[111th Congress Public Law 275]
[From the U.S. Government Printing Office]



[[Page 2864]]

                     VETERANS' BENEFITS ACT OF 2010

[[Page 124 STAT. 2865]]

Public Law 111-275
111th Congress

                                 An Act


 
  To amend title 38, United States Code, and the Servicemembers Civil 
Relief Act to make certain improvements in the laws administered by the 
Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes. <<NOTE: Oct. 13, 
                         2010 -  [H.R. 3219]>> 

    Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled, <<NOTE: Veterans' 
Benefits Act of 2010.>> 
SECTION 1. <<NOTE: 38 USC 101 note.>> SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF 
                              CONTENTS.

    (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Veterans' Benefits 
Act of 2010''.
    (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act is as 
follows:

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

       TITLE I--EMPLOYMENT, SMALL BUSINESS, AND EDUCATION MATTERS

Sec. 101. Extension and expansion of authority for certain qualifying 
           work-study activities for purposes of the educational 
           assistance programs of the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Sec. 102. Reauthorization of Veterans' Advisory Committee on Education.
Sec. 103. 18-month period for training of new disabled veterans' 
           outreach program specialists and local veterans' employment 
           representatives by National Veterans' Employment and Training 
           Services Institute.
Sec. 104. Clarification of responsibility of Secretary of Veterans 
           Affairs to verify small business ownership.
Sec. 105. Demonstration project for referral of USERRA claims against 
           Federal agencies to the Office of Special Counsel.
Sec. 106. Veterans Energy-Related Employment Program.
Sec. 107. Pat Tillman Veterans' Scholarship Initiative.

               TITLE II--HOUSING AND HOMELESSNESS MATTERS

Sec. 201. Reauthorization of appropriations for Homeless Veterans 
           Reintegration Program.
Sec. 202. Homeless women veterans and homeless veterans with children 
           reintegration grant program.
Sec. 203. Specially Adapted Housing assistive technology grant program.
Sec. 204. Waiver of housing loan fee for certain veterans with service-
           connected disabilities called to active service.

           TITLE III--SERVICEMEMBERS CIVIL RELIEF ACT MATTERS

Sec. 301. Residential and motor vehicle leases.
Sec. 302. Termination of telephone service contracts.
Sec. 303. Enforcement by the Attorney General and by private right of 
           action.

                       TITLE IV--INSURANCE MATTERS

Sec. 401. Increase in amount of supplemental insurance for totally 
           disabled veterans.
Sec. 402. Permanent extension of duration of Servicemembers' Group Life 
           Insurance coverage for totally disabled veterans.
Sec. 403. Adjustment of coverage of dependents under Servicemembers' 
           Group Life Insurance.
Sec. 404. Opportunity to increase amount of Veterans' Group Life 
           Insurance.

[[Page 124 STAT. 2866]]

Sec. 405. Elimination of reduction in amount of accelerated death 
           benefit for terminally-ill persons insured under 
           Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance and Veterans' Group Life 
           Insurance.
Sec. 406. Consideration of loss of dominant hand in prescription of 
           schedule of severity of traumatic injury under 
           Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance.
Sec. 407. Enhancement of veterans' mortgage life insurance.
Sec. 408. Expansion of individuals qualifying for retroactive benefits 
           from traumatic injury protection coverage under 
           Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance.

                  TITLE V--BURIAL AND CEMETERY MATTERS

Sec. 501. Increase in certain burial and funeral benefits and plot 
           allowances for veterans.
Sec. 502. Interment in national cemeteries of parents of certain 
           deceased veterans.
Sec. 503. Reports on selection of new national cemeteries.

                   TITLE VI--COMPENSATION AND PENSION

Sec. 601. Enhancement of disability compensation for certain disabled 
           veterans with difficulties using prostheses and disabled 
           veterans in need of regular aid and attendance for residuals 
           of traumatic brain injury.
Sec. 602. Cost-of-living increase for temporary dependency and indemnity 
           compensation payable for surviving spouses with dependent 
           children under the age of 18.
Sec. 603. Payment of dependency and indemnity compensation to survivors 
           of former prisoners of war who died on or before September 
           30, 1999.
Sec. 604. Exclusion of certain amounts from consideration as income for 
           purposes of veterans pension benefits.
Sec. 605. Commencement of period of payment of original awards of 
           compensation for veterans retired or separated from the 
           uniformed services for catastrophic disability.
Sec. 606. Applicability of limitation to pension payable to certain 
           children of veterans of a period of war.
Sec. 607. Extension of reduced pension for certain veterans covered by 
           Medicaid plans for services furnished by nursing facilities.
Sec. 608. Codification of 2009 cost-of-living adjustment in rates of 
           pension for disabled veterans and surviving spouses and 
           children.

    TITLE VII--EMPLOYMENT AND REEMPLOYMENT RIGHTS OF MEMBERS OF THE 
                           UNIFORMED SERVICES

Sec. 701. Clarification that USERRA prohibits wage discrimination 
           against members of the Armed Forces.
Sec. 702. Clarification of the definition of ``successor in interest''.
Sec. 703. Technical amendments.

                      TITLE VIII--BENEFITS MATTERS

Sec. 801. Increase in number of veterans for which programs of 
           independent living services and assistance may be initiated.
Sec. 802. Payment of unpaid balances of Department of Veterans Affairs 
           guaranteed loans.
Sec. 803. Eligibility of disabled veterans and members of the Armed 
           Forces with severe burn injuries for automobiles and adaptive 
           equipment.
Sec. 804. Enhancement of automobile assistance allowance for veterans.
Sec. 805. National Academies review of best treatments for chronic 
           multisymptom illness in Persian Gulf War veterans.
Sec. 806. Extension and modification of National Academy of Sciences 
           reviews and evaluations on illness and service in Persian 
           Gulf War and Post-9/11 Global Operations Theaters.
Sec. 807. Extension of authority for regional office in Republic of the 
           Philippines.
Sec. 808. Extension of an annual report on equitable relief.
Sec. 809. Authority for the performance of medical disability 
           examinations by contract physicians.

 TITLE IX--AUTHORIZATION OF MEDICAL FACILITY PROJECTS AND MAJOR MEDICAL 
                             FACILITY LEASES

Sec. 901. Authorization of fiscal year 2011 major medical facility 
           leases.
Sec. 902. Modification of authorization amount for major medical 
           facility construction project previously authorized for the 
           Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, New Orleans, 
           Louisiana.
Sec. 903. Modification of authorization amount for major medical 
           facility construction project previously authorized for the 
           Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Long Beach, 
           California.

[[Page 124 STAT. 2867]]

Sec. 904. Authorization of appropriations.
Sec. 905. Requirement that bid savings on major medical facility 
           projects of Department of Veterans Affairs be used for other 
           major medical facility construction projects of the 
           Department.

                         TITLE X--OTHER MATTERS

Sec. 1001. Technical corrections.
Sec. 1002. Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act compliance.

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

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

       TITLE I--EMPLOYMENT, SMALL BUSINESS, AND EDUCATION MATTERS

SEC. 101. EXTENSION AND EXPANSION OF AUTHORITY FOR CERTAIN 
                        QUALIFYING WORK-STUDY ACTIVITIES FOR 
                        PURPOSES OF THE EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE 
                        PROGRAMS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS 
                        AFFAIRS.

    (a) Extension.--Paragraph (4) of section 3485(a) <<NOTE: 38 USC 
3485.>> is amended by striking ``June 30, 2010'' each place it appears 
and inserting ``June 30, 2013''.

    (b) Activities in State Veterans Agencies.--Such paragraph is 
further amended by adding at the end the following new subparagraphs:
            ``(G) Any activity of a State veterans agency related to 
        providing assistance to veterans in obtaining any benefit under 
        the laws administered by the Secretary or the laws of the State.
            ``(H) A position working in a Center of Excellence for 
        Veteran Student Success, as established pursuant to part T of 
        title VIII of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1161t 
        et seq.).
            ``(I) A position working in a cooperative program carried 
        out jointly by the Department and an institution of higher 
        learning.
            ``(J) Any other veterans-related position in an institution 
        of higher learning.''.

    (c) Effective <<NOTE: 38 USC 3485 note.>> Date.--The amendment made 
by subsection (b) shall take effect on October 1, 2011.
SEC. 102. REAUTHORIZATION OF VETERANS' ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON 
                        EDUCATION.

    Section 3692(c) is amended by striking ``December 31, 2009'' and 
inserting ``December 31, 2013''.
SEC. 103. 18-MONTH PERIOD FOR TRAINING OF NEW DISABLED VETERANS' 
                        OUTREACH PROGRAM SPECIALISTS AND LOCAL 
                        VETERANS' EMPLOYMENT REPRESENTATIVES BY 
                        NATIONAL VETERANS' EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING 
                        SERVICES INSTITUTE.

    (a) 18-month Period.--Section 4102A(c)(8)(A) is amended by striking 
``three-year period'' and inserting ``18-month period''.
    (b) Effective <<NOTE: 38 USC 4102A note.>> Date.--

[[Page 124 STAT. 2868]]

            (1) Applicability to new employees.--The amendment made by 
        subsection (a) shall apply with respect to a State employee 
        assigned to perform the duties of a disabled veterans' outreach 
        program specialist or a local veterans' employment 
        representative under chapter 41 of title 38, United States Code, 
        who is so assigned on or after the date of the enactment of this 
        Act.
            (2) Applicability to previously-
        hired <<NOTE: Deadline.>> employees.--In the case of such a 
        State employee who is so assigned on or after January 1, 2006, 
        and before the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary 
        of Labor shall require the State to require, as a condition of a 
        grant or contract under which funds are made available to the 
        State in order to carry out section 4103A or 4104 of title 38, 
        United States Code, each such employee to satisfactorily 
        complete the training described in section 4102A(c)(8)(A) of 
        such title by not later than the date that is 18 months after 
        the date of the enactment of this Act.
SEC. 104. CLARIFICATION <<NOTE: Veterans Small Business 
                        Verification Act.>> OF RESPONSIBILITY OF 
                        SECRETARY OF VETERANS AFFAIRS TO VERIFY 
                        SMALL BUSINESS OWNERSHIP.

    (a) Short Title.--This <<NOTE: 38 USC 101 note.>> section may be 
cited as the ``Veterans Small Business Verification Act''.

    (b) Clarification of Responsibility of Secretary of Veterans Affairs 
to Verify Small Business Ownership.--
            (1) Clarification.--Section <<NOTE: 38 USC 8127.>>  8127(f) 
        is amended--
                    (A) in paragraph (2)--
                          (i) by inserting ``(A)'' before ``To be 
                      eligible'';
                          (ii) by inserting after ``or the veteran.'' 
                      the following new sentence: ``Application for 
                      inclusion in the database shall constitute 
                      permission under section 552a of title 5 (commonly 
                      referred to as the Privacy Act) for the Secretary 
                      to access such personal information maintained by 
                      the Secretary as may be necessary to verify the 
                      information contained in the application.''; and
                          (iii) by inserting after the sentence added by 
                      clause (ii) the following new subparagraph:

    ``(B) If the Secretary receives an application for inclusion in the 
database from an individual whose status as a veteran cannot be verified 
because the Secretary does not maintain information with respect to the 
veteran status of the individual, the Secretary may not include the 
small business concern owned and controlled by the individual in the 
database maintained by the Secretary until the Secretary receives such 
information as may be necessary to verify that the individual is a 
veteran.''; and
                    (B) by striking paragraph (4) and inserting the 
                following new paragraph (4):

    ``(4) No small business concern may be listed in the database until 
the Secretary has verified that--
            ``(A) the small business concern is owned and controlled by 
        veterans; and
            ``(B) in the case of a small business concern for which the 
        person who owns and controls the concern indicates that the 
        person is a veteran with a service-connected disability, that 
        the person is a veteran with a service-connected disability.''.

