Strengthening VA Patient Advocacy for Rural Veterans Act of 2025

This legislation aims to strengthen the Department of Veterans Affairs' Office of Patient Advocacy, with a particular focus on improving support for veterans in rural and highly-rural areas . It mandates that VA medical center directors designate patient advocates specifically to coordinate care for these veterans receiving services through community-based outpatient clinics or the community care network. The bill also ensures that patient advocates at medical centers report directly to their respective medical center director at some point in their reporting chain, enhancing accountability and oversight. Furthermore, it requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to submit annual reports to Congress and Veterans Integrated Service Networks, detailing de-identified data from the Patient Advocate Tracking System, including common issues reported and resolution times, to promote transparency and continuous improvement.