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H.R.2297 - Veterans Benefits
Act of 2003
An
Act
To amend title 38, United States Code, to improve benefits under laws
administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and for other
purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United
States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.
(a) SHORT TITLE- This Act may be cited as the `Veterans Benefits Act of
2003'.
(b) TABLE OF CONTENTS- The table of contents for this Act is as follows:
Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. References to title 38, United States Code.
TITLE I--SURVIVOR BENEFITS
Sec. 101. Retention of certain veterans survivor benefits for surviving
spouses remarrying after age 57.
Sec. 102. Benefits for children with spina bifida of veterans of certain
service in Korea.
Sec. 103. Alternative beneficiaries for National Service Life Insurance
and United States Government Life Insurance.
Sec. 104. Payment of benefits accrued and unpaid at time of death.
TITLE II--BENEFITS FOR FORMER PRISONERS OF WAR AND FOR FILIPINO VETERANS
Subtitle A--Former Prisoners of War
Sec. 201. Presumptions of service-connection relating to diseases and
disabilities of former prisoners of war.
Subtitle B--Filipino Veterans
Sec. 211. Rate of payment of benefits for certain Filipino veterans and
their survivors residing in the United States.
Sec. 212. Burial benefits for new Philippine Scouts residing in the
United States.
Sec. 213. Extension of authority to maintain regional office in the
Republic of the Philippines.
TITLE III--EDUCATION BENEFITS, EMPLOYMENT PROVISIONS, AND RELATED
MATTERS
Sec. 301. Expansion of Montgomery GI Bill education benefits for certain
self-employment training.
Sec. 302. Increase in rates of survivors' and dependents' educational
assistance.
Sec. 303. Restoration of survivors' and dependents' education benefits
of individuals being ordered to full-time National Guard duty.
Sec. 304. Rounding down of certain cost-of-living adjustments on
educational assistance.
Sec. 305. Authorization for State approving agencies to approve certain
entrepreneurship courses.
Sec. 306. Repeal of provisions relating to obsolete education loan
program.
Sec. 307. Six-year extension of the Veterans' Advisory Committee on
Education.
Sec. 308. Procurement program for small business concerns owned and
controlled by service-disabled veterans.
Sec. 309. Outstationing of Transition Assistance Program personnel.
TITLE IV--HOUSING BENEFITS AND RELATED MATTERS
Sec. 401. Authorization to provide adapted housing assistance to certain
disabled members of the Armed Forces who remain on active duty.
Sec. 402. Increase in amounts for certain adaptive benefits for disabled
veterans.
Sec. 403. Permanent authority for housing loans for members of the
Selected Reserve.
Sec. 404. Reinstatement of minimum requirements for sale of vendee
loans.
Sec. 405. Adjustment to home loan fees.
Sec. 406. One-year extension of procedures on liquidation sales of
defaulted home loans guaranteed by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
TITLE V--BURIAL BENEFITS
Sec. 501. Burial plot allowance.
Sec. 502. Eligibility of surviving spouses who remarry for burial in
national cemeteries.
Sec. 503. Permanent authority for State cemetery grants program.
TITLE VI--EXPOSURE TO HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES
Sec. 601. Radiation Dose Reconstruction Program of Department of
Defense.
Sec. 602. Study on disposition of Air Force Health Study.
Sec. 603. Funding of Medical Follow-Up Agency of Institute of Medicine
of National Academy of Sciences for epidemiological research on members
of the Armed Forces and veterans.
TITLE VII--OTHER MATTERS
Sec. 701. Time limitations on receipt of claim information pursuant to
requests of Department of Veterans Affairs.
Sec. 702. Clarification of applicability of prohibition on assignment of
veterans benefits to agreements requiring payment of future receipt of
benefits.
Sec. 703. Six-year extension of Advisory Committee on Minority Veterans.
Sec. 704. Temporary authority for performance of medical disabilities
examinations by contract physicians.
Sec. 705. Forfeiture of benefits for subversive activities.
Sec. 706. Two-year extension of round-down requirement for compensation
cost-of-living adjustments.
Sec. 707. Codification of requirement for expeditious treatment of cases
on remand.
Sec. 708. Technical and clerical amendments.
SEC. 2. REFERENCES TO TITLE 38, UNITED STATES CODE.
Except as otherwise expressly provided, whenever in this Act an
amendment or repeal is expressed in terms of an amendment to, or repeal
of, a section or other provision, the reference shall be considered to
be made to a section or other provision of title 38, United States Code.
TITLE I--SURVIVOR BENEFITS
SEC. 101. RETENTION OF CERTAIN VETERANS SURVIVOR BENEFITS FOR SURVIVING
SPOUSES REMARRYING AFTER AGE 57.
(a) EXCEPTION TO TERMINATION OF BENEFITS UPON REMARRIAGE- Section
103(d)(2)(B) is amended by striking `The remarriage after age 55' and
inserting `The remarriage after age 57 of the surviving spouse of a
veteran shall not bar the furnishing of benefits specified in paragraph
(5) to such person as the surviving spouse of the veteran.
Notwithstanding the previous sentence, the remarriage after age 55'.
(b) COORDINATION OF BENEFITS- Section 1311 is amended by adding at the
end the following new subsection:
`(e) In the case of an individual who is eligible for dependency and
indemnity compensation under this section by reason of section
103(d)(2)(B) of this title who is also eligible for benefits under
another provision of law by reason of such individual's status as the
surviving spouse of a veteran, then, notwithstanding any other provision
of law (other than section 5304(b)(3) of this title), no reduction in
benefits under such other provision of law shall be made by reason of
such individual's eligibility for benefits under this section.'.
(c) EFFECTIVE DATE- The amendments made by subsections (a) and (b) shall
take effect on January 1, 2004.
(d) RETROACTIVE BENEFITS PROHIBITED- No benefit may be paid to any
person by reason of the amendments made by subsections (a) and (b) for
any period before the effective date specified in subsection (c).
(e) APPLICATION FOR BENEFITS- In the case of an individual who but for
having remarried would be eligible for benefits under title 38, United
States Code, by reason of the amendment made by subsection (a) and whose
remarriage was before the date of the enactment of this Act and after
the individual had attained age 57, the individual shall be eligible for
such benefits by reason of such amendment only if the individual submits
an application for such benefits to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs
not later than the end of the one-year period beginning on the date of
the enactment of this Act.
(f) TECHNICAL CORRECTION- Section 101(b) of the Veterans Benefits Act of
2002 (Public Law 107-330; 116 Stat. 2821; 38 U.S.C. 103 note) is amended
by striking `during the 1-year period' and all that follows through
`(c)' and inserting `before the end of the one-year period beginning on
the date of the enactment of the Veterans Benefits Act of 2003'.
SEC. 102. BENEFITS FOR CHILDREN WITH SPINA BIFIDA OF VETERANS OF CERTAIN
SERVICE IN KOREA.
(a) IN GENERAL- Chapter 18 is amended--
(1) by redesignating subchapter III, and sections 1821, 1822, 1823, and
1824, as subchapter IV, and sections 1831, 1832, 1833, and 1834,
respectively; and
(2) by inserting after subchapter II the following new subchapter III:
`SUBCHAPTER III--CHILDREN OF CERTAIN KOREA SERVICE VETERANS BORN WITH
SPINA BIFIDA
`Sec. 1821. Benefits for children of certain Korea service veterans born
with spina bifida
`(a) BENEFITS AUTHORIZED- The Secretary may provide to any child of a
veteran of covered service in Korea who is suffering from spina bifida
the health care, vocational training and rehabilitation, and monetary
allowance required to be paid to a child of a Vietnam veteran who is
suffering from spina bifida under subchapter I of this chapter as if
such child of a veteran of covered service in Korea were a child of a
Vietnam veteran who is suffering from spina bifida under such
subchapter.