[[Page 124 STAT. 2869]]

            (2) Applicability.--In <<NOTE: Deadline. Notification.>> the 
        case of a small business concern included in the database as of 
        the date of the enactment of this Act for which, as of such 
        date, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs has not verified the 
        status of such concern in accordance with paragraph (4) of 
        subsection (f) of section 8127 of title 38, United States Code, 
        as amended by paragraph (1), not later than 60 days after the 
        date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall notify 
        the person who owns and controls the concern that--
                    (A) the Secretary is required to verify the status 
                of the concern in accordance with such paragraph, as so 
                amended;
                    (B) verification of such status shall require that 
                the person who owns and controls the concern apply for 
                inclusion in the database in accordance with such 
                subsection, as so amended;
                    (C) application for inclusion in the database shall 
                constitute permission under section 552a of title 5, 
                United States Code (commonly referred to as the Privacy 
                Act), for the Secretary to access such personal 
                information maintained by the Secretary as may be 
                necessary to verify the information contained in the 
                application; and
                    (D) the <<NOTE: Deadline.>> person who owns and 
                controls the concern must submit to the Secretary all 
                information required by the Secretary under this 
                paragraph within 90 days of receiving the Secretary's 
                notice of such requirement or the concern shall be 
                removed from the database.
SEC. 105. <<NOTE: 38 USC 4301 note.>> DEMONSTRATION PROJECT FOR 
                        REFERRAL OF USERRA CLAIMS AGAINST FEDERAL 
                        AGENCIES TO THE OFFICE OF SPECIAL COUNSEL.

    (a) Establishment of Project.--The Secretary of Labor and the Office 
of Special Counsel shall carry out a 36-month demonstration project 
under which certain claims against Federal executive agencies under 
chapter 43 of title 38, United States Code, are referred to, or 
otherwise received by, the Office of Special Counsel for assistance, 
including investigation and resolution of the claim as well as 
enforcement of rights with respect <<NOTE: Deadline.>> to the claim. The 
demonstration program shall begin not later than 60 days after the 
Comptroller General of the United States submits the report required 
under subsection (e)(3).

    (b) Referral of All Prohibited Personnel Practice Claims to the 
Office of Special Counsel.--
            (1) In general.--Under the demonstration project, the Office 
        of Special Counsel shall receive and investigate all claims 
        under chapter 43 of title 38, United States Code, with respect 
        to Federal executive agencies in cases where the Office of 
        Special Counsel has jurisdiction over related claims pursuant to 
        section 1212 of title 5, United States Code.
            (2) Related claims.--For purposes of paragraph (1), a 
        related claim is a claim involving the same Federal executive 
        agency and the same or similar factual allegations or legal 
        issues as those being pursued under a claim under chapter 43 of 
        title 38, United States Code.

    (c) Referral of Other Claims Against Federal Executive Agencies.--

[[Page 124 STAT. 2870]]

            (1) In general.--Under the demonstration project, the 
        Secretary--
                    (A) shall refer to the Office of Special Counsel all 
                claims described in paragraph (2) made during the period 
                of the demonstration project; and
                    (B) may refer any claim described in paragraph (2) 
                filed before the demonstration project that is pending 
                before the Secretary at the beginning of the 
                demonstration project.
            (2) Claims described.--A claim described in this paragraph 
        is a claim under chapter 43 of title 38, United States Code, 
        against a Federal executive agency by a claimant with a social 
        security account number with an odd number as its terminal digit 
        or, in the case of a claim that does not contain a social 
        security account number, a case number assigned to the claim 
        with an odd number as its terminal digit.

    (d) Administration of Demonstration Project.--
            (1) In general.--The Office of Special Counsel shall 
        administer the demonstration project. The Secretary shall 
        cooperate with the Office of Special Counsel in carrying out the 
        demonstration project.
            (2) Treatment of certain terms in chapter 43 of title 38, 
        united states code.--In the case of any claim referred to, or 
        otherwise received by, the Office of Special Counsel under the 
        demonstration project, any reference to the ``Secretary'' in 
        sections 4321, 4322, and 4326 of title 38, United States Code, 
        is deemed to be a reference to the ``Office of Special 
        Counsel''.
            (3) Administrative jurisdiction.--In the case of any claim 
        referred to, or otherwise received by, the Office of Special 
        Counsel under the demonstration project, the Office of Special 
        Counsel shall retain administrative jurisdiction over the claim.

    (e) Data Comparability for Reviewing Agency Performance.--
            (1) In general.--To <<NOTE: Procedures.>> facilitate the 
        review of the relative performance of the Office of Special 
        Counsel and the Department of Labor during the demonstration 
        project, the Office of Special Counsel and the Department of 
        Labor shall jointly establish methods and procedures to be used 
        by both the Office and the Department during the demonstration 
        project. Such methods and procedures shall include each of the 
        following:
                    (A) Definitions of performance measures, including--
                          (i) customer satisfaction;
                          (ii) cost (such as, but not limited to, 
                      average cost per claim);
                          (iii) timeliness (such as, but not limited to, 
                      average processing time, case age);
                          (iv) capacity (such as, but not limited to, 
                      staffing levels, education, grade level, training 
                      received, caseload); and
                          (v) case outcomes.
                    (B) Definitions of case outcomes.
                    (C) Data collection methods and timing of 
                collection.
                    (D) Data quality assurance processes.
            (2) Joint report to congress.--Not later than 90 days after 
        the date of the enactment of this Act, the Special Counsel

[[Page 124 STAT. 2871]]

        and the Secretary of Labor shall jointly submit to the 
        Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and House of 
        Representatives and to the Comptroller General of the United 
        States a report describing the methods and procedures 
        established under paragraph (1).
            (3) Comptroller general report.--Not later than 30 days 
        after the date of the submittal of the report under paragraph 
        (2), the Comptroller General shall submit to the Committees on 
        Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and House of Representatives a 
        report on the report submitted under paragraph (2) and may 
        provide recommendations for improving the methods and procedures 
        described therein.

    (f) Agency Data to Government Accountability Office.--The Office of 
Special Counsel and the Secretary of Labor shall submit to the 
Comptroller General such information and data about the demonstration 
project as may be required by the Comptroller General, from time to time 
during the course of the demonstration project and at the conclusion, in 
order for the Comptroller General to assess the reliability of the 
demonstration data maintained by both the Office of Special Counsel and 
the Department of Labor and to review the relative performance of the 
Office and Department under the demonstration project.
    (g) Government Accountability Office Report.--The Comptroller 
General shall review the relative performance of the Office of Special 
Counsel and the Department of Labor under the demonstration project 
and--
            (1) not later than one year after the commencement of the 
        demonstration project, and annually thereafter during the period 
        when the demonstration project is conducted, submit to the 
        Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and House of 
        Representatives an interim report on the demonstration project; 
        and
            (2) not later than 90 days after the conclusion of the 
        demonstration project, submit to such committees a final report 
        that includes the findings and conclusions of the Comptroller 
        General regarding the relative performance of the Office and the 
        Department under the demonstration project and such 
        recommendations as the Comptroller General determines are 
        appropriate.
SEC. 106. <<NOTE: 29 USC 2913 note.>> VETERANS ENERGY-RELATED 
                        EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM.

    (a) Establishment of Pilot Program.--To encourage the employment of 
eligible veterans in the energy industry, the Secretary of Labor, as 
part of the Veterans Workforce Investment Program, shall carry out a 
pilot program to be known as the ``Veterans Energy-Related Employment 
Program''. Under <<NOTE: Grants. States.>> the pilot program, the 
Secretary shall award competitive grants to not more than three States 
for the establishment and administration of a State program to make 
grants to energy employers that provide covered training, on-job 
training, apprenticeships, and certification classes to eligible 
veterans. Such a program shall be known as a ``State Energy-Related 
Employment Program''.

    (b) Eligibility for Grants.--To be eligible to receive a grant under 
the pilot program, a State shall submit to the Secretary an application 
that includes each of the following:
            (1) A proposal for the expenditure of grant funds to 
        establish and administer a public-private partnership program

[[Page 124 STAT. 2872]]

        designed to provide covered training, on-job training, 
        apprenticeships, and certification classes to a significant 
        number of eligible veterans and ensure lasting and sustainable 
        employment in well-paying jobs in the energy industry.
            (2) Evidence that the State has--
                    (A) a population of eligible veterans of an 
                appropriate size to carry out the State program;
                    (B) a robust and diverse energy industry; and
                    (C) the ability to carry out the State program 
                described in the proposal under paragraph (1).
            (3) Such other information and assurances as the Secretary 
        may require.

    (c) Use of Funds.--A State that is the recipient of a grant under 
this section shall use the grant for the following purposes:
            (1) Making grants to energy employers to reimburse such 
        employers for the cost of providing covered training, on-job 
        training, apprenticeships, and certification classes to eligible 
        veterans who are first hired by the employer on or after 
        November 1, 2010.
            (2) Conducting outreach to inform energy employers and 
        veterans, including veterans in rural areas, of their 
        eligibility or potential eligibility for participation in the 
        State program.

    (d) Conditions.--Under the pilot program, each grant to a State 
shall be subject to the following conditions:
            (1) The <<NOTE: Payments.>> State shall repay to the 
        Secretary, on such date as shall be determined by the Secretary, 
        any amount received under the pilot program that is not used for 
        the purposes described in subsection (c).
            (2) The <<NOTE: Reports.>> State shall submit to the 
        Secretary, at such times and containing such information as the 
        Secretary shall require, reports on the use of grant funds.

    (e) Employer Requirements.--In order to receive a grant made by a 
State under the pilot program, an energy employer shall--
            (1) submit to the administrator of the State Energy-Related 
        Employment Program an application that includes--
                    (A) the rate of pay, during and after training, for 
                each eligible veteran proposed to be trained using grant 
                funds;
                    (B) the average rate of pay for an individual 
                employed by the energy employer in a similar position 
                who is not an eligible veteran; and
                    (C) such other information and assurances as the 
                administrator may require; and
            (2) agree <<NOTE: Reports. Deadlines.>> to submit to the 
        administrator, for each quarter, a report containing such 
        information as the Secretary may specify.

    (f) Limitation.--None of the funds made available to an energy 
employer through a grant under the pilot program may be used to provide 
training of any kind to--
            (1) a person who is not an eligible veteran; or
            (2) an eligible veteran for whom the employer has received a 
        grant, credit, or subsidy under any other provision of law.

    (g) Report to Congress.--Together with the report required to be 
submitted annually under section 4107(c) of title 38, United States 
Code, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report on the pilot 
program for the year covered by such report. The report

[[Page 124 STAT. 2873]]

on the pilot program shall include a detailed description of activities 
carried out under this section and an evaluation of the program.
    (h) Administrative and Reporting Costs.--Of the amounts appropriated 
pursuant to the authorization of appropriations under subsection (j), 
two percent shall be made available to the Secretary for administrative 
costs associated with implementing and evaluating the pilot program 
under this section and for preparing and submitting the report required 
under subsection (f). The <<NOTE: Determination.>> Secretary shall 
determine the appropriate maximum amount of each grant awarded under 
this section that may be used by the recipient for administrative and 
reporting costs.

    (i) Definitions.--For purposes of this section:
            (1) The term ``covered training, on-job training, 
        apprenticeships, and certification classes'' means training, on-
        job training, apprenticeships, and certification classes that 
        are--
                    (A) designed to provide the veteran with skills that 
                are particular to an energy industry and not directly 
                transferable to employment in another industry; and
                    (B) approved as provided in paragraph (1) or (2), as 
                appropriate, of subsection (a) of section 3687 of title 
                38, United States Code.
            (2) The term ``eligible veteran'' means a veteran, as that 
        term is defined in section 101(2) of title 38, United States 
        Code, who is employed by an energy employer and enrolled or 
        participating in a covered training, on-job training, 
        apprenticeship, or certification class.
            (3) The term ``energy employer'' means an entity that 
        employs individuals in a trade or business in an energy 
        industry.
            (4) The term ``energy industry'' means any of the following 
        industries:
                    (A) The energy-efficient building, construction, or 
                retrofits industry.
                    (B) The renewable electric power industry, including 
                the wind and solar energy industries.
                    (C) The biofuels industry.
                    (D) The energy efficiency assessment industry that 
                serves the residential, commercial, or industrial 
                sectors.
                    (E) The oil and natural gas industry.
                    (F) The nuclear industry.

