TITLE 38 - US CODE - PART II - GENERAL BENEFITS

TITLE 38 - US CODE - CHAPTER 11 - COMPENSATION FOR SERVICE-CONNECTED DISABILITY OR DEATH

TITLE 38 - US CODE - SUBCHAPTER I - GENERAL

38 USC 1101 - Definitions

For the purposes of this chapter
(1) The term veteran includes a person who died in the active military, naval, or air service.
(2) The term period of war includes, in the case of any veteran
(A) any period of service performed by such veteran after November 11, 1918, and before July 2, 1921, if such veteran served in the active military, naval, or air service after April 5, 1917, and before November 12, 1918; and
(B) any period of continuous service performed by such veteran after December 31, 1946, and before July 26, 1947, if such period began before January 1, 1947.
(3) The term chronic disease includes Anemia, primary Ulcers, peptic (gastric or duodenal) and such other chronic diseases as the Secretary may add to this list.
(4) The term tropical disease includes Amebiasis Yellow fever

and such other tropical diseases as the Secretary may add to this list.

38 USC 1102 - Special provisions relating to surviving spouses

(a) No compensation shall be paid to the surviving spouse of a veteran under this chapter unless such surviving spouse was married to such veteran
(1) before the expiration of fifteen years after the termination of the period of service in which the injury or disease causing the death of the veteran was incurred or aggravated; or
(2) for one year or more; or
(3) for any period of time if a child was born of the marriage, or was born to them before the marriage.
(b) Subsection (a) shall not be applicable to any surviving spouse who, with respect to date of marriage, could have qualified as a surviving spouse for death compensation under any law administered by the Secretary in effect on December 31, 1957.

38 USC 1103 - Special provisions relating to claims based upon effects of tobacco products

(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a veterans disability or death shall not be considered to have resulted from personal injury suffered or disease contracted in the line of duty in the active military, naval, or air service for purposes of this title on the basis that it resulted from injury or disease attributable to the use of tobacco products by the veteran during the veterans service.
(b) Nothing in subsection (a) shall be construed as precluding the establishment of service connection for disability or death from a disease or injury which is otherwise shown to have been incurred or aggravated in active military, naval, or air service or which became manifest to the requisite degree of disability during any applicable presumptive period specified in section 1112 or 1116 of this title.

38 USC 1104 - Cost-of-living adjustments

(a) In the computation of cost-of-living adjustments for fiscal years 1998 through 2013 in the rates of, and dollar limitations applicable to, compensation payable under this chapter, such adjustments shall be made by a uniform percentage that is no more than the percentage equal to the social security increase for that fiscal year, with all increased monthly rates and limitations (other than increased rates or limitations equal to a whole dollar amount) rounded down to the next lower whole dollar amount.
(b) For purposes of this section, the term social security increase means the percentage by which benefit amounts payable under title II of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 401 et seq.) are increased for any fiscal year as a result of a determination under section 215(i) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 415 (i)).

TITLE 38 - US CODE - SUBCHAPTER II - WARTIME DISABILITY COMPENSATION

38 USC 1110 - Basic entitlement

For disability resulting from personal injury suffered or disease contracted in line of duty, or for aggravation of a preexisting injury suffered or disease contracted in line of duty, in the active military, naval, or air service, during a period of war, the United States will pay to any veteran thus disabled and who was discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable from the period of service in which said injury or disease was incurred, or preexisting injury or disease was aggravated, compensation as provided in this subchapter, but no compensation shall be paid if the disability is a result of the veterans own willful misconduct or abuse of alcohol or drugs.

38 USC 1111 - Presumption of sound condition

For the purposes of section 1110 of this title, every veteran shall be taken to have been in sound condition when examined, accepted, and enrolled for service, except as to defects, infirmities, or disorders noted at the time of the examination, acceptance, and enrollment, or where clear and unmistakable evidence demonstrates that the injury or disease existed before acceptance and enrollment and was not aggravated by such service.

38 USC 1112 - Presumptions relating to certain diseases and disabilities

(a) For the purposes of section 1110 of this title, and subject to the provisions of section 1113 of this title, in the case of any veteran who served for ninety days or more during a period of war
(1) a chronic disease becoming manifest to a degree of 10 percent or more within one year from the date of separation from such service;
(2) a tropical disease, and the resultant disorders or disease originating because of therapy, administered in connection with such diseases, or as a preventative thereof, becoming manifest to a degree of 10 percent or more within one year from the date of separation from such service, or at a time when standard or accepted treatises indicate that the incubation period thereof commenced during such service;
(3) active tuberculous disease developing a 10 percent degree of disability or more within three years from the date of separation from such service;
(4) multiple sclerosis developing a 10 percent degree of disability or more within seven years from the date of separation from such service;
(5) Hansens disease developing a 10 percent degree of disability or more within three years from the date of separation from such service;

shall be considered to have been incurred in or aggravated by such service, notwithstanding there is no record of evidence of such disease during the period of service.

(b) 
(1) For the purposes of section 1110 of this title and subject to the provisions of section 1113 of this title, in the case of a veteran who is a former prisoner of war
(A) a disease specified in paragraph (2) which became manifest to a degree of 10 percent or more after active military, naval, or air service shall be considered to have been incurred in or aggravated by such service, notwithstanding that there is no record of such disease during the period of service; and
(B) if the veteran was detained or interned as a prisoner of war for not less than thirty days, a disease specified in paragraph (3) which became manifest to a degree of 10 percent or more after active military, naval, or air service shall be considered to have been incurred in or aggravated by such service, notwithstanding that there is no record of such disease during the period of service.
(2) The diseases specified in this paragraph are the following:
(A) Psychosis.
(B) Any of the anxiety states.
(C) Dysthymic disorder (or depressive neurosis).
(D) Organic residuals of frostbite, if the Secretary determines that the veteran was detained or interned in climatic conditions consistent with the occurrence of frostbite.
(E) Post-traumatic osteoarthritis.
(3) The diseases specified in this paragraph are the following:
(A) Avitaminosis.
(B) Beriberi (including beriberi heart disease).
(C) Chronic dysentery.
(D) Helminthiasis.
(E) Malnutrition (including optic atrophy associated with malnutrition).
(F) Pellagra.
(G) Any other nutritional deficiency.
(H) Cirrhosis of the liver.
(I) Peripheral neuropathy except where directly related to infectious causes.
(J) Irritable bowel syndrome.
(K) Peptic ulcer disease.
(L) Atherosclerotic heart disease or hypertensive vascular disease (including hypertensive heart disease) and their complications (including myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure and arrhythmia).
(M) Stroke and its complications.
(c) 
(1) For the purposes of section 1110 of this title, and subject to the provisions of section 1113 of this title, a disease specified in paragraph (2) of this subsection becoming manifest in a radiation-exposed veteran shall be considered to have been incurred in or aggravated during active military, naval, or air service, notwithstanding that there is no record of evidence of such disease during a period of such service.
(2) The diseases referred to in paragraph (1) of this subsection are the following:
(A) Leukemia (other than chronic lymphocytic leukemia).
(B) Cancer of the thyroid.
(C) Cancer of the breast.
(D) Cancer of the pharynx.
(E) Cancer of the esophagus.
(F) Cancer of the stomach.
(G) Cancer of the small intestine.
(H) Cancer of the pancreas.
(I) Multiple myeloma.
(J) Lymphomas (except Hodgkins disease).
(K) Cancer of the bile ducts.
(L) Cancer of the gall bladder.
(M) Primary liver cancer (except if cirrhosis or hepatitis B is indicated).
(N) Cancer of the salivary gland.
(O) Cancer of the urinary tract.
(P) Bronchiolo-alveolar carcinoma.
(Q) Cancer of the bone.
(R) Cancer of the brain.
(S) Cancer of the colon.
(T) Cancer of the lung.
(U) Cancer of the ovary.
(3) For the purposes of this subsection:
(A) The term radiation-exposed veteran means
(i)  a veteran who, while serving on active duty, participated in a radiation-risk activity, or
(ii)  an individual who, while a member of a reserve component of the Armed Forces, participated in a radiation-risk activity during a period of active duty for training or inactive duty training.
(B) The term radiation-risk activity means any of the following:
(i) Onsite participation in a test involving the atmospheric detonation of a nuclear device (without regard to whether the nation conducting the test was the United States or another nation).
(ii) The occupation of Hiroshima or Nagasaki, Japan, by United States forces during the period beginning on August 6, 1945, and ending on July 1, 1946.
(iii) Internment as prisoner of war in Japan (or service on active duty in Japan immediately following such internment) during World War II which (as determined by the Secretary) resulted in an opportunity for exposure to ionizing radiation comparable to that of veterans described in clause (ii) of this subparagraph.
(iv) Service in a capacity which, if performed as an employee of the Department of Energy, would qualify the individual for inclusion as a member of the Special Exposure Cohort under section 3621(14) of the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act of 2000 (42 U.S.C. 7384l (14)).
(4) A radiation-exposed veteran who receives a payment under the provisions of the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 2210 note ) shall not be deprived, by reason of the receipt of that payment, of receipt of compensation to which that veteran is entitled by reason of paragraph (1), but there shall be deducted from payment of such compensation the amount of the payment under that Act.

38 USC 1113 - Presumptions rebuttable

(a) Where there is affirmative evidence to the contrary, or evidence to establish that an intercurrent injury or disease which is a recognized cause of any of the diseases or disabilities within the purview of section 1112, 1116, 1117, or 1118 of this title, has been suffered between the date of separation from service and the onset of any such diseases or disabilities, or the disability is due to the veterans own willful misconduct, service-connection pursuant to section 1112, 1116, or 1118 of this title, or payments of compensation pursuant to section 1117 of this title, will not be in order.
(b) Nothing in section 1112, 1116, 1117, or 1118 of this title, subsection (a) of this section, or section 5 of Public Law 98542 (38 U.S.C. 1154 note ) shall be construed to prevent the granting of service-connection for any disease or disorder otherwise shown by sound judgment to have been incurred in or aggravated by active military, naval, or air service.

38 USC 1114 - Rates of wartime disability compensation

For the purposes of section 1110 of this title
(a) if and while the disability is rated 10 percent the monthly compensation shall be $115;
(b) if and while the disability is rated 20 percent the monthly compensation shall be $225;
(c) if and while the disability is rated 30 percent the monthly compensation shall be $348;
(d) if and while the disability is rated 40 percent the monthly compensation shall be $501;
(e) if and while the disability is rated 50 percent the monthly compensation shall be $712;
(f) if and while the disability is rated 60 percent the monthly compensation shall be $901;
(g) if and while the disability is rated 70 percent the monthly compensation shall be $1,135;
(h) if and while the disability is rated 80 percent the monthly compensation shall be $1,319;
(i) if and while the disability is rated 90 percent the monthly compensation shall be $1,483;
(j) if and while the disability is rated as total the monthly compensation shall be $2,471;
(k) if the veteran, as the result of service-connected disability, has suffered the anatomical loss or loss of use of one or more creative organs, or one foot, or one hand, or both buttocks, or blindness of one eye, having only light perception, has suffered complete organic aphonia with constant inability to communicate by speech, or deafness of both ears, having absence of air and bone conduction, or, in the case of a woman veteran, has suffered the anatomical loss of 25 percent or more of tissue from a single breast or both breasts in combination (including loss by mastectomy or partial mastectomy) or has received radiation treatment of breast tissue, the rate of compensation therefor shall be $89 per month for each such loss or loss of use independent of any other compensation provided in subsections (a) through (j) or subsection (s) of this section but in no event to exceed $3,075 per month; and in the event the veteran has suffered one or more of the disabilities heretofore specified in this subsection, in addition to the requirement for any of the rates specified in subsections (l) through (n) of this section, the rate of compensation shall be increased by $89 per month for each such loss or loss of use, but in no event to exceed $4,313 per month;
(l) if the veteran, as the result of service-connected disability, has suffered the anatomical loss or loss of use of both feet, or of one hand and one foot, or is blind in both eyes, with 5/200 visual acuity or less, or is permanently bedridden or with such significant disabilities as to be in need of regular aid and attendance, the monthly compensation shall be $3,075;
(m) if the veteran, as the result of service-connected disability, has suffered the anatomical loss or loss of use of both hands, or of both legs at a level, or with complications, preventing natural knee action with prostheses in place, or of one arm and one leg at levels, or with complications, preventing natural elbow and knee action with prostheses in place, or has suffered blindness in both eyes having only light perception, or has suffered blindness in both eyes, rendering such veteran so significantly disabled as to be in need of regular aid and attendance, the monthly compensation shall be $3,392;
(n) if the veteran, as the result of service-connected disability, has suffered the anatomical loss or loss of use of both arms at levels, or with complications, preventing natural elbow action with prostheses in place, has suffered the anatomical loss of both legs so near the hip as to prevent the use of prosthetic appliances, or has suffered the anatomical loss of one arm and one leg so near the shoulder and hip as to prevent the use of prosthetic appliances, or has suffered the anatomical loss of both eyes, or has suffered blindness without light perception in both eyes, the monthly compensation shall be $3,860;
(o) if the veteran, as the result of service-connected disability, has suffered disability under conditions which would entitle such veteran to two or more of the rates provided in one or more subsections (l) through (n) of this section, no condition being considered twice in the determination, or if the veteran has suffered bilateral deafness (and the hearing impairment in either one or both ears is service connected) rated at 60 percent or more disabling and the veteran has also suffered service-connected total blindness with 20/200 visual acuity or less, or if the veteran has suffered service-connected total deafness in one ear or bilateral deafness (and the hearing impairment in either one or both ears is service connected) rated at 40 percent or more disabling and the veteran has also suffered service-connected blindness having only light perception or less, or if the veteran has suffered the anatomical loss of both arms so near the shoulder as to prevent the use of prosthetic appliances, the monthly compensation shall be $4,313;
(p) in the event the veterans service-connected disabilities exceed the requirements for any of the rates prescribed in this section, the Secretary may allow the next higher rate or an intermediate rate, but in no event in excess of $4,313. In the event the veteran has suffered service-connected blindness with 5/200 visual acuity or less and
(1)  has also suffered bilateral deafness (and the hearing impairment in either one or both ears is service connected) rated at no less than 30 percent disabling, the Secretary shall allow the next higher rate, or
(2)  has also suffered service-connected total deafness in one ear or service-connected anatomical loss or loss of use of one hand or one foot, the Secretary shall allow the next intermediate rate, but in no event in excess of $4,313. In the event the veteran has suffered service-connected blindness, having only light perception or less, and has also suffered bilateral deafness (and the hearing impairment in either one or both ears is service connected) rated at 10 or 20 percent disabling, the Secretary shall allow the next intermediate rate, but in no event in excess of $4,313. In the event the veteran has suffered the anatomical loss or loss of use, or a combination of anatomical loss and loss of use, of three extremities, the Secretary shall allow the next higher rate or intermediate rate, but in no event in excess of $4,313. Any intermediate rate under this subsection shall be established at the arithmetic mean, rounded down to the nearest dollar, between the two rates concerned;
[(q) Repealed. Pub. L. 90–493, § 4(a), Aug. 19, 1968, 82 Stat. 809.]
(r) Subject to section 5503 (c) of this title, if any veteran, otherwise entitled to compensation authorized under subsection (o) of this section, at the maximum rate authorized under subsection (p) of this section, or at the intermediate rate authorized between the rates authorized under subsections (n) and (o) of this section and at the rate authorized under subsection (k) of this section, is in need of regular aid and attendance, then, in addition to such compensation
(1) the veteran shall be paid a monthly aid and attendance allowance at the rate of $1,851; or
(2) if the veteran, in addition to such need for regular aid and attendance, is in need of a higher level of care, such veteran shall be paid a monthly aid and attendance allowance at the rate of $$2,757,[1] in lieu of the allowance authorized in clause (1) of this subsection, if the Secretary finds that the veteran, in the absence of the provision of such care, would require hospitalization, nursing home care, or other residential institutional care.

For the purposes of clause (2) of this subsection, need for a higher level of care shall be considered to be need for personal health-care services provided on a daily basis in the veterans home by a person who is licensed to provide such services or who provides such services under the regular supervision of a licensed health-care professional. The existence of the need for such care shall be determined by a physician employed by the Department or, in areas where no such physician is available, by a physician carrying out such function under contract or fee arrangement based on an examination by such physician. For the purposes of section 1134 of this title, such allowance shall be considered as additional compensation payable for disability.

(s) If the veteran has a service-connected disability rated as total, and
(1)  has additional service-connected disability or disabilities independently ratable at 60 percent or more, or,
(2)  by reason of such veterans service-connected disability or disabilities, is permanently housebound, then the monthly compensation shall be $2,766. For the purpose of this subsection, the requirement of permanently housebound will be considered to have been met when the veteran is substantially confined to such veterans house (ward or clinical areas, if institutionalized) or immediate premises due to a service-connected disability or disabilities which it is reasonably certain will remain throughout such veterans lifetime.
[1] So in original.

38 USC 1115 - Additional compensation for dependents

Any veteran entitled to compensation at the rates provided in section 1114 of this title, and whose disability is rated not less than 30 percent, shall be entitled to additional compensation for dependents in the following monthly amounts:
(1) If and while rated totally disabled and
(A) has a spouse but no child, $139;
(B) has a spouse and one or more children, $240 plus $70 for each child in excess of one;
(C) has no spouse but one or more children, $94 plus $70 for each child in excess of one;
(D) has a parent dependent upon such veteran for support, then, in addition to the above amounts, $112 for each parent so dependent;
(E) notwithstanding the other provisions of this paragraph, the monthly payable amount on account of a spouse who is
(i)  a patient in a nursing home or
(ii)  blind, or so nearly blind or significantly disabled as to need or require the regular aid and attendance of another person, shall be $265 for a totally disabled veteran and proportionate amounts for partially disabled veterans in accordance with paragraph (2) of this section; and
(F) notwithstanding the other provisions of this paragraph, the monthly amount payable on account of each child who has attained the age of eighteen years and who is pursuing a course of instruction at an approved educational institution shall be $222 for a totally disabled veteran and proportionate amounts for partially disabled veterans in accordance with paragraph (2) of this section.
(2) If and while rated partially disabled, but not less than 30 percent, in an amount having the same ratio to the amount specified in paragraph (1) of this section as the degree of disability bears to total disability. The amounts payable under this paragraph, if not a multiple of $1, shall be rounded down to the nearest dollar.

38 USC 1116 - Presumptions of service connection for diseases associated with exposure to certain herbicide agents; presumption of exposure for veterans who served in the Republic of Vietnam

(a) 
(1) For the purposes of section 1110 of this title, and subject to section 1113 of this title
(A) a disease specified in paragraph (2) of this subsection becoming manifest as specified in that paragraph in a veteran who, during active military, naval, or air service, served in the Republic of Vietnam during the period beginning on January 9, 1962, and ending on May 7, 1975; and
(B) each additional disease (if any) that
(i)  the Secretary determines in regulations prescribed under this section warrants a presumption of service-connection by reason of having positive association with exposure to an herbicide agent, and
(ii)  becomes manifest within the period (if any) prescribed in such regulations in a veteran who, during active military, naval, or air service, served in the Republic of Vietnam during the period beginning on January 9, 1962, and ending on May 7, 1975, and while so serving was exposed to that herbicide agent,

shall be considered to have been incurred in or aggravated by such service, notwithstanding that there is no record of evidence of such disease during the period of such service.

(2) The diseases referred to in paragraph (1)(A) of this subsection are the following:
(A) Non-Hodgkins lymphoma becoming manifest to a degree of disability of 10 percent or more.
(B) Each soft-tissue sarcoma becoming manifest to a degree of disability of 10 percent or more other than osteosarcoma, chondrosarcoma, Kaposis sarcoma, or mesothelioma.
(C) Chloracne or another acneform disease consistent with chloracne becoming manifest to a degree of disability of 10 percent or more within one year after the last date on which the veteran performed active military, naval, or air service in the Republic of Vietnam during the period beginning on January 9, 1962, and ending on May 7, 1975.
(D) Hodgkins disease becoming manifest to a degree of disability of 10 percent or more.
(E) Porphyria cutanea tarda becoming manifest to a degree of disability of 10 percent or more within a year after the last date on which the veteran performed active military, naval, or air service in the Republic of Vietnam during the period beginning on January 9, 1962, and ending on May 7, 1975.
(F) Respiratory cancers (cancer of the lung, bronchus, larynx, or trachea) becoming manifest to a degree of disability of 10 percent or more.
(G) Multiple myeloma becoming manifest to a degree of disability of 10 percent or more.
(H) Diabetes Mellitus (Type 2).
(3) For purposes of this section, the term herbicide agent means a chemical in an herbicide used in support of the United States and allied military operations in the Republic of Vietnam during the period beginning on January 9, 1962, and ending on May 7, 1975.
(b) 
(1) Whenever the Secretary determines, on the basis of sound medical and scientific evidence, that a positive association exists between
(A)  the exposure of humans to an herbicide agent, and
(B)  the occurrence of a disease in humans, the Secretary shall prescribe regulations providing that a presumption of service connection is warranted for that disease for the purposes of this section.
(2) In making determinations for the purpose of this subsection, the Secretary shall take into account
(A)  reports received by the Secretary from the National Academy of Sciences under section 3 of the Agent Orange Act of 1991, and
(B)  all other sound medical and scientific information and analyses available to the Secretary. In evaluating any study for the purpose of making such determinations, the Secretary shall take into consideration whether the results are statistically significant, are capable of replication, and withstand peer review.
(3) An association between the occurrence of a disease in humans and exposure to an herbicide agent shall be considered to be positive for the purposes of this section if the credible evidence for the association is equal to or outweighs the credible evidence against the association.
(c) 
(1) 
(A) Not later than 60 days after the date on which the Secretary receives a report from the National Academy of Sciences under section 3 of the Agent Orange Act of 1991, the Secretary shall determine whether a presumption of service connection is warranted for each disease covered by the report. If the Secretary determines that such a presumption is warranted, the Secretary, not later than 60 days after making the determination, shall issue proposed regulations setting forth the Secretarys determination.
(B) If the Secretary determines that a presumption of service connection is not warranted, the Secretary, not later than 60 days after making the determination, shall publish in the Federal Register a notice of that determination. The notice shall include an explanation of the scientific basis for that determination. If the disease already is included in regulations providing for a presumption of service connection, the Secretary, not later than 60 days after publication of the notice of a determination that the presumption is not warranted, shall issue proposed regulations removing the presumption for the disease.
(2) Not later than 90 days after the date on which the Secretary issues any proposed regulations under this subsection, the Secretary shall issue final regulations. Such regulations shall be effective on the date of issuance.
(d) Whenever a disease is removed from regulations prescribed under this section
(1) a veteran who was awarded compensation for such disease on the basis of the presumption provided in subsection (a) before the effective date of the removal shall continue to be entitled to receive compensation on that basis; and
(2) a survivor of a veteran who was awarded dependency and indemnity compensation for the death of a veteran resulting from such disease on the basis of such presumption shall continue to be entitled to receive dependency and indemnity compensation on such basis.
(e) Subsections (b) through (d) shall cease to be effective on September 30, 2015.
(f) For purposes of establishing service connection for a disability or death resulting from exposure to a herbicide agent, including a presumption of service-connection under this section, a veteran who, during active military, naval, or air service, served in the Republic of Vietnam during the period beginning on January 9, 1962, and ending on May 7, 1975, shall be presumed to have been exposed during such service to an herbicide agent containing dioxin or 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, and may be presumed to have been exposed during such service to any other chemical compound in an herbicide agent, unless there is affirmative evidence to establish that the veteran was not exposed to any such agent during that service.

38 USC 1117 - Compensation for disabilities occurring in Persian Gulf War veterans

(a) 
(1) The Secretary may pay compensation under this subchapter to a Persian Gulf veteran with a qualifying chronic disability that became manifest
(A) during service on active duty in the Armed Forces in the Southwest Asia theater of operations during the Persian Gulf War; or
(B) to a degree of 10 percent or more during the presumptive period prescribed under subsection (b).
(2) For purposes of this subsection, the term qualifying chronic disability means a chronic disability resulting from any of the following (or any combination of any of the following):
(A) An undiagnosed illness.
(B) A medically unexplained chronic multisymptom illness (such as chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, and irritable bowel syndrome) that is defined by a cluster of signs or symptoms.
(C) Any diagnosed illness that the Secretary determines in regulations prescribed under subsection (d) warrants a presumption of service-connection.
(b) The Secretary shall prescribe by regulation the period of time following service in the Southwest Asia theater of operations during the Persian Gulf War that the Secretary determines is appropriate for presumption of service connection for purposes of this section. The Secretarys determination of such period of time shall be made following a review of any available credible medical or scientific evidence and the historical treatment afforded disabilities for which manifestation periods have been established and shall take into account other pertinent circumstances regarding the experiences of veterans of the Persian Gulf War.
(c) 
(1) Whenever the Secretary determines under section 1118 (c) of this title that a presumption of service connection previously established under this section is no longer warranted
(A) a veteran who was awarded compensation under this section on the basis of the presumption shall continue to be entitled to receive compensation under this section on that basis; and
(B) a survivor of a veteran who was awarded dependency and indemnity compensation for the death of a veteran resulting from the disease on the basis of the presumption before that date shall continue to be entitled to receive dependency and indemnity compensation on that basis.
(2) This subsection shall cease to be effective on September 30, 2011.
(d) 
(1) The Secretary shall prescribe regulations to carry out this section.
(2) Those regulations shall include the following:
(A) A description of the period and geographical area or areas of military service in connection with which compensation under this section may be paid.
(B) A description of the illnesses for which compensation under this section may be paid.
(C) A description of any relevant medical characteristic (such as a latency period) associated with each such illness.
(e) A disability for which compensation under this subchapter is payable shall be considered to be service connected for purposes of all other laws of the United States.
(f) For purposes of this section, the term Persian Gulf veteran means a veteran who served on active duty in the Armed Forces in the Southwest Asia theater of operations during the Persian Gulf War.
(g) For purposes of this section, signs or symptoms that may be a manifestation of an undiagnosed illness or a chronic multisymptom illness include the following:
(1) Fatigue.
(2) Unexplained rashes or other dermatological signs or symptoms.
(3) Headache.
(4) Muscle pain.
(5) Joint pain.
(6) Neurological signs and symptoms.
(7) Neuropsychological signs or symptoms.
(8) Signs or symptoms involving the upper or lower respiratory system.
(9) Sleep disturbances.
(10) Gastrointestinal signs or symptoms.
(11) Cardiovascular signs or symptoms.
(12) Abnormal weight loss.
(13) Menstrual disorders.
(h) 
(1) If the Secretary determines with respect to a medical research project sponsored by the Department that it is necessary for the conduct of the project that Persian Gulf veterans in receipt of compensation under this section or section 1118 of this title participate in the project without the possibility of loss of service connection under either such section, the Secretary shall provide that service connection granted under either such section for disability of a veteran who participated in the research project may not be terminated. Except as provided in paragraph (2), notwithstanding any other provision of law any grant of service-connection protected under this subsection shall remain service-connected for purposes of all provisions of law under this title.
(2) Paragraph (1) does not apply in a case in which
(A) the original award of compensation or service connection was based on fraud; or
(B) it is clearly shown from military records that the person concerned did not have the requisite service or character of discharge.
(3) The Secretary shall publish in the Federal Register a list of medical research projects sponsored by the Department for which service connection granted under this section or section 1118 of this title may not be terminated pursuant to paragraph (1).

38 USC 1118 - Presumptions of service connection for illnesses associated with service in the Persian Gulf during the Persian Gulf War

(a) 
(1) For purposes of section 1110 of this title, and subject to section 1113 of this title, each illness, if any, described in paragraph (2) shall be considered to have been incurred in or aggravated by service referred to in that paragraph, notwithstanding that there is no record of evidence of such illness during the period of such service.
(2) An illness referred to in paragraph (1) is any diagnosed or undiagnosed illness that
(A) the Secretary determines in regulations prescribed under this section to warrant a presumption of service connection by reason of having a positive association with exposure to a biological, chemical, or other toxic agent, environmental or wartime hazard, or preventive medicine or vaccine known or presumed to be associated with service in the Armed Forces in the Southwest Asia theater of operations during the Persian Gulf War; and
(B) becomes manifest within the period, if any, prescribed in such regulations in a veteran who served on active duty in that theater of operations during that war and by reason of such service was exposed to such agent, hazard, or medicine or vaccine.
(3) For purposes of this subsection, a veteran who served on active duty in the Southwest Asia theater of operations during the Persian Gulf War and has an illness described in paragraph (2) shall be presumed to have been exposed by reason of such service to the agent, hazard, or medicine or vaccine associated with the illness in the regulations prescribed under this section unless there is conclusive evidence to establish that the veteran was not exposed to the agent, hazard, or medicine or vaccine by reason of such service.
(4) For purposes of this section, signs or symptoms that may be a manifestation of an undiagnosed illness include the signs and symptoms listed in section 1117 (g) of this title.
(b) 
(1) 
(A) Whenever the Secretary makes a determination described in subparagraph (B), the Secretary shall prescribe regulations providing that a presumption of service connection is warranted for the illness covered by that determination for purposes of this section.
(B) A determination referred to in subparagraph (A) is a determination based on sound medical and scientific evidence that a positive association exists between
(i) the exposure of humans or animals to a biological, chemical, or other toxic agent, environmental or wartime hazard, or preventive medicine or vaccine known or presumed to be associated with service in the Southwest Asia theater of operations during the Persian Gulf War; and
(ii) the occurrence of a diagnosed or undiagnosed illness in humans or animals.
(2) 
(A) In making determinations for purposes of paragraph (1), the Secretary shall take into account
(i) the reports submitted to the Secretary by the National Academy of Sciences under section 1603 of the Persian Gulf War Veterans Act of 1998; and
(ii) all other sound medical and scientific information and analyses available to the Secretary.
(B) In evaluating any report, information, or analysis for purposes of making such determinations, the Secretary shall take into consideration whether the results are statistically significant, are capable of replication, and withstand peer review.
(3) An association between the occurrence of an illness in humans or animals and exposure to an agent, hazard, or medicine or vaccine shall be considered to be positive for purposes of this subsection if the credible evidence for the association is equal to or outweighs the credible evidence against the association.
(c) 
(1) Not later than 60 days after the date on which the Secretary receives a report from the National Academy of Sciences under section 1603 of the Persian Gulf War Veterans Act of 1998, the Secretary shall determine whether or not a presumption of service connection is warranted for each illness, if any, covered by the report.
(2) If the Secretary determines under this subsection that a presumption of service connection is warranted, the Secretary shall, not later than 60 days after making the determination, issue proposed regulations setting forth the Secretarys determination.
(3) 
(A) If the Secretary determines under this subsection that a presumption of service connection is not warranted, the Secretary shall, not later than 60 days after making the determination, publish in the Federal Register a notice of the determination. The notice shall include an explanation of the scientific basis for the determination.
(B) If an illness already presumed to be service connected under this section is subject to a determination under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall, not later than 60 days after publication of the notice under that subparagraph, issue proposed regulations removing the presumption of service connection for the illness.
(4) Not later than 90 days after the date on which the Secretary issues any proposed regulations under this subsection, the Secretary shall issue final regulations. Such regulations shall be effective on the date of issuance.
(d) Whenever the presumption of service connection for an illness under this section is removed under subsection (c)
(1) a veteran who was awarded compensation for the illness on the basis of the presumption before the effective date of the removal of the presumption shall continue to be entitled to receive compensation on that basis; and
(2) a survivor of a veteran who was awarded dependency and indemnity compensation for the death of a veteran resulting from the illness on the basis of the presumption before that date shall continue to be entitled to receive dependency and indemnity compensation on that basis.
(e) Subsections (b) through (d) shall cease to be effective on September 30, 2011.

TITLE 38 - US CODE - SUBCHAPTER III - WARTIME DEATH COMPENSATION

38 USC 1121 - Basic entitlement

The surviving spouse, child or children, and dependent parent or parents of any veteran who died before January 1, 1957 as the result of injury or disease incurred in or aggravated by active military, naval, or air service, in line of duty, during a period of war, shall be entitled to receive compensation at the monthly rates specified in section 1122 of this title.

38 USC 1122 - Rates of wartime death compensation

(a) The monthly rates of death compensation shall be as follows:
(1) Surviving spouse but no child, $87;
(2) Surviving spouse with one child, $121 (with $29 for each additional child);
(3) No surviving spouse but one child, $67;
(4) No surviving spouse but two children, $94 (equally divided);
(5) No surviving spouse but three children, $122 (equally divided) (with $23 for each additional child, total amount to be equally divided);
(6) Dependent parent, $75;
(7) Both dependent parents, $40 each.
(b) The monthly rate of death compensation payable to a surviving spouse or dependent parent under subsection (a) of this section shall be increased by $79 if the payee is
(1)  a patient in a nursing home or
(2)  blind, or so nearly blind or significantly disabled as to need or require the regular aid and attendance of another person.

TITLE 38 - US CODE - SUBCHAPTER IV - PEACETIME DISABILITY COMPENSATION

38 USC 1131 - Basic entitlement

For disability resulting from personal injury suffered or disease contracted in line of duty, or for aggravation of a preexisting injury suffered or disease contracted in line of duty, in the active military, naval, or air service, during other than a period of war, the United States will pay to any veteran thus disabled and who was discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable from the period of service in which said injury or disease was incurred, or preexisting injury or disease was aggravated, compensation as provided in this subchapter, but no compensation shall be paid if the disability is a result of the veterans own willful misconduct or abuse of alcohol or drugs.

38 USC 1132 - Presumption of sound condition

For the purposes of section 1131 of this title, every person employed in the active military, naval, or air service for six months or more shall be taken to have been in sound condition when examined, accepted and enrolled for service, except as to defects, infirmities, or disorders noted at the time of the examination, acceptance and enrollment, or where evidence or medical judgment is such as to warrant a finding that the disease or injury existed before acceptance and enrollment.

38 USC 1133 - Presumptions relating to certain diseases

(a) For the purposes of section 1131 of this title, and subject to the provisions of subsections (b) and (c) of this section, any veteran who served for six months or more and contracts a tropical disease or a resultant disorder or disease originating because of therapy administered in connection with a tropical disease, or as a preventative thereof, shall be deemed to have incurred such disability in the active military, naval, or air service when it is shown to exist within one year after separation from active service, or at a time when standard and accepted treatises indicate that the incubation period thereof commenced during active service.
(b) Service-connection shall not be granted pursuant to subsection (a), in any case where the disease or disorder is shown by clear and unmistakable evidence to have had its inception before or after active military, naval, or air service.
(c) Nothing in this section shall be construed to prevent the granting of service-connection for any disease or disorder otherwise shown by sound judgment to have been incurred in or aggravated by active military, naval, or air service.

38 USC 1134 - Rates of peacetime disability compensation

For the purposes of section 1131 of this title, the compensation payable for the disability shall be that specified in section 1114 of this title.

38 USC 1135 - Additional compensation for dependents

Any veteran entitled to compensation at the rates provided in section 1134 of this title, and whose disability is rated not less than 30 percent, shall be entitled to additional monthly compensation for dependents as provided in section 1115 of this title.

38 USC 1136 - Vacant]

38 USC 1137 - Wartime presumptions for certain veterans

For the purposes of this subchapter and subchapter V of this chapter and notwithstanding the provisions of sections 1132 and 1133 of this subchapter, the provisions of sections 1111, 1112, and 1113 of this chapter shall be applicable in the case of any veteran who served in the active military, naval, or air service after December 31, 1946.

TITLE 38 - US CODE - SUBCHAPTER V - PEACETIME DEATH COMPENSATION

38 USC 1141 - Basic entitlement

The surviving spouse, child or children, and dependent parent or parents of any veteran who died before January 1, 1957, as the result of injury or disease incurred in or aggravated by active military, naval, or air service, in line of duty, during other than a period of war, shall be entitled to receive compensation as hereinafter provided in this subchapter.

38 USC 1142 - Rates of peacetime death compensation

For the purposes of section 1141 of this title, the monthly rates of death compensation payable shall be those specified in section 1122 of this title.

38 USC 1143 - Vacant]

TITLE 38 - US CODE - SUBCHAPTER VI - GENERAL COMPENSATION PROVISIONS

38 USC 1151 - Benefits for persons disabled by treatment or vocational rehabilitation

(a) Compensation under this chapter and dependency and indemnity compensation under chapter 13 of this title shall be awarded for a qualifying additional disability or a qualifying death of a veteran in the same manner as if such additional disability or death were service-connected. For purposes of this section, a disability or death is a qualifying additional disability or qualifying death if the disability or death was not the result of the veterans willful misconduct and
(1) the disability or death was caused by hospital care, medical or surgical treatment, or examination furnished the veteran under any law administered by the Secretary, either by a Department employee or in a Department facility as defined in section 1701 (3)(A) of this title, and the proximate cause of the disability or death was
(A) carelessness, negligence, lack of proper skill, error in judgment, or similar instance of fault on the part of the Department in furnishing the hospital care, medical or surgical treatment, or examination; or
(B) an event not reasonably foreseeable; or
(2) the disability or death was proximately caused
(A)  by the provision of training and rehabilitation services by the Secretary (including by a service-provider used by the Secretary for such purpose under section 3115 of this title) as part of an approved rehabilitation program under chapter 31 of this title, or
(B)  by participation in a program (known as a compensated work therapy program) under section 1718 of this title.
(b) 
(1) Where an individual is, on or after December 1, 1962, awarded a judgment against the United States in a civil action brought pursuant to section 1346 (b) of title 28 or, on or after December 1, 1962, enters into a settlement or compromise under section 2672 or 2677 of title 28 by reason of a disability or death treated pursuant to this section as if it were service-connected, then (except as otherwise provided in paragraph (2)) no benefits shall be paid to such individual for any month beginning after the date such judgment, settlement, or compromise on account of such disability or death becomes final until the aggregate amount of benefits which would be paid but for this subsection equals the total amount included in such judgment, settlement, or compromise.
(2) In the case of a judgment, settlement, or compromise covered by paragraph (1) that becomes final on or after the date of the enactment of this paragraph and that includes an amount that is specifically designated for a purpose for which benefits are provided under chapter 21 or 39 of this title (hereinafter in this paragraph referred to as the offset amount), if such judgment, settlement, or compromise becomes final before the date of the award of benefits under chapter 21 or 39 for the purpose for which the offset amount was specifically designated
(A) the amount of such award shall be reduced by the offset amount; and
(B) if the offset amount is greater than the amount of such award, the excess amount received pursuant to the judgment, settlement or compromise, shall be offset against benefits otherwise payable under this chapter.
(c) A qualifying additional disability under this section shall be treated in the same manner as if it were a service-connected disability for purposes of the following provisions of this title:
(1) Chapter 21, relating to specially adapted housing.
(2) Chapter 39, relating to automobiles and adaptive equipment.

38 USC 1152 - Persons heretofore having a compensable status

The death and disability benefits of this chapter shall, notwithstanding the service requirements thereof, be granted to persons heretofore recognized by law as having a compensable status, including persons whose claims are based on war or peacetime service rendered before April 21, 1898.

38 USC 1153 - Aggravation

A preexisting injury or disease will be considered to have been aggravated by active military, naval, or air service, where there is an increase in disability during such service, unless there is a specific finding that the increase in disability is due to the natural progress of the disease.

38 USC 1154 - Consideration to be accorded time, place, and circumstances of service

(a) The Secretary shall include in the regulations pertaining to service-connection of disabilities
(1)  additional provisions in effect requiring that in each case where a veteran is seeking service-connection for any disability due consideration shall be given to the places, types, and circumstances of such veterans service as shown by such veterans service record, the official history of each organization in which such veteran served, such veterans medical records, and all pertinent medical and lay evidence, and
(2)  the provisions required by section 5 of the Veterans Dioxin and Radiation Exposure Compensation Standards Act (Public Law 98542; 98 Stat. 2727).
(b) In the case of any veteran who engaged in combat with the enemy in active service with a military, naval, or air organization of the United States during a period of war, campaign, or expedition, the Secretary shall accept as sufficient proof of service-connection of any disease or injury alleged to have been incurred in or aggravated by such service satisfactory lay or other evidence of service incurrence or aggravation of such injury or disease, if consistent with the circumstances, conditions, or hardships of such service, notwithstanding the fact that there is no official record of such incurrence or aggravation in such service, and, to that end, shall resolve every reasonable doubt in favor of the veteran. Service-connection of such injury or disease may be rebutted by clear and convincing evidence to the contrary. The reasons for granting or denying service-connection in each case shall be recorded in full.

38 USC 1155 - Authority for schedule for rating disabilities

The Secretary shall adopt and apply a schedule of ratings of reductions in earning capacity from specific injuries or combination of injuries. The ratings shall be based, as far as practicable, upon the average impairments of earning capacity resulting from such injuries in civil occupations. The schedule shall be constructed so as to provide ten grades of disability and no more, upon which payments of compensation shall be based, namely, 10 percent, 20 percent, 30 percent, 40 percent, 50 percent, 60 percent, 70 percent, 80 percent, 90 percent, and total, 100 percent. The Secretary shall from time to time readjust this schedule of ratings in accordance with experience. However, in no event shall such a readjustment in the rating schedule cause a veterans disability rating in effect on the effective date of the readjustment to be reduced unless an improvement in the veterans disability is shown to have occurred.

38 USC 1156 - Vacant]

38 USC 1157 - Combination of certain ratings

The Secretary shall provide for the combination of ratings and pay compensation at the rates prescribed in subchapter II of this chapter to those veterans who served during a period of war and during any other time, who have suffered disability in line of duty in each period of service.

38 USC 1158 - Disappearance

Where a veteran receiving compensation under this chapter disappears, the Secretary may pay the compensation otherwise payable to the veteran to such veterans spouse, children, and parents. Payments made to such spouse, child, or parent under the preceding sentence shall not exceed the amounts payable to each if the veteran had died from service-connected disability.

38 USC 1159 - Protection of service connection

Service connection for any disability or death granted under this title which has been in force for ten or more years shall not be severed on or after January 1, 1962, except upon a showing that the original grant of service connection was based on fraud or it is clearly shown from military records that the person concerned did not have the requisite service or character of discharge. The mentioned period shall be computed from the date determined by the Secretary as the date on which the status commenced for rating purposes.

38 USC 1160 - Special consideration for certain cases of loss of paired organs or extremities

(a) Where a veteran has suffered
(1) impairment of vision in one eye as a result of service-connected disability and impairment of vision in the other eye as a result of non-service-connected disability not the result of the veterans own willful misconduct and
(A) the impairment of vision in each eye is rated at a visual acuity of 20/200 or less; or
(B) the peripheral field of vision for each eye is 20 degrees or less;
(2) the loss or loss of use of one kidney as a result of service-connected disability and involvement of the other kidney as a result of non-service-connected disability not the result of the veterans own willful misconduct;
(3) deafness compensable to a degree of 10 percent or more in one ear as a result of service-connected disability and deafness in the other ear as the result of non-service-connected disability not the result of the veterans own willful misconduct;
(4) the loss or loss of use of one hand or one foot as a result of service-connected disability and the loss or loss of use of the other hand or foot as a result of non-service-connected disability not the result of the veterans own willful misconduct; or
(5) permanent service-connected disability of one lung, rated 50 percent or more disabling, in combination with a non-service-connected disability of the other lung that is not the result of the veterans own willful misconduct,

the Secretary shall assign and pay to the veteran the applicable rate of compensation under this chapter as if the combination of disabilities were the result of service-connected disability.

(b) If a veteran described in subsection (a) of this section receives any money or property of value pursuant to an award in a judicial proceeding based upon, or a settlement or compromise of, any cause of action for damages for the non-service-connected disability described in such subsection, the increase in the rate of compensation otherwise payable under this section shall not be paid for any month following a month in which any such money or property is received until such time as the total of the amount of such increase that would otherwise have been payable equals the total of the amount of any such money received and the fair market value of any such property received.

38 USC 1161 - Payment of disability compensation in disability severance cases

The deduction of disability severance pay from disability compensation, as required by section 1212 (c) of title 10, shall be made at a monthly rate not in excess of the rate of compensation to which the former member would be entitled based on the degree of such former members disability as determined on the initial Department rating.

38 USC 1162 - Clothing allowance

The Secretary under regulations which the Secretary shall prescribe, shall pay a clothing allowance of $662 per year to each veteran who
(1) because of a service-connected disability, wears or uses a prosthetic or orthopedic appliance (including a wheelchair) which the Secretary determines tends to wear out or tear the clothing of the veteran; or
(2) uses medication which
(A)  a physician has prescribed for a skin condition which is due to a service-connected disability, and
(B)  the Secretary determines causes irreparable damage to the veterans outergarments.

38 USC 1163 - Trial work periods and vocational rehabilitation for certain veterans with total disability ratings

(a) 
(1) The disability rating of a qualified veteran who begins to engage in a substantially gainful occupation after January 31, 1985, may not be reduced on the basis of the veteran having secured and followed a substantially gainful occupation unless the veteran maintains such an occupation for a period of 12 consecutive months.
(2) For purposes of this section, the term qualified veteran means a veteran who has a service-connected disability, or service-connected disabilities, not rated as total but who has been awarded a rating of total disability by reason of inability to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation as a result of such disability or disabilities.
(b) The Secretary shall make counseling services described in section 3104 (a)(2) of this title and placement and postplacement services described in section 3104 (a)(5) of this title available to each qualified veteran (whether or not the veteran is participating in a vocational rehabilitation program under chapter 31 of this title).
(c) 
(1) In the case of each award after January 31, 1985, of a rating of total disability described in subsection (a)(2) of this section to a veteran, the Secretary shall provide to the veteran, at the time that notice of the award is provided to the veteran, a statement providing
(A) notice of the provisions of this section;
(B) information explaining the purposes and availability of and eligibility for, and the procedures for pursuing, a vocational rehabilitation program under chapter 31 of this title; and
(C) a summary description of the scope of services and assistance available under that chapter.
(2) After providing the notice required under paragraph (1) of this subsection, the Secretary shall offer the veteran the opportunity for an evaluation under section 3106 (a) of this title.

TITLE 38 - US CODE - CHAPTER 13 - DEPENDENCY AND INDEMNITY COMPENSATION FOR SERVICE-CONNECTED DEATHS

TITLE 38 - US CODE - SUBCHAPTER I - GENERAL

38 USC 1301 - Definitions

As used in this chapter The term veteran includes a person who died in the active military, naval, or air service.

38 USC 1302 - Determination of pay grade

(a) With respect to a veteran who died in the active military, naval, or air service, such veterans pay grade shall be determined as of the date of such veterans death or as of the date of a promotion after death while in a missing status.
(b) With respect to a veteran who did not die in the active military, naval, or air service, such veterans pay grade shall be determined as of
(1) the time of such veterans last discharge or release from active duty under conditions other than dishonorable; or
(2) the time of such veterans discharge or release from any period of active duty for training or inactive duty training, if such veterans death results from service-connected disability incurred during such period and if such veteran was not thereafter discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable from active duty.
(c) The pay grade of any veteran described in section 106 (b) of this title shall be that to which such veteran would have been assigned upon final acceptance or entry upon active duty.
(d) If a veteran has satisfactorily served on active duty for a period of six months or more in a pay grade higher than that specified in subsection (a) or (b) and any subsequent discharge or release from active duty was under conditions other than dishonorable, the higher pay grade shall be used if it will result in greater monthly payments to such veterans surviving spouse under this chapter. The determination as to whether an individual has served satisfactorily for the required period in a higher pay grade shall be made by the Secretary of the department in which such higher pay grade was held.
(e) The pay grade of any person not otherwise described in this section, but who had a compensable status on the date of such persons death under laws administered by the Secretary, shall be determined by the head of the department under which such person performed the services by which such person obtained such status (taking into consideration such persons duties and responsibilities) and certified to the Secretary. For the purposes of this chapter, such person shall be deemed to have been on active duty while performing such services.

38 USC 1303 - Cost-of-living adjustments

(a) In the computation of cost-of-living adjustments for fiscal years 1998 through 2013 in the rates of dependency and indemnity compensation payable under this chapter, such adjustments (except as provided in subsection (b)) shall be made by a uniform percentage that is no more than the percentage equal to the social security increase for that fiscal year, with all increased monthly rates (other than increased rates equal to a whole dollar amount) rounded down to the next lower whole dollar amount.
(b) For purposes of this section, the term social security increase means the percentage by which benefit amounts payable under title II of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 401 et seq.) are increased for any fiscal year as a result of a determination under section 215(i) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 415 (i)).

38 USC 1304 - Special provisions relating to surviving spouses

No dependency and indemnity compensation shall be paid to the surviving spouse of a veteran dying after December 31, 1956, unless such surviving spouse was married to such veteran
(1) before the expiration of fifteen years after the termination of the period of service in which the injury or disease causing the death of the veteran was incurred or aggravated; or
(2) for one year or more; or
(3) for any period of time if a child was born of the marriage, or was born to them before the marriage.

TITLE 38 - US CODE - SUBCHAPTER II - DEPENDENCY AND INDEMNITY COMPENSATION

38 USC 1310 - Deaths entitling survivors to dependency and indemnity compensation

(a) When any veteran dies after December 31, 1956, from a service-connected or compensable disability, the Secretary shall pay dependency and indemnity compensation to such veterans surviving spouse, children, and parents. The standards and criteria for determining whether or not a disability is service-connected shall be those applicable under chapter 11 of this title.
(b) Dependency and indemnity compensation shall not be paid to the surviving spouse, children, or parents of any veteran dying after December 31, 1956, unless such veteran
(1)  was discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable from the period of active military, naval, or air service in which the disability causing such veterans death was incurred or aggravated, or
(2)  died while in the active military, naval, or air service.
(c) A person who receives a payment under the provisions of the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 2210 note ) shall not be deprived, by reason of the receipt of that payment, of receipt of dependency and indemnity compensation to which that person is otherwise entitled, but there shall be deducted from payment of such dependency and indemnity compensation the amount of the payment under that Act.

38 USC 1311 - Dependency and indemnity compensation to a surviving spouse

(a) 
(1) Dependency and indemnity compensation shall be paid to a surviving spouse at the monthly rate of $1,067.
(2) The rate under paragraph (1) shall be increased by $228 in the case of the death of a veteran who at the time of death was in receipt of or was entitled to receive (or but for the receipt of retired pay or retirement pay was entitled to receive) compensation for a service-connected disability that was rated totally disabling for a continuous period of at least eight years immediately preceding death. In determining the period of a veterans disability for purposes of the preceding sentence, only periods in which the veteran was married to the surviving spouse shall be considered.
(3) In the case of dependency and indemnity compensation paid to a surviving spouse that is predicated on the death of a veteran before January 1, 1993, the monthly rate of such compensation shall be the amount based on the pay grade of such veteran, as set forth in the following table, if the amount is greater than the total amount determined with respect to that veteran under paragraphs (1) and (2): Pay grade Monthly rate E1 $1,067 E2 $1,067 E3 $1,067 E4 $1,067 E5 $1,067 E6 $1,067 E7 $1,104 E8 $1,165 E9 $1,215[1] W1 $1,128 W2 $1,172 W3 $1,207 W4 $1,276 O1 $1,128 O2 $1,165 O3 $1,246 O4 $1,319 O5 $1,452 O6 $1,637 O7 $1,768 O8 $1,941 O9 $2,076 O10 $2,276[2]
(b) If there is a surviving spouse with one or more children below the age of eighteen of a deceased veteran, the dependency and indemnity compensation paid monthly to the surviving spouse shall be increased by $265 for each such child.
(c) The monthly rate of dependency and indemnity compensation payable to a surviving spouse shall be increased by $265 if the spouse is
(1)  a patient in a nursing home or
(2)  blind, or so nearly blind or significantly disabled as to need or require the regular aid and attendance of another person.
(d) The monthly rate of dependency and indemnity compensation payable to a surviving spouse shall be increased by $126 if the surviving spouse is, by reason of disability, permanently housebound but does not qualify for the aid and attendance allowance under subsection (c) of this section. For the purposes of this subsection, the requirement of permanently housebound will be considered to have been met when the surviving spouse is substantially confined to such surviving spouses home (ward or clinical areas, if institutionalized) or immediate premises by reason of a disability or disabilities which it is reasonably certain will remain throughout such surviving spouses lifetime.
(e) In the case of an individual who is eligible for dependency and indemnity compensation under this section by reason of section 103 (d)(2)(B) of this title who is also eligible for benefits under another provision of law by reason of such individuals status as the surviving spouse of a veteran, then, notwithstanding any other provision of law (other than section 5304 (b)(3) of this title), no reduction in benefits under such other provision of law shall be made by reason of such individuals eligibility for benefits under this section.
(f) 
(1) Subject to paragraphs (2) and (3), if there is a surviving spouse with one or more children below the age of 18, the dependency and indemnity compensation paid monthly to the surviving spouse shall be increased by $250, regardless of the number of such children.
(2) Dependency and indemnity compensation shall be increased under this subsection only for months occurring during the two-year period beginning on the date on which entitlement to dependency and indemnity compensation commenced.
(3) The increase in dependency and indemnity compensation of a surviving spouse under this subsection shall cease beginning with the first month commencing after the month in which all children of the surviving spouse have attained the age of 18.
(4) Dependency and indemnity compensation under this subsection is in addition to any other dependency and indemnity compensation payable under this chapter.
[1] If the veteran served as Sergeant Major of the Army, Senior Enlisted Advisor of the Navy, Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, or Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard, at the applicable time designated by section 1302 of this title, the surviving spouse’s rate shall be $1,312.
[2] If the veteran served as Chairman or Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Chief of Staff of the Army, Chief of Naval Operations, Chief of Staff of the Air Force, Commandant of the Marine Corps, or Commandant of the Coast Guard, at the applicable time designated by section 1302 of this title, the surviving spouse’s rate shall be $2,443.

38 USC 1312 - Benefits in certain cases of in-service or service-connected deaths

(a) In the case of any veteran
(1) who dies after December 31, 1956, and is not a fully and currently insured individual (as defined in section 214 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 414)) at the time of such veterans death; and
(2) whose death occurs
(A) while on active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty training; or
(B) as the result of a service-connected disability incurred after September 15, 1940; and
(3) who leaves one or more survivors who are not entitled for any month to monthly benefits under section 202 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 402) on the basis of such veterans wages and self-employment income but who would, upon application therefor, be entitled to such benefits if such veteran had been fully and currently insured at the time of such veterans death;

the Secretary shall pay for such month benefits under this section to each such survivor in an amount equal to the amount of the benefits which would have been paid for such month to such survivor under title II of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 401 et seq.), if such veteran had been both fully and currently insured at the time of such veterans death and if such survivor had filed application therefor on the same date on which application for benefits under this section is filed with the Secretary.

(b) In any case where the amount of dependency and indemnity compensation payable under this chapter to a surviving spouse who has children is less than the amount of pension which would be payable to
(1)  such surviving spouse, or
(2)  such children if the surviving spouse were not entitled, under chapter 15 of this title had the death occurred under circumstances authorizing payment of death pension, the Secretary shall pay dependency and indemnity compensation to such surviving spouse in an amount equal to such amount of pension.

38 USC 1313 - Dependency and indemnity compensation to children

(a) Whenever there is no surviving spouse of a deceased veteran entitled to dependency and indemnity compensation, dependency and indemnity compensation shall be paid in equal shares to the children of the deceased veteran at the following monthly rates:
(1) one child, $452;
(2) two children, $649;
(3) three children, $846; and
(4) more than three children, $846, plus $162 for each child in excess of three.
(b) If dependency and indemnity compensation has been awarded under this section to a veterans child or children and the entitlement to dependency and indemnity compensation under this section of an additional child of that veteran who is over the age of eighteen years and who had previously been entitled to dependency and indemnity compensation under this section before becoming eighteen years of age is later reestablished effective retroactively upon determination that such child is pursuing a course of instruction at an approved educational institution, the amount payable retroactively to the additional child is the amount equal to the difference between the total of the increased award payable under this section to the children of the deceased veteran for the retroactive period and the prior total award for such purpose for that period.

38 USC 1314 - Supplemental dependency and indemnity compensation to children

(a) In the case of a child entitled to dependency and indemnity compensation who has attained the age of eighteen and who, while under such age, became permanently incapable of self-support, the dependency and indemnity compensation paid monthly to such child shall be increased by $265.
(b) If dependency and indemnity compensation is payable monthly to a person as a surviving spouse and there is a child (of such persons deceased spouse) who has attained the age of eighteen and who, while under such age, became permanently incapable of self-support, dependency and indemnity compensation shall be paid monthly to each such child, concurrently with the payment of dependency and indemnity compensation to the surviving spouse, in the amount of $452.
(c) If dependency and indemnity compensation is payable monthly to a person as a surviving spouse and there is a child (of such persons deceased spouse), who has attained the age of eighteen and who, while under the age of twenty-three, is pursuing a course of instruction at an educational institution approved under section 104 of this title, dependency and indemnity compensation shall be paid monthly to each such child, concurrently with the payment of dependency and indemnity compensation to the surviving spouse, in the amount of $225.

