Simplifying Forms for Veterans Claims Act
Veterans and surviving family members who file claims with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will receive simpler, better-organized paperwork. The VA must hire an independent research center to work with veterans' advocacy groups and legal experts to identify confusing forms and recommend clearer designs, which the agency must put into effect within two years. To offset government costs, the legislation also extends an existing monthly pension cap for certain veterans in Medicaid-funded nursing homes through the end of 2031.
What this bill touches.
Who it helps · who it burdens.
Who it helps
- Veterans and survivors claiming VA benefitsGain clearer, better-organized forms for benefits claims once the VA reviews and implements the required improvements (Sec. 2).
- Federally funded research and development centers (FFRDCs)Eligible to enter into a paid federal agreement to assess claimant forms and make recommendations to the VA (Sec. 2(a)-(b)).
Who it burdens
- Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)Must enter into an agreement with a federally funded research center to review claimant forms, report the findings to congressional committees within 90 days of receipt, and carry out lawful recommendations within two years (Sec. 2).
- Medicaid-covered nursing home residents receiving VA pensionsSubject to an additional one-month extension (through December 31, 2031) of statutory monthly limits on their VA pension payments while residing in Medicaid-covered nursing homes without dependents (Sec. 3).
The provisions, in plain language.
Requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to contract with an independent federally funded research center to review forms sent to benefit claimants and recommend ways to make them clearer and better organized, in consultation with veterans' service organizations and advocates.
Requires the VA to submit the form assessment to Congress within 90 days of receipt and complete the implementation of its lawful recommendations within two years.
Extends the monthly limit on VA pension payments for certain veterans and surviving spouses without dependents receiving Medicaid-covered nursing home care through December 31, 2031.
How your members of Congress line up
How members voted on Simplifying Forms for Veterans Claims Act.
Recorded roll calls on this bill, most recent first. Open one to see each member's position.
How it moved.
Show all 18 actions
- Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
- Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 386 - 1 (Roll no. 133). (text: CR H2125)
- Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 386 - 1 (Roll no. 133). (text: CR H2125)
- Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H2136-2137)
- At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
- DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1286.
- Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H2124-2126)
- Mr. Bost moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
- Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 73.
- Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. H. Rept. 119-100.
- Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote.
- Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- Subcommittee Hearings Held
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs.
- Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
- Introduced in House
- Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
- Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 386 - 1 (Roll no. 133). (text: CR H2125)
- Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 386 - 1 (Roll no. 133). (text: CR H2125)
- Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. H. Rept. 119-100.
- Introduced in House
Read it for yourself.
Sources & provenance
Cite this page
Civic Herald. “Simplifying Forms for Veterans Claims Act (H.R. 1286, 119th Congress).” https://civicherald.app/bills/119-hr-1286. Congress.gov record as of Jul 13, 2026.