HR 5723119th CongressIn Committee

Fraud Reduction And Uncovering Deception (FRAUD) in VA Disability Exams Act

Introduced: Oct 8, 2025

Sponsor: Rep. Takano, Mark [D-CA-39] (D-California)

Standard Summary

Comprehensive overview in 1-2 paragraphs

This bill, titled the Fraud Reduction And Uncovering Deception (FRAUD) in VA Disability Exams Act, would add a new section to Title 38 that requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to identify and report fraud related to Disability Benefit Questionnaire (DBQ) forms. It directs VA to establish a process for staff to identify fraudulent DBQ activity and to submit suspected cases to appropriate investigators (including the VA Office of Inspector General, or OIG); to conduct recurring audits of DBQ submissions; and to notify individuals who submit DBQ forms or benefit claims when fraud is suspected. The VA OIG would have broad investigative authority to pursue such fraud. The bill also places a limit on reopening or changing final benefit decisions based on these investigations, except in cases where a person is convicted of a crime related to fraudulent submission of evidence. Finally, VA would issue an annual report to Congress on the administration of these provisions.

Key Points

1Creates a new Sec. 5322 in Chapter 53 of Title 38 to identify and report fraud concerning Disability Benefit Questionnaire forms, applying to all sources of DBQ data submitted to VA.
2Establishes a process for VA staff processing claims to (a) identify fraudulent activity in DBQ forms and (b) submit suspected cases to appropriate investigative bodies, including the VA OIG.
3Requires recurring (annual or ongoing) audits of DBQ forms submitted to VA, regardless of source.
4Mandates notifying the individual who submitted the DBQ form or claim when there is a suspicion of fraudulent activity.
5Grants the VA OIG expanded investigative authority necessary to pursue suspected fraud (beyond what is normally available under VA law).
6Limits VA’s ability to reopen or change final benefit decisions based on findings from these investigations, unless the person is convicted of a crime related to fraudulent submission of evidence.
7Requires an annual report by VA to the Senate and House Veterans’ Affairs Committees detailing the administration of these provisions.

Impact Areas

Primary group/area affected- Veterans who submit disability benefit claims and the clinicians or providers who complete Disability Benefit Questionnaires (DBQs) on their behalf, as well as VA claims processing staff and adjudicators.Secondary group/area affected- VA Office of Inspector General (OIG) and other investigative bodies; VA benefits programs and internal controls; VA data and records handling practices.Additional impacts- Potential increases in fraud investigations and audits of DBQ submissions, which could affect processing timelines and claimant experiences.- Privacy and data handling considerations given new reporting and auditing requirements.- Resource and cost implications for VA to implement the new processes and annual reporting.- Policy shift toward stronger oversight of DBQ data and potential deterrence of fraudulent activity related to disability claims.

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