38 U.S.C. § 1712

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

section 3512 of this titlePrior section 1712 was renumbered .

Amendments

Pub. L. 116–2832021—Subsec. (a). substituted “air, or space service” for “or air service” wherever appearing.

Pub. L. 115–182, § 144(a)(1)(A)(i)section 1703(a) of this title2018—Subsec. (a)(3). , substituted “or entered an agreement” for “under clause (1), (2), or (5) of ”.

Pub. L. 115–182, § 144(a)(1)(A)(ii)section 1703 of this titleSubsec. (a)(4)(A). , struck out “under the provisions of this subsection and ” after “amount for expenditures for contract dental care”.

Pub. L. 110–1812008—Subsec. (a)(1)(B)(iii). substituted “180 days after such discharge” for “90 days after such discharge”, “180 days from the date of such veteran’s subsequent discharge” for “90 days from the date of such veteran’s subsequent discharge”, and “180 days after the date of correction” for “90 days after the date of correction”.

Pub. L. 108–1702003—Subsec. (a)(1)(F). struck out “and who was detained or interned for a period of not less than 90 days” after “war”.

Pub. L. 106–4192000—Subsec. (a)(4)(A). substituted “this subsection” for “subsection (a) of this section (other than paragraphs (3)(B) and (3)(C) of that subsection)” after “under the provisions” in first sentence.

Pub. L. 104–262, § 101(c)(2)(A)1996—, substituted “Dental care; drugs and medicines for certain disabled veterans; vaccines” for “Eligibility for outpatient services” in section catchline.

Pub. L. 104–262, § 101(c)(1)(A)Subsec. (a). , (B), redesignated subsec. (b) as (a) and struck out former subsec. (a) which required and authorized the Secretary to furnish on an ambulatory or outpatient basis medical services for certain veterans.

Pub. L. 104–110December 31, 1996December 31, 1995Subsec. (a)(1)(D). substituted “” for “”.

Pub. L. 104–262, § 101(c)(1)(B)Subsec. (b). , (C), redesignated subsec. (c) as (b) and substituted “subsection (a)” for “subsection (b) of this section”. Former subsec. (b) redesignated (a).

Pub. L. 104–262, § 101(c)(1)(B)Subsecs. (c) to (e). , redesignated subsecs. (d), (h), and (j) as (c), (d), and (e), respectively. Former subsec. (c) redesignated (b).

Pub. L. 104–262, § 101(b)(2)section 1710 of this titleSubsec. (f). , redesignated subsec. (f) as subsec. (g) of .

Pub. L. 104–262, § 101(c)(1)(B)Subsec. (h). , redesignated subsec. (h) as (d).

Pub. L. 104–262, § 101(c)(1)(A)Subsec. (i). , struck out subsec. (i), which required Secretary to prescribe regulations relating to the order in which medical services were to be furnished to veterans.

Pub. L. 104–262, § 101(c)(1)(B)Subsec. (j). , redesignated subsec. (j) as (e).

Pub. L. 103–452, § 103(a)(2)December 31, 1995December 31, 19941994—Subsec. (a)(1)(D). , substituted “” for “”.

Pub. L. 103–452, § 101(e)(1)section 1720D of this titleSubsec. (i)(1). , inserted “(A)” after “To a veteran” and inserted before period at end “, or (B) who is eligible for counseling and care and services under , for the purposes of such counseling and care and services”.

Pub. L. 103–452, § 101(e)(2)section 1720D of this titleSubsec. (i)(2). , substituted “or (B)” for “, (B)” and struck out before period at end “, or (C) who is eligible for counseling under , for the purposes of such counseling”.

Pub. L. 103–446, § 1201(d)(3)(A)Subsec. (i)(5). , substituted “section 1722(a)(3)” for “section 1722(a)(1)(C)”.

Pub. L. 103–446, § 1201(d)(3)(B)Subsec. (j). , substituted “Section 7316” for “Section 4116”.

Pub. L. 103–210, § 1(b)(1)1993—Subsec. (a)(1)(D). , added subpar. (D).

Pub. L. 103–210, § 1(b)(2)Subsec. (a)(7). , added par. (7).

Pub. L. 102–5851992—Subsec. (i)(2)(C). added cl. (C).

Pub. L. 102–83, § 5(a)section 612 of this title1991—, renumbered as this section.

Pub. L. 102–83, § 4(b)(1)Subsec. (a). , (2)(E), substituted “Secretary” for “Administrator” wherever appearing.

Pub. L. 102–83, § 5(c)(1)Subsec. (a)(1)(C). , substituted “1151” for “351”.

Pub. L. 102–83, § 5(c)(1)Subsec. (a)(2)(B). , substituted “1710(a)” for “610(a)”, “1503” for “503”, and “1521(d)” for “521(d)”.

Pub. L. 102–83, § 5(c)(1)Subsec. (a)(4). , substituted “1710” for “610”.

Pub. L. 102–83, § 5(c)(1)Subsec. (a)(6). , substituted “1703” for “603”.

Pub. L. 102–83, § 4(a)(3), (4), substituted “Department” for “Veterans’ Administration”.

