Veterans Appeals Improvement and Modernization Act 2.0
Sponsored By: Senator Cassidy, Bill [R-LA]
In Committee
Summary
Simplifies and speeds VA benefits appeals. This bill would narrow what evidence can be added at different stages, force clearer Board decision notices, and add system integration plus outside reviews to cut remands and improve decision quality.
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- Veterans and families: Notices from the Board would have 7 specific items including issues decided, evidence considered, favorable findings, reasons for denial, how to access evidence, and criteria needed to win or get a higher award. This aims to make decisions easier to understand and act on.
- Appellants and representatives: The evidentiary record would be limited to materials submitted within 90 days after notice of disagreement for nonhearing cases and within 90 days after a Board hearing for hearing cases. Appellants could withdraw to file a supplemental claim or move between dockets without losing continuous pursuit if no new evidence was submitted and the Board has not decided the case.
- VA operations and oversight: The Secretary must produce a plan for electronic system integration within one year. The bill also requires annual deidentified appeals outcome reports, a third-party review sought within 180 days, and a Government Accountability Office review due within two years.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Move or withdraw appeals without losing rights
If enacted, the Secretary would have to let you move a case between dockets or withdraw an appeal by filing a supplemental claim without losing continuous pursuit. This would be allowed only if you did not submit new evidence, your case has not had a Board hearing, and the Board has not decided the case. The rule would preserve your appeal rights while you change strategy.
Veterans appeals computer systems plan
If enacted, the Secretary would have to review electronic systems used for chapter 71 appeals and submit a plan to Congress within one year. The plan would have to make agency and Board systems work together and add start-to-finish tracking for appeals about assistance under section 1720G. The plan would aim to reduce paperwork, delays, and errors in appeals processing.
New 90-day evidence deadlines
If enacted, the Board would only consider evidence you or your representative submit inside set 90-day windows. If you asked for a Board hearing, you would have to submit evidence by 90 days after the hearing. If you did not ask for a hearing but asked to submit evidence, you would have to submit evidence by 90 days after the Board received your Notice of Disagreement. Evidence sent after those deadlines may not be considered.
Clearer Board notices and review options
If enacted, the Board could reconsider decisions when the chairman or a claimant asks and would send such cases to a different panel that excludes the original member. The reviewing panel would decide by majority and that decision would be final. You could request review by a different member or panel in writing on the Secretary's form within the regular appeal timeframe. Board notices would have to list issues decided, summarize evidence and laws used, point out favorable findings, explain denied elements, say how to get the evidence, and note criteria needed for service connection or a higher rating. A Board member would also be allowed to issue a decision in whole or part during a hearing.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Cassidy, Bill [R-LA]
LA • R
Cosponsors
Sen. Blumenthal, Richard [D-CT]
CT • D
Sponsored 12/1/2025
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov