1991—Pub. L. 102–83, §2(d)(3), Aug. 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 402, added item for chapter 77.
Pub. L. 102–54, §14(e)(1), June 13, 1991, 105 Stat. 287, inserted “United States” before “Court of Veterans Appeals” in item for chapter 72.
Pub. L. 102–40, title IV, §§402(c)(2), 403(e)(1), (f)(2), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 239–241, substituted “BOARDS, ADMINISTRATIONS, AND SERVICES” for “BOARDS AND DEPARTMENTS” in part heading, renumbered section numbers by substituting “7101” for “4001” in item for chapter 71, “7251” for “4051” in item for chapter 72, and “7601” for “4301” in item for chapter 76, substituted “Veterans Health Administration—Organization and Functions” for “Department of Medicine and Surgery” and “7301” for “4101” in item for chapter 73, added item for chapter 74, struck out item for chapter 75 “Veterans’ Canteen Service”, and added item for chapter 78.
1988—Pub. L. 100–687, div. A, title III, §301(b), Nov. 18, 1988, 102 Stat. 4121, added item for chapter 72.
Pub. L. 100–322, title II, §216(e)(2), May 20, 1988, 102 Stat. 530, added item for chapter 76.
1994—Pub. L. 103–446, title II, §201(a)(2), Nov. 2, 1994, 108 Stat. 4656, added item 7101A.
Pub. L. 103–271, §§6(b), 7(a)(2), (b)(3), July 1, 1994, 108 Stat. 742, 743, substituted “Reconsideration; correction of obvious errors” for “Determinations by the Board” in item 7103, substituted “Appeals: dockets; hearings” for “Docketing of appeals” in item 7107, and struck out item 7110 “Traveling sections”.
1991—Pub. L. 102–40, title IV, §402(c)(1), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 239, renumbered items 4001 to 4010 as 7101 to 7110, respectively.
1988—Pub. L. 100–687, div. A, title II, §207(b), Nov. 18, 1988, 102 Stat. 4112, added item 4010.
1962—Pub. L. 87–671, §3, Sept. 19, 1962, 76 Stat. 557, added item 4009.
Pub. L. 87–666, §2, Sept. 19, 1962, 76 Stat. 554, added item 4005A, and substituted “Filing of notice of disagreement and appeal” for “Applications for review on appeal” in item 4005, “Administrative appeals” for “Docketing of appeals” in item 4006, and “Docketing of appeals” for “Simultaneously contested claims” in item 4007.
(a) There is in the Department a Board of Veterans’ Appeals (hereafter in this chapter referred to as the “Board”). The Board is under the administrative control and supervision of a chairman directly responsible to the Secretary. The Board shall consist of a Chairman, a Vice Chairman, and such number of members as may be found necessary in order to conduct hearings and dispose of appeals properly before the Board in a timely manner. The Board shall have such other professional, administrative, clerical, and stenographic personnel as are necessary in conducting hearings and considering and disposing of appeals properly before the Board. The Board shall have sufficient personnel under the preceding sentence to enable the Board to conduct hearings and consider and dispose of appeals properly before the Board in a timely manner.
(b)(1) The Chairman shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, for a term of six years. The Chairman shall be subject to the same ethical and legal limitations and restrictions concerning involvement in political activities as apply to judges of the United States Court of Veterans Appeals.
(2) The Chairman may be removed by the President for misconduct, inefficiency, neglect of duty, or engaging in the practice of law or for physical or mental disability which, in the opinion of the President, prevents the proper execution of the Chairman's duties. The Chairman may not be removed from office by the President on any other grounds. Any such removal may only be made after notice and opportunity for hearing.
(3) The Chairman may be appointed under this subsection to more than one term. If, upon the expiration of the term of office for which the Chairman was appointed, the position of Chairman would become vacant, the individual serving as Chairman may, with the approval of the Secretary, continue to serve as Chairman until either appointed to another term or a successor is appointed, but not beyond the end of the Congress during which the term of office expired.
(4) The Secretary shall designate one member of the Board as Vice Chairman. The Vice Chairman shall perform such functions as the Chairman may specify. Such member shall serve as Vice Chairman at the pleasure of the Secretary.
(c)(1)(A) The Chairman may from time to time designate one or more employees of the Department to serve as acting members of the Board. Except as provided in subparagraph (B), any such designation shall be for a period not to exceed 90 days, as determined by the Chairman.
(B) An individual designated as an acting member of the Board may continue to serve as an acting member of the Board in the making of any determination on a proceeding for which the individual was designated as an acting member of the Board, notwithstanding the termination of the period of designation of the individual as an acting member of the Board under subparagraph (A) or (C).
(C) An individual may not serve as an acting member of the Board for more than 270 days during any one-year period.
(D) At no time may the number of acting members exceed 20 percent of the total of the number of Board members and acting Board members combined.
(2) In each annual report to the Congress under section 529 of this title, the Secretary shall provide detailed descriptions of the activities undertaken and plans made in the fiscal year for which the report is made with respect to the authority provided by paragraph (1) of this subsection. In each such report, the Secretary shall indicate, in terms of full-time employee equivalents, the number of acting members of the Board designated under such paragraph (1) during the year for which the report is made.
(d)(1) After the end of each fiscal year, the Chairman shall prepare a report on the activities of the Board during that fiscal year and the projected activities of the Board for the fiscal year during which the report is prepared and the next fiscal year. Such report shall be included in the documents providing detailed information on the budget for the Department that the Secretary submits to the Congress in conjunction with the President's budget submission for any fiscal year pursuant to section 1105 of title 31.
(2) Each such report shall include, with respect to the preceding fiscal year, information specifying—
(A) the number of cases appealed to the Board during that year;
(B) the number of cases pending before the Board at the beginning and at the end of that year;
(C) the number of such cases which were filed during each of the 36 months preceding the current fiscal year;
(D) the average length of time a case was before the Board between the time of the filing of an appeal and the disposition during the preceding fiscal year;
(E) the number of members of the Board at the end of the year and the number of professional, administrative, clerical, stenographic, and other personnel employed by the Board at the end of the preceding fiscal year; and
(F) the number of employees of the Department designated under subsection (c)(1) to serve as acting members of the Board during that year and the number of cases in which each such member participated during that year.
(3) The projections in each such report for the current fiscal year and for the next fiscal year shall include (for each such year)—
(A) an estimate of the number of cases to be appealed to the Board; and
(B) an evaluation of the ability of the Board (based on existing and projected personnel levels) to ensure timely disposition of such appeals as required by section 7101(a) of this title.
(e) A performance incentive that is authorized by law for officers and employees of the Federal Government may be awarded to a member of the Board (including an acting member) by reason of that member's service on the Board only if the Chairman of the Board determines that such member should be awarded that incentive. A determination by the Chairman for such purpose shall be made taking into consideration the quality of performance of the Board member.
(Pub. L. 85–857, Sept. 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 1240, §4001; Pub. L. 98–223, title II, §208(a)–(c), Mar. 2, 1984, 98 Stat. 43, 44; Pub. L. 100–687, div. A, title II, §§201(a), 202(b), 208, 209, Nov. 18, 1988, 102 Stat. 4109, 4110, 4112; renumbered §7101 and amended Pub. L. 102–40, title IV, §402(b)(1), (d)(1), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 238, 239; Pub. L. 102–54, §14(e)(2), June 13, 1991, 105 Stat. 287; Pub. L. 102–83, §§2(c)(3), 4(a)(3), (4), (b)(1), (2)(E), Aug. 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 402, 404, 405; Pub. L. 103–271, §§2–5, July 1, 1994, 108 Stat. 740, 741; Pub. L. 103–446, title II, §§201(d), 203, Nov. 2, 1994, 108 Stat. 4657.)
1994—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 103–271, §2, struck out “(not more than 65)” after “such number”.
Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 103–446, §201(d)(1), (2), designated as par. (2) the text in par. (1) beginning “The Chairman may be removed” and struck out former par. (2) which read as follows:
“(2)(A) The other members of the Board (including the Vice Chairman) shall be appointed by the Secretary, with the approval of the President, based upon recommendations of the Chairman. Each such member shall be appointed for a term of nine years.
“(B) A member of the Board (other than the Chairman) may be removed by the Secretary upon the recommendation of the Chairman. In the case of a removal that would be covered by section 7521 of title 5 in the case of an administrative law judge, a removal of a member of the Board under this paragraph shall be carried out subject to the same requirements as apply to removal of an administrative law judge under that section. Section 554(a)(2) of title 5 shall not apply to a removal action under this subparagraph. In such a removal action, a member shall have the rights set out in section 7513(b) of such title.”
Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 103–271, §3, inserted after first sentence “The Chairman shall be subject to the same ethical and legal limitations and restrictions concerning involvement in political activities as apply to judges of the United States Court of Veterans Appeals.”
Subsec. (b)(3). Pub. L. 103–446, §§201(d)(3), 203, substituted “The Chairman” for “Members (including the Chairman)” and inserted at end “If, upon the expiration of the term of office for which the Chairman was appointed, the position of Chairman would become vacant, the individual serving as Chairman may, with the approval of the Secretary, continue to serve as Chairman until either appointed to another term or a successor is appointed, but not beyond the end of the Congress during which the term of office expired.”
Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 103–271, §4(a)(1), added par. (1) and struck out former par. (1) which read as follows: “Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, the Chairman may from time to time designate employees of the Department to serve as temporary members of the Board. Any such designation shall be for a period of not to exceed one year, as determined by the Chairman. An individual may not serve as a temporary member of the Board for more than 24 months during any 48-month period.”
Subsec. (c)(2), (3). Pub. L. 103–271, §4(a)(2)–(4), redesignated par. (3) as (2), substituted “the number of acting members of the Board designated under such paragraph (1) during the year for which the report is made.” for “the number of temporary Board members designated under this subsection and the number of acting Board members designated under section 7102(a)(2)(A)(ii) of this title during the year for which the report is made.”, and struck out former par. (2) which read as follows: “Designation under paragraph (1) of this subsection of an individual as a temporary member of the Board may not be made when there are fewer than 65 members of the Board.”
Subsec. (d)(2)(F). Pub. L. 103–271, §5, added subpar. (F).
Subsec. (d)(3)(B). Pub. L. 103–271, §4(b)(2), substituted “section 7101(a)” for “section 7103(d)”.
Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 103–271, §4(b)(1), substituted “an acting member” for “a temporary or acting member”.
1991—Pub. L. 102–40, §402(b)(1), renumbered section 4001 of this title as this section.
Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 102–83, §4(b)(1), (2)(E), substituted “Secretary” for “Administrator”.
Pub. L. 102–83, §4(a)(3), (4), substituted “Department” for “Veterans’ Administration”.
Pub. L. 102–54 amended subsec. (a) as in effect immediately before the enactment of Pub. L. 102–40 by substituting “There is” for “There shall be” and “. The Board is under the administrative” for “under the administrative”.
Subsec. (b)(2), (4). Pub. L. 102–83, §4(b)(1), (2)(E), substituted “Secretary” for “Administrator” wherever appearing.
Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 102–83, §4(a)(3), (4), substituted “Department” for “Veterans’ Administration”.
Subsec. (c)(3). Pub. L. 102–83, §4(b)(1), (2)(E), substituted “Secretary” for “Administrator” in two places.
Pub. L. 102–83, §2(c)(3), substituted “section 529” for “section 214”.
Pub. L. 102–40, §402(d)(1), substituted “7102(a)(2)(A)(ii)” for “4002(a)(2)(A)(ii)”.
Subsec. (d)(1). Pub. L. 102–83, §4(b)(1), (2)(E), substituted “Secretary” for “Administrator”.
Pub. L. 102–83, §4(a)(3), (4), substituted “Department” for “Veterans’ Administration”.
Subsec. (d)(3)(B). Pub. L. 102–40, §402(d)(1), substituted “7103(d)” for “4003(d)”.
1988—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 100–687, §202(b), inserted “and” after “Vice Chairman,” substituted “necessary in order to conduct hearings and dispose of appeals properly before the Board in a timely manner. The Board shall have” for “necessary, and”, and inserted provisions which required that Board have sufficient personnel to conduct hearings and consider and dispose of appeals.
Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 100–687, §201(a), amended subsec. (b) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (b) read as follows: “Members of the Board (including the Chairman and Vice Chairman) shall be appointed by the Administrator with the approval of the President.”
Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 100–687, §208, added subsec. (d).
Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 100–687, §209, added subsec. (e).
1984—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 98–223, §208(a), (c), substituted “65” for “fifty” and struck out “associate” before “members”.
Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 98–223, §208(b), added subsec. (c).
Amendment by section 201(a) of Pub. L. 100–687 effective Feb. 1, 1989, amendment by section 202(b) of Pub. L. 100–687 effective Jan. 1, 1989, and amendment by sections 208 and 209 of Pub. L. 100–687 effective Nov. 18, 1988, see section 401(b)–(d) of Pub. L. 100–687, set out as an Effective Date note under section 7251 of this title.
Section 201(c), (d) of Pub. L. 100–687 provided that:
“(c)
“(2) An individual who is serving as a member of the Board on the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 18, 1988] may continue to serve as a member until the earlier of—
“(A) the date on which the individual's successor (as designated by the Administrator) is appointed under subsection (b)(2) of that section, or
“(B) the end of the 180-day period beginning on the day after the date on which the Chairman is appointed under subsection (b)(1) of such section.
“(d)
“(A) 22 shall be appointed for a term of three years;
“(B) 22 shall be appointed for a term of six years; and
“(C) 22 shall be appointed for a term of nine years,
as determined by the Administrator [now Secretary] at the time of the initial appointments.”
(a) The members of the Board of Veterans’ Appeals other than the Chairman (and including the Vice Chairman) shall be appointed by the Secretary, with the approval of the President, based upon recommendations of the Chairman.
(b) Members of the Board (other than the Chairman and any member of the Board who is a member of the Senior Executive Service) shall, in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary, be paid basic pay at rates equivalent to the rates payable under section 5372 of title 5.
(c)(1)(A) The Chairman shall establish a panel to review the performance of members of the Board. The panel shall be comprised of the Chairman and two other members of the Board (other than the Vice Chairman). The Chairman shall periodically rotate membership on the panel so as to ensure that each member of the Board (other than the Vice Chairman) serves as a member of the panel for and within a reasonable period.
(B) Not less than one year after the job performance standards under subsection (f) are initially established, and not less often than once every three years thereafter, the performance review panel shall determine, with respect to each member of the Board (other than the Chairman or a member who is a member of the Senior Executive Service), whether that member's job performance as a member of the Board meets the performance standards for a member of the Board established under subsection (f). Each such determination shall be in writing.
(2) If the determination of the performance review panel in any case is that the member's job performance as a member of the Board meets the performance standards for a member of the Board established under subsection (f), the Chairman shall recertify the member's appointment as a member of the Board.
(3) If the determination of the performance review panel in any case is that the member's job performance does not meet the performance standards for a member of the Board established under subsection (f), the Chairman shall, based upon the individual circumstances, either—
(A) grant the member a conditional recertification; or
(B) recommend to the Secretary that the member be noncertified.
(4) In the case of a member of the Board who is granted a conditional recertification under paragraph (3)(A) or (5)(A), the performance review panel shall review the member's job performance record and make a further determination under paragraph (1) concerning that member not later than one year after the date of the conditional recertification. If the determination of the performance review panel at that time is that the member's job performance as a member of the Board still does not meet the performance standards for a member of the Board established under subsection (f), the Chairman shall recommend to the Secretary that the member be noncertified.
(5) In a case in which the Chairman recommends to the Secretary under paragraph (3) or (4) that a member be noncertified, the Secretary, after considering the recommendation of the Chairman, may either—
(A) grant the member a conditional recertification; or
(B) determine that the member should be noncertified.
(d)(1) If the Secretary, based upon the recommendation of the Chairman, determines that a member of the Board should be noncertified, that member's appointment as a member of the Board shall be terminated and that member shall be removed from the Board.
(2) Upon removal from the Board under paragraph (1), a member of the Board (other than the Chairman) who was a career or career-conditional employee in the civil service before commencement of service as a member of the Board shall revert to the civil service grade and series held by the member immediately before the appointment of the member to the Board.
(e)(1) A member of the Board (other than the Chairman or a member of the Senior Executive Service) may be removed as a member of the Board by reason of job performance only as provided in subsections (c) and (d). Such a member may be removed by the Secretary, upon the recommendation of the Chairman, for any other reason as determined by the Secretary.
(2) In the case of a removal of a member under this section for a reason other than job performance that would be covered by section 7521 of title 5 in the case of an administrative law judge, the removal of the member of the Board shall be carried out subject to the same requirements as apply to removal of an administrative law judge under that section. Section 554(a)(2) of title 5 shall not apply to a removal action under this subsection. In such a removal action, a member shall have the rights set out in section 7513(b) of that title.
(f) The Chairman, subject to the approval of the Secretary, shall establish standards for the performance of the job of a member of the Board (other than the Chairman or a member of the Senior Executive Service). Those standards shall establish objective and fair criteria for evaluation of the job performance of a member of the Board.
(g) The Secretary shall prescribe procedures for the administration of this section, including deadlines and time schedules for different actions under this section.
(Added Pub. L. 103–446, title II, §201(a)(1), Nov. 2, 1994, 108 Stat. 4655.)
Section 201(c) of Pub. L. 103–446 provided that: “Section 7101A(b) of title 38, United States Code, as added by subsection (a), shall take effect on the first day of the first pay period beginning after December 31, 1994.”
Section 201(b) of Pub. L. 103–446 provided that: “The rate of basic pay payable to an individual who is a member of the Board of Veterans’ Appeals on the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 2, 1994] may not be reduced by reason of the amendments made by this section [enacting this section and amending section 7101 of this title] to a rate below the rate payable to such individual on the day before such date.”
Section 202 of Pub. L. 103–446 provided that:
“(a)
“(b)
(a) A proceeding instituted before the Board may be assigned to an individual member of the Board or to a panel of not less than three members of the Board. A member or panel assigned a proceeding shall make a determination thereon, including any motion filed in connection therewith. The member or panel, as the case may be, shall make a report under section 7104(d) of this title on any such determination, which report shall constitute the final disposition of the proceeding by the member or panel.
(b) A proceeding may not be assigned to the Chairman as an individual member. The Chairman may participate in a proceeding assigned to a panel or in a reconsideration assigned to a panel of members.
(Pub. L. 85–857, Sept. 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 1241, §4002; Pub. L. 98–223, title II, §208(c), (d), Mar. 2, 1984, 98 Stat. 44; renumbered §7102 and amended Pub. L. 102–40, title IV, §402(b)(1), (d)(1), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 238, 239; Pub. L. 102–83, §4(a)(3), (4), Aug. 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 404; Pub. L. 103–271, §6(a), July 1, 1994, 108 Stat. 741.)
1994—Pub. L. 103–271 amended section generally, substituting present provisions for provisions authorizing Chairman to divide Board into sections of three members and to assign proceedings thereto, and provisions relating to assignment where section is composed of fewer than three members, limiting annual period of service, prohibiting more than one member to be a temporary or acting member, and relating to hearing docket and report of determination.
1991—Pub. L. 102–40, §402(b)(1), renumbered section 4002 of this title as this section.
Subsec. (a)(2)(A)(ii). Pub. L. 102–83 substituted “Department” for “Veterans’ Administration”.
Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 102–40, §402(d)(1), substituted “7101(c)” for “4001(c)”.
1984—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 98–223, §208(d)(1), designated provision authorizing the Chairman from time to time to divide the Board into sections of three members, assign members to the Board thereto, and designated the chief thereof, as par. (1).
Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 98–223, §208(d)(2), designated provision relating to authority of the Chairman in the case where a section is composed of fewer than three members as a result of absence, vacancy, or inability of a member to serve as subpar. (A), and in subpar. (A) as so designated, inserted provision authorizing the Chairman to designate an employee of the Veterans’ Administration to serve as an acting member of the Board on such section for a period of not to exceed 90 days, and added subpar. (B).
Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 98–223, §208(d)(2), added par. (3).
Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 98–223, §208(d)(3), designated provision relating to the maintenance of a hearing docket and the holding of formal recorded hearings upon which a final determination will be made as subsec. (b).
Pub. L. 98–223, §208(c), struck out “associate” before “member” in two places.
Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 98–223, §208(d)(4), designated provision relating to the section making a determination on any proceeding or motion in connection therewith assigned to the section by the Board and making a report on such determination, which report constitutes its final disposition of the proceeding, as subsec. (c).
This section is referred to in section 7103 of this title.
(a) The decision of the Board determining a matter under section 7102 of this title is final unless the Chairman orders reconsideration of the decision in accordance with subsection (b). Such an order may be made on the Chairman's initiative or upon motion of the claimant.
(b)(1) Upon the order of the Chairman for reconsideration of the decision in a case, the case shall be referred—
(A) in the case of a matter originally heard by a single member of the Board, to a panel of not less than three members of the Board; or
(B) in the case of a matter originally heard by a panel of members of the Board, to an enlarged panel of the Board.
(2) A panel referred to in paragraph (1) may not include the member, or any member of the panel, that made the decision subject to reconsideration.
(3) A panel reconsidering a case under this subsection shall render its decision after reviewing the entire record before the Board. The decision of the panel shall be made by a majority vote of the members of the panel. The decision of the panel shall constitute the final decision of the Board.
(c) The Board on its own motion may correct an obvious error in the record, without regard to whether there has been a motion or order for reconsideration.
(Pub. L. 85–857, Sept. 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 1241, §4003; Pub. L. 100–687, div. A, title II, §202(a), Nov. 18, 1988, 102 Stat. 4110; renumbered §7103, Pub. L. 102–40, title IV, §402(b)(1), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 238; Pub. L. 103–271, §6(a), July 1, 1994, 108 Stat. 741.)
1994—Pub. L. 103–271 amended section generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows:
“(a) Decisions by a section of the Board shall be made by a majority of the members of the section. The decision of the section is final unless the Chairman orders reconsideration of the case.
“(b) If the Chairman orders reconsideration in a case, the case shall upon reconsideration be heard by an expanded section of the Board. When a case is heard by an expanded section of the Board after such a motion for reconsideration, the decision of a majority of the members of the expanded section shall constitute the final decision of the Board.
“(c) Notwithstanding subsections (a) and (b) of this section, the Board on its own motion may correct an obvious error in the record.”
1991—Pub. L. 102–40 renumbered section 4003 of this title as this section.
1988—Pub. L. 100–687, in amending section generally, added subsec. (a), struck out former subsec. (a) which provided that determination of section, when unanimous, be final determination of Board, added subsec. (b), struck out former subsec. (b) which provided that when there is disagreement among members of section, concurrence of Chairman with majority of members of section shall constitute final determination of Board, and added subsec. (c).
Amendment by Pub. L. 100–687 effective Jan. 1, 1989, see section 401(d) of Pub. L. 100–687, set out as an Effective Date note under section 7251 of this title.
This section is referred to in section 7107 of this title.
(a) All questions in a matter which under section 511(a) of this title is subject to decision by the Secretary shall be subject to one review on appeal to the Secretary. Final decisions on such appeals shall be made by the Board. Decisions of the Board shall be based on the entire record in the proceeding and upon consideration of all evidence and material of record and applicable provisions of law and regulation.
(b) Except as provided in section 5108 of this title, when a claim is disallowed by the Board, the claim may not thereafter be reopened and allowed and a claim based upon the same factual basis may not be considered.
(c) The Board shall be bound in its decisions by the regulations of the Department, instructions of the Secretary, and the precedent opinions of the chief legal officer of the Department.
(d) Each decision of the Board shall include—
(1) a written statement of the Board's findings and conclusions, and the reasons or bases for those findings and conclusions, on all material issues of fact and law presented on the record; and
(2) an order granting appropriate relief or denying relief.
(e) After reaching a decision in a case, the Board shall promptly mail a copy of its written decision to the claimant and the claimant's authorized representative (if any) at the last known address of the claimant and at the last known address of such representative (if any).
(Pub. L. 85–857, Sept. 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 1241, §4004; Pub. L. 87–97, §1, July 20, 1961, 75 Stat. 215; Pub. L. 100–687, div. A, title I, §101(b), title II, §§203(a), 204, 205, Nov. 18, 1988, 102 Stat. 4106, 4110, 4111; renumbered §7104 and amended Pub. L. 102–40, title IV, §402(b)(1), (d)(1), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 238, 239; Pub. L. 102–54, §14(g)(2), June 13, 1991, 105 Stat. 288; Pub. L. 102–83, §4(a)(3), (4), (b)(1), (2)(E), (c), Aug. 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 404–406; Pub. L. 103–271, §§7(b)(1), 8, July 1, 1994, 108 Stat. 743.)
1994—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 103–271, §8, substituted “511(a)” for “211(a)”.
Pub. L. 103–271, §7(b)(1), struck out after second sentence “The Board shall decide any such appeal only after affording the claimant an opportunity for a hearing.”
1991—Pub. L. 102–40, §402(b)(1), renumbered section 4004 of this title as this section.
Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 102–83, §4(b)(1), (2)(E), substituted “Secretary” for “Administrator” in two places.
Pub. L. 102–54 made a technical correction to Pub. L. 100–687, §101(b). See 1988 Amendment note below.
Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 102–40, §402(d)(1), substituted “5108” for “3008”.
Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 102–83, §4(c), substituted “chief legal officer of the Department” for “chief law officer”.
Pub. L. 102–83, §4(b)(1), (2)(E), substituted “Secretary” for “Administrator”.
Pub. L. 102–83, §4(a)(3), (4), substituted “Department” for “Veterans’ Administration”.
1988—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 100–687, §101(b), as amended by Pub. L. 102–54, substituted “All questions in a matter which under section 211(a) of this title is subject to decision by the Administrator” for “All questions on claims involving benefits under the laws administered by the Veterans’ Administration”.
Pub. L. 100–687, §203(a), inserted at end “The Board shall decide any such appeal only after affording the claimant an opportunity for a hearing. Decisions of the Board shall be based on the entire record in the proceeding and upon consideration of all evidence and material of record and applicable provisions of law and regulation.”
Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 100–687, §204, amended subsec. (b) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (b) read as follows: “When a claim is disallowed by the Board, it may not thereafter be reopened and allowed, and no claim based upon the same factual basis shall be considered; however, where subsequent to disallowance of a claim, new and material evidence in the form of official reports from the proper service department is secured, the Board may authorize the reopening of the claim and review of the former decision.”
Subsecs. (d), (e). Pub. L. 100–687, §205, added subsecs. (d) and (e) and struck out former subsec. (d) which read as follows: “The decisions of the Board shall be in writing and shall contain findings of fact and conclusions of law separately stated.”
1961—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 87–97 added subsec. (d).
Section 14(g)(2) of Pub. L. 102–54 provided that the amendment made by that section is effective Nov. 18, 1988.
Amendment by sections 101(b) and 204 of Pub. L. 100–687 effective Sept. 1, 1989, and amendment by sections 203(a) and 205 of Pub. L. 100–687 effective Jan. 1, 1989, see section 401(a), (d) of Pub. L. 100–687, as amended, set out as an Effective Date note under section 7251 of this title.
Section 2 of Pub. L. 87–97 provided that: “The amendment made by this Act [amending this section] shall take effect as of January 1, 1962.”
This section is referred to in sections 7102, 7266 of this title.
(a) Appellate review will be initiated by a notice of disagreement and completed by a substantive appeal after a statement of the case is furnished as prescribed in this section. Each appellant will be accorded hearing and representation rights pursuant to the provisions of this chapter and regulations of the Secretary.
(b)(1) Except in the case of simultaneously contested claims, notice of disagreement shall be filed within one year from the date of mailing of notice of the result of initial review or determination. Such notice, and appeals, must be in writing and be filed with the activity which entered the determination with which disagreement is expressed (hereafter referred to as the “agency of original jurisdiction”). A notice of disagreement postmarked before the expiration of the one-year period will be accepted as timely filed.
(2) Notices of disagreement, and appeals, must be in writing and may be filed by the claimant, the claimant's legal guardian, or such accredited representative, attorney, or authorized agent as may be selected by the claimant or legal guardian. Not more than one recognized organization, attorney, or agent will be recognized at any one time in the prosecution of a claim.
(c) If no notice of disagreement is filed in accordance with this chapter within the prescribed period, the action or determination shall become final and the claim will not thereafter be reopened or allowed, except as may otherwise be provided by regulations not inconsistent with this title.
(d)(1) Where the claimant, or the claimant's representative, within the time specified in this chapter, files a notice of disagreement with the decision of the agency of original jurisdiction, such agency will take such development or review action as it deems proper under the provisions of regulations not inconsistent with this title. If such action does not resolve the disagreement either by granting the benefit sought or through withdrawal of the notice of disagreement, such agency shall prepare a statement of the case. A statement of the case shall include the following:
(A) A summary of the evidence in the case pertinent to the issue or issues with which disagreement has been expressed.
(B) A citation to pertinent laws and regulations and a discussion of how such laws and regulations affect the agency's decision.
(C) The decision on each issue and a summary of the reasons for such decision.
(2) A statement of the case, as required by this subsection, will not disclose matters that would be contrary to section 5701 of this title or otherwise contrary to the public interest. Such matters may be disclosed to a designated representative unless the relationship between the claimant and the representative is such that disclosure to the representative would be as harmful as if made to the claimant.
(3) Copies of the “statement of the case” prescribed in paragraph (1) of this subsection will be submitted to the claimant and to the claimant's representative, if there is one. The claimant will be afforded a period of sixty days from the date the statement of the case is mailed to file the formal appeal. This may be extended for a reasonable period on request for good cause shown. The appeal should set out specific allegations of error of fact or law, such allegations related to specific items in the statement of the case. The benefits sought on appeal must be clearly identified. The agency of original jurisdiction may close the case for failure to respond after receipt of the statement of the case, but questions as to timeliness or adequacy of response shall be determined by the Board of Veterans’ Appeals.
(4) The claimant in any case may not be presumed to agree with any statement of fact contained in the statement of the case to which the claimant does not specifically express agreement.
(5) The Board of Veterans’ Appeals may dismiss any appeal which fails to allege specific error of fact or law in the determination being appealed.
(Added Pub. L. 87–666, §1, Sept. 19, 1962, 76 Stat. 553, §4005; amended Pub. L. 99–576, title VII, §701(85), Oct. 28, 1986, 100 Stat. 3298; Pub. L. 100–687, div. A, title II, §§203(b), 206, Nov. 18, 1988, 102 Stat. 4111; renumbered §7105 and amended Pub. L. 102–40, title IV, §402(b)(1), (d)(1), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 238, 239; Pub. L. 102–83, §4(b)(1), (2)(E), Aug. 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 404, 405.)
1991—Pub. L. 102–40, §402(b)(1), renumbered section 4005 of this title as this section.
Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 102–83 substituted “Secretary” for “Administrator”.
Subsec. (d)(2). Pub. L. 102–40, §402(d)(1), substituted “5701” for “3301”.
1988—Subsec. (d)(1). Pub. L. 100–687, §206(a), substituted “shall prepare a statement of the case. A statement of the case shall include the following:” for “will prepare a statement of the case consisting of—”, added subpars. (A) to (C), and struck out former subpars. (A) to (C) which read as follows:
“(A) A summary of the evidence in the case pertinent to the issue or issues with which disagreement has been expressed;
“(B) A citation or discussion of the pertinent law, regulations, and, where applicable, the provisions of the Schedule for Rating Disabilities;
“(C) The decision on such issue or issues and a summary of the reasons therefor.”
Subsec. (d)(4). Pub. L. 100–687, §206(b), amended par. (4) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (4) read as follows: “The appellant will be presumed to be in agreement with any statement of fact contained in the statement of the case to which no exception is taken.”
Subsec. (d)(5). Pub. L. 100–687, §203(b), struck out “will base its decision on the entire record and” after “of Veterans’ Appeals”.
1986—Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 99–576, §701(85), substituted “the claimant's” for “his” and “the claimant or legal guardian” for “him”.
Subsec. (d)(1), (3). Pub. L. 99–576, §701(85)(A), substituted “the claimant's” for “his”.
Amendment by Pub. L. 100–687 effective Jan. 1, 1989, see section 401(d) of Pub. L. 100–687 set out as an Effective Date note under section 7251 of this title.
Section 3 of Pub. L. 87–666 provided that: “The amendments made by this Act [enacting sections 4005, 4005A, and 4006 [now 7105, 7105A, and 7106] of this title, redesignating former section 4006 as 4007 [now 7107] of this title, and repealing former sections 4005 and 4007 of this title] shall be effective January 1, 1963.”
This section is referred to in sections 7105A, 7106 of this title.
(a) In simultaneously contested claims where one is allowed and one rejected, the time allowed for the filing of a notice of disagreement shall be sixty days from the date notice of the adverse action is mailed. In such cases the agency of original jurisdiction shall promptly notify all parties in interest at the last known address of the action taken, expressly inviting attention to the fact that notice of disagreement will not be entertained unless filed within the sixty-day period prescribed by this subsection.
(b) Upon the filing of a notice of disagreement, all parties in interest will be furnished with a statement of the case in the same manner as is prescribed in section 7105. The party in interest who filed a notice of disagreement will be allowed thirty days from the date of mailing of such statement of the case in which to file a formal appeal. Extension of time may be granted for good cause shown but with consideration to the interests of the other parties involved. The substance of the appeal will be communicated to the other party or parties in interest and a period of thirty days will be allowed for filing a brief or argument in answer thereto. Such notice shall be forwarded to the last known address of record of the parties concerned, and such action shall constitute sufficient evidence of notice.
(Added Pub. L. 87–666, §1, Sept. 19, 1962, 76 Stat. 554, §4005A; renumbered §7105A and amended Pub. L. 102–40, title IV, §402(b)(1), (d)(1), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 238, 239.)
Provisions similar to those comprising this section were contained in former section 4007 of this title, prior to the general amendment of sections 4005 to 4007 by Pub. L. 87–666.
1991—Pub. L. 102–40 renumbered section 4005A of this title as this section and substituted “7105” for “4005” in subsec. (b).
Section effective Jan. 1, 1963, see section 3 of Pub. L. 87–666, set out as a note under section 7105 of this title.
Application for review on appeal may be made within the one-year period prescribed in section 7105 of this title by such officials of the Department as may be designated by the Secretary. An application entered under this paragraph shall not operate to deprive the claimant of the right of review on appeal as provided in this chapter.
(Added Pub. L. 87–666, §1, Sept. 19, 1962, 76 Stat. 554, §4006; renumbered §7106 and amended Pub. L. 102–40, title IV, §402(b)(1), (d)(1), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 238, 239; Pub. L. 102–83, §4(a)(3), (4), (b)(1), (2)(E), Aug. 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 404, 405.)
Provisions similar to those comprising this section were contained in subsec. (c)(2) of former section 4005 of this title, prior to the general amendment of sections 4005 to 4007 by Pub. L. 87–666.
1991—Pub. L. 102–40 renumbered section 4006 of this title as this section and substituted “7105” for “4005”.
Pub. L. 102–83 substituted “Secretary” for “Administrator” and “Department” for “Veterans’ Administration”.
(a)(1) Except as provided in subsection (f), each case received pursuant to application for review on appeal shall be considered and decided in regular order according to its place upon the docket.
(2) A case referred to in paragraph (1) may, for cause shown, be advanced on motion for earlier consideration and determination. Any such motion shall set forth succinctly the grounds upon which it is based and may not be granted unless the case involves interpretation of law of general application affecting other claims or for other sufficient cause shown.
(b) The Board shall decide any appeal only after affording the appellant an opportunity for a hearing.
(c) A hearing docket shall be maintained and formal recorded hearings shall be held by such member or members of the Board as the Chairman may designate. Such member or members designated by the Chairman to conduct the hearing shall, except in the case of a reconsideration of a decision under section 7103 of this title, participate in making the final determination of the claim.
(d)(1) An appellant may request that a hearing before the Board be held at its principal location or at a facility of the Department located within the area served by a regional office of the Department.
(2) A hearing to be held within an area served by a regional office of the Department shall (except as provided in paragraph (3)) be scheduled to be held in the order in which requests for hearings within that area are received by the Department.
(3) In a case in which the Secretary is aware that the appellant is seriously ill or is under severe financial hardship, a hearing may be scheduled at a time earlier than would be provided for under paragraph (2).
(e)(1) At the request of the Chairman, the Secretary may provide suitable facilities and equipment to the Board or other components of the Department to enable an appellant located at a facility within the area served by a regional office to participate, through voice transmission or through picture and voice transmission, by electronic or other means, in a hearing with a Board member or members sitting at the Board's principal location.
(2) When such facilities and equipment are available, the Chairman may afford the appellant an opportunity to participate in a hearing before the Board through the use of such facilities and equipment in lieu of a hearing held by personally appearing before a Board member or panel as provided in subsection (d). Any such hearing shall be conducted in the same manner as, and shall be considered the equivalent of, a personal hearing. If the appellant declines to participate in a hearing through the use of such facilities and equipment, the opportunity of the appellant to a hearing as provided in such subsection (d) shall not be affected.
(f) Nothing in this section shall preclude the screening of cases for purposes of—
(1) determining the adequacy of the record for decisional purposes; or
(2) the development, or attempted development, of a record found to be inadequate for decisional purposes.
(Pub. L. 85–857, Sept. 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 1242, §4006; renumbered §4007, Pub. L. 87–666, §1, Sept. 19, 1962, 76 Stat. 553; renumbered §7107, Pub. L. 102–40, title IV, §402(b)(1), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 238; Pub. L. 103–271, §7(a)(1), July 1, 1994, 108 Stat. 742; Pub. L. 103–446, title III, §303, Nov. 2, 1994, 108 Stat. 4658.)
1994—Pub. L. 103–446 substituted “Except as provided in subsection (f), each case” for “Each case” in subsec. (a)(1) and added subsec. (f).
Pub. L. 103–271 amended section generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: “All cases received pursuant to application for review on appeal shall be considered and decided in regular order according to their places upon the docket; however, for cause shown a case may be advanced on motion for earlier consideration and determination. Every such motion shall set forth succinctly the grounds upon which it is based. No such motion shall be granted except in cases involving interpretation of law of general application affecting other claims, or for other sufficient cause shown.”
1991—Pub. L. 102–40 renumbered section 4007 of this title as this section.
1962—Pub. L. 87–666 renumbered section 4006 of this title as this section.
An application for review on appeal shall not be entertained unless it is in conformity with this chapter.
(Pub. L. 85–857, Sept. 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 1243, §4008; renumbered §7108, Pub. L. 102–40, title IV, §402(b)(1), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 238.)
1991—Pub. L. 102–40 renumbered section 4008 of this title as this section.
(a) When, in the judgment of the Board, expert medical opinion, in addition to that available within the Department, is warranted by the medical complexity or controversy involved in an appeal case, the Board may secure an advisory medical opinion from one or more independent medical experts who are not employees of the Department.
(b) The Secretary shall make necessary arrangements with recognized medical schools, universities, or clinics to furnish such advisory medical opinions at the request of the Chairman of the Board. Any such arrangement shall provide that the actual selection of the expert or experts to give the advisory opinion in an individual case shall be made by an appropriate official of such institution.
(c) The Board shall furnish a claimant with notice that an advisory medical opinion has been requested under this section with respect to the claimant's case and shall furnish the claimant with a copy of such opinion when it is received by the Board.
(Added Pub. L. 87–671, §1, Sept. 19, 1962, 76 Stat. 557, §4009; amended Pub. L. 100–687, div. A, title I, §103(b), Nov. 18, 1988, 102 Stat. 4107; renumbered §7109, Pub. L. 102–40, title IV, §402(b)(1), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 238; Pub. L. 102–83, §4(a)(3), (4), (b)(1), (2)(E), Aug. 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 404, 405.)
1991—Pub. L. 102–40 renumbered section 4009 of this title as this section.
Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 102–83, §4(a)(3), (4), substituted “Department” for “Veterans’ Administration” in two places.
Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 102–83, §4(b)(1), (2)(E), substituted “Secretary” for “Administrator”.
1988—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 100–687, §103(b)(1), substituted “Board may” for “Board is authorized to”.
Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 100–687, §103(b)(2), substituted “Any such arrangement shall” for “Such arrangement will”, and “an individual case shall” for “any individual case will”.
Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 100–687, §103(b)(3), added subsec. (c).
Amendment by Pub. L. 100–687 effective Sept. 1, 1989, see section 401(a) of Pub. L. 100–687, set out as an Effective Date note under section 7251 of this title.
Section effective Jan. 1, 1963, see section 4 of Pub. L. 87–671, set out as an Effective Date of 1962 Amendment note under section 5701 of this title.
Disclosure of papers and documents relating to claims to independent medical experts, see section 5701 of this title.
This section is referred to in section 5701 of this title.
Section, added Pub. L. 100–687, div. A, title II, §207(a), Nov. 18, 1988, 102 Stat. 4111, §4010; renumbered §7110, Pub. L. 102–40, title IV, §402(b)(1), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 238; amended Pub. L. 102–83, §4(a)(3), (4), Aug. 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 404, authorized hearing before traveling sections of the Board.
1991—Pub. L. 102–82, §2(b), Aug. 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 375, added item 7286.
Pub. L. 102–40, title IV, §402(c)(1), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 239, renumbered items 4051 to 4098 as 7251 to 7298, respectively.
1989—Pub. L. 101–94, title I, §101(b), Aug. 16, 1989, 103 Stat. 625, added subchapter V heading and items 4096 to 4098.
This chapter is referred to in sections 502, 511 of this title.
There is hereby established, under Article I of the Constitution of the United States, a court of record to be known as the United States Court of Veterans Appeals.
(Added Pub. L. 100–687, div. A, title III, §301(a), Nov. 18, 1988, 102 Stat. 4113, §4051; renumbered §7251, Pub. L. 102–40, title IV, §402(b)(1), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 238.)
1991—Pub. L. 102–40 renumbered section 4051 of this title as this section.
Section 401 of Pub. L. 100–687, as amended by Pub. L. 101–94, title III, §301, Aug. 16, 1989, 103 Stat. 628, provided that:
“(a)
“(b)
“(c)
“(d)
“(e)
Section 402 of Pub. L. 100–687, as amended by Pub. L. 102–40, title IV, §402(d)(2), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 239, provided that: “Chapter 72 of title 38, United States Code, as added by section 301, shall apply with respect to any case in which a notice of disagreement is filed under section 7105 [formerly 4005] of title 38, United States Code, on or after the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 18, 1988].”
(a) The Court of Veterans Appeals shall have exclusive jurisdiction to review decisions of the Board of Veterans’ Appeals. The Secretary may not seek review of any such decision. The Court shall have power to affirm, modify, or reverse a decision of the Board or to remand the matter, as appropriate.
(b) Review in the Court shall be on the record of proceedings before the Secretary and the Board. The extent of the review shall be limited to the scope provided in section 7261 of this title. The Court may not review the schedule of ratings for disabilities adopted under section 1155 of this title or any action of the Secretary in adopting or revising that schedule.
(c) Decisions by the Court are subject to review as provided in section 7292 of this title.
(Added Pub. L. 100–687, div. A, title III, §301(a), Nov. 18, 1988, 102 Stat. 4113, §4052; renumbered §7252 and amended Pub. L. 102–40, title IV, §402(b)(1), (d)(1), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 238, 239; Pub. L. 102–54, §14(e)(3), June 13, 1991, 105 Stat. 287; Pub. L. 102–83, §§4(b)(1), (2)(E), 5(c)(1), Aug. 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 404–406.)
1991—Pub. L. 102–40, §402(b)(1), renumbered section 4052 of this title as this section.
Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 102–83, §4(b)(1), (2)(E), substituted “Secretary” for “Administrator”.
Pub. L. 102–54 amended subsec. (a) as in effect immediately before the enactment of Pub. L. 102–40 by substituting “Court” for “court” in last sentence.
Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 102–83, §5(c)(1), substituted “1155” for “355”.
Pub. L. 102–83, §4(b)(1), (2)(E), substituted “Secretary” for “Administrator” in two places.
Pub. L. 102–40, §402(d)(1), substituted “7261” for “4061”.
Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 102–40, §402(d)(1), substituted “7292” for “4092”.
(a) The Court of Veterans Appeals shall be composed of a chief judge and at least two and not more than six associate judges.
(b) The judges of the Court shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, solely on the grounds of fitness to perform the duties of the office. A person may not be appointed to the Court who is not a member in good standing of the bar of a Federal court or of the highest court of a State. Not more than the number equal to the next whole number greater than one-half of the number of judges of the Court may be members of the same political party.
(c) The term of office of the judges of the Court of Veterans Appeals shall be 15 years.
(d) The chief judge is the head of the Court.
(e)(1) The chief judge of the Court shall receive a salary at the same rate as is received by judges of the United States Courts of Appeals.
(2) Each judge of the Court, other than the chief judge, shall receive a salary at the same rate as is received by judges of the United States district courts.
(f)(1) A judge of the Court may be removed from office by the President on grounds of misconduct, neglect of duty, or engaging in the practice of law. A judge of the Court may not be removed from office by the President on any other ground.
(2) Before a judge may be removed from office under this subsection, the judge shall be provided with a full specification of the reasons for the removal and an opportunity to be heard.
(g)(1) The Court shall prescribe rules, consistent with the provisions of section 372(c) of title 28, establishing procedures for the filing of complaints with respect to the conduct of any judge of the Court and for the investigation and resolution of such complaints. In investigating and taking action with respect to any such complaint, the Court shall have the powers granted to a judicial council under such section.
(2) The provisions of paragraphs (7) through (15) of section 372(c) of title 28, regarding referral or certification to, and petition for review in, the Judicial Conference of the United States and action thereon, shall apply to the exercise by the Court of the powers of a judicial council under paragraph (1) of this subsection. The grounds for removal from office specified in subsection (f)(1) shall provide a basis for a determination pursuant to paragraph (7) or (8) of section 372(c) of title 28, and certification and transmittal by the Conference shall be made to the President for consideration under subsection (f).
(3)(A) In conducting hearings pursuant to paragraph (1), the Court may exercise the authority provided under section 1821 of title 28 to pay the fees and allowances described in that section.
(B) The Court shall have the power provided under section 372(c)(16) of title 28 to award reimbursement for the reasonable expenses described in that section. Reimbursements under this subparagraph shall be made from funds appropriated to the Court.
(Added Pub. L. 100–687, div. A, title III, §301(a), Nov. 18, 1988, 102 Stat. 4114, §4053; amended Pub. L. 101–94, title I, §102(c), Aug. 16, 1989, 103 Stat. 626; renumbered §7253, Pub. L. 102–40, title IV, §402(b)(1), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 238; Pub. L. 102–82, §3, Aug. 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 375; Pub. L. 102–585, title VIII, §801, Nov. 4, 1992, 106 Stat. 4980.)
1992—Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 102–585 designated existing provisions as par. (1) and added pars. (2) and (3).
1991—Pub. L. 102–40 renumbered section 4053 of this title as this section.
Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 102–82 added subsec. (g).
1989—Subsec. (f)(1). Pub. L. 101–94 inserted “or” before “engaging” and substituted “law” for “law, or physical or mental disability which, in the opinion of the President, prevents the proper execution of the judge's duties”.
Section 302 of Pub. L. 100–687 provided that:
“(a)
“(b)
This section is referred to in section 7297 of this title.
(a) The Court of Veterans Appeals shall have a seal which shall be judicially noticed.
(b) The Court may hear cases by judges sitting alone or in panels, as determined pursuant to procedures established by the Court. Any such panel shall have not less than three judges. The Court shall establish procedures for the assignment of the judges of the Court to such panels and for the designation of the chief of each such panel.
(c)(1) A majority of the judges of the Court shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of the business of the Court. A vacancy in the Court shall not impair the powers or affect the duties of the Court or of the remaining judges of the Court.
(2) A majority of the judges of a panel of the Court shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of the business of the panel. A vacancy in a panel of the Court shall not impair the powers or affect the duties of the panel or of the remaining judges of the panel.
(d) In the event of a vacancy in the position of chief judge of the Court, the associate judge senior in service on the Court shall serve as acting chief judge unless the President designates one of the other associate judges to serve as acting chief judge, in which case the judge so designated shall serve as acting chief judge.
(e) Judges of the Court shall have the authority to administer oaths.
(Added Pub. L. 100–687, div. A, title III, §301(a), Nov. 18, 1988, 102 Stat. 4114, §4054; amended Pub. L. 101–94, title IV, §402, Aug. 16, 1989, 103 Stat. 628; Pub. L. 101–237, title VI, §602(b), Dec. 18, 1989, 103 Stat. 2095; renumbered §7254, Pub. L. 102–40, title IV, §402(b)(1), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 238; Pub. L. 102–54, §14(e)(4), June 13, 1991, 105 Stat. 287; Pub. L. 102–82, §8(3), Aug. 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 377.)
1991—Pub. L. 102–40 renumbered section 4054 of this title as this section.
Subsecs. (d), (e). Pub. L. 102–54 amended section as in effect immediately before the enactment of Pub. L. 102–40, and Pub. L. 102–82 amended section, identically, by redesignating the second subsec. (d), relating to authority to administer oaths as, (e).
1989—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 101–237 added subsec. (d) relating to authority to administer oaths.
Pub. L. 101–94 added subsec. (d) relating to acting chief judge in event of vacancy.
The principal office of the Court of Veterans Appeals shall be in the District of Columbia, but the Court may sit at any place within the United States.
(Added Pub. L. 100–687, div. A, title III, §301(a), Nov. 18, 1988, 102 Stat. 4114, §4055; renumbered §7255, Pub. L. 102–40, title IV, §402(b)(1), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 238.)
1991—Pub. L. 102–40 renumbered section 4055 of this title as this section.
Pub. L. 101–94, title II, §201, Aug. 16, 1989, 103 Stat. 626, provided that:
“(a)
“(b)
“(c)
Section 303 of Pub. L. 100–687 provided that: “In the implementation of section 4055 [now 7255] of title 38, United States Code (as added by section 301), the principal office of the Court of Veterans Appeals shall initially be located, if practicable, in a facility existing on the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 18, 1988] that, as determined by the Administrative Office of the United States Courts, would facilitate maximum efficiency and economy in the operation of the Court. The Administrative Office of the United States Courts shall take into consideration the convenience of the location of such facility to needed library resources, clerical and administrative support equipment and personnel, and other resources available for shared use by the Court and other courts or agencies of the Federal Government.”
The times and places of sessions of the Court of Veterans Appeals shall be prescribed by the chief judge.
(Added Pub. L. 100–687, div. A, title III, §301(a), Nov. 18, 1988, 102 Stat. 4115, §4056; renumbered §7256, Pub. L. 102–40, title IV, §402(b)(1), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 238.)
