Legal corpus: the complete U.S. Code (59,740 sections, all 53 titles)

Ingested titles 12–51 and 54 from OLRC USLM XML @119-100 (the whole Code now, uniform edition; Title 53 is reserved/empty). LegalText 11,221 -> 59,740; repo total 105,704 records. Deterministic (byte-identical rerun, verified on Title 42's 8,356 sections); make check green. make legal-us-code default now covers every title. Co-Authored-By: Claude Opus 4.8 <noreply@anthropic.com>
2026-07-06 10:51:44 -04:00
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+---
+type: "LegalText"
+title: "38 U.S.C. § 501"
+description: "Rules and regulations"
+jurisdiction: "us"
+corpus: "united_states_code"
+kind: "code_section"
+title_number: 38
+title_name: "VETERANS’ BENEFITS"
+chapter_number: "5"
+chapter_name: "AUTHORITY AND DUTIES OF THE SECRETARY"
+section: "501"
+citation: "38 U.S.C. § 501"
+status: "current"
+release_point: "119-100"
+release_date: "2026-06-26"
+source: "official"
+source_url: "https://uscode.house.gov/download/releasepoints/us/pl/119/100/xml_usc38@119-100.zip"
+source_identifier: "/us/usc/t38/s501"
+source_file: "data/legal/raw/us/code/title-38/usc38.xml"
+source_hash: "f9f38359f4ccfeace6d4680a605f944a3b4632bd6f98b3b49f55cefc53eb33ee"
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+text_hash: "cf9d5883c7017c903ae0f20a3b882b08a9de85b2c137aac89ef0610538ad974d"
+retrieved_at: "2026-07-04"
+confidence: "official"
+tags: ["legal", "us-code"]
+---
+
+# 38 U.S.C. § 501 - Rules and regulations
+
+## Text
+
+(a) The Secretary has authority to prescribe all rules and regulations which are necessary or appropriate to carry out the laws administered by the Department and are consistent with those laws, including—
+
+(1) regulations with respect to the nature and extent of proof and evidence and the method of taking and furnishing them in order to establish the right to benefits under such laws;
+
+(2) the forms of application by claimants under such laws;
+
+(3) the methods of making investigations and medical examinations; and
+
+(4) the manner and form of adjudications and awards.
+
+(b) Any rule, regulation, guideline, or other published interpretation or order (and any amendment thereto) issued pursuant to the authority granted by this section or any other provision of this title shall contain citations to the particular section or sections of statutory law or other legal authority upon which such issuance is based. The citation to the authority shall appear immediately following each substantive provision of the issuance.
+
+(c) In applying section 552(a)(1) of title 5 to the Department, the Secretary shall ensure that subparagraphs (C), (D), and (E) of that section are complied with, particularly with respect to opinions and interpretations of the General Counsel.
+
+(d) The provisions of section 553 of title 5 shall apply, without regard to subsection (a)(2) of that section, to matters relating to loans, grants, or benefits under a law administered by the Secretary.
+
+(Added Pub. L. 102–83, § 2(a), Aug. 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 386.)
+
+## Notes
+
+Editorial Notes
+
+Prior ProvisionsPrior section 501 was renumbered section 1501 of this title. Provisions similar to those in this section were contained in sections 210(c)(1) and 223(a), (b) of this title prior to repeal by Pub. L. 102–83, § 2(a).
@@ -0,0 +1,43 @@
+---
+type: "LegalText"
+title: "38 U.S.C. § 502"
+description: "Judicial review of rules and regulations"
+jurisdiction: "us"
+corpus: "united_states_code"
+kind: "code_section"
+title_number: 38
+title_name: "VETERANS’ BENEFITS"
+chapter_number: "5"
+chapter_name: "AUTHORITY AND DUTIES OF THE SECRETARY"
+section: "502"
+citation: "38 U.S.C. § 502"
+status: "current"
+release_point: "119-100"
+release_date: "2026-06-26"
+source: "official"
+source_url: "https://uscode.house.gov/download/releasepoints/us/pl/119/100/xml_usc38@119-100.zip"
+source_identifier: "/us/usc/t38/s502"
+source_file: "data/legal/raw/us/code/title-38/usc38.xml"
+source_hash: "c8badc43e844c7a2d44807671d713db328c093c8c1a6ec84c0f88b96c2f4657a"
+raw_snapshot_hash: "372998691b72ade88787dfa7633dbda4954bd1b037ec7926c5e06e9b1d17fc66"
+text_hash: "7d7ab5e5b7e2c5dd9a29f11b0f0c4cd6a2a71c5f1d85fda1cb73eb5a02335cb8"
+retrieved_at: "2026-07-04"
+confidence: "official"
+tags: ["legal", "us-code"]
+---
+
+# 38 U.S.C. § 502 - Judicial review of rules and regulations
+
+## Text
+
+An action of the Secretary to which section 552(a)(1) or 553 of title 5 (or both) refers is subject to judicial review. Such review shall be in accordance with chapter 7 of title 5 and may be sought only in the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. However, if such review is sought in connection with an appeal brought under the provisions of chapter 72 of this title, the provisions of that chapter shall apply rather than the provisions of chapter 7 of title 5.
+
+(Added Pub. L. 102–83, § 2(a), Aug. 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 386; amended Pub. L. 110–389, title I, § 102, Oct. 10, 2008, 122 Stat. 4148.)
+
+## Notes
+
+Editorial Notes
+
+Prior ProvisionsPrior section 502 was renumbered section 1502 of this title. Provisions similar to those in this section were contained in section 223(c) of this title prior to repeal by Pub. L. 102–83, § 2(a).
+
+Amendments2008—Pub. L. 110–389 struck out “(other than an action relating to the adoption or revision of the schedule of ratings for disabilities adopted under section 1155 of this title)” after “refers”.
@@ -0,0 +1,51 @@
+---
+type: "LegalText"
+title: "38 U.S.C. § 503"
+description: "Administrative error; equitable relief"
+jurisdiction: "us"
+corpus: "united_states_code"
+kind: "code_section"
+title_number: 38
+title_name: "VETERANS’ BENEFITS"
+chapter_number: "5"
+chapter_name: "AUTHORITY AND DUTIES OF THE SECRETARY"
+section: "503"
+citation: "38 U.S.C. § 503"
+status: "current"
+release_point: "119-100"
+release_date: "2026-06-26"
+source: "official"
+source_url: "https://uscode.house.gov/download/releasepoints/us/pl/119/100/xml_usc38@119-100.zip"
+source_identifier: "/us/usc/t38/s503"
+source_file: "data/legal/raw/us/code/title-38/usc38.xml"
+source_hash: "251d120341345e173dde2ef6f2c83478dea6c9033e37756bc3d38d5108260a59"
+raw_snapshot_hash: "372998691b72ade88787dfa7633dbda4954bd1b037ec7926c5e06e9b1d17fc66"
+text_hash: "dc316d237812b0a91e5cf48e543df2ebd7bb8c852bcdfcb2c8d2c6bf26e908f4"
+retrieved_at: "2026-07-04"
+confidence: "official"
+tags: ["legal", "us-code"]
+---
+
+# 38 U.S.C. § 503 - Administrative error; equitable relief
+
+## Text
+
+(a) If the Secretary determines that benefits administered by the Department have not been provided by reason of administrative error on the part of the Federal Government or any of its employees, the Secretary may provide such relief on account of such error as the Secretary determines equitable, including the payment of moneys to any person whom the Secretary determines is equitably entitled to such moneys.
+
+(b) If the Secretary determines that a veteran, surviving spouse, child of a veteran, or other person has suffered loss as a consequence of reliance upon a determination by the Department of eligibility or entitlement to benefits, without knowledge that it was erroneously made, the Secretary may provide such relief on account of such error as the Secretary determines is equitable, including the payment of moneys to any person whom the Secretary determines is equitably entitled to such moneys.
+
+(c) Not later than April 1 of each year, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report containing a statement as to the disposition of each case recommended to the Secretary for equitable relief under this section during the preceding calendar year. No report shall be required under this subsection after December 31, 2026.
+
+(Added Pub. L. 102–83, § 2(a), Aug. 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 386; amended Pub. L. 106–419, title IV, § 403(c)(1), Nov. 1, 2000, 114 Stat. 1864; Pub. L. 109–233, title IV, § 403, June 15, 2006, 120 Stat. 411; Pub. L. 111–275, title VIII, § 808, Oct. 13, 2010, 124 Stat. 2893; Pub. L. 113–175, title IV, § 403, Sept. 26, 2014, 128 Stat. 1905; Pub. L. 114–58, title IV, § 404, Sept. 30, 2015, 129 Stat. 535; Pub. L. 114–228, title IV, § 404, Sept. 29, 2016, 130 Stat. 940; Pub. L. 115–62, title IV, § 404, Sept. 29, 2017, 131 Stat. 1164; Pub. L. 115–251, title I, § 164, Sept. 29, 2018, 132 Stat. 3171; Pub. L. 116–159, div. E, title IV, § 5402, Oct. 1, 2020, 134 Stat. 751; Pub. L. 117–180, div. E, title II, § 203, Sept. 30, 2022, 136 Stat. 2137; Pub. L. 118–83, div. B, title III, § 335, Sept. 26, 2024, 138 Stat. 1542; Pub. L. 119–37, div. G, title IV, § 7402, Nov. 12, 2025, 139 Stat. 654.)
+
+## Notes
+
+Editorial Notes
+
+Prior ProvisionsPrior sections 503 and 504 were renumbered sections 1503 and 1504 of this title, respectively. Provisions similar to those in this section were contained in section 210(c)(2), (3) of this title prior to repeal by Pub. L. 102–83, § 2(a).
+
+Amendments2025—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 119–37 substituted “December 31, 2026” for “December 31, 2025”. 2024—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 118–83 substituted “December 31, 2025” for “December 31, 2024”. 2022—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 117–180 substituted “December 31, 2024” for “December 31, 2022”. 2020—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 116–159 substituted “December 31, 2022” for “December 31, 2020”. 2018—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 115–251 substituted “December 31, 2020” for “December 31, 2018”. 2017—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 115–62 substituted “December 31, 2018” for “December 31, 2017”. 2016—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 114–228 substituted “December 31, 2017” for “December 31, 2016”. 2015—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 114–58 substituted “December 31, 2016” for “December 31, 2015”. 2014—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 113–175 substituted “December 31, 2015” for “December 31, 2014”. 2010—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 111–275 substituted “December 31, 2014” for “December 31, 2009”. 2006—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 109–233 substituted “December 31, 2009” for “December 31, 2004”. 2000—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 106–419 inserted at end “No report shall be required under this subsection after December 31, 2004.”
+
+Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
+
+Effective Date of 2025 AmendmentAmendment by Pub. L. 119–37 effective as if enacted on Sept. 30, 2025, see section 7406 of Pub. L. 119–37, set out as a note under section 111A of this title.
@@ -0,0 +1,41 @@
+---
+type: "LegalText"
+title: "38 U.S.C. § 505"
+description: "Opinions of Attorney General"
+jurisdiction: "us"
+corpus: "united_states_code"
+kind: "code_section"
+title_number: 38
+title_name: "VETERANS’ BENEFITS"
+chapter_number: "5"
+chapter_name: "AUTHORITY AND DUTIES OF THE SECRETARY"
+section: "505"
+citation: "38 U.S.C. § 505"
+status: "current"
+release_point: "119-100"
+release_date: "2026-06-26"
+source: "official"
+source_url: "https://uscode.house.gov/download/releasepoints/us/pl/119/100/xml_usc38@119-100.zip"
+source_identifier: "/us/usc/t38/s505"
+source_file: "data/legal/raw/us/code/title-38/usc38.xml"
+source_hash: "68386d8dbad5bd876d4d1734ae63dcf02a0cf7827910182d05de136dc0be9823"
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+retrieved_at: "2026-07-04"
+confidence: "official"
+tags: ["legal", "us-code"]
+---
+
+# 38 U.S.C. § 505 - Opinions of Attorney General
+
+## Text
+
+The Secretary may require the opinion of the Attorney General on any question of law arising in the administration of the Department.
+
+(Added Pub. L. 102–83, § 2(a), Aug. 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 387.)
+
+## Notes
+
+Editorial Notes
+
+Prior ProvisionsPrior sections 505 to 508 were renumbered sections 1505 to 1508 of this title, respectively. Provisions similar to those in this section were contained in section 211(b) of this title prior to repeal by Pub. L. 102–83, § 2(a).
@@ -0,0 +1,87 @@
+---
+type: "LegalText"
+title: "38 U.S.C. § 510"
+description: "Authority to reorganize offices"
+jurisdiction: "us"
+corpus: "united_states_code"
+kind: "code_section"
+title_number: 38
+title_name: "VETERANS’ BENEFITS"
+chapter_number: "5"
+chapter_name: "AUTHORITY AND DUTIES OF THE SECRETARY"
+section: "510"
+citation: "38 U.S.C. § 510"
+status: "current"
+release_point: "119-100"
+release_date: "2026-06-26"
+source: "official"
+source_url: "https://uscode.house.gov/download/releasepoints/us/pl/119/100/xml_usc38@119-100.zip"
+source_identifier: "/us/usc/t38/s510"
+source_file: "data/legal/raw/us/code/title-38/usc38.xml"
+source_hash: "52afece55156c433dc0a646e7984b20a729fbc15a82391f1b1d4b199b66d2497"
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+retrieved_at: "2026-07-04"
+confidence: "official"
+tags: ["legal", "us-code"]
+---
+
+# 38 U.S.C. § 510 - Authority to reorganize offices
+
+## Text
+
+(a) Except to the extent inconsistent with law, the Secretary may—
+
+(1) consolidate, eliminate, abolish, or redistribute the functions of the Administrations, offices, facilities, or activities in the Department;
+
+(2) create new Administrations, offices, facilities, or activities in the Department; and
+
+(3) fix the functions of any such Administration, office, facility, or activity and the duties and powers of their respective executive heads.
+
+(b) The Secretary may not in any fiscal year implement an administrative reorganization described in subsection (c) unless the Secretary first submits to the appropriate committees of the Congress a report containing a detailed plan and justification for the administrative reorganization. No action to carry out such reorganization may be taken after the submission of such report until the end of a 45-day period following the date of the submission of the report, not less than 30 days of which shall be days during which Congress shall have been in continuous session. For purposes of the preceding sentence, continuity of a session of Congress is broken only by adjournment sine die, and there shall be excluded from the computation of any period of continuity of session any day during which either House of Congress is not in session during an adjournment of more than three days to a day certain.
+
+(c) An administrative reorganization described in this subsection is an administrative reorganization of a covered field office or facility that involves a reduction during any fiscal year in the number of full-time equivalent employees with permanent duty stations at such office or facility—
+
+(1) by 15 percent or more; or
+
+(2) by a percent which, when added to the percent reduction made in the number of such employees with permanent duty stations at such office or facility during the preceding fiscal year, is 25 percent or more.
+
+(d) (1) Not less than 30 days before the date on which the implementation of any administrative reorganization described in paragraph (2) of a unit in the Central Office is to begin, the Secretary shall transmit to the Committees on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and the House of Representatives a notification regarding the reorganization.
+
+(2) Paragraph (1) applies to an administrative reorganization of any unit of the Central Office that is the duty station for 30 or more employees if the reorganization involves a reduction in any fiscal year in the number of full-time equivalent employees with permanent duty station in such unit by 50 percent or more.
+
+(e) For purposes of this section, the term “administrative reorganization” does not include a consolidation or redistribution of functions at a covered field office or facility, or between components of the Veterans Benefits Administration and the Veterans Health Administration at a Department medical and regional office center, if after the consolidation or redistribution the same number of full-time equivalent employees continues to perform the affected functions at that field office, facility, or center.
+
+(f) For purposes of this section:
+
+(1) The term “covered field office or facility” means a Department office or facility outside the Central Office that is the permanent duty station for 25 or more employees or that is a free-standing outpatient clinic.
