Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 122.djvu/4183

 12 2 STA T .4 1 60PUBLIC LA W 110 –389—O CT. 10 , 2008 injureda nd v er ys evere l y injured ve t erans , as deter m ined b yt h e S e c retary and (D) re q uirements fo r assessments of claims p rocessin g at each regional office for the purpose of producing lessons learned and best practices . (c) REPORT TO C O NG RE S S. —N ot later than O ctober 31, 20 0 9 , the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report on— (1) the study conducted under subsection (a); and (2) the components required to implement the updated system for evaluating employees of the V eterans B enefits A dministration required under subsection (d). (d) EVALU AT I ONO F CERTAIN VETERANS BENEFITS A DM INISTRA - TION EMPLO Y EES RESPONSI B LE FOR P RO C ESSING CLAIMS FOR COM- PENSATION AND PENSION BENEFITS.—Not later than 210 days after the date on w hich the Secretary submits to Congress the report required under subsection (c), the Secretary shall establish an updated system for evaluating the performance and accountability of employees of the Veterans Benefits Administration who are responsible for processing claims for compensation or pension bene- fits. Such system shall be based on the findings of the study conducted by the Secretary under subsection (a). SEC.2 2 7 . R E VI E WAND EN H ANCE M EN TOFU SE OF INFORMATION TECHNO L O GY IN VETERANS B ENEFITS ADMINISTRATION. (a) REVIE W AND COMPRE H ENSIVE 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 tech- nology in processing such claims so as to reduce subjectivity, avoidable remands, and regional office variances in disability ratings for specific disabilities. (b) I NFORMATION T ECHNOLOGY.—The plan developed under sub- section (a)(2) shall include the following

(1) The use of rules-based processing or information tech- nology systems utili z ing 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 F orces, veterans, and dependents have sub- mitted electronically, including uploaded military records, medical evidence, and other appropriate documentation; and (B)tothee x tent practicable— (i) provides the capability to such members, vet- erans, and dependents to view applications for benefits submitted online; and (ii) complies with the provisions of subchapter III of chapter 3 5 of title 4 4, U nited States Code, section 552a of title 5, United States Code, and other relevant security policies and guidelines. Deadlin e .38USC510 1 n ot e. Deadline.