    (j) Appropriations.--There is authorized to be appropriated to the 
Secretary $1,500,000 for each of fiscal years 2012 through 2014, for the 
purpose of carrying out the pilot program under this section.
SEC. 107. <<NOTE: 38 USC 3317 note.>> PAT TILLMAN VETERANS' 
                        SCHOLARSHIP INITIATIVE.

    (a) Availability of Scholarship Information.--
By <<NOTE: Deadline. Web postings. Lists.>> not later than June 1, 2011, 
the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall include on the Internet website 
of the Department of Veterans Affairs a list of organizations that 
provide scholarships to veterans and their survivors and, for each such 
organization, a link to the Internet website of the organization.

    (b) Maintenance of 
Scholarship <<NOTE: Notification.>> Information.--The Secretary of 
Veterans Affairs shall make reasonable efforts to notify schools and 
other appropriate entities of the opportunity to be included on the 
Internet website of the Department of Veterans Affairs pursuant to 
subsection (a).

[[Page 124 STAT. 2874]]

               TITLE II--HOUSING AND HOMELESSNESS MATTERS

SEC. 201. REAUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS FOR HOMELESS VETERANS 
                        REINTEGRATION PROGRAM.

    Section 2021(e)(1)(F) <<NOTE: 38 USC 2021.>> is amended by striking 
``2009'' and inserting ``2011''.
SEC. 202. HOMELESS WOMEN VETERANS AND HOMELESS VETERANS WITH 
                        CHILDREN REINTEGRATION GRANT PROGRAM.

    (a) Grant Program.--Chapter 20 is amended by inserting after section 
2021 the following new section:
``Sec. 2021A. Homeless women veterans and homeless veterans with 
                    children reintegration grant program

    ``(a) Grants.--Subject to the availability of appropriations 
provided for such purpose, the Secretary of Labor shall make grants to 
programs and facilities that the Secretary determines provide dedicated 
services for homeless women veterans and homeless veterans with 
children.
    ``(b) Use of Funds.--Grants under this section shall be used to 
provide job training, counseling, placement services (including job 
readiness and literacy and skills training) and child care services to 
expedite the reintegration of homeless women veterans and homeless 
veterans with children into the labor force.
    ``(c) Requirement To Monitor Expenditures of Funds.--(1) The 
Secretary of Labor shall collect such information as that Secretary 
considers appropriate to monitor and evaluate the distribution and 
expenditure of funds appropriated to carry out this section. The 
information shall include data with respect to the results or outcomes 
of the services provided to each homeless veteran under this section.
    ``(2) Information under paragraph (1) shall be furnished in such 
form and manner as the Secretary of Labor may specify.
    ``(d)  Administration Through the Assistant Secretary of Labor for 
Veterans' Employment and Training.--The Secretary of Labor shall carry 
out this section through the Assistant Secretary of Labor for Veterans' 
Employment and Training.
    ``(e) Biennial Report to Congress.--The Secretary of Labor shall 
include as part of the report required under section 2021(d) of this 
title an evaluation of the grant program under this section, which shall 
include an evaluation of services furnished to veterans under this 
section and an analysis of the information collected under subsection 
(c).
    ``(f) Authorization of Appropriations.--(1) In addition to any 
amount authorized to be appropriated to carry out section 2021 of this 
title, there is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section 
$1,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2011 through 2015.
    ``(2) Funds appropriated to carry out this section shall remain 
available until expended. Funds obligated in any fiscal year to carry 
out this section may be expended in that fiscal year and the succeeding 
fiscal year.''.

[[Page 124 STAT. 2875]]

    (b) Clerical <<NOTE: 38 USC 2001.>> Amendment.--The table of 
sections at the beginning of such chapter is amended by inserting after 
the item relating to section 2021 the following new item:

``2021A. Homeless women veterans and homeless veterans with children 
           reintegration grant program.''.

SEC. 203. SPECIALLY ADAPTED HOUSING ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY GRANT 
                        PROGRAM.

    (a) In General.--Chapter 21 is amended by adding at the end the 
following new section:
``Sec. 2108. Specially adapted housing assistive technology grant 
                  program

    ``(a) Authority to Make Grants.--The Secretary shall make grants to 
encourage the development of new assistive technologies for specially 
adapted housing.
    ``(b) Application.--A person or entity seeking a grant under this 
section shall submit to the Secretary an application for the grant in 
such form and manner as the Secretary shall specify.
    ``(c) Grant Funds.--(1) Each grant awarded under this section shall 
be in an amount of not more than $200,000 per fiscal year.
    ``(2) For each <<NOTE: Deadline.>> fiscal year in which the 
Secretary makes a grant under this section, the Secretary shall make the 
grant by not later than April 1 of that year.

    ``(d) Use of Funds.--The recipient of a grant under this section 
shall use the grant to develop assistive technologies for use in 
specially adapted housing.
    ``(e) Report.--Not later than March 1 of each fiscal year following 
a fiscal year in which the Secretary makes a grant, the Secretary shall 
submit to Congress a report containing information related to each grant 
awarded under this section during the preceding fiscal year, including--
            ``(1) the name of the grant recipient;
            ``(2) the amount of the grant; and
            ``(3) the goal of the grant.

    ``(f) Funding.--From amounts appropriated to the Department for 
readjustment benefits for each fiscal year for which the Secretary is 
authorized to make a grant under this section, $1,000,000 shall be 
available for that fiscal year for the purposes of the program under 
this section.
    ``(g) Duration.--The authority to make a grant under this section 
shall begin on October 1, 2011, and shall terminate on September 30, 
2016.''.
    (b) Clerical <<NOTE: 38 USC 2101.>> Amendment.--The table of 
sections at the beginning of such chapter is amended by adding at the 
end the following new item:

``2108. Specially adapted housing assistive technology grant program.''.

SEC. 204. WAIVER OF HOUSING LOAN FEE FOR CERTAIN VETERANS WITH 
                        SERVICE-CONNECTED DISABILITIES CALLED TO 
                        ACTIVE SERVICE.

    Section 3729(c)(1) is <<NOTE: 38 USC 3729.>> amended by inserting 
after ``retirement pay'' the following: ``or active service pay''.

[[Page 124 STAT. 2876]]

           TITLE III--SERVICEMEMBERS CIVIL RELIEF ACT MATTERS

SEC. 301. RESIDENTIAL AND MOTOR VEHICLE LEASES.

    Subsection (e) of section 305 of the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act 
(50 U.S.C. App. 535) is amended to read as follows:
    ``(e) Arrearages and Other Obligations and Liabilities.--
            ``(1) Leases of premises.--Rent amounts for a lease 
        described in subsection (b)(1) that are unpaid for the period 
        preceding the effective date of the lease termination shall be 
        paid on a prorated basis. The lessor may not impose an early 
        termination charge, but any taxes, summonses, or other 
        obligations and liabilities of the lessee in accordance with the 
        terms of the lease, including reasonable charges to the lessee 
        for excess wear, that are due and unpaid at the time of 
        termination of the lease shall be paid by the lessee.
            ``(2) Leases of motor vehicles.--Lease amounts for a lease 
        described in subsection (b)(2) that are unpaid for the period 
        preceding the effective date of the lease termination shall be 
        paid on a prorated basis. The lessor may not impose an early 
        termination charge, but any taxes, summonses, title and 
        registration fees, or other obligations and liabilities of the 
        lessee in accordance with the terms of the lease, including 
        reasonable charges to the lessee for excess wear or use and 
        mileage, that are due and unpaid at the time of termination of 
        the lease shall be paid by the lessee.''.
SEC. 302. TERMINATION OF TELEPHONE SERVICE CONTRACTS.

    (a) In General.--Section 305A of the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act 
(50 U.S.C. App. 535a) is amended to read as follows:
``SEC. 305A. TERMINATION OF TELEPHONE SERVICE CONTRACTS.

    ``(a) Termination by Servicemember.--
            ``(1) Termination.--A servicemember may terminate a contract 
        described in subsection (b) at any time after the date the 
        servicemember receives military orders to relocate for a period 
        of not less than 90 days to a location that does not support the 
        contract.
            ``(2) Notice.--In the case that a servicemember terminates a 
        contract as described in paragraph (1), the service provider 
        under the contract shall provide such servicemember with written 
        or electronic notice of the servicemember's rights under such 
        paragraph.
            ``(3) Manner of termination.--
        Termination <<NOTE: Notice.>> of a contract under paragraph (1) 
        shall be made by delivery of a written or electronic notice of 
        such termination and a copy of the servicemember's military 
        orders to the service provider, delivered in accordance with 
        industry standards for notification of terminations, together 
        with the date on which the service is to be terminated.

    ``(b) Covered Contracts.--A contract described in this subsection is 
a contract for cellular telephone service or telephone exchange service 
entered into by the servicemember before receiving the military orders 
referred to in subsection (a)(1).
    ``(c) Retention of Telephone Number.--In the case of a contract 
terminated under subsection (a) by a servicemember whose

[[Page 124 STAT. 2877]]

period of relocation is for a period of three years or less, the service 
provider under the contract shall, notwithstanding any other provision 
of law, allow the servicemember to keep the telephone number the 
servicemember has under the contract if the servicemember re-subscribes 
to the service during the 90-day period beginning on the last day of 
such period of relocation.
    ``(d) Family Plans.--In the case of a contract for cellular 
telephone service entered into by any individual in which a 
servicemember is a designated beneficiary of the contract, the 
individual who entered into the contract may terminate the contract--
            ``(1) with respect to the servicemember if the servicemember 
        is eligible to terminate contracts pursuant to subsection (a); 
        and
            ``(2) with respect to all of the designated beneficiaries of 
        such contract if all such beneficiaries accompany the 
        servicemember during the servicemember's period of relocation.

    ``(e) Other Obligations and Liabilities.--For any contract 
terminated under this section, the service provider under the contract 
may not impose an early termination charge, but any tax or any other 
obligation or liability of the servicemember that, in accordance with 
the terms of the contract, is due and unpaid or unperformed at the time 
of termination of the contract shall be paid or performed by the 
servicemember. If the servicemember re-subscribes to the service 
provided under a covered contract during the 90-day period beginning on 
the last day of the servicemember's period of relocation, the service 
provider may not impose a charge for reinstating service, other than the 
usual and customary charges for the installation or acquisition of 
customer equipment imposed on any other subscriber.
    ``(f) Return of Advance Payments.--Not <<NOTE: Deadline.>> later 
than 60 days after the effective date of the termination of a contract 
under this section, the service provider under the contract shall refund 
to the servicemember any fee or other amount to the extent paid for a 
period extending until after such date, except for the remainder of the 
monthly or similar billing period in which the termination occurs.

    ``(g) Definitions.--For purposes of this section:
            ``(1) The term `cellular telephone service' means commercial 
        mobile service, as that term is defined in section 332(d) of the 
        Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 332(d)).
            ``(2) The term `telephone exchange service' has the meaning 
        given that term under section 3 of the Communications Act of 
        1934 (47 U.S.C. 153).''.

    (b) Technical <<NOTE: 50 USC app. 531.>> Amendment.--The heading for 
title III of such Act is amended by inserting ``, TELEPHONE SERVICE 
CONTRACTS'' after ``LEASES''.

    (c) Clerical Amendments.--The table of contents in section 1(b) of 
such Act is amended--
            (1) by striking the item relating to title III and inserting 
        the following new item:

``TITLE III--RENT, INSTALLMENT CONTRACTS, MORTGAGES, LIENS, ASSIGNMENT, 
               LEASES, TELEPHONE SERVICE CONTRACTS''; and

            (2) by striking the item relating to section 305A and 
        inserting the following new item:

``Sec. 305A. Termination of telephone service contracts.''.

[[Page 124 STAT. 2878]]

SEC. 303. ENFORCEMENT BY THE ATTORNEY GENERAL AND BY PRIVATE RIGHT 
                        OF ACTION.

    (a) In General.--The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (50 U.S.C. App. 
501 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following new title:

                      ``TITLE VIII--CIVIL LIABILITY

``SEC. 801. <<NOTE: 50 USC app. 597.>> ENFORCEMENT BY THE ATTORNEY 
                        GENERAL.

    ``(a) Civil Action.--The Attorney General may commence a civil 
action in any appropriate district court of the United States against 
any person who--
            ``(1) engages in a pattern or practice of violating this 
        Act; or
            ``(2) engages in a violation of this Act that raises an 
        issue of significant public importance.

    ``(b) Relief.--In a civil action commenced under subsection (a), the 
court may--
            ``(1) grant any appropriate equitable or declaratory relief 
        with respect to the violation of this Act;
            ``(2) award all other appropriate relief, including monetary 
        damages, to any person aggrieved by the violation; and
            ``(3) may, to vindicate the public interest, assess a civil 
        penalty--
                    ``(A) in an amount not exceeding $55,000 for a first 
                violation; and
                    ``(B) in an amount not exceeding $110,000 for any 
                subsequent violation.

    ``(c) Intervention.--Upon timely application, a person aggrieved by 
a violation of this Act with respect to which the civil action is 
commenced may intervene in such action, and may obtain such appropriate 
relief as the person could obtain in a civil action under section 802 
with respect to that violation, along with costs and a reasonable 
attorney fee.
``SEC. 802. <<NOTE: 50 USC app. 597a.>> PRIVATE RIGHT OF ACTION.

    ``(a) In General.--Any person aggrieved by a violation of this Act 
may in a civil action--
            ``(1) obtain any appropriate equitable or declaratory relief 
        with respect to the violation; and
            ``(2) recover all other appropriate relief, including 
        monetary damages.

    ``(b) Costs and Attorney Fees.--The court may award to a person 
aggrieved by a violation of this Act who prevails in an action brought 
under subsection (a) the costs of the action, including a reasonable 
attorney fee.
``SEC. 803. <<NOTE: 50 USC app. 597b. Fines.>> PRESERVATION OF 
                        REMEDIES.

    ``Nothing in section 801 or 802 shall be construed to preclude or 
limit any remedy otherwise available under other law, including 
consequential and punitive damages.''.
    (b) Conforming Amendments.--Such Act is further amended as follows:
            (1) Section 207 (50 U.S.C. App. 527) is amended by striking 
        subsection (f).
            (2) Section 301(c) (50 U.S.C. App. 531(c)) is amended to 
        read as follows:

[[Page 124 STAT. 2879]]

    ``(c) Misdemeanor.--Except as provided in subsection (a), a person 
who knowingly takes part in an eviction or distress described in 
subsection (a), or who knowingly attempts to do so, shall be fined as 
provided in title 18, United States Code, or imprisoned for not more 
than one year, or both.''.
            (3) Section 302(b) (50 U.S.C. App. 532(b)) is amended to 
        read as follows:

    ``(b) Misdemeanor.--A person who knowingly resumes possession of 
property in violation of subsection (a), or in violation of section 107 
of this Act, or who knowingly attempts to do so, shall be fined as 
provided in title 18, United States Code, or imprisoned for not more 
than one year, or both.''.
            (4) Section 303(d) (50 U.S.C. App. 533(d)) is amended to 
        read as follows:

    ``(d) Misdemeanor.--A person who knowingly makes or causes to be 
made a sale, foreclosure, or seizure of property that is prohibited by 
subsection (c), or who knowingly attempts to do so, shall be fined as 
provided in title 18, United States Code, or imprisoned for not more 
than one year, or both.''.
            (5) Section 305(h) (50 U.S.C. App. 535(h)) is amended to 
        read as follows:

    ``(h) Misdemeanor.--Any person who knowingly seizes, holds, or 
detains the personal effects, security deposit, or other property of a 
servicemember or a servicemember's dependent who lawfully terminates a 
lease covered by this section, or who knowingly interferes with the 
removal of such property from premises covered by such lease, for the 
purpose of subjecting or attempting to subject any of such property to a 
claim for rent accruing subsequent to the date of termination of such 
lease, or attempts to do so, shall be fined as provided in title 18, 
United States Code, or imprisoned for not more than one year, or 
both.''.
            (6) Section 306(e) (50 U.S.C. App. 536(e)) is amended to 
        read as follows:

    ``(e) Misdemeanor.--A person who knowingly takes an action contrary 
to this section, or attempts to do so, shall be fined as provided in 
title 18, United States Code, or imprisoned for not more than one year, 
or both.''.
            (7) Section 307(c) (50 U.S.C. App. 537(c)) is amended to 
        read as follows:

    ``(c) Misdemeanor.--A person who knowingly takes an action contrary 
to this section, or attempts to do so, shall be fined as provided in 
title 18, United States Code, or imprisoned for not more than one year, 
or both.''.
    (c) Clerical Amendment.--The table of contents in section 1(b) of 
such Act is amended by adding at the end the following new items:

                      ``TITLE VIII--CIVIL LIABILITY

``Sec. 801. Enforcement by the Attorney General.
``Sec. 802. Private right of action.
``Sec. 803. Preservation of remedies.''.

[[Page 124 STAT. 2880]]

                       TITLE IV--INSURANCE MATTERS

SEC. 401. INCREASE IN AMOUNT OF SUPPLEMENTAL INSURANCE FOR TOTALLY 
                        DISABLED VETERANS.

    (a) In General.--Section 1922A(a) <<NOTE: 38 USC 1922.>> is amended 
by striking ``$20,000'' and inserting ``$30,000''.

    (b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a) shall take 
effect on October 1, 2011.
SEC. 402. PERMANENT EXTENSION OF DURATION OF SERVICEMEMBERS' GROUP 
                        LIFE INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR TOTALLY 
                        DISABLED VETERANS.

    (a) Extension.--Section 1968(a) is amended--
            (1) in paragraph (1)(A), by striking clause (ii) and 
        inserting the following new clause (ii):
                          ``(ii) The date that is two years after the 
                      date of separation or release from such active 
                      duty or active duty for training.''; and
            (2) in paragraph (4), by striking subparagraph (B) and 
        inserting the following new subparagraph (B):
                    ``(B) The date that is two years after the date of 
                separation or release from such assignment.''.

    (b) Effective <<NOTE: 38 USC 1968 note.>> Date.--The amendments made 
by subsection (a) shall apply with respect to a person who is separated 
or released on or after June 15, 2005.
SEC. 403. ADJUSTMENT OF COVERAGE OF DEPENDENTS UNDER 
                        SERVICEMEMBERS' GROUP LIFE INSURANCE.

    Clause (ii) of section 1968(a)(5)(B) is amended to read as follows:
                          ``(ii)(I) in the case of a member of the Ready 
                      Reserve of a uniformed service who meets the 
                      qualifications set forth in subparagraph (B) or 
                      (C) of section 1965(5) of this title, 120 days 
                      after separation or release from such assignment; 
                      or
                          ``(II) in the case of any other member of the 
                      uniformed services, 120 days after the date of the 
                      member's separation or release from the uniformed 
                      services; or''.
SEC. 404. OPPORTUNITY TO INCREASE AMOUNT OF VETERANS' GROUP LIFE 
                        INSURANCE.

    (a) Opportunity to Increase Amount.--Section 1977(a) is amended--
            (1) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``Except as provided in 
        paragraph (3),'' before ``Veterans' Group Life Insurance shall 
        be''; and
            (2) by adding after paragraph (2) the following new 
        paragraph:

    ``(3) Not more than once in each five-year period beginning on the 
one-year anniversary of the date a person becomes insured under 
Veterans' Group Life Insurance, such person may elect in writing to 
increase by $25,000 the amount for which the person is insured if--
            ``(A) the person is under the age of 60; and
            ``(B) the total amount for which the person is insured does 
        not exceed the amount provided for under section 
        1967(a)(3)(A)(i) of this title.''.

[[Page 124 STAT. 2881]]

    (b) Effective <<NOTE: 38 USC 1977 note.>> Date.--Paragraph (3) of 
section 1977(a) of title 38, United States Code, as added by subsection 
(a), shall take effect on the date that is 180 days after the date of 
the enactment of this Act.
SEC. 405. ELIMINATION OF REDUCTION IN AMOUNT OF ACCELERATED DEATH 
                        BENEFIT FOR TERMINALLY-ILL PERSONS INSURED 
                        UNDER SERVICEMEMBERS' GROUP LIFE INSURANCE 
                        AND VETERANS' GROUP LIFE INSURANCE.

    (a) Elimination of Reduction.--Section 1980(b)(1) <<NOTE: 38 USC 
1980.>> is amended by striking ``reduced by'' and all that follows 
through ``the Secretary''.

    (b) Effective <<NOTE: 38 USC 1980 note.>> Date.--The amendment made 
by subsection (a) shall apply with respect to a payment of an 
accelerated death benefit under section 1980 of title 38, United States 
Code, made on or after the date of the enactment of this Act.
SEC. 406. CONSIDERATION OF LOSS OF DOMINANT HAND IN PRESCRIPTION 
                        OF SCHEDULE OF SEVERITY OF TRAUMATIC 
                        INJURY UNDER SERVICEMEMBERS' GROUP LIFE 
                        INSURANCE.

    (a) Schedule.--
            (1) In general.--Section 1980A(d) is amended--
                    (A) by striking ``Payments under'' and inserting 
                ``(1) Payments under''; and
                    (B) by adding at the end the following new 
                paragraph:

    ``(2) As the Secretary considers appropriate, the schedule required 
by paragraph (1) may distinguish in specifying payments for qualifying 
losses between the severity of a qualifying loss of a dominant hand and 
of a qualifying loss of a nondominant hand.''.
            (2) Effective date.--The <<NOTE: 38 USC 1980A 
        note.>> amendments made by paragraph (1) shall take effect on 
        October 1, 2011.

    (b) Payments <<NOTE: 38 USC 1980A note.>> for Qualifying Losses 
Incurred Before Date of Enactment.--
            (1) In general.--To <<NOTE: Regulations.>> the extent 
        necessary, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall prescribe in 
        regulations mechanisms for payments under section 1980A of title 
        38, United States Code, for qualifying losses incurred before 
        the date of the enactment of this Act, by reason of paragraph 
        (2) of subsection (d) of such section (as added by subsection 
        (a)(1) of this section).
            (2) Qualifying loss defined.--In this subsection, the term 
        ``qualifying loss'' means--
                    (A) a loss specified in the second sentence of 
                subsection (b)(1) of section 1980A of title 38, United 
                States Code; and
                    (B) any other loss specified by the Secretary of 
                Veterans Affairs pursuant to the first sentence of that 
                subsection.
SEC. 407. ENHANCEMENT OF VETERANS' MORTGAGE LIFE INSURANCE.

    (a) In General.--Section 2106(b) is amended by striking ``$90,000'' 
and inserting ``$150,000, or after January 1, 2012, $200,000,''.
    (b) Effective <<NOTE: 38 USC 2106 note.>> Date.--The amendment made 
by subsection (a) shall take effect on October 1, 2011.

[[Page 124 STAT. 2882]]

SEC. 408. EXPANSION OF INDIVIDUALS QUALIFYING FOR RETROACTIVE 
                        BENEFITS FROM TRAUMATIC INJURY PROTECTION 
                        COVERAGE UNDER SERVICEMEMBERS' GROUP LIFE 
                        INSURANCE.

    (a) In General.--Paragraph (1) of section 501(b) of the Veterans' 
Housing Opportunity and Benefits Improvement Act of 2006 (Public Law 
109-233; 120 Stat. 414; 38 U.S.C. 1980A note) is amended by striking ``, 
if, as determined by the Secretary concerned, that loss was a direct 
result of a traumatic injury incurred in the theater of operations for 
Operation Enduring Freedom or Operation Iraqi Freedom''.
    (b) Conforming Amendment.--The heading of such section is amended by 
striking ``in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom''.
    (c) Effective <<NOTE: 38 USC 1980A note.>> Date.--The amendments 
made by this section shall take effect on October 1, 2011.

                  TITLE V--BURIAL AND CEMETERY MATTERS

SEC. 501. INCREASE IN CERTAIN BURIAL AND FUNERAL BENEFITS AND PLOT 
                        ALLOWANCES FOR VETERANS.