1991—Pub. L. 102–40 renumbered section 4056 of this title as this section.
(a) In any action brought under this chapter, the Court of Veterans Appeals, to the extent necessary to its decision and when presented, shall—
(1) decide all relevant questions of law, interpret constitutional, statutory, and regulatory provisions, and determine the meaning or applicability of the terms of an action of the Secretary;
(2) compel action of the Secretary unlawfully withheld or unreasonably delayed;
(3) hold unlawful and set aside decisions, findings (other than those described in clause (4) of this subsection), conclusions, rules, and regulations issued or adopted by the Secretary, the Board of Veterans’ Appeals, or the Chairman of the Board found to be—
(A) arbitrary, capricious, an abuse of discretion, or otherwise not in accordance with law;
(B) contrary to constitutional right, power, privilege, or immunity;
(C) in excess of statutory jurisdiction, authority, or limitations, or in violation of a statutory right; or
(D) without observance of procedure required by law; and
(4) in the case of a finding of material fact made in reaching a decision in a case before the Department with respect to benefits under laws administered by the Secretary, hold unlawful and set aside such finding if the finding is clearly erroneous.
(b) In making the determinations under subsection (a) of this section, the Court shall take due account of the rule of prejudicial error.
(c) In no event shall findings of fact made by the Secretary or the Board of Veterans’ Appeals be subject to trial de novo by the Court.
(d) When a final decision of the Board of Veterans’ Appeals is adverse to a party and the sole stated basis for such decision is the failure of the party to comply with any applicable regulation prescribed by the Secretary, the Court shall review only questions raised as to compliance with and the validity of the regulation.
(Added Pub. L. 100–687, div. A, title III, §301(a), Nov. 18, 1988, 102 Stat. 4115, §4061; amended Pub. L. 101–237, title VI, §602(c), Dec. 18, 1989, 103 Stat. 2095; renumbered §7261, Pub. L. 102–40, title IV, §402(b)(1), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 238; Pub. L. 102–54, §14(e)(3), June 13, 1991, 105 Stat. 287; Pub. L. 102–83, §4(a)(1), (3), (4), (b)(1), (2)(E), Aug. 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 403–405.)
1991—Pub. L. 102–40 renumbered section 4061 of this title as this section.
Subsec. (a)(1) to (3). Pub. L. 102–83, §4(b)(1), (2)(E), substituted “Secretary” for “Administrator” wherever appearing.
Subsec. (a)(4). Pub. L. 102–83, §4(a)(3), (4), substituted “Department” for “Veterans’ Administration”.
Pub. L. 102–83, §4(a)(1), substituted “administered by the Secretary” for “administered by the Veterans’ Administration”.
Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 102–83, §4(b)(1), (2)(E), substituted “Secretary” for “Administrator”.
Pub. L. 102–54 amended subsec. (c) as in effect immediately before the enactment of Pub. L. 102–40 by substituting “Court” for “court”.
Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 102–83, §4(b)(1), (2)(E), substituted “Secretary” for “Administrator”.
1989—Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 101–237 inserted “or unreasonably delayed” after “withheld”.
This section is referred to in section 7252 of this title.
(a) The Court of Veterans Appeals may impose a fee of not more than $50 for the filing of any appeal with the Court. The Court shall establish procedures under which such a fee may be waived in the case of an appeal filed by or on behalf of a person who demonstrates that the requirement that such fee be paid will impose a hardship on that person. A decision as to such a waiver is final and may not be reviewed in any other court.
(b) The Court may from time to time adjust the maximum amount permitted for a fee imposed under subsection (a) of this section based upon inflation and similar fees charged by other courts established under Article I of the Constitution.
(Added Pub. L. 100–687, div. A, title III, §301(a), Nov. 18, 1988, 102 Stat. 4115, §4062; renumbered §7262, Pub. L. 102–40, title IV, §402(b)(1), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 238.)
1991—Pub. L. 102–40 renumbered section 4062 of this title as this section.
(a) The Secretary shall be represented before the Court of Veterans Appeals by the General Counsel of the Department.
(b) Representation of appellants shall be in accordance with the rules of practice prescribed by the Court under section 7264 of this title. In addition to members of the bar admitted to practice before the Court in accordance with such rules of practice, the Court may allow other persons to practice before the Court who meet standards of proficiency prescribed in such rules of practice.
(c) A person who represents an appellant before the Court shall file a copy of any fee agreement between the appellant and that person with the Court at the time the appeal is filed. The Court, on its own motion or the motion of any party, may review such a fee agreement.
(d) In reviewing a fee agreement under subsection (c) of this section or under section 5904(c)(2) of this title, the Court may affirm the finding or order of the Board and may order a reduction in the fee called for in the agreement if it finds that the fee is excessive or unreasonable. An order of the Court under this subsection is final and may not be reviewed in any other court.
(Added Pub. L. 100–687, div. A, title III, §301(a), Nov. 18, 1988, 102 Stat. 4116, §4063; renumbered §7263 and amended Pub. L. 102–40, title IV, §402(b)(1), (d)(1), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 238, 239; Pub. L. 102–83, §4(a)(3), (4), (b)(1), (2)(E), Aug. 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 404, 405.)
1991—Pub. L. 102–40, §402(b)(1), renumbered section 4063 of this title as this section.
Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 102–83, §4(b)(1), (2)(E), substituted “Secretary” for “Administrator”.
Pub. L. 102–83, §4(a)(3), (4), substituted “Department” for “Veterans’ Administration”.
Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 102–40, §402(d)(1), substituted “7264” for “4064”.
Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 102–40, §402(d)(1), substituted “5904(c)(2)” for “3404(c)(2)”.
This section is referred to in section 5904 of this title.
(a) The proceedings of the Court of Veterans Appeals shall be conducted in accordance with such rules of practice and procedure as the Court prescribes.
(b) The mailing of a pleading, decision, order, notice, or process in respect of proceedings before the Court shall be held sufficient service of such pleading, decision, order, notice, or process if it is properly addressed to the address furnished by the appellant on the notice of appeal filed under section 7266 of this title.
(c) Section 455 of title 28 shall apply to judges and proceedings of the Court.
(Added Pub. L. 100–687, div. A, title III, §301(a), Nov. 18, 1988, 102 Stat. 4116, §4064; renumbered §7264 and amended Pub. L. 102–40, title IV, §402(b)(1), (d)(1), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 238, 239; Pub. L. 102–82, §4, Aug. 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 376.)
1991—Pub. L. 102–40, §402(b)(1), renumbered section 4064 of this title as this section.
Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 102–40, §402(d)(1), substituted “7266” for “4066”.
Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 102–82 added subsec. (c).
Pub. L. 101–94, title II, §203, Aug. 16, 1989, 103 Stat. 627, provided that: “The Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure (28 U.S.C. App.) shall be the interim rules of the United States Court of Veterans Appeals unless otherwise provided by the Court in accordance with chapter 72 of title 38, United States Code. If there is a conflict between a provision of the Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure and the procedures set forth in chapter 72 of title 38, United States Code, the procedures set forth in such chapter shall apply.”
This section is referred to in section 7263 of this title.
(a) The Court shall have power to punish by fine or imprisonment such contempt of its authority as—
(1) misbehavior of any person in its presence or so near thereto as to obstruct the administration of justice;
(2) misbehavior of any of its officers in their official transactions; or
(3) disobedience or resistance to its lawful writ, process, order, rule, decree, or command.
(b) The Court shall have such assistance in the carrying out of its lawful writ, process, order, rule, decree, or command as is available to a court of the United States. The United States marshal for a district in which the Court is sitting shall, if requested by the chief judge of the Court, attend any session of the Court in that district.
(Added Pub. L. 100–687, div. A, title III, §301(a), Nov. 18, 1988, 102 Stat. 4116, §4065; renumbered §7265, Pub. L. 102–40, title IV, §402(b)(1), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 238.)
1991—Pub. L. 102–40 renumbered section 4065 of this title as this section.
(a)(1) In order to obtain review by the Court of Veterans Appeals of a final decision of the Board of Veterans’ Appeals, a person adversely affected by such decision shall file a notice of appeal with the Court within 120 days after the date on which notice of the decision is mailed pursuant to section 7104(e) of this title.
(2) An appellant shall file a notice of appeal under this section by delivering or mailing the notice to the Court.
(3) A notice of appeal shall be deemed to be received by the Court as follows:
(A) On the date of receipt by the Court, if the notice is delivered.
(B) On the date of the United States Postal Service postmark stamped on the cover in which the notice is posted, if the notice is properly addressed to the Court and is mailed.
(4) For a notice of appeal mailed to the Court to be deemed to be received under paragraph (3)(B) on a particular date, the United States Postal Service postmark on the cover in which the notice is posted must be legible. The Court shall determine the legibility of any such postmark and the Court's determination as to legibility shall be final and not subject to review by any other Court.
(b) The appellant shall also furnish the Secretary with a copy of such notice, but a failure to do so shall not constitute a failure of timely compliance with subsection (a) of this section.
(Added Pub. L. 100–687, div. A, title III, §301(a), Nov. 18, 1988, 102 Stat. 4116, §4066; renumbered §7266 and amended Pub. L. 102–40, title IV, §402(b)(1), (d)(1), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 238, 239; Pub. L. 102–83, §4(b)(1), (2)(E), Aug. 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 404, 405; Pub. L. 103–446, title V, §511(a), Nov. 2, 1994, 108 Stat. 4670.)
1994—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 103–446 amended subsec. (a) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (a) read as follows: “In order to obtain review by the Court of Veterans Appeals of a final decision of the Board of Veterans’ Appeals, a person adversely affected by that action must file a notice of appeal with the Court. Any such notice must be filed within 120 days after the date on which notice of the decision is mailed pursuant to section 7104(e) of this title.”
1991—Pub. L. 102–40, §402(b)(1), renumbered section 4066 of this title as this section.
Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 102–40, §402(d)(1), substituted “7104(e)” for “4004(e)”.
Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 102–83, §4(b)(1), (2)(E), substituted “Secretary” for “Administrator”.
Section 511(b) of Pub. L. 103–446 provided that: “The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 2, 1994] and shall apply to notices of appeal that are delivered or mailed to the United States Court of Veterans Appeals on or after that date.”
Pub. L. 101–94, title II, §202, Aug. 16, 1989, 103 Stat. 626, provided that: “In the case of a person adversely affected by a final decision of the Board of Veterans’ Appeals that is made before the date on which the United States Court of Veterans Appeals has caused to be published in the Federal Register a notice by the Court that it has commenced operations, the period prescribed under section 4066 [now 7266] of title 38, United States Code, within which a notice of appeal must be filed with the Court shall be extended to the end of the 30-day period beginning on the date such notice is published, if the end of that period is later than the date that would otherwise be applicable under such section.”
This section is referred to in section 7264 of this title.
(a) A decision upon a proceeding before the Court of Veterans Appeals shall be made as quickly as practicable. In a case heard by a panel of the Court, the decision shall be made by a majority vote of the panel in accordance with the rules of the Court. The decision of the judge or panel hearing the case so made shall be the decision of the Court.
(b) A judge or panel shall make a determination upon any proceeding before the Court, and any motion in connection with such a proceeding, that is assigned to the judge or panel. The judge or panel shall make a report of any such determination which constitutes the judge or panel's final disposition of the proceeding.
(c) The Court shall designate in its decision in any case those specific records of the Government on which it relied (if any) in making its decision. The Secretary shall preserve records so designated for not less than the period of time designated by the Archivist of the United States.
(Added Pub. L. 100–687, div. A, title III, §301(a), Nov. 18, 1988, 102 Stat. 4117, §4067; renumbered §7267, Pub. L. 102–40, title IV, §402(b)(1), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 238; Pub. L. 102–82, §§1, 8(1), Aug. 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 375, 377; Pub. L. 102–83, §4(b)(1), (2)(E), Aug. 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 404, 405.)
1991—Pub. L. 102–40 renumbered section 4067 of this title as this section.
Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 102–82, §1(3), struck out before period at end “except as provided in subsection (d) of this section”.
Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 102–82, §1(1), (2), redesignated subsec. (c) as (b) and struck out former subsec. (b) which read as follows: “The Court shall include in its decision a statement of its conclusions of law and determinations as to factual matters.”
Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 102–83 substituted “Secretary” for “Administrator”.
Pub. L. 102–82, §8(1), substituted “Archivist of the United States” for “Administrator of the National Archives and Records Administration”.
Pub. L. 102–82, §1(2), redesignated subsec. (e) as (c). Former subsec. (c) redesignated (b).
Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 102–82, §1(1), struck out subsec. (d) which read as follows:
“(1) In the case of a proceeding determined by a single judge of the Court, the decision of the judge shall become the decision of the Court unless before the end of the 30-day period beginning on the date of the decision by the judge the Court, upon the motion of either party or on its own initiative, directs that the decision be reviewed by a panel of the Court. In such a case, the decision of the judge initially deciding the case shall not be a part of the record.
“(2) In the case of a proceeding determined by a panel of the Court, the decision of the panel shall become the decision of the Court unless before the end of the 30-day period beginning on the date of the decision by the panel the Court, upon the motion of either party or on its own initiative, directs that the decision be reviewed by an expanded panel of the Court (or the Court en banc). In such a case, the decision of the panel initially deciding the case shall not be a part of the record.”
Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 102–82, §1(2), redesignated subsec. (e) as (c).
(a) Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, all decisions of the Court of Veterans Appeals and all briefs, motions, documents, and exhibits received by the Court (including a transcript of the stenographic report of the hearings) shall be public records open to the inspection of the public.
(b)(1) The Court may make any provision which is necessary to prevent the disclosure of confidential information, including a provision that any such document or information be placed under seal to be opened only as directed by the Court.
(2) After the decision of the Court in a proceeding becomes final, the Court may, upon motion of the appellant or the Secretary, permit the withdrawal by the party entitled thereto of originals of books, documents, and records, and of models, diagrams, and other exhibits, submitted to the Court or the Court may, on its own motion, make such other disposition thereof as it considers advisable.
(Added Pub. L. 100–687, div. A, title III, §301(a), Nov. 18, 1988, 102 Stat. 4117, §4068; renumbered §7268, Pub. L. 102–40, title IV, §402(b)(1), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 238; Pub. L. 102–82, §8(2), Aug. 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 377.)
1991—Pub. L. 102–40 renumbered section 4068 of this title as this section.
Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 102–82 substituted “may, upon motion of the appellant or the Secretary,” for “shall” and “or the Court” for “before the Court”.
(a) The Court of Veterans Appeals shall provide for the publication of decisions of the Court in such form and manner as may be best adapted for public information and use. The Court may make such exceptions, or may authorize the chief judge to make such exceptions, to the requirement for publication in the preceding sentence as may be appropriate.
(b) Such authorized publication shall be competent evidence of the decisions of the Court of Veterans Appeals therein contained in all courts of the United States and of the several States without any further proof or authentication thereof.
(c) Such publications shall be subject to sale in the same manner and upon the same terms as other public documents.
(Added Pub. L. 100–687, div. A, title III, §301(a), Nov. 18, 1988, 102 Stat. 4118, §4069; renumbered §7269, Pub. L. 102–40, title IV, §402(b)(1), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 238.)
1991—Pub. L. 102–40 renumbered section 4069 of this title as this section.
(a) The Court of Veterans Appeals may appoint a clerk without regard to the provisions of title 5 governing appointments in the competitive service. The clerk shall serve at the pleasure of the Court.
(b) The judges of the Court may appoint law clerks and secretaries, in such numbers as the Court may approve, without regard to the provisions of title 5 governing appointments in the competitive service. Any such law clerk or secretary shall serve at the pleasure of the appointing judge.
(c) The clerk, with the approval of the Court, may appoint necessary deputies and employees without regard to the provisions of title 5 governing appointments in the competitive service.
(d) The Court may fix and adjust the rates of basic pay for the clerk and other employees of the Court without regard to the provisions of chapter 51, subchapter III of chapter 53, or section 5373 of title 5. To the maximum extent feasible, the Court shall compensate employees at rates consistent with those for employees holding comparable positions in the judicial branch.
(e) In making appointments under subsections (a) through (c) of this section, preference shall be given, among equally qualified persons, to persons who are preference eligibles (as defined in section 2108(3) of title 5).
(f) The Court may procure the services of experts and consultants under section 3109 of title 5.
(g) The Chief Judge of the Court may exercise the authority of the Court under this section whenever there are not at least two associate judges of the Court.
(h) The Court shall not be considered to be an agency within the meaning of section 3132(a)(1) of title 5.
(i) The Court may accept and utilize voluntary services and uncompensated (gratuitous) services, including services as authorized by section 3102(b) of title 5 and may accept, hold, administer, and utilize gifts and bequests of personal property for the purposes of aiding or facilitating the work of the Court. Gifts or bequests of money to the Court shall be covered into the Treasury.
(Added Pub. L. 100–687, div. A, title III, §301(a), Nov. 18, 1988, 102 Stat. 4118, §4081; amended Pub. L. 101–94, title II, §204(a), Aug. 16, 1989, 103 Stat. 627; renumbered §7281, Pub. L. 102–40, title IV, §402(b)(1), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 238; Pub. L. 102–82, §7, Aug. 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 377.)
The provisions of title 5 governing appointment in the competitive service, referred to in subsecs. (a) to (c), are classified generally to section 3301 et seq. of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.
1991—Pub. L. 102–40 renumbered section 4081 of this title as this section.
Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 102–82 added subsec. (i).
1989—Pub. L. 101–94 amended section generally. Prior to amendment, section read as follows: “The Court of Veterans Appeals may appoint such employees as may be necessary to execute the functions vested in the Court. Such appointments shall be made in accordance with the provisions of title 5 governing appointment in the competitive service, except that the Court may classify such positions based upon the classification of comparable positions in the judicial branch. The basic pay of such employees shall be fixed in accordance with subchapter III of chapter 53 of title 5.”
Section 204(c) of Pub. L. 101–94 provided that: “Notwithstanding section 401 of the Veterans’ Judicial Review Act [Pub. L. 100–687, set out as an Effective Date note under section 7251 of this title], the authority provided by section 4081 [now 7281] of title 38, United States Code, as amended by subsection (a), shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act [Aug. 16, 1989].”
Section 204(b) of Pub. L. 101–94 provided that: “Notwithstanding clause (1)(A) of the proviso under the heading ‘Court of Veterans Appeals’ in chapter XI of [title I of] Public Law 101–45 [formerly set out below], no employee of the United States Court of Veterans Appeals may be converted to the competitive service without the approval of the Court.”
Pub. L. 101–45, title I, June 30, 1989, 103 Stat. 113, authorized United States Court of Veterans Appeals, during fiscal year 1989, to appoint not to exceed 35 employees to positions in competitive service if certain requirements were met and to procure services of experts and consultants.
(a) The budget of the Court of Veterans Appeals as submitted by the Court for inclusion in the budget of the President for any fiscal year shall be included in that budget without review within the executive branch.
(b) The Court may make such expenditures (including expenditures for personal services and rent at the seat of Government and elsewhere, and for law books, books of reference, and periodicals) as may be necessary to execute efficiently the functions vested in the Court.
(c) All expenditures of the Court shall be allowed and paid upon presentation of itemized vouchers signed by the certifying officer designated by the chief judge. Except as provided in section 7285 of this title, all such expenditures shall be paid out of moneys appropriated for purposes of the Court.
(Added Pub. L. 100–687, div. A, title III, §301(a), Nov. 18, 1988, 102 Stat. 4118, §4082; renumbered §7282 and amended Pub. L. 102–40, title IV, §402(b)(1), (d)(1), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 238, 239.)
1991—Pub. L. 102–40, §402(b)(1), renumbered section 4082 of this title as this section.
Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 102–40, §402(d)(1), substituted “7285” for “4085”.
Except for amounts received pursuant to section 7285 of this title, all fees received by the Court of Veterans Appeals shall be covered into the Treasury as miscellaneous receipts.
(Added Pub. L. 100–687, div. A, title III, §301(a), Nov. 18, 1988, 102 Stat. 4118, §4083; renumbered §7283 and amended Pub. L. 102–40, title IV, §402(b)(1), (d)(1), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 238, 239.)
1991—Pub. L. 102–40 renumbered section 4083 of this title as this section and substituted “7285” for “4085”.
The Court of Veterans Appeals may fix a fee, not in excess of the fee authorized by law to be charged and collected therefor by the clerks of the district courts, for comparing, or for preparing and comparing, a transcript of the record of any proceeding before the Court, or for copying any record, entry, or other paper and the comparison and certification thereof.
(Added Pub. L. 100–687, div. A, title III, §301(a), Nov. 18, 1988, 102 Stat. 4118, §4084; renumbered §7284, Pub. L. 102–40, title IV, §402(b)(1), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 238.)
1991—Pub. L. 102–40 renumbered section 4084 of this title as this section.
(a) The Court of Veterans Appeals may impose a periodic registration fee on persons admitted to practice before the Court. The frequency and amount of such fee shall be determined by the Court, except that such amount may not exceed $30 per year.
(b) Amounts received by the Court under subsection (a) of this section shall be available to the Court for the purposes of (1) employing independent counsel to pursue disciplinary matters, and (2) defraying administrative costs for the implementation of the standards of proficiency prescribed for practice before the Court.
(Added Pub. L. 100–687, div. A, title III, §301(a), Nov. 18, 1988, 102 Stat. 4119, §4085; renumbered §7285, Pub. L. 102–40, title IV, §402(b)(1), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 238.)
1991—Pub. L. 102–40 renumbered section 4085 of this title as this section.
This section is referred to in sections 7282, 7283 of this title.
The Chief Judge of the Court of Veterans Appeals may summon the judges of the Court to an annual judicial conference, at a time and place that the Chief Judge designates, for the purpose of considering the business of the Court and recommending means of improving the administration of justice within the Court's jurisdiction. The Court shall provide by its rules for representation and active participation at such conference by persons admitted to practice before the Court and by other persons active in the legal profession.
(Added Pub. L. 102–82, §2(a), Aug. 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 375.)
(a) A decision of the United States Court of Veterans Appeals shall become final upon the expiration of the time allowed for filing, under section 7292 of this title, a notice of appeal from such decision, if no such notice is duly filed within such time. If such a notice is filed within such time, such a decision shall become final—
(1) upon the expiration of the time allowed for filing a petition for certiorari with the Supreme Court of the United States, if the decision of the Court of Veterans Appeals is affirmed or the appeal is dismissed by the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit and no petition for certiorari is duly filed;
(2) upon the denial of a petition for certiorari, if the decision of the Court of Veterans Appeals is affirmed or the appeal is dismissed by the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit; or
(3) upon the expiration of 30 days from the date of issuance of the mandate of the Supreme Court, if that Court directs that the decision of the Court of Veterans Appeals be affirmed or the appeal dismissed.
(b)(1) If the Supreme Court directs that the decision of the Court of Veterans Appeals be modified or reversed, the decision of the Court of Veterans Appeals rendered in accordance with the mandate of the Supreme Court shall become final upon the expiration of 30 days from the time it was rendered, unless within such 30 days either the Secretary or the petitioner has instituted proceedings to have such decision corrected to accord with the mandate, in which event the decision of the Court of Veterans Appeals shall become final when so corrected.
(2) If the decision of the Court of Veterans Appeals is modified or reversed by the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit and if—
(A) the time allowed for filing a petition for certiorari has expired and no such petition has been duly filed, or
(B) the petition for certiorari has been denied, or
(C) the decision of the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit has been affirmed by the Supreme Court,
then the decision of the Court of Veterans Appeals rendered in accordance with the mandate of the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit shall become final upon the expiration of 30 days from the time such decision of the Court of Veterans Appeals was rendered, unless within such 30 days either the Secretary or the petitioner has instituted proceedings to have such decision corrected so that it will accord with the mandate, in which event the decision of the Court of Veterans Appeals shall become final when so corrected.
(c) If the Supreme Court orders a rehearing, or if the case is remanded by the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit to the Court of Veterans Appeals for a rehearing, and if—
(1) the time allowed for filing a petition for certiorari has expired and no such petition has been duly filed, or
(2) the petition for certiorari has been denied, or
(3) the decision of the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit has been affirmed by the Supreme Court,
then the decision of the Court of Veterans Appeals rendered upon such rehearing shall become final in the same manner as though no prior decision of the Court of Veterans Appeals had been rendered.
(d) As used in this section, the term “mandate”, in case a mandate has been recalled before the expiration of 30 days from the date of issuance thereof, means the final mandate.
(Added Pub. L. 100–687, div. A, title III, §301(a), Nov. 18, 1988, 102 Stat. 4119, §4091; renumbered §7291 and amended Pub. L. 102–40, title IV, §402(b)(1), (d)(1), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 238, 239; Pub. L. 102–83, §4(b)(1), (2)(E), Aug. 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 404, 405.)
1991—Pub. L. 102–40, §402(b)(1), renumbered section 4091 of this title as this section.
Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 102–40, §402(d)(1), substituted “7292” for “4092” in introductory provisions.
Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 102–83 substituted “Secretary” for “Administrator” in pars. (1) and (2).
(a) After a decision of the United States Court of Veterans Appeals is entered in a case, any party to the case may obtain a review of the decision with respect to the validity of any statute or regulation (other than a refusal to review the schedule of ratings for disabilities adopted under section 1155 of this title) or any interpretation thereof (other than a determination as to a factual matter) that was relied on by the Court in making the decision. Such a review shall be obtained by filing a notice of appeal with the Court of Veterans Appeals within the time and in the manner prescribed for appeal to United States courts of appeals from United States district courts.
(b)(1) When a judge or panel of the Court of Veterans Appeals, in making an order not otherwise appealable under this section, determines that a controlling question of law is involved with respect to which there is a substantial ground for difference of opinion and that there is in fact a disagreement between the appellant and the Secretary with respect to that question of law and that the ultimate termination of the case may be materially advanced by the immediate consideration of that question, the judge or panel shall notify the chief judge of that determination. Upon receiving such a notification, the chief judge shall certify that such a question is presented, and any party to the case may then petition the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit to decide the question. That court may permit an interlocutory appeal to be taken on that question if such a petition is filed with it within 10 days after the certification by the chief judge of the Court of Veterans Appeals. Neither the application for, nor the granting of, an appeal under this paragraph shall stay proceedings in the Court of Veterans Appeals, unless a stay is ordered by a judge of the Court of Veterans Appeals or by the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.
(2) For purposes of subsections (d) and (e) of this section, an order described in this paragraph shall be treated as a decision of the Court of Veterans Appeals.
(c) The United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit shall have exclusive jurisdiction to review and decide any challenge to the validity of any statute or regulation or any interpretation thereof brought under this section, and to interpret constitutional and statutory provisions, to the extent presented and necessary to a decision. The judgment of such court shall be final subject to review by the Supreme Court upon certiorari, in the manner provided in section 1254 of title 28.
(d)(1) The Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit shall decide all relevant questions of law, including interpreting constitutional and statutory provisions. The court shall hold unlawful and set aside any regulation or any interpretation thereof (other than a determination as to a factual matter) that was relied upon in the decision of the Court of Veterans Appeals that the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit finds to be—
(A) arbitrary, capricious, an abuse of discretion, or otherwise not in accordance with law;
(B) contrary to constitutional right, power, privilege, or immunity;
(C) in excess of statutory jurisdiction, authority, or limitations, or in violation of a statutory right; or
(D) without observance of procedure required by law.
(2) Except to the extent that an appeal under this chapter presents a constitutional issue, the Court of Appeals may not review (A) a challenge to a factual determination, or (B) a challenge to a law or regulation as applied to the facts of a particular case.
(e)(1) Upon such review, the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit shall have power to affirm or, if the decision of the Court of Veterans Appeals is not in accordance with law, to modify or reverse the decision of the Court of Veterans Appeals or to remand the matter, as appropriate.
(2) Rules for review of decisions of the Court of Veterans Appeals shall be those prescribed by the Supreme Court under section 2072 of title 28.
(Added Pub. L. 100–687, div. A, title III, §301(a), Nov. 18, 1988, 102 Stat. 4120, §4092; amended Pub. L. 101–94, title III, §302(b), Aug. 16, 1989, 103 Stat. 628; renumbered §7292, Pub. L. 102–40, title IV, §402(b)(1), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 238; Pub. L. 102–54, §14(e)(5), June 13, 1991, 105 Stat. 287; Pub. L. 102–83, §§4(b)(1), (2)(E), 5(c)(1), Aug. 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 404–406.)
1991—Pub. L. 102–40 renumbered section 4092 of this title as this section.
Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 102–83, §5(c)(1), substituted “1155” for “355”.
Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 102–83, §4(b)(1), (2)(E), substituted “Secretary” for “Administrator”.
Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 102–54 amended subsec. (c) as in effect immediately before the enactment of Pub. L. 102–40 by substituting “United States Court” for “United States Courts”.
1989—Subsec. (d)(1). Pub. L. 101–94 struck out “statute or” before “regulation”.
Amendment by Pub. L. 101–94 effective as if included in Pub. L. 100–687, div. A, see section 302(c) of Pub. L. 101–94, set out as a note under section 5701 of this title.
This section is referred to in sections 7252, 7291 of this title.
(a) For purposes of this section:
(1) The term “Court” means the United States Court of Veterans Appeals.
(2) The term “judge” means the chief judge or an associate judge of the Court.
(b)(1) A judge who meets the age and service requirements set forth in the following table may retire:
(2) A judge who is not reappointed following the expiration of the term for which appointed may retire upon the completion of that term if the judge has served as a judge of the Court for 15 years or more. In order to retire under this paragraph, a judge must, not earlier than 9 months preceding the date of the expiration of the judge's term of office and not later than 6 months preceding such date, advise the President in writing that the judge is willing to accept reappointment to the Court.
(3) A judge who becomes permanently disabled and as a result of that disability is unable to perform the duties of the office shall retire.
(c)(1) An individual who retires under subsection (b) of this section and elects under subsection (d) of this section to receive retired pay under this subsection shall (except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection) receive retired pay at the rate of pay in effect at the time of retirement.
(2) An individual who serves as a judge for less than 10 years and who retires under subsection (b)(3) of this section and elects under subsection (d) of this section to receive retired pay under this subsection shall receive retired pay at a rate equal to one-half of the rate of pay in effect at the time of retirement.
(3) Retired pay under this subsection shall begin to accrue on the day following the day on which the individual's salary as judge ceases to accrue and shall continue to accrue during the remainder of the individual's life. Retired pay under this subsection shall be paid in the same manner as the salary of a judge.
(d)(1) A judge may elect to receive retired pay under subsection (c) of this section. Such an election—
(A) may be made only while an individual is a judge (except that, in the case of an individual who fails to be reappointed as judge at the expiration of a term of office, the election may be made at any time before the date after the day on which the individual's successor takes office); and
(B) may not be revoked after the retired pay begins to accrue.
(2) In the case of a judge other than the chief judge, such an election shall be made by filing notice of the election in writing with the chief judge. In the case of the chief judge, such an election shall be made by filing notice of the election in writing with the Director of the Office of Personnel Management.
(3) The chief judge shall transmit to the Director of the Office of Personnel Management a copy of each notice filed with the chief judge under this subsection.
(e) If an individual for whom an election to receive retired pay under subsection (c) is in effect accepts compensation for employment with the United States, the individual shall, to the extent of the amount of that compensation, forfeit all rights to retired pay under subsection (c) of this section for the period for which the compensation is received.
(f)(1) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, the provisions of the civil service retirement laws (including the provisions relating to the deduction and withholding of amounts from basic pay, salary, and compensation) shall apply with respect to service as a judge as if this section had not been enacted.
(2) In the case of any individual who has filed an election to receive retired pay under subsection (c) of this section—
(A) no annuity or other payment shall be payable to any person under the civil service retirement laws with respect to any service performed by such individual (whether performed before or after such election is filed and whether performed as judge or otherwise) except as authorized by section 8440d of title 5;
(B) no deduction for purposes of the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund shall be made from retired pay payable to that individual under subsection (c) of this section or from any other salary, pay, or compensation payable to that individual, for any period beginning after the day on which such election is filed; and
(C) such individual shall be paid the lump-sum credit computed under section 8331(8) or 8401(a) of title 5, whichever applies, upon making application therefor with the Office of Personnel Management.
(g)(1) A judge who becomes permanently disabled and as a result of that disability is unable to perform the duties of the office shall certify to the President in writing that such permanent disability exists. If the chief judge retires for such a disability, the retirement of the chief judge shall not take effect until concurred in by the President. If any other judge retires for such a disability, the chief judge shall furnish to the President a certificate of disability signed by the chief judge.
(2) Whenever the President finds that a judge has become permanently disabled and as a result of that disability is unable to perform the duties of the office, the President shall declare that judge to be retired. Before a judge may be retired under this paragraph, the judge shall be provided with a full specification of the reasons for the retirement and an opportunity to be heard.
(h)(1) An individual who has filed an election to receive retired pay under subsection (c) of this section may revoke such election at any time before the first day on which retired pay would (but for such revocation) begin to accrue with respect to such individual.
(2) Any revocation under this subsection shall be made by filing a notice of the election in writing with the Director of the Office of Personnel Management. The Office of Personnel Management shall transmit to the chief judge a copy of each notice filed under this subsection.
(3) In the case of a revocation under this subsection—
(A) for purposes of this section, the individual shall be treated as not having filed an election to receive retired pay under subsection (c) of this section;
(B) for purposes of section 7297 of this title—
(i) the individual shall be treated as not having filed an election under section 7297(b) of this title, and
(ii) section 7297(e) of this title shall not apply and the amount credited to such individual's account (together with interest at 3 percent per year, compounded on December 31 of each year to the date on which the revocation is filed) shall be returned to the individual;
(C) no credit shall be allowed for any service as a judge of the Court unless with respect to such service either there has been deducted and withheld the amount required by the civil service retirement laws or there has been deposited in the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund an amount equal to the amount so required, with interest;
(D) the Court shall deposit in the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund an amount equal to the additional amount it would have contributed to such Fund but for the election under subsection (d); and
(E) if subparagraphs (C) and (D) of this paragraph are complied with, service on the Court shall be treated as service with respect to which deductions and contributions had been made during the period of service.
(i)(1) Beginning with the next pay period after the Director of the Office of Personnel Management receives a notice under subsection (d) of this section that a judge has elected to receive retired pay under this section, the Director shall deduct and withhold 1 percent of the salary of such judge. Amounts shall be so deducted and withheld in a manner determined by the Director. Amounts deducted and withheld under this subsection shall be deposited in the Treasury of the United States to the credit of the Court of Veterans Appeals Judges Retirement Fund. Deductions under this subsection from the salary of a judge shall terminate upon the retirement of the judge or upon the completion of 15 years of service for which either deductions under this subsection or a deposit under subsection (j) of this section has been made, whichever occurs first.
(2) Each judge who makes an election under subsection (d) of this section shall be considered to agree to the deductions from salary which are made under paragraph (1) of this subsection.
(j) A judge who makes an election under subsection (d) of this section shall deposit, for service on the Court performed before the election for which contributions may be made under this section, an amount equal to 1 percent of the salary received for the first years, not exceeding 15 years, of that service. Retired pay may not be allowed until a deposit required by this subsection has been made.
(k) The amounts deducted and withheld under subsection (i) of this section, and the amounts deposited under subsection (j) of this section, shall be deposited in the Court of Veterans Appeals Retirement Fund for credit to individual accounts in the name of each judge from whom such amounts are received.
(Added Pub. L. 101–94, title I, §101(a), Aug. 16, 1989, 103 Stat. 617, §4096; renumbered §7296 and amended Pub. L. 102–40, title IV, §402(b)(1), (d)(1), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 238, 239; Pub. L. 102–82, §5(c)(1), Aug. 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 376; Pub. L. 102–198, §7(c)(4)(D), Dec. 9, 1991, 105 Stat. 1625.)
The civil service retirement laws, referred to in subsecs. (f)(1), (2)(A) and (h)(3)(C), are classified generally to subchapter III (§8331 et seq.) of chapter 83 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.
The Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund, referred to in subsecs. (f)(2)(B) and (h)(3)(C), (D), is provided for in section 8348 of Title 5.
1991—Pub. L. 102–40, §402(b)(1), renumbered section 4096 of this title as this section.
Subsec. (f)(2)(A). Pub. L. 102–198 substituted “8440d” for “8440c”.
Pub. L. 102–82 inserted before semicolon at end “except as authorized by section 8440c of title 5”.
Subsec. (h)(3)(B). Pub. L. 102–40, §402(d)(1), substituted “7297” for “4097” in introductory provisions, “7297(b)” for “4097(b)” in cl. (i), and “7297(e)” for “4097(e)” in cl. (ii).
This section is referred to in sections 7297, 7298 of this title; title 5 sections 8334, 8402, 8440d; title 28 sections 178, 377.
(a) For purposes of this section:
(1) The term “Court” means the United States Court of Veterans Appeals.
(2) The term “judge” means the chief judge or an associate judge of the Court.
(3) The term “pay” means salary received under section 7253(e) of this title and retired pay received under section 7296(c) of this title.
(4) The term “retirement fund” means the Court of Veterans Appeals Retirement Fund established under section 7298 of this title.
(5) The term “surviving spouse” means a surviving spouse of an individual who (A) was married to such individual for at least two years immediately preceding the individual's death, or (B) is a parent of issue by the marriage.
(6) The term “dependent child” has the meaning given the term “child” in section 376(a)(5) of title 28.
(7) The term “Member of Congress” means a Representative, a Senator, a Delegate to Congress, or the Resident Commissioner of Puerto Rico.
(b) A judge may become a participant in the annuity program under this section by filing a written election under this subsection while in office. Any such election shall be made in such manner as may be prescribed by the Court.
(c) There shall be deducted and withheld each pay period from the pay of a judge who has made an election under subsection (b) of this section a sum equal to 3.5 percent of the judge's pay. Amounts so deducted and withheld shall be deposited in the retirement fund. A judge who makes an election under subsection (b) of this section shall be considered by that election to agree to the deductions from the judge's pay required by this subsection.
(d) A judge who makes an election under subsection (b) of this section shall deposit, with interest at 3 percent per year compounded on December 31 of each year, to the credit of the retirement fund, an amount equal to 3.5 percent of the judge's pay and of the judge's basic salary, pay, or compensation for service as a Member of Congress, and for any other civilian service within the purview of section 8332 of title 5. Each such judge may elect to make such deposits in installments during the judge's period of service in such amount and under such conditions as may be determined in each instance by the chief judge. Notwithstanding the failure of a judge to make such deposit, credit shall be allowed for the service rendered, but the annual annuity of the surviving spouse of such judge shall be reduced by an amount equal to 10 percent of the amount of such deposit, computed as of the date of the death of such judge, unless the surviving spouse elects to eliminate such service entirely from credit under subsection (k) of this section. However, a deposit shall not be required from a judge for any year with respect to which deductions from the judge's pay, or a deposit, were actually made (and not withdrawn) under the civil service retirement laws.
(e) If the service of a judge who makes an election under subsection (b) of this section terminates other than pursuant to the provisions of section 7296 of this title, or if any judge ceases to be married after making the election under subsection (b) of this section and revokes (in a writing filed as provided in subsection (b) of this section) such election, the amount credited to the judge's individual account (together with interest at 3 percent per year compounded on December 31 of each year to the date of the judge's relinquishment of office) shall be returned to the judge. For the purpose of this section, the service of a judge making an election under subsection (b) of this section shall be considered to have terminated pursuant to section 7296 of this title if—
(1) the judge is not reappointed following expiration of the term for which appointed; and
(2) at or before the time of the expiration of that term, the judge is eligible for and elects to receive retired pay under section 7296 of this title.
(f)(1) If a judge who makes an election under subsection (b) of this section dies after having rendered at least 5 years of civilian service (computed as prescribed in subsection (l) of this section), for the last 5 years of which the salary deductions provided for by subsection (c) of this section or the deposits required by subsection (d) of this section have actually been made (and not withdrawn) or the salary deductions required by the civil service retirement laws have actually been made (and not withdrawn)—
(A) if the judge is survived by a surviving spouse but not by a dependent child, there shall be paid to the surviving spouse an annuity beginning with the day of the death of the judge or following the surviving spouse's attainment of the age of 50 years, whichever is the later, in an amount computed as provided in subsection (k) of this section; or
(B) if the judge is survived by a surviving spouse and a dependent child or children, there shall be paid to the surviving spouse an immediate annuity in an amount computed as provided in subsection (k) of this section and there shall also be paid to or on behalf of each such child an immediate annuity equal to the lesser of—
(i) 10 percent of the average annual pay of such judge (determined in accordance with subsection (k) of this section), or
(ii) 20 percent of such average annual pay, divided by the number of such children; or
(C) if the judge is not survived by a surviving spouse but is survived by a dependent child or children, there shall be paid to or on behalf of each such child an immediate annuity equal to the lesser of—
(i) 20 percent of the average annual pay of such judge (determined in accordance with subsection (k) of this section), or
(ii) 40 percent of such average annual pay, divided by the number of such children.
(2) The annuity payable to a surviving spouse under this subsection shall be terminated—
(A) upon the surviving spouse's death; or
(B) upon the remarriage of the surviving spouse before age 55.
(3) The annuity payable to a child under this subsection shall be terminated upon the child's death.
(4) In case of the death of a surviving spouse of a judge leaving a dependent child or children of the judge surviving the spouse, the annuity of such child or children under paragraph (1)(B) of this subsection shall be recomputed and paid as provided in paragraph (1)(C) of this subsection. In any case in which the annuity of a dependent child is terminated, the annuities of any remaining dependent child or children, based upon the service of the same judge, shall be recomputed and paid as though the child whose annuity was so terminated had not survived the judge.
(g) Questions of family relationships, dependency, and disability arising under this section shall be determined in the same manner as such questions arising under chapter 84 of title 5 are determined.
(h)(1) If—
(A) a judge making an election under subsection (b) of this section dies while in office (i) before having rendered 5 years of civilian service computed as prescribed in subsection (l) of this section, or (ii) after having rendered 5 years of such civilian service but without a survivor entitled to annuity benefits provided by subsection (f) of this section; or
(B) the right of all persons entitled to an annuity under subsection (f) of this section based on the service of such judge terminates before a claim for such benefits has been established,
the total amount credited to the individual account of such judge (with interest at 3 percent per year, compounded on December 31 of each year, to the date of the death of such judge) shall be paid in the manner specified in paragraph (2) of this subsection.
(2) An amount payable under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall be paid, upon the establishment of a valid claim therefor, to the person or persons surviving at the date title to the payment arises, in the following order of precedence:
(A) To the beneficiary or beneficiaries whom the judge designated in writing filed before death with the chief judge (except that in the case of the chief judge such designation shall be filed before death as prescribed by the Court).
(B) To the surviving spouse of the judge.
(C) To the child or children of the judge (and the descendants of any deceased children by representation).
(D) To the parents of the judge or the survivor of them.
(E) To the executor or administrator of the estate of the judge.
(F) To such other next of kin of the judge as may be determined by the chief judge to be entitled under the laws of the domicile of the judge at the time of the judge's death.
(3) Determination as to the surviving spouse, child, or parent of a judge for the purposes of paragraph (2) of this subsection shall be made without regard to the definitions in subsection (a) of this section.
(4) Payment under this subsection in the manner provided in this subsection shall be a bar to recovery by any other person.
(5) In a case in which the annuities of all persons entitled to annuity based upon the service of a judge terminate before the aggregate amount of annuity paid equals the total amount credited to the individual account of such judge (with interest at 3 percent per year, compounded on December 31 of each year to the date of the death of the judge), the difference shall be paid, upon establishment of a valid claim therefor, in the order of precedence prescribed in paragraph (2) of this subsection.
(6) Any accrued annuity remaining unpaid upon the termination (other than by death) of the annuity of any individual based upon the service of a judge shall be paid to that individual. Any accrued annuity remaining unpaid upon the death of an individual receiving an annuity based upon the service of a judge shall be paid, upon the establishment of a valid claim therefor, in the following order of precedence:
(A) To the executor or administrator of the estate of that person.
(B) After 30 days after the date of the death of such individual, to such individual or individuals as may appear in the judgment of the chief judge to be legally entitled thereto.
Such payment shall be a bar to recovery by any other individual.
(i) When a payment under this section is to be made to a minor, or to a person mentally incompetent or under other legal disability adjudged by a court of competent jurisdiction, the payment may be made to the person who is constituted guardian or other fiduciary by the law of the State of residence of such claimant or is otherwise legally vested with the care of the claimant or the claimant's estate. If no guardian or other fiduciary of the person under legal disability has been appointed under the laws of the State of residence of the claimant, the chief judge shall determine the person who is otherwise legally vested with the care of the claimant or the claimant's estate.
(j) Annuities under this section shall accrue monthly and shall be due and payable in monthly installments on the first business day of the month following the month or other period for which the annuity has accrued. An annuity under this section is not assignable, either in law or in equity, or subject to execution, levy, attachment, garnishment, or other legal process.
(k)(1) The annuity of the surviving spouse of a judge making an election under subsection (b) of this section shall be an amount equal to the sum of the following:
(A) The product of—
(i) 1.5 percent of the judge's average annual pay; and
(ii) the sum of the judge's years of judicial service, the judge's years of prior allowable service as a Member of Congress, the judge's years of prior allowable service performed as a member of the Armed Forces, and the judge's years, not exceeding 15, of prior allowable service performed as a congressional employee (as defined in section 2107 of title 5).
(B) Three-fourths of 1 percent of the judge's average annual pay multiplied by the judge's years of allowable service not counted under subparagraph (A) of this paragraph.
(2) An annuity computed under this subsection may not exceed 50 percent of the judge's average annual pay and may not be less than 25 percent of such average annual pay. Such annuity shall be further reduced in accordance with subsection (d) of this section (if applicable).
(3) For purposes of this subsection, the term “average annual pay”, with respect to a judge, means the average annual pay received by the judge for judicial service (including periods in which the judge received retired pay under section 7296(d) of this title) or for any other prior allowable service during the period of three consecutive years in which the judge received the largest such average annual pay.
(l) Subject to subsection (d) of this section, the years of service of a judge which are allowable as the basis for calculating the amount of the annuity of the judge's surviving spouse shall include the judge's years of service as a judge of the Court, the judge's years of service as a Member of Congress, the judge's years of active service as a member of the Armed Forces not exceeding 5 years in the aggregate and not including any such service for which credit is allowed for the purposes of retirement or retired pay under any other provision of law, and the judge's years of any other civilian service within the purview of section 8332 of title 5.
(m) Nothing contained in this section shall be construed to prevent a surviving spouse eligible therefor from simultaneously receiving an annuity under this section and any annuity to which such spouse would otherwise be entitled under any other law without regard to this section, but in computing such other annuity service used in the computation of such spouse's annuity under this section shall not be credited.
(n) A judge making an election under subsection (b) of this section shall, at the time of such election, waive all benefits under the civil service retirement laws except section 8440d of title 5. Such a waiver shall be made in the same manner and shall have the same force and effect as an election filed under section 7296(d) of this title.
(o) Whenever the salaries of judges paid under section 7253(e) of this title are increased, each annuity payable from the retirement fund which is based, in whole or in part, upon a deceased judge having rendered some portion of that judge's final 18 months of service as a judge of the Court, shall also be increased. The amount of the increase in the annuity shall be determined by multiplying the amount of the annuity on the date on which the increase in salaries becomes effective by 3 percent for each full 5 percent by which those salaries were increased.
(Added Pub. L. 101–94, title I, §101(a), Aug. 16, 1989, 103 Stat. 620, §4097; renumbered §7297 and amended Pub. L. 102–40, title IV, §402(b)(1), (d)(1), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 238, 239; Pub. L. 102–54, §14(e)(6), June 13, 1991, 105 Stat. 287; Pub. L. 102–82, §5(c)(2), Aug. 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 376; Pub. L. 102–198, §7(c)(4)(E), Dec. 9, 1991, 105 Stat. 1625.)
The civil service retirement laws, referred to in subsecs. (d), (f)(1), and (n), are classified generally to subchapter III (§8331 et seq.) of chapter 83 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.
1991—Pub. L. 102–40, §402(b)(1), renumbered section 4097 of this title as this section.
Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 102–40, §402(d)(1), substituted “7253(e)” for “4053(e)” and “7296(c)” for “4096(c)”.
Subsec. (a)(4). Pub. L. 102–40, §402(d)(1), substituted “7298” for “4098”.
Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 102–40, §402(d)(1), substituted “7296” for “4096” wherever appearing.
Subsec. (h)(1)(A)(i). Pub. L. 102–54 amended subsec. (h)(1)(A)(i) as in effect immediately before the enactment of Pub. L. 102–40 by substituting “subsection (l)” for “subsection (1)”.
Subsec. (k)(3). Pub. L. 102–40, §402(d)(1), substituted “7296(d)” for “4096(d)”.
Subsec. (n). Pub. L. 102–198 substituted “8440d” for “8440c”.
Pub. L. 102–82 inserted “except section 8440c of title 5” before period at end of first sentence.
Pub. L. 102–40, §402(d)(1), substituted “7296(d)” for “4096(d)”.
Subsec. (o). Pub. L. 102–40, §402(d)(1), substituted “7253(e)” for “4053(e)”.
This section is referred to in sections 7296, 7298 of this title.
(a) There is established in the Treasury a fund known as the Court of Veterans Appeals Retirement Fund.
(b) Amounts in the fund are available for the payment of judges’ retired pay under section 7296 of this title and of annuities, refunds, and allowances under section 7297 of this title.
(c) Amounts deposited by, or deducted and withheld from the salary and retired pay of, a judge under section 7296 or 7297 of this title shall be deposited in the fund and credited to an individual account of the judge.
(d) The chief judge of the Court of Veterans Appeals shall submit to the President an annual estimate of the expenditures and appropriations necessary for the maintenance and operation of the fund, and such supplemental and deficiency estimates as may be required from time to time for the same purposes, according to law.
(e)(1) The chief judge may cause periodic examinations of the retirement fund to be made by an actuary, who may be an actuary employed by another department of the Government temporarily assigned for the purpose.
(2)(A) Subject to the availability of appropriations, there shall be deposited in the Treasury to the credit of the retirement fund, not later than the close of each fiscal year, such amounts as may be required to reduce to zero the unfunded liability (if any) of the fund. Such deposits shall be taken from sums available for that fiscal year for the payment of the expenses of the Court.
(B) For purposes of subparagraph (A) of this paragraph, the term “unfunded liability”, with respect to any fiscal year, means the amount estimated by the chief judge to be equal to the excess (as of the close of that fiscal year) of—
(i) the present value of all benefits payable from the fund (determined on an annual basis in accordance with section 9503 of title 31), over
(ii) the sum of—
(I) the present values of future deductions under sections 7296(i) and 7297(c) of this title and future deposits under sections 7296(j) and 7296(d) of this title, and
(II) the balance in the fund as of the close of the fiscal year.