+
+(2) The term “detailed plan and justification” means, with respect to an administrative reorganization, a written report that, at a minimum, includes the following:
+
+(A) Specification of the number of employees by which each covered office or facility affected is to be reduced, the responsibilities of those employees, and the means by which the reduction is to be accomplished.
+
+(B) Identification of any existing or planned office or facility at which the number of employees is to be increased and specification of the number and responsibilities of the additional employees at each such office or facility.
+
+(C) A description of the changes in the functions carried out at any existing office or facility and the functions to be assigned to an office or facility not in existence on the date that the plan and justification are submitted pursuant to subsection (b).
+
+(D) An explanation of the reasons for the determination that the reorganization is appropriate and advisable in terms of the statutory missions and long-term goals of the Department.
+
+(E) A description of the effects that the reorganization may have on the provision of benefits and services to veterans and dependents of veterans (including the provision of benefits and services through offices and facilities of the Department not directly affected by the reorganization).
+
+(F) Estimates of the costs of the reorganization and of the cost impact of the reorganization, together with analyses supporting those estimates.
+
+(Added Pub. L. 102–83, § 2(a), Aug. 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 387; amended Pub. L. 104–262, title III, § 304, Oct. 9, 1996, 110 Stat. 3194.)
+
+## Notes
+
+Editorial Notes
+
+Prior ProvisionsPrior section 510, Pub. L. 85–857, Sept. 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 1135, provided monthly pension for persons who served in military or naval forces of Confederate States of America, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 94–169, title I, § 101(2)(F), Dec. 23, 1975, 89 Stat. 1014, effective Jan. 1, 1976. Provisions similar to those in this section were contained in section 210(b)(1), (2) of this title prior to repeal by Pub. L. 102–83, § 2(a).
+
+Amendments1996—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 104–262 substituted “a 45-day period following the date of the submission of the report, not less than 30 days of which shall be days during which Congress shall have been in continuous session” for “a 90-day period of continuous session of Congress following the date of the submission of the report” in second sentence and “any period of continuity of session” for “such 90-day period” in third sentence.
+
+Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
+
+Authority of Secretary of Veterans Affairs To Carry Out Specified Administrative ReorganizationPub. L. 102–54, § 12, June 13, 1991, 105 Stat. 273, provided that: “(a) Authority for Administrative Reorganization.—The Secretary of Veterans Affairs may carry out the administrative reorganization described in subsection (b) without regard to section 210(b)(2) of title 38 [38 U.S.C. 510(b)–(f)], United States Code. “(b) Specified Reorganization.—Subsection (a) applies to the organizational realignment of management responsibility for the Department of Veterans Affairs Data Processing Centers, together with the corresponding organizational realignment of associated Information Resources Management operational components and functions within the Department of Veterans Affairs central office, as such realignment was described in the detailed plan and justification submitted by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs in [sic] January 4, 1991, letters to the Chairmen of the Committees on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and the House of Representatives.”
+
+Inapplicability of RestrictionsPub. L. 101–312, June 25, 1990, 104 Stat. 271, provided: “That (a) the Secretary of Veterans Affairs may proceed with the administrative reorganization described in subsection (b) of this Act without regard to section 210(b) [see 303, 510, 711] of title 38, United States Code. “(b) The administrative reorganization referred to in subsection (a) is the reorganization of the regional field offices of the Veterans Health Services and Research Administration of the Department of Veterans Affairs as that reorganization and related activity are described in (1) letters dated January 22, 1990, and the detailed plan and justification enclosed therewith, submitted by the Secretary to the Committees on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and the House of Representatives pursuant to such section 210(b) [see 303, 510, 711], and (2) letters dated April 17, 1990, submitted in supplementation thereof by the Secretary to such Committees.” Section 15(b) of Pub. L. 100–527 provided that: “Section 210(b) [see 303, 510, 711] of title 38, United States Code (as amended by subsection (a)), shall not apply to a reorganization of a unit of the Central Office of the Department of Veterans’ Affairs if the reorganization— “(1) is necessary in order to carry out the provisions of or amendments made by this Act [see Tables for classification]; and “(2) is initiated within 6 months after the effective date of this Act [Mar. 15, 1989].”
@@ -0,0 +1,55 @@
+---
+type: "LegalText"
+title: "38 U.S.C. § 511"
+description: "Decisions of the Secretary; finality"
+jurisdiction: "us"
+corpus: "united_states_code"
+kind: "code_section"
+title_number: 38
+title_name: "VETERANS’ BENEFITS"
+chapter_number: "5"
+chapter_name: "AUTHORITY AND DUTIES OF THE SECRETARY"
+section: "511"
+citation: "38 U.S.C. § 511"
+status: "current"
+release_point: "119-100"
+release_date: "2026-06-26"
+source: "official"
+source_url: "https://uscode.house.gov/download/releasepoints/us/pl/119/100/xml_usc38@119-100.zip"
+source_identifier: "/us/usc/t38/s511"
+source_file: "data/legal/raw/us/code/title-38/usc38.xml"
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+retrieved_at: "2026-07-04"
+confidence: "official"
+tags: ["legal", "us-code"]
+---
+
+# 38 U.S.C. § 511 - Decisions of the Secretary; finality
+
+## Text
+
+(a) The Secretary shall decide all questions of law and fact necessary to a decision by the Secretary under a law that affects the provision of benefits by the Secretary to veterans or the dependents or survivors of veterans. Subject to subsection (b), the decision of the Secretary as to any such question shall be final and conclusive and may not be reviewed by any other official or by any court, whether by an action in the nature of mandamus or otherwise.
+
+(b) The second sentence of subsection (a) does not apply to—
+
+(1) matters subject to section 502 of this title;
+
+(2) matters covered by sections 1975 and 1984 of this title;
+
+(3) matters arising under chapter 37 of this title; and
+
+(4) matters covered by chapter 72 of this title.
+
+(Added Pub. L. 102–83, § 2(a), Aug. 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 388.)
+
+## Notes
+
+Editorial Notes
+
+Prior ProvisionsPrior section 511 was renumbered section 1511 of this title. Provisions similar to those in this section were contained in section 211(a) of this title prior to repeal by Pub. L. 102–83, § 2(a).
+
+Court Rules
+
+Federal Rules of Civil Procedure Writ of mandamus abolished in United States district courts, but relief available by appropriate action or motion, see rule 81, Title 28, Appendix, Judiciary and Judicial Procedure.
@@ -0,0 +1,43 @@
+---
+type: "LegalText"
+title: "38 U.S.C. § 512"
+description: "Delegation of authority; assignment of functions and duties"
+jurisdiction: "us"
+corpus: "united_states_code"
+kind: "code_section"
+title_number: 38
+title_name: "VETERANS’ BENEFITS"
+chapter_number: "5"
+chapter_name: "AUTHORITY AND DUTIES OF THE SECRETARY"
+section: "512"
+citation: "38 U.S.C. § 512"
+status: "current"
+release_point: "119-100"
+release_date: "2026-06-26"
+source: "official"
+source_url: "https://uscode.house.gov/download/releasepoints/us/pl/119/100/xml_usc38@119-100.zip"
+source_identifier: "/us/usc/t38/s512"
+source_file: "data/legal/raw/us/code/title-38/usc38.xml"
+source_hash: "ce219d286baa3953f7160be08423eb3c09c0e52a06bf36ce528aeafafd1dc2b1"
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+retrieved_at: "2026-07-04"
+confidence: "official"
+tags: ["legal", "us-code"]
+---
+
+# 38 U.S.C. § 512 - Delegation of authority; assignment of functions and duties
+
+## Text
+
+(a) Except as otherwise provided by law, the Secretary may assign functions and duties, and delegate, or authorize successive redelegation of, authority to act and to render decisions, with respect to all laws administered by the Department, to such officers and employees as the Secretary may find necessary. Within the limitations of such delegations, redelegations, or assignments, all official acts and decisions of such officers and employees shall have the same force and effect as though performed or rendered by the Secretary.
+
+(b) There shall be included on the technical and administrative staff of the Secretary such staff officers, experts, inspectors, and assistants (including legal assistants) as the Secretary may prescribe.
+
+(Added Pub. L. 102–83, § 2(a), Aug. 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 389.)
+
+## Notes
+
+Editorial Notes
+
+Prior ProvisionsPrior section 512 was renumbered section 1512 of this title. Provisions similar to those in this section were contained in section 212 of this title prior to repeal by Pub. L. 102–83, § 2(a).
@@ -0,0 +1,41 @@
+---
+type: "LegalText"
+title: "38 U.S.C. § 513"
+description: "Contracts and personal services"
+jurisdiction: "us"
+corpus: "united_states_code"
+kind: "code_section"
+title_number: 38
+title_name: "VETERANS’ BENEFITS"
+chapter_number: "5"
+chapter_name: "AUTHORITY AND DUTIES OF THE SECRETARY"
+section: "513"
+citation: "38 U.S.C. § 513"
+status: "current"
+release_point: "119-100"
+release_date: "2026-06-26"
+source: "official"
+source_url: "https://uscode.house.gov/download/releasepoints/us/pl/119/100/xml_usc38@119-100.zip"
+source_identifier: "/us/usc/t38/s513"
+source_file: "data/legal/raw/us/code/title-38/usc38.xml"
+source_hash: "b27885e12b3198019bf6a54c53f47c930d96ad930995cb3873e65c965e8178de"
+raw_snapshot_hash: "372998691b72ade88787dfa7633dbda4954bd1b037ec7926c5e06e9b1d17fc66"
+text_hash: "3886f54f41afa01b6ab913475538745b0892d1d91fce457247268343f7164ff6"
+retrieved_at: "2026-07-04"
+confidence: "official"
+tags: ["legal", "us-code"]
+---
+
+# 38 U.S.C. § 513 - Contracts and personal services
+
+## Text
+
+The Secretary may, for purposes of all laws administered by the Department, accept uncompensated services, and enter into contracts or agreements with private or public agencies or persons (including contracts for services of translators without regard to any other law), for such necessary services (including personal services) as the Secretary may consider practicable. The Secretary may also enter into contracts or agreements with private concerns or public agencies for the hiring of passenger motor vehicles or aircraft for official travel whenever, in the Secretary’s judgment, such arrangements are in the interest of efficiency or economy.
+
+(Added Pub. L. 102–83, § 2(a), Aug. 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 389.)
+
+## Notes
+
+Editorial Notes
+
+Prior ProvisionsProvisions similar to those in this section were contained in section 213 of this title prior to repeal by Pub. L. 102–83, § 2(a).
@@ -0,0 +1,49 @@
+---
+type: "LegalText"
+title: "38 U.S.C. § 515"
+description: "Administrative settlement of tort claims"
+jurisdiction: "us"
+corpus: "united_states_code"
+kind: "code_section"
+title_number: 38
+title_name: "VETERANS’ BENEFITS"
+chapter_number: "5"
+chapter_name: "AUTHORITY AND DUTIES OF THE SECRETARY"
+section: "515"
+citation: "38 U.S.C. § 515"
+status: "current"
+release_point: "119-100"
+release_date: "2026-06-26"
+source: "official"
+source_url: "https://uscode.house.gov/download/releasepoints/us/pl/119/100/xml_usc38@119-100.zip"
+source_identifier: "/us/usc/t38/s515"
+source_file: "data/legal/raw/us/code/title-38/usc38.xml"
+source_hash: "73ecb8711be8bfddf37f6d63a32fb3b603d013c38e5ceb29df7c4b11ae952e32"
+raw_snapshot_hash: "372998691b72ade88787dfa7633dbda4954bd1b037ec7926c5e06e9b1d17fc66"
+text_hash: "432b07fefc3f227a9e09927213a79e4b704b24586b782a3570bc03db3eab39d9"
+retrieved_at: "2026-07-04"
+confidence: "official"
+tags: ["legal", "us-code"]
+---
+
+# 38 U.S.C. § 515 - Administrative settlement of tort claims
+
+## Text
+
+(a) (1) Notwithstanding the limitations contained in section 2672 of title 28, the Secretary may settle a claim for money damages against the United States cognizable under section 1346(b) or 2672 of title 28 or section 7316 of this title to the extent the authority to do so is delegated to the Secretary by the Attorney General. Such delegation may not exceed the authority delegated by the Attorney General to United States attorneys to settle claims for money damages against the United States.
+
+(2) For purposes of this subsection, the term “settle”, with respect to a claim, means consider, ascertain, adjust, determine, and dispose of the claim, whether by full or partial allowance or by disallowance.
+
+(b) The Secretary may pay tort claims, in the manner authorized in the first paragraph of section 2672 of title 28, when such claims arise in foreign countries in connection with Department operations abroad. A claim may not be allowed under this subsection unless it is presented in writing to the Secretary within two years after the claim accrues.
+
+(Added Pub. L. 102–83, § 2(a), Aug. 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 389.)
+
+## Notes
+
+Editorial Notes
+
+Prior ProvisionsProvisions similar to those in this section were contained in sections 224 and 236 of this title prior to repeal by Pub. L. 102–83, § 2(a).
+
+Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
+
+Department of Veterans Affairs Requirement To Provide Certain Notice to Persons Filing Claims for Damage, Injury, or Death on Standard Form 95Pub. L. 116–315, title VII, § 7010, Jan. 5, 2021, 134 Stat. 5061, provided that: “Not later than 90 days after the date on which a person submits to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs a claim for damage, injury, or death on Standard Form 95, or any successor form, the Secretary shall provide to such person notice of each of the following: “(1) The benefit of obtaining legal advice concerning such claim. “(2) The employment status of any individual listed on the form. “(3) If the claim involves a contractor that entered into an agreement with the Secretary, the importance of obtaining legal advice as to the statute of limitations regarding the claim in the State in which the claim arose.”
@@ -0,0 +1,141 @@
+---
+type: "LegalText"
+title: "38 U.S.C. § 516"
+description: "Equal employment responsibilities"
+jurisdiction: "us"
+corpus: "united_states_code"
+kind: "code_section"
+title_number: 38
+title_name: "VETERANS’ BENEFITS"
+chapter_number: "5"
+chapter_name: "AUTHORITY AND DUTIES OF THE SECRETARY"
+section: "516"
+citation: "38 U.S.C. § 516"
+status: "current"
+release_point: "119-100"
+release_date: "2026-06-26"
+source: "official"
+source_url: "https://uscode.house.gov/download/releasepoints/us/pl/119/100/xml_usc38@119-100.zip"
+source_identifier: "/us/usc/t38/s516"
+source_file: "data/legal/raw/us/code/title-38/usc38.xml"
+source_hash: "4eb16e5574fe09f62235808c1d85ec130dc77b8ce9e0ddd09f3674636caf451d"
+raw_snapshot_hash: "372998691b72ade88787dfa7633dbda4954bd1b037ec7926c5e06e9b1d17fc66"
+text_hash: "72d939f525c434915fa92bdc51595a55675ddd080c2ad258e228bcb1b161c8b0"
+retrieved_at: "2026-07-04"
+confidence: "official"
+tags: ["legal", "us-code"]
+---
+
+# 38 U.S.C. § 516 - Equal employment responsibilities
+
+## Text
+
+(a) (1) The Secretary shall provide that the employment discrimination complaint resolution system within the Department be established and administered so as to encourage timely and fair resolution of concerns and complaints. The Secretary shall take steps to ensure that the system is administered in an objective, fair, and effective manner and in a manner that is perceived by employees and other interested parties as being objective, fair, and effective.
+
+(2) The Secretary shall ensure that the employment discrimination complaint resolution system established under paragraph (1) requires that any manager of the Department who receives a sexual or other harassment or employment discrimination complaint reports such complaint to the Office of Resolution Management, or successor office, immediately, or if such immediate reporting is impracticable, not later than two days after the date on which the manager receives the complaint.
+
+(b) The Secretary shall provide—
+
+(1) that employees responsible for counseling functions associated with employment discrimination and for receiving, investigating, and processing complaints of employment discrimination shall be supervised in those functions by, and report to, an Assistant Secretary or a Deputy Assistant Secretary, in accordance with subsection (h)(2), for complaint resolution management; and
+
+(2) that employees performing employment discrimination complaint resolution functions at a facility of the Department shall not be subject to the authority, direction, and control of the Director of the facility with respect to those functions.
