The U.S. House of Representatives has passed the Simplifying Forms for Veterans Claims Act, introduced by Representative Rob Bresnahan Jr. (PA-08). The bill, H.R. 1286, was approved with a strong bipartisan vote of 386-1 and aims to simplify the forms required by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for veterans and their survivors.
Rep. Bresnahan introduced the legislation on February 13, 2025, and it passed unanimously out of the House Committee on Veteran’s Affairs earlier this month. This marks his first legislative effort to pass through the House.
“When our military members return home from serving our country, they are often tasked with filling out dozens of pages of paperwork in order to receive the benefits they’ve rightfully earned,” said Rep. Bresnahan. “Veterans and their families should not be subjected to a VA claims process that is more difficult and stressful than necessary.”
Pennsylvania’s Eighth Congressional District, which Rep. Bresnahan represents, is home to nearly 40,000 veterans.
House Committee on Veteran’s Affairs Chairman Mike Bost also supported the bill: “As a veteran myself, I know how confusing VA’s forms can be for veterans and their families when it comes to filing their own disability claims.”
The Veterans Benefits Administration requires standard forms for various benefits claims such as disability compensation and pensions. These forms can be complex and lead to delays or denials if not completed correctly.
The Simplifying Forms for Veterans Claims Act would mandate that the VA work with a nonpartisan research entity to study and recommend improvements for these forms. The VA Secretary would then report findings to Congress and implement changes based on these recommendations.
