[Congressional Bills 115th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 2288 Enrolled Bill (ENR)]

        H.R.2288

                     One Hundred Fifteenth Congress

                                 of the

                        United States of America


                          AT THE FIRST SESSION

          Begun and held at the City of Washington on Tuesday,
          the third day of January, two thousand and seventeen


                                 An Act


 
    To amend title 38, United States Code, to reform the rights and 
processes relating to appeals of decisions regarding claims for benefits 
 under the laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and 
                           for other purposes.

    Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
    This Act may be cited as the ``Veterans Appeals Improvement and 
Modernization Act of 2017''.
SEC. 2. REFORM OF RIGHTS AND PROCESSES RELATING TO APPEALS OF DECISIONS 
REGARDING CLAIMS FOR BENEFITS UNDER LAWS ADMINISTERED BY SECRETARY OF 
VETERANS AFFAIRS.
    (a) Definitions.--Section 101 of title 38, United States Code, is 
amended by adding at the end the following new paragraphs:
        ``(34) The term `agency of original jurisdiction' means the 
    activity which entered the original determination with regard to a 
    claim for benefits under laws administered by the Secretary.
        ``(35) The term `relevant evidence' means evidence that tends 
    to prove or disprove a matter in issue.
        ``(36) The term `supplemental claim' means a claim for benefits 
    under laws administered by the Secretary filed by a claimant who 
    had previously filed a claim for the same or similar benefits on 
    the same or similar basis.''.
    (b) Notice Regarding Claims.--Section 5103(a) of such title is 
amended--
        (1) in paragraph (1), in the first sentence, by striking 
    ``The'' and inserting ``Except as provided in paragraph (3), the'';
        (2) in paragraph (2)(B)(i) by striking ``, a claim for 
    reopening a prior decision on a claim, or a claim for an increase 
    in benefits;'' and inserting ``or a supplemental claim;''; and
        (3) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
    ``(3) The requirement to provide notice under paragraph (1) shall 
not apply with respect to a supplemental claim that is filed within the 
timeframe set forth in subparagraphs (B) and (D) of section 5110(a)(2) 
of this title.''.
    (c) Modification of Rule Regarding Disallowed Claims.--Section 
5103A(f) of such title is amended--
        (1) by striking ``reopen'' and inserting ``readjudicate''; and
        (2) by striking ``material'' and inserting ``relevant''.
    (d) Modification of Duty to Assist Claimants.--Section 5103A of 
such title is amended--
        (1) by redesignating subsections (e) through (g) as subsections 
    (g) through (i), respectively; and
        (2) by inserting after subsection (d) the following new 
    subsections:
    ``(e) Applicability of Duty to Assist.--(1) The Secretary's duty to 
assist under this section shall apply only to a claim, or supplemental 
claim, for a benefit under a law administered by the Secretary until 
the time that a claimant is provided notice of the agency of original 
jurisdiction's decision with respect to such claim, or supplemental 
claim, under section 5104 of this title.
    ``(2) The Secretary's duty to assist under this section shall not 
apply to higher-level review by the agency of original jurisdiction, 
pursuant to section 5104B of this title, or to review on appeal by the 
Board of Veterans' Appeals.
    ``(f) Correction of Duty to Assist Errors.--(1) If, during review 
of the agency of original jurisdiction decision under section 5104B of 
this title, the higher-level adjudicator identifies or learns of an 
error on the part of the agency of original jurisdiction to satisfy its 
duties under this section, and that error occurred prior to the agency 
of original jurisdiction decision being reviewed, unless the Secretary 
may award the maximum benefit in accordance with this title based on 
the evidence of record, the higher-level adjudicator shall return the 
claim for correction of such error and readjudication.
    ``(2)(A) If the Board of Veterans' Appeals, during review on appeal 
of an agency of original jurisdiction decision, identifies or learns of 
an error on the part of the agency of original jurisdiction to satisfy 
its duties under this section, and that error occurred prior to the 
agency of original jurisdiction decision on appeal, unless the 
Secretary may award the maximum benefit in accordance with this title 
based on the evidence of record, the Board shall remand the claim to 
the agency of original jurisdiction for correction of such error and 
readjudication.
    ``(B) Remand for correction of such error may include directing the 
agency of original jurisdiction to obtain an advisory medical opinion 
under section 5109 of this title.
    ``(3) Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to imply that 
the Secretary, during the consideration of a claim, does not have a 
duty to correct an error described in paragraph (1) or (2) that was 
erroneously not identified during higher-level review or during review 
on appeal with respect to the claim.''.
    (e) Decisions and Notices of Decisions.--Subsection (b) of section 
5104 of such title is amended to read as follows:
    ``(b) Each notice provided under subsection (a) shall also include 
all of the following:
        ``(1) Identification of the issues adjudicated.
        ``(2) A summary of the evidence considered by the Secretary.
        ``(3) A summary of the applicable laws and regulations.
        ``(4) Identification of findings favorable to the claimant.
        ``(5) In the case of a denial, identification of elements not 
    satisfied leading to the denial.
        ``(6) An explanation of how to obtain or access evidence used 
    in making the decision.
        ``(7) If applicable, identification of the criteria that must 
    be satisfied to grant service connection or the next higher level 
    of compensation.''.
    (f) Binding Nature of Favorable Findings.--
        (1) In general.--Chapter 51 of such title is amended by 
    inserting after section 5104 the following new section:
``Sec. 5104A. Binding nature of favorable findings
    ``Any finding favorable to the claimant as described in section 
5104(b)(4) of this title shall be binding on all subsequent 
adjudicators within the Department, unless clear and convincing 
evidence is shown to the contrary to rebut such favorable finding.''.
        (2) Clerical amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning 
    of chapter 51 of such title is amended by inserting after the item 
    relating to section 5104 the following new item:

``5104A. Binding nature of favorable findings.''.

    (g) Higher-level Review by Agency of Original Jurisdiction.--
        (1) In general.--Chapter 51 of such title, as amended by 
    subsection (f), is further amended by inserting after section 
    5104A, as added by such subsection, the following new section:
``Sec. 5104B. Higher-level review by the agency of original 
     jurisdiction
    ``(a) In General.--(1) A claimant may request a review of the 
decision of the agency of original jurisdiction by a higher-level 
adjudicator within the agency of original jurisdiction.
    ``(2) The Secretary shall approve each request for review under 
paragraph (1).
    ``(b) Time and Manner of Request.--(1) A request for higher-level 
review by the agency of original jurisdiction shall be--
        ``(A) in writing in such form as the Secretary may prescribe; 
    and
        ``(B) made within one year of the notice of the agency of 
    original jurisdiction's decision.
    ``(2) Such request may specifically indicate whether such review is 
requested by a higher-level adjudicator at the same office within the 
agency of original jurisdiction or by an adjudicator at a different 
office of the agency of original jurisdiction. The Secretary shall not 
deny such request for review by an adjudicator at a different office of 
the agency of original jurisdiction without good cause.
    ``(c) Decision.--Notice of a higher-level review decision under 
this section shall be provided in writing and shall include a general 
statement--
        ``(1) reflecting whether evidence was not considered pursuant 
    to subsection (d); and
        ``(2) noting the options available to the claimant to have the 
    evidence described in paragraph (1), if any, considered by the 
    Department.
    ``(d) Evidentiary Record for Review.--The evidentiary record before 
the higher-level adjudicator shall be limited to the evidence of record 
in the agency of original jurisdiction decision being reviewed.
    ``(e) De Novo Review.--A review of the decision of the agency of 
original jurisdiction by a higher-level adjudicator within the agency 
of original jurisdiction shall be de novo.''.
        (2) Clerical amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning 
    of chapter 51 of such title, as amended by subsection (f), is 
    further amended by inserting after the item relating to section 
    5104A, as added by such subsection, the following new item:

``5104B. Higher-level review by the agency of original jurisdiction.''.