+
+(c) (1) The Secretary shall ensure that all employees of the Department receive adequate education and training for the purposes of this section and section 319 of this title.
+
+(2) (A) Beginning not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of the Joseph Maxwell Cleland and Robert Joseph Dole Memorial Veterans Benefits and Health Care Improvement Act of 2022, the Secretary shall provide to each employee of the Department mandatory annual training on identifying and addressing sexual and other harassment and employment discrimination, including with respect to processes under the Harassment Prevention Program of the Department, or such successor program.
+
+(B) An employee of the Department who is hired on or after such date shall receive the first such mandatory annual training not later than 60 days after being hired.
+
+(d) The Secretary shall, when appropriate, impose disciplinary measures, as authorized by law, in the case of employees of the Department who engage in unlawful employment discrimination, including retaliation against an employee asserting rights under an equal employment opportunity law.
+
+(e) (1) (A) Not later than 45 days after the end of each calendar quarter, the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and House of Representatives a report summarizing the employment discrimination complaints filed against the individuals referred to in paragraph (2) during such quarter.
+
+(B) Subparagraph (A) shall apply in the case of complaints filed against individuals on the basis of such individuals’ personal conduct and shall not apply in the case of complaints filed solely on the basis of such individuals’ positions as officials of the Department.
+
+(2) Paragraph (1) applies to the following officers and employees of the Department:
+
+(A) The Secretary.
+
+(B) The Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs.
+
+(C) The Under Secretary for Health and the Under Secretary for Benefits.
+
+(D) Each Assistant Secretary of Veterans Affairs and each Deputy Assistant Secretary of Veterans Affairs.
+
+(E) The Under Secretary of Veterans Affairs for Memorial Affairs.
+
+(F) The General Counsel of the Department.
+
+(G) The Chairman of the Board of Veterans’ Appeals.
+
+(H) The Chairman of the Board of Contract Appeals of the Department.
+
+(I) The director and the chief of staff of each medical center of the Department.
+
+(J) The director of each Veterans Integrated Services Network.
+
+(K) The director of each regional office of the Department.
+
+(L) Each program director of the Central Office of the Department.
+
+(3) Each report under this subsection—
+
+(A) may not disclose information which identifies the individuals filing, or the individuals who are the subject of, the complaints concerned or the facilities at which the discrimination identified in such complaints is alleged to have occurred;
+
+(B) shall summarize such complaints by type and by equal employment opportunity field office area in which filed; and
+
+(C) shall include copies of such complaints, with the information described in subparagraph (A) redacted.
+
+(4) Not later than April 1 each year, the Assistant Secretary shall submit to the committees referred to in paragraph (1)(A) a report on the complaints covered by paragraph (1) during the preceding year, including the number of such complaints filed during that year and the status and resolution of the investigation of such complaints.
+
+(f) The Secretary shall ensure that an employee of the Department who seeks counseling relating to employment discrimination may elect to receive such counseling from an employee of the Department who carries out equal employment opportunity counseling functions on a full-time basis rather than from an employee of the Department who carries out such functions on a part-time basis.
+
+(g) (1) (A) Except as provided in paragraph (4), beginning on the date of the enactment of the Joseph Maxwell Cleland and Robert Joseph Dole Memorial Veterans Benefits and Health Care Improvement Act of 2022 and ending on the date that is three years after the date of the enactment of such Act, the number of employees of the Department whose duties include equal employment opportunity counseling functions may not exceed 76 full-time equivalent employees.
+
+(B) Except as provided in paragraph (4), beginning on the date that is three years after the date of enactment of the Joseph Maxwell Cleland and Robert Joseph Dole Memorial Veterans Benefits and Health Care Improvement Act of 2022, the number of employees of the Department whose duties include equal employment opportunity counseling functions may not exceed 81 full-time equivalent employees.
+
+(2) Except as provided in paragraph (4), of the 76 full-time equivalent employees set forth in paragraph (1), the number of employees of the Department whose duties include equal employment opportunity counseling functions as well as other unrelated functions may not exceed 40 full-time equivalent employees.
+
+(3) Except as provided in paragraph (4), any employee described in paragraph (2) whose duties include equal employment opportunity counseling functions as well as other unrelated functions may be assigned equal employment opportunity counseling functions only at Department facilities in remote geographic locations.
+
+(4) (A) Beginning on the date that is one year after the date of enactment of the Joseph Maxwell Cleland and Robert Joseph Dole Memorial Veterans Benefits and Health Care Improvement Act of 2022, the Secretary shall promptly notify Congress if, at any point in time, the number of full-time equivalent employees of the Department specified in paragraph (1), whose duties include equal opportunity counseling functions, is insufficient for the Department to meet its required obligations under law.
+
+(B) Notification under subparagraph (A) shall include—
+
+(i) the specific legal obligations relating to employment discrimination, or other matters similar to those covered by regulations prescribed by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, that the Department is unable to meet; and
+
+(ii) the total additional number of full-time equivalent employees of the Department that would be needed for the Department to meet such obligations.
+
+(h) (1) The provisions of this section shall be implemented in a manner consistent with procedures applicable under regulations prescribed by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
+
+(2) Beginning not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of the Joseph Maxwell Cleland and Robert Joseph Dole Memorial Veterans Benefits and Health Care Improvement Act of 2022, in carrying out paragraph (1), the Secretary shall ensure that the official of the Department who serves as the Equal Employment Opportunity Director of the Department—
+
+(A) reports directly to the Deputy Secretary with respect to the functions under this section; and
+
+(B) does not also serve in a position that has responsibility over personnel functions of the Department or other functions that conflict with the functions under this section.
+
+(i) In accordance with subsection (b), not later than one year after the date of the enactment of the Joseph Maxwell Cleland and Robert Joseph Dole Memorial Veterans Benefits and Health Care Improvement Act of 2022, the Secretary shall ensure that each Equal Employment Opportunity program manager of the Department at the facility level reports to the head of the Office of Resolution Management, or such successor office established pursuant to subsection (a), with respect to the equal employment functions of the program manager.
+
+(Added Pub. L. 105–114, title I, § 101(a)(1), Nov. 21, 1997, 111 Stat. 2278; amended Pub. L. 105–368, title IV, § 403(d)(2), Nov. 11, 1998, 112 Stat. 3339; Pub. L. 108–170, title IV, § 405(a), Dec. 6, 2003, 117 Stat. 2063; Pub. L. 117–76, § 7(a), Dec. 21, 2021, 135 Stat. 1520; Pub. L. 117–328, div. U, title IV, §§ 402(a)–(d), 408(a)(1), Dec. 29, 2022, 136 Stat. 5484, 5485, 5495.)
+
+## Notes
+
+Editorial Notes
+
+References in TextThe date of the enactment of the Joseph Maxwell Cleland and Robert Joseph Dole Memorial Veterans Benefits and Health Care Improvement Act of 2022 and the date of the enactment of such Act, referred to in subsecs. (c)(2)(A), (g)(1), (4)(A), (h)(2), and (i), is the date of enactment of div. U of Pub. L. 117–328, which was approved Dec. 29, 2022.
+
+Amendments2022—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 117–328, § 402(c), designated existing provisions as par. (1) and added par. (2). Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 117–328, § 402(a)(2)(A), inserted “, in accordance with subsection (h)(2),” after “an Assistant Secretary or a Deputy Assistant Secretary”. Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 117–328, § 402(d), designated existing provisions as par. (1) and added par. (2). Subsec. (e)(1)(A). Pub. L. 117–328, § 402(a)(2)(B), substituted “the Secretary” for “the Assistant Secretary for Human Resources and Administration”. Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 117–328, § 408(a)(1)(B), added subsec. (g). Former subsec. (g) redesignated (h). Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 117–328, §§ 402(a)(1), 408(a)(1)(A), redesignated subsec. (g) as (h), designated existing provisions as par. (1), and added par. (2). Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 117–328, § 402(b), added subsec. (i). 2021—Subsecs. (g), (h). Pub. L. 117–76 redesignated subsec. (h) as (g) and struck out former subsec. (g). Prior to amendment, text of subsec. (g) read as follows: “The number of employees of the Department whose duties include equal employment opportunity counseling functions as well as other, unrelated functions may not exceed 40 full-time equivalent employees. Any such employee may be assigned equal employment opportunity counseling functions only at Department facilities in remote geographic locations (as determined by the Secretary). The Secretary may waive the limitation in the preceding sentence in specific cases.” 2003—Subsec. (e)(1)(A). Pub. L. 108–170 substituted “45 days” for “30 days”. 1998—Subsec. (e)(2)(E). Pub. L. 105–368 substituted “Under Secretary of Veterans Affairs for Memorial Affairs” for “Director of the National Cemetery System”.
+
+Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
+
+Effective DatePub. L. 105–114, title I, § 101(c), Nov. 21, 1997, 111 Stat. 2280, provided that: “Section 516 of title 38, United States Code, as added by subsection (a), shall take effect 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act [Nov. 21, 1997]. Subsection (e) of that section shall take effect with respect to the first quarter of calendar year 1998.”
+
+Harassment and Employment Discrimination Policies and DirectivesPub. L. 117–328, div. U, title IV, § 402(e), Dec. 29, 2022, 136 Stat. 5485, provided that: “The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall— “(1) by not later than the date that is 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 29, 2022], and on a regular basis thereafter, review the policies relating to sexual and other harassment and employment discrimination of the Department of Veterans Affairs to ensure that such policies are complete and in accordance with the sexual and other harassment and employment discrimination policies established by the Office of Resolution Management of the Department, or successor office; and “(2) by not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, issue a final directive and a handbook for the Harassment Prevention Program of the Department.”
+
+Semiannual ReportsPub. L. 117–328, div. U, title IV, § 402(f), Dec. 29, 2022, 136 Stat. 5485, provided that: “Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 29, 2022], and semiannually thereafter for one year, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the House of Representatives a report on the progress the Secretary has made in carrying out this section [amending this section and enacting provisions set out as a note above] and section 516 of title 38, United States Code, as amended by this section, including with respect to reporting sexual and other harassment and employment discrimination complaints pursuant to subsection (a)(2) of such section 516.”
+
+Annual ReportsPub. L. 117–328, div. U, title IV, § 408(c), Dec. 29, 2022, 136 Stat. 5497, provided that: “Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 29, 2022] and once each year thereafter, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall make available to the public on an internet website of the Department an annual report that includes, for the year covered by the report, the following: “(1) Total number of complaints filed through the employment discrimination complaint resolution system established and administered under subsection (a) of section 516 of title 38, United States Code. “(2) Total number of such complaints completed processing by such system in a timely manner. “(3) The percentage of all pre-complaint counseling provided under such section that led to resolution without further action. “(4) The percentage of all pre-complaint counseling provided under such section that led to resolution via alternative dispute resolution. “(5) The percentage of all pre-complaint counseling provided under such section that led to filing of a formal complaint via such system. “(6) An accounting of the amounts, times, and quality of informal claims processed by employees of the Department whose duties include equal employment opportunity counseling under such section. “(7) An estimate of the required ratio of Department employees whose duties include equal employment opportunity counseling functions relative to the number of full-time equivalent employees in the Department.”
+
+Reports on Implementation and Operation of Equal Employment Opportunity SystemPub. L. 105–114, title I, § 101(b), Nov. 21, 1997, 111 Stat. 2279, required the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to submit to Congress reports on the implementation and operation of the equal employment opportunity system within the Department of Veterans Affairs setting forth detailed information for each equal employment opportunity field office of the Department, with the first report due not later than Apr. 1, 1998, and subsequent reports due not later than Jan. 1, 1999, and Jan. 1, 2000.
+
+Assessment and Review of Employment Discrimination Complaint Resolution SystemPub. L. 105–114, title I, § 103, Nov. 21, 1997, 111 Stat. 2281, provided that: “(a) Agreement for Assessment and Review.—(1) The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall seek to enter into an agreement with a qualified private entity under which agreement the entity shall carry out the assessment described in subsection (b) and the review described in subsection (c). “(2) The Secretary shall include in the agreement provisions necessary to ensure that the entity carries out its responsibilities under the agreement (including the exercise of its judgments concerning the assessment and review) in a manner free of influence from any source, including the officials and employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs. “(3) The Secretary may not enter into the agreement until 15 days after the date on which the Secretary notifies the Committees on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and House of Representatives of the entity with which the Secretary proposes to enter into the agreement. “(b) Initial Assessment of System.—(1) Under the agreement under subsection (a), the entity shall conduct an assessment of the employment discrimination complaint resolution system administered within the Department of Veterans Affairs, including the extent to which the system meets the objectives set forth in section 516(a) of title 38, United States Code, as added by section 101. The assessment shall include a comprehensive description of the system as of the time of the assessment. “(2) Under the agreement, the entity shall submit the assessment to the committees referred to in subsection (a)(3) and to the Secretary not later than June 1, 1998. “(c) Review of Administration of System.—(1) Under the agreement under subsection (a), the entity shall monitor and review the administration by the Secretary of the employment discrimination complaint resolution system administered within the Department. “(2) Under the agreement, the entity shall submit to the committees referred to in subsection (a)(3) and to the Secretary a report on the results of the review under paragraph (1) not later than June 1, 1999. The report shall include an assessment of the administration of the system, including the extent to which the system meets the objectives referred to in subsection (b)(1), and the effectiveness of the following:“(A) Programs to train and maintain a cadre of individuals who are competent to investigate claims relating to employment discrimination. “(B) Programs to train and maintain a cadre of individuals who are competent to provide counseling to individuals who submit such claims. “(C) Programs to provide education and training to Department employees regarding their rights and obligations under the equal employment opportunity laws. “(D) Programs to oversee the administration of the system. “(E) Programs to evaluate the effectiveness of the system in meeting its objectives. “(F) Other programs, procedures, or activities of the Department relating to the equal employment opportunity laws, including any alternative dispute resolution procedures and informal dispute resolution and settlement procedures. “(G) Any disciplinary measures imposed by the Secretary on employees determined to have violated the equal employment opportunity laws in preventing or deterring violations of such laws by other employees of the Department.”
@@ -0,0 +1,71 @@
+---
+type: "LegalText"
+title: "38 U.S.C. § 517"
+description: "Quarterly reports to Congress on conferences sponsored by the Department"
+jurisdiction: "us"
+corpus: "united_states_code"
+kind: "code_section"
+title_number: 38
+title_name: "VETERANS’ BENEFITS"
+chapter_number: "5"
+chapter_name: "AUTHORITY AND DUTIES OF THE SECRETARY"
+section: "517"
+citation: "38 U.S.C. § 517"
+status: "current"
+release_point: "119-100"
+release_date: "2026-06-26"
+source: "official"
+source_url: "https://uscode.house.gov/download/releasepoints/us/pl/119/100/xml_usc38@119-100.zip"
+source_identifier: "/us/usc/t38/s517"
+source_file: "data/legal/raw/us/code/title-38/usc38.xml"
+source_hash: "0bc093da357cc40f784bdae0828f9fc0720778166ebff78432ae64a090af07f0"
+raw_snapshot_hash: "372998691b72ade88787dfa7633dbda4954bd1b037ec7926c5e06e9b1d17fc66"
+text_hash: "edcf1e5ec0de8c87f67d1f15ade204657a1152ff130389c83b88f13e8c3e768c"
+retrieved_at: "2026-07-04"
+confidence: "official"
+tags: ["legal", "us-code"]
+---
+
+# 38 U.S.C. § 517 - Quarterly reports to Congress on conferences sponsored by the Department
+
+## Text
+
+(a) Quarterly Reports Required.— Not later than 30 days after the end of each fiscal quarter, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the House of Representatives a report on covered conferences.