(C) Amounts deposited in the retirement fund under this paragraph shall not be credited to the account of any individual.
(f) The Secretary of the Treasury shall invest from time to time, in interest-bearing securities of the United States, such portions of the retirement fund as in such Secretary's judgment may not be immediately required for payments from the fund. The income derived from such investments shall constitute a part of the fund.
(Added Pub. L. 101–94, title I, §101(a), Aug. 16, 1989, 103 Stat. 625, §4098; renumbered §7298 and amended Pub. L. 102–40, title IV, §402(b)(1), (d)(1), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 238, 239.)
1991—Pub. L. 102–40, §402(b)(1), renumbered section 4098 of this title as this section.
Subsecs. (b), (c). Pub. L. 102–40, §402(d)(1), substituted “7296” for “4096” and “7297” for “4097”.
Subsec. (e)(2)(B)(ii)(I). Pub. L. 102–40, §402(d)(1), substituted “7296(i) and 7297(c)” for “4096(i) and 4097(c)” and “7296(j) and 7296(d)” for “4096(j) and 4096(d)”.
This section is referred to in section 7297 of this title.
1994—Pub. L. 103–446, title XII, §1201(h)(3), Nov. 2, 1994, 108 Stat. 4688, inserted “PROTECTION OF” before “PATIENT” in heading for subchapter III.
1992—Pub. L. 102–585, title V, §511(a)(2), Nov. 4, 1992, 106 Stat. 4956, added item 7318.
Pub. L. 102–405, title III, §302(c)(1), Oct. 9, 1992, 106 Stat. 1984, substituted “Under Secretary for Health” for “Chief Medical Director” in item 7306.
1991—Pub. L. 102–40, title IV, §401(a)(1), (3), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 210, substituted “VETERANS HEALTH ADMINISTRATION—ORGANIZATION AND FUNCTIONS” for “DEPARTMENT OF MEDICINE AND SURGERY” as chapter heading, added analysis for subchapters I to IV, and struck out former analysis consisting of subchapter I containing items 4101 to 4119 and 4210, subchapter II containing items 4121 to 4124, subchapter III containing items 4131 to 4134, subchapter IV containing items 4141 and 4142, subchapter V containing items 4151 and 4152, and subchapter VI containing items 4161 to 4168.
1990—Pub. L. 101–366, title I, §102(d), Aug. 15, 1990, 104 Stat. 436, added heading for subchapter IV and items 4141 and 4142.
1988—Pub. L. 100–322, title I, §122(b), title II, §§204(b), 212(a)(2), 216(e)(1), May 20, 1988, 102 Stat. 504, 512, 516, 530, added item 4210 [4120] after item 4119, substituted “Nondiscrimination against alcohol and drug abusers and persons infected with human immunodeficiency virus” for “Nondiscrimination in the admission of alcohol and drug abusers to Veterans’ Administration health care facilities” in item 4133, substituted “Regulations” for “Coordination; reports” in item 4134, struck out heading for Subchapter IV, “VETERANS’ ADMINISTRATION HEALTH PROFESSIONAL SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM” and items 4141 “Establishment of program; purpose; duration”, 4142 “Eligibility; application; written contract”, 4143 “Obligated service”, 4144 “Breach of contract; liability; waiver”, 4145 “Exemption of scholarship payments from taxation”, and 4146 “Program subject to availability of appropriations”, and added heading for subchapter VI and items 4161 to 4168.
1986—Pub. L. 99–576, title VII, §702(12), Oct. 28, 1986, 100 Stat. 3302, substituted “appointments” for “appointment” in item 4106.
1985—Pub. L. 99–166, title II, §204(a)(2), Dec. 3, 1985, 99 Stat. 952, added heading for subchapter V and items 4151 and 4152.
1980—Pub. L. 96–330, title I, §116(a)(2), title II, §201(a)(2), Aug. 26, 1980, 94 Stat. 1039, 1047, added item 4119, heading for subchapter IV and items 4141 to 4146.
1976—Pub. L. 94–581, title I, §111(a)(2), Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2852, added analysis for subchapter III consisting of items 4131 to 4134.
1975—Pub. L. 94–123, §2(d)(2), Oct. 22, 1975, 89 Stat. 673, added item 4118.
1973—Pub. L. 93–82, title II, §204(b), Aug. 2, 1973, 87 Stat. 192, substituted “Personnel administration” for “Administration” in item 4108.
1972—Pub. L. 92–541, §3(b), Oct. 24, 1972, 86 Stat. 1108, designated existing sections as subchapter I and added subchapter II.
1966—Pub. L. 89–785, title I, §§109(b), 111(d), 112(b), Nov. 7, 1966, 80 Stat. 1371, 1372, substituted “Special Medical Advisory group; other advisory bodies” for “Medical advisory Group” in item 4112, and “Temporary full-time, part-time, and without compensation appointments” for “Temporary and part-time appointments” in item 4114, and added item 4117.
1965—Pub. L. 89–311, §6(b), Oct. 31, 1965, 79 Stat. 1157, added item 4116.
1964—Pub. L. 88–426, title I, §117(b), Aug. 14, 1964, 78 Stat. 410, substituted “Office of the Chief Medical Director” for “Appointments and compensation” in item 4103.
1962—Pub. L. 87–793, §803(b), Oct. 11, 1962, 76 Stat. 861, substituted “Administration” for “Specialist ratings” in item 4108.
Pub. L. 87–574, §4(3), Aug. 6, 1962, 76 Stat. 309, inserted “; residencies and internships” in item 4114.
Student-employees pay provisions, nonlimitation of authority conferred on Secretary by this chapter, see section 5355 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.
This chapter is referred to in title 5 sections 2105, 4301, 5102, 5355; title 42 section 284c.
A prior subchapter I of this chapter consisting of sections 4101 to 4120, related to organization of Department of Medicine and Surgery, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 102–40, title IV, §401(a)(3), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 210. See Prior Provisions notes set out under sections 4101 to 4110A of this title.
(a) There is in the Department of Veterans Affairs a Veterans Health Administration. The Under Secretary for Health is the head of the Administration. The Under Secretary for Health may be referred to as the Chief Medical Director.
(b) The primary function of the Administration is to provide a complete medical and hospital service for the medical care and treatment of veterans, as provided in this title and in regulations prescribed by the Secretary pursuant to this title.
(Added Pub. L. 102–40, title IV, §401(a)(3), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 211; amended Pub. L. 102–405, title III, §302(c)(1), (2), Oct. 9, 1992, 106 Stat. 1984.)
1992—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 102–405 substituted “Under Secretary for Health is” for “Chief Medical Director is” and inserted at end “The Under Secretary for Health may be referred to as the Chief Medical Director.”
(a) In order to carry out more effectively the primary function of the Veterans Health Administration and in order to assist in providing an adequate supply of health personnel to the Nation, the Secretary—
(1) to the extent feasible without interfering with the medical care and treatment of veterans, shall develop and carry out a program of education and training of health personnel; and
(2) shall carry out a major program for the recruitment, training, and employment of veterans with medical military occupation specialties as—
(A) physician assistants;
(B) expanded-function dental auxiliaries; and
(C) other medical technicians.
(b) In carrying out subsection (a)(1), the Secretary shall include in the program of education and training under that subsection the developing and evaluating of new health careers, interdisciplinary approaches, and career advancement opportunities.
(c) In carrying out subsection (a)(2), the Secretary shall include in the program of recruitment, training, and employment under that subsection measures to advise all qualified veterans with military occupation specialties referred to in that subsection, and all members of the armed forces about to be discharged or released from active duty who have such military occupation specialties, of employment opportunities with the Administration.
(d) The Secretary shall carry out subsection (a) in cooperation with the following institutions and organizations:
(1) Schools of medicine, osteopathy, dentistry, nursing, pharmacy, optometry, podiatry, public health, or allied health professions.
(2) Other institutions of higher learning.
(3) Medical centers.
(4) Academic health centers.
(5) Hospitals.
(6) Such other public or nonprofit agencies, institutions, or organizations as the Secretary considers appropriate.
(Added Pub. L. 102–40, title IV, §401(a)(3), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 211.)
This section is referred to in sections 7303, 7471, 8201, 8241 of this title.
(a)(1) In order to carry out more effectively the primary function of the Administration and in order to contribute to the Nation's knowledge about disease and disability, the Secretary shall carry out a program of medical research in connection with the provision of medical care and treatment to veterans. Funds appropriated to carry out this section shall remain available until expended.
(2) Such program of medical research shall include biomedical research, mental illness research, prosthetic and other rehabilitative research, and health-care-services research.
(3) Such program shall stress—
(A) research into spinal-cord injuries and other diseases that lead to paralysis of the lower extremities; and
(B) research into injuries and illnesses particularly related to service.
(4) In carrying out such research program, the Secretary shall act in cooperation with the entities described in section 7302(d) of this title.
(b) Prosthetic research shall include research and testing in the field of prosthetic, orthotic, and orthopedic appliances and sensory devices. In order that the unique investigative material and research data in the possession of the Government may result in the improvement of such appliances and devices for all disabled persons, the Secretary (through the Under Secretary for Health) shall make the results of such research available to any person, and shall consult and cooperate with the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Secretary of Education, in connection with programs carried out under section 204(b)(2) 1 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 762(b)(2)) (relating to the establishment and support of Rehabilitation Engineering Research Centers).
(c)(1) In conducting or supporting clinical research, the Secretary shall ensure that, whenever possible and appropriate—
(A) women who are veterans are included as subjects in each project of such research; and
(B) members of minority groups who are veterans are included as subjects of such research.
(2) In the case of a project of clinical research in which women or members of minority groups will under paragraph (1) be included as subjects of the research, the Secretary shall ensure that the project is designed and carried out so as to provide for a valid analysis of whether the variables being tested in the research affect women or members of minority groups, as the case may be, differently than other persons who are subjects of the research.
(d)(1) The Secretary, in carrying out the Secretary's responsibilities under this section, shall foster and encourage the initiation and expansion of research relating to the health of veterans who are women.
(2) In carrying out this subsection, the Secretary shall consult with the following to assist the Secretary in setting research priorities:
(A) Officials of the Department assigned responsibility for women's health programs and sexual trauma services.
(B) The members of the Advisory Committee on Women Veterans.
(C) Members of appropriate task forces and working groups within the Department (including the Women Veterans Working Group and the Task Force on Treatment of Women Who Suffer Sexual Abuse).
(Added Pub. L. 102–40, title IV, §401(a)(3), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 211; amended Pub. L. 102–405, title III, §302(c)(1), Oct. 9, 1992, 106 Stat. 1984; Pub. L. 103–452, title I, §102(a), (b)(1), Nov. 2, 1994, 108 Stat. 4785, 4786.)
Section 204(b)(2) of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 762(b)(2)), referred to in subsec. (b), was struck out and a new subsec. (b)(2) added by Pub. L. 102–569, title II, §205(b)(2), Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4403, which no longer contains provisions relating to Rehabilitation Engineering Research Centers. See 29 U.S.C. 762(b)(3).
1994—Pub. L. 103–452 transferred text of subsec. (c) to the end of subsec. (a)(1), struck out subsec. (c) designation, and added new subsecs. (c) and (d).
1992—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 102–405 substituted “Under Secretary for Health” for “Chief Medical Director”.
Section 122(a) of Pub. L. 102–405 provided that: “In carrying out research and awarding grants under chapter 73 of title 38, United States Code, the Secretary shall assign a high priority to the conduct of research on mental illness, including research regarding (1) post-traumatic stress disorder, (2) post-traumatic stress disorder in association with substance abuse, and (3) the treatment of those disorders.”
Pub. L. 102–585, title I, §109, Nov. 4, 1992, 106 Stat. 4948, provided for initiation and expansion of research relating to health of women veterans and authorization of appropriations for fiscal years 1993 through 1995 to carry out such studies, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 103–452, title I, §102(b)(2), Nov. 2, 1994, 108 Stat. 4786.
This section is referred to in sections 3904, 7317, 7362 of this title.
1 See References in Text note below.
(a) Unless specifically otherwise provided, the Under Secretary for Health shall prescribe all regulations necessary to the administration of the Veterans Health Administration, including regulations relating to—
(1) travel, transportation of household goods and effects, and deductions from pay for quarters and subsistence; and
(2) the custody, use, and preservation of the records, papers, and property of the Administration.
(b) Regulations prescribed by the Under Secretary for Health are subject to the approval of the Secretary.
(Added Pub. L. 102–40, title IV, §401(a)(3), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 212; amended Pub. L. 102–405, title III, §302(c)(1), Oct. 9, 1992, 106 Stat. 1984.)
1992—Pub. L. 102–405 substituted “Under Secretary for Health” for “Chief Medical Director” in subsecs. (a) and (b).
The Veterans Health Administration shall include the following:
(1) The Office of the Under Secretary for Health.
(2) A Medical Service.
(3) A Dental Service.
(4) A Podiatric Service.
(5) An Optometric Service.
(6) A Nursing Service.
(7) Such other professional and auxiliary services as the Secretary may find to be necessary to carry out the functions of the Administration.
(Added Pub. L. 102–40, title IV, §401(a)(3), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 212; amended Pub. L. 102–405, title III, §302(c)(1), Oct. 9, 1992, 106 Stat. 1984.)
1992—Par. (1). Pub. L. 102–405 substituted “Under Secretary for Health” for “Chief Medical Director”.
(a) The Office of the Under Secretary for Health shall consist of the following:
(1) The Deputy Under Secretary for Health, who shall be the principal assistant of the Under Secretary for Health and who shall be a qualified doctor of medicine.
(2) The Associate Deputy Under Secretary for Health, who shall be an assistant to the Under Secretary for Health and the Deputy Under Secretary for Health and who shall be a qualified doctor of medicine.
(3) Not to exceed eight Assistant Under Secretaries for Health.
(4) Such Medical Directors as may be appointed to suit the needs of the Department, who shall be either a qualified doctor of medicine or a qualified doctor of dental surgery or dental medicine.
(5) A Director of Nursing Service, who shall be a qualified registered nurse and who shall be responsible to the Under Secretary for Health for the operation of the Nursing Service.
(6) A Director of Pharmacy Service, a Director of Dietetic Service, a Director of Podiatric Service, and a Director of Optometric Service, who shall be responsible to the Under Secretary for Health for the operation of their respective Services.
(7) Such directors of such other professional or auxiliary services as may be appointed to suit the needs of the Department, who shall be responsible to the Under Secretary for Health for the operation of their respective services.
(8) The Director of the National Center for Preventive Health, who shall be responsible to the Under Secretary for Health for the operation of the Center.
(9) Such other personnel as may be authorized by this chapter.
(b) Of the Assistant Under Secretaries for Health appointed under subsection (a)(3)—
(1) not more than two may be persons qualified in the administration of health services who are not doctors of medicine, dental surgery, or dental medicines;
(2) one shall be a qualified doctor of dental surgery or dental medicine who shall be directly responsible to the Under Secretary for Health for the operation of the Dental Service; and
(3) one shall be a qualified physician trained in, or having suitable extensive experience in, geriatrics who shall be responsible to the Under Secretary for Health for evaluating all research, educational, and clinical health-care programs carried out in the Administration in the field of geriatrics and who shall serve as the principal advisor to the Under Secretary for Health with respect to such programs.
(c) Appointments under subsection (a) shall be made by the Secretary. In the case of appointments under paragraphs (1), (2), (3), (4), and (8) of that subsection, such appointments shall be made upon the recommendation of the Under Secretary for Health.
(d) Except as provided in subsection (e)—
(1) any appointment under this section shall be for a period of four years, with reappointment permissible for successive like periods,
(2) any such appointment or reappointment may be extended by the Secretary for a period not in excess of three years, and
(3) any person so appointed or reappointed or whose appointment or reappointment is extended shall be subject to removal by the Secretary for cause.
(e)(1) The Secretary may designate a member of the Chaplain Service of the Department as Director, Chaplain Service, for a period of two years, subject to removal by the Secretary for cause. Redesignation under this subsection may be made for successive like periods or for any period not exceeding two years.
(2) A person designated as Director, Chaplain Service, shall at the end of such person's period of service as Director revert to the position, grade, and status which such person held immediately before being designated Director, Chaplain Service, and all service as Director, Chaplain Service, shall be creditable as service in the former position.
(Added Pub. L. 102–40, title IV, §401(a)(3), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 212; amended Pub. L. 102–405, title II, §205, title III, §302(c)(1), Oct. 9, 1992, 106 Stat. 1983, 1984; Pub. L. 102–585, title V, §511(b), Nov. 4, 1992, 106 Stat. 4956; Pub. L. 103–446, title XII, §1201(c)(3), Nov. 2, 1994, 108 Stat. 4683.)
1994—Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 103–446, §1201(c)(3)(A)(i), substituted “Assistant Under Secretaries for Health” for “Assistant Chief Medical Directors”.
Pars. (7) to (9). Pub. L. 103–446, §1201(c)(3)(A)(ii)–(iv), redesignated par. (8), relating to such directors, as (7), par. (7) as (8), and par. (8), relating to such other personnel, as (9), and in par. (8), as so redesignated, substituted “Under Secretary for Health” for “Chief Medical Director”.
Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 103–446, §1201(c)(3)(B), substituted “Assistant Under Secretaries for Health” for “Assistant Chief Medical Directors”.
Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 103–446, §1201(c)(3)(C), substituted “and (8)” for “and (7)”.
1992—Pub. L. 102–405, §302(c)(1), substituted “Under Secretary for Health” for “Chief Medical Director” in section catchline.
Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 102–405, §302(c)(1), substituted “Under Secretary for Health” for “Chief Medical Director” wherever appearing.
Subsec. (a)(7). Pub. L. 102–585, §511(b)(1)(B), added par. (7). Former par. (7), relating to such directors, redesignated (8).
Pub. L. 102–405, §205(2), added par. (7). Former par. (7), relating to such other personnel, redesignated (8).
Subsec. (a)(8). Pub. L. 102–585, §511(b)(1)(A), redesignated par. (7), relating to such directors, as (8).
Pub. L. 102–405, §205(1), redesignated par. (7), relating to such other personnel, as (8).
Subsec. (b)(2), (3). Pub. L. 102–405, §302(c)(1), substituted “Under Secretary for Health” for “Chief Medical Director” wherever appearing.
Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 102–585, §511(b)(2), substituted “(4), and (7)” for “and (4)”.
Pub. L. 102–405, §302(c)(1), substituted “Under Secretary for Health” for “Chief Medical Director”.
This section is referred to in sections 7314, 7401, 7404, 7405, 7408, 7424, 7425 of this title.
A prior subchapter II of this chapter consisting of sections 4121 to 4124, related to Regional Medical Education Centers, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 102–40, title IV, §401(a)(3), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 210. See Prior Provisions notes set out under section 4110A of this title.
(a) The Secretary shall—
(1) establish and conduct a comprehensive program to monitor and evaluate the quality of health care furnished by the Veterans Health Administration (hereinafter in this section referred to as the “quality-assurance program”); and
(2) delineate the responsibilities of the Under Secretary for Health with respect to the quality-assurance program, including the duties prescribed in this section.
(b)(1) As part of the quality-assurance program, the Under Secretary for Health shall periodically evaluate—
(A) whether there are significant deviations in mortality and morbidity rates for surgical procedures performed by the Administration from prevailing national mortality and morbidity standards for similar procedures; and
(B) if there are such deviations, whether they indicate deficiencies in the quality of health care provided by the Administration.
(2) The evaluation under paragraph (1)(A) shall be made using the information compiled under subsection (c)(1). The evaluation under paragraph (1)(B) shall be made taking into account the factors described in subsection (c)(2)(B).
(3) If, based upon an evaluation under paragraph (1)(A), the Under Secretary for Health determines that there is a deviation referred to in that paragraph, the Under Secretary for Health shall explain the deviation in the report submitted under subsection (f).1
(c)(1) The Under Secretary for Health shall—
(A) determine the prevailing national mortality and morbidity standards for each type of surgical procedure performed by the Administration; and
(B) collect data and other information on mortality and morbidity rates in the Administration for each type of surgical procedure performed by the Administration and (with respect to each such procedure) compile the data and other information so collected—
(i) for each medical facility of the Department, in the case of cardiac surgery, heart transplant, and renal transplant programs; and
(ii) in the aggregate, for each other type of surgical procedure.
(2) The Under Secretary for Health shall—
(A) compare the mortality and morbidity rates compiled under paragraph (1)(B) with the national mortality and morbidity standards determined under paragraph (1)(A); and
(B) analyze any deviation between such rates and such standards in terms of the following:
(i) The characteristics of the respective patient populations.
(ii) The level of risk for the procedure involved, based on—
(I) patient age;
(II) the type and severity of the disease;
(III) the effect of any complicating diseases; and
(IV) the degree of difficulty of the procedure.
(iii) Any other factor that the Under Secretary for Health considers appropriate.
(d) Based on the information compiled and the comparisons, analyses, evaluations, and explanations made under subsections (b) and (c), the Under Secretary for Health, in the report under subsection (f),1 shall make such recommendations with respect to quality assurance as the Under Secretary for Health considers appropriate.
(e)(1) The Secretary shall allocate sufficient resources (including sufficient personnel with the necessary skills and qualifications) to enable the Administration to carry out its responsibilities under this section.
(2) The Inspector General of the Department shall allocate sufficient resources (including sufficient personnel with the necessary skills and qualifications) to enable the Inspector General to monitor the quality-assurance program.
(Added Pub. L. 102–40, title IV, §401(a)(3), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 214; amended Pub. L. 102–405, title III, §302(c)(1), Oct. 9, 1992, 106 Stat. 1984; Pub. L. 103–446, title XII, §1201(g)(5), Nov. 2, 1994, 108 Stat. 4687.)
Subsection (f), referred to in subsecs. (b)(3) and (d), was repealed by Pub. L. 103–446, title XII, §1201(g)(5), Nov. 2, 1994, 108 Stat. 4687.
1994—Subsecs. (f), (g). Pub. L. 103–446 struck out subsecs. (f) and (g) which read as follows:
“(f)(1) Not later than February 1, 1991, the Under Secretary for Health shall submit to the Secretary a report on the experience through the end of the preceding fiscal year under the quality-assurance program carried out under this section.
“(2) Such report shall include—
“(A) the data and other information compiled and the comparisons, analyses, and evaluations made under subsections (b) and (c) with respect to the period covered by the report; and
“(B) recommendations under subsection (d).
“(g)(1) Not later than 60 days after receiving such report, the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and House of Representatives a copy of the report, together with any comment concerning the report that the Secretary considers appropriate.
“(2) A report submitted under paragraph (1) shall not be considered to be a record or document as described in section 5705(a) of this title.”
1992—Subsecs. (a) to (d), (f). Pub. L. 102–405 substituted “Under Secretary for Health” for “Chief Medical Director” wherever appearing.
Section 104 of Pub. L. 102–405 provided that: “Effective on October 1, 1992, programs and activities which (1) the Secretary carries out pursuant to section 7311(a) of title 38, United States Code, or (2) are described in sections 201(a)(1) and 201(a)(3) of Public Law 100–322 [formerly set out as a note under former section 4151 of this title] (102 Stat. 508) shall be deemed to be part of the operation of hospitals, nursing homes, and domiciliary facilities of the Department of Veterans Affairs, without regard to the location of the duty stations of employees carrying out those programs and activities.”
Pub. L. 102–139, title I, §101, Oct. 28, 1991, 105 Stat. 742, provided that:
“(a)
“(2) Such regulations—
“(A) may include appropriate provisions respecting waivers described in section 353(d) of such Act and accreditations described in section 353(e) of such Act; and
“(B) shall include appropriate provisions respecting compliance with such requirements.
“(b)
“(c)
This section is referred to in section 5705 of this title.
1 See References in Text note below.
(a) The Secretary shall establish an advisory committee to be known as the special medical advisory group. The advisory group shall advise the Secretary, through the Under Secretary for Health, and the Under Secretary for Health directly, relative to the care and treatment of disabled veterans and other matters pertinent to the Administration.
(b) Members of the special medical advisory group shall be appointed by the Secretary upon the recommendation of the Under Secretary for Health. The special medical advisory group shall be composed of—
(1) members of the medical, dental, podiatric, optometric, and allied scientific professions;
(2) other individuals considered by the Under Secretary for Health to have experience pertinent to the mission of the Administration; and
(3) a disabled veteran.
(c) The special medical advisory group shall meet on a regular basis as prescribed by the Secretary. The number, terms of service, pay, and allowances of members of the advisory group shall be prescribed in accordance with existing law and regulations.
(d) Not later than February 1 of each year, the special medical advisory group shall submit to the Secretary and the Congress a report on the activities of the advisory group during the preceding fiscal year.
(Added Pub. L. 102–40, title IV, §401(a)(3), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 215; amended Pub. L. 102–405, title III, §302(c)(1), Oct. 9, 1992, 106 Stat. 1984; Pub. L. 103–446, title XII, §1201(e)(20), Nov. 2, 1994, 108 Stat. 4686.)
1994—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 103–446 substituted “the activities of the advisory group” for “the advisory groups activities”.
1992—Subsecs. (a), (b). Pub. L. 102–405 substituted “Under Secretary for Health” for “Chief Medical Director” wherever appearing.
This section is referred to in sections 305, 7474, 8155, 8201 of this title.
(a) In each case where the Secretary has a contract or agreement with any school, institution of higher learning, medical center, hospital, or other public or nonprofit agency, institution, or organization for the training or education of health personnel, the Secretary shall establish an advisory committee to advise the Secretary and the Under Secretary for Health with respect to policy matters arising in connection with, and the operation of, the program with respect to which it was appointed. Such a committee may be a dean's committee, a medical advisory committee, or the like.
(b) Any such advisory committee may be established on an institution-wide, multi-disciplinary basis or on a regional basis whenever establishment on such a basis is found to be feasible.
(c) Members of each such advisory committee shall be appointed by the Secretary and shall include personnel of the Department (including appropriate representation from the full-time staff) and of the entity with which the Secretary has entered into the contract or agreement. The number of members, and terms of members, of each advisory committee shall be prescribed by the Secretary.
(d) The Secretary shall require that the Chief of the Nursing Service (or the designee of the Chief) at each Department health-care facility be included in the membership of each policymaking committee at that facility. Such committees include: (1) committees relating to matters such as budget, education, position management, clinical executive issues, planning, and resource allocation, and (2) the dean's committee or other advisory committee established under subsection (a).
(Added Pub. L. 102–40, title IV, §401(a)(3), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 216; amended Pub. L. 102–405, title III, §302(c)(1), Oct. 9, 1992, 106 Stat. 1984.)
1992—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 102–405 substituted “Under Secretary for Health” for “Chief Medical Director”.
This section is referred to in section 7423 of this title.
(a) The Secretary, upon the recommendation of the Under Secretary for Health and pursuant to the provisions of this section, shall designate not more than 25 Department health-care facilities as the locations for centers of geriatric research, education, and clinical activities and (subject to the appropriation of sufficient funds for such purpose) shall establish and operate such centers at such locations in accordance with this section.
(b) In designating locations for centers under subsection (a), the Secretary, upon the recommendation of the Under Secretary for Health, shall—
(1) designate each Department health-care facility that as of August 26, 1980, was operating a geriatric research, education, and clinical center unless (on the recommendation of the Under Secretary for Health) the Secretary determines that such facility does not meet the requirements of subsection (c) or has not demonstrated effectiveness in carrying out the established purposes of such center or the purposes of title III of the Veterans’ Administration Health-Care Amendments of 1980 (Public Law 96–330; 94 Stat. 1048) or the potential to carry out such purposes effectively in the reasonably foreseeable future; and
(2) assure appropriate geographic distribution of such facilities.
(c) The Secretary may not designate a health-care facility as a location for a center under subsection (a) unless the peer review panel established under subsection (d) has determined under that subsection that the proposal submitted by such facility as a location for a new center under subsection (a) is among those proposals which have met the highest competitive standards of scientific and clinical merit, and the Secretary (upon the recommendation of the Under Secretary for Health) determines that the facility has (or may reasonably be anticipated to develop) each of the following:
(1) An arrangement with an accredited medical school which provides education and training in geriatrics and with which such facility is affiliated under which residents receive education and training in geriatrics through regular rotation through such center and through nursing home, extended care, or domiciliary units of such facility so as to provide such residents with training in the diagnosis and treatment of chronic diseases of older individuals, including cardiopulmonary conditions, senile dementia, and neurological disorders.
(2) An arrangement under which nursing or allied health personnel receive training and education in geriatrics through regular rotation through nursing home, extended care, or domiciliary units of such facility.
(3) The ability to attract the participation of scientists who are capable of ingenuity and creativity in health-care research efforts.
(4) A policymaking advisory committee composed of appropriate health-care and research representatives of the facility and of the affiliated school or schools to advise the directors of such facility and such center on policy matters pertaining to the activities of such center during the period of the operation of such center.
(5) The capability to conduct effectively evaluations of the activities of such center.
(d)(1) In order to provide advice to assist the Secretary and the Under Secretary for Health in carrying out their responsibilities under this section, the Assistant Under Secretary for Health described in section 7306(b)(3) of this title shall establish a panel to assess the scientific and clinical merit of proposals that are submitted to the Secretary for the establishment of new centers under this section.
(2) The membership of the panel shall consist of experts in the fields of geriatric and gerontological research, education, and clinical care. Members of the panel shall serve as consultants to the Department for a period of no longer than six months.
(3) The panel shall review each proposal submitted to the panel by the Assistant Under Secretary and shall submit its views on the relative scientific and clinical merit of each such proposal to the Assistant Under Secretary.
(4) The panel shall not be subject to the Federal Advisory Committee Act.
(e) Before providing funds for the operation of any such center at a health-care facility other than a health-care facility designated under subsection (b)(1), the Secretary shall assure that the center at each facility designated under such subsection is receiving adequate funding to enable such center to function effectively in the areas of geriatric research, education, and clinical activities.
(f) There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary for the support of the research and education activities of the centers established pursuant to subsection (a). The Under Secretary for Health shall allocate to such centers from other funds appropriated generally for the Department medical care account and medical and prosthetics research account, as appropriate, such amounts as the Under Secretary for Health determines appropriate.
(g) Activities of clinical and scientific investigation at each center established under subsection (a) shall be eligible to compete for the award of funding from funds appropriated for the Department medical and prosthetics research account and shall receive priority in the award of funding from such account insofar as funds are awarded to projects for research in geriatrics and gerontology.
(Added Pub. L. 102–40, title IV, §401(a)(3), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 216; amended Pub. L. 102–83, §4(a)(3), (4), Aug. 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 404; Pub. L. 102–405, title III, §302(c)(1), Oct. 9, 1992, 106 Stat. 1984; Pub. L. 102–585, title V, §521, Nov. 4, 1992, 106 Stat. 4958; Pub. L. 103–446, title XII, §§1201(c)(4), 1202(b)(2), Nov. 2, 1994, 108 Stat. 4683, 4689.)
The Veterans’ Administration Health-Care Amendments of 1980, referred to in subsec. (b)(1), is Pub. L. 96–330, Aug. 26, 1980, 94 Stat. 1030. Title III of the Act amended former sections 4101 and 4103 of this title and enacted provisions set out as notes below and under former section 4101 of this title. For the purposes of title III, see section 301 of Pub. L. 96–330, set out below. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title of 1980 Amendment note set out under section 101 of this title and Tables.
The Federal Advisory Committee Act, referred to in subsec. (d)(4), is Pub. L. 92–463, Oct. 6, 1972, 86 Stat. 770, as amended, which is set out in the Appendix to Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.
1994—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 103–446, §1202(b)(2), amended Pub. L. 102–83, §4(a)(3), (4), to make it inapplicable to this section. See 1991 Amendment note below.
Subsec. (d)(1). Pub. L. 103–446, §1201(c)(4)(A), substituted “the Secretary and the Under Secretary for Health in carrying out” for “the Chief Medical Director and the Secretary to carry out” and “the Assistant Under Secretary for Health described in section 7306(b)(3)” for “the Assistant Chief Medical Director described in section 7306(b)(3)”.
Subsec. (d)(3). Pub. L. 103–446, §1201(c)(4)(B), substituted “Assistant Under Secretary” for “Assistant Chief Medical Director” in two places.
1992—Subsecs. (a), (b). Pub. L. 102–405 substituted “Under Secretary for Health” for “Chief Medical Director” wherever appearing.
Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 102–585, §521(1), inserted “the peer review panel established under subsection (d) has determined under that subsection that the proposal submitted by such facility as a location for a new center under subsection (a) is among those proposals which have met the highest competitive standards of scientific and clinical merit, and” after “unless” in introductory provisions.
Pub. L. 102–405 substituted “Under Secretary for Health” for “Chief Medical Director” in introductory provisions.
Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 102–585, §521(3), added subsec. (d). Former subsec. (d) redesignated (e).
Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 102–585, §521(2), redesignated subsec. (d) as (e). Former subsec. (e) redesignated (f).
Pub. L. 102–405 substituted “Under Secretary for Health” for “Chief Medical Director” in two places.
Subsecs. (f), (g). Pub. L. 102–585, §521(2), redesignated subsecs. (e) and (f) as (f) and (g), respectively.
1991—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 102–83, §4(a)(3), (4), which directed substitution of “Department” for “Veterans’ Administration”, was amended by Pub. L. 103–446, §1202(b)(2), to make it inapplicable to this section.
Section 1202(b) of Pub. L. 103–446 provided that the amendment made by that section is effective Aug. 6, 1991, and as if included in the enactment of Pub. L. 102–83.
Section 301 of title III of Pub. L. 96–330 provided that: “The purposes of this title [see Tables for classification] are (1) to improve and expand the capability of Veterans’ Administration [now Department of Veterans Affairs] health-care facilities to respond with the most effective and appropriate services possible to the medical, psychological and social needs of the increasing number of older veterans, and (2) to advance scientific knowledge regarding such needs and the methods of meeting them by facilitating higher quality geriatric care for eligible older veterans through geriatric and gerontological research, the training of health personnel in the provision of health care to older individuals, and the development of improved models of clinical services for eligible older veterans.”
This section is referred to in section 7315 of this title.
(a) The Secretary shall establish in the Administration a Geriatrics and Gerontology Advisory Committee (hereinafter in this section referred to as the “Committee”). The membership of the Committee shall be appointed by the Secretary, upon the recommendation of the Under Secretary for Health, and shall include individuals who are not employees of the Federal Government and who have demonstrated interest and expertise in research, education, and clinical activities related to aging and at least one representative of a national veterans service organization. The Secretary, upon the recommendation of the Under Secretary for Health, shall invite representatives of other appropriate departments and agencies of the United States to participate in the activities of the Committee and shall provide the Committee with such staff and other support as may be necessary for the Committee to carry out effectively its functions under this section.
(b) The Committee shall—
(1) advise the Under Secretary for Health on all matters pertaining to geriatrics and gerontology;
(2) assess, through an evaluation process (including a site visit conducted not later than three years after the date of the establishment of each new center and not later than two years after the date of the last evaluation of those centers in operation on August 26, 1980), the ability of each center established under section 7314 of this title to achieve its established purposes and the purposes of title III of the Veterans’ Administration Health-Care Amendments of 1980 (Public Law 96–330; 94 Stat. 1048);
(3) assess the capability of the Department to provide high quality geriatric services, extended services, and other health-care services to eligible older veterans, taking into consideration the likely demand for such services from such veterans;
(4) assess the current and projected needs of eligible older veterans for geriatric services, extended-care services, and other health-care services from the Department and its activities and plans designed to meet such needs; and
(5) perform such additional functions as the Secretary or Under Secretary for Health may direct.
(c)(1) The Committee shall submit to the Secretary, through the Under Secretary for Health, such reports as the Committee considers appropriate with respect to its findings and conclusions under subsection (b). Such reports shall include the following:
(A) Descriptions of the operations of the centers of geriatric research, education, and clinical activities established pursuant to section 7314 of this title.
(B) Assessments of the quality of the operations of such centers.
(C) An assessment of the extent to which the Department, through the operation of such centers and other health-care facilities and programs, is meeting the needs of eligible older veterans for geriatric services, extended-care services, and other health-care services.
(D) Assessments of and recommendations for correcting any deficiencies in the operations of such centers.
(E) Recommendations for such other geriatric services, extended-care services, and other health-care services as may be needed to meet the needs of older veterans.
(2) Whenever the Committee submits a report to the Secretary under paragraph (1), the Committee shall at the same time transmit a copy of the report in the same form to the appropriate committees of Congress. Not later than 90 days after receipt of a report under that paragraph, the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report containing any comments and recommendations of the Secretary with respect to the report of the Committee.
(Added Pub. L. 102–40, title IV, §401(a)(3), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 217; amended Pub. L. 102–83, §4(a)(3), (4), Aug. 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 404; Pub. L. 102–405, title I, §102, title III, §302(c)(1), Oct. 9, 1992, 106 Stat. 1973, 1984; Pub. L. 103–446, title XII, §§1201(i)(9), 1202(b)(2), Nov. 2, 1994, 108 Stat. 4688, 4689.)
The Veterans’ Administration Health-Care Amendments of 1980, referred to in subsec. (b)(2), is Pub. L. 96–330, Aug. 26, 1980, 94 Stat. 1030. Title III of the Act amended former sections 4101 and 4103 of this title and enacted provisions set out as notes under former section 4101 of this title. For the purposes of title III, see section 301 of Pub. L. 96–330, set out as a note under section 7314 of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title of 1980 Amendment note set out under section 101 of this title and Tables.
1994—Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 103–446, §1201(i)(9), which directed substitution of “Veterans’ Administration” for “Department”, could not be executed because “Department” did not appear subsequent to execution of amendment by Pub. L. 103–446, §1202(b)(2). See below.
Pub. L. 103–446, §1202(b)(2), amended Pub. L. 102–83, §4(a)(3), (4), to make it inapplicable to this section. See 1991 Amendment note below.
1992—Subsecs. (a), (b)(1), (5), (c)(1). Pub. L. 102–405, §302(c)(1), substituted “Under Secretary for Health” for “Chief Medical Director” wherever appearing.
Subsec. (c)(2). Pub. L. 102–405, §102, amended par. (2) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (2) read as follows: “Not later than 90 days after receipt of a report submitted under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall transmit the report, together with the Secretary's comments and recommendations thereon, to the appropriate committees of the Congress.”
1991—Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 102–83, §4(a)(3), (4), which directed substitution of “Department” for “Veterans’ Administration”, was amended by Pub. L. 103–446, §1202(b)(2), to make it inapplicable to this section.
Section 1202(b) of Pub. L. 103–446 provided that the amendment made by that section is effective Aug. 6, 1991, and as if included in the enactment of Pub. L. 102–83.
Advisory committees established after Jan. 5, 1973, to terminate not later than the expiration of the 2-year period beginning on the date of their establishment, unless, in the case of a committee established by the President or an officer of the Federal Government, such committee is renewed by appropriate action prior to the expiration of such 2-year period, or in the case of a committee established by the Congress, its duration is otherwise provided for by law. See section 14 of Pub. L. 92–463, Oct. 6, 1972, 86 Stat. 776, set out in the Appendix to Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.
(a)(1) The remedy—
(A) against the United States provided by sections 1346(b) and 2672 of title 28, or
(B) through proceedings for compensation or other benefits from the United States as provided by any other law, where the availability of such benefits precludes a remedy under section 1346(b) or 2672 of title 28,
for damages for personal injury, including death, allegedly arising from malpractice or negligence of a medical care employee of the Administration in furnishing medical care or treatment while in the exercise of that employee's duties in or for the Administration shall be exclusive of any other civil action or proceeding by reason of the same subject matter against the medical care employee (or employee's estate) whose act or omission gave rise to such claim.
(2) For purposes of paragraph (1), the term “medical care employee of the Administration” means a physician, dentist, podiatrist, optometrist, nurse, physician assistant, expanded-function dental auxiliary, pharmacist, or paramedical (such as medical and dental technicians, nursing assistants, and therapists), or other supporting personnel.
(b) The Attorney General shall defend any civil action or proceeding brought in any court against any person referred to in subsection (a) (or such person's estate) for any such damage or injury. Any such person against whom such civil action or proceeding is brought shall deliver within such time after date of service or knowledge of service as determined by the Attorney General, all process served upon such person or an attested true copy thereof to such person's immediate superior or to whomever was designated by the Secretary to receive such papers and such person shall promptly furnish copies of the pleading and process therein to the United States attorney for the district embracing the place wherein the proceeding is brought, to the Attorney General, and to the Secretary.
(c) Upon a certification by the Attorney General that the defendant was acting in the scope of such person's employment in or for the Administration at the time of the incident out of which the suit arose, any such civil action or proceeding commenced in a State court shall be removed without bond at any time before trial by the Attorney General to the district court of the United States of the district and division embracing the place wherein it is pending and the proceeding deemed a tort action brought against the United States under the provisions of title 28 and all references thereto. After removal the United States shall have available all defenses to which it would have been entitled if the action had originally been commenced against the United States. Should a United States district court determine on a hearing on a motion to remand held before a trial on the merits that the employee whose act or omission gave rise to the suit was not acting within the scope of such person's office or employment, the case shall be remanded to the State court.
(d) The Attorney General may compromise or settle any claim asserted in such civil action or proceeding in the manner provided in section 2677 of title 28, and with the same effect.
(e) The Secretary may, to the extent the Secretary considers appropriate, hold harmless or provide liability insurance for any person to whom the immunity provisions of this section apply (as described in subsection (a)), for damage for personal injury or death, or for property damage, negligently caused by such person while furnishing medical care or treatment (including the conduct of clinical studies or investigations) in the exercise of such person's duties in or for the Administration, if such person is assigned to a foreign country, detailed to State or political division thereof, or is acting under any other circumstances which would preclude the remedies of an injured third person against the United States, provided by sections 1346(b) and 2672 of title 28, for such damage or injury.
(f) The exception provided in section 2680(h) of title 28 shall not apply to any claim arising out of a negligent or wrongful act or omission of any person described in subsection (a) in furnishing medical care or treatment (including medical care or treatment furnished in the course of a clinical study or investigation) while in the exercise of such person's duties in or for the Administration.
(Added Pub. L. 102–40, title IV, §401(a)(3), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 219.)
This section is referred to in sections 515, 1712 of this title.
(a)(1) With the approval of the Secretary, any contract or research authorized by section 7303 of this title, the performance of which involves a risk of an unusually hazardous nature, may provide that the United States will indemnify the contractor as provided in paragraph (2), but only to the extent that the liability, loss, or damage concerned arises out of the direct performance of the contract and to the extent not covered by the financial protection required under subsection (e).
(2) Indemnity under paragraph (1) is indemnity against either or both of the following:
(A) Liability (including reasonable expenses of litigation or settlement) to third persons, except liability under State or Federal workers’ injury compensation laws to employees of the contractor employed at the site of and in connection with the contract for which indemnification is granted, for death, bodily injury, or loss of or damage to property, from a risk that the contract defines as unusually hazardous.
(B) Loss of or damage to property of the contractor from a risk that the contract defines as unusually hazardous.
(b) A contract that provides for indemnification in accordance with subsection (a) must also provide for—
(1) notice to the United States of any claim or suit against the contractor for death, bodily injury, or loss of or damage to property; and
(2) control of or assistance in the defense by the United States, at its election, of any such suit or claim for which indemnification is provided hereunder.
(c) A payment may not be made under subsection (a) unless the Secretary certifies that the amount is just and reasonable.
(d) Upon approval by the Secretary, payments under subsection (a) may be made from—
(1) funds obligated for the performance of the contract concerned;
(2) funds available for research or development or both, and not otherwise obligated; or
(3) funds appropriated for those payments.
(e) Each contractor which is a party to an indemnification agreement under subsection (a) shall have and maintain financial protection of such type and in such amounts as the Secretary shall require to cover liability to third persons and loss of or damage to the contractor's property. The amount of financial protection required shall be the maximum amount of insurance available from private sources, except that the Secretary may establish a lesser amount, taking into consideration the cost and terms of private insurance. Such financial protection may include private insurance, private contractual indemnities, self-insurance, other proof of financial responsibility, or a combination of such measures.
(f) In administering the provisions of this section, the Secretary may use the facilities and services of private insurance organizations and may contract to pay a reasonable compensation therefor. Any contract made under the provisions of this section may be made without regard to the provisions of section 3709 of the Revised Statutes (41 U.S.C. 5), upon a showing by the Secretary that advertising is not reasonably practicable, and advance payments may be made under any such contract.
(g) The authority to indemnify contractors under this section does not create any rights in third persons which would not otherwise exist by law.
(h) Funds appropriated to carry out this section shall remain available until expended.
(i) In this section, the term “contractor” includes subcontractors of any tier under a contract containing an indemnification provision pursuant to subsection (a).
(Added Pub. L. 102–40, title IV, §401(a)(3), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 220.)
(a)(1) The Under Secretary for Health shall establish and operate in the Veterans Health Administration a National Center for Preventive Health (hereinafter in this section referred to as the “Center”). The Center shall be located at a Department health care facility.
(2) The head of the Center is the Director of Preventive Health (hereinafter in this section referred to as the “Director”).
(3) The Under Secretary for Health shall provide the Center with such staff and other support as may be necessary for the Center to carry out effectively its functions under this section.
(b) The purposes of the Center are the following:
(1) To provide a central office for monitoring and encouraging the activities of the Veterans Health Administration with respect to the provision, evaluation, and improvement of preventive health services.
(2) To promote the expansion and improvement of clinical, research, and educational activities of the Veterans Health Administration with respect to such services.
(c) In carrying out the purposes of the Center, the Director shall do the following:
(1) Develop and maintain current information on clinical activities of the Veterans Health Administration relating to preventive health services, including activities relating to—
(A) the on-going provision of regularly-furnished services; and
(B) patient education and screening programs carried out throughout the Administration.
(2) Develop and maintain detailed current information on research activities of the Veterans Health Administration relating to preventive health services.
(3) In order to encourage the effective provision of preventive health services by Veterans Health Administration personnel—
(A) ensure the dissemination to such personnel of any appropriate information on such services that is derived from research carried out by the Administration; and
(B) acquire and ensure the dissemination to such personnel of any appropriate information on research and clinical practices relating to such services that are carried out by researchers, clinicians, and educators who are not affiliated with the Administration.
(4) Facilitate the optimal use of the unique resources of the Department for cooperative research into health outcomes by initiating recommendations, and responding to requests of the Under Secretary for Health and the Director of the Medical and Prosthetic Research Service, for such research into preventive health services.
(5) Provide advisory services to personnel of Department health-care facilities with respect to the planning or furnishing of preventive health services by such personnel.
(d) There is authorized to be appropriated $1,500,000 to the Medical Care General and Special Fund of the Department of Veterans Affairs for each fiscal year for the purpose of permitting the National Center for Preventive Health to carry out research, clinical, educational, and administrative activities under this section. Such activities shall be considered to be part of the operation of health-care facilities of the Department without regard to the location at which such activities are carried out.
(e) In this section, the term “preventive health services” has the meaning given such term in section 1701(9) of this title.
(Added Pub. L. 102–585, title V, §511(a)(1), Nov. 4, 1992, 106 Stat. 4955; amended Pub. L. 103–446, title XII, §1201(c)(5), Nov. 2, 1994, 108 Stat. 4683.)
1994—Subsecs. (a)(1), (3), (c)(4). Pub. L. 103–446 substituted “Under Secretary for Health” for “Chief Medical Director”.
Section 511(c) of Pub. L. 102–585, as amended by Pub. L. 103–446, title XII, §1202(e)(2), Nov. 2, 1994, 108 Stat. 4689, provided that: “In order to establish the National Center for Preventive Health pursuant to section 7318 of title 38, United States Code, as added by subsection (a), the Under Secretary for Health of the Department of Veterans Affairs shall solicit proposals from Department health care facilities to establish the center. The Under Secretary for Health shall establish such center at the facility or facilities which the Under Secretary for Health determines, on the basis of a review and analysis of such proposals, would most effectively carry out the purposes set forth in subsection (b) of such section.”
This section is referred to in section 1704 of this title.
The Secretary, upon the recommendation of the Under Secretary for Health and pursuant to the provisions of section 7334 of this title, shall prescribe regulations establishing procedures to ensure that all medical and prosthetic research carried out and, to the maximum extent practicable, all patient care furnished under this title shall be carried out only with the full and informed consent of the patient or subject or, in appropriate cases, a representative thereof.
(Added Pub. L. 94–581, title I, §111(a)(1), Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2849, §4131; renumbered §7331 and amended Pub. L. 102–40, title IV, §§401(a)(4)(A), 402(d)(1), 403(a)(1), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 221, 239; Pub. L. 102–405, title III, §302(c)(1), Oct. 9, 1992, 106 Stat. 1984.)
1992—Pub. L. 102–405 substituted “Under Secretary for Health” for “Chief Medical Director”.
1991—Pub. L. 102–40, §401(a)(4)(A), renumbered section 4131 of this title as this section.
Pub. L. 102–40, §403(a)(1), substituted “Secretary” for “Administrator”.
Pub. L. 102–40, §402(d)(1), substituted “7334” for “4134”.
Subchapter effective Oct. 21, 1976, see section 211 of Pub. L. 94–581, set out as an Effective Date of 1976 Amendment note under section 111 of this title.
This section is referred to in section 7334 of this title.
(a)(1) Records of the identity, diagnosis, prognosis, or treatment of any patient or subject which are maintained in connection with the performance of any program or activity (including education, training, treatment, rehabilitation, or research) relating to drug abuse, alcoholism or alcohol abuse, infection with the human immunodeficiency virus, or sickle cell anemia which is carried out by or for the Department under this title shall, except as provided in subsections (e) and (f), be confidential, and (section 5701 of this title to the contrary notwithstanding) such records may be disclosed only for the purposes and under the circumstances expressly authorized under subsection (b).
(2) Paragraph (1) prohibits the disclosure to any person or entity other than the patient or subject concerned of the fact that a special written consent is required in order for such records to be disclosed.
(b)(1) The content of any record referred to in subsection (a) may be disclosed by the Secretary in accordance with the prior written consent of the patient or subject with respect to whom such record is maintained, but only to such extent, under such circumstances, and for such purposes as may be allowed in regulations prescribed by the Secretary.
(2) Whether or not any patient or subject, with respect to whom any given record referred to in subsection (a) is maintained, gives written consent, the content of such record may be disclosed by the Secretary as follows:
(A) To medical personnel to the extent necessary to meet a bona fide medical emergency.
