrator and such agency or person shall 
submit to the appropriate committees of the Congress a joint report 
containing a copy of the contract and an estimate of the total cost of 
such study. 
(5)(A) Not later than 24 months after the date of the enactment of 
this Act, and annually thereafter, the Administrator shall submit to 
the appropriate committees of the Congress a report on the status of 
study under paragraph (1)(A). Such report shall contain (i) a descrip-
tion of the progress on and any results obtained under such study, 
and (ii) such comments, and such recommendations for administra-
tive and legislative action, as the Administrator considers appropri-
ate in light of such progress and results. 
(B) The requirement in subparagraph (A) for the submission of 
annual reports shall expire upon the submission of a report after the 
completion of study under paragraph (1)(A). 
(6) A contract to carry out study under paragraph (1)(A) may not 
be entered into unless (A) appropriations for payments under the 
contract have been provided in advance, or (B) the contract provides 
that the obligation of the United States to make payments under the 
97 STAT. 1008 
PUBLIC LAW 98-160—NOV. 21, 1983 
Appropriation 
authorization. 
Guide, 
availability. 
42 u s e 241 note. 
Report to 
congressional 
committees. 
contract is contingent upon the availability of funds appropriated 
for the making of such payments. 
(7) There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be 
necessary for the conduct of study under subsection (a)(1)(A). 
(b) Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this 
Act, the Administrator shall develop and distribute to appropriate 
Veterans' Administration personnel an indexed reference guide, 
derived from existing pertinent research-result compilations, 
designed to provide Veterans' Administration personnel who either 
furnish health care or adjudicate claims for benefits under title 38, 
United States Code, with readily usable information regarding the 
state of medical and other scientific information on any long-term 
adverse health effects in humans of exposure to ionizing radiation, 
including nuclear-device exposure, medical exposure, and occupa-
tional exposure. 
(c)(1) For the purpose of ensuring that any study, research, or 
other activity carried out by the Federal Government with respect 
to adverse health effects in humans from exposure to ionizing 
radiation is scientifically valid and is conducted with efficiency and 
objectivity, the President shall ensure that— 
(A) activities of the Veterans' Administration in connection 
with (i) study under subsection (a)(1)(A), (ii) the development of 
the guide required by subsection (b), and (iii) such additional 
research as may be identified, as a result of such study or the 
development of such guide or otherwise, as necessary for the 
resolution of questions regarding such effects are fully coordi-
nated with studies and other activities which are planned, are 
being conducted, or have been completed by other departments, 
agencies, and instrumentalities of the Federal Government and 
which pertain to such effects, including the radioepidemiologi-
cal tables mandated by section 7 of the Orphan Drug Act (Public 
Law 97-414; 96 Stat. 2059); and 
(B) appropriate coordination and consultation occurs between 
and among the Administrator and the heads of such depart-
ments, agencies, and instrumentalities that may be engaged, 
during the conduct of study under subsection (a)(1)(A), in the 
design, conduct, monitoring, or evaluation of such radiation-
exposure studies or related activities. 
(2) Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this 
Act, the President shall submit to the appropriate committees of the 
Congress a report containing a description of the steps taken and 
plans made to ensure the coordination and consultation required by 
paragraph (1). 
TITLE VII—MISCELLANEOUS AND TECHNICAL 
AMENDMENTS 
HEALTH-CARE EUGIBIUTY 
38 use 610. 
SEC. 701. Clause (3) of section 610(a) is amended by inserting "(A)" 
after "a person" and by inserting a comma and "or (B) who, but for a 
suspension pursuant to section 351 of this title (or both such a 
suspension and the receipt of retired pay), would be entitled to 
disability compensation, but only to the extent that such person's 
continuing eligibility for such care is provided for in the judgment 
or settlement described in such section before the semicolon. 
