TEAM Veteran Caregivers Act

This bill aims to make VA caregiver programs clearer and fairer for veterans and their caregivers. It tells the VA to officially recognize any caregiver by listing them in the veteran’s health record, including caregivers in both the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers and the Program of General Caregiver Support Services.

The VA must also send a standard letter to veterans and their caregivers whenever it makes a decision about caregiver benefits—like a claim decision, lowering support, ending help, or eligibility. These letters must include key details so people understand what changed and why. If a veteran is told they no longer qualify for the comprehensive caregiver program, the VA has to keep benefits going for at least 90 days after the notice. This temporary extension does not apply if there was fraud, abuse, or neglect; if a new primary caregiver is named within 90 days; if the former caregiver moves out or ends the relationship; or if the veteran or caregiver asks to stop sooner.

Key points:

• Who is affected: Veterans in VA caregiver programs and their family or other caregivers.
• What changes: Caregivers must be listed in the veteran’s health record; clear, standardized decision letters go to veterans and caregivers; a 90-day continuation of benefits after loss of eligibility, with specific exceptions .
• When it applies: After the VA makes and sends a decision about eligibility or benefit changes; the 90-day continuation starts from the date of that notice.