Pub. L. 102–25, § 334(a)Subsec. (b)(1)(B)(ii). , inserted “or, in the case of a veteran who served on active duty during the Persian Gulf War, 90 days” after “180 days”.

Pub. L. 102–86, § 301Pub. L. 102–83, § 5Subsec. (b)(1)(H). , amended subsec. (b)(1) of this section as in effect before the redesignations made by , by adding subpar. (H).

Pub. L. 102–25, § 334(a)Subsec. (b)(2). , inserted “or, in the case of a veteran who served on active duty during the Persian Gulf War, 90 days” after “180 days”.

Pub. L. 102–86, § 302Pub. L. 102–83, § 5Subsec. (b)(3). , amended subsec. (b) of this section as in effect before the redesignations made by , by substituting “$1,000” for “$500”.

Pub. L. 102–83, § 5(c)(1), substituted “1703(a)” for “603(a)”.

Pub. L. 102–83, § 4(b)(1), (2)(E), substituted “Secretary” for “Administrator” wherever appearing.

Pub. L. 102–83, § 4(a)(3), (4), substituted “Department” for “Veterans’ Administration”.

Pub. L. 102–83, § 4(b)(1)Subsec. (b)(4). , (2)(E), substituted “Secretary” for “Administrator” wherever appearing.

Pub. L. 102–83, § 5(c)(1)Subsec. (b)(4)(A). , substituted in two places “1703” for “603” and “1710(c)” for “610(c)”.

Pub. L. 102–83, § 4(a)(3)Subsec. (b)(4)(B). , (4), substituted “Department” for “Veterans’ Administration” in introductory provisions.

Pub. L. 102–83, § 4(b)(1)Subsec. (d). , (2)(E), substituted “Secretary” for “Administrator” wherever appearing.

Pub. L. 102–83, § 5(c)(1)Subsec. (f). , substituted “1717” for “617” and “1710(a)(2)” for “610(a)(2)” in par. (1) and “1717” for “617” in par. (3).

Pub. L. 102–83, § 4(b)(1), (2)(E), substituted “Secretary” for “Administrator” in pars. (1) and (2).

Pub. L. 102–83, § 4(a)(3), (4), substituted “Department” for “Veterans’ Administration” in pars. (2) and (4).

Pub. L. 102–83, § 4(b)(1)Subsec. (h). , (2)(E), substituted “Secretary” for “Administrator” in two places.

Pub. L. 102–25, § 334(c), substituted “a period of war” for “the Mexican border period, World War I, World War II, the Korean conflict, or the Vietnam era”.

Pub. L. 102–83, § 5(c)(1)Subsec. (i). , substituted “1710(e)” for “610(e)” in par. (3) and “1722(a)(1)(C)” for “622(a)(1)(C)” in par. (5).

Pub. L. 102–83, § 4(b)(1), (2)(E), substituted “Secretary” for “Administrator” in introductory provisions.

Pub. L. 102–83, § 4(b)(5)Subsec. (j). , substituted “the Secretary of Health and Human Services” for “the Secretary” in second and third sentences.

Pub. L. 102–83, § 4(b)(1), (2)(E), substituted “Secretary” for “Administrator” in first sentence.

Pub. L. 102–83, § 4(a)(3), (4), substituted “Department” for “Veterans’ Administration” wherever appearing.

Pub. L. 101–508, § 8013(b)(1)1990—Subsec. (f)(1). , substituted “section 610(a)(2)” for “section 610(a)(2)(B)”.

Pub. L. 101–508, § 8013(b)(2)Subsec. (f)(3) to (7). , (3), redesignated pars. (5) and (7) as (3) and (4), respectively, and struck out former pars. (3), (4), and (6) which read as follows:

section 610(f) of this title“(3) A veteran may not be required to make a payment under this subsection for services furnished under subsection (a) of this section during any 90-day period to the extent that such payment would cause the total amount paid by the veteran under this subsection for medical services furnished during that period and under for hospital and nursing home care furnished during that period to exceed the amount of the inpatient Medicare deductible in effect on the first day of such 90-day period.

section 610(f) of this title“(4) A veteran may not be required to make a payment under this subsection if such payment would result in the veteran paying, under this subsection and , a total amount greater than four times the amount of the inpatient Medicare deductible for care or services, or any combination thereof, furnished under this chapter during any 365-calendar-day period.

42 U.S.C. 1395e(b)“(6) For the purposes of this subsection, the term ‘inpatient Medicare deductible’ means the amount of the inpatient hospital deductible in effect under section 1813(b) of the Social Security Act ().”

Pub. L. 100–322, § 101(h)(1)1988—, substituted “Eligibility for outpatient services” for “Eligibility for medical treatment” in section catchline.

Pub. L. 100–322, § 101(a)Subsec. (a)(1). , substituted “shall furnish on an ambulatory or outpatient basis” for “may furnish” in introductory provisions and added subpar. (C).

