H.R. 6017 — Veterans Bill of Rights Act

This section establishes a Veterans Bill of Rights (38 U.S.C. §6321) informing veterans of 11 specified rights and benefits under laws administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), including (1) fair treatment regardless of rank or protected class; (2) information on all eligible programs and benefits upon discharge, via a comprehensive handbook covering healthcare (including Community Care), disability, education, and housing; (3) privacy of personal information and records; (4) timely access to quality healthcare via VA facilities or Community Care; (5) mental health resources (including telehealth) and family support services; (6) employment services (e.g., job training, career counseling) and housing assistance; (7) accessibility without barriers, including expanded telehealth; (8) involvement in care and benefits decisions; (9) transparency in claims adjudication, with written decisions and appeal information; (10) fair appeals process aiming for resolution within 120 days with status updates; and (11) proactive communication on benefits updates. The section requires the VA Secretary to provide physical and electronic copies to each veteran, publish it on the VA website, and maintain copies in each VA facility. It further requires a toll-free hotline and website portal for compliance complaints, with responses within 30 days, and includes a rule of construction stating that it creates no enforceable substantive or procedural rights or benefits against the United States, VA, or its personnel.