38 USC 1315 - Dependency and indemnity compensation to parents

(a) 
(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), dependency and indemnity compensation shall be paid monthly to parents of a deceased veteran in the amounts prescribed by this section.
(2) Under regulations prescribed by the Secretary, benefits under this section may be paid less frequently than monthly if the amount of the annual benefit is less than 4 percent of the maximum annual rate payable under this section.
(b) 
(1) Except as provided in paragraph (4) of this subsection, if there is only one parent, the monthly rate of dependency and indemnity compensation paid to such parent shall be $163, as increased from time to time under section 5312 (b)(1) of this title and reduced by an amount, based upon the amount of such parents annual income, determined in accordance with regulations which the Secretary shall prescribe under section 5312 (b)(2) of this title.
(2) In no case may the amount of dependency and indemnity compensation payable to any parent under this subsection be less than $5 monthly.
(3) In no case may dependency and indemnity compensation be paid under paragraph (1) of this subsection to any parent if the annual income of such parent exceeds $4,038, as increased from time to time under section 5312 of this title.
(4) If there is only one parent and such parent has remarried and is living with such parents spouse, dependency and indemnity compensation shall be paid to such parent under either paragraph (1) of this subsection or under subsection (d) of this section, whichever will result in the greater amount of such compensation being paid to such parent. In such a case of remarriage the total combined annual income of the parent and such parents spouse shall be counted in determining the monthly rate of dependency and indemnity compensation under the appropriate formula.
(c) 
(1) Except as provided in subsection (d) of this section, if there are two parents, but they are not living together, the monthly rate of dependency and indemnity compensation paid to each such parent shall be $115, as increased from time to time under section 5312 (b)(1) of this title and reduced by an amount, based upon the amount of such parents annual income, determined in accordance with regulations which the Secretary shall prescribe under section 5312 (b)(2) of this title.
(2) In no case may the amount of dependency and indemnity compensation payable to any parent under this subsection be less than $5 monthly.
(3) In no case may dependency and indemnity compensation be paid under paragraph (1) of this subsection to any parent if the annual income of such parent exceeds $4,038, as increased from time to time under section 5312 of this title.
(d) 
(1) If there are two parents who are living together, or if a parent has remarried and is living with such parents spouse, the monthly rate of dependency and indemnity compensation paid to such parent shall be $109, as increased from time to time under section 5312 (b)(1) of this title and reduced by an amount, based upon the amount of the combined annual income of the parents or the parent and the parents spouse, determined in accordance with regulations which the Secretary shall prescribe under section 5312 (b)(2) of this title.
(2) In no case may the amount of dependency and indemnity compensation payable to any parent under this subsection be less than $5 monthly.
(3) In no case may dependency and indemnity compensation be paid under this subsection to a parent if the total combined annual income of the parent and such parents spouse exceeds $5,430, as increased from time to time under section 5312 of this title.
(e) The Secretary may require as a condition of granting or continuing dependency and indemnity compensation to a parent that such parent, other than one who has attained seventy-two years of age and has been paid dependency and indemnity compensation during two consecutive calendar years, file for a calendar year with the Secretary (on the form prescribed by the Secretary) a report showing the total income which such parent expects to receive in that year and the total income which such parent received in the preceding year. The parent or parents shall notify the Secretary whenever there is a material change in annual income.
(f) 
(1) In determining income under this section, all payments of any kind or from any source shall be included, except
(A) payments of the six-months death gratuity;
(B) donations from public or private relief or welfare organizations;
(C) payments under this chapter (except section 1312 (a)) and chapters 11 and 15 of this title and under the first sentence of section 9(b) of the Veterans Pension Act of 1959;
(D) lump-sum death payments under title II of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 401 et seq.);
(E) payments of bonus or similar cash gratuity by any State based upon service in the Armed Forces;
(F) payments under policies of servicemembers group life insurance, United States Government life insurance or national service life insurance, and payments of servicemens indemnity;
(G) 10 percent of the amount of payments to an individual under public or private retirement, annuity, endowment, or similar plans or programs;
(H) amounts equal to amounts paid by a parent of a deceased veteran for
(i) a deceased spouses just debts,
(ii) the expenses of the spouses last illness to the extent such expenses are not reimbursed under chapter 51 of this title, and
(iii) the expenses of the spouses burial to the extent that such expenses are not reimbursed under chapter 23 or chapter 51 of this title;
(I) reimbursements of any kind for any casualty loss (as defined in regulations which the Secretary shall prescribe), but the amount excluded under this clause may not exceed the greater of the fair market value or the reasonable replacement value of the property involved at the time immediately preceding the loss;
(J) amounts equal to amounts paid by a parent of a deceased veteran for
(i) the expenses of the veterans last illness, and
(ii) the expenses of such veterans burial to the extent that such expenses are not reimbursed under chapter 23 of this title;
(K) profit realized from the disposition of real or personal property other than in the course of a business;
(L) payments received for discharge of jury duty or obligatory civic duties;
(M) payments of annuities elected under subchapter I of chapter 73 of title 10.
(2) Where a fraction of a dollar is involved, annual income shall be fixed at the next lower dollar.
(3) The Secretary may provide by regulation for the exclusion from income under this section of amounts paid by a parent for unusual medical expenses.
(g) The monthly rate of dependency and indemnity compensation payable to a parent shall be increased by $85, as increased from time to time under section 5312 of this title, if such parent is
(1)  a patient in a nursing home or
(2)  blind, or so nearly blind or significantly disabled as to need or require the regular aid and attendance of another person.

38 USC 1316 - Dependency and indemnity compensation in cases of prior deaths

(a) 
(1) Any person who is eligible as a surviving spouse or child for death compensation by reason of a death occurring before January 1, 1957, may receive dependency and indemnity compensation upon application therefor.
(2) Any person who is eligible as a parent, or, but for such persons annual income, would be eligible as a parent, for death compensation by reason of a death occurring before January 1, 1957, may receive dependency and indemnity compensation upon application therefor; however, the annual income limitations established by section 1315 of this title shall apply to each such parent.
(b) 
(1) Whenever the surviving spouse of a veteran has been granted dependency and indemnity compensation by reason of this section, payments to such surviving spouse and to the children of the veteran shall thereafter be made under this chapter, and shall not thereafter be made to them by reason of the death of the veteran under
(A)  other provisions of law administered by the Secretary providing for the payment of compensation or pension, or
(B)  subchapter I of chapter 81 of title 5.
(2) Whenever the child or parent of any veteran is granted dependency and indemnity compensation, payments shall not thereafter be made to such child or parent by reason of the death of the veteran under
(A)  other provisions of law administered by the Secretary providing for the payment of compensation or pension, or
(B)  subchapter I of chapter 81 of title 5.
(c) If children of a deceased individual are receiving death compensation, and all such children have not applied for dependency and indemnity compensation,
(1)  dependency and indemnity compensation paid to each child who has applied therefor shall not exceed the amounts which would be paid if the application had been made by, or on behalf of, all such children, and
(2)  benefits paid under other provisions of law administered by the Secretary providing for the payment of compensation or pension, or under subchapter I of chapter 81 of title 5, to each child who has not so applied therefor shall not exceed the amounts which would be paid to such child if no such application had been made.
(d) If there are two parents of a deceased individual eligible for benefits by reason of subsection (a), and an application for dependency and indemnity compensation is not made by both parents,
(1)  dependency and indemnity compensation paid to the parent who applies therefor shall not exceed the amounts which would be paid to such parent if both parents had so applied, and
(2)  benefits paid under other provisions of law administered by the Secretary providing for the payment of compensation, or under subchapter I of chapter 81 of title 5, to the parent who has not so applied therefor shall not exceed the amounts which would be paid to such parent if no such application had been made.
(e) 
(1) Except as provided in paragraphs (3) and (4), no person who, on January 1, 1957, was a principal or contingent beneficiary of any payments under the Servicemens Indemnity Act of 1951 may receive any such payments based upon the death giving rise to such payments after such person has been granted dependency and indemnity compensation based upon that death. No principal or contingent beneficiary who has assigned such beneficiarys interest in payments under the Servicemens Indemnity Act of 1951 after June 28, 1956, may receive any payments under this chapter based upon the death giving rise to such payments until the portion of the indemnity so assigned is no longer payable to any person.
(2) Where a beneficiary is barred from the receipt of payments under the Servicemens Indemnity Act of 1951 by virtue of the first sentence of paragraph (1), no payments of the portion of indemnity in which such beneficiary had an interest shall be made to any other beneficiary.
(3) In the case of a child who has applied for dependency and indemnity compensation pursuant to this section or prior corresponding provisions of law, and who is or becomes a beneficiary under the Servicemens Indemnity Act of 1951 by reason of the death giving rise to such childs eligibility for dependency and indemnity compensation, the Secretary shall determine and pay to such child for each month, or part thereof, payments under this chapter or under such Act, whichever payment the Secretary determines to be the greater amount.
(4) Notwithstanding paragraph (2), where a child receives dependency and indemnity compensation under this chapter, and thereafter dies, the portion of servicemens indemnity in which such child had an interest may be paid (subject to paragraph (3)) to another child of the person by reason of whose death such servicemens indemnity was payable.

38 USC 1317 - Restriction on payments under this chapter

(a) Except as provided in subsection (b), no person eligible for dependency and indemnity compensation by reason of any death occurring after December 31, 1956, shall be eligible by reason of such death for any payments under
(1)  provisions of law administered by the Secretary providing for the payment of death compensation or death pension, or
(2)  subchapter I of chapter 81 of title 5.
(b) A surviving spouse who is eligible for dependency and indemnity compensation may elect to receive death pension instead of such compensation.

38 USC 1318 - Benefits for survivors of certain veterans rated totally disabled at time of death

(a) The Secretary shall pay benefits under this chapter to the surviving spouse and to the children of a deceased veteran described in subsection (b) of this section in the same manner as if the veterans death were service connected.
(b) A deceased veteran referred to in subsection (a) of this section is a veteran who dies, not as the result of the veterans own willful misconduct, and who was in receipt of or entitled to receive (or but for the receipt of retired or retirement pay was entitled to receive) compensation at the time of death for a service-connected disability rated totally disabling if
(1) the disability was continuously rated totally disabling for a period of 10 or more years immediately preceding death;
(2) the disability was continuously rated totally disabling for a period of not less than five years from the date of such veterans discharge or other release from active duty; or
(3) the veteran was a former prisoner of war who died after September 30, 1999, and the disability was continuously rated totally disabling for a period of not less than one year immediately preceding death.
(c) Benefits may not be paid under this chapter by reason of this section to a surviving spouse of a veteran unless
(1) the surviving spouse was married to the veteran for one year or more immediately preceding the veterans death; or
(2) a child was born of the marriage or was born to them before the marriage.
(d) If a surviving spouse or a child receives any money or property of value pursuant to an award in a judicial proceeding based upon, or a settlement or compromise of, any cause of action for damages for the death of a veteran described in subsection (a) of this section, benefits under this chapter payable to such surviving spouse or child by virtue of this section shall not be paid for any month following a month in which any such money or property is received until such time as the total amount of such benefits that would otherwise have been payable equals the total of the amount of the money received and the fair market value of the property received.
(e) For purposes of sections 1448 (d) and 1450 (c) of title 10, eligibility for benefits under this chapter by virtue of this section shall be deemed eligibility for dependency and indemnity compensation under section 1311 (a) of this title.

TITLE 38 - US CODE - SUBCHAPTER III - CERTIFICATIONS

38 USC 1321 - Certifications with respect to pay grade

The Secretary concerned shall, at the request of the Secretary, certify to the Secretary the pay grade of deceased persons with respect to whose deaths applications for benefits are filed under this chapter. The certification of the Secretary concerned shall be binding upon the Secretary.

38 USC 1322 - Certifications with respect to social security entitlement

(a) Determinations required by section 1312 (a) of this title (other than a determination required by section 1312 (a)(2) of this title) as to whether any survivor described in section 1312 (a)(3) of this title of a deceased individual would be entitled to benefits under section 202 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 402) for any month and as to the amount of the benefits which would be paid for such month, if the deceased veteran had been a fully and currently insured individual at the time of such veterans death, shall be made by the Commissioner of Social Security, and shall be certified by the Commissioner to the Secretary upon request of the Secretary.
(b) The Secretary shall pay to the Commissioner of Social Security an amount equal to the costs which will be incurred in making determinations and certifications under subsection (a). Such payments shall be made with respect to the costs incurred during such period (but not shorter than a calendar quarter) as the Secretary and the Commissioner may prescribe, with the amount of such payments to be made on the basis of estimates made by the Commissioner after consultation with the Secretary. The amount payable for any period shall be increased or reduced to compensate for any underpayment or overpayment, as the case may be, of the costs incurred in any preceding period.
(c) Except with respect to determinations made under subsection (a) of this section, the Secretary shall prescribe such regulations as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this section and section 1312 (a) of this title.

38 USC 1323 - Certifications with respect to circumstances of death

Whenever the Secretary determines on the basis of a claim for benefits filed with the Secretary that a death occurred under the circumstances referred to in section 1476 (a) of title 10, the Secretary shall certify that fact to the Secretary concerned. In all other cases, the Secretary shall make the determination referred to in such section at the request of the Secretary concerned.

TITLE 38 - US CODE - CHAPTER 15 - PENSION FOR NON-SERVICE-CONNECTED DISABILITY OR DEATH OR FOR SERVICE

TITLE 38 - US CODE - SUBCHAPTER I - GENERAL

38 USC 1501 - Definitions

For the purposes of this chapter
(1) The term Indian Wars means the campaigns, engagements, and expeditions of the United States military forces against Indian tribes or nations, service in which has been recognized heretofore as pensionable service.
(2) The term World War I includes, in the case of any veteran, any period of service performed by such veteran after November 11, 1918, and before July 2, 1921, if such veteran served in the active military, naval, or air service after April 5, 1917, and before November 12, 1918.
(3) The term Civil War veteran includes a person who served in the military or naval forces of the Confederate States of America during the Civil War, and the term active military or naval service includes active service in those forces.
(4) The term period of war means the Mexican border period, World War I, World War II, the Korean conflict, the Vietnam era, the Persian Gulf War, and the period beginning on the date of any future declaration of war by the Congress and ending on the date prescribed by Presidential proclamation or concurrent resolution of the Congress.

38 USC 1502 - Determinations with respect to disability

(a) For the purposes of this chapter, a person shall be considered to be permanently and totally disabled if such person is any of the following:
(1) A patient in a nursing home for long-term care because of disability.
(2) Disabled, as determined by the Commissioner of Social Security for purposes of any benefits administered by the Commissioner.
(3) Unemployable as a result of disability reasonably certain to continue throughout the life of the person.
(4) Suffering from
(A) any disability which is sufficient to render it impossible for the average person to follow a substantially gainful occupation, but only if it is reasonably certain that such disability will continue throughout the life of the person; or
(B) any disease or disorder determined by the Secretary to be of such a nature or extent as to justify a determination that persons suffering therefrom are permanently and totally disabled.
(b) For the purposes of this chapter, a person shall be considered to be in need of regular aid and attendance if such person is
(1)  a patient in a nursing home or
(2)  blind, or so nearly blind or significantly disabled as to need or require the regular aid and attendance of another person.
(c) For the purposes of this chapter, the requirement of permanently housebound will be considered to have been met when the veteran is substantially confined to such veterans house (ward or clinical areas, if institutionalized) or immediate premises due to a disability or disabilities which it is reasonably certain will remain throughout such veterans lifetime.

38 USC 1503 - Determinations with respect to annual income

(a) In determining annual income under this chapter, all payments of any kind or from any source (including salary, retirement or annuity payments, or similar income, which has been waived, irrespective of whether the waiver was made pursuant to statute, contract, or otherwise) shall be included except
(1) donations from public or private relief or welfare organizations;
(2) payments under this chapter;
(3) amounts equal to amounts paid by a spouse of a veteran for the expenses of such veterans last illness, and by a surviving spouse or child of a deceased veteran for
(A) such veterans just debts,
(B) the expenses of such veterans last illness, and
(C) the expenses of such veterans burial to the extent such expenses are not reimbursed under chapter 23 of this title;
(4) amounts equal to amounts paid
(A) by a veteran for the last illness and burial of such veterans deceased spouse or child, or
(B) by the spouse of a living veteran or the surviving spouse of a deceased veteran for the last illness and burial of a child of such veteran;
(5) reimbursements of any kind for any casualty loss (as defined in regulations which the Secretary shall prescribe), but the amount excluded under this clause may not exceed the greater of the fair market value or reasonable replacement value of the property involved at the time immediately preceding the loss;
(6) profit realized from the disposition of real or personal property other than in the course of a business;
(7) amounts in joint accounts in banks and similar institutions acquired by reason of death of other joint owner;
(8) amounts equal to amounts paid by a veteran, veterans spouse, or surviving spouse or by or on behalf of a veterans child for unreimbursed medical expenses, to the extent that such amounts exceed 5 percent of the maximum annual rate of pension (including any amount of increased pension payable on account of family members but not including any amount of pension payable because a person is in need of regular aid and attendance or because a person is permanently housebound) payable to such veteran, surviving spouse, or child;
(9) in the case of a veteran or surviving spouse pursuing a course of education or vocational rehabilitation or training, amounts equal to amounts paid by such veteran or surviving spouse for such course of education or vocational rehabilitation or training, including
(A)  amounts paid for tuition, fees, books, and materials, and
(B)  in the case of such a veteran or surviving spouse in need of regular aid and attendance, unreimbursed amounts paid for unusual transportation expenses in connection with the pursuit of such course of education or vocational rehabilitation or training, to the extent that such amounts exceed the reasonable expenses which would have been incurred by a nondisabled person using an appropriate means of transportation (public transportation, if reasonably available);
(10) in the case of a child, any current-work income received during the year, to the extent that the total amount of such income does not exceed an amount equal to the sum of
(A) the lowest amount of gross income for which an income tax return is required under section 6012(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, to be filed by an individual who is not married (as determined under section 7703 of such Code), is not a surviving spouse (as defined in section 2(a) of such Code), and is not a head of household (as defined in section 2(b) of such Code); and
(B) if the child is pursuing a course of postsecondary education or vocational rehabilitation or training, the amount paid by such child for such course of education or vocational rehabilitation or training, including the amount paid for tuition, fees, books, and materials; and
(11) lump-sum proceeds of any life insurance policy on a veteran, for purposes of pension under subchapter III of this chapter.
(b) Where a fraction of a dollar is involved, annual income shall be fixed at the next lower dollar.

38 USC 1504 - Persons heretofore having a pensionable status

The pension benefits of subchapters II and III of this chapter shall, notwithstanding the service requirements of such subchapters, be granted to persons heretofore recognized by law as having a pensionable status.

38 USC 1505 - Payment of pension during confinement in penal institutions

(a) No pension under public or private laws administered by the Secretary shall be paid to or for an individual who has been imprisoned in a Federal, State, local, or other penal institution or correctional facility as a result of conviction of a felony or misdemeanor for any part of the period beginning sixty-one days after such individuals imprisonment begins and ending when such individuals imprisonment ends.
(b) Where any veteran is disqualified for pension for any period solely by reason of subsection (a) of this section, the Secretary may apportion and pay to such veterans spouse or children the pension which such veteran would receive for that period but for this section.
(c) Where any surviving spouse or child of a veteran is disqualified for pension for any period solely by reason of subsection (a) of this section, the Secretary may
(1)  if the surviving spouse is so disqualified, pay to the child, or children, the pension which would be payable if there were no such surviving spouse or
(2)  if a child is so disqualified, pay to the surviving spouse or other children, as applicable, the pension which would be payable if there were no such child.

38 USC 1506 - Resource reports and overpayment adjustments

As a condition of granting or continuing pension under section 1521, 1541, or 1542 of this title, the Secretary
(1) may require from any person who is an applicant for or a recipient of pension such information, proofs, and evidence as the Secretary determines to be necessary in order to determine the annual income and the value of the corpus of the estate of such person, and of any spouse or child for whom the person is receiving or is to receive increased pension (such a child is hereinafter in this subsection referred to as a dependent child), and, in the case of a child applying for or in receipt of pension under section 1542 of this title (hereinafter in this subsection referred to as a surviving child), of any person with whom such child is residing who is legally responsible for such childs support;
(2) may require that any such applicant or recipient file for a calendar year with the Department (on such form as may be prescribed for such purpose by the Secretary) a report showing
(A) the annual income which such applicant or recipient (and any such spouse or dependent child) received during the preceding year, the corpus of the estate of such applicant or recipient (and of any such spouse or dependent child) at the end of such year, and in the case of a surviving child, the income and corpus of the estate of any person with whom such child is residing who is legally responsible for such childs support;
(B) such applicants or recipients estimate for the then current year of the annual income such applicant or recipient (and any such spouse or dependent child) expects to receive and of any expected increase in the value of the corpus of the estate of such applicant or recipient (and for any such spouse or dependent child); and
(C) in the case of a surviving child, an estimate for the then current year of the annual income of any person with whom such child is residing who is legally responsible for such childs support and of any expected increase in the value of the corpus of the estate of such person;
(3) shall require that any such applicant or recipient promptly notify the Secretary whenever there is a material change in the annual income of such applicant or recipient (or of any such spouse or dependent child) or a material change in the value of the corpus of the estate of such applicant or recipient (or of any such spouse or dependent child), and in the case of a surviving child, a material change in the annual income or value of the corpus of the estate of any person with whom such child is residing who is legally responsible for such childs support; and
(4) shall require that any such applicant or recipient applying for or in receipt of increased pension on account of a person who is a spouse or child of such applicant or recipient promptly notify the Secretary if such person ceases to meet the applicable definition of spouse or child.

38 USC 1507 - Disappearance

Where a veteran receiving pension under subchapter II of this chapter disappears, the Secretary may pay the pension otherwise payable to such veterans spouse and children. In applying the provisions of this section, the Secretary may presume, without reports pursuant to section 1506 (a) of this title, that the status of the veteran at the time of disappearance, with respect to permanent and total disability, income, and net worth, continues unchanged. Payments made to a spouse or child under this section shall not exceed the amount to which each would be entitled if the veteran died of a non-service-connected disability.

38 USC 1508 - Frequency of payment of pension benefits

(a) Except as provided under subsection (b) of this section, benefits under sections 1521, 1541, and 1542 of this title shall be paid monthly.
(b) Under regulations which the Secretary shall prescribe, benefits under sections 1521, 1541, and 1542 of this title may be paid less frequently than monthly if the amount of the annual benefit is less than 4 percent of the maximum annual rate payable to a veteran under section 1521 (b) of this title.

TITLE 38 - US CODE - SUBCHAPTER II - VETERANS PENSIONS

Service Pension

38 USC 1510 - Vacant]

38 USC 1511 - Indian War veterans

(a) The Secretary shall pay to each veteran of the Indian Wars who meets the service requirements of this section a pension at the following monthly rate:
(1) $101.59; or
(2) $135.45 if the veteran is in need of regular aid and attendance.
(b) A veteran meets the service requirements of this section if such veteran served in one of the Indian Wars
(1) for thirty days or more; or
(2) for the duration of such Indian War;

in any military organization, whether or not such service was the result of regular muster into the service of the United States, if such service was under the authority or by the approval of the United States or any State.

(c) 
(1) Any veteran eligible for pension under this section shall, if such veteran so elects, be paid pension at the rates prescribed by section 1521 of this title, and under the conditions (other than the service requirements) applicable to pension paid under that section to veterans of World War I. If pension is paid pursuant to such an election, the election shall be irrevocable, except as provided in paragraph (2).
(2) The Secretary shall pay each month to each veteran of the Indian Wars who is receiving, or entitled to receive, pension based on a need of regular aid and attendance, whichever amount is greater
(A)  that provided by paragraph (2) of subsection (a) of this section, or
(B)  that which is payable to the veteran under section 1521 of this title if such veteran has elected, or would be payable if such veteran were to elect, to receive pension under such section pursuant to paragraph (1) of this subsection. Each change in the amount of pension payment required by this paragraph shall be effective as of the first day of the month during which the facts of the particular case warrant such change, and shall be made without specific application therefor.

38 USC 1512 - Spanish-American War veterans

(a) 
(1) The Secretary shall pay to each veteran of the Spanish-American War who meets the service requirements of this subsection a pension at the following monthly rate:
(A) $101.59; or
(B) $135.45 if the veteran is in need of regular aid and attendance.
(2) A veteran meets the service requirements of this subsection if such veteran served in the active military or naval service
(A) for ninety days or more during the Spanish-American War;
(B) during the Spanish-American War and was discharged or released from such service for a service-connected disability; or
(C) for a period of ninety consecutive days or more and such period began or ended during the Spanish-American War.
(3) 
(A) Any veteran eligible for pension under this subsection shall, if such veteran so elects, be paid pension at the rates prescribed by section 1521 of this title (except the rate provided under subsection (g) of such section), and under the conditions (other than the service requirements) applicable to pension paid under that section to veterans of a period of war. If pension is paid pursuant to such an election, the election shall be irrevocable.
(B) The Secretary shall pay each month to each Spanish-American War veteran who is receiving, or entitled to receive, pension based on a need of regular aid and attendance, whichever amount is greater
(i)  that provided by subparagraph (B) of subsection (a)(1) of this section, or
(ii)  that which is payable to the veteran under section 1521 of this title as in effect on December 31, 1978, under regulations which the Secretary shall prescribe. Each change in the amount of pension payment required by this subparagraph shall be effective as of the first day of the month during which the facts of the particular case warrant such change, and shall be made without specific application therefor.
(b) 
(1) The Secretary shall pay to each veteran of the Spanish-American War who does not meet the service requirements of subsection (a), but who meets the service requirements of this subsection, a pension at the following monthly rate:
(A) $67.73; or
(B) $88.04 if the veteran is in need of regular aid and attendance.
(2) A veteran meets the service requirements of this subsection if such veteran served in the active military or naval service
(A) for seventy days or more during the Spanish-American War; or
(B) for a period of seventy consecutive days or more and such period began or ended during the Spanish-American War.

38 USC 1513 - Veterans 65 years of age and older

(a) The Secretary shall pay to each veteran of a period of war who is 65 years of age or older and who meets the service requirements of section 1521 of this title (as prescribed in subsection (j) of that section) pension at the rates prescribed by section 1521 of this title and under the conditions (other than the permanent and total disability requirement) applicable to pension paid under that section.
(b) If a veteran is eligible for pension under both this section and section 1521 of this title, pension shall be paid to the veteran only under section 1521 of this title.

Non-Service-Connected Disability Pension

38 USC 1521 - Veterans of a period of war

(a) The Secretary shall pay to each veteran of a period of war who meets the service requirements of this section (as prescribed in subsection (j) of this section) and who is permanently and totally disabled from non-service-connected disability not the result of the veterans willful misconduct, pension at the rate prescribed by this section, as increased from time to time under section 5312 of this title.
(b) If the veteran is unmarried (or married but not living with or reasonably contributing to the support of such veterans spouse) and there is no child of the veteran in the custody of the veteran or to whose support the veteran is reasonably contributing, and unless the veteran is entitled to pension at the rate provided by subsection (d)(1) or (e) of this section, pension shall be paid to the veteran at the annual rate of $3,550, reduced by the amount of the veterans annual income.
(c) If the veteran is married and living with or reasonably contributing to the support of such veterans spouse, or if there is a child of the veteran in the custody of the veteran or to whose support the veteran is reasonably contributing, pension shall be paid to the veteran at the annual rate of $4,651, unless the veteran is entitled to pension at the rate provided by subsection (d)(2), (e), or (f) of this section. If the veteran has two or more such family members, such annual rate shall be increased by $600 for each such family member in excess of one. The rate payable shall be reduced by the amount of the veterans annual income and, subject to subsection (h)(1) of this section, the amount of annual income of such family members.
(d) 
(1) If the veteran is in need of regular aid and attendance, the annual rate of pension payable to the veteran under subsection (b) of this section shall be $5,680, reduced by the amount of the veterans annual income.
(2) If the veteran is in need of regular aid and attendance, the annual rate of pension payable to the veteran under subsection (c) of this section shall be $6,781. If such veteran has two or more family members, as described in subsection (c) of this section, the annual rate of pension shall be increased by $600 for each such family member in excess of one. The rate payable shall be reduced by the amount of the veterans annual income and, subject to subsection (h)(1) of this section, the amount of annual income of such family members.
(e) If the veteran has a disability rated as permanent and total and
(1)  has additional disability or disabilities independently ratable at 60 per centum or more, or
(2)  by reason of a disability or disabilities, is permanently housebound but does not qualify for pension at the aid and attendance rate provided by subsection (d) of this section, the annual rate of pension payable to the veteran under subsection (b) of this section shall be $4,340 and the annual rate of pension payable to the veteran under subsection (c) of this section shall be $5,441. If such veteran has two or more family members, as described in subsection (c) of this section, the annual rate of pension shall be increased by $600 for each such family member in excess of one. The rate payable shall be reduced by the amount of the veterans annual income and, subject to subsection (h)(1) of this section, the annual income of such family members.
(f) 
(1) If two veterans are married to one another and each meets the disability and service requirements prescribed in subsections (a) and (j), respectively, of this section, or the age and service requirements prescribed in section 1513 of this title, the annual rate of pension payable to such veterans shall be a combined annual rate of $4,651.
(2) If either such veteran is in need of regular aid and attendance, the annual rate provided by paragraph (1) of this subsection shall be $6,781. If both such veterans are in need of regular aid and attendance, such rate shall be $8,911.
(3) If either such veteran would be entitled (if not married to a veteran) to pension at the rate provided by subsection (e) of this section, the annual rate provided by paragraph (1) of this subsection shall be $5,441. If both such veterans would be entitled (if not married to one another) to such rate, such rate shall be $6,231.
(4) If one such veteran is in need of regular aid and attendance and the other would be entitled (if not married to a veteran) to the rate provided for under subsection (e) of this section, the annual rate provided by paragraph (1) of this subsection shall be $7,571.
(5) The annual rate provided by paragraph (1), (2), (3), or (4) of this subsection, as appropriate, shall
(A)  be increased by $600 for each child of such veterans (or of either such veteran) who is in the custody of either or both such veterans or to whose support either such veteran is, or both such veterans are, reasonably contributing, and
(B)  be reduced by the amount of the annual income of both such veterans and, subject to subsection (h)(1) of this section, the annual income of each such child.
(g) The annual rate of pension payable under subsection (b), (c), (d), (e), or (f) of this section to any veteran who is a veteran of a period of war shall be increased by $800 if veterans of such period of war were not provided educational benefits or home loan benefits similar to those provided to veterans of later periods of war under chapters 34 and 37, respectively, of this title or under prior corresponding provisions of law.
(h) For the purposes of this section:
(1) In determining the annual income of a veteran, if there is a child of the veteran who is in the custody of the veteran or to whose support the veteran is reasonably contributing, that portion of the annual income of the child that is reasonably available to or for the veteran shall be considered to be income of the veteran, unless in the judgment of the Secretary to do so would work a hardship on the veteran.
(2) A veteran shall be considered as living with a spouse, even though they reside apart, unless they are estranged.
(i) If the veteran is entitled under this section to pension on the basis of such veterans own service and is also entitled to pension on the basis of any other persons service, the Secretary shall pay such veteran only the greater benefit.
(j) A veteran meets the service requirements of this section if such veteran served in the active military, naval, or air service
(1) for ninety days or more during a period of war;
(2) during a period of war and was discharged or released from such service for a service-connected disability;
(3) for a period of ninety consecutive days or more and such period began or ended during a period of war; or
(4) for an aggregate of ninety days or more in two or more separate periods of service during more than one period of war.

38 USC 1522 - Net worth limitation

(a) The Secretary shall deny or discontinue the payment of pension to a veteran under section 1513 or 1521 of this title when the corpus of the estate of the veteran or, if the veteran has a spouse, the corpus of the estates of the veteran and of the veterans spouse is such that under all the circumstances, including consideration of the annual income of the veteran, the veterans spouse, and the veterans children, it is reasonable that some part of the corpus of such estates be consumed for the veterans maintenance.
(b) The Secretary shall deny or discontinue the payment of increased pension under subsection (c), (d), (e), or (f) of section 1521 of this title on account of a child when the corpus of such childs estate is such that under all the circumstances, including consideration of the veterans and spouses income, and the income of the veterans children, it is reasonable that some part of the corpus of such childs estate be consumed for the childs maintenance. During the period such denial or discontinuance remains in effect, such child shall not be considered as the veterans child for purposes of this chapter.

38 USC 1523 - Combination of ratings

(a) The Secretary shall provide that, for the purpose of determining whether or not a veteran is permanently and totally disabled, ratings for service-connected disabilities may be combined with ratings for non-service-connected disabilities.
(b) Where a veteran, by virtue of subsection (a), is found to be entitled to a pension under section 1521 of this title, and is entitled to compensation for a service-connected disability, the Secretary shall pay such veteran the greater benefit.

38 USC 1524 - Vocational training for certain pension recipients

(a) 
(1) In the case of a veteran under age 45 who is awarded a pension during the program period, the Secretary shall, based on information on file with the Department of Veterans Affairs, make a preliminary finding whether such veteran, with the assistance of a vocational training program under this section, has a good potential for achieving employment. If such potential is found to exist, the Secretary shall solicit from the veteran an application for vocational training under this section. If the veteran thereafter applies for such training, the Secretary shall provide the veteran with an evaluation, which may include a personal interview, to determine whether the achievement of a vocational goal is reasonably feasible.
(2) If a veteran who is 45 years of age or older and is awarded pension during the program period, or a veteran who was awarded pension before the beginning of the program period, applies for vocational training under this section and the Secretary makes a preliminary finding on the basis of information in the application that, with the assistance of a vocational training program under subsection (b) of this section, the veteran has a good potential for achieving employment, the Secretary shall provide the veteran with an evaluation in order to determine whether the achievement of a vocational goal by the veteran is reasonably feasible. Any such evaluation shall include a personal interview by a Department employee trained in vocational counseling.
(3) For the purposes of this section, the term program period means the period beginning on February 1, 1985, and ending on December 31, 1995.
(b) 
(1) If the Secretary, based upon an evaluation under subsection (a) of this section, determines that the achievement of a vocational goal by a veteran is reasonably feasible, the veteran shall be offered and may elect to pursue a vocational training program under this subsection. If the veteran elects to pursue such a program, the program shall be designed in consultation with the veteran in order to meet the veterans individual needs and shall be set forth in an individualized written plan of vocational rehabilitation of the kind described in section 3107 of this title.
(2) 
(A) Subject to subparagraph (B) of this paragraph, a vocational training program under this subsection shall consist of vocationally oriented services and assistance of the kind provided under chapter 31 of this title and such other services and assistance of the kind provided under that chapter as are necessary to enable the veteran to prepare for and participate in vocational training or employment.
(B) A vocational training program under this subsection
(i) may not exceed 24 months unless, based on a determination by the Secretary that an extension is necessary in order for the veteran to achieve a vocational goal identified (before the end of the first 24 months of such program) in the written plan formulated for the veteran, the Secretary grants an extension for a period not to exceed 24 months;
(ii) may not include the provision of any loan or subsistence allowance or any automobile adaptive equipment of the kind provided under chapter 39 of this title; and
(iii) may include a program of education at an institution of higher learning (as defined in sections 3452 (b) and 3452 (f), respectively, of this title) only in a case in which the Secretary determines that the program involved is predominantly vocational in content.
(3) When a veteran completes a vocational training program under this subsection, the Secretary may provide the veteran with counseling of the kind described in section 3104 (a)(2) of this title, placement and postplacement services of the kind described in section 3104 (a)(5) of this title, and training of the kind described in section 3104 (a)(6) of this title during a period not to exceed 18 months beginning on the date of such completion.
(4) A veteran may not begin pursuit of a vocational training program under this subsection after the later of
(A)  December 31, 1995, or
(B)  the end of a reasonable period of time, as determined by the Secretary, following either the evaluation of the veteran under subsection (a) of this section or the award of pension to the veteran as described in subsection (a)(2) of this section. Any determination by the Secretary of such a reasonable period of time shall be made pursuant to regulations which the Secretary shall prescribe.
(c) In the case of a veteran who has been determined to have a permanent and total non-service-connected disability and who, not later than one year after the date the veterans eligibility for counseling under subsection (b)(3) of this section expires, secures employment within the scope of a vocational goal identified in the veterans individualized written plan of vocational rehabilitation (or in a related field which requires reasonably developed skills and the use of some or all of the training or services furnished the veteran under such plan), the evaluation of the veteran as having a permanent and total disability may not be terminated by reason of the veterans capacity to engage in such employment until the veteran first maintains such employment for a period of not less than 12 consecutive months.
(d) A veteran who pursues a vocational training program under subsection (b) of this section shall have the benefit of the provisions of subsection (a) of section 1525 of this title beginning at such time as the veterans entitlement to pension is terminated by reason of income from work or training (as defined in subsection (b)(1) of that section) without regard to the date on which the veterans entitlement to pension is terminated.
(e) Payments by the Secretary for education, training, and other services and assistance under subsection (b) of this section (other than the services of Department employees) shall be made from the Department appropriations account from which payments for pension are made.

38 USC 1525 - Protection of health-care eligibility

(a) In the case of a veteran whose entitlement to pension is terminated after January 31, 1985, by reason of income from work or training, the veteran shall retain for a period of three years beginning on the date of such termination all eligibility for care and services under such chapter that the veteran would have had if the veterans entitlement to pension had not been terminated. Care and services for which such a veteran retains eligibility include, when applicable, drugs and medicines under section 1712 (d) of this title.
(b) For purposes of this section, the term terminated by reason of income from work or training means terminated as a result of the veterans receipt of earnings from activity performed for remuneration or with gain, but only if the veterans annual income from sources other than such earnings would, taken alone, not result in the termination of the veterans pension.

TITLE 38 - US CODE - SUBCHAPTER III - PENSIONS TO SURVIVING SPOUSES AND CHILDREN

Wars Before World War I

38 USC 1531 - Vacant]

38 USC 1532 - Surviving spouses of Civil War veterans

(a) The Secretary shall pay to the surviving spouse of each Civil War veteran who met the service requirements of this section a pension at the following monthly rate:
(1) $40.64 if such surviving spouse is below seventy years of age; or
(2) $70 if such surviving spouse is seventy years of age or older.
(b) If there is a child of the veteran, the rate of pension paid to the surviving spouse under subsection (a) shall be increased by $8.13 per month for each such child.
(c) A veteran met the service requirements of this section if such veteran served for ninety days or more in the active military or naval service during the Civil War, as heretofore defined under public laws administered by the Veterans Administration, or if such veteran was discharged or released from such service upon a surgeons certificate of disability.
(d) No pension shall be paid to a surviving spouse of a veteran under this section unless such surviving spouse was married to such veteran
(1) before June 27, 1905; or
(2) for one year or more; or
(3) for any period of time if a child was born of the marriage, or was born to them before the marriage.

38 USC 1533 - Children of Civil War veterans

Whenever there is no surviving spouse entitled to pension under section 1532 of this title, the Secretary shall pay to the children of each Civil War veteran who met the service requirements of section 1532 of this title a pension at the monthly rate of $73.13 for one child, plus $8.13 for each additional child, with the total amount equally divided.

38 USC 1534 - Surviving spouses of Indian War veterans

(a) The Secretary shall pay to the surviving spouse of each Indian War veteran who met the service requirements of section 1511 of this title a pension at the following monthly rate:
(1) $40.64 if such surviving spouse is below seventy years of age; or
(2) $70 if such surviving spouse is seventy years of age or older.
(b) If there is a child of the veteran, the rate of pension paid to the surviving spouse under subsection (a) shall be increased by $8.13 per month for each such child.
(c) No pension shall be paid to a surviving spouse of a veteran under this section unless such surviving spouse was married to such veteran
(1) before March 4, 1917; or
(2) for one year or more; or
(3) for any period of time if a child was born of the marriage, or was born to them before the marriage.

38 USC 1535 - Children of Indian War veterans

Whenever there is no surviving spouse entitled to pension under section 1534 of this title, the Secretary shall pay to the children of each Indian War veteran who met the service requirements of section 1511 of this title a pension at the monthly rate of $73.13 for one child, plus $8.13 for each additional child, with the total amount equally divided.

38 USC 1536 - Surviving spouses of Spanish-American War veterans

(a) The Secretary shall pay to the surviving spouse of each Spanish-American War veteran who met the service requirements of section 1512 (a) of this title a pension at the monthly rate of $70, unless such surviving spouse was the spouse of the veteran during such veterans service in the Spanish-American War, in which case the monthly rate shall be $75.
(b) If there is a child of the veteran, the rate of pension paid to the surviving spouse under subsection (a) shall be increased by $8.13 per month for each such child.
(c) No pension shall be paid to a surviving spouse of a veteran under this section unless such surviving spouse was married to such veteran
(1) before January 1, 1938; or
(2) for one year or more; or
(3) for any period of time if a child was born of the marriage, or was born to them before the marriage.
(d) 
(1) Any surviving spouse eligible for pension under this section shall, if such surviving spouse so elects, be paid pension at the rates prescribed by section 1541 of this title, and under the conditions (other than the service requirements) applicable to pension paid under that section to surviving spouses of veterans of a period of war. If pension is paid pursuant to such an election, the election shall be irrevocable.
(2) The Secretary shall pay each month to the surviving spouse of each Spanish-American War veteran who is receiving, or entitled to receive, pension based on a need of regular aid and attendance, whichever amount is greater
(A)  that which is payable to such surviving spouse under subsections (a) and (b) of this section as increased by section 5441 of this title, as in effect on December 31, 1978; or
(B)  that which is payable under section 1541 of this title, as in effect on December 31, 1978, as increased by such section 544,1 as in effect on such date, to a surviving spouse of a World War I veteran with the same annual income and corpus of estate. Each change in the amount of pension required by this paragraph shall be effective as of the first day of the month during which the facts of the particular case warrant such change, and shall be made without specific application therefor.
[1] See References in Text note below.

38 USC 1537 - Children of Spanish-American War veterans

Whenever there is no surviving spouse entitled to pension under section 1536 of this title, the Secretary shall pay to the children of each Spanish-American War veteran who met the service requirements of section 1512 (a) of this title a pension at the monthly rate of $73.13 for one child, plus $8.13 for each additional child, with the total amount equally divided.

Other Periods of War

38 USC 1541 - Surviving spouses of veterans of a period of war

(a) The Secretary shall pay to the surviving spouse of each veteran of a period of war who met the service requirements prescribed in section 1521 (j) of this title, or who at the time of death was receiving (or entitled to receive) compensation or retirement pay for a service-connected disability, pension at the rate prescribed by this section, as increased from time to time under section 5312 of this title.
(b) If no child of the veteran is in the custody of the surviving spouse, pension shall be paid to the surviving spouse at the annual rate of $2,379, reduced by the amount of the surviving spouses annual income.
(c) If there is a child of the veteran in the custody of the surviving spouse, pension shall be paid to the surviving spouse at the annual rate of $3,116. If the surviving spouse has custody of two or more such children, the annual pension rate shall be increased by $600 for each such child in excess of one. In each case, the rate payable shall be reduced by the amount of the surviving spouses annual income and, subject to subsection (g) of this section, the annual income of each such child.
(d) 
(1) If a surviving spouse who is entitled to pension under subsection (b) of this section is in need of regular aid and attendance, the annual rate of pension payable to such surviving spouse shall be $3,806, reduced by the amount of the surviving spouses annual income.
(2) If a surviving spouse who is entitled to pension under subsection (c) of this section is in need of regular aid and attendance, the annual rate of pension payable to the surviving spouse shall be $4,543. If there are two or more children of the veteran in such surviving spouses custody, the annual rate of pension shall be increased by $600 for each such child in excess of one. The rate payable shall be reduced by the amount of the surviving spouses annual income and, subject to subsection (g) of this section, the annual income of each such child.
(e) 
(1) If the surviving spouse is permanently housebound but does not qualify for pension at the aid and attendance rate provided by subsection (d) of this section, the annual rate of pension payable to such surviving spouse under subsection (b) of this section shall be $2,908 and the annual rate of pension payable to such surviving spouse under subsection (c) of this section shall be $3,645. If there are two or more children of the veteran in such surviving spouses custody, the annual rate of pension shall be increased by $600 for each such child in excess of one. The rate payable shall be reduced by the amount of the surviving spouses annual income and, subject to subsection (g) of this section, the income of any child of the veteran for whom the surviving spouse is receiving increased pension.
(2) For purposes of paragraph (1) of this subsection, the requirement of permanently housebound shall be met when the surviving spouse is substantially confined to such surviving spouses house (ward or clinical areas, if institutionalized) or immediate premises by reason of a disability or disabilities reasonably certain to remain throughout such surviving spouses lifetime.
(f) No pension shall be paid under this section to a surviving spouse of a veteran unless the spouse was married to the veteran
(1) before
(A)  December 14, 1944, in the case of a surviving spouse of a Mexican border period or World War I veteran,
(B)  January 1, 1957, in the case of a surviving spouse of a World War II veteran,
(C)  February 1, 1965, in the case of a surviving spouse of a Korean conflict veteran,
(D)  May 8, 1985, in the case of a surviving spouse of a Vietnam era veteran, or
(E)  January 1, 2001, in the case of a surviving spouse of a veteran of the Persian Gulf War;
(2) for one year or more; or
(3) for any period of time if a child was born of the marriage, or was born to them before the marriage.
(g) In determining the annual income of a surviving spouse for the purposes of this section, if there is a child of the veteran in the custody of the surviving spouse, that portion of the annual income of the child that is reasonably available to or for the surviving spouse shall be considered to be income of the surviving spouse, unless in the judgment of the Secretary to do so would work a hardship on the surviving spouse.
(h) As used in this section and section 1542 of this title, the term veteran includes a person who has completed at least two years of honorable active military, naval, or air service, as certified by the Secretary concerned, but whose death in such service was not in line of duty.

38 USC 1542 - Children of veterans of a period of war

The Secretary shall pay to each child
(1)  who is the child of a deceased veteran of a period of war who met the service requirements prescribed in section 1521 (j) of this title, or who at the time of death was receiving (or entitled to receive) compensation or retirement pay for a service-connected disability, and
(2)  who is not in the custody of a surviving spouse eligible for pension under section 1541 of this title, pension at the annual rate of $600, as increased from time to time under section 5312 of this title and reduced by the amount of such childs annual income; or, if such child is residing with a person who is legally responsible for such childs support, at an annual rate equal to the amount by which the appropriate annual rate provided under section 1541 (c) of this title exceeds the sum of the annual income of such child and such person, but in no event may such annual rate of pension exceed the amount by which $600, as increased from time to time under section 5312 of this title, exceeds the annual income of such child. The appropriate annual rate under such section 1541 (c) for the purposes of the preceding sentence shall be determined in accordance with regulations which the Secretary shall prescribe.

38 USC 1543 - Net worth limitation

(a) 
(1) The Secretary shall deny or discontinue payment of pension to a surviving spouse under section 1541 of this title when the corpus of the estate of the surviving spouse is such that under all the circumstances, including consideration of the income of the surviving spouse and the income of any child from whom the surviving spouse is receiving increased pension, it is reasonable that some part of the corpus of such estate be consumed for the surviving spouses maintenance.
(2) The Secretary shall deny or discontinue the payment of increased pension under subsection (c), (d), or (e) of section 1541 of this title on account of a child when the corpus of such childs estate is such that under all the circumstances, including consideration of the income of the surviving spouse and such child and the income of any other child for whom the surviving spouse is receiving increased pension, it is reasonable that some part of the corpus of the childs estate be consumed for the childs maintenance. During the period such denial or discontinuance remains in effect, such child shall not be considered as the surviving spouses child for purposes of this chapter.
(b) The Secretary shall deny or discontinue payment of pension to a child under section 1542 of this title when the corpus of the estate of the child is such that under all the circumstances, including consideration of the income of the child, the income of any person with whom such child is residing who is legally responsible for such childs support, and the corpus of the estate of such person, it is reasonable that some part of the corpus of such estates be consumed for the childs maintenance.

[Surviving Spouses of Veterans of All Periods of War - Repealed]

38 USC 1544 - Vacant]

TITLE 38 - US CODE - SUBCHAPTER IV - ARMY, NAVY, AIR FORCE, AND COAST GUARD MEDAL OF HONOR ROLL

38 USC 1560 - Medal of Honor Roll; persons eligible

(a) There shall be in the Department of the Army, the Department of the Navy, the Department of the Air Force, and the Department of Homeland Security, respectively, a roll designated as the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard Medal of Honor Roll.
(b) Upon written application to the Secretary concerned, that Secretary shall enter and record on such roll the name of each surviving person who has served on active duty in the armed forces of the United States and who has been awarded a medal of honor for distinguishing such person conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of such persons life above and beyond the call of duty while so serving.
(c) Applications for entry on such roll shall be made in the form and under regulations prescribed by the Secretary concerned, and shall indicate whether or not the applicant desires to receive the special pension provided by section 1562 of this title. Proper blanks and instructions shall be furnished by the Secretary concerned, without charge upon the request of any person claiming the benefits of this subchapter.

38 USC 1561 - Certificate

(a) The Secretary concerned shall determine whether or not each applicant is entitled to have such persons name entered on the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard Medal of Honor Roll. If the official award of the Medal of Honor to the applicant, or the official notice to such person thereof, shows that the Medal of Honor was awarded to the applicant for an act described in section 1560 of this title, such award or notice shall be sufficient to entitle the applicant to have such persons name entered on such roll without further investigation; otherwise all official correspondence, orders, reports, recommendations, requests, and other evidence on file in any public office or department shall be considered.
(b) Each person whose name is entered on the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard Medal of Honor Roll shall be furnished a certificate of service and of the act of heroism, gallantry, bravery, or intrepidity for which the Medal of Honor was awarded, of enrollment on such roll, and, if such person has indicated such persons desire to receive the special pension provided by section 1562 of this title, of such persons right to such special pension.
(c) The Secretary concerned shall deliver to the Secretary a certified copy of each certificate issued under subsection (b) in which the right of the person named in the certificate to the special pension provided by section 1562 of this title is set forth. Such copy shall authorize the Secretary to pay such special pension to the person named in the certificate.

38 USC 1562 - Special provisions relating to pension

(a) The Secretary shall pay monthly to each person whose name has been entered on the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard Medal of Honor roll, and a copy of whose certificate has been delivered to the Secretary under subsection (c) of section 1561 of this title, a special pension at the rate of $1,000, as adjusted from time to time under subsection (e), beginning as of the date of application therefor under section 1560 of this title.
(b) The receipt of special pension shall not deprive any person of any other pension or other benefit, right, or privilege to which such person is or may hereafter be entitled under any existing or subsequent law. Special pension shall be paid in addition to all other payments under laws of the United States.
(c) Special pension shall not be subject to any attachment, execution, levy, tax lien, or detention under any process whatever.
(d) If any person has been awarded more than one medal of honor, such person shall not receive more than one special pension.
(e) Effective as of December 1 each year, the Secretary shall increase the amount of monthly special pension payable under subsection (a) as of November 30 of such year by the same percentage as the percentage by which benefit amounts payable under title II of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 401 et seq.) are increased effective December 1 of such year as a result of a determination under section 215(i) of that Act (42 U.S.C. 415 (i)).
(f) 
(1) The Secretary shall pay, in a lump sum, to each person who is in receipt of special pension payable under this section an amount equal to the total amount of special pension that the person would have received during the period beginning on the first day of the first month beginning after the date of the act for which the person was awarded the Medal of Honor and ending on the last day of the month preceding the month in which the persons special pension in fact commenced.
(2) For each month of a period referred to in paragraph (1), the amount of special pension payable to a person shall be determined using the rate of special pension that was in effect for such month, and shall be payable only if the person would have been entitled to payment of special pension for such month under laws for eligibility for special pension (with the exception of the eligibility law requiring a person to have been awarded a Medal of Honor) in effect at the beginning of such month.

TITLE 38 - US CODE - CHAPTER 17 - HOSPITAL, NURSING HOME, DOMICILIARY, AND MEDICAL CARE

TITLE 38 - US CODE - SUBCHAPTER I - GENERAL

38 USC 1701 - Definitions

For the purposes of this chapter
(1) The term disability means a disease, injury, or other physical or mental defect.
(2) The term veteran of any war includes any veteran awarded the Medal of Honor.
(3) The term facilities of the Department means
(A) facilities over which the Secretary has direct jurisdiction;
(B) Government facilities for which the Secretary contracts; and
(C) public or private facilities at which the Secretary provides recreational activities for patients receiving care under section 1710 of this title.
(4) The term non-Department facilities means facilities other than Department facilities.
(5) The term hospital care includes
(A) 
(i) medical services rendered in the course of the hospitalization of any veteran, and
(ii)  travel and incidental expenses pursuant to the provisions of section 111 of this title;
(B) such mental health services, consultation, professional counseling, and training for the members of the immediate family or legal guardian of a veteran, or the individual in whose household such veteran certifies an intention to live, as may be essential to the effective treatment and rehabilitation of a veteran or dependent or survivor of a veteran receiving care under the last sentence of section 1781 (b) of this title; and
(C) 
(i) medical services rendered in the course of the hospitalization of a dependent or survivor of a veteran receiving care under the last sentence of section 1781 (b) of this title, and
(ii)  travel and incidental expenses for such dependent or survivor under the terms and conditions set forth in section 111 of this title.
(6) The term medical services includes, in addition to medical examination, treatment, and rehabilitative services, the following:
(A) Surgical services.
(B) Dental services and appliances as described in sections 1710 and 1712 of this title.
(C) Optometric and podiatric services.
(D) Preventive health services.
(E) In the case of a person otherwise receiving care or services under this chapter
(i) wheelchairs, artificial limbs, trusses, and similar appliances;
(ii) special clothing made necessary by the wearing of prosthetic appliances; and
(iii) such other supplies or services as the Secretary determines to be reasonable and necessary.
(F) Travel and incidental expenses pursuant to section 111 of this title.
(7) The term domiciliary care includes necessary medical services and travel and incidental expenses pursuant to the provisions of section 111 of this title.
(8) The term rehabilitative services means such professional, counseling, and guidance services and treatment programs as are necessary to restore, to the maximum extent possible, the physical, mental, and psychological functioning of an ill or disabled person.
(9) The term preventive health services means
(A) periodic medical and dental examinations;
(B) patient health education (including nutrition education);
(C) maintenance of drug use profiles, patient drug monitoring, and drug utilization education;
(D) mental health preventive services;
(E) substance abuse prevention measures;
(F) immunizations against infectious disease;
(G) prevention of musculoskeletal deformity or other gradually developing disabilities of a metabolic or degenerative nature;
(H) genetic counseling concerning inheritance of genetically determined diseases;
(I) routine vision testing and eye care services;
(J) periodic reexamination of members of likely target populations (high-risk groups) for selected diseases and for functional decline of sensory organs, together with attendant appropriate remedial intervention; and
(K) such other health-care services as the Secretary may determine to be necessary to provide effective and economical preventive health care.
(10) 
(A) During the period beginning on November 30, 1999, and ending on December 31, 2008, the term medical services includes noninstitutional extended care services.
(B) For the purposes of subparagraph (A), the term noninstitutional extended care services means such alternatives to institutional extended care which the Secretary may furnish
(i)  directly,
(ii)  by contract, or
(iii)  (through provision of case management) by another provider or payor.

38 USC 1702 - Presumption relating to psychosis

For the purposes of this chapter, any veteran of World War II, the Korean conflict, the Vietnam era, or the Persian Gulf War who developed an active psychosis
(1)  within two years after discharge or release from the active military, naval, or air service, and
(2)  before July 26, 1949, in the case of a veteran of World War II, before February 1, 1957, in the case of a veteran of the Korean conflict, before May 8, 1977, in the case of a Vietnam era veteran, or before the end of the two-year period beginning on the last day of the Persian Gulf War, in the case of a veteran of the Persian Gulf War, shall be deemed to have incurred such disability in the active military, naval, or air service.

38 USC 1703 - Contracts for hospital care and medical services in non-Department facilities

(a) When Department facilities are not capable of furnishing economical hospital care or medical services because of geographical inaccessibility or are not capable of furnishing the care or services required, the Secretary, as authorized in section 1710 of this title, may contract with non-Department facilities in order to furnish any of the following:
(1) Hospital care or medical services to a veteran for the treatment of
(A) a service-connected disability;
(B) a disability for which a veteran was discharged or released from the active military, naval, or air service; or
(C) a disability of a veteran who has a total disability permanent in nature from a service-connected disability.
(2) Medical services for the treatment of any disability of
(A) a veteran described in section 1710 (a)(1)(B) of this title;
(B) a veteran who
(i)  has been furnished hospital care, nursing home care, domiciliary care, or medical services, and
(ii)  requires medical services to complete treatment incident to such care or services; or
(C) a veteran described in section 1710 (a)(2)(E) of this title, or a veteran who is in receipt of increased pension, or additional compensation or allowances based on the need of regular aid and attendance or by reason of being permanently housebound (or who, but for the receipt of retired pay, would be in receipt of such pension, compensation, or allowance), if the Secretary has determined, based on an examination by a physician employed by the Department (or, in areas where no such physician is available, by a physician carrying out such function under a contract or fee arrangement), that the medical condition of such veteran precludes appropriate treatment in Department facilities.
(3) Hospital care or medical services for the treatment of medical emergencies which pose a serious threat to the life or health of a veteran receiving medical services in a Department facility or nursing home care under section 1720 of this title until such time following the furnishing of care in the non-Department facility as the veteran can be safely transferred to a Department facility.
(4) Hospital care for women veterans.
(5) Hospital care, or medical services that will obviate the need for hospital admission, for veterans in a State (other than the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico) not contiguous to the contiguous States, except that the annually determined hospital patient load and incidence of the furnishing of medical services to veterans hospitalized or treated at the expense of the Department in Government and non-Department facilities in each such noncontiguous State shall be consistent with the patient load or incidence of the furnishing of medical services for veterans hospitalized or treated by the Department within the 48 contiguous States and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
(6) Diagnostic services necessary for determination of eligibility for, or of the appropriate course of treatment in connection with, furnishing medical services at independent Department out-patient clinics to obviate the need for hospital admission.
(7) Outpatient dental services and treatment, and related dental appliances, for a veteran described in section 1712 (a)(1)(F) of this title.
(8) Diagnostic services (on an inpatient or outpatient basis) for observation or examination of a person to determine eligibility for a benefit or service under laws administered by the Secretary.
(b) In the case of any veteran for whom the Secretary contracts to furnish care or services in a non-Department facility pursuant to a provision of subsection (a) of this section, the Secretary shall periodically review the necessity for continuing such contractual arrangement pursuant to such provision.
(c) The Secretary shall include in the budget documents which the Secretary submits to Congress for any fiscal year a detailed report on the furnishing of contract care and services during the most recently completed fiscal year under this section, sections 1712A, 1720, 1720A, 1724, and 1732 of this title, and section 115 of the Veterans Benefits and Services Act of 1988 (Public Law 100322; 102 Stat. 501).
(d) 
(1) The Secretary shall conduct a program of recovery audits for fee basis contracts and other medical services contracts for the care of veterans under this section, and for beneficiaries under sections 1781, 1782, and 1783 of this title, with respect to overpayments resulting from processing or billing errors or fraudulent charges in payments for non-Department care and services. The program shall be conducted by contract.
(2) Amounts collected, by setoff or otherwise, as the result of an audit under the program conducted under this subsection shall be available, without fiscal year limitation, for the purposes for which funds are currently available to the Secretary for medical care and for payment to a contractor of a percentage of the amount collected as a result of an audit carried out by the contractor.
(3) The Secretary shall allocate all amounts collected under this subsection with respect to a designated geographic service area of the Veterans Health Administration, net of payments to the contractor, to that region.
(4) The authority of the Secretary under this subsection terminates on September 30, 2008.

38 USC 1704 - Preventive health services: annual report

Not later than October 31 each year, the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Veterans Affairs of the Senate and House of Representatives a report on preventive health services. Each such report shall include the following:
(1) A description of the programs and activities of the Department with respect to preventive health services during the preceding fiscal year, including a description of the following:
(A) The programs conducted by the Department
(i) to educate veterans with respect to health promotion and disease prevention; and
(ii) to provide veterans with preventive health screenings and other clinical services, with such description setting forth the types of resources used by the Department to conduct such screenings and services and the number of veterans reached by such screenings and services.
(B) The means by which the Secretary addressed the specific preventive health services needs of particular groups of veterans (including veterans with service-connected disabilities, elderly veterans, low-income veterans, women veterans, institutionalized veterans, and veterans who are at risk for mental illness).
(C) The manner in which the provision of such services was coordinated with the activities of the Medical and Prosthetic Research Service of the Department and the National Center for Preventive Health.
(D) The manner in which the provision of such services was integrated into training programs of the Department, including initial and continuing medical training of medical students, residents, and Department staff.
(E) The manner in which the Department participated in cooperative preventive health efforts with other governmental and private entities (including State and local health promotion offices and not-for-profit organizations).
(F) The specific research carried out by the Department with respect to the long-term relationships among screening activities, treatment, and morbidity and mortality outcomes.
(G) The cost effectiveness of such programs and activities, including an explanation of the means by which the costs and benefits (including the quality of life of veterans who participate in such programs and activities) of such programs and activities are measured.
(2) A specific description of research activities on preventive health services carried out during that period using employees, funds, equipment, office space, or other support services of the Department, with such description setting forth
(A) the source of funds for those activities;
(B) the articles or publications (including the authors of the articles and publications) in which those activities are described;
(C) the Federal, State, or local governmental entity or private entity, if any, with which such activities were carried out; and
(D) the clinical, research, or staff education projects for which funding applications were submitted (including the source of the funds applied for) and upon which a decision is pending or was denied.
(3) An accounting of the expenditure of funds during that period by the National Center for Preventive Health under section 7318 of this title.

