This bill aims to significantly improve the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) appeals process by modifying rules for submitting evidence and enhancing docket flexibility. It limits the evidentiary record to evidence submitted within 90 days of a notice of disagreement for cases without a hearing, or within 90 days following a Board hearing for cases where a hearing was requested. The legislation introduces greater docket flexibility , allowing appellants to withdraw an appeal and file a supplemental claim, or move their case between dockets, without losing "continuous pursuit," under specific conditions. It also mandates that the Board of Veterans' Appeals provide more detailed decision notices, including identification of adjudicated issues, a summary of evidence and applicable laws, and findings favorable to the claimant. Furthermore, the bill amends the process for reconsideration of Board decisions , allowing the Chairman to order reconsideration or a claimant to request a review by a different Board member or panel. These reconsideration reviews will be de novo, and the Board can also correct obvious errors. The Secretary is also required to develop a plan for seamless integration of electronic systems used for claims and appeals processing. To ensure transparency, the bill mandates an annual report on appeal outcomes , disaggregated by various factors. It also requires a third-party review of the VA appeals process to improve decision quality and reduce remands, alongside a Comptroller General review of the VA's implementation of precedential decisions.
Veterans Appeals Improvement and Modernization Act of 2017
Introduced in Senate
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Hearings held.
Armed Forces and National Security
Veterans Appeals Improvement and Modernization Act 2.0
USA119th CongressS-3286| Senate
| Updated: 4/29/2026
This bill aims to significantly improve the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) appeals process by modifying rules for submitting evidence and enhancing docket flexibility. It limits the evidentiary record to evidence submitted within 90 days of a notice of disagreement for cases without a hearing, or within 90 days following a Board hearing for cases where a hearing was requested. The legislation introduces greater docket flexibility , allowing appellants to withdraw an appeal and file a supplemental claim, or move their case between dockets, without losing "continuous pursuit," under specific conditions. It also mandates that the Board of Veterans' Appeals provide more detailed decision notices, including identification of adjudicated issues, a summary of evidence and applicable laws, and findings favorable to the claimant. Furthermore, the bill amends the process for reconsideration of Board decisions , allowing the Chairman to order reconsideration or a claimant to request a review by a different Board member or panel. These reconsideration reviews will be de novo, and the Board can also correct obvious errors. The Secretary is also required to develop a plan for seamless integration of electronic systems used for claims and appeals processing. To ensure transparency, the bill mandates an annual report on appeal outcomes , disaggregated by various factors. It also requires a third-party review of the VA appeals process to improve decision quality and reduce remands, alongside a Comptroller General review of the VA's implementation of precedential decisions.