-CITE-

38 USC CHAPTER 77 - VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION 01/06/03

-EXPCITE-

TITLE 38 - VETERANS' BENEFITS

PART V - BOARDS, ADMINISTRATIONS, AND SERVICES

CHAPTER 77 - VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION

-HEAD-

CHAPTER 77 - VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION

-MISC1-

SUBCHAPTER I - ORGANIZATION; GENERAL

Sec.

7701. Organization of the Administration.

7703. Functions of the Administration.

SUBCHAPTER II - VETERANS OUTREACH SERVICES PROGRAM

7721. Purpose; definitions.

7722. Outreach services.

7723. Veterans assistance offices.

7724. Outstationing of counseling and outreach personnel.

7725. Use of other agencies.

7726. Annual report to Congress.

7727. Outreach for eligible dependents.

SUBCHAPTER III - QUALITY ASSURANCE

7731. Establishment.

7732. Functions.

7733. Personnel.

7734. Annual report to Congress.

AMENDMENTS

2001 - Pub. L. 107-14, Sec. 6(b)(2), June 5, 2001, 115 Stat. 31,

added item 7727.

1999 - Pub. L. 106-117, title VIII, Sec. 801(a)(2), Nov. 30,

1999, 113 Stat. 1586, added heading for subchapter III and items

7731 to 7734.

-SECREF-

CHAPTER REFERRED TO IN OTHER SECTIONS

This chapter is referred to in sections 317, 318, 3672 of this

title.

-End-

-CITE-

38 USC SUBCHAPTER I - ORGANIZATION; GENERAL 01/06/03

-EXPCITE-

TITLE 38 - VETERANS' BENEFITS

PART V - BOARDS, ADMINISTRATIONS, AND SERVICES

CHAPTER 77 - VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION

SUBCHAPTER I - ORGANIZATION; GENERAL

-HEAD-

SUBCHAPTER I - ORGANIZATION; GENERAL

-End-

-CITE-

38 USC Sec. 7701 01/06/03

-EXPCITE-

TITLE 38 - VETERANS' BENEFITS

PART V - BOARDS, ADMINISTRATIONS, AND SERVICES

CHAPTER 77 - VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION

SUBCHAPTER I - ORGANIZATION; GENERAL

-HEAD-

Sec. 7701. Organization of the Administration

-STATUTE-

(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.

-SOURCE-

(Added Pub. L. 102-83, Sec. 2(b), Aug. 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 399;

amended Pub. L. 102-405, title III, Sec. 302(c)(1), (3), Oct. 9,

1992, 106 Stat. 1984.)

-MISC1-

AMENDMENTS

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."

-End-

-CITE-

38 USC Sec. 7703 01/06/03

-EXPCITE-

TITLE 38 - VETERANS' BENEFITS

PART V - BOARDS, ADMINISTRATIONS, AND SERVICES

CHAPTER 77 - VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION

SUBCHAPTER I - ORGANIZATION; GENERAL

-HEAD-

Sec. 7703. Functions of the Administration

-STATUTE-

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.

-SOURCE-

(Added Pub. L. 102-83, Sec. 2(b), Aug. 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 399.)

-End-

-CITE-

38 USC SUBCHAPTER II - VETERANS OUTREACH SERVICES PROGRAM 01/06/03

-EXPCITE-

TITLE 38 - VETERANS' BENEFITS

PART V - BOARDS, ADMINISTRATIONS, AND SERVICES

CHAPTER 77 - VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION

SUBCHAPTER II - VETERANS OUTREACH SERVICES PROGRAM

-HEAD-

SUBCHAPTER II - VETERANS OUTREACH SERVICES PROGRAM

-SECREF-

SUBCHAPTER REFERRED TO IN OTHER SECTIONS

This subchapter is referred to in section 3485 of this title;

title 29 section 2913.

-End-

-CITE-

38 USC Sec. 7721 01/06/03

-EXPCITE-

TITLE 38 - VETERANS' BENEFITS

PART V - BOARDS, ADMINISTRATIONS, AND SERVICES

CHAPTER 77 - VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION

SUBCHAPTER II - VETERANS OUTREACH SERVICES PROGRAM

-HEAD-

Sec. 7721. Purpose; definitions

-STATUTE-

(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 a spouse, surviving

spouse, child, or dependent parent of a person who served in the

active military, naval, or air service.

