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§ 301. Department

Version history — every release point where this text changed

Release point 119-73 · current through 01/23/2026

§ 301.

Department

(a)

The Department of Veterans Affairs is an executive department of the United States.

(b)

The purpose of the Department is to administer the laws providing benefits and other services to veterans and the dependents and the beneficiaries of veterans.

(c)

The Department is composed of the following:

(1)

The Office of the Secretary.

(2)

The Veterans Health Administration.

(3)

The Veterans Benefits Administration.

(4)

The National Cemetery Administration.

(5)

The Board of Veterans’ Appeals.

(6)

The Veterans’ Canteen Service.

(7)

The Board of Contract Appeals.

(8)

Such other offices and agencies as are established or designated by law or by the President or the Secretary.

(9)

Any office, agency, or activity under the control or supervision of any element named in paragraphs (1) through (8).

Source(Added Pub. L. 102–83, § 2(a),
Aug. 6, 1991
, 105 Stat. 378; amended Pub. L. 105–368, title IV, § 403(a)(2),
Nov. 11, 1998
, 112 Stat. 3338.)
Notes

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

Prior section 301 was renumbered section 1101 of this title.
Provisions similar to those in subsec. (a) of this section were contained in section 2 of Pub. L. 100–527, known as the Department of Veterans Affairs Act.
Provisions similar to those in subsec. (b) of this section were contained in section 201 of this title prior to repeal by Pub. L. 102–83, § 2(a).

Amendments

1998—Subsec. (c)(4). Pub. L. 105–368 substituted “Administration” for “System”.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Department of Veterans Affairs Personnel Transparency

Pub. L. 116–159, div. E, title I, § 5108,
Oct. 1, 2020
, 134 Stat. 749, provided that:
“Not later than
October 31, 2022
, and
October 31, 2024
, and as frequently thereafter as the Inspector General of the Department of Veterans Affairs considers appropriate, the Inspector General shall—
“(1)

review the administration of the internet website required by section 505(a)(1) of the VA MISSION Act of 2018 (Public Law 115–182; 132 Stat. 1477; 38 U.S.C. 301 note);

“(2)

develop recommendations for such legislative or administrative action as the Inspector General considers appropriate for such administration; and

“(3)

submit to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the House of Representatives a report on—

“(A)

the findings of the Inspector General with respect to the most recent review conducted under paragraph (1); and

“(B)

the recommendations most recently developed under paragraph (2).”

Pub. L. 115–182, title V, § 505,
June 6, 2018
, 132 Stat. 1477, as amended by Pub. L. 116–315, title III, § 3008,
Jan. 5, 2021
, 134 Stat. 4996, provided that:
“(a)

Publication of Staffing and Vacancies.—

“(1)

Website required.—

Subject to paragraph (2) and not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [

June 6, 2018
], the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall make publicly available on an Internet website of the Department of Veterans Affairs the following information, which shall, subject to subparagraph (D), be displayed by departmental component or, in the case of information relating to Veterans Health Administration positions, by medical facility:

“(A)

The number of personnel encumbering positions.

“(B)

The number of accessions and separation actions processed during the quarter preceding the date of the publication of the information.

“(C)

The number of vacancies, by occupation.

“(D)

The percentage of new hires for the Department who were hired within the time-to-hire target of the Office of Personnel Management, disaggregated by administration.

“(E)

Beginning with any update under paragraph (3) on or after the date of the enactment of the Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020 [

Jan. 5, 2021
], the following:

“(i)

For employees appointed under paragraphs (1) and (3) of section 7401 of title 38, United States Code, the number of employees for which the duration of the process from validation of vacancy to receipt of official offer and notification of actual start date exceeds the metrics laid out in the Time to Hire Model of the Veterans Health Administration, or successor model.

“(ii)

The percentage of employees who are described in clause (i) compared to all employees appointed under paragraphs (1) and (3) of section 7401 of such title during the same period.

“(iii)

The average number of days potential hires or new hires appointed under paragraphs (1) and (3) of section 7401 of such title spent in each phase of the Time to Hire Model, or successor model.

“(2)

Exceptions.—

The Secretary may withhold from publication under paragraph (1) information relating to law enforcement, information security, or such positions in the Department that the Secretary determines to be sensitive.

“(3)

Update of information.—

The Secretary shall update the information on the website required under paragraph (1) on a quarterly basis.

“(4)

Treatment of contractor positions.—

Any Department of Veterans Affairs position that is filled with a contractor may not be treated as a Department position for purposes of the information required to be published under paragraph (1).