38 USC 1705 - Management of health care: patient enrollment system

(a) In managing the provision of hospital care and medical services under section 1710 (a) of this title, the Secretary, in accordance with regulations the Secretary shall prescribe, shall establish and operate a system of annual patient enrollment. The Secretary shall manage the enrollment of veterans in accordance with the following priorities, in the order listed:
(1) Veterans with service-connected disabilities rated 50 percent or greater.
(2) Veterans with service-connected disabilities rated 30 percent or 40 percent.
(3) Veterans who are former prisoners of war or who were awarded the Purple Heart, veterans with service-connected disabilities rated 10 percent or 20 percent, and veterans described in subparagraphs (B) and (C) of section 1710 (a)(2) of this title.
(4) Veterans who are in receipt of increased pension based on a need of regular aid and attendance or by reason of being permanently housebound and other veterans who are catastrophically disabled.
(5) Veterans not covered by paragraphs (1) through (4) who are unable to defray the expenses of necessary care as determined under section 1722 (a) of this title.
(6) All other veterans eligible for hospital care, medical services, and nursing home care under section 1710 (a)(2) of this title.
(7) Veterans described in section 1710 (a)(3) of this title who are eligible for treatment as a low-income family under section 3(b) of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437a (b)) for the area in which such veterans reside, regardless of whether such veterans are treated as single person families under paragraph (3)(A) of such section 3 (b) or as families under paragraph (3)(B) of such section 3 (b).
(8) Veterans described in section 1710 (a)(3) of this title who are not covered by paragraph (7).
(b) In the design of an enrollment system under subsection (a), the Secretary
(1) shall ensure that the system will be managed in a manner to ensure that the provision of care to enrollees is timely and acceptable in quality;
(2) may establish additional priorities within each priority group specified in subsection (a), as the Secretary determines necessary; and
(3) may provide for exceptions to the specified priorities where dictated by compelling medical reasons.
(c) 
(1) The Secretary may not provide hospital care or medical services to a veteran under paragraph (2) or (3) of section 1710 (a) of this title unless the veteran enrolls in the system of patient enrollment established by the Secretary under subsection (a).
(2) The Secretary shall provide hospital care and medical services under section 1710 (a)(1) of this title, and under subparagraph (B) of section 1710 (a)(2) of this title, for the 12-month period following such veterans discharge or release from service, to any veteran referred to in such sections for a disability specified in the applicable subparagraph of such section, notwithstanding the failure of the veteran to enroll in the system of patient enrollment referred to in subsection (a) of this section.

38 USC 1706 - Management of health care: other requirements

(a) In managing the provision of hospital care and medical services under section 1710 (a) of this title, the Secretary shall, to the extent feasible, design, establish and manage health care programs in such a manner as to promote cost-effective delivery of health care services in the most clinically appropriate setting.
(b) 
(1) In managing the provision of hospital care and medical services under such section, the Secretary shall ensure that the Department (and each geographic service area of the Veterans Health Administration) maintains its capacity to provide for the specialized treatment and rehabilitative needs of disabled veterans (including veterans with spinal cord dysfunction, blindness, amputations, and mental illness) within distinct programs or facilities of the Department that are dedicated to the specialized needs of those veterans in a manner that
(A)  affords those veterans reasonable access to care and services for those specialized needs, and
(B)  ensures that overall capacity of the Department (and each geographic service area of the Veterans Health Administration) to provide such services is not reduced below the capacity of the Department, nationwide, to provide those services, as of October 9, 1996. The Secretary shall carry out this paragraph in consultation with the Advisory Committee on Prosthetics and Special Disabilities Programs and the Committee on Care of Severely Chronically Mentally Ill Veterans.
(2) For purposes of paragraph (1), the capacity of the Department (and each geographic service area of the Veterans Health Administration) to provide for the specialized treatment and rehabilitative needs of disabled veterans (including veterans with spinal cord dysfunction, traumatic brain injury, blindness, prosthetics and sensory aids, and mental illness) within distinct programs or facilities shall be measured for seriously mentally ill veterans as follows (with all such data to be provided by geographic service area and totaled nationally):
(A) For mental health intensive community-based care, the number of discrete intensive care teams constituted to provide such intensive services to seriously mentally ill veterans and the number of veterans provided such care.
(B) For opioid substitution programs, the number of patients treated annually and the amounts expended.
(C) For dual-diagnosis patients, the number treated annually and the amounts expended.
(D) For substance-use disorder programs
(i) the number of beds (whether hospital, nursing home, or other designated beds) employed and the average bed occupancy of such beds;
(ii) the percentage of unique patients admitted directly to outpatient care during the fiscal year who had two or more additional visits to specialized outpatient care within 30 days of their first visit, with a comparison from 1996 until the date of the report;
(iii) the percentage of unique inpatients with substance-use disorder diagnoses treated during the fiscal year who had one or more specialized clinic visits within three days of their index discharge, with a comparison from 1996 until the date of the report;
(iv) the percentage of unique outpatients seen in a facility or geographic service area during the fiscal year who had one or more specialized clinic visits, with a comparison from 1996 until the date of the report; and
(v) the rate of recidivism of patients at each specialized clinic in each geographic service area of the Veterans Health Administration.
(E) For mental health programs, the number and type of staff that are available at each facility to provide specialized mental health treatment, including satellite clinics, outpatient programs, and community-based outpatient clinics, with a comparison from 1996 to the date of the report.
(F) The number of such clinics providing mental health care, the number and type of mental health staff at each such clinic, and the type of mental health programs at each such clinic.
(G) The total amounts expended for mental health during the fiscal year.
(3) For purposes of paragraph (1), the capacity of the Department (and each geographic service area of the Veterans Health Administration) to provide for the specialized treatment and rehabilitative needs of disabled veterans within distinct programs or facilities shall be measured for veterans with spinal cord dysfunction, traumatic brain injury, blindness, or prosthetics and sensory aids as follows (with all such data to be provided by geographic service area and totaled nationally):
(A) For spinal cord injury and dysfunction specialized centers and for blind rehabilitation specialized centers, the number of staffed beds and the number of full-time equivalent employees assigned to provide care at such centers.
(B) For prosthetics and sensory aids, the annual amount expended.
(C) For traumatic brain injury, the number of patients treated annually and the amounts expended.
(4) In carrying out paragraph (1), the Secretary may not use patient outcome data as a substitute for, or the equivalent of, compliance with the requirement under that paragraph for maintenance of capacity.
(5) 
(A) Not later than April 1 of each year through 2008, the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Veterans Affairs of the Senate and House of Representatives a report on the Secretarys compliance, by facility and by service-network, with the requirements of this subsection. Each such report shall include information on recidivism rates associated with substance-use disorder treatment.
(B) In preparing each report under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall use standardized data and data definitions.
(C) Each report under subparagraph (A) shall be audited by the Inspector General of the Department, who shall submit to Congress a certification as to the accuracy of each such report.
(6) 
(A) To ensure compliance with paragraph (1), the Under Secretary for Health shall prescribe objective standards of job performance for employees in positions described in subparagraph (B) with respect to the job performance of those employees in carrying out the requirements of paragraph (1). Those job performance standards shall include measures of workload, allocation of resources, and quality-of-care indicators.
(B) Positions described in this subparagraph are positions in the Veterans Health Administration that have responsibility for allocating and managing resources applicable to the requirements of paragraph (1).
(C) The Under Secretary shall develop the job performance standards under subparagraph (A) in consultation with the Advisory Committee on Prosthetics and Special Disabilities Programs and the Committee on Care of Severely Chronically Mentally Ill Veterans.
(c) The Secretary shall ensure that each primary care health care facility of the Department develops and carries out a plan to provide mental health services, either through referral or direct provision of services, to veterans who require such services.

38 USC 1707 - Limitations

(a) Funds appropriated to carry out this chapter may not be used for purposes that are inconsistent with the Assisted Suicide Funding Restriction Act of 1997 (42 U.S.C. 14401 et seq.).
(b) The Secretary may furnish sensori-neural aids only in accordance with guidelines prescribed by the Secretary.

38 USC 1708 - Temporary lodging

(a) The Secretary may furnish persons described in subsection (b) with temporary lodging in a Fisher house or other appropriate facility in connection with the examination, treatment, or care of a veteran under this chapter or, as provided for under subsection (e)(5), in connection with benefits administered under this title.
(b) Persons to whom the Secretary may provide lodging under subsection (a) are the following:
(1) A veteran who must travel a significant distance to receive care or services under this title.
(2) A member of the family of a veteran and others who accompany a veteran and provide the equivalent of familial support for such veteran.
(c) In this section, the term Fisher house means a housing facility that
(1) is located at, or in proximity to, a Department medical facility;
(2) is available for residential use on a temporary basis by patients of that facility and others described in subsection (b)(2); and
(3) is constructed by, and donated to the Secretary by, the Zachary and Elizabeth M. Fisher Armed Services Foundation.
(d) The Secretary may establish charges for providing lodging under this section. The proceeds from such charges shall be credited to the medical care account and shall be available until expended for the purposes of providing such lodging.
(e) The Secretary shall prescribe regulations to carry out this section. Such regulations shall include provisions
(1) limiting the duration of lodging provided under this section;
(2) establishing standards and criteria under which charges are established for such lodging under subsection (d);
(3) establishing criteria for persons considered to be accompanying a veteran under subsection (b)(2);
(4) establishing criteria for the use of the premises of temporary lodging facilities under this section; and
(5) establishing any other limitations, conditions, and priorities that the Secretary considers appropriate with respect to lodging under this section.

TITLE 38 - US CODE - SUBCHAPTER II - HOSPITAL, NURSING HOME, OR DOMICILIARY CARE AND MEDICAL TREATMENT

38 USC 1710 - Eligibility for hospital, nursing home, and domiciliary care

(a) 
(1) The Secretary (subject to paragraph (4)) shall furnish hospital care and medical services which the Secretary determines to be needed
(A) to any veteran for a service-connected disability; and
(B) to any veteran who has a service-connected disability rated at 50 percent or more.
(2) The Secretary (subject to paragraph (4)) shall furnish hospital care and medical services, and may furnish nursing home care, which the Secretary determines to be needed to any veteran
(A) who has a compensable service-connected disability rated less than 50 percent or, with respect to nursing home care during any period during which the provisions of section 1710A (a) of this title are in effect, a compensable service-connected disability rated less than 70 percent;
(B) whose discharge or release from active military, naval, or air service was for a disability that was incurred or aggravated in the line of duty;
(C) who is in receipt of, or who, but for a suspension pursuant to section 1151 of this title (or both a suspension and the receipt of retired pay), would be entitled to disability compensation, but only to the extent that such veterans continuing eligibility for such care is provided for in the judgment or settlement provided for in such section;
(D) who is a former prisoner of war or who was awarded the Purple Heart;
(E) who is a veteran of the Mexican border period or of World War I;
(F) who was exposed to a toxic substance, radiation, or other conditions, as provided in subsection (e); or
(G) who is unable to defray the expenses of necessary care as determined under section 1722 (a) of this title.
(3) In the case of a veteran who is not described in paragraphs (1) and (2), the Secretary may, to the extent resources and facilities are available and subject to the provisions of subsections (f) and (g), furnish hospital care, medical services, and nursing home care which the Secretary determines to be needed.
(4) The requirement in paragraphs (1) and (2) that the Secretary furnish hospital care and medical services, the requirement in section 1710A (a) of this title that the Secretary provide nursing home care, the requirement in section 1710B of this title that the Secretary provide a program of extended care services, and the requirement in section 1745 of this title to provide nursing home care and prescription medicines to veterans with service-connected disabilities in State homes shall be effective in any fiscal year only to the extent and in the amount provided in advance in appropriations Acts for such purposes.
(5) During any period during which the provisions of section 1710A (a) of this title are not in effect, the Secretary may furnish nursing home care which the Secretary determines is needed to any veteran described in paragraph (1), with the priority for such care on the same basis as if provided under that paragraph.
(b) 
(1) The Secretary may furnish to a veteran described in paragraph (2) of this subsection such domiciliary care as the Secretary determines is needed for the purpose of the furnishing of medical services to the veteran.
(2) This subsection applies in the case of the following veterans:
(A) Any veteran whose annual income (as determined under section 1503 of this title) does not exceed the maximum annual rate of pension that would be applicable to the veteran if the veteran were eligible for pension under section 1521 (d) of this title.
(B) Any veteran who the Secretary determines has no adequate means of support.
(c) While any veteran is receiving hospital care or nursing home care in any Department facility, the Secretary may, within the limits of Department facilities, furnish medical services to correct or treat any non-service-connected disability of such veteran, in addition to treatment incident to the disability for which such veteran is hospitalized, if the veteran is willing, and the Secretary finds such services to be reasonably necessary to protect the health of such veteran. The Secretary may furnish dental services and treatment, and related dental appliances, under this subsection for a non-service-connected dental condition or disability of a veteran only
(1)  to the extent that the Secretary determines that the dental facilities of the Department to be used to furnish such services, treatment, or appliances are not needed to furnish services, treatment, or appliances for dental conditions or disabilities described in section 1712 (a) of this title, or
(2)  if
(A)  such non-service-connected dental condition or disability is associated with or aggravating a disability for which such veteran is receiving hospital care, or
(B)  a compelling medical reason or a dental emergency requires furnishing dental services, treatment, or appliances (excluding the furnishing of such services, treatment, or appliances of a routine nature) to such veteran during the period of hospitalization under this section.
(d) In no case may nursing home care be furnished in a hospital not under the direct jurisdiction of the Secretary except as provided in section 1720 of this title.
(e) 
(1) 
(A) A Vietnam-era herbicide-exposed veteran is eligible (subject to paragraph (2)) for hospital care, medical services, and nursing home care under subsection (a)(2)(F) for any disability, notwithstanding that there is insufficient medical evidence to conclude that such disability may be associated with such exposure.
(B) A radiation-exposed veteran is eligible for hospital care, medical services, and nursing home care under subsection (a)(2)(F) for any disease suffered by the veteran that is
(i) a disease listed in section 1112 (c)(2) of this title; or
(ii) any other disease for which the Secretary, based on the advice of the Advisory Committee on Environmental Hazards, determines that there is credible evidence of a positive association between occurrence of the disease in humans and exposure to ionizing radiation.
(C) Subject to paragraphs (2) and (3) of this subsection, a veteran who served on active duty in the Southwest Asia theater of operations during the Persian Gulf War is eligible for hospital care, medical services, and nursing home care under subsection (a)(2)(F) for any disability, notwithstanding that there is insufficient medical evidence to conclude that such disability may be associated with such service.
(D) Subject to paragraphs (2) and (3), a veteran who served on active duty in a theater of combat operations (as determined by the Secretary in consultation with the Secretary of Defense) during a period of war after the Persian Gulf War, or in combat against a hostile force during a period of hostilities (as defined in section 1712A (a)(2)(B) of this title) after November 11, 1998, is eligible for hospital care, medical services, and nursing home care under subsection (a)(2)(F) for any illness, notwithstanding that there is insufficient medical evidence to conclude that such condition is attributable to such service.
(E) Subject to paragraphs (2) and (3), a veteran who participated in a test conducted by the Department of Defense Deseret Test Center as part of a program for chemical and biological warfare testing from 1962 through 1973 (including the program designated as Project Shipboard Hazard and Defense (SHAD) and related land-based tests) is eligible for hospital care, medical services, and nursing home care under subsection (a)(2)(F) for any illness, notwithstanding that there is insufficient medical evidence to conclude that such illness is attributable to such testing.
(2) 
(A) In the case of a veteran described in paragraph (1)(A), hospital care, medical services, and nursing home care may not be provided under subsection (a)(2)(F) with respect to
(i) a disability that is found, in accordance with guidelines issued by the Under Secretary for Health, to have resulted from a cause other than an exposure described in paragraph (4)(A)(ii); or
(ii) a disease for which the National Academy of Sciences, in a report issued in accordance with section 3 of the Agent Orange Act of 1991, has determined that there is limited or suggestive evidence of the lack of a positive association between occurrence of the disease in humans and exposure to a herbicide agent.
(B) In the case of a veteran described in subparagraph (C), (D), or (E) of paragraph (1), hospital care, medical services, and nursing home care may not be provided under subsection (a)(2)(F) with respect to a disability that is found, in accordance with guidelines issued by the Under Secretary for Health, to have resulted from a cause other than the service or testing described in such subparagraph.
(3) Hospital care, medical services, and nursing home care may not be provided under or by virtue of subsection (a)(2)(F)
(A) in the case of care for a veteran described in paragraph (1)(A), after December 31, 2002;
(B) in the case of care for a veteran described in paragraph (1)(C), after December 31, 2002;
(C) in the case of care for a veteran described in paragraph (1)(D), after a period of 2 years beginning on the date of the veterans discharge or release from active military, naval, or air service; and
(D) in the case of care for a veteran described in paragraph (1)(E), after December 31, 2007.
(4) For purposes of this subsection
(A) The term Vietnam-era herbicide-exposed veteran means a veteran
(i)  who served on active duty in the Republic of Vietnam during the period beginning on January 9, 1962, and ending on May 7, 1975, and
(ii)  who the Secretary finds may have been exposed during such service to dioxin or was exposed during such service to a toxic substance found in a herbicide or defoliant used for military purposes during such period.
(B) The term radiation-exposed veteran has the meaning given that term in section 1112 (c)(3) of this title.
(5) When the Secretary first provides care for veterans using the authority provided in paragraph (1)(D), the Secretary shall establish a system for collection and analysis of information on the general health status and health care utilization patterns of veterans receiving care under that paragraph. Not later than 18 months after first providing care under such authority, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report on the experience under that authority. The Secretary shall include in the report any recommendations of the Secretary for extension of that authority.
(f) 
(1) The Secretary may not furnish hospital care or nursing home care under this section to a veteran who is eligible for such care under subsection (a)(3) of this section unless the veteran agrees to pay to the United States the applicable amount determined under paragraph (2) or (4) of this subsection.
(2) A veteran who is furnished hospital care or nursing home care under this section and who is required under paragraph (1) of this subsection to agree to pay an amount to the United States in order to be furnished such care shall be liable to the United States for an amount equal to
(A) the lesser of
(i) the cost of furnishing such care, as determined by the Secretary; or
(ii) the amount determined under paragraph (3) of this subsection; and
(B) before September 30, 2008, an amount equal to $10 for every day the veteran receives hospital care and $5 for every day the veteran receives nursing home care.
(3) 
(A) In the case of hospital care furnished during any 365-day period, the amount referred to in paragraph (2)(A)(ii) of this subsection is
(i) the amount of the inpatient Medicare deductible, plus
(ii) one-half of such amount for each 90 days of care (or fraction thereof) after the first 90 days of such care during such 365-day period.
(B) In the case of nursing home care furnished during any 365-day period, the amount referred to in paragraph (2)(A)(ii) of this subsection is the amount of the inpatient Medicare deductible for each 90 days of such care (or fraction thereof) during such 365-day period.
(C) 
(i) Except as provided in clause (ii) of this subparagraph, in the case of a veteran who is admitted for nursing home care under this section after being furnished, during the preceding 365-day period, hospital care for which the veteran has paid the amount of the inpatient Medicare deductible under this subsection and who has not been furnished 90 days of hospital care in connection with such payment, the veteran shall not incur any liability under paragraph (2) of this subsection with respect to such nursing home care until
(I) the veteran has been furnished, beginning with the first day of such hospital care furnished in connection with such payment, a total of 90 days of hospital care and nursing home care; or
(II) the end of the 365-day period applicable to the hospital care for which payment was made,

whichever occurs first.

(ii) In the case of a veteran who is admitted for nursing home care under this section after being furnished, during any 365-day period, hospital care for which the veteran has paid an amount under subparagraph (A)(ii) of this paragraph and who has not been furnished 90 days of hospital care in connection with such payment, the amount of the liability of the veteran under paragraph (2) of this subsection with respect to the number of days of such nursing home care which, when added to the number of days of such hospital care, is 90 or less, is the difference between the inpatient Medicare deductible and the amount paid under such subparagraph until
(I) the veteran has been furnished, beginning with the first day of such hospital care furnished in connection with such payment, a total of 90 days of hospital care and nursing home care; or
(II) the end of the 365-day period applicable to the hospital care for which payment was made,

whichever occurs first.

(D) In the case of a veteran who is admitted for hospital care under this section after having been furnished, during the preceding 365-day period, nursing home care for which the veteran has paid the amount of the inpatient Medicare deductible under this subsection and who has not been furnished 90 days of nursing home care in connection with such payment, the veteran shall not incur any liability under paragraph (2) of this subsection with respect to such hospital care until
(i) the veteran has been furnished, beginning with the first day of such nursing home care furnished in connection with such payment, a total of 90 days of nursing home care and hospital care; or
(ii) the end of the 365-day period applicable to the nursing home care for which payment was made,

whichever occurs first.

(E) A veteran may not be required to make a payment under this subsection for hospital care or nursing home care furnished under this section during any 90-day period in which the veteran is furnished medical services under paragraph (3) of subsection (a) to the extent that such payment would cause the total amount paid by the veteran under this subsection for hospital care and nursing home care furnished during that period and under subsection (g) for medical services furnished during that period to exceed the amount of the inpatient Medicare deductible in effect on the first day of such period.
(F) A veteran may not be required to make a payment under this subsection or subsection (g) for any days of care in excess of 360 days of care during any 365-calendar-day period.
(4) In the case of a veteran covered by this subsection who is also described by section 1705 (a)(7) of this title, the amount for which the veteran shall be liable to the United States for hospital care under this subsection shall be an amount equal to 20 percent of the total amount for which the veteran would otherwise be liable for such care under subparagraphs (2)(B) and (3)(A) but for this paragraph.
(5) For the purposes of this subsection, the term inpatient Medicare deductible means the amount of the inpatient hospital deductible in effect under section 1813(b) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395e (b)) on the first day of the 365-day period applicable under paragraph (3) of this subsection.
(g) 
(1) The Secretary may not furnish medical services under subsection (a) of this section (including home health services under section 1717 of this title) to a veteran who is eligible for hospital care under this chapter by reason of subsection (a)(3) of this section unless the veteran agrees to pay to the United States in the case of each outpatient visit the applicable amount or amounts established by the Secretary by regulation.
(2) A veteran who is furnished medical services under subsection (a) of this section and who is required under paragraph (1) of this subsection to agree to pay an amount to the United States in order to be furnished such services shall be liable to the United States, in the case of each visit in which such services are furnished to the veteran, for an amount which the Secretary shall establish by regulation.
(3) This subsection does not apply with respect to home health services under section 1717 of this title to the extent that such services are for improvements and structural alterations.
(h) Nothing in this section requires the Secretary to furnish care to a veteran to whom another agency of Federal, State, or local government has a duty under law to provide care in an institution of such government.

38 USC 1710A - Required nursing home care

(a) The Secretary (subject to section 1710 (a)(4) of this title) shall provide nursing home care which the Secretary determines is needed
(1)  to any veteran in need of such care for a service-connected disability, and
(2)  to any veteran who is in need of such care and who has a service-connected disability rated at 70 percent or more.
(b) 
(1) The Secretary shall ensure that a veteran described in subsection (a) who continues to need nursing home care is not, after placement in a Department nursing home, transferred from the facility without the consent of the veteran, or, in the event the veteran cannot provide informed consent, the representative of the veteran.
(2) Nothing in subsection (a) may be construed as authorizing or requiring that a veteran who is receiving nursing home care in a Department nursing home on the date of the enactment of this section be displaced, transferred, or discharged from the facility.
(c) The provisions of subsection (a) shall terminate on December 31, 2008.

38 USC 1710B - Extended care services

(a) The Secretary (subject to section 1710 (a)(4) of this title and subsection (c) of this section) shall operate and maintain a program to provide extended care services to eligible veterans in accordance with this section. Such services shall include the following:
(1) Geriatric evaluation.
(2) Nursing home care
(A)  in facilities operated by the Secretary, and
(B)  in community-based facilities through contracts under section 1720 of this title.
(3) Domiciliary services under section 1710 (b) of this title.
(4) Adult day health care under section 1720 (f) of this title.
(5) Such other noninstitutional alternatives to nursing home care as the Secretary may furnish as medical services under section 1701 (10) of this title.
(6) Respite care under section 1720B of this title.
(b) The Secretary shall ensure that the staffing and level of extended care services provided by the Secretary nationally in facilities of the Department during any fiscal year is not less than the staffing and level of such services provided nationally in facilities of the Department during fiscal year 1998.
(c) 
(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), the Secretary may not furnish extended care services for a non-service-connected disability other than in the case of a veteran who has a compensable service-connected disability unless the veteran agrees to pay to the United States a copayment (determined in accordance with subsection (d)) for any period of such services in a year after the first 21 days of such services provided that veteran in that year.
(2) Paragraph (1) shall not apply
(A) to a veteran whose annual income (determined under section 1503 of this title) is less than the amount in effect under section 1521 (b) of this title;
(B) to a veteran being furnished hospice care under this section; or
(C) with respect to an episode of extended care services that a veteran is being furnished by the Department on November 30, 1999.
(d) 
(1) A veteran who is furnished extended care services under this chapter and who is required under subsection (c) to pay an amount to the United States in order to be furnished such services shall be liable to the United States for that amount.
(2) In implementing subsection (c), the Secretary shall develop a methodology for establishing the amount of the copayment for which a veteran described in subsection (c) is liable. That methodology shall provide for
(A) establishing a maximum monthly copayment (based on all income and assets of the veteran and the spouse of such veteran);
(B) protecting the spouse of a veteran from financial hardship by not counting all of the income and assets of the veteran and spouse (in the case of a spouse who resides in the community) as available for determining the copayment obligation; and
(C) allowing the veteran to retain a monthly personal allowance.
(e) 
(1) There is established in the Treasury of the United States a revolving fund known as the Department of Veterans Affairs Extended Care Fund (hereinafter in this section referred to as the fund). Amounts in the fund shall be available, without fiscal year limitation and without further appropriation, exclusively for the purpose of providing extended care services under subsection (a).
(2) All amounts received by the Department under this section shall be deposited in or credited to the fund.

38 USC 1711 - Care during examinations and in emergencies

(a) The Secretary may furnish hospital care incident to physical examinations where such examinations are necessary in carrying out the provisions of other laws administered by the Secretary.
[(b) Repealed. Pub. L. 107–135, title II, § 208(d), Jan. 23, 2002, 115 Stat. 2463.]
(c) 
(1) The Secretary may contract with any organization named in, or approved by the Secretary under, section 5902 of this title to provide for the furnishing by the Secretary, on a reimbursable basis (as prescribed by the Secretary), of emergency medical services to individuals attending any national convention of such organization, except that reimbursement shall not be required for services furnished under this subsection to the extent that the individual receiving such services would otherwise be eligible under this chapter for medical services.
(2) The authority of the Secretary to enter into contracts under this subsection shall be effective for any fiscal year only to such extent or in such amounts as are provided in appropriation Acts.

38 USC 1712 - Dental care; drugs and medicines for certain disabled veterans; vaccines

(a) 
(1) Outpatient dental services and treatment, and related dental appliances, shall be furnished under this section only for a dental condition or disability
(A) which is service-connected and compensable in degree;
(B) which is service-connected, but not compensable in degree, but only if
(i) the dental condition or disability is shown to have been in existence at the time of the veterans discharge or release from active military, naval, or air service;
(ii) the veteran had served on active duty for a period of not less than 180 days or, in the case of a veteran who served on active duty during the Persian Gulf War, 90 days immediately before such discharge or release;
(iii) application for treatment is made within 90 days after such discharge or release, except that
(I)  in the case of a veteran who reentered active military, naval, or air service within 90 days after the date of such veterans prior discharge or release from such service, application may be made within 90 days from the date of such veterans subsequent discharge or release from such service, and
(II)  if a disqualifying discharge or release has been corrected by competent authority, application may be made within 90 days after the date of correction; and
(iv) the veterans certificate of discharge or release from active duty does not bear a certification that the veteran was provided, within the 90-day period immediately before the date of such discharge or release, a complete dental examination (including dental X-rays) and all appropriate dental services and treatment indicated by the examination to be needed;
(C) which is a service-connected dental condition or disability due to combat wounds or other service trauma, or of a former prisoner of war;
(D) which is associated with and is aggravating a disability resulting from some other disease or injury which was incurred in or aggravated by active military, naval, or air service;
(E) which is a non-service-connected condition or disability of a veteran for which treatment was begun while such veteran was receiving hospital care under this chapter and such services and treatment are reasonably necessary to complete such treatment;
(F) from which a veteran who is a former prisoner of war is suffering;
(G) from which a veteran who has a service-connected disability rated as total is suffering; or
(H) the treatment of which is medically necessary
(i)  in preparation for hospital admission, or
(ii)  for a veteran otherwise receiving care or services under this chapter.
(2) The Secretary concerned shall at the time a member of the Armed Forces is discharged or released from a period of active military, naval, or air service of not less than 180 days or, in the case of a veteran who served on active duty during the Persian Gulf War, 90 days provide to such member a written explanation of the provisions of clause (B) of paragraph (1) of this subsection and enter in the service records of the member a statement signed by the member acknowledging receipt of such explanation (or, if the member refuses to sign such statement, a certification from an officer designated for such purpose by the Secretary concerned that the member was provided such explanation).
(3) The total amount which the Secretary may expend for furnishing, during any twelve-month period, outpatient dental services, treatment, or related dental appliances to a veteran under this section through private facilities for which the Secretary has contracted under clause (1), (2), or (5) of section 1703 (a) of this title may not exceed $1,000 unless the Secretary determines, prior to the furnishing of such services, treatment, or appliances and based on an examination of the veteran by a dentist employed by the Department (or, in an area where no such dentist is available, by a dentist conducting such examination under a contract or fee arrangement), that the furnishing of such services, treatment, or appliances at such cost is reasonably necessary.
(4) 
(A) Except as provided in subparagraph (B) of this paragraph, in any year in which the Presidents Budget for the fiscal year beginning October 1 of such year includes an amount for expenditures for contract dental care under the provisions of this subsection and section 1703 of this title during such fiscal year in excess of the level of expenditures made for such purpose during fiscal year 1978, the Secretary shall, not later than February 15 of such year, submit a report to the appropriate committees of the Congress justifying the requested level of expenditures for contract dental care and explaining why the application of the criteria prescribed in section 1703 of this title for contracting with private facilities and in the second sentence of section 1710 (c) of this title for furnishing incidental dental care to hospitalized veterans will not preclude the need for expenditures for contract dental care in excess of the fiscal year 1978 level of expenditures for such purpose. In any case in which the amount included in the Presidents Budget for any fiscal year for expenditures for contract dental care under such provisions is not in excess of the level of expenditures made for such purpose during fiscal year 1978 and the Secretary determines after the date of submission of such budget and before the end of such fiscal year that the level of expenditures for such contract dental care during such fiscal year will exceed the fiscal year 1978 level of expenditures, the Secretary shall submit a report to the appropriate committees of the Congress containing both a justification (with respect to the projected level of expenditures for such fiscal year) and an explanation as required in the preceding sentence in the case of a report submitted pursuant to such sentence. Any report submitted pursuant to this paragraph shall include a comment by the Secretary on the effect of the application of the criteria prescribed in the second sentence of section 1710 (c) of this title for furnishing incidental dental care to hospitalized veterans.
(B) A report under subparagraph (A) of this paragraph with respect to a fiscal year is not required if, in the documents submitted by the Secretary to the Congress in justification for the amounts included for Department programs in the Presidents Budget, the Secretary specifies with respect to contract dental care described in such subparagraph
(i) the actual level of expenditures for such care in the fiscal year preceding the fiscal year in which such Budget is submitted;
(ii) a current estimate of the level of expenditures for such care in the fiscal year in which such Budget is submitted; and
(iii) the amount included in such Budget for such care.
(b) Dental services and related appliances for a dental condition or disability described in paragraph (1)(B) of subsection (a) shall be furnished on a one-time completion basis, unless the services rendered on a one-time completion basis are found unacceptable within the limitations of good professional standards, in which event such additional services may be afforded as are required to complete professionally acceptable treatment.
(c) Dental appliances, wheelchairs, artificial limbs, trusses, special clothing, and similar appliances to be furnished by the Secretary under this section may be procured by the Secretary either by purchase or by manufacture, whichever the Secretary determines may be advantageous and reasonably necessary.
(d) The Secretary shall furnish to each veteran who is receiving additional compensation or allowance under chapter 11 of this title, or increased pension as a veteran of a period of war, by reason of being permanently housebound or in need of regular aid and attendance, such drugs and medicines as may be ordered on prescription of a duly licensed physician as specific therapy in the treatment of any illness or injury suffered by such veteran. The Secretary shall continue to furnish such drugs and medicines so ordered to any such veteran in need of regular aid and attendance whose pension payments have been discontinued solely because such veterans annual income is greater than the applicable maximum annual income limitation, but only so long as such veterans annual income does not exceed such maximum annual income limitation by more than $1,000.
(e) In order to assist the Secretary of Health and Human Services in carrying out national immunization programs under other provisions of law, the Secretary may authorize the administration of immunizations to eligible veterans who voluntarily request such immunizations in connection with the provision of care for a disability under this chapter in any Department health care facility. Any such immunization shall be made using vaccine furnished by the Secretary of Health and Human Services at no cost to the Department. For such purpose, notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary of Health and Human Services may provide such vaccine to the Department at no cost. Section 7316 of this title shall apply to claims alleging negligence or malpractice on the part of Department personnel granted immunity under such section.

38 USC 1712A - Eligibility for readjustment counseling and related mental health services

(a) 
(1) 
(A) Upon the request of any veteran referred to in subparagraph (B), the Secretary shall furnish counseling to the veteran to assist the veteran in readjusting to civilian life. Such counseling may include a general mental and psychological assessment of the veteran to ascertain whether such veteran has mental or psychological problems associated with readjustment to civilian life.
(B) Subparagraph (A) applies to the following veterans:
(i) Any veteran who served on active duty
(I) in a theater of combat operations (as determined by the Secretary in consultation with the Secretary of Defense) during the Vietnam era; or
(II) after May 7, l975, in an area at a time during which hostilities occurred in that area.
(ii) Any veteran (other than a veteran covered by clause (i)) who served on active duty during the Vietnam era who seeks or is furnished such counseling before January 1, 2004.
(2) 
(A) Upon the request of any veteran (other than a veteran covered by paragraph (1)) who served in the active military, naval, or air service in a theater of combat operations (as so determined) during a period of war, or in any other area during a period in which hostilities (as defined in subparagraph (B)) occurred in such area, the Secretary may furnish counseling to the veteran to assist the veteran in readjusting to civilian life.
(B) For the purposes of subparagraph (A), the term hostilities means an armed conflict in which the members of the Armed Forces are subjected to danger comparable to the danger to which members of the Armed Forces have been subjected in combat with enemy armed forces during a period of war, as determined by the Secretary in consultation with the Secretary of Defense.
(b) 
(1) If, on the basis of the assessment furnished under subsection (a) of this section, a physician or psychologist employed by the Department (or, in areas where no such physician or psychologist is available, a physician or psychologist carrying out such function under a contract or fee arrangement with the Secretary) determines that the provision of mental health services to such veteran is necessary to facilitate the successful readjustment of the veteran to civilian life, such veteran shall, within the limits of Department facilities, be furnished such services on an outpatient basis. For the purposes of furnishing such mental health services, the counseling furnished under subsection (a) of this section shall be considered to have been furnished by the Department as a part of hospital care. Any hospital care and other medical services considered necessary on the basis of the assessment furnished under subsection (a) of this section shall be furnished only in accordance with the eligibility criteria otherwise set forth in this chapter (including the eligibility criteria set forth in section 1784 of this title).
(2) Mental health services furnished under paragraph (1) of this subsection may, if determined to be essential to the effective treatment and readjustment of the veteran, include such consultation, counseling, training, services, and expenses as are described in sections 1782 and 1783 of this title.
[(c) Repealed. Pub. L. 104–262, title III, § 331(b), Oct. 9, 1996, 110 Stat. 3198.]
(d) The Under Secretary for Health may provide for such training of professional, paraprofessional, and lay personnel as is necessary to carry out this section effectively, and, in carrying out this section, may utilize the services of paraprofessionals, individuals who are volunteers working without compensation, and individuals who are veteran-students (as described in section 3485 of this title) in initial intake and screening activities.
(e) 
(1) In furnishing counseling and related mental health services under subsections (a) and (b) of this section, the Secretary shall have available the same authority to enter into contracts with private facilities that is available to the Secretary (under sections 1703 (a)(2) and 1710 (a)(1)(B) of this title) in furnishing medical services to veterans suffering from total service-connected disabilities.
(2) Before furnishing counseling or related mental health services described in subsections (a) and (b) of this section through a contract facility, as authorized by this subsection, the Secretary shall approve (in accordance with criteria which the Secretary shall prescribe by regulation) the quality and effectiveness of the program operated by such facility for the purpose for which the counseling or services are to be furnished.
(3) The authority of the Secretary to enter into contracts under this subsection shall be effective for any fiscal year only to such extent or in such amounts as are provided in appropriation Acts.
(f) The Secretary, in cooperation with the Secretary of Defense, shall take such action as the Secretary considers appropriate to notify veterans who may be eligible for assistance under this section of such potential eligibility.
(g) 
(1) 
(A) Except as provided in subparagraph (C) of this paragraph, the Secretary may close or relocate a center in existence on January 1, 1988, only as described in the national plan required by paragraph (3) of this subsection (or in a revision to such plan under paragraph (4) of this subsection in which the closure or relocation of that center is proposed).
(B) A closure or relocation of a center which is proposed in such national plan may be carried out only after the end of the 120-day period beginning on the date on which the national plan is submitted. A closure or relocation of a center not proposed in such plan may be carried out only after the end of the 60-day period beginning on the date the Secretary submits a revision to such plan in which the closure or relocation of that center is proposed.
(C) The Secretary may relocate a center in existence on January 1, 1988, without regard to the national plan (including any revision to such plan) if such relocation is to a new location away from a Department general health-care facility when such relocation is necessitated by circumstances beyond the control of the Department. Such a relocation may be carried out only after the end of the 30-day period beginning on the date on which the Secretary notifies the Committees on Veterans Affairs of the Senate and the House of Representatives of the proposed relocation, of the circumstances making it necessary, and of the reason for the selection of the new site for the center.
(2) 
(A) Not later than April 1, 1988, the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Veterans Affairs of the Senate and House of Representatives a report on the Secretarys evaluation of the effectiveness in helping to meet the readjustment needs of veterans who served on active duty during the Vietnam era of the readjustment counseling and mental health services provided pursuant to this section (and of outreach efforts with respect to such counseling and services). Such report shall give particular attention, in light of the results of the study required by section 102 of the Veterans Health Care Amendments of 1983 (Public Law 98160), to the provision of such counseling and services to veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder and to the diagnosis and treatment of such disorder.
(B) The report required by subparagraph (A) of this paragraph shall include
(i) the opinion of the Secretary with respect to
(I)  the extent to which the readjustment needs of veterans who served on active duty during the Vietnam era remain unmet, and
(II)  the extent to which the provision of readjustment counseling services under this section in centers is needed to meet such needs; and
(ii) in light of the opinion submitted pursuant to clause (i) of this subparagraph, such recommendations for amendments to this subsection and for other legislative and administrative action as the Secretary considers appropriate.
(3) 
(A) The Secretary, after considering the recommendations of the Under Secretary for Health, shall submit to such committees a report setting forth a national plan for all centers in existence on January 1, 1988. Such national plan shall set forth the Secretarys proposals as to each such center for a period (to be determined by the Secretary) of not less than 12 months beginning on the date of the submission of the report. The plan shall include, as to each center, whether the Secretary proposes to relocate the center to a general Department facility, relocate the center to a new location away from a general Department facility, expand the center in the same location, or close the center. The plan shall also set forth any proposal of the Secretary to open additional centers.
(B) The plan shall include the Secretarys evaluation as to how, in light of each of the criteria described in subparagraph (C) of this paragraph, the proposal set forth in the plan for each center covered by the plan would ensure the continued availability and effective furnishing of readjustment counseling services to eligible veterans needing such services in the geographic area served by that center.
(C) The Secretary shall make the evaluation described in subparagraph (B) of this paragraph with respect to any center in light of the following:
(i) The distribution of Vietnam-era veterans in the geographic area served by the center and the relationships between the location of such center and the general Department facility and such distribution.
(ii) The distance between the center and the general Department facility.
(iii) The availability of other entities (such as State, local, or private outreach facilities) which provide assistance to Vietnam-era veterans in the area served by the center.
(iv) The availability of transportation to, and parking at, the center and the general Department facility.
(v) The availability, cost, and suitability of the space at the general Department facility.
(vi) The overall cost impact of the proposed closure or relocation, including a comparison of the recurring nonpersonnel costs of providing readjustment counseling to the same estimated number of veterans at the center and the general Department facility.
(vii) The workload trends over the two previous fiscal years, and projected over the next fiscal year (or longer), at the center.
(viii) Such other factors as the Secretary determines to be relevant to making the evaluation described in subparagraph (B) of this paragraph.
(D) For the purposes of this paragraph, the term general Department facility means a Department facility which is not a center and at which readjustment counseling would be furnished in a particular geographic area upon the closure or relocation of a center.
(4) After submitting the plan required by paragraph (3) of this subsection, the Secretary may submit to the committees a revision to such plan in order to modify the proposal set forth in the plan as to any center. Any such revision shall include, with respect to each center addressed in the revision, a description of the Secretarys evaluation of the matters specified in paragraphs (3)(B) and (3)(C) of this subsection.
(5) For purposes of determining a period of time under paragraph (1)(B) of this subsection, if the national plan (or a revision to the national plan) is submitted to the committees during the 121-day period beginning 60 days before and ending 60 days after the final day of a session of the Congress, it shall be deemed to have been submitted on the sixty-first day after the final day of such session.
[(h) Repealed. Pub. L. 102–83, § 4(b)(6), Aug. 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 405.]
(i) For the purposes of this section:
(1) The term center means a facility (including a Resource Center designated under subsection (h)(3)(A) of this section) which is operated by the Department for the provision of services under this section and which
(A)  is situated apart from Department general health-care facilities, or
(B)  was so situated but has been relocated to a Department general health-care facility.
(2) The term Department general health-care facility means a health-care facility which is operated by the Department for the furnishing of health-care services under this chapter, not limited to services provided through the program established under this section.

38 USC 1712B - Counseling for former prisoners of war

The Secretary may establish a program under which, upon the request of a veteran who is a former prisoner of war, the Secretary, within the limits of Department facilities, furnishes counseling to such veteran to assist such veteran in overcoming the psychological effects of the veterans detention or internment as a prisoner of war.

38 USC 1713 - Renumbered 1781]

38 USC 1714 - Fitting and training in use of prosthetic appliances; guide dogs; service dogs

(a) Any veteran who is entitled to a prosthetic appliance shall be furnished such fitting and training, including institutional training, in the use of such appliance as may be necessary, whether in a Department facility or other training institution, or by outpatient treatment, including such service under contract, and including travel and incidental expenses (under the terms and conditions set forth in section 111 of this title) to and from such veterans home to such hospital or training institution.
(b) The Secretary may provide guide dogs trained for the aid of the blind to veterans who are enrolled under section 1705 of this title. The Secretary may also provide such veterans with mechanical or electronic equipment for aiding them in overcoming the disability of blindness.
(c) The Secretary may, in accordance with the priority specified in section 1705 of this title, provide
(1) service dogs trained for the aid of the hearing impaired to veterans who are hearing impaired and are enrolled under section 1705 of this title; and
(2) service dogs trained for the aid of persons with spinal cord injury or dysfunction or other chronic impairment that substantially limits mobility to veterans with such injury, dysfunction, or impairment who are enrolled under section 1705 of this title.
(d) In the case of a veteran provided a dog under subsection (b) or (c), the Secretary may pay travel and incidental expenses for that veteran under the terms and conditions set forth in section 111 of this title to and from the veterans home for expenses incurred in becoming adjusted to the dog.

38 USC 1715 - Tobacco for hospitalized veterans

The Secretary may furnish tobacco to veterans receiving hospital or domiciliary care.

38 USC 1716 - Hospital care by other agencies of the United States

When so specified in an appropriation or other Act, the Secretary may make allotments and transfers to the Departments of Health and Human Services (Public Health Service), the Army, Navy, Air Force, or Interior, for disbursement by them under the various headings of their appropriations, of such amounts as are necessary for the care and treatment of veterans entitled to hospitalization from the Department under this chapter. The amounts to be charged the Department for care and treatment of veterans in hospitals shall be calculated on the basis of a per diem rate approved by the Office of Management and Budget.

38 USC 1717 - Home health services; invalid lifts and other devices

(a) 
(1) As part of medical services furnished to a veteran under section 1710 (a) of this title, the Secretary may furnish such home health services as the Secretary finds to be necessary or appropriate for the effective and economical treatment of the veteran.
(2) Improvements and structural alterations may be furnished as part of such home health services only as necessary to assure the continuation of treatment for the veterans disability or to provide access to the home or to essential lavatory and sanitary facilities. The cost of such improvements and structural alterations (or the amount of reimbursement therefor) under this subsection may not exceed
(A) $4,100 in the case of medical services furnished under section 1710 (a)(1) of this title, or for a disability described in section 1710 (a)(2)(C) of this title; or
(B) $1,200 in the case of medical services furnished under any other provision of section 1710 (a) of this title.
(3) The Secretary may furnish home health services to a veteran in any setting in which the veteran is residing. The Secretary may not furnish such services in such a manner as to relieve any other person or entity of a contractual obligation to furnish services to the veteran. When home health services are furnished in a setting other than the veterans home, such services may not include any structural improvement or alteration.
(b) The Secretary may furnish an invalid lift, or any type of therapeutic or rehabilitative device, as well as other medical equipment and supplies (excluding medicines), if medically indicated, to any veteran who is receiving
(1)  compensation under section 1114 (l)(p) of this title (or the comparable rates provided pursuant to section 1134 of this title), or
(2)  pension under chapter 15 of this title by reason of being in need of regular aid and attendance.
(c) The Secretary may furnish devices for assisting in overcoming the handicap of deafness (including telecaptioning television decoders) to any veteran who is profoundly deaf and is entitled to compensation on account of hearing impairment.

38 USC 1718 - Therapeutic and rehabilitative activities

(a) In providing rehabilitative services under this chapter, the Secretary, upon the recommendation of the Under Secretary for Health, may use the services of patients and members in Department health care facilities for therapeutic and rehabilitative purposes. Such patients and members shall not under these circumstances be held or considered as employees of the United States for any purpose. The Secretary shall prescribe the conditions for the use of such services.
(b) 
(1) In furnishing rehabilitative services under this chapter, the Secretary, upon the recommendation of the Under Secretary for Health, may enter into a contract or other arrangement with any appropriate source (whether or not an element of the Department of Veterans Affairs or of any other Federal entity) to provide for therapeutic work for patients and members in Department health care facilities.
(2) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary may also furnish rehabilitative services under this subsection through contractual arrangements with nonprofit">nonprofit entities to provide for such therapeutic work for such patients. The Secretary shall establish appropriate fiscal, accounting, management, recordkeeping, and reporting requirements with respect to the activities of any such nonprofit">nonprofit entity in connection with such contractual arrangements.
(c) 
(1) There is hereby established in the Treasury of the United States a revolving fund known as the Department of Veterans Affairs Special Therapeutic and Rehabilitation Activities Fund (hereinafter in this section referred to as the fund) for the purpose of furnishing rehabilitative services authorized in subsection (b) or (d). Such amounts of the fund as the Secretary may determine to be necessary to establish and maintain operating accounts for the various rehabilitative services activities may be deposited in checking accounts in other depositaries selected or established by the Secretary.
(2) All funds received by the Department under contractual arrangements made under subsection (b) or (d), or by nonprofit">nonprofit entities described in subsection (b)(2), shall be deposited in or credited to the fund, and the Secretary shall distribute out of the fund moneys to participants at rates not less than the wage rates specified in the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (29 U.S.C. 201 et seq.) and regulations prescribed thereunder for work of similar character.
(3) The Under Secretary for Health shall prepare, for inclusion in the annual report submitted to Congress under section 529 of this title, a description of the scope and achievements of activities carried out under this section (including pertinent data regarding productivity and rates of distribution) during the prior twelve months and an estimate of the needs of the program of therapeutic and rehabilitation activities to be carried out under this section for the ensuing fiscal year.
(d) In providing to a veteran rehabilitative services under this chapter, the Secretary may furnish the veteran with the following:
(1) Work skills training and development services.
(2) Employment support services.
(3) Job development and placement services.
(e) In providing rehabilitative services under this chapter, the Secretary shall take appropriate action to make it possible for the patient to take maximum advantage of any benefits to which such patient is entitled under chapter 31, 34, or 35 of this title, and, if the patient is still receiving treatment of a prolonged nature under this chapter, the provision of rehabilitative services under this chapter shall be continued during, and coordinated with, the pursuit of education and training under such chapter 31, 34, or 35.
(f) The Secretary shall prescribe regulations to ensure that the priorities set forth in section 1705 of this title shall be applied, insofar as practicable, to participation in therapeutic and rehabilitation activities carried out under this section.
(g) 
(1) The Secretary may not consider any of the matters stated in paragraph (2) as a basis for the denial or discontinuance of a rating of total disability for purposes of compensation or pension based on the veterans inability to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation as a result of disability.
(2) Paragraph (1) applies to the following:
(A) A veterans participation in an activity carried out under this section.
(B) A veterans receipt of a distribution as a result of participation in an activity carried out under this section.
(C) A veterans participation in a program of rehabilitative services that
(i)  is provided as part of the veterans care furnished by a State home and
(ii)  is approved by the Secretary as conforming appropriately to standards for activities carried out under this section.
(D) A veterans receipt of payment as a result of participation in a program described in subparagraph (C).
(3) A distribution of funds made under this section and a payment made to a veteran under a program of rehabilitative services described in paragraph (2)(C) shall be considered for the purposes of chapter 15 of this title to be a donation from a public or private relief or welfare organization.

38 USC 1719 - Repair or replacement of certain prosthetic and other appliances

The Secretary may repair or replace any artificial limb, truss, brace, hearing aid, spectacles, or similar appliance (not including dental appliances) reasonably necessary to a veteran and belonging to such veteran which was damaged or destroyed by a fall or other accident caused by a service-connected disability for which such veteran is in receipt of, or but for the receipt of retirement pay would be entitled to, disability compensation.

38 USC 1720 - Transfers for nursing home care; adult day health care

(a) 
(1) Subject to subsection (b) of this section, the Secretary may transfer to a non-Department nursing home, for care at the expense of the United States
(A) a veteran
(i) who has been furnished care by the Secretary in a facility under the direct jurisdiction of the Secretary; and
(ii) who the Secretary determines
(I) requires a protracted period of nursing home care which can be furnished in the non-Department nursing home; and
(II) in the case of a veteran who has been furnished hospital care in a facility under the direct jurisdiction of the Secretary, has received maximum benefits from such care; and
(B) a member of the Armed Forces
(i) who has been furnished care in a hospital of the Armed Forces;
(ii) who the Secretary concerned determines has received maximum benefits from such care but requires a protracted period of nursing home care; and
(iii) who upon discharge from the Armed Forces will become a veteran.
(2) The Secretary may transfer a person to a nursing home under this subsection only if the Secretary determines that the cost to the United States of the care of such person in the nursing home will not exceed
(A) the amount equal to 45 percent of the cost of care furnished by the Department in a general hospital under the direct jurisdiction of the Secretary (as such cost may be determined annually by the Secretary); or
(B) the amount equal to 50 percent of such cost, if such higher amount is determined to be necessary by the Secretary (upon the recommendation of the Under Secretary for Health) to provide adequate care.
(3) Nursing home care may not be furnished under this subsection at the expense of the United States for more than six months in the aggregate in connection with any one transfer except
(A) in the case of a veteran
(i) who is transferred to a non-Department nursing home from a hospital under the direct jurisdiction of the Secretary; and
(ii) whose hospitalization was primarily for a service-connected disability;
(B) in a case in which the nursing home care is required for a service-connected disability; or
(C) in a case in which, in the judgment of the Secretary, a longer period of nursing home care is warranted.
(4) A veteran who is furnished care by the Secretary in a hospital or domiciliary facility in Alaska or Hawaii may be furnished nursing home care at the expense of the United States under this subsection even if such hospital or domiciliary facility is not under the direct jurisdiction of the Secretary.
(b) No veteran may be transferred or admitted to any institution for nursing home care under this section, unless such institution is determined by the Secretary to meet such standards as the Secretary may prescribe. The standards prescribed and any report of inspection of institutions furnishing care to veterans under this section made by or for the Secretary shall, to the extent possible, be made available to all Federal, State, and local agencies charged with the responsibility of licensing or otherwise regulating or inspecting such institutions.
(c) 
(1) 
(A) In furnishing nursing home care, adult day health care, or other extended care services under this section, the Secretary may enter into agreements for furnishing such care or services with
(i) in the case of the medicare program, a provider of services that has entered into a provider agreement under section 1866(a) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395cc (a)); and
(ii) in the case of the medicaid program, a provider participating under a State plan under title XIX of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1396 et seq.).
(B) In entering into an agreement under subparagraph (A) with a provider of services described in clause (i) of that subparagraph or a provider described in clause (ii) of that subparagraph, the Secretary may use the procedures available for entering into provider agreements under section 1866(a) of the Social Security Act.
(2) In applying the provisions of section 2(b)(1) of the Service Contract Act of 1965 (41 U.S.C. 351 (b)(1)) with respect to any contract entered into under this section to provide nursing home care of veterans, the payment of wages not less than those specified in section 6(b) of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (29 U.S.C. 206 (b)) shall be deemed to constitute compliance with such provisions.
(d) 
(1) Subject to subsection (b) of this section, the Secretary may authorize for any veteran requiring nursing home care for a service-connected disability direct admission for such care at the expense of the United States to any non-Department nursing home. The Secretary may also authorize a direct admission to such a nursing home for nursing home care for any veteran who has been discharged from a hospital under the direct jurisdiction of the Secretary and who is currently receiving medical services as part of home health services from the Department.
(2) Direct admission authorized by paragraph (1) of this subsection may be authorized upon determination of need therefor
(A) by a physician employed by the Department; or
(B) in areas where no such physician is available, by a physician carrying out such function under contract or fee arrangement,

based on an examination by such physician.

(3) The amount which may be paid for such care and the length of care available under this subsection shall be the same as authorized under subsection (a) of this section.
(e) 
(1) The cost of intermediate care for purposes of payment by the United States pursuant to subsection (a)(2)(B) of this section shall be determined by the Secretary except that the rate of reimbursement shall be commensurately less than that provided for nursing home care.
(2) For the purposes of this section, the term non-Department nursing home means a public or private institution not under the direct jurisdiction of the Secretary which furnishes nursing home care.
(f) 
(1) 
(A) The Secretary may furnish adult day health care services to a veteran enrolled under section 1705 (a) of this title who would otherwise require nursing home care.
(B) The Secretary may provide in-kind assistance (through the services of Department employees and the sharing of other Department resources) to a facility furnishing care to veterans under subparagraph (A) of this paragraph. Any such in-kind assistance shall be provided under a contract or agreement between the Secretary and the facility concerned. The Secretary may provide such assistance only for use solely in the furnishing of adult day health care and only if, under such contract or agreement, the Department receives reimbursement for the full cost of such assistance, including the cost of services and supplies and normal depreciation and amortization of equipment. Such reimbursement may be made by reduction in the charges to the United States or by payment to the United States. Any funds received through such reimbursement shall be credited to funds allotted to the Department facility that provided the assistance.
(2) The Secretary may conduct, at facilities over which the Secretary has direct jurisdiction, programs for the furnishing of adult day health care to veterans who are eligible for such care under paragraph (1) of this subsection, except that necessary travel and incidental expenses (or transportation in lieu thereof) may be furnished under such a program only under the terms and conditions set forth in section 111 of this title. The furnishing of care under any such program shall be subject to the limitations that are applicable to the duration of adult day health care furnished under paragraph (1) of this subsection.

38 USC 1720A - Treatment and rehabilitative services for persons with drug or alcohol dependency

(a) The Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Labor and the Director of the Office of Personnel Management, may take appropriate steps to
(1)  urge all Federal agencies and appropriate private and public firms, organizations, agencies, and persons to provide appropriate employment and training opportunities for veterans who have been provided treatment and rehabilitative services under this title for alcohol or drug dependence or abuse disabilities and have been determined by competent medical authority to be sufficiently rehabilitated to be employable, and
(2)  provide all possible assistance to the Secretary of Labor in placing such veterans in such opportunities.
(b) Upon receipt of an application for treatment and rehabilitative services under this title for an alcohol or drug dependence or abuse disability from any individual who has been discharged or released from active military, naval, or air service but who is not eligible for such treatment and services, the Secretary shall
(1) provide referral services to assist such individual, to the maximum extent practicable, in obtaining treatment and rehabilitative services from sources outside the Department; and
(2) if pertinent, advise such individual of such individuals rights to apply to the appropriate military, naval, or air service and the Department for review of such individuals discharge or release from such service.
(c) 
(1) Any person serving in the active military, naval, or air service who is determined by the Secretary concerned to have an alcohol or drug dependence or abuse disability may be transferred to any facility in order for the Secretary to furnish care or treatment and rehabilitative services for such disability. Care and services provided to a member so transferred shall be provided as if such member were a veteran. Any transfer of any such member for such care and services shall be made pursuant to such terms as may be agreed upon by the Secretary concerned and the Secretary, subject to the provisions of sections 1535 and 1536 of title 31.
(2) No person serving in the active military, naval, or air service may be transferred pursuant to an agreement made under paragraph (1) of this subsection unless such person requests such transfer in writing for a specified period of time. No such person transferred pursuant to such a request may be furnished such care and services by the Secretary beyond the period of time specified in such request unless such person requests in writing an extension for a further specified period of time and such request is approved by the Secretary.
(d) 
(1) The Secretary shall ensure that each medical center of the Department develops and carries out a plan to provide treatment for substance use disorders, either through referral or direct provision of services, to veterans who require such treatment.
(2) Each plan under paragraph (1) shall make available clinically proven substance abuse treatment methods, including opioid substitution therapy, to veterans with respect to whom a qualified medical professional has determined such treatment methods to be appropriate.

38 USC 1720B - Respite care

(a) The Secretary may furnish respite care services to a veteran who is enrolled to receive care under section 1710 of this title.
(b) For the purpose of this section, the term respite care services means care and services which
(1) are of limited duration;
(2) are furnished on an intermittent basis to a veteran who is suffering from a chronic illness and who resides primarily at home; and
(3) are furnished for the purpose of helping the veteran to continue residing primarily at home.
(c) In furnishing respite care services, the Secretary may enter into contract arrangements.

