Brian Neuman Department of Veterans Affairs Clothing Allowance Improvement Act of 2021

3/8/2023, 8:12 PM

Brian Neuman Department of Veterans Affairs Clothing Allowance Improvement Act of 2021

This bill modifies the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) clothing allowance policy for veterans who, due to a service-connected disability, wear a prosthetic, use an orthopedic appliance (e.g., a wheelchair), or use a prescription skin medication that the VA determines causes irreparable damage to clothing.

The bill requires the VA to continue the clothing allowance for such a veteran on an annual basis until the veteran elects to no longer receive the allowance, or the VA determines the veteran is no longer eligible for the allowance, whichever occurs first.

The bill sets forth a procedure by which the VA must conduct reviews of clothing allowance claims to determine the continued eligibility of veterans. Specifically, the VA must conduct a review (1) five years after the date on which a veteran initially receives a clothing allowance and periodically thereafter, and (2) whenever the VA receives notice that the veteran no longer meets eligibility requirements. If a veteran is eligible for a clothing allowance based on a circumstance that is not subject to change, the VA does not need to review whether the veteran has continued eligibility.

If the VA determines, as the result of a review of a claim, that a veteran no longer meets the eligibility requirements for a clothing allowance, the VA must provide notice of the determination and discontinue the clothing allowance. The notice must include a description of applicable actions that may be taken following the determination (e.g., filing a notice of disagreement).

Congress
117

Number
S - 2513

Introduced on
2021-07-28

# Amendments
0

Sponsors
+5

Cosponsors
+5

Variations and Revisions

7/28/2021

Status of Legislation

Bill Introduced
Introduced to House
House to Vote
Introduced to Senate
Senate to Vote

Purpose and Summary

Brian Neuman Department of Veterans Affairs Clothing Allowance Improvement Act of 2021

This bill modifies the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) clothing allowance policy for veterans who, due to a service-connected disability, wear a prosthetic, use an orthopedic appliance (e.g., a wheelchair), or use a prescription skin medication that the VA determines causes irreparable damage to clothing.

The bill requires the VA to continue the clothing allowance for such a veteran on an annual basis until the veteran elects to no longer receive the allowance, or the VA determines the veteran is no longer eligible for the allowance, whichever occurs first.

The bill sets forth a procedure by which the VA must conduct reviews of clothing allowance claims to determine the continued eligibility of veterans. Specifically, the VA must conduct a review (1) five years after the date on which a veteran initially receives a clothing allowance and periodically thereafter, and (2) whenever the VA receives notice that the veteran no longer meets eligibility requirements. If a veteran is eligible for a clothing allowance based on a circumstance that is not subject to change, the VA does not need to review whether the veteran has continued eligibility.

If the VA determines, as the result of a review of a claim, that a veteran no longer meets the eligibility requirements for a clothing allowance, the VA must provide notice of the determination and discontinue the clothing allowance. The notice must include a description of applicable actions that may be taken following the determination (e.g., filing a notice of disagreement).

Alternative Names
Official Title as IntroducedA bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to improve the application and review process of the Department of Veterans Affairs for clothing allowance claims submitted by veterans, and for other purposes.

Policy Areas
Armed Forces and National Security

Potential Impact
Administrative remedies
Department of Veterans Affairs
Disability assistance
Health technology, devices, supplies
Musculoskeletal and skin diseases
Veterans' pensions and compensation

Comments

Recent Activity

Latest Summary2/10/2022

Brian Neuman Department of Veterans Affairs Clothing Allowance Improvement Act of 2021

This bill modifies the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) clothing allowance policy for veterans who, due to a service-connected disab...


Latest Action12/15/2021
Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.