Title 38 — Veterans' BenefitsRelease 119-73not60
§512 Delegation of Authority; Assignment of Functions and Duties
Title 38 › Part I— GENERAL PROVISIONS › Chapter 5— AUTHORITY AND DUTIES OF THE SECRETARY › Subchapter I— GENERAL AUTHORITIES › § 512
Summary
Unless another law says otherwise, the Secretary may give duties and decision-making power over any law the Department handles and may allow officers to pass that power on. When people act within those powers, their official actions count the same as if the Secretary acted. The Secretary may have technical and administrative staff, like officers, experts, inspectors, and assistants, including legal assistants.
Full Legal Text
Title 38, §512
Veterans' Benefits — Source: USLM XML via OLRC
(a)Except as otherwise provided by law, the Secretary may assign functions and duties, and delegate, or authorize successive redelegation of, authority to act and to render decisions, with respect to all laws administered by the Department, to such officers and employees as the Secretary may find necessary. Within the limitations of such delegations, redelegations, or assignments, all official acts and decisions of such officers and employees shall have the same force and effect as though performed or rendered by the Secretary.
(b)There shall be included on the technical and administrative staff of the Secretary such staff officers, experts, inspectors, and assistants (including legal assistants) as the Secretary may prescribe.
Legislative History
Notes & Related Subsidiaries
Editorial Notes
Prior Provisions
Prior section 512 was renumbered section 1512 of this title. Provisions similar to those in this section were contained in section 212 of this title prior to repeal by Pub. L. 102–83, § 2(a).
Reference
Citations & Metadata
Citation
38 U.S.C. § 512
Title 38 — Veterans' Benefits
Last Updated
Apr 5, 2026
Release point: 119-73not60