38 U.S.C. § 7682 — Eligibility

1. (a)EligibilityAn individual is eligible to participate in the Education Debt Reduction Program if the individual—
   1. (1)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
   2. (2)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).
2. (b)Covered CostsFor purposes of subsection (a)(2), costs relating to a course of education or training include—
   1. (1)tuition expenses;
   2. (2)all other reasonable educational expenses, including expenses for fees, books, and laboratory expenses; and
   3. (3)reasonable living expenses.