    (a) Increase in Burial and Funeral Expenses for Deaths in Department 
Facilities.--Paragraph (1)(A) of subsection (a) of section 
2303 <<NOTE: 38 USC 2303.>> is amended by striking ``$300'' and 
inserting ``$700 (as increased from time to time under subsection 
(c))''.

    (b) Increase in Amount of Plot Allowances.--Subsection (b) of such 
section is amended by striking ``$300'' both places it appears and 
inserting ``$700 (as increased from time to time under subsection 
(c))''.
    (c) Annual Adjustment.--Such section is further amended by adding at 
the end the following new subsection:
    ``(c) With respect to any fiscal year, the Secretary shall provide a 
percentage increase (rounded to the nearest dollar) in the maximum 
amount of burial and funeral expenses payable under subsection (a) and 
in the maximum amount of the plot or internment allowance payable under 
subsection (b), equal to the percentage by which--
            ``(1) the Consumer Price Index (all items, United States 
        city average) for the 12-month period ending on the June 30 
        preceding the beginning of the fiscal year for which the 
        increase is made, exceeds
            ``(2) the Consumer Price Index for the 12-month period 
        preceding the 12-month period described in paragraph (1).''.

    (d) Effective <<NOTE: 38 USC 2303 note.>> Date.--
            (1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), the 
        amendments made by this section shall apply with respect to 
        deaths occurring on or after October 1, 2011.
            (2) Prohibition on cost-of-living adjustment for fiscal year 
        2012.--No adjustments shall be made under section 2303(c) of 
        title 38, United States Code, as added by subsection (c), for 
        fiscal year 2012.

[[Page 124 STAT. 2883]]

SEC. 502. <<NOTE: Corey Shea Act.>> INTERMENT IN NATIONAL 
                        CEMETERIES OF PARENTS OF CERTAIN DECEASED 
                        VETERANS.

    (a) Short Title.--This <<NOTE: 38 USC 101 note.>> section may be 
cited as the ``Corey Shea Act''.

    (b) Interment of Parents of Certain Deceased Veterans.--
Section <<NOTE: 38 USC 2402.>> 2402 is amended--
            (1) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking 
        ``Under such regulations'' and inserting ``(a) Under such 
        regulations'';
            (2) by moving the margins of paragraphs (1) through (8) two 
        ems to the right;
            (3) by inserting after paragraph (8) the following new 
        paragraph:
            ``(9)(A) The parent of a person described in subparagraph 
        (B), if the Secretary determines that there is available space 
        at the gravesite where the person described in subparagraph (B) 
        is interred.
            ``(B) A person described in this subparagraph is a person 
        described in paragraph (1) who--
                    ``(i) is a hostile casualty or died from a training-
                related injury;
                    ``(ii) is interred in a national cemetery; and
                    ``(iii) at the time of the person's parent's death, 
                did not have a spouse, surviving spouse, or child who is 
                buried or who, upon death, may be eligible for burial in 
                a national cemetery pursuant to paragraph (5).''; and
            (4) by adding at the end the following new subsection:

    ``(b) <<NOTE: Definitions.>> For purposes of subsection (a)(9) of 
this section:
            ``(1) The term `parent' means a biological father or a 
        biological mother or, in the case of adoption, a father through 
        adoption or a mother through adoption.
            ``(2) The term `hostile casualty' means a person who, as a 
        member of the Armed Forces, dies as the direct result of hostile 
        action with the enemy, while in combat, while going to or 
        returning from a combat mission if the cause of death was 
        directly related to hostile action, or while hospitalized or 
        undergoing treatment at the expense of the United States for 
        injury incurred during combat, and includes a person killed 
        mistakenly or accidentally by friendly fire directed at a 
        hostile force or what is thought to be a hostile force, but does 
        not include a person who dies due to the elements, a self-
        inflicted wound, combat fatigue, or a friendly force while the 
        person was in an absent-without-leave, deserter, or dropped-
        from-rolls status or was voluntarily absent from a place of 
        duty.
            ``(3) The term `training-related injury' means an injury 
        incurred by a member of the Armed Forces while performing 
        authorized training activities in preparation for a combat 
        mission.''.

    (c) Guidance <<NOTE: 38 USC 2402 note.>> Required.--The Secretary of 
Veterans Affairs, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense, shall 
develop guidance under which the parent of a person described in 
paragraph (9)(B) of subsection (a) of section 2402 of title 38, United 
States Code, as added by subsection (b), may be designated for interment 
in a national cemetery under that section.

    (d) Conforming Amendments.--

[[Page 124 STAT. 2884]]

            (1) Cross-reference <<NOTE: 38 USC 107.>> correction.--
        Section 107 is amended by striking ``section 2402(8)'' both 
        places it appears and inserting ``section 2402(a)(8)''.
            (2) Cross-reference correction.--Section 2301(e) is amended 
        by striking ``section 2402(6)'' and inserting ``section 
        2402(a)(6)''.
            (3) Cross-reference correction.--Section 2306(a) is 
        amended--
                    (A) in paragraph (2), by striking ``section 
                2402(4)'' and inserting ``section 2402(a)(4)''; and
                    (B) in paragraph (4), by striking ``section 
                2402(5)'' and inserting ``section 2402(a)(5)''.

    (e) Effective <<NOTE: 38 USC 107 note.>> Date.--The amendments made 
by this section shall apply with respect to the death, on or after the 
date of the enactment of this Act, of the parent of a person described 
in paragraph (9)(B) of subsection (a) of section 2402 of title 38, 
United States Code, as added by subsection (b), who dies on or after 
October 7, 2001.
SEC. 503. <<NOTE: 38 USC 2400 note.>> REPORTS ON SELECTION OF NEW 
                        NATIONAL CEMETERIES.

    (a) Initial Report.--
            (1) Report required.--Not later than one year after the date 
        of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs 
        shall submit to Congress a report on the selection of the sites 
        described in paragraph (2) for the purpose of establishing new 
        national cemeteries.
            (2) Sites.--The sites described in this paragraph are the 
        following:
                    (A) An area in southern Colorado.
                    (B) An area near Melbourne, Florida, and Daytona, 
                Florida.
                    (C) An area near Omaha, Nebraska.
                    (D) An area near Buffalo, New York, and Rochester, 
                New York.
                    (E) An area near Tallahassee, Florida.
            (3) Site selection.--In carrying out this section, the 
        Secretary shall solicit advice and views of representatives of 
        State and local veterans organizations and other individuals as 
        the Secretary considers appropriate.
            (4) Matters included.--The report under paragraph (1) shall 
        include the following:
                    (A) A schedule for the establishment of each 
                cemetery at each site described in paragraph (2) and an 
                estimate of the costs associated with the establishment 
                of each such cemetery.
                    (B) As of the date of the submittal of the report, 
                the amount of funds that are available to establish each 
                cemetery at each site described in paragraph (2) from 
                amounts appropriated to the Department of Veterans 
                Affairs for Advance Planning.

    (b) Annual Reports.--Not later than two years after the date of the 
enactment of this Act, and each year thereafter until the date on which 
each cemetery at each site described in subsection (a)(2) is 
established, the Secretary shall submit to Congress an annual report 
that includes updates to the information provided in the report under 
subsection (a).

[[Page 124 STAT. 2885]]

                   TITLE VI--COMPENSATION AND PENSION

SEC. 601. ENHANCEMENT OF DISABILITY COMPENSATION FOR CERTAIN 
                        DISABLED VETERANS WITH DIFFICULTIES USING 
                        PROSTHESES AND DISABLED VETERANS IN NEED 
                        OF REGULAR AID AND ATTENDANCE FOR 
                        RESIDUALS OF TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY.

    (a) Veterans Suffering Anatomical Loss of Hands, Arms, or Legs.--
Section 1114 <<NOTE: 38 USC 1114.>> is amended--
            (1) in subsection (m)--
                    (A) by striking ``at a level, or with 
                complications,'' and inserting ``with factors''; and
                    (B) by striking ``at levels, or with 
                complications,'' and inserting ``with factors'';
            (2) in subsection (n)--
                    (A) by striking ``at levels, or with 
                complications,'' and inserting ``with factors'';
                    (B) by striking ``so near the hip as to'' and 
                inserting ``with factors that''; and
                    (C) by striking ``so near the shoulder and hip as 
                to'' and inserting ``with factors that''; and
            (3) in subsection (o), by striking ``so near the shoulder as 
        to'' and inserting ``with factors that''.

    (b) Veterans With Service-Connected Disabilities in Need of Regular 
Aid and Attendance for Residuals of Traumatic Brain Injury.--
            (1) In general.--Such section is further amended--
                    (A) in subsection (p), by striking the semicolon at 
                the end and inserting a period; and
                    (B) by adding at the end the following new 
                subsection:

    ``(t) Subject to section 5503(c) of this title, if any veteran, as 
the result of service-connected disability, is in need of regular aid 
and attendance for the residuals of traumatic brain injury, is not 
eligible for compensation under subsection (r)(2), and in the absence of 
such regular aid and attendance would require hospitalization, nursing 
home care, or other residential institutional care, the veteran shall be 
paid, in addition to any other compensation under this section, a 
monthly aid and attendance allowance equal to the rate described in 
subsection (r)(2), which for purposes of section 1134 of this title 
shall be considered as additional compensation payable for disability. 
An allowance authorized under this subsection shall be paid in lieu of 
any allowance authorized by subsection (r)(1).''.
            (2) Conforming amendment.--Section 5503(c) is amended by 
        striking ``in section 1114(r)'' and inserting ``in subsection 
        (r) or (t) of section 1114''.

    (c) Effective <<NOTE: 38 USC 1114 note.>> Date.--The amendments made 
by this section shall take effect on October 1, 2011.
SEC. 602. COST-OF-LIVING INCREASE FOR TEMPORARY DEPENDENCY AND 
                        INDEMNITY COMPENSATION PAYABLE FOR 
                        SURVIVING SPOUSES WITH DEPENDENT CHILDREN 
                        UNDER THE AGE OF 18.

    Section 1311(f) is amended--

[[Page 124 STAT. 2886]]

            (1) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``(as increased from time 
        to time under paragraph (4))'' after ``$250'';
            (2) by redesignating paragraph (4) as paragraph (5); and
            (3) by inserting after paragraph (3) the following new 
        paragraph (4):

    ``(4) Whenever there is an increase in benefit amounts payable under 
title II of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 401 et seq.) as a result 
of a determination made under section 215(i) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 
415(i)), the Secretary shall, effective on the date of such increase in 
benefit amounts, increase the amount payable under paragraph (1), as 
such amount was in effect immediately prior to the date of such increase 
in benefit amounts, by the same percentage as the percentage by which 
such benefit amounts are increased. Any increase in a dollar amount 
under this paragraph shall be rounded down to the next lower whole 
dollar amount.''.
SEC. 603. PAYMENT OF DEPENDENCY AND INDEMNITY COMPENSATION TO 
                        SURVIVORS OF FORMER PRISONERS OF WAR WHO 
                        DIED ON OR BEFORE SEPTEMBER 30, 1999.

    (a) In General.--Section 1318(b)(3) <<NOTE: 38 USC 1318.>> is 
amended by striking ``who died after September 30, 1999,''.

    (b) Effective <<NOTE: 38 USC 1318 note.>> Date.--The amendment made 
by subsection (a) shall take effect on October 1, 2011.
SEC. 604. EXCLUSION OF CERTAIN AMOUNTS FROM CONSIDERATION AS 
                        INCOME FOR PURPOSES OF VETERANS PENSION 
                        BENEFITS.

    (a) Exclusion.--Section 1503(a) is amended--
            (1) by striking ``and'' at the end of paragraph (10);
            (2) by redesignating paragraph (11) as paragraph (12); and
            (3) by inserting after paragraph (10) the following new 
        paragraph (11):
            ``(11) payment of a monetary amount of up to $5,000 to a 
        veteran from a State or municipality that is paid as a veterans' 
        benefit due to injury or disease; and''.

