Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 108 Part 6.djvu/91

 PUBLIC LAW 103-446—NOV. 2, 1994 108 STAT. 4659 Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and House of Representatives a report addressing the feasibility and impact of a reorganization of the adjudication divisions located within the regional offices of the Veterans Benefits Administration to a number of such divisions that would result in improved efficiency in the processing of claims filed by veterans, their survivors, or other eligible persons for benefits administered by the Secretary. TITLE IV—VETERANS' CLAIMS ADJUDICATION COMMISSION SEC. 401. ESTABLISHMENT OF COMMISSION. (a) ESTABLISHMENT OF COMMISSION.— There is hereby estab- Hshed a commission to be known as the Veterans' Claims Adyudication Commission (hereinafter in this title referred to as the "commission"). (b) MEMBERSHIP.—(1) The commission shall be composed of nine members, appointed by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs as follows: (A) One member shall be appointed fix)m among former officials of the Department of Veterans Affairs (or the Veterans' Administration). (B) Two members shall be appointed fix)m among individuals in the private sector who have expertise in the a(^udication of claims relating to insurance or similar benefits. (C) Two membere shall be appointed fix)m among individuals employed in the Federal Government (other than the Department of Veterans Affairs) who have expertise in the adjudication of claims for benefits under Federal law other than under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. (D) Two members shall be appointed fi:x)m among individuals recommended to the Secretary by representatives of veterans service organizations. (E) One member shall be appointed based on a recommendation of the American Bar Association or a similar private organization from among individuals who have expertise in the field of administrative law. (F) One member shall be appointed fix)m among ciurent officials of the Department of Veterans Affairs. (2) The appointment of members of the commission under this subsection shall be made not later than February 1, 1995. (c) PERIOD OF APPOINTMENT; VACANCIES.— Members of the commission shall be appointed for the life of the commission. A vacancy in the commission shall not affect its powers, but shall be filled in the same manaer as the original appointment (d) INITIAL MEETING.— The commission snail hold its first meeting not later than 30 days after the date on which all members of the commission have been appointed. (e) MEETINGS. — The commission shall meet at the call of the chairman. (f) QUORUM. —A majority of the members of the commission shall constitute a quorum, but a lesser number may hold hearings. (g) CHAIRMAN.— The Secretary shall designate a member of the commission (other than the commission member who is a cur- 38 USC 5101 note.

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