38 USC 1720C - Noninstitutional alternatives to nursing home care

(a) The Secretary may furnish medical, rehabilitative, and health-related services in noninstitutional settings for veterans who are eligible under this chapter for, and are in need of, nursing home care. The Secretary shall give priority for participation in such program to veterans who
(1) are in receipt of, or are in need of, nursing home care primarily for the treatment of a service-connected disability; or
(2) have a service-connected disability rated at 50 percent or more.
(b) 
(1) Under the program conducted pursuant to subsection (a), the Secretary shall
(A)  furnish appropriate health-related services solely through contracts with appropriate public and private agencies that provide such services, and
(B)  designate Department health-care employees to furnish case management services to veteran furnished services under the program.
(2) For the purposes of paragraph (1), the term case management services includes the coordination and facilitation of all services furnished to a veteran by the Department of Veterans Affairs, either directly or through contract, including assessment of needs, planning, referral (including referral for services to be furnished by the Department, either directly or through a contract, or by an entity other than the Department), monitoring, reassessment, and followup.
(c) The Secretary may provide in-kind assistance (through the services of Department of Veterans Affairs employees and the sharing of other Department resources) to a facility furnishing services to veterans under subsection (b)(1)(A). Any such in-kind assistance shall be provided under a contract between the Department and the facility concerned. The Secretary may provide such assistance only for use solely in the furnishing of appropriate services under this section and only if, under such contract, the Department receives reimbursement for the full cost of such assistance (including the cost of services and supplies and normal depreciation and amortization of equipment). Such reimbursement may be made by reduction in the charges to the United States or by payment to the United States. Any funds received through such reimbursement shall be credited to funds allotted to the Department facility that provided the assistance.
(d) The total cost of providing services or in-kind assistance in the case of any veteran for any fiscal year under the program may not exceed 65 percent of the cost that would have been incurred by the Department during that fiscal year if the veteran had been furnished, instead, nursing home care under section 1710 of this title during that fiscal year.
(e) The authority of the Secretary to enter into contracts under this section shall be effective for any fiscal year only to the extent that appropriations are available.

38 USC 1720D - Counseling and treatment for sexual trauma

(a) 
(1) The Secretary shall operate a program under which the Secretary provides counseling and appropriate care and services to veterans who the Secretary determines require such counseling and care and services to overcome psychological trauma, which in the judgment of a mental health professional employed by the Department, resulted from a physical assault of a sexual nature, battery of a sexual nature, or sexual harassment which occurred while the veteran was serving on active duty or active duty for training.
(2) In furnishing counseling to a veteran under this subsection, the Secretary may provide such counseling pursuant to a contract with a qualified mental health professional if
(A)  in the judgment of a mental health professional employed by the Department, the receipt of counseling by that veteran in facilities of the Department would be clinically inadvisable, or
(B)  Department facilities are not capable of furnishing such counseling to that veteran economically because of geographical inaccessibility.
(b) 
(1) The Secretary shall give priority to the establishment and operation of the program to provide counseling and care and services under subsection (a). In the case of a veteran eligible for counseling and care and services under subsection (a), the Secretary shall ensure that the veteran is furnished counseling and care and services under this section in a way that is coordinated with the furnishing of such care and services under this chapter.
(2) In establishing a program to provide counseling under subsection (a), the Secretary shall
(A) provide for appropriate training of mental health professionals and such other health care personnel as the Secretary determines necessary to carry out the program effectively;
(B) seek to ensure that such counseling is furnished in a setting that is therapeutically appropriate, taking into account the circumstances that resulted in the need for such counseling; and
(C) provide referral services to assist veterans who are not eligible for services under this chapter to obtain those from sources outside the Department.
(c) The Secretary shall provide information on the counseling and treatment available to veterans under this section. Efforts by the Secretary to provide such information
(1) shall include availability of a toll-free telephone number (commonly referred to as an 800 number);
(2) shall ensure that information about the counseling and treatment available to veterans under this section
(A) is revised and updated as appropriate;
(B) is made available and visibly posted at appropriate facilities of the Department; and
(C) is made available through appropriate public information services; and
(3) shall include coordination with the Secretary of Defense seeking to ensure that individuals who are being separated from active military, naval, or air service are provided appropriate information about programs, requirements, and procedures for applying for counseling and treatment under this section.
(d) In this section, the term sexual harassment means repeated, unsolicited verbal or physical contact of a sexual nature which is threatening in character.

38 USC 1720E - Nasopharyngeal radium irradiation

(a) The Secretary may provide any veteran a medical examination, and hospital care, medical services, and nursing home care, which the Secretary determines is needed for the treatment of any cancer of the head or neck which the Secretary finds may be associated with the veterans receipt of nasopharyngeal radium irradiation treatments in active military, naval, or air service.
(b) The Secretary shall provide care and services to a veteran under subsection (a) only on the basis of evidence in the service records of the veteran which document nasopharyngeal radium irradiation treatment in service, except that, notwithstanding the absence of such documentation, the Secretary may provide such care to a veteran who
(1) served as an aviator in the active military, naval, or air service before the end of the Korean conflict; or
(2) underwent submarine training in active naval service before January 1, 1965.

38 USC 1720F - Comprehensive program for suicide prevention among veterans

(a) Establishment.— 
The Secretary shall develop and carry out a comprehensive program designed to reduce the incidence of suicide among veterans incorporating the components described in this section.
(b) Staff Education.— 
In carrying out the comprehensive program under this section, the Secretary shall provide for mandatory training for appropriate staff and contractors (including all medical personnel) of the Department who interact with veterans. This training shall cover information appropriate to the duties being performed by such staff and contractors. The training shall include information on
(1) recognizing risk factors for suicide;
(2) proper protocols for responding to crisis situations involving veterans who may be at high risk for suicide; and
(3) best practices for suicide prevention.
(c) Health Assessments of Veterans.— 
In carrying out the comprehensive program, the Secretary shall direct that medical staff offer mental health in their overall health assessment when veterans seek medical care at a Department medical facility (including a center established under section 1712A of this title) and make referrals, at the request of the veteran concerned, to appropriate counseling and treatment programs for veterans who show signs or symptoms of mental health problems.
(d) Designation of Suicide Prevention Counselors.— 
In carrying out the comprehensive program, the Secretary shall designate a suicide prevention counselor at each Department medical facility other than centers established under section 1712A of this title. Each counselor shall work with local emergency rooms, police departments, mental health organizations, and veterans service organizations to engage in outreach to veterans and improve the coordination of mental health care to veterans.
(e) Best Practices Research.— 
In carrying out the comprehensive program, the Secretary shall provide for research on best practices for suicide prevention among veterans. Research shall be conducted under this subsection in consultation with the heads of the following entities:
(1) The Department of Health and Human Services.
(2) The National Institute of Mental Health.
(3) The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
(4) The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
(f) Sexual Trauma Research.— 
In carrying out the comprehensive program, the Secretary shall provide for research on mental health care for veterans who have experienced sexual trauma while in military service. The research design shall include consideration of veterans of a reserve component.
(g) 24-Hour Mental Health Care.— 
In carrying out the comprehensive program, the Secretary shall provide for mental health care availability to veterans on a 24-hour basis.
(h) Hotline.— 
In carrying out the comprehensive program, the Secretary may provide for a toll-free hotline for veterans to be staffed by appropriately trained mental health personnel and available at all times.
(i) Outreach and Education for Veterans and Families.— 
In carrying out the comprehensive program, the Secretary shall provide for outreach to and education for veterans and the families of veterans, with special emphasis on providing information to veterans of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom and the families of such veterans. Education to promote mental health shall include information designed to
(1) remove the stigma associated with mental illness;
(2) encourage veterans to seek treatment and assistance for mental illness;
(3) promote skills for coping with mental illness; and
(4) help families of veterans with
(A) understanding issues arising from the readjustment of veterans to civilian life;
(B) identifying signs and symptoms of mental illness; and
(C) encouraging veterans to seek assistance for mental illness.
(j) Peer Support Counseling Program.— 

(1) In carrying out the comprehensive program, the Secretary may establish and carry out a peer support counseling program, under which veterans shall be permitted to volunteer as peer counselors
(A) to assist other veterans with issues related to mental health and readjustment; and
(B) to conduct outreach to veterans and the families of veterans.
(2) In carrying out the peer support counseling program under this subsection, the Secretary shall provide adequate training for peer counselors.
(k) Other Components.— 
In carrying out the comprehensive program, the Secretary may provide for other actions to reduce the incidence of suicide among veterans that the Secretary considers appropriate.

TITLE 38 - US CODE - SUBCHAPTER III - MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS RELATING TO HOSPITAL AND NURSING HOME CARE AND MEDICAL TREATMENT OF VETERANS

38 USC 1721 - Power to make rules and regulations

Rules and regulations prescribed under section 501 (a) of this title shall include rules and regulations to promote good conduct on the part of persons who are receiving hospital, nursing home, and domiciliary care and medical services in Department facilities. The Secretary may prescribe in rules and regulations under such section limitations in connection with the furnishing of such care and services during a period of national emergency (other than a period of war or an emergency described in section 8111A of this title).

38 USC 1722 - Determination of inability to defray necessary expenses; income thresholds

(a) For the purposes of section 1710 (a)(2)(G) of this title, a veteran shall be considered to be unable to defray the expenses of necessary care if
(1) the veteran is eligible to receive medical assistance under a State plan approved under title XIX of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396 et seq.);
(2) the veteran is in receipt of pension under section 1521 of this title; or
(3) the veterans attributable income is not greater than the amount set forth in subsection (b).
(b) 
(1) For purposes of subsection (a)(3), the income threshold for the calendar year beginning on January 1, 1990, is
(A) $17,240 in the case of a veteran with no dependents; and
(B) $20,688 in the case of a veteran with one dependent, plus $1,150 for each additional dependent.
(2) For a calendar year beginning after December 31, 1990, the amounts in effect for purposes of this subsection shall be the amounts in effect for the preceding calendar year as adjusted under subsection (c) of this section.
(c) Effective on January 1 of each year, the amounts in effect under subsection (b) of this section shall be increased by the percentage by which the maximum rates of pension were increased under section 5312 (a) of this title during the preceding calendar year.
(d) 
(1) Notwithstanding the attributable income of a veteran, the Secretary may refuse to make a determination described in paragraph (2) of this subsection if the corpus of the estate of the veteran is such that under all the circumstances it is reasonable that some part of the corpus of the estate of the veteran be consumed for the veterans maintenance.
(2) A determination described in this paragraph is a determination that for purposes of subsection (a)(3) of this section a veterans attributable income is not greater than the amount determined under subsection (b) of this section.
(3) For the purposes of paragraph (1) of this subsection, the corpus of the estate of a veteran shall be determined in the same manner as the manner in which determinations are made of the corpus of the estates of persons under section 1522 of this title.
(e) 
(1) In order to avoid a hardship to a veteran described in paragraph (2) of this subsection, the Secretary may deem the veteran to have an attributable income during the previous year not greater than the amount determined under subsection (b) of this section.
(2) A veteran is described in this paragraph for the purposes of subsection (a) of this section if
(A) the veteran has an attributable income greater than the amount determined under subsection (b) of this section; and
(B) the current projections of such veterans income for the current year are that the veterans income for such year will be substantially below the amount determined under subsection (b).
(f) For purposes of this section:
(1) The term attributable income means the income of a veteran for the previous year determined in the same manner as the manner in which a determination is made of the total amount of income by which the rate of pension for such veteran under section 1521 of this title would be reduced if such veteran were eligible for pension under that section.
(2) The term corpus of the estate of the veteran includes the corpus of the estates of the veterans spouse and dependent children, if any.
(3) The term previous year means the calendar year preceding the year in which the veteran applies for care or services under section 1710 (a) of this title.
(g) For the purposes of section 1724 (c) of this title, the fact that a veteran is
(1) eligible to receive medical assistance under a State plan approved under title XIX of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396 et seq.);
(2) a veteran with a service-connected disability; or
(3) in receipt of pension under any law administered by the Secretary,

shall be accepted as sufficient evidence of such veterans inability to defray necessary expenses.

38 USC 1722A - Copayment for medications

(a) 
(1) Subject to paragraph (2), the Secretary shall require a veteran to pay the United States $2 for each 30-day supply of medication furnished such veteran under this chapter on an outpatient basis for the treatment of a non-service-connected disability or condition. If the amount supplied is less than a 30-day supply, the amount of the charge may not be reduced.
(2) The Secretary may not require a veteran to pay an amount in excess of the cost to the Secretary for medication described in paragraph (1).
(3) Paragraph (1) does not apply
(A) to a veteran with a service-connected disability rated 50 percent or more;
(B) to a veteran who is a former prisoner of war; or
(C) to a veteran whose annual income (as determined under section 1503 of this title) does not exceed the maximum annual rate of pension which would be payable to such veteran if such veteran were eligible for pension under section 1521 of this title.
(b) The Secretary, pursuant to regulations which the Secretary shall prescribe, may
(1) increase the copayment amount in effect under subsection (a); and
(2) establish a maximum monthly and a maximum annual pharmaceutical copayment amount under subsection (a) for veterans who have multiple outpatient prescriptions.
(c) Amounts collected under this section shall be deposited in the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Care Collections Fund.

38 USC 1723 - Furnishing of clothing

The Secretary shall not furnish clothing to persons who are in Department facilities, except
(1)  where the furnishing of such clothing to indigent persons is necessary to protect health or sanitation, and
(2)  where the Secretary furnishes veterans with special clothing made necessary by the wearing of prosthetic appliances.

38 USC 1724 - Hospital care, medical services, and nursing home care abroad

(a) Except as provided in subsections (b) and (c), the Secretary shall not furnish hospital or domiciliary care or medical services outside any State.
(b) 
(1) The Secretary may furnish hospital care and medical services outside a State to a veteran who is otherwise eligible to receive hospital care and medical services if the Secretary determines that such care and services are needed for the treatment of a service-connected disability of the veteran or as part of a rehabilitation program under chapter 31 of this title.
(2) Care and services for a service-connected disability of a veteran who is not a citizen of the United States may be furnished under this subsection only
(A) if the veteran is in the Republic of the Philippines or in Canada; or
(B) if the Secretary determines, as a matter of discretion and pursuant to regulations which the Secretary shall prescribe, that it is appropriate and feasible to furnish such care and services.
(c) Within the limits of those facilities of the Veterans Memorial Medical Center at Manila, Republic of the Philippines, for which the Secretary may contract, the Secretary may furnish necessary hospital care to a veteran for any non-service-connected disability if such veteran is unable to defray the expenses of necessary hospital care. The Secretary may enter into contracts to carry out this section.
(d) The Secretary may furnish nursing home care, on the same terms and conditions set forth in section 1720 (a) of this title, to any veteran who has been furnished hospital care in the Philippines pursuant to this section, but who requires a protracted period of nursing home care.
(e) Within the limits of an outpatient clinic in the Republic of the Philippines that is under the direct jurisdiction of the Secretary, the Secretary may furnish a veteran who has a service-connected disability with such medical services as the Secretary determines to be needed.

38 USC 1725 - Reimbursement for emergency treatment

(a) General Authority.— 

(1) Subject to subsections (c) and (d), the Secretary may reimburse a veteran described in subsection (b) for the reasonable value of emergency treatment furnished the veteran in a non-Department facility.
(2) In any case in which reimbursement is authorized under subsection (a)(1), the Secretary, in the Secretarys discretion, may, in lieu of reimbursing the veteran, make payment of the reasonable value of the furnished emergency treatment directly
(A) to a hospital or other health care provider that furnished the treatment; or
(B) to the person or organization that paid for such treatment on behalf of the veteran.
(b) Eligibility.— 

(1) A veteran referred to in subsection (a)(1) is an individual who is an active Department health-care participant who is personally liable for emergency treatment furnished the veteran in a non-Department facility.
(2) A veteran is an active Department health-care participant if
(A) the veteran is enrolled in the health care system established under section 1705 (a) of this title; and
(B) the veteran received care under this chapter within the 24-month period preceding the furnishing of such emergency treatment.
(3) A veteran is personally liable for emergency treatment furnished the veteran in a non-Department facility if the veteran
(A) is financially liable to the provider of emergency treatment for that treatment;
(B) has no entitlement to care or services under a health-plan contract (determined, in the case of a health-plan contract as defined in subsection (f)(2)(B) or (f)(2)(C), without regard to any requirement or limitation relating to eligibility for care or services from any department or agency of the United States);
(C) has no other contractual or legal recourse against a third party that would, in whole or in part, extinguish such liability to the provider; and
(D) is not eligible for reimbursement for medical care or services under section 1728 of this title.
(c) Limitations on Reimbursement.— 

(1) The Secretary, in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary, shall
(A) establish the maximum amount payable under subsection (a);
(B) delineate the circumstances under which such payments may be made, to include such requirements on requesting reimbursement as the Secretary shall establish; and
(C) provide that in no event may a payment under that subsection include any amount for which the veteran is not personally liable.
(2) Subject to paragraph (1), the Secretary may provide reimbursement under this section only after the veteran or the provider of emergency treatment has exhausted without success all claims and remedies reasonably available to the veteran or provider against a third party for payment of such treatment.
(3) Payment by the Secretary under this section on behalf of a veteran to a provider of emergency treatment shall, unless rejected and refunded by the provider within 30 days of receipt, extinguish any liability on the part of the veteran for that treatment. Neither the absence of a contract or agreement between the Secretary and the provider nor any provision of a contract, agreement, or assignment to the contrary shall operate to modify, limit, or negate the requirement in the preceding sentence.
(d) Independent Right of Recovery.— 

(1) In accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary, the United States shall have the independent right to recover any amount paid under this section when, and to the extent that, a third party subsequently makes a payment for the same emergency treatment.
(2) Any amount paid by the United States to the veteran (or the veterans personal representative, successor, dependents, or survivors) or to any other person or organization paying for such treatment shall constitute a lien in favor of the United States against any recovery the payee subsequently receives from a third party for the same treatment.
(3) Any amount paid by the United States to the provider that furnished the veterans emergency treatment shall constitute a lien against any subsequent amount the provider receives from a third party for the same emergency treatment for which the United States made payment.
(4) The veteran (or the veterans personal representative, successor, dependents, or survivors) shall ensure that the Secretary is promptly notified of any payment received from any third party for emergency treatment furnished to the veteran. The veteran (or the veterans personal representative, successor, dependents, or survivors) shall immediately forward all documents relating to such payment, cooperate with the Secretary in the investigation of such payment, and assist the Secretary in enforcing the United States right to recover any payment made under subsection (c)(3).
(e) Waiver.— 
The Secretary, in the Secretarys discretion, may waive recovery of a payment made to a veteran under this section that is otherwise required by subsection (d)(1) when the Secretary determines that such waiver would be in the best interest of the United States, as defined by regulations prescribed by the Secretary.
(f) Definitions.— 
For purposes of this section:
(1) The term emergency treatment means medical care or services furnished, in the judgment of the Secretary
(A) when Department or other Federal facilities are not feasibly available and an attempt to use them beforehand would not be reasonable;
(B) when such care or services are rendered in a medical emergency of such nature that a prudent layperson reasonably expects that delay in seeking immediate medical attention would be hazardous to life or health; and
(C) until such time as the veteran can be transferred safely to a Department facility or other Federal facility.
(2) The term health-plan contract includes any of the following:
(A) An insurance policy or contract, medical or hospital service agreement, membership or subscription contract, or similar arrangement under which health services for individuals are provided or the expenses of such services are paid.
(B) An insurance program described in section 1811 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395c) or established by section 1831 of that Act (42 U.S.C. 1395j).
(C) A State plan for medical assistance approved under title XIX of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1396 et seq.).
(D) A workers compensation law or plan described in section 1729 (a)(2)(A) of this title.
(E) A law of a State or political subdivision described in section 1729 (a)(2)(B) of this title.
(3) The term third party means any of the following:
(A) A Federal entity.
(B) A State or political subdivision of a State.
(C) An employer or an employers insurance carrier.
(D) An automobile accident reparations insurance carrier.
(E) A person or entity obligated to provide, or to pay the expenses of, health services under a health-plan contract.

38 USC 1726 - Reimbursement for loss of personal effects by natural disaster

The Secretary shall, under regulations which the Secretary shall prescribe, reimburse veterans in Department hospitals and domiciliaries for any loss of personal effects sustained by fire, earthquake, or other natural disaster while such effects were stored in designated locations in Department hospitals or domiciliaries.

38 USC 1727 - Persons eligible under prior law

Persons who have a status which would, under the laws in effect on December 31, 1957, entitle them to the medical services, hospital and domiciliary care, and other benefits, provided for in this chapter, but who do not meet the service requirements contained in this chapter, shall be entitled to such benefits notwithstanding failure to meet such service requirements.

38 USC 1728 - Reimbursement of certain medical expenses

(a) The Secretary may, under such regulations as the Secretary shall prescribe, reimburse veterans entitled to hospital care or medical services under this chapter for the reasonable value of such care or services (including travel and incidental expenses under the terms and conditions set forth in section 111 of this title), for which such veterans have made payment, from sources other than the Department, where
(1) such care or services were rendered in a medical emergency of such nature that delay would have been hazardous to life or health;
(2) such care or services were rendered to a veteran in need thereof
(A)  for an adjudicated service-connected disability,
(B)  for a non-service-connected disability associated with and held to be aggravating a service-connected disability,
(C)  for any disability of a veteran who has a total disability permanent in nature from a service-connected disability, or
(D)  for any illness, injury, or dental condition in the case of a veteran who
(i)  is a participant in a vocational rehabilitation program (as defined in section 3101 (9) of this title), and
(ii)  is medically determined to have been in need of care or treatment to make possible such veterans entrance into a course of training, or prevent interruption of a course of training, or hasten the return to a course of training which was interrupted because of such illness, injury, or dental condition; and
(3) Department or other Federal facilities were not feasibly available, and an attempt to use them beforehand would not have been reasonable, sound, wise, or practical.
(b) In any case where reimbursement would be in order under subsection (a) of this section, the Secretary may, in lieu of reimbursing such veteran, make payment of the reasonable value of care or services directly
(1) to the hospital or other health facility furnishing the care or services; or
(2) to the person or organization making such expenditure on behalf of such veteran.

38 USC 1729 - Recovery by the United States of the cost of certain care and services

(a) 
(1) Subject to the provisions of this section, in any case in which a veteran is furnished care or services under this chapter for a non-service-connected disability described in paragraph (2) of this subsection, the United States has the right to recover or collect reasonable charges for such care or services (as determined by the Secretary) from a third party to the extent that the veteran (or the provider of the care or services) would be eligible to receive payment for such care or services from such third party if the care or services had not been furnished by a department or agency of the United States.
(2) Paragraph (1) of this subsection applies to a non-service-connected disability
(A) that is incurred incident to the veterans employment and that is covered under a workers compensation law or plan that provides for payment for the cost of health care and services provided to the veteran by reason of the disability;
(B) that is incurred as the result of a motor vehicle accident to which applies a State law that requires the owners or operators of motor vehicles registered in that State to have in force automobile accident reparations insurance;
(C) that is incurred as the result of a crime of personal violence that occurred in a State, or a political subdivision of a State, in which a person injured as the result of such a crime is entitled to receive health care and services at such States or subdivisions expense for personal injuries suffered as the result of such crime;
(D) that is incurred by a veteran
(i) who does not have a service-connected disability; and
(ii) who is entitled to care (or payment of the expenses of care) under a health-plan contract; or
(E) for which care and services are furnished before October 1, 2008, under this chapter to a veteran who
(i) has a service-connected disability; and
(ii) is entitled to care (or payment of the expenses of care) under a health-plan contract.
(3) In the case of a health-plan contract that contains a requirement for payment of a deductible or copayment by the veteran
(A) the veterans not having paid such deductible or copayment with respect to care or services furnished under this chapter shall not preclude recovery or collection under this section; and
(B) the amount that the United States may collect or recover under this section shall be reduced by the appropriate deductible or copayment amount, or both.
(b) 
(1) As to the right provided in subsection (a) of this section, the United States shall be subrogated to any right or claim that the veteran (or the veterans personal representative, successor, dependents, or survivors) may have against a third party.
(2) 
(A) In order to enforce any right or claim to which the United States is subrogated under paragraph (1) of this subsection, the United States may intervene or join in any action or proceeding brought by the veteran (or the veterans personal representative, successor, dependents, or survivors) against a third party.
(B) The United States may institute and prosecute legal proceedings against the third party if
(i) an action or proceeding described in subparagraph (A) of this paragraph is not begun within 180 days after the first day on which care or services for which recovery is sought are furnished to the veteran by the Secretary under this chapter;
(ii) the United States has sent written notice by certified mail to the veteran at the veterans last-known address (or to the veterans personal representative or successor) of the intention of the United States to institute such legal proceedings; and
(iii) a period of 60 days has passed following the mailing of such notice.
(C) A proceeding under subparagraph (B) of this paragraph may not be brought after the end of the six-year period beginning on the last day on which the care or services for which recovery is sought are furnished.
(c) 
(1) The Secretary may compromise, settle, or waive any claim which the United States has under this section.
(2) 
(A) The Secretary, after consultation with the Comptroller General of the United States, shall prescribe regulations for the purpose of determining reasonable charges for care or services under subsection (a)(1) of this section. Any determination of such charges shall be made in accordance with such regulations.
(B) Such regulations shall provide that reasonable charges for care or services sought to be recovered or collected from a third-party liable under a health-plan contract may not exceed the amount that such third party demonstrates to the satisfaction of the Secretary it would pay for the care or services if provided by facilities (other than facilities of departments or agencies of the United States) in the same geographic area.
(C) Not later than 45 days after the date on which the Secretary prescribes such regulations (or any amendment to such regulations), the Comptroller General shall submit to the Committees on Veterans Affairs of the Senate and the House of Representatives the Comptroller Generals comments on and recommendations regarding such regulations (or amendment).
(d) Any contract or agreement into which the Secretary enters with a person under section 3718 of title 31 for collection services to recover indebtedness owed the United States under this section shall provide, with respect to such services, that such person is subject to sections 5701 and 7332 of this title.
(e) A veteran eligible for care or services under this chapter
(1) may not be denied such care or services by reason of this section; and
(2) may not be required by reason of this section to make any copayment or deductible payment in order to receive such care.
(f) No law of any State or of any political subdivision of a State, and no provision of any contract or other agreement, shall operate to prevent recovery or collection by the United States under this section or with respect to care or services furnished under section 1784 of this title.
[(g) Repealed. Pub. L. 105–33, title VIII, § 8023(b)(4), Aug. 5, 1997, 111 Stat. 667.]
(h) 
(1) Subject to paragraph (3) of this subsection, the Secretary shall make available medical records of a veteran described in paragraph (2) of this subsection for inspection and review by representatives of the third party concerned for the sole purposes of permitting the third party to verify
(A) that the care or services for which recovery or collection is sought were furnished to the veteran; and
(B) that the provision of such care or services to the veteran meets criteria generally applicable under the health-plan contract involved.
(2) A veteran described in this paragraph is a veteran who is a beneficiary of a health-plan contract under which recovery or collection is sought under this section from the third party concerned for the cost of the care or services furnished to the veteran.
(3) Records shall be made available under this subsection under such conditions to protect the confidentiality of such records as the Secretary shall prescribe in regulations.
(i) For purposes of this section
(1) 
(A) The term health-plan contract means an insurance policy or contract, medical or hospital service agreement, membership or subscription contract, or similar arrangement, under which health services for individuals are provided or the expenses of such services are paid.
(B) Such term does not include
(i) an insurance program described in section 1811 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395c) or established by section 1831 of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1395j);
(ii) a State plan for medical assistance approved under title XIX of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1396 et seq.);
(iii) a workers compensation law or plan described in subparagraph (A) of subsection (a)(2) of this section; or
(iv) a program, plan, or policy under a law described in subparagraph (B) or (C) of such subsection.
(2) The term payment includes reimbursement and indemnification.
(3) The term third party means
(A) a State or political subdivision of a State;
(B) an employer or an employers insurance carrier;
(C) an automobile accident reparations insurance carrier; or
(D) a person obligated to provide, or to pay the expenses of, health services under a health-plan contract.

38 USC 1729A - Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Care Collections Fund

(a) There is in the Treasury a fund to be known as the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Care Collections Fund.
(b) Amounts recovered or collected under any of the following provisions of law shall be deposited in the fund:
(1) Section 1710 (f) of this title.
(2) Section 1710 (g) of this title.
(3) Section 1711 of this title.
(4) Section 1722A of this title.
(5) Section 1725 of this title.
(6) Section 1729 of this title.
(7) Section 1784 of this title.
(8) Section 8165 (a) of this title.
(9) Section 113 of the Veterans Millennium Health Care and Benefits Act (Public Law 106117; 38 U.S.C. 8111 note ).
(10) Public Law 87693, popularly known as the Federal Medical Care Recovery Act (42 U.S.C. 2651 et seq.), to the extent that a recovery or collection under that law is based on medical care or services furnished under this chapter.
(c) 
(1) Subject to the provisions of appropriations Acts, amounts in the fund shall be available, without fiscal year limitation, to the Secretary for the following purposes:
(A) Furnishing medical care and services under this chapter, to be available during any fiscal year for the same purposes and subject to the same limitations (other than with respect to the period of availability for obligation) as apply to amounts appropriated from the general fund of the Treasury for that fiscal year for medical care.
(B) Expenses of the Department for the identification, billing, auditing, and collection of amounts owed the United States by reason of medical care and services furnished under this chapter.
(2) Amounts available under paragraph (1) may not be used for any purpose other than a purpose set forth in subparagraph (A) or (B) of that paragraph.
(d) Of the total amount recovered or collected by the Department during a fiscal year under the provisions of law referred to in subsection (b) and made available from the fund, the Secretary shall make available to each Department health care facility of the Department an amount that bears the same ratio to the total amount so made available as the amount recovered or collected by such facility during that fiscal year under such provisions of law bears to such total amount recovered or collected during that fiscal year. The Secretary shall make available to each facility the entirety of the amount specified to be made available to such facility by the preceding sentence.
(e) Amounts recovered or collected under the provisions of law referred to in subsection (b) shall be treated for the purposes of sections 251 and 252 of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (2 U.S.C. 901, 902) as offsets to discretionary appropriations (rather than as offsets to direct spending) to the extent that such amounts are made available for expenditure in appropriations Acts for the purposes specified in subsection (c).

38 USC 1729B - Repealed. Pub. L. 1087, div. K, title I, 113(a)(1), Feb. 20, 2003, 117 Stat. 482]

Section, added Pub. L. 106–117, title II, § 202(a), Nov. 30, 1999, 113 Stat. 1561; amended Pub. L. 107–103, title V, § 509(c), Dec. 27, 2001, 115 Stat. 997; Pub. L. 107–330, title III, § 308(g)(7), Dec. 6, 2002, 116 Stat. 2829, related to the Department of Veterans Affairs Health Services Improvement Fund.

38 USC 1730 - Community residential care

(a) Subject to this section and regulations to be prescribed by the Secretary under this section, the Secretary may assist a veteran by referring such veteran for placement in, and aiding such veteran in obtaining placement in, a community residential-care facility if
(1) at the time of initiating the assistance the Secretary
(A) is furnishing the veteran medical services on an outpatient basis or hospital, domiciliary, or nursing home care; or
(B) has furnished the veteran such care or services within the preceding 12 months; and
(2) placement of the veteran in a community residential-care facility is appropriate.
(b) 
(1) The Secretary may not provide assistance under subsection (a) of this section with respect to a community residential-care facility unless such facility is approved by the Secretary for the purposes of this section.
(2) The Secretarys approval of a facility for the purposes of this section shall be based upon the Secretarys determination, after inspection of the facility, that the facility meets the standards established in regulations prescribed under this section. Such standards shall include the following:
(A) Health and safety criteria, including a requirement of compliance with applicable State laws and local ordinances relating to health and safety.
(B) A requirement that the costs charged for care by a facility be reasonable, as determined by the Secretary, giving consideration to such factors as
(i)  the level of care, supervision, and other services to be provided,
(ii)  the cost of goods and services in the geographic area in which the facility is located, and
(iii)  comparability with other facilities in such area providing similar services.
(C) Criteria for determining the resources that a facility needs in order to provide an appropriate level of services to veterans.
(D) Such other criteria as the Secretary determines are appropriate to protect the welfare of veterans placed in a facility under this section.
(3) Payment of the charges of a community residential-care facility for any care or service provided to a veteran whom the Secretary has referred to that facility under this section is not the responsibility of the United States or of the Department.
(c) 
(1) In order to determine continued compliance by community residential-care facilities that have been approved under subsection (b) of this section with the standards established in regulations prescribed under this section, the Secretary shall provide for periodic inspection of such facilities.
(2) If the Secretary determines that a facility is not in compliance with such standards, the Secretary (in accordance with regulations prescribed under this section)
(A) shall cease to refer veterans to such facility; and
(B) may, with the permission of the veteran (or the person or entity authorized by law to give permission on behalf of the veteran), assist in removing a veteran from such facility.

Regulations prescribed to carry out this paragraph shall provide for reasonable notice and, upon request made on behalf of the facility, a hearing before any action authorized by this paragraph is taken.

(d) The Secretary shall prescribe regulations to carry out this section. Such regulations shall include the standards required by subsection (b) of this section.
(e) 
(1) To the extent possible, the Secretary shall make available each report of an inspection of a community residential-care facility under subsection (b)(2) or (c)(1) of this section to each Federal, State, and local agency charged with the responsibility of licensing or otherwise regulating or inspecting such facility.
(2) The Secretary shall make the standards prescribed in regulations under subsection (d) of this section available to all Federal, State, and local agencies charged with the responsibility of licensing or otherwise regulating or inspecting community residential-care facilities.
(f) For the purpose of this section, the term community residential-care facility means a facility that provides room and board and such limited personal care for and supervision of residents as the Secretary determines, in accordance with regulations prescribed under this section, are necessary for the health, safety, and welfare of residents.

TITLE 38 - US CODE - SUBCHAPTER IV - HOSPITAL CARE AND MEDICAL TREATMENT FOR VETERANS IN THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES

38 USC 1731 - Assistance to the Republic of the Philippines

The President is authorized to assist the Republic of the Philippines in fulfilling its responsibility in providing medical care and treatment for Commonwealth Army veterans and new Philippine Scouts in need of such care and treatment for service-connected disabilities and non-service-connected disabilities under certain conditions.

38 USC 1732 - Contracts and grants to provide for the care and treatment of United States veterans by the Veterans Memorial Medical Center

(a) The President, with the concurrence of the Republic of the Philippines, may authorize the Secretary to enter into contracts with the Veterans Memorial Medical Center, with the approval of the appropriate department of the Government of the Republic of the Philippines, covering the period beginning on October 1, 1981, and ending on September 30, 1994, under which the United States
(1) will provide for payments for hospital care and medical services (including nursing home care) in the Veterans Memorial Medical Center, as authorized by section 1724 of this title and on the terms and conditions set forth in such section, to eligible United States veterans at a per diem rate to be jointly determined for each fiscal year by the two Governments to be fair and reasonable; and
(2) may provide that payments for such hospital care and medical services provided to eligible United States veterans may consist in whole or in part of available medicines, medical supplies, and equipment furnished by the Secretary to the Veterans Memorial Medical Center at valuations therefor as determined by the Secretary, who may furnish such medicines, medical supplies, and equipment through the revolving supply fund pursuant to section 8121 of this title.
(b) 
(1) To further assure the effective care and treatment of United States veterans in the Veterans Memorial Medical Center, there is authorized to be appropriated for each fiscal year during the period beginning on October 1, 1981, and ending on September 30, 1990, the sum of $1,000,000 to be used by the Secretary for making grants to the Veterans Memorial Medical Center for the purpose of assisting the Republic of the Philippines in the replacement and upgrading of equipment and in rehabilitating the physical plant and facilities of such center.
(2) Grants under this subsection shall be made on such terms and conditions as prescribed by the Secretary. Such terms and conditions may include a requirement of prior approval by the Secretary of the uses of the funds provided by such grants.
(3) Funds for such grants may be provided only from appropriations made to the Department for the specific purpose of making such grants.
(c) The Secretary may stop payments under a contract or grant under this section upon reasonable notice as stipulated by the contract or grant if the Republic of the Philippines and the Veterans Memorial Medical Center do not maintain the medical center in a well-equipped and effective operating condition as determined by the Secretary.
(d) 
(1) The authority of the Secretary to enter into contracts and to make grants under this section is effective for any fiscal year only to the extent that appropriations are available for that purpose.
(2) Appropriations made for the purpose of this section shall remain available until expended.

38 USC 1733 - Supervision of program by the President

The President, or any officer of the United States to whom the President may delegate authority under this section, may from time to time prescribe such rules and regulations and impose such conditions on the receipt of financial aid as may be necessary to carry out this subchapter.

38 USC 1734 - Hospital and nursing home care and medical services in the United States

(a) The Secretary shall furnish hospital and nursing home care and medical services to any individual described in subsection (b) in the same manner, and subject to the same terms and conditions, as apply to the furnishing of such care and services to individuals who are veterans as defined in section 101 (2) of this title. Any disability of an individual described in subsection (b) that is a service-connected disability for purposes of this subchapter (as provided for under section 1735 (2) of this title) shall be considered to be a service-connected disability for purposes of furnishing care and services under the preceding sentence.
(b) Subsection (a) applies to any individual who is a Commonwealth Army veteran or new Philippine Scout and who
(1) is residing in the United States; and
(2) is a citizen of the United States or an alien lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence.

38 USC 1735 - Definitions

For the purposes of this subchapter
(1) The term Commonwealth Army veterans means persons who served before July 1, 1946, in the organized military forces of the Government of the Philippines, while such forces were in the service of the Armed Forces pursuant to the military order of the President dated July 26, 1941, including among such military forces organized guerrilla forces under commanders appointed, designated, or subsequently recognized by the Commander in Chief, Southwest Pacific Area, or other competent authority in the Army of the United States, and who were discharged or released from such service under conditions other than dishonorable. The term new Philippine Scouts means persons who served in the Philippine Scouts under section 14 of the Armed Forces Voluntary Recruitment Act of 1945, and who were discharged or released from such service under conditions other than dishonorable.
(2) The term service-connected disabilities means disabilities determined by the Secretary under laws administered by the Secretary to have been incurred in or aggravated by the service described in paragraph (1) in line of duty.

TITLE 38 - US CODE - SUBCHAPTER V - PAYMENTS TO STATE HOMES

38 USC 1741 - Criteria for payment

(a) 
(1) Except as provided in section 1745 of this title, the Secretary shall pay each State at the per diem rate of
(A) $8.70 for domiciliary care; and
(B) $20.35 for nursing home care and hospital care,

for each veteran receiving such care in a State home, if such veteran is eligible for such care in a Department facility.

(2) The Secretary may pay each State per diem at a rate determined by the Secretary for each veteran receiving extended care services described in any of paragraphs (4) through (6) of section 1710B (a) of this title under a program administered by a State home, if such veteran is eligible for such care under laws administered by the Secretary.
(b) In no case shall the payments made with respect to any veteran under this section exceed one-half of the cost of the veterans care in such State home.
(c) Whenever the Secretary makes a determination pursuant to section 1720 (a)(2)(A) of this title that the cost of care furnished by the Department in a general hospital under the direct jurisdiction of the Secretary has increased, the Secretary may, effective no earlier than the date of such determination, increase the rates paid under subsection (a) of this section by a percentage not greater than the percentage by which the Secretary has determined that such cost of care has increased.
(d) Subject to section 1743 of this title, the payment of per diem for care furnished in a State home facility shall commence on the date of the completion of the inspection for recognition of the facility under section 1742 (a) of this title if the Secretary determines, as a result of that inspection, that the State home meets the standards described in such section.
(e) Payments to States pursuant to this section shall not be considered a liability of a third party, or otherwise be used to offset or reduce any other payment made to assist veterans.
(f) Any State home that requests payment or reimbursement for services provided to a veteran under this section shall provide to the Secretary such information as the Secretary considers necessary to identify each individual veteran eligible for payment under such section.

38 USC 1742 - Inspections of such homes; restrictions on beneficiaries

(a) The Secretary may inspect any State home at such times as the Secretary deems necessary. No payment or grant may be made to any home under this subchapter unless such home is determined by the Secretary to meet such standards as the Secretary shall prescribe, which standards with respect to nursing home care shall be no less stringent than those prescribed pursuant to section 1720 (b) of this title.
(b) The Secretary may ascertain the number of persons on account of whom payments may be made under this subchapter on account of any State home, but shall have no authority over the management or control of any State home.

38 USC 1743 - Applications

Payments on account of any veteran cared for in a State home shall be made under this subchapter only from the date the Secretary receives a request for determination of such veterans eligibility; however, if such request is received by the Secretary within ten days after care of such veteran begins, payments shall be made on account of such veteran from the date care began.

38 USC 1744 - Hiring and retention of nurses: payments to assist States

(a) Payment Program.— 
The Secretary shall make payments to States under this section for the purpose of assisting State homes in the hiring and retention of nurses and the reduction of nursing shortages at State homes.
(b) Eligible Recipients.— 
Payments to a State for a fiscal year under this section shall, subject to submission of an application, be made to any State that during that fiscal year
(1) receives per diem payments under this subchapter for that fiscal year; and
(2) has in effect an employee incentive scholarship program or other employee incentive program at a State home designed to promote the hiring and retention of nursing staff and to reduce nursing shortages at that home.
(c) Use of Funds Received.— 
A State may use an amount received under this section only to provide funds for a program described in subsection (b)(2). Any program shall meet such criteria as the Secretary may prescribe. In prescribing such criteria, the Secretary shall take into consideration the need for flexibility and innovation.
(d) Limitations on Amount of Payment.— 

(1) A payment under this section may not be used to provide more than 50 percent of the costs for a fiscal year of the employee incentive scholarship or other employee incentive program for which the payment is made.
(2) The amount of the payment to a State under this section for any fiscal year is, for each State home in that State with a program described in subsection (b)(2), the amount equal to 2 percent of the amount of payments estimated to be made to that State, for that State home, under section 1741 of this title for that fiscal year.
(e) Applications.— 
A payment under this section for any fiscal year with respect to any State home may only be made based upon an application submitted by the State seeking the payment with respect to that State home. Any such application shall describe the nursing shortage at the State home and the employee incentive scholarship program or other employee incentive program described in subsection (c) for which the payment is sought.
(f) Source of Funds.— 
Payments under this section shall be made from funds available for other payments under this subchapter.
(g) Disbursement.— 
Payments under this section to a State home shall be made as part of the disbursement of payments under section 1741 of this title with respect to that State home.
(h) Use of Certain Receipts.— 
The Secretary shall require as a condition of any payment under this section that, in any case in which the State home receives a refund payment made by an employee in breach of the terms of an agreement for employee assistance that used funds provided under this section, the payment shall be returned to the State homes incentive program account and credited as a non-Federal funding source.
(i) Annual Report From Payment Recipients.— 
Any State home receiving a payment under this section for any fiscal year, shall, as a condition of the payment, be required to agree to provide to the Secretary a report setting forth in detail the use of funds received through the payment, including a descriptive analysis of how effective the incentive program has been on nurse staffing in the State home during that fiscal year. The report for any fiscal year shall be provided to the Secretary within 60 days of the close of the fiscal year and shall be subject to audit by the Secretary. Eligibility for a payment under this section for any later fiscal year is contingent upon the receipt by the Secretary of the annual report under this subsection for the previous fiscal year in accordance with this subsection.
(j) Regulations.— 
The Secretary shall prescribe regulations to carry out this section. The regulations shall include the establishment of criteria for the award of payments under this section.

38 USC 1745 - Nursing home care and medications for veterans with service-connected disabilities

(a) 
(1) The Secretary shall pay each State home for nursing home care at the rate determined under paragraph (2), in any case in which such care is provided to any veteran as follows:
(A) Any veteran in need of such care for a service-connected disability.
(B) Any veteran who
(i) has a service-connected disability rated at 70 percent or more; and
(ii) is in need of such care.
(2) The rate determined under this paragraph with respect to a State home is the lesser of
(A) the applicable or prevailing rate payable in the geographic area in which the State home is located, as determined by the Secretary, for nursing home care furnished in a non-Department nursing home (as that term is defined in section 1720 (e)(2) of this title); or
(B) a rate not to exceed the daily cost of care, as determined by the Secretary, following a report to the Secretary by the director of the State home.
(3) Payment by the Secretary under paragraph (1) to a State home for nursing home care provided to a veteran described in that paragraph constitutes payment in full to the State home for such care furnished to that veteran.
(b) The Secretary shall furnish such drugs and medicines as may be ordered on prescription of a duly licensed physician as specific therapy in the treatment of illness or injury to any veteran as follows:
(1) Any veteran who
(A) is not being provided nursing home care for which payment is payable under subsection (a); and
(B) is in need of such drugs and medicines for a service-connected disability.
(2) Any veteran who
(A) has a service-connected disability rated at 50 percent or more;
(B) is not being provided nursing home care for which payment is payable under subsection (a); and
(C) is in need of such drugs and medicines.
(c) Any State home that requests payment or reimbursement for services provided to a veteran under this section shall provide to the Secretary such information as the Secretary considers necessary to identify each individual veteran eligible for payment under such section.

TITLE 38 - US CODE - SUBCHAPTER VI - SICKLE CELL ANEMIA

38 USC 1751 - Screening, counseling, and medical treatment

The Secretary is authorized to carry out a comprehensive program of providing sickle cell anemia screening, counseling, treatment, and information under the provisions of this chapter.

38 USC 1752 - Research

The Secretary is authorized to carry out research and research training in the diagnosis, treatment, and control of sickle cell anemia based upon the screening examinations and treatment provided under this subchapter.

38 USC 1753 - Voluntary participation; confidentiality

(a) The participation by any person in any program or portion thereof under this subchapter shall be wholly voluntary and shall not be a prerequisite to eligibility for or receipt of any other service or assistance from, or to participation in, any other program under this title.
(b) Patient records prepared or obtained under this subchapter shall be held confidential in the same manner and under the same conditions prescribed in section 7332 of this title.

38 USC 1754 - Reports

The Secretary shall include in the annual report to the Congress required by section 529 of this title a comprehensive report on the administration of this subchapter, including such recommendations for additional legislation as the Secretary deems necessary.

1761 to 1764. Repealed. Pub. L. 102585, title V, 514(a), Nov. 4, 1992, 106 Stat. 4958]

Section 1761, added Pub. L. 96–22, title I, § 105(a), June 13, 1979, 93 Stat. 52, 661; amended Pub. L. 98–160, title I, § 106(b), Nov. 21, 1983, 97 Stat. 998; renumbered 1761, Pub. L. 102–83, § 5(a), Aug. 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 406, related to purpose of this subchapter, which established a preventive health-care services pilot program. Prior section 1761 was renumbered section 3561 of this title. Section 1762, added Pub. L. 96–22, title I, § 105(a), June 13, 1979, 93 Stat. 52, 662; renumbered 1762 and amended Pub. L. 102–83, §§ 4(b)(1), (2)(E), 5 (a), Aug. 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 404–406; Pub. L. 102–585, title V, § 513(a), Nov. 4, 1992, 106 Stat. 4958, defined the term preventive health-care services for purposes of this subchapter. Section 1762 of this title was transferred to section 1701 (9) of this title by Pub. L. 102–585. Prior section 1762 was renumbered section 3562 of this title. Section 1763, added Pub. L. 96–22, title I, § 105(a), June 13, 1979, 93 Stat. 52, 663; amended Pub. L. 96–128, title V, § 501(d), Nov. 28, 1979, 93 Stat. 987; Pub. L. 98–160, title I, § 106(c), Nov. 21, 1983, 97 Stat. 998; Pub. L. 99–272, title XIX, § 19011(d)(6), Apr. 7, 1986, 100 Stat. 379; renumbered 1763 and amended Pub. L. 102–83, §§ 4(a)(3), (4), (b)(1), (2)(E), 5 (a), (c)(1), Aug. 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 404–406, related to provision of preventive health-care services under this subchapter. Prior section 1763 was renumbered section 3563 of this title. Another prior section 1763, Pub. L. 85–857, Sept. 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 1201, provided for control by agencies of the United States, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 89–358, § 3(a)(3), Mar. 3, 1966, 80 Stat. 20. See section 3682 of this title. Section 1764, added Pub. L. 96–22, title I, § 105(a), June 13, 1979, 93 Stat. 53, 664; amended Pub. L. 98–160, title I, § 106(d), Nov. 21, 1983, 97 Stat. 999; renumbered 1764 and amended Pub. L. 102–83, §§ 4(b)(1), (2)(E), 5 (a), Aug. 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 404–406, directed Secretary to include comprehensive reports on administration of this subchapter in annual reports to Congress for fiscal years 1984 through 1988. Prior section 1764, Pub. L. 85–857, Sept. 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 1201, provided for dismissal for conflict of interest, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 89–358, §§ 3(a)(3), 12 (a), Mar. 3, 1966, 80 Stat. 20, 28, effective Mar. 3, 1966. See section 3683 of this title. Prior section 1765 was renumbered section 3565 of this title. Another prior section 1765, Pub. L. 85–857, Sept. 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 1202, provided for reports by institutions, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 89–358, § 3(a)(3), Mar. 3, 1966, 80 Stat. 20. See section 3684 of this title. Prior section 1766 was renumbered section 3566 of this title. Another prior section 1766, Pub. L. 85–857, Sept. 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 1202, related to overpayments to eligible persons, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 89–358, § 3(a)(3), Mar. 3, 1966, 80 Stat. 20. See section 3685 of this title. Prior section 1767, Pub. L. 85–857, Sept. 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 1202, related to examination of records, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 89–358, § 3(a)(3), Mar. 3, 1966, 80 Stat. 20. Prior section 1768, Pub. L. 85–857, Sept. 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 1202, related to false or misleading statements, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 89–358, § 3(a)(3), Mar. 3, 1966, 80 Stat. 20. A prior section 1770 was renumbered section 3670 of this title.

[SUBCHAPTER VII - TRANSFERRED]

1771 to 1774. Renumbered 2031 to 2034]

TITLE 38 - US CODE - SUBCHAPTER VIII - HEALTH CARE OF PERSONS OTHER THAN VETERANS

38 USC 1781 - Medical care for survivors and dependents of certain veterans

(a) The Secretary is authorized to provide medical care, in accordance with the provisions of subsection (b) of this section, for
(1) the spouse or child of a veteran who has a total disability, permanent in nature, resulting from a service-connected disability,
(2) the surviving spouse or child of a veteran who
(A)  died as a result of a service-connected disability, or
(B)  at the time of death had a total disability permanent in nature, resulting from a service-connected disability, and
(3) the surviving spouse or child of a person who died in the active military, naval, or air service in the line of duty and not due to such persons own misconduct,

who are not otherwise eligible for medical care under chapter 55 of title 10 (CHAMPUS).

(b) In order to accomplish the purposes of subsection (a) of this section, the Secretary shall provide for medical care in the same or similar manner and subject to the same or similar limitations as medical care is furnished to certain dependents and survivors of active duty and retired members of the Armed Forces under chapter 55 of title 10 (CHAMPUS), by
(1) entering into an agreement with the Secretary of Defense under which that Secretary shall include coverage for such medical care under the contract, or contracts, that Secretary enters into to carry out such chapter 55, and under which the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall fully reimburse the Secretary of Defense for all costs and expenditures made for the purposes of affording the medical care authorized pursuant to this section; or
(2) contracting in accordance with such regulations as the Secretary shall prescribe for such insurance, medical service, or health plans as the Secretary deems appropriate.

In cases in which Department medical facilities are equipped to provide the care and treatment, the Secretary is also authorized to carry out such purposes through the use of such facilities not being utilized for the care of eligible veterans. A dependent or survivor receiving care under the preceding sentence shall be eligible for the same medical services as a veteran, including services under sections 1782 and 1783 of this title.

(c) For the purposes of this section, a child between the ages of eighteen and twenty-three (1) who is eligible for benefits under subsection (a) of this section, (2) who is pursuing a full-time course of instruction at an educational institution approved under chapter 36 of this title, and (3) who, while pursuing such course of instruction, incurs a disabling illness or injury (including a disabling illness or injury incurred between terms, semesters, or quarters or during a vacation or holiday period) which is not the result of such childs own willful misconduct and which results in such childs inability to continue or resume such childs chosen program of education at an approved educational institution shall remain eligible for benefits under this section until the end of the six-month period beginning on the date the disability is removed, the end of the two-year period beginning on the date of the onset of the disability, or the twenty-third birthday of the child, whichever occurs first.
(d) 
(1) 
(A) An individual otherwise eligible for medical care under this section who is also entitled to hospital insurance benefits under part A of the medicare program is eligible for medical care under this section only if the individual is also enrolled in the supplementary medical insurance program under part B of the medicare program.
(B) The limitation in subparagraph (A) does not apply to an individual who
(i) has attained 65 years of age as of June 5, 2001; and
(ii) is not enrolled in the supplementary medical insurance program under part B of the medicare program as of that date.
(2) Subject to paragraph (3), if an individual described in paragraph (1) receives medical care for which payment may be made under both this section and the medicare program, the amount payable for such medical care under this section shall be the amount by which
(A)  the costs for such medical care exceed
(B)  the sum of
(i) the amount payable for such medical care under the medicare program; and
(ii) the total amount paid or payable for such medical care by third party payers other than the medicare program.
(3) The amount payable under this subsection for medical care may not exceed the total amount that would be paid under subsection (b) if payment for such medical care were made solely under subsection (b).
(4) In this subsection:
(A) The term medicare program means the program of health insurance administered by the Secretary of Health and Human Services under title XVIII of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395 et seq.).
(B) The term third party has the meaning given that term in section 1729 (i)(3) of this title.

38 USC 1782 - Counseling, training, and mental health services for immediate family members

(a) Counseling for Family Members of Veterans Receiving Service-Connected Treatment.— 
In the case of a veteran who is receiving treatment for a service-connected disability pursuant to paragraph (1) or (2) of section 1710 (a) of this title, the Secretary shall provide to individuals described in subsection (c) such consultation, professional counseling, training, and mental health services as are necessary in connection with that treatment.
(b) Counseling for Family Members of Veterans Receiving Non-Service-Connected Treatment.— 
In the case of a veteran who is eligible to receive treatment for a non-service-connected disability under the conditions described in paragraph (1), (2), or (3) of section 1710 (a) of this title, the Secretary may, in the discretion of the Secretary, provide to individuals described in subsection (c) such consultation, professional counseling, training, and mental health services as are necessary in connection with that treatment if
(1) those services were initiated during the veterans hospitalization; and
(2) the continued provision of those services on an outpatient basis is essential to permit the discharge of the veteran from the hospital.
(c) Eligible Individuals.— 
Individuals who may be provided services under this subsection are
(1) the members of the immediate family or the legal guardian of a veteran; or
(2) the individual in whose household such veteran certifies an intention to live.
(d) Travel and Transportation Authorized.— 
Services provided under subsections (a) and (b) may include, under the terms and conditions set forth in section 111 of this title, travel and incidental expenses of individuals described in subsection (c) in the case of any of the following:
(1) A veteran who is receiving care for a service-connected disability.
(2) A dependent or survivor receiving care under the last sentence of section 1783 (b) of this title.

38 USC 1783 - Bereavement counseling

(a) Deaths of Veterans.— 
In the case of an individual who was a recipient of services under section 1782 of this title at the time of the death of the veteran, the Secretary may provide bereavement counseling to that individual in the case of a death
(1) that was unexpected; or
(2) that occurred while the veteran was participating in a hospice program (or a similar program) conducted by the Secretary.
(b) Deaths In Active Service.— 

(1) The Secretary may provide bereavement counseling to an individual who is a member of the immediate family of a member of the Armed Forces who dies in the active military, naval, or air service in the line of duty and under circumstances not due to the persons own misconduct.
(2) For purposes of this subsection, the members of the immediate family of a member of the Armed Forces described in paragraph (1) include the parents of such member.
(c) Provision of Counseling Through Vet Centers.— 
Bereavement counseling may be provided under this section through the facilities and personnel of centers for the provision of readjustment counseling and related mental health services under section 1712A of this title.
(d) Bereavement Counseling Defined.— 
For purposes of this section, the term bereavement counseling means such counseling services, for a limited period, as the Secretary determines to be reasonable and necessary to assist an individual with the emotional and psychological stress accompanying the death of another individual.

38 USC 1784 - Humanitarian care

The Secretary may furnish hospital care or medical services as a humanitarian service in emergency cases, but the Secretary shall charge for such care and services at rates prescribed by the Secretary.

38 USC 1785 - Care and services during certain disasters and emergencies

(a) Authority To Provide Hospital Care and Medical Services.— 
During and immediately following a disaster or emergency referred to in subsection (b), the Secretary may furnish hospital care and medical services to individuals responding to, involved in, or otherwise affected by that disaster or emergency.
(b) Covered Disasters and Emergencies.— 
A disaster or emergency referred to in this subsection is any disaster or emergency as follows:
(1) A major disaster or emergency declared by the President under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.).
(2) A disaster or emergency in which the National Disaster Medical System established pursuant to section 2811(b) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 300hh–11 (b))1 is activated by the Secretary of Health and Human Services under paragraph (3)(A) of that section or as otherwise authorized by law.
(c) Applicability to Eligible Individuals Who Are Veterans.— 
The Secretary may furnish care and services under this section to an individual described in subsection (a) who is a veteran without regard to whether that individual is enrolled in the system of patient enrollment under section 1705 of this title.
(d) Reimbursement From Other Federal Departments and Agencies.— 

(1) The cost of any care or services furnished under this section to an officer or employee of a department or agency of the United States other than the Department or to a member of the Armed Forces shall be reimbursed at such rates as may be agreed upon by the Secretary and the head of such department or agency or the Secretary concerned, in the case of a member of the Armed Forces, based on the cost of the care or service furnished.
(2) Amounts received by the Department under this subsection shall be credited to the Medical Care Collections Fund under section 1729A of this title.
(e) Report to Congressional Committees.— 
Within 60 days of the commencement of a disaster or emergency referred to in subsection (b) in which the Secretary furnishes care and services under this section (or as soon thereafter as is practicable), the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Veterans Affairs of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report on the Secretarys allocation of facilities and personnel in order to furnish such care and services.
(f) Regulations.— 
The Secretary shall prescribe regulations governing the exercise of the authority of the Secretary under this section.
[1] See References in Text note below.

TITLE 38 - US CODE - CHAPTER 18 - BENEFITS FOR CHILDREN OF VIETNAM VETERANS AND CERTAIN OTHER VETERANS

TITLE 38 - US CODE - SUBCHAPTER I - CHILDREN OF VIETNAM VETERANS BORN WITH SPINA BIFIDA

38 USC 1802 - Spina bifida conditions covered

This subchapter applies with respect to all forms and manifestations of spina bifida except spina bifida occulta.

