    [United States Statutes at Large, Volume 117, 108th Congress, 1st Session]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    117 STAT. 2651

    Public Law 108-183
    108th Congress

    An Act

    To amend title 38, United States Code, to improve benefits under laws
    administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and for other
    purposes. <>

    Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
    United States of America in Congress assembled, <>

    SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.

    (a) Short <> Title.--This Act may be cited
    as the ``Veterans Benefits Act of 2003''.

    (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act is as
    follows:

    Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
    Sec. 2. References to title 38, United States Code.

    TITLE I--SURVIVOR BENEFITS

    Sec. 101. Retention of certain veterans survivor benefits for surviving
    spouses remarrying after age 57.
    Sec. 102. Benefits for children with spina bifida of veterans of certain
    service in Korea.
    Sec. 103. Alternative beneficiaries for National Service Life Insurance
    and United States Government Life Insurance.
    Sec. 104. Payment of benefits accrued and unpaid at time of death.

    TITLE II--BENEFITS FOR FORMER PRISONERS OF WAR AND FOR FILIPINO VETERANS

    Subtitle A--Former Prisoners of War

    Sec. 201. Presumptions of service-connection relating to diseases and
    disabilities of former prisoners of war.

    Subtitle B--Filipino Veterans

    Sec. 211. Rate of payment of benefits for certain Filipino veterans and
    their survivors residing in the United States.
    Sec. 212. Burial benefits for new Philippine Scouts residing in the
    United States.
    Sec. 213. Extension of authority to maintain regional office in the
    Republic of the Philippines.

    TITLE III--EDUCATION BENEFITS, EMPLOYMENT PROVISIONS, AND RELATED
    MATTERS

    Sec. 301. Expansion of Montgomery GI Bill education benefits for certain
    self-employment training.
    Sec. 302. Increase in rates of survivors' and dependents' educational
    assistance.
    Sec. 303. Restoration of survivors' and dependents' education benefits
    of individuals being ordered to full-time National Guard
    duty.
    Sec. 304. Rounding down of certain cost-of-living adjustments on
    educational assistance.
    Sec. 305. Authorization for State approving agencies to approve certain
    entrepreneurship courses.
    Sec. 306. Repeal of provisions relating to obsolete education loan
    program.
    Sec. 307. Six-year extension of the Veterans' Advisory Committee on
    Education.
    Sec. 308. Procurement program for small business concerns owned and
    controlled by service-disabled veterans.

    [[Page 2652]]
    117 STAT. 2652

    Sec. 309. Outstationing of Transition Assistance Program personnel.

    TITLE IV--HOUSING BENEFITS AND RELATED MATTERS

    Sec. 401. Authorization to provide adapted housing assistance to certain
    disabled members of the Armed Forces who remain on active
    duty.
    Sec. 402. Increase in amounts for certain adaptive benefits for disabled
    veterans.
    Sec. 403. Permanent authority for housing loans for members of the
    Selected Reserve.
    Sec. 404. Reinstatement of minimum requirements for sale of vendee
    loans.
    Sec. 405. Adjustment to home loan fees.
    Sec. 406. One-year extension of procedures on liquidation sales of
    defaulted home loans guaranteed by the Department of Veterans
    Affairs.

    TITLE V--BURIAL BENEFITS

    Sec. 501. Burial plot allowance.
    Sec. 502. Eligibility of surviving spouses who remarry for burial in
    national cemeteries.
    Sec. 503. Permanent authority for State cemetery grants program.

    TITLE VI--EXPOSURE TO HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES

    Sec. 601. Radiation Dose Reconstruction Program of Department of
    Defense.
    Sec. 602. Study on disposition of Air Force Health Study.
    Sec. 603. Funding of Medical Follow-Up Agency of Institute of Medicine
    of National Academy of Sciences for epidemiological research
    on members of the Armed Forces and veterans.

    TITLE VII--OTHER MATTERS

    Sec. 701. Time limitations on receipt of claim information pursuant to
    requests of Department of Veterans Affairs.
    Sec. 702. Clarification of applicability of prohibition on assignment of
    veterans benefits to agreements requiring payment of future
    receipt of benefits.
    Sec. 703. Six-year extension of Advisory Committee on Minority Veterans.
    Sec. 704. Temporary authority for performance of medical disabilities
    examinations by contract physicians.
    Sec. 705. Forfeiture of benefits for subversive activities.
    Sec. 706. Two-year extension of round-down requirement for compensation
    cost-of-living adjustments.
    Sec. 707. Codification of requirement for expeditious treatment of cases
    on remand.
    Sec. 708. Technical and clerical amendments.

    SEC. 2. REFERENCES TO TITLE 38, UNITED STATES CODE.

    Except as otherwise expressly provided, whenever in this Act an
    amendment or repeal is expressed in terms of an amendment to, or repeal
    of, a section or other provision, the reference shall be considered to
    be made to a section or other provision of title 38, United States Code.

    TITLE I--SURVIVOR BENEFITS

    SEC. 101. RETENTION OF CERTAIN VETERANS SURVIVOR BENEFITS FOR SURVIVING
    SPOUSES REMARRYING AFTER AGE 57.

    (a) Exception to Termination of Benefits Upon Remarriage.--Section
    103(d)(2)(B) <>  is amended by striking ``The
    remarriage after age 55'' and inserting ``The remarriage after age 57 of
    the surviving spouse of a veteran shall not bar the furnishing of
    benefits specified in paragraph (5) to such person as the surviving
    spouse of the veteran. Notwithstanding the previous sentence, the
    remarriage after age 55''.

    (b) Coordination of Benefits.--Section 1311 is amended by adding at
    the end the following new subsection:
    ``(e) In the case of an individual who is eligible for dependency
    and indemnity compensation under this section by reason of section
    103(d)(2)(B) of this title who is also eligible for benefits under
    another provision of law by reason of such individual's status as

    [[Page 2653]]
    117 STAT. 2653

    the surviving spouse of a veteran, then, notwithstanding any other
    provision of law (other than section 5304(b)(3) of this title), no
    reduction in benefits under such other provision of law shall be made by
    reason of such individual's eligibility for benefits under this
    section.''.
    (c) Effective <> Date.--The amendments made
    by subsections (a) and (b) shall take effect on January 1, 2004.

    (d) Retroactive <> Benefits Prohibited.--No
    benefit may be paid to any person by reason of the amendments made by
    subsections (a) and (b) for any period before the effective date
    specified in subsection (c).

    (e) Application <> for
    Benefits.--In the case of an individual who but for having remarried
    would be eligible for benefits under title 38, United States Code, by
    reason of the amendment made by subsection (a) and whose remarriage was
    before the date of the enactment of this Act and after the individual
    had attained age 57, the individual shall be eligible for such benefits
    by reason of such amendment only if the individual submits an
    application for such benefits to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs not
    later than the end of the one-year period beginning on the date of the
    enactment of this Act.

    (f) Technical Correction.--Section 101(b) of the Veterans Benefits
    Act of 2002 (Public Law 107-330; 116 Stat. 2821; 38 U.S.C. 103 note) is
    amended by striking ``during the 1-year period'' and all that follows
    through ``(c)'' and inserting ``before the end of the one-year period
    beginning on the date of the enactment of the Veterans Benefits Act of
    2003''.

    SEC. 102. BENEFITS FOR CHILDREN WITH SPINA BIFIDA OF VETERANS OF CERTAIN
    SERVICE IN KOREA.

