Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 122.djvu/4194

This page needs to be proofread.

12 2 STA T .4 1 7 1 PUBLIC LA W 11 0–389—O CT. 10 , 2008 SEC.3 33. R E PO R T O NM E A S U RES TO ASS I ST AN D ENCOURA G E V ET - ERANS IN COMP L ETING VOCATIONAL RE H A B ILITATION. (a)STUDYREQ U IR ED .—The Se cr e t ar yofV etera nsA ffa i rs sha l l con du ct a study on m easures to assist and encoura g e v eterans in com p leting their vocational reha b ilitation plans. The study shall include an identification of the follo w ing elements , tothee x tent that such elements do not duplicate studies conducted or reports released by the Secretary during the one - year period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act

( 1 ) The various factors that may prevent or preclude vet- erans from completing their vocational rehabilitation plans through the D epartment of Veterans Affairs or otherwise achieving the vocational rehabilitation ob j ectives of such plans. ( 2 ) The actions to be ta k en by the Secretary to assist and encourage veterans in overcoming the factors identified in paragraph (1) and in otherwise completing their vocational rehabilitation plans or achieving the vocational rehabilitation objectives of such plans. (b) MA TTER S T OB E EX A M I N ED.— I n conducting the study re q uired by subsection (a), the Secretary shall examine the fol- lowing: (1) Measures utili z ed by public and private vocational rehabilitation service providers for individuals with disabilities in the U nited States, and in other countries, that promote successful outcomes by the program participants. (2) Any studies or survey data available to the Secretary that relates to the matters covered by the study. ( 3 ) The extent to which disability compensation may be used as an incentive to encourage veterans to participate in and complete a vocational rehabilitation plan. ( 4 ) The report of the Veterans ’ Disability Benefits C ommis- sion established pursuant to section 1 50 1 of the N ational Defense Authorization Act of 2004 (3 8 U.S.C. 1101 note). (5) The report of the P resident’s Commission on Care for America’s Returning W ounded Warriors. ( 6 ) Any other matters that the Secretary considers appro- priate for purposes of the study. (c) CONSIDERATIONS.—In conducting the study required by sub- section (a), the Secretary shall consider— (1) the extent to which bonus payments or other incentives may be used to encourage veterans to complete their vocational rehabilitation plans or otherwise achieve the vocational rehabilitation objectives of such plans

and (2) such other matters as the Secretary considers appro- priate. (d) CONSU L TATION.—In conducting the study required by sub- section (a), the Secretary— (1) shall consult with such veterans and military service organizations, and with such other public and private organiza- tions and individuals, as the Secretary considers appropriate; and (2) may employ consultants. (e) RE P ORT.—Not later than 2 7 0 days after the commencement of the study required by subsection (a), the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and the Com- mittee on Veterans’ Affairs of the H ouse of Representatives a report on the study. The report shall include the following: