Apr 29, 2026
Statement of
Kristina Keenan, Director
National Legislative Service
Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States
For the Record
United States Senate
Committee on Veterans’ Affairs
With Respect To
Pending Legislation
Washington, D.C.
Chairman Moran, Ranking Member Blumenthal, members of the committee, on behalf of the men and women of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States (VFW) and its Auxiliary, thank you for the opportunity to provide testimony regarding this pending legislation.
S. 749, Justice for ALS Veterans Act of 2025
The VFW supports this legislation to extend the enhanced Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) benefit paid to surviving spouses of veterans who die from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), regardless of the length of time the veteran lived after diagnosis. This proposal aligns with VFW resolutions and has been a long-standing priority for the Independent Budget Veterans Service Organizations.
According to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), veterans are approximately 1.5 times more likely to develop ALS than individuals who did not serve in the military. VA presumes ALS is service-connected and assigns a 100 percent disability rating due to its severe and progressive nature. Surviving spouses receive DIC and an additional monthly allowance if the spouse was married to the veteran for at least eight years and VA rated the veteran totally disabled due to ALS for a minimum of eight years.
However, ALS is a rapidly progressive and terminal disease, with a typical life expectancy of only three to five years following diagnosis, making the eight-year disability requirement unattainable for many families. This legislation would remove that unrealistic requirement while preserving the eight-year marriage rule, ensuring more surviving spouses receive the full benefits available for survivors of veterans who die from ALS.
VFW member and ALS patient Major Chris Mulholland, United States Marine Corps (Retired), spearheaded the VFW’s long-standing advocacy to reform ALS survivor benefits, including leading the VFW’s adoption of a resolution on this issue. Major Mulholland personally experienced the relentless progression of this debilitating and terminal illness. He spoke out not only about the disproportionate impact of ALS on veterans, but also about the profound toll it takes on families who shoulder intense caregiving responsibilities and face financial uncertainty while coping with rapid decline and loss. Tragically, Major Mulholland’s own life reflected the very injustice this bill seeks to address, as he lived fewer than eight years following his ALS diagnosis in 2020.
S. 1127, Dennis and Lois Krisfalusy Act
The VFW supports this legislation to authorize VA to place a headstone or marker in specific types of cemeteries for an eligible spouse or dependent child, including cases in which no remains are recoverable. The legislation’s namesakes, veteran Dennis Krisfalusy and his spouse, Lois, died in a Mexico earthquake in 1985 with no recoverable remains. In 2023, VA provided a memorial marker for Dennis, but current statute prohibits inscribing Lois’ name on the marker. Per United States Code (U.S.C.), spouses and dependent children who died before November 11, 1998, are ineligible for this benefit. This legislation would remove the 1998 date restriction that prohibits memorializing eligible family members alongside veterans or active duty beneficiaries. The VFW recommends also removing the September 30, 2032, end date within this proposal to make the law permanent.
S. 3000, FRAUD in VA Disability Exams Act of 2025
The VFW supports this legislation to require VA to identify and report instances of fraud with respect to VA Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) forms. It would also require VA to regularly inform the appropriate congressional committees of the program’s effectiveness. Since DBQs provide foundational evidence for many VA disability compensation claims, they must accurately reflect a veteran’s injury or illness to preserve the integrity of the claims process.
Veterans use DBQs available on VA’s publicly accessible website to collect clinical information from their health care providers to assist VA in evaluating disability compensation claims. VA organizes these commonly used forms by body systems as characterized in the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities. Because DBQs often play a decisive role in claims outcomes, fraudulent schemes have emerged to exploit their use. In some cases, bad actors that the VFW calls Claim Sharks charge veterans for assistance that VA and VA-accredited representatives provide at no cost. These actors may also provide access to private health care providers who falsely guarantee favorable outcomes, promise higher ratings, or improperly advise veterans to avoid VA examinations. Some of these affiliated health care providers charge unauthorized fees while offering to manufacture diagnoses or exaggerating existing conditions for the DBQs to obtain benefits beyond what the evidence supports.
