VA Seeks Free Guides for Vets' Health Maze – Comment Now!
Published Date: 9/15/2026
Notice
Summary
The VA is setting up a new way to officially recognize groups and people who help veterans, their families, and caregivers find their way through VA health programs—without charging any fees. They want your thoughts on how this should work before finalizing it. Comments are open until October 15, 2026, so jump in and help shape this helpful program!
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 2 costs, 1 mixed.
VA to Recognize Veteran Navigators
VA will set up a formal process to recognize organizations and individuals who help veterans, family members, and caregivers navigate Veterans Health Administration (VHA) programs and services. VA requested comments by October 15, 2026 and plans to begin accepting online recognition applications in 2026 once processes are in place.
Recognized Navigators Must Be Free
Under section 129(c) of the Dole Act, VA will not recognize any organization or individual unless they certify to VA that no fee or compensation of any nature will be charged to any individual for assistance in navigating VHA programs and services. Organizations and individuals must sign this certification before VA will publicly recognize them.
Eligibility Rules for Recognized Organizations
VA proposes eligibility requirements for organizations seeking recognition, including: providing two-way real-time interactive communication with a person; being registered as a legal entity in at least one State for a minimum of 24 months; having an active listing on the Department of Defense-led National Resource Directory; and having no history of controversies or unethical/legal issues. Some of these requirements do not apply to individuals.
VA Will Publish Recognized Navigators Publicly
Once VA verifies signed agreements and applicable requirements, VA will publicly recognize organizations and individuals and maintain a list of recognized entities on a public-facing va.gov website so veterans, families, caregivers, and VA staff can identify recognized navigation resources.
Term Lengths, Renewals, and Enforcement
VA plans to recognize organizations and individuals for an initial one-year timeframe with annual renewal allowed for up to three total years; after that an applicant must submit a new recognition application. VA may revoke recognition if an organization or individual charges a fee or fails to meet recognition criteria, and notifications will include renewal, termination, and appeal information.
VA Seeks Public Input Before Implementation
VA is requesting public comments and information to help implement section 129 of the Dole Act and will consider feedback received; comments are due by October 15, 2026. VA indicated it currently plans to implement section 129 without rulemaking but may use comments to inform any future rulemaking.
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