What does Preamble of Veterans Appeals Improvement and Modernization Act 2.0 do?

This bill proposes to amend title 38, United States Code. The stated purpose is to improve processes relating to appeals of decisions regarding claims for benefits under the laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. The bill was introduced in the Senate on December 1, 2025.

What does SHORT TITLE. of Veterans Appeals Improvement and Modernization Act 2.0 do?

This bill is formally titled the Veterans Appeals Improvement and Modernization Act 2.0.

What does IMPROVEMENTS TO PROCESSES RELATING TO APPEALS OF DECISIONS of Veterans Appeals Improvement and Modernization Act 2.0 do?

This section amends sections 7113 and 7107 of title 38 regarding appeals of decisions on claims for benefits under the laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. For cases without a hearing request but with a request for additional evidence, the evidentiary record before the Board is limited to evidence submitted within 90 days of receiving the notice of disagreement. For cases with a hearing request, the evidentiary record before the Board is limited to evidence submitted within 90 days of the Board hearing. The Secretary is required to develop and implement a policy allowing an appellant to withdraw an appeal by filing a supplemental claim without losing continuous pursuit, provided no new evidence has been submitted and no Board hearing has occurred, and the case is not decided. The Secretary's policy must also allow an appellant to move their case between dockets without losing continuous pursuit, under similar conditions (no new evidence, no Board hearing, and case not decided).

What does ELECTRONIC NOTICES BY BOARD OF VETERANS' APPEALS OF DECISIONS of Veterans Appeals Improvement and Modernization Act 2.0 do?

This section amends Section 7104(f) of Title 38, United States Code. Paragraph (1) of Section 7104(f) is modified by changing 'if' to 'unless' and inserting 'in a manner other than' after 'such notice'. Paragraph (2) of Section 7104(f) is amended by inserting 'make or' before 'revoke'.

What does REQUIREMENTS FOR NOTICES BY BOARD OF VETERANS' APPEALS of Veterans Appeals Improvement and Modernization Act 2.0 do?

This section amends Section 7104(d)(1) of Title 38, United States Code. The amendment requires the Board of Veterans' Appeals to include specific information in its notices regarding decisions. Notices must identify adjudicated issues, summarize evidence considered, and summarize applicable laws and regulations. Notices must also identify findings favorable to the claimant. In cases of denial, notices must identify elements not satisfied. Notices must explain how to obtain or access evidence used in the decision. If applicable, notices must identify criteria for service connection or higher compensation.

What does PLAN FOR VETERANS BENEFITS MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND CASEFLOW of Veterans Appeals Improvement and Modernization Act 2.0 do?

This section requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to review electronic systems used to process appeals under chapter 71 of title 38, United States Code. The review must be completed within one year of the Act's enactment. The Secretary must submit a plan to the Senate and House Committees on Veterans’ Affairs. The plan should ensure seamless integration between agency and Board of Veterans’ Appeals systems. The plan must also provide life-cycle tracking of appeals for assistance or support services under section 1720G of title 38, United States Code.

What does RECONSIDERATION OF DECISIONS OF BOARD OF VETERANS' APPEALS. of Veterans Appeals Improvement and Modernization Act 2.0 do?

This section amends title 38 of the United States Code, specifically section 7103, regarding reconsideration of decisions by the Board of Veterans' Appeals. The Chairman of the Board can order reconsideration of a Board decision, either on their own initiative or upon a claimant's motion. If reconsideration is ordered, the case is referred to a panel of at least three Board members (if initially decided by a single member) or an enlarged panel (if initially decided by a panel). The panel reconsidering the case must review the entire record and make a decision by majority vote. The Board can correct obvious errors in the record without a motion or order for reconsideration. Claimants can submit a written motion requesting review of a Board member's decision by a different member or panel. The Chairman must approve all requests for review. Notices of decisions under this subsection must inform claimants whether evidence was not considered and outline options for having such evidence considered.

What does ORDER OF DECISION OF BOARD OF VETERANS' APPEALS. of Veterans Appeals Improvement and Modernization Act 2.0 do?

Section 7 amends section 7107 of title 38, United States Code. Subsection (a)(4) is modified to expand the scope of references from subsection (b) to include subsection (b) or (c)(3). A new paragraph (c)(3) is added, allowing the Board of Veterans' Appeals to issue decisions, in whole or in part, during a hearing at the discretion of the hearing member.

What does ANNUAL REPORT ON OUTCOMES OF APPEALS. of Veterans Appeals Improvement and Modernization Act 2.0 do?

This section amends Title 38 of the United States Code to add section 5109C, requiring an annual report on the outcomes of veterans' appeals. The Secretary of Veterans Affairs must submit this report to Congress and publish it on the Department's website. The report must include data disaggregated by type of review, agency of original jurisdiction, nature of issue, body system or diagnostic code, and outcome. All information published in the report must be deidentified.

What does THIRD-PARTY REVIEW OF DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS APPEALS of Veterans Appeals Improvement and Modernization Act 2.0 do?

This section directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to seek an agreement with an entity outside the Department to review the Department's appeals process. The agreement must be entered into within 180 days of the Act's enactment. The review should include an examination of joint motions for remand appeals decisions and remands by the Board of Veterans' Appeals. The reviewing entity must develop recommendations to improve the quality of decisions and reduce remands by agencies and the Board.

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Veterans Appeals Improvement and Modernization Act 2.0

Last updated: 4/29/2026 · Introduced: 12/1/2025

Author: Bill Cassidy (R-LA)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill limits the evidentiary record in veterans' appeals to evidence submitted within 90 days of key notifications, streamlining the appeals process.
The Department of Veterans Affairs must allow appellants to withdraw appeals and move cases between dockets without losing continuous pursuit, provided certain conditions are met.
Notices of decisions from the Board of Veterans' Appeals will include detailed information, such as adjudicated issues, evidence considered, and applicable laws, to enhance transparency.
The Secretary of Veterans Affairs is required to develop a plan for integrating electronic systems used to process appeals, including tracking appeals for assistance services.
The Board of Veterans' Appeals gains authority to order reconsideration of decisions and correct obvious errors, providing additional avenues for review and accuracy.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 9 more.

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