    (b) Effective <<NOTE: 38 USC 1503 note.>> Date.--The amendments made 
by subsection (a) shall apply with respect to determinations of income 
for calendar years beginning after October 1, 2011.
SEC. 605. COMMENCEMENT OF PERIOD OF PAYMENT OF ORIGINAL AWARDS OF 
                        COMPENSATION FOR VETERANS RETIRED OR 
                        SEPARATED FROM THE UNIFORMED SERVICES FOR 
                        CATASTROPHIC DISABILITY.

    (a) Commencement of Period of Payment.--Subsection (a) of section 
5111 is amended--
            (1) by inserting ``(1)'' after ``(a)'';
            (2) in paragraph (1), as so designated by paragraph (1) of 
        this subsection, by striking ``in subsection (c) of this 
        section'' and inserting ``in paragraph (2) and subsection (c)''; 
        and
            (3) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:

    ``(2)(A) In the case of a veteran who is retired or separated from 
the active military, naval, or air service for a catastrophic disability 
or disabilities, payment of monetary benefits based on an award of 
compensation based on an original claim shall be made as of the date on 
which such award becomes effective as provided under section 5110 of 
this title or another applicable provision of law.

[[Page 124 STAT. 2887]]

    ``(B) <<NOTE: Definition.>> For the purposes of this paragraph, the 
term `catastrophic disability', with respect to a veteran, means a 
permanent, severely disabling injury, disorder, or disease that 
compromises the ability of the veteran to carry out the activities of 
daily living to such a degree that the veteran requires personal or 
mechanical assistance to leave home or bed, or requires constant 
supervision to avoid physical harm to self or others.''.

    (b) Effective <<NOTE: 38 USC 5111 note.>> Date.--The amendments made 
by subsection (a) shall take effect on October 1, 2011, and shall apply 
with respect to awards of compensation based on original claims that 
become effective on or after that date.
SEC. 606. APPLICABILITY OF LIMITATION TO PENSION PAYABLE TO 
                        CERTAIN CHILDREN OF VETERANS OF A PERIOD 
                        OF WAR.

    Section 5503(d)(5) <<NOTE: 38 USC 5503.>> is amended--
            (1) by inserting ``(A)'' after ``(5)''; and
            (2) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:

    ``(B) The provisions of this subsection shall apply with respect to 
a child entitled to pension under section 1542 of this title in the same 
manner as they apply to a veteran having neither spouse nor child.''.
SEC. 607. EXTENSION OF REDUCED PENSION FOR CERTAIN VETERANS 
                        COVERED BY MEDICAID PLANS FOR SERVICES 
                        FURNISHED BY NURSING FACILITIES.

    Section 5503(d)(7) is amended by striking ``September 30, 2011'' and 
inserting ``May 31, 2015''.
SEC. 608. CODIFICATION OF 2009 COST-OF-LIVING ADJUSTMENT IN RATES 
                        OF PENSION FOR DISABLED VETERANS AND 
                        SURVIVING SPOUSES AND CHILDREN.

    (a) Disabled Veterans.--Section 1521 of title 38, United States 
Code, is amended--
            (1) in subsection (b), by striking ``$3,550'' and inserting 
        ``$11,830'';
            (2) in subsection (c)--
                    (A) by striking ``$4,651'' and inserting 
                ``$15,493''; and
                    (B) by striking ``$600'' and inserting ``$2,020'';
            (3) in subsection (d)--
                    (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``$5,680'' and 
                inserting ``$19,736''; and
                    (B) in paragraph (2)--
                          (i) by striking ``$6,781'' and inserting 
                      ``$23,396''; and
                          (ii) by striking ``$600'' and inserting 
                      ``$2,020'';
            (4) in subsection (e)--
                    (A) by striking ``$4,340'' and inserting 
                ``$14,457'';
                    (B) by striking ``$5,441'' and inserting 
                ``$18,120''; and
                    (C) by striking ``$600'' and inserting ``$2,020'';
            (5) in subsection (f)--
                    (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``$4,651'' and 
                inserting ``$15,493'';
                    (B) in paragraph (2)--
                          (i) by striking ``$6,781'' and inserting 
                      ``$23,396''; and
                          (ii) by striking ``$8,911'' and inserting 
                      ``$30,480'';
                    (C) in paragraph (3)--

[[Page 124 STAT. 2888]]

                          (i) by striking ``$5,441'' and inserting 
                      ``$18,120''; and
                          (ii) by striking ``$6,231'' and inserting 
                      ``$20,747'';
                    (D) in paragraph (4), by striking ``$7,571'' and 
                inserting ``$26,018''; and
                    (E) in paragraph (5), by striking ``$600'' and 
                inserting ``$2,020''; and
            (6) in subsection (g), by striking ``$800'' and inserting 
        ``$2,686''.

    (b) Surviving Spouses.--Section 1541 of such <<NOTE: 38 USC 
1541.>> title is amended--
            (1) in subsection (b), by striking ``$2,379'' and inserting 
        ``$7,933'';
            (2) in subsection (c)--
                    (A) by striking ``$3,116'' and inserting 
                ``$10,385''; and
                    (B) by striking ``$600'' and inserting ``$2,020'';
            (3) in subsection (d)--
                    (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``$3,806'' and 
                inserting ``$12,681''; and
                    (B) in paragraph (2)--
                          (i) by striking ``$4,543'' and inserting 
                      ``$15,128''; and
                          (ii) by striking ``$600'' and inserting 
                      ``$2,020''; and
            (4) in subsection (e)(1)--
                    (A) by striking ``$2,908'' and inserting ``$9,696'';
                    (B) by striking ``$3,645'' and inserting 
                ``$12,144''; and
                    (C) by striking ``$600'' and inserting ``$2,020''.

    (c) Surviving Children.--Section 1542 of such title is amended by 
striking ``$600'' and inserting ``$2,020'' both places it appears.
    (d) Effective <<NOTE: 38 USC 1521 note.>> Date.--The amendments made 
by subsections (a), (b), and (c) shall apply with respect to pensions 
paid on or after December 1, 2009.

    TITLE VII--EMPLOYMENT AND REEMPLOYMENT RIGHTS OF MEMBERS OF THE 
                           UNIFORMED SERVICES

SEC. 701. CLARIFICATION THAT USERRA PROHIBITS WAGE DISCRIMINATION 
                        AGAINST MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES.

    (a) In General.--Section 4303(2) is amended by striking ``other 
than'' and inserting ``including''.
    (b) Application.--The <<NOTE: 38 USC 4303 note.>>  amendment made by 
subsection (a) shall apply to--
            (1) any failure to comply with a provision of or any 
        violation of chapter 43 of title 38, United States Code, that 
        occurs before, on, or after the date of the enactment of this 
        Act; and
            (2) all actions or complaints filed under such chapter 43 
        that are pending on or after the date of the enactment of this 
        Act.
SEC. 702. CLARIFICATION OF THE DEFINITION OF ``SUCCESSOR IN 
                        INTEREST''.

    (a) In General.--Section 4303(4) is amended by adding at the end the 
following new subparagraph:

[[Page 124 STAT. 2889]]

            ``(D)(i) Whether <<NOTE: Applicability.>> the term 
        `successor in interest' applies with respect to an entity 
        described in subparagraph (A) for purposes of clause (iv) of 
        such subparagraph shall be determined on a case-by-case basis 
        using a multi-factor test that considers the following factors:
                    ``(I) Substantial continuity of business operations.
                    ``(II) Use of the same or similar facilities.
                    ``(III) Continuity of work force.
                    ``(IV) Similarity of jobs and working conditions.
                    ``(V) Similarity of supervisory personnel.
                    ``(VI) Similarity of machinery, equipment, and 
                production methods.
                    ``(VII) Similarity of products or services.
            ``(ii) The entity's lack of notice or awareness of a 
        potential or pending claim under this chapter at the time of a 
        merger, acquisition, or other form of succession shall not be 
        considered when applying the multi-factor test under clause 
        (i).''.

    (b) Application.--The <<NOTE: 38 USC 4303 note.>> amendment made by 
subsection (a) shall apply to--
            (1) any failure to comply with a provision of or any 
        violation of chapter 43 of title 38, United States Code, that 
        occurs before, on, or after the date of the enactment of this 
        Act; and
            (2) all actions or complaints filed under such chapter 43 
        that are pending on or after the date of the enactment of this 
        Act.
SEC. 703. TECHNICAL AMENDMENTS.

    (a) Amendment to Section 4324 of Title 38, United States Code.--
Section 4324(b)(4) is amended by inserting before the period the 
following: ``declining to initiate an action and represent the person 
before the Merit Systems Protection Board''.
    (b) Amendment to Congressional Accountability Act of 1995.--Section 
206(b) of the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 
1316(b)) is amended by striking ``under paragraphs (1), (2)(A), and (3) 
of section 4323(c) of title 38, United States Code'' and inserting 
``under section 4323(d) of title 38, United States Code''.
    (c) Amendment to Section 416 of Title 3, United States Code.--
Section 416(b) of title 3, United States Code, is amended by striking 
``under paragraphs (1) and (2)(A) of section 4323(c) of title 38'' and 
inserting ``under section 4323(d) of title 38''.

                      TITLE VIII--BENEFITS MATTERS

SEC. 801. INCREASE IN NUMBER OF VETERANS FOR WHICH PROGRAMS OF 
                        INDEPENDENT LIVING SERVICES AND ASSISTANCE 
                        MAY BE INITIATED.

    (a) Increase.--Section 3120(e) <<NOTE: 38 USC 3120.>> is amended by 
striking ``2600'' and inserting ``2,700''.

    (b) Effective <<NOTE: 38 USC 3120 note.>> Date.--The amendment made 
by subsection (a) shall apply with respect to fiscal years beginning 
after the date of the enactment of this Act.
SEC. 802. PAYMENT OF UNPAID BALANCES OF DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS 
                        AFFAIRS GUARANTEED LOANS.

    (a) In General.--Section 3732(a)(2) is amended--

[[Page 124 STAT. 2890]]

            (1) by striking ``Before suit'' and inserting ``(A) Before 
        suit''; and
            (2) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:

    ``(B) In the event that a housing loan guaranteed under this chapter 
is modified under the authority provided under section 1322(b) of title 
11, the Secretary may pay the holder of the obligation the unpaid 
principal balance of the obligation due, plus accrued interest, as of 
the date of the filing of the petition under title 11, but only upon the 
assignment, transfer, and delivery to the Secretary (in a form and 
manner satisfactory to the Secretary) of all rights, interest, claims, 
evidence, and records with respect to the housing loan.''.
    (b) Effective <<NOTE: 38 USC 3732 note.>> Date.--The amendments made 
by subsection (a) shall apply with respect to a housing loan guaranteed 
after the date of the enactment of this Act.
SEC. 803. ELIGIBILITY OF DISABLED VETERANS AND MEMBERS OF THE 
                        ARMED FORCES WITH SEVERE BURN INJURIES FOR 
                        AUTOMOBILES AND ADAPTIVE EQUIPMENT.

    (a) Eligibility.--Paragraph (1) of section 3901 <<NOTE: 38 USC 
3901.>>  is amended--
            (1) in subparagraph (A)--
                    (A) in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking 
                ``the disabilities described in subclause (i), (ii), or 
                (iii) below'' and inserting ``the following 
                disabilities''; and
                    (B) by adding at the end the following new clause:
                    ``(iv) A <<NOTE: Regulations.>> severe burn injury 
                (as determined pursuant to regulations prescribed by the 
                Secretary).''; and
            (2) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``subclause (i), (ii), 
        or (iii) of clause (A) of this paragraph'' and inserting 
        ``clause (i), (ii), (iii), or (iv) of subparagraph (A)''.

    (b) Stylistic Amendments.--Such section is further amended--
            (1) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking 
        ``chapter--'' and inserting ``chapter:'';
            (2) in paragraph (1)--
                    (A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by 
                striking ``means--'' and inserting ``means the 
                following:'';
                    (B) in subparagraph (A)--
                          (i) in the matter preceding clause (i), by 
                      striking ``any veteran'' and inserting ``Any 
                      veteran'';
                          (ii) in each of clauses (i) and (ii), by 
                      striking the semicolon at the end and inserting a 
                      period; and
                          (iii) in clause (iii), by striking ``; or'' 
                      and inserting a period; and
                    (C) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``any member'' 
                and inserting ``Any member''.

