In scheduling appointments for outpatient medical services and admissions for inpatient hospital care, the Under Secretary for Health shall give priority to:

(a) Veterans with service-connected disabilities rated 50 percent or greater based on one or more disabilities or unemployability; and

(b) Veterans needing care for a service-connected disability.

(Authority: 38 U.S.C. 101, 501, 1705, 1710)

[67 FR 58529, Sept. 17, 2002]