Veterans’ Bill of Rights Act of 2026

Increased Awareness of Rights: The Secretary must carry out efforts to inform veterans of their rights regarding health care, benefits, and services (Section 3, subsection a).

Improved Health Care Access: Veterans are informed of their right to receive care from the Department of Veterans Affairs or authorized community providers (Section 3, subsection b, paragraph 1).

Dignified Treatment: The bill establishes a right for veterans to be treated with courtesy, respect, and dignity during interactions with Department personnel (Section 3, subsection b, paragraph 2).

Better Informed Medical Decisions: Veterans have the right to receive clear and complete information about treatment options to provide informed consent (Section 3, subsection b, paragraph 3).

Clearer Benefit Information: The act provides for the right to receive comprehensive and understandable information regarding eligible benefits, programs, and services (Section 3, subsection b, paragraph 4).

Easier Application Process: Veterans have the right to apply for benefits at any time and receive clear explanations regarding eligibility determinations (Section 3, subsection b, paragraph 5).

Protection from Retaliation: The bill protects the right of veterans to seek care or raise concerns without fear of adverse action, stigma, or retaliation (Section 3, subsection b, paragraph 6).

Personal Information Security: Veterans are granted the right to the protection of their medical records and personal information in accordance with Federal law (Section 3, subsection b, paragraph 7).

Effective Complaint Resolution: The bill provides a right to file complaints and receive timely, thorough investigations and resolutions (Section 3, subsection b, paragraph 8).

Improved Communication Status: Veterans have the right to clear written notification regarding the status of their claims, benefits, and appeals (Section 3, subsection b, paragraph 9).

Right to Appeal Decisions: The act ensures the right to appeal adverse decisions of the Secretary and receive fair hearings within a reasonable time (Section 3, subsection b, paragraph 10).

Enhanced Accountability through Audits: Each medical facility must designate a patient advocate or ombudsman to conduct annual internal audits to assess compliance and review satisfaction surveys (Section 3, subsection c, paragraph 6).

Limited Legal Recourse: The provisions of this act are not to be construed to create a cause of action for damages or judicially enforceable rights beyond those already established under Federal law (Section 3, subsection d, paragraph 1).

No Change to Eligibility: This act does not alter the existing statutory eligibility requirements for receiving care or benefits (Section 3, subsection d, paragraph 2).