Congress·In Progress·H.R. 3132

Rep. Bergman Introduces CHOICE for Veterans Act to Cap Fees and Regulate Private Help for Disability Claims

CHOICE for Veterans Act of 2025

11 months ago·View on Congress.gov

Legislative Progress

House

Senate

President

Law

Key Points

The bill allows veterans to hire private agents or attorneys to help file their very first VA disability claim or supplemental claims. Previously, paid representation was generally limited to appeals, leaving veterans to navigate initial claims alone or with free services.
From policy text
“to allow for certain fee agreements for services rendered in the preparation, presentation, and prosecution of initial claims and supplemental claims for benefits under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs”
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Fees are strictly capped to protect veterans from overcharging. The total a professional can charge is limited to the lesser of $12,500 (adjusted annually for inflation) or five times the monthly benefit increase awarded to the veteran, and payment can only be collected after the VA issues a decision.
From policy text
“does not exceed the lesser of-- ``(AA) $12,500 (as adjusted from time to time under subparagraph (E)); or ``(BB) the amount equal to the product of five and the amount of the monthly increase of benefits awarded to the claimant pursuant to the claim”
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The VA must notify unrepresented veterans that help is available, maintain a public list of accredited representatives, and create a system for reporting unauthorized fee-charging or bad actors. Web portals must also include fee warnings.
From policy text
“Upon receipt of a claim, or supplemental claim, by a claimant not represented by an accredited person, the Secretary shall provide notice to the claimant that-- ``(A) an accredited person may be available to the claimant for the preparation, presentation, or prosecution of such claim”
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Several predatory practices are explicitly banned, including selling veterans' personal information, using overseas call centers for claims work, and referring veterans to medical providers with whom the agent has a business relationship for profit.
From policy text
“has sold, or otherwise received consideration for the referral of, any personally identifiable information or other data and information relating to an individual for whom the agent or attorney provided services”
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Violators face serious consequences: unauthorized fee-charging can result in fines and up to one year in prison, and agents who break the rules during temporary recognition face $50,000 fines and bans of up to 10 years from VA practice.
From policy text
“whoever solicits, contracts for, charges, or receives, or attempts to solicit, contract for, charge, or receive, any fee or any other consideration with respect to the preparation, presentation, or prosecution of any claim for benefits under the laws administered by the Secretary shall be fined as provided in title 18, or imprisoned not more than one year, or both”
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The bill preempts any state laws that conflict with its provisions, meaning these federal rules on veteran claims representation would override differing state regulations nationwide.
From policy text
“This Act, and the amendments made by this Act, supersede any State law that is inconsistent with the rights established by this Act, or the amendments made by this Act, and preclude the implementation of such a law, whether statutory, common law, or otherwise”
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VeteransCriminal Justice

Impact Analysis

Personal Impact

Who is affectedScoreImpactCertaintyScopeDurationSentiment

Scores: 1 = low, 5 = highSentiment: -5 to +5 (net benefit)

Milestones

3 milestones4 actions

May 6, 2025House

Ordered to be Reported by the Yeas and Nays: 12 - 11.

May 6, 2025House

Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held

May 1, 2025House

Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

May 1, 2025

Introduced in House

What Happens Next

Projected impacts based on AI analysis

About 6 months after enactment

VA must publish the knowledge test for agent/attorney recognition and prescribe key regulations

Within 180 days of enactment, the framework for who can charge veterans for claims help would be established, setting the stage for the new system to begin operating

About 12 months after enactment

Penalty provisions for unauthorized fee-charging take effect

Criminal penalties (fines and up to 1 year in prison) and $50,000 fines for violations kick in 180 days after the VA issues its required regulations, giving the enforcement system teeth

Within 1 year of enactment

GAO completes review of the new accreditation process and reports to Congress

Within one year, Congress will get an independent assessment of how well the new system is working and recommendations for improvements, which could lead to further changes

Related News

5 articles

The Edwardsville Intelligencer·6 months ago

Why are Republicans putting profits over veterans?

The CHOICE for Veterans Act of 2025, advanced by the House Veterans' Affairs Committee, would open the door for for-profit businesses to charge veterans for assistance with their VA claims. Critics warn it exposes veterans to predatory fees for services currently available for free.

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RealClearDefense·9 months ago

Pass the CHOICE Act to Help Veterans

The CHOICE Act ensures veterans have all options on the table for securing benefits. It allows veterans to work with qualified fee-based companies to cut through VA red tape while capping charges at $12,500 to stop unethical advisors from fleecing veterans.

CR+

North Shore Journal·3 months ago

Legislative Action and 'Claim Sharks': Understanding the CHOICE for Veterans Act (H.R. 3132)

H.R. 3132 would formalize the ability of private businesses to assist with initial claims for a fee. While supporters argue it expands access, opponents warn it could normalize practices that financially burden veterans for benefits they are already entitled to pursue for free.