Veterans Claims Education Act of 2025
The Veterans Claims Education Act of 2025 aims to make it easier for veterans and other claimants to access qualified help when filing claims with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The core idea is to ensure claimants who are not already represented are informed about available accredited representatives and veterans service organizations (VSOs) that can assist at no charge, and to give claimants easy access to a public, current list of accredited representatives. The bill also requires VA to warn claimants about possible fees charged by agents or attorneys and to create a public channel for reporting improper representation. In addition, it directs VA to review and report back on the rules governing who can be recognized as an accredited representative. Separately, the bill extends a pension-related deadline to March 31, 2032. In short, the bill strengthens transparency around who can help with claims, provides a searchable directory of accredited representatives, and requires reporting and oversight on the accreditation process, while extending a pension-related deadline.
Key Points
- 1Notice to unrepresented claimants: When an initial claim is filed by someone without representation, VA must tell the claimant that accredited representatives (including VSOs) may assist, provide the online tool’s link, and share a reporting website to flag improper representation or fees.
- 2Online searchable directory: VA must maintain an online tool listing accredited representatives, keep it current at least quarterly, and ensure it is easily accessible to claimants.
- 3Definitions: The bill defines an “accredited person” as either a recognized veterans service organization or an attorney/agent/other person recognized under VA’s accreditation provisions, and defines “represent” as preparing, presenting, or prosecuting a claim on behalf of a claimant.
- 4Fee warnings: VA web portals must include warnings about fees charged by agents or attorneys and provide direct links to the accreditation directory and reporting website.
- 5Oversight and reporting: VA must complete a review of the current regulations and procedures for recognizing accreditation (specifically under §5904), develop recommendations for improvement, and report findings and recommendations to Congress within 180 days after enactment.
- 6Pension payments extension: The deadline related to certain limits on pension payments is extended from November 30, 2031 to March 31, 2032.