Pub. L. 100–322, § 101(b)(1)Subsec. (a)(2). , (3), added par. (2) and struck out former par. (2) which read as follows: “Subject to subsection (k) of this section, as part of medical services furnished to a veteran under paragraph (1) of this subsection, the Administrator may furnish to the veteran such home health services as the Administrator finds to be necessary or appropriate for the effective and economical treatment of such disability (including only such improvements and structural alterations the cost of which does not exceed $2,500 (or reimbursement up to such amount) as are necessary to assure the continuation of treatment for such disability or to provide access to the home or to essential lavatory and sanitary facilities).”

Pub. L. 100–322, § 101(b)(2)Subsec. (a)(3) to (6). , (3), added pars. (3) to (5) and redesignated former par. (3) as (6).

Pub. L. 100–322, § 101(f)(1)Subsec. (b)(1)(B)(i). , substituted “at the time of the veteran’s” for “at time of”.

Pub. L. 100–322, § 101(f)(2)Subsec. (b)(1)(B)(ii). , substituted “180 days” for “one hundred and eighty days”.

Pub. L. 100–322, § 101(f)(3)Subsec. (b)(1)(B)(iii). , substituted “90 days” for “ninety days” in four places.

Pub. L. 100–322, § 101(f)(4)Subsec. (b)(1)(B)(iv). , substituted “90-day” for “ninety-day”.

Pub. L. 100–322Subsec. (b)(1)(F). , §§ 101(g)(1)(A), 106, redesignated subpar. (G) as (F), substituted “90 days” for “six months”, and struck out former subpar. (F) which read as follows: “from which a veteran of the Spanish-American War or Indian wars is suffering;”.

Pub. L. 100–322, § 101(g)(1)(A)Subsec. (b)(1)(G), (H). , redesignated subpar. (H) as (G). Former subpar. (G) redesignated (F).

Pub. L. 100–322, § 101(e)(2)(A)Subsec. (b)(4)(A). , substituted “subsection (a) of this section (other than paragraphs (3)(B) and (3)(C) of that subsection)” for “subsections (a) and (f) of this section”.

Pub. L. 100–322, § 101(g)(1)(B)section 624 of this titleSubsec. (e). , struck out subsec. (e) which read as follows: “Any disability of a veteran of the Spanish-American War or Indian Wars, upon application for the benefits of this section or outpatient medical services under , shall be considered for the purposes thereof to be a service-connected disability incurred or aggravated in a period of war.”

Pub. L. 100–322, § 101(e)(1)(A)section 617 of this titleSubsec. (f)(1). –(C), redesignated par. (4)(A) as par. (1), substituted “under subsection (a) of this section (including home health services under )” for “under this subsection (including home health services under paragraph (2) of this subsection)” and “paragraph (2) of this subsection” for “subparagraph (B) of this paragraph”, and struck out former par. (1) which read as follows: “Except as provided in paragraph (4) of this subsection, the Administrator may furnish medical services for any disability on an outpatient or ambulatory basis—

section 610 of this title“(A) to any veteran eligible for hospital care under (i) if such services are reasonably necessary in preparation for, or (to the extent that facilities are available) to obviate the need of, hospital admission, or (ii) if such a veteran has been furnished hospital care, nursing home care, or domiciliary care and such medical services are reasonably necessary to complete treatment incident to such care (for a period not in excess of twelve months after discharge from such treatment, except where the Administrator finds that a longer period is required by virtue of the disability being treated); and

“(B) to any veteran who is a former prisoner of war.”

Pub. L. 100–322, § 101(e)(1)(D)Subsec. (f)(2). –(F), redesignated par. (4)(B) as (2), substituted “subsection (a) of this section and who is required under paragraph (1) of this subsection” for “this subsection and who is required under subparagraph (A) of this paragraph”, and struck out former par. (2) which read as follows: “Subject to subsection (k) of this section, as part of medical services furnished to a veteran under paragraph (1) of this subsection, the Administrator may furnish to the veteran such home health services as the Administrator determines to be necessary or appropriate for the effective and economical treatment of a disability of a veteran (including only such improvements and structural alterations the cost of which does not exceed $600 (or reimbursement up to such amount) as are necessary to assure the continuation of treatment or provide access to the home or to essential lavatory and sanitary facilities).”

Pub. L. 100–322, § 101(e)(1)(A)section 603 of this titleSubsec. (f)(3). , (D), (E), (G), redesignated par. (4)(C) as (3), substituted “under this subsection for services furnished under subsection (a) of this section” for “under this paragraph for services furnished under this subsection” and “veteran under this subsection” for “veteran under this paragraph”, and struck out former par. (3) which read as follows: “In addition to furnishing medical services under this subsection through Veterans’ Administration facilities, the Administrator may furnish such services in accordance with .”

Pub. L. 100–322, § 101(e)(1)(D)Subsec. (f)(4). , redesignated par. (4)(D) as (4).

Pub. L. 100–322, § 101(e)(1)(D)section 617 of this titleSubsec. (f)(5). , (H), redesignated par. (4)(E) as (5) and substituted “under ” for “under this subsection”.

