Veterans Appeals Efficiency Act of 2025

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Bill ID: 119/hr/3835
Last Updated: July 22, 2026

Sponsored by

Rep. Bost, Mike [R-IL-12]

ID: B001295

Follow the money

The bill

Veterans Appeals Efficiency Act of 2025

HR. 3835, 119th Congress.

The sponsor

Rep. Bost, Mike [R-IL-12]

Every bill has someone who introduced it. That name is where the paper trail starts.

The money

$104,500 raised

27 itemised contributions to this sponsor, pulled from FEC filings.

The alignment

95% match to Project 2025

This bill's text tracks the "Department of Veterans Affairs" section, p. 688-691 of the Mandate for Leadership.

Bill's Journey to Becoming a Law

Track this bill's progress through the legislative process

Latest Action

Subcommittee Hearings Held

June 23, 2025

Introduced

Committee Review

📍 Current Status

Next: The bill moves to the floor for full chamber debate and voting.

🗳️

Floor Action

✅

Passed House

🏛️

Senate Review

🎉

Passed Congress

🖊️

Presidential Action

⚖️

Became Law

📚 How does a bill become a law?

1. Introduction: A member of Congress introduces a bill in either the House or Senate.

2. Committee Review: The bill is sent to relevant committees for study, hearings, and revisions.

3. Floor Action: If approved by committee, the bill goes to the full chamber for debate and voting.

4. Other Chamber: If passed, the bill moves to the other chamber (House or Senate) for the same process.

5. Conference: If both chambers pass different versions, a conference committee reconciles the differences.

6. Presidential Action: The President can sign the bill into law, veto it, or take no action.

7. Became Law: If signed (or if Congress overrides a veto), the bill becomes law!

Bill Summary

The Veterans Appeals Efficiency Act of 2025 - because nothing says "efficiency" like adding more bureaucracy and paperwork to an already bloated system.

**Main Purpose & Objectives:** This bill is a masterclass in legislative doublespeak, claiming to improve the efficiency of adjudications and appeals for veterans' benefits. In reality, it's just another attempt to paper over the systemic failures of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) with more reports, guidelines, and tracking requirements.

**Key Provisions & Changes to Existing Law:**

* Requires the Secretary of VA to submit annual reports on the length of adjudications and appeals, because apparently, nobody has been keeping track of this information before. * Creates new guidelines for advancing cases on the docket of the Board of Veterans' Appeals, which will undoubtedly lead to more delays and inefficiencies. * Mandates the use of technology to track and maintain information on certain claims, because the VA's current system is clearly not broken enough. * Expands the authority of the Board of Veterans' Appeals to aggregate certain claims, because who needs individualized attention when you can just lump everything together?

**Affected Parties & Stakeholders:**

* Veterans: The supposed beneficiaries of this bill will likely see little to no improvement in their experiences with the VA. Instead, they'll be subjected to more bureaucratic red tape and delays. * Department of Veterans Affairs: The VA gets to add more layers of complexity to its already Byzantine system, ensuring that it remains a bloated, inefficient behemoth. * Congress: Lawmakers get to pat themselves on the back for "doing something" about veterans' issues, while actually accomplishing nothing.

**Potential Impact & Implications:**

* More delays and inefficiencies in the adjudication and appeals process * Increased bureaucracy and paperwork burdens on the VA and veterans * A continued lack of accountability and transparency within the VA * A further erosion of trust between veterans and the government

In short, this bill is a classic example of legislative theater, designed to create the illusion of action while accomplishing nothing meaningful. It's a Band-Aid on a bullet wound, a drop in the ocean of bureaucratic incompetence that plagues our nation's capital.

