Public Law 119-73 (01/23/2026)

38 U.S.C. § 1165

Choice of sex of medical examiner for certain disabilities

(a)

In General .—

The Secretary shall ensure that a veteran who requires a medical examination from a covered medical provider in support of a claim for compensation under this chapter for a mental or physical health condition that resulted from a physical assault of a sexual nature, battery of a sexual nature, or sexual harassment may designate the sex of the medical provider who provides such medical examination.
(b)

Covered Medical Providers .—

For purposes of this section, a covered medical provider is any medical provider who is employed by the Department or is under any contract with the Department to provide a medical examination or a medical opinion when such an examination or opinion is necessary to make a decision on a claim.
(c)

Notice .—

Before providing any medical examination for a veteran in support for a claim described in subsection (a), the Secretary shall notify the veteran of the veteran’s rights under subsection (a).

Pub. L. 116–315, title V, § 5502(a)134 Stat. 5050(Added , , .)