+
+(b) Matters Included.— Each report under subsection (a) shall include the following:
+
+(1) An accounting of the final costs to the Department of each covered conference occurring during the fiscal quarter preceding the date on which the report is submitted, including the costs related to—
+
+(A) transportation and parking;
+
+(B) per diem payments;
+
+(C) lodging;
+
+(D) rental of halls, auditoriums, or other spaces;
+
+(E) rental of equipment;
+
+(F) refreshments;
+
+(G) entertainment;
+
+(H) contractors; and
+
+(I) brochures or other printed media.
+
+(2) The total estimated costs to the Department for covered conferences occurring during the fiscal quarter in which the report is submitted.
+
+(c) Covered Conference Defined.— In this section, the term “covered conference” means a conference, meeting, or other similar forum that is sponsored or co-sponsored by the Department and is—
+
+(1) attended by 50 or more individuals, including one or more employees of the Department; or
+
+(2) estimated to cost the Department at least $20,000.
+
+(Added Pub. L. 112–154, title VII, § 707(a), Aug. 6, 2012, 126 Stat.1206.)
+
+## Notes
+
+Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
+
+Effective DatePub. L. 112–154, title VII, § 707(c), Aug. 6, 2012, 126 Stat. 1207, provided that: “Section 517 of title 38, United States Code, as added by subsection (a), shall take effect on October 1, 2012, and shall apply with respect to the first quarter of fiscal year 2013 and each quarter thereafter.”
@@ -0,0 +1,59 @@
+---
+type: "LegalText"
+title: "38 U.S.C. § 521"
+description: "Assistance to certain rehabilitation activities"
+jurisdiction: "us"
+corpus: "united_states_code"
+kind: "code_section"
+title_number: 38
+title_name: "VETERANS’ BENEFITS"
+chapter_number: "5"
+chapter_name: "AUTHORITY AND DUTIES OF THE SECRETARY"
+section: "521"
+citation: "38 U.S.C. § 521"
+status: "current"
+release_point: "119-100"
+release_date: "2026-06-26"
+source: "official"
+source_url: "https://uscode.house.gov/download/releasepoints/us/pl/119/100/xml_usc38@119-100.zip"
+source_identifier: "/us/usc/t38/s521"
+source_file: "data/legal/raw/us/code/title-38/usc38.xml"
+source_hash: "02ac84eea97648ad4f4a24a161f4914d313fa52fa28415a7171df2fe5188a4ae"
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+text_hash: "22fab31604772ea489006d0bbd87961fee8a9d480afbaa089d0d7130ee4aad25"
+retrieved_at: "2026-07-04"
+confidence: "official"
+tags: ["legal", "us-code"]
+---
+
+# 38 U.S.C. § 521 - Assistance to certain rehabilitation activities
+
+## Text
+
+(a) The Secretary may assist any organization named in or approved under section 5902 of this title in providing recreational activities which would further the rehabilitation of disabled veterans. Such assistance may be provided only if—
+
+(1) the activities are available to disabled veterans on a national basis; and
+
+(2) a significant percentage of the individuals participating in the activities are eligible for rehabilitative services under chapter 17 of this title.
+
+(b) The Secretary may accept from any appropriate source contributions of funds and of other assistance to support the Secretary’s provision of assistance for such activities.
+
+(c) (1) Subject to paragraph (2), the Secretary may authorize the use, for purposes approved by the Secretary in connection with the activity involved, of the seal and other official symbols of the Department and the name “Department of Veterans Affairs” by—
+
+(A) any organization which provides an activity described in subsection (a) with assistance from the Secretary; and
+
+(B) any individual or entity from which the Secretary accepts a significant contribution under subsection (b) or an offer of such a contribution.
+
+(2) The use of such seal or name of any official symbol of the Department in an advertisement may be authorized by the Secretary under this subsection only if—
+
+(A) the Secretary has approved the advertisement; and
+
+(B) the advertisement contains a clear statement that no product, project, or commercial line of endeavor referred to in the advertisement is endorsed by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
+
+(Added Pub. L. 102–83, § 2(a), Aug. 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 390.)
+
+## Notes
+
+Editorial Notes
+
+Prior ProvisionsPrior section 521 was renumbered section 1521 of this title. Provisions similar to those in this section were contained in section 216 of this title prior to repeal by Pub. L. 102–83, § 2(a).
@@ -0,0 +1,43 @@
+---
+type: "LegalText"
+title: "38 U.S.C. § 522"
+description: "Studies of rehabilitation of disabled persons"
+jurisdiction: "us"
+corpus: "united_states_code"
+kind: "code_section"
+title_number: 38
+title_name: "VETERANS’ BENEFITS"
+chapter_number: "5"
+chapter_name: "AUTHORITY AND DUTIES OF THE SECRETARY"
+section: "522"
+citation: "38 U.S.C. § 522"
+status: "current"
+release_point: "119-100"
+release_date: "2026-06-26"
+source: "official"
+source_url: "https://uscode.house.gov/download/releasepoints/us/pl/119/100/xml_usc38@119-100.zip"
+source_identifier: "/us/usc/t38/s522"
+source_file: "data/legal/raw/us/code/title-38/usc38.xml"
+source_hash: "885f74951c6a0e9ad9f688ff4c457c2b79104566d0a48641a0c432d2b0cc8efb"
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+retrieved_at: "2026-07-04"
+confidence: "official"
+tags: ["legal", "us-code"]
+---
+
+# 38 U.S.C. § 522 - Studies of rehabilitation of disabled persons
+
+## Text
+
+(a) The Secretary may conduct studies and investigations, and prepare reports, relative to the rehabilitation of disabled persons, the relative abilities, aptitudes, and capacities of the several groups of the variously handicapped, and how their potentialities can best be developed and their services best used in gainful and suitable employment including the rehabilitation programs of foreign nations.
+
+(b) In carrying out this section, the Secretary (1) may cooperate with such public and private agencies as the Secretary considers advisable; and (2) may employ consultants who shall receive a reasonable per diem, as prescribed by the Secretary, for each day actually employed, plus necessary travel and other expenses.
+
+(Added Pub. L. 102–83, § 2(a), Aug. 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 390.)
+
+## Notes
+
+Editorial Notes
+
+Prior ProvisionsPrior section 522 was renumbered section 1522 of this title. Provisions similar to those in this section were contained in section 217 of this title prior to repeal by Pub. L. 102–83, § 2(a).
@@ -0,0 +1,55 @@
+---
+type: "LegalText"
+title: "38 U.S.C. § 523"
+description: "Coordination and promotion of other programs affecting veterans and their dependents"
+jurisdiction: "us"
+corpus: "united_states_code"
+kind: "code_section"
+title_number: 38
+title_name: "VETERANS’ BENEFITS"
+chapter_number: "5"
+chapter_name: "AUTHORITY AND DUTIES OF THE SECRETARY"
+section: "523"
+citation: "38 U.S.C. § 523"
+status: "current"
+release_point: "119-100"
+release_date: "2026-06-26"
+source: "official"
+source_url: "https://uscode.house.gov/download/releasepoints/us/pl/119/100/xml_usc38@119-100.zip"
+source_identifier: "/us/usc/t38/s523"
+source_file: "data/legal/raw/us/code/title-38/usc38.xml"
+source_hash: "e9b355fb2f3dc9a26827daecf12432efb12ff4b5dd60bb21aff7186c4544c7a8"
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+retrieved_at: "2026-07-04"
+confidence: "official"
+tags: ["legal", "us-code"]
+---
+
+# 38 U.S.C. § 523 - Coordination and promotion of other programs affecting veterans and their dependents
+
+## Text
+
+(a) The Secretary shall seek to achieve (1) the maximum feasible effectiveness, coordination, and interrelationship of services among all programs and activities affecting veterans and their dependents carried out by and under all other departments, agencies, and instrumentalities of the executive branch, and (2) the maximum feasible coordination of such programs with programs carried out under this title. The Secretary shall actively promote the effective implementation, enforcement, and application of all provisions of law and regulations providing for special consideration, emphasis, or preference for veterans.
+
+(b) The Secretary shall seek to achieve the effective coordination of the provision, under laws administered by the Department, of benefits and services (and information about such benefits and services) with appropriate programs (and information about such programs) conducted by State and local governmental agencies and by private entities at the State and local level. In carrying out this subsection, the Secretary shall place special emphasis on veterans who are 65 years of age or older.
+
+(c) The Secretary shall maintain a publicly available website of the Department through which a veteran or dependent of a veteran may search by ZIP code for programs for—
+
+(1) veterans who recently separated from active military, naval, air, or space service; or
+
+(2) dependents of veterans described in paragraph (1).
+
+(Added Pub. L. 102–83, § 2(a), Aug. 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 390; amended Pub. L. 119–60, div. A, title V, § 571(e), Dec. 18, 2025, 139 Stat. 885.)
+
+## Notes
+
+Editorial Notes
+
+Prior ProvisionsPrior sections 523 and 524 were renumbered sections 1523 and 1524 of this title, respectively. Provisions similar to those in this section were contained in section 220 of this title prior to repeal by Pub. L. 102–83, § 2(a).
+
+Amendments2025—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 119–60 added subsec. (c).
+
+Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
+
+Pilot Program on Use of Community-Based Organizations and Local and State Government Entities To Ensure That Veterans Receive Care and Benefits for Which They Are EligiblePub. L. 111–163, title V, § 506, May 5, 2010, 124 Stat. 1160, as amended by Pub. L. 114–228, title I, § 108, Sept. 29, 2016, 130 Stat. 938, provided that: “(a) Pilot Program Required.—The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall carry out a pilot program to assess the feasibility and advisability of using community-based organizations and local and State government entities—“(1) to increase the coordination of community, local, State, and Federal providers of health care and benefits for veterans to assist veterans who are transitioning from military service to civilian life in such transition; “(2) to increase the availability of high quality medical and mental health services to veterans transitioning from military service to civilian life; “(3) to provide assistance to families of veterans who are transitioning from military service to civilian life to help such families adjust to such transition; and “(4) to provide outreach to veterans and their families to inform them about the availability of benefits and connect them with appropriate care and benefit programs. “(b) Duration of Program.—The pilot program shall be carried out during the 2-year period beginning on the date that is 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [May 5, 2010]. “(c) Program Locations.—“(1) In general.—The pilot program shall be carried out at five locations selected by the Secretary for purposes of the pilot program. “(2) Considerations.—In selecting locations for the pilot program, the Secretary shall consider the advisability of selecting locations in—“(A) rural areas; “(B) areas with populations that have a high proportion of minority group representation; “(C) areas with populations that have a high proportion of individuals who have limited access to health care; and “(D) areas that are not in close proximity to an active duty military installation. “(d) Grants.—The Secretary shall carry out the pilot program through the award of grants to community-based organizations and local and State government entities. “(e) Selection of Grant Recipients.—“(1) In general.—A community-based organization or local or State government entity seeking a grant under the pilot program shall submit to the Secretary an application therefor in such form and in such manner as the Secretary considers appropriate. “(2) Elements.—Each application submitted under paragraph (1) shall include the following:“(A) A description of the consultations, if any, with the Department of Veterans Affairs in the development of the proposal under the application. “(B) A plan to coordinate activities under the pilot program, to the greatest extent possible, with the local, State, and Federal providers of services for veterans to reduce duplication of services and to enhance the effect of such services. “(f) Use of Grant Funds.—The Secretary shall prescribe appropriate uses of grant funds received under the pilot program. “(g) Report on Program.—“(1) In general.—Not later than September 30, 2017, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report on the pilot program. “(2) Elements.—The report required by paragraph (1) shall include the following:“(A) The findings and conclusions of the Secretary with respect to the pilot program. “(B) An assessment of the benefits to veterans of the pilot program. “(C) The recommendations of the Secretary as to the advisability of continuing the pilot program.”
@@ -0,0 +1,45 @@
+---
+type: "LegalText"
+title: "38 U.S.C. § 525"
+description: "Publication of laws relating to veterans"
+jurisdiction: "us"
+corpus: "united_states_code"
+kind: "code_section"
+title_number: 38
+title_name: "VETERANS’ BENEFITS"
+chapter_number: "5"
+chapter_name: "AUTHORITY AND DUTIES OF THE SECRETARY"
+section: "525"
+citation: "38 U.S.C. § 525"
+status: "current"
+release_point: "119-100"
+release_date: "2026-06-26"
+source: "official"
+source_url: "https://uscode.house.gov/download/releasepoints/us/pl/119/100/xml_usc38@119-100.zip"
+source_identifier: "/us/usc/t38/s525"
+source_file: "data/legal/raw/us/code/title-38/usc38.xml"
+source_hash: "97f3c19523541a0df201d29e9310dccdc88aef0c5b97dd39a8b5dd9c0d38e0b9"
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+retrieved_at: "2026-07-04"
+confidence: "official"
+tags: ["legal", "us-code"]
+---
+
+# 38 U.S.C. § 525 - Publication of laws relating to veterans
+
+## Text
+
+(a) The Secretary may compile and publish all Federal laws relating to veterans’ relief, including laws administered by the Department as well as by other agencies of the Government. Such compilation and publication shall be in such form as the Secretary considers advisable for the purpose of making currently available in convenient form for the use of the Department and full-time representatives of the several service organizations an annotated, indexed, and cross-referenced statement of the laws providing veterans’ relief.
+
+(b) The Secretary may maintain such compilation on a current basis either by the publication, from time to time, of supplementary documents or by complete revision of the compilation.
+
+(c) The distribution of the compilation to the representatives of the several service organizations shall be as determined by the Secretary.
+
+(Added Pub. L. 102–83, § 2(a), Aug. 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 391.)
+
+## Notes
+
+Editorial Notes
+
+Prior ProvisionsPrior section 525 was renumbered section 1525 of this title. Provisions similar to those in this section were contained in section 215 of this title prior to repeal by Pub. L. 102–83, § 2(a).
@@ -0,0 +1,47 @@
+---
+type: "LegalText"
+title: "38 U.S.C. § 529"
+description: "Annual report to Congress"
+jurisdiction: "us"
+corpus: "united_states_code"
+kind: "code_section"
+title_number: 38
+title_name: "VETERANS’ BENEFITS"
+chapter_number: "5"
+chapter_name: "AUTHORITY AND DUTIES OF THE SECRETARY"
+section: "529"
+citation: "38 U.S.C. § 529"
+status: "current"
+release_point: "119-100"
+release_date: "2026-06-26"
+source: "official"
+source_url: "https://uscode.house.gov/download/releasepoints/us/pl/119/100/xml_usc38@119-100.zip"
+source_identifier: "/us/usc/t38/s529"
+source_file: "data/legal/raw/us/code/title-38/usc38.xml"
+source_hash: "3b2b7866bb216a2b5642694a9cce9f5b86013dcce72e0a2a3d8d7917b493b518"
+raw_snapshot_hash: "372998691b72ade88787dfa7633dbda4954bd1b037ec7926c5e06e9b1d17fc66"
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+retrieved_at: "2026-07-04"
+confidence: "official"
+tags: ["legal", "us-code"]
+---
+
+# 38 U.S.C. § 529 - Annual report to Congress
+
+## Text
+
+The Secretary shall submit annually, at the close of each fiscal year, a report in writing to Congress. Each such report shall—
+
+(1) give an account of all moneys received and disbursed by the Department for such fiscal year;
+
+(2) describe the work done during such fiscal year; and
+
+(3) state the activities of the Department for such fiscal year.
+
+(Added Pub. L. 102–83, § 2(a), Aug. 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 391.)
+
+## Notes
+
+Editorial Notes
+
+Prior ProvisionsProvisions similar to those in this section were contained in section 214 of this title prior to repeal by Pub. L. 102–83, § 2(a). Prior section 531, Pub. L. 85–857, Sept. 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 1137; Pub. L. 90–77, title I, § 105, Aug. 31, 1967, 81 Stat. 179, provided for a monthly pension to widows of Mexican War veterans, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 94–169, title I, § 101(2)(F), Dec. 23, 1975, 89 Stat. 1014, effective Jan. 1, 1976. Prior sections 532 to 537 were renumbered sections 1532 to 1537 of this title, respectively.