    (h) Options Following Decision by Agency of Original 
Jurisdiction.--
        (1) In general.--Chapter 51 of such title, as amended by 
    subsection (g), is further amended by inserting after section 
    5104B, as added by such subsection, the following new section:
``Sec. 5104C. Options following decision by agency of original 
     jurisdiction
    ``(a) Within One Year of Decision.--(1) Subject to paragraph (2), 
in any case in which the Secretary renders a decision on a claim, the 
claimant may take any of the following actions on or before the date 
that is one year after the date on which the agency of original 
jurisdiction issues a decision with respect to that claim:
        ``(A) File a request for higher-level review under section 
    5104B of this title.
        ``(B) File a supplemental claim under section 5108 of this 
    title.
        ``(C) File a notice of disagreement under section 7105 of this 
    title.
    ``(2)(A) Once a claimant takes an action set forth in paragraph 
(1), the claimant may not take another action set forth in that 
paragraph with respect to the same claim or same issue contained within 
the claim until--
        ``(i) the higher-level review, supplemental claim, or notice of 
    disagreement is adjudicated; or
        ``(ii) the request for higher-level review, supplemental claim, 
    or notice of disagreement is withdrawn.
    ``(B) Nothing in this subsection shall prohibit a claimant from 
taking any of the actions set forth in paragraph (1) in succession with 
respect to a claim or an issue contained within the claim.
    ``(C) Nothing in this subsection shall prohibit a claimant from 
taking different actions set forth in paragraph (1) with respect to 
different claims or different issues contained within a claim.
    ``(D) The Secretary may, as the Secretary considers appropriate, 
develop and implement a policy for claimants who--
        ``(i) take an action under paragraph (1);
        ``(ii) wish to withdraw the action before the higher-level 
    review, supplemental claim, or notice of disagreement is 
    adjudicated; and
        ``(iii) in lieu of such action take a different action under 
    paragraph (1).
    ``(b) More Than One Year After Decision.--In any case in which the 
Secretary renders a decision on a claim and more than one year has 
passed since the date on which the agency of original jurisdiction 
issues a decision with respect to that claim, the claimant may file a 
supplemental claim under section 5108 of this title.''.
        (2) Clerical amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning 
    of chapter 51 of such title, as amended by subsection (g), is 
    further amended by inserting after the item relating to section 
    5104B, as added by such subsection, the following new item:

``5104C. Options following decision by agency of original 
          jurisdiction.''.

    (i) Supplemental Claims.--
        (1) In general.--Section 5108 of such title is amended to read 
    as follows:
``Sec. 5108. Supplemental claims
    ``(a) In General.--If new and relevant evidence is presented or 
secured with respect to a supplemental claim, the Secretary shall 
readjudicate the claim taking into consideration all of the evidence of 
record.
    ``(b) Duty to Assist.--(1) If a claimant, in connection with a 
supplemental claim, reasonably identifies existing records, whether or 
not in the custody of a Federal department or agency, the Secretary 
shall assist the claimant in obtaining the records in accordance with 
section 5103A of this title.
    ``(2) Assistance under paragraph (1) shall not be predicated upon a 
finding that new and relevant evidence has been presented or 
secured.''.
        (2) Rule of construction.--Section 5108 of such title, as 
    amended by paragraph (1), shall not be construed to impose a higher 
    evidentiary threshold than the new and material evidence standard 
    that was in effect pursuant to such section on the day before the 
    date of the enactment of this Act.
        (3) Clerical amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning 
    of chapter 51 of such title is amended by striking the item 
    relating to section 5108 and inserting the following new item:

``5108. Supplemental claims.''.

    (j) Remand to Obtain Advisory Medical Opinion.--Section 5109 of 
such title is amended by adding at the end the following new 
subsection:
    ``(d)(1) The Board of Veterans' Appeals shall remand a claim to 
direct the agency of original jurisdiction to obtain an advisory 
medical opinion from an independent medical expert under this section 
if the Board finds that the Veterans Benefits Administration should 
have exercised its discretion to obtain such an opinion.
    ``(2) The Board's remand instructions shall include the questions 
to be posed to the independent medical expert providing the advisory 
medical opinion.''.
    (k) Restatement of Requirement for Expedited Treatment of Returned 
and Remanded Claims.--
        (1) In general.--Section 5109B of such title is amended to read 
    as follows:
``Sec. 5109B. Expedited treatment of returned and remanded claims
    ``The Secretary shall take such actions as may be necessary to 
provide for the expeditious treatment by the Veterans Benefits 
Administration of any claim that is returned by a higher-level 
adjudicator under section 5104B of this title or remanded by the Board 
of Veterans' Appeals.''.
        (2) Clerical amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning 
    of chapter 51 of such title is amended by striking the item 
    relating to section 5109B and inserting the following new item:

``5109B. Expedited treatment of returned and remanded claims.''.

    (l) Effective Dates of Awards.--Section 5110 of title 38, United 
States Code, is amended--
        (1) by amending subsection (a) to read as follows:
    ``(a)(1) Unless specifically provided otherwise in this chapter, 
the effective date of an award based on an initial claim, or a 
supplemental claim, of compensation, dependency and indemnity 
compensation, or pension, shall be fixed in accordance with the facts 
found, but shall not be earlier than the date of receipt of application 
therefor.
    ``(2) For purposes of determining the effective date of an award 
under this section, the date of application shall be considered the 
date of the filing of the initial application for a benefit if the 
claim is continuously pursued by filing any of the following, either 
alone or in succession:
        ``(A) A request for higher-level review under section 5104B of 
    this title on or before the date that is one year after the date on 
    which the agency of original jurisdiction issues a decision.
        ``(B) A supplemental claim under section 5108 of this title on 
    or before the date that is one year after the date on which the 
    agency of original jurisdiction issues a decision.
        ``(C) A notice of disagreement on or before the date that is 
    one year after the date on which the agency of original 
    jurisdiction issues a decision.
        ``(D) A supplemental claim under section 5108 of this title on 
    or before the date that is one year after the date on which the 
    Board of Veterans' Appeals issues a decision.
        ``(E) A supplemental claim under section 5108 of this title on 
    or before the date that is one year after the date on which the 
    Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims issues a decision.
    ``(3) Except as otherwise provided in this section, for 
supplemental claims received more than one year after the date on which 
the agency of original jurisdiction issued a decision or the Board of 
Veterans' Appeals issued a decision, the effective date shall be fixed 
in accordance with the facts found, but shall not be earlier than the 
date of receipt of the supplemental claim.''; and
        (2) in subsection (i), in the first sentence--
            (A) by striking ``reopened'' and inserting 
        ``readjudicated'';
            (B) by striking ``material'' and inserting ``relevant''; 
        and
            (C) by striking ``reopening'' and inserting 
        ``readjudication''.
    (m) Definition of Award or Increased Award for Purposes of 
Provisions Relating to Commencement of Period of Payment.--Section 
5111(d)(1) of such title is amended by striking ``or reopened award'' 
and inserting ``award or award based on a supplemental claim''.
    (n) Modification of Limitation on Fees Allowable for 
Representation.--Section 5904(c) of such title is amended, in 
paragraphs (1) and (2), by striking ``notice of disagreement is filed'' 
both places it appears and inserting ``claimant is provided notice of 
the agency of original jurisdiction's initial decision under section 
5104 of this title''.
    (o) Clarification of Board of Veterans' Appeals Referral 
Requirements After Order for Reconsideration of Decisions.--Section 
7103(b)(1) of title 38, United States Code, is amended by striking 
``heard'' both places it appears and inserting ``decided''.
    (p) Conforming Amendment Relating to Readjudication.--Section 
7104(b) of such title is amended by striking ``reopened'' and inserting 
``readjudicated''.
    (q) Modification of Procedures for Appeals to Board of Veterans' 
Appeals.--
        (1) In general.--Section 7105 of title 38, United States Code, 
    is amended--
            (A) in subsection (a), by striking the first sentence and 
        inserting ``Appellate review shall be initiated by the filing 
        of a notice of disagreement in the form prescribed by the 
        Secretary.'';
            (B) by amending subsection (b) to read as follows:
    ``(b)(1)(A) Except in the case of simultaneously contested claims, 
a notice of disagreement shall be filed within one year from the date 
of the mailing of notice of the decision of the agency of original 
jurisdiction pursuant to section 5104, 5104B, or 5108 of this title.
    ``(B) A notice of disagreement postmarked before the expiration of 
the one-year period shall be accepted as timely filed.
    ``(C) A question as to timeliness or adequacy of the notice of 
disagreement shall be decided by the Board.
    ``(2)(A) Notices of disagreement shall be in writing, shall 
identify the specific determination with which the claimant disagrees, 
and may be filed by the claimant, the claimant's legal guardian, or 
such accredited representative, attorney, or authorized agent as may be 
selected by the claimant or legal guardian.
    ``(B) Not more than one recognized organization, attorney, or agent 
may be recognized at any one time in the prosecution of a claim.
    ``(C) Notices of disagreement shall be filed with the Board.
    ``(3) The notice of disagreement shall indicate whether the 
claimant requests--
        ``(A) a hearing before the Board, which shall include an 
    opportunity to submit evidence in accordance with section 7113(b) 
    of this title;
        ``(B) an opportunity to submit additional evidence without a 
    hearing before the Board, which shall include an opportunity to 
    submit evidence in accordance with section 7113(c) of this title; 
    or
        ``(C) a review by the Board without a hearing or the submittal 
    of additional evidence.
    ``(4) The Secretary shall develop a policy to permit a claimant to 
modify the information identified in the notice of disagreement after 
the notice of disagreement has been filed under this section pursuant 
to such requirements as the Secretary may prescribe.'';
            (C) by amending subsection (c) to read as follows:
    ``(c) If no notice of disagreement is filed in accordance with this 
chapter within the prescribed period, the action or decision of the 
agency of original jurisdiction shall become final and the claim shall 
not thereafter be readjudicated or allowed, except--
        ``(1) in the case of a readjudication or allowance pursuant to 
    a higher-level review that was requested in accordance with section 
    5104B of this title;
        ``(2) as may otherwise be provided by section 5108 of this 
    title; or
        ``(3) as may otherwise be provided in such regulations as are 
    consistent with this title.'';
            (D) by striking subsection (d) and inserting the following 
        new subsection (d):
    ``(d) The Board may dismiss any appeal which fails to identify the 
specific determination with which the claimant disagrees.'';
            (E) by striking subsection (e); and
            (F) in the section heading, by striking ``notice of 
        disagreement and''.
        (2) Clerical amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning 
    of chapter 71 of such title is amended by striking the item 
    relating to section 7105 and inserting the following new item:

``7105. Filing of appeal.''.

