Title 38 › PART I — GENERAL PROVISIONS › CHAPTER 5 — AUTHORITY AND DUTIES OF THE SECRETARY › SUBCHAPTER I — GENERAL AUTHORITIES › § 501
The Secretary must make rules needed to run the Department’s laws, as long as those rules follow the laws. These rules can say what proof and evidence are required and how to give them, what claim forms to use, how investigations and medical exams are done, and how decisions and awards are made and written. Every rule, guideline, or order made under this power must show the statute or legal authority it is based on, with the citation placed right after each main rule. When applying section 552(a)(1) of title 5 to the Department, the Secretary must follow subparagraphs (C), (D), and (E), especially for opinions and interpretations of the General Counsel. Section 553 of title 5 applies to loans, grants, or benefits the Secretary handles, and subsection (a)(2) of section 553 does not apply.
Full Legal Text
Veterans' Benefits, Source: USLM XML via OLRC
Legislative History
Reference
Citation
38 U.S.C. § 501
Title 38, Veterans' Benefits
Last Updated
Aug 21, 2026
Release point: 119-102