Protecting Veteran’s Claim Options Act

This legislation clarifies the jurisdiction and certain rules of evidence for the Board of Veterans' Appeals (BVA). It amends title 38, United States Code, to ensure that the BVA cannot deny relief or review of the merits of a supplemental claim solely because the appellant did not present or secure new and relevant evidence. For cases remanded to the BVA by the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, the bill generally limits the evidentiary record to evidence previously considered by the Board. However, it creates an important exception, allowing appellants to submit new evidence within 90 days following such a remand, which the Board must consider in the first instance. Additionally, the legislation extends the expiration date for certain limits on the payment of veterans' pensions from November 30, 2031, to January 30, 2035 .