-SOURCE-

(Added Pub. L. 102-83, Sec. 2(b), Aug. 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 400;

amended Pub. L. 107-14, Sec. 6(a), June 5, 2001, 115 Stat. 30.)

-MISC1-

PRIOR PROVISIONS

Provisions similar to those in this section were contained in

section 240 of this title prior to repeal by Pub. L. 102-83, Sec.

2(a).

AMENDMENTS

2001 - Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 107-14 amended par. (2) generally.

Prior to amendment, par. (2) read as follows: "the term 'eligible

dependent' means an 'eligible person' as defined in section

3501(a)(1) of this title."

REPORTS ON ACTIVITIES OF DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS TO ASSIST

HOMELESS VETERANS

Pub. L. 103-446, title X, Sec. 1001(a), (b), Nov. 2, 1994, 108

Stat. 4678, 4679, as amended by Pub. L. 105-114, title II, Sec.

204, Nov. 21, 1997, 111 Stat. 2288; Pub. L. 107-103, title V, Sec.

509(e), Dec. 27, 2001, 115 Stat. 997, directed in subsec. (a) that

the Secretary of Veterans Affairs submit to Congress an annual

report of activities of Department of Veterans Affairs to assist

homeless veterans. Subsec. (a) was repealed and restated in section

2065 of this title by Pub. L. 107-95, Sec. 5(a)(1), (e)(2), Dec.

21, 2001, 115 Stat. 914, 918. Subsec. (b) was previously repealed

by Pub. L. 105-114, title II, Sec. 204(2), Nov. 21, 1997, 111 Stat.

2288.

HOMELESS VETERANS COMPREHENSIVE SERVICE PROGRAMS

Pub. L. 102-590, Secs. 2-4, Nov. 10, 1992, 106 Stat. 5136-5139,

as amended by Pub. L. 103-446, title X, Sec. 1003, Nov. 2, 1994,

108 Stat. 4679; Pub. L. 104-110, title I, Sec. 102(c)(1), (2), Feb.

13, 1996, 110 Stat. 769; Pub. L. 105-114, title II, Secs.

202(c)(3), 203(b), Nov. 21, 1997, 111 Stat. 2287, 2288; Pub. L.

106-117, title IX, Sec. 903(1)-(3), Nov. 30, 1999, 113 Stat. 1587;

Pub. L. 107-14, Sec. 8(c), June 5, 2001, 115 Stat. 36, which

provided for a grant program to assist eligible entities in

establishing new programs to furnish, and expanding existing

programs for furnishing, outreach, rehabilitative services,

vocational counseling and training, and transitional housing

assistance to homeless veterans and per diem payments to grant

recipients for furnishing services to homeless veterans, was

repealed and restated in sections 2011 and 2012 of this title by

Pub. L. 107-95, Sec. 5(a)(1), (e)(1), Dec. 21, 2001, 115 Stat. 906,

918.

ANNUAL REPORTS TO CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEES

Pub. L. 102-590, Sec. 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, Sec. 1001(c),

Nov. 2, 1994, 108 Stat. 4679.

AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS

Pub. L. 102-590, Sec. 12, Nov. 10, 1992, 106 Stat. 5142, as

amended by Pub. L. 103-446, title X, Sec. 1004, Nov. 2, 1994, 108

Stat. 4679; Pub. L. 104-110, title I, Sec. 102(c)(3), Feb. 13,

1996, 110 Stat. 769; Pub. L. 106-117, title IX, Sec. 903(4), Nov.

30, 1999, 113 Stat. 1587, which authorized appropriations for

fiscal years 1993 through 1997 and 2000 and 2001, was repealed by

Pub. L. 107-95, Sec. 5(e)(1), Dec. 21, 2001, 115 Stat. 918.