    (c) Effective <<NOTE: 38 USC 3901 note.>> Date.--The amendments made 
by this section shall take effect on October 1, 2011.
SEC. 804. ENHANCEMENT OF AUTOMOBILE ASSISTANCE ALLOWANCE FOR 
                        VETERANS.

    (a) Increase in Amount of Allowance.--Subsection (a) of section 3902 
is amended by striking ``$11,000'' and inserting ``$18,900 (as adjusted 
from time to time under subsection (e))''.
    (b) Annual Adjustment.--Such section is further amended by adding at 
the end the following new subsection:
    ``(e) Effective <<NOTE: Effective date.>> on October 1 of each year 
(beginning in 2011), the Secretary shall increase the dollar amount in 
effect under

[[Page 124 STAT. 2891]]

subsection (a) by a percentage equal to the percentage by which the 
Consumer Price Index for all urban consumers (U.S. city average) 
increased during the 12-month period ending with the last month for 
which Consumer Price Index data is available. In the event that such 
Consumer Price Index does not increase during such period, the Secretary 
shall maintain the dollar amount in effect under subsection (a) during 
the previous fiscal year.''.

    (c) Effective <<NOTE: 38 USC 3902 note.>> Date.--The amendments made 
by this section shall take effect on October 1, 2011.
SEC. 805. NATIONAL ACADEMIES REVIEW OF BEST TREATMENTS FOR CHRONIC 
                        MULTISYMPTOM ILLNESS IN PERSIAN GULF WAR 
                        VETERANS.

    (a) In General.--The <<NOTE: Contracts.>> Secretary of Veterans 
Affairs shall seek to enter into an agreement with the Institute of 
Medicine of the National Academies to carry out a comprehensive review 
of the best treatments for chronic multisymptom illness in Persian Gulf 
War veterans and an evaluation of how such treatment approaches could 
best be disseminated throughout the Department of Veterans Affairs to 
improve the care and benefits provided to veterans.

    (b) Group of Medical Professionals.--Under any agreement entered 
into under subsection (a), the Institute of Medicine shall convene a 
group of medical professionals who are experienced in treating 
individuals who served as members of the Armed Forces in the Southwest 
Asia Theater of Operations of the Persian Gulf War during 1990 or 1991 
and who have been diagnosed with chronic multisymptom illness or another 
health condition related to chemical and environmental exposure that may 
have occurred during such service.
    (c) Report.--Any agreement entered into under subsection (a) shall 
require the Institute of Medicine to submit to the Secretary and to the 
Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and House of 
Representatives a report on the review and evaluation described in 
subsection (a) by not later than December 31, 2012. The report shall 
include such recommendations for legislative or administrative action as 
the Institute considers appropriate in light of the results of the 
review.
    (d) Funding.--Pursuant to any agreement entered into under 
subsection (a), the Secretary shall provide the Institute of Medicine 
with such funds as are necessary to ensure the timely completion of the 
review described that subsection.
    (e) Definitions.--For purposes of this section:
            (1) The term ``chronic multisymptom illness in Persian Gulf 
        War veterans'' means a chronic multisymptom illness defined by a 
        cluster of signs or symptoms relating to service in the Persian 
        Gulf War, typically including widespread pain, persistent memory 
        and concentration problems, chronic headaches, gastrointestinal 
        problems, and other abnormalities not explained by well-
        established diagnoses.
            (2) The term ``Persian Gulf War'' has the meaning given that 
        term in section 101(33) of title 38, United States Code.
SEC. 806. EXTENSION AND MODIFICATION OF NATIONAL ACADEMY OF 
                        SCIENCES REVIEWS AND EVALUATIONS ON 
                        ILLNESS AND SERVICE IN PERSIAN GULF WAR 
                        AND POST-9/11 GLOBAL OPERATIONS THEATERS.

    (a) Review and Evaluation of Agents and Illnesses Associated With 
Persian Gulf War Service.--

[[Page 124 STAT. 2892]]

            (1) Extension of review and evaluation.--Subsection (j) of 
        section 1603 of the Persian Gulf War Veterans Act of 1998 
        (Public Law 105-277; 38 U.S.C. 1117 note), as amended by section 
        202(d)(2) of the Veterans Education and Benefits Expansion Act 
        of 2001 (Public Law 107-173; 115 Stat. 989), is amended by 
        striking ``October 1, 2010'' and inserting ``October 1, 2015''.
            (2) Disaggregation of results by theaters of operations 
        before and after september 11, 2001.--Such section is further 
        amended--
                    (A) in subsection (c)(1)(A), by striking ``who 
                served in the Southwest Asia theater of operations'' and 
                all that follows and inserting ``who may have been 
                exposed by reason of service in the Southwest Asia 
                theater of operations during the Persian Gulf War or, 
                after September 11, 2001, in another Post-9/11 Global 
                Theater of Operations; and'';
                    (B) in subsection (g)(1), by striking ``Gulf War 
                service'' and inserting ``service described in 
                subsection (c)(1)(A)'';
                    (C) in subsection (i)--
                          (i) in paragraph (1), by striking ``paragraph 
                      (5)'' and inserting ``paragraph (6)'';
                          (ii) by redesignating paragraph (5) as 
                      paragraph (6); and
                          (iii) by inserting after paragraph (4) the 
                      following new paragraph (5):

    ``(5) In each report under this subsection submitted after the date 
of the enactment of this paragraph, any determinations, results, and 
recommendations as described in paragraph (2) shall be submitted 
separately as follows:
            ``(A) For the Southwest Asia theater of operations for the 
        period of the Persian Gulf War ending on September 11, 2001.
            ``(B) For the Post-9/11 Global Theaters of Operations for 
        the period of the Persian Gulf War beginning on September 11, 
        2001.''; and
                    (D) by adding at the end the following new 
                subsection:

    ``(l) Definitions.--In this section:
            ``(1) The term `Persian Gulf War' has the meaning given that 
        term in section 101(33) of title 38, United States Code.
            ``(2) The term `Post-9/11 Global Theater of Operations' 
        means Afghanistan, Iraq, and any other theater of operations for 
        which the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal is awarded 
        for service.''.

    (b) Review and <<NOTE: 38 USC 1117 note.>> Evaluation of Available 
Evidence Regarding Illness and Service in Persian Gulf War.--
            (1) In general.--Subsection (j) of section 101 of the 
        Veterans Programs Enhancement Act of 1998 (Public Law 105-368; 
        112 Stat. 3321) is amended by striking ``11 years after'' and 
        all that follows through ``under subsection (b)'' and inserting 
        ``on October 1, 2018''.
            (2) Disaggregation of results by theaters of operations 
        before and after september 11, 2001.--Such section is further 
        amended--
                    (A) in subsection (c)(1)--
                          (i) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), 
                      by striking ``Gulf war veterans'' and all that 
                      follows through ``Persian Gulf War'' and inserting 
                      ``veterans who served in the Armed Forces in the 
                      Southwest

[[Page 124 STAT. 2893]]

                      Asia theater of operations during the Persian Gulf 
                      War or, after September 11, 2001, in another Post-
                      9/11 Global Theater of Operations and the health 
                      consequences of exposures to risk factors during 
                      such service''; and
                          (ii) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``who 
                      served'' and all that follows through ``such 
                      service'' and inserting ``who may have been 
                      exposed by reason of service in the Southwest Asia 
                      theater of operations during the Persian Gulf War 
                      or, after September 11, 2001, in another Post-9/11 
                      Global Theater of Operations'';
                    (B) in subsection (e)(1)--
                          (i) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), 
                      by striking ``Gulf War service or exposure during 
                      Gulf War service'' and inserting ``service in the 
                      Armed Forces in the Southwest Asia theater of 
                      operations during the Persian Gulf War or, after 
                      September 11, 2001, in another Post-9/11 Global 
                      Theater of Operations or exposure during such 
                      service''; and
                          (ii) in subparagraphs (E) and (F), by striking 
                      ``Gulf War veterans'' each place it appears and 
                      inserting ``veterans described in subsection 
                      (c)(1)'';
                    (C) in subsection (f)(1)--
                          (i) by striking ``service in the Persian Gulf 
                      War'' and inserting ``service described in 
                      subsection (c)(1)(A)''; and
                          (ii) by striking ``Gulf War service'' and 
                      inserting ``such service'';
                    (D) in subsection (h), by adding at the end the 
                following new paragraph:

    ``(5) In each report under this subsection submitted after the date 
of the enactment of this paragraph, any determinations, discussions, and 
recommendations as described in paragraph (2) shall be submitted 
separately as follows:
            ``(A) For the Southwest Asia theater of operations for the 
        period of the Persian Gulf War ending on September 11, 2001.
            ``(B) For the Post-9/11 Global Theaters of Operations for 
        the period of the Persian Gulf War beginning on September 11, 
        2001.'';
                    (E) in subsection (i)--
                          (i) in paragraph (2)--
                                    (I) by striking ``Persian Gulf War 
                                service'' and inserting ``service 
                                described in subsection (c)(1)(A)'';
                                    (II) by striking ``service in the 
                                Persian Gulf War'' and inserting ``such 
                                service''; and
                                    (III) by striking ``Gulf War 
                                veterans'' and inserting ``veterans 
                                described in subsection (c)(1)(A)''; and
                          (ii) by adding at the end the following new 
                      paragraph:

    ``(4) In each report under this subsection submitted after the date 
of the enactment of this paragraph, any recommendations as described in 
paragraph (2) shall be submitted separately as follows:
            ``(A) For the Southwest Asia theater of operations for the 
        period of the Persian Gulf War ending on September 11, 2001.

[[Page 124 STAT. 2894]]

            ``(B) For the Post-9/11 Global Theaters of Operations for 
        the period of the Persian Gulf War beginning on September 11, 
        2001.''; and
                    (F) in subsection (k)--
                          (i) by striking ``In this section, the term'' 
                      and inserting the following: ``In this section:
            ``(1) The term `Persian Gulf War' has the meaning given that 
        term in section 101(33) of title 38, United States Code.
            ``(2) The term `Post-9/11 Global Theater of Operations' 
        means Afghanistan, Iraq, and any other theater of operations for 
        which the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal is awarded 
        for service.
            ``(3) The term''; and
                          (ii) in paragraph (3), as designated by clause 
                      (i)--
                                    (I) by striking ``vaccine associated 
                                with Gulf War service' means'' and 
                                inserting ``vaccine', with respect to 
                                service described in subsection 
                                (c)(1)(A), means''; and
                                    (II) by striking ``service in the 
                                Armed Forces in the Southwest Asia 
                                theater of operations during the Persian 
                                Gulf War'' and inserting ``service 
                                described in such subsection 
                                (c)(1)(A)''.
            (3) Conforming amendment.--Section 1604 of the Persian Gulf 
        War Veterans Act of 1998 (Public Law 105-277; 38 U.S.C. 1117 
        note) is repealed.
SEC. 807. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY FOR REGIONAL OFFICE IN REPUBLIC 
                        OF THE PHILIPPINES.

    (a) Extension of Authority.--Section 315(b) <<NOTE: 38 USC 315.>> is 
amended by striking ``December 31, 2010'' and inserting ``December 31, 
2011''.

    (b) Report.--
            (1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of the 
        enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United 
        States shall submit to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs and 
        the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate and the Committee 
        on Veterans' Affairs and the Committee on Appropriations of the 
        House of Representatives a report on the regional office of the 
        Department of Veterans Affairs in the Republic of the 
        Philippines.
            (2) Elements.--The report required by paragraph (1) shall 
        include the following:
                    (A) A description of the activities of the office 
                described in such paragraph, including activities 
                relating to the administration of benefits provided 
                under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans 
                Affairs and benefits provided under the Social Security 
                Act (42 U.S.C. 301 et seq.).
                    (B) An assessment of the costs and benefits of 
                maintaining such office in the Republic of the 
                Philippines in comparison with the costs and benefits of 
                moving the activities of such office to the United 
                States.
SEC. 808. EXTENSION OF AN ANNUAL REPORT ON EQUITABLE RELIEF.

