H.R.2137 - Review Every Veterans Claim Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.2137, the Review Every Veterans Claim Act of 2025, aims to amend Title 38 of the United States Code. The bill seeks to limit the Secretary of Veterans Affairs' authority to deny a veteran's claim for benefits solely because the veteran failed to attend a scheduled medical examination. This bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on March 14, 2025, and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
Expected Effects
The bill, if enacted, would prevent the VA from automatically denying benefits to veterans who miss a medical examination. The VA would need to consider other evidence and factors before making a decision on the claim. This could lead to more veterans receiving benefits who might have been denied under the previous policy.
Potential Benefits
- Reduces the likelihood of wrongful denial of benefits.
- Ensures a more comprehensive review of veterans' claims.
- Potentially increases the number of veterans receiving deserved benefits.
- May reduce appeals and administrative burden related to denials based solely on missed appointments.
- Aligns the VA's practices more closely with the principle of supporting veterans.
Potential Disadvantages
- Could potentially increase the workload for the VA, as they would need to conduct more thorough reviews.
- May lead to increased costs for the VA due to more claims being approved.
- There is a potential for abuse if veterans repeatedly fail to attend medical examinations without valid reasons.
- The bill does not address other reasons for claim denials, so its impact is limited to a specific scenario.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Constitution's general welfare clause, as it aims to support veterans who have served the country. Specifically, it relates to Congress's power to provide for the common defense and general welfare (Preamble). The bill does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).