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119-s-3653119th CongressWALLET

Veterans’ Bill of Rights Act of 2026

Sponsored By: Senator Blackburn, Marsha [R-TN]

In Committee

Summary

The bill would require the VA to codify a formal Veterans’ Bill of Rights and make sure veterans are actively informed about those rights. It lists ten core rights and orders the VA to embed them in policies, training, facility postings, digital tools, and transition programs so veterans know how to get care, benefits, and appeals.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.

Clear application, appeal, and privacy rights

If enacted, you would get clearer procedural and privacy rights when you deal with the VA. You could apply for benefits at any time, get written notices about claims and appeals, and appeal adverse decisions with a right to a fair hearing in a reasonable time. You would be able to file complaints and expect timely investigations and resolution. Your personal and medical information would be protected consistent with Federal privacy laws.

Right to VA or community care

If enacted, you would have the right to get health care from the VA or from an authorized community provider. This right would apply only if you are eligible for VA health care or authorized community care under Federal law. The change would take effect upon enactment.

VA must post rights and train staff

If enacted, the VA would have to prominently show veterans' rights at all facilities and on the VA website. Within 180 days, the rights would be added to the VA mobile app and the eBenefits portal. Claims acknowledgments would include a summary of rights. The VA would add a rights module to the Transition Assistance Program and require annual training for all employees. Each VA medical facility would name a patient advocate or ombudsman and run an annual audit of rights compliance, satisfaction surveys, and grievance timeliness.

No change to eligibility or lawsuits

If enacted, the bill would say it does not change statutory eligibility for VA care or benefits. It would also say it does not create new causes of action for damages or judicially enforceable rights beyond current Federal law. These clarifications would take effect upon enactment.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Blackburn, Marsha [R-TN]

TN • R

Cosponsors

  • Sen. Sheehy, Tim [R-MT]

    MT • R

    Sponsored 1/15/2026

  • Sen. Tillis, Thomas [R-NC]

    NC • R

    Sponsored 1/15/2026

  • Sen. Tuberville, Tommy [R-AL]

    AL • R

    Sponsored 1/15/2026

  • Sen. Cotton, Tom [R-AR]

    AR • R

    Sponsored 1/28/2026

  • Sen. Banks, Jim [R-IN]

    IN • R

    Sponsored 1/29/2026

  • Sen. McCormick, David [R-PA]

    PA • R

    Sponsored 2/10/2026

  • Sen. Sullivan, Dan [R-AK]

    AK • R

    Sponsored 3/2/2026

  • Sen. Moody, Ashley [R-FL]

    FL • R

    Sponsored 6/15/2026

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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