38 U.S.C. § 1167

Outreach pursuant to changes in presumptions of service connection

(a) In General.—

Whenever a law, including through a regulation or Federal court decision or settlement, establishes or modifies a presumption of service connection, the Secretary shall—

(1)

identify all claims for compensation under this chapter that—

(A)

were submitted to the Secretary;

(B)

were evaluated and denied by the Secretary before the date on which such provision of law went into effect; and

(C)

might have been evaluated differently had the establishment or modification been applicable to the claim; and

(2)

pursuant to subsection (b), conduct outreach to the claimants.

(b) Outreach.—

(1)

The Secretary shall conduct outreach to inform claimants identified under subsection (a) that they may submit a supplemental claim in light of the establishment or modification of a presumption of service connection described in subsection (a).

(2)

Outreach under paragraph (1) shall include the following:

(A)

The Secretary shall publish on the internet website of the Department a notice that such veterans may elect to file a supplemental claim.

(B)

The Secretary shall notify, in writing or by electronic means, veterans service organizations of the ability of such veterans to file a supplemental claim.

(C)

The Secretary shall contact each claimant identified under subsection (a) in the same manner that the Department last provided notice of a decision.

(Added Pub. L. 117–168, title II, § 203(a) , Aug. 10, 2022 , 136 Stat. 1775 .)