    (a) In General.--Chapter 18 is amended--
    (1) by redesignating subchapter III, and sections 1821,
    1822, 1823, and 1824, as subchapter IV, and sections 1831, 1832,
    1833, and 1834, respectively; and
    (2) by inserting after subchapter II the following new
    subchapter III:

    ``SUBCHAPTER III--CHILDREN OF CERTAIN KOREA SERVICE VETERANS BORN WITH
    SPINA BIFIDA

    ``Sec. 1821. Benefits for children of certain Korea service veterans
    born with spina bifida

    ``(a) Benefits Authorized.--The Secretary may provide to any child
    of a veteran of covered service in Korea who is suffering from spina
    bifida the health care, vocational training and rehabilitation, and
    monetary allowance required to be paid to a child of a Vietnam veteran
    who is suffering from spina bifida under subchapter I of this chapter as
    if such child of a veteran of covered service in Korea were a child of a
    Vietnam veteran who is suffering from spina bifida under such
    subchapter.
    ``(b) Spina Bifida Conditions Covered.--This section applies with
    respect to all forms and manifestations of spina bifida, except spina
    bifida occulta.
    ``(c) Veteran of Covered Service in Korea.--For purposes of this
    section, a veteran of covered service in Korea is any individual,
    without regard to the characterization of that individual's service,
    who--

    [[Page 2654]]
    117 STAT. 2654

    ``(1) served in the active military, naval, or air service
    in or near the Korean demilitarized zone (DMZ), as determined by
    the Secretary in consultation with the Secretary of Defense,
    during the period beginning on September 1, 1967, and ending on
    August 31, 1971; and
    ``(2) is determined by the Secretary, in consultation with
    the Secretary of Defense, to have been exposed to a herbicide
    agent during such service in or near the Korean demilitarized
    zone.

    ``(d) Herbicide Agent.--For purposes of this section, the term
    `herbicide agent' means a chemical in a herbicide used in support of
    United States and allied military operations in or near the Korean
    demilitarized zone, as determined by the Secretary in consultation with
    the Secretary of Defense, during the period beginning on September 1,
    1967, and ending on August 31, 1971.''.
    (b) Child Defined.--Section 1831, as redesignated by subsection (a)
    of this section, is amended by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the
    following new paragraph (1):
    ``(1) The term `child' means the following:
    ``(A) For purposes of subchapters I and II of this
    chapter, an individual, regardless of age or marital
    status, who--
    ``(i) is the natural child of a Vietnam
    veteran; and
    ``(ii) was conceived after the date on which
    that veteran first entered the Republic of Vietnam
    during the Vietnam era.
    ``(B) For purposes of subchapter III of this
    chapter, an individual, regardless of age or marital
    status, who--
    ``(i) is the natural child of a veteran of
    covered service in Korea (as determined for
    purposes of section 1821 of this title); and
    ``(ii) was conceived after the date on which
    that veteran first entered service described in
    subsection (c) of that section.''.

    (c) Nonduplication of Benefits.--Subsection (a) of section 1834, as
    redesignated by subsection (a) of this section, is amended by adding at
    the end the following new sentence: ``In the case of a child eligible
    for benefits under subchapter I or II of this chapter who is also
    eligible for benefits under subchapter III of this chapter, a monetary
    allowance shall be paid under the subchapter of this chapter elected by
    the child.''.
    (d) Conforming Amendments.--(1) Section 1811(1)(A) is amended by
    striking ``section 1821(1)'' and inserting ``section 1831(1)''.
    (2) The heading for chapter 18 is amended to read as follows:

    ``CHAPTER 18--BENEFITS FOR CHILDREN OF VIETNAM VETERANS AND CERTAIN
    OTHER VETERANS''.

    (e) Clerical Amendments.--(1) The table of sections at the beginning
    of chapter 18 is amended by striking the items relating to subchapter
    III and sections 1821, 1822, 1823, and 1824 and inserting the following
    new items:

    ``SUBCHAPTER III--CHILDREN OF CERTAIN KOREA SERVICE VETERANS BORN WITH
    SPINA BIFIDA

    ``1821. Benefits for children of certain Korea service veterans born
    with spina bifida.

    [[Page 2655]]
    117 STAT. 2655

    ``SUBCHAPTER IV--GENERAL PROVISIONS

    ``1831. Definitions.
    ``1832. Applicability of certain administrative provisions.
    ``1833. Treatment of receipt of monetary allowance and other benefits.
    ``1834. Nonduplication of benefits.''.

    (2) The table of chapters at the beginning of title 38, United
    States Code, and at the beginning of part II, are each amended by
    striking the item relating to chapter 18 and inserting the following new
    item:

    ``18. Benefits for Children of Vietnam Veterans and Certain Other
    Veterans.........................................................1802''.

    SEC. 103. ALTERNATIVE BENEFICIARIES FOR NATIONAL SERVICE LIFE INSURANCE
    AND UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT LIFE INSURANCE.

    (a) National Service Life Insurance.--Section 1917 is amended by
    adding at the end the following new subsection:
    ``(f)(1) Following the death of the insured and in a case not
    covered by subsection (d)--
    ``(A) if the first beneficiary otherwise entitled to payment
    of the insurance does not make a claim for such payment within
    two years after the death of the insured, payment may be made to
    another beneficiary designated by the insured, in the order of
    precedence as designated by the insured, as if the first
    beneficiary had predeceased the insured; and
    ``(B) <> if, within four years after the
    death of the insured, no claim has been filed by a person
    designated by the insured as a beneficiary and the Secretary has
    not received any notice in writing that any such claim will be
    made, payment may (notwithstanding any other provision of law)
    be made to such person as may in the judgment of the Secretary
    be equitably entitled thereto.

    ``(2) Payment of insurance under paragraph (1) shall be a bar to
    recovery by any other person.''.
    (b) United States Government Life Insurance.--Section 1952 is
    amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
    ``(c)(1) Following the death of the insured and in a case not
    covered by section 1950 of this title--
    ``(A) if the first beneficiary otherwise entitled to payment
    of the insurance does not make a claim for such payment within
    two years after the death of the insured, payment may be made to
    another beneficiary designated by the insured, in the order of
    precedence as designated by the insured, as if the first
    beneficiary had predeceased the insured; and
    ``(B) if, within four years after the death of the insured,
    no claim has been filed by a person designated by the insured as
    a beneficiary and the Secretary has not received any notice in
    writing that any such claim will be made, payment may
    (notwithstanding any other provision of law) be made to such
    person as may in the judgment of the Secretary be equitably
    entitled thereto.

    ``(2) Payment of insurance under paragraph (1) shall be a bar to
    recovery by any other person.''.
    (c) Effective <> Date.--The amendments made
    by subsections (a) and (b) shall take effect on October 1, 2004.

    (d) Transition <> Provision.--In the case
    of a person insured under subchapter I or II of chapter 19 of title 38,
    United States Code, who dies before the effective date of the amendments
    made

    [[Page 2656]]
    117 STAT. 2656

    by subsections (a) and (b), as specified by subsection (c), the two-year
    and four-year periods specified in subsection (f)(1) of section 1917 of
    title 38, United States Code, as added by subsection (a), and subsection
    (c)(1) of section 1952 of such title, as added by subsection (b), as
    applicable, shall for purposes of the applicable subsection be treated
    as being the two-year and four-year periods, respectively, beginning on
    the effective date of such amendments, as so specified.

    SEC. 104. PAYMENT OF BENEFITS ACCRUED AND UNPAID AT TIME OF DEATH.

    (a) Repeal of Two-Year Limitation on Payment.--Section 5121(a) is
    amended by striking ``for a period not to exceed two years'' in the
    matter preceding paragraph (1).
    (b) Payment Recipients for Beneficiaries Under Chapter 18.--Such
    section is further amended--
    (1) by striking ``and'' at the end of paragraph (4);
    (2) by redesignating paragraph (5) as paragraph (6); and
    (3) by inserting after paragraph (4) the following new
    paragraph (5):
    ``(5) Upon the death of a child claiming benefits under
    chapter 18 of this title, to the surviving parents.''.

    (c) Technical Amendments.--Such section is further amended--
    (1) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking the
    comma after ``or decisions'';
    (2) by striking the semicolon at the end of paragraphs (1),
    (2), (3), and (4), and at the end of subparagraphs (A) and (B)
    of paragraph (2), and inserting a period.

    (d) Effective <> Date.--The
    amendments made by subsections (a) and (b) shall apply with respect to
    deaths occurring on or after the date of the enactment of this Act.

    TITLE II--BENEFITS FOR FORMER PRISONERS OF WAR AND FOR FILIPINO VETERANS

    Subtitle A--Former Prisoners of War

    SEC. 201. PRESUMPTIONS OF SERVICE-CONNECTION RELATING TO DISEASES AND
    DISABILITIES OF FORMER PRISONERS OF WAR.