`(b) SPINA BIFIDA CONDITIONS COVERED- This section applies with respect
to all forms and manifestations of spina bifida, except spina bifida
occulta.
`(c) VETERAN OF COVERED SERVICE IN KOREA- For purposes of this section,
a veteran of covered service in Korea is any individual, without regard
to the characterization of that individual's service, who--
`(1) served in the active military, naval, or air service in or near the
Korean demilitarized zone (DMZ), as determined by the Secretary in
consultation with the Secretary of Defense, during the period beginning
on September 1, 1967, and ending on August 31, 1971; and
`(2) is determined by the Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary
of Defense, to have been exposed to a herbicide agent during such
service in or near the Korean demilitarized zone.
`(d) HERBICIDE AGENT- For purposes of this section, the term `herbicide
agent' means a chemical in a herbicide used in support of United States
and allied military operations in or near the Korean demilitarized zone,
as determined by the Secretary in consultation with the Secretary of
Defense, during the period beginning on September 1, 1967, and ending on
August 31, 1971.'.
(b) CHILD DEFINED- Section 1831, as redesignated by subsection (a) of
this section, is amended by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the
following new paragraph (1):
`(1) The term `child' means the following:
`(A) For purposes of subchapters I and II of this chapter, an
individual, regardless of age or marital status, who--
`(i) is the natural child of a Vietnam veteran; and
`(ii) was conceived after the date on which that veteran first entered
the Republic of Vietnam during the Vietnam era.
`(B) For purposes of subchapter III of this chapter, an individual,
regardless of age or marital status, who--
`(i) is the natural child of a veteran of covered service in Korea (as
determined for purposes of section 1821 of this title); and
`(ii) was conceived after the date on which that veteran first entered
service described in subsection (c) of that section.'.
(c) NONDUPLICATION OF BENEFITS- Subsection (a) of section 1834, as
redesignated by subsection (a) of this section, is amended by adding at
the end the following new sentence: `In the case of a child eligible for
benefits under subchapter I or II of this chapter who is also eligible
for benefits under subchapter III of this chapter, a monetary allowance
shall be paid under the subchapter of this chapter elected by the
child.'.
(d) CONFORMING AMENDMENTS- (1) Section 1811(1)(A) is amended by striking
`section 1821(1)' and inserting `section 1831(1)'.
(2) The heading for chapter 18 is amended to read as follows:
`CHAPTER 18--BENEFITS FOR CHILDREN OF VIETNAM VETERANS AND CERTAIN OTHER
VETERANS'.
(e) CLERICAL AMENDMENTS- (1) The table of sections at the beginning of
chapter 18 is amended by striking the items relating to subchapter III
and sections 1821, 1822, 1823, and 1824 and inserting the following new
items:
`SUBCHAPTER III--CHILDREN OF CERTAIN KOREA SERVICE VETERANS BORN WITH
SPINA BIFIDA
`1821. Benefits for children of certain Korea service veterans born with
spina bifida.
`SUBCHAPTER IV--GENERAL PROVISIONS
`1831. Definitions.
`1832. Applicability of certain administrative provisions.
`1833. Treatment of receipt of monetary allowance and other benefits.
`1834. Nonduplication of benefits.'.
(2) The table of chapters at the beginning of title 38, United States
Code, and at the beginning of part II, are each amended by striking the
item relating to chapter 18 and inserting the following new item:
1802'.
SEC. 103. ALTERNATIVE BENEFICIARIES FOR NATIONAL SERVICE LIFE INSURANCE
AND UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT LIFE INSURANCE.
(a) NATIONAL SERVICE LIFE INSURANCE- Section 1917 is amended by adding
at the end the following new subsection:
`(f)(1) Following the death of the insured and in a case not covered by
subsection (d)--
`(A) if the first beneficiary otherwise entitled to payment of the
insurance does not make a claim for such payment within two years after
the death of the insured, payment may be made to another beneficiary
designated by the insured, in the order of precedence as designated by
the insured, as if the first beneficiary had predeceased the insured;
and
`(B) if, within four years after the death of the insured, no claim has
been filed by a person designated by the insured as a beneficiary and
the Secretary has not received any notice in writing that any such claim
will be made, payment may (notwithstanding any other provision of law)
be made to such person as may in the judgment of the Secretary be
equitably entitled thereto.
`(2) Payment of insurance under paragraph (1) shall be a bar to recovery
by any other person.'.
(b) UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT LIFE INSURANCE- Section 1952 is amended by
adding at the end the following new subsection:
`(c)(1) Following the death of the insured and in a case not covered by
section 1950 of this title--
`(A) if the first beneficiary otherwise entitled to payment of the
insurance does not make a claim for such payment within two years after
the death of the insured, payment may be made to another beneficiary
designated by the insured, in the order of precedence as designated by
the insured, as if the first beneficiary had predeceased the insured;
and
`(B) if, within four years after the death of the insured, no claim has
been filed by a person designated by the insured as a beneficiary and
the Secretary has not received any notice in writing that any such claim
will be made, payment may (notwithstanding any other provision of law)
be made to such person as may in the judgment of the Secretary be
equitably entitled thereto.
`(2) Payment of insurance under paragraph (1) shall be a bar to recovery
by any other person.'.
(c) EFFECTIVE DATE- The amendments made by subsections (a) and (b) shall
take effect on October 1, 2004.
(d) TRANSITION PROVISION- In the case of a person insured under
subchapter I or II of chapter 19 of title 38, United States Code, who
dies before the effective date of the amendments made by subsections (a)
and (b), as specified by subsection (c), the two-year and four-year
periods specified in subsection (f)(1) of section 1917 of title 38,
United States Code, as added by subsection (a), and subsection (c)(1) of
section 1952 of such title, as added by subsection (b), as applicable,
shall for purposes of the applicable subsection be treated as being the
two-year and four-year periods, respectively, beginning on the effective
date of such amendments, as so specified.
SEC. 104. PAYMENT OF BENEFITS ACCRUED AND UNPAID AT TIME OF DEATH.
(a) REPEAL OF TWO-YEAR LIMITATION ON PAYMENT- Section 5121(a) is amended
by striking `for a period not to exceed two years' in the matter
preceding paragraph (1).
(b) PAYMENT RECIPIENTS FOR BENEFICIARIES UNDER CHAPTER 18- Such section
is further amended--
(1) by striking `and' at the end of paragraph (4);
(2) by redesignating paragraph (5) as paragraph (6); and
(3) by inserting after paragraph (4) the following new paragraph (5):
`(5) Upon the death of a child claiming benefits under chapter 18 of
this title, to the surviving parents.'.
(c) TECHNICAL AMENDMENTS- Such section is further amended--
(1) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking the comma after
`or decisions';
(2) by striking the semicolon at the end of paragraphs (1), (2), (3),
and (4), and at the end of subparagraphs (A) and (B) of paragraph (2),
and inserting a period.
(d) EFFECTIVE DATE- The amendments made by subsections (a) and (b) shall
apply with respect to deaths occurring on or after the date of the
enactment of this Act.
TITLE II--BENEFITS FOR FORMER PRISONERS OF WAR AND FOR FILIPINO VETERANS
Subtitle A--Former Prisoners of War
SEC. 201. PRESUMPTIONS OF SERVICE-CONNECTION RELATING TO DISEASES AND
DISABILITIES OF FORMER PRISONERS OF WAR.
