Us Congress 2025-2026 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB770

Introduced
1/28/25  

Caption

Accountability for Veterans ActThis bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to report to Congress on certain appeals, resources, and VA health care systems. Specifically, the report must address (1) the reasons why there is a backlog of appeals of claims for VA disability benefits; (2) ways to increase the amount of information, resources, and tools provided by the VA to individuals participating in the Transition Assistance Program of the Department of Defense; and (3) the management problems impacting one-star health care systems of the VA.

Impact

This legislation is expected to influence state laws and federal regulations concerning veterans' affairs by focusing on increasing the resources and support provided to members of the armed forces and their families. By addressing management problems within one-star healthcare systems, the bill seeks to ensure that veterans receive timely and adequate healthcare services. The introduction of such a report is a critical move towards understanding and potentially reforming the VA’s approach to handling claims and appeals, thereby enhancing the support veteran families receive during their transition from military to civilian life.

Summary

House Bill 770, officially titled the Accountability for Veterans Act, aims to enhance the management and accountability of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) by mandating a comprehensive report on key issues affecting veterans' services. The bill is set to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to analyze and report on the backlog of appeals concerning disability benefits, which has been a longstanding issue within the agency. This proposed measure is seen as an essential step towards improving efficiency and transparency in how veterans' claims are processed and managed.

Contention

While the bill mainly garners support for its focus on veterans, there may be points of contention surrounding the adequacy of the proposed measures. Critics may argue that without actionable solutions included in the bill, the report could merely serve as a formality rather than a mechanism for change. Additionally, the effectiveness of the Secretary's recommendations, as mandated by the bill, may be questioned, particularly in the context of existing bureaucratic challenges within the VA. Stakeholders may advocate for not only reporting on current issues but also for implementing immediate reforms to address the backlog and improve veterans' services.

Congress_id

119-HR-770

Policy_area

Armed Forces and National Security

Introduced_date

2025-01-28

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US HB492

Be Ready to Assist Veterans in Extremis Act or the BRAVE Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to establish a patient outreach system under which it must ensure that veterans who are enrolled in the VA health care system and have experienced a traumatic or highly stressful event may elect to receive information and resources relating to mental health and available mental health care services. The VA must coordinate the system with the Transition Assistance Program of the Department of Defense.

US HB10369

To improve the emergency management capabilities of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.

US HB394

Veterans Cannabis Use for Safe Healing Act This bill prohibits the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) from denying a veteran any VA benefit due to participation in a state-approved marijuana program. For veterans participating in these approved programs, the VA must ensure its health care providers (1) discuss marijuana use with such veterans and adjust treatment plans accordingly, and (2) record such use in the veterans' medical records. Under the bill, the VA shall authorize physicians and other VA health care providers to provide recommendations to veterans who are residents of states with approved programs.

US HB7347

To amend title 38, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to report on whether the Secretary will include certain psychedelic drugs in the formulary of the Department of Veterans Affairs.

US HB41

VA Same-Day Scheduling Act of 2023 This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to ensure that when a veteran enrolled in the VA health care system contacts the VA by telephone to schedule an appointment for care or services at a VA facility, the scheduling for the appointment occurs during that telephone call.

US HB214

Veterans' True Choice Act of 2023 This bill allows covered veterans to receive coverage under TRICARE Select, a health care program of the Department of Defense (DOD). Veterans covered by this bill include those with service-connected disabilities, former prisoners of war, Purple Heart recipients, Medal of Honor recipients, those discharged from service due to disability, and those entitled to disability compensation. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) must reimburse DOD's costs of enrolling eligible veteran beneficiaries in the program. A covered veteran may not concurrently receive medical care from DOD and the VA.

US HB4278

Restore VA Accountability Act of 2023 Restore Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability Act of 2023

US HB104

Transparency and Effective Accountability Measures for Veteran Caregivers Act or the TEAM Veteran Caregivers Act The bill revises the administration of Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) caregiver programs. Specifically, the bill requires the VA to formally recognize caregivers of veterans by identifying any caregiver in the health record of the veteran. Such caregivers covered by the bill include those participating in the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers and those participating in the Program of General Caregiver Support Services. The bill requires the VA to notify veterans and their caregivers regarding any clinical determinations made relating to claims, tier reduction, or termination of assistance under, or eligibility for, the specified caregiver programs. The notifications must be standardized and contain specified details regarding the decisions. The bill also requires the VA to temporarily extend benefits under the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers for at least 90 days after the receipt of notice that a veteran is no longer clinically eligible for the program. Such an extension shall not apply to the termination of caregiver benefits (1) if the VA determines the caregiver committed fraud or abused or neglected the veteran, (2) if another primary provider or individual caregiver is designated within 90 days after the termination, (3) if the terminated individual moves out or abandons their relationship with the veteran, or (4) upon request of the caregiver or veteran.

US HB10038

To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to conduct a pilot program on the provision of naloxone to veterans and their caregivers, and for other purposes.

US HB411

Lead by Example Act of 2023 This bill provides that, beginning January 3, 2025, the only health care plan the federal government may make available to Members of Congress and congressional staff shall be health care provided through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). By September 15, 2023, the VA and the Office of Personnel Management shall jointly submit to Congress a plan to carry out this bill, including recommendations for any necessary legislative actions.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.