This bill aims to make it easier for service members to get their VA disability benefits when they leave the military. It adds one thorough disability exam to the required separation physical. If a service member has, or might have, a health issue that could qualify for VA disability, a VA-certified provider must do the exam. If the issue is found during the physical and the examiner isn’t VA-certified, a VA-certified provider must finish the exam. The eligibility decision from this exam would count at the VA and be used to set the disability rating, so people don’t have to repeat exams later.

It also requires the Defense Department and the VA to build a shared record system so medical and service records can move smoothly between the two, reducing delays and lost information.

• Who is affected: Service members separating from active duty and future veterans.
• What changes: One comprehensive exam by a VA-certified provider; that decision is binding for VA disability ratings; DOD and VA must share records through a joint system.
• Why it matters: Fewer repeat exams and faster, clearer decisions on benefits.