This scheme is so extensive that it has been the subject of two VA Inspector General fraud warnings. Companies that perpetuate this fraud aggressively target veterans through social media advertising, pressuring them to work through their companies to gain higher ratings. Additionally, media reports highlighting such fraud damage public trust and delegitimize the honest claims of veterans in need of appropriate compensation.
This legislation would require VA to establish a formal process for claimants and claims processors to identify and report suspected DBQ-related fraud. VA would refer these cases to appropriate authorities while also implementing a recurring audit program to monitor both reported and detected fraudulent activity. Together, these measures would create a systematic approach to reporting, evaluating, and prosecuting DBQ-related fraud, which is an approach that does not currently exist.
S. 3098, Presumptive CLARITY Act of 2025
The VFW supports this legislation to establish greater transparency and oversight in VA’s toxic exposure presumption decision process, a key component of the enduring framework within the PACT Act. It would inform veterans about VA’s process to assess conditions and cohorts for the establishment or removal of presumption of service connections to toxic exposures. This information would reside on a publicly accessible VA website and include an overview of the process including the steps and the goals for time of completion for each step, the status of the condition or cohort being assessed, and the opportunities for public comment on the presumption of service connection establishment or removal.
By increasing transparency, this legislation would close critical information gaps and ensure that all veterans, regardless of their familiarity with VA processes, could access and understand this information, building trust in the process. Most of this information is already published in the Federal Register or codified in existing law, but these publications typically use lengthy descriptions heavily laden with scientific and other highly technical jargon that could readily confuse the layperson. This legislation would improve transparency, close recurring information gaps, and inspire trust in the process by presenting the information in a clear, understandable format.
S. 3170, Stuck On Hold Act
The VFW supports this legislation to direct VA to implement an automated system with callback functionality for each of its covered phone lines. Veterans indicate frequent lengthy wait times when calling VA service lines. This system would inform the caller of the anticipated wait time and offer a call back when wait times exceed 10 minutes. This proposal would modernize VA’s customer service operations by incorporating widely used private-sector technology that allows callers to retain their place in line without remaining on hold. VA could likely implement this capability with minimal technical barriers, though it would need to account for associated costs and assess the feasibility of integrating this feature across its systems. By reducing or eliminating time spent waiting in phone queues, this system would improve efficiency, enhance the overall customer experience, and help ensure veterans can more effectively access their benefits.
S. 3286, Veterans Appeals Improvement and Modernization Act 2.0
The VFW supports this legislation to provide improvements to VA’s disability claims appeals process. It would increase flexibility by allowing a claimant to withdraw an appeal and file a supplemental claim at the agency of original jurisdiction while preserving continuous pursuit of the claim. By maintaining the effective date and continuity of a claim, this proposal would reduce procedural risk for veterans and encourage the submission of new and relevant evidence without penalty. The legislation would also reduce administrative burdens such as duplicative filings, unnecessary procedural delays, and unclear routing between review options, which could accelerate decision timelines and improve outcomes.
It would further enhance transparency by requiring clearer communication from VA regarding appeals status and by providing veterans with better guidance on how to navigate the appeals process. In addition, the VFW appreciates the provision directing VA to evaluate and pursue integration between the Veterans Benefits Management System and Caseflow. Integrating these systems would improve information sharing between the agency of original jurisdiction and the Board of Veterans’ Appeals, reduce delays caused by fragmented systems, and streamline the overall adjudication process.
The VFW also appreciates the requirement for an annual report on appeals outcomes and the directive for VA to enter into an agreement with an independent third-party entity to conduct a comprehensive review of the appeals process. These provisions would strengthen oversight, increase transparency, and provide an objective assessment of the system’s effectiveness and efficiency.
