RULE OF CONSTRUCTION.

SEC. 407. [38 U.S.C. 101 note] RULE OF CONSTRUCTION. (a) Generally.—Nothing in this Act shall be construed to prevent the Secretary of Veterans Affairs from processing claims for benefits under title 38, United States Code, for a condition or disease for which this Act establishes a presumption of service connection, as a claim for benefits for a condition or disease with direct service connection. (b) Effective Dates and Applicability.—The Secretary shall not deny a claim for benefits under title 38, United States Code, for a condition or disease for which this Act establishes a presumption of service connection because the claimant filed the claim prior to the effective date or date of applicability for that particular condition or disease.