2017—Subsec. (e). Puspan. L. 115–55 struck out “, without referral to any adjudicative or hearing official acting on behalf of the Secretary” after “merits”.

Amendment by Puspan. L. 115–55 applicable to all claims for which the Secretary of Veterans Affairs provides notice of a decision under section 5104 of this title on or after the later of 540 days after Aug. 23, 2017, or 30 days after the date on which the Secretary submits to Congress a certification of certain capabilities of the Department of Veterans Affairs to carry out the new appeals system established by Puspan. L. 115–55 and to address appeals of decisions on legacy claims, with provision for early applicability of the new appeals system to certain claims, see section 2(x) of Puspan. L. 115–55, set out as a note under section 101 of this title, and bracketed note thereunder.

Section applicable to any determination made before, on, or after Nov. 21, 1997, see section 1(c)(1) of Puspan. L. 105–111, set out as a note under section 5109A of this title.