This bill aims to enhance and clarify various aspects of Department of Veterans Affairs educational assistance programs by amending title 38 of the United States Code. It addresses several key areas, including the repayment of Post-9/11 GI Bill contributions, the approval criteria for independent study programs, and provisions for service members whose education is interrupted by military service. Specifically, the legislation modifies the repayment process for Post-9/11 educational assistance, particularly for individuals not eligible for a monthly housing stipend. These individuals will now receive a lump sum payment calculated based on their contributions and months of service, paid within 60 days after exhausting their educational entitlement, with these changes taking effect on August 1, 2025. The bill also revises the criteria for Department of Veterans Affairs approval of independent study programs, requiring that such courses involve regular and substantive interaction between students and instructors . Furthermore, the educational institution offering these programs must be approved to participate in Title IV student financial assistance programs, with these new requirements applying to terms beginning on or after August 1, 2025. For service members, the bill clarifies options when receiving orders for covered service, allowing them to withdraw , take a leave of absence , or enter an agreement with their institution to complete a course if at least half is finished. Additionally, it updates notice requirements for VA compliance surveys of educational institutions, specifying 10 to 15 business days for those with time stamp databases and not more than 10 days for others. Finally, the legislation mandates that the Secretary of Veterans Affairs notify all school certifying officials within 14 business days of any updates to the official handbook. It also extends the limit on certain pension payments from November 30, 2031, to March 31, 2033, ensuring continued support for eligible veterans.