    Subsection (b) of section 1112 is amended to read as follows:
    ``(b)(1) For the purposes of section 1110 of this title and subject
    to the provisions of section 1113 of this title, in the case of a
    veteran who is a former prisoner of war--
    ``(A) a disease specified in paragraph (2) which became
    manifest to a degree of 10 percent or more after active
    military, naval, or air service shall be considered to have been
    incurred in or aggravated by such service, notwithstanding that
    there is no record of such disease during the period of service;
    and
    ``(B) if the veteran was detained or interned as a prisoner
    of war for not less than thirty days, a disease specified in
    paragraph (3) which became manifest to a degree of 10 percent or
    more after active military, naval, or air service shall be

    [[Page 2657]]
    117 STAT. 2657

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

    ``(2) The diseases specified in this paragraph are the following:
    ``(A) Psychosis.
    ``(B) Any of the anxiety states.
    ``(C) Dysthymic disorder (or depressive neurosis).
    ``(D) Organic residuals of frostbite, if the Secretary
    determines that the veteran was detained or interned in climatic
    conditions consistent with the occurrence of frostbite.
    ``(E) Post-traumatic osteoarthritis.

    ``(3) The diseases specified in this paragraph are the following:
    ``(A) Avitaminosis.
    ``(B) Beriberi (including beriberi heart disease).
    ``(C) Chronic dysentery.
    ``(D) Helminthiasis.
    ``(E) Malnutrition (including optic atrophy associated with
    malnutrition).
    ``(F) Pellagra.
    ``(G) Any other nutritional deficiency.
    ``(H) Cirrhosis of the liver.
    ``(I) Peripheral neuropathy except where directly related to
    infectious causes.
    ``(J) Irritable bowel syndrome.
    ``(K) Peptic ulcer disease.''.

    Subtitle B--Filipino Veterans

    SEC. 211. RATE OF PAYMENT OF BENEFITS FOR CERTAIN FILIPINO VETERANS AND
    THEIR SURVIVORS RESIDING IN THE UNITED STATES.

    (a) Rate of Payment.--Section 107 is amended--
    (1) in the second sentence of subsection (b), by striking
    ``Payments'' and inserting ``Except as provided in subsection
    (c), payments''; and
    (2) in subsection (c)--
    (A) by inserting ``and subchapter II of chapter 13
    (except section 1312(a)) of this title'' after ``chapter
    11 of this title'';
    (B) by striking ``in subsection (a)'' and inserting
    ``in subsection (a) or (b)''; and
    (C) by striking ``of subsection (a)'' and inserting
    ``of the applicable subsection''.

    (b) Effective <> Date.--The
    amendments made by subsection (a) shall apply to benefits paid for
    months beginning after the date of the enactment of this Act.

    SEC. 212. BURIAL BENEFITS FOR NEW PHILIPPINE SCOUTS RESIDING IN THE
    UNITED STATES.

    (a) Benefit Eligibility.--Section 107, as amended by section 211 of
    this Act, is amended--
    (1) in subsection (b)(2)--
    (A) by striking ``and'' and inserting a comma; and
    (B) by inserting ``, 23, and 24 (to the extent
    provided for in section 2402(8))'' after ``(except
    section 1312(a))'';

    [[Page 2658]]
    117 STAT. 2658

    (2) in the second sentence of subsection (b), as so amended,
    by inserting ``or (d)'' after ``subsection (c)'';
    (3) in subsection (d)(1), by inserting ``or (b), as
    otherwise applicable,'' after ``subsection (a)''; and
    (4) in subsection (d)(2), by inserting ``or whose service is
    described in subsection (b) and who dies after the date of the
    enactment of the Veterans Benefits Act of 2003,'' after
    ``November 1, 2000,''.

    (b) National Cemetery Interment.--Section 2402(8) is amended by
    striking ``section 107(a)'' and inserting ``subsection (a) or (b) of
    section 107''.
    (c) Effective <> Date.--The
    amendments made by this section shall apply with respect to deaths
    occurring on or after the date of the enactment of this Act.

    SEC. 213. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY TO MAINTAIN REGIONAL OFFICE IN THE
    REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES.

    Section 315(b) is amended by striking ``December 31, 2003'' and
    inserting ``December 31, 2009''.

    TITLE III--EDUCATION BENEFITS, EMPLOYMENT PROVISIONS, AND RELATED
    MATTERS

    SEC. 301. EXPANSION OF MONTGOMERY GI BILL EDUCATION BENEFITS FOR CERTAIN
    SELF-EMPLOYMENT TRAINING.

    (a) Definition of Training Establishment.--Section 3452(e) is
    amended by striking ``means any'' and all that follows and inserting
    ``means any of the following:
    ``(1) An establishment providing apprentice or other on-job
    training, including those under the supervision of a college or
    university or any State department of education.
    ``(2) An establishment providing self-employment on-job
    training consisting of full-time training for a period of less
    than six months that is needed or accepted for purposes of
    obtaining licensure to engage in a self-employment occupation or
    required for ownership and operation of a franchise that is the
    objective of the training.
    ``(3) A State board of vocational education.
    ``(4) A Federal or State apprenticeship registration agency.
    ``(5) A joint apprenticeship committee established pursuant
    to the Act of August 16, 1937, popularly known as the `National
    Apprenticeship Act' (29 U.S.C. 50 et seq.).
    ``(6) An agency of the Federal Government authorized to
    supervise such training.''.

    (b) Effective <> Date.--The
    amendment made by subsection (a) shall take effect on the date that is
    six months after the date of the enactment of this Act and shall apply
    to self-employment on-job training approved and pursued on or after that
    date.

    SEC. 302. INCREASE IN RATES OF SURVIVORS' AND DEPENDENTS' EDUCATIONAL
    ASSISTANCE.

    (a) Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance.--Section 3532
    is amended--
    (1) in subsection (a)--

    [[Page 2659]]
    117 STAT. 2659

    (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``at the monthly
    rate of'' and all that follows and inserting ``at the
    monthly rate of $788 for full-time, $592 for three-
    quarter-time, or $394 for half-time pursuit.''; and
    (B) in paragraph (2), by striking ``at the rate of''
    and all that follows and inserting ``at the rate of the
    lesser of--
    ``(A) the established charges for tuition and fees that the
    educational institution involved requires similarly
    circumstanced nonveterans enrolled in the same program to pay;
    or
    ``(B) $788 per month for a full-time course.'';
    (2) in subsection (b), by striking ``$670'' and inserting
    ``$788''; and
    (3) in subsection (c)(2), by striking ``shall be'' and all
    that follows and inserting ``shall be $636 for full-time, $477
    for three-quarter-time, or $319 for half-time pursuit.''.

    (b) Correspondence Courses.--Section 3534(b) is amended by striking
    ``$670'' and inserting ``$788''.
    (c) Special Restorative Training.--Section 3542(a) is amended--
    (1) by striking ``$670'' and inserting ``$788''; and
    (2) by striking ``$210'' each place it appears and inserting
    ``$247''.

    (d) Apprenticeship Training.--Section 3687(b)(2) is amended by
    striking ``shall be $488 for the first six months'' and all that follows
    and inserting ``shall be $574 for the first six months, $429 for the
    second six months, $285 for the third six months, and $144 for the
    fourth and any succeeding six-month period of training.''.
    (e) Effective <> Date.--The
    amendments made by this section shall take effect on July 1, 2004, and
    shall apply with respect to educational assistance allowances payable
    under chapter 35 and section 3687(b)(2) of title 38, United States Code,
    for months beginning on or after that date.

    SEC. 303. RESTORATION OF SURVIVORS' AND DEPENDENTS' EDUCATION BENEFITS
    OF INDIVIDUALS BEING ORDERED TO FULL-TIME NATIONAL GUARD
    DUTY.

    (a) Delimiting Date.--Section 3512(h) is amended by inserting ``or
    is involuntarily ordered to full-time National Guard duty under section
    502(f) of title 32,'' after ``title 10,''.
    (b) Effective <> Date.--The amendment made
    by subsection (a) shall take effect as of September 11, 2001.

    SEC. 304. ROUNDING DOWN OF CERTAIN COST-OF-LIVING ADJUSTMENTS ON
    EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE.

    (a) Basic Educational Assistance Under Montgomery GI Bill.--Section
    3015(h) is amended--
    (1) by redesignating paragraphs (1) and (2) as subparagraphs
    (A) and (B), respectively;
    (2) by inserting ``(1)'' after ``(h)'';
    (3) by striking ``(rounded to the nearest dollar)'';
    (4) in subparagraph (B), as so redesignated, by striking
    ``paragraph (1)'' and inserting ``subparagraph (A)''; and
    (5) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:

    ``(2) Any increase under paragraph (1) in a rate with respect to a
    fiscal year after fiscal year 2004 and before fiscal year 2014

    [[Page 2660]]
    117 STAT. 2660

    shall be rounded down to the next lower whole dollar amount. Any such
    increase with respect to a fiscal year after fiscal year 2013 shall be
    rounded to the nearest whole dollar amount.''.
    (b) Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance.--Section 3564
    is amended--
    (1) by inserting ``(a)'' before ``With'';
    (2) by striking ``(rounded to the nearest dollar)''; and
    (3) by adding at the end the following new subsection:

    ``(b) Any increase under subsection (a) in a rate with respect to a
    fiscal year after fiscal year 2004 and before fiscal year 2014 shall be
    rounded down to the next lower whole dollar amount. Any such increase
    with respect to a fiscal year after fiscal year 2013 shall be rounded to
    the nearest whole dollar amount.''.

    SEC. 305. AUTHORIZATION FOR STATE APPROVING AGENCIES TO APPROVE CERTAIN
    ENTREPRENEURSHIP COURSES.

    (a) Approval of Entrepreneurship Courses.--Section 3675 is amended
    by adding at the end the following new subsection:
    ``(c)(1) A State approving agency may approve the entrepreneurship
    courses offered by a qualified provider of entrepreneurship courses.
    ``(2) For purposes of this subsection, the term `entrepreneurship
    course' means a non-degree, non-credit course of business education that
    enables or assists a person to start or enhance a small business concern
    (as defined pursuant to section 3(a) of the Small Business Act (15
    U.S.C. 632(a))).
    ``(3) Subsection (a) and paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (b)
    shall not apply to--
    ``(A) an entrepreneurship course offered by a qualified
    provider of entrepreneurship courses; and
    ``(B) a qualified provider of entrepreneurship courses by
    reason of such provider offering one or more entrepreneurship
    courses.''.

    (b) Business Owners Not Treated as Already Qualified.--Section 3471
    is amended by inserting before the last sentence the following: ``The
    Secretary shall not treat a person as already qualified for the
    objective of a program of education offered by a qualified provider of
    entrepreneurship courses solely because such person is the owner or
    operator of a business.''.
    (c) Inclusion of Entrepreneurship Courses in Definition of Program
    of Education.--Subsection (b) of section 3452 is amended by adding at
    the end the following: ``Such term also includes any course, or
    combination of courses, offered by a qualified provider of
    entrepreneurship courses.''.
    (d) Inclusion of Qualified Provider of Entrepreneurship Courses in
    Definition of Educational Institution.--Subsection (c) of section 3452
    is amended by adding at the end the following: ``Such term also includes
    any qualified provider of entrepreneurship courses.''.
    (e) Definition of Qualified Provider of Entrepreneurship Courses.--
    Section 3452 is further amended by adding at the end the following new
    subsection:
    ``(h) The term `qualified provider of entrepreneurship courses'
    means any of the following entities insofar as such entity offers,
    sponsors, or cosponsors an entrepreneurship course (as defined in
    section 3675(c)(2) of this title):

    [[Page 2661]]
    117 STAT. 2661

    ``(1) Any small business development center described in
    section 21 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 648).
    ``(2) The National Veterans Business Development Corporation
    (established under section 33 of the Small Business Act (15
    U.S.C. 657c)).''.

    (f) Effective <> Date.--The
    amendments made by this section shall apply to courses approved by State
    approving agencies after the date of the enactment of this Act.

    SEC. 306. REPEAL OF PROVISIONS RELATING TO OBSOLETE EDUCATION LOAN
    PROGRAM.

    (a) Termination <> of Program.--The
    Secretary of Veterans Affairs may not make a loan under subchapter III
    of chapter 36 of title 38, United States Code, after the date of the
    enactment of this Act.

    (b) Discharge <> of
    Liabilities.--Effective as of the date of the transfer of funds under
    subsection (c)--
    (1) any liability on an education loan under subchapter III
    of chapter 36 of title 38, United States Code, that is
    outstanding as of such date shall be deemed discharged; and
    (2) the right of the United States to recover an overpayment
    declared under section 3698(e)(1) of such title that is
    outstanding as of such date shall be deemed waived.

    (c) Termination of Loan Fund.--(1) Effective as of the day before
    the date of the repeal under this section of subchapter III of chapter
    36 of title 38, United States Code, all monies in the revolving fund of
    the Treasury known as the ``Department of Veterans Affairs Education
    Loan Fund'' shall be transferred to the Department of Veterans Affairs
    Readjustment Benefits Account, and the revolving fund shall be closed.
    (2) Any monies transferred to the Department of Veterans Affairs
    Readjustment Benefits Account under paragraph (1) shall be merged with
    amounts in that account and shall be available for the same purposes,
    and subject to the same conditions and limitations, as amounts in that
    account.
    (d) Use of Entitlement to Veterans Educational Assistance for
    Education Loan Program.--Section 3462(a) is amended by striking
    paragraph (2).
    (e) Repeal of <> Education Loan Program.--
    Subchapter III of chapter 36 is repealed.

    (f) Conforming Amendments.--(1) Section 3485(e)(1) is amended by
    striking ``(other than an education loan under subchapter III)''.
    (2) Section 3512 is amended by striking subsection (f).
    (g) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of
    chapter 36 is amended by striking the items relating to subchapter III
    and sections 3698 and 3699.
    (h) Effective <> Dates.--(1) The amendments
    made by subsection (d) shall take effect on the date of the enactment of
    this Act.

    (2) <> The amendments made by subsections
    (e), (f), and (g) shall take effect 90 days after the date of the
    enactment of this Act.

    SEC. 307. SIX-YEAR EXTENSION OF THE VETERANS' ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON
    EDUCATION.

    (a) Membership.--Subsection (a) of section 3692 is amended in the
    second sentence by inserting ``, to the maximum extent practicable,''
    after ``The committee shall also''.

    [[Page 2662]]
    117 STAT. 2662

    (b) Extension.--Subsection (c) of that section is amended by
    striking ``December 31, 2003'' and inserting ``December 31, 2009''.
    (c) Technical Amendments.--That section is further amended--
    (1) in subsections (a) and (b), by striking ``chapter 106''
    each place it appears and inserting ``chapter 1606''; and
    (2) in subsection (b), by striking ``chapter 30'' and
    inserting ``chapters 30''.

    SEC. 308. PROCUREMENT PROGRAM FOR SMALL BUSINESS CONCERNS OWNED AND
    CONTROLLED BY SERVICE-DISABLED VETERANS.

    The Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 631 et seq.) is amended by
    redesignating section 36 <>  as section 37 and
    by inserting after section 35 the following new section:

    ``SEC. 36. <> PROCUREMENT PROGRAM FOR SMALL BUSINESS
    CONCERNS OWNED AND CONTROLLED BY SERVICE-DISABLED VETERANS.

    ``(a) Sole Source Contracts.--In accordance with this section, a
    contracting officer may award a sole source contract to any small
    business concern owned and controlled by service-disabled veterans if--
    ``(1) such concern is determined to be a responsible
    contractor with respect to performance of such contract
    opportunity and the contracting officer does not have a
    reasonable expectation that 2 or more small business concerns
    owned and controlled by service-disabled veterans will submit
    offers for the contracting opportunity;
    ``(2) the anticipated award price of the contract (including
    options) will not exceed--
    ``(A) $5,000,000, in the case of a contract
    opportunity assigned a standard industrial
    classification code for manufacturing; or
    ``(B) $3,000,000, in the case of any other contract
    opportunity; and
    ``(3) in the estimation of the contracting officer, the
    contract award can be made at a fair and reasonable price.

    ``(b) Restricted Competition.--In accordance with this section, a
    contracting officer may award contracts on the basis of competition
    restricted to small business concerns owned and controlled by service-
    disabled veterans if the contracting officer has a reasonable
    expectation that not less than 2 small business concerns owned and
    controlled by service-disabled veterans will submit offers and that the
    award can be made at a fair market price.
    ``(c) Relationship to Other Contracting Preferences.--A procurement
    may not be made from a source on the basis of a preference provided
    under subsection (a) or (b) if the procurement would otherwise be made
    from a different source under section 4124 or 4125 of title 18, United
    States Code, or the Javits-Wagner-O'Day Act (41 U.S.C. 46 et seq.).
    ``(d) Enforcement; <> Penalties.--Rules
    similar to the rules of paragraphs (5) and (6) of section 8(m) shall
    apply for purposes of this section.

    ``(e) Contracting Officer.--For purposes of this section, the term
    `contracting officer' has the meaning given such term in section
    27(f)(5) of the Office of Federal Procurement Policy Act (41 U.S.C.
    423(f)(5)).''.

    [[Page 2663]]
    117 STAT. 2663

    SEC. 309. OUTSTATIONING OF TRANSITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM PERSONNEL.

    (a) In General.--(1) Chapter 41 is amended by adding at the end the
    following new section:

    ``Sec. 4113. Outstationing of Transition Assistance Program personnel

    ``(a) Stationing of TAP Personnel at Overseas Military
    Installations.--(1) The Secretary--
    ``(A) shall station employees of the Veterans' Employment
    and Training Service, or contractors under subsection (c), at
    each veterans assistance office described in paragraph (2); and
    ``(B) may station such employees or contractors at such
    other military installations outside the United States as the
    Secretary, after consultation with the Secretary of Defense,
    determines to be appropriate or desirable to carry out the
    purposes of this chapter.

    ``(2) Veterans assistance offices referred to in paragraph (1)(A)
    are those offices that are established by the Secretary of Veterans
    Affairs on military installations pursuant to the second sentence of
    section 7723(a) of this title.
    ``(b) Functions.--Employees (or contractors) stationed at military
    installations pursuant to subsection (a) shall provide, in person,
    counseling, assistance in identifying employment and training
    opportunities, help in obtaining such employment and training, and other
    related information and services to members of the Armed Forces who are
    being separated from active duty, and the spouses of such members, under
    the Transition Assistance Program and Disabled Transition Assistance
    Program established in section 1144 of title 10.
    ``(c) Authority To Contract With Private Entities.--The Secretary,
    consistent with section 1144 of title 10, may enter into contracts with
    public or private entities to provide, in person, some or all of the
    counseling, assistance, information and services under the Transition
    Assistance Program required under subsection (a).''.
    (2) The table of sections at the beginning of such chapter is
    amended by adding at the end the following new item:

    ``4113. Outstationing of Transition Assistance Program personnel.''.

    (b) Deadline <> for Implementation.--Not
    later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the
    Secretary of Labor shall implement section 4113 of title 38, United
    States Code, as added by subsection (a), and shall have employees of the
    Veterans' Employment and Training Service, or contractors, to carry out
    that section at the military installations involved by such date.

    (c) Additional Amendment.--(1) The second sentence of section
    7723(a) is amended by inserting ``and taking into account
    recommendations, if any, of the Secretary of Labor'' after ``Secretary
    of Defense''.
    (2) The <> amendment made by
    paragraph (1) shall apply with respect to offices established after the
    date of the enactment of this Act.

    [[Page 2664]]
    117 STAT. 2664

    TITLE IV--HOUSING BENEFITS AND RELATED MATTERS

    SEC. 401. AUTHORIZATION TO PROVIDE ADAPTED HOUSING ASSISTANCE TO CERTAIN
    DISABLED MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES WHO REMAIN ON ACTIVE
    DUTY.

    Section 2101 is amended by adding at the end the following new
    subsection:
    ``(c)(1) The Secretary may provide assistance under subsection (a)
    to a member of the Armed Forces serving on active duty who is suffering
    from a disability described in paragraph (1), (2), or (3) of that
    subsection if such disability is the result of an injury incurred or
    disease contracted in or aggravated in line of duty in the active
    military, naval, or air service. Such assistance shall be provided to
    the same extent as assistance is provided under that subsection to
    veterans eligible for assistance under that subsection and subject to
    the requirements of the second sentence of that subsection.
    ``(2) The Secretary may provide assistance under subsection (b) to a
    member of the Armed Forces serving on active duty who is suffering from
    a disability described in subparagraph (A) or (B) of paragraph (1) of
    that subsection if such disability is the result of an injury incurred
    or disease contracted in or aggravated in line of duty in the active
    military, naval, or air service. Such assistance shall be provided to
    the same extent as assistance is provided under that subsection to
    veterans eligible for assistance under that subsection and subject to
    the requirements of paragraph (2) of that subsection.''.

    SEC. 402. INCREASE IN AMOUNTS FOR CERTAIN ADAPTIVE BENEFITS FOR DISABLED
    VETERANS.

    (a) Increase in Assistance Amount for Specially Adapted Housing.--
    Section 2102 is amended--
    (1) in the matter preceding paragraph (1) of subsection (a),
    by striking ``$48,000'' and inserting ``$50,000''; and
    (2) in subsection (b)(2), by striking ``$9,250'' and
    inserting ``$10,000''.

    (b) Increase in Amount of Assistance for Automobile and Adaptive
    Equipment for Certain Disabled Veterans.--Section 3902(a) is amended by
    striking ``$9,000'' and inserting ``$11,000''.
    (c) Effective <> Date.--The
    amendments made by subsections (a) and (b) shall apply with respect to
    assistance furnished on or after the date of the enactment of this Act.

    SEC. 403. PERMANENT AUTHORITY FOR HOUSING LOANS FOR MEMBERS OF THE
    SELECTED RESERVE.

    Section 3702(a)(2)(E) is amended by striking ``For the period'' and
    all that follows through ``each'' and inserting ``Each''.

    SEC. 404. REINSTATEMENT OF MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR SALE OF VENDEE
    LOANS.

    (a) Reinstatement.--Subsection (a) of section 3733 is amended by
    adding at the end the following new paragraph:
    ``(7) During the period that begins on the date of the enactment of
    the Veterans' Benefits Act of 2003 and ends on September 30,

    [[Page 2665]]
    117 STAT. 2665

    2013, the Secretary shall carry out the provisions of this subsection as
    if--
    ``(A) the references in the first sentence of paragraph (1)
    to `65 percent' and `may be financed' were references to `85
    percent' and `shall be financed', respectively;
    ``(B) the second sentence of paragraph (1) were repealed;
    and
    ``(C) the reference in paragraph (2) to `September 30,
    1990,' were a reference to `September 30, 2013,'.''.

    (b) Stylistic Amendments.--Such section is further amended--
    (1) by striking ``of this subsection'' after--
    (A) ``paragraph (1)'' in subsections (a)(4)(A),
    (a)(5), (a)(6), and (c)(2); and
    (B) ``paragraph (5)'' in subsection (a)(4)(B)(i);
    and
    (2) by striking ``of this paragraph'' each place it appears
    in subsection (a)(4).

    SEC. 405. <> ADJUSTMENT TO HOME LOAN FEES.

