Veterans Claims Education Act of 2025
Introduced on February 25, 2025 by Scott Peters
Sponsors (10)
House Votes
Senate Votes
AI Summary
This legislation helps people filing VA benefit claims find trusted, low‑cost help and avoid scams. When someone files an initial claim without a representative, the VA must tell them that accredited helpers are available, that a veterans service organization can help for free, and provide links to an official search tool and a site to report unaccredited paid helpers. The VA must run an easy‑to‑use online tool to find accredited representatives and keep it up to date at least every quarter. The VA’s claim websites must also show clear warnings about what fees lawyers or agents can charge and link to the search and reporting pages.
The VA must, within 180 days, review how it recognizes representatives and send recommendations to Congress on ways to improve the process. The legislation also extends certain limits on VA pension payments through March 31, 2032.
Key points
- Who is affected: Veterans and family members filing initial VA claims without a representative; accredited representatives and veterans service organizations.
- What changes: Required notices about free and accredited help; an official, regularly updated search tool; warnings on VA claim websites about fees; and a way to report unaccredited paid helpers.
- When: VA review due within 180 days of enactment; pension payment limits extended until March 31, 2032.