PUBLIC LAW 98-160—NOV. 21, 1983 
97 STAT. 1009 
TECHNICAL AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 38 
SEC. 702. Title 38 is amended as follows: 
(1) Section 203(b) is amended— 
38 use 203. 
(A) by striking out "An appropriation" and inserting in 
lieu thereof "Any funds appropriated to the Veterans' 
Administration"; and 
(B) by striking out "not" after "and the settlement is". 
(2) Section 301(3) is amended by striking out the semicolon at 
the end and inserting in lieu thereof a period. 
(3) Section 360 is amended by striking out "has suffered (1)" 
and inserting in lieu thereof "(1) has suffered". 
(4) Section 361 is amended by striking out "United States 
Code,". 
(5) Section 719(b) is amended by striking out "subsections" 
each place it appears and inserting in lieu thereof "sections". 
(6) Section 1622(d) is amended by inserting "of this title" after 
"section 1631(a)". 
(7) Section 1623 is amended— 
(A) in subsection (a), by inserting "of this title" after 
"section 1624"; and 
(B) in subsection (d), by inserting "of this title" after 
"section 1622(c)". 
(8) Section 1632 is amended— 
(A) by striking out the comma after "title 31"; and 
(B) by striking out "section 1322(a)" the second place it 
appears and inserting in lieu thereof "such section". 
(9) Section 1643 is amended by inserting "of this title" after 
"section 1622(c)". 
(10) Section 1662(a)(1)(C) is amended by striking out "the 
effective date of the Veterans' Rehabilitation and Education 
Amendments of 1980" and inserting in lieu thereof "Octo-
ber 1, 1980". 
(11) Section 1682(c)(1)(C) is amended by inserting a comma 
after "week)". 
(12) Section 1701(a) is amended— 
(A) in paragraph (1)— 
(i) by striking out "title 37, United States Code," in 
clauses (A)(iii) and (C) and inserting in lieu thereof 
"title 37"; and 
(ii) by inserting a comma after "thereunder" in 
clause (A)(iii); and 
(B) in paragraph (9), by striking out "chapter 4C of 
title 29" and inserting in lieu thereof "the Act of Au-
gust 16, 1937, popularly known as the 'National Appren-
ticeship Act' (29 U.S.C. 50 et seq.)". 
(13) Section 1712(b)(2)(C) is amended by striking out "the 
effective date of the Veterans' Rehabilitation and Educa-
tion Amendments of 1980" and inserting in lieu thereof 
"October 1,1980". 
(14) Section 1820 is amended— 
(A) in subsection (a)(6), by striking out the comma after 
"title 31"; and 
(B) in subsection (b), by striking out "section 5 of title 41" 
and inserting in lieu thereof "section 3709 of the Revised 
Statutes (41 U.S.C. 5)". 
97 STAT. 1010 
PUBLIC LAW 98-160—NOV. 21, 1983 
38 use 2002, 
(15) Sections 2002 and 2002A are each amended by striking 
2002A. 
Qut; <'a Assistant" and inserting in lieu thereof "an Assistant". 
(16) Section 3005 is amended by striking out "subchapter II of 
chapter 7 of title 42" each place it appears and inserting in lieu 
thereof "title II of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 401 et 
seq.)". 
(17) Section 3113(a)(2) is amended by striking out "section" 
and inserting in lieu thereof "subsection". 
(18) Section 4142(f)(2) is amended by striking out "section 
3324(a) and (b)" and inserting in lieu thereof "subsections (a) 
and (b) of section 3324". 
(19) Section 5010(c)(2XB) is amended by striking out "or" the 
first place it appears and inserting in lieu thereof "and". 
(20) Section 5053(d) is amended by striking out "subchapter 
XVIII of chapter 7 of title 42" and inserting in lieu thereof "title 
XVIII of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395 et seq.)". 
