§5902. Recognition of representatives of organizations

(a)(1) The Secretary may recognize representatives of the American National Red Cross, the American Legion, the Disabled American Veterans, the United Spanish War Veterans, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and such other organizations as the Secretary may approve, in the preparation, presentation, and prosecution of claims under laws administered by the Secretary.

(2) The Secretary may, in the discretion of the Secretary, furnish, if available, space and office facilities for the use of paid full-time representatives of national organizations so recognized.

(b) No individual shall be recognized under this section-

(1) unless the individual has certified to the Secretary that no fee or compensation of any nature will be charged any individual for services rendered in connection with any claim; and

(2) unless, with respect to each claim, such individual has filed with the Secretary a power of attorney, executed in such manner and form as the Secretary may prescribe.

(c) Service rendered in connection with any such claim, while not on active duty, by any retired officer, warrant officer, or enlisted member of the Armed Forces recognized under this section shall not be a violation of sections 203, 205, 206, or 207 of title 18.

( Pub. L. 85–857, Sept. 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 1238 , §3402; Pub. L. 91–24, §12(b), June 11, 1969, 83 Stat. 34 ; Pub. L. 98–160, title VII, §703(5), Nov. 21, 1983, 97 Stat. 1010 ; renumbered §5902, Pub. L. 102–40, title IV, §402(b)(1), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 238 ; Pub. L. 102–83, §4(a)(1), (b)(1), (2)(E), Aug. 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 403–405 .)

Amendments

1991-Pub. L. 102–40 renumbered section 3402 of this title as this section.

Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 102–83, §4(b)(1), (2)(E), substituted "Secretary" for "Administrator" in two places.

Pub. L. 102–83, §4(a)(1), substituted "administered by the Secretary" for "administered by the Veterans' Administration".

Subsecs. (a)(2), (b). Pub. L. 102–83, §4(b)(1), (2)(E), substituted "Secretary" for "Administrator" wherever appearing.

1983-Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 98–160, §703(5)(A), substituted "the Administrator" for "he".

Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 98–160, §703(5)(B), substituted "the discretion of the Administrator" for "his discretion".

Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 98–160, §703(5)(C), substituted "the individual" for "he".

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 98–160, §703(5)(D), substituted "member" for "man".

1969-Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 91–24 substituted "sections 203, 205, 206 or 207 of title 18" for "section 281 or 283 of title 18, or a violation of section 99 of title 5".

Section Referred to in Other Sections

This section is referred to in sections 521, 1711, 3735 of this title; title 10 section 2679.