BVA has joined several other Veterans Service Organizations in voicing opposition to H.R. 3132, the CHOICE for Veterans Act of 2025. If legislated into law, the new law would enable private, for-profit companies to charge thousands of dollars for the same service that the BVA Veterans Service Program (VSP) and its trained, accredited staff members provide without charge. It would allow the outside companies to offer initial assistance and charge up to $12,500, or an amount equal to five times that of a monthly benefit increase.

BVA and fellow VSOs Paralyzed Veterans of America and Disabled American Veterans hold that commercial enterprises will charge veterans for assistance before claims are final and benefits are determined. Instead of restoring VA’s authority to penalize illegal behavior, the CHOICE for Veterans Act would legalize it, granting accreditation without safeguards and allowing companies to charge up to $12,500 just for helping a veteran file a claim.

Supporters of the bill argue that the legislation opens up claims assistance to the private sector while establishing regulations to stop companies from making false assertions, such as promising an early decision or higher disability rating when it is VA that determines disability.

BVA is just one of dozens of nonprofit agencies and Veterans Service Organizations that already provide free assistance in preparing and filing claims for veterans. State government offices for veteran services also provide help.

A June 4 Stars and Stripes report provides additional rationale, details, and context behind H.R. 3132. No companion bill in the Senate has yet been introduced.