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HR3833119th CongressWALLET

Veterans’ Caregiver Appeals Modernization Act of 2025

Sponsored By: Representative Barrett, Tom [R-MI-7]

In Committee

Summary

This bill creates a single digital access system so Veterans Health Administration and Board of Veterans' Appeals staff can view caregiver program applications and all supporting documents. It also raises training standards for staff who handle appeals and protects caregiver monthly stipend entitlements if a veteran dies while an appeal is pending.

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  • Families and caregivers: Guarantees caregiver monthly stipends are determined by the amount the caregiver was entitled to on the veteran's date of death and by any amounts that were due but unpaid.
  • VA reviewers and staff: Requires VHA employees who evaluate appeals affecting caregiver support to receive the same guidance and complete the same training as higher-level adjudicators.
  • VA operations and claims processing: Directs the Secretary to build a single digital system modeled on the Veterans Benefits Management System and to consider applying its lessons across VHA programs to improve consistency and timeliness.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Caregiver stipends after veteran death

If enacted, family caregivers could be paid what was owed if a veteran dies while an appeal is pending. VA would set the caregiver’s monthly stipend based on the amount shown in the VA file on the date of death. VA would also pay any stipend amounts that were due but unpaid as of that date. This applies to appeals that affect caregiver assistance.

One VA system and training for caregiver appeals

If enacted, VA would build one digital system for caregiver applications and appeals. VA health and appeals staff who review these cases would be able to see each application and all documents in one place. VA would also give caregiver-appeals reviewers the same guidance and training as higher‑level adjudicators. VA would consider lessons from its disability claims system when designing both. This could mean faster, more consistent decisions, but it would not change who qualifies or payment amounts.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Barrett, Tom [R-MI-7]

MI • R

Cosponsors

  • Rep. Bacon, Don [R-NE-2]

    NE • R

    Sponsored 6/9/2025

  • Rep. James, John [R-MI-10]

    MI • R

    Sponsored 6/9/2025

  • Rep. Valadao, David G. [R-CA-22]

    CA • R

    Sponsored 6/9/2025

  • Rep. Kean, Thomas H. [R-NJ-7]

    NJ • R

    Sponsored 6/25/2025

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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