Related Topics

Military & Veterans Affairs
Generated using Llama 3.1 70B (Dr. Haus personality)

💰 Campaign Finance Network

Rep. Bost, Mike [R-IL-12]

Congress 119 • 2024 Election Cycle

Total Contributions
$104,500
19 donors
PACs
$0
Organizations
$12,100
Committees
$0
Individuals
$92,400

No PAC contributions found

1
AK-CHIN INDIAN COMMUNITY
2 transactions
$6,600
2
MIAMI TRIBE OF OKLAHOMA
1 transaction
$2,000
3
CAMPBELL FARMS
1 transaction
$1,500
4
MUSCOGEE CREEK NATION
2 transactions
$1,500
5
WAITE, TOMB & EBERLY LLP
1 transaction
$500

No committee contributions found

1
EMMET, RICHARD
4 transactions
$23,100
2
GILLIAM, RICHARD
2 transactions
$9,900
3
SCHWAB, CHARLES
1 transaction
$6,600
4
STERN, ELIZABETH MAY
1 transaction
$6,600
5
WEEKLEY, RICHARD
1 transaction
$6,600
6
BRADLEY, JACQUELINE
1 transaction
$6,600
7
BUKOWSKY, BRANT N. MR.
2 transactions
$6,600
8
BUKOWSKY, BROCK R. MR.
2 transactions
$6,600
9
BUKOWSKY, JENNIFER
1 transaction
$3,300
10
DONOHO, KIMBERLY K. MRS.
1 transaction
$3,300
11
FLINT, ETHAN
1 transaction
$3,300
12
GREENBLATT, SCOTT
1 transaction
$3,300
13
HOPKINS, JUSTIN MR.
1 transaction
$3,300
14
MCINERNEY, THOMAS E.
1 transaction
$3,300

Cosponsors & Their Campaign Finance

This bill has 10 cosponsors. Below are their top campaign contributors.

Rep. Takano, Mark [D-CA-39]

ID: T000472

Top Contributors

10

1
SEIU COPE (SERVICE EMPLOYEES INTERNATIONAL UNION COMMITTEE ON POLITICAL EDUCATION)
PACWASHINGTON, DC
$5,000
Mar 30, 2023
2
FEDERATED INDIANS OF GRATON RANCHERIA
OrganizationROHNERT PARK, CA
$3,300
Jun 28, 2023
3
FEDERATED INDIANS OF GRATON RANCHERIA
OrganizationROHNERT PARK, CA
$3,300
Jun 28, 2023
4
HABEMATOLEL POMO OF UPPER LAKE TRIBE OF CALIFORNIA
OrganizationUPPER LAKE, CA
$3,300
May 1, 2023
5
MS BAND OF CHOCTAW INDIANS
OrganizationCHOCTAW, MS
$1,000
Oct 10, 2024
6
BECKER, TODD
LAW OFFICES OF TODD B BECKER • ATTORNEY
IndividualPASADENA, CA
$3,300
Oct 17, 2023
7
ELDRIDGE, SEAN
STAND UP AMERICA • PRESIDENT
IndividualNEW YORK, NY
$3,300
Nov 29, 2023
8
HUH, JIHEE
PAFCO • VICE CHAIRMAN
IndividualROLLING HILLS, CA
$3,300
Oct 17, 2023
9
HUH, PETER
PAFCO • CHAIRMAN
IndividualPALOS VERDES PENINSULA, CA
$3,300
Oct 17, 2023
10
LI, LI
MEBO INTERNATIONAL • PRESIDENT
IndividualARCADIA, CA
$3,300
Oct 17, 2023

Rep. Valadao, David G. [R-CA-22]

ID: V000129

Top Contributors

10

1
CHEROKEE NATION
OrganizationTAHLEQUAH, OK
$3,300
Oct 23, 2024
2
EASTERN BAND OF CHEROKEE INDIANS
OrganizationCHEROKEE, NC
$3,300
Nov 5, 2024
3
SANTA YNEZ BAND OF MISSION INDIANS
OrganizationSANTA YNEZ, CA
$3,300
Dec 20, 2023
4
AK-CHIN INDIAN COMMUNITY
OrganizationMARICOPA, AZ
$3,300
Mar 31, 2023
5
MORONGO BAND OF MISSION INDIANS
OrganizationBANNING, CA
$3,300
Feb 28, 2024
6
SANTA YNEZ BAND OF MISSION INDIANS
OrganizationSANTA YNEZ, CA
$3,300
Feb 28, 2024
7
MORONGO BAND OF MISSION INDIANS
OrganizationBANNING, CA
$3,300
May 25, 2023
8
THE CHICKASAW NATION
OrganizationADA, OK
$3,300
Jun 29, 2024
9
MOORETOWN RANCHERIA
OrganizationOROVILLE, CA
$3,300
Sep 26, 2024
10
PECHANGA BAND OF LUISENO INDIANS
OrganizationTEMECULA, CA
$3,300
Aug 16, 2024

