WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) joined U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) in introducing the Veterans’ Bill of Rights Act to ensure veterans are informed of the rights they have under current law across all U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities and programs. Daily Caller first reported the bill’s introduction.
“Alabama is home to more than 400,000 veterans, and I always hear from them about how tough it is to navigate bureaucratic VA processes,” said Sen. Tuberville. “As Alabama’s voice on the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, I want to do everything I can to make it easier for our veterans. I’m proud to join Senator Blackburn in introducing the Veterans’ Bill of Rights Act to ensure veterans are fully aware of the benefits and services available to them by law. I’ll continue fighting to create a more transparent VA process for our veterans and keep the VA focused on its core mission of serving America’s heroes.”
“Navigating complex statutes, regulations, and internal policies can be confusing, leaving veterans unsure of what to expect or what questions to ask about the resources available to them,” said Sen. Blackburn. “The Veterans’ Bill of Rights Act would ensure veterans are clearly informed of their existing rights regarding VA health care, benefits, and services.”
The Veterans’ Bill of Rights Act is endorsed by Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States (EANGUS), Special Operations Association of America (SOAA), Veteran Action, and Concerned Veterans for America (CVA). Text of the bill can be found here.
BACKGROUND
Since coming to the Senate, Sen. Tuberville has worked tirelessly to implement targeted changes to how the VA delivers care for veterans. President Trump recently signed Sen. Tuberville’s Veteran Fraud Reimbursement Act to simplify the legal process for veterans who have been defrauded of their benefits.
The Veterans’ Bill of Rights Act would require the U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs to ensure veterans are clearly informed of their existing rights regarding VA-administered health care, benefits, and services, including:
- Access to VA or VA-authorized providers, consistent with eligibility under existing law
- Courtesy, dignity, and respect in all interactions with VA
- Clear, complete information about treatment options and informed consent
- Information on benefits, programs, and services for which the veteran may be eligible
- Ability to apply for benefits at any time with clear eligibility explanations
- Ability to seek care or raise concerns without retaliation or adverse action
- Protection of personal information and medical records under existing law
- Complaint filing with timely investigation and resolution
- Transparent, written communication on claims, benefits, and appeals
- Access to appeals and fair hearings under existing processes
This legislation would also require the VA to integrate this information into patient-facing materials, employee training, and to prominently display it at VA facilities and online.
MORE:
Tuberville, Sheehy Introduce Bill to Boost Health Care Transparency for Veterans
Senate Passes Tuberville Legislation to Help Defrauded Veterans
Tuberville, Blackburn Support Expanding Veterans’ Access to Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids
Tuberville Leads Veterans’ Mental Health Hearing in Montevallo
Tuberville, Moran Introduce Legislation to Give Cost-of-Living Increase to Veterans
Tuberville Introduces Legislation to Help Disabled Veterans
Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP and Aging Committees.
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