; and (B) share such information with the Secretary. (5) The Secretary shall take into account, but is not bound by, any determination made by the independent contractor pursuant to paragraph (1) in determining the final decision with respect to the application for assistance. The Secretary may make a final decision that is contrary to such a determination if the Secretary includes clinically supported documentation with the decision. (6) The Secretary shall ensure that each external clinical review conducted by the independent contractor pursuant to paragraph (1) is completed and the Department is notified in writing of the results of the review by not later than 120 days after the date on which the individual makes the election under such paragraph. Not later than 30 days after the delivery of the determination recommended by the independent contractors, the Secretary shall ensure that the veteran and the individual making the election under such paragraph is notified in writing of the final decision of the Secretary. In accordance with paragraph (5), such notification shall include an explanation of the recommended decision, a discussion of the facts and applicable regulations, and an explanation of the clinical rationale for the final decision. (7) The Secretary shall notify individuals who submit an application to be a caregiver or family caregiver eligible for the program of comprehensive assistance administered by the Secretary pursuant to this section of the ability of the individual to make an election under paragraph (1). (8) Nothing in this subsection may be construed to affect claims made by veterans for disability compensation under chapter 11 of this title. . (b) Application The amendments made by subsection (a) shall apply with respect to elections under subsection (d) of section 1720G of title 38, United States Code, as added by subsection (a)(2), that are for applications or revocations for assistance for caregivers and family caregivers pursuant to such section for which the Secretary of