Subsection (b) of section 1112 is amended to read as follows:
`(b)(1) For the purposes of section 1110 of this title and subject to
the provisions of section 1113 of this title, in the case of a veteran
who is a former prisoner of war--
`(A) a disease specified in paragraph (2) which became manifest to a
degree of 10 percent or more after active military, naval, or air
service shall be considered to have been incurred in or aggravated by
such service, notwithstanding that there is no record of such disease
during the period of service; and
`(B) if the veteran was detained or interned as a prisoner of war for
not less than thirty days, a disease specified in paragraph (3) which
became manifest to a degree of 10 percent or more after active military,
naval, or air service shall be considered to have been incurred in or
aggravated by such service, notwithstanding that there is no record of
such disease during the period of service.
`(2) The diseases specified in this paragraph are the following:
`(A) Psychosis.
`(B) Any of the anxiety states.
`(C) Dysthymic disorder (or depressive neurosis).
`(D) Organic residuals of frostbite, if the Secretary determines that
the veteran was detained or interned in climatic conditions consistent
with the occurrence of frostbite.
`(E) Post-traumatic osteoarthritis.
`(3) The diseases specified in this paragraph are the following:
`(A) Avitaminosis.
`(B) Beriberi (including beriberi heart disease).
`(C) Chronic dysentery.
`(D) Helminthiasis.
`(E) Malnutrition (including optic atrophy associated with
malnutrition).
`(F) Pellagra.
`(G) Any other nutritional deficiency.
`(H) Cirrhosis of the liver.
`(I) Peripheral neuropathy except where directly related to infectious
causes.
`(J) Irritable bowel syndrome.
`(K) Peptic ulcer disease.'.
Subtitle B--Filipino Veterans
SEC. 211. RATE OF PAYMENT OF BENEFITS FOR CERTAIN FILIPINO VETERANS AND
THEIR SURVIVORS RESIDING IN THE UNITED STATES.
(a) RATE OF PAYMENT- Section 107 is amended--
(1) in the second sentence of subsection (b), by striking `Payments' and
inserting `Except as provided in subsection (c), payments'; and
(2) in subsection (c)--
(A) by inserting `and subchapter II of chapter 13 (except section
1312(a)) of this title' after `chapter 11 of this title';
(B) by striking `in subsection (a)' and inserting `in subsection (a) or
(b)'; and
(C) by striking `of subsection (a)' and inserting `of the applicable
subsection'.
(b) EFFECTIVE DATE- The amendments made by subsection (a) shall apply to
benefits paid for months beginning after the date of the enactment of
this Act.
SEC. 212. BURIAL BENEFITS FOR NEW PHILIPPINE SCOUTS RESIDING IN THE
UNITED STATES.
(a) BENEFIT ELIGIBILITY- Section 107, as amended by section 211 of this
Act, is amended--
(1) in subsection (b)(2)--
(A) by striking `and' and inserting a comma; and
(B) by inserting `, 23, and 24 (to the extent provided for in section
2402(8))' after `(except section 1312(a))';
(2) in the second sentence of subsection (b), as so amended, by
inserting `or (d)' after `subsection (c)';
(3) in subsection (d)(1), by inserting `or (b), as otherwise
applicable,' after `subsection (a)'; and
(4) in subsection (d)(2), by inserting `or whose service is described in
subsection (b) and who dies after the date of the enactment of the
Veterans Benefits Act of 2003,' after `November 1, 2000,'.
(b) NATIONAL CEMETERY INTERMENT- Section 2402(8) is amended by striking
`section 107(a)' and inserting `subsection (a) or (b) of section 107'.
(c) EFFECTIVE DATE- The amendments made by this section shall apply with
respect to deaths occurring on or after the date of the enactment of
this Act.
SEC. 213. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY TO MAINTAIN REGIONAL OFFICE IN THE
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES.
Section 315(b) is amended by striking `December 31, 2003' and inserting
`December 31, 2009'.
TITLE III--EDUCATION BENEFITS, EMPLOYMENT PROVISIONS, AND RELATED
MATTERS
SEC. 301. EXPANSION OF MONTGOMERY GI BILL EDUCATION BENEFITS FOR CERTAIN
SELF-EMPLOYMENT TRAINING.
(a) DEFINITION OF TRAINING ESTABLISHMENT- Section 3452(e) is amended by
striking `means any' and all that follows and inserting `means any of
the following:
`(1) An establishment providing apprentice or other on-job training,
including those under the supervision of a college or university or any
State department of education.
`(2) An establishment providing self-employment on-job training
consisting of full-time training for a period of less than six months
that is needed or accepted for purposes of obtaining licensure to engage
in a self-employment occupation or required for ownership and operation
of a franchise that is the objective of the training.
`(3) A State board of vocational education.
`(4) A Federal or State apprenticeship registration agency.
`(5) A joint apprenticeship committee established pursuant to the Act of
August 16, 1937, popularly known as the `National Apprenticeship Act'
(29 U.S.C. 50 et seq.).
`(6) An agency of the Federal Government authorized to supervise such
training.'.
(b) EFFECTIVE DATE- The amendment made by subsection (a) shall take
effect on the date that is six months after the date of the enactment of
this Act and shall apply to self-employment on-job training approved and
pursued on or after that date.
SEC. 302. INCREASE IN RATES OF SURVIVORS' AND DEPENDENTS' EDUCATIONAL
ASSISTANCE.
(a) SURVIVORS' AND DEPENDENTS' EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE- Section 3532 is
amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) in paragraph (1), by striking `at the monthly rate of' and all that
follows and inserting `at the monthly rate of $788 for full-time, $592
for three-quarter-time, or $394 for half-time pursuit.'; and
(B) in paragraph (2), by striking `at the rate of' and all that follows
and inserting `at the rate of the lesser of--
`(A) the established charges for tuition and fees that the educational
institution involved requires similarly circumstanced nonveterans
enrolled in the same program to pay; or
`(B) $788 per month for a full-time course.';
(2) in subsection (b), by striking `$670' and inserting `$788'; and
(3) in subsection (c)(2), by striking `shall be' and all that follows
and inserting `shall be $636 for full-time, $477 for three-quarter-time,
or $319 for half-time pursuit.'.
(b) CORRESPONDENCE COURSES- Section 3534(b) is amended by striking
`$670' and inserting `$788'.
(c) SPECIAL RESTORATIVE TRAINING- Section 3542(a) is amended--
(1) by striking `$670' and inserting `$788'; and
(2) by striking `$210' each place it appears and inserting `$247'.
(d) APPRENTICESHIP TRAINING- Section 3687(b)(2) is amended by striking
`shall be $488 for the first six months' and all that follows and
inserting `shall be $574 for the first six months, $429 for the second
six months, $285 for the third six months, and $144 for the fourth and
any succeeding six-month period of training.'.
(e) EFFECTIVE DATE- The amendments made by this section shall take
effect on July 1, 2004, and shall apply with respect to educational
assistance allowances payable under chapter 35 and section 3687(b)(2) of
title 38, United States Code, for months beginning on or after that
date.
SEC. 303. RESTORATION OF SURVIVORS' AND DEPENDENTS' EDUCATION BENEFITS
OF INDIVIDUALS BEING ORDERED TO FULL-TIME NATIONAL GUARD DUTY.
(a) DELIMITING DATE- Section 3512(h) is amended by inserting `or is
involuntarily ordered to full-time National Guard duty under section
502(f) of title 32,' after `title 10,'.
(b) EFFECTIVE DATE- The amendment made by subsection (a) shall take
effect as of September 11, 2001.
SEC. 304. ROUNDING DOWN OF CERTAIN COST-OF-LIVING ADJUSTMENTS ON
EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE.
