Accountability for Veterans Act
The Accountability for Veterans Act requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to deliver a comprehensive report to Congress within 180 days of enactment. The report must cover three areas: (1) why there is a backlog in appeals for disability benefits claims, (2) how to improve the information, resources, and tools available to active-duty service members and their spouses participating in the Transition Assistance Program (TAP) under 10 U.S.C. sections 1142 and 1144, and (3) ongoing management problems affecting VA health care facilities described as “1-star” systems. The aim is to identify causes, propose remedies, and increase transparency and accountability for disability appeals, TAP support, and the performance of lower-rated VA health care facilities.
Key Points
- 1The bill is titled the “Accountability for Veterans Act” and introduces a mandatory reporting requirement to Congress.
- 2It seeks an explanation for the backlog in disability benefits appeal decisions and timing factors contributing to delays.
- 3It calls for ways to enhance information, resources, and tools provided to transitioning service members and their spouses participating in TAP.
- 4It directs attention to persistent management problems impacting VA health care facilities designated as 1-star systems.
- 5It requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to submit the report to the House and Senate Committees on Veterans’ Affairs within 180 days of enactment.