Matter for Congressional Consideration

1. Status: Closed - Not Implemented

   Comments: Congress has not yet considered the matter. Since 3 years have passed, it is unlikely that Congress will act on the recommendations. In addition, DOD's action in response to recommendations reduces the need for legislative change.

   Matter: Congress should amend section 1712 of title 38, U.S.C., the law creating the class II dental benefit, to remove the DOD dental certification requirement. Suggested legislative language to accomplish this is as follows: "SEC. _______. ELIMINATION OF DENTAL CERTIFICATION. "(a) REPEAL OF DENTAL CERTIFICATION WITH VETERAN'S CERTIFICATE OF DISCHARGE. - Section 1712(b)(1)(B) of Title 38, United States Code, is amended: (1) by striking clause (iv); (2) by striking the "and" at the end of clause (iii); and (3) by placing the word "and" at the end of clause (ii). "(b) Subsection (a) is effective with respect to a veteran's certificate of discharge or release from active duty issued on or after the date upon which that subsection is enacted."

Recommendations for Executive Action

1. Status: Closed - Implemented

   Comments: Beginning in June 1995, each service member will be given a medical interview using DOD Form 2697. When clinically indicated, a more comprehensive medical exam will be given, using DOD Form SF88.

   Recommendation: The Secretaries of Defense and Veterans Affairs should analyze the trade-offs of providing examinations and establish a policy on separation examinations that balances the separation processing needs of the military with the VA need for data to support the disability compensation claims adjudication process.

   Agency Affected: Department of Defense

2. Status: Closed - Implemented

   Comments: DOD's policy requiring uniform separation health interviews/exams took effect on June 15, 1995. The Department of Veterans Affairs anticipates new procedures to be in place by November 1995. This will eliminate earlier interdepartmental problems created for VA, as originally reported by GAO.

   Recommendation: The Secretaries of Defense and Veterans Affairs should analyze the trade-offs of providing examinations and establish a policy on separation examinations that balances the separation processing needs of the military with the VA need for data to support the disability compensation claims adjudication process.

   Agency Affected: Department of Veterans Affairs

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