Rep. Bilirakis, Gus M. [R-FL-12]

ID: B001257

Top Contributors

10

1
COOL MASTER PRO LLC
OrganizationTAMPA, FL
$6,600
Mar 8, 2023
2
ARTECHE, LEON
V-ME MEDIA INC. • CFO
IndividualDORAL, FL
$5,000
Jan 18, 2024
3
OF FLORIDA, SEMINOLE TRIBE
EMPLOYEE RECOGNIZED TRIBE
IndividualHOLLYWOOD, FL
$3,300
Aug 2, 2024
4
LAGOS, JAMES H.
LAGOS LAGOS, PLL • ATTORNEY
IndividualSPRINGFIELD, OH
$3,300
Sep 9, 2024
5
RICE, WILLIAM LLOYD
FALFURRIAS CAPITAL PARTNERS
IndividualMINT HILL, NC
$3,300
Sep 30, 2024
6
WANEK, RON
ASHLEY FURNITURE INDUSTRIES, INC • CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD
IndividualTAMPA, FL
$3,300
Oct 17, 2024
7
WANEK, TODD
ASHLEY FURNITURE • CEO
IndividualTAMPA, FL
$3,300
Oct 17, 2024
8
WANEK, JOYCE
N/A • N/A
IndividualTAMPA, FL
$3,300
Oct 18, 2024
9
WANEK, KAREN
SUPERIOR FRESH • OWNER
IndividualTAMPA, FL
$3,300
Oct 17, 2024
10
HEPSCHER, WILLIAM S
RX MANAGE USA • BUSINESS OWNER
IndividualTAMPA, FL
$3,300
Oct 30, 2024

Rep. James, John [R-MI-10]

ID: J000307

Top Contributors

10

1
REPUBLICAN CLUB OF SAN FRANCISCO
COMSAN FRANCISCO, CA
$300
Oct 25, 2024
2
PECHANGA BAND OF INDIANS
OrganizationTEMECULA, CA
$3,000
Dec 31, 2023
3
LAS VEGAS PAIUTE TRIBE
OrganizationLAS VEGAS, NV
$1,000
Dec 23, 2024
4
MWR CONSULTING
OrganizationCLARKSVILLE, MD
$1,000
Jan 31, 2023
5
SABBYS LOUNGE
OrganizationSAINT CLAIR SHORES, MI
$250
Sep 11, 2024
6
FAUST, ANNE
RETIRED • RETIRED
IndividualNEWTOWN SQUARE, PA
$6,600
Apr 30, 2024
7
COURTNEY, KRISTEN ANN
RETIRED • RETIRED
IndividualOKEMOS, MI
$6,600
May 1, 2024
8
DANIELS, GEORGE G.
DANIELS MANUFACTURING CORP • EXECUTIVE
IndividualORLANDO, FL
$6,600
Jun 26, 2024
9
FAISON, JAY W.
CLEARPATH ACTION INC • PRESIDENT
IndividualCHARLOTTE, NC
$6,600
Jun 27, 2024
10
BRAY, STEVEN R.
POWER PLUS • PRESIDENT / CEO
IndividualNEWPORT BEACH, CA
$6,600
Jun 30, 2024

Rep. Bacon, Don [R-NE-2]

ID: B001298

Top Contributors

10

1
ONEIDA NATION
OrganizationONEIDA, WI
$3,300
Mar 28, 2023
2
MORONGO BAND OF MISSION INDIANS
OrganizationBANNING, CA
$3,300
Mar 28, 2023
3
MORONGO BAND OF MISSION INDIANS
OrganizationBANNING, CA
$3,300
Mar 28, 2023
4
SAN MANUEL BAND OF MISSION INDIANS
OrganizationLOS ANGELES, CA
$3,300
Jun 27, 2023
5
ONEIDA NATION
OrganizationONEIDA, WI
$3,300
Jun 30, 2024
6
SANTA YNEZ BAND OF MISSION INDIANS
OrganizationSANTA YNEZ, CA
$2,000
Jun 27, 2023
7
REPUBLICAN MAIN STREET PARTNERSHIP
OrganizationWASHINGTON, DC
$1,000
Jul 11, 2024
8
CARSON, RUSSELL S.
THE CARSON FAMILY CHARITABLE TRUST • PHILANTHROPY
IndividualNEW YORK, NY
$6,600
Apr 24, 2024
9
FRANK, JIM
2FILLC • EXEC
IndividualWINNETKA, IL
$6,600
Apr 23, 2024
10
DANIELS, BRANDON
EXIGER • CEO
IndividualRICHMOND, VA
$6,600
Apr 21, 2024

Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17]

ID: L000599

Top Contributors

10

1
MURTAGH, COSSU, VENDITTI & CASTRO-BLANCO, LLP
OrganizationWHITE PLAINS, NY
$1,000
Feb 24, 2024
2
BATMASIAN, JAMES
INVESTMENTS LIMITED • OWNER
IndividualBOCA RATON, FL
$6,600
Sep 27, 2023
3
BATMASIAN, JAMES
IndividualBOCA RATON, FL
$6,600
Sep 29, 2023
4
AUSTIN, ROBERT
UNAKA CO., INC. • BUSINESSMAN
IndividualDALLAS, TX
$6,600
Jul 18, 2024
5
SILVERMAN, JEFFREY
RETIRED • RETIRED
IndividualSURFSIDE, FL
$6,534
Feb 15, 2024
6
SILVERMAN, JEFFREY
IndividualSURFSIDE, FL
$6,534
Feb 22, 2024
7
SCALA, MARY ELLEN
RETIRED • RETIRED
IndividualPORT CHESTER, NY
$5,300
Aug 27, 2023
8
DEUTSCH, SHMULEY
SELF • PRESIDENT
IndividualSPRING VALLEY, NY
$3,900
Jun 24, 2024
9
DEUTSCH, SHMULEY
IndividualSPRING VALLEY, NY
$3,900
Jun 25, 2024
10
PERLMUTTER, RAFUEL
GOLDEN TASTE • CEO
IndividualSPRING VALLEY, NY
$3,400
Jun 24, 2024

Rep. Stefanik, Elise M. [R-NY-21]

ID: S001196

Top Contributors

10

1
MAGGIE'S LIST- EAMARKS
PACTAMPA, FL
$50
Oct 23, 2024
2
ONEIDA INDIAN NATION
OrganizationONEIDA, NY
$6,600
Mar 29, 2023
3
ONEIDA INDIAN NATION
OrganizationONEIDA, NY
$3,300
Mar 31, 2023
4
SAN MANUAL BAND OF MISSION INDIANS
OrganizationLOS ANGELES, CA
$2,000
Dec 31, 2023
5
FISHER, CYNTHIA A. MS.
PATIENTRIGHTSADVOCATE.ORG • FOUNDER AND CHAIRMAN
IndividualPALM BEACH, FL
$6,600
Oct 10, 2023
6
BERK, MICHAEL
TA ASSOCIATES • INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT
IndividualWEST NEWTON, MA
$6,600
Dec 27, 2023
7
CUTLER, ROBERT
C3 • CEO
IndividualLEAWOOD, KS
$6,600
Dec 27, 2023
8
DAVIS, ANN L.
N/A • HOMEMAKER
IndividualATLANTA, GA
$6,600
Dec 30, 2023
9
KRAFT, DANIEL
THE KRAFT GROUP • INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT
IndividualFOXBORO, MA
$6,600
Dec 31, 2023
10
FITZPATRICK, MARY
NONE • COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER
IndividualOSPREY, FL
$6,600
Sep 21, 2023

Rep. Kean, Thomas H. [R-NJ-7]

ID: K000398

Top Contributors

10

1
EASTERN BAND OF CHEROKEE INDIANS
OrganizationCHEROKEE, NC
$3,300
Oct 24, 2024
2
EASTERN BAND OF CHEROKEE INDIANS
OrganizationCHEROKEE, NC
$3,300
Dec 27, 2024
3
LOEB, JOHN
RETIRED • RETIRED
IndividualPURCHASE, NY
$6,600
Nov 4, 2024
4
LOEB, JOHN
IndividualPURCHASE, NY
$6,600
Nov 4, 2024
5
VOCCOLA, FREDERICK
KASEYA • CEO
IndividualMIAMI, FL
$6,600
Mar 1, 2024
6
PISANO, JOHN
IndividualWEST PALM BEACH, FL
$3,700
Jan 22, 2024
7
VOCCOLA, FREDERICK
IndividualMIAMI, FL
$3,500
Mar 12, 2024
8
NIEMIEC, DAVID
SELF • INVESTMENTS
IndividualNEW YORK, NY
$3,300
Oct 11, 2024
9
TAYLOR, ALEXANDER
MATRIX DEV GRP • REAL ESTATE
IndividualBELMAR, NJ
$3,300
Oct 1, 2024
10
BRUECKNER, RICHARD F.
RETIRED • RETIRED
IndividualBEDMINSTER, NJ
$3,300
Oct 4, 2024