@@ -0,0 +1,45 @@
+---
+type: "LegalText"
+title: "38 U.S.C. § 530"
+description: "Annual report on program and expenditures for domestic response to weapons of mass destruction"
+jurisdiction: "us"
+corpus: "united_states_code"
+kind: "code_section"
+title_number: 38
+title_name: "VETERANS’ BENEFITS"
+chapter_number: "5"
+chapter_name: "AUTHORITY AND DUTIES OF THE SECRETARY"
+section: "530"
+citation: "38 U.S.C. § 530"
+status: "current"
+release_point: "119-100"
+release_date: "2026-06-26"
+source: "official"
+source_url: "https://uscode.house.gov/download/releasepoints/us/pl/119/100/xml_usc38@119-100.zip"
+source_identifier: "/us/usc/t38/s530"
+source_file: "data/legal/raw/us/code/title-38/usc38.xml"
+source_hash: "eb2154da0b56d96d04ade9f34248444ce8a3e718b0eb718da28004c4542b867b"
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+retrieved_at: "2026-07-04"
+confidence: "official"
+tags: ["legal", "us-code"]
+---
+
+# 38 U.S.C. § 530 - Annual report on program and expenditures for domestic response to weapons of mass destruction
+
+## Text
+
+(a) The Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and House of Representatives an annual report, to be submitted each year at the time that the President submits the budget for the next fiscal year under section 1105 of title 31, on the activities of the Department relating to preparation for, and participation in, a domestic medical response to an attack involving weapons of mass destruction.
+
+(b) Each report under subsection (a) shall include the following:
+
+(1) A statement of the amounts of funds and the level of personnel resources (stated in terms of full-time equivalent employees) expected to be used by the Department during the next fiscal year in preparation for a domestic medical response to an attack involving weapons of mass destruction, including the anticipated source of those funds and any anticipated shortfalls in funds or personnel resources to achieve the tasks assigned the Department by the President in connection with preparation for such a response.
+
+(2) A detailed statement of the funds expended and personnel resources (stated in terms of full-time equivalent employees) used during the fiscal year preceding the fiscal year during which the report is submitted in preparation for a domestic medical response to an attack involving weapons of mass destruction or in response to such an attack, including identification of the source of those funds and a description of how those funds were expended.
+
+(3) A detailed statement of the funds expended and expected to be expended, and the personnel resources (stated in terms of full-time equivalent employees) used and expected to be used, during the fiscal year during which the report is submitted in preparation for a domestic medical response to an attack involving weapons of mass destruction or in response to such an attack, including identification of the source of funds expended and a description of how those funds were expended.
+
+(c) This section shall expire on January 1, 2009.
+
+(Added Pub. L. 105–368, title IX, § 906(a), Nov. 11, 1998, 112 Stat. 3361.)
@@ -0,0 +1,61 @@
+---
+type: "LegalText"
+title: "38 U.S.C. § 531"
+description: "Requirements relating to naming of Department property"
+jurisdiction: "us"
+corpus: "united_states_code"
+kind: "code_section"
+title_number: 38
+title_name: "VETERANS’ BENEFITS"
+chapter_number: "5"
+chapter_name: "AUTHORITY AND DUTIES OF THE SECRETARY"
+section: "531"
+citation: "38 U.S.C. § 531"
+status: "current"
+release_point: "119-100"
+release_date: "2026-06-26"
+source: "official"
+source_url: "https://uscode.house.gov/download/releasepoints/us/pl/119/100/xml_usc38@119-100.zip"
+source_identifier: "/us/usc/t38/s531"
+source_file: "data/legal/raw/us/code/title-38/usc38.xml"
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+retrieved_at: "2026-07-04"
+confidence: "official"
+tags: ["legal", "us-code"]
+---
+
+# 38 U.S.C. § 531 - Requirements relating to naming of Department property
+
+## Text
+
+(a) Naming Limitation.— Except as expressly provided by law or as authorized under subsection (b), a facility, structure, or real property of the Department, and a major portion (such as a wing or floor) of any such facility, structure, or real property, may be named only for the geographic area in which the facility, structure, or real property is located.
+
+(b) Transfer of Names.— (1) In general.— The Secretary may transfer the name of covered property of the Department to other covered property of the Department if—
+
+(A) the original covered property was designated with that name by law;
+
+(B) the Department no longer offers benefits or services at the original covered property;
+
+(C) the other covered property is similar in type and purpose as the original covered property;
+
+(D) the other covered property is located in a different location or at a different address from the original covered property within the town, city, or other local government area specified in the designation made by such law; and
+
+(E) such transfer occurs not less than 30 days after the Secretary notifies the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate, the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the House of Representatives, and each member of Congress representing the State in which the original covered property and other covered property are located of the intent of the Secretary to transfer the name of the original covered property to the other covered property.
+
+(2) References.— If the Secretary transfers the name of covered property under paragraph (1), any reference in a law, regulation, map, document, paper, or other record of the United States to the covered property originally named by law shall be deemed to be a reference to the covered property to which the name has been transferred under such paragraph.
+
+(3) Covered property.— In this subsection, the term “covered property” means a facility, structure, or real property of the Department or a major portion (such as a wing or floor) of any such facility, structure, or real property.
+
+(Added Pub. L. 105–368, title X, § 1001(a)(1), Nov. 11, 1998, 112 Stat. 3363; amended Pub. L. 117–137, § 1(a), June 7, 2022, 136 Stat. 1254.)
+
+## Notes
+
+Editorial Notes
+
+Amendments2022—Pub. L. 117–137, § 1(a)(2), (3), designated existing provisions as subsec. (a), inserted heading, inserted “or as authorized under subsection (b)” after “Except as expressly provided by law”, and added subsec. (b). Pub. L. 117–137, § 1(a)(1), substituted “Requirements” for “Requirement” in section catchline.
+
+Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
+
+Effective DatePub. L. 105–368, title X, § 1001(b), Nov. 11, 1998, 112 Stat. 3363, provided that: “Section 531 of title 38, United States Code, as added by subsection (a)(1), shall apply with respect to the assignment or designation of the name of a facility, structure, or real property of the Department of Veterans Affairs (or of a major portion thereof) after the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 11, 1998].”
@@ -0,0 +1,49 @@
+---
+type: "LegalText"
+title: "38 U.S.C. § 532"
+description: "Authority to advertise in national media; VetStar Award Program"
+jurisdiction: "us"
+corpus: "united_states_code"
+kind: "code_section"
+title_number: 38
+title_name: "VETERANS’ BENEFITS"
+chapter_number: "5"
+chapter_name: "AUTHORITY AND DUTIES OF THE SECRETARY"
+section: "532"
+citation: "38 U.S.C. § 532"
+status: "current"
+release_point: "119-100"
+release_date: "2026-06-26"
+source: "official"
+source_url: "https://uscode.house.gov/download/releasepoints/us/pl/119/100/xml_usc38@119-100.zip"
+source_identifier: "/us/usc/t38/s532"
+source_file: "data/legal/raw/us/code/title-38/usc38.xml"
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+retrieved_at: "2026-07-04"
+confidence: "official"
+tags: ["legal", "us-code"]
+---
+
+# 38 U.S.C. § 532 - Authority to advertise in national media; VetStar Award Program
+
+## Text
+
+(a) Advertising in National Media.— The Secretary may purchase advertising in national media outlets for the purpose of promoting awareness of benefits under laws administered by the Secretary, including promoting awareness of assistance provided by the Secretary, including assistance for programs to assist homeless veterans, to promote veteran-owned small businesses, and to provide opportunities for employment in the Department of Veterans Affairs and for education, training, compensation, pension, vocational rehabilitation, and healthcare benefits, and mental healthcare (including the prevention of suicide among veterans).
+
+(b) VetStar Award Program.— (1) The Secretary shall establish an award program, to be known as the “VetStar Award Program”, to recognize annually businesses for their contributions to veterans’ employment.
+
+(2) The Secretary shall establish a process for the administration of the award program, including criteria for—
+
+(A) categories and sectors of businesses eligible for recognition each year; and
+
+(B) objective measures to be used in selecting businesses to receive the award.
+
+(Added Pub. L. 110–389, title VIII, § 809(a), Oct. 10, 2008, 122 Stat. 4189; amended Pub. L. 112–154, title VII, § 709(a), (b)(1), Aug. 6, 2012, 126 Stat. 1207.)
+
+## Notes
+
+Editorial Notes
+
+Amendments2012—Pub. L. 112–154 inserted “; VetStar Award Program” after “national media” in section catchline, designated existing provisions as subsec. (a), inserted heading, and added subsec. (b).
@@ -0,0 +1,137 @@
+---
+type: "LegalText"
+title: "38 U.S.C. § 533"
+description: "Anti-harassment and anti-sexual assault policy"
+jurisdiction: "us"
+corpus: "united_states_code"
+kind: "code_section"
+title_number: 38
+title_name: "VETERANS’ BENEFITS"
+chapter_number: "5"
+chapter_name: "AUTHORITY AND DUTIES OF THE SECRETARY"
+section: "533"
+citation: "38 U.S.C. § 533"
+status: "current"
+release_point: "119-100"
+release_date: "2026-06-26"
+source: "official"
+source_url: "https://uscode.house.gov/download/releasepoints/us/pl/119/100/xml_usc38@119-100.zip"
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+retrieved_at: "2026-07-04"
+confidence: "official"
+tags: ["legal", "us-code"]
+---
+
+# 38 U.S.C. § 533 - Anti-harassment and anti-sexual assault policy
+
+## Text
+
+(a) Establishment.— (1) The Secretary, acting through the Office of Assault and Prevention of the Veterans Health Administration, shall establish a comprehensive policy to end harassment and sexual assault, including sexual harassment and gender-based harassment, throughout the Department.
+
+(2) The policy required by paragraph (1) shall include the following:
+
+(A) A process for employees and contractors of the Department to respond to reported incidents of harassment and sexual assault committed by any non-Department individual within a facility of the Department, including with respect to accountability or disciplinary measures.
+
+(B) A process for employees and contractors of the Department to respond to reported incidents of harassment and sexual assault of any non-Department individual within a facility of the Department.
+
+(C) A process for any non-Department individual to report harassment and sexual assault described in subparagraph (A), including an option for confidential reporting, and for the Secretary to respond to and address such reports.
+
+(D) Clear mechanisms for non-Department individuals to readily identify to whom and how to report incidents of harassment and sexual assault committed by another non-Department individual.
+
+(E) Clear mechanisms for employees and contractors of the Department to readily identify to whom and how to report incidents of harassment and sexual assault and how to refer non-Department individuals with respect to reporting an incident of harassment or sexual assault.
+
+(F) A process for, and mandatory reporting requirement applicable to, any employee or contractor of the Department who witnesses harassment or sexual assault described in subparagraph (A) or (B) within a facility of the Department, regardless of whether the individual affected by such harassment or sexual assault wants to report such harassment or sexual assault.
+
+(G) The actions possible, including disciplinary actions, for employees or contractors of the Department who fail to report incidents of harassment and sexual assault described in subparagraph (A) or (B) that the employees or contractors witness.
+
+(H) On an annual or more frequent basis, mandatory training for employees and contractors of the Department regarding how to report and address harassment and sexual assault described in subparagraphs (A) and (B), including bystander intervention training.
+
+(I) On an annual or more frequent basis, the distribution of the policy under this subsection and anti-harassment and anti-sexual assault educational materials by mail or email to each individual receiving a benefit under a law administered by the Secretary.
+
+(J) The prominent display of anti-harassment and anti-sexual assault messages in each facility of the Department, including how non-Department individuals may report harassment and sexual assault described in subparagraphs (A) and (B) at such facility and the points of contact under subsection (b).
+
+(K) The posting on internet websites of the Department, including the main internet website regarding benefits of the Department and the main internet website regarding health care of the Department, of anti-harassment and anti-sexual assault banners specifically addressing harassment and sexual assault described in subparagraphs (A) and (B).
+
+(b) Points of Contact.— The Secretary shall designate, as a point of contact to receive reports of harassment and sexual assault described in subparagraphs (A) and (B) of subsection (a)(2)—
+
+(1) at least one individual, in addition to law enforcement, at each facility of the Department (including Vet Centers under section 1712A of this title), with regard to that facility;
+
+(2) at least one individual employed in each Veterans Integrated Service Network, with regard to facilities in that Veterans Integrated Service Network;
+
+(3) at least one individual employed in each regional benefits office;
+
+(4) at least one individual employed at each location of the National Cemetery Administration; and
+
+(5) at least one individual employed at the Central Office of the Department to track reports of such harassment and sexual assault across the Department, disaggregated by facility.
+
+(c) Accountability.— (1) The Secretary shall establish a policy to ensure that each facility of the Department and each director of a Veterans Integrated Service Network is responsible for addressing harassment and sexual assault at the facility and the Network.
+
+(2) The policy required by paragraph (1) shall include—
+
+(A) a remediation plan for facilities that experience five or more incidents of sexual harassment, sexual assault, or combination thereof, during any single fiscal year; and
+
+(B) taking appropriate actions under chapter 7 or subchapter V of chapter 74 of this title.
+
+(d) Data.— The Secretary shall ensure that the in-take process for veterans at medical facilities of the Department includes a survey to collect the following information:
+
+(1) Whether the veteran feels safe at the facility and whether any events occurred at the facility that affect such feeling.
+
+(2) Whether the veteran wants to be contacted later by the Department with respect to such safety issues.
+
+(e) Working Group.— (1) The Secretary shall establish a working group to assist the Secretary in implementing policies to carry out this section.
+
+(2) The working group established under paragraph (1) shall consist of representatives from—
+
+(A) veterans service organizations;
+
+(B) State, local, and Tribal veterans agencies; and
+
+(C) other persons the Secretary determines appropriate.
+
+(3) The working group established under paragraph (1) shall develop, and the Secretary shall carry out—
+
+(A) an action plan for addressing changes at the local level to reduce instances of harassment and sexual assault;
+
+(B) standardized media for veterans service organizations and other persons to use in print and on the internet with respect to reducing harassment and sexual assault; and
+
+(C) bystander intervention training for veterans.
+
+(4) The working group established under paragraph (1) shall not be subject to the requirements of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.).11 See References in Text note below.
+
+(f) Annual Reports.— (1) The Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the House of Representatives an annual report on harassment and sexual assault described in subparagraphs (A) and (B) of subsection (a)(2) in facilities of the Department.
+
+(2) Each report submitted under paragraph (1) shall include the following:
+
+(A) Results of harassment and sexual assault programming, including the End Harassment program.
+
+(B) Results of studies from the Women’s Health Practice-Based Research Network of the Department relating to harassment and sexual assault.
+
+(C) Data collected on incidents of sexual harassment and sexual assault.
+
+(D) A description of any actions taken by the Secretary during the year preceding the date of the report to stop harassment and sexual assault at facilities of the Department.
+
+(E) An assessment of the implementation of the training required in subsection (a)(2)(H).
+
+(F) A list of resources the Secretary determines necessary to prevent harassment and sexual assault at facilities of the Department.
+
+(g) Definitions.— In this section:
+
+(1) The term “non-Department individual” means any individual present at a facility of the Department who is not an employee or contractor of the Department.
+
+(2) The term “sexual harassment” means unsolicited verbal or physical contact of a sexual nature which is threatening in character.
+
+(Added Pub. L. 116–315, title V, § 5303(a), Jan. 5, 2021, 134 Stat. 5038.)
+
+## Notes
+
+Editorial Notes
+
+References in TextThe Federal Advisory Committee Act, referred to in subsec. (e)(4), is Pub. L. 92–463, Oct. 6, 1972, 86 Stat. 770, which was set out in the Appendix to Title 5, Government Organization and Employees, and was substantially repealed and restated in chapter 10 (§ 1001 et seq.) of Title 5 by Pub. L. 117–286, §§ 3(a), 7, Dec. 27, 2022, 136 Stat. 4197, 4361. For disposition of sections of the Act into chapter 10 of Title 5, see Disposition Table preceding section 101 of Title 5.
+
+Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
+
+DeadlinePub. L. 116–315, title V, § 5303(d), Jan. 5, 2021, 134 Stat. 5041, provided that: “The Secretary shall commence carrying out section 533 of such title [title 38], as added by subsection (a), not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act [Jan. 5, 2021].”