“(5)

Inspector general review.—

On a semi-annual basis, the Inspector General of the Department shall review the administration of the website required under paragraph (1) and make recommendations relating to the improvement of such administration.

“(b)

Report to Congress.—

The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit to Congress an annual report on the steps the Department is taking to achieve full staffing capacity and to improve the onboard timeline for facilities for which the duration of the onboarding process exceeds the metrics laid out in the Time to Hire Model of the Veterans Health Administration, or successor model. Each such report shall include the amount of additional funds necessary to enable the Department to reach full staffing capacity.”

Department of Veterans Affairs Franchise Fund

Pub. L. 104–204, title I,
Sept. 26, 1996
, 110 Stat. 2880, as amended by Pub. L. 109–114, title II, § 208,
Nov. 30, 2005
, 119 Stat. 2389, provided in part that:
“There is hereby established in the Treasury a Department of Veterans Affairs franchise fund, to be available without fiscal year limitation for expenses and equipment necessary for the maintenance and operation of such administrative services as the Secretary determines may be performed more advantageously as central services: Provided, That any inventories, equipment and other assets pertaining to the services to be provided by the franchise fund, either on hand or on order, less the related liabilities or unpaid obligations, and any appropriations made hereafter for the purpose of providing capital, shall be used to capitalize the franchise fund: Provided further, That the franchise fund may be paid in advance from funds available to the Department and other Federal agencies for which such centralized services are performed, at rates which will return in full all expenses of operation, including accrued leave, depreciation of fund plant and equipment, amortization of automated data processing (ADP) software and systems (either acquired or donated), and an amount necessary to maintain a reasonable operating reserve, as determined by the Secretary: Provided further, That the franchise fund shall provide services on a competitive basis: Provided further, That an amount not to exceed four percent of the total annual income to such fund may be retained in the fund for fiscal year 1997 and each fiscal year thereafter, to remain available until expended, to be used for the acquisition of capital equipment and for the improvement and implementation of Departmental financial management, ADP, and other support systems: Provided further, That no later than thirty days after the end of each fiscal year amounts in excess of this reserve limitation shall be transferred to the Treasury.”

Renaming of Veterans Health Services and Research Administration

Pub. L. 102–40, § 2,
May 7, 1991
, 105 Stat. 187, provided that:
“(a)

Renaming.—

The establishment in the Department of Veterans Affairs known as the Veterans Health Services and Research Administration is hereby redesignated as the Veterans Health Administration.

“(b)

References.—

Any reference to the Veterans Health Services and Research Administration (or to the Department of Medicine and Surgery of the Veterans’ Administration) in any Federal law, Executive order, regulation, delegation of authority, or document of or pertaining to the Department of Veterans Affairs shall be deemed to refer to the Veterans Health Administration.”

Department of Veterans Affairs Act

Pub. L. 100–527, §§ 1–12, 14, 16, 18,
Oct. 25, 1988
, 102 Stat. 2635–2642, 2644, 2645, 2648, as amended by Pub. L. 101–94, title IV, § 401,
Aug. 16, 1989
, 103 Stat. 628; Pub. L. 101–576, title II, § 205(c)(2),
Nov. 15, 1990
, 104 Stat. 2845; Pub. L. 102–83, § 3,
Aug. 6, 1991
, 105 Stat. 402, provided that:
“SECTION 1.

SHORT TITLE.

“This Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the ‘Department of Veterans Affairs Act’.

“SEC. 2.

ESTABLISHMENT OF VETERANS’ ADMINISTRATION AS AN EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT.

“The Veterans’ Administration is hereby redesignated as the Department of Veterans Affairs and shall be an executive department in the executive branch of the Government.
“[SECS. 3 to 5. Repealed. Pub. L. 102–83, § 3(3),
Aug. 6, 1991
, 105 Stat. 402.]

“SEC. 6.

VETERANS HEALTH SERVICES AND RESEARCH ADMINISTRATION.

“The establishment within the Veterans’ Administration known as the Department of Medicine and Surgery is hereby redesignated as the Veterans Health Services and Research Administration of the Department of Veterans Affairs.

“SEC. 7.

VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION.

“The establishment within the Veterans’ Administration known as the Department of Veterans’ Benefits is hereby redesignated as the Veterans Benefits Administration of the Department of Veterans Affairs.

“SEC. 8.

OFFICE OF THE GENERAL COUNSEL.