Rep. Barrett, Tom [R-MI-7]

ID: B001321

Top Contributors

10

1
MICHIGAN AGGREGATES ASSOCIATION PAC
OrganizationOKEMOS, MI
$300
Feb 27, 2024
2
DEMKOWICZ, BRIAN MR.
HURON CAPITAL • INVESTOR
IndividualGROSSE POINTE, MI
$13,200
Jan 8, 2024
3
STADLER, BRIAN
WOLGAST CORPORATION • MANAGER
IndividualSAGINAW, MI
$6,870
Sep 28, 2023
4
UIHLEIN, RICHARD
ULINE • CHAIRMAN
IndividualLAKE FOREST, IL
$6,870
Sep 26, 2023
5
COURTNEY, JOHN
RETIRED • RETIRED
IndividualOKEMOS, MI
$6,870
Dec 8, 2023
6
BAKER, JEFFREY
MUSKEGON CAR CREDIT • EXECUTIVE
IndividualGRAND RAPIDS, MI
$6,600
Jul 25, 2023
7
BANCROFT, NICHOLAS
AGROLIQUID • CEO
IndividualSAINT JOHNS, MI
$6,600
Sep 19, 2023
8
HAWORTH, MATTHEW
HAWORTH, INC. • CHAIRMAN
IndividualHOLLAND, MI
$6,600
Sep 18, 2023
9
HAWORTH, RICHARD
HAWORTH, INC. • CHAIRMAN EMERITUS
IndividualSAUGATUCK, MI
$6,600
Sep 18, 2023
10
O'NEIL, WILLIAM
W J O'NEIL COMPANY • EXECUTIVE
IndividualCOMMERCE TOWNSHIP, MI
$6,600
Sep 11, 2023

Rep. Crow, Jason [D-CO-6]

ID: C001121

Top Contributors

10

1
TOLLEY, RUSSELL C
NOT EMPLOYED • NOT EMPLOYED
IndividualMANHATTAN, KS
$6,600
Jan 26, 2024
2
ALVARADO, LINDA
ALVARADO CONSTRUCTION • PRESIDENT
IndividualDENVER, CO
$3,300
Oct 30, 2024
3
ALVARADO, ROBERT L. JR
ALVARADO RESTAURANT NATION • BUSINESS OWNER
IndividualGREENWOOD VILLAGE, CO
$3,300
Oct 30, 2024
4
ASARCH, CHAD
MONROE GROUP • REAL ESTATE
IndividualDENVER, CO
$3,300
Oct 23, 2024
5
CATTO, JOHN H
SELF-EMPLOYED • BUSINESS
IndividualBASALT, CO
$3,300
Nov 4, 2024
6
DIXON, PETER
SECOND FRONT SYSTEMS • FOUNDER
IndividualPORTOLA VALLEY, CA
$3,300
Oct 27, 2024
7
HARING-SMITH, WHITNEY
ANZU PARTNERS • MANAGING PARTNER
IndividualMARLBOROUGH, NH
$3,300
Nov 1, 2024
8
LAMBERT, RYAN
RYAN LAMBERT • ENTREPRENEUR
IndividualMCLEAN, VA
$3,300
Oct 31, 2024
9
RESNICK, ERIC
KSL CAPITAL PARTNERS • CEO
IndividualVAIL, CO
$3,300
Oct 25, 2024
10
RESNICK, SARA
N/A • NOT EMPLOYED
IndividualVAIL, CO
$3,300
Oct 25, 2024

Donor Network - Rep. Bost, Mike [R-IL-12]

PACs
Organizations
Individuals
Politicians

Hub layout: Politicians in center, donors arranged by type in rings around them.

