Legis Daily

Veterans Appeals Improvement and Modernization Act of 2017

USA115th CongressHR-2288| House 
| Updated: 8/23/2017
Mike Bost

Mike Bost

Republican Representative

Illinois

Cosponsors (26)
Clay Higgins (Republican)Jim Banks (Republican)Kathleen M. Rice (Democratic)Neal P. Dunn (Republican)Brad R. Wenstrup (Republican)Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan (Democratic)J. Luis Correa (Democratic)Dina Titus (Democratic)Scott H. Peters (Democratic)Bruce Poliquin (Republican)Earl L. "Buddy" Carter (Republican)Elizabeth H. Esty (Democratic)Ann M. Kuster (Democratic)Gus M. Bilirakis (Republican)Jodey C. Arrington (Republican)Timothy J. Walz (Democratic)Ryan A. Costello (Republican)Mark Takano (Democratic)John H. Rutherford (Republican)Aumua Amata Coleman Radewagen (Republican)Julia Brownley (Democratic)Beto O'Rourke (Democratic)Jenniffer González-Colón (Republican)Mike Coffman (Republican)Jack Bergman (Republican)David P. Roe (Republican)

Veterans' Affairs Committee, Veterans' Affairs Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
Veterans Appeals Improvement and Modernization Act of 2017 This bill revises the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) disability claims appeals system. (Sec. 2) Specifically, the bill requires the VA to assist with a claim or supplemental claim up until a veteran claimant is provided notice of a decision. Additionally, the VA must assist a veteran during a higher-level review if an adjudicator identifies an error on the part of the agency of original jurisdiction. The bill also requires the VA to provide a notice of decision to veterans regarding decisions affecting the provision of benefits that includes specific information, such as a summary of the applicable laws and an explanation of how to obtain evidence used in making the decision. Under the bill, findings that are favorable to the veteran are considered binding unless clear and convincing evidence is shown to rebut the findings. The bill permits a veteran to appeal a decision within one year by (1) requesting a review of the agency of original jurisdiction's decision by a higher-level adjudicator using the same evidentiary record; (2) filing a supplemental claim with a regional office that includes the opportunity to submit additional evidence and have a hearing; or (3) appealing directly to the Board of Veterans' Appeals, with the opportunity to select an expedited review to submit new evidence but without a hearing, or to select a review with the option to submit new evidence and request a hearing. The bill authorizes veterans to retain the services of attorneys and accredited agents who charge a fee when the agency of original jurisdiction provides notice of the original decision. The bill prescribes specific procedures on the filing of a notice of disagreement with the Board of Veterans' Appeals, including form and timing. If no notice of disagreement is filed, the decision becomes final except in certain circumstances. The bill modifies the maintenance of dockets by the Board of Veterans' Appeals and the procedures for advancing the docket and holding hearings. The bill sets forth the type of evidence that is permitted in the record for cases with a request for hearing, and also for cases with no request for a hearing. Additionally, the bill requires the Board of Veterans' Appeals to provide written notice to the appellant if the board does not review evidence that the veteran did not submit in time. The bill requires the VA, prior to full implementation, to certify to Congress that it has sufficient resources and personnel to carry out the existing and updated appeals systems. (Sec. 3) Under the bill, the VA must submit a comprehensive plan for resolving pending appeals, and implementing the updated appeals system. (Sec. 4) The bill authorizes the VA to carry out various pilot programs to test the updated appeals system and alternative processes as long as it notifies Congress of such testing. (Sec. 5) Lastly, the bill requires the VA to publish information on the VA's website regarding the processing of existing appeals and appeals in the updated system.

