; and (C) withstand peer review. (c) Membership (1) Number and appointment The Commission shall be composed of 15 members appointed by the Comptroller of the United States. (2) Qualifications (A) Research The Comptroller shall select members from the medical community who have distinguished backgrounds in biomedical, scientific, or epidemiological research. (B) Experience with veterans or members of the Armed Forces A majority of the members shall be veterans, members of the Armed Forces, or have experience providing health care to veterans or members of the Armed Forces. (C) Prohibition on eligibility for benefits related to exposure to open burn pits No member may be eligible for any benefit under section 1110 of title 38, United States Code, pursuant to regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs under section 1119 of such title. (3) Terms (A) In general Each member shall be appointed for renewable three-year terms. (B) Vacancies A vacancy in the Commission shall be filled in the manner in which the original appointment was made. Any member appointed to fill a vacancy occurring before the expiration of the term for which the member's predecessor was appointed shall be appointed only for the remainder of that term. A member may serve after the expiration of that member's term until a successor has taken office. (4) Basic pay (A) Rates of pay Members shall be paid at a rate equal to level IV of the Executive Schedule under section 5315 of title 5, United States Code. (B) Prohibition of compensation of Federal employees No member of the Commission who is a full-time officer or employee of the United States may receive additional pay, allowances, or benefits by reason of service on the Commission. (5) Travel expenses Each member shall receive travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, in accordance with applicable provisions under subchapter 1 of chapter 57 of title 5, United States Code. (6) Quorum A majority of members of the Commission shall constitute a quorum but a lesser