Pub. L. 100–322, § 101(e)(1)(D)Subsec. (f)(6). , (E), redesignated par. (4)(F) as (6) and substituted “this subsection” for “this paragraph”.

Pub. L. 100–322, § 101(e)(1)(D)Subsec. (f)(7). , (E), redesignated par. (4)(G) as (7) and substituted “this subsection” for “this paragraph”.

Pub. L. 100–322, § 101(e)(2)(B)Subsec. (g). , struck out subsec. (g) which read as follows:

“(1) The Administrator may furnish medical services which the Administrator determines are needed to a veteran—

“(A) who is a veteran of the Mexican border period or of World War I; or

“(B) who is in receipt of increased pension or additional compensation or allowances based on the need of regular aid and attendance or by reason of being permanently housebound (or who, but for the receipt of retired pay, would be in receipt of such pension, compensation, or allowance).

“(2) As part of medical services furnished to a veteran under paragraph (1) of this subsection, the Administrator may furnish to the veteran home health services under the terms and conditions set forth in subsection (f) of this section.

section 603 of this title“(3) In addition to furnishing medical services under this subsection through Veterans’ Administration facilities, the Administrator may furnish such services in accordance with .”

Pub. L. 100–322, § 101(c)Subsec. (i). , added pars. (1) to (5) and struck out former pars. (1) to (6) which read as follows:

“(1) To any veteran for a service-connected disability.

“(2) To any veteran described in subsection (f)(2) of this section.

“(3) To any veteran with a disability rated as service-connected (including any veteran being examined to determine the existence or rating of a service-connected disability).

section 610(a)(5) of this title“(4) To any veteran (A) who is a former prisoner of war, or (B) who is eligible for care under .

“(5) To any veteran being furnished medical services under subsection (g) of this section.

section 521 of this title“(6) To any veteran who is in receipt of pension under .”

Pub. L. 100–322, § 101(d)(2)section 617(a)(3) of this titleSubsec. (k). , transferred subsec. (k) to .

Pub. L. 99–272, § 19011(b)(1)1986—Subsec. (a). , substituted par. (1) for “Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, the Administrator, within the limits of Veterans’ Administration facilities, may furnish such medical services as the Administrator finds to be reasonably necessary to any veteran for a service-connected disability.”, designated second sentence of existing provision as par. (2), substituted “As part of medical services furnished to a veteran under paragraph (1) of this subsection, the Administrator may furnish to the veteran” for “The Administrator may also furnish to any such veteran”, struck out provision that in the case of a veteran discharged or released from active military, naval, or air service for a disability incurred or aggravated in the line of duty, services may be provided for that disability, whether or not service-connected for the purposes of this chapter, and added par. (3).

Pub. L. 99–576, § 202(1)Subsec. (a)(2). , substituted “Subject to subsection (k) of this section, as” for “As”.

Pub. L. 99–272, § 19012(c)(1)Subsec. (b)(3). , substituted “clause (1), (2), or (5) of section 603(a)” for “clause (i), (ii), or (v) of section 601(4)(C)”.

Pub. L. 99–576, § 231(b)Subsec. (b)(4). , designated existing provisions as subpar. (A), substituted “Except as provided in subparagraph (B) of this paragraph, in” for “In”, and added subpar. (B).

Pub. L. 99–272, § 19012(c)(2), substituted “section 603” for “section 601(4)(C)” in two places.

Pub. L. 99–272, § 19011(b)(2)Subsec. (f). , designated existing first sentence as par. (1), substituted “Except as provided in paragraph (4) of this subsection, the Administrator may” for “The Administrator, within the limits of Veterans’ Administration facilities, may”, redesignated former cl. (1) as cl. (A) and subcls. (A) and (B) as subcls. (i) and (ii), inserted “and” after “being treated);”, struck out par. (2), which related to any veteran who had a service-connected disability rated at 50 percent or more, and redesignated cl. (3) as cl. (B); designated existing second sentence as par. (2) and substituted “As part of medical services furnished to a veteran under paragraph (1) of this subsection, the Administrator may furnish to the veteran” for “The Administrator may also furnish to any such veteran”; struck out provision authorizing the Administrator to furnish outpatient dental services and treatment, and related appliances, to any veteran described in subsec. (b)(1)(G) of this section; and added pars. (3) and (4).

Pub. L. 99–576, § 202(1)Subsec. (f)(2). , substituted “Subject to subsection (k) of this section, as” for “As”.

Pub. L. 99–576, § 237(b)(2)Subsec. (f)(4)(D) to (G). , added subpar. (D) and redesignated former subpars. (D) to (F) as (E) to (G), respectively.

Pub. L. 99–272, § 19011(b)(3)Subsec. (g). , amended subsec. (g) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (g) read as follows: “In the case of any veteran who is a veteran of the Mexican border period or of World War I or who is in receipt of increased pension or additional compensation or allowance based on the need of regular aid and attendance or by reason of being permanently housebound, or who, but for the receipt of retired pay, would be in receipt of such pension, compensation, or allowance, the Administrator, within the limits of Veterans’ Administration facilities, may furnish the veteran such medical services as the Administrator finds to be reasonably necessary. The Administrator may also furnish to any such veteran home health services under the terms and conditions set forth in subsection (f) of this section.”