@@ -0,0 +1,75 @@
+---
+type: "LegalText"
+title: "38 U.S.C. § 541"
+description: "Advisory Committee on Former Prisoners of War"
+jurisdiction: "us"
+corpus: "united_states_code"
+kind: "code_section"
+title_number: 38
+title_name: "VETERANS’ BENEFITS"
+chapter_number: "5"
+chapter_name: "AUTHORITY AND DUTIES OF THE SECRETARY"
+section: "541"
+citation: "38 U.S.C. § 541"
+status: "current"
+release_point: "119-100"
+release_date: "2026-06-26"
+source: "official"
+source_url: "https://uscode.house.gov/download/releasepoints/us/pl/119/100/xml_usc38@119-100.zip"
+source_identifier: "/us/usc/t38/s541"
+source_file: "data/legal/raw/us/code/title-38/usc38.xml"
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+retrieved_at: "2026-07-04"
+confidence: "official"
+tags: ["legal", "us-code"]
+---
+
+# 38 U.S.C. § 541 - Advisory Committee on Former Prisoners of War
+
+## Text
+
+(a) (1) The Secretary shall establish an advisory committee to be known as the Advisory Committee on Former Prisoners of War (hereinafter in this section referred to as the “Committee”).
+
+(2) (A) The members of the Committee shall be appointed by the Secretary from the general public and shall include—
+
+(i) appropriate representatives of veterans who are former prisoners of war;
+
+(ii) individuals who are recognized authorities in fields pertinent to disabilities prevalent among former prisoners of war, including authorities in epidemiology, mental health, nutrition, geriatrics, and internal medicine; and
+
+(iii) appropriate representatives of disabled veterans.
+
+(B) The Committee shall also include, as ex officio members, the Under Secretary for Health and the Under Secretary for Benefits, or their designees.
+
+(3) The Secretary shall determine the number, terms of service, and pay and allowances of members of the Committee appointed by the Secretary, except that the term of service of any such member may not exceed three years.
+
+(b) The Secretary shall, on a regular basis, consult with and seek the advice of the Committee with respect to the administration of benefits under this title for veterans who are former prisoners of war and the needs of such veterans with respect to compensation, health care, and rehabilitation.
+
+(c) (1) Not later than July 1 of each odd-numbered year through 2009, the Committee shall submit to the Secretary a report on the programs and activities of the Department that pertain to veterans who are former prisoners of war. Each such report shall include—
+
+(A) an assessment of the needs of such veterans with respect to compensation, health care, and rehabilitation;
+
+(B) a review of the programs and activities of the Department designed to meet such needs; and
+
+(C) such recommendations (including recommendations for administrative and legislative action) as the Committee considers to be appropriate.
+
+(2) The Secretary shall, within 60 days after receiving each report under paragraph (1), submit to the Congress a copy of the report, together with any comments concerning the report that the Secretary considers appropriate.
+
+(3) The Committee may also submit to the Secretary such other reports and recommendations as the Committee considers appropriate.
+
+(4) The Secretary shall submit with each annual report submitted to the Congress pursuant to section 529 of this title a summary of all reports and recommendations of the Committee submitted to the Secretary since the previous annual report of the Secretary submitted to the Congress pursuant to that section.
+
+(Added Pub. L. 102–83, § 2(a), Aug. 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 392; amended Pub. L. 102–405, title III, § 302(c)(1), Oct. 9, 1992, 106 Stat. 1984; Pub. L. 106–419, title IV, § 403(c)(2), Nov. 1, 2000, 114 Stat. 1864; Pub. L. 108–454, title VIII, § 803, Dec. 10, 2004, 118 Stat. 3626.)
+
+## Notes
+
+Editorial Notes
+
+Prior ProvisionsPrior section 541 was renumbered section 1541 of this title. Provisions similar to those in this section were contained in section 221 of this title prior to repeal by Pub. L. 102–83, § 2(a).
+
+Amendments2004—Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 108–454 substituted “2009” for “2003”. 2000—Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 106–419 inserted “through 2003” after “each odd-numbered year” in introductory provisions. 1992—Subsec. (a)(2)(B). Pub. L. 102–405 substituted “Under Secretary for Health” for “Chief Medical Director” and “Under Secretary for Benefits” for “Chief Benefits Director”.
+
+Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
+
+Termination of Advisory CommitteesAdvisory committees established after Jan. 5, 1973, to terminate not later than the expiration of the 2-year period beginning on the date of their establishment, unless, in the case of a committee established by the President or an officer of the Federal Government, such committee is renewed by appropriate action prior to the expiration of such 2-year period, or in the case of a committee established by the Congress, its duration is otherwise provided by law. See section 1013 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.
@@ -0,0 +1,91 @@
+---
+type: "LegalText"
+title: "38 U.S.C. § 542"
+description: "Advisory Committee on Women Veterans"
+jurisdiction: "us"
+corpus: "united_states_code"
+kind: "code_section"
+title_number: 38
+title_name: "VETERANS’ BENEFITS"
+chapter_number: "5"
+chapter_name: "AUTHORITY AND DUTIES OF THE SECRETARY"
+section: "542"
+citation: "38 U.S.C. § 542"
+status: "current"
+release_point: "119-100"
+release_date: "2026-06-26"
+source: "official"
+source_url: "https://uscode.house.gov/download/releasepoints/us/pl/119/100/xml_usc38@119-100.zip"
+source_identifier: "/us/usc/t38/s542"
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+retrieved_at: "2026-07-04"
+confidence: "official"
+tags: ["legal", "us-code"]
+---
+
+# 38 U.S.C. § 542 - Advisory Committee on Women Veterans
+
+## Text
+
+(a) (1) The Secretary shall establish an advisory committee to be known as the Advisory Committee on Women Veterans (hereinafter in this section referred to as “the Committee”).
+
+(2) (A) The Committee shall consist of members appointed by the Secretary from the general public, including—
+
+(i) representatives of women veterans;
+
+(ii) individuals who are recognized authorities in fields pertinent to the needs of women veterans, including the gender-specific health-care needs of women;
+
+(iii) representatives of both female and male veterans with service-connected disabilities, including at least one female veteran with a service-connected disability and at least one male veteran with a service-connected disability; and
+
+(iv) women veterans who are recently separated from service in the Armed Forces.
+
+(B) The Committee shall include, as ex officio members—
+
+(i) the Secretary of Labor (or a representative of the Secretary of Labor designated by the Secretary after consultation with the Assistant Secretary of Labor for Veterans’ Employment);
+
+(ii) the Secretary of Defense (or a representative of the Secretary of Defense designated by the Secretary of Defense after consultation with the Defense Advisory Committee on Women in the Services); and
+
+(iii) the Under Secretary for Health and the Under Secretary for Benefits, or their designees.
+
+(C) The Secretary may invite representatives of other departments and agencies of the United States to participate in the meetings and other activities of the Committee.
+
+(3) The Secretary shall determine the number, terms of service, and pay and allowances of members of the Committee appointed by the Secretary, except that a term of service of any such member may not exceed three years. The Secretary may reappoint any such member for additional terms of service.
+
+(b) The Secretary shall, on a regular basis, consult with and seek the advice of the Committee with respect to the administration of benefits by the Department for women veterans, reports and studies pertaining to women veterans and the needs of women veterans with respect to compensation, health care, rehabilitation, outreach, and other benefits and programs administered by the Department, including the Center for Women Veterans.
+
+(c) (1) Not later than July 1 of each year, the Committee shall submit to the Secretary a report on the programs and activities of the Department that pertain to women veterans. Each such report shall include—
+
+(A) an assessment of the needs of women veterans with respect to compensation, health care, rehabilitation, outreach, and other benefits and programs administered by the Department;
+
+(B) a review of the programs and activities of the Department designed to meet such needs;
+
+(C) an assessment of the effects of intimate partner violence on women veterans; and
+
+(D) such recommendations (including recommendations for administrative and legislative action) as the Committee considers appropriate.
+
+(2) The Secretary shall, within 60 days after receiving each report under paragraph (1), submit to the Congress a copy of the report, together with any comments concerning the report that the Secretary considers appropriate.
+
+(3) The Committee may also submit to the Secretary such other reports and recommendations as the Committee considers appropriate.
+
+(4) The Secretary shall submit with each annual report submitted to the Congress pursuant to section 529 of this title a summary of all reports and recommendations of the Committee submitted to the Secretary since the previous annual report of the Secretary submitted pursuant to such section.
+
+(Added Pub. L. 102–83, § 2(a), Aug. 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 393; amended Pub. L. 102–405, title III, § 302(c)(1), Oct. 9, 1992, 106 Stat. 1984; Pub. L. 104–275, title V, § 501(e)(1), Oct. 9, 1996, 110 Stat. 3341; Pub. L. 106–419, title IV, § 403(c)(3), Nov. 1, 2000, 114 Stat. 1864; Pub. L. 109–444, § 5, Dec. 21, 2006, 120 Stat. 3308; Pub. L. 109–461, title II, § 208(b), title X, § 1006(b), Dec. 22, 2006, 120 Stat. 3413, 3468; Pub. L. 110–387, title VIII, § 808, Oct. 10, 2008, 122 Stat. 4141; Pub. L. 111–163, title II, § 204(a), May 5, 2010, 124 Stat. 1144; Pub. L. 116–315, title V, § 5302, Jan. 5, 2021, 134 Stat. 5038; Pub. L. 117–263, div. E, title LI, § 5101, Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 3205.)
+
+## Notes
+
+Editorial Notes
+
+Prior ProvisionsPrior section 542 was renumbered section 1542 of this title. Provisions similar to those in this section were contained in section 222 of this title prior to repeal by Pub. L. 102–83, § 2(a).
+
+Amendments2022—Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 117–263 substituted “year” for “even-numbered year”. 2021—Subsec. (c)(1)(C), (D). Pub. L. 116–315 added subpar. (C) and redesignated former subpar. (C) as (D). 2010—Subsec. (a)(2)(A)(iv). Pub. L. 111–163 added cl. (iv). 2008—Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 110–387 struck out “through 2008” after “year” in introductory provisions. 2006—Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 109–461, § 1006(b), provided that as of the enactment of Pub. L. 109–461, the amendments made by Pub. L. 109–444 were deemed for all purposes not to have taken effect and that Pub. L. 109–444 ceased to be in effect. See Amendment notes below and section 1006(b) of Pub. L. 109–461, set out as a Coordination of Provisions With Pub. L. 109–444 note under section 101 of this title. Pub. L. 109–461, § 208(b), substituted “2008” for “2004” in introductory provisions. Pub. L. 109–444, which substituted “2008” for “2004” in introductory provisions, was terminated by Pub. L. 109–461, § 1006(b). See Amendment notes above. 2000—Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 106–419 inserted “through 2004” after “each even-numbered year” in introductory provisions. 1996—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 104–275 inserted “, including the Center for Women Veterans” before period at end. 1992—Subsec. (a)(2)(B)(iii). Pub. L. 102–405 substituted “Under Secretary for Health” for “Chief Medical Director” and “Under Secretary for Benefits” for “Chief Benefits Director”.
+
+Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
+
+Change of Name Reference to Assistant Secretary of Labor for Veterans’ Employment in any law in force on Nov. 6, 1986, deemed to be a reference to Assistant Secretary of Labor for Veterans’ Employment and Training, see section 2(b)(3) of Pub. L. 99–619, set out as a References in Other Laws note under section 553 of Title 29, Labor.
+
+Effective Date of 2010 AmendmentPub. L. 111–163, title II, § 204(c), May 5, 2010, 124 Stat. 1144, provided that: “The amendments made by this section [amending this section and section 544 of this title] shall apply to appointments made on or after the date of the enactment of this Act [May 5, 2010].”
+
+Termination of Advisory CommitteesAdvisory committees established after Jan. 5, 1973, to terminate not later than the expiration of the 2-year period beginning on the date of their establishment, unless, in the case of a committee established by the President or an officer of the Federal Government, such committee is renewed by appropriate action prior to the expiration of such 2-year period, or in the case of a committee established by the Congress, its duration is otherwise provided by law. See section 1013 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.
@@ -0,0 +1,73 @@
+---
+type: "LegalText"
+title: "38 U.S.C. § 543"
+description: "Advisory Committee on Prosthetics and Special-Disabilities Programs"
+jurisdiction: "us"
+corpus: "united_states_code"
+kind: "code_section"
+title_number: 38
+title_name: "VETERANS’ BENEFITS"
+chapter_number: "5"
+chapter_name: "AUTHORITY AND DUTIES OF THE SECRETARY"
+section: "543"
+citation: "38 U.S.C. § 543"
+status: "current"
+release_point: "119-100"
+release_date: "2026-06-26"
+source: "official"
+source_url: "https://uscode.house.gov/download/releasepoints/us/pl/119/100/xml_usc38@119-100.zip"
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+confidence: "official"
+tags: ["legal", "us-code"]
+---
+
+# 38 U.S.C. § 543 - Advisory Committee on Prosthetics and Special-Disabilities Programs
+
+## Text
+
+(a) There is in the Department an advisory committee known as the Advisory Committee on Prosthetics and Special-Disabilities Programs (hereinafter in this section referred to as the “Committee”).
+
+(b) The objectives and scope of activities of the Committee shall relate to—
+
+(1) prosthetics and special-disabilities programs administered by the Secretary;
+
+(2) the coordination of programs of the Department for the development and testing of, and for information exchange regarding, prosthetic devices;
+
+(3) the coordination of Department and non-Department programs that involve the development and testing of prosthetic devices; and
+
+(4) the adequacy of funding for the prosthetics and special-disabilities programs of the Department.
+
+(c) The Secretary shall, on a regular basis, consult with and seek the advice of the Committee on the matters described in subsection (b).
+
+(d) Not later than January 15 of 1993, 1994, and 1995, the Committee shall submit to the Secretary and the Committees on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and House of Representatives a report on the effectiveness of the prosthetics and special-disabilities programs administered by the Secretary during the preceding fiscal year. Not more than 60 days after the date on which any such report is received by the Secretary, the Secretary shall submit a report to such committees commenting on the report of the Committee.
+
+(e) As used in this section, the term “special-disabilities programs” includes all programs administered by the Secretary for—
+
+(1) spinal-cord-injured veterans;
+
+(2) blind veterans;
+
+(3) veterans who have lost or lost the use of extremities;
+
+(4) hearing-impaired veterans; and
+
+(5) other veterans with serious incapacities in terms of daily life functions.
+
+(Added Pub. L. 102–405, title I, § 105(b)(1), Oct. 9, 1992, 106 Stat. 1975.)
+
+## Notes
+
+Editorial Notes
+
+Prior ProvisionsPrior section 543 was renumbered section 1543 of this title.
+
+Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
+
+Change of Name Pub. L. 102–405, title I, § 105(a), Oct. 9, 1992, 106 Stat. 1975, provided that: “The Federal advisory committee established by the Secretary and known as the Prosthetics Service Advisory Committee shall after the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 9, 1992] be known as the Advisory Committee on Prosthetics and Special-Disabilities Programs and shall operate as though such committee had been established by law. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Committee may, upon the enactment of this Act, meet and act on any matter covered by subsection (b) of section 543 of title 38, United States Code, as added by subsection (b) of this section.”
+
+Termination of Advisory CommitteesAdvisory committees established after Jan. 5, 1973, to terminate not later than the expiration of the 2-year period beginning on the date of their establishment, unless, in the case of a committee established by the President or an officer of the Federal Government, such committee is renewed by appropriate action prior to the expiration of such 2-year period, or in the case of a committee established by Congress, its duration is otherwise provided by law. See section 1013 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.