(a) BASIC EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE UNDER MONTGOMERY GI BILL- Section
3015(h) is amended--
(1) by redesignating paragraphs (1) and (2) as subparagraphs (A) and
(B), respectively;
(2) by inserting `(1)' after `(h)';
(3) by striking `(rounded to the nearest dollar)';
(4) in subparagraph (B), as so redesignated, by striking `paragraph (1)'
and inserting `subparagraph (A)'; and
(5) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
`(2) Any increase under paragraph (1) in a rate with respect to a fiscal
year after fiscal year 2004 and before fiscal year 2014 shall be rounded
down to the next lower whole dollar amount. Any such increase with
respect to a fiscal year after fiscal year 2013 shall be rounded to the
nearest whole dollar amount.'.
(b) SURVIVORS' AND DEPENDENTS' EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE- Section 3564 is
amended--
(1) by inserting `(a)' before `With';
(2) by striking `(rounded to the nearest dollar)'; and
(3) by adding at the end the following new subsection:
`(b) Any increase under subsection (a) in a rate with respect to a
fiscal year after fiscal year 2004 and before fiscal year 2014 shall be
rounded down to the next lower whole dollar amount. Any such increase
with respect to a fiscal year after fiscal year 2013 shall be rounded to
the nearest whole dollar amount.'.
SEC. 305. AUTHORIZATION FOR STATE APPROVING AGENCIES TO APPROVE CERTAIN
ENTREPRENEURSHIP COURSES.
(a) APPROVAL OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP COURSES- Section 3675 is amended by
adding at the end the following new subsection:
`(c)(1) A State approving agency may approve the entrepreneurship
courses offered by a qualified provider of entrepreneurship courses.
`(2) For purposes of this subsection, the term `entrepreneurship course'
means a non-degree, non-credit course of business education that enables
or assists a person to start or enhance a small business concern (as
defined pursuant to section 3(a) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C.
632(a))).
`(3) Subsection (a) and paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (b) shall
not apply to--
`(A) an entrepreneurship course offered by a qualified provider of
entrepreneurship courses; and
`(B) a qualified provider of entrepreneurship courses by reason of such
provider offering one or more entrepreneurship courses.'.
(b) BUSINESS OWNERS NOT TREATED AS ALREADY QUALIFIED- Section 3471 is
amended by inserting before the last sentence the following: `The
Secretary shall not treat a person as already qualified for the
objective of a program of education offered by a qualified provider of
entrepreneurship courses solely because such person is the owner or
operator of a business.'.
(c) INCLUSION OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP COURSES IN DEFINITION OF PROGRAM OF
EDUCATION- Subsection (b) of section 3452 is amended by adding at the
end the following: `Such term also includes any course, or combination
of courses, offered by a qualified provider of entrepreneurship
courses.'.
(d) INCLUSION OF QUALIFIED PROVIDER OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP COURSES IN
DEFINITION OF EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION- Subsection (c) of section 3452 is
amended by adding at the end the following: `Such term also includes any
qualified provider of entrepreneurship courses.'.
(e) DEFINITION OF QUALIFIED PROVIDER OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP COURSES-
Section 3452 is further amended by adding at the end the following new
subsection:
`(h) The term `qualified provider of entrepreneurship courses' means any
of the following entities insofar as such entity offers, sponsors, or
cosponsors an entrepreneurship course (as defined in section 3675(c)(2)
of this title):
`(1) Any small business development center described in section 21 of
the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 648).
`(2) The National Veterans Business Development Corporation (established
under section 33 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 657c)).'.
(f) EFFECTIVE DATE- The amendments made by this section shall apply to
courses approved by State approving agencies after the date of the
enactment of this Act.
SEC. 306. REPEAL OF PROVISIONS RELATING TO OBSOLETE EDUCATION LOAN
PROGRAM.
(a) TERMINATION OF PROGRAM- The Secretary of Veterans Affairs may not
make a loan under subchapter III of chapter 36 of title 38, United
States Code, after the date of the enactment of this Act.
(b) DISCHARGE OF LIABILITIES- Effective as of the date of the transfer
of funds under subsection (c)--
(1) any liability on an education loan under subchapter III of chapter
36 of title 38, United States Code, that is outstanding as of such date
shall be deemed discharged; and
(2) the right of the United States to recover an overpayment declared
under section 3698(e)(1) of such title that is outstanding as of such
date shall be deemed waived.
(c) TERMINATION OF LOAN FUND- (1) Effective as of the day before the
date of the repeal under this section of subchapter III of chapter 36 of
title 38, United States Code, all monies in the revolving fund of the
Treasury known as the `Department of Veterans Affairs Education Loan
Fund' shall be transferred to the Department of Veterans Affairs
Readjustment Benefits Account, and the revolving fund shall be closed.
(2) Any monies transferred to the Department of Veterans Affairs
Readjustment Benefits Account under paragraph (1) shall be merged with
amounts in that account and shall be available for the same purposes,
and subject to the same conditions and limitations, as amounts in that
account.
(d) USE OF ENTITLEMENT TO VETERANS EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE FOR EDUCATION
LOAN PROGRAM- Section 3462(a) is amended by striking paragraph (2).
(e) REPEAL OF EDUCATION LOAN PROGRAM- Subchapter III of chapter 36 is
repealed.
(f) CONFORMING AMENDMENTS- (1) Section 3485(e)(1) is amended by striking
`(other than an education loan under subchapter III)'.
(2) Section 3512 is amended by striking subsection (f).
(g) CLERICAL AMENDMENT- The table of sections at the beginning of
chapter 36 is amended by striking the items relating to subchapter III
and sections 3698 and 3699.
(h) EFFECTIVE DATES- (1) The amendments made by subsection (d) shall
take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act.
(2) The amendments made by subsections (e), (f), and (g) shall take
effect 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act.
SEC. 307. SIX-YEAR EXTENSION OF THE VETERANS' ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON
EDUCATION.
(a) MEMBERSHIP- Subsection (a) of section 3692 is amended in the second
sentence by inserting `, to the maximum extent practicable,' after `The
committee shall also'.
(b) EXTENSION- Subsection (c) of that section is amended by striking
`December 31, 2003' and inserting `December 31, 2009'.
(c) TECHNICAL AMENDMENTS- That section is further amended--
(1) in subsections (a) and (b), by striking `chapter 106' each place it
appears and inserting `chapter 1606'; and
(2) in subsection (b), by striking `chapter 30' and inserting `chapters
30'.
SEC. 308. PROCUREMENT PROGRAM FOR SMALL BUSINESS CONCERNS OWNED AND
CONTROLLED BY SERVICE-DISABLED VETERANS.
The Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 631 et seq.) is amended by
redesignating section 36 as section 37 and by inserting after section 35
the following new section:
`SEC. 36. PROCUREMENT PROGRAM FOR SMALL BUSINESS CONCERNS OWNED AND
CONTROLLED BY SERVICE-DISABLED VETERANS.
`(a) SOLE SOURCE CONTRACTS- In accordance with this section, a
contracting officer may award a sole source contract to any small
business concern owned and controlled by service-disabled veterans if--
`(1) such concern is determined to be a responsible contractor with
respect to performance of such contract opportunity and the contracting
officer does not have a reasonable expectation that 2 or more small
business concerns owned and controlled by service-disabled veterans will
submit offers for the contracting opportunity;
`(2) the anticipated award price of the contract (including options)
will not exceed--
`(A) $5,000,000, in the case of a contract opportunity assigned a
standard industrial classification code for manufacturing; or
`(B) $3,000,000, in the case of any other contract opportunity; and
`(3) in the estimation of the contracting officer, the contract award
can be made at a fair and reasonable price.