38 USC 1803 - Health care

(a) In accordance with regulations which the Secretary shall prescribe, the Secretary shall provide a child of a Vietnam veteran who is suffering from spina bifida with such health care as the Secretary determines is needed by the child for the spina bifida or any disability that is associated with such condition.
(b) The Secretary may provide health care under this section directly or by contract or other arrangement with any health care provider.
(c) For the purposes of this section
(1) The term health care
(A) means home care, hospital care, nursing home care, outpatient care, preventive care, habilitative and rehabilitative care, case management, and respite care; and
(B) includes
(i) the training of appropriate members of a childs family or household in the care of the child; and
(ii) the provision of such pharmaceuticals, supplies, equipment, devices, appliances, assistive technology, direct transportation costs to and from approved sources of health care, and other materials as the Secretary determines necessary.
(2) The term health care provider includes specialized spina bifida clinics, health care plans, insurers, organizations, institutions, and any other entity or individual furnishing health care services that the Secretary determines are authorized under this section.
(3) The term home care means outpatient care, habilitative and rehabilitative care, preventive health services, and health-related services furnished to an individual in the individuals home or other place of residence.
(4) The term hospital care means care and treatment for a disability furnished to an individual who has been admitted to a hospital as a patient.
(5) The term nursing home care means care and treatment for a disability furnished to an individual who has been admitted to a nursing home as a resident.
(6) The term outpatient care means care and treatment of a disability, and preventive health services, furnished to an individual other than hospital care or nursing home care.
(7) The term preventive care means care and treatment furnished to prevent disability or illness, including periodic examinations, immunizations, patient health education, and such other services as the Secretary determines necessary to provide effective and economical preventive health care.
(8) The term habilitative and rehabilitative care means such professional, counseling, and guidance services and treatment programs (other than vocational training under section 1804 of this title) as are necessary to develop, maintain, or restore, to the maximum extent practicable, the functioning of a disabled person.
(9) The term respite care means care furnished on an intermittent basis for a limited period to an individual who resides primarily in a private residence when such care will help the individual to continue residing in such private residence.

38 USC 1804 - Vocational training and rehabilitation

(a) Pursuant to such regulations as the Secretary may prescribe, the Secretary may provide vocational training under this section to a child of a Vietnam veteran who is suffering from spina bifida if the Secretary determines that the achievement of a vocational goal by such child is reasonably feasible.
(b) Any program of vocational training for a child under this section shall
(1) be designed in consultation with the child in order to meet the childs individual needs;
(2) be set forth in an individualized written plan of vocational rehabilitation; and
(3) be designed and developed before the date specified in subsection (d)(3) so as to permit the beginning of the program as of the date specified in that subsection.
(c) 
(1) A vocational training program for a child under this section
(A) shall consist of such vocationally oriented services and assistance, including such placement and post-placement services and personal and work adjustment training, as the Secretary determines are necessary to enable the child to prepare for and participate in vocational training or employment; and
(B) may include a program of education at an institution of higher learning if the Secretary determines that the program of education is predominantly vocational in content.
(2) A vocational training program under this section may not include the provision of any loan or subsistence allowance or any automobile adaptive equipment.
(d) 
(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) and subject to subsection (e)(2), a vocational training program under this section may not exceed 24 months.
(2) The Secretary may grant an extension of a vocational training program for a child under this section for up to 24 additional months if the Secretary determines that the extension is necessary in order for the child to achieve a vocational goal identified (before the end of the first 24 months of such program) in the written plan of vocational rehabilitation formulated for the child pursuant to subsection (b).
(3) A vocational training program under this section may begin on the childs 18th birthday, or on the successful completion of the childs secondary schooling, whichever first occurs, except that, if the child is above the age of compulsory school attendance under applicable State law and the Secretary determines that the childs best interests will be served thereby, the vocational training program may begin before the childs 18th birthday.
(e) 
(1) A child who is pursuing a program of vocational training under this section and is also eligible for assistance under a program under chapter 35 of this title may not receive assistance under both such programs concurrently. The child shall elect (in such form and manner as the Secretary may prescribe) the program under which the child is to receive assistance.
(2) The aggregate period for which a child may receive assistance under this section and chapter 35 of this title may not exceed 48 months (or the part-time equivalent thereof).

38 USC 1805 - Monetary allowance

(a) The Secretary shall pay a monthly allowance under this section to any child of a Vietnam veteran for any disability resulting from spina bifida suffered by such child.
(b) 
(1) The amount of the allowance paid to a child under this section shall be based on the degree of disability suffered by the child, as determined in accordance with such schedule for rating disabilities resulting from spina bifida as the Secretary may prescribe.
(2) The Secretary shall, in prescribing the rating schedule for the purposes of this section, establish three levels of disability upon which the amount of the allowance provided by this section shall be based.
(3) The amounts of the allowance shall be $200 per month for the lowest level of disability prescribed, $700 per month for the intermediate level of disability prescribed, and $1,200 per month for the highest level of disability prescribed. Such amounts are subject to adjustment under section 5312 of this title.

38 USC 1806 - Repealed. Pub. L. 106419, title IV, 401(c)(3), Nov. 1, 2000, 114 Stat. 1860]

Section, added Pub. L. 104–204, title IV, § 421(b)(1), Sept. 26, 1996, 110 Stat. 2926; amended Pub. L. 105–114, title IV, § 404(b)(1), Nov. 21, 1997, 111 Stat. 2294, related to applicability of certain administrative provisions. Prior section 1806 was renumbered section 3706 of this title. Prior section 1807, added Pub. L. 94–324, § 2(a), June 30, 1976, 90 Stat. 720; amended Pub. L. 97–72, title III, § 303(d), Nov. 3, 1981, 95 Stat. 1060, related to service after July 25, 1947, and prior to June 27, 1950, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 100–322, title IV, § 415(a)(4), May 20, 1988, 102 Stat. 550. Prior section 1810 was renumbered section 3710 of this title.

TITLE 38 - US CODE - SUBCHAPTER II - CHILDREN OF WOMEN VIETNAM VETERANS BORN WITH CERTAIN BIRTH DEFECTS

38 USC 1811 - Definitions

In this subchapter:
(1) The term eligible child means an individual who
(A) is the child (as defined in section 1831 (1) of this title) of a woman Vietnam veteran; and
(B) was born with one or more covered birth defects.
(2) The term covered birth defect means a birth defect identified by the Secretary under section 1812 of this title.

38 USC 1812 - Covered birth defects

(a) Identification.— 
The Secretary shall identify the birth defects of children of women Vietnam veterans that
(1) are associated with the service of those veterans in the Republic of Vietnam during the Vietnam era; and
(2) result in permanent physical or mental disability.
(b) Limitations.— 

(1) The birth defects identified under subsection (a) may not include birth defects resulting from the following:
(A) A familial disorder.
(B) A birth-related injury.
(C) A fetal or neonatal infirmity with well-established causes.
(2) In any case where affirmative evidence establishes that a covered birth defect of a child of a woman Vietnam veteran results from a cause other than the active military, naval, or air service of that veteran in the Republic of Vietnam during the Vietnam era, no benefits or assistance may be provided the child under this subchapter.

38 USC 1813 - Health care

(a) Needed Care.— 
The Secretary shall provide an eligible child such health care as the Secretary determines is needed by the child for that childs covered birth defects or any disability that is associated with those birth defects.
(b) Authority for Care To Be Provided Directly or by Contract.— 
The Secretary may provide health care under this section directly or by contract or other arrangement with a health care provider.
(c) Definitions.— 
For purposes of this section, the definitions in section 1803 (c) of this title shall apply with respect to the provision of health care under this section, except that for such purposes
(1) the reference to specialized spina bifida clinic in paragraph (2) of that section shall be treated as a reference to a specialized clinic treating the birth defect concerned under this section; and
(2) the reference to vocational training under section 1804 of this title in paragraph (8) of that section shall be treated as a reference to vocational training under section 1814 of this title.

38 USC 1814 - Vocational training

(a) Authority.— 
The Secretary may provide a program of vocational training to an eligible child if the Secretary determines that the achievement of a vocational goal by the child is reasonably feasible.
(b) Applicable Provisions.— 
Subsections (b) through (e) of section 1804 of this title shall apply with respect to any program of vocational training provided under subsection (a).

38 USC 1815 - Monetary allowance

(a) Monetary Allowance.— 
The Secretary shall pay a monthly allowance to any eligible child for any disability resulting from the covered birth defects of that child.
(b) Schedule for Rating Disabilities.— 

(1) The amount of the monthly allowance paid under this section shall be based on the degree of disability suffered by the child concerned, as determined in accordance with a schedule for rating disabilities resulting from covered birth defects that is prescribed by the Secretary.
(2) In prescribing a schedule for rating disabilities for the purposes of this section, the Secretary shall establish four levels of disability upon which the amount of the allowance provided by this section shall be based. The levels of disability established may take into account functional limitations, including limitations on cognition, communication, motor abilities, activities of daily living, and employability.
(c) Amount of Monthly Allowance.— 
The amount of the monthly allowance paid under this section shall be as follows:
(1) In the case of a child suffering from the lowest level of disability prescribed in the schedule for rating disabilities under subsection (b), $100.
(2) In the case of a child suffering from the lower intermediate level of disability prescribed in the schedule for rating disabilities under subsection (b), the greater of
(A) $214; or
(B) the monthly amount payable under section 1805 (b)(3) of this title for the lowest level of disability prescribed for purposes of that section.
(3) In the case of a child suffering from the higher intermediate level of disability prescribed in the schedule for rating disabilities under subsection (b), the greater of
(A) $743; or
(B) the monthly amount payable under section 1805 (b)(3) of this title for the intermediate level of disability prescribed for purposes of that section.
(4) In the case of a child suffering from the highest level of disability prescribed in the schedule for rating disabilities under subsection (b), the greater of
(A) $1,272; or
(B) the monthly amount payable under section 1805 (b)(3) of this title for the highest level of disability prescribed for purposes of that section.
(d) Indexing to Social Security Benefit Increases.— 
Amounts under paragraphs (1), (2)(A), (3)(A), and (4)(A) of subsection (c) shall be subject to adjustment from time to time under section 5312 of this title.

38 USC 1816 - Regulations

The Secretary shall prescribe regulations for purposes of the administration of this subchapter.

TITLE 38 - US CODE - SUBCHAPTER III - CHILDREN OF CERTAIN KOREA SERVICE VETERANS BORN WITH SPINA BIFIDA

38 USC 1821 - Benefits for children of certain Korea service veterans born with spina bifida

(a) Benefits Authorized.— 
The Secretary may provide to any child of a veteran of covered service in Korea who is suffering from spina bifida the health care, vocational training and rehabilitation, and monetary allowance required to be paid to a child of a Vietnam veteran who is suffering from spina bifida under subchapter I of this chapter as if such child of a veteran of covered service in Korea were a child of a Vietnam veteran who is suffering from spina bifida under such subchapter.
(b) Spina Bifida Conditions Covered.— 
This section applies with respect to all forms and manifestations of spina bifida, except spina bifida occulta.
(c) Veteran of Covered Service in Korea.— 
For purposes of this section, a veteran of covered service in Korea is any individual, without regard to the characterization of that individuals service, who
(1) served in the active military, naval, or air service in or near the Korean demilitarized zone (DMZ), as determined by the Secretary in consultation with the Secretary of Defense, during the period beginning on September 1, 1967, and ending on August 31, 1971; and
(2) is determined by the Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense, to have been exposed to a herbicide agent during such service in or near the Korean demilitarized zone.
(d) Herbicide Agent.— 
For purposes of this section, the term herbicide agent means a chemical in a herbicide used in support of United States and allied military operations in or near the Korean demilitarized zone, as determined by the Secretary in consultation with the Secretary of Defense, during the period beginning on September 1, 1967, and ending on August 31, 1971.

TITLE 38 - US CODE - SUBCHAPTER IV - GENERAL PROVISIONS

38 USC 1831 - Definitions

In this chapter:
(1) The term child means the following:
(A) For purposes of subchapters I and II of this chapter, an individual, regardless of age or marital status, who
(i) is the natural child of a Vietnam veteran; and
(ii) was conceived after the date on which that veteran first entered the Republic of Vietnam during the Vietnam era.
(B) For purposes of subchapter III of this chapter, an individual, regardless of age or marital status, who
(i) is the natural child of a veteran of covered service in Korea (as determined for purposes of section 1821 of this title); and
(ii) was conceived after the date on which that veteran first entered service described in subsection (c) of that section.
(2) The term Vietnam veteran means an individual who performed active military, naval, or air service in the Republic of Vietnam during the Vietnam era, without regard to the characterization of that individuals service.
(3) The term Vietnam era with respect to
(A) subchapter I of this chapter, means the period beginning on January 9, 1962, and ending on May 7, 1975; and
(B) subchapter II of this chapter, means the period beginning on February 28, 1961, and ending on May 7, 1975.

38 USC 1832 - Applicability of certain administrative provisions

(a) Applicability of Certain Provisions Relating to Compensation.— 
The provisions of this title specified in subsection (b) apply with respect to benefits and assistance under this chapter in the same manner as those provisions apply to compensation paid under chapter 11 of this title.
(b) Specified Provisions.— 
The provisions of this title referred to in subsection (a) are the following:
(1) Section 5101 (c).
(2) Subsections (a), (b)(2), (g), and (i) of section 5110.
(3) Section 5111.
(4) Subsection (a) and paragraphs (1), (6), (9), and (10) of subsection (b) of section 5112.

38 USC 1833 - Treatment of receipt of monetary allowance and other benefits

(a) Coordination With Other Benefits Paid to the Recipient.— 
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, receipt by an individual of a monetary allowance under this chapter shall not impair, infringe, or otherwise affect the right of the individual to receive any other benefit to which the individual is otherwise entitled under any law administered by the Secretary.
(b) Coordination With Benefits Based on Relationship of Recipients.— 
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, receipt by an individual of a monetary allowance under this chapter shall not impair, infringe, or otherwise affect the right of any other individual to receive any benefit to which such other individual is entitled under any law administered by the Secretary based on the relationship of such other individual to the individual who receives such monetary allowance.
(c) Monetary Allowance Not To Be Considered as Income or Resources for Certain Purposes.— 
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a monetary allowance paid an individual under this chapter shall not be considered as income or resources in determining eligibility for, or the amount of benefits under, any Federal or federally assisted program.

38 USC 1834 - Nonduplication of benefits

(a) Monetary Allowance.— 
In the case of an eligible child under subchapter II of this chapter whose only covered birth defect is spina bifida, a monetary allowance shall be paid under subchapter I of this chapter. In the case of an eligible child under subchapter II of this chapter who has spina bifida and one or more additional covered birth defects, a monetary allowance shall be paid under subchapter II of this chapter. In the case of a child eligible for benefits under subchapter I or II of this chapter who is also eligible for benefits under subchapter III of this chapter, a monetary allowance shall be paid under the subchapter of this chapter elected by the child.
(b) Vocational Rehabilitation.— 
An individual may only be provided one program of vocational training under this chapter.

38 USC 1801 - Repealed. Pub. L. 106419, title IV, 401(c)(1), Nov. 1, 2000, 114 Stat. 1860]

Section, added Pub. L. 104–204, title IV, § 421(b)(1), Sept. 26, 1996, 110 Stat. 2923; amended Pub. L. 105–114, title IV, § 404(a), Nov. 21, 1997, 111 Stat. 2294, defined child and Vietnam veteran. A prior section 1801 was renumbered section 3701 of this title.

TITLE 38 - US CODE - CHAPTER 19 - INSURANCE

TITLE 38 - US CODE - SUBCHAPTER I - NATIONAL SERVICE LIFE INSURANCE

38 USC 1901 - Definitions

For the purposes of this subchapter
(1) The term insurance means National Service Life Insurance.
(2) The terms widow or widower mean a person who was the lawful spouse of the insured at the maturity of the insurance.
(3) The term child means a legitimate child, an adopted child, and, if designated as beneficiary by the insured, a stepchild or an illegitimate child.
(4) The terms parent, father, and mother mean a father, mother, father through adoption, mother through adoption, persons who have stood in loco parentis to a member of the military or naval forces at any time before entry into active service for a period of not less than one year, and a stepparent, if designated as beneficiary by the insured.

38 USC 1902 - Premium rates and policy values

Premium rates for insurance shall be the net rates based upon the American Experience Table of Mortality and interest at the rate of 3 per centum per annum. All cash, loan, paid-up, and extended values, and all other calculations in connection with insurance, shall be based upon said American Experience Table of Mortality and interest at the rate of 3 per centum per annum.

38 USC 1903 - Amount of insurance

Insurance shall be issued in any multiple of $500 and the amount of insurance with respect to any one person shall be not less than $1,000 or more than $10,000. No person may carry a combined amount of National Service Life Insurance and United States Government life insurance in excess of $10,000 at any one time. The limitations of this section shall not apply to the additional paid up insurance the purchase of which is authorized under section 1907 of this title.

38 USC 1904 - Plans of insurance

(a) Insurance may be issued on the following plans: Five-year level premium term, ordinary life, twenty-payment life, thirty-payment life, twenty-year endowment, endowment at age sixty, and endowment at age sixty-five. Level premium term insurance may be converted as of the date when any premium becomes or has become due, or exchanged as of the date of the original policy, upon payment of the difference in reserve, at any time while such insurance is in force and within the term period to any of the foregoing permanent plans of insurance, except that conversion to an endowment plan may not be made while the insured is totally disabled.
(b) Under such regulations as the Secretary may promulgate a policy of participating insurance may be converted to or exchanged for insurance issued under this subsection on a modified life plan. Insurance issued under this subsection shall be on the same terms and conditions as the insurance which it replaces, except
(1)  the premium rates for such insurance shall be based on the 1958 Commissioners Standard Ordinary Basic Table of Mortality and interest at the rate of 3 per centum per annum;
(2)  all cash, loan, paid-up, and extended values shall be based on the 1958 Commissioners Standard Ordinary Basic Table of Mortality and interest at the rate of 3 per centum per annum; and
(3)  at the end of the day preceding the sixty-fifth birthday of the insured the face value of the modified life insurance policy or the amount of extended term insurance thereunder shall be automatically reduced by one-half thereof, without any reduction in premium.
(c) Under such regulations as the Secretary may promulgate, a policy of nonparticipating insurance may be converted to or exchanged for insurance issued under this subsection on a modified life plan. Insurance issued under this subsection shall be on the same terms and conditions as the insurance which it replaces, except that
(1)  term insurance issued under section 621 of the National Service Life Insurance Act of 1940 shall be deemed for the purposes of this subsection to have been issued under section 1923 (b) of this title; and
(2)  at the end of the day preceding the sixty-fifth birthday of the insured the face value of the modified life insurance policy or the amount of extended term insurance thereunder shall be automatically reduced by one-half thereof, without any reduction in premium. Any person eligible for insurance under section 1922 (a), or section 1925 of this title may be granted a modified life insurance policy under this subsection which, subject to exception
(2)  above, shall be issued on the same terms and conditions specified in section 1922 (a) or section 1925, whichever is applicable.
(d) Any insured whose modified life insurance policy is in force by payment or waiver of premiums on the day before the insureds sixty-fifth birthday may upon written application and payment of premiums made before such birthday be granted National Service Life Insurance, on an ordinary life plan, without physical examination, in an amount of not less than $500, in multiples of $250, but not in excess of one-half of the face amount of the modified life insurance policy in force on the day before the insureds sixty-fifth birthday. Insurance issued under this subsection shall be effective on the sixty-fifth birthday of the insured. The premium rate, cash, loan, paid-up, and extended values on the ordinary life insurance issued under this subsection shall be based on the same mortality tables and interest rates as the insurance issued under the modified life policy. Settlements on policies involving annuities on insurance issued under this subsection shall be based on the same mortality or annuity tables and interest rates as such settlements on the modified life policy. If the insured is totally disabled on the day before the insureds sixty-fifth birthday and premiums on the insureds modified life insurance policy are being waived under section 1912 of this title or the insured is entitled on that date to waiver under such section the insured shall be automatically granted the maximum amount of insurance authorized under this subsection and premiums on such insurance shall be waived during the continuous total disability of the insured.
(e) After June 30, 1972, and under such regulations as the Secretary may promulgate, insurance may be converted to or exchanged for insurance on a modified life plan under the same terms and conditions as are set forth in subsections (b) and (c) of this section except that at the end of the day preceding the seventieth birthday of the insured the face value of the modified life insurance policy or the amount of extended insurance thereunder shall be automatically reduced by one-half thereof, without any reduction in premium. Any insured whose modified life insurance policy issued under this subsection is in force by payment or waiver of premiums on the day before the insureds seventieth birthday may be granted insurance on the ordinary life plan upon the same terms and conditions as are set forth in subsection (d) of this section except that in applying such provisions the seventieth birthday is to be substituted for the sixty-fifth birthday. Notwithstanding any other provision of law or regulations the Secretary under such terms and conditions as the Secretary determines to be reasonable and practicable and upon written application and payment of the required premiums, reserves, or other necessary amounts made within one year from the effective date of this subsection by an insured having in force a modified life plan issued under subsection (b) or (c) of this section, including any replacement insurance issued under subsection (d) of this section or other provision of this title, can exchange such insurance without proof of good health for an amount of insurance issued under this subsection equal to the insurance then in force or which was in force on the day before such insureds sixty-fifth birthday, whichever is the greater.

38 USC 1905 - Renewal

All level premium term policies, except as otherwise provided in this section, shall cease and terminate at the expiration of the term period. At the expiration of any term period any five-year level premium term policy which has not been exchanged or converted to a permanent plan of insurance and which is not lapsed shall be renewed as level premium term insurance without application for a successive five-year period at the premium rate for the attained age without medical examination. However, renewal will be effected in cases where the policy is lapsed only if the insured makes application for reinstatement and renewal of the term policy within five years after the date of lapse, and reinstatement in such cases shall be under the terms and conditions prescribed by the Secretary. In any case in which the insured is shown by evidence satisfactory to the Secretary to be totally disabled at the expiration of the level premium term period of the insurance under conditions which would entitle the insured to continued insurance protection but for such expiration, the insurance, if subject to renewal under this section, shall be automatically renewed for an additional period of five years at the premium rate for the then attained age, unless the insured has elected insurance on some other available plan.

38 USC 1906 - Policy provisions

Provisions for cash, loan, paid-up, and extended values, dividends from gains and savings, refund of unearned premiums, and such other provisions as may be found to be reasonable and practicable may be provided for in the policy of insurance from time to time by regulations promulgated by the Secretary.

38 USC 1907 - Payment or use of dividends

(a) Until and unless the Secretary has received from the insured a request or directive in writing exercising any other dividend option allowable under the insureds policy, any dividend accumulations and unpaid dividends shall be applied in payment of premiums becoming due on insurance subsequent to the date the dividend is payable after January 1, 1952.
(b) No claim by an insured for payment in cash of a special dividend declared prior to January 1, 1952, shall be processed by the Secretary unless such claim was received within six years after such dividend was declared. Whenever any claim for payment of a special dividend, the processing of which is barred by this subsection, is received by the Secretary, it shall be returned to the claimant, with a copy of this subsection, and such action shall be a complete response without further communication.
(c) The Secretary, upon application in writing made by the insured for insurance under this subsection, and without proof of good health, is authorized to apply any dividend due and payable on national service life insurance after the date of such application to purchase paid up insurance. Also, the Secretary, upon application in writing made by the insured during the one-year period beginning September 1, 1991, and without proof of good health, is authorized to apply any national service life insurance dividend credits and deposits of such insured existing at the date of the insureds application to purchase paid up insurance. After September 1, 1992, the Secretary may, from time to time, provide for further one-year periods during which insureds may purchase additional paid up insurance from existing dividend credits and deposits. Any such period for the purchase of additional paid up insurance may be allowed only if the Secretary determines in the case of any such period that it would be actuarially and administratively sound to do so. Any dividends, dividend credits, or deposits on endowment policies may be used under this subsection only to purchase additional paid up endowment insurance which matures concurrently with the basic policy. Any dividends, dividend credits, or deposits on policies (other than endowment policies) may be used under this section only to purchase additional paid up whole life insurance. The paid up insurance granted under this subsection shall be in addition to any insurance otherwise authorized under this title, or under prior provisions of law. The paid up insurance granted under this subsection shall be issued on the same terms and conditions as are contained in the standard policies of national service life insurance except
(1)  the premium rates for such insurance and all cash and loan values thereon shall be based on such table of mortality and rate of interest per annum as may be prescribed by the Secretary;
(2)  the total disability income provision authorized under section 1915 of this title may not be added to insurance issued under this section; and
(3)  the insurance shall include such other changes in terms and conditions as the Secretary determines to be reasonable and practicable.

38 USC 1908 - Premium payments

The Secretary shall, by regulations, prescribe the time and method of payment of the premiums on insurance, but payments of premiums in advance shall not be required for periods of more than one month each, and may at the election of the insured be deducted from the insureds active-service pay or be otherwise made. An amount equal to the first premium due under a National Service Life Insurance policy may be advanced from current appropriations for active-service pay to any person in the active service in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard, which amount shall constitute a lien upon any service or other pay accruing to the person for whom such advance was made and shall be collected therefrom if not otherwise paid. No disbursing or certifying officer shall be responsible for any loss incurred by reason of such advance. Any amount so advanced in excess of available service or other pay shall constitute a lien on the policy within the provisions of section 5301 (b) of this title.

38 USC 1909 - Effective date of insurance

Insurance may be made effective, as specified in the application, not later than the first day of the calendar month following the date of application therefor, but the United States shall not be liable thereunder for death occurring before such effective date.

38 USC 1910 - Incontestability

Subject to the provisions of section 1911 of this title all contracts or policies of insurance heretofore or hereafter issued, reinstated, or converted shall be incontestable from the date of issue, reinstatement, or conversion except for fraud, nonpayment of premium, or on the ground that the applicant was not a member of the military or naval forces of the United States. However, in any case in which a contract or policy of insurance is canceled or voided after March 16, 1954, because of fraud, the Secretary shall refund to the insured, if living, or, if deceased, to the person designated as beneficiary (or if none survives, to the estate of the insured) all money, without interest, paid as premiums on such contract or policy for any period subsequent to two years after the date such fraud induced the Secretary to issue, reinstate, or convert such insurance less any dividends, loan, or other payment made to the insured under such contract or policy.

38 USC 1911 - Forfeiture

Any person guilty of mutiny, treason, spying, or desertion, or who, because of conscientious objections, refuses to perform service in the Armed Forces of the United States or refuses to wear the uniform of such force, shall forfeit all rights to National Service Life Insurance. No insurance shall be payable for death inflicted as a lawful punishment for crime or for military or naval offense, except when inflicted by an enemy of the United States; but the cash surrender value, if any, of such insurance on the date of such death shall be paid to the designated beneficiary, if living, or otherwise to the beneficiary or beneficiaries within the permitted class in accordance with the order specified in section 1916 (b) of this title.

38 USC 1912 - Total disability waiver

(a) Upon application by the insured and under such regulations as the Secretary may promulgate, payment of premiums on insurance may be waived during the continuous total disability of the insured, which continues or has continued for six or more consecutive months, if such disability began
(1)  after the date of the insureds application for insurance,
(2)  while the insurance was in force under premium-paying conditions, and
(3)  before the insureds sixty-fifth birthday. Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, in any case in which the total disability of the insured commenced on or after the insureds sixtieth birthday but before the insureds sixty-fifth birthday, the Secretary shall not grant waiver of any premium becoming due prior to January 1, 1965.
(b) The Secretary, upon any application made after August 1, 1947, shall not grant waiver of any premium becoming due more than one year before the receipt by the Secretary of application for the same, except as provided in this section. Any premiums paid for months during which waiver is effective shall be refunded. The Secretary shall provide by regulations for examination or reexamination of an insured claiming benefits under this section, and may deny benefits for failure to cooperate. If it is found that an insured is no longer totally disabled, the waiver of premiums shall cease as of the date of such finding and the policy of insurance may be continued by payment of premiums as provided in said policy. In any case in which the Secretary finds that the insureds failure to make timely application for waiver of premiums or the insureds failure to submit satisfactory evidence of the existence or continuance of total disability was due to circumstances beyond the insureds control, the Secretary may grant waiver or continuance of waiver of premiums.
(c) If the insured dies without filing application for waiver, the beneficiary, within one year after the death of the insured, or, if the beneficiary is insane or a minor, within one year after removal of such legal disability, may file application for waiver with evidence of the insureds right to waiver under this section. Premium rates shall be calculated without charge for the cost of waiver of premiums provided in this section and no deduction from benefits otherwise payable shall be made on account thereof.
(d) In any case in which an insured has been denied or would have been denied premium waiver under section 602(n) of the National Service Life Insurance Act of 1940 or this section solely because the insured became totally disabled between the date of valid application for insurance and the subsequent effective date thereof, and in which it is shown that
(1)  the total disability was incurred in line of duty between October 8, 1940, and July 31, 1946, inclusive, or June 27, 1950, and April 30, 1951, inclusive, and
(2)  the insured remained continuously so totally disabled to the date of death or June 8, 1960, whichever is earlier, the Secretary may grant waiver of premiums from the beginning of and during the continuous total disability of such insured. Application for waiver of premiums under this subsection must be filed by the insured or, in the event of the insureds death, by the beneficiary within two years after June 8, 1960, except that if the insured or the beneficiary be insane or a minor within the two-year period, application for such waiver may be filed within two years after removal of such legal disability, or if an insane insured shall die before the removal of the disability, application may be filed by the beneficiary within two years after the insureds death. No insurance shall be placed in force under this subsection in any case in which there was an award of benefits under the Servicemens Indemnity Act of 1951 or of gratuitous insurance under section 1922 (b) of this title. The amount of insurance placed in force hereunder together with any other United States Government life insurance or national service life insurance in force at the time of death, or at the time of the insureds application for waiver hereunder, may not exceed $10,000 and shall be reduced by the amount of any gratuitous insurance awarded under the National Service Life Insurance Act of 1940. Waiver of premiums under this subsection shall render the insurance nonparticipating during the period such premium waiver is in effect. The cost of waiver of premium and death benefits paid as a result of this subsection shall be borne by the United States.

38 USC 1913 - Death before six months total disability

Whenever premiums are not waived under section 1912 of this title solely because the insured died prior to the continuance of total disability for six months, and proof of such facts, satisfactory to the Secretary, is filed by the beneficiary with the Department within one year after the insureds death, the insurance shall be deemed to be in force at the date of the death, and the unpaid premiums shall become a lien against the proceeds of the insurance. If the beneficiary is insane or a minor, proof of such facts may be filed within one year after removal of such legal disability.

38 USC 1914 - Statutory total disabilities

Without prejudice to any other cause of disability, the permanent loss of the use of both feet, of both hands, or of both eyes, or of one foot and one hand, or of one foot and one eye, or of one hand and one eye, or the total loss of hearing of both ears, or the organic loss of speech, shall be deemed total disability for insurance purposes.

38 USC 1915 - Total disability income provision

The Secretary shall, except as hereinafter provided, upon application by the insured and proof of good health satisfactory to the Secretary and payment of such extra premium as the Secretary shall prescribe, include in any National Service Life Insurance policy on the life of the insured (except a policy issued under section 620 of the National Service Life Insurance Act of 1940, or section 1922 of this title) provisions whereby an insured who is shown to have become totally disabled for a period of six consecutive months or more commencing after the date of such application and before attaining the age of sixty-five and while the payment of any premium is not in default, shall be paid monthly disability benefits from the first day of the seventh consecutive month of and during the continuance of such total disability of $10 for each $1,000 of such insurance in effect when such benefits become payable. The total disability provision authorized under this section shall not be issued unless application therefor is made either prior to the insureds fifty-fifth birthday, or before the insureds sixtieth birthday and prior to January 1, 1966. The total disability provision authorized under this section shall not be added to a policy containing the total disability coverage heretofore issued under section 602(v) of the National Service Life Insurance Act of 1940, or the provisions of this section as in effect before January 1, 1965, except upon surrender of such total disability coverage, proof of good health, if required, satisfactory to the Secretary, and payment of such extra premium as the Secretary shall determine is required in such cases. Participating policies containing additional provisions for the payment of disability benefits may be separately classified for the purpose of dividend distribution from otherwise similar policies not containing such benefits.

38 USC 1916 - Insurance which matured before August 1, 1946

(a) Insurance which matured before August 1, 1946, is payable in the following manner:
(1) If the beneficiary to whom payment is first made was under thirty years of age at the time of maturity, in two hundred and forty equal monthly installments.
(2) If the beneficiary to whom payment is first made was thirty or more years of age at the time of maturity, in equal monthly installments for one hundred and twenty months certain, with such payments continuing during the remaining lifetime of such beneficiary.
(3) If elected by the insured or a beneficiary entitled to make such an election under prior provisions of law, as a refund life income in monthly installments payable for such period certain as may be required in order that the sum of the installments certain, including a last installment of such reduced amount as may be necessary, shall equal the face value of the contract, less any indebtedness, with such payments continuing throughout the lifetime of the first beneficiary. A refund life income optional settlement is not available in any case in which such settlement would result in payments of installments over a shorter period than one hundred and twenty months. If the mode of payment is changed to a refund life income in accordance with prior provisions of law, after payment has commenced, payment of monthly installments will be adjusted as of the date of maturity of such policy with credit being allowed for payments previously made on the insurance.
(b) Such insurance shall be payable only to a widow, widower, child, parent, brother or sister of the insured. Any installments certain of such insurance remaining unpaid at the death of any beneficiary shall be paid in equal monthly installments in an amount equal to the monthly installments paid to the first beneficiary, to the person or persons then in being within the following classes, and in the order named, unless designated by the insured in a different order:
(1) To the widow or widower of the insured, if living.
(2) If no widow or widower, to the child or children of the insured, if living, in equal shares.
(3) If no widow, widower, or child, to the parent or parents of the insured who last bore that relationship, if living, in equal shares.
(4) If no widow, widower, child, or parent, to the brothers and sisters of the insured, if living, in equal shares.
(c) The provisions of this section shall not be construed to enlarge the classes of beneficiaries heretofore authorized under section 602(d) of the National Service Life Insurance Act of 1940, for payment of gratuitous insurance.
(d) If no beneficiary of insurance which matured before August 1, 1946, was designated by the insured or if the designated beneficiary did not survive the insured, the beneficiary shall be determined in accordance with the order specified in subsection (b) and the insurance shall be payable in equal monthly installments in accordance with subsection (a). The right of any beneficiary to payment of any installments of such insurance shall be conditioned upon his or her being alive to receive such payments. No person shall have a vested right to any installment or installments of any such insurance and any installments not paid to a beneficiary during such beneficiarys lifetime shall be paid to the beneficiary or beneficiaries within the permitted class next entitled to priority, as provided in subsection (b).
(e) No installments of insurance which matured before August 1, 1946, shall be paid to the heirs or legal representatives as such of the insured or of any beneficiary, and if no person within the permitted class survives to receive the insurance or any part thereof no payment of the unpaid installments shall be made, except that if the reserve of a contract of converted National Service Life Insurance, together with dividends accumulated thereon, less any indebtedness under such contract, exceeds the aggregate amount paid to beneficiaries, the excess shall be paid to the estate of the insured unless the estate of the insured would escheat under the laws of the insureds place of residence, in which event no payment shall be made. When the amount of an individual monthly payment of such insurance is less than $5, such amount may, in the discretion of the Secretary, be allowed to accumulate without interest and be disbursed annually.
(f) Any payments of insurance made to a person, represented by the insured to be within the permitted class of beneficiaries, shall be deemed to have been properly made and to satisfy fully the obligation of the United States under such insurance policy to the extent of such payments.

38 USC 1917 - Insurance maturing on or after August 1, 1946

(a) The insured shall have the right to designate the beneficiary or beneficiaries of insurance maturing on or after August 1, 1946, and shall, subject to regulations, at all times have the right to change the beneficiary or beneficiaries of such insurance without the consent of such beneficiary or beneficiaries.
(b) Insurance maturing on or after August 1, 1946, shall be payable in accordance with the following optional modes of settlement:
(1) In one sum.
(2) In equal monthly installments of from thirty-six to two hundred and forty in number, in multiples of twelve.
(3) In equal monthly installments for one hundred and twenty months certain with such payments continuing during the remaining lifetime of the first beneficiary.
(4) As a refund life income in monthly installments payable for such period certain as may be required in order that the sum of the installments certain, including a last installment of such reduced amount as may be necessary, shall equal the face value of the contract, less any indebtedness, with such payments continuing throughout the lifetime of the first beneficiary; however, such optional settlement shall not be available in any case in which such settlement would result in payments of installments over a shorter period than one hundred and twenty months.
(c) Except as provided in the second and third sentences of this subsection, unless the insured elects some other mode of settlement, such insurance shall be payable to the designated beneficiary or beneficiaries in thirty-six equal monthly installments. The first beneficiary may elect to receive payment under any option which provides for payment over a longer period of time than the option elected by the insured, or if no option has been elected by the insured, in excess of thirty-six months. In the case of insurance maturing after September 30, 1981, and for which no option has been elected by the insured, the first beneficiary may elect to receive payment in one sum. If the option selected requires payment to any one beneficiary of monthly installments of less than $10, the amount payable to such beneficiary shall be paid in such maximum number of monthly installments as are a multiple of twelve as will provide a monthly installment of not less than $10. If the present value of the amount payable at the time any person initially becomes entitled to payment thereof is not sufficient to pay at least twelve monthly installments of not less than $10 each, such amount shall be payable in one sum. Options (3) and (4) shall not be available if any firm, corporation, legal entity (including the estate of the insured), or trustee is beneficiary.
(d) If the beneficiary of such insurance is entitled to a lump-sum settlement but elects some other mode of settlement and dies before receiving all the benefits due and payable under such mode of settlement, the present value of the remaining unpaid amount shall be payable to the estate of the beneficiary. If no beneficiary is designated by the insured, or if the designated beneficiary does not survive the insured, or if a designated beneficiary not entitled to a lump-sum settlement survives the insured, and dies before receiving all the benefits due and payable, then the commuted value of the remaining unpaid insurance (whether accrued or not) shall be paid in one sum to the estate of the insured. In no event shall there be any payment to the estate of the insured or of the beneficiary of any sums unless it is shown that any sums paid will not escheat.
(e) Under such regulations as the Secretary may promulgate, the cash surrender value of any policy of insurance or the proceeds of an endowment contract which matures by reason of completion of the endowment period may be paid to the insured under option (2) or (4) of this section. All settlements under option (4), however, shall be calculated on the basis of The Annuity Table for 1949. If the option selected requires payment of monthly installments of less than $10, the amount payable shall be paid in such maximum number of monthly installments as are a multiple of twelve as will provide a monthly installment of not less than $10.
(f) 
(1) Following the death of the insured and in a case not covered by subsection (d)
(A) if the first beneficiary otherwise entitled to payment of the insurance does not make a claim for such payment within two years after the death of the insured, payment may be made to another beneficiary designated by the insured, in the order of precedence as designated by the insured, as if the first beneficiary had predeceased the insured; and
(B) if, within four years after the death of the insured, no claim has been filed by a person designated by the insured as a beneficiary and the Secretary has not received any notice in writing that any such claim will be made, payment may (notwithstanding any other provision of law) be made to such person as may in the judgment of the Secretary be equitably entitled thereto.
(2) Payment of insurance under paragraph (1) shall be a bar to recovery by any other person.

38 USC 1918 - Assignments

(a) Assignments of all or any part of the beneficiarys interest may be made by a designated beneficiary to a widow, widower, child, father, mother, grandfather, grandmother, brother, or sister of the insured, when the designated contingent beneficiary, if any, joins the beneficiary in the assignment, and if the assignment is delivered to the Secretary before any payments of the insurance shall have been made to the beneficiary. However, an interest in an annuity, when assigned, shall be payable in equal monthly installments in such multiple of twelve as most nearly equals the number of installments certain under such annuity, or in two hundred and forty installments, whichever is the lesser. The provisions of this subsection shall not be applicable to insurance maturing after July 26, 1962.
(b) Except as to insurance granted under the provisions of section 1922 (b) of this title, any person to whom insurance maturing after July 26, 1962, is payable may assign all or any portion of such persons interest in such insurance to a widow, widower, child, father, mother, grandfather, grandmother, brother, or sister of the insured when the designated contingent beneficiary, if any, joins the beneficiary in the assignment. Such joinder shall not be required in any case in which the insurance proceeds are payable in a lump sum.

38 USC 1919 - National Service Life Insurance appropriation

(a) The National Service Life Insurance appropriation is continued and there is authorized to be appropriated, out of any money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this chapter and the provisions heretofore prescribed in the National Service Life Insurance Act of 1940, or related Acts, for the payment of liabilities under National Service Life Insurance. Payment from this appropriation shall be made upon and in accordance with awards by the Secretary.
(b) All premiums heretofore and hereafter paid on insurance issued or reinstated under section 602(v)(1) of the National Service Life Insurance Act of 1940 where the requirement of good health was waived under such section because of a service-incurred injury or disability shall be credited directly to the National Service Life Insurance appropriation and any payments of benefits heretofore and hereafter made on such insurance shall be made directly from such appropriation.

38 USC 1920 - National Service Life Insurance Fund

(a) The National Service Life Insurance Fund heretofore created in the Treasury is continued as a permanent trust fund. Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, all premiums paid on account of National Service Life Insurance shall be deposited and covered into the Treasury to the credit of such fund, which, together with interest earned thereon, shall be available for the payment of liabilities under such insurance, including payment of dividends and refunds of unearned premiums, and for the reimbursement of administrative costs under subsection (c). Payments from this fund shall be made upon and in accordance with awards by the Secretary.
(b) The Secretary is authorized to set aside out of such fund such reserve amounts as may be required under accepted actuarial principles to meet all liabilities under such insurance; and the Secretary of the Treasury is authorized to invest and reinvest such fund, or any part thereof, in interest-bearing obligations of the United States or in obligations guaranteed as to principal and interest by the United States, and to sell such obligations for the purposes of such fund.
(c) 
(1) For each fiscal year for which this subsection is in effect, the Secretary shall, from the National Service Life Insurance Fund, reimburse the General operating expenses account of the Department for the amount of administrative costs determined under paragraph (2) for that fiscal year. Such reimbursement shall be made from any surplus earnings for that fiscal year that are available for dividends on such insurance after claims have been paid and actuarially determined reserves have been set aside. However, if the amount of such administrative costs exceeds the amount of such surplus earnings, such reimbursement shall be made only to the extent of such surplus earnings.
(2) The Secretary shall determine the administrative costs to the Department for a fiscal year for which this subsection is in effect which, in the judgment of the Secretary, are properly allocable to the provision of National Service Life Insurance (and to the provision of any total disability income insurance added to the provision of such insurance).
(3) This subsection shall be in effect only with respect to fiscal year 1996.

38 USC 1921 - Extra hazard costs

(a) The United States shall bear the excess mortality cost and the cost of waiver of premiums on account of total disability traceable to the extra hazard of military or naval service, as such hazard may be determined by the Secretary.
(b) Whenever benefits under insurance become payable because of the death of the insured as the result of disease or injury traceable to the extra hazard of military or naval service, as such hazard may be determined by the Secretary, the liability for payment of such benefits shall be borne by the United States in an amount which, when added to the reserve of the policy at the time of death of the insured will equal the then value of such benefits under such policy. Where life contingencies are involved in the calculation of the value of such benefits of insurance heretofore or hereafter matured, the calculation of such liability or liabilities shall be based upon such mortality table or tables as the Secretary may prescribe with interest at the rate of 3 per centum per annum. The Secretary shall transfer from time to time from the National Service Life Insurance appropriation to the National Service Life Insurance Fund such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this section.
(c) Whenever the premiums under insurance are waived because of the total disability of the insured as the result of disease or injury traceable to the extra hazard of military or naval service, as such hazard may be determined by the Secretary, the premiums so waived shall be paid by the United States and the Secretary shall transfer from time to time an amount equal to the amount of such premiums from the National Service Life Insurance appropriation to the National Service Life Insurance Fund.
(d) Whenever benefits under the total disability income provision become, or have become, payable because of total disability of the insured as a result of disease or injury traceable to the extra hazard of the military or naval service, as such hazard may be determined by the Secretary, the liability shall be borne by the United States, and the Secretary shall transfer from the National Service Life Insurance appropriation to the National Service Life Insurance Fund from time to time any amounts which become, or have become, payable to the insured on account of such total disability, and to transfer from the National Service Life Insurance Fund to the National Service Life Insurance appropriation the amount of the reserve held on account of the total disability benefit. When a person receiving such payments on account of total disability recovers from such disability, and is then entitled to continue protection under the total disability income provision, the Secretary shall transfer to the National Service Life Insurance Fund a sum sufficient to set up the then required reserve on such total disability benefit.
(e) Any disability for which a waiver was required as a condition to tendering a person a commission under Public Law 816, Seventy-seventh Congress, shall be deemed to be a disability resulting from an injury or disease traceable to the extra hazard of military or naval service for the purpose of applying this section.

38 USC 1922 - Service disabled veterans insurance

(a) Any person who is released from active military, naval, or air service, under other than dishonorable conditions on or after April 25, 1951, and is found by the Secretary to be suffering from a disability or disabilities for which compensation would be payable if 10 per centum or more in degree and except for which such person would be insurable according to the standards of good health established by the Secretary, shall, upon application in writing made within two years from the date service-connection of such disability is determined by the Secretary and payment of premiums as provided in this subchapter, be granted insurance by the United States against the death of such person occurring while such insurance is in force. If such a person is shown by evidence satisfactory to the Secretary to have been mentally incompetent during any part of the two-year period, application for insurance under this section may be filed within two years after a guardian is appointed or within two years after the removal of such disability as determined by the Secretary, whichever is the earlier date. If the guardian was appointed or the removal of the disability occurred before January 1, 1959, application for insurance under this section may be made within two years after that date. Insurance granted under this section shall be issued upon the same terms and conditions as are contained in the standard policies of National Service Life Insurance except
(1)  the premium rates for such insurance shall be based on the Commissioners 1941 Standard Ordinary Table of Mortality and interest at the rate of 21/4 per centum per annum;
(2)  all cash, loan, paid-up, and extended values shall be based upon the Commissioners 1941 Standard Ordinary Table of Mortality and interest at the rate of 21/4 per centum per annum;
(3)  all settlements on policies involving annuities shall be calculated on the basis of The Annuity Table for 1949, and interest at the rate of 21/4 per centum per annum;
(4)  insurance granted under this section shall be on a nonparticipating basis and all premiums and other collections therefor shall be credited directly to a revolving fund in the Treasury of the United States, and any payments on such insurance shall be made directly from such fund. Appropriations to such fund are hereby authorized. As to insurance issued under this section, waiver of premiums pursuant to section 602(n) of the National Service Life Insurance Act of 1940 and section 1912 of this title shall not be denied on the ground that the service-connected disability became total before the effective date of such insurance.
(b) 
(1) Any person who, on or after April 25, 1951, was otherwise qualified for insurance under the provisions of section 620 of the National Service Life Insurance Act of 1940, or under subsection (a) of this section, but who did not apply for such insurance and who is shown by evidence satisfactory to the Secretary
(A)  to have been mentally incompetent from a service-connected disability,
(i)  at the time of release from active service, or
(ii)  during any part of the two-year period from the date the service connection of a disability is first determined by the Secretary, or
(iii)  after release from active service but is not rated service-connected disabled by the Secretary until after death; and
(B)  to have remained continuously so mentally incompetent until date of death; and
(C)  to have died before the appointment of a guardian, or within two years after the appointment of a guardian; shall be deemed to have applied for and to have been granted such insurance, as of the date of death, in an amount which, together with any other United States Government or National Service life insurance in force, shall aggregate $10,000. The date to be used for determining whether such person was insurable according to the standards of good health established by the Secretary, except for the service-connected disability, shall be the date of release from active service or the date the person became mentally incompetent, whichever is the later.
(2) Payments of insurance granted under subsection (b)(1) of this section shall be made only to the following beneficiaries and in the order named
(A) to the widow or widower of the insured, if living and while unremarried;
(B) if no widow or widower entitled thereto, to the child or children of the insured, if living, in equal shares;
(C) if no widow or widower or child entitled thereto, to the parent or parents of the insured who last bore that relationship, if living, in equal shares.
(3) No application for insurance payments under this subsection shall be valid unless filed with the Secretary within two years after the date of death of the insured or before January 1, 1961, whichever is the later, and the relationship of the applicant shall be proved as of the date of death of the insured by evidence satisfactory to the Secretary. Persons shown by evidence satisfactory to the Secretary to have been mentally or legally incompetent at the time the right to apply for death benefits expires, may make such application at any time within one year after the removal of such disability.
(4) Notwithstanding section 1917 of this title, insurance under this subsection shall be payable to the beneficiary determined under paragraph (2) of this subsection in a lump sum.
(c) The premium rate of any term insurance issued under this section shall not exceed the renewal age 70 premium rate.

38 USC 1922A - Supplemental service disabled veterans insurance for totally disabled veterans

(a) Any person insured under section 1922 (a) of this title who qualifies for a waiver of premiums under section 1912 of this title is eligible, as provided in this section, for supplemental insurance in an amount not to exceed $20,000.
(b) To qualify for supplemental insurance under this section a person must file with the Secretary an application for such insurance. Such application must be filed not later than
(1)  October 31, 1993, or
(2)  the end of the one-year period beginning on the date on which the Secretary notifies the person that the person is entitled to a waiver of premiums under section 1912 of this title, whichever is later.
(c) Supplemental insurance granted under this section shall be granted upon the same terms and conditions as insurance granted under section 1922 (a) of this title, except that such insurance may not be granted to a person under this section unless the application is made for such insurance before the person attains 65 years of age.
(d) No waiver of premiums shall be made in the case of any person for supplemental insurance granted under this section.

38 USC 1923 - Veterans Special Life Insurance

(a) Insurance heretofore granted under the provisions of section 621 of the National Service Life Insurance Act of 1940, against the death of the policyholder occurring while such insurance is in force, is subject to the same terms and conditions as are contained in standard policies of National Service Life Insurance on the five-year level premium term plan except
(1)  such insurance may not be exchanged for or converted to insurance on any other plan;
(2)  the premium rates for such insurance shall be based on the Commissioners 1941 Standard Ordinary Table of Mortality and interest at the rate of 21/4 per centum per annum;
(3)  all settlements on policies involving annuities shall be calculated on the basis of The Annuity Table for 1949, and interest at the rate of 21/4 per centum per annum;
(4)  all premiums and other collections on such insurance and any total disability provisions added thereto shall be credited to a revolving fund in the Treasury of the United States, which, together with interest earned thereon, shall be available for the payment of liabilities under such insurance and any total disability provisions added thereto, including payments of dividends and refunds of unearned premiums, and for the reimbursement of administrative costs under subsection (d).
(b) Any term insurance heretofore issued under section 621 of the National Service Life Insurance Act of 1940, may be converted to a permanent plan of insurance or exchanged for a policy of limited convertible five-year level premium term insurance issued under this subsection. Insurance issued under this subsection shall be issued upon the same terms and conditions as are contained in the standard policies of National Service Life Insurance except
(1)  after September 1, 1960, limited convertible term insurance may not be issued or renewed on the term plan after the insureds fiftieth birthday;
(2)  the premium rates for such limited convertible term or permanent plan insurance shall be based on table X18 (195054 Intercompany Table of Mortality) and interest at the rate of 21/2 per centum per annum;
(3)  all settlements on policies involving annuities on insurance issued under this subsection shall be calculated on the basis of The Annuity Table for 1949, and interest at the rate of 21/2 per centum per annum;
(4)  all cash, loan, paid-up, and extended values, and, except as otherwise provided in this subsection, all other calculations in connection with insurance issued under this subsection shall be based on table X18 (195054 Intercompany Table of Mortality) and interest at the rate of 21/2 per centum per annum;
(5)  all premiums and other collections on insurance issued under this subsection and any total disability income provisions added thereto shall be credited directly to the revolving fund referred to in subsection (a) of this section, which together with interest earned thereon, shall be available for the payment of liabilities under such insurance and any total disability provisions added thereto, including payments of dividends and refunds of unearned premiums.
(c) The Secretary is authorized to invest in, and the Secretary of the Treasury is authorized to sell and retire, special interest-bearing obligations of the United States for the account of the revolving fund with a maturity date as may be agreed upon by the two Secretaries. The rate of interest on such obligations shall be fixed by the Secretary of the Treasury at a rate equal to the rate of interest, computed as of the end of the month preceding the date of issue of such obligations, borne by all marketable interest-bearing obligations of the United States then forming a part of the public debt that are not due or callable until after the expiration of five years from the date of original issue; except that where such average rate is not a multiple of one-eighth of 1 per centum, the rate of interest of such obligations shall be the multiple of one-eighth of 1 per centum nearest such average rate.
(d) 
(1) For each fiscal year for which this subsection is in effect, the Secretary shall, from the Veterans Special Life Insurance Fund, reimburse the General operating expenses account of the Department for the amount of administrative costs determined under paragraph (2) for that fiscal year. Such reimbursement shall be made from any surplus earnings for that fiscal year that are available for dividends on such insurance after claims have been paid and actuarially determined reserves have been set aside. However, if the amount of such administrative costs exceeds the amount of such surplus earnings, such reimbursement shall be made only to the extent of such surplus earnings.
(2) The Secretary shall determine the administrative costs to the Department for a fiscal year for which this subsection is in effect which, in the judgment of the Secretary, are properly allocable to the provision of Veterans Special Life Insurance (and to the provision of any total disability income insurance added to the provision of such insurance).
(3) This subsection shall be in effect only with respect to fiscal year 1996.

38 USC 1924 - In-service waiver of premiums

(a) Waiver of all premiums on five-year level premium term insurance and that portion of any permanent insurance premiums representing the cost of the pure insurance risk, as determined by the Secretary, granted on National Service Life Insurance or United States Government life insurance under section 622 of the National Service Life Insurance Act of 1940 and in effect on January 1, 1959, shall, unless canceled, continue in effect according to the provisions of such section for the remainder of the insureds continuous active service and for one hundred and twenty days thereafter. Such premium waiver renders the contract of insurance nonparticipating during the period the waiver is in effect.
(b) Whenever benefits become payable because of the maturity of such insurance while under the premium waiver continued by this section, liability for payment of such benefits shall be borne by the United States in an amount which, when added to any reserve of the policy at the time of maturity, will equal the then value of such benefits under such policy. Where life contingencies are involved in the calculation of the value of such benefits, the calculation of such liability or liabilities shall be based upon such mortality table or tables as the Secretary may prescribe with interest at the rate of 21/4 per centum per annum as to insurance issued under sections 620 and 621 of the National Service Life Insurance Act of 1940, at the rate of 3 per centum per annum as to other National Service Life Insurance, and 31/2 per centum per annum as to United States Government life insurance. The Secretary shall transfer from time to time from the National Service Life Insurance appropriation to the National Service Life Insurance Fund and from the military and naval insurance appropriation to the United States Government Life Insurance Fund such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this section.
(c) In any case in which insurance continued in force under this section matures on or after January 1, 1972, an amount equal to the amount of premiums, less dividends, waived on and after that date shall be placed as an indebtedness against the insurance and, unless otherwise paid, shall be deducted from the proceeds. In such case, the liability of the Government under subsection (b) of this section shall be reduced by the amount so deducted from the proceeds.

38 USC 1925 - Limited period for acquiring insurance

(a) Any person (other than a person referred to in subsection (f) of this section) heretofore eligible to apply for National Service Life Insurance after October 7, 1940, and before January 1, 1957, who is found by the Secretary to be suffering
(1)  from a service-connected disability or disabilities for which compensation would be payable if 10 percent or more in degree and except for which such person would be insurable according to the standards of good health established by the Secretary; or
(2)  from a non-service-connected disability which renders such person uninsurable according to the standards of good health established by the Secretary and such person establishes to the satisfaction of the Secretary that such person is unable to obtain commercial life insurance at a substandard rate, shall, upon application in writing made before May 2, 1966, compliance with the health requirements of this section and payment of the required premiums, be granted insurance under this section.
(b) If, notwithstanding the applicants service-connected disability, such person is insurable according to the standards of good health established by the Secretary, the insurance granted under this section shall be issued upon the same terms and conditions as are contained in the standard policies of National Service Life Insurance except
(1)  five-year level premium term insurance may not be issued;
(2)  the net premium rates shall be based on the 1958 Commissioners Standard Ordinary Basic Mortality Table, increased at the time of issue by such an amount as the Secretary determines to be necessary for sound actuarial operations, and thereafter such premiums may be adjusted as the Secretary determines to be so necessary but at intervals of not less than two years;
(3)  an additional premium to cover administrative costs to the Government as determined by the Secretary at times of issue shall be charged for insurance issued under this subsection and for any total disability income provision attached thereto, and thereafter such costs may be adjusted as the Secretary determines to be necessary but at intervals of not less than five years;
(4)  all cash, loan, extended and paid-up insurance values shall be based on the 1958 Commissioners Standard Ordinary Basic Mortality Table;
(5)  all settlements on policies involving annuities shall be calculated on the basis of The Annuity Table for 1949;
(6)  all calculations in connection with insurance issued under this subsection shall be based on interest at the rate of 31/2 percent per annum; and
(7)  the insurance shall include such other changes in terms and conditions as the Secretary determines to be reasonable and practicable.
(c) If the applicants service-connected disability or disabilities render the applicant uninsurable according to the standards of good health established by the Secretary, or if the applicant has a non-service-connected disability which renders the applicant uninsurable according to the standards of good health established by the Secretary and such person establishes to the satisfaction of the Secretary that such person is unable to obtain commercial life insurance at a substandard rate and such uninsurability existed as of the date of approval of this section, the insurance granted under this section shall be issued upon the same terms and conditions as are contained in standard policies of National Service Life Insurance, except
(1)  five-year level premium term insurance may not be issued;
(2)  the premiums charged for the insurance issued under this subsection shall be increased at the time of issue by such an amount as the Secretary determines to be necessary for sound actuarial operations and thereafter such premiums may be adjusted from time to time as the Secretary determines to be necessary; for the purpose of any increase at time of issue or later adjustment the service-connected group and the non-service-connected group may be separately classified;
(3)  an additional premium to cover administrative costs to the Government as determined by the Secretary at the time of issue shall be charged for insurance issued under this subsection and for any total disability income provision attached thereto (for which the insured may subsequently become eligible) and thereafter such costs may be adjusted as the Secretary determines to be necessary but at intervals of not less than five years and for this purpose the service-connected and non-service-connected can be separately classified;
(4)  all settlements on policies involving annuities shall be calculated on the basis of The Annuity Table for 1949;
(5)  all calculations in connection with insurance issued under this subsection shall be based on interest at the rate of 31/2 percent per annum; and
(6)  the insurance shall include such other changes in terms and conditions as the Secretary determines to be reasonable and practicable.
(d) 
(1) All premiums and collections on insurance issued pursuant to this section and any total disability income provision attached thereto shall be credited to the Veterans Reopened Insurance Fund, a revolving fund established in the Treasury of the United States, and all payments on such insurance and any total disability provision attached thereto, including payments of dividends and refunds of unearned premiums, shall be made from that fund and the interest earned on the assets of that fund. For actuarial and accounting purposes, the assets and liabilities (including liabilities for repayment of advances hereinafter authorized, and adjustment of premiums) attributable to the insured groups established under this section shall be separately determined. Such amounts in the Veterans Special Term Insurance Fund in the Treasury, not exceeding $1,650,000 in the aggregate, as may hereafter be determined by the Secretary to be in excess of the actuarial liabilities of that fund, including contingency reserves, shall be available for transfer to the Veterans Reopened Insurance Fund as needed to provide initial capital. Any amounts so transferred shall be repaid to the Treasury over a reasonable period of time with interest as determined by the Secretary of the Treasury taking into consideration the average yield on all marketable interest-bearing obligations of the United States of comparable maturities then forming a part of the public debt.
(2) The Secretary is authorized to set aside out of the revolving fund established under this section such reserve amounts as may be required under accepted actuarial principles to meet all liabilities on insurance issued under this section and any total disability income provision attached thereto. The Secretary of the Treasury is authorized to invest in and to sell and retire special interest-bearing obligations of the United States for the account of the revolving fund. Such obligations issued for this purpose shall have maturities fixed with due regard for the needs of the fund and shall bear interest at a rate equal to the average market yield (computed by the Secretary of the Treasury on the basis of market quotations as of the end of the calendar month next preceding the date of issue) on all marketable interest-bearing obligations of the United States then forming a part of the public debt which are not due or callable until after the expiration of four years from the end of such calendar month; except that where such average market yield is not a multiple of one-eighth of 1 percent, the rate of interest of such obligation shall be the multiple of one-eighth of 1 percent nearest such market yield.
(3) Notwithstanding the provisions of section 1982 of this title, the Secretary shall, from time to time, determine the administrative costs to the Government which in the Secretarys judgment are properly allocable to insurance issued under this section and any total disability income provision attached thereto, and shall transfer from the revolving fund, the amount of such cost allocable to the Department to the appropriation General Operating Expenses, Department of Veterans Affairs, and the remainder of such cost to the general fund receipts in the Treasury. The initial administrative costs of issuing insurance under this section and any total disability income provision attached thereto shall be so transferred over such period of time as the Secretary determines to be reasonable and practicable.
(e) Notwithstanding the provisions of section 1982 of this title, a medical examination (including any supplemental examination or tests) when required of an applicant for issuance of insurance under this section or any total disability income provisions attached thereto shall be at the applicants own expense by a duly licensed physician.
(f) No insurance shall be granted under this section to any person referred to in section 107 of this title or to any person while on active duty or active duty for training under a call or order to such duty for a period of thirty-one days or more.

