
From the U.S. Code Online via GPO Access
[wais.access.gpo.gov]
[Laws in effect as of January 23, 2000]
[Document not affected by Public Laws enacted between
  January 23, 2000 and December 4, 2001]
[CITE: 38USC515]

 
                      TITLE 38--VETERANS' BENEFITS
 
                       PART I--GENERAL PROVISIONS
 
            CHAPTER 5--AUTHORITY AND DUTIES OF THE SECRETARY
 
                    SUBCHAPTER I--GENERAL AUTHORITIES
 
Sec. 515. Administrative settlement of tort claims

    (a)(1) Notwithstanding the limitations contained in section 2672 of 
title 28, the Secretary may settle a claim for money damages against the 
United States cognizable under section 1346(b) or 2672 of title 28 or 
section 7316 of this title to the extent the authority to do so is 
delegated to the Secretary by the Attorney General. Such delegation may 
not exceed the authority delegated by the Attorney General to United 
States attorneys to settle claims for money damages against the United 
States.
    (2) For purposes of this subsection, the term ``settle'', with 
respect to a claim, means consider, ascertain, adjust, determine, and 
dispose of the claim, whether by full or partial allowance or by 
disallowance.
    (b) The Secretary may pay tort claims, in the manner authorized in 
the first paragraph of section 2672 of title 28, when such claims arise 
in foreign countries in connection with Department operations abroad. A 
claim may not be allowed under this subsection unless it is presented in 
writing to the Secretary within two years after the claim accrues.

(Added Pub. L. 102-83, Sec. 2(a), Aug. 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 389.)


                            Prior Provisions

    Provisions similar to those in this section were contained in 
sections 224 and 236 of this title prior to repeal by Pub. L. 102-83, 
Sec. 2(a).
