Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 117.djvu/1697

 117 STAT. 1678

PUBLIC LAW 108–136—NOV. 24, 2003

(c) CONTENTS OF STUDY.—The study to be carried out by the commission under this section shall be a comprehensive evaluation and assessment of the benefits provided under the laws of the United States to compensate veterans and their survivors for disability or death attributable to military service, together with any related issues that the commission determines are relevant to the purposes of the study. The study shall include an evaluation and assessment of the following: (1) The laws and regulations which determine eligibility for disability and death benefits, and other assistance for veterans and their survivors. (2) The rates of such compensation, including the appropriateness of a schedule for rating disabilities based on average impairment of earning capacity. (3) Comparable disability benefits provided to individuals by the Federal Government, State governments, and the private sector. (d) CONSULTATION WITH INSTITUTE OF MEDICINE.—In carrying out the study under this section, the commission shall consult with the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences with respect to the medical aspects of contemporary disability compensation policies. SEC. 1503. REPORT. Deadline.

Not later than 15 months after the date on which the commission first meets, the commission shall submit to the President and Congress a report on the study. The report shall include the following: (1) The findings and conclusions of the commission, including its findings and conclusions with respect to the matters referred to in section 1502(c). (2) The recommendations of the commission for revising the benefits provided by the United States to veterans and their survivors for disability and death attributable to military service. (3) Other information and recommendations with respect to such benefits as the commission considers appropriate. SEC. 1504. POWERS OF THE COMMISSION.

(a) HEARINGS.—The commission may hold such hearings, sit and act at such times and places, take such testimony, and receive such evidence as the commission considers advisable to carry out the purposes of this title. (b) INFORMATION FROM FEDERAL AGENCIES.—In addition to the information referred to in section 1502(c), the commission may secure directly from any Federal department or agency such information as the commission considers necessary to carry out the provisions of this title. Upon request of the chairman of the commission, the head of such department or agency shall furnish such information to the commission. (c) POSTAL SERVICES.—The commission may use the United States mails in the same manner and under the same conditions as other departments and agencies of the Federal Government. (d) GIFTS.—The commission may accept, use, and dispose of gifts or donations of services or property.

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