S. 3311, Veterans Affairs Peer Review Neutrality Act of 2025
The VFW supports this legislation as a critical step to strengthen accountability, transparency, and oversight of clinical quality within the Veterans Health Administration. Impartial and independent peer reviews are essential to upholding the integrity of VA’s quality management. The VA Office of Inspector General has identified inconsistent peer-review practices, including unclear conflict of interest standards, inadequate recusals, and difficulties maintaining reviewer anonymity. These issues highlight the need for standardized safeguards to ensure impartial evaluations. Requiring recusal for direct involvement and mandating neutral, external reviews when conflicts arise would help prevent bias, improve accuracy, support corrective actions, and reinforce veterans’ trust in VA health care, leading to better outcomes for those who have served.
S. 3395, Mammography Access for Veterans Act of 2025
The VFW supports legislation to make permanent the pilot program that allows VA to provide telescreening mammography services for veterans in states without VA breast imaging or where in-person access is not feasible. Mammograms are essential for early detection of breast cancer, which affects about one in eight women. Timely and equitable access to screening is critical, especially as the number of women veterans grows and they continue to face unique barriers to care. Making this program permanent would close access gaps for veterans in rural and underserved areas, reduce diagnostic delays, and improve health outcomes through earlier intervention. The VFW recognizes that early detection is vital for successful treatment and survival, and believes VA should use innovative solutions like telescreening to reach veterans where they are.
S. 3591, Thomas M. Conway Veterans Access to Resources in the Workplace Act
The VFW supports this legislation that would improve veterans’ awareness of earned federal and state benefits by requiring the Department of Labor (DOL) in coordination with the Department of Veterans Affairs to develop and periodically update a standardized notice detailing available veterans’ resources. It would also require applicable employers to display such notice in the workplace. These notices would provide critical information, including the Veterans Crisis Line, guidance on how to apply for VA benefits, and relevant state-provided veteran benefits. By directing DOL, VA, and states to collaborate, this legislation would advance a practical, low-cost approach to outreach for veterans.
This proposal aligns with the VFW’s legislative priority to ensure veterans succeed after leaving military service. We recognize and honor the namesake of this bill, Lt. Thomas M. Conway, whose selfless and heroic actions during the sinking of the USS Indianapolis exemplified the utmost commitment to service members and enduring care for others.
S. 3647, Disabled Veterans Dignity Act of 2026
The VFW supports legislation to establish a dedicated VA program for bowel and bladder care for veterans with spinal cord injuries and other disorders. Veterans who rely on this essential care should not encounter barriers that threaten their health, independence, or dignity. Caregivers should not be burdened by insufficient support or unnecessary administrative challenges. For many veterans, bladder dysfunction is a significant medical concern, as inadequate care can result in serious complications, including urinary tract infections, kidney damage, sepsis, and other life-threatening conditions. Timely and consistent bladder care is vital to prevent hospitalizations, maintain health, and preserve quality of life.
This legislation acknowledges the vital role of family and professional caregivers, ensures care is determined by clinical need through individualized assessments, and provides the training and support required for safe and effective care in home and community settings. Expanding access to bladder care services would help veterans maintain independence, reduce reliance on institutional care, and improve long-term health outcomes.
S. 3653, Veterans’ Bill of Rights Act of 2026
The VFW supports this legislation to direct VA to establish a framework outlining what veterans can expect from VA regarding access to health care, benefits, and other VA-administered services. The legislation would require VA to define these expectations in understandable language and to implement a grievance process for complaints, standardized information distribution, employee training, customer satisfaction surveys, and auditing mechanisms.
This could reduce barriers to care, improve timeliness of services, and reinforce dignified and respectful treatment of veterans. Clear communication would help veterans better navigate VA systems and access the care and benefits they earned through their service.
Expanding outreach and improving communication regarding VA benefits remain critical. VA reports continue to emphasize the importance of early and sustained engagement following discharge. By strengthening awareness and streamlining accessibility of VA programs, this legislation would encourage greater utilization of services and likely improve veteran outcomes. The VFW appreciates that this proposal would also incorporate this information into the Transition Assistance Program, in coordination with DOL, to ensure transitioning service members understand their rights and available services before separation. The VFW recommends that VA include Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) in the development and review of messaging and educational materials to ensure accuracy, clarity, and effectiveness.
