38 U.S.C. § 7603 — Application and acceptance

(a) (1) To apply to participate under subchapter II, III, V, VI, VIII, or IX, a person must submit to the Secretary an application together with a signed agreement, described in section 7604, in which the participant agrees to serve an obligated period in the Veterans Health Administration, in return for the educational assistance the agreement provides. (2) To apply under subchapter VII, a person just submits an application to the Secretary — no agreement is required. (b) (1) A person becomes a participant once the Secretary approves their application and accepts their agreement, if one is required. (2) When the Secretary approves someone's participation, the Secretary must promptly notify that person in writing. (c) (1) When distributing application and agreement forms, the Secretary must include with them (A) a fair summary of the rights and obligations of someone whose application is approved and agreement accepted, including a clear explanation of the damages the United States is entitled to if the participant breaches the agreement, and (B) a full description of the terms and conditions that apply to participating in the program and serving in the Veterans Health Administration. (2) The Secretary must make these forms and other information available early enough for applicants to have adequate time to prepare and submit them. (d) When selecting applicants to accept into the program, the Secretary must give priority to people who previously received educational assistance under the program but did not complete their course of education or training.