AMENDMENTS TO ELIMINATE CERTAIN GENDER-BASED REFERENCES 
SEC. 703. Title 38 is amended as follows: 
(1) Sections 3010(k), 3010(1), 3010(m), and 3021(a)(3) are each 
amended by striking out "widow" each place it appears and 
inserting in lieu thereof "surviving spouse . 
(2) Section 3107 is amended— 
(A) by striking out "his wife" each place it appears and 
inserting in lieu thereof "the veteran's spouse"; 
(B) by striking out "his children" both places it appears 
and inserting in lieu thereof "the veteran's children"; 
(C) by striking out "his custody" both places it appears 
and inserting in lieu thereof "the custody of the veteran"; 
(D) by striking out "widow" both places it appears and 
inserting in lieu thereof "surviving spouse"; and 
(E) by striking out "payable to him" and inserting in lieu 
thereof "payable to the veteran". 
(3) Section 3110 is amended— 
(A) by striking out "widow" and inserting in lieu thererof 
"surviving spouse"; and 
(B) by striking out "his death" and inserting in lieu 
thereof "the death of the veteran". 
(4) Section 3203 is amended— 
(A) in subsections (aX2), (bXD, and (c), by striking out 
"wife" each place it appears and inserting in lieu thereof 
"spouse"; 
(B) in subsections (aX2) and 0)X2), by striking out "him" 
and inserting in lieu thereof "the veteran"; 
(C) in subsection Ot)), by striking out "his" each place it 
appears and inserting in lieu thereof "the veteran s"; and 
(D) in subsection (d), by striking out "he" and inserting in 
lieu thereof "the veteran". 
(5) Section 3402 is amended— 
(A) in subsection (aXD, by striking out "he" and inserting 
in lieu thereof "the Administrator"; 
(B) in subsection (aX2), by striking out "his discretion" 
and inserting in lieu thereof "the discretion of the 
Administrator"; 
(C) in subsection (bXD, by striking out "he" and inserting 
in lieu thereof "the individual"; and 
PUBLIC LAW 98-160—NOV. 21, 1983 
97 STAT. 1011 
(D) in subsection (c), by striking out "man" and inserting 
in lieu thereof "member". 
(6) Section 3503(b) is amended— 
38 use 3503. 
(A) by striking out "his right" and inserting in lieu 
thereof "the right"; 
(B) by striking out "his wife" and inserting in lieu thereof 
"the veteran's spouse"; and 
(C) by striking out "wife" in the second and third sen-
tences and inserting in lieu thereof "spouse". 
TECHNICAL AMENDMENTS TO PUBLIC LAW 98-77 
SEC. 704. The Emergency Veterans' Job Training Act of 1983 
(Public Law 98-77,97 Stat. 443) is amended— 
(1) in section 3(3), by striking out " 'State'," and by inserting 
29 use 1721 
" 'State'," after " 'service-connected',"; and 
'^°^^-
(2) in section 7— 
Ante, p. 445. 
(A) in subsection (a)(2), by striking out "section" and 
inserting in lieu thereof "Act"; 
(B) in subsection (e)(2), by striking out "8" and inserting 
in lieu thereof "10"; and 
(C) in subsection (h), by striking out "this Act" and 
inserting in lieu thereof "the provisions of this Act (other 
than subsections (b) and (d)(3))". 
Approved November 21, 1983. 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY—H.R. 2920 (S. 578): 
HOUSE REPORT No. 98-117 (Comm. on Veterans' Affairs). 
SENATE REPORT No. 98-145 accompanying S. 578 (eomm. on Veterans' Affairs). 
eONGRESSIONAL RECORD, Vol. 129 (1983): 
May 23, considered and passed House. 
June 28, considered and passed Senate, amended, in lieu of S. 578. 
Nov. 2, House concurred in Senate amendments with amendments. 
Nov. 3, Senate concurred in House amendments. 
WEEKLY COMPILATION OF PRESIDENTIAL DOCUMENTS, Vol. 19, No. 47 (1983): 
Nov. 21, Presidential statement.