S. 3706, Produce Prescriptions for Veterans Act
The VFW supports the intent of this legislation to authorize VA to offer produce prescriptions as a medical service for veterans with diet-related chronic conditions and food insecurity. Veterans deserve comprehensive care that addresses both clinical needs and the social factors influencing their well-being. Expanding access to healthy foods is a promising preventive strategy to improve health outcomes.
Although the concept aligns with VA’s Whole Health model, the VFW is concerned that it lacks clarity on program implementation, oversight, and integration with existing VA services. Without defined eligibility criteria, accountability measures, and safeguards to ensure equitable access, especially for veterans in rural or underserved areas, there is a risk of inconsistent delivery and limited effectiveness. Questions also remain about coordination with other VA nutrition, primary care, and community-based services.
S. 3726, National Veterans Strategy Act of 2026
The VFW supports this legislation to establish a National Veterans Strategy of the executive branch not less than every four years. This would create a holistic examination of veteran well-being, implying action, markers for success, and attention to remedy shortfalls. Since the legislation specifically names VSOs as key stakeholders, the VFW and other VSOs would be involved in defining the metrics by which to assess success. Also, the legislation contains a provision to allow Congress to review and approve the strategy, ensuring appropriate checks and balances.
The legislation specifies several areas for which stakeholders would develop metrics to define veteran success. These topical areas include physical, mental, and spiritual health; economic security and opportunity; education; family and social engagement; and civic engagement. The National Veterans Strategy would align the resources and efforts of various government, nonprofit, and private sector organizations to help veterans achieve success in these defined areas.
There are myriad entities and programs that offer assistance to veterans. However, there is currently no larger strategy to coordinate these programs to facilitate a veteran’s success, nor is there a coordinated effort to quantitatively or qualitatively define or measure success. Establishing a definition and subsequently developing a National Veterans Strategy could help VA more effectively serve veterans without duplicating the efforts of other government agencies, nonprofit organizations, or private sector entities.
S. 3988, Veterans Spinal Trauma Access to New Devices (STAND) Act
The VFW supports this legislation to strengthen and standardize VA’s delivery of preventive health evaluations and access to technologies for veterans with spinal cord injuries and disorders. Although VA offers many of these services through its Spinal Cord Injuries and Disorders System of Care, access and availability differ among facilities. This legislation would provide consistent annual evaluations nationwide and expand access to innovative assistive technologies that enhance mobility, independence, and quality of life. Codifying these services in statute and enhancing accountability through reporting requirements would help ensure veterans receive timely, comprehensive, and proactive care regardless of location. The VFW believes this legislation builds on VA’s existing framework to modernize care, reduce preventable complications, and better support long-term health outcomes for this vulnerable population.
S. 3992, Joint Medical Facilities Fund Act of 2026
The VFW supports legislation to codify the authority for a joint funding structure between the Department of Defense (DOD) and VA to support designated combined federal medical facilities. Coordinated resources, aligned funding, and shared operations between these departments improve efficiency, reduce duplication, and strengthen continuity of care, especially during the transition from active duty to veteran status. Establishing a formal funding mechanism in statute would provide long-term stability and clarity for joint facilities serving both veterans and service members.
This legislation would ensure that funding for shared operations, capital equipment, maintenance, and minor construction is managed through a consistent and transparent framework, supported by executive agreement and financial reconciliation between both departments. The VFW believes codifying this authority would enhance accountability, improve interagency coordination, and better position VA and DOD to deliver seamless, patient-centered care at combined facilities.
