Fraud Reduction And Uncovering Deception (FRAUD) in VA Disability Exams Act

This legislation mandates that the Secretary of Veterans Affairs undertake specific actions to identify and report instances of fraudulent activity concerning disability benefit questionnaire forms submitted to the Department, irrespective of their origin. These actions include establishing a clear process for individuals processing benefit claims to identify and report suspected fraud to appropriate investigatory bodies, such as the Office of the Inspector General. Furthermore, the bill requires the Secretary to implement a recurring audit of all submitted disability benefit questionnaire forms. It also stipulates that individuals who submit forms or claims suspected of containing fraudulent information must be informed of this suspicion. The legislation grants the Department's Inspector General expanded authority to investigate identified fraudulent activity. While generally prohibiting the Secretary from reopening or changing final benefit decisions based on these investigations, an exception is made if an individual is convicted of a crime related to the fraudulent submission. Finally, the Secretary must submit an annual report to the Committees on Veterans' Affairs regarding the administration of these provisions.