Bill · H.R. 552· House(119-HR-552)
Veterans Collaboration Act
- Introduced
- 1/16/2025
- Last activity
- 2/20/2025 — Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity.
- Sponsored by
- Robert Wittman
- Cosponsors
- - 1 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "Veterans Collaboration Act," directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to implement a two-year pilot program. The goal is to encourage collaboration between the Department of Veterans Affairs and various nonprofit organizations and institutions of higher learning. Specifically, it targets partnerships with veterans service organizations that help with disability compensation claims and appeals. It also aims to connect with law schools that offer pro bono legal services to veterans. The Secretary will implement this program in states with the highest veteran populations.
Yes· 3 of 4
Would veterans be better off under this, taking everything together?+6
The bill provides significant positive impact by facilitating access to legal aid and assistance with disability compensation claims.
Does this increase the pay, pensions or support veterans receive?+5
The bill enhances veteran benefits by facilitating legal assistance for disability claims through strategic partnerships.
Would people with disabilities be better off under this?+3
The program assists veterans in navigating disability compensation and appeals processes.
The opposite
Would people in rural areas be better off under this?-2
The pilot program's geographic limitation to states with high veteran populations may exclude many rural-heavy states.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Increased Access to Legal Assistance: The bill encourages partnerships with law schools that provide pro bono legal services to veterans (Section 2(a)(2)). This could help veterans address legal needs at no cost.
-
Improved Claims Processing: The program promotes collaboration with veterans service organizations that provide personnel to assist veterans in filing claims and appeals for disability compensation (Section 2(a)(1)). This could make the administrative process easier for veterans.
-
Improved Information Sharing: The Secretary is directed to use social media to notify veterans about these partnerships (Section 2(d)). This could ensure more veterans are aware of the available help.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Limited Geographic Reach: The Secretary is instructed to carry out the pilot program only in States with the highest veteran populations (Section 2(c)). This means veterans living in states not deemed to have the highest populations may not benefit from the program.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Veterans+6Good For People With Disabilities+3Good For Students+2Good For Rural Residents-2
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves Veterans Benefits+5
- 8/15/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 2/20/2025
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity.
- 1/16/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
- Introduced in House
Mark HarrisRepublican · North Carolina