REPORT ON MEASURES TO ASSIST AND ENCOURAGE VETERANS IN COMPLETING VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION.

SEC. 333. REPORT ON MEASURES TO ASSIST AND ENCOURAGE VETERANS IN COMPLETING VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION.(a) Study Required.—The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall conduct a study on measures to assist and encourage veterans in completing their vocational rehabilitation plans. The study shall include an identification of the following elements, to the extent that such elements do not duplicate studies conducted or reports released by the Secretary during the one-year period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act:(1) The various factors that may prevent or preclude veterans from completing their vocational rehabilitation plans through the Department of Veterans Affairs or otherwise achieving the vocational rehabilitation objectives of such plans.(2) The actions to be taken by the Secretary to assist and encourage veterans in overcoming the factors identified in paragraph (1) and in otherwise completing their vocational rehabilitation plans or achieving the vocational rehabilitation objectives of such plans.(b) Matters To Be Examined.—In conducting the study required by subsection (a), the Secretary shall examine the following:(1) Measures utilized by public and private vocational rehabilitation service providers for individuals with disabilities in the United States, and in other countries, that promote successful outcomes by the program participants.(2) Any studies or survey data available to the Secretary that relates to the matters covered by the study.(3) The extent to which disability compensation may be used as an incentive to encourage veterans to participate in and complete a vocational rehabilitation plan.(4) The report of the Veterans’ Disability Benefits Commission established pursuant to section 1501 of the National Defense Authorization Act of 2004 (38 U.S.C. 1101 note).(5) The report of the President’s Commission on Care for America’s Returning Wounded Warriors.(6) Any other matters that the Secretary considers appropriate for purposes of the study.(c) Considerations.—In conducting the study required by subsection (a), the Secretary shall consider—(1) the extent to which bonus payments or other incentives may be used to encourage veterans to complete their vocational rehabilitation plans or otherwise achieve the vocational rehabilitation objectives of such plans; and(2) such other matters as the Secretary considers appropriate.(d) Consultation.—In conducting the study required by subsection (a), the Secretary—(1) shall consult with such veterans and military service organizations, and with such other public and private organizations and individuals, as the Secretary considers appropriate; and(2) may employ consultants.(e) Report.—Not later than 270 days after the commencement of the study required by subsection (a), the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the House of Representatives a report on the study. The report shall include the following:122 STAT. 4172(1) The findings of the Secretary under the study.(2) Any recommendations that the Secretary considers appropriate for actions to be taken by the Secretary in light of the study, including a proposal for such legislative or administrative action as the Secretary considers appropriate to implement the recommendations.