TREATMENT OF EARNINGS OF VETERANS UNDER CERTAIN REHABILITATIVE SERVICES PROGRAMS.

SEC. 401. TREATMENT OF EARNINGS OF VETERANS UNDER CERTAIN REHABILITATIVE SERVICES PROGRAMS. Subsection (f) of section 1718 is amended to read as follows: “(f) (1) The Secretary may not consider any of the matters stated in paragraph (2) as a basis for the denial or discontinuance of a rating of total disability for purposes of compensation or pension based on the veteran’s inability to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation as a result of disability. “(2) Paragraph (1) applies to the following: “(A) A veteran s participation in an activity carried out under this section. “(B) A veteran’s receipt of a distribution as a result of participation in an activity carried out under this section. “(C) A veteran’s participation in a program of rehabilitative services that (i) is provided as part of the veteran’s care furnished by a State home and (ii) is approved by the Secretary 106 STAT. 4954 as conforming appropriately to standards for activities carried out under this section. “(D) A veteran’s receipt of pa3rment as a result of participation in a program described in subparagraph (C). “(3) A distribution of funds made under this section and a payment made to a veteran under a program of rehabilitative services described in paragraph (2)(C) shall be considered for the purposes of chapter 15 of this title to be a donation from a public or private relief or welfare organization.”.