Pub. L. 99–272, § 19011(b)(4)Subsec. (i)(6). , added par. (6).

Pub. L. 99–576, § 702(5)Subsec. (j). , substituted “programs under other provisions” for “programs pursuant to other provisions”, “veterans who voluntarily request such immunizations” for “veterans (voluntarily requesting such immunizations)”, “facility. Any such immunization shall be made using” for “facility, utilizing”, “Administration. For such purpose, notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary may provide” for “Administration, and for such purpose, notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary is authorized to provide”, and “cost. Section 4116” for “cost and the provisions of section 4116”.

Pub. L. 99–576, § 202(2)Subsec. (k). , added subsec. (k).

Pub. L. 99–1661985—Subsec. (f)(1). substituted “if” for “where” after “(A)” and “(B)”, inserted “, nursing home care, or domiciliary care”, struck out “hospital” after “treatment incident to such”, and substituted “from such treatment” for “from in-hospital treatment”.

Pub. L. 97–295, § 4(17)(A)1982—Subsec. (a). , (B), inserted “of this section” after “subsection (b)”, and substituted “facilities)” for “facilities” after “sanitary”.

Pub. L. 97–295, § 4(17)(C)Subsec. (f)(2). , substituted “percent” for “per centum”.

Pub. L. 97–295, § 4(17)(D)Subsec. (h). , inserted “of this title” after “chapter 11”.

Pub. L. 97–295, § 4(17)(E)Subsec. (i). , substituted “The” for “Not later than ninety days after the effective date of this subsection, the” at the beginning.

Pub. L. 97–295, § 4(95)(A)Subsec. (j). , substituted “Health and Human Services” for “Health, Education, and Welfare”.

Pub. L. 97–72, § 103(a)1981—Subsec. (b). , divided existing provisions into pars. (1), (2), (3), and (4), redesignated cls. (1) through (8) as subpars. (A) through (H) of par. (1) as redesignated, made internal substitutions reflecting new number and letter designations, and, in par. (1)(B) as redesignated, inserted provisions set out in par. (1)(B)(ii), (iii)(I), and (iv).

Pub. L. 97–37, § 3(b), in cl. (7) substituted “from which a veteran who is a former prisoner of war and who was detained or interned for a period of not less than six months is suffering” for “from which any veteran of World War I, World War II, the Korean conflict, or the Vietnam era who was held as a prisoner of war for a period of not less than six months is suffering”.

Pub. L. 97–35 inserted provisions requiring the Secretary concerned to furnish a discharged or released member of the Armed Forces a written explanation concerning the provisions of cl. (2) of this subsection, and in cl. (2) added subcl. (B) and (D), and redesignated former subcl. (B) as (C) and, as so redesignated, substituted “90 days” for “one year” in two places.

Pub. L. 97–72, § 103(b)(1)Subsec. (c). , substituted “paragraph (1)(B)” for “clause (2)”.

Pub. L. 97–72, § 103(b)(2)Subsec. (f). , substituted “clause (G) of subsection (b)(1)” for “subsection (b)(7)”.

Pub. L. 97–37, § 5(b)Subsec. (f)(3). , added cl. (3).

Pub. L. 97–72, § 102(b)section 610(a)(5) of this titleSubsec. (i)(4). , designated existing provisions relating to former prisoners of war as cl. (A) and added cl. (B) relating to veterans who are eligible for care under .

Pub. L. 97–37, § 5(c), added cl. (4). Former cl. (4) redesignated (5).

Pub. L. 97–37, § 5(c)(1)Subsec. (i)(5). , redesignated former cl. (4) as (5).

Pub. L. 96–151, § 2031979—Subsec. (b). , inserted provisions relating to the total amount the Administrator may expend.

Pub. L. 96–22, § 102(b)(1), added pars. (7) and (8) and inserted provisions following par. (8).

Pub. L. 96–22, § 102(b)(2)Subsec. (f). , authorized the Administrator to furnish outpatient dental services and treatment, and related appliances, to any veteran described in subsec. (b)(7) of this section.

Pub. L. 96–151, § 204Subsec. (g). , inserted provisions relating to particular applicability to Mexican border period or World War I veterans, and provisions relating to furnishing by the Administrator of home health care services.

Pub. L. 96–22, § 101Subsec. (i)(3). , inserted “(including any veteran being examined to determine the existence or rating of a service-connected disability)” after “with a disability rated as service connected”.

Pub. L. 95–5881978—Subsec. (h). substituted “$1,000” for “$500”.

Pub. L. 94–5811976—Subsec. (a). , §§ 103(a)(1), 210(a)(3)(A), inserted provisions which authorized the Administrator to furnish such home health services as the Administrator finds to be necessary or appropriate for the effective and economical treatment of the disability (including only such improvements and structural alterations the cost of which does not exceed $2,500 (or reimbursement up to such amount) as are necessary to assure the continuation of treatment for the disability or to provide access to the home or to essential lavatory and sanitary facilities), and in the existing provisions substituted “as the Administrator finds” for “as he finds”.

