United States 117th Congress Status: Died Bipartisan · 1 D · 1 R cosponsors

HR 6131 — Veterans Disability Claims Notification Improvement Act of 2021

Last action — Subcommittee Hearings Held.

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  1. ✓
    Introduced
  2. ✓
    In Committee
  3. Died in session

This bill died with 117th Congress. It reached “In Committee” and never advanced before the session ended, so it can no longer move — a new version would have to be reintroduced in the current session.

This bill is no longer active — its legislative session has ended, so there is no live prognosis. It would have to be reintroduced in the current session to move again.

Summary

Veterans Disability Claims Notification Improvement Act of 2021 This bill authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide notice related to claims in an electronic format upon the election of the claimant, including for decisions by the Board of Veterans' Appeals. Under the bill, a claimant may revoke such an election at any time.

Bill Text

How this bill changes current law

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AI-generated reading aid from the bill's amendatory text — verify against the official bill.

The bill authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to send electronic notices to claimants regarding benefits and requires annual stakeholder input on improving notification processes.

  • Section 5100

    section 5100 → ``Sec. 5100. Definitions ``In this chapter: ``(1) The term `claimant' means any individual applying for, or submitting a claim for, any benefit under the laws administered by the Secretary. ``(2) The term `notice' means a communication issued through means (including electronic means) prescribed by the Secretary.''.

    The definition of 'claimant' and 'notice' is established to include electronic communications.

  • Section 5104

    ``(c) The Secretary may provide notice under subsection (a) electronically if a claimant (or the claimant's representative) elects to receive such notice electronically. A claimant (or the claimant's representative) may revoke such an election at any time, by means prescribed by the Secretary. ``(d) The Secretary shall annually-- ``(1) solicit recommendations from stakeholders on how to improve notice under this section; and ``(2) publish such recommendations on a publicly available website of the Department.''.

    This allows for electronic notice to be given to claimants if chosen, and mandates annual stakeholder engagement.

  • Section 5104B(c)

    in writing → to the claimant (and any representative of such claimant)

    This broadens the delivery method of notices to include representatives of claimants.

  • Section 7104

    subsection (e) → ``(e) After reaching a decision on an appeal, the Board shall promptly issue notice (as that term is defined in section 5100 of this title) of such decision to the following: ``(1) The appellant. ``(2) Any other party with a right to notice of such decision. ``(3) Any authorized representative of the appellant or party described in paragraph (2). ``(f) The Secretary may provide notice under subsection (e) electronically if a claimant (or the claimant's representative) elects to receive such notice electronically. A claimant (or the claimant's representative) may revoke such an election at any time, by means prescribed by the Secretary.''.

    It specifies the requirements for notifying parties of appeal decisions and allows for electronic notices.

  • Section 7105(b)(1)(A)

    mailing → issuance

    This updates the terminology from 'mailing' to 'issuance' for broader communication methods.

  • Section 7105A(a)

    mailed → issued

    This changes the method of notification from 'mailed' to 'issued', allowing for electronic notices.

  • Section 7266(a)

    mailed → issued

    This change aligns all references to notification with updated terminology, facilitating electronic communication.

  • the item relating to section 5100 → ``5100. Definitions.''.

    This updates the table of sections to reflect the new definition section.

  • the item relating to section 7104 → ``7104. Jurisdiction of the Board; decisions; notice.''.

    This modifies the table of sections to include 'notice' in the heading, reflecting the changes made.

Action History

  1. Subcommittee Hearings Held.

  2. Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs.

  3. Introduced in House

  4. Introduced in House

  5. Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

Sponsors

Sponsorship breakdown

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1 sponsors · 1 co-sponsors · 545 not signed on

Sponsors (1)

Co-sponsors (1)

Not signed on (545)

545 members have not signed on to this bill.

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"Not signed on" means a member has not sponsored or co-sponsored this bill — it does not imply opposition. Members flagged Voted No have a recorded No vote on this bill.

Whip count is in markup. Polling the chamber and every recorded vote this session. Only the first open is slow. It’s instant for you after this. Calling the roll · Tallying · Engrossing

Subjects

veterans
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Frequently asked questions

What does HR 6131 do?
Veterans Disability Claims Notification Improvement Act of 2021 This bill authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide notice related to claims in an electronic format upon the election of the claimant, including for decisions by the Board of Veterans' Appeals. Under the bill, a claimant may revoke such an election at any time.
Who sponsors HR 6131?
HR 6131 is sponsored by Nehls, Troy E. (Republican) and Luria, Elaine G. (Democratic).
What is the current status of HR 6131?
This bill died with 117th Congress. It reached “In Committee” and never advanced before the session ended, so it can no longer move — a new version would have to be reintroduced in the current session.
Where can I track HR 6131?
Track HR 6131 free on One Click Politics — get push/email alerts when it moves.

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