Simplifying Forms for Veterans Claims Act

This act aims to make VA benefit forms easier to understand. It tells the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to work with an independent, federally funded research center to review the forms sent to people who apply for VA benefits, and to suggest ways to make them clearer and better organized. After the review, the VA must share the assessment with Congress and start carrying out lawful recommendations, then finish those changes within two years of starting.

It also extends an existing limit on certain VA pension payments by one month, moving the date to December 31, 2031.

• Who is affected: Veterans and other VA benefit claimants; the VA agency itself.
• What changes: VA forms get an independent review and clearer design; a pension payment limit date is extended to the end of 2031.
• When: VA seeks the review within 30 days of the law taking effect, shares the assessment and begins changes within 90 days of receiving it, and completes changes within two years of starting.