Pub. L. 94–581, § 103(a)(2)Subsec. (b). , added par. (5) and redesignated former par. (5) as (6).

Pub. L. 94–581, § 210(a)(3)(B)Subsec. (d). , substituted “procured by the Administrator” for “procured by him” and “whichever the Administrator determines” for “whichever he determines”.

Pub. L. 94–581, § 202(f)(1)Subsec. (e). , substituted “Indian Wars” for “Indian wars”.

Pub. L. 94–581Subsec. (f). , §§ 103(a)(3)–(7), 202(f)(2), substituted “within the limits of Veterans’ Administration facilities, may furnish” for “may also furnish” in provisions preceding par. (1), substituted “or (to the extent that facilities are available) to obviate” for “or to obviate” in cl. (A) of par. (1), substituted “furnished” for “granted” in existing provisions of cl. (B) of par. (1) and inserted “(for a period not in excess of twelve months after discharge from in-hospital treatment, except where the Administrator finds that a longer period is required by virtue of the disability being treated)” at end, substituted “50 per centum” for “80 per centum” in par. (2), and inserted, after par. (2), provision authorizing the Administrator to furnish to the veteran such home health services as the Administrator determines to be necessary or appropriate for the effective and economical treatment of a disability of the veteran (including only such improvements and structural alterations the cost of which does not exceed $600 (or reimbursement up to such amount) as are necessary to assure the continuation of treatment or provide access to the home or to essential lavatory and sanitary facilities).

Pub. L. 94–581Subsec. (g). , §§ 202(f)(3), 210(a)(3)(C), inserted “, within the limits of Veterans’ Administration facilities,” after “the Administrator” and substituted “as the Administrator finds” for “as he finds”.

Pub. L. 94–581, § 210(a)(3)(D)Subsec. (h). , substituted “such veteran’s annual income is greater” for “his annual income is greater” and “such veteran’s annual income does not exceed” for “his annual income does not exceed”.

Pub. L. 94–581, § 103(a)(8)Subsecs. (i), (j). , added subsecs. (i) and (j).

Pub. L. 93–821973—Subsec. (f). substituted provisions relating to the furnishing of medical services for any disability on an outpatient or ambulatory basis to veterans eligible for hospital care where such services are necessary in preparation for, or to obviate the need of, hospital admission, or where such veteran has been granted hospital care and such medical services are reasonably necessary to complete treatment incident to such hospital care and to veterans who have a service-connected disability rated at 80 per centum or more for provisions relating to the furnishing of medical services for a non-service connected disability where such care is reasonably necessary in preparation for admission of a veteran who has been determined to need hospital care and who has been scheduled for admission, where a veteran has been granted hospital care, and outpatient care is reasonably necessary to complete treatment incident to such hospital care, and where a veteran of any war has a total disability permanent in nature resulting from a service-connected disability.

Pub. L. 91–500, § 21970—Subsec. (g). , extended the authority of the Administrator to furnish medical services as he finds necessary to veterans permanently housebound or receiving pension or compensation based on need of regular aid and attendance and struck out conditions limiting such medical care to veterans hospitalized or suffering from one or more of the six specific conditions or diseases enumerated.

Pub. L. 91–588Subsec. (h). inserted reference to Mexican border period and authorized the Administrator to continue furnishing drugs and medicine so ordered by any veteran in need of regular aid and attendance whose pension payments have been discontinued solely because his annual income is greater than the applicable maximum annual income limitation, but only so long as his annual income does not exceed such maximum annual income limitation by more than $500.

Pub. L. 91–500, § 3, authorized furnishing of drugs and medicines to veterans receiving additional compensation or allowance or increased pension by reason of being “permanently housebound”.

Pub. L. 91–1021969—Subsec. (f)(3). added par. (3).

Pub. L. 90–771967—Subsec. (h). imposed the obligation of furnishing drugs and medicines on the Administrator and extended such medical benefits to veterans receiving additional compensation under chapter 11 and veterans of the Vietnam era.

Pub. L. 88–4301964—Subsec. (b)(2). permitted an application for treatment to be made within one year after a disqualifying discharge or release has been corrected, or the date of enactment of this exception, whichever is later.

Pub. L. 88–450Subsec. (g). added subsec. (g).

Pub. L. 88–664Subsec. (h). added subsec. (h).

Pub. L. 87–5831962—Subsec. (a). provided for medical service to any veteran for a service-connected disability instead of to a veteran of any war, to a veteran discharged or released from the active military, naval, or air service for a disability incurred or aggravated in line of duty, or to a person who is in receipt of, but for the receipt of retirement pay would be entitled to, disability compensation.

Pub. L. 87–3771961—Subsecs. (b)(5), (e). inserted “or Indian wars” after “Spanish-American War”.

