H.R. 1286 — Simplifying Forms for Veterans Claims Act

This section establishes the short title of the Act as the “Simplifying Forms for Veterans Claims Act.”

This section directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, within 30 days after enactment, to seek an agreement with a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC) to assess the forms the Department of Veterans Affairs sends to claimants. As background, a claimant is any individual applying for, or submitting a claim for, benefits administered by the Secretary under 38 U.S.C. § 5100. The FFRDC must consult with covered entities, including the Secretary, an expert in veterans benefits law, a veterans service organization recognized under 38 U.S.C. § 5902, and organizations that advocate for veterans and survivors of veterans, and must recommend ways to make the forms clearer and better organized. This section further requires the Secretary, within 90 days after receiving the assessment, to submit a copy to the House and Senate Committees on Veterans’ Affairs and to implement the recommendations that comply with applicable veterans benefits laws. The Secretary must complete implementation within 2 years after beginning implementation.

This section extends the existing limit on pension payments under 38 U.S.C. § 5503(d)(7) by 1 month, to December 31, 2031 (from November 30, 2031).