(B) To qualified personnel for the purpose of conducting scientific research, management audits, financial audits, or program evaluation, but such personnel may not identify, directly or indirectly, any individual patient or subject in any report of such research, audit, or evaluation, or otherwise disclose patient or subject identities in any manner.
(C)(i) In the case of any record which is maintained in connection with the performance of any program or activity relating to infection with the human immunodeficiency virus, to a Federal, State, or local public-health authority charged under Federal or State law with the protection of the public health, and to which Federal or State law requires disclosure of such record, if a qualified representative of such authority has made a written request that such record be provided as required pursuant to such law for a purpose authorized by such law.
(ii) A person to whom a record is disclosed under this paragraph may not redisclose or use such record for a purpose other than that for which the disclosure was made.
(D) If authorized by an appropriate order of a court of competent jurisdiction granted after application showing good cause therefor. In assessing good cause the court shall weigh the public interest and the need for disclosure against the injury to the patient or subject, to the physician-patient relationship, and to the treatment services. Upon the granting of such order, the court, in determining the extent to which any disclosure of all or any part of any record is necessary, shall impose appropriate safeguards against unauthorized disclosure.
(3) In the event that the patient or subject who is the subject of any record referred to in subsection (a) is deceased, the content of any such record may be disclosed by the Secretary only upon the prior written request of the next of kin, executor, administrator, or other personal representative of such patient or subject and only if the Secretary determines that such disclosure is necessary for such survivor to obtain benefits to which such survivor may be entitled, including the pursuit of legal action, but then only to the extent, under such circumstances, and for such purposes as may be allowed in regulations prescribed pursuant to section 7334 of this title.
(c) Except as authorized by a court order granted under subsection (b)(2)(D), no record referred to in subsection (a) may be used to initiate or substantiate any criminal charges against, or to conduct any investigation of, a patient or subject.
(d) The prohibitions of this section shall continue to apply to records concerning any person who has been a patient or subject, irrespective of whether or when such person ceases to be a patient.
(e) The prohibitions of this section shall not prevent any interchange of records—
(1) within and among those components of the Department furnishing health care to veterans, or determining eligibility for benefits under this title; or
(2) between such components furnishing health care to veterans and the Armed Forces.
(f)(1) Notwithstanding subsection (a) but subject to paragraph (2), a physician or a professional counselor may disclose information or records indicating that a patient or subject is infected with the human immunodeficiency virus if the disclosure is made to (A) the spouse of the patient or subject, or (B) to an individual whom the patient or subject has, during the process of professional counseling or of testing to determine whether the patient or subject is infected with such virus, identified as being a sexual partner of such patient or subject.
(2)(A) A disclosure under paragraph (1) may be made only if the physician or counselor, after making reasonable efforts to counsel and encourage the patient or subject to provide the information to the spouse or sexual partner, reasonably believes that the patient or subject will not provide the information to the spouse or sexual partner and that the disclosure is necessary to protect the health of the spouse or sexual partner.
(B) A disclosure under such paragraph may be made by a physician or counselor other than the physician or counselor referred to in subparagraph (A) if such physician or counselor is unavailable by reason of absence or termination of employment to make the disclosure.
(g) Any person who violates any provision of this section or any regulation issued pursuant to this section shall be fined, in the case of a first offense, up to the maximum amount provided under section 5701(f) of this title for a first offense under that section and, in the case of a subsequent offense, up to the maximum amount provided under section 5701(f) of this title for a subsequent offense under that section.
(Added Pub. L. 94–581, title I, §111(a)(1), Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2849, §4132; amended Pub. L. 100–322, title I, §121, May 20, 1988, 102 Stat. 502; renumbered §7332 and amended Pub. L. 102–40, title IV, §§401(a)(4)(A), 402(d)(1), 403(a)(1), (2), (4), (5), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 221, 239.)
1991—Pub. L. 102–40, §401(a)(4)(A), renumbered section 4132 of this title as this section.
Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 102–40, §403(a)(4), struck out “of this section” after “subsections (e) and (f)” and after “subsection (b)”.
Pub. L. 102–40, §403(a)(2), substituted “Department” for “Veterans’ Administration”.
Pub. L. 102–40, §402(d)(1), substituted “5701” for “3301”.
Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 102–40, §403(a)(4), struck out “of this subsection” after “Paragraph (1)”.
Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 102–40, §403(a)(4), struck out “of this section” after “subsection (a)”.
Pub. L. 102–40, §403(a)(1), substituted “Secretary” for “Administrator” in two places.
Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 102–40, §403(a)(4), struck out “of this section” after “subsection (a)” in introductory provisions.
Pub. L. 102–40, §403(a)(1), substituted “Secretary” for “Administrator” in introductory provisions.
Subsec. (b)(3). Pub. L. 102–40, §403(a)(4), struck out “of this section” after “subsection (a)”.
Pub. L. 102–40, §403(a)(1), substituted “Secretary” for “Administrator” in two places.
Pub. L. 102–40, §402(d)(1), substituted “7334” for “4134”.
Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 102–40, §403(a)(4), struck out “of this section” after “subsection (b)(2)(D)” and after “subsection (a)”.
Subsec. (e)(1). Pub. L. 102–40, §403(a)(2), substituted “Department” for “Veterans’ Administration”.
Subsec. (f)(1). Pub. L. 102–40, §403(a)(4), struck out “of this section” after “subsection (a)” and “of this subsection” after “paragraph (2)”.
Subsec. (f)(2)(A). Pub. L. 102–40, §403(a)(4), struck out “of this subsection” after “paragraph (1)”.
Subsec. (f)(2)(B). Pub. L. 102–40, §403(a)(5), struck out “of this paragraph” after “subparagraph (A)”.
Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 102–40, §402(d)(1), substituted “5701(f)” for “3301(f)” in two places.
1988—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 100–322, §121(a), (e)(1), designated existing provisions as par. (1), inserted “infection with the human immunodeficiency virus,” after “alcohol abuse,”, substituted “subsections (e) and (f)” for “subsection (e)”, and added par. (2).
Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 100–322, §121(b)(1), struck out “pursuant to section 4134 of this title” before period at end.
Subsec. (b)(2)(C), (D). Pub. L. 100–322, §121(b)(2), added subpar. (C) and redesignated former subpar. (C) as (D).
Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 100–322, §121(e)(2), substituted “subsection (b)(2)(D)” for “subsection (b)(2)(C)”.
Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 100–322, §121(c)(2), added subsec. (f). Former subsec. (f) redesignated (g).
Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 100–322, §121(c)(1), (d), redesignated subsec. (f) as (g) and substituted “shall be fined, in the case of a first offense, up to the maximum amount provided under section 3301(f) of this title for a first offense under that section and, in the case of a subsequent offense, up to the maximum amount provided under section 3301(f) of this title for a subsequent offense under that section.” for “shall be fined not more than $500 in the case of a first offense, and not more than $5,000 in the case of each subsequent offense”.
This section is referred to in sections 1729, 1753, 7334, 7464 of this title.
(a) Veterans eligible for treatment under chapter 17 of this title who are alcohol or drug abusers or who are infected with the human immunodeficiency virus shall not be discriminated against in admission or treatment by any Department health-care facility solely because of their alcohol or drug abuse or dependency or because of their viral infection.
(b) The Secretary shall prescribe regulations for the enforcement of this section. Such regulations, with respect to the admission and treatment of such veterans who are alcohol or drug abusers, shall be prescribed in accordance with section 7334 of this title.
(Added Pub. L. 94–581, title I, §111(a)(1), Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2850, §4133; amended Pub. L. 100–322, title I, §122(a), May 20, 1988, 102 Stat. 503; renumbered §7333 and amended Pub. L. 102–40, title IV, §§401(a)(4)(A), 402(d)(1), 403(a)(1), (2), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 221, 239.)
1991—Pub. L. 102–40, §401(a)(4)(A), renumbered section 4133 of this title as this section.
Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 102–40, §403(a)(2), substituted “Department” for “Veterans’ Administration”.
Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 102–40, §§402(d)(1), 403(a)(1), substituted “Secretary” for “Administrator” and “7334” for “4134”.
1988—Pub. L. 100–322 substituted “Nondiscrimination against alcohol and drug abusers and persons infected with the human immunodeficiency virus” for “Nondiscrimination in the admission of alcohol and drug abusers to Veterans’ Administration health care facilities” as section catchline, and amended text generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: “Veterans eligible for treatment under chapter 17 of this title who are alcohol or drug abusers and who are suffering from medical disabilities shall not be discriminated against in admission or treatment, solely because of their alcohol or drug abuse or dependence, by any Veterans’ Administration health care facility. The Administrator, pursuant to the provisions of section 4134 of this title, shall prescribe regulations for the enforcement of this nondiscrimination policy with respect to the admission and treatment of such eligible veterans who are alcohol or drug abusers.”
Section 124 of Pub. L. 100–322, as amended by Pub. L. 102–83, §6(j)(3), Aug. 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 409, provided that:
“(a)
“(b)
“(2) Patients referred to in paragraph (1) are—
“(A) patients who are receiving treatment for intravenous drug abuse,
“(B) patients who are receiving treatment for a disease associated with the human immunodeficiency virus, and
“(C) patients who are otherwise at high risk for infection with such virus.
“(3) Subject to the consent requirement in paragraph (4) and unless medically contraindicated, the test shall be administered to each patient requesting to be tested for infection with such virus.
“(4) A test may not be conducted under this subsection without the prior informed and separate written consent of the patient tested. The Secretary shall provide pre- and post-test counseling regarding the acquired immune deficiency syndrome and the test to each patient who is administered the test.”
This section is referred to in section 7334 of this title.
(a) Regulations prescribed by the Secretary under section 7331 of this title, section 7332 of this title with respect to the confidentiality of alcohol and drug abuse medical records, and section 7333 of this title with respect to alcohol or drug abusers shall, to the maximum extent feasible consistent with other provisions of this title, make applicable the regulations described in subsection (b) to the conduct of research and to the provision of hospital care, nursing home care, domiciliary care, and medical services under this title.
(b) The regulations referred to in subsection (a) are—
(1) regulations governing human experimentation and informed consent prescribed by the Secretary of Health and Human Services, based on the recommendations of the National Commission for the Protection of Human Subjects of Biomedical and Behavioral Research, established by section 201 of the National Research Act (Public Law 93–348; 88 Stat. 348); and
(2) regulations governing (A) the confidentiality of drug and alcohol abuse medical records, and (B) the admission of drug and alcohol abusers to private and public hospitals, prescribed pursuant to the Comprehensive Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Prevention, Treatment, and Rehabilitation Act of 1970 (42 U.S.C. 4551 et seq.) and the Drug Abuse Office and Treatment Act of 1972 (21 U.S.C. 1101 et seq.).
(c) Regulations prescribed by the Secretary under sections 7331, 7332, and 7333 of this title may contain such definitions, and may provide for such safeguards and procedures (including procedures and criteria for the issuance and scope of court orders under section 7332(b)(2)(C) 1 of this title), as are necessary to prevent circumvention or evasion of such regulations or to facilitate compliance with such regulations.
(d) In prescribing and implementing such regulations, the Secretary shall, from time to time, consult with the Secretary of Health and Human Services and, as appropriate, with the President (or the delegate of the President) in order to achieve the maximum possible coordination of the regulations, and the implementation of the regulations, which they and the Secretary prescribe.
(Added Pub. L. 94–581, title I, §111(a)(1), Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2851, §4134; amended Pub. L. 97–295, §4(87), Oct. 12, 1982, 96 Stat. 1312; Pub. L. 100–322, title I, §122(a), May 20, 1988, 102 Stat. 504; renumbered §7334 and amended Pub. L. 102–40, title IV, §§401(a)(4)(A), 402(d)(1), 403(a)(1), (4), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 221, 239.)
Section 201 of the National Research Act, referred to in subsec. (b)(1), is section 201 of Pub. L. 93–348, title II, July 12, 1974, 88 Stat. 348, as amended, which was set out as a note under section 289l–1 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare, and was repealed by Pub. L. 95–622, title III, §302(b), Nov. 9, 1978, 92 Stat. 3442.
The Comprehensive Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Prevention, Treatment, and Rehabilitation Act of 1970 (42 U.S.C. 4551 et seq.), referred to in subsec. (b)(2), is Pub. L. 91–616, Dec. 31, 1970, 84 Stat. 1848, as amended, which is classified principally to chapter 60 (§4541 et seq.) of Title 42. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 4541 of Title 42 and Tables.
The Drug Abuse Office and Treatment Act of 1972, referred to in subsec. (b)(2), which was redesignated the Drug Abuse Prevention, Treatment, and Rehabilitation Act, is Pub. L. 92–255, Mar. 21, 1972, 86 Stat. 65, as amended, which is classified principally to chapter 16 (§1101 et seq.) of Title 21, Food and Drugs. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1101 of Title 21 and Tables.
Section 7332(b)(2)(C) of this title, referred to in subsec. (c), was formerly a reference to section 4132(b)(2)(C) of this title which was redesignated section 4132(b)(2)(D) by Pub. L. 100–322, title I, §121(b)(2)(A), May 20, 1988, 102 Stat. 502, and subsequently renumbered section 7332(b)(2)(D) by Pub. L. 102–40, title IV, §401(a)(4)(A), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 221. The reference to section 4132(b)(2)(C) in subsec. (c) was amended to reflect the renumbering by Pub. L. 102–40 but not the redesignation by Pub. L. 100–322.
1991—Pub. L. 102–40, §401(a)(4)(A), renumbered section 4134 of this title as this section.
Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 102–40, §403(a)(4), struck out “of this section” after “subsection (b)”.
Pub. L. 102–40, §403(a)(1), substituted “Secretary” for “Administrator”.
Pub. L. 102–40, §402(d)(1), substituted “7331” for “4131”, “7332” for “4132”, and “7333” for “4133”.
Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 102–40, §403(a)(4), struck out “of this section” after “subsection (a)” in introductory provisions.
Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 102–40, §403(a)(1), substituted “Secretary” for “Administrator”.
Pub. L. 102–40, §402(d)(1), substituted “7331, 7332, and 7333” for “4131, 4132, and 4133” and “7332(b)(2)(C)” for “4132(b)(2)(C)”.
Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 102–40, §403(a)(1), substituted “Secretary” for “Administrator” in two places.
1988—Pub. L. 100–322 amended section generally, substituting provisions consisting of subsecs. (a) to (d) for former provisions consisting of subsecs. (a) and (b).
1982—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 97–295 substituted “Health and Human Services” for “Health, Education, and Welfare” wherever appearing, and substituted “the President (or the delegate of the President)” for “the Director of the Office of Drug Abuse Policy (or any successor authority)”.
For provisions as to termination of the National Commission for the Protection of Human Subjects of Biochemical and Behavioral Research, see section 204(d) and (e) set out as a note under section 289l–1 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare.
This section is referred to in sections 7331, 7332, 7333 of this title.
A prior subchapter IV of this chapter consisted of sections 4141 and 4142 prior to amendment by Pub. L. 102–40, title IV, §401(c)(1), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 238, which struck out the subchapter heading “PAY FOR NURSES AND OTHER HEALTH-CARE PERSONNEL”, renumbered sections 4141 and 4142 as sections 7451 and 7452 of this title, respectively, and transferred those sections to subchapter IV of chapter 74 of this title.
A prior subchapter V of this chapter consisting of sections 4151 and 4152, related to quality assurance, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 102–40, title IV, §401(a)(2)(A), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 210. See Prior Provisions notes set out under section 4110A of this title.
A prior subchapter VI of this chapter was redesignated as this subchapter.
1991—Pub. L. 102–40, title IV, §401(a)(2)(B), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 210, redesignated subchapter VI of this chapter as this subchapter. For disposition of former subchapter IV of this chapter, see Prior Provisions note above.
1 See References in Text note below.
(a) The Secretary may authorize the establishment at any Department medical center of a nonprofit corporation to provide a flexible funding mechanism for the conduct of approved research at the medical center. Except as otherwise required in this subchapter or under regulations prescribed by the Secretary, any such corporation, and its directors and employees, shall be required to comply only with those Federal laws, regulations, and executive orders and directives which apply generally to private nonprofit corporations.
(b) If by the end of the four-year period beginning on the date of the establishment of a corporation under this subchapter the corporation is not recognized as an entity the income of which is exempt from taxation under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, the Secretary shall dissolve the corporation.
(Added Pub. L. 100–322, title II, §204(a), May 20, 1988, 102 Stat. 510, §4161; renumbered §7361 and amended Pub. L. 102–40, title IV, §§401(a)(4)(B), 403(a)(1), (2), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 221, 239; Pub. L. 102–291, §3(a), May 20, 1992, 106 Stat. 179.)
Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, referred to in subsec. (b), is classified to section 501(c)(3) of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.
1992—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 102–291 substituted “four-year period” for “three-year period”.
1991—Pub. L. 102–40, §401(a)(4)(B), renumbered section 4161 of this title as this section.
Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 102–40, §403(a)(2), substituted “Department” for “Veterans’ Administration”.
Pub. L. 102–40, §403(a)(1), substituted “Secretary” for “Administrator” in two places.
Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 102–40, §403(a)(1), substituted “Secretary” for “Administrator”.
Section 3(c) of Pub. L. 102–291 provided that: “The amendments made by subsections (a) and (b) [amending this section and section 7368 of this title] shall take effect as of October 1, 1991.”
Section 3(d) of Pub. L. 102–291 provided that: “The following actions of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs during the period beginning on October 1, 1991, and ending on the date of the enactment of this Act [May 20, 1992] are hereby ratified:
“(1) A failure to dissolve a nonprofit corporation established under section 7361(a) of title 38, United States Code, that, within the three-year period beginning on the date of the establishment of the corporation, was not recognized as an entity the income of which is exempt from taxation under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 [26 U.S.C. 501(c)(3)].
“(2) The establishment of a nonprofit corporation for approved research under section 7361(a) of title 38, United States Code.”
This section is referred to in section 7809 of this title.
Any corporation established under this subchapter shall be established solely to facilitate research as described in section 7303(a) of this title in conjunction with the applicable Department medical center. Any funds received by the Secretary for the conduct of research at the medical center other than funds appropriated to the Department may be transferred to and administered by the corporation for that purpose.
(Added Pub. L. 100–322, title II, §204(a), May 20, 1988, 102 Stat. 510, §4162; renumbered §7362 and amended Pub. L. 102–40, title IV, §§401(a)(4)(B), 403(a)(1)–(3), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 221, 239.)
1991—Pub. L. 102–40, §401(a)(4)(B), renumbered section 4162 of this title as this section.
Pub. L. 102–40, §403(a)(3), substituted “7303(a)” for “4101(c)(1)”.
Pub. L. 102–40, §403(a)(2), substituted “Department” for “Veterans’ Administration” in two places.
Pub. L. 102–40, §403(a)(1), substituted “Secretary” for “Administrator”.
(a) The Secretary shall provide for the appointment of a board of directors for any corporation established under this subchapter. The board shall include—
(1) the director of the medical center, the chief of staff of the medical center, and the assistant chief of staff for research of the medical center; and
(2) subject to subsection (c), members who are not officers or employees of the Federal Government and who are familiar with issues involving medical and scientific research.
(b) Each such corporation shall have an executive director who shall be appointed by the board of directors with the concurrence of the Under Secretary for Health of the Department. The executive director of a corporation shall be responsible for the operations of the corporation and shall have such specific duties and responsibilities as the board may prescribe.
(c) An individual appointed under subsection (a)(2) to the board of directors of a corporation established under this subchapter may not be affiliated with, employed by, or have any other financial relationship with any entity that is a source of funding for research by the Department unless that source of funding is a governmental entity or an entity the income of which is exempt from taxation under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.
(Added Pub. L. 100–322, title II, §204(a), May 20, 1988, 102 Stat. 510, §4163; renumbered §7363 and amended Pub. L. 102–40, title IV, §§401(a)(4)(B), 403(a)(1), (2), (4), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 221, 239; Pub. L. 102–405, title III, §302(c)(1), Oct. 9, 1992, 106 Stat. 1984.)
Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, referred to in subsec. (c), is classified to section 501(c)(3) of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.
1992—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 102–405 substituted “Under Secretary for Health” for “Chief Medical Director”.
1991—Pub. L. 102–40, §401(a)(4)(B), renumbered section 4163 of this title as this section.
Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 102–40, §403(a)(1), substituted “Secretary” for “Administrator” in introductory provisions.
Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 102–40, §403(a)(4), struck out “of this section” after “subsection (c)”.
Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 102–40, §403(a)(2), substituted “Department” for “Veterans’ Administration”.
Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 102–40, §403(a)(4), struck out “of this section” after “subsection (a)(2)”.
Pub. L. 102–40, §403(a)(2), substituted “Department” for “Veterans’ Administration”.
(a) A corporation established under this subchapter may—
(1) accept gifts and grants from, and enter into contracts with, individuals and public and private entities solely to carry out the purposes of this subchapter; and
(2) employ such employees as it considers necessary for such purposes and fix the compensation of such employees.
(b) A corporation established under this subchapter may not spend funds for a research project unless the project is approved in accordance with procedures prescribed by the Under Secretary for Health for research carried out with Department funds. Such procedures shall include a peer review process.
(Added Pub. L. 100–322, title II, §204(a), May 20, 1988, 102 Stat. 511, §4164; renumbered §7364 and amended Pub. L. 102–40, title IV, §§401(a)(4)(B), 403(a)(2), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 221, 239; Pub. L. 102–405, title III, §302(c)(1), Oct. 9, 1992, 106 Stat. 1984.)
1992—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 102–405 substituted “Under Secretary for Health” for “Chief Medical Director”.
1991—Pub. L. 102–40, §401(a)(4)(B), renumbered section 4164 of this title as this section.
Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 102–40, §403(a)(2), substituted “Department” for “Veterans’ Administration”.
Any corporation established under this subchapter shall be established in accordance with the nonprofit corporation laws of the State in which the applicable medical center is located and shall, to the extent not inconsistent with any Federal law, be subject to the laws of such State.
(Added Pub. L. 100–322, title II, §204(a), May 20, 1988, 102 Stat. 511, §4165; renumbered §7365, Pub. L. 102–40, title IV, §401(a)(4)(B), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 221.)
1991—Pub. L. 102–40 renumbered section 4165 of this title as this section.
(a)(1)(A) The records of a corporation established under this subchapter shall be available to the Secretary.
(B) For the purposes of sections 4(a)(1) and 6(a)(1) of the Inspector General Act of 1978, the programs and operations of such a corporation shall be considered to be programs and operations of the Department with respect to which the Inspector General of the Department has responsibilities under such Act.
(2) Such a corporation shall be considered an agency for the purposes of section 716 of title 31 (relating to availability of information and inspection of records by the Comptroller General).
(b) Each such corporation shall submit to the Secretary an annual report providing a detailed statement of its operations, activities, and accomplishments during that year. The corporation shall obtain a report of independent auditors concerning the receipts and expenditures of funds by the corporation during that year and shall include that report in the corporation's report to the Secretary for that year.
(c) Each member of the board of directors of a corporation established under this subchapter, each employee of such a corporation, and each employee of the Department who is involved in the functions of the corporation during any year—
(1) shall be subject to Federal laws and regulations applicable to Federal employees with respect to conflicts of interest in the performance of official functions; and
(2) shall submit to the Secretary an annual statement signed by the director or employee certifying that the director or employee is aware of, and has complied with, such laws and regulations in the same manner as Federal employees are required to.
(d) The Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and House of Representatives an annual report on the number and location of corporations established and the amount of the contributions made to each such corporation.
(Added Pub. L. 100–322, title II, §204(a), May 20, 1988, 102 Stat. 511, §4166; renumbered §7366 and amended Pub. L. 102–40, title IV, §§401(a)(4)(B), 403(a)(1), (2), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 221, 239.)
The Inspector General Act of 1978, referred to in subsec. (a)(1)(B), is Pub. L. 95–452, Oct. 12, 1978, 92 Stat. 1101, as amended, which is set out in the Appendix to Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.
1991—Pub. L. 102–40, §401(a)(4)(B), renumbered section 4166 of this title as this section.
Subsec. (a)(1)(A). Pub. L. 102–40, §403(a)(1), substituted “Secretary” for “Administrator”.
Subsec. (a)(1)(B). Pub. L. 102–40, §403(a)(2), substituted “Department” for “Veterans’ Administration” in two places.
Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 102–40, §403(a)(1), substituted “Secretary” for “Administrator” in two places.
Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 102–40, §403(a)(2), substituted “Department” for “Veterans’ Administration” in introductory provisions.
Subsec. (c)(2). Pub. L. 102–40, §403(a)(1), substituted “Secretary” for “Administrator”.
Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 102–40, §403(a)(1), substituted “Secretary” for “Administrator”.
Not later than February 1, 1991, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report on the experience through the end of fiscal year 1990 under this subchapter. The report shall include such recommendations as the Secretary considers appropriate.
(Added Pub. L. 100–322, title II, §204(a), May 20, 1988, 102 Stat. 512, §4167; renumbered §7367 and amended Pub. L. 102–40, title IV, §§401(a)(4)(B), 403(a)(1), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 221, 239.)
1991—Pub. L. 102–40 renumbered section 4167 of this title as this section and substituted “Secretary” for “Administrator” in two places.
No corporation may be established under this subchapter after December 31, 1992.
(Added Pub. L. 100–322, title II, §204(a), May 20, 1988, 102 Stat. 512, §4168; renumbered §7368, Pub. L. 102–40, title IV, §401(a)(4)(B), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 221; Pub. L. 102–291, §3(b), May 20, 1992, 106 Stat. 179.)
1992—Pub. L. 102–291 substituted “December 31, 1992” for “September 30, 1991”.
1991—Pub. L. 102–40 renumbered section 4168 of this title as this section.
Amendment by Pub. L. 102–291 effective Oct. 1, 1991, see section 3(c) of Pub. L. 102–291, set out as a note under section 7361 of this title.
1991—Pub. L. 102–40, title I, §§102, 103(a)(2), title II, §203(b), title IV, §401(b)(1), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 187, 199, 207, 221, added chapter heading and analysis.
This chapter is referred to in title 5 sections 2105, 5302, 5371.
This subchapter is referred to in sections 7426, 7455 of this title.
There may be appointed by the Secretary such personnel as the Secretary may find necessary for the medical care of veterans (in addition to those in the Office of the Under Secretary for Health appointed under section 7306 of this title), as follows:
(1) Physicians, dentists, podiatrists, optometrists, registered nurses, physician assistants, and expanded-function dental auxiliaries.
(2) Psychologists (other than those described in paragraph (3)), dietitians, and other scientific and professional personnel, such as microbiologists, chemists, biostatisticians, and medical and dental technologists.
(3) Clinical or counseling psychologists who hold diplomas as diplomates in psychology from an accrediting authority approved by the Secretary, certified or registered respiratory therapists, licensed physical therapists, licensed practical or vocational nurses, pharmacists, and occupational therapists.
(Added Pub. L. 102–40, title IV, §401(b)(2), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 222; amended Pub. L. 102–405, title III, §302(c)(1), Oct. 9, 1992, 106 Stat. 1984.)
Provisions similar to those in this section were contained in section 4104 of this title prior to the repeal of that section as part of the complete revision of chapter 73 of this title by Pub. L. 102–40.
1992—Pub. L. 102–405 substituted “Under Secretary for Health” for “Chief Medical Director”.
This section is referred to in sections 7402, 7403, 7404, 7405, 7407, 7408, 7410, 7411, 7423, 7424, 7425, 7451, 7452, 7455, 7457, 7461, 7462, 7463, 7612 of this title; title 5 section 7511.
(a) To be eligible for appointment to the positions in the Administration covered by subsection (b), a person must have the applicable qualifications set forth in that subsection.
(b)(1)
(A) hold the degree of doctor of medicine or of doctor of osteopathy from a college or university approved by the Secretary,
(B) have completed an internship satisfactory to the Secretary, and
(C) be licensed to practice medicine, surgery, or osteopathy in a State.
(2)
(A) hold the degree of doctor of dental surgery or dental medicine from a college or university approved by the Secretary, and
(B) be licensed to practice dentistry in a State.
(3)
(A) have successfully completed a full course of nursing in a recognized school of nursing, approved by the Secretary, and
(B) be registered as a graduate nurse in a State.
(4)
(5)
(A) hold the degree of doctor of podiatric medicine, or its equivalent, from a school of podiatric medicine approved by the Secretary, and
(B) be licensed to practice podiatry in a State.
(6)
(A) hold the degree of doctor of optometry, or its equivalent, from a school of optometry approved by the Secretary, and
(B) be licensed to practice optometry in a State.
(7)
(A) hold the degree of bachelor of science in pharmacy, or its equivalent, from a school of pharmacy, approved by the Secretary, and
(B) be registered as a pharmacist in a State.
(8)
(A) hold a doctoral degree in psychology from a college or university approved by the Secretary,
(B) have completed study for such degree in a specialty area of psychology and an internship which are satisfactory to the Secretary, and
(C) be licensed or certified as a psychologist in a State, except that the Secretary may waive the requirement of licensure or certification for an individual psychologist for a period not to exceed two years on the condition that that psychologist provide patient care only under the direct supervision of a psychologist who is so licensed or certified.
(9)
(10)
(c) Except as provided in section 7407(a) of this title, a person may not be appointed in the Administration to a position listed in section 7401(1) of this title unless the person is a citizen of the United States.
(d) A person may not be appointed under section 7401(1) of this title to serve in the Administration in any direct patient-care capacity unless the Under Secretary for Health determines that the person possesses such basic proficiency in spoken and written English as will permit such degree of communication with patients and other health-care personnel as will enable the person to carry out the person's health-care responsibilities satisfactorily. Any determination by the Under Secretary for Health under this subsection shall be in accordance with regulations which the Secretary shall prescribe.
(e) A person may not serve as Chief of Staff of a Department health-care facility if the person is not serving on a full-time basis.
(Added Pub. L. 102–40, title IV, §401(b)(2), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 222; amended Pub. L. 102–86, title III, §305(a), Aug. 14, 1991, 105 Stat. 417; Pub. L. 102–405, title III, §302(c)(1), Oct. 9, 1992, 106 Stat. 1984.)
Provisions similar to those in this section were contained in sections 4105 and 4108(b) of this title prior to the repeal of those sections as part of the complete revision of chapter 73 of this title by Pub. L. 102–40.
1992—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 102–405 substituted “Under Secretary for Health” for “Chief Medical Director” in two places.
1991—Subsec. (b)(9), (10). Pub. L. 102–86 added par. (9) and redesignated former par. (9) as (10).
Section 305(b) of Pub. L. 102–86 provided that: “The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] does not apply to any person employed as a social worker by the Department of Veterans Affairs on or before the date of the enactment of this Act [Aug. 14, 1991].”
Section 4(a)(3) of Pub. L. 95–201 provided that: “Notwithstanding any other provision of law, with respect to persons other than those described in subsection (c) of section 4105 and subsection (f) of section 4114 of title 38, United States Code [former sections 4105(c) and 4114(f) of this title, see subsec. (d) of this section and section 7407(d) of this title] (as added by paragraphs (1) and (2) of this subsection), who are appointed after the date of enactment of this Act [Nov. 23, 1977] in the Department of Medicine and Surgery in the Veterans’ Administration [now Veterans Health Administration of the Department of Veterans Affairs] in any direct patient-care capacity, and with respect to persons described in such subsections who are appointed after such enactment date and prior to January 1, 1978, the Administrator of Veterans’ Affairs [now Secretary of Veterans Affairs], upon the recommendation of the Chief Medical Director [now Under Secretary for Health], shall take appropriate steps to provide reasonable assurance that such persons possess such basic proficiency in spoken and written English as will permit such degree of communication with patients and other health-care personnel as will enable such persons to carry out their health-care responsibilities satisfactorily.”
This section is referred to in sections 7407, 7604 of this title.
(a)(1) Appointments under this chapter of health-care professionals to whom this section applies may be made only after qualifications have been satisfactorily established in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary, without regard to civil-service requirements.
(2) This section applies to the following persons appointed under this chapter:
(A) Physicians.
(B) Dentists.
(C) Podiatrists.
(D) Optometrists.
(E) Nurses.
(F) Physician assistants.
(G) Expanded-function dental auxiliaries.
(b)(1) Appointments described in subsection (a) shall be for a probationary period of two years.
(2) The record of each person serving under such an appointment in the Medical, Dental, and Nursing Services shall be reviewed from time to time by a board, appointed in accordance with regulations of the Secretary. If such a board finds that such person is not fully qualified and satisfactory, such person shall be separated from the service.
(c) Promotions of persons to whom this section applies shall be made only after examination given in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary. Advancement within grade may be made in increments of the minimum rate of basic pay of the grade in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary.
(d) In determining eligibility for reinstatement in the Federal civil service of persons appointed to positions in the Administration under this chapter who at the time of appointment have a civil-service status, and whose employment in the Administration is terminated, the period of service performed in the Administration shall be included in computing the period of service under applicable civil-service rules and regulations.
(e) In accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary, the grade and annual rate of basic pay of a person to whom this section applies whose level of assignment is changed from a level of assignment in which the grade level is based on both the nature of the assignment and personal qualifications may be adjusted to the grade and annual rate of basic pay otherwise appropriate.
(f)(1) Upon the recommendation of the Under Secretary for Health, the Secretary may—
(A) use the authority in subsection (a) to establish the qualifications for and (subject to paragraph (2)) to appoint individuals to positions listed in section 7401(3) of this title; and
(B) use the authority provided in subsection (c) for the promotion and advancement of Department employees serving in such positions.
(2) In using such authority to appoint individuals to such positions, the Secretary shall apply the principles of preference for the hiring of veterans and other persons established in subchapter I of chapter 33 of title 5.
(3) Notwithstanding any other provision of this title or other law, all matters relating to adverse actions, disciplinary actions, and grievance procedures involving individuals appointed to such positions (including similar actions and procedures involving an employee in a probationary status) shall be resolved under the provisions of title 5 as though such individuals had been appointed under that title.
(g)(1) The Secretary may appoint in the competitive civil service without regard to the provisions of subchapter I of chapter 33 of title 5 (other than sections 3303 and 3328 of such title) an individual who—
(A) has a recognized degree or certificate from an accredited institution in a health-care profession or occupation; and
(B) has successfully completed a clinical education program affiliated with the Department.
(2) In using the authority provided by this subsection, the Secretary shall apply the principles of preference for the hiring of veterans and other persons established in subchapter I of chapter 33 of title 5.
(Added Pub. L. 102–40, title IV, §401(b)(2), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 224; amended Pub. L. 102–405, title III, §302(c)(1), Oct. 9, 1992, 106 Stat. 1984.)
Provisions similar to those in this section were contained in section 4106 of this title prior to the repeal of that section as part of the complete revision of chapter 73 of this title by Pub. L. 102–40.
1992—Subsec. (f)(1). Pub. L. 102–405 substituted “Under Secretary for Health” for “Chief Medical Director”.
This section is referred to in section 7405 of this title.
(a) The annual rates or ranges of rates of basic pay for positions provided in section 7306 of this title shall be prescribed from time to time by Executive order as authorized by chapter 53 of title 5 or as otherwise authorized by law.
(b)(1) The grades for positions provided for in paragraph (1) of section 7401 of this title shall be as follows. The annual ranges of rates of basic pay for those grades shall be prescribed from time to time by Executive order as authorized by chapter 53 of title 5 or as otherwise authorized by law:
Director grade.
Executive grade.
Chief grade.
Senior grade.
Intermediate grade.
Full grade.
Associate grade.
Nurse V.
Nurse IV.
Nurse III.
Nurse II.
Nurse I.
Chief grade.
Senior grade.
Intermediate grade.
Full grade.
Associate grade.
(2) A person may not hold the director grade in the Physician and Dentist Schedule unless the person is serving as a director of a hospital, domiciliary, center, or outpatient clinic (independent), or comparable position. A person may not hold the executive grade in that Schedule unless the person holds the position of chief of staff at a hospital, center, or outpatient clinic (independent), or comparable position.
(c) Notwithstanding the provisions of section 7425(a) of this title, a person appointed under section 7306 of this title who is not eligible for special pay under subchapter III shall be deemed to be a career appointee for the purposes of sections 4507 and 5384 of title 5.
(d) Except as provided under subchapter III and in section 7457 of this title, pay may not be paid at a rate in excess of the rate of basic pay for an appropriate level authorized by section 5315 or 5316 of title 5 for positions in the Executive Schedule, as follows:
(1) Level IV for the Deputy Under Secretary for Health.
(2) Level V for all other positions for which such basic pay is paid under this section.
(Added Pub. L. 102–40, title IV, §401(b)(2), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 225; amended Pub. L. 102–405, title II, §206, title III, §302(c)(1), Oct. 9, 1992, 106 Stat. 1984; Pub. L. 102–585, title III, §301(a), Nov. 4, 1992, 106 Stat. 4951.)
Provisions similar to those in this section were contained in section 4107(a)–(d) of this title prior to the repeal of that section as part of the complete revision of chapter 73 of this title by Pub. L. 102–40.
1992—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 102–585 inserted items relating to Nurse V through I under heading “
Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 102–405, §206, inserted “, or comparable position” before period at end of first sentence.
Subsec. (d)(1). Pub. L. 102–405, §302(c)(1), substituted “Under Secretary for Health” for “Chief Medical Director”.
Section 308 of Pub. L. 102–585 provided that: “The amendments made by sections 301, 302, 303, and 304 [amending this section and sections 7451 and 7452 of this title] shall take effect with respect to the first pay period beginning on or after the end of the six-month period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 4, 1992].”
Ex. Ord. No. 12944, Dec. 28, 1994, 60 F.R. 309, set out as a note under section 5332 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees, provided for an adjustment of the pay rates under this section effective on the first day of the first applicable pay period beginning on or after Jan. 1, 1995. See Schedule set out below:
| Schedule for the Office of the Under Secretary for Health (38 U.S.C. 7306) 1 | |||
| Deputy Under Secretary for Health | $115,384 | ||
| Associate Deputy Under Secretary for Health | 2 110,516 | ||
| Assistant Under Secretaries for Health | 107,259 | ||
| Minimum | Maximum | ||
| Medical Directors | $91,514 | $103,718 | |
| Service Directors | 79,684 | 98,960 | |
| Director, National Center for Preventive Health | 67,941 | 98,960 | |
| Physician and Dentist Schedule | |||
| Director Grade | $79,684 | $98,960 | |
| Executive Grade | 73,579 | 93,774 | |
| Chief Grade | 67,941 | 88,326 | |
| Senior Grade | 57,760 | 75,085 | |
| Intermediate Grade | 48,878 | 63,539 | |
| Full Grade | 41,104 | 53,434 | |
| Associate Grade | 34,295 | 44,582 | |
| Clinical Podiatrist and Optometrist Schedule | |||
| Chief Grade | $67,941 | $88,326 | |
| Senior Grade | 57,760 | 75,085 | |
| Intermediate Grade | 48,878 | 63,539 | |
| Full Grade | 41,104 | 53,434 | |
| Associate Grade | 34,295 | 44,582 | |
| Physician Assistant and Expanded-Function Dental Auxiliary Schedule 3 | |||
| Director Grade | $67,941 | $88,326 | |
| Assistant Director Grade | 57,760 | 75,085 | |
| Chief Grade | 48,878 | 63,539 | |
| Senior Grade | 41,104 | 53,434 | |
| Intermediate Grade | 34,295 | 44,582 | |
| Full Grade | 28,345 | 36,850 | |
| Associate Grade | 24,392 | 31,709 | |
| Junior Grade | 20,852 | 27,107 | |
1 This schedule does not apply to the Assistant Under Secretary for Nursing Programs or the Director of Nursing Service. Pay for these positions is set by the Under Secretary for Health under 38 U.S.C. 7451.
2 Pursuant to section 7404(d)(2) of title 38, United States Code, the rate of basic pay payable to this employee is limited to the rate for level V of the Executive Schedule, which is $108,200.
3 Pursuant to section 301(a) of Public Law 102–40, these positions are paid according to the Nurse Schedule in 38 U.S.C. 4107(b) as in effect on August 14, 1990, with subsequent adjustments.
Ex. Ord. No. 11413, June 11, 1968, 33 F.R. 8641, which provided for adjustment of pay rates effective July 1, 1968, was superseded by Ex. Ord. No. 11811, Oct. 7, 1974, 39 F.R. 36302, formerly set out as a note under section 5332 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.
Ex. Ord. No. 11474, June 16, 1969, 34 F.R. 9605, which provided for adjustment of pay rates effective July 1, 1969, was superseded by Ex. Ord. No. 11811, Oct. 7, 1974, 39 F.R. 36302, formerly set out as a note under section 5332 of Title 5.
Ex. Ord. No. 11524, Apr. 15, 1970, 35 F.R. 6247, which provided for adjustment of pay rates effective first pay period on or after Dec. 27, 1969, was superseded by Ex. Ord. No. 11811, Oct. 7, 1974, 39 F.R. 36302, formerly set out as a note under section 5332 of Title 5.
Ex. Ord. No. 11576, Jan. 8, 1971, 36 F.R. 347, which provided for adjustment of pay rates effective Jan. 1, 1971, was superseded by Ex. Ord. No. 11811, Oct. 7, 1974, 39 F.R. 36302, formerly set out as a note under section 5332 of Title 5.
Ex. Ord. No. 11637, Dec. 22, 1971, 36 F.R. 24911, which provided for adjustment of pay rates effective Jan. 1, 1972, was superseded by Ex. Ord. No. 11811, Oct. 7, 1974, 39 F.R. 36302, formerly set out as a note under section 5332 of Title 5.
Ex. Ord. No. 11691, Dec. 15, 1972, 37 F.R. 27607, as amended by Ex. Ord. No. 11777, Apr. 12, 1974, 39 F.R. 13519, which provided for adjustment of pay rates effective Oct. 1, 1972, was superseded by Ex. Ord. No. 11811, Oct. 7, 1974, 39 F.R. 36302, formerly set out as a note under section 5332 of Title 5.
Ex. Ord. No. 11739, Oct. 3, 1973, 38 F.R. 27581, which provided for adjustment of pay rates effective Oct. 1, 1973, was superseded by Ex. Ord. No. 11811, Oct. 7, 1974, 39 F.R. 36302, formerly set out as a note under section 5332 of Title 5.
Ex. Ord. No. 11811, Oct. 7, 1975, 39 F.R. 3602, which provided for adjustment of pay rates effective Oct. 1, 1974, was superseded by Ex. Ord. No. 11883, Oct. 6, 1975, 40 F.R. 47091, formerly set out as a note under section 5332 of Title 5.
Ex. Ord. No. 11883, Oct. 6, 1975, 40 F.R. 47091, which provided for adjustment of pay rates effective Oct. 1, 1975, was superseded by Ex. Ord. No. 11941, Oct. 1, 1976, 41 F.R. 43889, formerly set out as a note under section 5332 of Title 5.
Ex. Ord. No. 11941, Oct. 1, 1976, 41 F.R. 43899, as amended by Ex. Ord. No. 11943, Oct. 25, 1976, 41 F.R. 47213, which provided for adjustment of pay rates effective Oct. 1, 1976, was superseded by Ex. Ord. No. 12010, Sept. 28, 1977, 42 F.R. 52365, formerly set out as a note under section 5332 of Title 5.
Ex. Ord. No. 12010, Sept. 28, 1977, 42 F.R. 52365, which provided for adjustment of pay rates effective Oct. 1, 1977, was superseded by Ex. Ord. No. 12087, Oct. 7, 1978, 43 F.R. 46823, formerly set out as a note under section 5332 of Title 5.
Ex. Ord. No. 12087, Oct. 7, 1978, 43 F.R. 46823, which provided for adjustment of pay rates effective Oct. 1, 1978, was superseded by Ex. Ord. No. 12165, Oct. 9, 1979, 44 F.R. 58671, formerly set out as a note under section 5332 of Title 5.
Ex. Ord. No. 12165, Oct. 9, 1979, 44 F.R. 58671, as amended by Ex. Ord. No. 12200, Mar. 12, 1980, 44 F.R. 16443, which provided for adjustment of pay rates effective Oct. 1, 1979, was superseded by Ex. Ord. No. 12248, Oct. 16, 1980, 45 F.R. 69199, formerly set out as a note under section 5332 of Title 5.
Ex. Ord. No. 12248, Oct. 16, 1980, 45 F.R. 69199, which provided for adjustment of pay rates effective Oct. 1, 1980, was superseded by Ex. Ord. No. 12330, Oct. 15, 1981, 46 F.R. 50921, formerly set out as a note under section 5332 of Title 5.
Ex. Ord. No. 12330, Oct. 15, 1981, 46 F.R. 50921, which provided for adjustment of pay rates effective Oct. 1, 1981, was superseded by Ex. Ord. No. 12387, Oct. 8, 1982, 47 F.R. 44981, formerly set out as a note under section 5332 of Title 5.
Ex. Ord. No. 12387, Oct. 8, 1982, 47 F.R. 44981, which provided for adjustment of pay rates effective Oct. 1, 1982, was superseded by Ex. Ord. No. 12456, Dec. 30, 1983, 49 F.R. 347, as amended Ex. Ord. No. 12477, May 23, 1984, 49 F.R. 22041; Ex. Ord. No. 12487, Sept. 14, 1984, 49 F.R. 36493, formerly set out as a note under section 5332 of Title 5.
Ex. Ord. No. 12438, Aug. 23, 1983, 48 F.R. 39205, which related to review of increases in rates of basic pay for employees of the Veterans’ Administration, was revoked by Ex. Ord. No. 12797, Apr. 3, 1992, 57 F.R. 11671, set out as a note under section 7455 of this title.
Ex. Ord. No. 12456, Dec. 30, 1983, 49 F.R. 347, as amended by Ex. Ord. No. 12477, May 23, 1984, 49 F.R. 22041; Ex. Ord. No. 12487, Sept. 14, 1984, 49 F.R. 36493, which provided for adjustment of pay rates effective Jan. 1, 1984, was superseded by Ex. Ord. No. 12496, Dec. 28, 1984, 50 F.R. 211, formerly set out as a note under section 5332 of Title 5.
Ex. Ord. No. 12496, Dec. 28, 1984, 50 F.R. 211, as amended by Ex. Ord. No. 12540, Dec. 30, 1985, 51 F.R. 577, which provided for adjustment of pay rates effective Jan. 1, 1985, was superseded by Ex. Ord. No. 12578, Dec. 31, 1986, 52 F.R. 505, formerly set out as a note under section 5332 of Title 5.
Ex. Ord. No. 12578, Dec. 31, 1986, 52 F.R. 505, which provided for adjustment of pay rates effective Jan. 1, 1987, was superseded by Ex. Ord. No. 12622, Dec. 31, 1987, 53 F.R. 222, formerly set out as a note under section 5332 of Title 5.
Ex. Ord. No. 12622, Dec. 31, 1987, 53 F.R. 222, which provided for adjustment of pay rates effective Jan. 1, 1988, was superseded by Ex. Ord. No. 12663, Jan. 6, 1989, 54 F.R. 791, formerly set out as a note under section 5332 of Title 5.
Ex. Ord. No. 12663, Jan. 6, 1989, 54 F.R. 791, which provided for adjustment of pay rates effective Jan. 1, 1989, was superseded by Ex. Ord. No. 12698, Dec. 23, 1989, 54 F.R. 53473, formerly set out as a note under section 5332 of Title 5.
Ex. Ord. No. 12698, Dec. 23, 1989, 54 F.R. 53473, which provided for adjustment of pay rates effective Jan. 1, 1990, and Jan. 31, 1990, was superseded by Ex. Ord. No. 12736, Dec. 12, 1990, 55 F.R. 51385, formerly set out as a note under section 5332 of Title 5.
Ex. Ord. No. 12736, Dec. 12, 1990, 55 F.R. 51385, which provided for adjustment of pay rates effective Jan. 1, 1991, was superseded by Ex. Ord. No. 12786, Dec. 26, 1991, 56 F.R. 67453, formerly set out as a note under section 5332 of Title 5.
Ex. Ord. No. 12786, Dec. 26, 1991, 56 F.R. 67453, which provided for adjustment of pay rates effective Jan. 1, 1992, was superseded by Ex. Ord. No. 12826, Dec. 30, 1992, 57 F.R. 62909, formerly set out as a note under section 5332 of Title 5.
Ex. Ord. No. 12826, Dec. 30, 1992, 57 F.R. 62909, which provided for adjustment of pay rates effective Jan. 1, 1993, was superseded by Ex. Ord. No. 12944, Dec. 28, 1994, 60 F.R. 309, set out as a note under section 5332 of Title 5.
This section is referred to in sections 7451, 7455 of this title.
(a) The Secretary, upon the recommendation of the Under Secretary for Health, may employ, without regard to civil service or classification laws, rules, or regulations, personnel as follows:
(1) On a temporary full-time basis, part-time basis, or without compensation basis, persons in the following positions:
(A) Positions listed in section 7401(1) of this title.
(B) Certified or registered respiratory therapists, licensed physical therapists, licensed practical or vocational nurses, pharmacists, and occupational therapists.
(C) Dietitians, social workers, and librarians.
(D) Other professional, clerical, technical, and unskilled personnel (including interns, residents, trainees, and students in medical support programs).
(2) On a fee basis, persons in the following positions:
(A) Positions listed in section 7401(1) of this title.
(B) Certified or registered respiratory therapists, licensed physical therapists, licensed practical or vocational nurses, pharmacists, and occupational therapists.
(C) Other professional and technical personnel.
(b) Personnel employed under subsection (a)—
(1) shall be in addition to personnel described in section 7306, paragraphs (1) and (3) of section 7401, and section 7408 of this title; and
(2) shall be paid such rates of pay as the Secretary may prescribe.
(c)(1) Temporary full-time appointments under this section of persons in positions listed in section 7401(1) of this title may be for a period in excess of 90 days only if the Under Secretary for Health finds that circumstances render it impracticable to obtain the necessary services through appointments under that section.
(2) Temporary full-time appointments of persons who have successfully completed a full course of nursing in a recognized school of nursing, approved by the Secretary, or who have successfully completed a full course of training for any category of personnel described in paragraph (3) of section 7401 of this title in a recognized education or training institution approved by the Secretary, and who are pending registration or licensure in a State, or certification by a national board recognized by the Secretary, shall not exceed two years.
(3) Temporary full-time appointments of other personnel may not be for a period in excess of one year except as authorized in subsection (f).
(d) A part-time appointment may not be for a period of more than one year, except for appointments of persons specified in subsection (a)(1)(A) and interns, residents, and other trainees in medical support programs and except as authorized in subsection (f).