Pub. L. 86–6391960—Subsec. (f). added subsec. (f).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2018 Amendment

Pub. L. 115–182, title I, § 144(b)June 6, 2018132 Stat. 1430

Effective Date of 1993 Amendment

Pub. L. 103–210Aug. 2, 1990section 1(c)(1) of Pub. L. 103–210section 1710 of this titleAmendment by effective as of , see , set out as a note under .

Effective Date of 1990 Amendment

Pub. L. 101–508Pub. L. 102–145section 111 of Pub. L. 102–145section 1710 of this titleAmendment by to remain in effect through the period covered by , see , set out as a note under .

Pub. L. 101–508Pub. L. 102–109section 111 of Pub. L. 102–109section 1710 of this titleAmendment by to remain in effect through the period covered by , see , set out as a note under .

Pub. L. 101–508Nov. 5, 1990section 8013(d) of Pub. L. 101–508section 1710 of this titleAmendment by applicable with respect to hospital care and medical services received after , see , as amended, set out as a note under .

Effective Date of 1988 Amendment

Pub. L. 100–322June 30, 1988section 101(i) of Pub. L. 100–322section 1703 of this titleAmendment by section 101(a)–(c), (d)(2), (e)(1), (2), (f), (g)(1), (h)(1) of applicable with respect to furnishing of medical services to veterans who apply for such services after , see , set out as a note under .

Effective Date of 1986 Amendments

section 237(b)(2) of Pub. L. 99–576Apr. 7, 1986section 237(c) of Pub. L. 99–576section 1710 of this titleAmendment by effective , see , set out as a note under .

section 19011(b) of Pub. L. 99–272July 1, 1986section 19011(f) of Pub. L. 99–272section 1710 of this titleAmendment by applicable to hospital care, nursing home care, and medical services furnished on or after , see , set out as a note under .

Effective Date of 1981 Amendment

Pub. L. 97–37Oct. 1, 1981section 5(d) of Pub. L. 97–37section 1710 of this titleAmendment by section 5(b), (c) of effective , see , set out as a note under .

Pub. L. 97–35, title XX, § 2002(b)Aug. 13, 198195 Stat. 782

Effective Date of 1979 Amendments

Pub. L. 96–151Jan. 1, 1980section 206 of Pub. L. 96–151section 111 of this titleAmendment by effective , see , set out as a note under .

section 102(b) of Pub. L. 96–22Oct. 1, 1979section 107 of Pub. L. 96–22section 1701 of this titleAmendment by effective , see , set out as a note under .

Effective Date of 1978 Amendment

Pub. L. 95–588Jan. 1, 1979section 401 of Pub. L. 95–588section 101 of this titleAmendment by effective , see , set out as a note under .

Effective Date of 1976 Amendment

Pub. L. 94–581Oct. 21, 1976section 211 of Pub. L. 94–581section 111 of this titleAmendment by effective , see , set out as a note under .

Effective Date of 1973 Amendment

Pub. L. 93–82Sept. 1, 1973section 501 of Pub. L. 93–82section 1701 of this titleAmendment by effective , see , set out as a note under .

Effective Date of 1970 Amendment

Pub. L. 91–588Jan. 1, 1971section 10(a) of Pub. L. 91–588section 1521 of this titleAmendment by effective , see , set out as a note under .

Effective Date of 1967 Amendment

Pub. L. 90–77Aug. 31, 1967section 405 of Pub. L. 90–77section 101 of this titleAmendment by effective first day of first calendar month which begins more than ten days after , see , set out as a note under .

Effective Date of 1964 Amendment

Pub. L. 88–664Jan. 1, 1965section 11 of Pub. L. 88–664section 1503 of this titleAmendment by effective , see , set out as a note under .

Savings Provision

Oct. 8, 1996Oct. 9, 1996Oct. 9, 1996section 102(b) of Pub. L. 104–262section 1710 of this titleProvisions of subsec. (a) of this section, as in effect on , to continue to apply on and after such date with respect to furnishing of hospital care, nursing home care, and medical services for any veteran who was furnished such care before , on the basis of presumed exposure to a substance of radiation, but only for treatment for disability for which such care or services were furnished before , see , set out as a note under .

Pilot Program to Furnish Dental Care From the Department of Veterans Affairs to Certain Veterans Diagnosed With Ischemic Heart Disease

Pub. L. 118–210, title I, § 144Jan. 2, 2025138 Stat. 2748

Pilot Program on Provision of Dental Insurance Plans to Veterans and Survivors and Dependents of Veterans

Pub. L. 111–163, title V, § 510May 5, 2010124 Stat. 1162Pub. L. 114–218, § 2(b)(1)July 29, 2016130 Stat. 843section 1712C of this title, , , required the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out a pilot program to assess the feasibility and advisability of providing a dental insurance plan to certain veterans and survivors and dependents of veterans, prior to repeal by , , . See .

Ratification of Actions During Period of Expired Authority

Feb. 13, 1996Pub. L. 104–110Feb. 13, 1996section 103 of Pub. L. 104–110section 1710 of this titleAny action taken by Secretary of Veterans Affairs before , under provision of law amended by title I of that was taken during period beginning on date on which authority of Secretary under such provision of law expired and ending on , considered to have same force and effect as if such amendment had been in effect at time of that action, see , set out as a note under .

