Pub. L. 91-219, tit. II, sec. 214

Sec. 214. (a) Chapter 3 of title 38, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end thereof a new subchapter as follows: “Subchapter IV—Veterans Outreach Services Program “§ 240. Purpose; definitions “(a) The Congress declares that the outreach services program authorized by this subchapter is for the purpose of insuring that all veterans, especially those who have been recently discharged or released from active military, naval, or air service and those who are eligible for readjustment or other benefits and services under laws administered by the Veterans’ Administration are provided timely and appropriate assistance to aid them in applying for and obtaining such benefits and services in order that they may achieve a rapid social and economic readjustment to civilian life and obtain a higher standard of living for themselves and their dependents. The Congress further declares that the outreach services program authorized by this subchapter is for the purpose of charging the Veterans’ Administration with the affirmative duty of seeking out eligible veterans and eligible dependents and providing them with such services. “(b) For the purposes of this subchapter, (1) the term ‘other governmental programs’ shall include a]] programs under State or local laws as well as all programs under Federal law other than those authorized by this title, and (2) the term ‘eligible dependent’ means an ‘eligible person’ as defined in section 1701(a) (1) of this title. “§ 241. Outreach services “The Administrator shall provide the following outreach services: “(1) by letter advise each veteran at the time of his discharge or release from active military, naval, or air service, or as soon as possible thereafter, of all benefits and services under laws administered by the Veterans’ Administration for which the veteran may be eligible and, in carrying out this paragraph, the Administrator shall give priority to so advising those veterans who, on the basis of their military service records, do not have a high school education or equivalent at the time of discharge or release; “(2) distribute full information regarding all benefits and services to which they may be entitled under laws administered by the Veterans’ Administration and may, to the extent feasible, distribute information on other governmental programs (including manpower and training programs) which he determines would be beneficial to veterans; and “(3) provide, to the maximum extent possible, aid and assistance (including personal interview’s) to members of the Armed Forces, veterans, and eligible dependents in respect to clauses (1) and (2) above and in the preparation and presentation of claims under laws administered by the Veterans’ Administration. 84 Stat. 85 “§ 242. Veterans assistance offices “(a) The Administrator shall establish and maintain veterans assistance offices at such places throughout the United States and its territories and possessions, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, as he determines to be necessary to carry out the purposes of this subchapter, with due regard for the geographical distribution of veterans recently discharged or released from active military, naval, or air service, the special needs of educationally disadvantaged veterans (including their need for accessibility of outreach services), and the necessity of providing appropriate outreach services in less populated areas. “(b) The Administrator may implement such special telephone service as may be necessary to make the outreach services provided for under this subchapter as widely available as possible. “§ 243. Utilization of other agencies “In carrying out the purposes of this sub chapter, the Administrator may— “(1) arrange with the Secretary of Labor for the State employment service to match the particular qualifications of an eligible veteran or eligible dependent with an appropriate job or job training opportunity, to include where possible, arrangements for out stationing the State employment personnel who provide such assistance at appropriate facilities of the Veterans’ Administration; “(2) cooperate with and use the services of any Federal department or agency or any State or local governmental agency or recognized national or other organization; “(3) where appropriate, make referrals to any Federal department or agency or State or local governmental unit or recognized national or other organization; “(4) at his discretion, furnish available space and office facilities for the use of authorized representatives of such governmental unit or other organization providing services; and “(5) conduct studies in consultation with appropriate Federal departments and agencies to determine the most effective program design to carry out the purposes of this subchapter. “§ 244. Report to Congress “The Administrator shall include in the annual report to the Congress required by section 214 of this title a report on the activities carried out under this subchapter, each report to include an appraisal of the effectiveness of the programs authorized herein and recommendations for the improvement or more effective administration of such programs.” (b) The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 3 of such title is amended by inserting immediately after “236. Administrative settlement of tort claims arising in foreign countries.” the following: “subchapter iv— veterans outreach services program “240. Purpose; definitions. “241. Outreach services. “242. Veterans assistance offices. “243. Utilization of other agencies. “244. Report to Congress.”