102 STAT. 490
PUBLIC LAW 100-322—MAY 20, 1988
"(2) The Administrator shall furnish on an ambulatory or outpatient basis medical services for a purpose described in paragraph (5) of this subsection— "(A) to any veteran who has a service-connected disability rated at 30 percent or 40 percent; and "(B) to any veteran who is eligible for hospital care under section 610(a) of this title and whose annual income (as determined under section 503 of this title) does not exceed the maximum annual rate of pension that would be applicable to the veteran if the veteran were eligible for pension under section 521(d) of this title. "(3) The Administrator may furnish on an ambulatory or outpatient basis medical services which the Administrator determines are needed— "(A) to any veteran who is a former prisoner of war; "(B) to any veteran of the Mexican border period or of World War I; and "(C) to any veteran who is in receipt of increased pension or additional compensation or allowances based on the need of regular aid and attendance or by reason of being permanently housebound (or who, but for the receipt of retired pay, would be in receipt of such pension, compensation, or allowance). "(4) Subject to subsection (f) of this section, the Administrator may furnish on an ambulatory or outpatient basis medical services for a purpose described in paragraph (5) of this subsection to any veteran who is eligible for hospital care under section 610 of this title and who is not otherwise eligible for such services under this subsection. "(5)(A) Medical services for a purpose described in this paragraph are medical services reasonably necessary in preparation for hospital admission or to obviate the need of hospital admission. In the case of a veteran described in paragraph (4) of this subsection, services to obviate the need of hospital admission may be furnished only to the extent that facilities are available. (B) In the case of a vetersm who has been furnished hospital care, nursing home care, or domiciliary care, medical services for a purpose described in this paragraph include medical services reasonably necessary to complete treatment incident to such care. Such medical services may not be provided for a period in excess of 12 months after discharge from such care. However, the Administrator may authorize a longer period in any case if the Administrator finds that a longer period is required by reason of the disability being treated.". (c) PRIORITY FOR OUTPATIENT SERVICES.—Section 612(i) is amended by striking out paragraphs (1) through (6) and inserting in lieu thereof the following: "(1) To a veteran who is entitled to such services under paragraph (1) or (2) of subsection (a) of this section. "(2) To a veteran (A) who has a service-connected disability rated at less than 30-percent disabling, or (B) who is being examined to determine the existence or severity of a serviceconnected disability. "(3) To a veteran (A) who is a former prisoner of war, or (B) who is eligible for hospital care under section 610(e) of this title. "(4) To a veteran eligible for medical services under subsection (a)(3)(B) or (a)(3)(C) of this section. "(5) To a veteran not covered by paragraphs (1) through (4) of this subsection who is unable to defray the expenses of nee-
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