CHOICE for Veterans Act of 2025

The CHOICE for Veterans Act of 2025 aims to change how veterans receive assistance when filing for disability benefits. Currently, federal law generally prohibits private individuals or companies from charging fees to help veterans file their initial claims, leaving veterans to rely on free services from Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) or their own efforts. This bill would allow accredited private agents and attorneys to charge fees for these initial filings, providing veterans with more options for professional help to navigate the complex VA system.

To protect veterans from predatory practices, the legislation proposes a cap on these fees at either $12,500 or five times the veteran's monthly benefit increase, whichever is lower. It also seeks to establish a formal accreditation process for these private consultants, requiring them to meet certain standards and follow transparency rules, such as disclosing that free services are available elsewhere. The bill would also introduce penalties for unaccredited individuals who charge for claims assistance.