Bill Text Versions

View Text
7 versions available

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Timeline
May 2, 2017
Introduced in House
May 2, 2017
Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
May 17, 2017
Ordered to be Reported by Voice Vote.
May 17, 2017
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
May 19, 2017
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 84.
May 19, 2017
Reported by the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. H. Rept. 115-135.
May 23, 2017
Mr. Roe (TN) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
May 23, 2017
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H4457-4466)
May 23, 2017
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2288.
May 23, 2017
At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
May 23, 2017
Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H4483)
May 23, 2017
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 418 - 0 (Roll no. 273). (text: CR H4457-4463)
View Vote
May 23, 2017
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
May 24, 2017
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
Jul 10, 2017

Latest Companion Bill Action

S 115-1024
Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Reported by Senator Isakson with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. With written report No. 115-126.
Aug 1, 2017
Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent.
Aug 1, 2017
Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent.
Aug 1, 2017
Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs discharged by Unanimous Consent.
Aug 1, 2017
Measure laid before Senate by unanimous consent. (consideration: CR S4687)
Aug 2, 2017
Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Aug 11, 2017
Presented to President.
Aug 11, 2017
Resolving differences -- House actions: On motion that the House agree to the Senate amendment Agreed to without objection.(consideration: CR H6595-6601; text as House agreed to Senate amendment: CR H6595-6601)
Aug 11, 2017
Mrs. Comstock asked unanimous consent to take from the Speaker's Table and agree to the Senate amendment.
Aug 11, 2017
On motion that the House agree to the Senate amendment Agreed to without objection. (consideration: CR H6595-6601; text as House agreed to Senate amendment: CR H6595-6601)
Aug 11, 2017
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
Aug 23, 2017
Signed by President.
Aug 23, 2017
Became Public Law No: 115-55.
  • May 2, 2017
    Introduced in House


  • May 2, 2017
    Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.


  • May 17, 2017
    Ordered to be Reported by Voice Vote.


  • May 17, 2017
    Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.


  • May 19, 2017
    Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 84.


  • May 19, 2017
    Reported by the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. H. Rept. 115-135.


  • May 23, 2017
    Mr. Roe (TN) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.


  • May 23, 2017
    Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H4457-4466)


  • May 23, 2017
    DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2288.


  • May 23, 2017
    At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.


  • May 23, 2017
    Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H4483)


  • May 23, 2017
    On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 418 - 0 (Roll no. 273). (text: CR H4457-4463)
    View Vote


  • May 23, 2017
    Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.


  • May 24, 2017
    Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.


  • July 10, 2017

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    S 115-1024
    Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Reported by Senator Isakson with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. With written report No. 115-126.


  • August 1, 2017
    Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent.


  • August 1, 2017
    Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent.


  • August 1, 2017
    Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs discharged by Unanimous Consent.


  • August 1, 2017
    Measure laid before Senate by unanimous consent. (consideration: CR S4687)


  • August 2, 2017
    Message on Senate action sent to the House.


  • August 11, 2017
    Presented to President.


  • August 11, 2017
    Resolving differences -- House actions: On motion that the House agree to the Senate amendment Agreed to without objection.(consideration: CR H6595-6601; text as House agreed to Senate amendment: CR H6595-6601)


  • August 11, 2017
    Mrs. Comstock asked unanimous consent to take from the Speaker's Table and agree to the Senate amendment.


  • August 11, 2017
    On motion that the House agree to the Senate amendment Agreed to without objection. (consideration: CR H6595-6601; text as House agreed to Senate amendment: CR H6595-6601)


  • August 11, 2017
    Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.


  • August 23, 2017
    Signed by President.


  • August 23, 2017
    Became Public Law No: 115-55.