S. 3993, Reducing Arbitrary Barriers to Apprenticeship Act of 2026
The VFW supports this legislation to amend title 38, U.S.C., to ensure that veterans who pursue apprenticeships or other on‑the‑job training programs instead of traditional four‑year college degrees are treated fairly and equitably under Post‑9/11 GI Bill benefit structures. Under current law, veterans enrolled in apprenticeship and on‑the‑job training programs receive a reduced Monthly Housing Allowance and may lose benefits in months when work hours fall below minimum thresholds, even when fluctuations are caused by weather, jobsite conditions, or project schedules. This legislation would amend these provisions by establishing housing allowance parity and creating a statutory exception to the minimum monthly hour requirement for certain apprenticeship programs.
The VFW believes veterans should not be discouraged from pursuing skilled trades and career‑focused training pathways that lead directly to stable employment and meet critical workforce needs. Apprenticeship and on‑the‑job training programs are viable alternatives to traditional academic programs and appropriate housing benefits are critical to veterans’ success in these programs.
S. 3999, Women Veterans Specialty Care Access Act
The VFW supports the intent of this legislation to improve timely access to women’s health services, including gynecology, maternity, and postpartum care by removing the current requirement of first going through primary care. Women veterans should not face unnecessary administrative barriers when seeking essential, time-sensitive care, and efforts to modernize scheduling within VA facilities are a positive step toward improving the patient experience and health outcomes. However, the VFW is concerned about extending direct scheduling without referral requirements to the Veterans Community Care Program. Removing referrals in community care may reduce care coordination, limit VA oversight of external services, and worsen capacity and network management challenges.
S. 4043, Health Care for Homeless Veterans Act
The VFW supports this legislation to make permanent VA’s authority to provide treatment and rehabilitation services for veterans experiencing homelessness and serious mental illness. These services are essential for stabilizing health and supporting recovery. Permanent authority will allow VA to maintain and strengthen programs that address the complex needs of this population, improve continuity of care, and support long-term reintegration into stable housing and communities.
Veteran homelessness is a critical public health and policy issue, often driven by untreated mental health conditions, substance use, economic instability, and limited access to affordable housing. Without consistent treatment and rehabilitation services, many veterans cycle between homelessness, emergency care, and institutional settings. Making this authority permanent is essential to breaking that cycle, promoting recovery, and supporting long-term housing stability. The VFW believes consistent access to mental health care and rehabilitation services is vital to reducing veteran homelessness and improving outcomes.
Discussion Draft, Veteran Acquired Brain Injury Caregiving Act
The VFW does not support this proposal as currently written. We recognize the need to improve services for veterans with acquired brain injuries; however, VA already offers similar care through the Veteran-Directed Care program and other home- and community-based services. Establishing a separate pilot that channels funding to external nonprofit organizations may duplicate existing programs instead of strengthening and expanding proven VA care models.
The VFW is also concerned that this approach could increase administrative complexity and reduce oversight, especially when services are delivered outside the VA system. Instead of creating parallel structures, we recommend directing resources to enhance VA’s existing capacity, ensure consistent quality of care, and address gaps in current programs. We welcome efforts to improve targeted support for veterans with acquired brain injuries within the VA’s established framework before considering new pilot authorities.
Discussion Draft, Veterans Health Administration Novel Therapeutics Preparedness Act
The VFW supports this legislation to establish a coordinated, system-wide framework within the Veterans Health Administration for integrating emerging therapies safely and effectively. After receiving numerous concerns from our members over the last few years, the VFW made alternative therapies a top priority for discussions with congressional offices during our last three legislative conferences. It was also a key issue raised by VFW National Commander Carol Whitmore in her testimony this year. Additionally, we applauded the president’s signing of a recent executive order to direct federal agencies to accelerate research, approval pathways, and clinical access to emerging treatments, especially psychedelic-assisted therapies for serious mental illness affecting veterans. The VFW appreciates this legislation would create an enduring structure focused on alternative treatments.
Persistently high rates of post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, substance use disorder, and suicide among veterans make it essential for VA to proactively develop the clinical infrastructure, workforce training, and regulatory pathways needed for innovative, evidence-based treatments. As these therapies move toward federal approval, VA lacks a unified framework to implement them safely, consistently, and equitably across Veterans Integrated Service Networks. Establishing a centralized Office of Novel Therapeutics would standardize care delivery, strengthen oversight, reduce fragmentation, and address workforce and regulatory barriers that could delay access. The VFW believes this approach would help VA responsibly adopt next-generation therapies, expand access to advanced care, and improve long-term health outcomes for veterans.