38 USC 1926 - Authority for higher interest rates for amounts payable to beneficiaries

Notwithstanding sections 1902, 1923, and 1925 of this title, if the beneficiary of an insurance policy receives the proceeds of such policy under a settlement option under which such proceeds are paid in equal monthly installments over a limited period of months, the interest that may be added to each such installment may be at a rate that is higher than the interest rate prescribed in the appropriate section of this subchapter. The Secretary may from time to time establish a higher interest rate under the preceding sentence only in accordance with a determination that such higher rate is administratively and actuarially sound for the program of insurance concerned. Any such higher interest rate shall be paid on the unpaid balance of such monthly installments.

38 USC 1927 - Authority for higher monthly installments payable to certain annuitants

(a) Subject to subsections (b) and (c) of this section, the Secretary may from time to time adjust the dollar amount of the monthly installments payable to a beneficiary of National Service Life Insurance, Veterans Special Life Insurance, or Veterans Reopened Insurance who is receiving the proceeds of such insurance under a life annuity settlement option. The Secretary may make such an adjustment only if the Secretary determines that the adjustment is administratively and actuarially sound for the program of insurance concerned. The Secretary may make such an adjustment without regard to the provisions of sections 1902, 1923, and 1925 of this title with respect to interest rates and the use of mortality tables.
(b) The Secretary shall determine the amount in the trust funds in the Treasury held for payment of proceeds to National Service Life Insurance, Veterans Special Life Insurance, and Veterans Reopened Insurance beneficiaries attributable to interest and mortality gains on the reserves held for annuity accounts. Such amount shall be available for distribution to the life annuitants referred to in subsection (a) of this section as a fixed percentage of, and in addition to, the monthly installment amount to which the annuitants are entitled under this subchapter. For the purposes of this section, gains on the reserves are defined as funds attributable solely to annuity accounts that are in excess of actuarial liabilities.
(c) The monthly amount of an annuity authorized in sections 1902, 1923, and 1925 of this title, as adjusted under this section, may not be less than the monthly amount of such annuity that would otherwise be applicable without regard to this section.

38 USC 1928 - Authority for payment of interest on settlements

(a) Subject to subsection (b) of this section, the Secretary may pay interest on the proceeds of a participating National Service Life Insurance, Veterans Special Life Insurance, and Veterans Reopened Insurance policy from the date the policy matures to the date of payment of the proceeds to the beneficiary or, in the case of an endowment policy, to the policyholder.
(b) 
(1) The Secretary may pay interest under subsection (a) of this section only if the Secretary determines that the payment of such interest is administratively and actuarially sound for the settlement option involved.
(2) Interest paid under subsection (a) of this section shall be at the rate that is established by the Secretary for dividends held on credit or deposit in policyholders accounts under the insurance program involved.

38 USC 1929 - Authority to adjust premium discount rates

(a) Notwithstanding sections 1902, 1923, and 1925 of this title and subject to subsection (b) of this section, the Secretary may from time to time adjust the discount rates for premiums paid in advance on National Service Life Insurance, Veterans Special Life Insurance, and Veterans Reopened Insurance.
(b) 
(1) In adjusting a discount rate pursuant to subsection (a) of this section, the Secretary may not set such rate at a rate lower than the rate authorized for the program of insurance involved under section 1902, 1923, or 1925 of this title.
(2) The Secretary may make an adjustment under subsection (a) of this section only if the Secretary determines that the adjustment is administratively and actuarially sound for the program of insurance involved.

TITLE 38 - US CODE - SUBCHAPTER II - UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT LIFE INSURANCE

38 USC 1940 - Definition

For the purposes of this subchapter, the term insurance means United States Government life insurance.

38 USC 1941 - Amount of insurance

United States Government life insurance shall be issued against death or total permanent disability in any multiple of $500 and not less than $1,000 or more than $10,000. No person may carry a combined amount of National Service Life Insurance and United States Government life insurance in excess of $10,000 at any one time. The limitations of this section shall not apply to the additional paid up insurance the purchase of which is authorized under section 1907 of this title.

38 USC 1942 - Plans of insurance

(a) Regulations shall provide for the right to convert insurance on the five-year level premium term plan into ordinary life, twenty-payment life, endowment maturing at age sixty-two, and into other usual forms of insurance as may be prescribed by the Secretary. Provision shall be made for reconversion of any such policies to a higher premium rate or, upon proof of good health satisfactory to the Secretary, to a lower premium rate, in accordance with regulations to be issued by the Secretary. No reconversion shall be made to a five-year level premium term policy.
(b) An insured who on or after the insureds sixty-fifth birthday has a five-year level premium term policy of insurance in force by payment of premiums may exchange such policy for insurance on a special endowment at age ninety-six plan upon written application; payment of the required premium; and surrender of the five-year level premium term policy and any total disability provision attached thereto with all rights, title, and interests thereunder. However, if it is found by the Secretary subsequent to the exchange that prior thereto the term policy matured because of total permanent disability of the insured or that the insured was entitled to total disability benefits under the total disability provision attached to such policy, the insured, upon surrender of the special endowment at age ninety-six policy and any provision for waiver of premiums issued under subsection (c) of this section with all rights, title, and interest thereunder, will be entitled to benefits payable under the prior contract. In such case, the cash value less any indebtedness on the endowment policy shall be refunded together with any premiums paid on a provision for waiver of premiums. Insurance on the special endowment at age ninety-six plan shall be issued at the attained age of the insured upon the same terms and conditions as are contained in standard policies of United States Government Life Insurance except:
(1) the insurance shall not mature and no benefits shall be paid thereunder because of total permanent disability;
(2) the premiums for such insurance shall be as prescribed by the Secretary;
(3) such insurance cannot be exchanged, converted, or reconverted to any other plan of insurance;
(4) all cash, loan, paid-up, and extended term insurance values shall be as prescribed by the Secretary; and
(5) the insurance shall be subject to such other changes in terms and conditions as the Secretary determines to be reasonable and practicable.
(c) The Secretary shall, upon application made by the insured at the same time as the insured exchanges the term policy for an endowment policy issued under the provisions of subsection (b) of this section, and upon payment of such extra premium as the Secretary shall prescribe, include in such endowment policy a provision for waiver of premiums on the policy and on the provision during the total permanent disability of the insured, if such disability began after the date of such application and while the policy and the provision are in force by payment of premiums. The Secretary shall not grant waiver of any premium becoming due more than one year before receipt by the Secretary of claim for the same, except as provided in this subsection. Any premiums paid for months during which waiver is effective shall be refunded. The Secretary shall provide by regulations for examination or reexamination of an insured claiming waiver of premiums under this subsection, and may deny waiver for failure to cooperate. If it is found that an insured is no longer totally and permanently disabled, the waiver of premiums shall cease as of the date of such finding and the policy and provision may be continued by payment of premiums as provided therein. In any case in which the Secretary finds that the insureds failure to make timely claim for waiver of premiums, or to submit satisfactory evidence of the existence or continuance of total permanent disability was due to circumstances beyond the insureds control, the Secretary may grant waiver or continuance of waiver of premiums. If the insured dies without filing claim for waiver, the beneficiary, within one year after the death of the insured, or, if the beneficiary is insane or a minor, within one year after removal of such legal disability, may file claim for waiver with evidence of the insureds right to waiver under this subsection. Policies containing a provision for waiver of premiums issued under this subsection may be separately classified for the purpose of dividend distribution from otherwise similar policies not containing such provision.

38 USC 1943 - Premiums

The premium rates for insurance shall be the net rates based upon the American Experience Table of Mortality and interest at 31/2 percent per annum. Regulations shall prescribe the time and method of payment of premiums, but payments of premiums in advance shall not be required for periods of more than one month each, and may be deducted from the pay or deposit of the insured or be otherwise made at the insureds election.

38 USC 1944 - Policy provisions

(a) Provisions for maturity at certain ages, for continuous installments during the lifetime of the insured or beneficiaries, or both, for refund of premiums, cash, loan, paid-up and extended values, dividends from gains and savings, and such other provisions for the protection and advantage of and for alternative benefits to the insured and the beneficiaries as may be found to be reasonable and practicable may be provided for in insurance contracts or from time to time by regulations.
(b) All calculations on insurance shall be based upon the American Experience Table of Mortality and interest at 31/2 percent per annum, except that no deduction shall be made for continuous installments during the life of the insured in case the insureds total and permanent disability continues more than two hundred and forty months.
(c) On and after July 19, 1939, the rate of interest charged on any loan secured by a lien on insurance shall not exceed 5 percent per annum.

38 USC 1945 - Renewal

At the expiration of any term period any insurance policy issued on the five-year level premium term plan which has not been exchanged or converted to a permanent plan of insurance and which is not lapsed shall be renewed as level premium term insurance without application for a successive five-year period at the premium rate for the attained age without medical examination. However, renewal shall be effected in cases where the policy is lapsed only if the insured makes application for reinstatement and renewal of the insureds term policy within five years after the date of lapse, and reinstatement in such cases shall be under the terms and conditions prescribed by the Secretary.

38 USC 1946 - Dividends to pay premiums

Until and unless the Secretary has received from the insured a request in writing for payment of dividends in cash or that the dividends be placed on deposit in accordance with the provisions of the insureds policy, any regular annual dividends shall be applied in payment of premiums becoming due on insurance after the date the dividend is payable on or after December 31, 1958.

38 USC 1947 - Incontestability

Subject to the provisions of section 1954 of this title all contracts or policies of insurance heretofore or hereafter issued, reinstated, or converted shall be incontestable from the date of issuance, reinstatement, or conversion, except for fraud, nonpayment of premiums, or on the ground that the applicant was not a member of the military or naval forces of the United States. The insured under such contract or policy may, without prejudicing the insureds rights, elect to make claim to the Department or to bring suit under section 1984 of this title on any prior contract or policy, and if found entitled thereto, shall, upon surrender of any subsequent contract or policy, be entitled to payments under the prior contract or policy. In any case in which a contract or policy of insurance is canceled or voided after March 16, 1954, because of fraud, the Secretary shall refund to the insured, if living, or, if deceased, to the person designated as beneficiary (or if none survives, to the estate of the insured) all money, without interest, paid as premiums on such contract or policy for any period subsequent to two years after the date such fraud induced the Secretary to issue, reinstate, or convert such insurance less any dividends, loan, or other payment made to the insured under such contract or policy.

38 USC 1948 - Total disability provision

The Secretary shall include in United States Government life insurance policies provision whereby an insured, who is totally disabled as a result of disease or injury for a period of four consecutive months or more before attaining the age of sixty-five years and before default in payment of any premium, shall be paid disability benefits at the rate of $5.75 monthly for each $1,000 of insurance in force when total disability benefits become payable. The amount of such monthly payment under the provisions of this section shall not be reduced because of payment of permanent and total disability benefits under the insurance policy. Such payments shall be effective as of the first day of the fifth consecutive month, and shall be made monthly during the continuance of such total disability. Such payments shall be concurrent with or independent of permanent and total disability benefits under the insurance policy. In addition to the monthly disability benefits the payment of premiums on the life insurance and for the total disability benefits authorized by this section shall be waived during the continuance of such total disability. Regulations shall provide for reexaminations of beneficiaries under this section; and, in the event that it is found that an insured is no longer totally disabled, the waiver of premiums and payment of benefits shall cease and the insurance policy, including the total disability provision, may be continued by payment of premiums as provided in said policy and the total disability provision. Neither the dividends nor the amount payable in any settlement under any United States Government life insurance policy shall be decreased because of disability benefits granted under the provisions of this section. The payment of total disability benefits shall not prejudice the right of any insured, who is totally and permanently disabled, to permanent and total disability benefits under the insureds insurance policy. The provision authorized by this section shall not be included in any United States Government life insurance policy heretofore or hereafter issued, except upon application, payment of premium by the insured, and proof of good health satisfactory to the Secretary. The benefit granted under this section shall be on the basis of multiples of $500, and not less than $1,000 or more than the amount of insurance in force at time of application. The Secretary shall determine the amount of the monthly premium to cover the benefits of this section, and in order to continue such benefits in force the monthly premiums shall be payable until the insured attains the age of sixty-five years or until the prior maturity of the policy. In all other respects such monthly premium shall be payable under the same terms and conditions as the regular monthly premium on the United States Government life insurance policy.

38 USC 1949 - Change of beneficiary

Subject to regulations, the insured shall at all times have the right to change the beneficiary or beneficiaries of a United States Government life insurance policy without the consent of such beneficiary or beneficiaries.

38 USC 1950 - Payment to estates

If no beneficiary of insurance is designated by the insured, either while alive or by last will, or if the designated beneficiary does not survive the insured, then there shall be paid to the estate of the insured the present value of the remaining unpaid monthly installments. If the designated beneficiary survives the insured and dies before receiving all of the installments of insurance payable and applicable, then there shall be paid to the estate of such beneficiary the present value of the remaining unpaid monthly installments. No payments shall be made to any estate which under the laws of the residence of the insured or the beneficiary, as the case may be, would escheat, but same shall escheat to the United States and be credited to the United States Government Life Insurance Fund.

38 USC 1951 - Payment of insurance

United States Government life insurance, except as provided in this subchapter, shall be payable in two hundred and forty equal monthly installments. When the amount of an individual monthly payment is less than $5, such amount may in the discretion of the Secretary be allowed to accumulate without interest and be disbursed annually.

38 USC 1952 - Optional settlement

(a) The Secretary may provide in insurance contracts for optional settlements, to be selected by the insured, whereby such insurance may be made payable either in one sum or in installments for thirty-six months or more. A provision may also be included in such contracts authorizing the beneficiary to elect to receive payment of the insurance in installments for thirty-six months or more, but only if the insured has not exercised the right of election as provided in this subchapter. Even though the insured may have exercised the right of election the beneficiary may elect to receive such insurance in installments spread over a greater period of time than that selected by the insured. Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary in any insurance contract, the beneficiary may, in the case of insurance maturing after September 30, 1981, and for which the insured has not exercised the right of election of the insured as provided in this subchapter, elect to receive payment of the insurance in one sum.
(b) Under such regulations as the Secretary may promulgate, the cash surrender value of any policy of insurance or the proceeds of an endowment contract which matures by reason of completion of the endowment period may be paid to the insured
(1)  in equal monthly installments of from thirty-six to two hundred and forty in number, in multiples of twelve; or
(2)  as a refund life income in monthly installments payable for such periods certain as may be required in order that the sum of the installments certain, including a last installment of such reduced amount as may be necessary, shall equal the cash value of the contract, less any indebtedness, with such payments continuing throughout the lifetime of the insured. However, all settlements under option
(2)  above shall be calculated on the basis of The Annuity Table for 1949. If the option selected requires payment of monthly installments of less than $10, the amount payable shall be paid in such maximum number of monthly installments as are a multiple of twelve as will provide a monthly installment of not less than $10.
(c) 
(1) Following the death of the insured and in a case not covered by section 1950 of this title
(A) if the first beneficiary otherwise entitled to payment of the insurance does not make a claim for such payment within two years after the death of the insured, payment may be made to another beneficiary designated by the insured, in the order of precedence as designated by the insured, as if the first beneficiary had predeceased the insured; and
(B) if, within four years after the death of the insured, no claim has been filed by a person designated by the insured as a beneficiary and the Secretary has not received any notice in writing that any such claim will be made, payment may (notwithstanding any other provision of law) be made to such person as may in the judgment of the Secretary be equitably entitled thereto.
(2) Payment of insurance under paragraph (1) shall be a bar to recovery by any other person.

38 USC 1953 - Assignments

Any person to whom United States Government life insurance shall be payable may assign such persons interest in such insurance to the spouse, child, grandchild, parent, brother, sister, uncle, aunt, nephew, niece, brother-in-law, or sister-in-law of the insured. Insofar as applicable, the definitions contained in section 3 of the World War Veterans Act, 1924, in effect on December 31, 1958, shall apply to this section.

38 USC 1954 - Forfeiture

No yearly renewable term insurance or United States Government life insurance shall be payable for death inflicted as a lawful punishment for crime or military offense, except when inflicted by the enemy. In such cases the cash surrender value of United States Government life insurance, if any, on the date of such death shall be paid to the designated beneficiary if living, or if there be no designated beneficiary alive at the death of the insured the said value shall be paid to the estate of the insured.

38 USC 1955 - United States Government Life Insurance Fund

(a) All premiums paid on account of United States Government life insurance shall be deposited and covered into the Treasury to the credit of the United States Government Life Insurance Fund and shall be available for the payment of losses, dividends, refunds, and other benefits provided for under such insurance, including such liabilities as shall have been or shall hereafter be reduced to judgment in a district court of the United States or the United States District Court for the District of Columbia, and for the reimbursement of administrative costs under subsection (c). Payments from this fund shall be made upon and in accordance with awards by the Secretary.
(b) The Secretary is authorized to set aside out of the funds so collected such reserve funds as may be required, under accepted actuarial principles, to meet all liabilities under such insurance; and the Secretary of the Treasury is authorized to invest and reinvest the said United States Government Life Insurance Fund, or any part thereof, in interest-bearing obligations of the United States or bonds of the Federal farm-loan banks and to sell said obligations of the United States or the bonds of the Federal farm-loan banks for the purposes of such Fund.
(c) 
(1) For each fiscal year for which this subsection is in effect, the Secretary shall, from the United States Government Life Insurance Fund, reimburse the General operating expenses account of the Department for the amount of administrative costs determined under paragraph (2) for that fiscal year. Such reimbursement shall be made from any surplus earnings for that fiscal year that are available for dividends on such insurance after claims have been paid and actuarially determined reserves have been set aside. However, if the amount of such administrative costs exceeds the amount of such surplus earnings, such reimbursement shall be made only to the extent of such surplus earnings.
(2) The Secretary shall determine the administrative costs to the Department for a fiscal year for which this subsection is in effect which, in the judgment of the Secretary, are properly allocable to the provision of United States Government Life Insurance (and to the provision of any total disability income insurance added to the provision of such insurance).
(3) This subsection shall be in effect only with respect to fiscal year 1996.

38 USC 1956 - Military and naval insurance appropriation

All sums heretofore or hereafter appropriated for the military and naval insurance appropriation and all premiums collected for yearly renewable term insurance deposited and covered into the Treasury to the credit of this appropriation shall be made available to the Department. All premiums that may hereafter be collected for yearly renewable term insurance shall be deposited and covered into the Treasury for the credit of this appropriation. Such sum is made available for the payment of the liabilities of the United States incurred under contracts of yearly renewable term insurance. Payments from this appropriation shall be made upon and in accordance with the awards by the Secretary.

38 USC 1957 - Extra hazard costs

(a) The United States shall bear the excess mortality and disability cost resulting from the hazards of war on United States Government life insurance.
(b) Whenever benefits under United States Government life insurance become, or have become, payable because of total permanent disability of the insured or because of the death of the insured as a result of disease or injury traceable to the extra hazard of the military or naval service, as such hazard may be determined by the Secretary, the liability shall be borne by the United States. In such cases the Secretary shall transfer from the military and naval insurance appropriation to the United States Government Life Insurance Fund a sum which, together with the reserve of the policy at the time of maturity by total permanent disability or death, will equal the then value of such benefits. When a person receiving total permanent disability benefits under a United States Government life insurance policy recovers from such disability and is then entitled to continue a reduced amount of insurance, the Secretary shall transfer to the military and naval insurance appropriation all of the loss reserve to the credit of such policy claim except a sum sufficient to set up the then required reserve on the reduced amount of the insurance that may be continued, which sum shall be retained in the United States Government Life Insurance Fund for the purpose of such reserve.
(c) Whenever benefits under the total disability provision become, or have become, payable because of total disability of the insured as a result of disease or injury traceable to the extra hazard of the military or naval service, as such hazard may be determined by the Secretary, the liability shall be borne by the United States, and the Secretary shall transfer from the military and naval insurance appropriation to the United States Government Life Insurance Fund from time to time any amounts which become or have become payable to the insured on account of such total disability, and shall transfer from the United States Government Life Insurance Fund to the military and naval insurance appropriation the amount of the reserve held on account of the total disability benefit. When a person receiving such payments on account of total disability recovers from such disability and is then entitled to continued protection under the total disability provision, the Secretary shall transfer to the United States Government Life Insurance Fund a sum sufficient to set up the then required reserve on such total disability benefit.
(d) Any disability for which a waiver was required as a condition to tendering a person a commission under Public Law 816, Seventy-seventh Congress, shall be deemed to be a disability resulting from an injury or disease traceable to the extra hazard of military or naval service for the purpose of applying this section.

38 USC 1958 - Statutory total permanent disability

Without prejudice to any other cause of disability, the permanent loss of the use of both feet, of both hands, or of both eyes, or of one foot and one hand, or of one foot and one eye, or of one hand and one eye, or the loss of hearing of both ears, or the organic loss of speech, shall be deemed total permanent disability for insurance purposes. This section shall be deemed to be in effect on and after April 6, 1917, and shall apply only to automatic insurance, yearly renewable term insurance, and United States Government life insurance issued prior to December 15, 1936.

38 USC 1959 - Waiver of disability for reinstatement

(a) In the event that all provisions of the rules and regulations other than the requirements as to the physical condition of the applicant have been complied with, an application for reinstatement, in whole or in part, of lapsed United States Government life insurance may be approved if made within two years after the date of lapse and if the applicants disability is the result of an injury or disease, or of an aggravation thereof, suffered or contracted in the active military or naval service during the period beginning April 6, 1917, and ending July 2, 1921, and the applicant during the applicants lifetime submits proof satisfactory to the Secretary showing that the applicant is not totally and permanently disabled. As a condition to the acceptance of an application for reinstatement under this section, the applicant shall be required to pay all the back monthly premiums which would have become payable if such insurance had not lapsed, together with interest at the rate of 5 per centum per annum, compounded annually, on each premium from the date said premium is due by the terms of the policy.
(b) Premium liens established under the provisions of section 304 of the World War Veterans Act, 1924, shall continue to bear interest at the rate of 5 per centum per annum, compounded annually, and will be deducted from any settlement of insurance to which they are attached.

38 USC 1960 - Waiver of premium payments on due date

(a) The Secretary is authorized to provide by regulations for waiving the payment of premiums on United States Government life insurance on the due date thereof and the insurance may be deemed not to lapse in the cases of the following persons:
(1)  those who are confined in hospital under the Department for a compensable disability during the period while they are so confined;
(2)  those who are rated as temporarily totally disabled by reason of any injury or disease entitling them to compensation during the period of such total disability and while they are so rated;
(3)  those who, while mentally incompetent and for whom no legal guardian had been or has been appointed, allowed or may allow their insurance to lapse during the period for which they have been or hereafter may be rated mentally incompetent, or until a guardian has notified the Department of the guardians qualification, but not later than six months after appointment of a guardian. In mentally incompetent cases the waiver is to be made without application and retroactive when necessary. Relief from payment of premiums on the due date thereof shall be for full calendar months, beginning with the month in which said confinement to hospital, the temporary total disability rating, or the mental incompetency began or begins and ending with that month during the half or major fraction of which such persons are no longer entitled to waiver as provided above.
(b) All premiums the payment of which when due is waived as provided in this section shall bear interest at the rate of 5 percent per annum, compounded annually, from the due date of each premium, and if not paid by the insured shall be deducted from the insurance in any settlement thereunder, or when the same matures either because of permanent total disability or death. In the event any lien or other indebtedness established by this section or prior corresponding provision of law exists against any policy of United States Government life insurance in excess of the then cash surrender value thereof at the time of the termination of such policy of insurance for any reason other than by death or total permanent disability the Secretary is authorized to transfer and pay from the military and naval insurance appropriation to the United States Government Life Insurance Fund a sum equal to the amount such lien or indebtedness exceeds the then cash surrender value.

38 USC 1961 - Authority for higher interest rates for amounts payable to beneficiaries

Notwithstanding section 1944 (b) of this title, if the beneficiary of an insurance policy issued under the provisions of this subchapter receives the proceeds of such policy under a settlement option under which such proceeds are paid in equal monthly installments over a limited period of months, the interest that may be added to each such installment may be at a rate that is higher than the interest rate prescribed in such section. The Secretary may from time to time establish a higher interest rate under the preceding sentence only in accordance with a determination that such higher rate is administratively and actuarially sound. Any such higher interest rate shall be paid on the unpaid balance of such monthly installments.

38 USC 1962 - Authority for higher monthly installments payable to certain annuitants

(a) Subject to subsections (b) and (c) of this section, the Secretary may from time to time adjust the dollar amount of the monthly installments payable to a beneficiary of United States Government Life Insurance who is receiving the proceeds of such insurance under a life annuity settlement option. The Secretary may make such an adjustment only if the Secretary determines that the adjustment is administratively and actuarially sound. The Secretary may make such an adjustment without regard to the provisions of section 1944 of this title with respect to interest rates and the use of mortality tables.
(b) The Secretary shall determine the amount in the trust fund in the Treasury held for payment of proceeds to United States Government Life Insurance beneficiaries attributable to interest and mortality gains on the reserves held for annuity accounts. Such amount shall be available for distribution to the life annuitants referred to in subsection (a) of this section as a fixed percentage of, and in addition to, the monthly installment amount to which the annuitants are entitled under this subchapter. For the purposes of this section, gains on the reserves are defined as funds attributable solely to annuity accounts that are in excess of actuarial liabilities.
(c) The monthly amount of an annuity authorized in section 1944 of this title, as adjusted under this section, may not be less than the monthly amount of such annuity that would otherwise be applicable without regard to this section.

38 USC 1963 - Authority for payment of interest on settlements

(a) Subject to subsection (b) of this section, the Secretary may pay interest on the proceeds of a United States Government Life Insurance policy from the date the policy matures to the date of payment of the proceeds to the beneficiary or, in the case of an endowment policy, to the policyholder.
(b) 
(1) The Secretary may pay interest under subsection (a) of this section only if the Secretary determines that the payment of such interest is administratively and actuarially sound for the settlement option involved.
(2) Interest paid under subsection (a) shall be at the rate that is established by the Secretary for dividends held on credit or deposit in policyholders accounts.

TITLE 38 - US CODE - SUBCHAPTER III - SERVICEMEMBERS GROUP LIFE INSURANCE

38 USC 1965 - Definitions

For the purpose of this subchapter
(1) The term active duty means
(A) full-time duty in the Armed Forces, other than active duty for training;
(B) full-time duty (other than for training purposes) as a commissioned officer of the Regular or Reserve Corps of the Public Health Service;
(C) full-time duty as a commissioned officer of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; and
(D) full-time duty as a cadet or midshipman at the United States Military Academy, United States Naval Academy, United States Air Force Academy, or the United States Coast Guard Academy.
(2) The term active duty for training means
(A) full-time duty in the Armed Forces performed by Reserves for training purposes;
(B) full-time duty for training purposes performed as a commissioned officer of the Reserve Corps of the Public Health Service;
(C) full-time duty as a member, cadet, or midshipman of the Reserve Officers Training Corps while attending field training or practice cruises; and
(D) in the case of members of the National Guard or Air National Guard of any State, full-time duty under sections 316, 502, 503, 504, or 505 of title 32, United States Code.
(3) The term inactive duty training means
(A) duty (other than full-time duty) prescribed or authorized for Reserves (including commissioned officers of the Reserve Corps of the Public Health Service) which duty is scheduled in advance by competent authority to begin at a specific time and place; and
(B) in the case of a member of the National Guard or Air National Guard of any State, such term means duty (other than full-time duty) which is scheduled in advance by competent authority to begin at a specific time and place under sections 316, 502, 503, 504, or 505 of title 32, United States Code.
(4) The terms active duty for training and inactive duty training do not include duty performed as a temporary member of the Coast Guard Reserve, and the term inactive duty training does not include
(A)  work or study performed in connection with correspondence courses, or
(B)  attendance at an educational institution in an inactive status.
(5) The term member means
(A) a person on active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty training in the uniformed services in a commissioned, warrant, or enlisted rank, or grade, or as a cadet or midshipman of the United States Military Academy, United States Naval Academy, United States Air Force Academy, or the United States Coast Guard Academy;
(B) a person who volunteers for assignment to the Ready Reserve of a uniformed service and is assigned to a unit or position in which such person may be required to perform active duty, or active duty for training, and each year will be scheduled to perform at least twelve periods of inactive duty training that is creditable for retirement purposes under chapter 1223 of title 10 (or under chapter 67 of that title as in effect before the effective date of the Reserve Officer Personnel Management Act);
(C) a person who volunteers for assignment to a mobilization category in the Individual Ready Reserve, as defined in section 12304 (i)(1)1 of title 10; and
(D) a member, cadet, or midshipman of the Reserve Officers Training Corps while attending field training or practice cruises.
(6) The term uniformed services means the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, the commissioned corps of the Public Health Service, and the commissioned corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
(7) The terms widow or widower means a person who is the lawful spouse of the insured member at the time of his death.
(8) The term child means a legitimate child, a legally adopted child, an illegitimate child as to the mother, or an illegitimate child as to the alleged father, only if
(A)  he acknowledged the child in writing signed by him; or
(B)  he has been judicially ordered to contribute to the childs support; or
(C)  he has been, before his death, judicially decreed to be the father of such child; or
(D)  proof of paternity is established by a certified copy of the public record of birth or church record of baptism showing that the insured was the informant and was named as father of the child; or
(E)  proof of paternity is established from service department or other public records, such as school or welfare agencies, which show that with his knowledge the insured was named as the father of the child.
(9) The term parent means a father of a legitimate child, mother of a legitimate child, father through adoption, mother through adoption, mother of an illegitimate child, and father of an illegitimate child but only if
(A)  he acknowledged paternity of the child in writing signed by him before the childs death; or
(B)  he has been judicially ordered to contribute to the childs support; or
(C)  he has been judicially decreed to be the father of such child; or
(D)  proof of paternity is established by a certified copy of the public record of birth or church record of baptism showing that the claimant was the informant and was named as father of the child; or
(E)  proof of paternity is established from service department or other public records, such as school or welfare agencies, which show that with his knowledge the claimant was named as father of the child. No person who abandoned or willfully failed to support a child during the childs minority, or consented to the childs adoption may be recognized as a parent for the purpose of this subchapter. However, the immediately preceding sentence shall not be applied so as to require duplicate payments in any case in which insurance benefits have been paid prior to receipt in the administrative office established under subsection 1966(b) of this title of sufficient evidence to clearly establish that the person so paid could not qualify as a parent solely by reason of such sentence.
(10) The term insurable dependent, with respect to a member, means the following:
(A) The members spouse.
(B) The members child, as defined in the first sentence of section 101 (4)(A) of this title.
[1] See References in Text note below.

38 USC 1966 - Eligible insurance companies

(a) The Secretary is authorized, without regard to section 3709 of the Revised Statutes, as amended (41 U.S.C. 5), to purchase from one or more life insurance companies a policy or policies of group life insurance to provide the benefits specified in this subchapter. Each such life insurance company must
(1)  be licensed to issue life insurance in each of the fifty States of the United States and in the District of Columbia, and
(2)  as of the most recent December 31 for which information is available to the Secretary, have in effect at least 1 percent of the total amount of group life insurance which all life insurance companies have in effect in the United States.
(b) The life insurance company or companies issuing such policy or policies shall establish an administrative office at a place and under a name designated by the Secretary.
(c) The Secretary shall arrange with the life insurance company or companies issuing any policy or policies under this subchapter to reinsure, under conditions approved by the Secretary, portions of the total amount of insurance under such policy or policies with such other life insurance companies (which meet qualifying criteria set forth by the Secretary) as may elect to participate in such reinsurance.
(d) The Secretary may at any time discontinue any policy or policies which the Secretary has purchased from any insurance company under this subchapter.

38 USC 1967 - Persons insured; amount

(a) 
(1) Subject to an election under paragraph (2), any policy of insurance purchased by the Secretary under section 1966 of this title shall automatically insure the following persons against death:
(A) In the case of any member of a uniformed service on active duty (other than active duty for training)
(i) the member; and
(ii) each insurable dependent of the member.
(B) Any member of a uniformed service on active duty for training or inactive duty training scheduled in advance by competent authority.
(C) In the case of any member of the Ready Reserve of a uniformed service who meets the qualifications set forth in section 1965 (5)(B) of this title
(i) the member; and
(ii) each insurable dependent of the member.
(2) 
(A) A member may elect in writing not to be insured under this subchapter.
(B) A member may elect in writing not to insure the members spouse under this subchapter.
(3) 
(A) Subject to subparagraphs (B) and (C), the amount for which a person is insured under this subchapter is as follows:
(i) In the case of a member, $400,000.
(ii) In the case of a members spouse, $100,000.
(iii) In the case of a members child, $10,000.
(B) A member may elect in writing to be insured or to insure the members spouse in an amount less than the amount provided for under subparagraph (A). The member may not elect to insure the members child in an amount less than $10,000. The amount of insurance so elected shall, in the case of a member, be evenly divisible by $50,000 and, in the case of a members spouse,,[1] be evenly divisible by $10,000.
(C) In no case may the amount of insurance coverage under this subsection of a members spouse exceed the amount of insurance coverage of the member.
(4) 
(A) An insurable dependent of a member is not insured under this chapter unless the member is insured under this subchapter.
(B) An insurable dependent who is a child may not be insured at any time by the insurance coverage under this chapter of more than one member. If an insurable dependent who is a child is otherwise eligible to be insured by the coverage of more than one member under this chapter, the child shall be insured by the coverage of the member whose eligibility for insurance under this subchapter occurred first, except that if that member does not have legal custody of the child, the child shall be insured by the coverage of the member who has legal custody of the child.
(5) The insurance shall be effective with respect to a member and the insurable dependents of the member on the latest of the following dates:
(A) The first day of active duty or active duty for training.
(B) The beginning of a period of inactive duty training scheduled in advance by competent authority.
(C) The first day a member of the Ready Reserve meets the qualifications set forth in section 1965 (5)(B) of this title.
(D) The date certified by the Secretary to the Secretary concerned as the date Servicemembers Group Life Insurance under this subchapter for the class or group concerned takes effect.
(E) In the case of an insurable dependent who is a spouse, the date of marriage of the spouse to the member.
(F) In the case of an insurable dependent who is a child, the date of birth of such child or, if the child is not the natural child of the member, the date on which the child acquires status as an insurable dependent of the member.
(b) Any member (other than one who has elected not to be insured under this subchapter for the period or periods of duty involved)
(1) who, when authorized or required by competent authority, assumes an obligation to perform (for less than thirty-one days) active duty, or active duty for training, or inactive duty training scheduled in advance by competent authority; and
(2) who is rendered uninsurable at standard premium rates according to the good health standards approved by the Secretary, or dies within one hundred and twenty days thereafter, from a disability, or aggravation of a preexisting disability, incurred by such member while proceeding directly to or returning directly from such active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty training as the case may be;

shall be deemed to have been on active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty training, as the case may be, and to have been insured under this subchapter at the time such disability was incurred or aggravated, and if death occurs within one hundred and twenty days thereafter as a result of such disability to have been insured at the time of death. In determining whether or not such individual was so authorized or required to perform such duty, and whether or not such member was rendered uninsurable or died within one hundred and twenty days thereafter from a disability so incurred or aggravated, there shall be taken into account the call or order to duty, the orders and authorizations of competent authority, the hour on which the member began to so proceed or to return, the hour on which such member was scheduled to arrive for, or on which such member ceased to perform such duty; the method of travel employed; such members itinerary; the manner in which the travel was performed; and the immediate cause of disability or death. Whenever any claim is filed alleging that the claimant is entitled to benefits by reason of this subsection, the burden of proof shall be on the claimant.

(c) If a person eligible for insurance under this subchapter is not so insured, or is insured for less than the maximum amount provided for the person under subparagraph (A) of subsection (a)(3), by reason of an election made by a member under subparagraph (B) of that subsection, the person may thereafter be insured under this subchapter in the maximum amount or any lesser amount elected as provided in such subparagraph (B) upon written application by the member, proof of good health of each person (other than a child) to be so insured, and compliance with such other terms and conditions as may be prescribed by the Secretary. Any former member insured under Veterans Group Life Insurance who again becomes eligible for Servicemembers Group Life Insurance and declines such coverage solely for the purpose of maintaining such members Veterans Group Life Insurance in effect shall upon termination of coverage under Veterans Group Life Insurance be automatically insured under Servicemembers Group Life Insurance, if otherwise eligible therefor.
(d) Whenever a member has the opportunity to make an election under subsection (a) not to be insured under this subchapter, or to be insured under this subchapter in an amount less than the maximum amount in effect under paragraph (3)(A)(i) of that subsection, and at such other times periodically thereafter as the Secretary concerned considers appropriate, the Secretary concerned shall furnish to the member general information concerning life insurance. Such information shall include
(1) the purpose and role of life insurance in financial planning;
(2) the difference between term life insurance and whole life insurance;
(3) the availability of commercial life insurance; and
(4) the relationship between Servicemembers Group Life Insurance and Veterans Group Life Insurance.
(e) The effective date and time for any change in benefits under the Servicemembers Group Life Insurance Program shall be based on the date and time according to the time zone immediately west of the International Date Line.
(f) 
(1) If a member who is married and who is eligible for insurance under this section makes an election under subsection (a)(2)(A) not to be insured under this subchapter, the Secretary concerned shall notify the members spouse, in writing, of that election.
(2) In the case of a member who is married and who is insured under this section and whose spouse is designated as a beneficiary of the member under this subchapter, whenever the member makes an election under subsection (a)(3)(B) for insurance of the member in an amount that is less than the maximum amount provided under subsection (a)(3)(A)(i), the Secretary concerned shall notify the members spouse, in writing, of that election
(A) in the case of the first such election; and
(B) in the case of any subsequent such election if the effect of such election is to reduce the amount of insurance coverage of the member from that in effect immediately before such election.
(3) In the case of a member who is married and who is insured under this section, if the member makes a designation under section 1970 (a) of this title of any person other than the spouse or a child of the member as the beneficiary of the member for any amount of insurance under this subchapter, the Secretary concerned shall notify the members spouse, in writing, that such a beneficiary designation has been made by the member, except that such a notification is not required if the spouse has previously received such a notification under this paragraph and if immediately before the new designation by the member under section 1970 (a) of this title the spouse is not a designated beneficiary of the member for any amount of insurance under this subchapter.
(4) A notification required by this subsection is satisfied by a good faith effort to provide the required information to the spouse at the last address of the spouse in the records of the Secretary concerned. Failure to provide a notification required under this subsection in a timely manner does not affect the validity of any election specified in paragraph (1) or (2) or beneficiary designation specified in paragraph (3).
[1] So in original.

38 USC 1968 - Duration and termination of coverage; conversion

(a) Each policy purchased under this subchapter shall contain a provision, in terms approved by the Secretary, to the effect that any insurance thereunder on any member of the uniformed services, and any insurance thereunder on any insurable dependent of such a member, unless discontinued or reduced upon the written request of the insured (or discontinued pursuant to section 1969 (a)(2)(B) of this title), shall continue in effect while the member is on active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty training scheduled in advance by competent authority during the period thereof, or while the member meets the qualifications set forth in subparagraph (B) or (C) of section 1965 (5) of this title and such insurance shall cease as follows:
(1) With respect to a member on active duty or active duty for training under a call or order to duty that does not specify a period of less than 31 days, insurance under this subchapter shall cease as follows:
(A) 120 days after the separation or release from active duty or active duty for training, unless on the date of such separation or release the member is totally disabled, under criteria established by the Secretary, in which event the insurance shall cease on the earlier of the following dates (but in no event before the end of 120 days after such separation or release):
(i) The date on which the insured ceases to be totally disabled.
(ii) The date that is
(I) two years after the date of separation or release from such active duty or active duty for training, in the case of such a separation or release during the period beginning on the date that is one year before the date of the enactment of[1] Veterans Housing Opportunity and Benefits Improvement Act of 2006 and ending on September 30, 2011; and
(II) 18 months after the date of separation or release from such active duty or active duty for training, in the case of such a separation or release on or after October 1, 2011.
(B) At the end of the thirty-first day of a continuous period of
(i)  absence without leave,
(ii)  confinement by civil authorities under a sentence adjudged by a civilian court, or
(iii)  confinement by military authorities under a courtmartial sentence involving total forfeiture of pay and allowances. Any insurance so terminated as the result of such an absence or confinement, together with any beneficiary designation in effect for such insurance at such termination thereof, shall be automatically revived as of the date the member is restored to active duty with pay or to active duty for training with pay.
(2) With respect to a member on active duty or active duty for training under a call or order to duty that specifies a period of less than 31 days, insurance under this subchapter shall cease at midnight, local time, on the last day of such duty, unless on such date the insured is suffering from a disability incurred or aggravated during such period which, within 120 days after such date,
(i)  results in death, or
(ii)  renders the member uninsurable at standard premium rates according to the good health standards approved by the Secretary, in which event the insurance shall continue in force to death, or for 120 days after such date, whichever is the earlier date.
(3) With respect to a member on inactive duty training scheduled in advance by competent authority, insurance under this subchapter shall cease at the end of such scheduled training period, unless at such time the insured is suffering from a disability incurred, or aggravated during such period which, within 120 days after the date of such training,
(i)  results in death, or
(ii)  renders the member uninsurable at standard premium rates according to the good health standards approved by the Secretary in which event the insurance shall continue in force to death, or for 120 days after the date such training terminated, whichever is the earlier date.
(4) With respect to a member of the Ready Reserve of a uniformed service who meets the qualifications set forth in subparagraph (B) or (C) of section 1965 (5) of this title, insurance under this subchapter shall cease 120 days after separation or release from such assignment, unless on the date of such separation or release the member is totally disabled, under criteria established by the Secretary, in which event the insurance shall cease on the earlier of the following dates (but in no event before the end of 120 days after separation or release from such assignment):
(A) The date on which the insured ceases to be totally disabled.
(B) The date that is
(i) two years after the date of separation or release from such assignment, in the case of such a separation or release during the period beginning on the date that is one year before the date of the enactment of[1] Veterans Housing Opportunity and Benefits Improvement Act of 2006 and ending on September 30, 2011; and
(ii) 18 months after the date of separation or release from such assignment, in the case of such a separation or release on or after October 1, 2011.
(5) With respect to an insurable dependent of the member, insurance under this subchapter shall cease
(A) 120 days after the date of an election made in writing by the member to terminate the coverage; or
(B) on the earliest of
(i) 120 days after the date of the members death;
(ii) 120 days after the date of termination of the insurance on the members life under this subchapter; or
(iii) 120 days after the termination of the dependents status as an insurable dependent of the member.
(b) 
(1) Each policy purchased under this subchapter shall contain a provision, in terms approved by the Secretary, that, except as hereinafter provided, Servicemembers Group Life Insurance which is continued in force after expiration of the period of duty or travel under section 1967 (b) or 1968 (a) of this title, effective the day after the date such insurance would cease
(A) shall be automatically converted to Veterans Group Life Insurance (to insure against death of the member only), subject to
(i)  the timely payment of the initial premium under terms prescribed by the Secretary, and
(ii)  the terms and conditions set forth in section 1977 of this title; or
(B) at the election of the member, shall be converted to an individual policy of insurance as described in section 1977 (e) of this title upon written application for conversion made to the participating company selected by the member and payment of the required premiums.
(2) Automatic conversion to Veterans Group Life Insurance under paragraph (1) shall be effective only in the case of an otherwise eligible member or former member who is separated or released from a period of active duty or active duty for training or inactive duty training on or after the date on which the Veterans Group Life Insurance program (provided for under section 1977 of this title) becomes effective.
(3) 
(A) In the case of a policy purchased under this subchapter for an insurable dependent who is a spouse, upon election of the spouse, the policy may be converted to an individual policy of insurance under the same conditions as described in section 1977 (e) of this title (with respect to conversion of a Veterans Group Life Insurance policy to such an individual policy) upon written application for conversion made to the participating company selected by the spouse and payment of the required premiums. Conversion of such policy to Veterans Group Life Insurance is prohibited.
(B) In the case of a policy purchased under this subchapter for an insurable dependent who is a child, such policy may not be converted under this subsection.
[1] So in original. Probably should be followed by “the”.

38 USC 1969 - Deductions; payment; investment; expenses

(a) 
(1) During any period in which a member, on active duty or active duty for training under a call or order to such duty that does not specify a period of less than thirty-one days, is insured under Servicemembers Group Life Insurance, there shall be deducted each month from the members basic or other pay until separation or release from such duty an amount determined by the Secretary (which shall be the same for all such members) as the share of the cost attributable to insuring such member under such policy, less any costs traceable to the extra hazard of such duty in the uniformed service.
(2) 
(A) During any month in which a member is assigned to the Ready Reserve of a uniformed service under conditions which meet the qualifications of (subparagraph (B) or (C) of section 1965 (5) of this title, and is insured under a policy of insurance purchased by the Secretary, under section 1966 of this title, there shall be contributed from the appropriation made for active duty pay of the uniformed service concerned an amount determined by the Secretary (which shall be the same for all such members) as the share of the cost attributable to insuring such member under this policy, less any costs traceable to the extra hazards of such duty in the uniformed services. Any amounts so contributed on behalf of any individual shall be collected by the Secretary concerned from such individual (by deduction from pay or otherwise) and shall be credited to the appropriation from which such contribution was made.
(B) If an individual who is required pursuant to subparagraph (A) to make a direct remittance of costs to the Secretary concerned fails to make the required remittance within 60 days of the date on which such remittance is due, such individuals insurance with respect to which such remittance is required shall be terminated by the Secretary concerned. Such termination shall be made by written notice to the individuals official address and shall be effective 60 days after the date of such notice. Such termination of insurance may be vacated if, before the effective date of termination, the individual remits all amounts past due for such insurance and demonstrates to the satisfaction of the Secretary concerned that the failure to make timely remittances was justifiable.
(3) During any fiscal year, or portion thereof, that a member is on active duty or active duty for training under a call or order to such duty that specifies a period of less than thirty-one days, or is authorized or required to perform inactive duty training scheduled in advance by competent authority, and is insured under Servicemembers Group Life Insurance, the Secretary concerned shall collect from the member (by deduction from pay or otherwise) an amount determined by the Secretary (which shall be the same for all such members) as the share of the cost attributable to insuring such member under such policy, less any costs traceable to the extra hazard of such duty in the uniformed service.
(4) Any amount not deducted from the basic or other pay of a member insured under Servicemembers Group Life Insurance, or collected from the member by the Secretary concerned, if not otherwise paid, shall be deducted from the proceeds of any insurance thereafter payable. The initial monthly amount under paragraph (1) or (2) hereof, or fiscal year amount under paragraph (3) hereof, determined by the Secretary to be charged under this section for Servicemembers Group Life Insurance may be continued from year to year, except that the Secretary may redetermine such monthly or fiscal year amounts from time to time in accordance with experience. No refunds will be made to any member of any amount properly deducted from the members basic or other pay, or collected from the member by the Secretary concerned, to cover the insurance granted under Servicemembers Group Life Insurance.
(b) For each month for which any member is so insured, there shall be contributed from the appropriation made for active duty pay of the uniformed service concerned an amount determined by the Secretary and certified to the Secretary concerned to be the cost of Servicemembers Group Life Insurance which is traceable to the extra hazard of duty in the uniformed services. Effective January 1, 1970, such cost shall be determined by the Secretary on the basis of the excess mortality incurred by members and former members of the uniformed services insured under Servicemembers Group Life Insurance above what their mortality would have been under peacetime conditions as such mortality is determined by the Secretary using such methods and data as the Secretary shall determine to be reasonable and practicable. The Secretary is authorized to make such adjustments regarding contributions from pay appropriations as may be indicated from actual experience.
(c) An amount equal to the first amount due on Servicemembers Group Life Insurance may be advanced from current appropriations for active-service pay to any such member, which amount shall constitute a lien upon any service or other pay accruing to the person from whom such advance was made and shall be collected therefrom if not otherwise paid. No disbursing or certifying officer shall be responsible for any loss incurred by reason of such advance.
(d) 
(1) The sums withheld from the basic or other pay of members, or collected from them by the Secretary concerned, under subsection (a) of this section, and the sums contributed from appropriations under subsection (b) of this section, together with the income derived from any dividends or premium rate adjustments received from insurers shall be deposited to the credit of a revolving fund established in the Treasury of the United States. All premium payments and extra hazard costs on Servicemembers Group Life Insurance and the administrative cost to the Department of insurance issued under this subchapter shall be paid from the revolving fund.
(2) The Secretary is authorized to set aside out of the revolving fund such amounts as may be required to meet the administrative costs to the Department of insurance issued under this subchapter and all current premium payments and extra hazard costs on any insurance policy or policies purchased under section 1966 of this title. The Secretary of the Treasury is authorized to invest in and to sell and retire special interest-bearing obligations of the United States for the account of the revolving fund. Such obligations issued for this purpose shall have maturities fixed with due regard for the needs of the fund and shall bear interest at a rate equal to the average market yield (computed by the Secretary of the Treasury on the basis of market quotations as of the end of the calendar month next preceding the date of issue) on all marketable interest-bearing obligations of the United States then forming a part of the public debt which are not due or callable until after the expiration of four years from the end of such calendar month; except that where such average market yield is not a multiple of one-eighth of 1 per centum, the rate of interest of such obligation shall be the multiple of one-eighth of 1 per centum nearest such market yield.
(3) Notwithstanding the provisions of section 1982 of this title, the Secretary shall, from time to time, determine the administrative costs to the Department which in the Secretarys judgment are properly allocable to insurance issued under this subchapter and shall transfer such cost from the revolving fund to the appropriation General Operating Expenses, Department of Veterans Affairs.
(e) The Secretary of Defense shall prescribe regulations for the administration of the functions of the Secretaries of the military departments under this section. Such regulations shall prescribe such procedures as the Secretary of Defense, after consultation with the Secretary, may consider necessary to ensure that such functions are carried out in a timely and complete manner and in accordance with the provisions of this section, including specifically the provisions of subsection (a)(2) of this section relating to contributions from appropriations made for active duty pay.
(f) 
(1) No tax, fee, or other monetary payment may be imposed or collected by any State, or by any political subdivision or other governmental authority of a State, on or with respect to any premium paid under an insurance policy purchased under this subchapter.
(2) Paragraph (1) of this subsection shall not be construed to exempt any company issuing a policy of insurance under this subchapter from the imposition, payment, or collection of a tax, fee, or other monetary payment on the net income or profit accruing to or realized by that company from business conducted under this subchapter, if that tax, fee, or payment is applicable to a broad range of business activity.
(g) 
(1) 
(A) During any period in which a spouse of a member is insured under this subchapter and the member is on active duty, there shall be deducted each month from the members basic or other pay until separation or release from active duty an amount determined by the Secretary as the premium allocable to the pay period for providing that insurance coverage. No premium may be charged for providing insurance coverage for a child.
(B) During any month in which a member is assigned to the Ready Reserve of a uniformed service under conditions which meet the qualifications set forth in section 1965 (5)(B) of this title and the spouse of the member is insured under a policy of insurance purchased by the Secretary under section 1966 of this title, there shall be contributed from the appropriation made for active duty pay of the uniformed service concerned an amount determined by the Secretary (which shall be the same for all such members) as the share of the cost attributable to insuring the spouse of such member under this policy, less any costs traceable to the extra hazards of such duty in the uniformed services. Any amounts so contributed on behalf of any individual shall be collected by the Secretary concerned from such individual (by deduction from pay or otherwise) and shall be credited to the appropriation from which such contribution was made.
(2) 
(A) The Secretary shall determine the premium amounts to be charged for life insurance coverage for spouses of members under this subchapter.
(B) The premium amounts shall be determined on the basis of sound actuarial principles and shall include an amount necessary to cover the administrative costs to the insurer or insurers providing such insurance.
(C) Each premium rate for the first policy year shall be continued for subsequent policy years, except that the rate may be adjusted for any such subsequent policy year on the basis of the experience under the policy, as determined by the Secretary in advance of that policy year.
(h) Any overpayment of a premium for insurance coverage for an insurable dependent of a member that is terminated under section 1968 (a)(5) of this title shall be refunded to the member.

38 USC 1970 - Beneficiaries; payment of insurance

(a) Any amount of insurance under this subchapter in force on any member or former member on the date of the insureds death shall be paid, upon the establishment of a valid claim therefor, to the person or persons surviving at the date of the insureds death, in the following order of precedence: First, to the beneficiary or beneficiaries as the member or former member may have designated by a writing received prior to death
(1)  in the uniformed services if insured under Servicemembers Group Life Insurance, or
(2)  in the administrative office established under section 1966 (b) of this title if separated or released from service, or if assigned to the Retired Reserve, and insured under Servicemembers Group Life Insurance, or if insured under Veterans Group Life Insurance;

Second, if there be no such beneficiary, to the widow or widower of such member or former member; Third, if none of the above, to the child or children of such member or former member and descendants of deceased children by representation; Fourth, if none of the above, to the parents of such member or former member or the survivor of them; Fifth, if none of the above, to the duly appointed executor or administrator of the estate of such member or former member; Sixth, if none of the above, to other next of kin of such member or former member entitled under the laws of domicile of such member or former member at the time of the insureds death.

(b) If any person otherwise entitled to payment under this section does not make claim therefor within one year after the death of the member or former member, or if payment to such person within that period is prohibited by Federal statute or regulation, payment may be made in the order of precedence as if such person had predeceased the member or former member, and any such payment shall be a bar to recovery by any other person.
(c) If, within two years after the death of the member or former member, no claim for payment has been filed by any person entitled under the order of precedence set forth in this section, and neither the Secretary nor the administrative office established by the insurance company or companies pursuant to section 1966 (b) of this title has received any notice that any such claim will be made, payment may be made to a claimant as may in the judgment of the Secretary be equitably entitled thereto, and such payment shall be a bar to recovery by any other person.
(d) The member may elect settlement of insurance under this subchapter either in a lump sum or in thirty-six equal monthly installments. If no such election is made by the member the beneficiary or beneficiaries may elect settlement either in a lump sum or in thirty-six equal monthly installments. If the member has elected settlement in a lump sum, the beneficiary or beneficiaries may elect settlement in thirty-six equal monthly installments.
(e) Until and unless otherwise changed, a beneficiary designation and settlement option filed by a member with the members uniformed service under prior provisions of law will be effective with respect to the increased insurance authorized under the Veterans Insurance Act of 1974 and the insurance shall be settled in the same proportionate amount as the portion designated for such beneficiary or beneficiaries bore to the amount of insurance heretofore in effect.
(f) Notwithstanding the provisions of any other law, payment of matured Servicemembers Group Life Insurance or Veterans Group Life Insurance benefits may be made directly to a minor widow or widower on his or her own behalf, and payment in such case shall be a complete acquittance to the insurer.
(g) Any payments due or to become due under Servicemembers Group Life Insurance or Veterans Group Life Insurance made to, or on account of, an insured or a beneficiary shall be exempt from taxation, shall be exempt from the claims of creditors, and shall not be liable to attachment, levy, or seizure by or under any legal or equitable process whatever, either before or after receipt by the beneficiary. The preceding sentence shall not apply to
(1)  collection of amounts not deducted from the members pay, or collected from him by the Secretary concerned under section 1969 (a) of this title,
(2)  levy under subchapter D of chapter 64 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (26 U.S.C. 6331 et seq.) (relating to the seizure of property for collection of taxes), and
(3)  the taxation of any property purchased in part or wholly out of such payments.
(h) Insurance payable under this subchapter may not be paid in any amount to the extent that such amount would escheat to a State. Payment of insurance under this subchapter may not be made to the estate of the insured or the estate of any beneficiary of the insured unless it is affirmatively shown that any amount to be paid will not escheat to a State. Any amount to be paid under this subchapter shall be reduced to the extent necessary to comply with this subsection.
(i) Any amount of insurance in force on an insurable dependent of a member under this subchapter on the date of the dependents death shall be paid, upon the establishment of a valid claim therefor, to the member or, in the event of the members death before payment to the member can be made, then to the person or persons entitled to receive payment of the proceeds of insurance on the members life under this subchapter.

