This bill would let people who receive VA education benefits use those funds to pay for certain exams or assessments that give college credit toward a degree at approved colleges and universities. Each test could be covered up to the test’s actual price or $500, whichever is less. If you use benefits for a test, it would count against your remaining benefits based on the test cost compared to your monthly benefit amount; it would not reduce any Defense Department Tuition Assistance you have.

Key points:

• Who is affected: People entitled to VA educational assistance, including veterans and other eligible individuals under specified VA education laws (chapters 30, 32, 33, 34, and 35, and similar laws).
• What changes: VA benefits could pay exam or assessment fees that award credit toward degrees; coverage is capped at $500 per exam or the exam’s cost, whichever is lower.
• When: If enacted, these options would be available for approved degree programs at institutions of higher learning.