@@ -0,0 +1,109 @@
+---
+type: "LegalText"
+title: "38 U.S.C. § 544"
+description: "Advisory Committee on Minority Veterans"
+jurisdiction: "us"
+corpus: "united_states_code"
+kind: "code_section"
+title_number: 38
+title_name: "VETERANS’ BENEFITS"
+chapter_number: "5"
+chapter_name: "AUTHORITY AND DUTIES OF THE SECRETARY"
+section: "544"
+citation: "38 U.S.C. § 544"
+status: "current"
+release_point: "119-100"
+release_date: "2026-06-26"
+source: "official"
+source_url: "https://uscode.house.gov/download/releasepoints/us/pl/119/100/xml_usc38@119-100.zip"
+source_identifier: "/us/usc/t38/s544"
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+retrieved_at: "2026-07-04"
+confidence: "official"
+tags: ["legal", "us-code"]
+---
+
+# 38 U.S.C. § 544 - Advisory Committee on Minority Veterans
+
+## Text
+
+(a) (1) The Secretary shall establish an advisory committee to be known as the Advisory Committee on Minority Veterans (hereinafter in this section referred to as “the Committee”).
+
+(2) (A) The Committee shall consist of members appointed by the Secretary from the general public, including—
+
+(i) representatives of veterans who are minority group members;
+
+(ii) individuals who are recognized authorities in fields pertinent to the needs of veterans who are minority group members;
+
+(iii) veterans who are minority group members and who have experience in a military theater of operations;
+
+(iv) veterans who are minority group members and who do not have such experience; and
+
+(v) women veterans who are minority group members and are recently separated from service in the Armed Forces.
+
+(B) The Committee shall include, as ex officio members, the following:
+
+(i) The Secretary of Labor (or a representative of the Secretary of Labor designated by the Secretary after consultation with the Assistant Secretary of Labor for Veterans’ Employment).
+
+(ii) The Secretary of Defense (or a representative of the Secretary of Defense designated by the Secretary of Defense).
+
+(iii) The Secretary of the Interior (or a representative of the Secretary of the Interior designated by the Secretary of the Interior).
+
+(iv) The Secretary of Commerce (or a representative of the Secretary of Commerce designated by the Secretary of Commerce).
+
+(v) The Secretary of Health and Human Services (or a representative of the Secretary of Health and Human Services designated by the Secretary of Health and Human Services).
+
+(vi) The Under Secretary for Health and the Under Secretary for Benefits, or their designees.
+
+(C) The Secretary may invite representatives of other departments and agencies of the United States to participate in the meetings and other activities of the Committee.
+
+(3) The Secretary shall determine the number, terms of service, and pay and allowances of members of the Committee appointed by the Secretary, except that a term of service of any such member may not exceed three years. The Secretary may reappoint any such member for additional terms of service.
+
+(4) The Committee shall meet as often as the Secretary considers necessary or appropriate, but not less often than twice each fiscal year.
+
+(b) The Secretary shall, on a regular basis, consult with and seek the advice of the Committee with respect to the administration of benefits by the Department for veterans who are minority group members, reports and studies pertaining to such veterans and the needs of such veterans with respect to compensation, health care, rehabilitation, outreach, and other benefits and programs administered by the Department, including the Center for Minority Veterans.
+
+(c) (1) Not later than July 1 of every other year, the Committee shall submit to the Secretary a report on the programs and activities of the Department that pertain to veterans who are minority group members. Each such report shall include—
+
+(A) an assessment of the needs of veterans who are minority group members with respect to compensation, health care, rehabilitation, outreach, and other benefits and programs administered by the Department;
+
+(B) a review of the programs and activities of the Department designed to meet such needs; and
+
+(C) such recommendations (including recommendations for administrative and legislative action) as the Committee considers appropriate.
+
+(2) The Secretary shall, within 60 days after receiving each report under paragraph (1), submit to Congress a copy of the report, together with any comments concerning the report that the Secretary considers appropriate.
+
+(3) The Committee may also submit to the Secretary such other reports and recommendations as the Committee considers appropriate.
+
+(4) The Secretary shall submit with each annual report submitted to the Congress pursuant to section 529 of this title a summary of all reports and recommendations of the Committee submitted to the Secretary since the previous annual report of the Secretary submitted pursuant to such section.
+
+(d) In this section, the term “minority group member” means an individual who is—
+
+(1) Asian American;
+
+(2) Black;
+
+(3) Hispanic;
+
+(4) Native American (including American Indian, Alaskan Native, and Native Hawaiian); or
+
+(5) Pacific-Islander American.
+
+(e) The Committee shall cease to exist September 30, 2026.
+
+(Added Pub. L. 103–446, title V, § 510(a), Nov. 2, 1994, 108 Stat. 4668; amended Pub. L. 104–275, title V, § 501(e)(2), (f), Oct. 9, 1996, 110 Stat. 3341; Pub. L. 106–117, title VIII, § 803, Nov. 30, 1999, 113 Stat. 1586; Pub. L. 108–183, title VII, § 703, Dec. 16, 2003, 117 Stat. 2671; Pub. L. 110–389, title VIII, § 808, Oct. 10, 2008, 122 Stat. 4189; Pub. L. 111–163, title II, § 204(b), May 5, 2010, 124 Stat. 1144; Pub. L. 113–175, title IV, § 404, Sept. 26, 2014, 128 Stat. 1905; Pub. L. 114–58, title IV, § 406, Sept. 30, 2015, 129 Stat. 535; Pub. L. 114–228, title IV, § 406, Sept. 29, 2016, 130 Stat. 940; Pub. L. 115–62, title IV, § 406, Sept. 29, 2017, 131 Stat. 1164; Pub. L. 115–251, title I, § 166, Sept. 29, 2018, 132 Stat. 3171; Pub. L. 117–180, div. E, title IV, § 403, Sept. 30, 2022, 136 Stat. 2139.)
+
+## Notes
+
+Editorial Notes
+
+Prior ProvisionsPrior section 544, added Pub. L. 90–77, title I, § 108(a), Aug. 31, 1967, 81 Stat. 180; amended Pub. L. 91–588, § 3(a), Dec. 24, 1970, 84 Stat. 1583; Pub. L. 93–527, § 5, Dec. 21, 1974, 88 Stat. 1704; Pub. L. 94–169, title I, § 105, Dec. 23, 1975, 89 Stat. 1017; Pub. L. 94–432, title II, § 205, Sept. 30, 1976, 90 Stat. 1371; Pub. L. 95–204, title I, § 104, Dec. 2, 1977, 91 Stat. 1457, authorized an increase by $79 of the monthly rate of pension payable to the surviving spouse if the surviving spouse was entitled to pension under subchapter III of chapter 15 of this title and was in need of regular aid and attendance, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 95–588, title I, § 112(a)(1), title IV, § 401, Nov. 4, 1978, 92 Stat. 2505, 2511, effective Jan. 1, 1979. Another prior section 544, Pub. L. 85–857, Sept. 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 1139, authorized the payment of a pension to children of World War II or Korean conflict veterans, prior to the general amendment of subchapter III of chapter 15 of this title by Pub. L. 86–211, § 4, Aug. 29, 1950, 73 Stat. 434. See sections 1542 and 1543 of this title.
+
+Amendments2022—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 117–180 substituted “September 30, 2026” for “September 30, 2022”. 2018—Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 115–251, § 166(b), substituted “every other year” for “each year” in introductory provisions. Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 115–251, § 166(a), substituted “September 30, 2022” for “September 30, 2018”. 2017—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 115–62 substituted “September 30, 2018” for “December 31, 2017”. 2016—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 114–228 substituted “December 31, 2017” for “December 31, 2016”. 2015—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 114–58 substituted “December 31, 2016” for “December 31, 2015”. 2014—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 113–175 substituted “December 31, 2015” for “December 31, 2014”. 2010—Subsec. (a)(2)(A)(v). Pub. L. 111–163 added cl. (v). 2008—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 110–389 substituted “December 31, 2014” for “December 31, 2009”. 2003—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 108–183 substituted “December 31, 2009” for “December 31, 2003”. 1999—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 106–117 substituted “December 31, 2003” for “December 31, 1999”. 1996—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 104–275, § 501(e)(2), inserted “, including the Center for Minority Veterans” before period at end. Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 104–275, § 501(f), substituted “December 31, 1999” for “December 31, 1997”.
+
+Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
+
+Effective Date of 2010 AmendmentAmendment by Pub. L. 111–163 applicable to appointments made on or after May 5, 2010, see section 204(c) of Pub. L. 111–163, set out as a note under section 542 of this title.
@@ -0,0 +1,89 @@
+---
+type: "LegalText"
+title: "38 U.S.C. § 546"
+description: "Advisory Committee on Disability Compensation"
+jurisdiction: "us"
+corpus: "united_states_code"
+kind: "code_section"
+title_number: 38
+title_name: "VETERANS’ BENEFITS"
+chapter_number: "5"
+chapter_name: "AUTHORITY AND DUTIES OF THE SECRETARY"
+section: "546"
+citation: "38 U.S.C. § 546"
+status: "current"
+release_point: "119-100"
+release_date: "2026-06-26"
+source: "official"
+source_url: "https://uscode.house.gov/download/releasepoints/us/pl/119/100/xml_usc38@119-100.zip"
+source_identifier: "/us/usc/t38/s546"
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+retrieved_at: "2026-07-04"
+confidence: "official"
+tags: ["legal", "us-code"]
+---
+
+# 38 U.S.C. § 546 - Advisory Committee on Disability Compensation
+
+## Text
+
+(a) Establishment.— (1) There is in the Department the Advisory Committee on Disability Compensation (in this section referred to as the “Committee”).
+
+(2) The Committee shall consist of not more than 18 members appointed by the Secretary from among individuals who—
+
+(A) have experience with the provision of disability compensation by the Department; or
+
+(B) are leading medical or scientific experts in relevant fields.
+
+(3) (A) Except as provided in subparagraph (B), the Secretary shall determine the terms of service and pay and allowances of the members of the Committee.
+
+(B) A term of service may not exceed four years and shall be staggered to ensure that the dates for the termination of the members’ terms are not all the same.
+
+(C) The Secretary may reappoint any member for one or more additional terms of service.
+
+(4) The Secretary shall select a Chair from among the members of the Committee.
+
+(b) Responsibilities of Committee.— (1) The Secretary shall, on a regular basis, consult with and seek the advice of the Committee with respect to the maintenance and periodic readjustment of the schedule for rating disabilities under section 1155 of this title.
+
+(2) (A) In providing advice to the Secretary under this subsection, the Committee shall—
+
+(i) assemble and review relevant information relating to the needs of veterans with disabilities;
+
+(ii) provide information relating to the nature and character of disabilities arising from service in the Armed Forces;
+
+(iii) provide an on-going assessment of the effectiveness of the schedule for rating disabilities; and
+
+(iv) provide on-going advice on the most appropriate means of responding to the needs of veterans relating to disability compensation in the future.
+
+(B) In carrying out its duties under subparagraph (A), the Committee shall take into special account the needs of veterans who have served in a theater of combat operations.
+
+(c) Resources.— The Secretary shall ensure that appropriate personnel, funding, and other resources are provided to the Committee to carry out its responsibilities.
+
+(d) Biennial Reports to the Secretary.— (1) Not later than October 31, 2010, and not less frequently than every two years thereafter, the Committee shall submit to the Secretary a report on the programs and activities of the Department that relate to the payment of disability compensation. Each such report shall include—
+
+(A) an assessment of the needs of veterans with respect to disability compensation; and
+
+(B) such recommendations (including recommendations for administrative or legislative action) as the Committee considers appropriate.
+
+(2) The Committee may submit to the Secretary such other reports and recommendations as the Committee considers appropriate.
+
+(e) Biennial Reports to Congress.— (1) Not later than 90 days after the receipt of a report required under subsection (d)(1), the Secretary shall transmit to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the House of Representatives a copy of such report, together with such comments and recommendations concerning such report as the Secretary considers appropriate.
+
+(2) The Secretary shall submit with each report required under paragraph (1) a summary of all reports and recommendations of the Committee submitted to the Secretary under subsection (d)(2) since the previous report transmitted by the Secretary under paragraph (1) of this subsection.
+
+(f) Applicability of Chapter 10 of Title 5.— (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), the provisions of chapter 10 of title 5 shall apply to the activities of the Committee under this section.
+
+(2) Section 1013 of title 5 shall not apply to the Committee.
+
+(Added Pub. L. 110–389, title II, § 214(a), Oct. 10, 2008, 122 Stat. 4152; amended Pub. L. 117–286, § 4(a)(218), Dec. 27, 2022, 136 Stat. 4330.)
+
+## Notes
+
+Editorial Notes
+
+Prior ProvisionsPrior sections 560 to 562 were renumbered sections 1560 to 1562 of this title, respectively. Prior sections 601 to 603 and 610 to 613 were renumbered sections 1701 to 1703 and 1710 to 1713 of this title, respectively. Another prior section 613, Pub. L. 85–857, Sept. 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 1143, related to fitting and training in use of prosthetic appliances, prior to repeal by section 103(b) of Pub. L. 93–82. See section 1714(a) of this title. Prior sections 614 to 620C were renumbered sections 1714 to 1720C of this title, respectively. Another prior section 620C, added Pub. L. 100–6, § 2(a), Feb. 12, 1987, 101 Stat. 92, related to community-based psychiatric residential treatment for chronically mentally ill veterans, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 100–322, title I, § 115(g)(1), May 20, 1988, 102 Stat. 502. See section 115(a)–(f) of Pub. L. 100–322, set out as a note under section 1712 of this title. Prior sections 621 to 624 were renumbered sections 1721 to 1724 of this title, respectively. Prior section 625, Pub. L. 85–857, Sept. 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 1144; Pub. L. 91–24, § 6(a), June 11, 1969, 83 Stat. 34, related to arrests for crimes in hospital and domiciliary reservations, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 93–43, §§ 4(b), 10(a), June 18, 1973, 87 Stat. 79, 88, effective June 18, 1973. Prior sections 626 to 631 were renumbered sections 1726 to 1731 of this title, respectively. Another prior section 631, Pub. L. 85–857, Sept. 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 1145; Pub. L. 91–24, § 6(b), June 11, 1969, 83 Stat. 34, related to grants to the Republic of the Philippines, prior to repeal by section 107(a) of Pub. L. 93–82. Prior section 632 was renumbered section 1732 of this title. Another prior section 632, Pub. L. 85–857, Sept. 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 1146; Pub. L. 88–40, June 13, 1963, 77 Stat. 66; Pub. L. 89–612, § 2, Sept. 30, 1966, 80 Stat. 859; Pub. L. 91–24, § 6(c), June 11, 1969, 83 Stat. 34, related to modification of agreement with the Republic of the Philippines effectuating the Act of July 1, 1948, prior to repeal by section 107(a) of Pub. L. 93–82. Prior sections 633 to 635 and 641 to 643 were renumbered sections 1733 to 1735 and 1741 to 1743 of this title, respectively. Prior section 644, added Pub. L. 91–178, § 2(a), Dec. 30, 1969, 83 Stat. 836; amended Pub. L. 93–82, title IV, § 403(b), Aug. 2, 1973, 87 Stat. 196, authorized appropriations to be used for making grants to States which had submitted and had approved applications for assistance in remodeling, modification, or alteration of existing hospital or domiciliary facilities in State homes providing care and treatment for veterans, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 95–62, §§ 2, 5, July 5, 1977, 91 Stat. 262, 263, effective Oct. 1, 1977, but with provision for the continuing force and effect of the terms and conditions of grants made prior to Oct. 1, 1977, under prior section 644 and with additional provision for the modification of the terms and conditions of both grants made under that section prior to Oct. 1, 1977, and of grants made under subchapter III of chapter 81 of this title prior to Oct. 1, 1977. Prior sections 651 to 654 and 661 to 664 were renumbered sections 1751 to 1754 and 1761 to 1764 of this title, respectively.
+
+Amendments2022—Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 117–286, § 4(a)(218)(A), substituted “Chapter 10 of Title 5” for “Federal Advisory Committee Act” in heading. Subsec. (f)(1). Pub. L. 117–286, § 4(a)(218)(B), substituted “chapter 10 of title 5” for “the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.)”. Subsec. (f)(2). Pub. L. 117–286, § 4(a)(218)(C), substituted “Section 1013 of title 5” for “Section 14 of such Act”.
