H.R. 7199 — Gerald’s Law Act

This section expands eligibility for the VA burial allowance under 38 U.S.C. 2303(a)(2)(A)—which provides payments toward burial and funeral expenses for veterans who die while receiving certain VA care—to include veterans who die at home or in other settings while receiving VA hospice care pursuant to 38 U.S.C. 1717(a), provided such hospice care directly followed VA hospital care or nursing home care. (Thus, families of eligible veterans may receive the allowance regardless of death location if the hospice condition is met.) The amendments apply as if included in the Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020 (Public Law 116-315).