(e) A student who has a temporary appointment under this section and who is pursuing a full course of nursing in a recognized school of nursing approved by the Secretary, or who is pursuing a full course of training for any category of personnel described in paragraph (3) of section 7401 of this title in a recognized education or training institution approved by the Secretary, may be reappointed for a period not to exceed the duration of the student's academic program.
(f) During any period during which the Secretary is exercising the authority provided in subsections (a) and (f)(1) of section 7403 of this title in connection with the appointment, under paragraph (3) of section 7401 of this title, of personnel in a category of personnel described in such paragraph—
(1) the Secretary may make temporary full-time appointments of personnel in such category for periods exceeding 90 days if the Under Secretary for Health finds that circumstances render it impractical to obtain the necessary services through appointments under paragraph (3) of section 7401 of this title; and
(2) part-time appointments of personnel in such category may be for periods of more than one year.
(Added Pub. L. 102–40, title IV, §401(b)(2), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 226; amended Pub. L. 102–405, title III, §302(c)(1), Oct. 9, 1992, 106 Stat. 1984.)
Provisions similar to those in this section were contained in section 4114(a) of this title prior to the repeal of that section as part of the complete revision of chapter 73 of this title by Pub. L. 102–40.
1992—Subsecs. (a), (c)(1), (f)(1). Pub. L. 102–405 substituted “Under Secretary for Health” for “Chief Medical Director”.
This section is referred to in sections 7407, 7408, 7424, 7425 of this title; title 5 section 5102.
(a)(1) The Secretary may establish residencies and internships. The Secretary may appoint qualified persons to such positions without regard to civil service or classification laws, rules, or regulations.
(2) For the purposes of this section:
(A) The term “internship” includes the equivalency of an internship as determined in accordance with regulations which the Secretary shall prescribe.
(B) The term “intern” means a person serving an internship.
(b) The Secretary may prescribe the conditions of employment of persons appointed under this section, including necessary training, and the customary amount and terms of pay for such positions during the period of such employment and training. The amount and terms of such pay may be established retroactively based on changes in such customary amount and terms.
(c)(1) In order to carry out more efficiently the provisions of subsection (a)(1), the Secretary may contract with one or more hospitals, medical schools, or medical installations having hospital facilities and participating with the Department in the training of interns or residents to provide, by the designation of one such institution to serve as a central administrative agency, for the central administration—
(A) of stipend payments;
(B) provision of fringe benefits; and
(C) maintenance of records for such interns and residents.
(2) The Secretary may pay to such designated agency, without regard to any other law or regulation governing the expenditure of Government moneys either in advance or in arrears, an amount to cover the cost for the period such intern or resident serves in a Department hospital of—
(A) stipends fixed by the Secretary pursuant to paragraph (1);
(B) hospitalization, medical care, and life insurance and any other employee benefits as are agreed upon by the participating institutions for the period that such intern or resident serves in a Department hospital;
(C) tax on employers pursuant to chapter 21 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, where applicable; and
(D) an amount to cover a pro rata share of the cost of expense of such central administrative agency.
(3)(A) Any amounts paid by the Secretary to such central administrative agency to cover the cost of hospitalization, medical care, or life insurance or other employee benefits shall be in lieu of any benefits of like nature to which such intern or resident may be entitled under the provisions of title 5, and the acceptance of stipends and employee benefits from the designated central administrative agency shall constitute a waiver by the recipient of any claim such recipient might have to any payment of stipends or employee benefits to which such recipient may be entitled under this title or title 5.
(B) Notwithstanding subparagraph (A), any period of service of any such intern or resident in a Department hospital shall be deemed creditable service for the purposes of section 8332 of title 5.
(4) The agreement with such central administrative agency may further provide that the designated central administrative agency shall—
(A) make all appropriate deductions from the stipend of each intern and resident for local, State, and Federal taxes;
(B) maintain all records pertinent to such deductions and make proper deposits of such deductions; and
(C) maintain all records pertinent to the leave accrued by such intern and resident for the period during which such recipient serves in a participating hospital, including a Department hospital.
(5) Leave described in paragraph (4)(C) may be pooled, and the intern or resident may be afforded leave by the hospital in which such person is serving at the time the leave is to be used to the extent of such person's total accumulated leave, whether or not earned at the hospital in which such person is serving at the time the leave is to be afforded.
(Added Pub. L. 102–40, title IV, §401(b)(2), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 227.)
The civil service laws, referred to in subsec. (a)(1), are set out in Title 5, Government Organization and Employees. See, particularly, section 3301 et seq. of Title 5.
The classification laws, referred to in subsec. (a)(1), are classified generally to chapter 51 (§5101 et seq.) and to subchapter III (§5331 et seq.) of chapter 53 of Title 5.
Chapter 21 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, referred to in subsec. (c)(2)(C), is classified to chapter 21 (§3101 et seq.) of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.
Provisions similar to those in this section were contained in section 4114(b) of this title prior to the repeal of that section as part of the complete revision of chapter 73 of this title by Pub. L. 102–40.
This section is referred to in sections 7407, 7408, 7423, 7425, 7461 of this title; title 5 section 5102.
(a) When the Under Secretary for Health determines that it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens for the necessary services, appointments under sections 7405 and 7406 of this title may be made without regard to the citizenship requirements of section 7402(c) of this title or of any other law prohibiting the employment of, or payment of compensation to, a person who is not a citizen of the United States.
(b)(1) Subject to paragraph (2), the Under Secretary for Health may waive for the purpose of the appointment of an individual under section 7405 or 7406 of this title the requirements set forth in section 7402(b) of this title—
(A) that a physician, dentist, psychologist, optometrist, registered nurse, practical or vocational nurse, or physical therapist be licensed or certified, as appropriate;
(B) that the licensure or certification of such an individual be in a State; and
(C) that a psychologist have completed an internship.
(2) The waivers authorized in paragraph (1) may be granted—
(A) in the case of clauses (A) and (C) of such paragraph, if the individual (i) will be employed to conduct research or serve in an academic position, and (ii) will have no responsibility for furnishing direct patient care services; and
(B) in the case of clause (B) of such paragraph, if the individual will be employed to serve in a country other than the United States and the individual's licensure or registration is in the country in which the individual is to serve.
(c) The program of training prescribed by the Secretary in order to qualify a person for the position of full-time physician assistant or expanded-function dental auxiliary shall be considered a full-time institutional program for purposes of chapter 34 of this title. The Secretary may consider training for such a position to be on a less than full-time basis for purposes of such chapter when the combined classroom (and other formal instruction) portion of the program and the on-the-job training portion of the program total less than 30 hours per week.
(d) A person may not be appointed under section 7405 or 7406 of this title to an occupational category described in section 7401(1) of this title or in section 7406 of this title unless the person meets the requirements established in section 7402(d) of this title and regulations prescribed under that section.
(e) In accordance with the provisions of section 7425(b) of this title, the provisions of chapter 34 of title 5 pertaining to part-time career employment shall not apply to part-time appointments under sections 7405 and 7406 of this title.
(Added Pub. L. 102–40, title IV, §401(b)(2), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 228; amended Pub. L. 102–405, title III, §302(c)(1), Oct. 9, 1992, 106 Stat. 1984.)
Provisions similar to those in this section were contained in section 4114(c)–(g) of this title prior to the repeal of that section as part of the complete revision of chapter 73 of this title by Pub. L. 102–40.
1992—Subsecs. (a), (b)(1). Pub. L. 102–405 substituted “Under Secretary for Health” for “Chief Medical Director”.
This section is referred to in section 7402 of this title.
(a) There shall be appointed by the Secretary under civil service laws, rules, and regulations, such additional employees, other than those provided in section 7306 and paragraphs (1) and (3) of section 7401 of this title and those specified in sections 7405 and 7406 of this title, as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this chapter.
(b) The Secretary, after considering an individual's existing pay, higher or unique qualifications, or the special needs of the Department, may appoint the individual to a position in the Administration providing direct patient-care services or services incident to direct patient-services at a rate of pay above the minimum rate of the appropriate grade.
(Added Pub. L. 102–40, title IV, §401(b)(2), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 229; amended Pub. L. 103–446, title XII, §1201(e)(21), Nov. 2, 1994, 108 Stat. 4686.)
The civil service laws, referred to in subsec. (a), are set forth in Title 5, Government Organization and Employees. See, particularly section 3301 et seq. of Title 5.
Provisions similar to those in this section were contained in section 4111 of this title prior to the repeal of that section as part of the complete revision of chapter 73 of this title by Pub. L. 102–40.
1994—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 103–446 substituted “civil service” for “civil-service”.
This section is referred to in section 7405 of this title.
(a) The Secretary may enter into contracts with institutions and persons described in subsection (b) to provide scarce medical specialist services at Department facilities. Such services may include the services of physicians, dentists, podiatrists, optometrists, nurses, physician assistants, expanded-function dental auxiliaries, technicians, and other medical support personnel.
(b) Institutions and persons with whom the Secretary may enter into contracts under subsection (a) are the following:
(1) Schools and colleges of medicine, osteopathy, dentistry, podiatry, optometry, and nursing.
(2) Clinics.
(3) Any other group or individual capable of furnishing such scarce medical specialist services.
(Added Pub. L. 102–40, title IV, §401(b)(2), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 229.)
Provisions similar to those in this section were contained in section 4117 of this title prior to the repeal of that section as part of the complete revision of chapter 73 of this title by Pub. L. 102–40.
This section is referred to in section 8110 of this title.
The Secretary may authorize the Under Secretary for Health to pay advance payments, recruitment or relocation bonuses, and retention allowances to the personnel described in paragraph (1) of section 7401 of this title, or interview expenses to candidates for appointment as such personnel, in the same manner, and subject to the same limitations, as in the case of the authority provided under sections 5524a, 5706b, 5753, and 5754 of title 5.
(Added Pub. L. 102–40, title I, §103(a)[(1)], May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 198; amended Pub. L. 102–405, title III, §302(c)(1), Oct. 9, 1992, 106 Stat. 1984.)
1992—Pub. L. 102–405 substituted “Under Secretary for Health” for “Chief Medical Director”.
The Secretary shall reimburse any full-time board-certified physician or dentist appointed under section 7401(1) of this title for expenses incurred, up to $1,000 per year, for continuing professional education.
(Added Pub. L. 102–40, title I, §103(a)[(1)], May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 199.)
Section 103(b) of Pub. L. 102–40 provided that: “Section 7411 of title 38, United States Code, as added by subsection (a), shall apply with respect to expenses incurred for continuing professional education that is pursued after September 30, 1991.”
(a) Notwithstanding any law, Executive order, or regulation, the Secretary shall prescribe by regulation the hours and conditions of employment and leaves of absence of employees appointed under any provision of this chapter in positions in the Veterans Health Administration listed in subsection (b).
(b) Subsection (a) refers to the following positions:
(1) Physicians.
(2) Dentists.
(3) Podiatrists.
(4) Optometrists.
(5) Registered nurses.
(6) Physician assistants.
(7) Expanded-duty dental auxiliaries.
(Added Pub. L. 102–40, title II, §202, May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 200.)
Provisions similar to those in this section were contained in section 4108(a) of this title prior to the repeal of that section as part of the complete revision of chapter 73 of this title by Pub. L. 102–40.
Section 205 of Pub. L. 102–40 provided that:
“(a)
“(b)
This section is referred to in sections 7422, 7423 of this title.
(a) Except as otherwise specifically provided in this title, the authority of the Secretary to prescribe regulations under section 7421 of this title is subject to the right of Federal employees to engage in collective bargaining with respect to conditions of employment through representatives chosen by them in accordance with chapter 71 of title 5 (relating to labor-management relations).
(b) Such collective bargaining (and any grievance procedures provided under a collective bargaining agreement) in the case of employees described in section 7421(b) of this title may not cover, or have any applicability to, any matter or question concerning or arising out of (1) professional conduct or competence, (2) peer review, or (3) the establishment, determination, or adjustment of employee compensation under this title.
(c) For purposes of this section, the term “professional conduct or competence” means any of the following:
(1) Direct patient care.
(2) Clinical competence.
(d) An issue of whether a matter or question concerns or arises out of (1) professional conduct or competence, (2) peer review, or (3) the establishment, determination, or adjustment of employee compensation under this title shall be decided by the Secretary and is not itself subject to collective bargaining and may not be reviewed by any other agency.
(e) A petition for judicial review or petition for enforcement under section 7123 of title 5 in any case involving employees described in section 7421(b) of this title or arising out of the applicability of chapter 71 of title 5 to employees in those positions, shall be taken only in the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.
(Added Pub. L. 102–40, title II, §202, May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 200.)
(a) The hours of employment in carrying out responsibilities under this title of any employee who is appointed in the Administration under any provision of this chapter on a full-time basis in a position listed in section 7421(b) of this title (other than an intern or resident appointed pursuant to section 7406 of this title) and who accepts responsibilities for carrying out professional services for remuneration other than those assigned under this title shall consist of not less than 80 hours in a biweekly pay period (as that term is used in section 5504 of title 5).
(b) A person covered by subsection (a) may not do any of the following:
(1) Assume responsibility for the medical care of any patient other than a patient admitted for treatment at a Department facility, except in those cases where the person, upon request and with the approval of the Under Secretary for Health, assumes such responsibilities to assist communities or medical practice groups to meet medical needs which would not otherwise be available for a period not to exceed 180 calendar days, which may be extended by the Under Secretary for Health for additional periods not to exceed 180 calendar days each.
(2) Teach or provide consultative services at any affiliated institution if such teaching or consultation will, because of its nature or duration, conflict with such person's responsibilities under this title.
(3) Accept payment under any insurance or assistance program established under title XVIII or XIX of the Social Security Act or under chapter 55 of title 10 for professional services rendered by such person while carrying out such person's responsibilities under this title.
(4) Accept from any source, with respect to any travel performed by such person in the course of carrying out such person's responsibilities under this title, any payment or per diem for such travel, other than as provided for in section 4111 of title 5.
(5) Request or permit any individual or organization to pay, on such person's behalf for insurance insuring such person against malpractice claims arising in the course of carrying out such person's responsibilities under this title or for such person's dues or similar fees for membership in medical or dental societies or related professional associations, except where such payments constitute a part of such person's remuneration for the performance of professional responsibilities permitted under this section, other than those carried out under this title.
(6) Perform, in the course of carrying out such person's responsibilities under this title, professional services for the purpose of generating money for any fund or account which is maintained by an affiliated institution for the benefit of such institution, or for such person's personal benefit, or both.
(c) In the case of any fund or account described in subsection (b)(6) that was established before September 1, 1973—
(1) the affiliated institution shall submit semiannually an accounting to the Secretary and to the Comptroller General of the United States with respect to such fund or account and shall maintain such fund or account subject to full public disclosure and audit by the Secretary and the Comptroller General for a period of three years or for such longer period as the Secretary shall prescribe, and
(2) no person in a position specified in paragraph (1)(B) may receive any cash from amounts deposited in such fund or account derived from services performed before that date.
(d) As used in this section:
(1) The term “affiliated institution” means a medical school or other institution of higher learning with which the Secretary has a contract or agreement as referred to in section 7313 of this title for the training or education of health personnel.
(2) The term “remuneration” means the receipt of any amount of monetary benefit from any non-Department source in payment for carrying out any professional responsibilities.
(e)(1) The Secretary shall establish a leave transfer program for the benefit of health-care professionals in positions listed in section 7401(1) of this title. The Secretary may also establish a leave bank program for the benefit of such health-care professionals.
(2) To the maximum extent feasible—
(A) the leave transfer program shall provide the same or similar requirements and conditions as are provided for the program established by the Director of the Office of Personnel Management under subchapter III of chapter 63 of title 5; and
(B) any leave bank program established pursuant to paragraph (1) shall be consistent with the requirements and conditions provided for agency leave bank programs in subchapter IV of such chapter.
(3) Participation by a health-care professional in the leave transfer program established pursuant to paragraph (1), and in any leave bank program established pursuant to such paragraph, shall be voluntary. The Secretary may not require any health-care professional to participate in such a program.
(4)(A) The Secretary and the Director of the Office of Personnel Management may enter into an agreement that permits health-care professionals referred to in paragraph (1) to participate in the leave transfer program established by the Director of the Office of Personnel Management under subchapter III of chapter 63 of title 5 or in any leave bank program established for other employees of the Department pursuant to subchapter IV of chapter 63 of title 5, or both.
(B) Participation of such health-care professionals in a leave transfer program or a leave bank program pursuant to an agreement entered into under subparagraph (A) shall be subject to such requirements and conditions as may be prescribed in such agreement.
(5) The Secretary is not required to establish a leave transfer program for any personnel permitted to participate in a leave transfer program pursuant to an agreement referred to in paragraph (4).
(f) The Secretary may purchase promotional items of nominal value for use in the recruitment of individuals for employment under this chapter. The Secretary shall prescribe guidelines for the administration of the preceding sentence.
(Added and amended Pub. L. 102–40, title II, §202, title IV, §401(b)(3)(A), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 201, 230; Pub. L. 102–405, title II, §203, title III, §302(c)(1), Oct. 9, 1992, 106 Stat. 1983, 1984.)
The Social Security Act, referred to in subsec. (b)(3), is act Aug. 14, 1935, ch. 531, 49 Stat. 620, as amended. Titles XVIII and XIX of the Act are classified generally to subchapters XVIII (§1395 et seq.) and XIX (§1396 et seq.), respectively, of chapter 7 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 1305 of Title 42 and Tables.
Provisions similar to those in this section were contained in section 4108(a), (c), and (e) of this title prior to the repeal of that section as part of the complete revision of chapter 73 of this title by Pub. L. 102–40.
1992—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 102–405, §302(c)(1), substituted “Under Secretary for Health” for “Chief Medical Director” in two places.
Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 102–405, §203, added subsec. (f).
1991—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 102–40, §401(b)(3)(A), added subsec. (e).
For provision authorizing the establishment of a leave bank program for health-care professional covered under subsec. (e) of former section 4108 of this title [now covered by subsec. (e) of this section] similar to the leave bank program for Federal civilian employees in reserves who were activated during Persian Gulf War, see section 361 of Pub. L. 102–25, set out as a Leave Bank for Federal Civilian Employees in Reserves Who Were Activated During Persian Gulf War note under section 6361 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.
This section is referred to in section 7616 of this title.
(a) The Secretary may pay the expenses (other than membership fees) of persons described in sections 7306 and 7401(1) of this title (including persons in positions described in section 7401(1) of this title who are appointed on a temporary full-time basis or a part-time basis under section 7405 of this title) who are detailed by the Under Secretary for Health to attend meetings of associations for the promotion of medical and related science.
(b)(1) The Secretary may prescribe regulations establishing conditions under which officers and employees of the Administration who are nationally recognized principal investigators in medical research may be permitted to accept payment, in cash or in kind, from non-Federal agencies, organizations, and individuals for travel and such reasonable subsistence expenses as are approved by the Secretary pursuant to such regulations—
(A) in connection with their attendance at meetings or in performing advisory services concerned with the functions or activities of the Department; or
(B) in connection with acceptance of significant awards or with activity related thereto concerned with functions or activities of the Department.
(2) Any such payment may be retained by such officers and employees to cover the cost of such expenses or shall be deposited to the credit of the appropriation from which the cost of such expenses is paid, as may be provided in such regulations.
(Added Pub. L. 102–40, title IV, §401(b)(3)(B), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 230; amended Pub. L. 102–405, title III, §302(c)(1), Oct. 9, 1992, 106 Stat. 1984.)
Provisions similar to those in this section were contained in sections 4108(d) and 4113 of this title prior to the repeal of those sections as part of the complete revision of chapter 73 of this title by Pub. L. 102–40.
1992—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 102–405 substituted “Under Secretary for Health” for “Chief Medical Director”.
(a) Physicians, dentists, nurses, and other health-care professionals employed by the Administration and appointed under section 7306, 7401(1), 7405, or 7406 of this chapter are not subject to the following provisions of law:
(1) Section 413 of the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978.
(2) Subchapter II of chapter 31 of title 5.
(3) Subchapter VIII of chapter 33 of title 5.
(4) Subchapter V of chapter 35 of title 5.
(5) Subchapter II of chapter 43 of title 5.
(6) Section 4507 of title 5.
(7) Subchapter VIII of chapter 53 of title 5.
(8) Subchapter V of chapter 75 of title 5.
(b) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no provision of title 5 or any other law pertaining to the civil service system which is inconsistent with any provision of section 7306 of this title or this chapter shall be considered to supersede, override, or otherwise modify such provision of that section or this chapter except to the extent that such provision of title 5 or of such other law specifically provides, by specific reference to a provision of this chapter, or such provision to be superseded, overridden, or otherwise modified.
(Added Pub. L. 102–40, title IV, §401(b)(3)(B), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 231.)
Section 413 of the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978, referred to in subsec. (a)(1), is section 413 of Pub. L. 95–454, title IV, Oct. 13, 1978, 92 Stat. 1175, which is set out as a note under section 3133 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.
Provisions similar to those in this section were contained in sections 4101(e) and 4119 of this title prior to the repeal of those sections as part of the complete revision of chapter 73 of this title by Pub. L. 102–40.
This section is referred to in sections 7404, 7407 of this title.
(a) Except as provided in subsection (b), persons appointed to the Administration shall be subject to the provisions of and entitled to benefits under subchapter III of chapter 83 of title 5 or subchapter II of chapter 84 of title 5, whichever is applicable.
(b)(1) In computing the annuity under subchapter III of chapter 83, or subchapter II of chapter 84, of title 5 of an individual who retires under such subchapter (other than under section 8337 or 8451 of such title) after December 31, 1981, and who served at any time on a less-than-full-time basis in a position in the Administration to which such individual was appointed under subchapter I—
(A) for the purpose of determining such individual's average pay, as defined by section 8331(4) or 8401(3) of title 5, whichever is applicable, the annual rate of basic pay for full-time service shall be deemed to be such individual's rate of basic pay; and
(B) the amount of such individual's annuity as computed under section 8339 or 8415 of title 5 (before application of any reduction required by subsection (i) of section 8339) shall be multiplied by the fraction equal to the ratio that that individual's total full-time equivalent service bears to that individual's creditable service as determined under section 8332 or 8411 of title 5, whichever is applicable.
(2) For the purposes of paragraph (1)(B), an individual's full-time equivalent service is the individual's creditable service as determined under section 8332 or 8411 of title 5, whichever is applicable, except that any period of service of such individual served on a less-than-full-time basis shall be prorated based on the fraction such service bears to full-time service. For the purposes of the preceding sentence, full-time service shall be considered to be 80 hours of service per biweekly pay period.
(3) A survivor annuity computed under section 8341, or subchapter IV of chapter 84, of title 5 based on the service of an individual described in paragraph (1) shall be computed based upon such individual's annuity as determined in accordance with such paragraph.
(c) The Secretary may authorize an exception to the restrictions in subsections (a), (b), and (c) of section 5532 of title 5 if necessary to meet special or emergency employment needs which result from a severe shortage of well-qualified candidates in physician positions, and registered nurse positions, which otherwise cannot be readily met. The authority of the Secretary under the preceding sentence with respect to registered-nurse positions expires on December 31, 1994.
(Added Pub. L. 102–40, title IV, §401(b)(3)(B), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 231; amended Pub. L. 102–585, title V, §522, Nov. 4, 1992, 106 Stat. 4959.)
Provisions similar to those in this section were contained in sections 4107(i) and 4109 of this title prior to the repeal of those sections as part of the complete revision of chapter 73 of this title by Pub. L. 102–40.
1992—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 102–585 substituted “December 31, 1994” for “September 30, 1992”.
This subchapter is referred to in sections 7404, 7458 of this title.
(a) In order to recruit and retain highly qualified physicians and dentists in the Veterans Health Administration, the Secretary shall provide special pay under this subchapter. Such special pay shall be provided under regulations that the Secretary shall prescribe to carry out this subchapter. Before prescribing regulations under this subchapter, the Secretary shall receive the recommendations of the Under Secretary for Health with respect to those regulations.
(b) Special pay may be paid to a physician or dentist under this subchapter only upon the execution of, and for the duration of, a written agreement entered into by the physician or dentist in accordance with section 7432 of this title.
(c) A physician or dentist serving a period of obligated service pursuant to chapter 76 of this title is not eligible for special pay under this subchapter during the first three years of such obligated service, except that, at the discretion of the Secretary and upon the recommendation of the Under Secretary for Health, such a physician or dentist may be paid special pay for full-time status during those three years.
(d)(1) The Secretary may determine categories of positions applicable to either physicians or dentists, or both, in the Veterans Health Administration as to which there is no significant recruitment and retention problem. While any such determination is in effect, the Secretary may not enter into an agreement under this subchapter with a physician or dentist serving in a position covered by the determination. Before making a determination under this paragraph, the Secretary shall receive the recommendations of the Under Secretary for Health with respect to the determination.
(2) Not later than one year after making any such determination with respect to a category of positions, and each year thereafter that such determination remains in effect, the Secretary shall make a redetermination.
(3) Any determination under this subsection shall be in accordance with regulations prescribed to carry out this subchapter.
(e) If the Under Secretary for Health determines that payment of special pay to a physician or dentist who is employed on a less than half-time basis is the most cost-effective way available for providing needed medical or dental specialist services at a Department facility, the Under Secretary for Health may authorize the payment of special pay for factors other than for full-time status to that physician or dentist at a rate computed on the basis of the proportion that the part-time employment of the physician or dentist bears to full-time employment.
(f) Special pay may not be paid under this section to a physician or dentist who—
(1) is employed on less than a quarter-time basis or on an intermittent basis;
(2) occupies an internship or residency training position; or
(3) is a reemployed annuitant.
(g)(1) In the case of a physician or dentist who is employed in a position that is covered by a determination by the Secretary under subsection (d)(1) that the Administration does not have a significant recruitment or retention problem with respect to a particular category of positions and who on the day before the effective date of this subchapter was receiving special pay under an agreement entered into under section 4118 1 of this title (as in effect before such date), the Secretary may pay to that physician or dentist, in addition to basic pay, retention pay under this subsection.
(2) The annual rate of such retention pay for any individual may not exceed the rate which, when added to the rate of basic pay payable to that individual, is equal to the sum of the annual rate of basic pay and the annual rate of special pay paid to that physician or dentist pursuant to the final agreement with that individual under such section 4118.1
(3) Such retention pay shall be treated for all purposes as special pay paid under subchapter III of chapter 74 of this title.
(4) Retention pay under this subsection shall be paid under such regulations as the Secretary may prescribe.
(Added Pub. L. 102–40, title I, §102, May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 188; amended Pub. L. 102–405, title III, §302(c)(1), Oct. 9, 1992, 106 Stat. 1984.)
For the effective date of this subchapter, referred to in subsec. (g)(1), see section 104 of Pub. L. 102–40, set out as an Effective Date note below.
Section 4118 of this title, referred to in subsec. (g)(1), (2), was repealed by Pub. L. 102–40, title IV, §401(a)(3), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 210.
Provisions similar to those in this subchapter were contained in section 4118 of this title prior to the repeal of that section as part of the complete revision of chapter 73 of this title by Pub. L. 102–40.
1992—Subsecs. (a), (c), (d)(1), (e). Pub. L. 102–405 substituted “Under Secretary for Health” for “Chief Medical Director” wherever appearing.
Section 104 of Pub. L. 102–40 provided that:
“(a)
“(1) July 1, 1991; or
“(2) the end of the 90-day period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act [May 7, 1991].
“(b)
“(2) In the case of an agreement entered into under section 4118 of title 38, United States Code, before the date of the enactment of this Act that expires during the period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act and ending on the effective date specified in subsection (a), an extension or renewal of that agreement may not extend beyond that effective date.
“(3) In the case of a physician or dentist who begins employment with the Department of Veterans Affairs during the period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act and ending on the effective date specified in subsection (a) who is eligible for an agreement under section 4118 of title 38, United States Code, any such agreement may not extend beyond that effective date.
“(c)
“(d)
This section is referred to in sections 7432, 7434, 7436 of this title.
1 See References in Text note below.
(a) An agreement entered into by a physician or dentist under this subchapter shall cover a period of one year of service in the Veterans Health Administration unless the physician or dentist agrees to an agreement for a longer period of service, not to exceed four years, as specified in the agreement. A physician or dentist who has previously entered into such an agreement is eligible to enter into a subsequent agreement unless the physician or dentist has failed to refund to the United States any amount which the physician or dentist is obligated to refund under any such previous agreement.
(b)(1) An agreement under this subchapter shall provide that, if the physician or dentist entering into the agreement voluntarily, or because of misconduct, fails to complete any of the years of service covered by the agreement (measured from the anniversary date of the agreement), the physician or dentist shall refund an amount of special pay received under the agreement for that year equal to—
(A) in the case of a failure during the first year of service under the agreement, 100 percent of the amount received for that year;
(B) in the case of a failure during the second year of service under the agreement, 75 percent of the amount received for that year;
(C) in the case of a failure during the third year of service under the agreement, 50 percent of the amount received for that year; and
(D) in the case of a failure during the fourth year of service under the agreement, 25 percent of the amount received for that year.
(2) The Secretary may waive (in whole or in part) the requirement for a refund under paragraph (1) in any case if the Secretary determines (in accordance with regulations prescribed under section 7431(a) of this title) that the failure to complete such period of service is the result of circumstances beyond the control of the physician or dentist.
(3) Any such agreement shall specify the terms under which the Department and the physician or dentist may elect to terminate the agreement.
(c)(1) If a proposed agreement under this subchapter will provide a total annual amount of special pay to be provided to a physician or dentist who has previously entered into an agreement under this subchapter (or under section 4118 1 of this title as in effect before the effective date of the Department of Veterans Affairs Physician and Dentist Recruitment and Retention Act of 1991) that will exceed the previous annual amount of special pay provided for the physician or dentist by more than 50 percent (other than in the case of a physician or dentist employed in an executive position in the Central Office of the Department), or that will be less than the previous annual amount of special pay provided for the physician or dentist by more than 25 percent, the proposed agreement shall be promptly submitted to the Secretary. The proposed agreement shall not take effect if it is disapproved by the Secretary within 60 days after the date on which the physician or dentist entered into the proposed agreement.
(2) For purposes of paragraph (1), the previous annual amount of special pay provided for a physician or dentist is the total annual amount of special pay provided, or to be provided, to the physician or dentist for the most recent year covered by an agreement entered into by the physician or dentist under this subchapter or under section 4118 1 of this title. In the case of an agreement entered into under section 4118 1 of this title, incentive pay shall be treated as special pay for purposes of this paragraph.
(3) The Secretary shall adjust special pay as necessary for purposes of this subsection to reflect appropriately any change in the status of a physician or dentist (A) from full-time status to part-time status, (B) from part-time status to full-time status, or (C) from one proportion of time spent as a Department employee under part-time status employment to a different proportion.
(d)(1) If a proposed agreement under this subchapter (other than an agreement in the case of the Under Secretary for Health) will provide a total annual amount of special pay to be provided to a physician or dentist which, when added to the amount of basic pay of the physician or dentist, will be in excess of the amount payable for positions specified in section 5312 of title 5, the proposed agreement shall be promptly submitted for approval to the Secretary through the Under Secretary for Health. The agreement shall take effect at the end of the 60-day period beginning on the date on which the physician or dentist entered into the proposed agreement if it is neither approved nor disapproved within that 60-day period. If the agreement is approved within that period, the agreement shall take effect as of the date of the approval. A proposed agreement may be disapproved under this paragraph only if it is determined that the amounts of special pay proposed to be paid are not necessary to recruit or retain the physician or dentist.
(2) A proposed agreement under this subchapter with the Under Secretary for Health may provide for payment of special pay for which the Under Secretary for Health is eligible under this subchapter (other than that specified in section 7433(b)(4)(B) of this title) only to the extent specifically approved by the Secretary.
(3) The Secretary shall include in the annual report required by section 7440 of this title—
(A) a statement of the number of agreements entered into during the period covered by the report under which the total amount of special pay to be provided, when added to the amount of basic pay of the physician or dentist, will be in excess of the amount payable for positions specified in section 5312 of title 5;
(B) a statement of the number of proposed agreements which during the period covered by the report were disapproved under this subsection; and
(C) a detailed explanation of the basis for disapproval of each such proposed agreement which was disapproved under this subsection.
(4) This subsection does not apply to any proposed agreement entered into after September 30, 1994.
(Added Pub. L. 102–40, title I, §102, May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 189; amended Pub. L. 102–405, title III, §302(c)(1), Oct. 9, 1992, 106 Stat. 1984.)
Section 4118 of this title, referred to in subsec. (c)(1), (2), was repealed by Pub. L. 102–40, title IV, §401(a)(3), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 210.
The effective date of the Department of Veterans Affairs Physician and Dentist Recruitment and Retention Act of 1991, referred to in subsec. (c)(1), probably means the effective date of title I of Pub. L. 102–40, which enacted this subchapter, and which is generally effective on first day of first pay period after July 1, 1991, subject to certain transition and savings provisions, see section 104 of Pub. L. 102–40, set out as a note under section 7431 of this title.
Provisions similar to those in this subchapter were contained in section 4118 of this title prior to the repeal of that section as part of the complete revision of chapter 73 of this title by Pub. L. 102–40.
1992—Subsec. (d)(1), (2). Pub. L. 102–405 substituted “Under Secretary for Health” for “Chief Medical Director” wherever appearing.
Section effective on first day of first pay period after July 1, 1991, subject to transition and savings provisions and prohibition on retroactive agreements, see section 104 of Pub. L. 102–40, set out as a note under section 7431 of this title.
This section is referred to in section 7431 of this title.
1 See References in Text note below.
(a) The Secretary shall provide special pay under this subchapter to eligible physicians employed on a full-time basis based upon the factors, and at the annual rates, specified in subsection (b).
(b) The special pay factors, and the annual rates, applicable to full-time physicians are as follows:
(1) For full-time status, $9,000.
(2)(A) For length of service as a physician within the Veterans Health Administration—
| Length of Service | Rate | |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum | Maximum | |
| 2 years but less than 4 years | $4,000 | $ 6,000 |
| 4 years but less than 8 years | 6,000 | 12,000 |
| 8 years but less than 12 years | 12,000 | 18,000 |
| 12 years or more | 12,000 | 25,000 |
(B) The Under Secretary for Health shall specify a uniform national rate for each range of years of service established by or under this paragraph. The Under Secretary for Health may, as to length of service in excess of 12 years, establish uniform national rates for such ranges of years of service as the Under Secretary for Health considers appropriate.
(3)(A) For service in a medical specialty with respect to which there are extraordinary difficulties (on a nationwide basis or on the basis of the needs of a specific medical facility) in the recruitment or retention of qualified physicians, an annual rate of not more than $40,000.
(B) For service by a physician who serves only a portion of a year in a medical specialty for which special pay is paid under subparagraph (A), the annual rate shall be calculated on the basis of the proportion of time served in the specialty for which the special pay is paid.
(4)(A) For service in any of the following executive positions, an annual rate not to exceed the rate applicable to that position as follows:
| Position | Rate | |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum | Maximum | |
| Service Chief (or in a comparable position as determined by the Secretary) | $4,500 | $15,000 |
| Chief of Staff or in an Executive Grade | 14,500 | 25,000 |
| Director Grade | 0 | 25,000 |
(B) For service in any of the following executive positions, the annual rate applicable to that position as follows:
(C) For service by a physician who serves only a portion of a year in an executive position listed in subparagraph (A) or (B) or who serves a portion of a year in such a position and also serves a portion of that year in another position or grade for which special pay is provided under this section, the annual rate shall be calculated on the basis of the proportion of time served in the position or positions for which special pay is provided.
(5) For specialty certification or first board certification, $2,000, and for subspecialty certification or secondary board certification, an additional $500.
(6) For service in a specific geographic location with respect to which there are extraordinary difficulties in the recruitment or retention of qualified physicians in a specific category of physicians, an annual rate of not more than $17,000.
(7)(A) For service by a physician with exceptional qualifications within a specialty, an annual rate of not more than $15,000.
(B) Special pay under this paragraph may be paid to a physician only if the payment of such pay to that physician is approved by the Under Secretary for Health personally and on a case-by-case basis and only to the extent that the rate paid under this paragraph, when added to the total of the rates paid to that physician under paragraphs (1) through (6), does not exceed the total rate that may be paid under those paragraphs to a physician with the same length of service, specialty, and position as the physician concerned.
(Added Pub. L. 102–40, title I, §102, May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 191; amended Pub. L. 102–405, title III, §302(c)(1), Oct. 9, 1992, 106 Stat. 1984; Pub. L. 103–446, title XII, §1201(e)(22), Nov. 2, 1994, 108 Stat. 4686.)
Provisions similar to those in this subchapter were contained in section 4118 of this title prior to the repeal of that section as part of the complete revision of chapter 73 of this title by Pub. L. 102–40.
1994—Subsec. (b)(3)(A). Pub. L. 103–446 substituted “nationwide” for “nation-wide”.
1992—Subsec. (b)(2)(B), (4)(B), (7)(B). Pub. L. 102–405 substituted “Under Secretary for Health” for “Chief Medical Director” wherever appearing.
Section effective on first day of first pay period after July 1, 1991, subject to transition and savings provisions and prohibition on retroactive agreements, see section 104 of Pub. L. 102–40, set out as a note under section 7431 of this title.
This section is referred to in sections 7432, 7434, 7437 of this title.
(a) Subject to section 7431(e) of this title and subsection (b) of this section, special pay under this subchapter for physicians employed on a part-time basis shall be based on the special-pay factors and annual rates specified in section 7433 of this title.
(b) The annual rate of special pay paid to a physician employed on a part-time basis shall bear the same ratio to the annual rate that the physician would be paid under section 7433 (other than for full-time status) if the physician were employed on a full-time basis as the amount of part-time employment by the physician bears to full-time employment, except that such ratio may not exceed 3/4.
(Added Pub. L. 102–40, title I, §102, May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 192.)
Provisions similar to those in this subchapter were contained in section 4118 of this title prior to the repeal of that section as part of the complete revision of chapter 73 of this title by Pub. L. 102–40.
Section effective on first day of first pay period after July 1, 1991, subject to transition and savings provisions and prohibition on retroactive agreements, see section 104 of Pub. L. 102–40, set out as a note under section 7431 of this title.
This section is referred to in section 7437 of this title.
(a) The Secretary shall provide special pay under this subchapter to eligible dentists employed on a full-time basis based upon the factors, and at the annual rates, specified in subsection (b).
(b) The special pay factors, and the annual rates, applicable to full-time dentists are as follows:
(1) For full-time status, $3,500.
(2)(A) For length of service as a dentist within the Veterans Health Administration—
| Length of Service | Rate | |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum | Maximum | |
| 2 years but less than 4 years | $1,000 | $2,000 |
| 4 years but less than 8 years | 2,000 | 3,000 |
| 8 years but less than 12 years | 3,000 | 3,500 |
| 12 years or more | 3,000 | 4,000 |
(B) The Under Secretary for Health shall specify a uniform national rate for each range of years of service established by or under this paragraph. The Under Secretary for Health may, as to length of service in excess of 12 years, establish uniform national rates for such ranges of years of service as the Under Secretary for Health considers appropriate.
(3)(A) For service in a dental specialty with respect to which there are extraordinary difficulties (on a nationwide basis or on the basis of the needs of a specific medical facility) in the recruitment or retention of qualified dentists, an annual rate of not more than $20,000.
(B) For service by a dentist who serves only a portion of a year in a dental specialty for which special pay is paid under subparagraph (A), the annual rate shall be calculated on the basis of the proportion of time served in the specialty for which the special pay is paid.
(4)(A) For service in any of the following executive positions, an annual rate not to exceed the rate applicable to that position as follows:
| Position | Rate | |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum | Maximum | |
| Service Director | $1,000 | $9,000 |
| Deputy Service Director | 1,000 | 8,000 |
| Chief of Staff or in an Executive Grade | 1,000 | 8,000 |
| Director Grade | 0 | 8,000 |
| Service Chief (or in a comparable position as determined by the Secretary) | 1,000 | 5,000 |
(B) For service in any of the following executive positions, the annual rate applicable to that position as follows:
(C) For service by a dentist who serves only a portion of a year in an executive position listed in subparagraph (A) or (B) or who serves a portion of a year in such a position and also serves a portion of that year in another position or grade for which special pay is provided under this section, the annual rate shall be calculated on the basis of the proportion of time served in the position or positions for which special pay is provided.
(5) For specialty or first board certification, $2,000 and for subspecialty or secondary board certification, an additional $500.
(6) For service in a specific geographic location with respect to which there are extraordinary difficulties in the recruitment or retention of qualified dentists in a specific category of dentists, an annual rate not more than $5,000.
(7)(A) For service by a dentist with exceptional qualifications within a specialty, an annual rate of not more than $5,000.
(B) Special pay under this paragraph may be paid to a dentist only if the payment of such pay to that dentist is approved by the Under Secretary for Health personally and on a case-by-case basis and only to the extent that the rate paid under this paragraph, when added to the total of the rates paid to that dentist under paragraphs (1) through (6), does not exceed the total rate that may be paid under those paragraphs to a dentist with the same length of service, specialty, and position as the dentist concerned.
(Added Pub. L. 102–40, title I, §102, May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 193; amended Pub. L. 102–405, title III, §302(c)(1), Oct. 9, 1992, 106 Stat. 1984; Pub. L. 103–446, title XII, §1201(e)(22), Nov. 2, 1994, 108 Stat. 4686.)
Provisions similar to those in this subchapter were contained in section 4118 of this title prior to the repeal of that section as part of the complete revision of chapter 73 of this title by Pub. L. 102–40.
1994—Subsec. (b)(3)(A). Pub. L. 103–446 substituted “nationwide” for “nation-wide”.
1992—Subsec. (b)(2)(B), (4)(B), (7)(B). Pub. L. 102–405 substituted “Under Secretary for Health” for “Chief Medical Director” wherever appearing.
Section effective on first day of first pay period after July 1, 1991, subject to transition and savings provisions and prohibition on retroactive agreements, see section 104 of Pub. L. 102–40, set out as a note under section 7431 of this title.
This section is referred to in sections 7436, 7437 of this title.
(a) Subject to section 7431(e) of this title and subsection (b) of this section, special pay under this subchapter for dentists employed on a part-time basis shall be based on the special-pay factors and annual rates specified in section 7435 of this title.
(b) The annual rate of special pay paid to a dentist employed on a part-time basis shall bear the same ratio to the annual rate that the dentist would be paid under section 7435 of this title (other than for full-time status) if the dentist were employed on a full-time basis as the amount of part-time employment by the dentist bears to full-time employment, except that such ratio may not exceed 3/4.
(Added Pub. L. 102–40, title I, §102, May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 194.)
Provisions similar to those in this subchapter were contained in section 4118 of this title prior to the repeal of that section as part of the complete revision of chapter 73 of this title by Pub. L. 102–40.
Section effective on first day of first pay period after July 1, 1991, subject to transition and savings provisions and prohibition on retroactive agreements, see section 104 of Pub. L. 102–40, set out as a note under section 7431 of this title.
This section is referred to in section 7437 of this title.
(a) A physician who is provided special pay for service in an executive position under paragraph (4)(B) of section 7433(b) of this title may not also be provided scarce specialty special pay under paragraph (3) of that section. A dentist who is provided special pay for service in an executive position under paragraph (4) of section 7435(b) of this title for service as a Service Director, Deputy Service Director, Deputy Assistant Under Secretary for Health, or Assistant Under Secretary for Health may not also be provided scarce specialty special pay under paragraph (3) of that section.
(b) The following determinations under this subchapter shall be made under regulations prescribed under section 7431 of this title:
(1) A determination that there are extraordinary difficulties (on a nation-wide basis or on the basis of the needs of a specific medical facility) in the recruitment or retention of qualified physicians in a medical specialty or in the recruitment or retention of qualified dentists in a dental specialty.
(2) A determination of the rate of special pay to be paid to a physician or dentist for a factor of special pay for which the applicable rate is specified as a range of rates.
(3) A determination of whether there are extraordinary difficulties in a specific geographic location in the recruitment or retention of qualified physicians in a specific category of physicians or in the recruitment or retention of qualified dentists in a specific category of dentists.
(c) A determination for the purposes of this subchapter that there are extraordinary difficulties in the recruitment or retention of qualified physicians in a medical specialty, or in the recruitment or retention of qualified dentists in a dental specialty, on the basis of the needs of a specific medical facility may only be made upon the request of the director of that facility.
(d) A physician or dentist may not be provided scarce specialty pay under section 7433(b), 7434(b), 7435(b), or 7436(b) of this title (whichever is applicable) on the basis of the needs of a specific medical facility unless the Secretary also determines that geographic location pay under that section is insufficient to meet the needs of that facility for qualified physicians or dentists, as the case may be.
(e)(1) A physician or dentist shall be paid special pay under this subchapter at a rate not less than the rate of special pay the physician or dentist was paid under section 4118 1 of this title as of the day before the effective date of this subchapter if the physician or dentist—
(A) is employed on a full-time basis in the Veterans Health Administration;
(B) was employed as a physician or dentist on a full-time basis in the Administration on the day before such effective date; and
(C) on such effective date was being paid for no special-pay factors other than primary, full-time, length of service, and specialty or board certification.
(2) A physician or dentist shall be paid special pay under this subchapter at a rate not less than the rate of special pay the physician or dentist was paid under section 4118 1 of this title as of the day before the effective date of this subchapter if the physician or dentist—
(A) is employed on a part-time basis in the Veterans Health Administration;
(B) was employed as a physician or dentist on a part-time basis in the Administration on the day before such effective date; and
(C) on such effective date was being paid for no special-pay factors other than primary, full-time, length of service, and specialty or board certification.
(f) Any amount of special pay payable under this subchapter shall be paid in equal installments in accordance with regularly established pay periods.
(g) Except as otherwise expressly provided by law, special pay may not be provided to a physician or dentist in the Veterans Health Administration for any factor not specified in section 7433, 7434, 7435, or 7436, as applicable, of this title.
(h) In no case may the total amount of compensation paid to a physician or dentist under this title in any year exceed the amount of annual compensation (excluding expenses) specified in section 102 of title 3.
(Added Pub. L. 102–40, title I, §102, May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 194; amended Pub. L. 102–405, title II, §204(a), title III, §302(c)(1), Oct. 9, 1992, 106 Stat. 1983, 1984.)
Section 4118 of this title, referred to in subsec. (e)(1), (2), was repealed by Pub. L. 102–40, title IV, §401(a)(3), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 210. See sections 7431 to 7440 of this title.
For the effective date of this subchapter, referred to in subsec. (e)(1), (2), see section 104 of Pub. L. 102–40, set out as an Effective Date note under section 7431 of this title.
Provisions similar to those in this subchapter were contained in section 4118 of this title prior to the repeal of that section as part of the complete revision of chapter 73 of this title by Pub. L. 102–40.
1992—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 102–405, §302(c)(1), substituted “Under Secretary for Health” for “Chief Medical Director” in two places.
Subsec. (e)(1)(C), (2)(C). Pub. L. 102–405, §204(a), substituted “for no special-pay factors other than primary, full-time, length of service, and specialty or board certification” for “only for the special-pay factors of primary, full-time, and length of service” in par. (1)(C) and for “only for the special-pay factors of primary and length of service” in par. (2)(C).
Section 204(b) of Pub. L. 102–405 provided that: “The amendments made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall apply as if enacted with the amendment made by section 102 of the Department of Veterans Affairs Health-Care Personnel Act of 1991 (Public Law 102–40; 105 Stat. 187) [enacting this section].”
Section effective on first day of first pay period after July 1, 1991, subject to transition and savings provisions and prohibition on retroactive agreements, see section 104 of Pub. L. 102–40, set out as a note under section 7431 of this title.
Section 204(c) of Pub. L. 102–405 provided that: “Expenses incurred for periods before October 1, 1991, by reason of the amendments made by subsection (a) [amending this section] may be charged to fiscal year 1992 appropriations available for the same purpose.”
1 See References in Text note below.
(a) Special pay paid under this subchapter shall be in addition to any other pay and allowances to which a physician or dentist is entitled.
(b)(1) A physician or dentist who has no section 4118 1 service and has completed not less than 15 years of service as a physician or dentist in the Veterans Health Administration shall be entitled to have special pay paid to the physician or dentist under this subchapter considered basic pay for the purposes of chapter 83 or 84 of title 5, as appropriate.
(2) A physician or dentist who has section 4118 1 service and has completed a total of not less than 15 years of service as a physician or dentist in the Veterans Health Administration shall be entitled to have special pay paid to the physician or dentist under this subchapter considered basic pay for the purposes of chapter 83 or 84, as appropriate, of title 5 as follows:
(A) In an amount equal to the amount that would have been so considered under section 4118 1 of this title on the day before the effective date of this section based on the rates of special pay the physician or dentist was entitled to receive under that section on the day before such effective date.
(B) With respect to any amount of special pay received under this subchapter in excess of the amount such physician or dentist was entitled to receive under section 4118 1 of this title on the day before the effective date of this section, in an amount equal to 25 percent of such excess amount for each two years that the physician or dentist has completed as a physician or dentist in the Veterans Health Administration after the effective date of this section.
(3) All special pay paid under this subchapter shall be included in average pay (as defined in sections 8331(4) or 8401(3) of title 5, as appropriate) for purposes of computing benefits paid under section 8337, 8341(d) or (e), 8442(b), 8443, or 8451 of such title.
(4) Special pay paid under section 4118 1 of this title, as in effect before the effective date of this section, to a physician or dentist who has section 4118 1 service shall be credited to the physician or dentist for the same purposes and in the same manner and to the same extent that such special pay was credited to the physician or dentist before such effective date.
(5) For purposes of this subsection:
(A) The term “physician or dentist who has no section 4118 1 service” means a physician or dentist employed as a physician or dentist in the Veterans Health Administration who has no previous service as a physician or dentist in the Administration (or its predecessor) before the effective date of this section.
(B) The term “physician or dentist who has section 4118 1 service” means a physician or dentist employed as a physician or dentist in the Veterans Health Administration who has previous service as a physician or dentist in the Administration (or its predecessor) before the effective date of this section.
(C) Service in any predecessor entity of the Veterans Health Administration shall be considered to be service in the Veterans Health Administration.
(c) Compensation paid as special pay under this subchapter or under an agreement entered into under section 4118 1 of this title (as in effect on the day before the effective date of the Department of Veterans Affairs Physician and Dentist Recruitment and Retention Act of 1991) shall be considered as annual pay for the purposes of chapter 87 of title 5, relating to life insurance for Federal employees.
(Added Pub. L. 102–40, title I, §102, May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 196.)