    (r) Modification of Procedures and Requirements for Simultaneously 
Contested Claims.--Subsection (b) of section 7105A of such title is 
amended to read as follows:
    ``(b)(1) The substance of the notice of disagreement shall be 
communicated to the other party or parties in interest and a period of 
thirty days shall be allowed for filing a brief or argument in response 
thereto.
    ``(2) Such notice shall be forwarded to the last known address of 
record of the parties concerned, and such action shall constitute 
sufficient evidence of notice.''.
    (s) Repeal of Procedures for Administrative Appeals.--
        (1) In general.--Chapter 71 of such title is amended by 
    striking section 7106.
        (2) Clerical amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning 
    of chapter 71 of such title is amended by striking the item 
    relating to section 7106.
    (t) Modifications Relating to Appeals: Dockets; Hearings.--Section 
7107 of such title is amended to read as follows:
``Sec. 7107. Appeals: dockets; hearings
    ``(a) Dockets.--(1) Subject to paragraph (2), the Board shall 
maintain at least two separate dockets.
    ``(2) The Board may not maintain more than two separate dockets 
unless the Board notifies the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the 
Senate and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of 
Representatives of any additional docket, including a justification for 
maintaining such additional docket.
    ``(3)(A) The Board may assign to each docket maintained under 
paragraph (1) such cases as the Board considers appropriate, except 
that cases described in clause (i) of subparagraph (B) may not be 
assigned to any docket to which cases described in clause (ii) of such 
paragraph are assigned.
    ``(B) Cases described in this paragraph are the following:
        ``(i) Cases in which no Board hearing is requested.
        ``(ii) Cases in which a Board hearing is requested in the 
    notice of disagreement.
    ``(4) Except as provided in subsection (b), each case before the 
Board will be decided in regular order according to its respective 
place on the docket to which it is assigned by the Board.
    ``(b) Advancement on the Docket.--(1) A case on one of the dockets 
of the Board maintained under subsection (a) may, for cause shown, be 
advanced on motion for earlier consideration and determination.
    ``(2) Any such motion shall set forth succinctly the grounds upon 
which the motion is based.
    ``(3) Such a motion may be granted only--
        ``(A) if the case involves interpretation of law of general 
    application affecting other claims;
        ``(B) if the appellant is seriously ill or is under severe 
    financial hardship; or
        ``(C) for other sufficient cause shown.
    ``(c) Manner and Scheduling of Hearings for Cases on a Docket That 
May Include a Hearing.--(1) For cases on a docket maintained by the 
Board under subsection (a) that may include a hearing, in which a 
hearing is requested in the notice of disagreement, the Board shall 
notify the appellant whether a Board hearing will be held--
        ``(A) at its principal location; or
        ``(B) by picture and voice transmission at a facility of the 
    Department where the Secretary has provided suitable facilities and 
    equipment to conduct such hearings.
    ``(2)(A) Upon notification of a Board hearing at the Board's 
principal location as described in subparagraph (A) of paragraph (1), 
the appellant may alternatively request a hearing as described in 
subparagraph (B) of such paragraph. If so requested, the Board shall 
grant such request.
    ``(B) Upon notification of a Board hearing by picture and voice 
transmission as described in subparagraph (B) of paragraph (1), the 
appellant may alternatively request a hearing as described in 
subparagraph (A) of such paragraph. If so requested, the Board shall 
grant such request.
    ``(d) Screening of Cases.--Nothing in this section shall be 
construed to preclude the screening of cases for purposes of--
        ``(1) determining the adequacy of the record for decisional 
    purposes; or
        ``(2) the development, or attempted development, of a record 
    found to be inadequate for decisional purposes.
    ``(e) Policy on Changing Dockets.--The Secretary shall develop and 
implement a policy allowing an appellant to move the appellant's case 
from one docket to another docket.''.
    (u) Repeal of Certain Authority for Independent Medical Opinions.--
        (1) In general.--Section 7109 of such title is repealed.
        (2) Conforming amendment.--Section 5701(b)(1) of such title is 
    amended by striking ``or 7109''.
        (3) Clerical amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning 
    of chapter 71 of such title is amended by striking the item 
    relating to section 7109.
    (v) Clarification of Procedures for Review of Decisions on Grounds 
of Clear and Unmistakable Error.--Section 7111(e) of such title is 
amended by striking ``, without referral to any adjudicative or hearing 
official acting on behalf of the Secretary''.
    (w) Evidentiary Record Before Board of Veterans' Appeals.--
        (1) In general.--Chapter 71 of such title is amended by adding 
    at the end the following new section:
``Sec. 7113. Evidentiary record before the Board of Veterans' Appeals
    ``(a) Cases With No Request for a Hearing or Additional Evidence.--
For cases in which a hearing before the Board of Veterans' Appeals is 
not requested in the notice of disagreement and no request was made to 
submit evidence, the evidentiary record before the Board shall be 
limited to the evidence of record at the time of the decision of the 
agency of original jurisdiction on appeal.
    ``(b) Cases With a Request for a Hearing.--(1) Except as provided 
in paragraph (2), for cases in which a hearing is requested in the 
notice of disagreement, the evidentiary record before the Board shall 
be limited to the evidence of record at the time of the decision of the 
agency of original jurisdiction on appeal.
    ``(2) The evidentiary record before the Board for cases described 
in paragraph (1) shall include each of the following, which the Board 
shall consider in the first instance:
        ``(A) Evidence submitted by the appellant and his or her 
    representative, if any, at the Board hearing.
        ``(B) Evidence submitted by the appellant and his or her 
    representative, if any, within 90 days following the Board hearing.
    ``(c) Cases With No Request for a Hearing and With a Request for 
Additional Evidence.--(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), for 
cases in which a hearing is not requested in the notice of disagreement 
but an opportunity to submit evidence is requested, the evidentiary 
record before the Board shall be limited to the evidence considered by 
the agency of original jurisdiction in the decision on appeal.
    ``(2) The evidentiary record before the Board for cases described 
in paragraph (1) shall include each of the following, which the Board 
shall consider in the first instance:
        ``(A) Evidence submitted by the appellant and his or her 
    representative, if any, with the notice of disagreement.
        ``(B) Evidence submitted by the appellant and his or her 
    representative, if any, within 90 days following receipt of the 
    notice of disagreement.''.
        (2) Notification when evidence not considered.--Section 7104(d) 
    of such title is amended--
            (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``; and'' and inserting a 
        semicolon;
            (B) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (3); and
            (C) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following new 
        paragraph (2):
        ``(2) a general statement--
            ``(A) reflecting whether evidence was not considered in 
        making the decision because the evidence was received at a time 
        when not permitted under section 7113 of this title; and
            ``(B) noting such options as may be available for having 
        the evidence considered by the Department; and''.
        (3) Clerical amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning 
    of chapter 71 of such title is amended by inserting after the item 
    relating to section 7112 the following new item:

``7113. Evidentiary record before the Board of Veterans' Appeals.''.

    (x) Applicability.--
        (1) In general.--Except as otherwise provided in this 
    subsection, the amendments made by this section shall apply to all 
    claims for which notice of a decision under section 5104 of title 
    38, United States Code, is provided by the Secretary of Veterans 
    Affairs on or after the later of--
            (A) the date that is 540 days after the date of the 
        enactment of this Act; and
            (B) the date that is 30 days after the date on which the 
        Secretary of Veterans Affairs submits to the appropriate 
        committees of Congress--
                (i) a certification that the Secretary confirms, 
            without delegation, that the Department of Veterans Affairs 
            has the resources, personnel, office space, procedures, and 
            information technology required--

                    (I) to carry out the new appeals system;
                    (II) to timely address appeals under the new 
                appeals system; and
                    (III) to timely address appeals of decisions on 
                legacy claims; and

