§5313B Prohibition on providing certain benefits with respect to persons who are fugitive felons

Summary

Veterans and their dependents cannot get certain VA benefits while they are fugitive felons. This rule covers benefits under chapters 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 30, 31, 32, 34, 35, and 37 of Title 38. A "fugitive felon" is someone who runs away to avoid prosecution or custody for a felony, or who breaks a felony probation or parole rule. "Felony" can include a state "high misdemeanor" that would be a felony under federal law. A "dependent" means a spouse, surviving spouse, child, or dependent parent. The VA must give a law enforcement officer the most current address it has for a person who is eligible for those benefits if the officer sends a written request, provides ID information, says the person is a fugitive, and says catching them is part of the officer’s job. The VA must make written agreements with federal law agencies and may make similar agreements with state and local agencies to share this information.