HR5930-119

What This Bill Does

The Veterans Transition Support Act of 2025 amends 38 U.S.C. 6320, the Solid Start outreach authority. It extends the program to specified members of the Armed Forces before separation and requires VA to coordinate outreach with the Department of Defense. The bill prioritizes members during the period 120 to 210 days before separation, adds collection of DoD suicide-prevention policies, points of contact, and referral protocols so members in crisis can be informed of those resources, and requires VA to call and speak with each covered member at least once not earlier than 210 days and not later than 120 days before separation, regardless of separation type or service characterization. During that contact, VA must inform the member of transitional health care under 10 U.S.C. 1145 and provide contact information for the nearest VA facility and for an accredited veterans service organization representative, agent, or attorney who can help compile and file a disability compensation claim. VA may also use text or email to schedule the call or continue outreach after call attempts fail.

Who Benefits and How

Transitioning servicemembers benefit because VA must reach out before separation rather than only after they become veterans. Servicemembers in crisis benefit because VA must collect and use DoD suicide-prevention contacts and referral protocols. Separating members needing health coverage benefit from information about transitional health care under 10 U.S.C. 1145. Servicemembers preparing disability claims benefit from contact information for accredited representatives, agents, or attorneys. Women servicemembers and other prioritized Solid Start populations benefit because the existing outreach priorities are extended to pre-separation members.

Who Bears the Burden and How

VA Solid Start staff must coordinate with DoD, collect suicide-prevention protocols, and conduct pre-separation calls within the 210-to-120-day window. DoD transition offices must coordinate with VA and provide suicide-prevention policies, points of contact, and referral protocols. VA outreach systems must support text and email scheduling and track maximum call attempts. Accredited representatives, agents, and attorneys may receive more pre-separation disability claim inquiries.

Key Provisions

• Amends Solid Start to include specified members of the Armed Forces before separation.
• Requires VA to coordinate outreach with the Department of Defense.
• Requires collection of DoD suicide-prevention policies, points of contact, and referral protocols.
• Requires VA to call each covered member between 210 and 120 days before separation regardless of separation type or service characterization.
• Requires VA to provide transitional health care information, nearest VA facility contacts, and accredited disability claim assistance contacts.
• Authorizes text or email outreach to schedule calls or continue contact after unsuccessful call attempts.