                (ii) a summary of the expectations for performance 
            outcomes that the Secretary used in making the 
            certification under clause (i)(III) and a comparison of 
            such expected performance outcomes with actual performance 
            outcomes with respect to appeals of legacy claims before 
            the effective date of the new appeals system.
        (2) Collaboration.--In determining whether and when to make a 
    certification under paragraph (1)(B), the Secretary shall 
    collaborate with, partner with, and give weight to the advice of 
    veterans service organizations and such other stakeholders as the 
    Secretary considers appropriate.
        (3) Early applicability.--The Secretary may apply the new 
    appeals system to a claim with respect to which the claimant--
            (A) receives a notice of a decision under section 5104 of 
        such title after the date of the enactment of this Act and 
        before the applicability date set forth in paragraph (1); and
            (B) elects to subject the claim to the new appeals system.
        (4) Phased rollout.--The Secretary may begin implementation of 
    the new appeals system in phases, with the first phase of such 
    phased implementation beginning on the applicability date set forth 
    in paragraph (1).
        (5) Treatment of legacy claims.--With respect to legacy claims, 
    upon the issuance to a claimant of a statement of the case or 
    supplemental statement of the case occurring on or after the 
    applicability date specified in paragraph (1), a claimant may elect 
    to participate in the new appeals system.
        (6) Publication of applicability date.--Not later than the date 
    on which the new appeals system goes into effect (or the first 
    phase of the new appeals system goes into effect under paragraph 
    (4), as the case may be), the Secretary shall publish in the 
    Federal Register such date.
        (7) Definitions.--In this subsection:
            (A) Appropriate committees of congress.--The term 
        ``appropriate committees of Congress'' means--
                (i) the Committee on Veterans' Affairs and the 
            Committee on Appropriations of the Senate; and
                (ii) the Committee on Veterans' Affairs and the 
            Committee on Appropriations of the House of 
            Representatives.
            (B) Veterans service organization.--The term ``veterans 
        service organization'' means any organization recognized by the 
        Secretary for the representation of veterans under section 5902 
        of title 38, United States Code.
    (y) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section or any of the 
amendments made by this section shall be construed to limit the ability 
of a claimant to request a revision of a decision under section 5109A 
or 7111 of title 38, United States Code.
SEC. 3. COMPREHENSIVE PLAN FOR PROCESSING OF LEGACY APPEALS AND 
IMPLEMENTING NEW APPEALS SYSTEM.
    (a) Plan Required.--Not later than 90 days after the date of the 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit 
to the appropriate committees of Congress and the Comptroller General 
of the United States a comprehensive plan for--
        (1) the processing of appeals of decisions on legacy claims 
    that the Secretary considers pending;
        (2) implementing the new appeals system;
        (3) timely processing, under the new appeals system, of--
            (A) supplemental claims under section 5108 of title 38, 
        United States Code, as amended by section 2(i);
            (B) requests for higher-level review under section 5104B of 
        such title, as added by section 2(g); and
            (C) appeals on any docket maintained under section 7107 of 
        such title, as amended by section 2(t); and
        (4) monitoring the implementation of the new appeals system, 
    including metrics and goals--
            (A) to track the progress of the implementation;
            (B) to evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of the 
        implementation; and
            (C) to identify potential issues relating to the 
        implementation.
    (b) Elements.--The plan required by subsection (a) shall include, 
at a minimum, the following:
        (1) Delineation of the total resource requirements of the 
    Veterans Benefits Administration and the Board of Veterans' 
    Appeals, disaggregated by resources required to implement and 
    administer the new appeals system and resources required to address 
    the appeals of decisions on legacy claims.
        (2) Delineation of the personnel requirements of the 
    Administration and the Board, including staffing levels during 
    the--
            (A) period in which the Administration and the Board are 
        concurrently processing--
                (i) appeals of decisions on legacy claims; and
                (ii) appeals of decisions on non-legacy claims under 
            the new appeals system; and
            (B) the period during which the Administration and the 
        Board are no longer processing any appeals of decisions on 
        legacy claims.
        (3) Identification of the legal authorities under which the 
    Administration or the Board may--
            (A) hire additional employees to conduct the concurrent 
        processing described in paragraph (2)(A); and
            (B) remove employees who are no longer required by the 
        Administration or the Board once the Administration and the 
        Board are no longer processing any appeals of decisions on 
        legacy claims.
        (4) An estimate of the amount of time the Administration and 
    the Board will require to hire additional employees as described in 
    paragraph (3)(A) once funding has been made available for such 
    purpose, including a comparison of such estimate and the historical 
    average time required by the Administration and the Board to hire 
    additional employees.
        (5) A description of the amount of training and experience that 
    will be required of individuals conducting higher-level reviews 
    under section 5104B of title 38, United States Code, as added by 
    section 2(g).
        (6) An estimate of the percentage of higher-level adjudicators 
    who will be employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs who 
    were Decision Review Officers on the day before the new appeals 
    system takes effect or had experience, as of such date, comparable 
    to that of one who was a Decision Review Officer.
        (7) A description of the functions that will be performed after 
    the date on which the new appeals system takes effect by Decision 
    Review Officers who were Decision Review Officers on the day before 
    the date the new appeals system takes effect.
        (8) Identification of and a timeline for--
            (A) any training that may be required as a result of hiring 
        new employees to carry out the new appeals system or to process 
        appeals of decisions on legacy claims; and
            (B) any retraining of existing employees that may be 
        required to carry out such system or to process such claims.
        (9) Identification of the costs to the Department of Veterans 
    Affairs of the training identified under paragraph (8) and any 
    additional training staff and any additional training facilities 
    that will be required to provide such training.
        (10) A description of the modifications to the information 
    technology systems of the Administration and the Board that the 
    Administration and the Board require to carry out the new appeals 
    system, including cost estimates and a timeline for making the 
    modifications.
        (11) An estimate of the office space the Administration and the 
    Board will require during each of the periods described in 
    paragraph (2), including--
            (A) an estimate of the amount of time the Administration 
        and the Board will require to acquire any additional office 
        space to carry out processing of appeals of decisions on legacy 
        claims and processing of appeals under the new appeals system;
            (B) a comparison of the estimate under subparagraph (A) and 
        the historical average time required by the Administration and 
        the Board to acquire new office space; and
            (C) a plan for using telework to accommodate staff 
        exceeding available office space, including how the 
        Administration and the Board will provide training and 
        oversight with respect to such teleworking.
        (12) Projections for the productivity of individual employees 
    at the Administration and the Board in carrying out tasks relating 
    to the processing of appeals of decisions on legacy claims and 
    appeals under the new appeals system, taking into account the 
    experience level of new employees and the enhanced notice 
    requirements under section 5104(b) of title 38, United States Code, 
    as amended by section 2(e).
        (13) An outline of the outreach the Secretary expects to 
    conduct to inform veterans, families of veterans, survivors of 
    veterans, veterans service organizations, military service 
    organizations, congressional caseworkers, advocates for veterans, 
    and such other stakeholders as the Secretary considers appropriate 
    about the new appeals system, including--
            (A) a description of the resources required to conduct such 
        outreach; and
            (B) timelines for conducting such outreach.
        (14) Timelines for updating any policy guidance, Internet 
    websites, and official forms that may be necessary to carry out the 
    new appeals system, including--
            (A) identification of which offices and entities will be 
        involved in efforts relating to such updating; and
            (B) historical information about how long similar update 
        efforts have taken.
        (15) A timeline, including interim milestones, for promulgating 
    such regulations as may be necessary to carry out the new appeals 
    system and a comparison with historical averages for time required 
    to promulgate regulations of similar complexity and scope.
        (16) An outline of the circumstances under which claimants with 
    pending appeals of decisions on legacy claims would be authorized 
    to have their appeals reviewed under the new appeals system.
        (17) A delineation of the key goals and milestones for reducing 
    the number of pending appeals that are not processed under the new 
    appeals system, including the expected number of appeals, remands, 
    and hearing requests at the Administration and the Board each year, 
    beginning with the one year period beginning on the date of the 
    enactment of this Act, until there are no longer any appeals 
    pending before the Administration or the Board for a decision on a 
    legacy claim.
        (18) A description of each risk factor associated with each 
    element of the plan and a contingency plan to minimize each such 
    risk.
    (c) Review by Comptroller General of the United States.--
        (1) In general.--Not later than 90 days after the Comptroller 
    General of the United States receives the plan required by 
    subsection (a), the Comptroller General shall--
            (A) assess such plan; and
            (B) notify the appropriate committees of Congress of the 
        findings of the Comptroller General with respect to the 
        assessment conducted under subparagraph (A).
        (2) Elements.--The assessment conducted under paragraph (1)(A) 
    shall include the following:
            (A) An assessment of whether the plan comports with sound 
        planning practices.
            (B) Identification of any gaps in the plan.
            (C) Formulation of such recommendations as the Comptroller 
        General considers appropriate.
    (d) Periodic Progress Reports.--Not later than 90 days after the 
date on which the Secretary submits the plan under subsection (a), not 
less frequently than once every 90 days thereafter until the 
applicability date set forth in section 2(x)(1), and not less 
frequently than once every 180 days thereafter for the seven-year 
period following such applicability date, the Secretary shall submit to 
the appropriate committees of Congress and the Comptroller General a 
report on the progress of the Secretary in carrying out the plan and 
what steps, if any, the Secretary has taken to address any 
recommendations formulated by the Comptroller General pursuant to 
subsection (c)(2)(C).
    (e) Publication.--The Secretary shall make available to the public 
on an Internet website of the Department of Veterans Affairs--
        (1) the plan required by subsection (a); and
        (2) the periodic progress reports required by subsection (d).
    (f) Appropriate Committees of Congress Defined.--In this section, 
the term ``appropriate committees of Congress'' means--
        (1) the Committee on Veterans' Affairs and the Committee on 
    Appropriations of the Senate; and
        (2) the Committee on Veterans' Affairs and the Committee on 
    Appropriations of the House of Representatives.
SEC. 4. PROGRAMS TO TEST ASSUMPTIONS RELIED ON IN DEVELOPMENT OF 
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN FOR PROCESSING OF LEGACY APPEALS AND SUPPORTING NEW 
APPEALS SYSTEM.
    (a) Authorization.--
        (1) In general.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs may carry 
    out such programs as the Secretary considers appropriate to test 
    any assumptions relied upon in developing the comprehensive plan 
    required by section 3(a) and to test the feasibility and 
    advisability of any facet of the new appeals system.
        (2) Reporting required.--Whenever the Secretary determines, 
    based on the conduct of a program under paragraph (1), that 
    legislative changes to the new appeals system are necessary, the 
    Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the 
    Senate and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of 
    Representatives notice of such determination.
    (b) Department of Veterans Affairs Program on Fully Developed 
Appeals.--
        (1) In general.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs may, under 
    subsection (a)(1), carry out a program to provide the option of an 
    alternative appeals process that shall more quickly determine such 
    appeals in accordance with this subsection.
        (2) Election.--
            (A) Filing.--In accordance with subparagraph (B), a 
        claimant may elect to file a fully developed appeal under the 
        program by filing with the Secretary all of the following:
                (i) The notice of disagreement under chapter 71 of 
            title 38, United States Code, along with the written 
            election of the claimant to have the appeal determined 
            under the program.
                (ii) All evidence that the claimant believes is needed 
            for the appeal as of the date of the filing.
                (iii) A statement of the argument in support of the 
            claim, if any.
            (B) Timing.--A claimant shall make an election under 
        subparagraph (A) as part of the notice of disagreement filed by 
        the claimant in accordance with subparagraph (A)(i).
            (C) Triage.--The Secretary shall, upon expiration of the 
        period specified in paragraph (3)(C)(iii), ensure that an 
        assessment is undertaken of whether an appeal filed under 
        subparagraph (A) of this paragraph satisfies the requirements 
        for appeal under the program and provide appropriate 
        notification to the claimant of the results of that assessment.
            (D) Reversion.--
                (i) Elected reversion.--At any time, a claimant who 
            makes an election under subparagraph (A) may elect to 
            revert to the standard appeals process. Such a reversion 
            shall be final.
                (ii) Automatic reversion.--A claimant described in 
            clause (i), or a claimant who makes an election under 
            subparagraph (A) but is later determined to be ineligible 
            for the program under paragraph (1), shall revert to the 
            standard appeals process without any penalty to the 
            claimant other than the loss of the docket number 
            associated with the fully developed appeal.
            (E) Outreach.--In providing claimants with notices of the 
        determination of a claim during the period in which the program 
        under paragraph (1) is carried out, the Secretary shall conduct 
        outreach as follows:
                (i) The Secretary shall provide to the claimant (and to 
            the representative of record of the claimant, if any) 
            information regarding--

