38 U.S.C. § 7682 — Eligibility

is an employee in the Veterans Health Administration serving in a position (as determined by the Secretary^*) providing direct-patient care services or services incident to direct-patient care services for which recruitment or retention of qualified health-care personnel (as so determined) is difficult; and

owes any amount of principal or interest under a loan, the proceeds of which were used by or on behalf of that individual to pay costs relating to a course of education or training which led to a degree that qualified the individual for the position referred to in paragraph (1).

tuition expenses;

all other reasonable educational expenses, including expenses for fees, books, and laboratory expenses; and

reasonable living expenses.