Section 4118 of this title, referred to in subsecs. (b) and (c), was repealed by Pub. L. 102–40, title IV, §401(a)(3), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 210.
For the effective date of this subchapter, referred to in subsec. (b), see section 104(a) of Pub. L. 102–40, set out as an Effective Date note under section 7431 of this title.
The effective date of the Department of Veterans Affairs Physician and Dentist Recruitment and Retention Act of 1991, referred to in subsec. (c), probably means the effective date of title I of Pub. L. 102–40, which enacted this subchapter, and which is generally effective on first day of first pay period after July 1, 1991, subject to certain transition and savings provisions, see section 104 of Pub. L. 102–40, set out as a note under section 7431 of this title.
Provisions similar to those in this subchapter were contained in section 4118 of this title prior to the repeal of that section as part of the complete revision of chapter 73 of this title by Pub. L. 102–40.
Section effective on first day of first pay period after July 1, 1991, subject to transition and savings provisions and prohibition on retroactive agreements, see section 104 of Pub. L. 102–40, set out as a note under section 7431 of this title.
1 See References in Text note below.
(a) In order to make possible the recruitment and retention of a well-qualified work force of physicians and dentists capable of providing quality care for eligible veterans, it is the policy of Congress to ensure that the levels of total pay for physicians and dentists of the Veterans Health Administration are fixed at levels reasonably comparable—
(1) with the levels of total pay of physicians and dentists employed by or serving in other departments and agencies of the Federal Government; and
(2) with the income of non-Federal physicians and dentists for the performance of services as physicians and dentists.
(b)(1) To assist the Congress and the President in carrying out the policy stated in subsection (a), the Secretary shall—
(A) define the bases for pay distinctions, if any, among various categories of physicians and dentists, including distinctions between physicians and dentists employed by the Veterans Health Administration and physicians and dentists employed by other departments and agencies of the Federal Government and between all Federal sector and non-Federal sector physicians and dentists; and
(B) obtain measures of income from the employment or practice of physicians and dentists outside the Administration, including both the Federal and non-Federal sectors, for use as guidelines for setting and periodically adjusting the amounts of special pay for physicians and dentists of the Administration.
(2) The Secretary shall submit to the President a report, on such date as the President may designate but not later than December 31, 1994, and once every four years thereafter, recommending appropriate rates of special pay to carry out the policy set forth in subsection (a) with respect to the pay of physicians and dentists in the Veterans Health Administration. The Secretary shall include in such report, when considered appropriate and necessary by the Secretary, recommendations for modifications of the special pay levels set forth in this subchapter whenever—
(A) the Department is unable to recruit or retain a sufficient work force of well-qualified physicians and dentists in the Administration because the incomes and other employee benefits, to the extent that those benefits are reasonably quantifiable, of physicians and dentists outside the Administration who perform comparable types of duties are significantly in excess of the levels of total pay (including basic pay and special pay) and other employee benefits, to the extent that those benefits are reasonably quantifiable, available to those physicians and dentists employed by the Administration; or
(B) other extraordinary circumstances are such that special pay levels are needed to recruit or retain a sufficient number of well-qualified physicians and dentists.
(c) The President shall include in the budget transmitted to the Congress under section 1105 of title 31 after the submission of each report of the Secretary under subsection (b)(2) recommendations with respect to the exact rates of special pay for physicians and dentists under this subchapter and the cost of those rates compared with the cost of the special pay rates in effect under this subchapter at the time the budget is transmitted.
(Added Pub. L. 102–40, title I, §102, May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 197.)
Provisions similar to those in this subchapter were contained in section 4118 of this title prior to the repeal of that section as part of the complete revision of chapter 73 of this title by Pub. L. 102–40.
Section effective on first day of first pay period after July 1, 1991, subject to transition and savings provisions and prohibition on retroactive agreements, see section 104 of Pub. L. 102–40, set out as a note under section 7431 of this title.
The Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and House of Representatives an annual report on the use of the authorities provided in this subchapter. The report shall be submitted each year as part of the budget justification documents submitted by the Secretary in support of the budget of the President submitted pursuant to section 1105 of title 31 that year. Each such report shall include the following:
(1) A review of the use of the authorities provided in this subchapter (including the Secretary's and Under Secretary for Health's actions, findings, recommendations, and other activities under this subchapter) during the preceding fiscal year and the fiscal year during which the report is submitted.
(2) The plans for the use of the authorities provided in this subchapter for the next fiscal year.
(3) A description of the amounts of special pay paid during the preceding fiscal year, shown by category of pay.
(4) A list of those geographic areas, and those scarce specialties, for which special pay was paid during the preceding fiscal year, those for which special pay is being paid during the current fiscal year, and those for which special pay is expected to be paid during the next fiscal year, together with a summary of any differences among those three lists.
(5) The number of physicians and dentists (A) who left employment with the Veterans Health Administration during the preceding year, (B) who changed from full-time status to part-time status, (C) who changed from part-time status to full-time status, as well as (D) a summary of the reasons therefor.
(6) By specialty, the number of positions created and the number of positions abolished during the preceding fiscal year and a summary of the reasons for such actions.
(7) The number of unfilled physician and dentist positions in each specialty in the Veterans Health Administration, the average and maximum lengths of time that such positions have been unfilled, and a summary of the reasons that such positions remain unfilled and, in the case of any specialty not designated as a scarce specialty for purposes of special pay under this subchapter, an explanation (including comparisons with other specialties that have been so designated) of why the specialty has not been so designated.
(Added Pub. L. 102–40, title I, §102, May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 198; amended Pub. L. 103–446, title XII, §1201(c)(6), Nov. 2, 1994, 108 Stat. 4684.)
Provisions similar to those in this subchapter were contained in section 4118 of this title prior to the repeal of that section as part of the complete revision of chapter 73 of this title by Pub. L. 102–40.
1994—Par. (1). Pub. L. 103–446 substituted “Under Secretary for Health's actions” for “Chief Medical Director's actions”.
Section effective on first day of first pay period after July 1, 1991, subject to transition and savings provisions and prohibition on retroactive agreements, see section 104 of Pub. L. 102–40, set out as a note under section 7431 of this title.
This section is referred to in section 7432 of this title.
(a)(1) It is the purpose of this section to ensure, by a means providing increased responsibility and authority to directors of Department health-care facilities, that the rates of basic pay for health-care personnel positions described in paragraph (2) in each Department health-care facility (including the rates of basic pay of personnel employed in such positions on a part-time basis) are sufficient for that facility to be competitive, on the basis of pay and other employee benefits, with non-Department health-care facilities in the same labor-market area in the recruitment and retention of qualified personnel for those positions.
(2) The health-care personnel positions referred to in paragraph (1) (hereinafter in this section referred to as “covered positions”) are the following:
(A) Registered nurse.
(B) Such positions referred to in paragraphs (1) and (3) of section 7401 of this title (other than the positions of physician, dentist, and registered nurse) as the Secretary may determine upon the recommendation of the Under Secretary for Health.
(3)(A) Except as provided in subparagraph (B), the rates of basic pay for covered positions in the Department shall be established and adjusted in accordance with this section instead of subsection (b)(1) of section 7404 of this title or chapter 53 of title 5.
(B) Under such regulations as the Secretary shall prescribe, the Secretary shall establish and adjust the rates of basic pay for covered positions at the following health-care facilities in order to provide rates of basic pay that enable the Secretary to recruit and retain sufficient numbers of health-care personnel in such positions at those facilities:
(i) The Veterans Memorial Medical Center in the Republic of the Philippines.
(ii) Department of Veterans Affairs health-care facilities located outside the contiguous States, Alaska, and Hawaii.
(4) The Secretary, after receiving the recommendation of the Under Secretary for Health, shall prescribe regulations setting forth criteria and procedures to carry out this section and section 7452 of this title. Requirements in such regulations for directors to provide and maintain documentation of actions taken under this section shall require no more documentation than the minimum essential for responsible administration.
(b) The Secretary shall maintain the five grade levels for nurses employed by the Department under section 7401(1) of this title as specified in the Nurse Schedule in section 7404(b) of this title. The Secretary shall, pursuant to regulations prescribed to carry out this subchapter, establish grades for other covered positions as the Secretary considers appropriate.
(c)(1) For each grade in a covered position, there shall be a range of basic pay. The maximum rate of basic pay for a grade shall be 133 percent of the minimum rate of basic pay for the grade, except that, if the Secretary determines that a higher maximum rate is necessary with respect to any such grade in order to recruit and retain a sufficient number of high-quality health-care personnel, the Secretary may raise the maximum rate of basic pay for that grade to a rate not in excess of 175 percent of the minimum rate of basic pay for the grade. Whenever the Secretary exercises the authority under the preceding sentence to establish the maximum rate of basic pay at a rate in excess of 133 percent of the minimum rate for that grade, the Secretary shall, in the next annual report required by subsection (g), provide justification for doing so to the Committees on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and House of Representatives.
(2) The maximum rate of basic pay for any grade for a covered position may not exceed the maximum rate of basic pay established for positions in level V of the Executive Schedule under section 5316 of title 5.
(3) The range of basic pay for each such grade shall be divided into equal increments, known as “steps”. The Secretary shall prescribe the number of steps. Each grade in a covered position shall have the same number of steps. Rates of pay within a grade may not be established at rates other than whole steps. Any increase (other than an adjustment under subsection (d)) within a grade in the rate of basic pay payable to an employee in a covered position shall be by one or more of such step increments.
(d)(1) The rates of basic pay for each grade in a covered position shall be adjusted periodically in accordance with this subsection in order to achieve the purposes of this section. Such adjustments shall be made—
(A) whenever there is an adjustment under section 5305 of title 5 in the rates of pay under the General Schedule, with the adjustment under this subsection to have the same effective date as the adjustment in the rates of basic pay under the General Schedule; and
(B) at such additional times as the director of a Department health-care facility, with respect to employees in that grade at that facility, or the Under Secretary for Health, with respect to covered Regional and Central Office employees in that grade, determines.
(2) An adjustment in rates of basic pay under this subsection for a grade shall be carried out by adjusting the amount of the minimum rate of basic pay for that grade in accordance with paragraph (3) and then adjusting the other rates for that grade to conform to the requirements of subsection (c). Such an adjustment in the minimum rate of basic pay for a grade shall be made by the director of a Department health-care facility so as to achieve consistency with the beginning rate of compensation for corresponding health-care professionals in the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) labor-market area of that facility.
(3)(A) In the case of a Department health-care facility located in an area for which there is current information, based upon an industry-wage survey by the Bureau of Labor Statistics for that labor market, on beginning rates of compensation for corresponding health-care professionals for the BLS labor-market area of that facility, the director of the facility concerned shall use that information as the basis for making adjustments in rates of pay under this subsection. Whenever the Bureau of Labor Statistics releases the results of a new industry-wage survey for that labor market that includes information on beginning rates of compensation for corresponding health-care professionals, the director of that facility shall determine, not later than 30 days after the results of the survey are released, whether an adjustment in rates of pay for employees at that facility for any covered position is necessary in order to meet the purposes of this section. If the director determines that such an adjustment is necessary, the adjustment, based upon the information determined in the survey, shall take effect on the first day of the first pay period beginning after that determination.
(B) In the case of a Department health-care facility located in an area for which the Bureau of Labor Statistics does not have current information on beginning rates of compensation for corresponding health-care professionals for the labor-market area of that facility for any covered position, the director of that facility shall conduct a survey in accordance with this subparagraph and shall adjust the amount of the minimum rate of basic pay for grades in that covered position at that facility based upon that survey. Any such survey shall be conducted in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary. Those regulations shall be developed in consultation with the Secretary of Labor in order to ensure that the director of a facility collects information that is valid and reliable and is consistent with standards of the Bureau. The survey should be conducted using methodology comparable to that used by the Bureau in making industry-wage surveys except to the extent determined infeasible by the Secretary. Upon conducting a survey under this subparagraph, the director concerned shall determine, not later than 30 days after the date on which the collection of information through the survey is completed, whether an adjustment in rates of pay for employees at that facility for any covered position is necessary in order to meet the purposes of this section. If the director determines that such an adjustment is necessary, the adjustment, based upon the information determined in the survey, shall take effect on the first day of the first pay period beginning after that determination.
(C)(i) A director of a Department health-care facility may use data on the beginning rates of compensation paid to certified registered nurse anesthetists who are employed on a salary basis by entities that provide anesthesia services through certified registered nurse anesthetists in the labor-market area only if the director—
(I) has conducted a survey of beginning rates of compensation for certified registered nurse anesthetists in the local labor-market area of the facility under subparagraph (B);
(II) has used all available administrative authority with regard to collection of survey data; and
(III) makes a determination (under regulations prescribed by the Secretary) that such survey methods are insufficient to permit the adjustments referred to in subparagraph (B) for such nurse anesthetists employed by the facility.
(ii) For the purposes of this subparagraph, certified registered nurse anesthetists who are so employed by such entities shall be deemed to be corresponding health-care professionals to the certified registered nurse anesthetists employed by the facility.
(iii) The authority of the director to use such additional data under this subparagraph with respect to certified registered nurse anesthetists expires on April 1, 1995.
(D) The Under Secretary for Health shall prescribe regulations providing for the adjustment of the rates of basic pay for Regional and Central Office employees in covered positions in order to assure that those rates are sufficient and competitive.
(E) The director of a facility or Under Secretary for Health may not adjust rates of basic pay under this subsection for any pay grade so that the minimum rate of basic pay for that grade is greater than the beginning rates of compensation for corresponding positions at non-Department health-care facilities.
(4) If the director of a Department health-care facility, or the Under Secretary for Health with respect to Regional and Central Office employees, determines, after any survey under paragraph (3)(B) or at any other time that an adjustment in rates of pay is scheduled to take place under this subsection, that it is not necessary to adjust the rates of basic pay for employees in a grade of a covered position at that facility in order to carry out the purpose of this section, such an adjustment for employees at that facility in that grade shall not be made. Whenever a director makes such a determination, the director shall within 10 days notify the Under Secretary for Health of the decision and the reasons for the decision.
(5) Information collected by the Department in surveys conducted under this subsection is not subject to disclosure under section 552 of title 5.
(6) In this subsection—
(A) The term “beginning rate of compensation”, with respect to health-care personnel positions in non-Department health-care facilities corresponding to a grade of a covered position, means the sum of—
(i) the minimum rate of pay established for personnel in such positions who have education, training, and experience equivalent or similar to the education, training, and experience required for health-care personnel employed in the same category of Department covered positions; and
(ii) other employee benefits for those positions to the extent that those benefits are reasonably quantifiable.
(B) The term “corresponding”, with respect to health-care personnel positions in non-Department health-care facilities, means those positions for which the education, training, and experience requirements are equivalent or similar to the education, training, and experience requirements for health-care personnel positions in Department health-care facilities.
(e) Adjustments in rates of basic pay under subsection (d) may increase or reduce the rates of basic pay applicable to any grade of a covered position. In the case of such an adjustment that reduces the rates of pay for a grade, an employee serving at a Department health-care facility on the day before the effective date of that adjustment in a position affected by the adjustment may not (by reason of that adjustment) incur a reduction in the rate of basic pay applicable to that employee so long as the employee continues to serve in that covered position at that facility. If such an employee is subsequently promoted to a higher grade, or advanced to a higher step within the employee's grade, for which the rate of pay as so adjusted is lower than the employee's rate of basic pay on the day before the effective date of the promotion, the employee shall continue to be paid at a rate of basic pay not less than the rate of basic pay applicable to the employee before the promotion so long as the employee continues to serve in that covered position at that facility.
(f) Not later than February 1 of 1991, 1992, and 1993, the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and House of Representatives a report regarding any pay adjustments under the authority of subsection (d)(1)(A) effective during the 12 months preceding the submission of the report. Each such report shall set forth, by health-care facility, the percentage of such increases and, in any case in which no increase was made, the basis for not providing an increase.
(g) Not later than December 1 of 1991, 1992, and 1993, the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and House of Representatives a report regarding the exercise of the authorities provided in this section for the preceding fiscal year. Each such report shall include the following:
(1) A review of the use of the authorities provided in this section (including the Secretary's and Under Secretary for Health's actions, findings, recommendations, and other activities under this section) during the preceding fiscal year, including an assessment of the effects of the exercise of such authorities on the ability of the Department to recruit and retain qualified health-care professionals for covered positions.
(2) The plans for the use of the authorities provided in this subchapter for the next fiscal year.
(3) A description of the rates of basic pay in effect during the preceding fiscal year, with a comparison to the rates in effect during the previous fiscal year, shown by facility and by covered position.
(4) The numbers of employees in covered positions (shown separately for registered nurses and for each other covered position) who during the preceding fiscal year (A) left employment with the Department, (B) left employment at one Department medical facility for employment at another Department medical facility, or (C) changed from full-time status to part-time status (and from part-time status to full-time status), and a summary of the reasons therefor.
(5) The number of vacancies in covered positions in the Administration and a summary of the reasons that those positions are vacant.
(6) The number of employees who during the preceding fiscal year left employment at a health-care facility in one Bureau of Labor Statistics labor-market area for employment at a health-care facility in another such labor-market area, without changing residence.
(7) Justification for setting the maximum rate of basic pay for any grade at a rate in excess of 133 percent of the minimum rate of basic pay for that grade.
(8) The discussion required by section 7452(b)(2) of this title.
(9) The justification required by section 7452(e) of this title.
(10) The number of nurses, shown by facility and by grade, who are on pay retention or in the top step of any grade and, with respect to those employees, comprehensive information (by facility) as to whether an extension of the pay grades was sought for these positions, and with respect to each such request for extension, whether such request was granted or denied.
(h) For the purposes of this section, the term “health-care facility” means a medical center, an independent outpatient clinic, or an independent domiciliary facility.
(Added Pub. L. 101–366, title I, §102(b), Aug. 15, 1990, 104 Stat. 431, §4141; renumbered §7451 and amended Pub. L. 102–40, title III, §301(b), (c), title IV, §401(c)(1)(A), (2), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 208, 238; Pub. L. 102–405, title III, §302(c)(1), Oct. 9, 1992, 106 Stat. 1984; Pub. L. 102–585, title III, §§301(b)–303, 304(b), 307, Nov. 4, 1992, 106 Stat. 4951–4953; Pub. L. 103–446, title XII, §1201(c)(7), (e)(23), Nov. 2, 1994, 108 Stat. 4684, 4686.)
The General Schedule, referred to in subsec. (d)(1)(A), is set out under section 5332 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.
1994—Subsec. (d)(3)(C)(i)(I). Pub. L. 103–446, §1201(e)(23), substituted “labor-market area” for “labor market area”.
Subsec. (g)(1). Pub. L. 103–446, §1201(c)(7), substituted “Under Secretary for Health's actions” for “Chief Medical Director's actions”.
1992—Subsec. (a)(2)(B). Pub. L. 102–405 substituted “Under Secretary for Health” for “Chief Medical Director”.
Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 102–585, §302, designated existing provisions as subpar. (A), substituted “Except as provided in subparagraph (B), the rates” for “The rates”, and added subpar. (B).
Subsec. (a)(4). Pub. L. 102–405 substituted “Under Secretary for Health” for “Chief Medical Director”.
Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 102–585, §301(b), substituted “five” for “four”.
Subsec. (d)(1)(B). Pub. L. 102–405 substituted “Under Secretary for Health” for “Chief Medical Director”.
Subsec. (d)(3)(C). Pub. L. 102–585, §303(2), added subpar. (C). Former subpar. (C) redesignated (D).
Pub. L. 102–405 substituted “Under Secretary for Health” for “Chief Medical Director”.
Subsec. (d)(3)(D). Pub. L. 102–585, §303(1), redesignated subpar. (C) as (D). Former subpar. (D) redesignated (E).
Pub. L. 102–405 substituted “Under Secretary for Health” for “Chief Medical Director”.
Subsec. (d)(3)(E). Pub. L. 102–585, §303(1), redesignated subpar. (D) as (E).
Subsec. (d)(4). Pub. L. 102–405 substituted “Under Secretary for Health” for “Chief Medical Director” in two places.
Subsec. (g)(9). Pub. L. 102–585, §304(b), added par. (9).
Subsec. (g)(10). Pub. L. 102–585, §307, added par. (10).
1991—Pub. L. 102–40, §401(c)(1)(A), renumbered section 4141 of this title as this section.
Subsec. (a)(2)(B). Pub. L. 102–40, §401(c)(2)(A)(i), substituted “paragraphs (1) and (3) of section 7401” for “clauses (1) and (3) of section 4104”.
Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 102–40, §§301(c), 401(c)(2)(A)(ii), substituted “7404” for “4107” and inserted before period at end “or chapter 53 of title 5”.
Subsec. (a)(4). Pub. L. 102–40, §401(c)(2)(A)(iii), substituted “7452” for “4142”.
Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 102–40, §401(c)(2)(B), substituted “7401(1)” for “4104(1)” and “7404(b)” for “4107(b)”.
Subsec. (d)(1)(B). Pub. L. 102–40, §301(b)(1), inserted “or the Chief Medical Director, with respect to covered Regional and Central Office employees in that grade,” before “determines”.
Subsec. (d)(3)(C). Pub. L. 102–40, §301(b)(2)(B), added subpar. (C). Former subpar. (C) redesignated (D).
Subsec. (d)(3)(D). Pub. L. 102–40, §301(b)(2)(A), redesignated subpar. (C) as (D) and inserted “or Chief Medical Director” after “facility”.
Subsec. (d)(4). Pub. L. 102–40, §301(b)(3), inserted “, or the Chief Medical Director with respect to Regional and Central Office employees,” after “facility”.
Subsec. (g)(8). Pub. L. 102–40, §401(c)(2)(C), substituted “7452(b)(2)” for “4142(b)(2)”.
Amendment by sections 301(b) to 303 and 304(b) of Pub. L. 102–585 effective with respect to first pay period beginning on or after end of six-month period beginning on Nov. 4, 1992, see section 308 of Pub. L. 102–585, set out as a note under section 7404 of this title.
Section 104 of Pub. L. 101–366, as amended by Pub. L. 102–40, title III, §301(e), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 208, provided that:
“(a)
“(2) The amendment made by section 103 [amending former section 4107 of this title] shall take effect on the first day of the first pay period beginning after April 1, 1991.
“(b)
Section 301(a) of Pub. L. 102–40 provided that: “Physician assistants and expanded-function dental auxiliaries shall continue to be paid after August 14, 1990, according to the Nurse Schedule in section 4107(b) of title 38 [former section 4107(b) of this title], United States Code, as in effect on August 14, 1990, until the effective date of a determination by the Secretary to convert those occupations to ‘covered positions’ and pay them pursuant to section 7451 of such title, as redesignated by section 401(c).”
Section 305 of Pub. L. 102–585 provided that:
“(a)
“(1) to reflect the five grade levels for nursing personnel under the Nurse Schedule [see 38 U.S.C. 7404(b)(1)], as amended by section 301; and
“(2) to reduce the compression of nursing personnel in the existing intermediate and senior grades.
“(b)
“(c)
Section 306 of Pub. L. 102–585 provided that:
“(a)
“(1) the process for determining the rate of basic pay applicable to the Chief Nurse position at Department of Veterans Affairs health-care facilities; and
“(2) the relationship between the rate of such basic pay and the rate of basic pay applicable to nurses in positions subordinate to the Chief Nurse at the respective Department facilities.
The review shall include an assessment of the adequacy of that process in determining an equitable pay rate for the Chief Nurse position, including an assessment of the accuracy of data collected in the survey process and the difficulties in obtaining accurate data.
“(b)
This section is referred to in section 7452 of this title; title 5 section 5302.
(a)(1) Regulations prescribed under section 7451(a) of this title shall provide that whenever an employee in a covered position is given a new duty assignment which is a promotion, the rate of basic pay of that employee shall be increased at least one step increment in that employee's grade.
(2) A nurse serving in a head nurse position shall while so serving receive basic pay at a rate two step increments above the rate that would otherwise be applicable to the nurse. If such a nurse is in the highest or next-to-highest step for that nurse's grade, the preceding sentence shall be applied by extrapolation to create additional steps only for the purposes of this paragraph. The limitation in section 7451(c)(1) of this title shall not apply with respect to increased basic pay under this paragraph.
(3) An employee in a covered position who is promoted to the next higher grade shall be paid in that grade at a step having a rate of basic pay that is greater than the rate of basic pay applicable to the employee in a covered position on the day before the effective date of the promotion.
(b)(1) Under regulations which the Secretary prescribes for the administration of this section, the director of a Department health-care facility (A) shall pay a cash bonus (in an amount to be determined by the director not to exceed $2,000) to an employee in a covered position at that facility who becomes certified in a specialty recognized by the Department, and (B) may provide such a bonus to an employee in such a position who has demonstrated both exemplary job performance and exemplary job achievement. The authority of the Secretary under this subsection is in addition to any other authority of the Secretary to provide job performance incentives.
(2) The Secretary shall include in the annual report under section 7451(g) of this title a discussion of the use during the period covered by the report of the payment of bonuses under this subsection and other job performance incentives available to the Secretary.
(c)(1) The Secretary shall provide (in regulations prescribed for the administration of this section) that the director of a Department health-care facility, in making a new appointment of a person under section 7401(1) of this title as an employee in a covered position for employment at that facility, may make that appointment at a rate of pay described in paragraph (3) without being subject to a requirement for prior approval at any higher level of authority within the Department in any case in which the director determines that it is necessary to do so in order to obtain the services of employees in covered positions in cases in which vacancies exist at that health-care facility.
(2) Such a determination may be made by the director of a health-care facility only in order to recruit employees in covered positions with specialized skills, especially employees with skills which are especially difficult or demanding.
(3) A rate of pay referred to in paragraph (1) is a rate of basic pay in excess of the minimum rate of basic pay applicable to the grade in which the appointment is made (but not in excess of the maximum rate of basic pay for that grade).
(4) Whenever the director of a health-care facility makes an appointment described in paragraph (1) without prior approval at a higher level of authority within the Department, the director shall—
(A) state in a document the reasons for employing the employee in a covered position at a rate of pay in excess of the minimum rate of basic pay applicable to the grade in which the employee is appointed (and retain that document on file); and
(B) in the first budget documents submitted to the Secretary by the director after the employee is employed, include documentation for the need for such increased rates of basic pay described in clause (A).
(5) Whenever the director of a health-care facility makes an appointment described in paragraph (1) on the basis of a determination described in paragraph (2), the covered employee appointed may continue to receive pay at a rate higher than that which would otherwise be applicable to that employee only so long as the employee continues to serve in a position requiring the specialized skills with respect to which the determination was made.
(d) Whenever the director of a health-care facility makes an appointment described in subsection (c)(1), the director may (without a regard to any requirement for prior approval at any higher level of authority within the Department) increase the rate of pay of other employees in the same covered position at that facility who are in the grade in which the appointment is made and are serving in a position requiring the specialized skills with respect to which the determination under subsection (c)(2) concerning the appointment was made. Any such increase shall continue in effect with respect to any employee only so long as the employee continues to serve in such a position.
(e) An employee in a covered position employed under section 7401(1) of this title who (without a break in employment) transfers from one Department health-care facility to another may not be reduced in grade or step within grade (except pursuant to a disciplinary action otherwise authorized by law) if the duties of the position to which the employee transfers are similar to the duties of the position from which the employee transferred. The rate of basic pay of such employee shall be established at the new health-care facility in a manner consistent with the practices at that facility for an employee of that grade and step, except that in the case of an employee whose transfer (other than pursuant to a disciplinary action otherwise authorized by law) to another health-care facility is at the request of the Secretary, the Secretary may provide that for at least the first year following such transfer the employee shall be paid at a rate of basic pay up to the rate applicable to such employee before the transfer, if the Secretary determines that such rate of pay is necessary to fill the position. Whenever the Secretary exercises the authority under the preceding sentence relating to the rate of basic pay of a transferred employee, the Secretary shall, in the next annual report required under section 7451(g) of this title, provide justification for doing so.
(f) In this section, the term “covered position” has the meaning given that term in section 7451 of this title.
(Added Pub. L. 101–366, title I, §102(b), Aug. 15, 1990, 104 Stat. 435, §4142; renumbered §7452 and amended Pub. L. 102–40, title III, §301(d), title IV, §401(c)(1)(A), (3), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 208, 238; Pub. L. 102–585, title III, §304(a), Nov. 4, 1992, 106 Stat. 4952.)
1992—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 102–585 inserted before period at end “, except that in the case of an employee whose transfer (other than pursuant to a disciplinary action otherwise authorized by law) to another health-care facility is at the request of the Secretary, the Secretary may provide that for at least the first year following such transfer the employee shall be paid at a rate of basic pay up to the rate applicable to such employee before the transfer, if the Secretary determines that such rate of pay is necessary to fill the position. Whenever the Secretary exercises the authority under the preceding sentence relating to the rate of basic pay of a transferred employee, the Secretary shall, in the next annual report required under section 7451(g) of this title, provide justification for doing so”.
1991—Pub. L. 102–40, §401(c)(1)(A), renumbered section 4142 of this title as this section.
Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 102–40, §401(c)(3)(A)(i), substituted “7451(a)” for “4141(a)”.
Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 102–40, §401(c)(3)(A)(ii), substituted “7451(c)(1)” for “4141(c)(1)”.
Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 102–40, §301(d), substituted “paid” for “appointed”.
Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 102–40, §401(c)(3)(B), substituted “7451(g)” for “4141(g)”.
Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 102–40, §401(c)(3)(C), substituted “7401(1)” for “4104(1)”.
Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 102–40, §401(c)(3)(C), substituted “7401(1)” for “4104(1)”.
Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 102–40, §401(c)(3)(D), substituted “7451” for “4141”.
Amendment by Pub. L. 102–585 effective with respect to first pay period beginning on or after end of six-month period beginning on Nov. 4, 1992, see section 308 of Pub. L. 102–585, set out as a note under section 7404 of this title.
This section is referred to in section 7451 of this title.
(a) In addition to the rate of basic pay provided for nurses, a nurse shall receive additional pay as provided by this section.
(b) A nurse performing service on a tour of duty, any part of which is within the period commencing at 6 postmeridian and ending at 6 antemeridian, shall receive additional pay for each hour of service on such tour at a rate equal to 10 percent of the nurse's hourly rate of basic pay if at least four hours of such tour fall between 6 postmeridian and 6 antemeridian. When less than four hours of such tour fall between 6 postmeridian and 6 antemeridian, the nurse shall be paid the differential for each hour of service performed between those hours.
(c) A nurse performing service on a tour of duty, any part of which is within the period commencing at midnight Friday and ending at midnight Sunday, shall receive additional pay for each hour of service on such tour at a rate equal to 25 percent of such nurse's hourly rate of basic pay.
(d) A nurse performing service on a holiday designated by Federal statute or Executive order shall receive for each hour of such service the nurse's hourly rate of basic pay, plus additional pay at a rate equal to such hourly rate of basic pay, for that holiday service, including overtime service. Any service required to be performed by a nurse on such a designated holiday shall be deemed to be a minimum of two hours in duration.
(e)(1) A nurse performing officially ordered or approved hours of service in excess of 40 hours in an administrative workweek, or in excess of eight hours in a day, shall receive overtime pay for each hour of such additional service. The overtime rates shall be one and one-half times such nurse's hourly rate of basic pay.
(2) For the purposes of this subsection, overtime must be of at least 15 minutes duration in a day to be creditable for overtime pay.
(3) Compensatory time off in lieu of pay for service performed under the provisions of this subsection shall not be permitted, except as voluntarily requested in writing by the nurse in question.
(4) Any excess service performed under this subsection on a day when service was not scheduled for such nurse, or for which such nurse is required to return to the nurse's place of employment, shall be deemed to be a minimum of two hours in duration.
(5) For the purposes of this subsection, the period of a nurse's officially ordered or approved travel away from such nurse's duty station may not be considered to be hours of service unless—
(A) such travel occurs during such nurse's tour of duty; or
(B) such travel—
(i) involves the performance of services while traveling,
(ii) is incident to travel that involves the performance of services while traveling,
(iii) is carried out under arduous conditions as determined by the Secretary, or
(iv) results from an event which could not be scheduled or controlled administratively.
(f) For the purpose of computing the additional pay provided by subsection (b), (c), (d), or (e), a nurse's hourly rate of basic pay shall be derived by dividing such nurse's annual rate of basic pay by 2,080.
(g) When a nurse is entitled to two or more forms of additional pay under subsection (b), (c), (d), or (e) for the same period of service, the amounts of such additional pay shall be computed separately on the basis of such nurse's hourly rate of basic pay, except that no overtime pay as provided in subsection (e) shall be payable for overtime service performed on a holiday designated by Federal statute or Executive order in addition to pay received under subsection (d) for such service.
(h) A nurse who is officially scheduled to be on call outside such nurse's regular hours or on a holiday designated by Federal statute or Executive order shall be paid for each hour of such on-call duty, except for such time as such nurse may be called back to work, at a rate equal to 10 percent of the hourly rate for excess service as provided in subsection (e).
(i) Any additional pay paid pursuant to this section shall not be considered as basic pay for the purposes of the following provisions of title 5 (and any other provision of law relating to benefits based on basic pay):
(1) Subchapter VI of chapter 55.
(2) Section 5595.
(3) Chapters 81, 83, 84, and 87.
(j)(1) Notwithstanding any other provision of law and subject to paragraph (2), the Secretary may increase the rates of additional pay authorized under subsections (b) through (h) if the Secretary determines that it is necessary to do so in order to obtain or retain the services of nurses.
(2) An increase under paragraph (1) in rates of additional pay—
(A) may be made at any specific Department health-care facility in order to provide nurses, or any category of nurses, at such facility additional pay in an amount competitive with, but not exceeding, the amount of the same type of pay that is paid to the same category of nurses at non-Federal health-care facilities in the same geographic area as such Department health-care facility (based upon a reasonably representative sampling of such non-Federal facilities); and
(B) may be made on a nationwide, local, or other geographic basis if the Secretary finds that such an increase is justified on the basis of a review of the need for such increase (based upon a reasonably representative sampling of non-Federal health-care facilities in the geographic area involved).
(Added Pub. L. 102–40, title IV, §401(b)(4), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 232; amended Pub. L. 103–446, title XII, §1201(e)(24), (g)(6), Nov. 2, 1994, 108 Stat. 4686, 4687.)
Provisions similar to those in this section were contained in section 4107(e) of this title prior to the repeal of that section as part of the complete revision of chapter 73 of this title by Pub. L. 102–40.
1994—Subsecs. (f), (g). Pub. L. 103–446, §1201(e)(24), substituted “subsection (b), (c), (d), or (e)” for “subsections (b), (c), (d), or (e)”.
Subsec. (i)(3). Pub. L. 103–446, §1201(g)(6), struck out “of title 5” before period at end.
This section is referred to in sections 7454, 7456, 7457 of this title; title 5 sections 6123, 6128.
(a) Physician assistants and expanded-function dental auxiliaries shall be entitled to additional pay on the same basis as provided for nurses in section 7453 of this title.
(b) When the Secretary determines it to be necessary in order to obtain or retain the services of certified or registered respiratory therapists, licensed physical therapists, licensed practical or vocational nurses, pharmacists, or occupational therapists, the Secretary may, on a nationwide, local, or other geographic basis, pay persons employed in such positions additional pay on the same basis as provided for nurses in section 7453 of this title.
(c) The Secretary shall prescribe by regulation standards for compensation and payment under this section.
(Added Pub. L. 102–40, title IV, §401(b)(4), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 234.)
Provisions similar to those in this section were contained in section 4107(f) of this title prior to the repeal of that section as part of the complete revision of chapter 73 of this title by Pub. L. 102–40.
(a)(1) Subject to subsections (b), (c), and (d), when the Secretary determines it to be necessary in order to obtain or retain the services of persons described in paragraph (2), the Secretary may increase the minimum, intermediate, or maximum rates of basic pay authorized under applicable statutes and regulations. Any increase in such rates of basic pay—
(A) may be made on a nationwide basis, local basis, or other geographic basis; and
(B) may be made—
(i) for one or more of the grades listed in the schedules in subsection (b)(1) of section 7404 of this title;
(ii) for one or more of the health personnel fields within such grades; or
(iii) for one or more of the grades of the General Schedule under section 5332 of title 5.
(2) Paragraph (1) applies to the following:
(A) Individuals employed in positions listed in paragraphs (1) and (3) of section 7401 of this title.
(B) Health-care personnel who—
(i) are employed in the Administration (other than administrative, clerical, and physical plant maintenance and protective services employees);
(ii) are paid under the General Schedule pursuant to section 5332 of title 5;
(iii) are determined by the Secretary to be providing either direct patient-care services or services incident to direct patient-care services; and
(iv) would not otherwise be available to provide medical care and treatment for veterans.
(C) Employees who are Department police officers providing services under section 902 of this title.
(b) Increases in rates of basic pay may be made under subsection (a) only in order—
(1) to provide pay in an amount competitive with, but not exceeding, the amount of the same type of pay paid to the same category of personnel at non-Federal facilities in the same labor market;
(2) to achieve adequate staffing at particular facilities; or
(3) to recruit personnel with specialized skills, especially those with skills which are especially difficult or demanding.
(c)(1) The amount of any increase under subsection (a) in the maximum rate for any grade may not (except in the case of nurse anesthetists and licensed physical therapists) exceed by two times the amount by which the maximum for such grade (under applicable provisions of law other than this subsection) exceeds the minimum for such grade (under applicable provisions of law other than this subsection), and the maximum rate as so increased may not exceed the rate paid for individuals serving as Assistant Under Secretary for Health.
(2) Whenever the amount of an increase under subsection (a) results in a rate of basic pay for a position being equal to or greater than the amount that is 94 percent of the maximum amount permitted under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall promptly notify the Committees on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and House of Representatives of the increase and the amount thereof.
(d)(1) In the exercise of the authority provided in subsection (a) with respect to personnel described in subparagraph (B) or (C) of paragraph (2) of that subsection to increase the rates of basic pay for any category of personnel not appointed under subchapter I, the Secretary shall, not less than 45 days before the effective date of a proposed increase, notify the President of the Secretary's intention to provide such an increase.
(2) Such a proposed increase shall not take effect if, before the effective date of the proposed increase, the President disapproves such increase and provides the appropriate committees of the Congress with a written statement of the President's reasons for such disapproval.
(3) If, before that effective date, the President approves such increase, the Secretary may advance the effective date to any date not earlier than the date of the President's approval.
(Added Pub. L. 102–40, title IV, §401(b)(4), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 234; amended Pub. L. 102–83, §2(c)(7), Aug. 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 402; Pub. L. 102–405, title II, §201, title III, §302(c)(1), Oct. 9, 1992, 106 Stat. 1983, 1984.)
Provisions similar to those in this section were contained in section 4107(g) of this title prior to the repeal of that section as part of the complete revision of chapter 73 of this title by Pub. L. 102–40.
1992—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 102–405, §302(c)(1), substituted “Under Secretary for Health” for “Chief Medical Director” in par. (1).
Pub. L. 102–405, §201, designated existing provisions as par. (1), inserted “by two times” after first reference to “exceed”, and added par. (2).
1991—Subsec. (a)(2)(C). Pub. L. 102–83 substituted “902” for “218”.
Ex. Ord. No. 12797, Apr. 3, 1992, 57 F.R. 11671, provided:
By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including section 7455(d)(2)–(3) of title 38, United States Code, in order to establish procedures for review of proposed increases in the rates of basic pay of certain employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs and of other agencies, it is hereby ordered as follows:
(1) Provide pay in an amount competitive with, but not exceeding, the amount of the same type of pay paid to the same category of health-care personnel at non-Federal health-care facilities in the same labor market;
(2) Achieve adequate staffing at particular facilities; or
(3) Recruit personnel with specialized skills, especially those with skills which are especially difficult or demanding.
George Bush.
This section is referred to in sections 902, 7457, 7612 of this title.
(a) Subject to subsection (b), if the Secretary determines it to be necessary in order to obtain or retain the services of nurses at any Department health-care facility, the Secretary may provide, in the case of nurses appointed under this chapter and employed at such facility, that such nurses who work two regularly scheduled 12-hour tours of duty within the period commencing at midnight Friday and ending at midnight the following Sunday shall be considered for all purposes (except computation of full-time equivalent employees for the purposes of determining compliance with personnel ceilings) to have worked a full 40-hour basic workweek.
(b)(1) Basic and additional pay for a nurse who is considered under subsection (a) to have worked a full 40-hour basic workweek shall be subject to paragraphs (2) and (3).
(2) The hourly rate of basic pay for such a nurse for service performed as part of a regularly scheduled 12-hour tour of duty within the period commencing at midnight Friday and ending at midnight the following Sunday shall be derived by dividing the nurse's annual rate of basic pay by 1,248.
(3)(A) Such a nurse who performs a period of service in excess of such nurse's regularly scheduled two 12-hour tours of duty is entitled to overtime pay under section 7453(e) of this title, or other applicable law, for officially ordered or approved service performed in excess of eight hours on a day other than a Saturday or Sunday or in excess of 24 hours within the period commencing at midnight Friday and ending at midnight the following Sunday.
(B) Except as provided in subparagraph (C), a nurse to whom this subsection is applicable is not entitled to additional pay under section 7453 of this title, or other applicable law, for any period included in a regularly scheduled 12-hour tour of duty.
(C) If the Secretary determines it to be further necessary in order to obtain or retain the services of nurses at a particular facility, a nurse to whom this paragraph is applicable who performs service in excess of such nurse's regularly scheduled two 12-hour tours of duty may be paid overtime pay under section 7453(e) of this title, or other applicable law, for all or part of the hours of officially ordered or approved service performed by such nurse in excess of 40 hours during an administrative workweek.
(c) A nurse described in subsection (b)(1) who is absent on approved sick leave or annual leave during a regularly scheduled 12-hour tour of duty shall be charged for such leave at a rate of five hours of leave for three hours of absence.
(d) The Secretary shall prescribe regulations for the implementation of this section.
(Added Pub. L. 102–40, title IV, §401(b)(4), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 235.)
Provisions similar to those in this section were contained in section 4107(h) of this title prior to the repeal of that section as part of the complete revision of chapter 73 of this title by Pub. L. 102–40.
(a) The Secretary may pay an employee to whom this section applies pay at the rate provided in section 7453(h) of this title except for such time as the employee may be called back to work.
(b) This section applies to an employee who meets each of the following criteria:
(1) The employee is employed in a position listed in paragraph (3) of section 7401 of this title or meets the criteria specified in clauses (i), (ii), and (iii) of section 7455(a)(2)(B) of this title.
(2) The employee is employed in a work unit for which on-call premium pay is authorized.
(3) The employee is officially scheduled to be on call outside such employee's regular hours or on a holiday designated by Federal statute or Executive order.
(c) An employee who is eligible for on-call pay under subsection (a) and who was receiving standby premium pay pursuant to section 5545 of title 5 on May 20, 1988, shall, as long as such employee is employed in the same position and work unit and remains eligible for such standby pay, receive pay for any period of on-call duty at the rate equal to the greater of—
(1) the rate of pay which such employee would receive if being paid the rate of standby pay pursuant to such section that such individual would be entitled to receive if such individual were not scheduled to be on call instead, or
(2) the rate of pay which such employee is entitled to receive including on-call premium pay described in subsection (a).
(Added Pub. L. 102–40, title IV, §401(b)(4), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 236.)
Provisions similar to those in this section were contained in section 4107(j) of this title prior to the repeal of that section as part of the complete revision of chapter 73 of this title by Pub. L. 102–40.
This section is referred to in section 7404 of this title.
(a)(1) In order to recruit and retain registered nurses, the Secretary may enter into agreements under this section. Such an agreement may be entered into with any registered nurse who is employed at, or who agrees to accept employment with the Department at, a Department health-care facility that is designated by the Secretary as a health-care facility with a significant shortage in registered nurses in any clinical service.
(2) A registered nurse entering into an agreement under this section shall agree to remain employed by the Department as a registered nurse for a period of time to be specified in the agreement and to serve during that period in a specific health-care facility that is designated by the Secretary as a health-care facility with a significant shortage of registered nurses in that nurse's clinical service. Such period may not be less than two years or more than four years. Such employment during such period may be on a full-time basis or a part-time basis, as specified in the agreement. Part-time employment as specified in such an agreement may not be less than half-time.
(b)(1) The Secretary shall pay to any nurse entering into an agreement under this section bonus pay in an amount specified in the agreement. The amount of such bonus pay may not exceed—
(A) $2,000 per year, in the case of an agreement for two years,
(B) $3,000 per year, in the case of an agreement for three years, and
(C) $4,000 per year, in the case of an agreement for four years.
(2) In the case of an agreement for employment on less than a full-time basis, the amount of bonus pay shall be pro rated 1 accordingly.
(c)(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, a bonus under this section shall be paid in equal installments after each year of service is completed throughout the period of obligated service specified in the agreement.
(2)(A) The Secretary may make a payment in an amount not in excess of 25 percent of the total bonus in a lump sum at the time that the period of obligated service commences under the agreement.
(B) If the Secretary makes a lump-sum payment under subparagraph (A) of this paragraph, the remaining balance of the bonus shall be paid in equal installments after each year of service is completed throughout the period of obligated service specified in the agreement.
(d)(1) A bonus paid to any individual under this section shall be in addition to any pay or allowance to which the individual is entitled.
(2) The amount of a bonus paid under this section shall not be considered to be basic pay for the purposes of sections 5551, 5552, and 5595 of title 5, chapters 81, 83, 84, and 87 of such title, or any other provision of law creating an entitlement to benefits based on basic pay.
(e) At least once each year the Secretary, upon the recommendation of the Under Secretary for Health, shall determine the specific health-care facilities and clinical services, if any, as to which there are significant problems with respect to the recruitment and retention of registered nurses. Upon making any such determination, the Secretary shall promptly notify the Committees on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and the House of Representatives of the determination and the basis for the determination.
(f) The Secretary may enter into agreements under this section with individuals in a health profession other than nursing (and other than a health profession for which special pay may be provided under subchapter III) if the Secretary determines that there are significant problems with respect to recruitment and retention of employees in that health profession. The Secretary's authority to enter into any such agreement under this section, and such agreement, shall be subject to the provisions of this section in the same manner as are the authority to enter into an agreement under this section with a registered nurse and such an agreement.
(g)(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, an individual who voluntarily, or because of misconduct, fails to perform services as assigned by the Secretary for the period of obligated service provided in an agreement under this section shall refund to the United States the amount by which the total amount of bonus payments received by that individual under this section exceeds the amount that such individual would have received under an agreement under this section to serve for the period of obligated service actually served (as determined at the time the agreement is entered into). If the period actually served is less than two years, the amount to be refunded is the entire amount paid to the individual.
(2) An individual shall not be required to make a refund under paragraph (1) of this subsection if the Secretary determines, in accordance with regulations prescribed under subsection (h) of this section, that the individual's failure to perform services for the period of obligated service is due to circumstances (not including separation for cause) beyond the control of the individual.
(3) An obligation to refund any portion of a bonus payment under this subsection is, for all purposes, a debt owed to the United States.
(4) The provisions of this subsection and the specific amounts that the individual could be required to refund shall be disclosed to the individual at the time the agreement is entered into and shall be clearly set forth in the contract.
(h) The Secretary shall prescribe regulations to carry out this section.
(Added Pub. L. 100–322, title II, §212(a)[(1)], May 20, 1988, 102 Stat. 514, §4120; renumbered §7458 and amended Pub. L. 102–40, title IV, §401(c)(4), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 238; Pub. L. 102–83, §4(a)(3), (4), (b)(1), (2)(E), Aug. 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 404, 405; Pub. L. 102–405, title III, §302(c)(1), Oct. 9, 1992, 106 Stat. 1984; Pub. L. 103–446, title XII, §1201(h)(4), Nov. 2, 1994, 108 Stat. 4688.)
1994—Pub. L. 103–446 substituted “Recruitment and retention bonus pay” for “Recruitment and retention bonus pay for nurses and certain other health-care personnel” as section catchline.
1992—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 102–405 substituted “Under Secretary for Health” for “Chief Medical Director”.
1991—Pub. L. 102–40 renumbered section 4120 of this title as this section.
Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 102–83, §4(b)(1), (2)(E), substituted “Secretary” for “Administrator” wherever appearing.
Pub. L. 102–83, §4(a)(3), (4), substituted “Department” for “Veterans’ Administration” wherever appearing.
Subsecs. (b)(1), (c)(2), (e). Pub. L. 102–83, §4(b)(1), (2)(E), substituted “Secretary” for “Administrator” wherever appearing.
Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 102–83, §4(b)(1), (2)(E), substituted “Secretary” for “Administrator” in two places and “Secretary's” for “Administrator's”.
Pub. L. 102–40 substituted “subchapter III” for “section 4118 of this title”.
Subsecs. (g)(1), (2), (h). Pub. L. 102–83, §4(b)(1), (2)(E), substituted “Secretary” for “Administrator”.
(a) Whenever the Under Secretary for Health (or an official designated by the Under Secretary for Health) brings charges based on conduct or performance against a section 7401(1) employee and as a result of those charges an adverse personnel action is taken against the employee, the employee shall have the right to appeal the action.
(b)(1) If the case involves or includes a question of professional conduct or competence in which a major adverse action was taken, such an appeal shall be made to a Disciplinary Appeals Board under section 7462 of this title.
(2) In any other case, such an appeal shall be made—
(A) through Department grievance procedures under section 7463 of this title, in any case that involves or includes a question of professional conduct or competence in which a major adverse action was not taken or in any case of an employee who is not covered by a collective bargaining agreement under chapter 71 of title 5; or
(B) through grievance procedures provided through collective bargaining under chapter 71 of title 5 or through Department grievance procedures under section 7463 of this title, as the employee elects, in the case of an employee covered by a collective bargaining agreement under chapter 71 of title 5 that does not involve or include a question of professional conduct or competence.
(c) For purposes of this subchapter—
(1) Section 7401(1) employees are employees of the Department employed on a full-time basis under a permanent appointment in a position listed in section 7401(1) of this title (other than interns and residents appointed pursuant to section 7406 of this title).
(2) A major adverse action is an adverse action which includes any of the following:
(A) Suspension.
(B) Transfer.
(C) Reduction in grade.
(D) Reduction in basic pay.
(E) Discharge.
(3) A question of professional conduct or competence is a question involving any of the following:
(A) Direct patient care.
(B) Clinical competence.
(d) An issue of whether a matter or question concerns, or arises out of, professional conduct or competence is not itself subject to any grievance procedure provided by law, regulation, or collective bargaining and may not be reviewed by any other agency.