    Section 503(c) is amended by striking ``December 31, 2009'' and 
inserting ``December 31, 2014''.

[[Page 124 STAT. 2895]]

SEC. 809. AUTHORITY FOR THE PERFORMANCE OF MEDICAL DISABILITY 
                        EXAMINATIONS BY CONTRACT PHYSICIANS.

    Section 704(c) of the Veterans Benefits Act of 2003 (Public Law 108-
183; 38 U.S.C. 5101 note), as amended by section 105 of the Veterans' 
Benefits Improvement Act of 2008 (Public Law 110-389; 122 Stat. 4149) is 
amended by striking ``December 31, 2010'' and inserting ``December 31, 
2012''.

 TITLE IX--AUTHORIZATION OF MEDICAL FACILITY PROJECTS AND MAJOR MEDICAL 
                             FACILITY LEASES

SEC. 901. AUTHORIZATION OF FISCAL YEAR 2011 MAJOR MEDICAL FACILITY 
                        LEASES.

    The Secretary of Veterans Affairs may carry out the following fiscal 
year 2011 major medical facility leases at the locations specified, in 
an amount not to exceed the amount shown for each such location:
            (1) Billings, Montana, Community Based Outpatient Clinic, in 
        an amount not to exceed $7,149,000.
            (2) Boston, Massachusetts, Outpatient Clinic, in an amount 
        not to exceed $3,316,000.
            (3) San Diego, California, Community Based Outpatient 
        Clinic, in an amount not to exceed $21,495,000.
            (4) San Francisco, California, Research Lab, in an amount 
        not to exceed $10,055,000.
            (5) San Juan, Puerto Rico, Mental Health Facility, in an 
        amount not to exceed $5,323,000.
SEC. 902. MODIFICATION OF AUTHORIZATION AMOUNT FOR MAJOR MEDICAL 
                        FACILITY CONSTRUCTION PROJECT PREVIOUSLY 
                        AUTHORIZED FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS 
                        AFFAIRS MEDICAL CENTER, NEW ORLEANS, 
                        LOUISIANA.

    Section 801(a)(1) of the Veterans Benefits, Health Care, and 
Information Technology Act of 2006 (Public Law 109-461; 120 Stat. 3442), 
as amended by section 702(a)(1) of the Veterans' Mental Health and Other 
Care Improvements Act of 2008 (Public Law 110-387; 122 Stat. 4137), is 
amended by striking ``$625,000,000'' and inserting ``$995,000,000''.
SEC. 903. MODIFICATION OF AUTHORIZATION AMOUNT FOR MAJOR MEDICAL 
                        FACILITY CONSTRUCTION PROJECT PREVIOUSLY 
                        AUTHORIZED FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS 
                        AFFAIRS MEDICAL CENTER, LONG BEACH, 
                        CALIFORNIA.

    Section 802(9) of the Veterans Benefits, Health Care, and 
Information Technology Act of 2006 (Public Law 109-461; 120 Stat. 3443) 
is amended by striking ``$107,845,000'' and inserting ``$117,845,000''.
SEC. 904. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

    (a) Authorization of Appropriations for Construction.--There is 
authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for 
fiscal year 2011 for the Construction, Major Projects account 
$1,112,845,000, of which--

[[Page 124 STAT. 2896]]

            (1) $995,000,000 is for the increased amounts authorized for 
        the project whose authorization is modified by section 902; and
            (2) $117,845,000 is for the increased amounts authorized for 
        the project whose authorization is modified by section 903.

    (b) Authorization of Appropriations for Medical Facility Leases.--
There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of Veterans 
Affairs for fiscal year 2011 for the Medical Facilities account 
$47,338,000 for the leases authorized in section 901.
    (c) Limitations.--The projects whose authorizations are modified 
under sections 902 and 903 may only be carried out using--
            (1) funds appropriated for fiscal year 2011 pursuant to the 
        authorization of appropriations in subsection (a) of this 
        section;
            (2) funds available for Construction, Major Projects, for a 
        fiscal year before fiscal year 2011 that remain available for 
        obligation;
            (3) funds available for Construction, Major Projects, for a 
        fiscal year after fiscal year 2011 that remain available for 
        obligation;
            (4) funds appropriated for Construction, Major Projects, for 
        fiscal year 2011 for a category of activity not specific to a 
        project;
            (5) funds appropriated for Construction, Major Projects, for 
        a fiscal year before 2011 for a category of activity not 
        specific to a project; and
            (6) funds appropriated for Construction, Major Projects, for 
        a fiscal year after 2011 for a category of activity not specific 
        to a project.
SEC. 905. REQUIREMENT THAT BID SAVINGS ON MAJOR MEDICAL FACILITY 
                        PROJECTS OF DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS 
                        BE USED FOR OTHER MAJOR MEDICAL FACILITY 
                        CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS OF THE DEPARTMENT.

    Section 8104(d) <<NOTE: 38 USC 8104.>> is amended--
            (1) by striking ``In any case'' and inserting ``(1) Except 
        as provided in paragraph (2), in any case''; and
            (2) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:

    ``(2)(A) In any fiscal year, unobligated amounts in the 
Construction, Major Projects account that are a direct result of bid 
savings from a major medical facility project may only be obligated for 
major medical facility projects authorized for that fiscal year or a 
previous fiscal year.
    ``(B) Whenever <<NOTE: Notice.>> the Secretary obligates amounts for 
a major medical facility under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall 
submit to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs and the Committee on 
Appropriations of the Senate and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs and 
the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives notice 
of the following:
            ``(i) The major medical facility project that is the source 
        of the bid savings.
            ``(ii) The other major medical facility project for which 
        the amounts are being obligated.
            ``(iii) The amounts being obligated for such other major 
        medical facility project.''.

[[Page 124 STAT. 2897]]

                         TITLE X--OTHER MATTERS

SEC. 1001. TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS.

    (a) Chapter 1.--The <<NOTE: 38 USC 101.>> table of sections at the 
beginning of chapter 1 is amended by striking the item relating to 
section 118 and inserting the following new item:

``118. Submission of reports to Congress in electronic form.''.

    (b) Chapter 11.--Section 1114(r)(2) <<NOTE: 38 USC 1114.>> is 
amended by striking ``$$2,983'' and inserting ``$2,983''.

    (c) Chapter 17.--Chapter 17 is amended as follows:
            (1) In each of subparagraphs (A) and (B) of section 
        1717(a)(2), by striking ``the date of the Caregivers and 
        Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2010'' each place it 
        appears and inserting ``May 5, 2010''.
            (2) In section 1785--
                    (A) by striking ``section 2811(b) of the Public 
                Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 300hh-11(b))'' and 
                inserting ``section 2812 of the Public Health Service 
                Act (42 U.S.C. 300hh)''; and
                    (B) by striking ``paragraph (3)(A) of''.

    (d) Chapter 19.--Chapter 19 is amended as follows:
            (1) In the third sentence of section 1967(a)(3)(B), by 
        striking ``spouse,,'' and inserting ``spouse,''.
            (2) In the second sentence of section 1980A(h), by inserting 
        ``section'' before ``1968(a)''.

    (e) Chapter 20.--Section 2044(e)(3) is amended by striking ``fiscal 
year'' and inserting ``fiscal years''.
    (f) Chapter 30.--The <<NOTE: 38 USC 3001.>> table of sections at the 
beginning of chapter 30 is amended by striking the item relating to 
section 3020 and inserting the following new item:

``3020. Authority to transfer unused education benefits to family 
           members for career service members.''.

    (g) Chapter 33.--Chapter 33 is amended as follows:
            (1) In section 3313(c)(1), by striking ``higher education'' 
        each place it appears and inserting ``higher learning''
            (2) In section 3313(d)(3), by striking ``assistance this 
        chapter'' and inserting ``assistance under this chapter''.
            (3) In section 3313(e)(2)(B), by inserting a period at the 
        end.
            (4) In section 3316(b)(2), by striking ``supplement'' and 
        inserting ``supplemental''.
            (5) In section 3316(b)(3), by striking ``educational 
        payable'' and inserting ``educational assistance payable''.
            (6) In section 3318(b)(2)(B), by striking ``higher 
        education'' and inserting ``higher learning''.
            (7) In section 3319(b)(2), by striking ``section (k)'' and 
        inserting ``subsection (j)''.
            (8) In section 3321(b)(2), by striking ``3312'' and 
        inserting ``section 3312 of this title''.

    (h) Chapter 35.--Section 3512(a)(6) is amended by striking ``this 
clause'' and inserting ``this paragraph''.
    (i) Chapter 36.--Section 3684(a)(1) is amended by striking ``,,'' 
and inserting a comma.

[[Page 124 STAT. 2897]]

    (j) Chapter 37.--Section <<NOTE: 38 USC 3733.>> 3733(a)(7) is 
amended by inserting a comma after ``2003''.

    (k) Chapter 41.--Section 4102A(b)(8) is amended by striking 
``Employment and Training'' and inserting ``Employment, Training''.
    (l) Chapter 55.--Chapter 55 is amended as follows:
            (1) In section 5510, in the second sentence of the matter 
        preceding paragraph (1) by striking ``following: --'' and 
        inserting ``following:''.
            (2) In section 5510(9), by striking ``government'' and 
        inserting ``Government''.

    (m) Chapter 57.--Chapter 57 is amended as follows:
            (1) In section 5723(g)(2), by inserting ``the'' before 
        ``Department''.
            (2) In section 5727(20), by striking ``subordinate plan 
        defines'' and inserting ``plan that defines''.

    (n) Chapter 73.--Chapter 73 is amended as follows:
            (1) The <<NOTE: 38 USC 7301.>> table of sections at the 
        beginning of such chapter is amended by striking the item 
        relating to section 7333 and inserting the following new item:

``7333. Nondiscrimination against alcohol and drug abusers and persons 
           infected with the human immunodeficiency virus.''.

            (2) In section 7325(b)(2), by striking ``section 2811(b) of 
        the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 300hh-11(b))'' and 
        inserting ``section 2812 of the Public Health Service Act (42 
        U.S.C. 300hh-11)''.

    (o) Chapter 79.--Section 7903(a) is amended by striking ``paragraph 
(2)'' and inserting ``paragraph (3)''.
    (p) Chapter 81.--Chapter 81 is amended as follows:
            (1) In section 8111A(a)(2)(B)(ii)--
                    (A) by striking ``section 2811(b) of the Public 
                Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 300hh-11(b))'' and 
                inserting ``section 2812 of the Public Health Service 
                Act (42 U.S.C. 300hh)''; and
                    (B) by striking ``paragraph (3)(A) of''.
            (2) In section 8117(e)--
                    (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``(42 U.S.C. 
                300hh-11(b))'' and inserting ``(42 U.S.C. 300hh-11)''; 
                and
                    (B) in paragraph (2), by striking ``(42 U.S.C. 247d-
                6(a))'' and inserting ``(42 U.S.C. 247d-6)''.
SEC. 1002. STATUTORY PAY-AS-YOU-GO ACT COMPLIANCE.

    The budgetary effects of this Act, for the purpose of complying with 
the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go-Act of 2010, shall be determined by 
reference to the latest statement titled ``Budgetary Effects of PAYGO 
Legislation'' for this Act, submitted for printing in the

[[Page 124 STAT. 2898]]

Congressional Record by the Chairman of the Senate Budget Committee, 
provided that such statement has been submitted prior to the vote on 
passage.

    Approved October 13, 2010.

LEGISLATIVE HISTORY--H.R. 3219:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

HOUSE REPORTS: No. 111-223 (Comm. on Veterans' Affairs).
CONGRESSIONAL RECORD:
                                                        Vol. 155 (2009):
                                    July 27, considered and passed 
                                        House.
                                                        Vol. 156 (2010):
                                    Sept. 28, considered and passed 
                                        Senate, amended.
                                    Sept. 29, House concurred in Senate 
                                        amendments.

                                  <all>