Veterans Benefits Improvement Act of 2023

12/15/2023, 3:55 PM

Veterans Benefits Improvement Act of 2023

This bill addresses certain requirements related to Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical disability examinations for purposes of benefit claims and other administrative matters related to the benefit claims processes and personnel.

First, the bill updates procedures related to the publishing of VA disability benefit questionnaire forms. Specifically, the VA does not have to publish certain forms if it determines the form could not reasonably be completed to a clinically acceptable standard by someone who is not an employee or contractor of the VA.

The bill also requires the VA to report on its efforts to provide reimbursement for a veteran's travel to a facility, regardless of whether the facility is inside or outside of the United States, when such travel is incident to a medical disability examination for purposes of VA benefits.

The VA must also include certain elements in contracts it enters with non-VA providers to provide medical disability examinations. Specifically, the contracts must require that every communication from the provider to the applicant regarding the scheduling of a medical disability examination must be transmitted to any person or organization that is legally designated by the applicant and is recognized for the preparation, presentation, and prosecution of claims.

Additionally, the VA must partner with veterans service organizations and other stakeholders (as determined by the VA) to implement an outreach program for veterans regarding (1) contact information for non-VA providers that are providing medical disability examinations, and (2) the requirement for veterans to provide personally identifiable information when contacted by such providers to verify their identity.

The VA must report on improving its support of governmental veterans service officers.

The VA must establish a Board of Veterans' Appeals internship program for individuals enrolled in the first or second year of law school.

The VA must also implement a program to furnish student loan repayment benefits or reimbursements for courses, bar exams, or bar membership dues to certain attorneys who agree to work for the VA for at least 3 years.

The bill increases the maximum possible number of judges presiding over the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims to nine judges.

Finally, the VA must report on improving access to telehearings for Board of Veterans' Appeals hearings.

The Veterans Benefits Improvement Act of 2023, also known as Bill 118 hr 1530, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. The main goal of this bill is to improve and expand benefits for veterans in various areas.

One key provision of the bill is the expansion of healthcare benefits for veterans. This includes increasing access to mental health services, improving care for veterans with traumatic brain injuries, and enhancing support for veterans with disabilities. Additionally, the bill aims to streamline the process for veterans to receive medical care and benefits, making it easier for them to access the services they need.

Another important aspect of the Veterans Benefits Improvement Act is the focus on education and job training for veterans. The bill includes provisions to increase funding for education and training programs for veterans, as well as initiatives to help veterans transition into civilian careers. This is aimed at reducing unemployment rates among veterans and ensuring they have the skills and resources they need to succeed in the workforce. Furthermore, the bill includes measures to improve housing assistance for veterans, expand access to financial benefits, and enhance support for veterans experiencing homelessness. These provisions are designed to address the unique challenges faced by veterans and ensure they have the resources and support they need to thrive. Overall, the Veterans Benefits Improvement Act of 2023 is a comprehensive piece of legislation aimed at improving the lives of veterans and ensuring they receive the benefits and support they deserve. It addresses key areas such as healthcare, education, job training, housing, and financial assistance, with the goal of providing veterans with the resources they need to lead successful and fulfilling lives after their service to the country.
Congress
118

Number
HR - 1530

Introduced on
2023-03-10

# Amendments
0

Sponsors
+5

Cosponsors
+5

Variations and Revisions

9/20/2023

Status of Legislation

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

Purpose and Summary

Veterans Benefits Improvement Act of 2023

This bill addresses certain requirements related to Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical disability examinations for purposes of benefit claims and other administrative matters related to the benefit claims processes and personnel.

First, the bill updates procedures related to the publishing of VA disability benefit questionnaire forms. Specifically, the VA does not have to publish certain forms if it determines the form could not reasonably be completed to a clinically acceptable standard by someone who is not an employee or contractor of the VA.

The bill also requires the VA to report on its efforts to provide reimbursement for a veteran's travel to a facility, regardless of whether the facility is inside or outside of the United States, when such travel is incident to a medical disability examination for purposes of VA benefits.

The VA must also include certain elements in contracts it enters with non-VA providers to provide medical disability examinations. Specifically, the contracts must require that every communication from the provider to the applicant regarding the scheduling of a medical disability examination must be transmitted to any person or organization that is legally designated by the applicant and is recognized for the preparation, presentation, and prosecution of claims.

Additionally, the VA must partner with veterans service organizations and other stakeholders (as determined by the VA) to implement an outreach program for veterans regarding (1) contact information for non-VA providers that are providing medical disability examinations, and (2) the requirement for veterans to provide personally identifiable information when contacted by such providers to verify their identity.

The VA must report on improving its support of governmental veterans service officers.

The VA must establish a Board of Veterans' Appeals internship program for individuals enrolled in the first or second year of law school.

The VA must also implement a program to furnish student loan repayment benefits or reimbursements for courses, bar exams, or bar membership dues to certain attorneys who agree to work for the VA for at least 3 years.

The bill increases the maximum possible number of judges presiding over the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims to nine judges.

Finally, the VA must report on improving access to telehearings for Board of Veterans' Appeals hearings.

The Veterans Benefits Improvement Act of 2023, also known as Bill 118 hr 1530, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. The main goal of this bill is to improve and expand benefits for veterans in various areas.

One key provision of the bill is the expansion of healthcare benefits for veterans. This includes increasing access to mental health services, improving care for veterans with traumatic brain injuries, and enhancing support for veterans with disabilities. Additionally, the bill aims to streamline the process for veterans to receive medical care and benefits, making it easier for them to access the services they need.

Another important aspect of the Veterans Benefits Improvement Act is the focus on education and job training for veterans. The bill includes provisions to increase funding for education and training programs for veterans, as well as initiatives to help veterans transition into civilian careers. This is aimed at reducing unemployment rates among veterans and ensuring they have the skills and resources they need to succeed in the workforce. Furthermore, the bill includes measures to improve housing assistance for veterans, expand access to financial benefits, and enhance support for veterans experiencing homelessness. These provisions are designed to address the unique challenges faced by veterans and ensure they have the resources and support they need to thrive. Overall, the Veterans Benefits Improvement Act of 2023 is a comprehensive piece of legislation aimed at improving the lives of veterans and ensuring they receive the benefits and support they deserve. It addresses key areas such as healthcare, education, job training, housing, and financial assistance, with the goal of providing veterans with the resources they need to lead successful and fulfilling lives after their service to the country.

Policy Areas
Armed Forces and National Security

Potential Impact
Intergovernmental relations•
Public contracts and procurement•
Veterans' medical care•
Veterans' pensions and compensation

Comments

Recent Activity

Latest Summary10/2/2023

Veterans Benefits Improvement Act of 2023

This bill addresses certain requirements related to Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical disability examinations for purposes of benefit claims and other administrative matters...


Latest Action9/21/2023
Received in the Senate.