Simplifying Forms for Veterans: Understanding H.R. 1286

As a crucial step towards streamlining the process of claiming benefits under the laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, this bill seeks to enter into an agreement with a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC) for an assessment of forms that the Secretary sends to claimants.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE BILL

This Act may be cited as the ‘Simplifying Forms for Veterans Claims Act’.
It aims to improve the clarity and organization of forms sent by the Secretary to claimants, making it easier for them to navigate and understand the process.

SECTION 1: SHORT TITLE

This Act may be cited as the ‘Simplifying Forms for Veterans Claims Act’.

SECTION 2: INDEPENDENT ASSESSMENT OF FORMS THAT THE SECRETARY OF VETERANS AFFAIRS SENDS TO CLAIMANTS

a) AGREEMENT.—Not later than 30 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall seek to enter into an agreement with an FFRDC for an assessment of forms that the Secretary sends to claimants.

(b) ASSESSMENT.—An FFRDC that enters into an agreement under subsection (a) shall submit to the Secretary a written assessment, made in consultation with covered entities, of such forms. The assessment shall include the recommendations of the FFRDC regarding how the Secretary may make such forms clearer to claimants and better organized.
(c) REPORT; IMPLEMENTATION.—Not later than 90 days after the Secretary receives the assessment under subsection (b), the Secretary shall—
(1) submit to the Committees on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and House of Representatives a copy of such assessment;
(2) implement the recommendations in the assessment that are in compliance with the laws administered by the Secretary.

The Secretary shall complete the implementation of such recommendations pursuant to subsection (c)(2) by not later than two years after the date on which the Secretary commences such implementation.

SECTION 3: EXTENSION OF CERTAIN LIMITS ON PAYMENTS OF PENSION

Section 5503(d)(7) of title 38, United States Code, is amended by striking ‘‘November 30, 2031’’ and inserting ‘‘December 31, 2031’’.

REFINEMENTS AND DEFINITIONS

The term “FFRDC” means a federally funded research and development center.
The term “covered entities” includes—
(A) the Secretary of Veterans Affairs;
(B) an expert in laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs;
(C) a veterans service organization recognized under section 5902 of title 38, United States Code;
(D) an entity that advocates for veterans;
(E) an entity that advocates for survivors of veterans.

The term “claimant” has the meaning given such term in section 5100 of title 38, United States Code.