@@ -0,0 +1,157 @@
+---
+type: "LegalText"
+title: "38 U.S.C. § 547"
+description: "Advisory Committee on Tribal and Indian Affairs"
+jurisdiction: "us"
+corpus: "united_states_code"
+kind: "code_section"
+title_number: 38
+title_name: "VETERANS’ BENEFITS"
+chapter_number: "5"
+chapter_name: "AUTHORITY AND DUTIES OF THE SECRETARY"
+section: "547"
+citation: "38 U.S.C. § 547"
+status: "current"
+release_point: "119-100"
+release_date: "2026-06-26"
+source: "official"
+source_url: "https://uscode.house.gov/download/releasepoints/us/pl/119/100/xml_usc38@119-100.zip"
+source_identifier: "/us/usc/t38/s547"
+source_file: "data/legal/raw/us/code/title-38/usc38.xml"
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+retrieved_at: "2026-07-04"
+confidence: "official"
+tags: ["legal", "us-code"]
+---
+
+# 38 U.S.C. § 547 - Advisory Committee on Tribal and Indian Affairs
+
+## Text
+
+(a) Establishment.— (1) The Secretary shall establish an advisory committee to provide advice and guidance to the Secretary on matters relating to Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and Native American veterans.
+
+(2) The advisory committee established under paragraph (1) shall be known as the “Advisory Committee on Tribal and Indian Affairs” (in this section referred to as the “Committee”).
+
+(3) The Committee shall facilitate, but not supplant, government-to-government consultation between the Department and Indian tribes or tribal organizations.
+
+(4) The Secretary shall consult with Indian tribes or tribal organizations in developing a charter for the Committee.
+
+(b) Membership.— (1) The Committee shall be comprised of 15 voting members selected by the Secretary from among individuals nominated as specified under this subsection.
+
+(2) In selecting members under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall ensure that—
+
+(A) at least one member of each of the 12 service areas of the Indian Health Service is represented in the membership of the Committee nominated by Indian tribes or tribal organizations;
+
+(B) at least one member of the Committee represents the Native Hawaiian veteran community nominated by a Native Hawaiian Organization;
+
+(C) at least one member of the Committee represents urban Indian organizations nominated by a national urban Indian organization; and
+
+(D) not fewer than half of the members are veterans, unless the Secretary determines that an insufficient number of qualified veterans were nominated under paragraph (1).
+
+(3) No member of the Committee may be an employee of the Federal Government.
+
+(c) Terms; Vacancies.— (1) A member of the Committee shall be appointed for a term of two years.
+
+(2) The Secretary shall fill a vacancy in the Committee in the same manner as the original appointment within 180 days.
+
+(d) Meetings.— (1) (A) Except as provided in subparagraph (B), the Committee shall meet in-person with the Secretary, or the Secretary’s designee, not less frequently than twice each year and hold monthly conference calls as necessary.
+
+(B) During a public health emergency (as defined in section 20003 of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (Public Law 116–136)), meetings under subparagraph (A) may be conducted virtually.
+
+(2) (A) Representatives of relevant Federal agencies may attend meetings of the Committee and provide information to the Committee.
+
+(B) One representative of the Office of Tribal Government Relations of the Department shall attend at each meeting of the Committee.
+
+(C) Representatives attending meetings under this paragraph shall not be considered voting members of the Committee.
+
+(D) A representative attending a meeting or providing information under this paragraph may not receive additional compensation for services performed with respect to the Committee.
+
+(e) Subcommittees.— (1) The Committee may establish subcommittees.
+
+(2) The Secretary may, in consultation with the Committee, appoint a member to a subcommittee established under paragraph (1) who is not a member of the Committee.
+
+(3) Such subcommittees may enhance the function of the Committee, but may not supersede the authority of the Committee or provide direct advice or work products to the Department.
+
+(f) Duties.— The duties of the Committee are as follows:
+
+(1) To advise the Secretary on ways the Department can improve the programs and services of the Department to better serve Native American veterans.
+
+(2) To identify for the Department evolving issues of relevance to Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and Native American veterans relating to programs and services of the Department.
+
+(3) To propose clarifications, recommendations, and solutions to address issues raised at tribal, regional, and national levels, especially regarding any tribal consultation reports.
+
+(4) To provide a forum for Indian tribes, tribal organizations, urban Indian organizations, Native Hawaiian organizations, and the Department to discuss issues and proposals for changes to Department regulations, policies, and procedures.
+
+(5) To identify priorities and provide advice on appropriate strategies for tribal consultation and urban Indian organizations conferring on issues at the tribal, regional, or national levels.
+
+(6) To ensure that pertinent issues are brought to the attention of Indian tribes, tribal organizations, urban Indian organizations, and Native Hawaiian organizations in a timely manner, so that feedback can be obtained.
+
+(7) To encourage the Secretary to work with other Federal agencies and Congress so that Native American veterans are not denied the full benefit of their status as both Native Americans and veterans.
+
+(8) To highlight contributions of Native American veterans in the Armed Forces.
+
+(9) To make recommendations on the consultation policy of the Department on tribal matters.
+
+(10) To support a process to develop an urban Indian organization confer policy to ensure the Secretary confers, to the maximum extent practicable, with urban Indian organizations.
+
+(11) To conduct other duties as recommended by the Committee.
+
+(g) Reports.— (1) Not less frequently than once each year, the Committee shall submit to the Secretary and the appropriate committees of Congress such recommendations as the Committee may have for legislative or administrative action for the upcoming year.
+
+(2) Not later than 90 days after the date on which the Secretary receives a recommendation under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a written response to the recommendation.
+
+(3) Not less frequently than once every two years, the Committee shall submit to the Secretary and the appropriate committees of Congress a report describing the activities of the Committee during the previous two years.
+
+(4) The Secretary shall make publicly available on an Internet website of the Department—
+
+(A) each recommendation the Secretary receives under paragraph (1);
+
+(B) each response the Secretary submits under paragraph (2); and
+
+(C) each report the Secretary receives under paragraph (3).
+
+(h) Committee Personnel Matters.— A member of the Committee shall be allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, at rates authorized for an employee of an agency under subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 5 while away from the home or regular place of business of the member in the performance of the duties of the Committee.
+
+(i) Federal Advisory Committee Act Exemption.— Section 14 of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) 11 See References in Text note below. shall not apply to the Committee.
+
+(j) Definitions.— In this section:
+
+(1) The term “appropriate committees of Congress” means—
+
+(A) the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs and the Committee on Indian Affairs of the Senate; and
+
+(B) the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs and the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives.
+
+(2) The term “Indian tribe” has the meaning given such term in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304).
+
+(3) The term “Native Hawaiian organization” means any organization that—
+
+(A) serves the interests of Native Hawaiians;
+
+(B) has Native Hawaiians in substantive and policymaking positions within the organization;
+
+(C) has demonstrated experience working with Native Hawaiian veterans; and
+
+(D) shall include the Office of Hawaiian Affairs.
+
+(4) The term “Native American veteran” has the meaning given such term in section 3765 of this title.
+
+(5) The term “Office of Hawaiian Affairs” means the Office of Hawaiian Affairs established by the constitution of the State of Hawaii.
+
+(6) The term “tribal organization” has the meaning given such term in section 3765 of this title.
+
+(7) The term “urban Indian organization” has the meaning given such term in section 4 of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act (25 U.S.C. 1603).
+
+(Added Pub. L. 116–315, title VII, § 7002(a)(1), Jan. 5, 2021, 134 Stat. 5054.)
+
+## Notes
+
+Editorial Notes
+
+References in TextSection 20003 of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, referred to in subsec. (d)(1)(B), is section 20003 of Pub. L. 116–136, div. B, title X, Mar. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 585, which is set out as a Definition of “Public Health Emergency” note under section 303 of this title. Section 14 of the Federal Advisory Committee Act, referred to in subsec. (i), is section 14 of Pub. L. 92–463, which was set out in the Appendix to Title 5, Government Organization and Employees, and was repealed and restated as section 1013 of Title 5 by Pub. L. 117–286, §§ 3(a), 7, Dec. 27, 2022, 136 Stat. 4204, 4361.
+
+Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
+
+Deadlines for Establishment, Initial Appointments, and Initial MeetingPub. L. 116–315, title VII, § 7002(b)–(d), Jan. 5, 2021, 134 Stat. 5057, provided that: “(b) Deadline for Establishment.—The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall establish the advisory committee required by section 547 of title 38, United States Code, as added by subsection (a)(1), not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Jan. 5, 2021]. “(c) Deadline for Initial Appointments.—Not later than 90 days after the date on which the Secretary establishes the advisory committee required by such section, the Secretary shall appoint members under subsection (b)(1) of such section. “(d) Initial Meeting.—Not later than 90 days after the date on which the Secretary establishes the advisory committee required by such section, such advisory committee shall hold its first meeting.”
@@ -0,0 +1,165 @@
+---
+type: "LegalText"
+title: "38 U.S.C. § 548"
+description: "Advisory Committee on United States Outlying Areas and Freely Associated States"
+jurisdiction: "us"
+corpus: "united_states_code"
+kind: "code_section"
+title_number: 38
+title_name: "VETERANS’ BENEFITS"
+chapter_number: "5"
+chapter_name: "AUTHORITY AND DUTIES OF THE SECRETARY"
+section: "548"
+citation: "38 U.S.C. § 548"
+status: "current"
+release_point: "119-100"
+release_date: "2026-06-26"
+source: "official"
+source_url: "https://uscode.house.gov/download/releasepoints/us/pl/119/100/xml_usc38@119-100.zip"
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+---
+
+# 38 U.S.C. § 548 - Advisory Committee on United States Outlying Areas and Freely Associated States
+
+## Text
+
+(a) Establishment.— The Secretary shall establish an advisory committee, to be known as the “Advisory Committee on United States Outlying Areas and Freely Associated States”, to provide advice and guidance to the Secretary on matters relating to covered veterans.
+
+(b) Duties.— The duties of the Committee shall be the following:
+
+(1) To advise the Secretary on matters relating to covered veterans, including how the Secretary may improve the programs and services of the Department to better serve such veterans.
+
+(2) To identify for the Secretary evolving issues of relevance to covered veterans.
+
+(3) To propose clarifications, recommendations, and solutions to address issues raised by covered veterans.
+
+(4) To provide a forum for covered veterans, veterans service organizations serving covered veterans, and the Department to discuss issues and proposals for changes to regulations, policies, and procedures of the Department.
+
+(5) To identify priorities for and provide advice to the Secretary on appropriate strategies for consultation with veterans service organizations serving covered veterans.
+
+(6) To encourage the Secretary to work with the heads of other Federal departments and agencies, and Congress, to ensure covered veterans are provided the full benefits of their status as covered veterans.
+
+(7) To highlight contributions of covered veterans in the Armed Forces.
+
+(8) To conduct other duties as determined appropriate by the Secretary.
+
+(c) Membership.— (1) The Committee shall be comprised of 15 voting members appointed by the Secretary.
+
+(2) In appointing members pursuant to paragraph (1), the Secretary shall ensure the following:
+
+(A) At least one member is appointed to represent covered veterans in each of the following areas:
+
+(i) American Samoa.
+
+(ii) Guam.
+
+(iii) Puerto Rico.
+
+(iv) The Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
+
+(v) The Virgin Islands of the United States.
+
+(vi) The Federated States of Micronesia.
+
+(vii) The Republic of the Marshall Islands.
+
+(viii) The Republic of Palau.
+
+(B) Not fewer than half of the members appointed are covered veterans, unless the Secretary determines that an insufficient number of qualified covered veterans are available.
+
+(C) Each member appointed resides in an area specified in subparagraph (A).
+
+(3) In appointing members pursuant to paragraph (1), the Secretary may consult with any Member of Congress who represents an area specified in paragraph (2)(A).
+
+(4) In addition to the members appointed pursuant to paragraph (1), the Committee shall be comprised of such ex officio members as the Secretary of State and the Secretary of the Interior shall appoint from among employees of the Department of State and the Department of the Interior, respectively.
+
+(d) Terms; Vacancies.— (1) A member of the Committee—
+
+(A) shall be appointed for a term of two years; and
+
+(B) may be reappointed to serve an additional two-year term.
+
+(2) Not later than 180 days after the Secretary (or in the case of an ex officio member, the Secretary of State or the Secretary of the Interior, as the case may be) receives notice of a vacancy in the Committee, the vacancy shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment.
+
+(e) Meeting Format and Frequency.— (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), the Committee shall meet in-person with the Secretary not less frequently than once each year and hold monthly conference calls as necessary.
+
+(2) Meetings held under paragraph (1) may be conducted virtually if determined necessary based on—
+
+(A) Department protocols; and
+
+(B) timing and budget considerations.
+
+(f) Additional Representation.— (1) Representatives of relevant Federal departments and agencies may attend meetings of the Committee and provide information to the Committee.
+
+(2) One representative of the Department shall attend each meeting of the Committee.
+
+(3) Representatives attending meetings under this subsection—
+
+(A) may not be considered voting members of the Committee; and
+
+(B) may not receive additional compensation for services performed with respect to the Committee.
+
+(g) Subcommittees.— (1) The Committee may establish subcommittees.
+
+(2) The Secretary may, in consultation with the Committee, appoint a member to a subcommittee established under paragraph (1) who is not a member of the Committee.
+
+(3) A subcommittee established under paragraph (1) may enhance the function of the Committee, but may not supersede the authority of the Committee or provide direct advice or work products to the Secretary.
+
+(h) Reports.— (1) Not less frequently than once every two years, the Committee shall submit to the Secretary and the appropriate congressional committees a report—
+
+(A) containing such recommendations as the Committee may have for legislative or administrative action; and
+
+(B) describing the activities of the Committee during the previous two years.
+
+(2) Not later than 120 days after the date on which the Secretary receives a report under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a written response to the report after—
+
+(A) giving the Committee an opportunity to review such written response; and
+
+(B) including in such written response any comments the Committee considers appropriate.
+
+(3) The Secretary shall make publicly available on an internet website of the Department—
+
+(A) each report the Secretary receives under paragraph (1); and
+
+(B) each written response the Secretary submits under paragraph (2).
+
+(i) Committee Personnel Matters.— A member of the Committee shall be allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, at rates authorized for an employee of an agency under subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 5 while away from the home or regular place of business of the member in the performance of the duties of the Committee.
+
+(j) Consultation.— In carrying out this section, the Secretary shall consult with veterans service organizations serving covered veterans.
+
+(k) Termination.— The Committee shall terminate on the date that is 10 years after the date of the enactment of this section.
+
+(l) Definitions.— In this section:
+
+(1) The term “appropriate congressional committees” means—
+
+(A) the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the House of Representatives; and
+
+(B) the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate.
+
+(2) The term “Committee” means the Advisory Committee on United States Outlying Areas and Freely Associated States established under subsection (a).
+
+(3) The term “covered veteran” means a veteran residing in an area specified in subsection (c)(2)(A).
+
+(4) The term “veterans service organization serving covered veterans” means any organization that—
+
+(A) serves the interests of covered veterans;
+
+(B) has covered veterans in substantive and policymaking positions within the organization; and
+
+(C) has demonstrated experience working with covered veterans.
+
+(Added Pub. L. 117–263, div. E, title LI, § 5102(a), Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 3205.)
+
+## Notes
+
+Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
+
+Deadlines for Establishment, Initial Appointments, and Initial MeetingPub. L. 117–263, div. E, title LI, § 5102(b)–(d), Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 3208, provided that: “(b) Deadline for Establishment.—Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 23, 2022], the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall establish the advisory committee required by section 548 of title 38, United States Code, as added by subsection (a) of this section. “(c) Deadline for Initial Appointments.—Not later than 90 days after the date on which the Secretary establishes the advisory committee required by such section 548, the members of such advisory committee shall be appointed. “(d) Initial Meeting.—Not later than 180 days after the date on which the Secretary establishes the advisory committee required by such section 548, such advisory committee shall hold its first meeting.”