                    (I) the program, including the advantages and 
                disadvantages of the program;
                    (II) how to make an election under subparagraph 
                (A);
                    (III) the limitation on the use of new evidence 
                described in subparagraph (C) of paragraph (3) and the 
                development of information under subparagraph (D) of 
                such paragraph;
                    (IV) the ability of the claimant to seek advice and 
                education regarding such process from veterans service 
                organizations, attorneys, and claims agents recognized 
                under chapter 59 of title 38, United States Code; and
                    (V) the circumstances under which the appeal will 
                automatically revert to the standard appeals process, 
                including by making a request for a hearing.

                (ii) The Secretary shall collaborate, partner with, and 
            give weight to the advice of the three veterans service 
            organizations with the most members and such other 
            stakeholders as the Secretary considers appropriate to 
            publish on the Internet website of the Department of 
            Veterans Affairs an online tutorial explaining the 
            advantages and disadvantages of the program.
        (3) Treatment by department and board.--
            (A) Process.--Upon the election of a claimant to file a 
        fully developed appeal pursuant to paragraph (2)(A), the 
        Secretary shall--
                (i) not provide the claimant with a statement of the 
            case nor require the claimant to file a substantive appeal; 
            and
                (ii) transfer jurisdiction over the fully developed 
            appeal directly to the Board of Veterans' Appeals.
            (B) Docket.--
                (i) In general.--The Board of Veterans' Appeals shall--

                    (I) maintain fully developed appeals on a separate 
                docket than standard appeals;
                    (II) decide fully developed appeals in the order 
                that the fully developed appeals are received on the 
                fully developed appeal docket;
                    (III) except as provided by clause (ii), decide not 
                more than one fully developed appeal for each four 
                standard appeals decided; and
                    (IV) to the extent practicable, decide each fully 
                developed appeal by the date that is one year following 
                the date on which the claimant files the notice of 
                disagreement.

                (ii) Adjustment.--Beginning one year after the date on 
            which the program commences, the Board may adjust the 
            number of standard appeals decided for each fully developed 
            appeal under clause (i)(III) if the Board determines that 
            such adjustment is fair for both standard appeals and fully 
            developed appeals.
            (C) Limitation on use of new evidence.--
                (i) In general.--Except as provided by clauses (ii) and 
            (iii)--

                    (I) a claimant may not submit or identify to the 
                Board of Veterans' Appeals any new evidence relating to 
                a fully developed appeal after filing such appeal 
                unless the claimant reverts to the standard appeals 
                process pursuant to paragraph (2)(D); and
                    (II) if a claimant submits or identifies any such 
                new evidence, such submission or identification shall 
                be deemed to be an election to make such a reversion 
                pursuant to paragraph (2)(D).

