CHOICE for Veterans Act of 2025

Increased Awareness of Free Assistance: The Secretary must provide notice to claimants that organizations recognized under section 5902 are available to help with claims at no cost (Section 2(a)(1)(B)).

Improved Transparency via Online Lists: The Secretary is required to maintain a publicly available list of accredited persons, updated at least quarterly, to help claimants find assistance (Section 2(a)(1)(A)(i)).

Accountability for Unrecognized Persons: A new system will allow claimants to report persons who are not accredited but have prepared or prosecuted claims on their behalf, along with any fees charged (Section 2(a)(1)(A)(ii)).

Protection Against Certain Fees: The bill prohibits recognized agents or attorneys from charging fees for claims involving disabilities presumed to be service-connected due to chronic disease during active service or specific presumptive periods (Section 3(a)(8)(A)(i)).

Financial Flexibility for Claimants: For certain fee agreements, agents or attorneys must provide claimants the option to pay the total amount in incremental payments rather than one single payment (Section 3(a)(5)(D)(i)).

Standardized Fee Protections: The Act mandates that fee agreements cannot require payment from a claimant before they receive a decision from the agency (Section 3(a)(5)(B)(i)(A)).

New Assessment Costs: The Secretary may charge and collect an assessment from individuals seeking recognition as an agent or attorney, which may not exceed $500 (Section 3(a)(7)(B)).

Strict Penalties for Violations: Individuals recognized on a conditional and temporary basis who violate laws or regulations face a $50,000 fine and potential barring from recognition (Section 4(a)(1)(c)).

Criminal Penalties for Unauthorized Fees: Anyone who solicits or receives fees for claim preparation outside of the specific provisions of this Act may be fined or imprisoned for up to one year (Section 4(a)(1)(B)).