Title 38Veterans' BenefitsRelease 119-73

§7604 Terms of agreement

Title 38 › Part PART V— - BOARDS, ADMINISTRATIONS, AND SERVICES › Chapter CHAPTER 76— - HEALTH PROFESSIONALS EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM › Subchapter SUBCHAPTER I— - GENERAL › § 7604

Last updated Apr 6, 2026|Official source

Summary

Agreements between the Secretary and a participant must be written, signed by the participant, and list the promises each side makes. The Secretary must promise to give the named educational help under subchapters II, III, V, VI, VIII, or IX and to offer a job chance in the Veterans Health Administration if money is available and the person meets rules in section 7402. The participant must accept the help, stay enrolled and attend until the training is finished, keep acceptable grades (as the school and Secretary’s rules require), and after training work full time in the Veterans Health Administration as the agreement says. The agreement must say that any U.S. payment depends on money being appropriated, state the damages if the participant breaks the deal, and include any other terms required by those subchapters or the Secretary.

Full Legal Text

Title 38, §7604

Veterans' Benefits — Source: USLM XML via OLRC

An agreement between the Secretary and a participant in the Educational Assistance Program shall be in writing, shall be signed by the participant, and shall include the following provisions:
(1)The Secretary’s agreement—
(A)to provide the participant with educational assistance as authorized in subchapter II, III, V, VI, VIII, or IX of this chapter and specified in the agreement; and
(B)to afford the participant the opportunity for employment in the Veterans Health Administration (subject to the availability of appropriated funds for such purpose and other qualifications established in accordance with section 7402 of this title).
(2)The participant’s agreement—
(A)to accept such educational assistance;
(B)to maintain enrollment and attendance in the course of training until completed;
(C)while enrolled in such course, to maintain an acceptable level of academic standing (as determined by the educational institution offering such course of training under regulations prescribed by the Secretary); and
(D)after completion of the course of training, to serve as a full-time employee in the Veterans Health Administration as specified in the agreement in accordance with subchapter II, III, V, VI, VIII, or IX of this chapter.
(3)A provision that any financial obligation of the United States arising out of an agreement entered into under this chapter, and any obligation of the participant which is conditioned on such agreement, is contingent upon funds being appropriated for educational assistance under this chapter.
(4)A statement of the damages to which the United States is entitled under this chapter for the participant’s breach of the agreement.
(5)Such other terms as are required to be included in the agreement under subchapter II, III, V, VI, VIII, or IX of this chapter or as the Secretary may require consistent with the provisions of this chapter.

Legislative History

Notes & Related Subsidiaries

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2020—Pub. L. 116–171 substituted “VIII, or IX” for “or VIII” in pars. (1)(A), (2)(D), and (5). 2018—Pub. L. 115–182 substituted “VI, or VIII” for “or VI” in pars. (1)(A), (2)(D), and (5). 1998—Pub. L. 105–368 substituted “subchapter II, III, V, or VI” for “subchapter II, III, or V” in pars. (1)(A), (2)(D), and (5). 1994—Pub. L. 103–446, § 1201(e)(26), substituted “subchapter II” for “subchapters II” in pars. (1)(A), (2)(D), and (5). Pub. L. 103–446, § 1201(b)(1), substituted “Veterans Health Administration” for “Department of Medicine and Surgery” in pars. (1)(B) and (2)(D). 1991—Pub. L. 102–40, § 402(b)(1), renumbered section 4304 of this title as this section. Pub. L. 102–83 substituted “Secretary” for “Administrator” and “Secretary’s” for “Administrator’s” wherever appearing. Pub. L. 102–40, § 403(b)(3), substituted “7402” for “4105” in par. (1)(B). 1990—Pars. (1)(A), (2)(D), (5). Pub. L. 101–366 substituted “subchapters II, III, or V” for “subchapter II or III”.

Reference

Citations & Metadata

Citation

38 U.S.C. § 7604

Title 38Veterans' Benefits

Last Updated

Apr 6, 2026

Release point: 119-73