“[(a)

Repealed. Pub. L. 102–83, § 3(3),

Aug. 6, 1991
, 105 Stat. 402.]

“(b)

Continuation of Service of General Counsel.—

The individual serving on the effective date of this Act [

Mar. 15, 1989
] as the General Counsel of the Veterans’ Administration may act as the General Counsel of the Department of Veterans Affairs until a person is appointed under this Act to that office.

“SEC. 9.

OFFICE OF THE INSPECTOR GENERAL.

“(a)

Redesignation.—

The Office of Inspector General of the Veterans’ Administration, established in accordance with the Inspector General Act of 1978 [Pub. L. 95–452, formerly set out in the Appendix to Title 5, Government Organization and Employees, see 5 U.S.C. 401 et seq.], is hereby redesignated as the Office of Inspector General of the Department of Veterans Affairs.

“[(b)

Repealed. Pub. L. 102–83, § 3(3),

Aug. 6, 1991
, 105 Stat. 402.]

“SEC. 10.

REFERENCES.

“Reference in any other Federal law, Executive order, rule, regulation, or delegation of authority, or any document of or pertaining to the Veterans’ Administration—

“(1)

to the Administrator of Veterans’ Affairs shall be deemed to refer to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs;

“(2)

to the Veterans’ Administration shall be deemed to refer to the Department of Veterans Affairs;

“(3)

to the Deputy Administrator of Veterans’ Affairs shall be deemed to refer to the Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs;

“(4)

to the Chief Medical Director of the Veterans’ Administration shall be deemed to refer to the Chief Medical Director [now Under Secretary for Health] of the Department of Veterans Affairs;

“(5)

to the Department of Medicine and Surgery of the Veterans’ Administration shall be deemed to refer to the Veterans Health Services and Research Administration of the Department of Veterans Affairs;

“(6)

to the Chief Benefits Director of the Veterans’ Administration shall be deemed to refer to the Chief Benefits Director [now Under Secretary for Benefits] of the Department of Veterans Affairs;

“(7)

to the Department of Veterans’ Benefits of the Veterans’ Administration shall be deemed to refer to the Veterans Benefits Administration of the Department of Veterans Affairs;

“(8)

to the Chief Memorial Affairs Director of the Veterans’ Administration shall be deemed to refer to the Director of the National Cemetery System [now Under Secretary of Veterans Affairs for Memorial Affairs] of the Department of Veterans Affairs; and

“(9)

to the Department of Memorial Affairs of the Veterans’ Administration shall be deemed to refer to the National Cemetery System [now National Cemetery Administration] of the Department of Veterans Affairs.

“SEC. 11.

SAVINGS PROVISIONS.

“(a)

Continuing Effect of Legal Documents.—

All orders, determinations, rules, regulations, permits, grants, contracts, certificates, licenses, and privileges—

“(1)

which have been issued, made, granted, or allowed to become effective by the President, by the Administrator of Veterans’ Affairs, or by a court of competent jurisdiction, in the performance of functions of the Administrator or the Veterans’ Administration; and

“(2)

which are in effect on the effective date of this Act [

Mar. 15, 1989
];

shall continue in effect according to their terms until modified, terminated, superseded, set aside, or revoked in accordance with law by the President, the Secretary, or other authorized official, by a court of competent jurisdiction, or by operation of law.

“(b)

Proceedings Not Affected.—

The provisions of this Act shall not affect any proceedings or any application for any benefits, service, license, permit, certificate, or financial assistance pending before the Veterans’ Administration at the time this Act takes effect, but such proceedings and applications shall be continued. Orders shall be issued in such proceedings, appeals shall be taken therefrom, and payments shall be made pursuant to such orders, as if this Act had not been enacted, and orders issued in any such proceedings shall continue in effect until modified, terminated, superseded, or revoked by a duly authorized official, by a court of competent jurisdiction, or by operation of law. Nothing in this subsection shall be deemed to prohibit the discontinuance or modification of any such proceeding under the same terms and conditions and to the same extent that such proceeding could have been discontinued or modified if this Act had not been enacted.

“(c)

Suits Not Affected.—

The provisions of this Act shall not affect suits commenced before the effective date of this Act, and in all such suits, proceedings shall be had, appeals taken, and judgments rendered in the same manner and with the same effect as if this Act had not been enacted.

“(d)

Nonabatement of Actions.—

No suit, action, or other proceeding commenced by or against the Veterans’ Administration, or by or against any individual in the official capacity of such individual as an officer of the Veterans’ Administration, shall abate by reason of the enactment of this Act.