`(b) RESTRICTED COMPETITION- In accordance with this section, a
contracting officer may award contracts on the basis of competition
restricted to small business concerns owned and controlled by
service-disabled veterans if the contracting officer has a reasonable
expectation that not less than 2 small business concerns owned and
controlled by service-disabled veterans will submit offers and that the
award can be made at a fair market price.
`(c) RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER CONTRACTING PREFERENCES- A procurement may
not be made from a source on the basis of a preference provided under
subsection (a) or (b) if the procurement would otherwise be made from a
different source under section 4124 or 4125 of title 18, United States
Code, or the Javits-Wagner-O'Day Act (41 U.S.C. 46 et seq.).
`(d) ENFORCEMENT; PENALTIES- Rules similar to the rules of paragraphs
(5) and (6) of section 8(m) shall apply for purposes of this section.
`(e) CONTRACTING OFFICER- For purposes of this section, the term
`contracting officer' has the meaning given such term in section
27(f)(5) of the Office of Federal Procurement Policy Act (41 U.S.C.
423(f)(5)).'.
SEC. 309. OUTSTATIONING OF TRANSITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM PERSONNEL.
(a) IN GENERAL- (1) Chapter 41 is amended by adding at the end the
following new section:
`Sec. 4113. Outstationing of Transition Assistance Program personnel
`(a) STATIONING OF TAP PERSONNEL AT OVERSEAS MILITARY INSTALLATIONS- (1)
The Secretary--
`(A) shall station employees of the Veterans' Employment and Training
Service, or contractors under subsection (c), at each veterans
assistance office described in paragraph (2); and
`(B) may station such employees or contractors at such other military
installations outside the United States as the Secretary, after
consultation with the Secretary of Defense, determines to be appropriate
or desirable to carry out the purposes of this chapter.
`(2) Veterans assistance offices referred to in paragraph (1)(A) are
those offices that are established by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs
on military installations pursuant to the second sentence of section
7723(a) of this title.
`(b) FUNCTIONS- Employees (or contractors) stationed at military
installations pursuant to subsection (a) shall provide, in person,
counseling, assistance in identifying employment and training
opportunities, help in obtaining such employment and training, and other
related information and services to members of the Armed Forces who are
being separated from active duty, and the spouses of such members, under
the Transition Assistance Program and Disabled Transition Assistance
Program established in section 1144 of title 10.
`(c) AUTHORITY TO CONTRACT WITH PRIVATE ENTITIES- The Secretary,
consistent with section 1144 of title 10, may enter into contracts with
public or private entities to provide, in person, some or all of the
counseling, assistance, information and services under the Transition
Assistance Program required under subsection (a).'.
(2) The table of sections at the beginning of such chapter is amended by
adding at the end the following new item:
`4113. Outstationing of Transition Assistance Program personnel.'.
(b) DEADLINE FOR IMPLEMENTATION- Not later than 90 days after the date
of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Labor shall implement
section 4113 of title 38, United States Code, as added by subsection
(a), and shall have employees of the Veterans' Employment and Training
Service, or contractors, to carry out that section at the military
installations involved by such date.
(c) ADDITIONAL AMENDMENT- (1) The second sentence of section 7723(a) is
amended by inserting `and taking into account recommendations, if any,
of the Secretary of Labor' after `Secretary of Defense'.
(2) The amendment made by paragraph (1) shall apply with respect to
offices established after the date of the enactment of this Act.
TITLE IV--HOUSING BENEFITS AND RELATED MATTERS
SEC. 401. AUTHORIZATION TO PROVIDE ADAPTED HOUSING ASSISTANCE TO CERTAIN
DISABLED MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES WHO REMAIN ON ACTIVE DUTY.
Section 2101 is amended by adding at the end the following new
subsection:
`(c)(1) The Secretary may provide assistance under subsection (a) to a
member of the Armed Forces serving on active duty who is suffering from
a disability described in paragraph (1), (2), or (3) of that subsection
if such disability is the result of an injury incurred or disease
contracted in or aggravated in line of duty in the active military,
naval, or air service. Such assistance shall be provided to the same
extent as assistance is provided under that subsection to veterans
eligible for assistance under that subsection and subject to the
requirements of the second sentence of that subsection.
`(2) The Secretary may provide assistance under subsection (b) to a
member of the Armed Forces serving on active duty who is suffering from
a disability described in subparagraph (A) or (B) of paragraph (1) of
that subsection if such disability is the result of an injury incurred
or disease contracted in or aggravated in line of duty in the active
military, naval, or air service. Such assistance shall be provided to
the same extent as assistance is provided under that subsection to
veterans eligible for assistance under that subsection and subject to
the requirements of paragraph (2) of that subsection.'.
SEC. 402. INCREASE IN AMOUNTS FOR CERTAIN ADAPTIVE BENEFITS FOR DISABLED
VETERANS.
(a) INCREASE IN ASSISTANCE AMOUNT FOR SPECIALLY ADAPTED HOUSING- Section
2102 is amended--
(1) in the matter preceding paragraph (1) of subsection (a), by striking
`$48,000' and inserting `$50,000'; and
(2) in subsection (b)(2), by striking `$9,250' and inserting `$10,000'.
(b) INCREASE IN AMOUNT OF ASSISTANCE FOR AUTOMOBILE AND ADAPTIVE
EQUIPMENT FOR CERTAIN DISABLED VETERANS- Section 3902(a) is amended by
striking `$9,000' and inserting `$11,000'.
(c) EFFECTIVE DATE- The amendments made by subsections (a) and (b) shall
apply with respect to assistance furnished on or after the date of the
enactment of this Act.
SEC. 403. PERMANENT AUTHORITY FOR HOUSING LOANS FOR MEMBERS OF THE
SELECTED RESERVE.
Section 3702(a)(2)(E) is amended by striking `For the period' and all
that follows through `each' and inserting `Each'.
SEC. 404. REINSTATEMENT OF MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR SALE OF VENDEE
LOANS.
(a) REINSTATEMENT- Subsection (a) of section 3733 is amended by adding
at the end the following new paragraph:
`(7) During the period that begins on the date of the enactment of the
Veterans' Benefits Act of 2003 and ends on September 30, 2013, the
Secretary shall carry out the provisions of this subsection as if--
`(A) the references in the first sentence of paragraph (1) to `65
percent' and `may be financed' were references to `85 percent' and
`shall be financed', respectively;
`(B) the second sentence of paragraph (1) were repealed; and
`(C) the reference in paragraph (2) to `September 30, 1990,' were a
reference to `September 30, 2013,'.'.
(b) STYLISTIC AMENDMENTS- Such section is further amended--
(1) by striking `of this subsection' after--
(A) `paragraph (1)' in subsections (a)(4)(A), (a)(5), (a)(6), and
(c)(2); and
(B) `paragraph (5)' in subsection (a)(4)(B)(i); and
(2) by striking `of this paragraph' each place it appears in subsection
(a)(4).
SEC. 405. ADJUSTMENT TO HOME LOAN FEES.
