Protecting Veteran’s Claim Options Act

This bill changes how the Board of Veterans’ Appeals handles certain appeals. First, if a veteran appeals a decision on a supplemental claim, the Board can’t reject the case just because the veteran didn’t bring “new and relevant” evidence; the Board must still consider the case rather than deny it on that single reason. Second, when a higher court sends a case back to the Board, the Board will look at the same evidence it had before, plus any new evidence the veteran or their representative submits within 90 days after the case is sent back; the Board must consider that new material first.

What this means in everyday terms: veterans get a fairer shot on appeal. Your case can’t be tossed out just for not adding new proof in a supplemental claim appeal, and if your case is sent back by the court, you get a 90‑day window to add more evidence that the Board has to review.

• Who is affected: Veterans appealing VA benefits decisions and their representatives.
• What changes: The Board can’t deny an appeal only for lack of new evidence in supplemental claim appeals; on court remands, the Board considers the existing record plus any evidence you submit within 90 days.
• When: These changes would take effect if this bill becomes law.