((a)) ** .—** An individual is eligible to participate in the Education Debt Reduction Program if the individual—

((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)) 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).

((b)) ** .—** For purposes of subsection (a)(2), costs relating to a course of education or training include—

((1)) tuition expenses;

((2)) all other reasonable educational expenses, including expenses for fees, books, and laboratory expenses; and

((3)) reasonable living expenses.