Armed Forces and National Security

Related Bills

  • S 115-1024: Veterans Appeals Improvement and Modernization Act of 2017
Administrative remediesComputers and information technologyCongressional oversightDepartment of Veterans AffairsEvidence and witnessesGovernment employee pay, benefits, personnel managementGovernment information and archivesGovernment studies and investigationsHealth information and medical recordsMedical tests and diagnostic methodsPerformance measurementPersonnel recordsVeterans' pensions and compensation

Veterans Appeals Improvement and Modernization Act of 2017

USA115th CongressHR-2288| House 
| Updated: 8/23/2017
Veterans Appeals Improvement and Modernization Act of 2017 This bill revises the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) disability claims appeals system. (Sec. 2) Specifically, the bill requires the VA to assist with a claim or supplemental claim up until a veteran claimant is provided notice of a decision. Additionally, the VA must assist a veteran during a higher-level review if an adjudicator identifies an error on the part of the agency of original jurisdiction. The bill also requires the VA to provide a notice of decision to veterans regarding decisions affecting the provision of benefits that includes specific information, such as a summary of the applicable laws and an explanation of how to obtain evidence used in making the decision. Under the bill, findings that are favorable to the veteran are considered binding unless clear and convincing evidence is shown to rebut the findings. The bill permits a veteran to appeal a decision within one year by (1) requesting a review of the agency of original jurisdiction's decision by a higher-level adjudicator using the same evidentiary record; (2) filing a supplemental claim with a regional office that includes the opportunity to submit additional evidence and have a hearing; or (3) appealing directly to the Board of Veterans' Appeals, with the opportunity to select an expedited review to submit new evidence but without a hearing, or to select a review with the option to submit new evidence and request a hearing. The bill authorizes veterans to retain the services of attorneys and accredited agents who charge a fee when the agency of original jurisdiction provides notice of the original decision. The bill prescribes specific procedures on the filing of a notice of disagreement with the Board of Veterans' Appeals, including form and timing. If no notice of disagreement is filed, the decision becomes final except in certain circumstances. The bill modifies the maintenance of dockets by the Board of Veterans' Appeals and the procedures for advancing the docket and holding hearings. The bill sets forth the type of evidence that is permitted in the record for cases with a request for hearing, and also for cases with no request for a hearing. Additionally, the bill requires the Board of Veterans' Appeals to provide written notice to the appellant if the board does not review evidence that the veteran did not submit in time. The bill requires the VA, prior to full implementation, to certify to Congress that it has sufficient resources and personnel to carry out the existing and updated appeals systems. (Sec. 3) Under the bill, the VA must submit a comprehensive plan for resolving pending appeals, and implementing the updated appeals system. (Sec. 4) The bill authorizes the VA to carry out various pilot programs to test the updated appeals system and alternative processes as long as it notifies Congress of such testing. (Sec. 5) Lastly, the bill requires the VA to publish information on the VA's website regarding the processing of existing appeals and appeals in the updated system.

Bill Text Versions

View Text
7 versions available

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline
May 2, 2017
Introduced in House
May 2, 2017
Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
May 17, 2017
Ordered to be Reported by Voice Vote.
May 17, 2017
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
May 19, 2017
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 84.
May 19, 2017
Reported by the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. H. Rept. 115-135.
May 23, 2017
Mr. Roe (TN) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
May 23, 2017
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H4457-4466)
May 23, 2017
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2288.
May 23, 2017
At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
May 23, 2017
Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H4483)
May 23, 2017
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 418 - 0 (Roll no. 273). (text: CR H4457-4463)
View Vote
May 23, 2017
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
May 24, 2017
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
Jul 10, 2017

Latest Companion Bill Action

S 115-1024
Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Reported by Senator Isakson with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. With written report No. 115-126.
Aug 1, 2017
Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent.
Aug 1, 2017
Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent.
Aug 1, 2017
Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs discharged by Unanimous Consent.
Aug 1, 2017
Measure laid before Senate by unanimous consent. (consideration: CR S4687)
Aug 2, 2017
Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Aug 11, 2017
Presented to President.
Aug 11, 2017
Resolving differences -- House actions: On motion that the House agree to the Senate amendment Agreed to without objection.(consideration: CR H6595-6601; text as House agreed to Senate amendment: CR H6595-6601)
Aug 11, 2017
Mrs. Comstock asked unanimous consent to take from the Speaker's Table and agree to the Senate amendment.
Aug 11, 2017
On motion that the House agree to the Senate amendment Agreed to without objection. (consideration: CR H6595-6601; text as House agreed to Senate amendment: CR H6595-6601)
Aug 11, 2017
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
Aug 23, 2017
Signed by President.
Aug 23, 2017
Became Public Law No: 115-55.
  • May 2, 2017
    Introduced in House


  • May 2, 2017
    Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.