                (ii) Evidence gathered by board.--Clause (i) shall not 
            apply to evidence developed pursuant to subparagraphs (D) 
            and (E). The Board shall consider such evidence in the 
            first instance without consideration by the Veterans 
            Benefits Administration.
                (iii) Representative of record.--The representative of 
            record of a claimant for appeals purposes, if any, shall be 
            provided an opportunity to review the fully developed 
            appeal of the claimant and submit any additional arguments 
            or evidence that the representative determines necessary 
            during a period specified by the Board for purposes of this 
            subparagraph.
            (D) Prohibition on remand for additional development.--If 
        the Board of Veterans' Appeals determines that a fully 
        developed appeal requires Federal records, independent medical 
        opinions, or new medical examinations, the Board shall--
                (i) in accordance with subparagraph (E), take such 
            actions as may be necessary to develop such records, 
            opinions, or examinations in accordance with section 5103A 
            of title 38, United States Code;
                (ii) retain jurisdiction of the fully developed appeal 
            without requiring a determination by the Veterans Benefits 
            Administration based on such records, opinions, or 
            examinations;
                (iii) ensure the claimant, and the representative of 
            record of a claimant, if any, receives a copy of such 
            records, opinions, or examinations; and
                (iv) provide the claimant a period of 90 days after the 
            date of mailing such records, opinions, or examinations 
            during which the claimant may provide the Board any 
            additional evidence without requiring the claimant to make 
            a reversion pursuant to paragraph (2)(D).
            (E) Development unit.--
                (i) Establishment.--The Board of Veterans' Appeals 
            shall establish an office to develop Federal records, 
            independent medical opinions, and new medical examinations 
            pursuant to subparagraph (D)(i) that the Board determines 
            necessary to decide a fully developed appeal.
                (ii) Requirements.--The Secretary shall--

                    (I) ensure that the Veterans Benefits 
                Administration cooperates with the Board of Veterans' 
                Appeals in carrying out clause (i); and
                    (II) transfer employees of the Veterans Benefits 
                Administration who, prior to the enactment of this Act, 
                were responsible for processing claims remanded by the 
                Board of Veterans' Appeals to positions within the 
                office of the Board established under clause (i) in a 
                number the Secretary determines sufficient to carry out 
                such subparagraph.

            (F) Hearings.--Notwithstanding section 7107 of title 38, 
        United States Code, the Secretary may not provide hearings with 
        respect to fully developed appeals under the program. If a 
        claimant requests to hold a hearing pursuant to such section 
        7107, such request shall be deemed to be an election to revert 
        to the standard appeals process pursuant to paragraph (2)(D).
        (4) Duration; applicability.--
            (A) Duration.--Subject to subsection (c), the Secretary may 
        carry out the program during such period as the Secretary 
        considers appropriate.
            (B) Applicability.--This section shall apply only to fully 
        developed appeals that are filed during the period in which the 
        program is carried out pursuant to subparagraph (A).
        (5) Definitions.--In this subsection:
            (A) Compensation.--The term ``compensation'' has the 
        meaning given that term in section 101 of title 38, United 
        States Code.
            (B) Fully developed appeal.--The term ``fully developed 
        appeal'' means an appeal of a claim for disability compensation 
        that is--
                (i) filed by a claimant in accordance with paragraph 
            (2)(A); and
                (ii) considered in accordance with this subsection.
            (C) Standard appeal.--The term ``standard appeal'' means an 
        appeal of a claim for disability compensation that is not a 
        fully developed appeal.
    (c) Termination of Authority.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs 
may not carry out a program under this section after the applicability 
date set forth in section 2(x)(1).
SEC. 5. PERIODIC PUBLICATION OF METRICS RELATING TO PROCESSING OF 
APPEALS BY DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
    The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall periodically publish on an 
Internet website of the Department of Veterans Affairs the following:
        (1) With respect to the processing by the Secretary of appeals 
    under the new appeals system of decisions regarding claims for 
    benefits under laws administered by the Secretary, the following:
            (A) For the Veterans Benefits Administration and, to the 
        extent practicable, each regional office of the Department of 
        Veterans Affairs, the number of--
                (i) supplemental claims under section 5108 of title 38, 
            United States Code, as amended by section 2(i), that are 
            pending; and
                (ii) requests for higher-level review under section 
            5104B of such title, as added by section 2(g), that are 
            pending.
            (B) The number of appeals on any docket maintained under 
        section 7107 of such title, as amended by section 2(t), that 
        are pending.
            (C) The average duration for processing claims and 
        supplemental claims, disaggregated by regional office.
            (D) The average duration for processing requests for 
        higher-level review under section 5104B of such title, as added 
        by section 2(g), disaggregated by regional office.
            (E) The average number of days that appeals are pending on 
        a docket of the Board of Veterans' Appeals maintained pursuant 
        to section 7107 of such title, as amended by section 2(t), 
        disaggregated by--
                (i) appeals that include a request for a hearing;
                (ii) appeals that do not include a request for a 
            hearing and do include submittal of evidence; and
                (iii) appeals that do not include a request for a 
            hearing and do not include submittal of evidence.
            (F) With respect to the policy developed and implemented 
        under section 7107(e) of such title, as amended by section 
        2(t)--
                (i) the number of cases moved from one docket to 
            another pursuant to such policy;
                (ii) the average time cases were pending prior to 
            moving from one docket to another; and
                (iii) the average time to adjudicate the cases after so 
            moving.
            (G) The total number of remands to obtain advisory medical 
        opinions under section 5109(d) of title 38, United States Code, 
        as added by section 2(j).
            (H) The average number of days between the date on which 
        the Board remands a claim to obtain an advisory medical opinion 
        under section 5109(d) of such title, as so added, and the date 
        on which the advisory medical opinion is obtained.
            (I) The average number of days between the date on which 
        the Board remands a claim to obtain an advisory medical opinion 
        under section 5109(d) of such title, as so added, and the date 
        on which the agency of original jurisdiction issues a decision 
        taking that advisory opinion into account.
            (J) The number of appeals that are granted, the number of 
        appeals that are remanded, and the number of appeals that are 
        denied by the Board disaggregated by docket.
            (K) The number of claimants each year that take action 
        within the period set forth in section 5110(a)(2) of such 
        title, as added by section 2(l), to protect their effective 
        date under such section 5110(a)(2), disaggregated by the status 
        of the claimants taking the actions, such as whether the 
        claimant is represented by a veterans service organization, the 
        claimant is represented by an attorney, or the claimant is 
        taking such action pro se.
            (L) The total number of times on average each claimant 
        files under section 5110(a)(2) of such title, as so added, to 
        protect their effective date under such section, disaggregated 
        by the subparagraph of such section under which they file.
            (M) The average duration, from the filing of an initial 
        claim until the claim is resolved and claimants no longer take 
        any action to protect their effective date under section 
        5110(a)(2) of such title, as so added--
                (i) of claims under the new appeals system, excluding 
            legacy claims that opt in to the new appeals system; and
                (ii) of legacy claims that opt in to the new appeals 
            system.
            (N) How frequently an action taken within one year to 
        protect an effective date under section 5110(a)(2) of such 
        title, as so added, leads to additional grant of benefits, 
        disaggregated by action taken.
            (O) The average of how long it takes to complete each 
        segment of the claims process while claimants are protecting 
        the effective date under such section, disaggregated by the 
        time waiting for the claimant to take an action and the time 
        waiting for the Secretary to take an action.
            (P) The number and the average amount of retroactive awards 
        of benefits from the Secretary as a result of protected 
        effective dates under such section, disaggregated by action 
        taken.
            (Q) The average number of times claimants submit to the 
        Secretary different claims with respect to the same condition, 
        such as an initial claim and a supplemental claim.
            (R) The number of cases each year in which a claimant 
        inappropriately tried to take simultaneous actions, such as 
        filing a supplemental claim while a higher-level review is 
        pending, what actions the Secretary took in response, and how 
        long it took on average to take those actions.
            (S) In the case that the Secretary develops and implements 
        a policy under section 5104C(a)(2)(D) of such title, as amended 
        by section 2(h)(1), the number of actions withdrawn and new 
        actions taken pursuant to such policy.
            (T) The number of times the Secretary received evidence 
        relating to an appeal or higher-level review at a time not 
        authorized under the new appeals system, disaggregated by 
        actions taken by the Secretary to deal with the evidence and 
        how long on average it took to take those actions.
            (U) The number of errors committed by the Secretary in 
        carrying out the Secretary's duty to assist under section 5103A 
        of title 38, United States Code, that were identified by 
        higher-level review and by the Board, disaggregated by type of 
        error, such as errors relating to private records and 
        inadequate examinations, and a comparison with errors committed 
        by the Secretary in carrying out such duty with respect to 
        appeals of decisions on legacy claims.
            (V) An assessment of the productivity of employees at the 
        regional offices and at the Board, disaggregated by level of 
        experience of the employees.
            (W) The percentage of cases that are decided within the 
        goals established by the Secretary for deciding cases, 
        disaggregated by cases that involve a supplemental claim, cases 
        that involve higher-level review, and by docket maintained 
        under section 7107(a) of such title, as amended by section 
        2(t), or in the case that the Secretary has not established 
        goals for deciding cases, the percentage of cases which are 
        decided within one year, two years, three years, and more than 
        three years, disaggregated by docket.
            (X) Of the cases that involve higher-level review, the 
        percentage of decisions that are overturned in whole or in part 
        by the higher-level adjudicator, that are upheld by the higher-
        level adjudicator, and that are returned for correction of an 
        error.
            (Y) The frequency by which the Secretary readjudicates a 
        claim pursuant to section 5108 of such title, as amended by 
        section 2(i), and the frequency by which readjudication 
        pursuant to section 5108 of such title, as so amended, results 
        in an award of benefits.
            (Z) In any case in which the Board decides to screen cases 
        for a purpose described in section 7107(d) of such title, as 
        amended by section 2(t)(1)--
                (i) a description of the way in which the cases are 
            screened and the purposes for which they are screened;
                (ii) a description of the effect such screening has had 
            on--