    Effective January 1, 2004, paragraph (2) of section 3729(b) is
    amended to read as follows:
    ``(2) The loan fee table referred to in paragraph (1) is as follows:

    ``LOAN FEE TABLE
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Active duty                    Other
    Type of loan              veteran      Reservist      obligor
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    (A)(i) Initial loan described          2.00          2.75            NA
    in section 3710(a) to
    purchase or construct a
    dwelling with 0-down, or any
    other initial loan described
    in section 3710(a) other than
    with 5-down or 10-down
    (closed before January 1,
    2004)........................
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    (A)(ii) Initial loan described         2.20          2.40            NA
    in section 3710(a) to
    purchase or construct a
    dwelling with 0-down, or any
    other initial loan described
    in section 3710(a) other than
    with 5-down or 10-down
    (closed on or after January
    1, 2004, and before October
    1, 2004).....................
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    (A)(iii) Initial loan                  2.15          2.40            NA
    described in section 3710(a)
    to purchase or construct a
    dwelling with 0-down, or any
    other initial loan described
    in section 3710(a) other than
    with 5-down or 10-down
    (closed on or after October
    1, 2004, and before October
    1, 2011).....................
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    (A)(iv) Initial loan described         1.40          1.65            NA
    in section 3710(a) to
    purchase or construct a
    dwelling with 0-down, or any
    other initial loan described
    in section 3710(a) other than
    with 5-down or 10-down
    (closed on or after October
    1, 2011).....................
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    (B)(i) Subsequent loan                 3.00          3.00            NA
    described in section 3710(a)
    to purchase or construct a
    dwelling with 0-down, or any
    other subsequent loan
    described in section 3710(a)
    (closed before January 1,
    2004)........................
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    (B)(ii) Subsequent loan                3.30          3.30            NA
    described in section 3710(a)
    to purchase or construct a
    dwelling with 0-down, or any
    other subsequent loan
    described in section 3710(a)
    (closed on or after January
    1, 2004, and before October
    1, 2011).....................
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------

    [[Page 2666]]
    117 STAT. 2666

    (B)(iii) Subsequent loan               2.15          2.15            NA
    described in section 3710(a)
    to purchase or construct a
    dwelling with 0-down, or any
    other subsequent loan
    described in section 3710(a)
    (closed on or after October
    1, 2011 and before October 1,
    2013)........................
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    (B)(iv) Subsequent loan                1.25          1.25            NA
    described in section 3710(a)
    to purchase or construct a
    dwelling with 0-down, or any
    other subsequent loan
    described in section 3710(a)
    (closed on or after October
    1, 2013).....................
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    (C)(i) Loan described in               1.50          1.75            NA
    section 3710(a) to purchase
    or construct a dwelling with
    5-down (closed before October
    1, 2011).....................
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    (C)(ii) Loan described in              0.75          1.00            NA
    section 3710(a) to purchase
    or construct a dwelling with
    5-down (closed on or after
    October 1, 2011).............
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    (D)(i) Initial loan described          1.25          1.50            NA
    in section 3710(a) to
    purchase or construct a
    dwelling with 10-down (closed
    before October 1, 2011)......
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    (D)(ii) Initial loan described         0.50          0.75            NA
    in section 3710(a) to
    purchase or construct a
    dwelling with 10-down (closed
    on or after October 1, 2011).
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    (E) Interest rate reduction            0.50          0.50            NA
    refinancing loan.............
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    (F) Direct loan under section          1.00          1.00            NA
    3711.........................
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    (G) Manufactured home loan             1.00          1.00            NA
    under section 3712 (other
    than an interest rate
    reduction refinancing loan)..
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    (H) Loan to Native American            1.25          1.25            NA
    veteran under section 3762
    (other than an interest rate
    reduction refinancing loan)..
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    (I) Loan assumption under              0.50          0.50          0.50
    section 3714.................
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    (J) Loan under section 3733(a)         2.25          2.25       2.25''.
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------

    SEC. 406. ONE-YEAR EXTENSION OF PROCEDURES ON LIQUIDATION SALES OF
    DEFAULTED HOME LOANS GUARANTEED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF
    VETERANS AFFAIRS.

    Section 3732(c)(11) is amended by striking ``October 1, 2011'' and
    inserting ``October 1, 2012''.

    TITLE V--BURIAL BENEFITS

    SEC. 501. BURIAL PLOT ALLOWANCE.

    (a) In General.--Section 2303(b) is amended--
    (1) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking ``a
    burial allowance under such section 2302, or under such
    subsection, who was discharged from the active military, naval,
    or air service for a disability incurred or aggravated in line
    of duty, or who is a veteran of any war'' and inserting ``burial
    in a national cemetery under section 2402 of this title''; and
    (2) in paragraph (2), by striking ``(other than a veteran
    whose eligibility for benefits under this subsection is based

    [[Page 2667]]
    117 STAT. 2667

    on being a veteran of any war)'' and inserting ``is eligible for
    a burial allowance under section 2302 of this title or under
    subsection (a) of this section, or was discharged from the
    active military, naval, or air service for a disability incurred
    or aggravated in line of duty, and such veteran''.

    (b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 2307 is amended in the last
    sentence by striking ``and (b)'' and inserting ``and (b)(2)''.

    SEC. 502. ELIGIBILITY OF SURVIVING SPOUSES WHO REMARRY FOR BURIAL IN
    NATIONAL CEMETERIES.

    (a) Eligibility.--Section 2402(5) is amended by striking ``(which
    for purposes of this chapter includes an unremarried surviving spouse
    who had a subsequent remarriage which was terminated by death or
    divorce)'' and inserting ``(which for purposes of this chapter includes
    a surviving spouse who had a subsequent remarriage)''.
    (b) Effective <> Date.--The
    amendment made by subsection (a) shall apply with respect to deaths
    occurring on or after January 1, 2000.

    SEC. 503. PERMANENT AUTHORITY FOR STATE CEMETERY GRANTS PROGRAM.

    (a) Permanent Authority.--Subsection (a) of section 2408 is
    amended--
    (1) by striking ``(1)''; and
    (2) by striking paragraph (2).

    (b) Conforming Amendment.--Subsection (e) of such section is amended
    by striking ``Sums appropriated under subsection (a) of this section''
    and inserting ``Amounts appropriated to carry out this section''.
    (c) Technical Amendment To Repeal Obsolete Provision.--Subsection
    (d)(1) of such section is amended by striking ``on or after November 21,
    1997,''.

    TITLE VI--EXPOSURE TO HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES

    SEC. 601. <> RADIATION DOSE RECONSTRUCTION
    PROGRAM OF DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE.

    (a) Review of Mission, Procedures, and Administration.--(1) The
    Secretary of Veterans Affairs and the Secretary of Defense shall jointly
    conduct a review of the mission, procedures, and administration of the
    Radiation Dose Reconstruction Program of the Department of Defense.
    (2) In conducting the review under paragraph (1), the Secretaries
    shall--
    (A) determine whether any additional actions are required to
    ensure that the quality assurance and quality control mechanisms
    of the Radiation Dose Reconstruction Program are adequate and
    sufficient for purposes of the program; and
    (B) determine the actions that are required to ensure that
    the mechanisms of the Radiation Dose Reconstruction Program for
    communication and interaction with veterans are adequate and
    sufficient for purposes of the program, including mechanisms to
    permit veterans to review the assumptions utilized in their dose
    reconstructions.

    [[Page 2668]]
    117 STAT. 2668

    (3) <> Not later than 90 days after the
    date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretaries shall jointly submit
    to Congress a report on the review under paragraph (1). The report shall
    set forth--
    (A) the results of the review;
    (B) a plan for any actions determined to be required under
    paragraph (2); and
    (C) such other recommendations for the improvement of the
    mission, procedures, and administration of the Radiation Dose
    Reconstruction Program as the Secretaries jointly consider
    appropriate.

    (b) On-Going Review and Oversight.--The Secretaries shall jointly
    take appropriate actions to ensure the on-going independent review and
    oversight of the Radiation Dose Reconstruction Program, including the
    establishment of the advisory board required by subsection (c).
    (c) Advisory <> Board.--(1) In taking actions
    under subsection (b), the Secretaries shall jointly appoint an advisory
    board to provide review and oversight of the Radiation Dose
    Reconstruction Program.

    (2) The advisory board under paragraph (1) shall be composed of the
    following:
    (A) At least one expert in historical dose reconstruction of
    the type conducted under the Radiation Dose Reconstruction
    Program.
    (B) At least one expert in radiation health matters.
    (C) At least one expert in risk communications matters.
    (D) A representative of the Department of Veterans Affairs.
    (E) A representative of the Defense Threat Reduction Agency.
    (F) At least three veterans, including at least one veteran
    who is a member of an atomic veterans group.

    (3) The advisory board under paragraph (1) shall--
    (A) conduct periodic, random audits of dose reconstructions
    under the Radiation Dose Reconstruction Program and of decisions
    by the Department of Veterans Affairs on claims for service
    connection of radiogenic diseases;
    (B) assist the Department of Veterans Affairs and the
    Defense Threat Reduction Agency in communicating to veterans
    information on the mission, procedures, and evidentiary
    requirements of the Radiation Dose Reconstruction Program; and
    (C) carry out such other activities with respect to the
    review and oversight of the Radiation Dose Reconstruction
    Program as the Secretaries shall jointly specify.