38 USC 1971 - Basic tables of premiums; readjustment of rates

(a) Each policy or policies purchased under section 1966 of this title shall include for the first policy year a schedule of basic premium rates by age which the Secretary shall have determined on a basis consistent with the lowest schedule of basic premium rates generally charged for new group life insurance policies issued to large employers, this schedule of basic premium rates by age to be applied, except as otherwise provided in this section, to the distribution by age of the amount of group life insurance under the policy at its date of issue to determine an average basic premium per $1,000 of insurance. Each policy so purchased shall also include provisions whereby the basic rates of premium determined for the first policy year shall be continued for subsequent policy years, except that they may be readjusted for any subsequent year, based on the experience under the policy, such readjustment to be made by the insurance company or companies issuing the policy on a basis determined by the Secretary in advance of such year to be consistent with the general practice of life insurance companies under policies of group life insurance issued to large employers.
(b) The total premiums for Servicemembers Group Life Insurance shall be the sum of the amounts computed according to the provisions of subsection (a) above and the estimated cost traceable to the extra hazard of active duty in the uniformed services as determined by the Secretary, subject to the provision that such estimated costs traceable to the extra hazard shall be retroactively readjusted annually in accordance with section 1969 (b).
(c) Each policy so purchased shall include a provision that, in the event the Secretary determines that ascertaining the actual age distribution of the amounts of group life insurance in force at the date of issue of the policy or at the end of the first or any subsequent year of insurance thereunder would not be possible except at a disproportionately high expense, the Secretary may approve the determination of a tentative average group life premium, for the first or any subsequent policy year, in lieu of using the actual age distribution. Such tentative average premium rate shall be redetermined by the Secretary during any policy year upon request by the insurance company or companies issuing the policy, if experience indicates that the assumptions made in determining the tentative average premium rate for that policy year were incorrect.
(d) Each policy so purchased shall contain a provision stipulating the maximum expense and risk charges for the first policy year, which charges shall have been determined by the Secretary on a basis consistent with the general level of such charges made by life insurance companies under policies of group life insurance issued to large employers. Such maximum charges shall be continued from year to year, except that the Secretary may redetermine such maximum charges for any year either by agreement with the insurance company or companies issuing the policy or upon written notice given by the Secretary to such companies at least one year in advance of the beginning of the year for which such redetermined maximum charges will be effective.
(e) Each such policy shall provide for an accounting to the Secretary not later than ninety days after the end of each policy year, which shall set forth, in a form approved by the Secretary,
(1)  the amounts of premiums actually accrued under the policy from its date of issue to the end of such policy year,
(2)  the total of all mortality and other claim charges incurred for that period, and
(3)  the amounts of the insurers expense and risk charge for that period. Any excess of the total of item (1) over the sum of items (2) and (3) shall be held by the insurance company or companies issuing the policy as a special contingency reserve to be used by such insurance company or companies for charges under such policy only, such reserve to bear interest at a rate to be determined in advance of each policy year by the insurance company or companies issuing the policy, which rate shall be approved by the Secretary as being consistent with the rates generally used by such company or companies for similar funds held under other group life insurance policies. If and when the Secretary determines that such special contingency reserve has attained an amount estimated by the Secretary to make satisfactory provision for adverse fluctuations in future charges under the policy, any further excess shall be deposited to the credit of the revolving fund established under section 1969 (d)(1) of this title. If and when such policy is discontinued, and if after all charges have been made, there is any positive balance remaining in such special contingency reserve, such balance shall be deposited to the credit of the revolving fund, subject to the right of the insurance company or companies issuing the policy to make such deposit in equal monthly installments over a period of not more than two years.

38 USC 1972 - Benefit certificates

The Secretary shall arrange to have each member insured under a policy purchased under section 1966 of this title receive a certificate setting forth the benefits to which the member is entitled thereunder, to whom such benefit shall be payable, to whom claims should be submitted, and summarizing the provisions of the policy principally affecting the member. Such certificate shall be in lieu of the certificate which the insurance company or companies would otherwise be required to issue.

38 USC 1973 - Forfeiture

Any person guilty of mutiny, treason, spying, or desertion, or who, because of conscientious objections, refuses to perform service in the Armed Forces of the United States or refuses to wear the uniform of such force, shall forfeit all rights to Servicemembers Group Life Insurance under this subchapter. No such insurance shall be payable for death inflicted as a lawful punishment for crime or for military or naval offense, except when inflicted by an enemy of the United States.

38 USC 1974 - Advisory Council on Servicemembers Group Life Insurance

(a) There is an Advisory Council on Servicemembers Group Life Insurance. The council consists of
(1) the Secretary of the Treasury, who is the chairman of the council;
(2) the Secretary of Defense;
(3) the Secretary of Commerce;
(4) the Secretary of Health and Human Services;
(5) the Secretary of Homeland Security; and
(6) the Director of the Office of Management and Budget.

Members of the council shall serve without additional compensation.

(b) The council shall meet at least once a year, or more often at the call of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. The council shall review the operations of the Department under this subchapter and shall advise the Secretary on matters of policy relating to the Secretarys activities under this subchapter.

38 USC 1975 - Jurisdiction of District Courts

The district courts of the United States shall have original jurisdiction of any civil action or claim against the United States founded upon this subchapter.

38 USC 1976 - Effective date

The insurance provided for in this subchapter and the deductions and contributions for that purpose shall take effect on the date designated by the Secretary and certified by the Secretary to each Secretary concerned.

38 USC 1977 - Veterans Group Life Insurance

(a) 
(1) Veterans Group Life Insurance shall be issued in the amounts specified in section 1967 (a) of this title. In the case of any individual, the amount of Veterans Group Life Insurance may not exceed the amount of Servicemembers Group Life Insurance coverage continued in force after the expiration of the period of duty or travel under section 1967 (b) or 1968 (a) of this title. No person may carry a combined amount of Servicemembers Group Life Insurance and Veterans Group Life Insurance at any one time in excess of the maximum amount for Servicemembers Group Life Insurance in effect under section 1967 (a)(3)(A)(i) of this title.
(2) If any person insured under Veterans Group Life Insurance again becomes insured under Servicemembers Group Life Insurance but dies before terminating or converting such persons Veterans Group Insurance, Veterans Group Life Insurance shall be payable only if such person is insured under Servicemembers Group Life Insurance for less than the maximum amount for such insurance in effect under section 1967 (a)(3)(A)(i) of this title, and then only in an amount which, when added to the amount of Servicemembers Group Life Insurance payable, does not exceed such maximum amount in effect under such section.
(b) Veterans Group Life Insurance shall
(1)  provide protection against death;
(2)  be issued on a renewable five-year term basis;
(3)  have no cash, loan, paid-up, or extended values;
(4)  except as otherwise provided, lapse for nonpayment of premiums; and
(5)  contain such other terms and conditions as the Secretary determines to be reasonable and practicable which are not specifically provided for in this section, including any provisions of this subchapter not specifically made inapplicable by the provisions of this section.
(c) The premiums for Veterans Group Life Insurance shall be established under the criteria set forth in sections 1971 (a) and (c) of this title, except that the Secretary may provide for average premiums for such various age groupings as the Secretary may decide to be necessary according to sound actuarial principles, and shall include an amount necessary to cover the administrative cost of such insurance to the company or companies issuing such insurance. Such premiums shall be payable by the insureds thereunder as provided by the Secretary directly to the administrative office established for such insurance under section 1966 (b) of this title. In any case in which a member or former member who was mentally incompetent on the date such member or former member first became insured under Veterans Group Life Insurance dies within one year of such date, such insurance shall be deemed not to have lapsed for nonpayment of premiums and to have been in force on the date of death. Where insurance is in force under the preceding sentence, any unpaid premiums may be deducted from the proceeds of the insurance. Any person who claims eligibility for Veterans Group Life Insurance based on disability incurred during a period of duty shall be required to submit evidence of qualifying health conditions and, if required, to submit to physical examinations at their own expense.
(d) Any amount of Veterans Group Life Insurance in force on any person on the date of such persons death shall be paid, upon the establishment of a valid claim therefor, pursuant to the provisions of section 1970 of this title. However, any designation of beneficiary or beneficiaries for Servicemembers Group Life Insurance filed with a uniformed service until changed, shall be considered a designation of beneficiary or beneficiaries for Veterans Group Life Insurance, but not for more than sixty days after the effective date of the insureds Veterans Group Insurance, unless at the end of such sixty-day period, the insured is incompetent in which event such designation may continue in force until the disability is removed but not for more than five years after the effective date of the insureds Veterans Group Life Insurance. Except as indicated above in incompetent cases, after such sixty-day period, any designation of beneficiary or beneficiaries for Veterans Group Life Insurance to be effective must be by a writing signed by the insured and received by the administrative office established under section 1966 (b) of this title.
(e) An insured under Veterans Group Life Insurance shall have the right at any time to convert such insurance to an individual policy of life insurance upon written application for conversion made to the participating company the insured selects and payment of the required premiums. The individual policy will be issued without medical examination on a plan then currently written by such company which does not provide for the payment of any sum less than the face value thereof or for the payment of an additional amount as premiums in the event the insured performs active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty training. The Veterans Group Life Insurance policy converted to an individual policy under this subsection shall terminate on the day before the date on which the individual policy becomes effective. Upon request to the administrative office established under section 1966 (b) of this title, an insured under Veterans Group Life Insurance shall be furnished a list of life insurance companies participating in the program established under this subchapter. In addition to the life insurance companies participating in the program established under this subchapter, the list furnished to an insured under this section shall include additional life insurance companies (not so participating) which meet qualifying criteria, terms, and conditions established by the Secretary and agree to sell insurance to former members in accordance with the provisions of this section.
(f) The provisions of subsections (d) and (e) of section 1971 of this title shall be applicable to Veterans Group Life Insurance. However, a separate accounting shall be required for each program of insurance authorized under this subchapter. In such accounting, the Secretary is authorized to allocate claims and other costs among such programs of insurance according to accepted actuarial principles.
(g) Any person whose Servicemembers Group Life Insurance was continued in force after termination of duty or discharge from service under the law as in effect prior to the date on which the Veterans Group Life Insurance program (provided for under section 1977 of this title) became effective, and whose coverage under Servicemembers Group Life Insurance terminated less than four years prior to such date, shall be eligible within one year from the effective date of the Veterans Group Life Insurance program to apply for and be granted Veterans Group Life Insurance in an amount equal to the amount of the insureds Servicemembers Group Life Insurance which was not converted to an individual policy under prior law. Veterans Group Life Insurance issued under this subsection shall be issued for a term period equal to five years, less the time elapsing between the termination of the applicants Servicemembers Group Life Insurance and the effective date on which the Veterans Group Life Insurance program became effective. Veterans Group Life Insurance under this subsection shall only be issued upon application to the administrative office established under section 1966 (b) of this title, payment of the required premium, and proof of good health satisfactory to that office, which proof shall be submitted at the applicants own expense. Any person who cannot meet the good health requirements for insurance under this subsection solely because of a service-connected disability shall have such disability waived. For each month for which any eligible veteran, whose service-connected disabilities are waived, is insured under this subsection there shall be contributed to the insurer or insurers issuing the policy or policies from the appropriation Compensation and Pensions, Department of Veterans Affairs an amount necessary to cover the cost of the insurance in excess of the premiums established for eligible veterans, including the cost of the excess mortality attributable to such veterans service-connected disabilities. The Secretary may establish, as the Secretary may determine to be necessary according to sound actuarial principles, a separate premium, age groupings for premium purposes, accounting, and reserves, for persons granted insurance under this subsection different from those established for other persons granted insurance under this section. Appropriations to carry out the purpose of this section are hereby authorized.
(h) 
(1) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, members of the Individual Ready Reserve and the Inactive National Guard are eligible to be insured under Veterans Group Life Insurance. Any such member shall be so insured upon submission of an application in the manner prescribed by the Secretary and the payment of premiums as required under this section.
(2) In accordance with subsection (b), Veterans Group Life Insurance coverage under this subsection shall be issued on a renewable five-year term basis, but the person insured must remain a member of the Individual Ready Reserve or Inactive National Guard throughout the period of the insurance in order for the insurance of such person to be renewed.
(3) For the purpose of this subsection, the terms Individual Ready Reserve and Inactive National Guard shall have the meanings prescribed by the Secretary in consultation with the Secretary of Defense.

38 USC 1978 - Reinstatement

Reinstatement of insurance coverage granted under this subchapter but lapsed for nonpayment of premiums shall be under terms and conditions prescribed by the Secretary.

38 USC 1979 - Incontestability

Subject to the provision of section 1973 of this title, insurance coverage granted under this subchapter shall be incontestable from the date of issue, reinstatement, or conversion except for fraud or nonpayment of premium.

38 USC 1980 - Option to receive accelerated death benefit

(a) For the purpose of this section, a person shall be considered to be terminally ill if the person has a medical prognosis such that the life expectancy of the person is less than a period prescribed by the Secretary. The maximum length of such period may not exceed 12 months.
(b) 
(1) A terminally ill person insured under Servicemembers Group Life Insurance or Veterans Group Life Insurance may elect to receive in a lump-sum payment a portion of the face value of the insurance as an accelerated death benefit reduced by an amount necessary to assure that there is no increase in the actuarial value of the benefit paid, as determined by the Secretary.
(2) The Secretary shall prescribe the maximum amount of the accelerated death benefit available under this section that the Secretary finds to be administratively practicable and actuarially sound, but in no event may the amount of the benefit exceed the amount equal to 50 percent of the face value of the persons insurance in force on the date the election of the person to receive the benefit is approved.
(3) A person making an election under this section may elect to receive an amount that is less than the maximum amount prescribed under paragraph (2). The Secretary shall prescribe the increments in which a reduced amount under this paragraph may be elected.
(c) The portion of the face value of insurance which is not paid in a lump sum as an accelerated death benefit under this section shall remain payable in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.
(d) Deductions under section 1969 of this title and premiums under section 1977 (c) of this title shall be reduced, in a manner consistent with the percentage reduction in the face value of the insurance as a result of payment of an accelerated death benefit under this section, effective with respect to any amounts which would otherwise become due on or after the date of payment under this section.
(e) The Secretary shall prescribe regulations to carry out this section. Such regulations shall include provisions regarding
(1) the form and manner in which an application for an election under this section shall be made; and
(2) the procedures under which any such application shall be considered.
(f) 
(1) An election to receive a benefit under this section shall be irrevocable.
(2) A person may not make more than one election under this section, even if the election of the person is to receive less than the maximum amount of the benefit available to the person under this section.
(g) If a person insured under Servicemembers Group Life Insurance elects to receive a benefit under this section and the persons Servicemembers Group Life Insurance is thereafter converted to Veterans Group Life Insurance as provided in section 1968 (b) of this title, the amount of the benefit paid under this section shall reduce the amount of Veterans Group Life Insurance available to the person under section 1977 (a) of this title.
(h) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the amount of the accelerated death benefit received by a person under this section shall not be considered income or resources for purposes of determining eligibility for or the amount of benefits under any Federal or federally-assisted program or for any other purpose.

38 USC 1980A - Traumatic injury protection

(a) 
(1) A member of the uniformed services who is insured under Servicemembers Group Life Insurance shall automatically be insured for traumatic injury in accordance with this section. Insurance benefits under this section shall be payable if the member, while so insured, sustains a traumatic injury on or after December 1, 2005, that results in a qualifying loss specified pursuant to subsection (b)(1).
(2) If a member suffers more than one such qualifying loss as a result of traumatic injury from the same traumatic event, payment shall be made under this section in accordance with the schedule prescribed pursuant to subsection (d) for the single loss providing the highest payment.
(b) 
(1) A member who is insured against traumatic injury under this section is insured against such losses due to traumatic injury (in this section referred to as qualifying losses) as are prescribed by the Secretary by regulation. Qualifying losses so prescribed shall include the following:
(A) Total and permanent loss of sight.
(B) Loss of a hand or foot by severance at or above the wrist or ankle.
(C) Total and permanent loss of speech.
(D) Total and permanent loss of hearing in both ears.
(E) Loss of thumb and index finger of the same hand by severance at or above the metacarpophalangeal joints.
(F) Quadriplegia, paraplegia, or hemiplegia.
(G) Burns greater than second degree, covering 30 percent of the body or 30 percent of the face.
(H) Coma or the inability to carry out the activities of daily living resulting from traumatic injury to the brain.
(2) For purposes of this subsection:
(A) The term quadriplegia means the complete and irreversible paralysis of all four limbs.
(B) The term paraplegia means the complete and irreversible paralysis of both lower limbs.
(C) The term hemiplegia means the complete and irreversible paralysis of the upper and lower limbs on one side of the body.
(D) The term inability to carry out the activities of daily living means the inability to independently perform two or more of the following six functions:
(i) Bathing.
(ii) Continence.
(iii) Dressing.
(iv) Eating.
(v) Toileting.
(vi) Transferring.
(3) The Secretary may prescribe, by regulation, conditions under which coverage otherwise provided under this section is excluded.
(4) A member shall not be considered for the purposes of this section to be a member insured under Servicemembers Group Life Insurance if the member is insured under Servicemembers Group Life Insurance only as an insurable dependent of another member pursuant to subparagraph (A)(ii) or (C)(ii) of section 1967 (a)(1) of this title.
(c) 
(1) A payment may be made to a member under this section only for a qualifying loss that results directly from a traumatic injury sustained while the member is covered against loss under this section and from no other cause.
(2) 
(A) A payment may be made to a member under this section for a qualifying loss resulting from a traumatic injury only for a loss that is incurred during the applicable period of time specified pursuant to subparagraph (B).
(B) For each qualifying loss, the Secretary shall prescribe, by regulation, a period of time to be the period of time within which a loss of that type must be incurred, determined from the date on which the member sustains the traumatic injury resulting in that loss, in order for that loss to be covered under this section.
(d) Payments under this section for qualifying losses shall be made in accordance with a schedule prescribed by the Secretary, by regulation, specifying the amount of payment to be made for each type of qualifying loss, to be based on the severity of the qualifying loss. The minimum payment that may be prescribed for a qualifying loss is $25,000, and the maximum payment that may be prescribed for a qualifying loss is $100,000.
(e) 
(1) During any period in which a member is insured under this section and the member is on active duty, there shall be deducted each month from the members basic or other pay until separation or release from active duty an amount determined by the Secretary (which shall be the same for all such members) as the share of the cost attributable to provided coverage under this section, less any costs traceable to the extra hazards of such duty in the uniformed services.
(2) During any month in which a member is assigned to the Ready Reserve of a uniformed service under conditions which meet the qualifications set forth in section 1965 (5)(B) of this title and is insured under a policy of insurance purchased by the Secretary under section 1966 of this title, there shall be contributed from the appropriation made for active duty pay of the uniformed service concerned an amount determined by the Secretary (which shall be the same for all such members) as the share of the cost attributable to provided coverage under this section, less any costs traceable to the extra hazards of such duty in the uniformed services. Any amounts so contributed on behalf of any member shall be collected by the Secretary concerned from such member (by deduction from pay or otherwise) and shall be credited to the appropriation from which such contribution was made in advance on a monthly basis.
(3) The Secretary shall determine the premium amounts to be charged for traumatic injury protection coverage provided under this section.
(4) The premium amounts shall be determined on the basis of sound actuarial principles and shall include an amount necessary to cover the administrative costs to the insurer or insurers providing such insurance.
(5) Each premium rate for the first policy year shall be continued for subsequent policy years, except that the rate may be adjusted for any such subsequent policy year on the basis of the experience under the policy, as determined by the Secretary in advance of that policy year.
(6) The cost attributable to insuring members under this section for any month or other period specified by the Secretary, less the premiums paid by the members, shall be paid by the Secretary concerned to the Secretary. The Secretary shall allocate the amount payable among the uniformed services using such methods and data as the Secretary determines to be reasonable and practicable. Payments under this paragraph shall be made on a monthly basis or at such other intervals as may be specified by the Secretary and shall be made within 10 days of the date on which the Secretary provides notice to the Secretary concerned of the amount required.
(7) For each period for which a payment by a Secretary concerned is required under paragraph (6), the Secretary concerned shall contribute such amount from appropriations available for active duty pay of the uniformed service concerned.
(8) The sums withheld from the basic or other pay of members, or collected from them by the Secretary concerned, under this subsection, and the sums contributed from appropriations under this subsection, together with the income derived from any dividends or premium rate adjustments received from insurers shall be deposited to the credit of the revolving fund established in the Treasury of the United States under section 1869 (d)(1) of this title.
(f) When a claim for benefits is submitted under this section, the Secretary of Defense or, in the case of a member not under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary concerned, shall certify to the Secretary whether the member with respect to whom the claim is submitted
(1) was at the time of the injury giving rise to the claim insured under Servicemembers Group Life Insurance for the purposes of this section; and
(2) has sustained a qualifying loss.
(g) 
(1) Payment for a loss resulting from traumatic injury may not be made under the insurance coverage under this section if the member dies before the end of a period prescribed by the Secretary, by regulation, for such purpose that begins on the date on which the member sustains the injury.
(2) If a member eligible for a payment under this section dies before payment to the member can be made, the payment shall be made to the beneficiary or beneficiaries to whom the payment would be made if the payment were life insurance under section 1967 (a) of this title.
(h) Coverage for loss resulting from traumatic injury provided under this section shall cease at midnight on the date of the termination of the members duty status in the uniformed services that established eligibility for Servicemembers Group Life Insurance. The termination of coverage under this section is effective in accordance with the preceding sentence, notwithstanding any continuation after the date specified in that sentence of Servicemembers Group Life Insurance coverage pursuant to 1968(a)[1] of this title for a period specified in that section.
(i) Insurance coverage provided under this section is not convertible to Veterans Group Life Insurance.
(j) Regulations under this section shall be prescribed in consultation with the Secretary of Defense.
[1] So in original. Probably should be preceded by “section”.

TITLE 38 - US CODE - SUBCHAPTER IV - GENERAL

38 USC 1981 - Replacement of surrendered and expired insurance

(a) Any person who surrendered a policy of National Service Life Insurance or United States Government life insurance on a permanent plan for its cash value while in the active service after April 24, 1951, and before January 1, 1957, who was entitled on December 31, 1958, to reinstate or replace such insurance under section 623 of the National Service Life Insurance Act of 1940, may, upon application in writing made while on continuous active duty which began before January 1, 1959, or within one hundred and twenty days after separation therefrom, be granted, without medical examination, permanent plan insurance on the same plan not in excess of the amount surrendered for cash, or may reinstate such surrendered insurance upon payment of the required reserve and the premium for the current month. Waiver of premiums and total disability income benefits otherwise authorized under this chapter shall not be denied in any case of issue or reinstatement of insurance on a permanent plan under this section or the prior corresponding provision of law in which it is shown to the satisfaction of the Secretary that total disability of the applicant began before the date of application. The cost of the premiums waived and total disability income benefits paid by virtue of the preceding sentence and the excess mortality cost in any case where the insurance matures by death from such total disability shall be borne by the United States and the Secretary shall transfer from time to time from the National Service Life Insurance appropriation to the National Service Life Insurance Fund and from the military and naval insurance appropriation to the United States Government Life Insurance Fund such sums as may be necessary to reimburse the funds for such costs.
(b) Any person who had United States Government life insurance or National Service Life Insurance on the five-year level premium term plan, the term of which expired while such person was in the active service after April 25, 1951, or within one hundred and twenty days after separation from such active service, and in either case before January 1, 1957, who was entitled on December 31, 1958, to replace such insurance under section 623 of the National Service Life Insurance Act of 1940, shall, upon application made while on continuous active duty which began before January 1, 1959, or within one hundred and twenty days after separation therefrom, payment of premiums and evidence of good health satisfactory to the Secretary, be granted an equivalent amount of insurance on the five-year level premium term plan at the premium rate for such persons then attained age.

38 USC 1982 - Administrative cost

Except as provided in sections 1920 (c), 1923 (d), and 1955 (c) of this title, the United States shall bear the cost of administration in connection with this chapter, including expenses for medical examinations, inspections when necessary, printing and binding, and for such other expenditures as are necessary in the discretion of the Secretary.

38 USC 1983 - Settlements for minors or incompetents

When an optional mode of settlement of National Service Life Insurance or United States Government life insurance heretofore or hereafter matured is available to a beneficiary who is a minor or incompetent, such option may be exercised by such beneficiarys fiduciary, person qualified under the Act of February 25, 1933 (25 U.S.C. 14), or person recognized by the Secretary as having custody of the person or the estate of such beneficiary, and the obligation of the United States under the insurance contract shall be fully satisfied by payment of benefits in accordance with the mode of settlement so selected.

38 USC 1984 - Suits on insurance

(a) In the event of disagreement as to claim, including claim for refund of premiums, under contract of National Service Life Insurance, United States Government life insurance, or yearly renewable term insurance between the Secretary and any person or persons claiming thereunder an action on the claim may be brought against the United States either in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia or in the district court of the United States in and for the district in which such person or any one of them resides, and jurisdiction is conferred upon such courts to hear and determine all such controversies. All persons having or claiming to have an interest in such insurance may be made parties to such suit, and such as are not inhabitants of or found within the district in which suit is brought may be brought in by order of the court to be served personally or by publication or in such other reasonable manner as the court may direct. In all cases where the Secretary acknowledges the indebtedness of the United States upon any such contract of insurance and there is a dispute as to the person or persons entitled to payment, a suit in the nature of a bill of interpleader may be brought at the request of the Secretary in the name of the United States against all persons having or claiming to have any interest in such insurance in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia or in the district court in and for the district in which any such claimant resides; however, no less than thirty days before instituting such suit the Secretary shall mail a notice of such intention to each of the persons to be made parties to the suit. The courts of appeals for the several circuits, including the District of Columbia, shall respectively exercise appellate jurisdiction and, except as provided in section 1254 of title 28, the decrees of such courts of appeals shall be final.
(b) No suit on yearly renewable term insurance, United States Government life insurance, or National Service Life Insurance shall be allowed under this section unless the same shall have been brought within six years after the right accrued for which the claim is made. For the purposes of this section it shall be deemed that the right accrued on the happening of the contingency on which the claim is founded. The limitation of six years is suspended for the period elapsing between the filing with the Secretary of the claim sued upon and the denial of the claim. However, if a claim is timely filed the claimant shall have not less than ninety days from the date of mailing of notice of denial within which to file suit. After June 28, 1936, notice of denial of the claim under a contract of insurance shall be by registered mail or by certified mail directed to the claimants last address of record. Infants, insane persons, or persons under other legal disability, or persons rated as incompetent or insane by the Secretary shall have three years in which to bring suit after the removal of their disabilities. If suit is seasonably begun and fails for defect in process, or for other reasons not affecting the merits, a new action, if one lies, may be brought within a year though the period of limitation has elapsed. No State or other statute of limitations shall be applicable to suits filed under this section.
(c) In any suit, action, or proceeding brought under the provisions of this section subpenas for witnesses who are required to attend a court of the United States in any district may run into any other district. However, no writ of subpena shall issue for witnesses living out of the district in which the court is held at a greater distance than one hundred miles from the place of holding the same without the permission of the court being first had upon proper application and cause shown. The word district and the words district court as used in this section shall be construed to include the District of Columbia and the United States District Court for the District of Columbia.
(d) Attorneys of the Department, when assigned to assist in the trial of cases, and employees of the Department when ordered in writing by the Secretary to appear as witnesses, shall be paid the regular travel and subsistence allowance paid to other employees when on official travel status.
(e) Part-time and fee-basis employees of the Department, in addition to their regular travel and subsistence allowance, when ordered in writing by the Secretary to appear as witnesses in suits under this section, may be allowed, within the discretion and under written orders of the Secretary, a fee in an amount not to exceed $50 per day.
(f) Employees of the Department who are subpenaed to attend the trial of any suit, under the provisions of this section, as witnesses for a party to such suit shall be granted court leave or authorized absence, as applicable, for the period they are required to be away from the Department in answer to such subpenas.
(g) Whenever a judgment or decree shall be rendered in an action brought under the provisions of this section, the court, as a part of its judgment or decree, shall determine and allow reasonable fees for the attorneys of the successful party or parties and apportion same if proper, said fees not to exceed 10 per centum of the amount recovered and to be paid by the Department out of the payments to be made under the judgment or decree at a rate not exceeding one-tenth of each of such payments until paid; except that, in a suit brought by or on behalf of an insured during the insureds lifetime for waiver of premiums on account of total disability, the court, as part of its judgment or decree, shall determine and allow a reasonable fee to be paid by the insured to the insureds attorney.
(h) The term claim as used in this section means any writing which uses words showing an intention to claim insurance benefits; and the term disagreement means a denial of the claim, after consideration on its merits, by the Secretary or any employee or organizational unit of the Department heretofore or hereafter designated therefor by the Secretary.
(i) The Attorney General of the United States is authorized to agree to a judgment to be rendered by the chief judge of the United States court having jurisdiction of the case, pursuant to compromise approved by the Attorney General upon the recommendation of the United States attorney charged with the defense, upon such terms and for sums within the amount claimed to be payable, in any suit brought under the provisions of this section, on a contract of yearly renewable term insurance, and the Secretary shall make payments in accordance with any such judgment. The Comptroller General of the United States shall allow credit in the accounts of disbursing officers for all payments of insurance made in accordance with any such judgment. All such judgments shall constitute final settlement of the claim and no appeal therefrom shall be authorized.

38 USC 1985 - Decisions by the Secretary

Except in the event of suit as provided in section 1984 of this title, or other appropriate court proceedings, all decisions rendered by the Secretary under the provisions of this chapter shall be final and conclusive on all questions of law or fact, and no other official of the United States shall have jurisdiction to review any such decisions.

38 USC 1986 - Deposits in and disbursements from trust funds

All cash balances in the United States Government Life Insurance Fund and the National Service Life Insurance Fund on January 1, 1959, together with all moneys thereafter accruing to such funds, including premiums, appropriated moneys, the proceeds of any sales of investments which may be necessary to meet current expenditures, and interest on investments, shall be available for disbursement for meeting all expenditures and making investments authorized to be made from such funds.

38 USC 1987 - Penalties

(a) Any person who shall knowingly make or cause to be made, or conspire, combine, aid, or assist in, agree to, arrange for, or in anywise procure the making or presentation of a false or fraudulent affidavit, declaration, certificate, statement, voucher, or paper, or writing purporting to be such, concerning any application for insurance or reinstatement thereof, waiver of premiums or claim for benefits under National Service Life Insurance, United States Government life insurance, or yearly renewable term insurance for any person, shall be fined not more than $1,000, or be imprisoned for not more than one year, or both.
(b) Whoever in any claim for National Service Life Insurance, United States Government life insurance, or yearly renewable term insurance makes any sworn statement of a material fact knowing it to be false, shall be guilty of perjury and shall be fined not more than $5,000, or be imprisoned for not more than two years, or both.

38 USC 1988 - Savings provision

Nothing in this title or any amendment or repeal made by the Act enacting this title shall affect any right, remedy, liability, authorization or requirement pertaining to Government insurance, the respective insurance funds, or the insurance appropriations, authorized or prescribed under the provisions of the War Risk Insurance Act, the World War Veterans Act, 1924, the National Service Life Insurance Act of 1940, or any related Act, which was in effect on December 31, 1958.

TITLE 38 - US CODE - CHAPTER 20 - BENEFITS FOR HOMELESS VETERANS

TITLE 38 - US CODE - SUBCHAPTER I - PURPOSE; DEFINITIONS; ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS

38 USC 2001 - Purpose

The purpose of this chapter is to provide for the special needs of homeless veterans.

38 USC 2002 - Definitions

In this chapter:
(1) The term homeless veteran means a veteran who is homeless (as that term is defined in section 103(a) of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 11302 (a))).
(2) The term grant and per diem provider means an entity in receipt of a grant under section 2011 or 2012 of this title.

38 USC 2003 - Staffing requirements

(a) VBA Staffing at Regional Offices.— 
The Secretary shall ensure that there is at least one full-time employee assigned to oversee and coordinate homeless veterans programs at each of the 20 Veterans Benefits Administration regional offices that the Secretary determines have the largest homeless veteran populations within the regions of the Administration. The programs covered by such oversight and coordination include the following:
(1) Housing programs administered by the Secretary under this title or any other provision of law.
(2) Compensation, pension, vocational rehabilitation, and education benefits programs administered by the Secretary under this title or any other provision of law.
(3) The housing program for veterans supported by the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
(4) The homeless veterans reintegration program of the Department of Labor under section 2021 of this title.
(5) The programs under section 2033 of this title.
(6) The assessments required by section 2034 of this title.
(7) Such other programs relating to homeless veterans as may be specified by the Secretary.
(b) VHA Case Managers.— 
The Secretary shall ensure that the number of case managers in the Veterans Health Administration is sufficient to assure that every veteran who is provided a housing voucher through section 8(o) of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437f (o)) is assigned to, and is seen as needed by, a case manager.

TITLE 38 - US CODE - SUBCHAPTER II - COMPREHENSIVE SERVICE PROGRAMS

38 USC 2011 - Grants

(a) Authority To Make Grants.— 
Subject to the availability of appropriations provided for such purpose, the Secretary shall make grants to assist eligible entities in establishing programs to furnish, and expanding or modifying existing programs for furnishing, the following to homeless veterans:
(1) Outreach.
(2) Rehabilitative services.
(3) Vocational counseling and training.
(4) Transitional housing assistance.
(b) Criteria for Grants.— 
The Secretary shall establish criteria and requirements for grants under this section, including criteria for entities eligible to receive grants, and shall publish such criteria and requirements in the Federal Register. The criteria established under this subsection shall include the following:
(1) Specification as to the kinds of projects for which grants are 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 for purposes of a program referred to in subsection (a).
(2) Specification as to the number of projects for which grants are available.
(3) Criteria for staffing for the provision of services under a project for which grants are made.
(4) Provisions to ensure that 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 other locations.
(5) Provisions to ensure that an entity receiving a grant shall meet fire and safety requirements established by the Secretary, which shall include
(A) such State and local requirements that may apply; and
(B) fire and safety requirements applicable under the Life Safety Code of the National Fire Protection Association or such other comparable fire and safety requirements as the Secretary may specify.
(6) Specification as to the means by which an entity receiving a grant may contribute in-kind services to the start-up costs of a project for which a grant is sought and the methodology for assigning a cost to that contribution for purposes of subsection (c).
(c) Funding Limitations.— 
A grant under this section may not be used to support operational costs. The amount of a grant under this section may not exceed 65 percent of the estimated cost of the project concerned.
(d) Eligible Entities.— 
The Secretary may make a grant under this section to an entity applying for such a grant only if the applicant for the grant
(1) is a public or nonprofit">nonprofit private entity with the capacity (as determined by the Secretary) to effectively administer a grant under this section;
(2) demonstrates that adequate financial support will be available to carry out the project for which the grant is sought consistent with the plans, specifications, and schedule submitted by the applicant; and
(3) agrees to meet the applicable criteria and requirements established under subsections (b) and (g) and has, as determined by the Secretary, the capacity to meet such criteria and requirements.
(e) Application Requirement.— 
An entity seeking a grant for a project under this section shall submit to the Secretary an application for the grant. The application shall set forth the following:
(1) The amount of the grant sought for the project.
(2) A description of the site for the project.
(3) Plans, specifications, and the schedule for implementation of the project in accordance with criteria and requirements prescribed by the Secretary under subsection (b).
(4) Reasonable assurance that upon completion of the work for which the grant is sought, the project 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 under the project will be provided to individuals who are not veterans.
(f) Program Requirements.— 
The Secretary may not make a grant for a project to an applicant under this section unless the applicant in the application for the grant agrees to each of the following requirements:
(1) To provide the services for which the grant is made at locations accessible to homeless veterans.
(2) To maintain referral networks for homeless veterans for establishing eligibility for assistance and obtaining services, under available entitlement and assistance programs, and to aid such veterans in establishing eligibility for and obtaining such services.
(3) To ensure the confidentiality of records maintained on homeless veterans receiving services through the project.
(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 2012 of this title.
(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) Service Center Requirements.— 
In addition to criteria and requirements established under subsection (b), in the case of an application for a grant under this section for a service center for homeless veterans, the Secretary shall require each of the following:
(1) That such center provide services to homeless veterans during such hours as the Secretary may specify and be open to such veterans on an as-needed, unscheduled basis.
(2) That space at such center 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) That such center 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.
(4) That such center be equipped and staffed to provide, or to assist in providing, job training, counseling, and placement services (including job readiness and literacy and skills training), as well as any outreach and case management services that may be necessary to carry out this paragraph.
(h) Recovery of Unused Grant Funds.— 

(1) If a grant recipient under this section does not establish a program in accordance with this section or ceases to furnish services under such a program for which the grant was made, the United States shall be entitled to recover from such recipient the total of all unused grant amounts made under this section to such recipient in connection with such program.
(2) Any amount recovered by the United States under paragraph (1) may be obligated by the Secretary without fiscal year limitation to carry out provisions of this subchapter.
(3) An amount may not be recovered under paragraph (1) as an unused grant amount before the end of the three-year period beginning on the date on which the grant is made.

38 USC 2012 - Per diem payments

(a) Per Diem Payments for Furnishing Services to Homeless Veterans.— 

(1) Subject to the availability of appropriations provided for such purpose, the Secretary, pursuant to such criteria as the Secretary shall prescribe, shall provide to a recipient of a grant under section 2011 of this title (or an entity eligible to receive a grant under that section which after November 10, 1992, establishes a program that the Secretary determines carries out the purposes described in that section) per diem payments for services furnished to any homeless veteran
(A) whom the Secretary has referred to the grant recipient (or entity eligible for such a grant); or
(B) for whom the Secretary has authorized the provision of services.
(2) 
(A) The rate for such per diem payments shall be the daily cost of care estimated by the grant recipient or eligible entity adjusted by the Secretary under subparagraph (B). In no case may the rate determined under this paragraph exceed the rate authorized for State homes for domiciliary care under subsection (a)(1)(A) of section 1741 of this title, as the Secretary may increase from time to time under subsection (c) of that section.
(B) The Secretary shall adjust the rate estimated by the grant recipient or eligible entity under subparagraph (A) to exclude other sources of income described in subparagraph (D) that the grant recipient or eligible entity certifies to be correct.
(C) Each grant recipient or eligible entity shall provide to the Secretary such information with respect to other sources of income as the Secretary may require to make the adjustment under subparagraph (B).
(D) The other sources of income referred to in subparagraphs (B) and (C) are payments to the grant recipient or eligible entity for furnishing services to homeless veterans under programs other than under this subchapter, including payments and grants from other departments and agencies of the United States, from departments or agencies of State or local government, and from private entities or organizations.
(3) In a case in which the Secretary has authorized the provision of services, per diem payments under paragraph (1) may be paid retroactively for services provided not more than three days before the authorization was provided.
(b) Inspections.— 
The Secretary may inspect any facility of a grant recipient or entity eligible for payments under subsection (a) at such times as the Secretary considers necessary. No per diem payment may be provided to a grant recipient or eligible entity under this section unless the facilities of the grant recipient or eligible entity meet such standards as the Secretary shall prescribe.
(c) Life Safety Code.— 

(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), a per diem payment may not be provided under this section to a grant recipient or eligible entity unless the facilities of the grant recipient or eligible entity, as the case may be, meet applicable fire and safety requirements under the Life Safety Code of the National Fire Protection Association or such other comparable fire and safety requirements as the Secretary may specify.
(2) During the five-year period beginning on the date of the enactment of this section, paragraph (1) shall not apply to an entity that received a grant under section 3 of the Homeless Veterans Comprehensive Service Programs Act of 1992 (Public Law 102590; 38 U.S.C. 7721 note )[1] before that date if the entity meets fire and safety requirements established by the Secretary.
(3) From amounts available for purposes of this section, not less than $5,000,000 shall be used only for grants to assist entities covered by paragraph (2) in meeting the Life Safety Code of the National Fire Protection Association or such other comparable fire and safety requirements as the Secretary may specify.
[1] See References in Text note below.

38 USC 2013 - Authorization of appropriations

There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subchapter $130,000,000 for fiscal year 2007 and each fiscal year thereafter.

TITLE 38 - US CODE - SUBCHAPTER III - TRAINING AND OUTREACH

38 USC 2021 - Homeless veterans reintegration programs

(a) In General.— 
Subject to the availability of appropriations provided for such purpose, the Secretary of Labor shall conduct, directly or through grant or contract, such programs as the Secretary determines appropriate to provide job training, counseling, and placement services (including job readiness and literacy and skills training) to expedite the reintegration of homeless veterans into the labor force.
(b) Requirement To Monitor Expenditures of Funds.— 

(1) The Secretary of Labor shall collect such information as that Secretary considers appropriate to monitor and evaluate the distribution and expenditure of funds appropriated to carry out this section. The information shall include data with respect to the results or outcomes of the services provided to each homeless veteran under this section.
(2) Information under paragraph (1) shall be furnished in such form and manner as the Secretary of Labor may specify.
(c) Administration Through the Assistant Secretary of Labor for Veterans’ Employment and Training.— 
The Secretary of Labor shall carry out this section through the Assistant Secretary of Labor for Veterans Employment and Training.
(d) Biennial Report to Congress.— 
Not less than every two years, the Secretary of Labor shall submit to Congress a report on the programs conducted under this section. The Secretary of Labor shall include in the report an evaluation of services furnished to veterans under this section and an analysis of the information collected under subsection (b).
(e) Authorization of Appropriations.— 

(1) There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section amounts as follows:
(A) $50,000,000 for fiscal year 2002.
(B) $50,000,000 for fiscal year 2003.
(C) $50,000,000 for fiscal year 2004.
(D) $50,000,000 for fiscal year 2005.
(E) $50,000,000 for fiscal year 2006.
(F) $50,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2007 through 2009.
(2) Funds appropriated to carry out this section shall remain available until expended. Funds obligated in any fiscal year to carry out this section may be expended in that fiscal year and the succeeding fiscal year.

38 USC 2022 - Coordination of outreach services for veterans at risk of homelessness

(a) Outreach Plan.— 
The Secretary, acting through the Under Secretary for Health, shall provide for appropriate officials of the Mental Health Service and the Readjustment Counseling Service of the Veterans Health Administration to develop a coordinated plan for joint outreach by the two Services to veterans at risk of homelessness, including particularly veterans who are being discharged or released from institutions after inpatient psychiatric care, substance abuse treatment, or imprisonment.
(b) Matters To Be Included.— 
The outreach plan under subsection (a) shall include the following:
(1) Strategies to identify and collaborate with non-Department entities used by veterans who have not traditionally used Department services to further outreach efforts.
(2) Strategies to ensure that mentoring programs, recovery support groups, and other appropriate support networks are optimally available to veterans.
(3) Appropriate programs or referrals to family support programs.
(4) Means to increase access to case management services.
(5) Plans for making additional employment services accessible to veterans.
(6) Appropriate referral sources for mental health and substance abuse services.
(c) Cooperative Relationships.— 
The outreach plan under subsection (a) shall identify strategies for the Department to enter into formal cooperative relationships with entities outside the Department to facilitate making services and resources optimally available to veterans.
(d) Review of Plan.— 
The Secretary shall submit the outreach plan under subsection (a) to the Advisory Committee on Homeless Veterans for its review and consultation.
(e) Outreach Program.— 

(1) The Secretary shall carry out an outreach program to provide information to homeless veterans and veterans at risk of homelessness. The program shall include at a minimum
(A) provision of information about benefits available to eligible veterans from the Department; and
(B) contact information for local Department facilities, including medical facilities, regional offices, and veterans centers.
(2) In developing and carrying out the program under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall, to the extent practicable, consult with appropriate public and private organizations, including the Bureau of Prisons, State social service agencies, the Department of Defense, and mental health, veterans, and homeless advocates
(A) for assistance in identifying and contacting veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness;
(B) to coordinate appropriate outreach activities with those organizations; and
(C) to coordinate services provided to veterans with services provided by those organizations.
(f) Reports.— 

(1) Not later than October 1, 2002, the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Veterans Affairs of the Senate and House of Representatives an initial report that contains an evaluation of outreach activities carried out by the Secretary with respect to homeless veterans, including outreach regarding clinical issues and other benefits administered under this title. The Secretary shall conduct the evaluation in consultation with the Under Secretary for Benefits, the Department of Veterans Affairs central office official responsible for the administration of the Readjustment Counseling Service, the Director of Homeless Veterans Programs, and the Department of Veterans Affairs central office official responsible for the administration of the Mental Health Strategic Health Care Group.
(2) Not later than December 31, 2005, the Secretary shall submit to the committees referred to in paragraph (1) an interim report on outreach activities carried out by the Secretary with respect to homeless veterans. The report shall include the following:
(A) The Secretarys outreach plan under subsection (a), including goals and time lines for implementation of the plan for particular facilities and service networks.
(B) A description of the implementation and operation of the outreach program under subsection (e).
(C) A description of the implementation and operation of the demonstration program under section 2023 of this title.
(3) Not later than July 1, 2007, the Secretary shall submit to the committees referred to in paragraph (1) a final report on outreach activities carried out by the Secretary with respect to homeless veterans. The report shall include the following:
(A) An evaluation of the effectiveness of the outreach plan under subsection (a).
(B) An evaluation of the effectiveness of the outreach program under subsection (e).
(C) An evaluation of the effectiveness of the demonstration program under section 2023 of this title.
(D) Recommendations, if any, regarding an extension or modification of such outreach plan, such outreach program, and such demonstration program.

38 USC 2023 - Demonstration program of referral and counseling for veterans transitioning from certain institutions who are at risk for homelessness

(a) Program Authority.— 
The Secretary and the Secretary of Labor (hereinafter in this section referred to as the Secretaries) shall carry out a demonstration program for the purpose of determining the costs and benefits of providing referral and counseling services to eligible veterans with respect to benefits and services available to such veterans under this title and under State law.
(b) Location of Demonstration Program.— 
The demonstration program shall be carried out in at least six locations. One location shall be a penal institution under the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Prisons.
(c) Scope of Program.— 

(1) To the extent practicable, the demonstration program shall provide both referral and counseling services, and in the case of counseling services, shall include counseling with respect to job training and placement (including job readiness), housing, health care, and other benefits to assist the eligible veteran in the transition from institutional living.
(2) 
(A) To the extent that referral or counseling services are provided at a location under the program, referral services shall be provided in person during such period of time that the Secretaries may specify that precedes the date of release or discharge of the eligible veteran, and counseling services shall be furnished after such date.
(B) The Secretaries may, as part of the program, furnish to officials of penal institutions outreach information with respect to referral and counseling services for presentation to veterans in the custody of such officials during the 18-month period that precedes such date of release or discharge.
(3) The Secretaries may enter into contracts to carry out the referral and counseling services required under the program with entities or organizations that meet such requirements as the Secretaries may establish.
(4) In developing the program, the Secretaries shall consult with officials of the Bureau of Prisons, officials of penal institutions of States and political subdivisions of States, and such other officials as the Secretaries determine appropriate.
(d) Duration.— 
The authority of the Secretaries to provide referral and counseling services under the demonstration program shall cease on September 30, 2007.
(e) Definition.— 
In this section, the term eligible veteran means a veteran who
(1) is a resident of a penal institution or an institution that provides long-term care for mental illness; and
(2) is at risk for homelessness absent referral and counseling services provided under the demonstration program (as determined under guidelines established by the Secretaries).

TITLE 38 - US CODE - SUBCHAPTER IV - TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION FOR SERIOUSLY MENTALLY ILL AND HOMELESS VETERANS

38 USC 2031 - General treatment

(a) In providing care and services under section 1710 of this title to veterans suffering from serious mental illness, including veterans who are homeless, the Secretary may provide (directly or in conjunction with a governmental or other entity)
(1) outreach services;
(2) care, treatment, and rehabilitative services (directly or by contract in community-based treatment facilities, including halfway houses); and
(3) therapeutic transitional housing assistance under section 2032 of this title, in conjunction with work therapy under subsection (a) or (b) of section 1718 of this title and outpatient care.
(b) The authority of the Secretary under subsection (a) expires on December 31, 2011.

38 USC 2032 - Therapeutic housing

(a) The Secretary, in connection with the conduct of compensated work therapy programs, may operate residences and facilities as therapeutic housing.
(b) The Secretary may use such procurement procedures for the purchase, lease, or other acquisition of residential housing for purposes of this section as the Secretary considers appropriate to expedite the opening and operation of transitional housing and to protect the interests of the United States.
(c) A residence or other facility may be operated as transitional housing for veterans described in paragraphs (1) and (2) of section 1710 (a) of this title under the following conditions:
(1) Only veterans described in those paragraphs and a house manager may reside in the residence or facility.
(2) Each resident, other than the house manager, shall be required to make payments that contribute to covering the expenses of board and the operational costs of the residence or facility for the period of residence in such housing.
(3) In order to foster the therapeutic and rehabilitative objectives of such housing
(A)  residents shall be prohibited from using alcohol or any controlled substance or item,
(B)  any resident violating that prohibition may be expelled from the residence or facility, and
(C)  each resident shall agree to undergo drug testing or such other measures as the Secretary shall prescribe to ensure compliance with that prohibition.
(4) In the establishment and operation of housing under this section, the Secretary shall consult with appropriate representatives of the community in which the housing is established and shall comply with zoning requirements, building permit requirements, and other similar requirements applicable to other real property used for similar purposes in the community.
(5) The residence or facility shall meet State and community fire and safety requirements applicable to other real property used for similar purposes in the community in which the transitional housing is located, but fire and safety requirements applicable to buildings of the Federal Government shall not apply to such property.
(d) The Secretary shall prescribe the qualifications for house managers for transitional housing units operated under this section. The Secretary may provide for free room and subsistence for a house manager in addition to, or instead of payment of, a fee for the services provided by the manager.
(e) 
(1) The Secretary may operate as transitional housing under this section
(A) any suitable residential property acquired by the Secretary as the result of a default on a loan made, guaranteed, or insured under chapter 37 of this title;
(B) any suitable space in a facility under the jurisdiction of the Secretary that is no longer being used
(i)  to provide acute hospital care, or
(ii)  as housing for medical center employees; and
(C) any other suitable residential property purchased, leased, or otherwise acquired by the Secretary.
(2) In the case of any property referred to in paragraph (1)(A), the Secretary shall
(A) transfer administrative jurisdiction over such property within the Department from the Veterans Benefits Administration to the Veterans Health Administration; and
(B) transfer from the General Post Fund to the Loan Guaranty Revolving Fund under chapter 37 of this title an amount (not to exceed the amount the Secretary paid for the property) representing the amount the Secretary considers could be obtained by sale of such property to a nonprofit">nonprofit organization or a State for use as a shelter for homeless veterans.
(3) In the case of any residential property obtained by the Secretary from the Department of Housing and Urban Development under this section, the amount paid by the Secretary to that Department for that property may not exceed the amount that the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development would charge for the sale of that property to a nonprofit">nonprofit organization or a State for use as a shelter for homeless persons. Funds for such charge shall be derived from the General Post Fund.
(f) The Secretary shall prescribe
(1) a procedure for establishing reasonable payment rates for persons residing in transitional housing; and
(2) appropriate limits on the period for which such persons may reside in transitional housing.
(g) The Secretary may dispose of any property acquired for the purpose of this section. The proceeds of any such disposal shall be credited to the General Post Fund.
(h) Funds received by the Department under this section shall be deposited in the General Post Fund. The Secretary may distribute out of the fund such amounts as necessary for the acquisition, management, maintenance, and disposition of real property for the purpose of carrying out such program. The Secretary shall manage the operation of this section so as to ensure that expenditures under this subsection for any fiscal year shall not exceed by more than $500,000 proceeds credited to the General Post Fund under this section. The operation of the program and funds received shall be separately accounted for, and shall be stated in the documents accompanying the Presidents budget for each fiscal year.

38 USC 2033 - Additional services at certain locations

(a) Subject to the availability of appropriations, the Secretary shall operate a program under this section to expand and improve the provision of benefits and services by the Department to homeless veterans.
(b) The program shall include the establishment of sites under the jurisdiction of the Secretary to be centers for the provision of comprehensive services to homeless veterans. The services to be provided at each site shall include a comprehensive and coordinated array of those specialized services which may be provided under existing law. The Secretary shall carry out the program under this section in sites in at least each of the 20 largest metropolitan statistical areas.
(c) The program shall include the services of such employees of the Veterans Benefits Administration as the Secretary determines appropriate at sites under the jurisdiction of the Secretary at which services are provided to homeless veterans.
(d) The program under this section shall terminate on December 31, 2011.

38 USC 2034 - Coordination with other agencies and organizations

(a) In assisting homeless veterans, the Secretary shall coordinate with, and may provide services authorized under this title in conjunction with, State and local governments, other appropriate departments and agencies of the Federal Government, and nongovernmental organizations.
(b) 
(1) The Secretary shall require the director of each medical center or the director of each regional benefits office to make an annual assessment of the needs of homeless veterans living within the area served by the medical center or regional office, as the case may be.
(2) Each such assessment shall be made in coordination with representatives of State and local governments, other appropriate departments and agencies of the Federal Government, and nongovernmental organizations that have experience working with homeless persons in that area.
(3) Each such assessment shall identify the needs of homeless veterans with respect to the following:
(A) Health care.
(B) Education and training.
(C) Employment.
(D) Shelter.
(E) Counseling.
(F) Outreach services.
(4) Each assessment shall also indicate the extent to which the needs referred to in paragraph (3) are being met adequately by the programs of the Department, of other departments and agencies of the Federal Government, of State and local governments, and of nongovernmental organizations.
(5) Each assessment shall be carried out in accordance with uniform procedures and guidelines prescribed by the Secretary.
(6) The Secretary shall review each annual assessment under this subsection and shall consolidate the findings and conclusions of each such assessment into the next annual report submitted to Congress under section 2065 of this title.
(c) In furtherance of subsection (a), the Secretary shall require the director of each medical center and the director of each regional benefits office, in coordination with representatives of State and local governments, other Federal officials, and nongovernmental organizations that have experience working with homeless persons in the areas served by such facility or office, to
(1) develop a list of all public and private programs that provide assistance to homeless persons or homeless veterans in the area concerned, together with a description of the services offered by those programs;
(2) seek to encourage the development by the representatives of such entities, in coordination with the director, of a plan to coordinate among such public and private programs the provision of services to homeless veterans;
(3) take appropriate action to meet, to the maximum extent practicable through existing programs and available resources, the needs of homeless veterans that are identified in the assessment conducted under subsection (b); and
(4) attempt to inform homeless veterans whose needs the director cannot meet under paragraph (3) of the services available to such veterans within the area served by such center or office.

TITLE 38 - US CODE - SUBCHAPTER V - HOUSING ASSISTANCE

38 USC 2041 - Housing assistance for homeless veterans

(a) 
(1) To assist homeless veterans and their families in acquiring shelter, the Secretary may enter into agreements described in paragraph (2) with
(A) nonprofit">nonprofit organizations, with preference being given to any organization named in, or approved by the Secretary under, section 5902 of this title; or
(B) any State or any political subdivision thereof.
(2) To carry out paragraph (1), the Secretary may enter into agreements to sell, lease, lease with an option to purchase, or donate real property, and improvements thereon, acquired by the Secretary as the result of a default on a loan made, insured, or guaranteed under this chapter. Such sale or lease or donation shall be for such consideration as the Secretary determines is in the best interests of homeless veterans and the Federal Government.
(3) The Secretary may enter into an agreement under paragraph (1) of this subsection only if
(A) the Secretary determines that such an action will not adversely affect the ability of the Department
(i) to fulfill its statutory missions with respect to the Department loan guaranty program and the short- and long-term solvency of the Veterans Housing Benefit Program Fund established under section 3722 of this title; or
(ii) to carry out other functions and administer other programs authorized by law;
(B) the entity to which the property is sold, leased, or donated agrees to
(i) utilize the property solely as a shelter primarily for homeless veterans and their families,
(ii) comply with all zoning laws relating to the property,
(iii) make no use of the property that is not compatible with the area where the property is located, and
(iv) take such other actions as the Secretary determines are necessary or appropriate in the best interests of homeless veterans and the Federal Government; and
(C) the Secretary determines that there is no significant likelihood of the property being sold for a price sufficient to reduce the liability of the Department or the veteran who defaulted on the loan.
(4) The term of any lease under this subsection may not exceed three years.
(5) An approved entity that leases a property from the Secretary under this section shall be responsible for the payment of any taxes, utilities, liability insurance, and other maintenance charges or similar charges that apply to the property.
(6) Any agreement, deed, or other instrument executed by the Secretary under this subsection shall be on such terms and conditions as the Secretary determines to be appropriate and necessary to carry out the purpose of such agreement.
(b) 
(1) Subject to paragraphs (2) and (3), the Secretary may make loans to organizations described in paragraph (1)(A) of subsection (a) to finance the purchase of property by such organizations under such subsection.
(2) In making a loan under this subsection, the Secretary
(A) shall establish credit standards to be used for this purpose;
(B) may, pursuant to section 3733 (a)(6) of this title, provide that the loan will bear interest at a rate below the rate that prevails for similar loans in the market in which the loan is made; and
(C) may waive the collection of a fee under section 3729 of this title in any case in which the Secretary determines that such a waiver would be appropriate.
(c) The Secretary may not enter into agreements under subsection (a) after December 31, 2011.

38 USC 2042 - Supported housing for veterans participating in compensated work therapies

The Secretary may authorize homeless veterans in the compensated work therapy program to be provided housing through the therapeutic residence program under section 2032 of this title or through grant and per diem providers under subchapter II of this chapter.

38 USC 2043 - Domiciliary care programs

(a) Authority.— 
The Secretary may establish up to 10 programs under section 1710 (b) of this title (in addition to any program that is established as of the date of the enactment of this section) to provide domiciliary services under such section to homeless veterans.
(b) Authorization of Appropriations.— 
There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2003 and 2004 to establish the programs referred to in subsection (a).

TITLE 38 - US CODE - SUBCHAPTER VI - LOAN GUARANTEE FOR MULTIFAMILY TRANSITIONAL HOUSING

38 USC 2051 - General authority

(a) The Secretary may guarantee the full or partial repayment of a loan that meets the requirements of this subchapter.
(b) 
(1) Not more than 15 loans may be guaranteed under subsection (a), of which not more than five such loans may be guaranteed during the 3-year period beginning on the date of the enactment of this subchapter.
(2) A guarantee of a loan under subsection (a) shall be in an amount that is not less than the amount necessary to sell the loan in a commercial market.
(3) Not more than an aggregate amount of $100,000,000 in loans may be guaranteed under subsection (a).
(c) A loan may not be guaranteed under this subchapter unless, before closing such loan, the Secretary has approved the loan.
(d) 
(1) The Secretary shall enter into contracts with a qualified nonprofit">nonprofit organization, or other qualified organization, that has experience in underwriting transitional housing projects to obtain advice in carrying out this subchapter, including advice on the terms and conditions necessary for a loan that meets the requirements of section 2052 of this title.
(2) For purposes of paragraph (1), a nonprofit">nonprofit organization is an organization that is described in paragraph (3) or (4) of subsection (c) of section 501 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and is exempt from tax under subsection (a) of such section.
(e) The Secretary may carry out this subchapter in advance of the issuance of regulations for such purpose.
(f) The Secretary may guarantee loans under this subchapter notwithstanding any requirement for prior appropriations for such purpose under any provision of law.
(g) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a multifamily transitional housing project that is funded by a loan guaranteed under this subchapter may accept uncompensated voluntary services performed by any eligible entity (as that term is defined in section 2011 (d) of this title) in connection with the construction, alteration, or repair of such project.

