To amend title 38, United States Code, to require an annual plan on outreach activities of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.

July 12, 2004

Mr. COLEMAN introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs

To amend title 38, United States Code, to require an annual plan on outreach activities of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.

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

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the `Veterans Benefits Outreach Act of 2004'.

SEC. 2. ANNUAL PLAN ON OUTREACH ACTIVITIES.

(a) ANNUAL PLAN REQUIRED- Subchapter II of chapter 5 of title 38, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 523 the following new section:

`Sec. 523A. Annual plan on outreach activities

`(a) ANNUAL PLAN REQUIRED- The Secretary shall prepare each year a plan for the outreach activities of the Department for the following year.

`(b) ELEMENTS- Each annual plan under subsection (a) shall include the following:

`(1) Plans for efforts to identify veterans who are not enrolled or registered with the Department for benefits or services under the programs administered by the Secretary.

`(2) Plans for informing veterans and their dependents of modifications of the benefits and services under the programs administered by the Secretary, including eligibility for medical and nursing care and services.

`(c) COORDINATION IN DEVELOPMENT- In developing an annual plan under subsection (a), the Secretary shall consult with the following:

`(1) Directors or other appropriate officials of organizations recognized by the Secretary under section 5902 of this title.

`(2) Directors or other appropriate officials of State and local education and training programs.

`(3) Representatives of non-governmental organizations that carry out veterans outreach programs.

`(4) Representatives of State and local veterans employment organizations.

`(5) Businesses and professional organizations.

`(6) Other individuals and organizations that assist veterans in adjusting to civilian life.

`(d) INCORPORATION OF ASSESSMENT OF PREVIOUS ANNUAL PLANS- In developing an annual plan under subsection (a), the Secretary shall take into account the lessons learned from the implementation of previous annual plans under such subsection.'.

(b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT- The table of sections at the beginning of such chapter is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 523 the following new item:

`523A. Annual plan on outreach activities.'.

SEC. 3. APPEAL OF CLAIMS DENIED BECAUSE OF LOSS OF RECORDS RESULTING FROM 1973 FIRE AT THE NATIONAL PERSONNEL RECORDS CENTER.

The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall develop and implement procedures by which veterans may appeal claims denied by the Secretary on the basis that records destroyed in the 1973 fire at the National Personnel Records Center could substantiate such claims.

END