This bill tells the Board of Veterans’ Appeals to put people with at least three years of legal experience in veterans’ law at the front of the line when choosing new members for the Board. The goal is to have decision-makers who know VA benefits law well, so appeals decisions can be more informed and consistent for veterans and their families .

Key points:

• Who is affected: Veterans and families filing appeals, and lawyers seeking to serve on the Board of Veterans’ Appeals.
• What changes: The Board’s chair must prioritize candidates with three or more years of relevant legal experience when recommending new members .
• When: This requirement would apply going forward once the bill becomes law.