    (4) The advisory board under paragraph (1) may make such
    recommendations on modifications in the mission or procedures of the
    Radiation Dose Reconstruction Program as the advisory board considers
    appropriate as a result of the audits conducted under paragraph (3)(A).

    SEC. 602. STUDY ON DISPOSITION OF AIR FORCE HEALTH STUDY.

    (a) Study Required.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall, in
    accordance with this section, carry out a study to determine the
    appropriate disposition of the Air Force Health Study, an epidemiologic
    study of Air Force personnel who were responsible for conducting aerial
    spray missions of herbicides during the Vietnam era.

    [[Page 2669]]
    117 STAT. 2669

    (b) Study <> Through National Academy of
    Sciences.--Not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of
    this Act, the Secretary shall seek to enter into an agreement with the
    National Academy of Sciences, or another appropriate scientific
    organization, to carry out the study required by subsection (a).

    (c) Elements.--Under the study under subsection (a), the National
    Academy of Sciences, or other appropriate scientific organization, shall
    address the following:
    (1) The scientific merit of retaining and maintaining the
    medical records, other study data, and laboratory specimens
    collected in the course of the Air Force Health Study after the
    currently-scheduled termination date of the study in 2006.
    (2) Whether or not any obstacles exist to retaining and
    maintaining the medical records, other study data, and
    laboratory specimens referred to in paragraph (1), including
    privacy concerns.
    (3) The advisability of providing independent oversight of
    the medical records, other study data, and laboratory specimens
    referred to in paragraph (1), and of any further study of such
    records, data, and specimens, and, if so, the mechanism for
    providing such oversight.
    (4) The advisability of extending the Air Force Health
    Study, including the potential value and relevance of extending
    the study, the potential cost of extending the study, and the
    Federal or non-Federal entity best suited to continue the study
    if extended.
    (5) The advisability of making the laboratory specimens of
    the Air Force Health Study available for independent research,
    including the potential value and relevance of such research,
    and the potential cost of such research.

    (d) Report.--Not <> later than 120 days after
    entering into an agreement under subsection (b), the National Academy of
    Sciences, or other appropriate scientific organization, shall submit to
    the Secretary and Congress a report on the results of the study under
    subsection (a). The report shall include the results of the study,
    including the matters addressed under subsection (c), and such other
    recommendations as the Academy, or other appropriate scientific
    organization, considers appropriate as a result of the study.

    SEC. 603. FUNDING OF MEDICAL FOLLOW-UP AGENCY OF INSTITUTE OF MEDICINE
    OF NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES FOR EPIDEMIOLOGICAL RESEARCH
    ON MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES AND VETERANS.

    (a) Funding.--(1) The Secretary of Veterans Affairs and the
    Secretary of Defense shall each make available to the National Academy
    of Sciences in each of fiscal years 2004 through 2013 the amount of
    $250,000 for the Medical Follow-Up Agency of the Institute of Medicine
    of the Academy for purposes of epidemiological research on members of
    the Armed Forces and veterans.
    (2) The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall make available amounts
    under paragraph (1) for a fiscal year from amounts available for the
    Department of Veterans Affairs for that fiscal year.
    (3) The Secretary of Defense shall make available amounts under
    paragraph (1) for a fiscal year from amounts available for the
    Department of Defense for that fiscal year.

    [[Page 2670]]
    117 STAT. 2670

    (b) Use of Funds.--The Medical Follow-Up Agency shall use funds made
    available under subsection (a) for epidemiological research on members
    of the Armed Forces and veterans.
    (c) Supplement Not Supplant.--Amounts made available to the Medical
    Follow-Up Agency under this section for a fiscal year for the purposes
    referred to in subsection (b) are in addition to any other amount made
    available to the Agency for that fiscal year for those purposes.

    TITLE VII--OTHER MATTERS

    SEC. 701. TIME LIMITATIONS ON RECEIPT OF CLAIM INFORMATION PURSUANT TO
    REQUESTS OF DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.

    (a) Information To Complete Claims Applications.--Section 5102 is
    amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
    ``(c) Time Limitation.--(1) If information that a claimant and the
    claimant's representative, if any, are notified under subsection (b) is
    necessary to complete an application is not received by the Secretary
    within one year from the date such notice is sent, no benefit may be
    paid or furnished by reason of the claimant's application.
    ``(2) This subsection shall not apply to any application or claim
    for Government life insurance benefits.''.
    (b) Construction of Limitation on Information To Substantiate
    Claims.--Section 5103(b) is amended--
    (1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``if such'' and all that
    follows through ``application'' and inserting ``such information
    or evidence must be received by the Secretary within one year
    from the date such notice is sent''; and
    (2) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:

    ``(3) Nothing in paragraph (1) shall be construed to prohibit the
    Secretary from making a decision on a claim before the expiration of the
    period referred to in that subsection.''.
    (c) Effective <> Date.--The amendments made
    by this section shall take effect as if enacted on November 9, 2000,
    immediately after the enactment of the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of
    2000 (Public Law 106-475; 114 Stat. 2096).

    (d) Procedures <> for Readjudication of
    Certain Claims.--(1) The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall
    readjudicate a claim of a qualified claimant if the request for such
    readjudication is received not later than the end of the one-year period
    that begins on the date of the enactment of this Act.

    (2) For purposes of this subsection, a claimant is qualified within
    the meaning of paragraph (1) if the claimant--
    (A) received notice under section 5103(a) of title 38,
    United States Code, requesting information or evidence to
    substantiate a claim;
    (B) did not submit such information or evidence within a
    year after the date such notice was sent;
    (C) did not file a timely appeal to the Board of Veterans'
    Appeals or the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans
    Claims; and
    (D) submits such information or evidence during the one-year
    period referred to in paragraph (1).

    [[Page 2671]]
    117 STAT. 2671

    (3) If the decision of the Secretary on a readjudication under this
    subsection is in favor of the qualified claimant, the award of the grant
    shall take effect as if the prior decision by the Secretary on the claim
    had not been made.
    (4) Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to establish a
    duty on the part of the Secretary to identify or readjudicate any claim
    that--
    (A) is not submitted during the one-year period referred to
    in paragraph (1); or
    (B) has been the subject of a timely appeal to the Board of
    Veterans' Appeals or the United States Court of Appeals for
    Veterans Claims.

    (e) Construction on Providing Renotification.--Nothing in this
    section, or the amendments made by this section, shall be construed to
    require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs--
    (1) to provide notice under section 5103(a) of such title
    with respect to a claim insofar as the Secretary has previously
    provided such notice; or
    (2) to provide for a special notice with respect to this
    section and the amendments made by this section.

    SEC. 702. CLARIFICATION OF APPLICABILITY OF PROHIBITION ON ASSIGNMENT OF
    VETERANS BENEFITS TO AGREEMENTS REQUIRING PAYMENT OF FUTURE
    RECEIPT OF BENEFITS.

    Section 5301(a) is amended--
    (1) by inserting ``(1)'' after ``(a)'';
    (2) by designating the last sentence as paragraph (2); and
    (3) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:

    ``(3)(A) This paragraph is intended to clarify that, in any case
    where a beneficiary entitled to compensation, pension, or dependency and
    indemnity compensation enters into an agreement with another person
    under which agreement such other person acquires for consideration the
    right to receive such benefit by payment of such compensation, pension,
    or dependency and indemnity compensation, as the case may be, except as
    provided in subparagraph (B), and including deposit into a joint account
    from which such other person may make withdrawals, or otherwise, such
    agreement shall be deemed to be an assignment and is prohibited.
    ``(B) Notwithstanding subparagraph (A), nothing in this paragraph is
    intended to prohibit a loan involving a beneficiary under the terms of
    which the beneficiary may use the benefit to repay such other person as
    long as each of the periodic payments made to repay such other person is
    separately and voluntarily executed by the beneficiary or is made by
    preauthorized electronic funds transfer pursuant to the Electronic Funds
    Transfers Act (15 U.S.C. 1693 et seq.).
    ``(C) Any agreement or arrangement for collateral for security for
    an agreement that is prohibited under subparagraph (A) is also
    prohibited and is void from its inception.''.