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Showing 66 nodes and 42 connections (65 secondary connections hidden)

Total contributions: $155,100

Top Donors - Rep. Bost, Mike [R-IL-12]

Showing top 19 donors by contribution amount

5 Orgs14 Individuals

Project 2025 Policy Matches

This bill shows semantic similarity to the following sections of the Project 2025 policy document.AI-enhanced analysis provides detailed alignment ratings.

Department of Veterans Affairs

Very Strong
Vector: 71%
Pages: 688-691AI Enhanced

AI Analysis:

"The bill's provisions to improve adjudication efficiency, increase transparency, enforce accountability, and use technology for tracking claims directly implement the core VA reform goals outlined in Project 2025, which aim to streamline benefits delivery and enhance oversight."

Key themes:claims processing efficiencytransparency and accountabilitytimeliness of veterans benefitsVA appeals reformtechnology tracking of claims

— 655 — Department of Veterans Affairs ENDNOTES 1. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Division, VHA Directive 1003, “VHA Veteran Patient Experience,” April 14, 2020, pp. 1 and B-1. 2. S. 2372, VA Mission Act of 2018, Public Law No. 115-182, 115th Congress, June 6, 2018, https://www.congress. gov/115/plaws/publ182/PLAW-115publ182.pdf (accessed January 30, 2023). 3. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, VA History Office, “VA History,” last updated May 27, 2021, https://www. va.gov/HISTORY/VA_History/Overview.asp (accessed January 28, 2023). 4. 38 U.S. Code § 1116, https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/38/1116 (accessed January 28, 2023). 5. S. 3373, Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2022 (Honoring Our PACT Act of 2022), Public Law No. 117-168, 117th Congress, August 10, 2022, https://www. congress.gov/117/plaws/publ168/PLAW-117publ168.pdf (accessed January 28, 2023). 6. H.R. 2471, Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022, Public Law No. 117-103, 117th Congress, March 15, 2022, Division S, Title I, https://www.congress.gov/117/plaws/publ103/PLAW-117publ103.pdf (accessed March 18, 2023). Known variously as the Department of Veterans Affairs Nurse and Physician Assistant Retention and Income Security Enhancement Act and the VA Nurse and Physician Assistant RAISE Act. 7. See note 5, supra.

Department of Veterans Affairs

Strong
Vector: 73%
Pages: 682-684AI Enhanced

AI Analysis:

"The bill strongly aligns with Project 2025's focus on improving VA claims processing through technology, timeliness, transparency, and accountability, particularly in streamlining disability claims and using data to drive performance improvements."

Key themes:claims processing efficiencytechnology integrationperformance reportingtimeliness of benefitstransparency and accountability

— 649 — Department of Veterans Affairs approaches and technology tools that currently exist in the private sector could be employed to improve existing VBA activities. This problem is most pronounced in the disability claims process, which needs more and better management attention focused on streamlining the procedures involved in processing claims and administering benefits. The VA must improve timeliness of claim adjudication and benefits delivery: Veterans want the VBA to provide timely responses to requests for benefits support, render empathetic customer service and understandable explanations of those benefits, and deliver those benefits without frustrating delays (weeks, not months). l Identify performance targets for benefits, report publicly on actual performance each quarter, and use these metrics to drive consistent improvement. l Develop a new pilot “Express 30” commitment for a veteran’s first fully developed disability compensation claim and organize the VBA to complete the first claim in 30 days. l Hire more private companies to perform disability medical examinations. Delays in completing the examinations could be eliminated with more external capacity. l Increase automation. Hiring additional staff to process claims is costly, is inflexible, and has yielded mixed results. Attempting to change laws and regulations simply to adjudicate claims would be a herculean effort given their complexity. The best way to provide benefits faster and more accurately is by using technology to perform most of the work. Technology currently exists in the private sector, but the VBA lacks the expertise to use it. This would be more of an organizational challenge than a technology hurdle. l Reduce improper payment and fraud. About $500 million is improperly paid out each year. Better tools, training, and management could reduce this substantially, but rule changes at the departmental level would be needed. Budget The VA’s Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD) has assigned disability ratings to a growing number of health conditions over time; some are tenuously related or wholly unrelated to military service. The further growth in presumptive service-connected medical conditions pursued by Congress and Veteran Service Organizations, begun with Agent Orange and most recently for Burn Pits/Airborne

Department of Veterans Affairs

Strong
Vector: 72%
Pages: 682-684AI Enhanced

AI Analysis:

"The bill strongly aligns with Project 2025's focus on improving VA claims processing through technology, timeliness, accountability, and transparency, particularly by mandating tracking systems, performance reporting, and streamlined adjudication—core objectives in the policy."