  • May 17, 2017
    Ordered to be Reported by Voice Vote.


  • May 17, 2017
    Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.


  • May 19, 2017
    Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 84.


  • May 19, 2017
    Reported by the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. H. Rept. 115-135.


  • May 23, 2017
    Mr. Roe (TN) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.


  • May 23, 2017
    Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H4457-4466)


  • May 23, 2017
    DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2288.


  • May 23, 2017
    At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.


  • May 23, 2017
    Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H4483)


  • May 23, 2017
    On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 418 - 0 (Roll no. 273). (text: CR H4457-4463)
    View Vote


  • May 23, 2017
    Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.


  • May 24, 2017
    Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.


  • July 10, 2017

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    S 115-1024
    Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Reported by Senator Isakson with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. With written report No. 115-126.


  • August 1, 2017
    Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent.


  • August 1, 2017
    Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent.


  • August 1, 2017
    Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs discharged by Unanimous Consent.


  • August 1, 2017
    Measure laid before Senate by unanimous consent. (consideration: CR S4687)


  • August 2, 2017
    Message on Senate action sent to the House.


  • August 11, 2017
    Presented to President.


  • August 11, 2017
    Resolving differences -- House actions: On motion that the House agree to the Senate amendment Agreed to without objection.(consideration: CR H6595-6601; text as House agreed to Senate amendment: CR H6595-6601)


  • August 11, 2017
    Mrs. Comstock asked unanimous consent to take from the Speaker's Table and agree to the Senate amendment.


  • August 11, 2017
    On motion that the House agree to the Senate amendment Agreed to without objection. (consideration: CR H6595-6601; text as House agreed to Senate amendment: CR H6595-6601)


  • August 11, 2017
    Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.


  • August 23, 2017
    Signed by President.


  • August 23, 2017
    Became Public Law No: 115-55.
Mike Bost

Mike Bost

Republican Representative

Illinois

Cosponsors (26)
Clay Higgins (Republican)Jim Banks (Republican)Kathleen M. Rice (Democratic)Neal P. Dunn (Republican)Brad R. Wenstrup (Republican)Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan (Democratic)J. Luis Correa (Democratic)Dina Titus (Democratic)Scott H. Peters (Democratic)Bruce Poliquin (Republican)Earl L. "Buddy" Carter (Republican)Elizabeth H. Esty (Democratic)Ann M. Kuster (Democratic)Gus M. Bilirakis (Republican)Jodey C. Arrington (Republican)Timothy J. Walz (Democratic)Ryan A. Costello (Republican)Mark Takano (Democratic)John H. Rutherford (Republican)Aumua Amata Coleman Radewagen (Republican)Julia Brownley (Democratic)Beto O'Rourke (Democratic)Jenniffer González-Colón (Republican)Mike Coffman (Republican)Jack Bergman (Republican)David P. Roe (Republican)

Veterans' Affairs Committee, Veterans' Affairs Committee

Armed Forces and National Security

Related Bills

  • S 115-1024: Veterans Appeals Improvement and Modernization Act of 2017
  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
Administrative remediesComputers and information technologyCongressional oversightDepartment of Veterans AffairsEvidence and witnessesGovernment employee pay, benefits, personnel managementGovernment information and archivesGovernment studies and investigationsHealth information and medical recordsMedical tests and diagnostic methodsPerformance measurementPersonnel recordsVeterans' pensions and compensation