38 USC 2052 - Requirements

(a) A loan referred to in section 2051 of this title meets the requirements of this subchapter if each of the following requirements is met:
(1) The loan
(A) is for
(i) construction of, rehabilitation of, or acquisition of land for a multifamily transitional housing project described in subsection (b), or more than one of such purposes; or
(ii) refinancing of an existing loan for such a project; and
(B) may also include additional reasonable amounts for
(i) financing acquisition of furniture, equipment, supplies, or materials for the project; or
(ii) in the case of a loan made for purposes of subparagraph (A)(i), supplying the organization carrying out the project with working capital relative to the project.
(2) The loan is made in connection with funding or the provision of substantial property or services for such project by either a State or local government or a nongovernmental entity, or both.
(3) The maximum loan amount does not exceed the lesser of
(A) that amount generally approved (utilizing prudent underwriting principles) in the consideration and approval of projects of similar nature and risk so as to assure repayment of the loan obligation; and
(B) 90 percent of the total cost of the project.
(4) The loan is of sound value, taking into account the creditworthiness of the entity (and the individual members of the entity) applying for such loan.
(5) The loan is secured.
(6) The loan is subject to such terms and conditions as the Secretary determines are reasonable, taking into account other housing projects with similarities in size, location, population, and services provided.
(b) For purposes of this subchapter, a multifamily transitional housing project referred to in subsection (a)(1) is a project that
(1) provides transitional housing to homeless veterans, which housing may be single room occupancy (as defined in section 8(n) of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437f (n)));
(2) provides supportive services and counselling services (including job counselling) at the project site with the goal of making such veterans self-sufficient;
(3) requires that each such veteran seek to obtain and maintain employment;
(4) charges a reasonable fee for occupying a unit in such housing; and
(5) maintains strict guidelines regarding sobriety as a condition of occupying such unit.
(c) Such a project
(1) may include space for neighborhood retail services, other commercial activities, or job training programs; and
(2) may provide transitional housing to veterans who are not homeless and to homeless individuals who are not veterans if
(A) at the time of taking occupancy by any such veteran or homeless individual, the transitional housing needs of homeless veterans in the project area have been met;
(B) the housing needs of any such veteran or homeless individual can be met in a manner that is compatible with the manner in which the needs of homeless veterans are met under paragraph (1); and
(C) the provisions of paragraphs (4) and (5) of subsection (b) are met.
(d) In determining whether to guarantee a loan under this subchapter, the Secretary shall consider
(1) the availability of Department of Veterans Affairs medical services to residents of the multifamily transitional housing project; and
(2) the extent to which needs of homeless veterans are met in a community, as assessed under section 107 of Public Law 102405.

38 USC 2053 - Default

(a) The Secretary shall take such steps as may be necessary to obtain repayment on any loan that is in default and that is guaranteed under this subchapter.
(b) Upon default of a loan guaranteed under this subchapter and terminated pursuant to State law, a lender may file a claim under the guarantee for an amount not to exceed the lesser of
(1) the maximum guarantee; or
(2) the difference between
(A) the total outstanding obligation on the loan, including principal, interest, and expenses authorized by the loan documents, through the date of the public sale (as authorized under such documents and State law); and
(B) the amount realized at such sale.

38 USC 2054 - Audit

(a) During each of the first 3 years of operation of a multifamily transitional housing project with respect to which a loan is guaranteed under this subchapter, there shall be an annual, independent audit of such operation. Such audit shall include a detailed statement of the operations, activities, and accomplishments of such project during the year covered by such audit. The party responsible for obtaining such audit (and paying the costs therefor) shall be determined before the Secretary issues a guarantee under this subchapter.
(b) After the first three years of operation of such a multifamily transitional housing project, the Secretary may provide for periodic audits of the project.

TITLE 38 - US CODE - SUBCHAPTER VII - OTHER PROVISIONS

38 USC 2061 - Grant program for homeless veterans with special needs

(a) Establishment.— 
The Secretary shall carry out a program to make grants to health care facilities of the Department and to grant and per diem providers in order to encourage development by those facilities and providers of programs for homeless veterans with special needs.
(b) Homeless Veterans With Special Needs.— 
For purposes of this section, homeless veterans with special needs include homeless veterans who are
(1) women, including women who have care of minor dependents;
(2) frail elderly;
(3) terminally ill; or
(4) chronically mentally ill.
(c) Funding.— 

(1) From amounts appropriated to the Department for Medical Services for each of fiscal years 2007 through 2011, $5,000,000 shall be available for each such fiscal year for the purposes of the program under this section.
(2) The Secretary shall ensure that funds for grants under this section are designated for the first three years of operation of the program under this section as a special purpose program for which funds are not allocated through the Veterans Equitable Resource Allocation system.

38 USC 2062 - Dental care

(a) In General.— 
For purposes of section 1712 (a)(1)(H) of this title, outpatient dental services and treatment of a dental condition or disability of a veteran described in subsection (b) shall be considered to be medically necessary, subject to subsection (c), if
(1) the dental services and treatment are necessary for the veteran to successfully gain or regain employment;
(2) the dental services and treatment are necessary to alleviate pain; or
(3) the dental services and treatment are necessary for treatment of moderate, severe, or severe and complicated gingival and periodontal pathology.
(b) Eligible Veterans.— 
Subsection (a) applies to a veteran
(1) who is enrolled for care under section 1705 (a) of this title; and
(2) who, for a period of 60 consecutive days, is receiving care (directly or by contract) in any of the following settings:
(A) A domiciliary under section 1710 of this title.
(B) A therapeutic residence under section 2032 of this title.
(C) Community residential care coordinated by the Secretary under section 1730 of this title.
(D) A setting for which the Secretary provides funds for a grant and per diem provider.
(3) For purposes of paragraph (2), in determining whether a veteran has received treatment for a period of 60 consecutive days, the Secretary may disregard breaks in the continuity of treatment for which the veteran is not responsible.
(c) Limitation.— 
Dental benefits provided by reason of this section shall be a one-time course of dental care provided in the same manner as the dental benefits provided to a newly discharged veteran.

38 USC 2063 - Employment assistance

The Secretary may authorize homeless veterans receiving care through vocational rehabilitation programs to participate in the compensated work therapy program under section 1718 of this title.

38 USC 2064 - Technical assistance grants for nonprofit community-based groups

(a) Grant Program.— 
The Secretary shall carry out a program to make grants to entities or organizations with expertise in preparing grant applications. Under the program, the entities or organizations receiving grants shall provide technical assistance to nonprofit">nonprofit community-based groups with experience in providing assistance to homeless veterans in order to assist such groups in applying for grants under this chapter and other grants relating to addressing problems of homeless veterans.
(b) Authorization of Appropriations.— 
There are authorized to be appropriated $1,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2007 through 2012 to carry out the program under this section.

38 USC 2065 - Annual report on assistance to homeless veterans

(a) Annual Report.— 
Not later than June 15 of each year, the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Veterans Affairs of the Senate and House of Representatives a report on the activities of the Department during the calendar year preceding the report under programs of the Department under this chapter and other programs of the Department for the provision of assistance to homeless veterans.
(b) General Contents of Report.— 
Each report under subsection (a) shall include the following:
(1) The number of homeless veterans provided assistance under the programs referred to in subsection (a).
(2) The cost to the Department of providing such assistance under those programs.
(3) The Secretarys evaluation of the effectiveness of the programs of the Department in providing assistance to homeless veterans, including
(A) residential work-therapy programs;
(B) programs combining outreach, community-based residential treatment, and case-management; and
(C) contract care programs for alcohol and drug-dependence or use disabilities).[1]
(4) The Secretarys evaluation of the effectiveness of programs established by recipients of grants under section 2011 of this title and a description of the experience of those recipients in applying for and receiving grants from the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to serve primarily homeless persons who are veterans.
(5) Information on the efforts of the Secretary to coordinate the delivery of housing and services to homeless veterans with other Federal departments and agencies, including
(A) the Department of Defense;
(B) the Department of Health and Human Services;
(C) the Department of Housing and Urban Development;
(D) the Department of Justice;
(E) the Department of Labor;
(F) the Interagency Council on Homelessness;
(G) the Social Security Administration; and
(H) any other Federal department or agency with which the Secretary coordinates the delivery of housing and services to homeless veterans.
(6) Any other information on those programs and on the provision of such assistance that the Secretary considers appropriate.
(c) Health Care Contents of Report.— 
Each report under subsection (a) shall include, with respect to programs of the Department addressing health care needs of homeless veterans, the following:
(1) Information about expenditures, costs, and workload under the program of the Department known as the Health Care for Homeless Veterans program (HCHV).
(2) Information about the veterans contacted through that program.
(3) Information about program treatment outcomes under that program.
(4) Information about supported housing programs.
(5) Information about the Departments grant and per diem provider program under subchapter II of this chapter.
(6) The findings and conclusions of the assessments of the medical needs of homeless veterans conducted under section 2034 (b) of this title.
(7) Other information the Secretary considers relevant in assessing those programs.
(d) Benefits Content of Report.— 
Each report under subsection (a) shall include, with respect to programs and activities of the Veterans Benefits Administration in processing of claims for benefits of homeless veterans during the preceding year, the following:
(1) Information on costs, expenditures, and workload of Veterans Benefits Administration claims evaluators in processing claims for benefits of homeless veterans.
(2) Information on the filing of claims for benefits by homeless veterans.
(3) Information on efforts undertaken to expedite the processing of claims for benefits of homeless veterans.
(4) Other information that the Secretary considers relevant in assessing the programs and activities.
[1] So in original. There is no opening parenthesis.

38 USC 2066 - Advisory Committee on Homeless Veterans

(a) Establishment.— 

(1) There is established in the Department the Advisory Committee on Homeless Veterans (hereinafter in this section referred to as the Committee).
(2) The Committee shall consist of not more than 15 members appointed by the Secretary from among the following:
(A) Veterans service organizations.
(B) Advocates of homeless veterans and other homeless individuals.
(C) Community-based providers of services to homeless individuals.
(D) Previously homeless veterans.
(E) State veterans affairs officials.
(F) Experts in the treatment of individuals with mental illness.
(G) Experts in the treatment of substance use disorders.
(H) Experts in the development of permanent housing alternatives for lower income populations.
(I) Experts in vocational rehabilitation.
(J) Such other organizations or groups as the Secretary considers appropriate.
(3) The Committee shall include, as ex officio members, the following:
(A) The Secretary of Labor (or a representative of the Secretary selected after consultation with the Assistant Secretary of Labor for Veterans Employment).
(B) The Secretary of Defense (or a representative of the Secretary).
(C) The Secretary of Health and Human Services (or a representative of the Secretary).
(D) The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (or a representative of the Secretary).
(E) The Executive Director of the Interagency Council on Homelessness (or a representative of the Executive Director).
(F) The Under Secretary for Health (or a representative of the Under Secretary after consultation with the Director of the Office of Homeless Veterans Programs).
(G) The Under Secretary for Benefits (or a representative of the Under Secretary after consultation with the Director of the Office of Homeless Veterans Programs).
(4) 
(A) The Secretary shall determine the terms of service and allowances of the members of the Committee, except that a term of service may not exceed three years. The Secretary may reappoint any member for additional terms of service.
(B) Members of the Committee shall serve without pay. Members may receive travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence for travel in connection with their duties as members of the Committee.
(b) Duties.— 

(1) The Secretary shall consult with and seek the advice of the Committee on a regular basis with respect to the provision by the Department of benefits and services to homeless veterans.
(2) In providing advice to the Secretary under this subsection, the Committee shall
(A) assemble and review information relating to the needs of homeless veterans;
(B) provide an on-going assessment of the effectiveness of the policies, organizational structures, and services of the Department in assisting homeless veterans; and
(C) provide on-going advice on the most appropriate means of providing assistance to homeless veterans.
(3) The Committee shall
(A) review the continuum of services provided by the Department directly or by contract in order to define cross-cutting issues and to improve coordination of all services with the Department that are involved in addressing the special needs of homeless veterans;
(B) identify (through the annual assessments under section 2034 of this title and other available resources) gaps in programs of the Department in serving homeless veterans, including identification of geographic areas with unmet needs, and provide recommendations to address those gaps;
(C) identify gaps in existing information systems on homeless veterans, both within and outside the Department, and provide recommendations about redressing problems in data collection;
(D) identify barriers under existing laws and policies to effective coordination by the Department with other Federal agencies and with State and local agencies addressing homeless populations;
(E) identify opportunities for increased liaison by the Department with nongovernmental organizations and individual groups providing services to homeless populations;
(F) with appropriate officials of the Department designated by the Secretary, participate with the Interagency Council on the Homeless under title II of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 11311 et seq.);
(G) recommend appropriate funding levels for specialized programs for homeless veterans provided or funded by the Department;
(H) recommend appropriate placement options for veterans who, because of advanced age, frailty, or severe mental illness, may not be appropriate candidates for vocational rehabilitation or independent living; and
(I) perform such other functions as the Secretary may direct.
(c) Reports.— 

(1) Not later than March 31 of each year, the Committee shall submit to the Secretary a report on the programs and activities of the Department that relate to homeless veterans. Each such report shall include
(A) an assessment of the needs of homeless veterans;
(B) a review of the programs and activities of the Department designed to meet such needs;
(C) a review of the activities of the Committee; and
(D) such recommendations (including recommendations for administrative and legislative action) as the Committee considers appropriate.
(2) Not later than 90 days after the receipt of a report under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall transmit to the Committees on Veterans Affairs of the Senate and House of Representatives a copy of the report, together with any comments and recommendations concerning the report that the Secretary considers appropriate.
(3) The Committee may also submit to the Secretary such other reports and recommendations as the Committee considers appropriate.
(4) The Secretary shall submit with each annual report submitted to the Congress pursuant to section 529 of this title a summary of all reports and recommendations of the Committee submitted to the Secretary since the previous annual report of the Secretary submitted pursuant to that section.
(d) Termination.— 
The Committee shall cease to exist December 30, 2011.

TITLE 38 - US CODE - CHAPTER 21 - SPECIALLY ADAPTED HOUSING FOR DISABLED VETERANS

38 USC 2101 - Veterans eligible for assistance

(a) Acquisition of Housing With Special Features.— 

(1) Subject to paragraph (3), the Secretary may assist a disabled veteran described in paragraph (2) in acquiring a suitable housing unit with special fixtures or movable facilities made necessary by the nature of the veterans disability, and necessary land therefor.
(2) A veteran is described in this paragraph if the veteran is entitled to compensation under chapter 11 of this title for a permanent and total service-connected disability that meets any of the following criteria:
(A) The disability is due to the loss, or loss of use, of both lower extremities such as to preclude locomotion without the aid of braces, crutches, canes, or a wheelchair.
(B) The disability is due to
(i) blindness in both eyes, having only light perception, plus
(ii) loss or loss of use of one lower extremity.
(C) The disability is due to the loss or loss of use of one lower extremity together with
(i) residuals of organic disease or injury; or
(ii) the loss or loss of use of one upper extremity,

which so affect the functions of balance or propulsion as to preclude locomotion without the aid of braces, crutches, canes, or a wheelchair.

(D) The disability is due to the loss, or loss of use, of both upper extremities such as to preclude use of the arms at or above the elbows.
(3) The regulations prescribed under subsection (d) shall require that assistance under paragraph (1) may be provided to a veteran only if the Secretary finds that
(A) it is medically feasible for the veteran to reside in the proposed housing unit and in the proposed locality;
(B) the proposed housing unit bears a proper relation to the veterans present and anticipated income and expenses; and
(C) the nature and condition of the proposed housing unit are such as to be suitable to the veterans needs for dwelling purposes.
(b) Adaptations to Residence of Veteran.— 

(1) Subject to paragraph (3), the Secretary shall assist any disabled veteran described in paragraph (2) (other than a veteran who is eligible for assistance under subsection (a))
(A) in acquiring such adaptations to such veterans residence as are determined by the Secretary to be reasonably necessary because of such disability; or
(B) in acquiring a residence already adapted with special features determined by the Secretary to be reasonably necessary for the veteran because of such disability.
(2) A veteran is described in this paragraph if the veteran is entitled to compensation under chapter 11 of this title for a permanent and total service-connected disability that meets either of the following criteria:
(A) The disability is due to blindness in both eyes with 5/200 visual acuity or less.
(B) The disability includes the anatomical loss or loss of use of both hands.
(3) Assistance under paragraph (1) may be provided only to a veteran who the Secretary determines
(A) is residing in and reasonably intends to continue residing in a residence owned by such veteran or by a member of such veterans family; or
(B) if the veterans residence is to be constructed or purchased, will be residing in and reasonably intends to continue residing in a residence owned by such veteran or by a member of such veterans family.
(c) 
(1) The Secretary may provide assistance under subsection (a) to a member of the Armed Forces serving on active duty who is suffering from a disability described in subparagraph (A), (B), (C), or (D) of paragraph (2) of that subsection if such disability is the result of an injury incurred or disease contracted in or aggravated in line of duty in the active military, naval, or air service. Such assistance shall be provided to the same extent as assistance is provided under that subsection to veterans eligible for assistance under that subsection and subject to the requirements of paragraph (3) of that subsection.
(2) The Secretary may provide assistance under subsection (b) to a member of the Armed Forces serving on active duty who is suffering from a disability described in subparagraph (A) or (B) of paragraph (2) of that subsection if such disability is the result of an injury incurred or disease contracted in or aggravated in line of duty in the active military, naval, or air service. Such assistance shall be provided to the same extent as assistance is provided under that subsection to veterans eligible for assistance under that subsection and subject to the requirements of paragraph (3) of that subsection.
(d) Regulations.— 
Assistance under this section shall be provided in accordance with such regulations as the Secretary may prescribe.

38 USC 2102 - Limitations on assistance furnished

(a) The assistance authorized by section 2101 (a) of this title shall be afforded under one of the following plans, at the option of the veteran
(1) where the veteran elects to construct a housing unit on land to be acquired by such veteran, the Secretary shall pay not to exceed 50 percent of the total cost to the veteran of
(A)  the housing unit and
(B)  the necessary land upon which it is to be situated;
(2) where the veteran elects to construct a housing unit on land acquired by such veteran prior to application for assistance under this chapter, the Secretary shall pay not to exceed the smaller of the following sums:
(A)  50 percent of the total cost to the veteran of the housing unit and the land necessary for such housing unit, or
(B)  50 percent of the cost to the veteran of the housing unit plus the full amount of the unpaid balance, if any, of the cost to the veteran of the land necessary for such housing unit;
(3) where the veteran elects to remodel a dwelling which is not adapted to the requirements of such veterans disability, acquired by such veteran prior to application for assistance under this chapter, the Secretary shall pay not to exceed
(A)  the cost to the veteran of such remodeling; or
(B)  50 percent of the cost to the veteran of such remodeling; plus the smaller of the following sums:
(i)  50 percent of the cost to the veteran of such dwelling and the necessary land upon which it is situated, or
(ii)  the full amount of the unpaid balance, if any, of the cost to the veteran of such dwelling and the necessary land upon which it is situated; and
(4) where the veteran has acquired a suitable housing unit, the Secretary shall pay not to exceed the smaller of the following sums:
(A)  50 percent of the cost to the veteran of such housing unit and the necessary land upon which it is situated, or
(B)  the full amount of the unpaid balance, if any, of the cost to the veteran of such housing unit and the necessary land upon which it is situated.
(b) Except as provided in section 2104 (b) of this title, the assistance authorized by section 2101 (b) of this title shall be limited to the lesser of
(1) the actual cost, or, in the case of a veteran acquiring a residence already adapted with special features, the fair market value, of the adaptations determined by the Secretary under such section 2101 (b) to be reasonably necessary, or
(2) $10,000.
(c) The amount of assistance afforded under subsection (a) for a veteran authorized assistance by section 2101 (a) of this title shall not be reduced by reason that title to the housing unit, which is vested in the veteran, is also vested in any other person, if the veteran resides in the housing unit.
(d) 
(1) The aggregate amount of assistance available to a veteran under sections 2101 (a) and 2102A of this title shall be limited to $50,000.
(2) The aggregate amount of assistance available to a veteran under sections 2101 (b) and 2102A of this title shall be limited to $10,000.
(3) No veteran may receive more than three grants of assistance under this chapter.

38 USC 2102A - Assistance for veterans residing temporarily in housing owned by a family member

(a) Provision of Assistance.— 
In the case of a disabled veteran who is described in subsection (a)(2) or (b)(2) of section 2101 of this title and who is residing, but does not intend to permanently reside, in a residence owned by a member of such veterans family, the Secretary may assist the veteran in acquiring such adaptations to such residence as are determined by the Secretary to be reasonably necessary because of the veterans disability.
(b) Amount of Assistance.— 
The assistance authorized under subsection (a) may not exceed
(1) $14,000, in the case of a veteran described in section 2101 (a)(2) of this title; or
(2) $2,000, in the case of a veteran described in section 2101 (b)(2) of this title.
(c) Limitation.— 
The assistance authorized by subsection (a) shall be limited in the case of any veteran to one residence.
(d) Regulations.— 
Assistance under this section shall be provided in accordance with such regulations as the Secretary may prescribe.
(e) Termination.— 
No assistance may be provided under this section after the end of the five-year period that begins on the date of the enactment of the Veterans Housing Opportunity and Benefits Improvement Act of 2006.

38 USC 2103 - Furnishing of plans and specifications

The Secretary is authorized to furnish to veterans eligible for assistance under this chapter, without cost to the veterans, model plans and specifications of suitable housing units.

38 USC 2104 - Benefits additional to benefits under other laws

(a) Any veteran who accepts the benefits of this chapter shall not by reason thereof be denied the benefits of chapter 37 of this title; however, except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, the assistance authorized by section 2101 of this title shall not be available to any veteran more than once.
(b) A veteran eligible for assistance under section 2101 (b) of this title shall not by reason of such eligibility be denied benefits for which such veteran becomes eligible under section 2101 (a) of this title or benefits relating to home health services under section 1717 (a)(2) of this title. However, no particular type of adaptation, improvement, or structural alteration provided to a veteran under section 1717 (a)(2) of this title may be provided to such veteran under section 2101 (b) of this title.

38 USC 2105 - Nonliability of United States

The Government of the United States shall have no liability in connection with any housing unit, or necessary land therefor, or adaptation acquired under the provisions of this chapter.

38 USC 2106 - Veterans mortgage life insurance

(a) The United States shall automatically insure any eligible veteran age 69 or younger who is or has been granted assistance in securing a suitable housing unit under this chapter against the death of the veteran unless the veteran
(1)  submits to the Secretary in writing the veterans election not to be insured under this section, or
(2)  fails to respond in a timely manner to a request from the Secretary for information on which the premium for such insurance can be based.
(b) The amount of insurance provided a veteran under this section may not exceed the lesser of $90,000 or the amount of the loan outstanding on the housing unit. The amount of such insurance shall be reduced according to the amortization schedule of the loan and may not at any time exceed the amount of the outstanding loan with interest. If there is no outstanding loan on the housing unit, insurance is not payable under this section. If an eligible veteran elects not to be insured under this section, the veteran may thereafter be insured under this section, but only upon submission of an application, payment of required premiums, and compliance with such health requirements and other terms and conditions as may be prescribed by the Secretary.
(c) The premiums charged a veteran for insurance under this section shall be paid at such time and in such manner as the Secretary prescribes. The rates for such premiums shall be based on such mortality data as the Secretary considers appropriate to cover only the mortality cost of insuring standard lives. In the case of a veteran receiving compensation or other cash benefits paid to the veteran by the Secretary, the Secretary shall deduct from such compensation or other benefits the premiums charged the veteran under this section.
(d) 
(1) The United States shall bear the costs of insurance under this section to the extent that such costs exceed premiums established by the Secretary. Premiums collected on insurance under this section shall be credited to the Veterans Insurance and Indemnities appropriation account, and all disbursements of insurance proceeds under this section shall be made from that account.
(2) There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary for such account such amounts as may be necessary to carry out this section.
(e) Any amount of insurance in force under this section on the date of the death of an eligible veteran insured under this section shall be paid to the holder of the mortgage loan, for payment of which the insurance was granted, for credit on the loan indebtedness. Any liability of the United States under such insurance shall be satisfied when such payment is made. If the Secretary is the holder of the mortgage loan, the insurance proceeds shall be credited to the loan indebtedness and deposited in the Veterans Housing Benefit Program Fund established by section 3722 of this title.
(f) The Secretary may prescribe such regulations relating to eligibility for insurance under this section, the maximum amount of insurance, the effective date of insurance, the maximum duration of insurance, and other pertinent matters not specifically provided for in this section as the Secretary determines are in the best interest of veterans or the United States.
(g) The amount of the insurance in force at any time shall be the amount necessary to pay the mortgage indebtedness in full, except as otherwise limited by subsection (b) of this section or regulations prescribed by the Secretary under this section.
(h) The Secretary shall issue to each veteran insured under this section a certificate setting forth the benefits to which the veteran is entitled under the insurance.
(i) Insurance under this section shall terminate upon whichever of the following events first occurs:
(1) Satisfaction of the veterans indebtedness under the loan upon which the insurance is based.
(2) Termination of the veterans ownership of the property securing the loan.
(3) Discontinuance of payment of premiums by the veteran.
(j) Termination of life insurance under this section shall not affect the guaranty or insurance of the loan by the Secretary.

38 USC 2107 - Coordination of administration of benefits

The Secretary shall provide for the coordination of the administration of programs to provide specially adapted housing that are administered by the Under Secretary for Health and such programs that are administered by the Under Secretary for Benefits under this chapter, chapter 17, and chapter 31 of this title.

TITLE 38 - US CODE - CHAPTER 23 - BURIAL BENEFITS

38 USC 2301 - Flags

(a) The Secretary shall furnish a flag to drape the casket of each
(1) deceased veteran who
(A) was a veteran of any war, or of service after January 31, 1955;
(B) had served at least one enlistment; or
(C) had been discharged or released from the active military, naval, or air service for a disability incurred or aggravated in line of duty; and
(2) deceased individual who at the time of death was entitled to retired pay under chapter 671 of title 10 or would have been entitled to retired pay under that chapter but for the fact that the person was under 60 years of age.
(b) After the burial of the veteran the flag so furnished shall be given to the veterans next of kin. If no claim is made for the flag by the next of kin, it may be given, upon request, to a close friend or associate of the deceased veteran. If a flag is given to a close friend or associate of the deceased veteran, no flag shall be given to any other person on account of the death of such veteran.
(c) For the purpose of this section, the term Mexican border period as defined in paragraph (30) of section 101 of this title includes the period beginning on January 1, 1911, and ending on May 8, 1916.
(d) In the case of any person who died while in the active military, naval, or air service after May 27, 1941, the Secretary shall furnish a flag to the next of kin, or to such other person as the Secretary considers most appropriate, if such next of kin or other person is not otherwise entitled to receive a flag under this section or under section 1482 (a) of title 10.
(e) The Secretary shall furnish a flag to drape the casket of each deceased person who is buried in a national cemetery by virtue of eligibility for burial in such cemetery under section 2402 (6) of this title. After the burial, the flag shall be given to the next of kin or to such other person as the Secretary considers appropriate.
(f) 
(1) The Secretary shall furnish a flag to drape the casket of each deceased member or former member of the Selected Reserve (as described in section 10143 of title 10) who is not otherwise eligible for a flag under this section or section 1482 (a) of title 10
(A) who completed at least one enlistment as a member of the Selected Reserve or, in the case of an officer, completed the period of initial obligated service as a member of the Selected Reserve;
(B) who was discharged before completion of the persons initial enlistment as a member of the Selected Reserve or, in the case of an officer, period of initial obligated service as a member of the Selected Reserve, for a disability incurred or aggravated in line of duty; or
(C) who died while a member of the Selected Reserve.
(2) A flag may not be furnished under subparagraph (A) or (B) of paragraph (1) in the case of a person whose last discharge from service in the Armed Forces was under conditions less favorable than honorable.
(3) After the burial, a flag furnished under paragraph (1) shall be given to the next of kin or to such other person as the Secretary considers appropriate.
(g) A flag may not be furnished under this section in the case of a person described in section 2411 (b) of this title.
(h) 
(1) The Secretary may not procure any flag for the purposes of this section that is not wholly produced in the United States.
(2) 
(A) The Secretary may waive the requirement of paragraph (1) if the Secretary determines
(i) that the requirement cannot be reasonably met; or
(ii) that compliance with the requirement would not be in the national interest of the United States.
(B) The Secretary shall submit to Congress in writing notice of a determination under subparagraph (A) not later than 30 days after the date on which such determination is made.
(3) For the purpose of paragraph (1), a flag shall be considered to be wholly produced in the United States only if
(A) the materials and components of the flag are entirely grown, manufactured, or created in the United States;
(B) the processing (including spinning, weaving, dyeing, and finishing) of such materials and components is entirely performed in the United States; and
(C) the manufacture and assembling of such materials and components into the flag is entirely performed in the United States.
[1] See References in Text note below.

38 USC 2302 - Funeral expenses

(a) In the case of a deceased veteran
(1) who at the time of death was in receipt of compensation (or but for the receipt of retirement pay would have been entitled to compensation) or was in receipt of pension, or
(2) who was a veteran of any war or was discharged or released from the active military, naval, or air service for a disability incurred or aggravated in line of duty, whose body is held by a State (or a political subdivision of a State), and with respect to whom the Secretary determines
(A) that there is no next of kin or other person claiming the body of the deceased veteran, and
(B) that there are not available sufficient resources to cover burial and funeral expenses,

the Secretary, in the Secretarys discretion, having due regard to the circumstances in each case, may pay a sum not exceeding $300 to such person as the Secretary prescribes to cover the burial and funeral expenses of the deceased veteran and the expense of preparing the body and transporting it to the place of burial. For the purpose of this subsection, the term veteran includes a person who died during a period deemed to be active military, naval, or air service under section 106 (c) of this title.

(b) Except as hereafter provided in this subsection, no deduction shall be made from the burial allowance because of the veterans net assets at the time of the death of such veteran, or because of any contribution from any source toward the burial and funeral expenses (including transportation) unless the amount of expenses incurred is covered by the amount actually paid therefor by the United States, a State, any agency or political subdivision of the United States or of a State, or the employer of the deceased veteran. No claim shall be allowed
(1)  for more than the difference between the entire amount of the expenses incurred and the amount paid by any or all of the foregoing, or
(2)  when the burial allowance would revert to the funds of a public or private organization or would discharge such an organizations obligation without payment. The burial allowance or any part thereof shall not be paid in any case where specific provision is otherwise made for payment of expenses of funeral, transportation, and interment under any other Act.

38 USC 2303 - Death in Department facility; plot allowance

(a) 
(1) When a veteran dies in a facility described in paragraph (2), the Secretary shall
(A) pay the actual cost (not to exceed $300) of the burial and funeral or, within such limits, may make contracts for such services without regard to the laws requiring advertisement for proposals for supplies and services for the Department; and
(B) when such a death occurs in a State, transport the body to the place of burial in the same or any other State.
(2) A facility described in this paragraph is
(A) a facility of the Department (as defined in section 1701 (3) of this title) to which the deceased was properly admitted for hospital, nursing home, or domiciliary care under section 1710 or 1711 (a) of this title; or
(B) an institution at which the deceased veteran was, at the time of death, receiving
(i) hospital care in accordance with section 1703 of this title;
(ii) nursing home care under section 1720 of this title; or
(iii) nursing home care for which payments are made under section 1741 of this title.
(b) In addition to the benefits provided for under section 2302 of this title and subsection (a) of this section, in the case of a veteran who is eligible for burial in a national cemetery under section 2402 of this title and who is not buried in a national cemetery or other cemetery under the jurisdiction of the United States
(1) if such veteran is buried (without charge for the cost of a plot or interment) in a cemetery, or a section of a cemetery, that
(A)  is used solely for the interment of persons who are
(i)  eligible for burial in a national cemetery, and
(ii)  members of a reserve component of the Armed Forces not otherwise eligible for such burial or former members of such a reserve component not otherwise eligible for such burial who are discharged or released from service under conditions other than dishonorable, and
(B)  is owned by a State or by an agency or political subdivision of a State, the Secretary shall pay to such State, agency, or political subdivision the sum of $300 as a plot or interment allowance for such veteran; and
(2) if such veteran is eligible for a burial allowance under section 2302 of this title or under subsection (a) of this section, or was discharged from the active military, naval, or air service for a disability incurred or aggravated in line of duty, and such veteran is buried in a cemetery, or a section of a cemetery, other than as described in clause (1) of this subsection, the Secretary shall pay a sum not exceeding $300 as a plot or interment allowance to such person as the Secretary prescribes, except that if any part of the plot or interment costs of a burial to which this clause applies has been paid or assumed by a State, an agency or political subdivision of a State, or a former employer of the deceased veteran, no claim for such allowance shall be allowed for more than the difference between the entire amount of the expenses incurred and the amount paid or assumed by any or all of the foregoing entities.

38 USC 2304 - Claims for reimbursement

Applications for payments under section 2302 of this title must be filed within two years after the burial of the veteran. If the burial allowance was not payable at the death of the veteran because of the nature of the veterans discharge from the service, but after the veterans death the veterans discharge has been corrected by competent authority so as to reflect a discharge from the service under conditions other than dishonorable, then the burial allowance may be paid if a claim is filed within two years from the date of correction of the discharge. If a claimants application is incomplete at the time it is originally submitted, the Secretary shall notify the applicant of the evidence necessary to complete the application. If such evidence is not received within one year from the date of such notification, no allowance may be paid.

38 USC 2305 - Persons eligible under prior law

The death of any person who had a status which would, under the laws in effect on December 31, 1957, afford entitlement to the burial benefits and other benefits provided for in this chapter, but who did not meet the service requirements contained in this chapter, shall afford entitlement to such benefits, notwithstanding the failure of such person to meet such service requirements.

38 USC 2306 - Headstones, markers, and burial receptacles

(a) The Secretary shall furnish, when requested, appropriate Government headstones or markers at the expense of the United States for the unmarked graves of the following:
(1) Any individual buried in a national cemetery or in a post cemetery.
(2) Any individual eligible for burial in a national cemetery (but not buried there), except for those persons or classes of persons enumerated in section 2402 (4), (5), and (6) of this title.
(3) Soldiers of the Union and Confederate Armies of the Civil War.
(4) Any individual described in section 2402 (5) of this title who is buried in a veterans cemetery owned by a State.
(5) Any individual who at the time of death was entitled to retired pay under chapter 1223 of title 10 or would have been entitled to retired pay under that chapter but for the fact that the person was under 60 years of age.
(b) 
(1) The Secretary shall furnish, when requested, an appropriate memorial headstone or marker for the purpose of commemorating an eligible individual whose remains are unavailable. Such a headstone or marker shall be furnished for placement in a national cemetery area reserved for that purpose under section 2403 of this title, a veterans cemetery owned by a State, or, in the case of a veteran, in a State, local, or private cemetery.
(2) For purposes of paragraph (1), an eligible individual is any of the following:
(A) A veteran.
(B) The spouse or surviving spouse of a veteran.
(C) An eligible dependent child of a veteran.
(3) For purposes of paragraph (1), the remains of an individual shall be considered to be unavailable if the individuals remains
(A) have not been recovered or identified;
(B) were buried at sea, whether by the individuals own choice or otherwise;
(C) were donated to science; or
(D) were cremated and the ashes scattered without interment of any portion of the ashes.
(4) For purposes of this subsection:
(A) The term veteran includes an individual who dies in the active military, naval, or air service.
(B) The term surviving spouse includes an unremarried surviving spouse whose subsequent remarriage was terminated by death or divorce.
(5) For purposes of this section, the term eligible dependent child means a child
(A) who is under 21 years of age, or under 23 years of age if pursuing a course of instruction at an approved educational institution; or
(B) who is unmarried and became permanently physically or mentally disabled and incapable of self-support before reaching 21 years of age, or before reaching 23 years of age if pursuing a course of instruction at an approved educational institution.
(c) A headstone or marker furnished under subsection (a), (b), or (d) of this section may be of any material, including but not limited to marble, granite, bronze, or slate, requested by the person entitled to request such headstone or marker if the material requested is determined by the Secretary
(1)  to be cost effective, and
(2)  in a case in which the headstone or marker is to be placed in a national cemetery, to be aesthetically compatible with the area of the cemetery in which it is to be placed.
(d) 
(1) The Secretary shall furnish, when requested, an appropriate Government headstone or marker at the expense of the United States for the grave of an individual described in paragraph (2) or (5) of subsection (a) who is buried in a private cemetery, notwithstanding that the grave is marked by a headstone or marker furnished at private expense. Such a headstone or marker may be furnished only if the individual making the request for the Government headstone or marker certifies to the Secretary that the headstone or marker will be placed on the grave for which the headstone or marker is requested, or, if placement on the grave is impossible or impracticable, as close as possible to the grave within the grounds of the cemetery in which the grave is located.
(2) Any headstone or marker furnished under this subsection shall be delivered by the Secretary directly to the cemetery where the grave is located or to a receiving agent for delivery to the cemetery.
(3) The headstone or marker furnished under this subsection shall be the headstone or marker selected by the individual making the request from among all the headstones and markers made available by the Government for selection.
(4) In lieu of furnishing a headstone or marker under this subsection, the Secretary may furnish, upon request, a medallion or other device of a design determined by the Secretary to signify the deceaseds status as a veteran, to be attached to a headstone or marker furnished at private expense.
(e) 
(1) The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall provide an outer burial receptacle for each new grave in an open cemetery under the control of the National Cemetery Administration in which remains are interred in a casket. The Secretary of the Army may provide an outer burial receptacle for such a grave in the Arlington National Cemetery.
(2) The use of outer burial receptacles in a cemetery under the control of the National Cemetery Administration or in the Arlington National Cemetery shall be in accordance with regulations or procedures approved by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs or Secretary of the Army, respectively.
(3) Regulations or procedures under paragraph (2) may specify that
(A) an outer burial receptacle other than a grave liner be provided in lieu of a grave liner at the election of the survivors of the interred veteran; and
(B) if an outer burial receptacle other than a grave liner is provided in lieu of a grave liner upon an election of such survivors, such survivors be required
(i) to pay the amount by which the cost of the outer burial receptacle exceeds the cost of the grave liner that would otherwise have been provided in the absence of the election; and
(ii) to pay the amount of the administrative costs incurred by the Secretary (or, with respect to Arlington National Cemetery, the Secretary of the Army) in providing the outer burial receptacle in lieu of such grave liner.
(4) Regulations or procedures under paragraph (2) may provide for the use of a voucher system, or other system of reimbursement approved by the Secretary (or, with respect to Arlington National Cemetery, the Secretary of the Army), for payment for outer burial receptacles other than grave liners provided under such regulations or procedures.
(f) 
(1) When the Secretary has furnished a headstone or marker under subsection (a) for the unmarked grave of an individual, the Secretary shall, if feasible, add a memorial inscription to that headstone or marker rather than furnishing a separate headstone or marker under that subsection for the surviving spouse or eligible dependent child of such individual.
(2) When the Secretary has furnished a memorial headstone or marker under subsection (b) for purposes of commemorating a veteran or an individual who died in the active military, naval, or air service, the Secretary shall, if feasible, add a memorial inscription to that headstone or marker rather than furnishing a separate memorial headstone or marker under that subsection for the surviving spouse or eligible dependent child of such individual.
(g) 
(1) A headstone or marker may not be furnished under subsection (a) for the unmarked grave of a person described in section 2411 (b) of this title.
(2) A memorial headstone or marker may not be furnished under subsection (b) for the purpose of commemorating a person described in section 2411 (b) of this title.
(3) A headstone or marker may not be furnished under subsection (d) for the grave of a person described in section 2411 (b) of this title.

38 USC 2307 - Death from service-connected disability

In any case in which a veteran dies as the result of a service-connected disability or disabilities, the Secretary, upon the request of the survivors of such veteran, shall pay the burial and funeral expenses incurred in connection with the death of the veteran in an amount not exceeding the greater of
(1)  $2,000, or
(2)  the amount authorized to be paid under section 8134 (a) of title 5 in the case of a Federal employee whose death occurs as the result of an injury sustained in the performance of duty. Funeral and burial benefits provided under this section shall be in lieu of any benefits authorized under sections 2302 and 2303 (a)(1) and (b)(2) of this title.

38 USC 2308 - Transportation of deceased veteran to a national cemetery

Where a veteran dies as the result of a service-connected disability, or is in receipt of (but for the receipt of retirement pay or pension under this title would have been entitled to) disability compensation, the Secretary may pay, in addition to any amount paid pursuant to section 2302 or 2307 of this title, the cost of transportation of the deceased veteran for burial in a national cemetery. Such payment shall not exceed the cost of transportation to the national cemetery nearest the veterans last place of residence in which burial space is available.

TITLE 38 - US CODE - CHAPTER 24 - NATIONAL CEMETERIES AND MEMORIALS

38 USC 2400 - Establishment of National Cemetery Administration; composition of Administration

(a) There shall be within the Department a National Cemetery Administration responsible for the interment of deceased servicemembers and veterans. The National Cemetery Administration shall be headed by the Under Secretary for Memorial Affairs, who shall perform such functions as may be assigned by the Secretary.
(b) The national cemeteries and other facilities under the control of the National Cemetery Administration shall consist of
(1) national cemeteries transferred from the Department of the Army to the Veterans Administration by the National Cemeteries Act of 1973;
(2) cemeteries under the jurisdiction of the Veterans Administration on the date of enactment of this chapter; and
(3) any other cemetery, memorial, or monument transferred to the Veterans Administration by the National Cemeteries Act of 1973, or later acquired or developed by the Secretary.

38 USC 2401 - Advisory Committee on Cemeteries and Memorials

There shall be appointed by the Secretary an Advisory Committee on Cemeteries and Memorials. The Secretary shall advise and consult with the Committee from time to time with respect to the administration of the cemeteries for which the Secretary is responsible, and with respect to the selection of cemetery sites, the erection of appropriate memorials, and the adequacy of Federal burial benefits. The Committee shall make periodic reports and recommendations to the Secretary and to Congress.

38 USC 2402 - Persons eligible for interment in national cemeteries

Under such regulations as the Secretary may prescribe and subject to the provisions of section 6105 of this title, the remains of the following persons may be buried in any open national cemetery under the control of the National Cemetery Administration:
(1) Any veteran (which for the purposes of this chapter includes a person who died in the active military, naval, or air service).
(2) Any member of a Reserve component of the Armed Forces, and any member of the Army National Guard or the Air National Guard, whose death occurs under honorable conditions while such member is hospitalized or undergoing treatment, at the expense of the United States, for injury or disease contracted or incurred under honorable conditions while such member is performing active duty for training, inactive duty training, or undergoing that hospitalization or treatment at the expense of the United States.
(3) Any member of the Reserve Officers Training Corps of the Army, Navy, or Air Force whose death occurs under honorable conditions while such member is
(A) attending an authorized training camp or on an authorized practice cruise;
(B) performing authorized travel to or from that camp or cruise; or
(C) hospitalized or undergoing treatment, at the expense of the United States, for injury or disease contracted or incurred under honorable conditions while such member is
(i) attending that camp or on that cruise;
(ii) performing that travel; or
(iii) undergoing that hospitalization or treatment at the expense of the United States.
(4) Any citizen of the United States who, during any war in which the United States is or has been engaged, served in the armed forces of any government allied with the United States during that war, and whose last such service terminated honorably.
(5) The spouse, surviving spouse (which for purposes of this chapter includes a surviving spouse who had a subsequent remarriage), minor child (which for purposes of this chapter includes a child under 21 years of age, or under 23 years of age if pursuing a course of instruction at an approved educational institution), and, in the discretion of the Secretary, unmarried adult child of any of the persons listed in paragraphs (1) through (4) and paragraph (7).
(6) Such other persons or classes of persons as may be designated by the Secretary.
(7) Any person who at the time of death was entitled to retired pay under chapter 1223 of title 10 or would have been entitled to retired pay under that chapter but for the fact that the person was under 60 years of age.
(8) Any individual whose service is described in subsection (a) or (b) of section 107 of this title if such individual at the time of death
(A) was a citizen of the United States or an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the United States; and
(B) resided in the United States.

38 USC 2403 - Memorial areas

(a) The Secretary shall set aside, when available, suitable areas in national cemeteries to honor the memory of members of the Armed Forces and veterans
(1) who are missing in action;
(2) whose remains have not been recovered or identified;
(3) whose remains were buried at sea, whether by the members or veterans own choice or otherwise;
(4) whose remains were donated to science; or
(5) whose remains were cremated and the ashes scattered without interment of any portion of the ashes.
(b) Under regulations prescribed by the Secretary, group memorials may be placed to honor the memory of groups of individuals referred to in subsection (a), and appropriate memorial headstones and markers may be placed to honor the memory of individuals referred to in subsection (a) and section 2306 (b) of this title.
(c) All national and other veterans cemeteries under the control of the National Cemetery Administration shall be considered national shrines as a tribute to our gallant dead and, notwithstanding the provisions of any other law, the Secretary is hereby authorized to permit appropriate officials to fly the flag of the United States of America at such cemeteries twenty-four hours each day.

38 USC 2404 - Administration

(a) The Secretary is authorized to make all rules and regulations which are necessary or appropriate to carry out the provisions of this chapter, and may designate those cemeteries which are considered to be national cemeteries.
(b) In conjunction with the development and administration of cemeteries for which the Secretary is responsible, the Secretary shall provide all necessary facilities including, as necessary, superintendents lodges, chapels, crypts, mausoleums, and columbaria.
(c) 
(1) Subject to paragraph (2), each grave in a national cemetery shall be marked with an appropriate marker. Such marker shall bear the name of the person buried, the number of the grave, and such other information as the Secretary shall by regulation prescribe.
(2) The grave markers referred to in paragraph (1) shall be upright for interments that occur on or after January 1, 1987, except that
(A) in the case of any cemetery scheduled to be closed by September 30, 1991, as indicated in the documents submitted by the Administrator of Veterans Affairs to the Congress in justification for the amounts included for Veterans Administration programs in the Presidents Budget for fiscal year 1987, the Secretary may provide for flat grave markers;
(B) in the case of any cemetery with a section which has flat markers on October 28, 1986, the Secretary may continue to provide for flat grave markers in such section;
(C) in the case of any cemetery located on the grounds of or adjacent to a Department health-care facility, the Secretary may provide for flat grave markers; and
(D) in the case of grave sites of cremated remains that are interred in the ground, the Secretary may provide for flat grave markers.
(d) There shall be kept in each national cemetery, and at the main office of the Department, a register of burials in each cemetery setting forth the name of each person buried in the cemetery, the number of the grave in which the veteran is buried, and such other information as the Secretary by regulation may prescribe.
(e) In carrying out the Secretarys responsibilities under this chapter, the Secretary may contract with responsible persons, firms, or corporations for the care and maintenance of such cemeteries under the Secretarys jurisdiction as the Secretary shall choose, under such terms and conditions as the Secretary may prescribe.
(f) 
(1) The Secretary is authorized to convey to any State, or political subdivision thereof, in which any national cemetery is located, all right, title, and interest of the United States in and to any Government owned or controlled approach road to such cemetery if, prior to the delivery of any instrument of conveyance, the State or political subdivision to which such conveyance is to be made notifies the Secretary in writing of its willingness to accept and maintain the road included in such conveyance. Upon the execution and delivery of such a conveyance, the jurisdiction of the United States over the road conveyed shall cease and thereafter vest in the State or political subdivision concerned.
(2) The Secretary may, to the extent of appropriated funds available for such purpose, make a contribution to local authorities for the construction of road improvements or traffic controls or other devices on land adjacent to a national cemetery if the Secretary determines that such a contribution is essential to ensure safe ingress to or egress from the cemetery.
(g) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary may at such time as the Secretary deems desirable, relinquish to the State in which any cemetery, monument, or memorial under the Secretarys jurisdiction is located, such portion of legislative jurisdiction over the lands involved as is necessary to establish concurrent jurisdiction between the Federal Government and the State concerned. Such partial relinquishment of jurisdiction under the authority of this subsection may be made by filing with the Governor of the State involved a notice of such relinquishment and shall take effect upon acceptance thereof by the State in such manner as its laws may prescribe.

38 USC 2405 - Disposition of inactive cemeteries

(a) The Secretary may transfer, with the consent of the agency concerned, any inactive cemetery, burial plot, memorial, or monument within the Secretarys control to the Department of the Interior for maintenance as a national monument or park, or to any other agency of the Government. Any cemetery transferred to the Department of the Interior shall be administered by the Secretary of the Interior as a part of the National Park System, and funds appropriated to the Secretary of the Interior for such system shall be available for the management and operation of such cemetery.
(b) The Secretary may also transfer and convey all right, title, and interest of the United States in or to any inactive cemetery or burial plot, or portion thereon, to any State, county, municipality, or proper agency thereof, in which or in the vicinity of which such cemetery or burial plot is located, but in the event the grantee shall cease or fail to care for and maintain the cemetery or burial plot or the graves and monuments contained therein in a manner satisfactory to the Secretary, all such right, title, and interest transferred or conveyed by the United States, shall revert to the United States.
(c) If a cemetery not under the control of the National Cemetery Administration has been or is to be discontinued, the Secretary may provide for the removal of remains from that cemetery to any cemetery under the control of such Administration. The Secretary may also provide for the removal of the remains of any veteran from a place of temporary interment, or from an abandoned grave or cemetery, to a national cemetery.

38 USC 2406 - Acquisition of lands

As additional lands are needed for national cemeteries, they may be acquired by the Secretary by purchase, gift (including donations from States or political subdivisions thereof), condemnation, transfer from other Federal agencies, exchange, or otherwise, as the Secretary determines to be in the best interest of the United States.

38 USC 2407 - Authority to accept and maintain suitable memorials

Subject to such restrictions as the Secretary may prescribe, the Secretary may accept gifts, devises, or bequests from legitimate societies and organizations or reputable individuals, made in any manner, which are made for the purpose of beautifying national cemeteries, or are determined to be beneficial to such cemetery. The Secretary may make land available for this purpose, and may furnish such care and maintenance as the Secretary deems necessary.

38 USC 2408 - Aid to States for establishment, expansion, and improvement of veterans cemeteries

(a) 
(1) Subject to subsection (b), the Secretary may make a grant to any State for the following purposes:
(A) Establishing, expanding, or improving a veterans cemetery owned by the State.
(B) Operating and maintaining such a cemetery.
(2) A grant under paragraph (1) may be made only upon submission of an application to the Secretary in such form and manner, and containing such information, as the Secretary may require.
(b) A grant under this section for a purpose described in subsection (a)(1)(A) shall be subject to the following conditions:
(1) The amount of such a grant may not exceed
(A) in the case of the establishment of a new cemetery, the sum of:
(i)  the cost of improvements to be made on the land to be converted into a cemetery; and
(ii)  the cost of initial equipment necessary to operate the cemetery; and
(B) in the case of the expansion or improvement of an existing cemetery, the sum of:
(i)  the cost of improvements to be made on any land to be added to the cemetery; and
(ii)  the cost of any improvements to be made to the existing cemetery.
(2) If the amount of such a grant is less than the amount of costs referred to in subparagraph (A) or (B) of paragraph (1), the State receiving the grant shall contribute the excess of such costs over the grant.
(3) If a State that has received such a grant to establish, expand, or improve a veterans cemetery ceases to own such cemetery, ceases to operate such cemetery as a veterans cemetery, or uses any part of the funds provided through such grant for a purpose other than that for which the grant was made, the United States shall be entitled to recover from such State the total of all grants made under this section to such State in connection with such cemetery.
(c) 
(1) In addition to the conditions specified in subsection (b) of this section, any grant to a State under this section to assist such State in establishing a veterans cemetery shall be made on the condition that such cemetery shall conform to such standards and guidelines relating to site selection, planning, and construction as the Secretary may by regulation prescribe. In prescribing regulations for the purposes of the preceding sentence, the Secretary shall take into account the standards and guidelines for site selection, planning, and construction that are applicable to cemeteries under the control of the National Cemetery Administration, including those provided in subsections (b), (c), and (d) of section 2404 of this title.
(2) The Secretary may by regulation prescribe such additional terms and conditions for grants under this section as the Secretary considers appropriate.
(d) 
(1) In addition to the conditions specified in subsections (b) and (c), any grant made to a State under this section shall be made subject to the condition specified in paragraph (2).
(2) For purposes of paragraph (1), the condition described in this paragraph is that, after the date of the receipt of the grant, such State prohibit the interment or memorialization in that cemetery of a person described in section 2411 (b) of this title, subject to the receipt of notice described in subsection (a)(2) of such section, except that for purposes of this subsection
(A) such notice shall be furnished to an appropriate official of such State; and
(B) a finding described in subsection (b)(3) of such section shall be made by an appropriate official of such State.
(e) 
(1) Amounts appropriated to carry out this section shall remain available until expended. If all funds from a grant under this section have not been utilized by a State for the purpose for which the grant was made within three years after such grant is made, the United States shall be entitled to recover any such unused grant funds from such State.
(2) In any fiscal year, the aggregate amount of grants awarded under this section for the purposes specified in subsection (a)(1)(B) may not exceed $5,000,000.
(f) 
(1) The Secretary may make grants under this subsection to any tribal organization to assist the tribal organization in establishing, expanding, or improving veterans cemeteries, or in operating and maintaining such cemeteries, on trust land owned by, or held in trust for, the tribal organization.
(2) Grants under this subsection shall be made in the same manner, and under the same conditions, as grants to States are made under the preceding provisions of this section.
(3) For purposes of this subsection:
(A) The term tribal organization has the meaning given that term in section 3765 (4) of this title.
(B) The term trust land has the meaning given that term in section 3765 (1) of this title.

38 USC 2409 - Memorial areas in Arlington National Cemetery

(a) The Secretary of the Army may set aside, when available, a suitable area or areas in Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia, to honor the memory of members of the Armed Forces and veterans
(1) who are missing in action;
(2) whose remains have not been recovered or identified;
(3) whose remains were buried at sea, whether by the members or veterans own choice or otherwise;
(4) whose remains were donated to science; or
(5) whose remains were cremated and whose ashes were scattered without interment of any portion of the ashes.
(b) Under regulations prescribed by the Secretary of the Army, appropriate memorials or markers may be erected in Arlington National Cemetery to honor the memory of those individuals, or group of individuals, referred to in subsection (a) of this section.

38 USC 2410 - Burial of cremated remains in Arlington National Cemetery

(a) The Secretary of the Army shall designate an area of appropriate size within Arlington National Cemetery for the unmarked interment, in accordance with such regulations as the Secretary may prescribe, of the ashes of persons eligible for interment in Arlington National Cemetery whose remains were cremated. Such area shall be an area not suitable for the burial of casketed remains.
(b) The Secretary of each military department shall make available appropriate forms on which those members of the Armed Forces who so desire may indicate their desire to be buried within the area to be designated under subsection (a).

38 USC 2411 - Prohibition against interment or memorialization in the National Cemetery Administration or Arlington National Cemetery of persons committing Federal or State capital crimes

(a) 
(1) In the case of a person described in subsection (b), the appropriate Federal official may not
(A) inter the remains of such person in a cemetery in the National Cemetery Administration or in Arlington National Cemetery; or
(B) honor the memory of such person in a memorial area in a cemetery in the National Cemetery Administration (described in section 2403 (a) of this title) or in such an area in Arlington National Cemetery (described in section 2409 (a) of this title).
(2) In the case of a person described in subsection (b)(1) or (b)(2), the prohibition under paragraph (1) shall not apply unless written notice of a conviction referred to in subsection (b)(1) or (b)(2), as the case may be, is received by the appropriate Federal official before such official approves an application for the interment or memorialization of such person. Such written notice shall be furnished to such official by the Attorney General, in the case of a Federal capital crime, or by an appropriate State official, in the case of a State capital crime.
(b) A person referred to in subsection (a) is any of the following:
(1) A person who has been convicted of a Federal capital crime and whose conviction is final (other than a person whose sentence was commuted by the President).
(2) A person who has been convicted of a State capital crime and whose conviction is final (other than a person whose sentence was commuted by the Governor of a State).
(3) A person who
(A) is found (as provided in subsection (c)) to have committed a Federal capital crime or a State capital crime, but
(B) has not been convicted of such crime by reason of such person not being available for trial due to death or flight to avoid prosecution.
(c) A finding under subsection (b)(3) shall be made by the appropriate Federal official. Any such finding may only be made based upon a showing of clear and convincing evidence, after an opportunity for a hearing in a manner prescribed by the appropriate Federal official.
(d) For purposes of this section:
(1) The term Federal capital crime means an offense under Federal law for which a sentence of imprisonment for life or the death penalty may be imposed.
(2) The term State capital crime means, under State law, the willful, deliberate, or premeditated unlawful killing of another human being for which a sentence of imprisonment for life or the death penalty may be imposed.
(3) The term appropriate Federal official means
(A) the Secretary, in the case of the National Cemetery Administration; and
(B) the Secretary of the Army, in the case of Arlington National Cemetery.

38 USC 2412 - Lease of land and buildings

(a) Lease Authorized.— 
The Secretary may lease any undeveloped land and unused or underutilized buildings, or parts or parcels thereof, belonging to the United States and part of the National Cemetery Administration.
(b) Term.— 
The term of a lease under subsection (a) may not exceed 10 years.
(c) Lease to Public or Nonprofit Organizations.— 

(1) A lease under subsection (a) to any public or nonprofit">nonprofit organization may be made without regard to the provisions of section 3709 of the Revised Statutes (41 U.S.C. 5).
(2) Notwithstanding section 1302 of title 40 or any other provision of law, a lease under subsection (a) to any public or nonprofit">nonprofit organization may provide for the maintenance, protection, or restoration of the leased property by the lessee, as a part or all of the consideration for the lease.
(d) Notice.— 
Before entering into a lease under subsection (a), the Secretary shall give appropriate public notice of the intention of the Secretary to enter into the lease in a newspaper of general circulation in the community in which the lands or buildings concerned are located.
(e) National Cemetery Administration Facilities Operation Fund.— 

(1) There is established on the book of the Treasury an account to be known as the National Cemetery Administration Facilities Operation Fund (in this section referred to as the Fund).
(2) The Fund shall consist of the following:
(A) Proceeds from the lease of land or buildings under this section.
(B) Proceeds of agricultural licenses of lands of the National Cemetery Administration.
(C) Any other amounts appropriated to or otherwise authorized for deposit in the Fund by law.
(3) Amounts in the Fund shall be available to cover costs incurred by the National Cemetery Administration in the operation and maintenance of property of the Administration.
(4) Amounts in the Fund shall remain available until expended.

38 USC 2413 - Prohibition on certain demonstrations at cemeteries under control of the National Cemetery Administration and at Arlington National Cemetery

(a) Prohibition.— 
No person may carry out
(1) a demonstration on the property of a cemetery under the control of the National Cemetery Administration or on the property of Arlington National Cemetery unless the demonstration has been approved by the cemetery superintendent or the director of the property on which the cemetery is located; or
(2) with respect to such a cemetery, a demonstration during the period beginning 60 minutes before and ending 60 minutes after a funeral, memorial service, or ceremony is held, any part of which demonstration
(A) 
(i) takes place within 150 feet of a road, pathway, or other route of ingress to or egress from such cemetery property; and
(ii) includes, as part of such demonstration, any individual willfully making or assisting in the making of any noise or diversion that disturbs or tends to disturb the peace or good order of the funeral, memorial service, or ceremony; or
(B) is within 300 feet of such cemetery and impedes the access to or egress from such cemetery.
(b) Demonstration.— 
For purposes of this section, the term demonstration includes the following:
(1) Any picketing or similar conduct.
(2) Any oration, speech, use of sound amplification equipment or device, or similar conduct that is not part of a funeral, memorial service, or ceremony.
(3) The display of any placard, banner, flag, or similar device, unless such a display is part of a funeral, memorial service, or ceremony.
(4) The distribution of any handbill, pamphlet, leaflet, or other written or printed matter other than a program distributed as part of a funeral, memorial service, or ceremony.