A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to make permanent and codify the pilot program for use of contract physicians for disability examinations, and for other purposes.

This bill makes permanent and codifies a pilot program that allows the Department of Veterans Affairs to use contract physicians, rather than only VA employees, to conduct medical disability examinations for veterans' benefits. It also terminates the original pilot program and requires a report to Congress on the program's effects.

Section 1, Making permanent and codifying pilot program for use of contract physicians for disability examinations: This section adds a new law (section 5103B) to title 38 of the U.S. Code. It authorizes the Under Secretary for Benefits to contract with non-VA employees to perform medical disability examinations for benefit applicants. Contract health care professionals must have a current unrestricted license and not be barred from practicing in any state; they may conduct examinations in any state as long as the work is within their contract duties. Expenses for these examinations, including travel, are to be paid from funds available for compensation and pensions. The Secretary must also create a mechanism for contract physicians to transmit any new and material medical evidence introduced by an applicant during an examination. The original pilot program is terminated. Within three years of enactment, the Secretary must report to Congress on the cost, timeliness, and thoroughness of these examinations.