What does Preamble of PLUS for Veterans Act of 2025 do?

This bill proposes to amend title 38, United States Code. The proposed amendment would permit certain fee agreements between claimants and agents or attorneys. These agreements would pertain to the preparations, presentation, or prosecution of initial claims for benefits. The benefits are administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.

What does SHORT TITLE. of PLUS for Veterans Act of 2025 do?

This bill is formally titled the Preserving Lawful Utilization of Services for Veterans Act of 2025.

What does CLARIFICATION OF PREPARATION, PRESENTATION, OR PROSECUTION OF A of PLUS for Veterans Act of 2025 do?

This section amends Title 38 of the United States Code. It adds a new subsection (c) to section 5901. The amendment excludes medical examinations and related reports from being considered the preparation, presentation, or prosecution of a claim under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. This exclusion applies to examinations and reports described in section 5125 of Title 38.

What does AGENTS AND ATTORNEYS IN CERTAIN CLAIMS UNDER LAWS ADMINISTERED of PLUS for Veterans Act of 2025 do?

This section amends Section 5904 of Title 38, United States Code, concerning agents and attorneys representing claimants under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. It establishes requirements for individuals seeking recognition as agents or attorneys, including application submission and conditional recognition if qualifications cannot be immediately verified. The Secretary may assess individuals seeking recognition, with fees not exceeding $500, to fund the administration of this section. It redesignates existing subparagraphs within subsection (b) and adds a new subparagraph (J) regarding compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). The Secretary must submit an annual report to Congress regarding suspensions and denials of recognition, disaggregated by reason and representative type. It modifies regulations concerning fee agreements between claimants and agents/attorneys, establishing limitations on fees and requiring a standard form with specific notices to claimants. The maximum fee payable to an agent or attorney is capped at $12,500 or five times the monthly benefit increase, whichever is lower, and is subject to annual adjustments based on the Consumer Price Index.

What does REINSTATEMENT OF PENALTIES FOR CHARGING VETERANS UNAUTHORIZED of PLUS for Veterans Act of 2025 do?

This section amends Section 5905 of Title 38, United States Code, to reinstate and modify penalties for unauthorized fees related to veterans' claims. It establishes a new subsection (b) which imposes fines or imprisonment (up to one year) for soliciting, contracting for, charging, or receiving fees for preparing, presenting, or prosecuting claims under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. If an individual with conditional and temporary recognition as an agent or attorney violates relevant laws or regulations, their recognition will be revoked, and they may face fines of $50,000 and a bar from future recognition (1 year for the first violation, 10 years for subsequent violations). Fines collected under subsections (b) or (c) will be deposited into a fund established by section 5904(a)(7)(C) of Title 38. A clerical amendment updates the table of sections at the beginning of chapter 59 to reflect the revised section 5905.

What does FEDERAL PREEMPTION. of PLUS for Veterans Act of 2025 do?

This section establishes federal preemption over state laws. The Act supersedes any state law inconsistent with the statutory rights established by this Act. This preemption extends to state laws whether statutory, common law, or otherwise. The preemption applies to state laws enacted before or after the Act's enactment.

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PLUS for Veterans Act of 2025

Last updated: 3/3/2025 · Introduced: 2/27/2025

Author: Jack Bergman (R-MI)

TL;DR (AI)

The bill allows veterans to enter into fee agreements with attorneys or agents for assistance with initial benefit claims, subject to fee limitations and required disclosures.
It establishes new requirements for individuals seeking recognition as agents or attorneys representing veterans, including application processes, fees, and annual reporting to Congress.
The bill reinstates and modifies penalties for unauthorized fees charged to veterans for assistance with their claims, including fines, imprisonment, and revocation of recognition.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 4 more.

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