(e) Whenever the Secretary proposes to prescribe regulations under this subchapter, the Secretary shall publish the proposed regulations in the Federal Register for notice-and-comment not less than 30 days before the day on which they take effect.
(Added Pub. L. 102–40, title II, §203(a), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 202; amended Pub. L. 102–405, title III, §302(c)(1), Oct. 9, 1992, 106 Stat. 1984.)
Provisions similar to those in this subchapter were contained in section 4110 of this title prior to the repeal of that section as part of the complete revision of chapter 73 of this title by Pub. L. 102–40.
1992—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 102–405 substituted “Under Secretary for Health” for “Chief Medical Director” in two places.
Section 204 of Pub. L. 102–40 provided that: “The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall prescribe regulations under subchapter V of chapter 74 of title 38, United States Code (as added by section 203), not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [May 7, 1991]. Such regulations shall be published in the Federal Register for notice-and-comment not less than 30 days before the day on which they take effect.”
(a)(1) Disciplinary Appeals Boards appointed under section 7464 of this title shall have exclusive jurisdiction to review any case—
(A) which arises out of (or which includes) a question of professional conduct or competence of a section 7401(1) employee; and
(B) in which a major adverse action was taken.
(2) The board shall include in its record of decision in any mixed case a statement of the board's exclusive jurisdiction under this subsection and the basis for such exclusive jurisdiction.
(3) For purposes of paragraph (2), a mixed case is a case that includes both a major adverse action arising out of a question of professional conduct or competence and an adverse action which is not a major adverse action or which does not arise out of a question of professional conduct or competence.
(b)(1) In any case in which charges are brought against a section 7401(1) employee which arises out of, or includes, a question of professional conduct or competence which could result in a major adverse action, the employee is entitled to the following:
(A) At least 30 days advance written notice from the Under Secretary for Health or other charging official specifically stating the basis for each charge, the adverse actions that could be taken if the charges are sustained, and a statement of any specific law, regulation, policy, procedure, practice, or other specific instruction that has been violated with respect to each charge, except that the requirement for notification in advance may be waived if there is reasonable cause to believe that the employee has committed a crime for which the employee may be imprisoned.
(B) A reasonable time, but not less than seven days, to present an answer orally and in writing to the Under Secretary for Health or other deciding official, who shall be an official higher in rank than the charging official, and to submit affidavits and other documentary evidence in support of the answer.
(2) In any case described in paragraph (1), the employee is entitled to be represented by an attorney or other representative of the employee's choice at all stages of the case.
(3)(A) If a proposed adverse action covered by this section is not withdrawn, the deciding official shall render a decision in writing within 21 days of receipt by the deciding official of the employee's answer. The decision shall include a statement of the specific reasons for the decision with respect to each charge. If a major adverse action is imposed, the decision shall state whether any of the charges sustained arose out of a question of professional conduct or competence. If any of the charges are sustained, the notice of the decision to the employee shall include notice of the employee's rights of appeal.
(B) Notwithstanding the 21-day period specified in subparagraph (A), a proposed adverse action may be held in abeyance if the employee requests, and the deciding official agrees, that the employee shall seek counseling or treatment for a condition covered under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Any such abeyance of a proposed action may not extend for more than one year.
(4)(A) The Secretary may require that any answer and submission under paragraph (1)(B) be submitted so as to be received within 30 days of the date of the written notice of the charges, except that the Secretary shall allow the granting of extensions for good cause shown.
(B) The Secretary shall require that any appeal to a Disciplinary Appeals Board from a decision to impose a major adverse action shall be received within 30 days after the date of service of the written decision on the employee.
(c)(1) When a Disciplinary Appeals Board convenes to consider an appeal in a case under this section, the board, before proceeding to consider the merits of the appeal, shall determine whether the case is properly before it.
(2) Upon hearing such an appeal, the board shall, with respect to each charge appealed to the board, sustain the charge, dismiss the charge, or sustain the charge in part and dismiss the charge in part. If the deciding official is sustained (in whole or in part) with respect to any such charge, the board shall—
(A) approve the action as imposed;
(B) approve the action with modification, reduction, or exception; or
(C) reverse the action.
(3) A board shall afford an employee appealing an adverse action under this section an opportunity for an oral hearing. If such a hearing is held, the board shall provide the employee with a transcript of the hearing.
(4) The board shall render a decision in any case within 45 days of completion of the hearing, if there is a hearing, and in any event no later than 120 days after the appeal commenced.
(d)(1) After resolving any question as to whether a matter involves professional conduct or competence, the Secretary shall cause to be executed the decision of the Disciplinary Appeals Board in a timely manner and in any event in not more than 90 days after the decision of the Board is received by the Secretary. Pursuant to the board's decision, the Secretary may order reinstatement, award back pay, and provide such other remedies as the board found appropriate relating directly to the proposed action, including expungement of records relating to the action.
(2) If the Secretary finds a decision of the board to be clearly contrary to the evidence or unlawful, the Secretary may—
(A) reverse the decision of the board, or
(B) vacate the decision of the board and remand the matter to the Board for further consideration.
(3) If the Secretary finds the decision of the board (while not clearly contrary to the evidence or unlawful) to be not justified by the nature of the charges, the Secretary may mitigate the adverse action imposed.
(4) The Secretary's execution of a board's decision shall be the final administrative action in the case.
(e) The Secretary may designate an employee of the Department to represent management in any case before a Disciplinary Appeals Board.
(f)(1) A section 7401(1) employee adversely affected by a final order or decision of a Disciplinary Appeals Board (as reviewed by the Secretary) may obtain judicial review of the order or decision.
(2) In any case in which judicial review is sought under this subsection, the court shall review the record and hold unlawful and set aside any agency action, finding, or conclusion found to be—
(A) arbitrary, capricious, an abuse of discretion, or otherwise not in accordance with law;
(B) obtained without procedures required by law, rule, or regulation having been followed; or
(C) unsupported by substantial evidence.
(Added Pub. L. 102–40, title II, §203(a), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 203; amended Pub. L. 102–405, title III, §302(c)(1), Oct. 9, 1992, 106 Stat. 1984.)
The Rehabilitation Act of 1973, referred to in subsec. (b)(3)(B), is Pub. L. 93–112, Sept. 26, 1973, 87 Stat. 355, as amended, which is classified generally to chapter 16 (§701 et seq.) of Title 29, Labor. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 701 of Title 29 and Tables.
Provisions similar to those in this subchapter were contained in section 4110 of this title prior to the repeal of that section as part of the complete revision of chapter 73 of this title by Pub. L. 102–40.
1992—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 102–405 substituted “Under Secretary for Health” for “Chief Medical Director” in subpars. (A) and (B).
This section is referred to in sections 7461, 7463, 7464 of this title.
(a) The Secretary shall prescribe by regulation procedures for the consideration of grievances of section 7401(1) employees arising from adverse personnel actions in which each action taken either—
(1) is not a major adverse action; or
(2) does not arise out of a question of professional conduct or competence.
Disciplinary Appeals Boards shall not have jurisdiction to review such matters, other than as part of a mixed case (as defined in section 7462(a)(3) of this title).
(b) In the case of an employee who is a member of a collective bargaining unit under chapter 71 of title 5, the employee may seek review of an adverse action described in subsection (a) either under the grievance procedures provided through regulations prescribed under subsection (a) or through grievance procedures determined through collective bargaining, but not under both. The employee shall elect which grievance procedure to follow. Any such election may not be revoked.
(c)(1) In any case in which charges are brought against a section 7401(1) employee which could result in a major adverse action and which do not involve professional conduct or competence, the employee is entitled to the same notice and opportunity to answer with respect to those charges as provided in subparagraphs (A) and (B) of section 7462(b)(1) of this title.
(2) In any other case in which charges are brought against a section 7401(1) employee, the employee is entitled to—
(A) an advance written notice stating the specific reason for the proposed action, and
(B) a reasonable time to answer orally and in writing and to furnish affidavits and other documentary evidence in support of the answer.
(d) Grievance procedures prescribed under subsection (a) shall include the following:
(1) A right to formal review by an impartial examiner within the Department of Veterans Affairs, who, in the case of an adverse action arising from a question of professional conduct or competence, shall be selected from the panel designated under section 7464 of this title.
(2) A right to a prompt report of the findings and recommendations by the impartial examiner.
(3) A right to a prompt review of the examiner's findings and recommendations by an official of a higher level than the official who decided upon the action. That official may accept, modify, or reject the examiner's recommendations.
(e) In any review of an adverse action under the grievance procedures prescribed under subsection (a), the employee is entitled to be represented by an attorney or other representative of the employee's choice at all stages of the case.
(Added Pub. L. 102–40, title II, §203(a), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 205.)
Provisions similar to those in this subchapter were contained in section 4110 of this title prior to the repeal of that section as part of the complete revision of chapter 73 of this title by Pub. L. 102–40.
This section is referred to in sections 7461, 7464 of this title.
(a) The Secretary shall from time to time appoint boards to hear appeals of major adverse actions described in section 7462 of this title. Such boards shall be known as Disciplinary Appeals Boards. Each board shall consist of three employees of the Department, each of whom shall be of the same grade as, or be senior in grade to, the employee who is appealing an adverse action. At least two of the members of each board shall be employed in the same category of position as the employee who is appealing the adverse action. Members of a board shall be appointed from individuals on the panel established under subsection (d).
(b)(1) In appointing a board for any case, the Secretary shall designate one of the members to be chairman and one of the members to be secretary of the board, each of whom shall have authority to administer oaths.
(2) Appointment of boards, and the proceedings of such boards, shall be carried out under regulations prescribed by the Secretary. A verbatim record shall be maintained of board hearings.
(c)(1) Notwithstanding sections 5701 and 7332 of this title, the chairman of a board, upon request of an employee whose case is under consideration by the board (or a representative of that employee) may, in connection with the considerations of the board, review records or information covered by those sections and may authorize the disclosure of such records or information to that employee (or representative) to the extent the board considers appropriate for purposes of the proceedings of the board in that case.
(2) In any such case the board chairman may direct that measures be taken to protect the personal privacy of individuals whose records are involved. Any person who uses or discloses a record or information covered by this subsection for any purpose other than in connection with the proceedings of the board shall be fined not more than $5,000 in the case of a first offense and not more than $20,000 in the case of a subsequent offense.
(d)(1) The Secretary shall provide for the periodic designation of employees of the Department who are qualified to serve on Disciplinary Appeals Boards. Those employees shall constitute the panel from which board members in a case are appointed. The Secretary shall provide (without charge) a list of the names of employees on the panel to any person requesting such list.
(2) The Secretary shall announce periodically, and not less often than annually, that the roster of employees on the panel is available as described in paragraph (1). Such announcement shall be made at Department medical facilities and through publication in the Federal Register. Notice of a name being on the list must be provided at least 30 days before the individual selected may serve on a Board or as a grievance examiner. Employees, employee organizations, and other interested parties may submit comments to the Secretary concerning the suitability for service on the panel of any employee whose name is on the list.
(3) The Secretary shall provide training in the functions and duties of Disciplinary Appeals Boards and grievance procedures under section 7463 of this title for employees selected to be on the panel.
(Added Pub. L. 102–40, title II, §203(a), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 206.)
Provisions similar to those in this subchapter were contained in section 4110 of this title prior to the repeal of that section as part of the complete revision of chapter 73 of this title by Pub. L. 102–40.
This section is referred to in sections 7462, 7463 of this title.
(a) In carrying out the Secretary's functions under section 7302 of this title with regard to the training of health personnel, the Secretary shall implement a program under which the Secretary shall designate as Regional Medical Education Centers such Department hospitals as the Secretary determines appropriate to carry out the provisions of this subchapter.
(b) Each Regional Medical Education Center (hereinafter in this subchapter referred to as “Center”) designated under subsection (a) shall provide continuing medical and related education programs for personnel eligible for training under this subchapter. Such programs shall include the following:
(1) The teaching of newly developed medical skills and the use of newly developed medical technologies and equipment.
(2) Advanced clinical instruction.
(3) The opportunity for conducting clinical investigations.
(4) Clinical demonstrations in the use of new types of health personnel and in the better use of the skills of existing health personnel.
(5) Routine verification of basic medical skills and, where determined necessary, remediation of any deficiency in such skills.
(Added Pub. L. 102–40, title IV, §401(b)(5), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 237.)
Provisions similar to those in this section were contained in section 4121 of this title prior to the repeal of that section as part of the complete revision of chapter 73 of this title by Pub. L. 102–40.
(a) Centers shall be operated under the supervision of the Under Secretary for Health and shall be staffed with personnel qualified to provide the highest quality instruction and training in various medical and health care disciplines.
(b) As a means of providing appropriate recognition to persons in the career service of the Administration who possess outstanding qualifications in a particular medical or health care discipline, the Under Secretary for Health shall from time to time and for such period as the Under Secretary for Health considers appropriate assign such persons to serve as visiting instructors at Centers.
(c) Whenever the Under Secretary for Health considers it necessary for the effective conduct of the program provided for under this subchapter, the Under Secretary for Health may contract for the services of highly qualified medical and health personnel from outside the Department to serve as instructors at such Centers.
(Added Pub. L. 102–40, title IV, §401(b)(5), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 237; amended Pub. L. 102–405, title III, §302(c)(1), Oct. 9, 1992, 106 Stat. 1984.)
Provisions similar to those in this section were contained in section 4122 of this title prior to the repeal of that section as part of the complete revision of chapter 73 of this title by Pub. L. 102–40.
1992—Pub. L. 102–405 substituted “Under Secretary for Health” for “Chief Medical Director” wherever appearing.
(a) The Under Secretary for Health shall determine the manner in which personnel are to be selected for training in the Centers. Preference shall be given to career personnel of the Administration.
(b) To the extent that facilities are available medical and health personnel from outside the Administration may, on a reimbursable basis, be provided training in the Centers. Such reimbursement may include reciprocal training of personnel of the Administration provided under sharing arrangements entered into by the Under Secretary for Health and the heads of the entities providing such reciprocal training. Any amounts received by the United States as reimbursement under this subsection shall be credited to the applicable Department medical appropriation account.
(Added Pub. L. 102–40, title IV, §401(b)(5), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 237; amended Pub. L. 102–405, title III, §302(c)(1), Oct. 9, 1992, 106 Stat. 1984.)
Provisions similar to those in this section were contained in section 4123 of this title prior to the repeal of that section as part of the complete revision of chapter 73 of this title by Pub. L. 102–40.
1992—Pub. L. 102–405 substituted “Under Secretary for Health” for “Chief Medical Director” in subsecs. (a) and (b).
The Under Secretary for Health shall carry out this subchapter after consultation with the special medical advisory group established pursuant to section 7312(a) of this title.
(Added Pub. L. 102–40, title IV, §401(b)(5), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 238; amended Pub. L. 102–405, title III, §302(c)(1), Oct. 9, 1992, 106 Stat. 1984.)
Provisions similar to those in this section were contained in section 4124 of this title prior to the repeal of that section as part of the complete revision of chapter 73 of this title by Pub. L. 102–40.
1992—Pub. L. 102–405 substituted “Under Secretary for Health” for “Chief Medical Director”.
Former chapter 75 which consisted of sections 4201 to 4210 was renumbered chapter 78 of this title and transferred to follow chapter 76 of this title, and sections 4201 to 4210 were renumbered sections 7801 to 7810 of this title, respectively.
1991—Pub. L. 102–40, title IV, §402(c)(1), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 239, renumbered items 4301 to 4355 as 7601 to 7655, respectively.
1990—Pub. L. 101–366, title II, §205(a)(2), Aug. 15, 1990, 104 Stat. 440, added heading for subchapter V and items 4351 to 4355.
This chapter is referred to in section 7431 of this title.
(a) There is hereby established a program to be known as the Department of Veterans Affairs Health Professionals Educational Assistance Program (hereinafter in this chapter referred to as the “Educational Assistance Program”). The program consists of—
(1) the scholarship program provided for in subchapter II of this chapter;
(2) the tuition reimbursement program provided for in subchapter III of this chapter; and
(3) the Selected Reserve member stipend program provided for under subchapter V of this chapter.
(b) The purpose of the Educational Assistance Program is to assist in providing an adequate supply of trained health-care personnel for the Department and the Nation.
(Added Pub. L. 100–322, title II, §216(b), May 20, 1988, 102 Stat. 518, §4301; amended Pub. L. 101–366, title II, §205(c)(1), Aug. 15, 1990, 104 Stat. 441; renumbered §7601, Pub. L. 102–40, title IV, §402(b)(1), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 238; Pub. L. 102–83, §4(a)(2)(B)(vi), (3), (4), Aug. 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 403, 404; Pub. L. 103–446, title XII, §1201(e)(25), Nov. 2, 1994, 108 Stat. 4686.)
1994—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 103–446 substituted semicolon for comma at end.
1991—Pub. L. 102–40 renumbered section 4301 of this title as this section.
Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 102–83, §4(a)(2)(B)(vi), substituted “Department of Veterans Affairs” for “Veterans’ Administration” in introductory provisions.
Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 102–83, §4(a)(3), (4), substituted “Department” for “Veterans’ Administration”.
1990—Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 101–366 added par. (3).
Pub. L. 102–585, title V, §523(b), Nov. 4, 1992, 106 Stat. 4959, provided that: “Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs may not provide payments to health-care professional employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs for payment of tuition loans.”
Pub. L. 102–389, title I, Oct. 6, 1992, 106 Stat. 1574, provided in part for an appropriation: “For payment of outstanding tuition loans to Department of Veterans Affairs health care professional employees (excluding physicians and dentists) who agree to remain in service for one year or more, $5,000,000, to remain available until September 30, 1994: Provided, That the Secretary, in order to recruit and retain such employees, may make such payments, not to exceed $3,000 during any calendar year, or $12,000 in total, to any such employee who has an outstanding tuition loan from an educational institution approved by the Secretary that has led to a degree in the health care occupation in which such individual is employed: Provided further, That no payment shall be made in advance: Provided further, That regulations shall be promulgated by the Secretary to implement this program.”
(a)(1) To be eligible to participate in the Educational Assistance Program under subchapter I or II of this chapter, an individual must be accepted for enrollment or be currently enrolled as a student at a qualifying educational institution in a course of education or training that is approved by the Secretary and that leads toward completion of a degree in a field of education or training for which a scholarship may be awarded under subchapter II of this chapter or for which tuition reimbursement may be provided under subchapter III of this chapter.
(2) A qualifying educational institution for purposes of this section is an educational institution that is in a State and that (as determined by the Secretary) is an accredited institution.
(b) An individual is not eligible to apply to participate in the Educational Assistance Program under subchapter I or II of this chapter if the individual is obligated under any other Federal program to perform service after completion of the course of education or training of such individual referred to in subsection (a) of this section.
(Added Pub. L. 100–322, title II, §216(b), May 20, 1988, 102 Stat. 518, §4302; amended Pub. L. 101–366, title II, §205(c)(2), Aug. 15, 1990, 104 Stat. 441; renumbered §7602, Pub. L. 102–40, title IV, §402(b)(1), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 238; Pub. L. 102–83, §4(b)(1), (2)(E), Aug. 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 404, 405.)
1991—Pub. L. 102–40 renumbered section 4302 of this title as this section.
Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 102–83 substituted “Secretary” for “Administrator” in pars. (1) and (2).
1990—Subsecs. (a)(1), (b). Pub. L. 101–366 inserted “under subchapter I or II of this chapter” after “Educational Assistance Program”.
This section is referred to in section 7612 of this title.
(a) To apply to participate in the Educational Assistance Program, an individual shall submit to the Secretary an application for such participation together with an agreement described in section 7604 of this title under which the participant agrees to serve a period of obligated service in the Veterans Health Administration as provided in the agreement in return for payment of educational assistance as provided in the agreement.
(b)(1) An individual becomes a participant in the Educational Assistance Program upon the Secretary's approval of the individual's application and the Secretary's acceptance of the agreement.
(2) Upon the Secretary's approval of an individual's participation in the program, the Secretary shall promptly notify the individual of that approval. Such notice shall be in writing.
(c)(1) In distributing application forms and agreement forms to individuals desiring to participate in the Educational Assistance Program, the Secretary shall include with such forms the following:
(A) A fair summary of the rights and liabilities of an individual whose application is approved (and whose agreement is accepted) by the Secretary, including a clear explanation of the damages to which the United States is entitled if the individual breaches the agreement.
(B) A full description of the terms and conditions that apply to participation in the Educational Assistance Program and service in the Veterans Health Administration.
(2) The Secretary shall make such application forms and other information available to individuals desiring to participate in the Educational Assistance Program on a date sufficiently early to allow such individuals adequate time to prepare and submit such forms.
(d) In selecting applicants for acceptance in the Educational Assistance Program, the Secretary shall give priority to the applications of individuals who have previously received educational assistance under the program and have not completed the course of education or training undertaken under such program.
(Added Pub. L. 100–322, title II, §216(b), May 20, 1988, 102 Stat. 518, §4303; renumbered §7603 and amended Pub. L. 102–40, title IV, §402(b)(1), (d)(1), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 238, 239; Pub. L. 102–83, §4(b)(1), (2)(E), Aug. 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 404, 405; Pub. L. 103–446, title XII, §1201(b)(1), Nov. 2, 1994, 108 Stat. 4682.)
1994—Subsecs. (a), (c)(1)(B). Pub. L. 103–446 substituted “Veterans Health Administration” for “Department of Medicine and Surgery”.
1991—Pub. L. 102–40, §402(b)(1), renumbered section 4303 of this title as this section.
Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 102–83 substituted “Secretary” for “Administrator”.
Pub. L. 102–40, §402(d)(1), substituted “7604” for “4304”.
Subsecs. (b) to (d). Pub. L. 102–83 substituted “Secretary” for “Administrator” and “Secretary's” for “Administrator's” wherever appearing.
This section is referred to in sections 7612, 7616, 7617, 7622, 7623, 7652, 7653, 7654 of this title.
An agreement between the Secretary and a participant in the Educational Assistance Program shall be in writing, shall be signed by the participant, and shall include the following provisions:
(1) The Secretary's agreement—
(A) to provide the participant with educational assistance as authorized in subchapter II, III, or V of this chapter and specified in the agreement; and
(B) to afford the participant the opportunity for employment in the Veterans Health Administration (subject to the availability of appropriated funds for such purpose and other qualifications established in accordance with section 7402 of this title).
(2) The participant's agreement—
(A) to accept such educational assistance;
(B) to maintain enrollment and attendance in the course of training until completed;
(C) while enrolled in such course, to maintain an acceptable level of academic standing (as determined by the educational institution offering such course of training under regulations prescribed by the Secretary); and
(D) after completion of the course of training, to serve as a full-time employee in the Veterans Health Administration as specified in the agreement in accordance with subchapter II, III, or V of this chapter.
(3) A provision that any financial obligation of the United States arising out of an agreement entered into under this chapter, and any obligation of the participant which is conditioned on such agreement, is contingent upon funds being appropriated for educational assistance under this chapter.
(4) A statement of the damages to which the United States is entitled under this chapter for the participant's breach of the agreement.
(5) Such other terms as are required to be included in the agreement under subchapter II, III, or V of this chapter or as the Secretary may require consistent with the provisions of this chapter.
(Added Pub. L. 100–322, title II, §216(b), May 20, 1988, 102 Stat. 519, §4304; amended Pub. L. 101–366, title II, §205(c)(3), Aug. 15, 1990, 104 Stat. 441; renumbered §7604 and amended Pub. L. 102–40, title IV, §§402(b)(1), 403(b)(3), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 238, 239; Pub. L. 102–83, §4(b)(1), (2)(E), Aug. 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 404, 405; Pub. L. 103–446, title XII, §1201(b)(1), (e)(26), Nov. 2, 1994, 108 Stat. 4682, 4686.)
1994—Pub. L. 103–446, §1201(e)(26), substituted “subchapter II” for “subchapters II” in pars. (1)(A), (2)(D), and (5).
Pub. L. 103–446, §1201(b)(1), substituted “Veterans Health Administration” for “Department of Medicine and Surgery” in pars. (1)(B) and (2)(D).
1991—Pub. L. 102–40, §402(b)(1), renumbered section 4304 of this title as this section.
Pub. L. 102–83 substituted “Secretary” for “Administrator” and “Secretary's” for “Administrator's” wherever appearing.
Pub. L. 102–40, §403(b)(3), substituted “7402” for “4105” in par. (1)(B).
1990—Pars. (1)(A), (2)(D), (5). Pub. L. 101–366 substituted “subchapters II, III, or V” for “subchapter II or III”.
This section is referred to in sections 7603, 7612, 7622 of this title.
This subchapter is referred to in sections 7601, 7602, 7604 of this title.
As part of the Educational Assistance Program, the Secretary shall carry out a scholarship program under this subchapter. The program shall be known as the Department of Veterans Affairs Health Professional Scholarship Program (hereinafter in this chapter referred to as the “Scholarship Program”).
(Added Pub. L. 100–322, title II, §216(b), May 20, 1988, 102 Stat. 520, §4311; renumbered §7611, Pub. L. 102–40, title IV, §402(b)(1), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 238; amended Pub. L. 102–83, §4(a)(2)(B)(vi), (b)(1), (2)(E), Aug. 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 403–405.)
1991—Pub. L. 102–40 renumbered section 4311 of this title as this section.
Pub. L. 102–83 substituted “Secretary” for “Administrator” and “Department of Veterans Affairs” for “Veterans’ Administration”.
(a)(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, an individual must be accepted for enrollment or be enrolled (as described in section 7602 of this title) as a full-time student to be eligible to participate in the Scholarship Program.
(2) An individual who is an eligible Department employee may be accepted as a participant if accepted for enrollment or enrolled (as described in section 7602 of this title) for study on less than a full-time but not less than a half-time basis. (Such a participant is hereinafter in this subchapter referred to as a “part-time student”.)
(3) For the purposes of paragraph (2) of this subsection, an eligible Department employee is a full-time Department employee who is permanently assigned to a Department health-care facility on the date on which the individual submits the application referred to in section 7603 of this title and on the date on which the individual becomes a participant in the Scholarship Program.
(b)(1) A scholarship may be awarded under this subchapter only in a qualifying field of education or training.
(2) A qualifying field of education or training for purposes of this subchapter is education or training leading to employment (under section 7401 of this title) as any of the following:
(A) A physician, dentist, podiatrist, optometrist, nurse, physician assistant, or expanded function dental auxiliary.
(B) A psychologist described in section 7401(3) of this title or a certified or registered respiratory therapist, licensed physical therapist, or licensed practical or vocational nurse.
(3) The Secretary may designate additional fields of education or training as qualifying fields of education or training if the education or training leads to employment in a position which would qualify the individual for increased basic pay under subsection (a)(1) of section 7455 of this title for personnel described in subsection (a)(2)(B) of such section.
(4) Before awarding the initial scholarship in a course of education or training other than medicine or nursing, the Secretary shall notify the Committees on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and House of Representatives of the Secretary's intent to award a scholarship in such course of education or training. The notice shall include a statement of the reasons why the award of scholarships in that course of education or training is necessary to assist in providing the Department with an adequate supply of personnel in the health profession concerned. Any such notice shall be given not less than 60 days before the first such scholarship is awarded.
(5) In selecting applicants for the Scholarship Program, the Secretary—
(A) shall give priority to applicants who will be entering their final year in a course of training; and
(B) shall ensure an equitable allocation of scholarships to persons enrolled in the second year of a program leading to an associate degree in nursing.
(c)(1) An agreement between the Secretary and a participant in the Scholarship Program shall (in addition to the requirements set forth in section 7604 of this title) include the following:
(A) The Secretary's agreement to provide the participant with a scholarship under this subchapter for a specified number (from one to four) of school years during which the participant is pursuing a course of education or training described in section 7602 of this title.
(B) The participant's agreement to serve as a full-time employee in the Veterans Health Administration for a period of time (hereinafter in this subchapter referred to as the “period of obligated service”) of one calendar year for each school year or part thereof for which the participant was provided a scholarship under the Scholarship Program, but for not less than two years.
(2) In a case in which an extension is granted under section 7614(3) of this title, the number of years for which a scholarship may be provided under this subchapter shall be the number of school years provided for as a result of the extension.
(3) In the case of a participant who is a part-time student—
(A) the period of obligated service shall be reduced in accordance with the proportion that the number of credit hours carried by such participant in any such school year bears to the number of credit hours required to be carried by a full-time student in the course of training being pursued by the participant, but in no event to less than one year; and
(B) the agreement shall include the participant's agreement to maintain employment, while enrolled in such course of education or training, as a Department employee permanently assigned to a Department health-care facility.
(4) If a participant's period of obligated service is deferred under section 7616(b)(3)(A)(i) of this title, the agreement terms under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall provide for the participant to serve any additional period of obligated service that is prescribed by the Secretary under section 7616(b)(4)(B) of this title.
(Added Pub. L. 100–322, title II, §216(b), May 20, 1988, 102 Stat. 520, §4312; amended Pub. L. 101–237, title II, §207(a), Dec. 18, 1989, 103 Stat. 2068; renumbered §7612 and amended Pub. L. 102–40, title IV, §§402(b)(1), (d)(1), 403(b)(4), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 238, 239; Pub. L. 102–83, §4(a)(3), (4), (b)(1), (2)(E), Aug. 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 404, 405; Pub. L. 102–405, title II, §202(a), Oct. 9, 1992, 106 Stat. 1983; Pub. L. 103–446, title XII, §1201(b)(1), Nov. 2, 1994, 108 Stat. 4682.)
1994—Subsec. (c)(1)(B). Pub. L. 103–446 substituted “Veterans Health Administration” for “Department of Medicine and Surgery”.
1992—Subsec. (c)(1)(B). Pub. L. 102–405 inserted before period at end “, but for not less than two years”.
1991—Pub. L. 102–40, §402(b)(1), renumbered section 4312 of this title as this section.
Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 102–40, §402(d)(1), substituted “7602” for “4302”.
Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 102–83, §4(a)(3), (4), substituted “Department” for “Veterans’ Administration”.
Pub. L. 102–40, §402(d)(1), substituted “7602” for “4302”.
Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 102–83, §4(a)(3), (4), substituted “Department” for “Veterans’ Administration” wherever appearing.
Pub. L. 102–40, §402(d)(1), substituted “7603” for “4303”.
Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 102–40, §403(b)(4)(A), substituted “7401” for “4104” in introductory provisions and “7401(3)” for “4104(3)” in subpar. (B).
Subsec. (b)(3). Pub. L. 102–83, §4(b)(1), (2)(E), substituted “Secretary” for “Administrator”.
Pub. L. 102–40, §403(b)(4)(B), substituted “subsection (a)(1) of section 7455 of this title for personnel described in subsection (a)(2)(B) of such section” for “section 4107(g)(1)(B) of this title”.
Subsec. (b)(4). Pub. L. 102–83, §4(b)(1), (2)(E), substituted “Secretary” for “Administrator” and “Secretary's” for “Administrator's”.
Pub. L. 102–83, §4(a)(3), (4), substituted “Department” for “Veterans’ Administration”.
Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 102–83, §4(b)(1), (2)(E), substituted “Secretary” for “Administrator” in introductory provisions and “Secretary's” for “Administrator's” in subpar. (A).
Pub. L. 102–40, §402(d)(1), substituted “7604” for “4304” in introductory provisions and “7602” for “4302” in subpar. (A).
Subsec. (c)(2). Pub. L. 102–40, §402(d)(1), substituted “7614(3)” for “4314(3)”.
Subsec. (c)(3)(B). Pub. L. 102–83, §4(a)(3), (4), substituted “Department” for “Veterans’ Administration” in two places.
Subsec. (c)(4). Pub. L. 102–83, §4(b)(1), (2)(E), substituted “Secretary” for “Administrator”.
Pub. L. 102–40, §402(d)(1), substituted “7616(b)(3)(A)(i)” for “4316(b)(3)(A)(i)” and “7616(b)(4)(B)” for “4316(b)(4)(B)”.
1989—Subsec. (b)(5). Pub. L. 101–237 amended par. (5) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (5) read as follows: “In selecting applicants for the Scholarship Program, the Administrator shall give priority to the applications of individuals who will be entering their final year in a course of training.”
Section 202(b) of Pub. L. 102–405 provided that: “The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall apply to scholarship agreements entered into after the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 9, 1992].”
Section 207(b) of Pub. L. 101–237 provided that: “The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall provide for the implementation of the amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] beginning with scholarships awarded under section 4312 [now 7612] of title 38, United States Code, during 1990.”
(a) A scholarship provided to a participant in the Scholarship Program for a school year under the Scholarship Program shall consist of payment of the tuition of the participant for that school year, payment of other reasonable educational expenses (including fees, books, and laboratory expenses) for that school year, and a stipend determined under subsection (b) of this section.
(b) A stipend under this section for a school year shall be payment to the participant of not in excess of $485 per month (adjusted in accordance with section 7631 of this title) for each of the 12 consecutive months beginning with the first month of the school year, except that a stipend may not be paid to a participant who is a full-time employee of the Department. The stipend of a participant who is a part-time student shall be adjusted as provided in sections 7614(1) and 7614(2) of this title.
(c) The Secretary may arrange with an educational institution in which a participant in the Scholarship Program is enrolled for the payment to the educational institution of the amounts of tuition and other reasonable educational expenses described in subsection (a) of this section. Such payments may be made without regard to subsections (a) and (b) of section 3324 of title 31.
(Added Pub. L. 100–322, title II, §216(b), May 20, 1988, 102 Stat. 521, §4313; renumbered §7613 and amended Pub. L. 102–40, title IV, §402(b)(1), (d)(1), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 238, 239; Pub. L. 102–83, §4(a)(3), (4), (b)(1), (2)(E), Aug. 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 404, 405.)
1991—Pub. L. 102–40, §402(b)(1), renumbered section 4313 of this title as this section.
Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 102–83, §4(a)(3), (4), substituted “Department” for “Veterans’ Administration”.
Pub. L. 102–40, §402(d)(1), substituted “7631” for “4331” and “7614(1) and 7614(2)” for “4314(1) and “4314(2)”.
Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 102–83, §4(b)(1), (2)(E), substituted “Secretary” for “Administrator”.
This section is referred to in sections 7617, 7631 of this title.
In the case of a participant who is a part-time student—
(1) the maximum amount of the stipend payable to the participant shall be reduced in accordance with the proportion that the number of credit hours carried by such participant bears to the number of credit hours required to be carried by a full-time student in the course of education or training being pursued by the participant;
(2) a stipend may not be paid for any month during which the participant is not actually attending the course of training in which the participant is enrolled; and
(3) the Secretary may extend the period for which a scholarship may be awarded to the participant to a maximum of six school years if the Secretary determines that the extension would be in the best interest of the United States.
(Added Pub. L. 100–322, title II, §216(b), May 20, 1988, 102 Stat. 522, §4314; renumbered §7614, Pub. L. 102–40, title IV, §402(b)(1), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 238; amended Pub. L. 102–83, §4(b)(1), (2)(E), Aug. 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 404, 405.)
1991—Pub. L. 102–40 renumbered section 4314 of this title as this section.
Par. (3). Pub. L. 102–83 substituted “Secretary” for “Administrator” in two places.
This section is referred to in sections 7612, 7613 of this title.
Participants in the Scholarship Program shall not by reason of their participation in such program (1) be considered to be employees of the Federal Government, or (2) be counted against any personnel ceiling affecting the Veterans Health Administration.
(Added Pub. L. 100–322, title II, §216(b), May 20, 1988, 102 Stat. 522, §4315; renumbered §7615, Pub. L. 102–40, title IV, §402(b)(1), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 238; Pub. L. 103–446, title XII, §1201(b)(1), Nov. 2, 1994, 108 Stat. 4682.)
1994—Pub. L. 103–446 substituted “Veterans Health Administration” for “Department of Medicine and Surgery”.
1991—Pub. L. 102–40 renumbered section 4315 of this title as this section.
(a) Each participant in the Scholarship Program shall provide service as a full-time employee of the Department for the period of obligated service provided in the agreement of the participant entered into under section 7603 of this title. Such service shall be provided in the full-time clinical practice of such participant's profession or in another health-care position in an assignment or location determined by the Secretary.
(b)(1) Not later than 60 days before the participant's service commencement date, the Secretary shall notify the participant of that service commencement date. That date is the date for the beginning of the participant's period of obligated service.
(2) As soon as possible after the participant's service commencement date, the Secretary shall—
(A) in the case of a participant who is not a full-time employee in the Veterans Health Administration, appoint such participant as such an employee; and
(B) in the case of a participant who is an employee in the Veterans Health Administration but is not serving in a position for which such participant's course of education or training prepared such participant, assign such participant to such a position.
(3)(A)(i) In the case of a participant receiving a degree from a school of medicine, osteopathy, dentistry, optometry, or podiatry, the participant's service commencement date is the date upon which the participant becomes licensed to practice medicine, osteopathy, dentistry, optometry, or podiatry, as the case may be, in a State. However, the Secretary may, at the request of such participant, defer such date until the end of the period of time required for the participant to complete an internship or residency or other advanced clinical training. If the participant requests such a deferral, the Secretary shall notify the participant that such deferral could lead to an additional period of obligated service in accordance with paragraph (4) of this subsection.
(ii) No such period of internship or residency or other advanced clinical training shall be counted toward satisfying a period of obligated service under this subchapter.
(B) In the case of a participant receiving a degree from a school of nursing, the participant's service commencement date is the later of (i) the participant's course completion date, or (ii) the date upon which the participant becomes licensed as a registered nurse in a State.
(C) In the case of a participant not covered by subparagraph (A) or (B) of this paragraph, the participant's service commencement date is the later of (i) the participant's course completion date, or (ii) the date the participant meets any applicable licensure or certification requirements.
(4) A participant whose period of obligated service is deferred under paragraph (3)(A) of this subsection shall be required to undertake internship or residency or other advanced clinical training in an accredited program in an educational institution which is an affiliated institution (as defined in section 7423(d)(1) of this title) and with respect to which the affiliation agreement provides that all or part of the internship or residency or other advanced clinical training will be undertaken in a Department health-care facility. Such a participant may, at the discretion of the Secretary and upon the recommendation of the Under Secretary for Health, incur an additional period of obligated service—
(A) at the rate of one-half of a calendar year for each year of internship or residency or other advanced clinical training (or a proportionate ratio thereof), if the internship, residency, or advanced clinical training is in a medical specialty necessary to meet the health-care requirements of the Department (as determined under regulations prescribed by the Secretary); or
(B) at the rate of three-quarters of a calendar year for each year of internship or residency or other advanced clinical training (or a proportionate ratio thereof), if the internship, residency, or advanced clinical training is not in a medical specialty necessary to meet the health-care requirements of the Department (as determined under regulations prescribed by the Secretary).
(5) The Secretary shall by regulation prescribe the service commencement date for participants who were part-time students. Such regulations shall prescribe terms as similar as practicable to the terms set forth in paragraph (3) of this subsection.
(c)(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, a participant in the Scholarship Program shall be considered to have begun serving such participant's period of obligated service—
(A) on the date, after such participant's course completion date, on which such participant (in accordance with subsection (b) of this section) is appointed under this chapter as a full-time employee in the Veterans Health Administration; or
(B) if the participant is a full-time employee in the Veterans Health Administration on such course completion date, on the date thereafter on which such participant is assigned to a position for which such participant's course of training prepared such participant.
(2) A participant in the Scholarship Program who on such participant's course completion date is a full-time employee in the Veterans Health Administration serving in a capacity for which such participant's course of training prepared such participant shall be considered to have begun serving such participant's period of obligated service on such course completion date.
(3) For the purposes of this section, the term “course completion date” means the date on which a participant in the Scholarship Program completes such participant's course of education or training under the program.
(Added Pub. L. 100–322, title II, §216(b), May 20, 1988, 102 Stat. 522, §4316; renumbered §7616 and amended Pub. L. 102–40, title IV, §§402(b)(1), (d)(1), 403(b)(5), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 238–240; Pub. L. 102–83, §4(a)(3), (4), (b)(1), (2)(E), Aug. 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 404, 405; Pub. L. 102–405, title III, §302(c)(1), Oct. 9, 1992, 106 Stat. 1984; Pub. L. 103–446, title XII, §1201(b)(1), Nov. 2, 1994, 108 Stat. 4682.)
1994—Subsecs. (b)(2), (c)(1), (2). Pub. L. 103–446 substituted “Veterans Health Administration” for “Department of Medicine and Surgery” wherever appearing.
1992—Subsec. (b)(4). Pub. L. 102–405 substituted “Under Secretary for Health” for “Chief Medical Director”.
1991—Pub. L. 102–40, §402(b)(1), renumbered section 4316 of this title as this section.
Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 102–83, §4(b)(1), (2)(E), substituted “Secretary” for “Administrator”.
Pub. L. 102–83, §4(a)(3), (4), substituted “Department” for “Veterans’ Administration”.
Pub. L. 102–40, §402(d)(1), substituted “7603” for “4303”.
Subsec. (b)(1) to (3). Pub. L. 102–83, §4(b)(1), (2)(E), substituted “Secretary” for “Administrator” wherever appearing.
Subsec. (b)(4). Pub. L. 102–83, §4(b)(1), (2)(E), substituted “Secretary” for “Administrator” wherever appearing.
Pub. L. 102–83, §4(a)(3), (4), substituted “Department” for “Veterans’ Administration” wherever appearing.
Pub. L. 102–40, §403(b)(5), substituted “7423(d)(1)” for “4108(c)(1)” in introductory provisions.
Subsec. (b)(5). Pub. L. 102–83, §4(b)(1), (2)(E), substituted “Secretary” for “Administrator”.
This section is referred to in sections 7612, 7617 of this title.
(a) A participant in the Scholarship Program (other than a participant described in subsection (b) of this section) who fails to accept payment, or instructs the educational institution in which the participant is enrolled not to accept payment, in whole or in part, of a scholarship under the agreement entered into under section 7603 of this title shall be liable to the United States for liquidated damages in the amount of $1,500. Such liability is in addition to any period of obligated service or other obligation or liability under the agreement.
(b) A participant in the Scholarship Program shall be liable to the United States for the amount which has been paid to or on behalf of the participant under the agreement if any of the following occurs:
(1) The participant fails to maintain an acceptable level of academic standing in the educational institution in which the participant is enrolled (as determined by the educational institution under regulations prescribed by the Secretary).
(2) The participant is dismissed from such educational institution for disciplinary reasons.
(3) The participant voluntarily terminates the course of training in such educational institution before the completion of such course of training.
(4) The participant fails to become licensed to practice medicine, osteopathy, dentistry, podiatry, or optometry in a State, fails to become licensed as a registered nurse in a State, or fails to meet any applicable licensure requirement in the case of any other health-care personnel who provide either direct patient-care services or services incident to direct patient-care services, during a period of time determined under regulations prescribed by the Secretary.
(5) In the case of a participant who is a part-time student, the participant fails to maintain employment, while enrolled in the course of training being pursued by such participant, as a Department employee permanently assigned to a Department health-care facility.
Liability under this subsection is in lieu of any service obligation arising under the participant's agreement.
(c)(1) If a participant in the Scholarship Program breaches the agreement by failing (for any reason) to complete such participant's period of obligated service, the United States shall be entitled to recover from the participant an amount determined in accordance with the following formula:
In such formula:
(A) “A” is the amount the United States is entitled to recover.
(B) “Φ” is the sum of (i) the amounts paid under this subchapter to or on behalf of the participant, and (ii) the interest on such amounts which would be payable if at the time the amounts were paid they were loans bearing interest at the maximum legal prevailing rate, as determined by the Treasurer of the United States.
(C) “t” is the total number of months in the participant's period of obligated service, including any additional period of obligated service in accordance with section 7616(b)(4) of this title.
(D) “s” is the number of months of such period served by the participant in accordance with section 7613 of this title.
(2) Any amount of damages which the United States is entitled to recover under this section shall be paid to the United States within the one-year period beginning on the date of the breach of the agreement.
(Added Pub. L. 100–322, title II, §216(b), May 20, 1988, 102 Stat. 524, §4317; renumbered §7617 and amended Pub. L. 102–40, title IV, §402(b)(1), (d)(1), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 238, 239; Pub. L. 102–83, §4(a)(3), (4), (b)(1), (2)(E), Aug. 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 404, 405.)
1991—Pub. L. 102–40, §402(b)(1), renumbered section 4317 of this title as this section.
Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 102–40, §402(d)(1), substituted “7603” for “4303”.
Subsec. (b)(1), (4). Pub. L. 102–83, §4(b)(1), (2)(E), substituted “Secretary” for “Administrator”.
Subsec. (b)(5). Pub. L. 102–83, §4(a)(3), (4), substituted “Department” for “Veterans’ Administration” in two places.
Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 102–40, §402(d)(1), substituted “7616(b)(4)” for “4316(b)(4)” in subpar. (C) and “7613” for “4313” in subpar. (D).
This section is referred to in section 7655 of this title.
The Secretary may not furnish scholarships to new participants in the Scholarship Program after December 31, 1995.
(Added Pub. L. 100–322, title II, §216(b), May 20, 1988, 102 Stat. 525, §4318; renumbered §7618, Pub. L. 102–40, title IV, §402(b)(1), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 238; amended Pub. L. 102–83, §4(b)(1), (2)(E), Aug. 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 404, 405; Pub. L. 102–585, title V, §523(a), Nov. 4, 1992, 106 Stat. 4959.)
1992—Pub. L. 102–585 substituted “December 31, 1995” for “September 30, 1992”.
1991—Pub. L. 102–40 renumbered section 4318 of this title as this section.
Pub. L. 102–83 substituted “Secretary” for “Administrator”.
This subchapter is referred to in sections 7601, 7602, 7604 of this title.
As part of the Educational Assistance Program, the Secretary shall carry out a tuition reimbursement program under this subchapter. The program shall be known as the Department of Veterans Affairs Nurse Education Tuition Reimbursement Program (hereinafter in this chapter referred to as the “Tuition Reimbursement Program”).
(Added Pub. L. 100–322, title II, §216(b), May 20, 1988, 102 Stat. 525, §4321; renumbered §7621, Pub. L. 102–40, title IV, §402(b)(1), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 238; amended Pub. L. 102–83, §4(a)(2)(B)(vi), (b)(1), (2)(E), Aug. 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 403–405.)
1991—Pub. L. 102–40 renumbered section 4321 of this title as this section.
Pub. L. 102–83 substituted “Secretary” for “Administrator” and “Department of Veterans Affairs” for “Veterans’ Administration”.
(a) To be eligible to participate in the Tuition Reimbursement Program, an individual must be a full-time employee in the Department permanently assigned to a Department health-care facility and must be enrolled in a course of training offered by an institution approved by the Secretary leading toward completion of (1) an associate or higher degree in nursing, or (2) a masters degree or doctoral degree in nursing.
(b) In selecting applicants for acceptance in the Tuition Reimbursement Program, the Secretary (in addition to according priorities as set forth in section 7603(d) of this title) shall give special consideration and emphasis to individuals pursuing a course of study which will expedite an increase in the number of registered nurses employed by the Department. The Secretary shall then give priority, in the following order, to—
(1) individuals who have been employed as full-time employees in the Nursing Service in the Veterans Health Administration; and
(2) individuals who have previously received tuition reimbursement under the Tuition Reimbursement Program.
(c) An agreement between the Secretary and a participant in the Tuition Reimbursement Program shall (in addition to the requirements set forth in section 7604 of this title) contain the following:
(1) The Secretary's agreement to provide the participant with tuition reimbursement following successful completion (as determined, pursuant to regulations prescribed by the Secretary, by the educational institution involved) of (A) a course or courses required for the course of study described in subsection (a) of this section, or (B) a course or courses taken as necessary prerequisites for degree program enrollment if a letter regarding the potential enrollment of the participant from an appropriate official of the institution involved includes a statement specifying such prerequisites.
(2) The participant's agreement—
(A) to maintain employment, while enrolled in the course of training being pursued by such participant, as a full-time Department employee in the Veterans Health Administration permanently assigned to a Department health-care facility; and
(B) to continue to serve as a full-time employee in the Veterans Health Administration for one year (hereinafter in this subchapter referred to as the “period of obligated service”) after completion of the course for which the participant received tuition reimbursement.
(d) Tuition reimbursement provided to a participant in the Tuition Reimbursement Program may not exceed $2,000 per year (adjusted in accordance with section 7631 of this title).
(e) The Secretary may arrange with an educational institution pursuant to which such an institution would provide a course or courses at a Department health-care facility to participants in the Tuition Reimbursement Program. Under such an arrangement, the Secretary may agree to pay to the institution an amount not in excess of an amount determined by multiplying the number of participants in such a course by the amount of tuition reimbursement each participant would receive for enrolling and successfully completing such course.
(Added Pub. L. 100–322, title II, §216(b), May 20, 1988, 102 Stat. 525, §4322; renumbered §7622 and amended Pub. L. 102–40, title IV, §402(b)(1), (d)(1), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 238, 239; Pub. L. 102–54, §14(e)(9), June 13, 1991, 105 Stat. 287; Pub. L. 102–83, §4(a)(3), (4), (b)(1), (2)(E), Aug. 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 404, 405; Pub. L. 103–446, title XII, §1201(b), Nov. 2, 1994, 108 Stat. 4682.)
1994—Subsecs. (b)(1), (c)(2)(A). Pub. L. 103–446, §1201(b)(1), substituted “Veterans Health Administration” for “Department of Medicine and Surgery”.
Subsec. (c)(2)(B). Pub. L. 103–446, §1201(b)(2), substituted “the Veterans Health Administration” for “such Department”.
1991—Pub. L. 102–40, §402(b)(1), renumbered section 4322 of this title as this section.
Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 102–83, §4(b)(1), (2)(E), substituted “Secretary” for “Administrator”.
Pub. L. 102–83, §4(a)(3), (4), substituted “Department” for “Veterans’ Administration” in two places.
Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 102–83, §4(b)(1), (2)(E), substituted “Secretary” for “Administrator” in two places in introductory provisions.
Pub. L. 102–83, §4(a)(3), (4), substituted “Department” for “Veterans’ Administration” in introductory provisions.
Pub. L. 102–40, §402(d)(1), substituted “7603(d)” for “4303(d)”.
Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 102–83, §4(b)(1), (2)(E), substituted “Secretary” for “Administrator” in introductory provisions and in par. (1) and “Secretary's” for “Administrator's” in par. (1).
Pub. L. 102–40, §402(d)(1), substituted “7604” for “4304” in introductory provisions.
Pub. L. 102–83, §4(a)(3), (4), substituted “Department” for “Veterans’ Administration” in two places in par. (2)(A).
Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 102–54 amended subsec. (d) as in effect immediately before the enactment of Pub. L. 102–40 by inserting an open parenthesis before “adjusted in”.
