Except to the extent inconsistent with the provisions of this chapter, the provisions of Chapter 2 of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code shall be applicable to the Department of Veterans Affairs as if the provisions of said Chapter 2 were set out fully herein.

Whenever in such chapter the term “head of the department” or similar designation occurs, it shall mean the director, except that for the purposes of Article 2 of said Chapter 2 it shall also mean both the board and any member of the board to whom the duty of conducting any investigation is given by the board.