Department of Veterans Affairs (Photo: Brian Snyder/Reuters)

Veterans and their caregivers may soon see changes in how the VA handles benefits claims and appeals. A new package of bills introduced in the House of Representatives is focused on fixing delays, reducing errors, and updating outdated systems that have slowed down decisions for years.

Rep. Mike Bost (R-IL), chairman of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee and a Marine Corps Veteran, introduced the Protecting Veterans Claim Options Act on June 9. The bill would change how the VA handles supplemental claims, which are resubmissions based on new evidence or law changes. Currently, Veterans must prove that the new evidence is both “new and relevant” before the VA will reconsider a denied claim. This bill would remove that extra step and require the VA to decide based on the full claim. Supporters say this will prevent Veterans from getting stuck in a cycle without ever receiving a final decision.

Another bill, the Veterans Appeals Efficiency Act of 2025, is backed by Bost and Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.). It would let the Board of Veterans’ Appeals group similar appeals together, helping reduce wait times and create more consistent rulings. The bill also includes new tracking requirements and allows courts to manage Veteran appeals more flexibly, including by certifying class action cases where appropriate.

Rep. David Valadao (R-Calif.) reintroduced the Modernizing All Veterans and Survivors Claims Processing Act to address long-standing technology problems in the VA’s claims systems. His bill calls for more automation, improved software, and better use of tools to organize medical records and documents. Many claims are delayed because the VA still relies on outdated methods to sort through massive files, especially for pensions and survivor benefits. The bill also aims to prevent overpayments and reduce errors tied to mislabeled files.

The fourth bill, the Veterans’ Caregiver Appeals Modernization Act, was introduced by Rep. Tom Barrett (R-MI). It proposes a single online system for submitting caregiver program applications and appeals. The bill would also allow caregivers to receive financial support even if the Veteran passes away during the appeals process, helping families avoid unnecessary gaps in assistance.

These four bills will be reviewed at a June 24 hearing by the House Veterans’ Affairs subcommittee on disability assistance and memorial affairs. Lawmakers say the proposals are meant to fix the slow and frustrating process many Veterans face when seeking the benefits they earned.

Author: Rikki Almanza

Rikki is a Web Content Coordinator for the American Legion, Department of California. With a deep-rooted family connection to the military, Rikki is committed to using her skills and knowledge to provide valuable assistance and resources to servicemembers and veterans.