                    (I) the timeliness of the issuance of decisions of 
                the Board; and
                    (II) the inventory of cases before the Board; and

                (iii) the type and frequency of development errors 
            detected through such screening.
        (2) With respect to the processing by the Secretary of appeals 
    of decisions on legacy claims, the following:
            (A) The average duration of each segment of the appeals 
        process, disaggregated by periods in which the Secretary is 
        waiting for a claimant to take an action and periods in which 
        the claimant is waiting for the Secretary to take an action.
            (B) The frequency by which appeals lead to additional grant 
        of benefits by the Secretary, disaggregated by whether the 
        additional benefits are a result of additional evidence added 
        after the initial decision.
            (C) The number and average amount of retroactive awards of 
        benefits resulting from an appeal.
            (D) The average duration from filing a legacy claim with 
        the Secretary until all appeals and remands relating to such 
        legacy claim are completed.
            (E) The average number of times claimants submit to the 
        Secretary different claims with respect to the same condition, 
        such as an initial claim, new and material evidence, or a claim 
        for an increase in benefits.
            (F) An assessment of the productivity of employees at the 
        regional offices and at the Board, disaggregated by level of 
        experience of the employees.
            (G) The average number of days the duration of an appeal is 
        extended because the Secretary secured or attempted to secure 
        an advisory medical opinion under section 5109 of title 38, 
        United States Code, or section 7109 of such title (as in effect 
        on the day before the date of the enactment of this Act).
            (H) The frequency by which claims are reopened pursuant to 
        section 5108 of such title and the frequency by which such 
        reopening results in an award of benefits.
        (3) With respect to the processing by the Secretary of appeals 
    of decisions on legacy claims that opt in to the new appeals 
    system, the following:
            (A) The cumulative number of such legacy claims.
            (B) The portion of work in the new appeals system 
        attributable to appeals of decisions on such legacy claims.
            (C) The average period such legacy claims were pending 
        before opting in to the new appeals system and the average 
        period required to adjudicate such legacy claims on average 
        after opting in--
                (i) with respect to claims at a regional office of the 
            Department of Veterans Affairs, disaggregated by--

                    (I) supplemental claims under section 5108 of title 
                38, United States Code, as amended by section 2(i); and
                    (II) requests for higher-level review under section 
                5104B of such title, as added by section 2(g); and

                (ii) with respect to appeals, disaggregated by docket 
            of the Board maintained under section 7107 of such title, 
            as amended by section 2(t).
SEC. 6. DEFINITIONS.
    In this Act:
        (1) Claimant.--The term ``claimant'' has the meaning given such 
    term in section 5100 of title 38, United States Code.
        (2) Legacy claims.--The term ``legacy claim'' means a claim--
            (A) that was submitted to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs 
        for a benefit under a law administered by the Secretary; and
            (B) for which notice of a decision under section 5104 of 
        title 38, United States Code, was provided by the Secretary 
        before the date set forth in section 2(x).
        (3) Opt in.--The term ``opt in'' means, with respect to a 
    legacy claim of a claimant, that the claimant elects to subject the 
    claim to the new appeals system pursuant to--
            (A) section 2(x)(3); or
            (B) such other mechanism as the Secretary may prescribe for 
        purposes of carrying out this Act and the amendments made by 
        this Act.
        (4) New appeals system.--The term ``new appeals system'' means 
    the set of processes and mechanisms by which the Secretary 
    processes, pursuant to the authorities and requirements modified by 
    section 2, claims for benefits under laws administered by the 
    Secretary.

                               Speaker of the House of Representatives.

                            Vice President of the United States and    
                                               President of the Senate.