Title 38, Veterans' BenefitsRelease 119-102
§304 Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs
Title 38 › PART I — GENERAL PROVISIONS › CHAPTER 3 — DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS › § 304
Summary
The President, with Senate approval, appoints a Deputy Secretary. They perform the Secretary’s duties and become Acting Secretary if the Secretary is absent, disabled, or the office is vacant, unless the President names another.
Full Legal Text
Title 38, §304
Veterans' Benefits, Source: USLM XML via OLRC
There is in the Department a Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs, who is appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. The Deputy Secretary shall perform such functions as the Secretary shall prescribe. Unless the President designates another officer of the Government, the Deputy Secretary shall be Acting Secretary of Veterans Affairs during the absence or disability of the Secretary or in the event of a vacancy in the office of Secretary.
Legislative History
Notes & Related Subsidiaries
Editorial Notes
Prior Provisions
Provisions similar to those in this section were contained in section 210(d) of this title and in section 3(a) of Pub. L. 100–527, known as the Department of Veterans Affairs Act, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 102–83, §§ 2(a), 3(3).
Executive Documents
Order of SuccessionFor order of succession during any period when both Secretary and Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs are unable to perform functions and duties of office of Secretary, see Ex. Ord. No. 13247, Dec. 18, 2001, 66 F.R. 66271, listed in a table under section 3345 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.
Reference
Citations & Metadata
Citation
38 U.S.C. § 304
Title 38, Veterans' Benefits
Last Updated
Aug 21, 2026
Release point: 119-102