The Standardizing Accreditation information for Veteran Ease Act, or the SAVE Act, would amend title 38 U.S.C. to tighten and standardize how agents, attorneys, organizations, and other representatives are recognized to assist veterans with claims for benefits. It creates two main new elements: (1) a requirement for an annual, detailed report to Congress about the recognition program (training, data collection, verification, processing timelines, costs, and other operational details), and (2) the establishment of a VA certification mark to identify recognized individuals, with civil penalties for fraudulent use. The act also requires a biannual update process to ensure the contact information of recognized individuals is current and reflected in the VA Accreditation Search database. Overall, the bill aims to improve transparency, accountability, and accuracy in the accreditation system, and to help claimants more easily identify legitimate representatives. The bill is titled the “Standardizing Accreditation information for Veteran Ease Act” or the “SAVE Act.” It would be implemented through additions to Chapter 59 of title 38, U.S.C., and would involve closer VA oversight of who can assist with claims, how they are vetted, and how they are identified to the public.
Key Points
- 1Annual submission of information (Sec. 5907): The Secretary of Veterans Affairs must include in the annual Congressional report comprehensive details about the recognition program for agents, attorneys, organizations, and other individuals. This includes training requirements, data collection practices, verification methods, update frequencies, staffing, costs, processing timelines, denial and rescission rates, and the resources needed to maintain accuracy and integrity of the program and related publications.
- 2Certification mark for identification (Sec. 5908): The VA must establish a certification mark to identify recognized individuals who assist in claims. The mark would be registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. There are civil penalties for fraud (e.g., using the mark to falsely imply recognition) with penalties that may include fines, imprisonment, or both, and proceeds from penalties would go to VA for enforcement.
- 3Clerical amendments (Sec. 2): The bill would insert new sections 5907 and 5908 into Chapter 59 of Title 38, guiding how these provisions are organized within the law.
- 4Biannual database accuracy (Sec. 3): Within 180 days after VA submits its first required report under section 529 that includes 5907 information, and then annually thereafter, VA must:
- 5- Notify each recognized individual to update their contact information.
- 6- Publicly publish instructions for updating contact information.
- 7- Ensure the VA Accreditation Search Database is updated with the revised contact information.
- 8Overall intent: Increase transparency, ensure accuracy of public information about who is recognized to assist with claims, and deter fraudulent use of the accreditation status or mark.