Disability of Veterans of Spanish-American War

Pub. L. 100–322, title I, § 101(g)(2)May 20, 1988102 Stat. 492Pub. L. 102–83, § 5(c)(2)Aug. 6, 1991105 Stat. 406

Pilot Program of Mobile Health-Care Clinics

Pub. L. 100–322, title I, § 113May 20, 1988102 Stat. 499, , , authorized Administrator of Veterans’ Affairs to conduct a pilot program under which eligible veterans residing in areas which are at least 100 miles from the nearest Veterans’ Administration health-care facility are furnished health-care services at a location convenient to their residences by Veterans’ Administration employees furnishing such services through the use of appropriately equipped mobile health-care clinics, provided that the pilot program be conducted for a period of not less than 24 months, and required Administrator to submit to Committees on Veterans’ Affairs of Senate and House of Representatives interim and final reports on the project.

Pilot Program of Community-Based Residential Care for Homeless Chronically Mentally Ill and Other Veterans

Pub. L. 100–322, title I, § 115(a)May 20, 1988102 Stat. 501Pub. L. 101–237, title II, § 201(c)Dec. 18, 1989103 Stat. 2066Pub. L. 102–83Aug. 6, 1991105 Stat. 406Pub. L. 102–405, title I, § 107(h)Oct. 9, 1992106 Stat. 1978Pub. L. 103–452, title I, § 103(e)Nov. 2, 1994108 Stat. 4787Pub. L. 104–110, title I, § 102(a)Feb. 13, 1996110 Stat. 769Pub. L. 104–275, title VI, § 601(a)Oct. 9, 1996110 Stat. 3344Pub. L. 105–114, title II, § 202(c)(4)Nov. 21, 1997111 Stat. 2287–(f), , , as amended by , , ; , §§ 5(c)(2), 6(j)(1), , , 409; , , ; , , ; , , ; , , , provided for a pilot program to provide care and treatment in community-based facilities to homeless veterans suffering from chronic mental illness, prior to repeal by , , .

Report on Treatment and Services for Chronically Mentally Ill Veterans

Pub. L. 100–322, title I, § 114May 20, 1988102 Stat. 500section 235 of Pub. L. 99–576Dec. 15, 1988, , , directed that the report required by [see below] include additional information about veterans being treated by the Veterans’ Administration for mental illness disabilities who were furnished hospital, domiciliary, or nursing home care by the Administrator during fiscal years 1986, 1987, and 1988, and extended the deadline for submission of the report to not later than .

Pub. L. 99–576, title II, § 235Oct. 28, 1986100 Stat. 3266Dec. 15, 1987, , , directed Administrator to submit to Committees on Veterans’ Affairs of Senate and House of Representatives not later than , a report on Administrator’s current use of authority to contract for care and treatment, and for rehabilitative services, for chronically mentally ill veterans through various types of facilities and to furnish home health services to such veterans in such veterans’ homes or in other settings in which they reside.

August 13, 1981Veterans Discharged or Released From Active Service Who Reentered Such Service Within One Year, and Were Discharged or Released Before

Pub. L. 97–72, title INov. 3, 198195 Stat. 1049Pub. L. 102–83, § 5(c)(2)Aug. 6, 1991105 Stat. 406

October 1, 1979Study of Home Modifications for Totally Blinded Service-Connected Veterans; Report Not Later Than

Pub. L. 96–22, title V, § 505June 13, 197993 Stat. 67Oct. 1, 1979, , , directed Administrator of Veterans’ Affairs to submit a report to Committees on Veterans’ Affairs of Senate and House of Representatives not later than , on needs of veterans who are totally blind from service-connected causes for home modifications the cost of which would exceed the amount allowable for such purposes under subsec. (a) of this section and on reasons why such veterans have not applied for home health services.

Annual Report to Congress on Results of Regulations Prescribed To Carry Out Special Priorities in Furnishing Medical Services

Pub. L. 94–581, title I, § 103(b)Oct. 21, 197690 Stat. 2845Pub. L. 100–527, § 10(1)Oct. 25, 1988102 Stat. 2640Pub. L. 102–83, § 5(c)(2)Aug. 6, 1991105 Stat. 406Oct. 21, 1976, , , as amended by , , ; , , , provided that not later than one year after , and annually thereafter, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs was to report to the Congress on the results of the regulations prescribed to carry out former subsec. (i) of this section.

Notification to Eligible Individuals of Expanded Care and Services Available as Result of Amendments by Veterans Omnibus Health Care Act of 1976

Pub. L. 94–581, title I, § 117(b)Oct. 21, 197690 Stat. 2855Oct. 21, 1976Pub. L. 94–581, , , directed Administrator, not later than ninety days after , to take all appropriate steps to ensure that each individual eligible for new or expanded services as a result of amendments made by Veterans Omnibus Health Care Act of 1976 () was personally notified about his or her eligibility and the way to secure care and services and directed Administrator to send copies of all notification forms to appropriate House and Senate committees, along with a description of how the forms were distributed.