REVIEW AND ENHANCEMENT OF USE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY IN VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION.

SEC. 227. REVIEW AND ENHANCEMENT OF USE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY IN VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION.(a) Review and Comprehensive Plan.—Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall—(1) conduct a review of the use of information technology in the Veterans Benefits Administration with respect to the processing of claims for compensation and pension benefits; and(2) develop a comprehensive plan for the use of such technology in processing such claims so as to reduce subjectivity, avoidable remands, and regional office variances in disability ratings for specific disabilities.(b) Information Technology.—The plan developed under subsection (a)(2) shall include the following:(1) The use of rules-based processing or information technology systems utilizing automated decision support software at all levels of processing such claims.(2) The enhancement of the use of information technology for all aspects of the claims process.(3) Development of a technological platform that—(A) allows for the use of information that members of the Armed Forces, veterans, and dependents have submitted electronically, including uploaded military records, medical evidence, and other appropriate documentation; and(B) to the extent practicable—(i) provides the capability to such members, veterans, and dependents to view applications for benefits submitted online; and(ii) complies with the provisions of subchapter III of chapter 35 of title 44, United States Code, section 552a of title 5, United States Code, and other relevant security policies and guidelines.122 STAT. 4161(4) The use of electronic examination templates in conjunction with the schedule for rating disabilities under section 1155 of title 38, United States Code.(5) Such changes as may be required to the electronic health record system of the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense to ensure that Veterans Benefits Administration claims examiners can access the available electronic medical information of the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense.(6) The provision of bi-directional access to medical records and service records between the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense.(7) The availability, on a secure Internet website of the Department of Veterans Affairs, of a portal that can be used by a claimant to check on the status of any claim submitted by that claimant and that provides information, if applicable, on—(A) whether a decision has been reached with respect to such a claim and notice of the decision; or(B) if no such decision has been reached, notice of—(i) whether the application submitted by the claimant is complete;(ii) whether the Secretary requires additional information or evidence to substantiate the claim;(iii) the estimated date on which a decision with respect to the claim is expected to be made; and(iv) the stage at which the claim is being processed as of the date on which such status is checked.(c) Review of Best Practices and Lessons Learned.—In carrying out this section, the Secretary shall review—(1) best practices and lessons learned within the Department of Veterans Affairs; and(2) the use of the technology known as “VistA” by other Government entities and private sector organizations who employ information technology and automated decision support software.(d) Reduction of Claims Processing Time.—In carrying out this section, the Secretary shall ensure that a plan is developed that, not later than three years after implementation, includes information technology to the extent possible to reduce the processing time for each compensation and pension claim processed by the Veterans Benefits Administration. The performance for claims processing under this plan shall be adjusted for changes to the numbers of claims filed in a given period, the complexity of those claims, and any changes to the basic claims processing rules which occur during the assessment period.(e) Consultation.—In carrying out this section, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall consult with information technology designers at the Veterans Benefits Administration, the Veterans Health Administration, VistA managers, the Secretary of Defense, appropriate officials of other Government agencies, appropriate individuals in the private and public sectors, veterans service organizations, and other relevant service organizations.(f) Report to Congress.—Not later than April 1, 2010, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report on the review and comprehensive plan required under this section.122 STAT. 4162