This bill would allow family members to add information to a veteran's official health record after they have passed away. This includes health problems or symptoms the family saw that might not have been recorded by a doctor while the veteran was still alive.
The goal is to help families create a more complete picture of a veteran's health. This is often important for families trying to prove that a veteran's death or illness was caused by their military service, which can help them qualify for survivor benefits.
The new information would be added as a supplement, meaning it sits alongside the original records. It cannot be used to change or delete what medical professionals previously wrote in the file.
Only specific people can make these updates: someone the veteran chose before they died, or an immediate family member like a spouse, parent, or adult child. The government would have one year to create a simple process for families of veterans and TRICARE members to use.
Impact Analysis
Govbase has not yet run an impact analysis on this legislation.
Milestones
5 milestones5 actions
Mar 18, 2026Senate
Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
The committee approved this bill and is sending it to the full chamber for a vote. This is a significant step — most bills never get this far.
Dec 10, 2025Senate
Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Hearings held.
Dec 10, 2025Senate
Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Hearings held. Hearings printed: S.Hrg. 119-247.
Jul 17, 2025Senate
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
Sent to a congressional committee for expert review. The committee decides whether this bill moves forward.
Jul 17, 2025
Introduced in Senate
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