Effective January 1, 2004, paragraph (2) of section 3729(b) is amended
to read as follows:
`(2) The loan fee table referred to in paragraph (1) is as follows:
`LOAN FEE TABLE
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Type of loan Active duty veteran Reservist Other obligor
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(A)(i) Initial loan described in section 3710(a) to purchase or
construct a dwelling with 0-down, or any other initial loan described in
section 3710(a) other than with 5-down or 10-down (closed before January
1, 2004) 2.00 2.75 NA
(A)(ii) Initial loan described in section 3710(a) to purchase or
construct a dwelling with 0-down, or any other initial loan described in
section 3710(a) other than with 5-down or 10-down (closed on or after
January 1, 2004, and before October 1, 2004) 2.20 2.40 NA
(A)(iii) Initial loan described in section 3710(a) to purchase or
construct a dwelling with 0-down, or any other initial loan described in
section 3710(a) other than with 5-down or 10-down (closed on or after
October 1, 2004, and before October 1, 2011) 2.15 2.40 NA
(A)(iv) Initial loan described in section 3710(a) to purchase or
construct a dwelling with 0-down, or any other initial loan described in
section 3710(a) other than with 5-down or 10-down (closed on or after
October 1, 2011) 1.40 1.65 NA
(B)(i) Subsequent loan described in section 3710(a) to purchase or
construct a dwelling with 0-down, or any other subsequent loan described
in section 3710(a) (closed before January 1, 2004) 3.00 3.00 NA
(B)(ii) Subsequent loan described in section 3710(a) to purchase or
construct a dwelling with 0-down, or any other subsequent loan described
in section 3710(a) (closed on or after January 1, 2004, and before
October 1, 2011) 3.30 3.30 NA
(B)(iii) Subsequent loan described in section 3710(a) to purchase or
construct a dwelling with 0-down, or any other subsequent loan described
in section 3710(a) (closed on or after October 1, 2011 and before
October 1, 2013) 2.15 2.15 NA
(B)(iv) Subsequent loan described in section 3710(a) to purchase or
construct a dwelling with 0-down, or any other subsequent loan described
in section 3710(a) (closed on or after October 1, 2013) 1.25 1.25 NA
(C)(i) Loan described in section 3710(a) to purchase or construct a
dwelling with 5-down (closed before October 1, 2011) 1.50 1.75 NA
(C)(ii) Loan described in section 3710(a) to purchase or construct a
dwelling with 5-down (closed on or after October 1, 2011) 0.75 1.00 NA
(D)(i) Initial loan described in section 3710(a) to purchase or
construct a dwelling with 10-down (closed before October 1, 2011) 1.25
1.50 NA
(D)(ii) Initial loan described in section 3710(a) to purchase or
construct a dwelling with 10-down (closed on or after October 1, 2011)
0.50 0.75 NA
(E) Interest rate reduction refinancing loan 0.50 0.50 NA
(F) Direct loan under section 3711 1.00 1.00 NA
(G) Manufactured home loan under section 3712 (other than an interest
rate reduction refinancing loan) 1.00 1.00 NA
(H) Loan to Native American veteran under section 3762 (other than an
interest rate reduction refinancing loan) 1.25 1.25 NA
(I) Loan assumption under section 3714 0.50 0.50 0.50
(J) Loan under section 3733(a) 2.25 2.25 2.25'.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SEC. 406. ONE-YEAR EXTENSION OF PROCEDURES ON LIQUIDATION SALES OF
DEFAULTED HOME LOANS GUARANTEED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
Section 3732(c)(11) is amended by striking `October 1, 2011' and
inserting `October 1, 2012'.
TITLE V--BURIAL BENEFITS
SEC. 501. BURIAL PLOT ALLOWANCE.
(a) IN GENERAL- Section 2303(b) is amended--
(1) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking `a burial
allowance under such section 2302, or under such subsection, who was
discharged from the active military, naval, or air service for a
disability incurred or aggravated in line of duty, or who is a veteran
of any war' and inserting `burial in a national cemetery under section
2402 of this title'; and
(2) in paragraph (2), by striking `(other than a veteran whose
eligibility for benefits under this subsection is based on being a
veteran of any war)' and inserting `is eligible for a burial allowance
under section 2302 of this title or under subsection (a) of this
section, or was discharged from the active military, naval, or air
service for a disability incurred or aggravated in line of duty, and
such veteran'.
(b) CONFORMING AMENDMENT- Section 2307 is amended in the last sentence
by striking `and (b)' and inserting `and (b)(2)'.
SEC. 502. ELIGIBILITY OF SURVIVING SPOUSES WHO REMARRY FOR BURIAL IN
NATIONAL CEMETERIES.
(a) ELIGIBILITY- Section 2402(5) is amended by striking `(which for
purposes of this chapter includes an unremarried surviving spouse who
had a subsequent remarriage which was terminated by death or divorce)'
and inserting `(which for purposes of this chapter includes a surviving
spouse who had a subsequent remarriage)'.
(b) EFFECTIVE DATE- The amendment made by subsection (a) shall apply
with respect to deaths occurring on or after January 1, 2000.
SEC. 503. PERMANENT AUTHORITY FOR STATE CEMETERY GRANTS PROGRAM.
(a) PERMANENT AUTHORITY- Subsection (a) of section 2408 is amended--
(1) by striking `(1)'; and
(2) by striking paragraph (2).
(b) CONFORMING AMENDMENT- Subsection (e) of such section is amended by
striking `Sums appropriated under subsection (a) of this section' and
inserting `Amounts appropriated to carry out this section'.
(c) TECHNICAL AMENDMENT TO REPEAL OBSOLETE PROVISION- Subsection (d)(1)
of such section is amended by striking `on or after November 21, 1997,'.
TITLE VI--EXPOSURE TO HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES
SEC. 601. RADIATION DOSE RECONSTRUCTION PROGRAM OF DEPARTMENT OF
DEFENSE.
(a) REVIEW OF MISSION, PROCEDURES, AND ADMINISTRATION- (1) The Secretary
of Veterans Affairs and the Secretary of Defense shall jointly conduct a
review of the mission, procedures, and administration of the Radiation
Dose Reconstruction Program of the Department of Defense.
(2) In conducting the review under paragraph (1), the Secretaries
shall--
(A) determine whether any additional actions are required to ensure that
the quality assurance and quality control mechanisms of the Radiation
Dose Reconstruction Program are adequate and sufficient for purposes of
the program; and
(B) determine the actions that are required to ensure that the
mechanisms of the Radiation Dose Reconstruction Program for
communication and interaction with veterans are adequate and sufficient
for purposes of the program, including mechanisms to permit veterans to
review the assumptions utilized in their dose reconstructions.
(3) Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act,
the Secretaries shall jointly submit to Congress a report on the review
under paragraph (1). The report shall set forth--
(A) the results of the review;
(B) a plan for any actions determined to be required under paragraph
(2); and
(C) such other recommendations for the improvement of the mission,
procedures, and administration of the Radiation Dose Reconstruction
Program as the Secretaries jointly consider appropriate.
(b) ON-GOING REVIEW AND OVERSIGHT- The Secretaries shall jointly take
appropriate actions to ensure the on-going independent review and
oversight of the Radiation Dose Reconstruction Program, including the
establishment of the advisory board required by subsection (c).
(c) ADVISORY BOARD- (1) In taking actions under subsection (b), the
Secretaries shall jointly appoint an advisory board to provide review
and oversight of the Radiation Dose Reconstruction Program.
(2) The advisory board under paragraph (1) shall be composed of the
following:
(A) At least one expert in historical dose reconstruction of the type
conducted under the Radiation Dose Reconstruction Program.
(B) At least one expert in radiation health matters.
(C) At least one expert in risk communications matters.
(D) A representative of the Department of Veterans Affairs.
(E) A representative of the Defense Threat Reduction Agency.
(F) At least three veterans, including at least one veteran who is a
member of an atomic veterans group.
(3) The advisory board under paragraph (1) shall--
(A) conduct periodic, random audits of dose reconstructions under the
Radiation Dose Reconstruction Program and of decisions by the Department
of Veterans Affairs on claims for service connection of radiogenic
diseases;
(B) assist the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Defense Threat
Reduction Agency in communicating to veterans information on the
mission, procedures, and evidentiary requirements of the Radiation Dose
Reconstruction Program; and
(C) carry out such other activities with respect to the review and
oversight of the Radiation Dose Reconstruction Program as the
Secretaries shall jointly specify.