-End-

-CITE-

38 USC Sec. 7722 01/06/03

-EXPCITE-

TITLE 38 - VETERANS' BENEFITS

PART V - BOARDS, ADMINISTRATIONS, AND SERVICES

CHAPTER 77 - VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION

SUBCHAPTER II - VETERANS OUTREACH SERVICES PROGRAM

-HEAD-

Sec. 7722. Outreach services

-STATUTE-

(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)(1) 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.

(2) Whenever a veteran or dependent first applies for any benefit

under laws administered by the Secretary (including a request for

burial or related benefits or an application for life insurance

proceeds), the Secretary shall provide to the veteran or dependent

information concerning benefits and health care services under

programs administered by the Secretary. Such information shall be

provided not later than three months after the date of such

application.

(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.

-SOURCE-

(Added Pub. L. 102-83, Sec. 2(b), Aug. 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 400;

amended Pub. L. 102-590, Sec. 5, Nov. 10, 1992, 106 Stat. 5139;

Pub. L. 107-103, title III, Sec. 304, Dec. 27, 2001, 115 Stat.

992.)

-MISC1-

PRIOR PROVISIONS

Provisions similar to those in this section were contained in

section 241 of this title prior to repeal by Pub. L. 102-83, Sec.

2(a).

AMENDMENTS

2001 - Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 107-103 designated existing

provisions as par. (1) and added par. (2).

1992 - Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 102-590 added subsec. (e).

INFORMATION TO ASSIST VETERANS RECEIVING EDUCATION BENEFITS

Pub. L. 101-237, title IV, Sec. 421, Dec. 18, 1989, 103 Stat.

2088, provided that:

"(a) In General. - For the purpose of assisting individuals

receiving education benefits from the Department of Veterans

Affairs, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall prepare, and

update periodically, a document containing a detailed description

of the benefits, limitations, procedures, requirements, and other

important aspects of the education programs administered by the

Department.

"(b) Distribution. - The Secretary shall, beginning in fiscal

year 1990 but not before July 1, 1990, distribute copies of such

document -

"(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) Funding. - The Secretary shall use funds appropriated to the

readjustment benefits account of the Department to carry out this

section."

OUTREACH SERVICES

Pub. L. 100-687, div. B, title XII, Sec. 1204, Nov. 18, 1988, 102

Stat. 4125, as amended by Pub. L. 102-4, Sec. 4, Feb. 6, 1991, 105

Stat. 15; Pub. L. 102-83, Sec. 6(k)(2), Aug. 6, 1991, 105 Stat.

409, provided that:

"(a) Ongoing Outreach Program. - (1) The Secretary of Veterans

Affairs shall conduct an active, continuous outreach program for

furnishing to veterans of active military, naval, or air service

who served in the Republic of Vietnam during the Vietnam era

information relating to -

"(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) Information in Agent Orange Registry. - The Secretary of

Veterans Affairs shall take reasonable actions to organize and

update the information contained in the Department of Veterans

Affairs Agent Orange Registry in a manner that enables the

Secretary promptly to notify a veteran of any increased health risk

for such veteran resulting from exposure of such veteran to dioxin

or any other toxic agent referred to in subsection (a) during

Vietnam-era service in the Republic of Vietnam whenever the

Secretary determines, on the basis of physical examination or other

pertinent information, that such veteran is subject to such an

increased health risk."

-SECREF-

SECTION REFERRED TO IN OTHER SECTIONS

This section is referred to in section 4214 of this title.

-End-

-CITE-

38 USC Sec. 7723 01/06/03

-EXPCITE-

TITLE 38 - VETERANS' BENEFITS

PART V - BOARDS, ADMINISTRATIONS, AND SERVICES

CHAPTER 77 - VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION

SUBCHAPTER II - VETERANS OUTREACH SERVICES PROGRAM

-HEAD-

Sec. 7723. Veterans assistance offices

-STATUTE-

(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. The Secretary may maintain such

offices on such military installations located elsewhere as the

Secretary, after consultation with the Secretary of Defense,

determines to be necessary to carry out such purposes. 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.

-SOURCE-

(Added Pub. L. 102-83, Sec. 2(b), Aug. 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 401;

amended Pub. L. 107-103, title III, Sec. 301, Dec. 27, 2001, 115

Stat. 991.)

