Section 1167 - [1] Mental health consultations(a) IN GENERAL.-Not later than 30 days after the date on which a veteran submits to the Secretary a claim for compensation under this chapter for a service-connected disability relating to a mental health diagnosis, the Secretary shall offer the veteran a mental health consultation to assess the mental health needs of, and care options for, the veteran.(b) AVAILABILITY.-The Secretary shall-(1) offer a veteran a consultation under subsection (a) without regard to any previous denial or approval of a claim of that veteran for a service-connected disability relating to a mental health diagnosis; and(2) ensure that a veteran offered a mental health consultation under subsection (a) may elect to receive such consultation during the one-year period beginning on the date on which the consultation is offered or during such longer period beginning on such date as the Secretary considers appropriate.(c) RULE OF CONSTRUCTION.-A consultation provided to a veteran under this section shall not be construed as a determination that any disability of such veteran is service-connected for the purposes of any benefit under the laws administered by the Secretary.1Another section 1167 is set out preceding section 1168.
Added Pub. L. 117-328, div. V, title IV, §404(a)(1), Dec. 29, 2022, 136 Stat. 5512.