VA Appeals Reform Act of 2025

H.R. 1471, the VA Appeals Reform Act of 2025, would amend federal law to improve how veterans can appeal decisions affecting their benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs. The bill would establish reasonable fee limits for attorneys handling veterans' appeals, capping fees at the lesser of $200 or 20 percent of the initial payment from the claimant. This provision would apply to notices of intent to appeal VA decisions affecting benefit provisions.

The bill would also modify the appointment process for the Board of Veterans' Appeals by allowing the Board's Chairman to designate retired military officers who previously served as military judges to serve as acting members of the Board for periods not exceeding 180 days. These changes would be intended to help streamline the appeals process and provide veterans with more efficient access to the benefits they have earned. The bill has been referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs and the House Committee on the Judiciary for consideration.