§5313B Prohibition on Providing Certain Benefits with Respect to Persons Who Are Fugitive Felons

Summary

Veterans who are fugitive felons cannot get certain VA benefits while they are fugitives. If a veteran or their dependent is a fugitive felon, the dependent also cannot get those benefits while the person is a fugitive. A "fugitive felon" is someone who ran away to avoid being charged or going to jail for a felony, or who broke probation or parole for a felony. "Felony" also includes some state "high misdemeanors." "Dependent" means a spouse, surviving spouse, child, or dependent parent. The rule covers benefits under 11 chapters of the law (chapters 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 30–32, 34, 35, and 37). The Secretary must give the person’s most recent address to a federal, state, or local law officer if the officer sends a written request, gives enough ID information, says the person is a fugitive felon, and certifies that finding the person is part of the officer’s job. The Secretary must make written agreements with federal law agencies and may do so with state and local agencies to share this information.