-MISC1-

PRIOR PROVISIONS

Provisions similar to those in this section were contained in

section 242 of this title prior to repeal by Pub. L. 102-83, Sec.

2(a).

AMENDMENTS

2001 - Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 107-103 inserted after first sentence

"The Secretary may maintain such offices on such military

installations located elsewhere as the Secretary, after

consultation with the Secretary of Defense, determines to be

necessary to carry out such purposes."

-End-

-CITE-

38 USC Sec. 7724 01/06/03

-EXPCITE-

TITLE 38 - VETERANS' BENEFITS

PART V - BOARDS, ADMINISTRATIONS, AND SERVICES

CHAPTER 77 - VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION

SUBCHAPTER II - VETERANS OUTREACH SERVICES PROGRAM

-HEAD-

Sec. 7724. Outstationing of counseling and outreach personnel

-STATUTE-

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.

-SOURCE-

(Added Pub. L. 102-83, Sec. 2(b), Aug. 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 401.)

-MISC1-

PRIOR PROVISIONS

Provisions similar to those in this section were contained in

section 243 of this title prior to repeal by Pub. L. 102-83, Sec.

2(a).

-SECREF-

SECTION REFERRED TO IN OTHER SECTIONS

This section is referred to in section 4214 of this title.

-End-

-CITE-

38 USC Sec. 7725 01/06/03

-EXPCITE-

TITLE 38 - VETERANS' BENEFITS

PART V - BOARDS, ADMINISTRATIONS, AND SERVICES

CHAPTER 77 - VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION

SUBCHAPTER II - VETERANS OUTREACH SERVICES PROGRAM

-HEAD-

Sec. 7725. Use of other agencies

-STATUTE-

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.

-SOURCE-

(Added Pub. L. 102-83, Sec. 2(b), Aug. 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 401.)

-MISC1-

PRIOR PROVISIONS

Provisions similar to those in this section were contained in

section 244 of this title prior to repeal by Pub. L. 102-83, Sec.

2(a).

-End-

-CITE-

38 USC Sec. 7726 01/06/03

-EXPCITE-

TITLE 38 - VETERANS' BENEFITS

PART V - BOARDS, ADMINISTRATIONS, AND SERVICES

CHAPTER 77 - VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION

SUBCHAPTER II - VETERANS OUTREACH SERVICES PROGRAM

-HEAD-

Sec. 7726. Annual report to Congress

-STATUTE-

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.

-SOURCE-

(Added Pub. L. 102-83, Sec. 2(b), Aug. 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 402.)

-MISC1-

PRIOR PROVISIONS

Provisions similar to those in this section were contained in

section 245 of this title prior to repeal by Pub. L. 102-83, Sec.

2(a).

-End-

-CITE-

38 USC Sec. 7727 01/06/03

-EXPCITE-

TITLE 38 - VETERANS' BENEFITS

PART V - BOARDS, ADMINISTRATIONS, AND SERVICES

CHAPTER 77 - VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION

SUBCHAPTER II - VETERANS OUTREACH SERVICES PROGRAM

-HEAD-

Sec. 7727. Outreach for eligible dependents

-STATUTE-

(a) In carrying out this subchapter, the Secretary shall ensure

that the needs of eligible dependents are fully addressed.

(b) The Secretary shall ensure that the availability of outreach

services and assistance for eligible dependents under this

subchapter is made known through a variety of means, including the

Internet, announcements in veterans publications, and announcements

to the media.

-SOURCE-

(Added Pub. L. 107-14, Sec. 6(b)(1), June 5, 2001, 115 Stat. 31.)

-End-

-CITE-

38 USC SUBCHAPTER III - QUALITY ASSURANCE 01/06/03

-EXPCITE-

TITLE 38 - VETERANS' BENEFITS

PART V - BOARDS, ADMINISTRATIONS, AND SERVICES

CHAPTER 77 - VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION

SUBCHAPTER III - QUALITY ASSURANCE

-HEAD-

SUBCHAPTER III - QUALITY ASSURANCE

-End-

-CITE-

38 USC Sec. 7731 01/06/03

-EXPCITE-

TITLE 38 - VETERANS' BENEFITS

PART V - BOARDS, ADMINISTRATIONS, AND SERVICES

CHAPTER 77 - VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION

SUBCHAPTER III - QUALITY ASSURANCE

-HEAD-

Sec. 7731. Establishment

-STATUTE-

(a) The Secretary shall carry out a quality assurance program in

the Veterans Benefits Administration. The program may be carried

out through a single quality assurance division in the

Administration or through separate quality assurance entities for

each of the principal organizational elements (known as "services")

of the Administration.

(b) The Secretary shall ensure that any quality assurance entity

established and operated under subsection (a) is established and

operated so as to meet generally applicable governmental standards

for independence and internal controls for the performance of

quality reviews of Government performance and results.

-SOURCE-

(Added Pub. L. 106-117, Sec. 801(a)(1), Nov. 30, 1999, 113 Stat.

1585.)

-MISC1-

EFFECTIVE DATE

Pub. L. 106-117, title VIII, Sec. 801(b), Nov. 30, 1999, 113

Stat. 1586, provided that: "Subchapter III of chapter 77 of title

38, United States Code, as added by subsection (a), shall take

effect at the end of the 60-day period beginning on the date of the

enactment of this Act [Nov. 30, 1999]."

-SECREF-

SECTION REFERRED TO IN OTHER SECTIONS

This section is referred to in sections 7732, 7734 of this title.

-End-

-CITE-

38 USC Sec. 7732 01/06/03

-EXPCITE-

TITLE 38 - VETERANS' BENEFITS

PART V - BOARDS, ADMINISTRATIONS, AND SERVICES

CHAPTER 77 - VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION

SUBCHAPTER III - QUALITY ASSURANCE

-HEAD-

Sec. 7732. Functions

-STATUTE-

The Under Secretary for Benefits, acting through the quality

assurance entities established under section 7731(a), shall on an

ongoing basis perform and oversee quality reviews of the functions

of each of the principal organizational elements of the Veterans

Benefits Administration.

-SOURCE-

(Added Pub. L. 106-117, Sec. 801(a)(1), Nov. 30, 1999, 113 Stat.

1585.)

-End-

-CITE-

38 USC Sec. 7733 01/06/03

-EXPCITE-

TITLE 38 - VETERANS' BENEFITS

PART V - BOARDS, ADMINISTRATIONS, AND SERVICES

CHAPTER 77 - VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION

SUBCHAPTER III - QUALITY ASSURANCE

-HEAD-

Sec. 7733. Personnel

-STATUTE-

The Secretary shall ensure that the number of full-time employees

of the Veterans Benefits Administration assigned to quality

assurance functions under this subchapter is adequate to perform

the quality assurance functions for which they have responsibility.

-SOURCE-

(Added Pub. L. 106-117, Sec. 801(a)(1), Nov. 30, 1999, 113 Stat.

1585.)

-End-

-CITE-

38 USC Sec. 7734 01/06/03

-EXPCITE-

TITLE 38 - VETERANS' BENEFITS

PART V - BOARDS, ADMINISTRATIONS, AND SERVICES

CHAPTER 77 - VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION

SUBCHAPTER III - QUALITY ASSURANCE

-HEAD-

Sec. 7734. Annual report to Congress

-STATUTE-

The Secretary shall include in the annual report to the Congress

required by section 529 of this title a report on the quality

assurance activities carried out under this subchapter. Each such

report shall include -

(1) an appraisal of the quality of services provided by the

Veterans Benefits Administration, including -

(A) the number of decisions reviewed;

(B) a summary of the findings on the decisions reviewed;

(C) the number of full-time equivalent employees assigned to

quality assurance in each division or entity;

(D) specific documentation of compliance with the standards

for independence and internal control required by section

7731(b) of this title; and

(E) actions taken to improve the quality of services provided

and the results obtained;

(2) information with respect to the accuracy of decisions,

including trends in that information; and

(3) such other information as the Secretary considers

appropriate.

-SOURCE-

(Added Pub. L. 106-117, Sec. 801(a)(1), Nov. 30, 1999, 113 Stat.

1585.)

-End-