Pub. L. 102–40, §402(d)(1), substituted “7631” for “4331”.
Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 102–83, §4(b)(1), (2)(E), substituted “Secretary” for “Administrator” in two places.
Pub. L. 102–83, §4(a)(3), (4), substituted “Department” for “Veterans’ Administration”.
This section is referred to in sections 7623, 7631 of this title.
(a) Each participant in the Tuition Reimbursement Program shall provide service in the full-time clinical practice of such participant's profession as a full-time employee of the Department for the period of obligated service provided in the agreement of such participant entered into under section 7603 of this title.
(b) A participant who on such participant's course completion date is a full-time employee in the Veterans Health Administration shall be considered to have begun serving such participant's period of obligated service on the course completion date.
(c) Except in the case of a participant whose tuition was paid pursuant to section 7622(e) of this title, if a participant in the Tuition Reimbursement Program fails to successfully complete a course, no reimbursement will be provided and no period of obligated service will be incurred.
(d) In the case of a participant whose tuition was paid pursuant to section 7622(e) of this title and who fails to complete the course involved, the period of obligation shall be of the same duration as it would have been if the participant had successfully completed the course and the course completion date shall be considered to be the date on which the participant's failure becomes an established fact.
(e) For the purposes of this section, the term “course completion date” means the date on which a participant in the Tuition Reimbursement Program completes such participant's course of training under the program.
(Added Pub. L. 100–322, title II, §216(b), May 20, 1988, 102 Stat. 526, §4323; amended Pub. L. 100–687, div. B, title XV, §1503(a)(3), Nov. 18, 1988, 102 Stat. 4134; renumbered §7623 and amended Pub. L. 102–40, title IV, §402(b)(1), (d)(1), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 238, 239; Pub. L. 102–83, §4(a)(3), (4), Aug. 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 404; Pub. L. 103–446, title XII, §1201(b)(1), Nov. 2, 1994, 108 Stat. 4682.)
1994—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 103–446 substituted “Veterans Health Administration” for “Department of Medicine and Surgery”.
1991—Pub. L. 102–40, §402(b)(1), renumbered section 4323 of this title as this section.
Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 102–83 substituted “Department” for “Veterans’ Administration”.
Pub. L. 102–40, §402(d)(1), substituted “7603” for “4303”.
Subsecs. (c), (d). Pub. L. 102–40, §402(d)(1), substituted “7622(e)” for “4322(e)”.
1988—Subsecs. (c), (d). Pub. L. 100–687 substituted “4322(e)” for “4322(f)”.
(a) A participant in the Tuition Reimbursement Program who fails to maintain employment as a Department employee permanently assigned to a Department health-care facility—
(1) may not be provided reimbursement for tuition for the course or courses in which the participant is enrolled; and
(2) in lieu of any service obligation arising from participation in the program, shall be liable to the United States for the amount which has been paid or is payable to or on behalf of the participant under the agreement, reduced by the proportion that the number of days served for completion of the service obligation bears to the total number of days in the participant's period of obligated service.
(b) Any amount of damages which the United States is entitled to recover under this section shall be paid to the United States within the one-year period beginning on the date of the breach of the agreement.
(Added Pub. L. 100–322, title II, §216(b), May 20, 1988, 102 Stat. 527, §4324; amended Pub. L. 100–687, div. B, title XV, §1503(a)(4), Nov. 18, 1988, 102 Stat. 4134; renumbered §7624, Pub. L. 102–40, title IV, §402(b)(1), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 238; Pub. L. 102–83, §4(a)(3), (4), Aug. 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 404.)
1991—Pub. L. 102–40 renumbered section 4324 of this title as this section.
Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 102–83 substituted “Department” for “Veterans’ Administration” in two places in introductory provisions.
1988—Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 100–687, §1503(a)(4)(A), substituted “participation in the program” for “completion of a course or courses in a previous semester or quarter”, inserted “or is payable” after “has been paid”, and inserted before period at end “, reduced by the proportion that the number of days served for completion of the service obligation bears to the total number of days in the participant's period of obligated service”.
Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 100–687, §1503(a)(4)(B), struck out par. (1) which related to formula to apply to recover amount from participant who breaches agreement by failing to complete period of obligated service, and struck out par. (2) designation before “Any amount”.
In determining the amount of funding to allocate to Department health-care facilities for any fiscal year in connection with the Tuition Reimbursement Program, the Secretary shall take into account (1) the personnel ceiling for that fiscal year for nursing personnel, and (2) the recruitment and retention needs of such facilities, as determined by the Secretary.
(Added Pub. L. 100–322, title II, §216(b), May 20, 1988, 102 Stat. 527, §4325; renumbered §7625, Pub. L. 102–40, title IV, §402(b)(1), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 238; amended Pub. L. 102–83, §4(a)(3), (4), (b)(1), (2)(E), Aug. 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 404, 405.)
1991—Pub. L. 102–40 renumbered section 4325 of this title as this section.
Pub. L. 102–83 substituted “Secretary” for “Administrator” in two places and substituted “Department” for “Veterans’ Administration”.
(a)(1) Whenever there is a general Federal pay increase, the Secretary shall increase the maximum monthly stipend amount, the maximum tuition reimbursement amount, and the maximum Selected Reserve member stipend amount. Any such increase shall take effect with respect to any school year that ends in the fiscal year in which the pay increase takes effect.
(2) The amount of any increase under paragraph (1) of this subsection is the previous maximum amount under that paragraph multiplied by the overall percentage of the adjustment in the rates of pay under the General Schedule made under the general Federal pay increase. Such amount shall be rounded to the next lower multiple of $1.
(b) For purposes of this section:
(1) The term “maximum monthly stipend amount” means the maximum monthly stipend that may be paid to a participant in the Scholarship Program specified in section 7613(b) of this title and as previously adjusted (if at all) in accordance with this subsection.
(2) The term “maximum tuition reimbursement amount” means the maximum amount of tuition reimbursement provided to a participant in the Tuition Reimbursement Program specified in section 7622(e) of this title and as previously adjusted (if at all) in accordance with this subsection.
(3) The term “maximum Selected Reserve member stipend amount” means the maximum amount of assistance provided to a person receiving assistance under subchapter V of this chapter, as specified in section 7653 of this title and as previously adjusted (if at all) in accordance with this subsection.
(4) The term “general Federal pay increase” means an adjustment (if an increase) in the rates of pay under the General Schedule under subchapter III of chapter 53 of title 5.
(Added Pub. L. 100–322, title II, §216(b), May 20, 1988, 102 Stat. 528, §4331; amended Pub. L. 101–366, title II, §205(b), Aug. 15, 1990, 104 Stat. 441; renumbered §7631 and amended Pub. L. 102–40, title IV, §402(b)(1), (d)(1), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 238, 239; Pub. L. 102–54, §14(e)(10), June 13, 1991, 105 Stat. 287; Pub. L. 102–83, §4(b)(1), (2)(E), Aug. 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 404, 405.)
1991—Pub. L. 102–40, §402(b)(1), renumbered section 4331 of this title as this section.
Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 102–83 substituted “Secretary” for “Administrator”.
Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 102–40, §402(d)(1), substituted “7613(b)” for “4313(b)”.
Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 102–40, §402(d)(1), substituted “7622(e)” for “4322(e)”.
Subsec. (b)(3). Pub. L. 102–40, §402(d)(1), substituted “7653” for “4353”.
Subsec. (b)(4). Pub. L. 102–54 amended subsec. (b)(4) as in effect immediately before the enactment of Pub. L. 102–40 by substituting “chapter 53” for “chapter 51”.
1990—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 101–366, §205(b)(1), substituted “stipend amount,” for “stipend amount and” and “reimbursement amount, and the maximum Selected Reserve member stipend amount” for “reimbursement amount”.
Subsec. (b)(3), (4). Pub. L. 101–366, §205(b)(2), added par. (3) and redesignated former par. (3) as (4).
Section 216(d) of Pub. L. 100–322 provided that: “Section 4331 [now 7631] of title 38, United States Code, as added by subsection (b), shall not apply with respect to a school year ending during fiscal year 1988.”
This section is referred to in sections 7613, 7622, 7653 of this title.
Not later than March 1 of each year, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report on the Educational Assistance Program. Each such report shall include the following information:
(1) The number of students receiving educational assistance under the Educational Assistance Program, showing the numbers of students receiving assistance under the Scholarship Program and the Tuition Reimbursement Program separately, and the number of students enrolled in each type of health profession training under each program.
(2) The education institutions providing such training to students in each program.
(3) The number of applications filed under each program, by health profession category, during the school year beginning in such year and the total number of such applications so filed for all years in which the Educational Assistance Program (or predecessor program) has been in existence.
(4) The average amounts of educational assistance provided per participant in the Scholarship Program and per participant in the Tuition Reimbursement Program.
(5) The amount of tuition and other expenses paid, by health profession category, in the aggregate and at each educational institution for the school year beginning in such year and for prior school years.
(6) The number of scholarships accepted, by health profession category, during the school year beginning in such year and the number, by health profession category, which were offered and not accepted.
(7) The number of participants who complete a course or course of training in each program each year and for all years that such program (or predecessor program) has been in existence.
(Added Pub. L. 100–322, title II, §216(b), May 20, 1988, 102 Stat. 528, §4332; renumbered §7632, Pub. L. 102–40, title IV, §402(b)(1), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 238; amended Pub. L. 102–83, §4(b)(1), (2)(E), Aug. 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 404, 405.)
1991—Pub. L. 102–40 renumbered section 4332 of this title as this section.
Pub. L. 102–83 substituted “Secretary” for “Administrator” in introductory provisions.
The Secretary shall prescribe regulations to carry out the Educational Assistance Program.
(Added Pub. L. 100–322, title II, §216(b), May 20, 1988, 102 Stat. 529, §4333; renumbered §7633, Pub. L. 102–40, title IV, §402(b)(1), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 238; amended Pub. L. 102–83, §4(b)(1), (2)(E), Aug. 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 404, 405.)
1991—Pub. L. 102–40 renumbered section 4333 of this title as this section.
Pub. L. 102–83 substituted “Secretary” for “Administrator”.
(a) An obligation under the Educational Assistance Program (or an agreement under the program) of a participant in the Educational Assistance Program for performance of services or payment of damages is canceled upon the death of the participant.
(b) The Secretary shall prescribe regulations providing for the waiver or suspension of any obligation of a participant for service or payment under the Educational Assistance Program (or an agreement under the program) whenever noncompliance by the participant is due to circumstances beyond the control of the participant or whenever the Secretary determines that the waiver or suspension of compliance is in the best interest of the United States.
(c) An obligation of a participant under the Educational Assistance Program (or an agreement thereunder) for payment of damages may not be released by a discharge in bankruptcy under title 11 before the expiration of the five-year period beginning on the first date the payment of such damages is due.
(Added Pub. L. 100–322, title II, §216(b), May 20, 1988, 102 Stat. 529, §4334; renumbered §7634, Pub. L. 102–40, title IV, §402(b)(1), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 238; amended Pub. L. 102–83, §4(b)(1), (2)(E), Aug. 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 404, 405.)
1991—Pub. L. 102–40 renumbered section 4334 of this title as this section.
Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 102–83 substituted “Secretary” for “Administrator” in two places.
(a) The Secretary, with the consent of the participant or individual involved and the consent of the head of the department or agency involved, may permit—
(1) a period of obligated service required under this chapter to be performed in the Veterans Health Administration to be performed in another Federal department or agency or in the Armed Forces in lieu of performance of such service in the Veterans Health Administration; and
(2) a period of obligated service required to be performed in another Federal department or agency or in the Armed Forces under another Federal health personnel educational assistance program to be performed in the Veterans Health Administration.
(b) This section shall be carried out in cooperation with the heads of other appropriate departments and agencies.
(Added Pub. L. 100–322, title II, §216(b), May 20, 1988, 102 Stat. 529, §4335; renumbered §7635, Pub. L. 102–40, title IV, §402(b)(1), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 238; amended Pub. L. 102–83, §4(b)(1), (2)(E), Aug. 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 404, 405; Pub. L. 103–446, title XII, §1201(b)(1), Nov. 2, 1994, 108 Stat. 4682.)
1994—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 103–446 substituted “Veterans Health Administration” for “Department of Medicine and Surgery” wherever appearing.
1991—Pub. L. 102–40 renumbered section 4335 of this title as this section.
Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 102–83 substituted “Secretary” for “Administrator” in introductory provisions.
Notwithstanding any other law, any payment to, or on behalf of a participant in the Educational Assistance Program, for tuition, education expenses, or a stipend under this chapter shall be exempt from taxation.
(Added Pub. L. 100–322, title II, §216(b), May 20, 1988, 102 Stat. 529, §4336; renumbered §7636, Pub. L. 102–40, title IV, §402(b)(1), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 238.)
1991—Pub. L. 102–40 renumbered section 4336 of this title as this section.
This subchapter is referred to in sections 7601, 7604, 7631 of this title.
(a) As part of the Educational Assistance Program, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs may select qualified individuals to receive assistance under this subchapter.
(b) To be eligible to receive assistance under this subchapter, an individual must be accepted for enrollment or be enrolled as a full-time student at a qualifying educational institution in a course of education or training that is approved by the Secretary and that leads toward completion of a degree in a health profession involving direct patient care or care incident to direct patient care.
(Added Pub. L. 101–366, title II, §205(a)(1), Aug. 15, 1990, 104 Stat. 439, §4351; renumbered §7651, Pub. L. 102–40, title IV, §402(b)(1), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 238.)
1991—Pub. L. 102–40 renumbered section 4351 of this title as this section.
The Secretary of Veterans Affairs may not approve an application under section 7603 of this title of an individual applying to receive assistance under this subchapter unless—
(1) the individual is entitled to benefits under chapter 106 of title 10; and
(2) the score of the individual on the Armed Forces Qualification Test was above the 50th percentile.
(Added Pub. L. 101–366, title II, §205(a)(1), Aug. 15, 1990, 104 Stat. 440, §4352; renumbered §7652 and amended Pub. L. 102–40, title IV, §402(b)(1), (d)(1), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 238, 239.)
1991—Pub. L. 102–40 renumbered section 4352 of this title as this section and substituted “7603” for “4303” in introductory provisions.
The Secretary may pay to a person selected to receive assistance under this subchapter the amount of $400 (adjusted in accordance with section 7631 of this title) for each month of the person's enrollment in a program of education or training covered by the agreement of the person entered into under section 7603 of this title. Payment of such benefits for any period shall be coordinated with any payment of benefits for the same period under chapter 106 of title 10.
(Added Pub. L. 101–366, title II, §205(a)(1), Aug. 15, 1990, 104 Stat. 440, §4353; renumbered §7653 and amended Pub. L. 102–40, title IV, §402(b)(1), (d)(1), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 238, 239.)
1991—Pub. L. 102–40 renumbered section 4353 of this title as this section and substituted “7631” for “4331” and “7603” for “4303”.
This section is referred to in section 7631 of this title.
A person receiving assistance under this subchapter shall provide service in the full-time clinical practice of the person's profession as a full-time employee of the Department for the period of obligated service provided in the agreement of such person entered into under section 7603 of this title.
(Added Pub. L. 101–366, title II, §205(a)(1), Aug. 15, 1990, 104 Stat. 440, §4354; renumbered §7654 and amended Pub. L. 102–40, title IV, §402(b)(1), (d)(1), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 238, 239.)
1991—Pub. L. 102–40 renumbered section 4354 of this title as this section and substituted “7603” for “4303”.
This section is referred to in section 7655 of this title.
(a)(1) Subject to paragraph (2), an individual who is receiving or has received a reserve member stipend under this subchapter and who fails to perform the service for which the individual is obligated under section 7654 of this title shall be liable to the United States in an amount determined in accordance with section 7617(c)(1) of this title.
(2) An individual who, as a result of performing active duty (including active duty for training), is unable to perform the service for which the individual is obligated under section 7654 of this title shall be permitted to perform that service upon completion of the active duty service (or active duty for training). The Secretary may, by regulation, waive the requirement for the performance of the service for which the individual is obligated under section 7654 of this title in any case in which the Secretary determines that the individual is unable to perform the service for reasons beyond the control of the individual or in any case in which the waiver would be in the best interest of the individual and the United States.
(b) Any amount owed the United States under subsection (a) of this section shall be paid to the United States during the one-year period beginning on the date of the breach of the agreement.
(Added Pub. L. 101–366, title II, §205(a)(1), Aug. 15, 1990, 104 Stat. 440, §4355; renumbered §7655 and amended Pub. L. 102–40, title IV, §402(b)(1), (d)(1), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 238, 239.)
1991—Pub. L. 102–40, §402(b)(1), renumbered section 4355 of this title as this section.
Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 102–40, §402(d)(1), substituted “7654” for “4354” and “7617(c)(1)” for “4317(c)(1)”.
Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 102–40, §402(d)(1), substituted “7654” for “4354” in two places.
This chapter is referred to in sections 317, 318 of this title.
(a) There is in the Department of Veterans Affairs a Veterans Benefits Administration. The primary function of the Veterans Benefits Administration is the administration of nonmedical benefits programs of the Department which provide assistance to veterans and their dependents and survivors.
(b) The Veterans Benefits Administration is under the Under Secretary for Benefits, who is directly responsible to the Secretary for the operations of the Administration. The Under Secretary for Benefits may be referred to as the Chief Benefits Director.
(Added Pub. L. 102–83, §2(b), Aug. 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 399; amended Pub. L. 102–405, title III, §302(c)(1), (3), Oct. 9, 1992, 106 Stat. 1984.)
1992—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 102–405 substituted “Under Secretary for Benefits” for “Chief Benefits Director” and inserted at end “The Under Secretary for Benefits may be referred to as the Chief Benefits Director.”
The Veterans Benefits Administration is responsible for the administration of the following programs of the Department:
(1) Compensation and pension programs.
(2) Vocational rehabilitation and educational assistance programs.
(3) Veterans’ housing loan programs.
(4) Veterans’ and servicemembers’ life insurance programs.
(5) Outreach programs and other veterans’ services programs.
(Added Pub. L. 102–83, §2(b), Aug. 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 399.)
This subchapter is referred to in sections 3485, 4103 of this title.
(a) The Congress declares that the outreach services program authorized by this subchapter is for the purpose of ensuring that all veterans (especially those who have been recently discharged or released from active military, naval, or air service and those who are eligible for readjustment or other benefits and services under laws administered by the Department) are provided timely and appropriate assistance to aid and encourage them in applying for and obtaining such benefits and services in order that they may achieve a rapid social and economic readjustment to civilian life and obtain a higher standard of living for themselves and their dependents. The Congress further declares that the outreach services program authorized by this subchapter is for the purpose of charging the Department with the affirmative duty of seeking out eligible veterans and eligible dependents and providing them with such services.
(b) For the purposes of this subchapter—
(1) the term “other governmental programs” includes all programs under State or local laws as well as all programs under Federal law other than those authorized by this title; and
(2) the term “eligible dependent” means an “eligible person” as defined in section 3501(a)(1) of this title.
(Added Pub. L. 102–83, §2(b), Aug. 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 400.)
Provisions similar to those in this section were contained in section 240 of this title prior to repeal by Pub. L. 102–83, §2(a).
Pub. L. 103–446, title X, §1001(a), (b), Nov. 2, 1994, 108 Stat. 4678, 4679, provided that:
“(a)
“(2) The report shall—
“(A) set forth the number of homeless veterans provided assistance under those programs;
“(B) describe the cost to the Department of providing such assistance under those programs; and
“(C) provide any other information on those programs and on the provision of such assistance that the Secretary considers appropriate.
“(b)
Pub. L. 102–590, §§2–4, Nov. 10, 1992, 106 Stat. 5136–5139, as amended by Pub. L. 103–446, title X, §1003, Nov. 2, 1994, 108 Stat. 4679, provided that:
“(a)
“(b)
“(c)
“(1) no more than 45 sites at which the Secretary provides services to homeless chronically mentally ill veterans pursuant to section 115 of Public Law 100–322 (38 U.S.C. 1712 note);
“(2) no more than 26 sites at which the Secretary furnishes domiciliary care to homeless veterans pursuant to section 801(b) of Public Law 100–628 (102 Stat. 3257);
“(3) no more than 12 centers which provide readjustment counseling services under section 1712A of title 38, United States Code; and
“(4) each of the demonstration sites established under subsection (b).
“(a)
“(b)
“(1) Specification as to the kinds of projects for which such grant support is available, which shall include (A) expansion, remodeling, or alteration of existing buildings, or acquisition of facilities, for use as service centers, transitional housing, or other facilities to serve homeless veterans, and (B) procurement of vans for use in outreach to, and transportation for, homeless veterans to carry out the purposes set forth in subsection (a).
“(2) Specification as to the number of projects for which grant support is available, which shall include provision for no more than 25 service centers and no more than 20 programs which incorporate the procurement of vans as described in paragraph (1).
“(3) Appropriate criteria for the staffing for the provision of the services for which a grant under this section is furnished.
“(4) Provisions to ensure that the award of grants under this section (A) shall not result in duplication of ongoing services, and (B) to the maximum extent practicable, shall reflect appropriate geographic dispersion and an appropriate balance between urban and nonurban locations.
“(5) Provisions to ensure that an entity receiving a grant shall meet fire and safety requirements established by the Secretary, which shall include such State and community requirements that may apply, but fire and safety requirements applicable to buildings of the Federal Government shall not apply to real property to be used by a grantee in carrying out the grant.
“(6) Specifications as to the means by which an entity receiving a grant may contribute in-kind services to the start-up costs of any project for which support is sought and the methodology for assigning a cost to that contribution for purposes of subsection (c).
“(c)
“(d)
“(1) is a public or nonprofit private entity with the capacity (as determined by the Secretary) to effectively administer a grant under this section;
“(2) has demonstrated that adequate financial support will be available to carry out the project for which the grant has been sought consistent with the plans, specifications, and schedule submitted by the applicant; and
“(3) has agreed to meet the applicable criteria and requirements established under subsection (b) (and the Secretary has determined that the applicant has demonstrated the capacity to meet those criteria and requirements).
“(e)
“(1) the amount of the grant requested with respect to a project;
“(2) a description of the site for such project;
“(3) plans, specifications, and the schedule for implementation of such project in accordance with requirements prescribed by the Secretary under subsection (b); and
“(4) reasonable assurance that upon completion of the work for which assistance is sought, the program will become operational and the facilities will be used principally to provide to veterans the services for which the project was designed, and that not more than 25 percent of the services provided will serve clients who are not receiving such services as veterans.
“(f)
“(1) To provide the services for which the grant is furnished at locations accessible to homeless veterans.
“(2) To maintain referral networks for, and aid homeless veterans in, establishing eligibility for assistance, and obtaining services, under available entitlement and assistance programs.
“(3) To ensure the confidentiality of records maintained on homeless veterans receiving services under the grant.
“(4) To establish such procedures for fiscal control and fund accounting as may be necessary to ensure proper disbursement and accounting with respect to the grant and to such payments as may be made under section 4.
“(5) To seek to employ homeless veterans and formerly homeless veterans in positions created for purposes of the grant for which those veterans are qualified.
“(g)
“(1) such center shall provide services to homeless veterans during such hours as the Secretary may specify and shall be open to such veterans on an as-needed, unscheduled basis;
“(2) space at such center will be made available, as mutually agreeable, for use by staff of the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Labor, and other appropriate agencies and organizations in assisting homeless veterans served by such center;
“(3) such center shall be equipped and staffed to provide, or to assist in providing, health care, mental health services, hygiene facilities, benefits and employment counseling, meals, transportation assistance, and such other services as the Secretary determines necessary; and
“(4) such center may be equipped and staffed to provide, or to assist in providing, job training and job placement services (including job readiness, job counseling, and literacy and skills training), as well as any outreach and case management services that may be necessary to carry out this paragraph.
“(a)
“(1) whom the Secretary has referred to the grant recipient (or entity eligible for such a grant); or
“(2) for whom the Secretary has authorized the provision of services.
In a case in which the Secretary has authorized the provision of services, per diem payments may be paid retroactively for services provided not more than 3 days before the authorization was provided.
“(b)
“(c)
“(d)
Pub. L. 102–590, §10, Nov. 10, 1992, 106 Stat. 5141, directed Secretary of Veterans Affairs, not later than May 1 of each of 1994, 1995, and 1996, to submit to Committees on Veterans’ Affairs of Senate and House of Representatives a report on implementation of Pub. L. 102–590, including information on (1) number of veterans assisted, (2) services provided, and (3) Secretary's analysis of operational and clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of programs established under, or with assistance provided by, Pub. L. 102–590, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 103–446, title X, §1001(c), Nov. 2, 1994, 108 Stat. 4679.
Pub. L. 102–590, §12, Nov. 10, 1992, 106 Stat. 5142, as amended by Pub. L. 103–446, title X, §1004, Nov. 2, 1994, 108 Stat. 4679, provided that: “There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this Act [see Short Title of 1992 Amendment note set out under section 101 of this title] (other than section 8 [amending section 3735 of this title]) $48,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 1993, 1994, and 1995. Nothing in this Act shall be construed to diminish funds for, continuation of, or expansion of existing programs administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to serve veterans.”
(a) In carrying out the purposes of this subchapter, the Secretary shall provide the outreach services specified in subsections (b) through (d). In areas where a significant number of eligible veterans and eligible dependents speak a language other than English as their principal language, such services shall, to the maximum feasible extent, be provided in the principal language of such persons.
(b) The Secretary shall by letter advise each veteran at the time of the veteran's discharge or release from active military, naval, or air service (or as soon as possible after such discharge or release) of all benefits and services under laws administered by the Department for which the veteran may be eligible. In carrying out this subsection, the Secretary shall ensure, through the use of veteran-student services under section 3485 of this title, that contact, in person or by telephone, is made with those veterans who, on the basis of their military service records, do not have a high school education or equivalent at the time of discharge or release.
(c) The Secretary shall distribute full information to eligible veterans and eligible dependents regarding all benefits and services to which they may be entitled under laws administered by the Department and may, to the extent feasible, distribute information on other governmental programs (including manpower and training programs) which the Secretary determines would be beneficial to veterans.
(d) The Secretary shall provide, to the maximum extent possible, aid and assistance (including personal interviews) to members of the Armed Forces, veterans, and eligible dependents with respect to subsections (b) and (c) and in the preparation and presentation of claims under laws administered by the Department.
(e) In carrying out this section, the Secretary shall assign such employees of the Veterans Benefits Administration as the Secretary considers appropriate to conduct outreach programs and provide outreach services for homeless veterans. Such outreach services may include site visits through which homeless veterans can be identified and provided assistance in obtaining benefits and services that may be available to them.
(Added Pub. L. 102–83, §2(b), Aug. 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 400; amended Pub. L. 102–590, §5, Nov. 10, 1992, 106 Stat. 5139.)
Provisions similar to those in this section were contained in section 241 of this title prior to repeal by Pub. L. 102–83, §2(a).
1992—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 102–590 added subsec. (e).
Pub. L. 101–237, title IV, §421, Dec. 18, 1989, 103 Stat. 2088, provided that:
“(a)
“(b)
“(1) to each individual applying for benefits under an education program administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs and to each such individual at least annually in the years thereafter in which the individual receives such benefits;
“(2) to education and training institution officials on at least an annual basis; and
“(3) upon request, to other individuals significantly affected by education programs administered by the Secretary, including military education personnel.
“(c)
Pub. L. 100–687, div. B, title XII, §1204, Nov. 18, 1988, 102 Stat. 4125, as amended by Pub. L. 102–4, §4, Feb. 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 15; Pub. L. 102–83, §6(k)(2), Aug. 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 409, provided that:
“(a)
“(A) the health risks (if any) resulting from exposure during that service to dioxin or any other toxic agent in herbicides used in support of United States and allied military operations in the Republic of Vietnam during the Vietnam era; and
“(B) services and benefits available to such veterans with respect to such health risks.
“(2) The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall annually furnish updated information on health risks described in paragraph (1)(A) to veterans referred to in paragraph (1).
“(b)
This section is referred to in section 4214 of this title.
(a) The Secretary shall establish and maintain veterans assistance offices at such places throughout the United States and its territories and possessions, and in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, as the Secretary determines to be necessary to carry out the purposes of this subchapter. In establishing and maintaining such offices, the Secretary shall give due regard to—
(1) the geographical distribution of veterans recently discharged or released from active military, naval, or air service;
(2) the special needs of educationally disadvantaged veterans (including their need for accessibility of outreach services); and
(3) the necessity of providing appropriate outreach services in less populated areas.
(b) The Secretary shall establish and carry out all possible programs and services, including special telephone facilities, as may be necessary to make the outreach services provided for under this subchapter as widely available as possible.
(Added Pub. L. 102–83, §2(b), Aug. 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 401.)
Provisions similar to those in this section were contained in section 242 of this title prior to repeal by Pub. L. 102–83, §2(a).
This section is referred to in section 4103A of this title.
The Secretary may station employees of the Department at locations other than Department offices, including educational institutions, to provide counseling and other assistance regarding benefits under this title to veterans and other persons eligible for benefits under this title and to provide outreach services under this subchapter.
(Added Pub. L. 102–83, §2(b), Aug. 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 401.)
Provisions similar to those in this section were contained in section 243 of this title prior to repeal by Pub. L. 102–83, §2(a).
This section is referred to in section 4214 of this title.
In carrying out this subchapter, the Secretary shall do the following:
(1) Arrange with the Secretary of Labor for the State employment service to match the particular qualifications of an eligible veteran or eligible dependent with an appropriate job or job training opportunity, including, where possible, arrangements for outstationing the State employment personnel who provide such assistance at appropriate facilities of the Department.
(2) In consultation with the Secretary of Labor, actively seek to promote the development and establishment of employment opportunities, training opportunities, and other opportunities for veterans, with particular emphasis on the needs of veterans with service-connected disabilities and other eligible veterans, taking into account applicable rates of unemployment and the employment emphases set forth in chapter 42 of this title.
(3) Cooperate with and use the services of any Federal department or agency or any State or local governmental agency or recognized national or other organization.
(4) Where appropriate, make referrals to any Federal department or agency or State or local governmental unit or recognized national or other organization.
(5) At the Secretary of Veterans Affairs discretion, furnish available space and office facilities for the use of authorized representatives of such governmental unit or other organization providing services.
(6) Conduct and provide for studies in consultation with appropriate Federal departments and agencies to determine the most effective program design to carry out the purposes of this subchapter.
(Added Pub. L. 102–83, §2(b), Aug. 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 401.)
Provisions similar to those in this section were contained in section 244 of this title prior to repeal by Pub. L. 102–83, §2(a).
The Secretary shall include in the annual report to the Congress required by section 529 of this title a report on the activities carried out under this subchapter. Each such report shall include an appraisal of the effectiveness of the programs authorized in this subchapter and recommendations for the improvement or more effective administration of those programs.
(Added Pub. L. 102–83, §2(b), Aug. 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 402.)
Provisions similar to those in this section were contained in section 245 of this title prior to repeal by Pub. L. 102–83, §2(a).
1991—Pub. L. 102–83, §4(b)(1), (2)(E), Aug. 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 404, 405, substituted “Secretary” for “Administrator” in item 7802.
Pub. L. 102–40, title IV, §402(a), (c)(1), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 238, 239, redesignated chapter 75 of this title as this chapter and renumbered items 4201 to 4210 as 7801 to 7810, respectively.
1988—Pub. L. 100–322, title IV, §§412(b), 414(b)(2), May 20, 1988, 102 Stat. 548, 549, added items 4209 and 4210.
The Veterans’ Canteen Service (hereafter in this chapter referred to as the “Service”) in the Department is an instrumentality of the United States, created for the primary purpose of making available to veterans of the Armed Forces who are hospitalized or domiciled in hospitals and homes of the Department, at reasonable prices, articles of merchandise and services essential to their comfort and well-being.
(Pub. L. 85–857, Sept. 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 1248, §4201; renumbered §7801 and amended Pub. L. 102–40, title IV, §402(a), (b)(1), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 238; Pub. L. 102–83, §4(a)(3), (4), Aug. 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 404.)
1991—Pub. L. 102–40 renumbered section 4201 of this title as this section.
Pub. L. 102–83 substituted “Department” for “Veterans’ Administration” in two places.
The Secretary shall—
(1) establish, maintain, and operate canteens where deemed necessary and practicable at hospitals and homes of the Department and at other Department establishments where similar essential facilities are not reasonably available from outside commercial sources;
(2) establish, maintain, and operate such warehouses and storage depots as may be necessary in operating the canteens;
(3) furnish the Service for its use in connection with the establishment, maintenance, and operation thereof, such space, buildings, and structures under control of the Department as the Secretary may consider necessary, including normal maintenance and repair service thereon. Reasonable charges, to be determined by the Secretary, shall be paid annually by the Service for the space, buildings, and structures so furnished, except that the Secretary may reduce or waive such charges whenever payment of such charges would impair the working capital required by the Service;
(4) transfer to the Service without charge, rental, or reimbursement such necessary equipment as may not be needed for other purposes, and furnish the Service such services and utilities, including light, water, and heat, as may be available and necessary for its use. Reasonable charges, to be determined by the Secretary, shall be paid annually by the Service for the utilities so furnished;
(5) employ such persons as are necessary for the establishment, maintenance, and operation of the Service, and pay the salaries, wages, and expenses of all such employees from the funds of the Service. Personnel necessary for the transaction of the business of the Service at canteens, warehouses, and storage depots shall be appointed, compensated from funds of the Service, and removed by the Secretary without regard to the provisions of title 5 governing appointments in the competitive service and chapter 51 and subchapter III of chapter 53 of title 5. Those employees are subject to the provisions of title 5 relating to a preference eligible described in section 2108(3) of title 5, subchapter I of chapter 81 of title 5, and subchapter III of chapter 83 of title 5;
(6) make all necessary contracts or agreements to purchase or sell merchandise, fixtures, equipment, supplies, and services, without regard to section 3709 of the Revised Statutes (41 U.S.C. 5) and to do all things necessary to carry out such contracts or agreements, including the making of necessary adjustments and compromising of claims in connection therewith;
(7) fix the prices of merchandise and services in canteens so as to carry out the purposes of this chapter;
(8) accept gifts and donations of merchandise, fixtures, equipment, and supplies for the use and benefit of the Service;
(9) make such rules and regulations, not inconsistent with the provisions of this chapter, as the Secretary considers necessary or appropriate to effectuate its purposes;
(10) delegate such duties and powers to employees as the Secretary considers necessary or appropriate, whose official acts performed within the scope of the delegated authority shall have the same force and effect as though performed by the Secretary;
(11) authorize the use of funds of the Service when available, subject to such regulations as the Secretary may deem appropriate, for the purpose of cashing checks, money orders, and similar instruments in nominal amounts for the payment of money presented by veterans hospitalized or domiciled at hospitals and homes of the Department, and by other persons authorized by section 7803 of this title to make purchases at canteens. Such checks, money orders, and other similar instruments may be cashed outright or may be accepted, subject to strict administrative controls, in payment for merchandise or services, and the difference between the amount of the purchase and the amount of the tendered instrument refunded in cash.
(Pub. L. 85–857, Sept. 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 1248, §4202; Pub. L. 86–109, §1, July 28, 1959, 73 Stat. 258; Pub. L. 94–581, title II, §210(d), Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2864; Pub. L. 97–295, §4(88), Oct. 12, 1982, 96 Stat. 1312; Pub. L. 99–576, title VII, §702(13), Oct. 28, 1986, 100 Stat. 3302; renumbered §7802 and amended Pub. L. 102–40, title IV, §402(a), (b)(1), (d)(1), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 238, 239; Pub. L. 102–54, §14(e)(7), June 13, 1991, 105 Stat. 287; Pub. L. 102–83, §4(a)(3), (4), (b)(1), (2)(E), Aug. 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 404, 405.)
The provisions of title 5 governing appointments in the competitive service, referred to in par. (5), are classified generally to section 3301 et seq. of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.
1991—Pub. L. 102–83, §4(b)(1), (2)(E), substituted “Secretary” for “Administrator” in section catchline and in introductory provisions.
Pub. L. 102–40, §402(a), (b)(1), renumbered section 4202 of this title as this section.
Par. (1). Pub. L. 102–83, §4(a)(3), (4), substituted “Department” for “Veterans’ Administration” in two places.
Par. (3). Pub. L. 102–83, §4(b)(1), (2)(E), substituted “Secretary” for “Administrator” wherever appearing.
Pub. L. 102–83, §4(a)(3), (4), substituted “Department” for “Veterans’ Administration”.
Pars. (4), (5). Pub. L. 102–83, §4(b)(1), (2)(E), substituted “Secretary” for “Administrator”.
Par. (6). Pub. L. 102–54 amended par. (6) as in effect immediately before the enactment of Pub. L. 102–40 by substituting “section 3709 of the Revised Statutes (41 U.S.C. 5)” for “section 5 of title 41”.
Pars. (9), (10). Pub. L. 102–83, §4(b)(1), (2)(E), substituted “Secretary” for “Administrator” wherever appearing.
Par. (11). Pub. L. 102–83, §4(b)(1), (2)(E), substituted “Secretary” for “Administrator”.
Pub. L. 102–83, §4(a)(3), (4), substituted “Department” for “Veterans’ Administration”.
Pub. L. 102–40, §402(d)(1), substituted “7803” for “4203”.
1986—Par. (11). Pub. L. 99–576 struck out “and without regard to the provisions of section 1 of the Act of January 31, 1925 (7 U.S.C. 2217), and section 1 (1st proviso under heading ‘OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY’) of the Act of May 11, 1922 (7 U.S.C. 2240),” after “as the Administrator may deem appropriate,”.
1982—Par. (5). Pub. L. 97–295, §4(88)(A), substituted reference to provisions of title 5 governing appointments in the competitive service and chapter 51 and subchapter III of chapter 53 of title 5 for reference to the civil-service laws and the Classification Act of 1949, and substituted provision that the relevant employees are subject to the provisions of title 5 relating to a preference eligible described in section 2108(3) of title 5, subchapter I of chapter 81 of title 5, and subchapter III of chapter 83 of title 5 for provision that such employees were subject to the Veterans’ Preference Act of 1944, the Civil Service Retirement Act, and laws administered by the Bureau of Employees’ Compensation applicable to civilian employees of the United States.
Par. (11). Pub. L. 97–295, §4(88)(B), substituted “section 1 of the Act of January 31, 1925 (7 U.S.C. 2217), and section 1 (1st proviso under heading ‘OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY’) of the Act of May 11, 1922 (7 U.S.C. 2240)” for “sections 521 and 543 of title 5”.
1976—Pars. (3), (9), (10), (11). Pub. L. 94–581 substituted “the Administrator” for “he” in pars. (3), (9), (10), and (11).
1959—Par. (3). Pub. L. 86–109 required the Service to pay reasonable charges, as determined by the Administrator, for the use of space, buildings, and structures furnished by the Veterans’ Administration and authorized reduction of waiver of the charges when payment thereof would impair the working capital required by the Service.
Amendment by Pub. L. 94–581 effective Oct. 21, 1976, see section 211 of Pub. L. 94–581, set out as a note under section 111 of this title.
Section 2 of Pub. L. 86–109 provided that: “This Act [amending this section] shall take effect on the first day of July 1959.”
This section is referred to in title 5 section 5102.
(a) The canteens at hospitals and homes of the Department shall be primarily for the use and benefit of veterans hospitalized or domiciled at such hospitals and homes. Service at such canteens may also be furnished to personnel of the Department and recognized veterans’ organizations employed at such hospitals and homes and to other persons so employed, to the families of all the foregoing persons who reside at the hospital or home concerned, and to relatives and other persons while visiting any of the persons named in this subsection; however, service to any person not hospitalized, domiciled, or residing at the hospital or home shall be limited to the sale of merchandise or services for consumption or use on the premises.
(b) Service at canteens other than those established at hospitals and homes shall be limited to sales of merchandise and services for consumption or use on the premises, to personnel employed at such establishments, their visitors, and other persons at such establishments on official business.
(Pub. L. 85–857, Sept. 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 1249, §4203; renumbered §7803 and amended Pub. L. 102–40, title IV, §402(a), (b)(1), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 238; Pub. L. 102–83, §4(a)(3), (4), Aug. 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 404.)
1991—Pub. L. 102–40 renumbered section 4203 of this title as this section.
Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 102–83 substituted “Department” for “Veterans’ Administration” in two places.
This section is referred to in section 7802 of this title.
To finance the establishment, maintenance, and operation of the Service there is hereby authorized to be appropriated, from time to time, such amounts as are necessary to provide for (1) the acquisition of necessary furniture, furnishings, fixtures, and equipment for the establishment, maintenance, and operation of canteens, warehouses, and storage depots; (2) stocks of merchandise and supplies for canteens and reserve stocks of same in warehouses and storage depots; (3) salaries, wages, and expenses of all employees; (4) administrative and operation expenses; and (5) adequate working capital for each canteen and for the Service as a whole. Amounts appropriated under the authority contained in this chapter and all income from canteen operations become and will be administered as a revolving fund to effectuate the provisions of this chapter.
(Pub. L. 85–857, Sept. 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 1250, §4204; Pub. L. 92–310, title II, §209, June 6, 1972, 86 Stat. 204; Pub. L. 99–576, title VII, §702(14), Oct. 28, 1986, 100 Stat. 3302; renumbered §7804 and amended Pub. L. 102–40, title IV, §402(a), (b)(1), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 238.)
1991—Pub. L. 102–40 renumbered section 4204 of this title as this section.
1986—Pub. L. 99–576 struck out “, amounts heretofore appropriated to carry out Public Law 636, Seventy-ninth Congress,” before “and all income”.
1972—Pub. L. 92–310 struck out “and premiums on fidelity bonds of employees” in cl. (4).
This section is referred to in sections 113, 7810 of this title.
The revolving fund shall be deposited in a checking account with the Treasury of the United States. Such amounts thereof as the Secretary may determine to be necessary to establish and maintain operating accounts for the various canteens may be deposited in checking accounts or other interest-bearing accounts in other depositaries selected by the Secretary.
(Pub. L. 85–857, Sept. 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 1250, §4205; Pub. L. 100–322, title IV, §414(a)(1), May 20, 1988, 102 Stat. 549; renumbered §7805 and amended Pub. L. 102–40, title IV, §402(a), (b)(1), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 238; Pub. L. 102–83, §4(b)(1), (2)(E), Aug. 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 404, 405.)
1991—Pub. L. 102–40 renumbered section 4205 of this title as this section.
Pub. L. 102–83 substituted “Secretary” for “Administrator” in two places.
1988—Pub. L. 100–322 inserted “or other interest-bearing accounts” after “checking accounts”.
The Service shall prepare annually and submit a budget program as provided for wholly owned Government corporations by chapter 91 of title 31, which shall contain an estimate of the needs of the Service for the ensuing fiscal year including an estimate of the amount required to restore any impairment of the revolving fund resulting from operations of the current fiscal year.
(Pub. L. 85–857, Sept. 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 1250, §4206; Pub. L. 97–258, §3(k)(8), Sept. 13, 1982, 96 Stat. 1065; Pub. L. 100–322, title IV, §414(a)(2), May 20, 1988, 102 Stat. 549; renumbered §7806 and amended Pub. L. 102–40, title IV, §402(a), (b)(1), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 238.)
1991—Pub. L. 102–40 renumbered section 4206 of this title as this section.
1988—Pub. L. 100–322 struck out at end “Any balance in the revolving fund at the close of the fiscal year in excess of the estimated requirements for the ensuing fiscal year shall be covered into the Treasury as miscellaneous receipts.”
1982—Pub. L. 97–258 substituted “corporations by chapter 91 of title 31,” for “corporations by sections 841–869 of title 31,”.
The Service shall maintain a set of accounts which shall be audited by the Comptroller General in accordance with the provisions of chapter 35 of title 31.
(Pub. L. 85–857, Sept. 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 1250, §4207; Pub. L. 93–604, title VII, §704, Jan. 2, 1975, 88 Stat. 1964; Pub. L. 97–295, §4(89), Oct. 12, 1982, 96 Stat. 1312; Pub. L. 97–452, §2(e)(3), Jan. 12, 1983, 96 Stat. 2479; renumbered §7807 and amended Pub. L. 102–40, title IV, §402(a), (b)(1), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 238.)
1991—Pub. L. 102–40 renumbered section 4207 of this title as this section.
1983—Pub. L. 97–452 substituted “chapter 35 of title 31” for “section 3523 of title 31”.
1982—Pub. L. 97–295 substituted “section 3523 of title 31” for “the Accounting and Auditing Act of 1950”.
1975—Pub. L. 93–604 substituted provisions that the Service maintain a set of accounts which shall be audited by the Comptroller General in accordance with the provisions of the Accounting and Auditing Act of 1950 for provisions that the Service maintain an integral set of accounts which shall be audited annually by the General Accounting Office in accordance with the principles and procedures applicable to commercial transactions as provided by sections 841–869 of Title 31 and that no other audit shall be required.
It is the purpose of this chapter that, under control and supervision of the Secretary, the Service shall function as an independent unit in the Department and shall have exclusive control over all its activities including sales, procurement and supply, finance, including disbursements, and personnel management, except as otherwise provided in this chapter.
(Pub. L. 85–857, Sept. 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 1250, §4208; Pub. L. 97–295, §4(90), Oct. 12, 1982, 96 Stat. 1312; renumbered §7808 and amended Pub. L. 102–40, title IV, §402(a), (b)(1), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 238; Pub. L. 102–83, §4(a)(3), (4), (b)(1), (2)(E), Aug. 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 404, 405.)
1991—Pub. L. 102–40 renumbered section 4208 of this title as this section.
Pub. L. 102–83 substituted “Secretary” for “Administrator” and “Department” for “Veterans’ Administration”.
1982—Pub. L. 97–295 substituted “provided in this chapter” for “herein provided”.
(a)(1) The Secretary, through the Service, shall provide for the operation of child-care centers at Department facilities in accordance with this section. The operation of such centers shall be carried out to the extent that the Secretary determines, based on the demand for the care involved, that such operation is in the best interest of the Department and that is practicable to do so. The centers shall be available for the children of Department employees and, to the extent space is available, the children of other employees of the Federal Government and the children of employees of affiliated schools and corporations created under section 7361 of this title.
(2) There shall be in the Service an official who is responsible for all matters relating to the provision of child-care services under the authority of this section.
(b) The Service shall establish reasonable charges for child-care services provided at each child-care center operated under this section. The charges shall be subject to the approval of the Secretary. In the case of a center operated directly by the Service, the charges with respect to the center shall be sufficient to provide for the operating expenses of the center, including the expenses of personnel assigned to the center. In the case of a center operated by a contractor which is a for-profit entity, the charges shall be established by taking into consideration the value of the space and services furnished with respect to the center under subsection (c)(1) of this section.
(c) In connection with the establishment and operation of any child-care center under this section, the Secretary—
(1) shall furnish, at no cost to the center, space in existing Department facilities and utilities, custodial services, and other services and amenities necessary (as determined by the Secretary) for the health and safety of the children provided care at the center;
(2) may, on a reimbursable basis, convert space furnished under clause (1) of this subsection for use as the child-care center and provide other items necessary for the operation of the center, including furniture, office machines and equipment, and telephone service, except that the Secretary may furnish basic telephone service and surplus furniture and equipment without reimbursement;
(3) shall provide for the participation (directly or through a parent advisory committee) of parents of children receiving care in the center in the establishment of policies to govern the operation of the center and in the oversight of the implementation of such policies;
(4) shall require the development and use of a process for determining the fitness and suitability of prospective employees of or volunteers at the center; and
(5) shall require in connection with the operation of the center compliance with all State and local laws, ordinances, and regulations relating to health and safety and the operation of child-care centers.
(d) The Secretary shall prescribe regulations to carry out this section.
(e) For the purpose of this section, the term “parent advisory committee” means a committee comprised of, and selected by, the parents of children receiving care in a child-care center operated under this section.
(Added Pub. L. 100–322, title IV, §412(a), May 20, 1988, 102 Stat. 547, §4209; renumbered §7809 and amended Pub. L. 102–40, title IV, §402(a), (b)(1), (d)(1), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 238, 239; Pub. L. 102–54, §14(e)(8), June 13, 1991, 105 Stat. 287; Pub. L. 102–83, §4(a)(3), (4), (b)(1), (2)(E), Aug. 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 404, 405.)
1991—Pub. L. 102–40, §402(a), (b)(1), renumbered section 4209 of this title as this section.
Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 102–83, §4(b)(1), (2)(E), substituted “Secretary” for “Administrator” in two places.
Pub. L. 102–83, §4(a)(3), (4), substituted “Department” for “Veterans’ Administration” wherever appearing.
Pub. L. 102–54 amended subsec. (a)(1) as in effect immediately before the enactment of Pub. L. 102–40 by substituting “child-care” for “child care”.
Pub. L. 102–40, §402(d)(1), substituted “7361” for “4161”.
Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 102–54 amended subsec. (a)(2) as in effect immediately before the enactment of Pub. L. 102–40 by substituting “child-care” for “child care”.
Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 102–83, §4(b)(1), (2)(E), substituted “Secretary” for “Administrator”.
Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 102–83, §4(b)(1), (2)(E), substituted “Secretary” for “Administrator” in introductory provisions and in pars. (1) and (2).
Pub. L. 102–83, §4(a)(3), (4), substituted “Department” for “Veterans’ Administration” in par. (1).
Pub. L. 102–54 amended subsec. (c) as in effect before the enactment of Pub. L. 102–40 by substituting “child-care” for “child care” in introductory provisions and in par. (2).
Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 102–83, §4(b)(1), (2)(E), substituted “Secretary” for “Administrator”.
Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 102–54 amended subsec. (e) as in effect immediately before the enactment of Pub. L. 102–40 by substituting “child-care” for “child care”.
Persons who are employed by the Service and compensated from the revolving fund established by section 7804 of this title may not be considered to be employees of the Department for the purposes of any personnel ceiling which may otherwise be applied to employees of the Department by the President or an official of the executive branch.
(Added Pub. L. 100–322, title IV, §414(b)(1), May 20, 1988, 102 Stat. 549, §4210; renumbered §7810 and amended Pub. L. 102–40, title IV, §402(a), (b)(1), (d)(1), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 238, 239; Pub. L. 102–83, §4(a)(3), (4), Aug. 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 404.)
1991—Pub. L. 102–40, §402(a), (b)(1), renumbered section 4210 of this title as this section.
Pub. L. 102–83 substituted “Department” for “Veterans’ Administration” in two places.
Pub. L. 102–40, §402(d)(1), substituted “7804” for “4204”.