“(e)

Property and Resources.—

The contracts, liabilities, records, property, and other assets and interests of the Veterans’ Administration shall, after the effective date of this Act, be considered to be the contracts, liabilities, records, property, and other assets and interests of the Department of Veterans Affairs.

“(f)

Compensation for Continued Service.—

Any person—

“(1)

who acts as Secretary or Deputy Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs under section 3(e);

“(2)

who continues to serve as Chief Medical Director [now Under Secretary for Health] or Chief Benefits Director [now Under Secretary for Benefits] of such department under section 3(f) or (g), respectively;

“(3)

who acts as the Director of the National Cemetery System [now Under Secretary of Veterans Affairs for Memorial Affairs] under section 3(h); or

“(4)

who acts as General Counsel of the Department of Veterans Affairs under section 8(b);

after the effective date of this Act and before the first appointment of a person to such position after such date shall continue to be compensated for so serving or acting at the rate at which such person was compensated before the effective date of this Act.

“[SEC. 12.

Repealed. Pub. L. 102–83, § 3(3),

Aug. 6, 1991
, 105 Stat. 402.]

“SEC. 14.

ADDITIONAL CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.

“After consultation with the appropriate committees of the Congress, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall prepare and submit to the Congress proposed legislation containing technical and conforming amendments to title 38, United States Code, and to other provisions of law, which reflect the changes made by this Act. Such legislation shall be submitted not later than 6 months after the date of enactment of this Act [
Oct. 25, 1988
].

“[SEC. 16.

Repealed. Pub. L. 102–83, § 3(3),

Aug. 6, 1991
, 105 Stat. 402.]

“SEC. 18.

EFFECTIVE DATE.

“(a)

In General.—

Except as provided in subsection (b), this Act shall take effect on

March 15, 1989
.

“(b)

Appointment of Secretary.—

Notwithstanding any other provision of law or of this Act, the President may, any time after

January 21, 1989
, appoint an individual to serve as Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs.”

Executive Documents

Order of Succession

For order of succession during any period when both Secretary and Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs are unable to perform functions and duties of office of Secretary, see Ex. Ord. No. 13247,
Dec. 18, 2001
, 66 F.R. 66271, listed in a table under section 3345 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

Ex. Ord. No. 13793. Improving Accountability and Whistleblower Protection at the Department of Veterans Affairs

Ex. Ord. No. 13793,
Apr. 27, 2017
, 82 F.R. 20539, provided:
By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered as follows:
Section 1. Purpose. This order is intended to improve accountability and whistleblower protection at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) by directing the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (Secretary) to establish within the VA an Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection and to appoint a Special Assistant to serve as Executive Director of the Office.
Sec. 2. Establishing a VA Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection. (a) Within 45 days of the date of this order, and to the extent permitted by law, the Secretary shall establish in the VA the Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection (Office), and shall appoint a Special Assistant, reporting directly to the Secretary, to serve as Executive Director of the Office. The VA shall provide funding and administrative support for the Office, consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.
(b) To the extent permitted by law, the Office shall:
(i) advise and assist the Secretary in using, as appropriate, all available authorities to discipline or terminate any VA manager or employee who has violated the public’s trust and failed to carry out his or her duties on behalf of veterans, and to recruit, reward, and retain high-performing employees;
(ii) identify statutory barriers to the Secretary’s authority to discipline or terminate any employee who has jeopardized the health, safety, or well-being of a veteran, and to recruit, reward, and retain high-performing employees; and report such barriers to the Secretary for consideration as to the need for legislative changes;
(iii) work closely with relevant VA components to ensure swift and effective resolution of veterans’ complaints of wrongdoing at the VA; and
(iv) work closely with relevant VA components to ensure adequate investigation and correction of wrongdoing throughout the VA, and to protect employees who lawfully disclose wrongdoing from retaliation.
(c) In establishing the Office, the Secretary shall consider, in addition to any other relevant factors:
(i) whether some or all of the functions of the Office are currently performed by an existing VA office, component, or program;
(ii) whether certain administrative capabilities necessary for operating the Office are redundant with those of another VA office, component, or program; and
(iii) whether combining the Office with another VA office, component, or program may improve the VA’s efficiency, effectiveness, or accountability.
Sec. 3. General Provisions. (a) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:
(i) the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or
(ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.
(b) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.
(c) This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.
Donald J. Trump.

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