Discussion Draft, Optimizing the Department of Veterans Affairs Workforce for Veterans Act of 2026
The VFW supports this legislation that would require VA to engage in long‑term, transparent workforce planning and provide advance notice to Congress and employees before executing reductions in force. Veterans depend on a stable, well‑resourced VA workforce to access earned health care, education benefits, employment assistance, and transition services. Abrupt staffing changes, insufficient workforce planning, and poorly justified reorganizations directly undermine the delivery of these services and erode trust in VA. The VFW particularly appreciates the requirement that workforce decisions align with measurable outcomes for veterans, as well as the mandate for detailed justifications and congressional notification prior to any reduction in force. These safeguards are essential to ensuring continuity of services for veterans and their families.
Discussion Draft, To amend title 38, United States Code, to increase burial and funeral expenses paid by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs in the case of death from a service-connected disability, and for other purposes
The VFW supports this proposal to increase burial and funeral benefits for deaths resulting from service-connected disabilities and to tie those benefits to the Consumer Price Index. While the proposal would raise the benefit from $2,000 to $3,000, which is a significant increase, data from the National Funeral Directors Association show that costs are much higher. The 2023 median cost of an adult funeral and burial was $8,300, while cremation averaged $6,280, both significantly higher than the proposed allowance. Accordingly, while the VFW views this proposal as a positive step, we urge Congress to adopt a higher initial increase that more accurately reflects current costs.
Discussion Draft, Carlton H. Ingram Veterans’ Benefits Improvement Act
The VFW supports this proposal to require that VA give no regard to the effects of medication or treatment when making claims decisions, even when a claimant presents evidence to establish a nonmedicated baseline. Unless the rating criteria clearly say otherwise, VA should not reduce a disability rating simply because a condition improves with treatment. When possible, VA should also consider how severe the condition would be without medication. This proposal would help ensure fair and consistent decisions and reassure veterans that taking prescribed medications will not cost them the benefits they have earned. It follows existing court guidance, including Ingram v. Collins, that reinforced VA must apply the rating criteria as written and cannot rely on the effects of medication unless the applicable portion of the Veterans Affairs Schedule for Rating Disabilities refers to medications.
Discussion Draft, Maternal Health for Veterans Act of 2026
The VFW supports this legislation to strengthen oversight and investment in VA maternity care coordination programs where gaps in access, consistency, and outcomes persist for women veterans. VA’s reliance on community providers for maternity care often leads to fragmented services and coordination challenges, especially for veterans with complex health needs. Women veterans experience higher rates of chronic conditions and mental health concerns, increasing their risk for adverse maternal outcomes. This legislation would help VA identify and address gaps by emphasizing improved data collection, transparency, and targeted recommendations for populations facing disparities. It would establish a framework to improve continuity of care, reduce disparities, and strengthen outcomes for women veterans and their families by authorizing dedicated funding for maternity care coordination and requiring ongoing reporting.
Discussion Draft, Veterans Outdoor Rehabilitation Act
The VFW supports this proposal to establish a VA-administered grant program that expands access to structured, state-level outdoor recreation programs to enhance veteran wellness.
The proposal would allow grantees to develop new outdoor recreation programs for veterans, partner with local outfitters or guides, or expand existing state-managed programs. It also encourages coordination among participating state entities and federal land management agencies to broaden access to outdoor spaces and to reduce administrative barriers.
The VFW supports efforts to promote veteran health and well-being through outdoor recreation. Expanding access to affordable, accessible programs can significantly improve physical and mental health, and strengthen relationships among veterans.
Chairman Moran, Ranking Member Blumenthal, this concludes my testimony. Again, thank you for the opportunity to offer comments on this pending legislation.