### Question
How is the "previous year" defined?


### Answer
The term **previous year** is defined in *38 U.S.C. § 1722* as follows -

> the calendar year preceding the year in which the veteran applies for care or services under section 1710(a) or 1712(f) of this title

#### Citation:
  - *38 U.S.C. § 1722*
  - Heading: **PART II-GENERAL BENEFITS > CHAPTER 17-HOSPITAL, NURSING HOME, DOMICILIARY, AND MEDICAL CARE > SUBCHAPTER III-MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS RELATING TO HOSPITAL AND NURSING HOME CARE AND MEDICAL TREATMENT OF VETERANS**