(4) The advisory board under paragraph (1) may make such recommendations
on modifications in the mission or procedures of the Radiation Dose
Reconstruction Program as the advisory board considers appropriate as a
result of the audits conducted under paragraph (3)(A).
SEC. 602. STUDY ON DISPOSITION OF AIR FORCE HEALTH STUDY.
(a) STUDY REQUIRED- The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall, in
accordance with this section, carry out a study to determine the
appropriate disposition of the Air Force Health Study, an epidemiologic
study of Air Force personnel who were responsible for conducting aerial
spray missions of herbicides during the Vietnam era.
(b) STUDY THROUGH NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES- Not later than 60 days
after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall seek to
enter into an agreement with the National Academy of Sciences, or
another appropriate scientific organization, to carry out the study
required by subsection (a).
(c) ELEMENTS- Under the study under subsection (a), the National Academy
of Sciences, or other appropriate scientific organization, shall address
the following:
(1) The scientific merit of retaining and maintaining the medical
records, other study data, and laboratory specimens collected in the
course of the Air Force Health Study after the currently-scheduled
termination date of the study in 2006.
(2) Whether or not any obstacles exist to retaining and maintaining the
medical records, other study data, and laboratory specimens referred to
in paragraph (1), including privacy concerns.
(3) The advisability of providing independent oversight of the medical
records, other study data, and laboratory specimens referred to in
paragraph (1), and of any further study of such records, data, and
specimens, and, if so, the mechanism for providing such oversight.
(4) The advisability of extending the Air Force Health Study, including
the potential value and relevance of extending the study, the potential
cost of extending the study, and the Federal or non-Federal entity best
suited to continue the study if extended.
(5) The advisability of making the laboratory specimens of the Air Force
Health Study available for independent research, including the potential
value and relevance of such research, and the potential cost of such
research.
(d) REPORT- Not later than 120 days after entering into an agreement
under subsection (b), the National Academy of Sciences, or other
appropriate scientific organization, shall submit to the Secretary and
Congress a report on the results of the study under subsection (a). The
report shall include the results of the study, including the matters
addressed under subsection (c), and such other recommendations as the
Academy, or other appropriate scientific organization, considers
appropriate as a result of the study.
SEC. 603. FUNDING OF MEDICAL FOLLOW-UP AGENCY OF INSTITUTE OF MEDICINE
OF NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES FOR EPIDEMIOLOGICAL RESEARCH ON MEMBERS
OF THE ARMED FORCES AND VETERANS.
(a) FUNDING- (1) The Secretary of Veterans Affairs and the Secretary of
Defense shall each make available to the National Academy of Sciences in
each of fiscal years 2004 through 2013 the amount of $250,000 for the
Medical Follow-Up Agency of the Institute of Medicine of the Academy for
purposes of epidemiological research on members of the Armed Forces and
veterans.
(2) The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall make available amounts under
paragraph (1) for a fiscal year from amounts available for the
Department of Veterans Affairs for that fiscal year.
(3) The Secretary of Defense shall make available amounts under
paragraph (1) for a fiscal year from amounts available for the
Department of Defense for that fiscal year.
(b) USE OF FUNDS- The Medical Follow-Up Agency shall use funds made
available under subsection (a) for epidemiological research on members
of the Armed Forces and veterans.
(c) SUPPLEMENT NOT SUPPLANT- Amounts made available to the Medical
Follow-Up Agency under this section for a fiscal year for the purposes
referred to in subsection (b) are in addition to any other amount made
available to the Agency for that fiscal year for those purposes.
TITLE VII--OTHER MATTERS
SEC. 701. TIME LIMITATIONS ON RECEIPT OF CLAIM INFORMATION PURSUANT TO
REQUESTS OF DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
(a) INFORMATION TO COMPLETE CLAIMS APPLICATIONS- Section 5102 is amended
by adding at the end the following new subsection:
`(c) TIME LIMITATION- (1) If information that a claimant and the
claimant's representative, if any, are notified under subsection (b) is
necessary to complete an application is not received by the Secretary
within one year from the date such notice is sent, no benefit may be
paid or furnished by reason of the claimant's application.
`(2) This subsection shall not apply to any application or claim for
Government life insurance benefits.'.
(b) CONSTRUCTION OF LIMITATION ON INFORMATION TO SUBSTANTIATE CLAIMS-
Section 5103(b) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), by striking `if such' and all that follows through
`application' and inserting `such information or evidence must be
received by the Secretary within one year from the date such notice is
sent'; and
(2) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
`(3) Nothing in paragraph (1) shall be construed to prohibit the
Secretary from making a decision on a claim before the expiration of the
period referred to in that subsection.'.
(c) EFFECTIVE DATE- The amendments made by this section shall take
effect as if enacted on November 9, 2000, immediately after the
enactment of the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000 (Public Law
106-475; 114 Stat. 2096).
(d) PROCEDURES FOR READJUDICATION OF CERTAIN CLAIMS- (1) The Secretary
of Veterans Affairs shall readjudicate a claim of a qualified claimant
if the request for such readjudication is received not later than the
end of the one-year period that begins on the date of the enactment of
this Act.
(2) For purposes of this subsection, a claimant is qualified within the
meaning of paragraph (1) if the claimant--
(A) received notice under section 5103(a) of title 38, United States
Code, requesting information or evidence to substantiate a claim;
(B) did not submit such information or evidence within a year after the
date such notice was sent;
(C) did not file a timely appeal to the Board of Veterans' Appeals or
the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims; and
(D) submits such information or evidence during the one-year period
referred to in paragraph (1).
(3) If the decision of the Secretary on a readjudication under this
subsection is in favor of the qualified claimant, the award of the grant
shall take effect as if the prior decision by the Secretary on the claim
had not been made.
(4) Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to establish a duty on
the part of the Secretary to identify or readjudicate any claim that--
(A) is not submitted during the one-year period referred to in paragraph
(1); or
(B) has been the subject of a timely appeal to the Board of Veterans'
Appeals or the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims.
(e) CONSTRUCTION ON PROVIDING RENOTIFICATION- Nothing in this section,
or the amendments made by this section, shall be construed to require
the Secretary of Veterans Affairs--
(1) to provide notice under section 5103(a) of such title with respect
to a claim insofar as the Secretary has previously provided such notice;
or
(2) to provide for a special notice with respect to this section and the
amendments made by this section.
SEC. 702. CLARIFICATION OF APPLICABILITY OF PROHIBITION ON ASSIGNMENT OF
VETERANS BENEFITS TO AGREEMENTS REQUIRING PAYMENT OF FUTURE RECEIPT OF
BENEFITS.
Section 5301(a) is amended--
(1) by inserting `(1)' after `(a)';
(2) by designating the last sentence as paragraph (2); and
(3) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
`(3)(A) This paragraph is intended to clarify that, in any case where a
beneficiary entitled to compensation, pension, or dependency and
indemnity compensation enters into an agreement with another person
under which agreement such other person acquires for consideration the
right to receive such benefit by payment of such compensation, pension,
or dependency and indemnity compensation, as the case may be, except as
provided in subparagraph (B), and including deposit into a joint account
from which such other person may make withdrawals, or otherwise, such
agreement shall be deemed to be an assignment and is prohibited.