Key themes:technology use in claims processingtimeliness of benefits deliveryperformance tracking and reportingaccountability in VA operationsstreamlining disability claims

— 649 — Department of Veterans Affairs approaches and technology tools that currently exist in the private sector could be employed to improve existing VBA activities. This problem is most pronounced in the disability claims process, which needs more and better management attention focused on streamlining the procedures involved in processing claims and administering benefits. The VA must improve timeliness of claim adjudication and benefits delivery: Veterans want the VBA to provide timely responses to requests for benefits support, render empathetic customer service and understandable explanations of those benefits, and deliver those benefits without frustrating delays (weeks, not months). l Identify performance targets for benefits, report publicly on actual performance each quarter, and use these metrics to drive consistent improvement. l Develop a new pilot “Express 30” commitment for a veteran’s first fully developed disability compensation claim and organize the VBA to complete the first claim in 30 days. l Hire more private companies to perform disability medical examinations. Delays in completing the examinations could be eliminated with more external capacity. l Increase automation. Hiring additional staff to process claims is costly, is inflexible, and has yielded mixed results. Attempting to change laws and regulations simply to adjudicate claims would be a herculean effort given their complexity. The best way to provide benefits faster and more accurately is by using technology to perform most of the work. Technology currently exists in the private sector, but the VBA lacks the expertise to use it. This would be more of an organizational challenge than a technology hurdle. l Reduce improper payment and fraud. About $500 million is improperly paid out each year. Better tools, training, and management could reduce this substantially, but rule changes at the departmental level would be needed. Budget The VA’s Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD) has assigned disability ratings to a growing number of health conditions over time; some are tenuously related or wholly unrelated to military service. The further growth in presumptive service-connected medical conditions pursued by Congress and Veteran Service Organizations, begun with Agent Orange and most recently for Burn Pits/Airborne — 650 — Mandate for Leadership: The Conservative Promise Toxins, has led to historic increases in mandatory VBA spending in recent years. The VA has a time-phased plan to reassess the VASRD and its ratings for com- pensation, but this internal process can be slow and laborious, requires Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approvals, and can become politically charged both in Congress and with VSOs. l The next Administration should explore how VASRD reviews could be accelerated with clearance from OMB to target significant cost savings from revising disability rating awards for future claimants while preserving them fully or partially for existing claimants. l The VBA’s Information Technology top-line budget should be reexamined and reassessed in light of the need for expanded automation across the enterprise. l Traditionally, VHA captures the large majority of VA IT funding. The VBA needs to make the case for a larger IT budget with clear requirements to support that request. Personnel l Pursue reforms of the Human Capital Management process and operations within the VBA to build a more blended workforce with more contractors to process claims. This would free federal employees to perform other duties and be involved solely with the final decision to award benefits. l Improve the VBA acquisition workforce. The VBA needs more world-class contractor support. Currently, few of the top companies have contracts with the VBA, and the VBA needs to conduct more outreach to the private sector through senior leader engagement and industry conferences. l To identify more effective and efficient ways to complete claims, establish a knowledge exchange program with top-tier private-sector companies that do similar work. The VBA is fundamentally a financial services organization. A significant amount of its work has a private-sector analogue that could be leveraged to improve service to veterans. l For most of its existence, the VBA has been a risk-averse, insular, paper-based organization, implementing technology only over the past decade. This insularity has led to a predominantly “build it ourselves” approach, partly because VBA staff has limited experience or insight into current private- sector tools and methods and partly because the VBA struggles to compete

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About These Correlations

Policy matches are calculated using a hybrid approach: initial candidates are found using semantic similarity between bill summaries and Project 2025 policy text, then an AI model (Llama 3.1 70B) provides detailed alignment ratings and analysis. Ratings range from 1 (minimal alignment) to 5 (very strong alignment). This analysis does not imply direct causation or intent.

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