    SEC. 703. SIX-YEAR EXTENSION OF ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON MINORITY VETERANS.

    Section 544(e) is amended by striking ``December 31, 2003'' and
    inserting ``December 31, 2009''.

    [[Page 2672]]
    117 STAT. 2672

    SEC. 704. <> TEMPORARY AUTHORITY FOR
    PERFORMANCE OF MEDICAL DISABILITIES EXAMINATIONS BY CONTRACT
    PHYSICIANS.

    (a) Authority.--Using appropriated funds, other than funds available
    for compensation and pension, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs may
    provide for the conduct of examinations with respect to the medical
    disabilities of applicants for benefits under laws administered by the
    Secretary by persons other than Department of Veterans Affairs
    employees. The authority under this section is in addition to the
    authority provided in section 504(b) of the Veterans' Benefits
    Improvement Act of 1996 (Public Law 104-275; 38 U.S.C. 5101 note).
    (b) Performance by Contract.--Examinations under the authority
    provided in subsection (a) shall be conducted pursuant to contracts
    entered into and administered by the Under Secretary for Benefits.
    (c) Expiration.--The authority in subsection (a) shall expire on
    December 31, 2009. No examination may be carried out under the authority
    provided in that subsection after that date.
    (d) Report.--Not <> later than four years after the
    date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to
    Congress a report on the use of the authority provided in subsection
    (a). The Secretary shall include in the report an assessment of the
    effect of examinations under that authority on the cost, timeliness, and
    thoroughness of examinations with respect to the medical disabilities of
    applicants for benefits under laws administered by the Secretary.

    SEC. 705. FORFEITURE OF BENEFITS FOR SUBVERSIVE ACTIVITIES.

    (a) Addition of Certain Offenses.--Paragraph (2) of section 6105(b)
    is amended--
    (1) by inserting ``175, 229,'' after ``sections''; and
    (2) by inserting ``831, 1091, 2332a, 2332b,'' after
    ``798,''.

    (b) Effective <> Date.--The
    amendments made by subsection (a) shall apply to claims filed after the
    date of the enactment of this Act.

    SEC. 706. TWO-YEAR EXTENSION OF ROUND-DOWN REQUIREMENT FOR COMPENSATION
    COST-OF-LIVING ADJUSTMENTS.

    Sections 1104(a) and 1303(a) are each amended by striking ``2011''
    and inserting ``2013''.

    SEC. 707. CODIFICATION OF REQUIREMENT FOR EXPEDITIOUS TREATMENT OF CASES
    ON REMAND.

    (a) Cases Remanded by Board of Veterans' Appeals.--(1) Chapter 51 is
    amended by adding at the end of subchapter I the following new section:

    ``Sec. 5109B. Expedited treatment of remanded claims

    ``The Secretary shall take such actions as may be necessary to
    provide for the expeditious treatment by the appropriate regional office
    of the Veterans Benefits Administration of any claim that is remanded to
    a regional office of the Veterans Benefits Administration by the Board
    of Veterans' Appeals.''.

    [[Page 2673]]
    117 STAT. 2673

    (2) The table of sections at the beginning of such chapter is
    amended by inserting after the item relating to section 5109A the
    following new item:

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

    (b) Cases Remanded by Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims.--(1)
    Chapter 71 is amended by adding at the end the following new section:

    ``Sec. 7112. Expedited treatment of remanded claims

    ``The Secretary shall take such actions as may be necessary to
    provide for the expeditious treatment by the Board of any claim that is
    remanded to the Secretary by the Court of Appeals for Veterans
    Claims.''.
    (2) The table of sections at the beginning of such chapter is
    amended by adding at the end the following new item:

    ``7112. Expedited treatment of remanded claims.''.

    (c) Repeal of Source Section.--Section 302 of the Veterans' Benefits
    Improvement Act of 1994 (Public Law 103-446; 108 Stat. 4658; 38 U.S.C.
    5101 note) is repealed.

    SEC. 708. TECHNICAL AND CLERICAL AMENDMENTS.

    (a) Miscellaneous Amendments.--(1) Section 103(d) is amended--
    (A) in paragraph (4)--
    (i) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by
    striking ``this subsection'' and inserting ``paragraph
    (2)(A) or (3)''; and
    (ii) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``paragraph
    (2)'' and inserting ``paragraph (2)(A)''; and
    (B) in paragraph (5), by striking ``Paragraphs (2)'' and
    inserting ``Paragraphs (2)(A)''.

    (2) Section 1729A is amended--
    (A) in subsection (b), by striking ``after June 30, 1997,''
    in the matter preceding paragraph (1);
    (B) in subsection (c), by striking paragraph (3);
    (C) by striking subsection (e); and
    (D) by redesignating subsection (f) as subsection (e).

    (3) Section 1804(c)(2) is amended by striking ``subsection'' and
    inserting ``section''.
    (4) Section 1974(a)(5) is amended by striking ``Secretary of
    Transportation'' and inserting ``Secretary of Homeland Security''.
    (b) Amendments Relating to the Jobs for Veterans Act.--(1)(A)
    Subsection (c)(2)(B)(ii) of section 4102A is amended by striking
    ``October 1, 2002'' and inserting ``October 1, 2003''.
    (B) The <> amendment made by subparagraph (A)
    shall take effect as if included in the enactment of section 4(a) of the
    Jobs for Veterans Act (Public Law 107-288; 116 Stat. 2038).

    (2) Subsection (f)(1) of section 4102A is amended by striking ``6
    months after the date of the enactment of this section,'' and inserting
    ``May 7, 2003,''.
    (c) Amendments Relating to the Establishment of Social Security
    Administration as an Independent Agency.--(1) Section 1322 is amended--
    (A) in subsection (a), by striking ``Secretary of Health and
    Human Services'' and all that follows through the period and

    [[Page 2674]]
    117 STAT. 2674

    inserting ``Commissioner of Social Security, and shall be
    certified by the Commissioner to the Secretary upon request of
    the Secretary.''; and
    (B) in subsection (b)--
    (i) by striking ``Secretary of Health and Human
    Services'' in the first sentence and inserting
    ``Commissioner of Social Security'';
    (ii) by striking ``the two Secretaries'' and
    inserting ``the Secretary and the Commissioner''; and
    (iii) by striking ``Secretary of Health and Human
    Services'' in the second sentence and inserting
    ``Commissioner''.

    (2) Section 5101(a) is amended by striking ``Secretary of Health and
    Human Services'' and inserting ``Commissioner of Social Security''.
    (3) Section 5317 is amended by striking ``Secretary of Health and
    Human Services'' in subsections (a), (b), and (g) and inserting
    ``Commissioner of Social Security''.
    (4)(A) Section 5318 is amended--
    (i) in subsection (a), by striking ``Department of Health
    and Human Services'' and inserting ``Social Security
    Administration''; and
    (ii) in subsection (b)--
    (I) by striking ``Department of Health and Human
    Services'' and inserting ``Social Security
    Administration'';
    (II) by striking ``Secretary of Health and Human
    Services'' the first place it appears and inserting
    ``Commissioner of Social Security'';
    (III) by striking ``Secretary of Health and Human
    Services'' the second place it appears and inserting
    ``Commissioner''; and
    (IV) by striking ``such Secretaries'' and inserting
    ``the Secretary and the Commissioner''.

    (B)(i) The heading of such section is amended to read as follows:

    [[Page 2675]]
    117 STAT. 2675

    ``Sec. 5318. Review of Social Security Administration death
    information''.

    (ii) The item relating to that section in the table of sections at
    the beginning at chapter 53 is amended to read as follows:

    ``5318. Review of Social Security Administration death information.''.

    Approved December 16, 2003.

    LEGISLATIVE HISTORY--H.R. 2297 (S. 1132):
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    HOUSE REPORTS: No. 108-211 (Comm. on Veterans' Affairs)
    SENATE REPORTS: No. 108-169 accompanying S. 1132 (Comm. on Veterans'
    Affairs).
    CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, Vol. 149 (2003):
    Oct. 8, considered and passed House.
    Nov. 19, considered and passed Senate, amended.
    Nov. 20, House concurred in Senate amendment.