`(B) Notwithstanding subparagraph (A), nothing in this paragraph is
intended to prohibit a loan involving a beneficiary under the terms of
which the beneficiary may use the benefit to repay such other person as
long as each of the periodic payments made to repay such other person is
separately and voluntarily executed by the beneficiary or is made by
preauthorized electronic funds transfer pursuant to the Electronic Funds
Transfers Act (15 U.S.C. 1693 et seq.).
`(C) Any agreement or arrangement for collateral for security for an
agreement that is prohibited under subparagraph (A) is also prohibited
and is void from its inception.'.
SEC. 703. SIX-YEAR EXTENSION OF ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON MINORITY VETERANS.
Section 544(e) is amended by striking `December 31, 2003' and inserting
`December 31, 2009'.
SEC. 704. TEMPORARY AUTHORITY FOR PERFORMANCE OF MEDICAL DISABILITIES
EXAMINATIONS BY CONTRACT PHYSICIANS.
(a) AUTHORITY- Using appropriated funds, other than funds available for
compensation and pension, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs may provide
for the conduct of examinations with respect to the medical disabilities
of applicants for benefits under laws administered by the Secretary by
persons other than Department of Veterans Affairs employees. The
authority under this section is in addition to the authority provided in
section 504(b) of the Veterans' Benefits Improvement Act of 1996 (Public
Law 104-275; 38 U.S.C. 5101 note).
(b) PERFORMANCE BY CONTRACT- Examinations under the authority provided
in subsection (a) shall be conducted pursuant to contracts entered into
and administered by the Under Secretary for Benefits.
(c) EXPIRATION- The authority in subsection (a) shall expire on December
31, 2009. No examination may be carried out under the authority provided
in that subsection after that date.
(d) REPORT- Not later than four years after the date of the enactment of
this Act, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report on the use of
the authority provided in subsection (a). The Secretary shall include in
the report an assessment of the effect of examinations under that
authority on the cost, timeliness, and thoroughness of examinations with
respect to the medical disabilities of applicants for benefits under
laws administered by the Secretary.
SEC. 705. FORFEITURE OF BENEFITS FOR SUBVERSIVE ACTIVITIES.
(a) ADDITION OF CERTAIN OFFENSES- Paragraph (2) of section 6105(b) is
amended--
(1) by inserting `175, 229,' after `sections'; and
(2) by inserting `831, 1091, 2332a, 2332b,' after `798,'.
(b) EFFECTIVE DATE- The amendments made by subsection (a) shall apply to
claims filed after the date of the enactment of this Act.
SEC. 706. TWO-YEAR EXTENSION OF ROUND-DOWN REQUIREMENT FOR COMPENSATION
COST-OF-LIVING ADJUSTMENTS.
Sections 1104(a) and 1303(a) are each amended by striking `2011' and
inserting `2013'.
SEC. 707. CODIFICATION OF REQUIREMENT FOR EXPEDITIOUS TREATMENT OF CASES
ON REMAND.
(a) CASES REMANDED BY BOARD OF VETERANS' APPEALS- (1) Chapter 51 is
amended by adding at the end of subchapter I the following new section:
`Sec. 5109B. Expedited treatment of remanded claims
`The Secretary shall take such actions as may be necessary to provide
for the expeditious treatment by the appropriate regional office of the
Veterans Benefits Administration of any claim that is remanded to a
regional office of the Veterans Benefits Administration by the Board of
Veterans' Appeals.'.
(2) The table of sections at the beginning of such chapter is amended by
inserting after the item relating to section 5109A the following new
item:
`5109B. Expedited treatment of remanded claims.'.
(b) CASES REMANDED BY COURT OF APPEALS FOR VETERANS CLAIMS- (1) Chapter
71 is amended by adding at the end the following new section:
`Sec. 7112. Expedited treatment of remanded claims
`The Secretary shall take such actions as may be necessary to provide
for the expeditious treatment by the Board of any claim that is remanded
to the Secretary by the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims.'.
(2) The table of sections at the beginning of such chapter is amended by
adding at the end the following new item:
`7112. Expedited treatment of remanded claims.'.
(c) REPEAL OF SOURCE SECTION- Section 302 of the Veterans' Benefits
Improvement Act of 1994 (Public Law 103-446; 108 Stat. 4658; 38 U.S.C.
5101 note) is repealed.
SEC. 708. TECHNICAL AND CLERICAL AMENDMENTS.
(a) MISCELLANEOUS AMENDMENTS- (1) Section 103(d) is amended--
(A) in paragraph (4)--
(i) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking `this
subsection' and inserting `paragraph (2)(A) or (3)'; and
(ii) in subparagraph (A), by striking `paragraph (2)' and inserting
`paragraph (2)(A)'; and
(B) in paragraph (5), by striking `Paragraphs (2)' and inserting
`Paragraphs (2)(A)'.
(2) Section 1729A is amended--
(A) in subsection (b), by striking `after June 30, 1997,' in the matter
preceding paragraph (1);
(B) in subsection (c), by striking paragraph (3);
(C) by striking subsection (e); and
(D) by redesignating subsection (f) as subsection (e).
(3) Section 1804(c)(2) is amended by striking `subsection' and inserting
`section'.
(4) Section 1974(a)(5) is amended by striking `Secretary of
Transportation' and inserting `Secretary of Homeland Security'.
(b) AMENDMENTS RELATING TO THE JOBS FOR VETERANS ACT- (1)(A) Subsection
(c)(2)(B)(ii) of section 4102A is amended by striking `October 1, 2002'
and inserting `October 1, 2003'.
(B) The amendment made by subparagraph (A) shall take effect as if
included in the enactment of section 4(a) of the Jobs for Veterans Act
(Public Law 107-288; 116 Stat. 2038).
(2) Subsection (f)(1) of section 4102A is amended by striking `6 months
after the date of the enactment of this section,' and inserting `May 7,
2003,'.
(c) AMENDMENTS RELATING TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF SOCIAL SECURITY
ADMINISTRATION AS AN INDEPENDENT AGENCY- (1) Section 1322 is amended--
(A) in subsection (a), by striking `Secretary of Health and Human
Services' and all that follows through the period and inserting
`Commissioner of Social Security, and shall be certified by the
Commissioner to the Secretary upon request of the Secretary.'; and
(B) in subsection (b)--
(i) by striking `Secretary of Health and Human Services' in the first
sentence and inserting `Commissioner of Social Security';
(ii) by striking `the two Secretaries' and inserting `the Secretary and
the Commissioner'; and
(iii) by striking `Secretary of Health and Human Services' in the second
sentence and inserting `Commissioner'.
(2) Section 5101(a) is amended by striking `Secretary of Health and
Human Services' and inserting `Commissioner of Social Security'.
(3) Section 5317 is amended by striking `Secretary of Health and Human
Services' in subsections (a), (b), and (g) and inserting `Commissioner
of Social Security'.
(4)(A) Section 5318 is amended--
(i) in subsection (a), by striking `Department of Health and Human
Services' and inserting `Social Security Administration'; and
(ii) in subsection (b)--
(I) by striking `Department of Health and Human Services' and inserting
`Social Security Administration';
(II) by striking `Secretary of Health and Human Services' the first
place it appears and inserting `Commissioner of Social Security';
(III) by striking `Secretary of Health and Human Services' the second
place it appears and inserting `Commissioner'; and
(IV) by striking `such Secretaries' and inserting `the Secretary and the
Commissioner'.
(B)(i) The heading of such section is amended to read as follows:
`Sec. 5318. Review of Social Security Administration death information'.
(ii) The item relating to that section in the table of sections at the
beginning at chapter 53 is amended to read as follows:
`5318. Review of Social Security Administration death information.'.
Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Vice President of the United States and
President of the Senate.
END
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