HR6017-119

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Veterans Bill of Rights Act.

2. Veterans Bill of Rights Subchapter II of chapter 63 of title 38, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section (and the table of sections at the beginning of such chapter is amended accordingly): The Secretary shall provide to each veteran a physical copy and an electronic copy of the Veterans Bill of Rights described in subsection (c). The Secretary shall publish and maintain, on a publicly accessible website of the Department, an electronic copy of such Veterans Bill of Rights. The Secretary shall keep a copy of the most recent version of such Veterans Bill of Rights in each facility of the Department. Nothing in this section shall be construed to create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, the Department, or any officer or employee thereof. The Veterans Bill of Rights described in this subsection shall inform a veteran of rights and benefits to which the veteran may be entitled under laws administered by the Secretary. Such rights and benefits include the following: Veterans have the right to fair treatment. Veterans shall be treated equally and with respect, regardless of rank, position, or any protected class, in every interaction with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and affiliated service providers. Veterans have the right to be informed of all eligible programs and benefits upon discharge, including healthcare options with non-VA providers. Upon discharge, the VA shall provide each veteran with a comprehensive handbook detailing all eligible benefits and programs, including access to Community Care when VA healthcare is not available within reasonable timeframes or distances. This information shall be accessible in print and online, updated annually, and cover healthcare, disability, education, and housing benefits. Veterans have the right to privacy. Veterans' personal information and records shall be strictly protected. The VA must adhere to the highest standards of data privacy and clearly inform veterans about how their data is used, shared, and protected. Veterans shall have assurance that all their interactions and records with the VA are handled confidentially and securely. Veterans have the right to access quality healthcare. Veterans shall have timely access to high-quality healthcare through VA facilities or Community Care providers when necessary. This includes access to physical and mental health services tailored to veterans’ unique needs, ensuring they receive the best possible care regardless of location or circumstance. Veterans have the right to mental health and family support services. In recognition of the unique psychological impacts of military service, veterans shall have access to tailored mental health resources, including therapy, counseling, and group support, both in-person and via telehealth. Additionally, support services for veterans' families shall be available to foster stability and wellness within the family unit, especially for those experiencing post-service challenges. Veterans have the right to employment and housing assistance. Veterans transitioning to civilian life shall have access to robust employment services, including job training, career counseling, and resume workshops. The VA shall also provide resources for housing stability, such as assistance in securing affordable housing and support for homelessness prevention for veterans in need. Veterans have the right to accessibility in services and facilities. Veterans shall access VA services without physical, geographical, or logistical barriers, with reasonable accommodations provided for disabilities. The VA shall also expand telehealth options and partnerships with local providers, particularly to serve veterans in remote or underserved areas, ensuring equitable service access. Veterans have the right to involvement in decisions affecting their care and benefits. Veterans shall be included in decisions about their care plans, treatment options, and benefits. The VA shall involve veterans in discussions about their treatment and benefits eligibility, ensuring that veterans’ preferences and needs are considered and respected in every decision. Veterans have the right to transparency in benefits adjudication. Veterans shall be provided with a transparent process for adjudicating claims, including clear information on application requirements, expected timelines, and necessary documentation. The VA shall issue written decisions on claims within a specified timeframe, including explanations for any denials and information on appeal options. Veterans have the right to a fair and timely appeals process. Veterans may appeal denied claims through a fair and efficient process, receiving guidance from the VA on each step. The VA shall aim, to the extent practicable, to resolve appeals within 120 days of filing, with progress updates provided throughout the process to ensure veterans are informed of the status of their cases. Veterans have the right to consistent and proactive communication. The VA shall proactively communicate with veterans regarding any updates or changes to their benefits and eligibility. Veterans should receive timely information about new or modified services they qualify for, ensuring they have a clear understanding of all available resources throughout their lives. The Secretary shall maintain a toll-free hotline and a publicly accessible website of the Department through which a veteran may report a complaint regarding compliance by the Secretary with this section. The Secretary shall respond to a veteran not later than 30 days after the Secretary receives such a complaint. Not less than once each year, the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report regarding compliance of the Secretary with this section. Each such report shall include the following elements with regards to the year preceding the date of such report: The total number of complaints pursuant to subsection (c), disaggregated by— category of issue (such as access to care, claims processing, appeals, communication, privacy, or other); and facility of the Department; The median and average response times for complaints. The percentage of complaints resolved within 30 days. The number of corrective actions taken or policy changes made by the Secretary as a result of complaints or identified noncompliance. Data on average and median processing times for benefit claims and appeals, compared to the target timelines under subsection (c). The number of veterans provided information or referrals for community care. Recommendations of the Secretary for legislative or administrative action to further the purposes of this section. The Secretary shall carry out section 6321 of such title, as added by this section, not later than six months after the date of the enactment of this Act. 6321.Veterans Bill of Rights(a)Provision; publication(1)The Secretary shall provide to each veteran a physical copy and an electronic copy of the Veterans Bill of Rights described in subsection (c).(2)The Secretary shall publish and maintain, on a publicly accessible website of the Department, an electronic copy of such Veterans Bill of Rights.(3)The Secretary shall keep a copy of the most recent version of such Veterans Bill of Rights in each facility of the Department.(b)Rule of constructionNothing in this section shall be construed to create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, the Department, or any officer or employee thereof.(c)Veterans Bill of Rights describedThe Veterans Bill of Rights described in this subsection shall inform a veteran of rights and benefits to which the veteran may be entitled under laws administered by the Secretary. Such rights and benefits include the following:(1)Veterans have the right to fair treatment. Veterans shall be treated equally and with respect, regardless of rank, position, or any protected class, in every interaction with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and affiliated service providers.(2)Veterans have the right to be informed of all eligible programs and benefits upon discharge, including healthcare options with non-VA providers.(A)Upon discharge, the VA shall provide each veteran with a comprehensive handbook detailing all eligible benefits and programs, including access to Community Care when VA healthcare is not available within reasonable timeframes or distances.(B)This information shall be accessible in print and online, updated annually, and cover healthcare, disability, education, and housing benefits.(3)Veterans have the right to privacy.(A)Veterans' personal information and records shall be strictly protected.(B)The VA must adhere to the highest standards of data privacy and clearly inform veterans about how their data is used, shared, and protected.(C)Veterans shall have assurance that all their interactions and records with the VA are handled confidentially and securely.(4)Veterans have the right to access quality healthcare.(A)Veterans shall have timely access to high-quality healthcare through VA facilities or Community Care providers when necessary.(B)This includes access to physical and mental health services tailored to veterans’ unique needs, ensuring they receive the best possible care regardless of location or circumstance.(5)Veterans have the right to mental health and family support services.(A)In recognition of the unique psychological impacts of military service, veterans shall have access to tailored mental health resources, including therapy, counseling, and group support, both in-person and via telehealth.(B)Additionally, support services for veterans' families shall be available to foster stability and wellness within the family unit, especially for those experiencing post-service challenges.(6)Veterans have the right to employment and housing assistance.(A)Veterans transitioning to civilian life shall have access to robust employment services, including job training, career counseling, and resume workshops.(B)The VA shall also provide resources for housing stability, such as assistance in securing affordable housing and support for homelessness prevention for veterans in need.(7)Veterans have the right to accessibility in services and facilities.(A)Veterans shall access VA services without physical, geographical, or logistical barriers, with reasonable accommodations provided for disabilities.(B)The VA shall also expand telehealth options and partnerships with local providers, particularly to serve veterans in remote or underserved areas, ensuring equitable service access.(8)Veterans have the right to involvement in decisions affecting their care and benefits.(A)Veterans shall be included in decisions about their care plans, treatment options, and benefits.(B)The VA shall involve veterans in discussions about their treatment and benefits eligibility, ensuring that veterans’ preferences and needs are considered and respected in every decision.(9)Veterans have the right to transparency in benefits adjudication.(A)Veterans shall be provided with a transparent process for adjudicating claims, including clear information on application requirements, expected timelines, and necessary documentation.(B)The VA shall issue written decisions on claims within a specified timeframe, including explanations for any denials and information on appeal options.(10)Veterans have the right to a fair and timely appeals process.(A)Veterans may appeal denied claims through a fair and efficient process, receiving guidance from the VA on each step.(B)The VA shall aim, to the extent practicable, to resolve appeals within 120 days of filing, with progress updates provided throughout the process to ensure veterans are informed of the status of their cases.(11)Veterans have the right to consistent and proactive communication.(A)The VA shall proactively communicate with veterans regarding any updates or changes to their benefits and eligibility.(B)Veterans should receive timely information about new or modified services they qualify for, ensuring they have a clear understanding of all available resources throughout their lives.(d)Hotline and portal(1)The Secretary shall maintain a toll-free hotline and a publicly accessible website of the Department through which a veteran may report a complaint regarding compliance by the Secretary with this section.(2)The Secretary shall respond to a veteran not later than 30 days after the Secretary receives such a complaint.(e)ReportingNot less than once each year, the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report regarding compliance of the Secretary with this section. Each such report shall include the following elements with regards to the year preceding the date of such report:(1)The total number of complaints pursuant to subsection (c), disaggregated by—(A)category of issue (such as access to care, claims processing, appeals, communication, privacy, or other); and(B)facility of the Department;(2)The median and average response times for complaints.(3)The percentage of complaints resolved within 30 days.(4)The number of corrective actions taken or policy changes made by the Secretary as a result of complaints or identified noncompliance.(5)Data on average and median processing times for benefit claims and appeals, compared to the target timelines under subsection (c).(6)The number of veterans provided information or referrals for community care.(7)Recommendations of the Secretary for legislative or administrative action to further the purposes of this section..

6321. Veterans Bill of Rights The Secretary shall provide to each veteran a physical copy and an electronic copy of the Veterans Bill of Rights described in subsection (c). The Secretary shall publish and maintain, on a publicly accessible website of the Department, an electronic copy of such Veterans Bill of Rights. The Secretary shall keep a copy of the most recent version of such Veterans Bill of Rights in each facility of the Department. Nothing in this section shall be construed to create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, the Department, or any officer or employee thereof. The Veterans Bill of Rights described in this subsection shall inform a veteran of rights and benefits to which the veteran may be entitled under laws administered by the Secretary. Such rights and benefits include the following: Veterans have the right to fair treatment. Veterans shall be treated equally and with respect, regardless of rank, position, or any protected class, in every interaction with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and affiliated service providers. Veterans have the right to be informed of all eligible programs and benefits upon discharge, including healthcare options with non-VA providers. Upon discharge, the VA shall provide each veteran with a comprehensive handbook detailing all eligible benefits and programs, including access to Community Care when VA healthcare is not available within reasonable timeframes or distances. This information shall be accessible in print and online, updated annually, and cover healthcare, disability, education, and housing benefits. Veterans have the right to privacy. Veterans' personal information and records shall be strictly protected. The VA must adhere to the highest standards of data privacy and clearly inform veterans about how their data is used, shared, and protected. Veterans shall have assurance that all their interactions and records with the VA are handled confidentially and securely. Veterans have the right to access quality healthcare. Veterans shall have timely access to high-quality healthcare through VA facilities or Community Care providers when necessary. This includes access to physical and mental health services tailored to veterans’ unique needs, ensuring they receive the best possible care regardless of location or circumstance. Veterans have the right to mental health and family support services. In recognition of the unique psychological impacts of military service, veterans shall have access to tailored mental health resources, including therapy, counseling, and group support, both in-person and via telehealth. Additionally, support services for veterans' families shall be available to foster stability and wellness within the family unit, especially for those experiencing post-service challenges. Veterans have the right to employment and housing assistance. Veterans transitioning to civilian life shall have access to robust employment services, including job training, career counseling, and resume workshops. The VA shall also provide resources for housing stability, such as assistance in securing affordable housing and support for homelessness prevention for veterans in need. Veterans have the right to accessibility in services and facilities. Veterans shall access VA services without physical, geographical, or logistical barriers, with reasonable accommodations provided for disabilities. The VA shall also expand telehealth options and partnerships with local providers, particularly to serve veterans in remote or underserved areas, ensuring equitable service access. Veterans have the right to involvement in decisions affecting their care and benefits. Veterans shall be included in decisions about their care plans, treatment options, and benefits. The VA shall involve veterans in discussions about their treatment and benefits eligibility, ensuring that veterans’ preferences and needs are considered and respected in every decision. Veterans have the right to transparency in benefits adjudication. Veterans shall be provided with a transparent process for adjudicating claims, including clear information on application requirements, expected timelines, and necessary documentation. The VA shall issue written decisions on claims within a specified timeframe, including explanations for any denials and information on appeal options. Veterans have the right to a fair and timely appeals process. Veterans may appeal denied claims through a fair and efficient process, receiving guidance from the VA on each step. The VA shall aim, to the extent practicable, to resolve appeals within 120 days of filing, with progress updates provided throughout the process to ensure veterans are informed of the status of their cases. Veterans have the right to consistent and proactive communication. The VA shall proactively communicate with veterans regarding any updates or changes to their benefits and eligibility. Veterans should receive timely information about new or modified services they qualify for, ensuring they have a clear understanding of all available resources throughout their lives. The Secretary shall maintain a toll-free hotline and a publicly accessible website of the Department through which a veteran may report a complaint regarding compliance by the Secretary with this section. The Secretary shall respond to a veteran not later than 30 days after the Secretary receives such a complaint. Not less than once each year, the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report regarding compliance of the Secretary with this section. Each such report shall include the following elements with regards to the year preceding the date of such report: The total number of complaints pursuant to subsection (c), disaggregated by— category of issue (such as access to care, claims processing, appeals, communication, privacy, or other); and facility of the Department; The median and average response times for complaints. The percentage of complaints resolved within 30 days. The number of corrective actions taken or policy changes made by the Secretary as a result of complaints or identified noncompliance. Data on average and median processing times for benefit claims and appeals, compared to the target timelines under subsection (c). The number of veterans provided information or referrals for community care. Recommendations of the Secretary for legislative or administrative action to further the purposes of this section.