Improving Veterans' Access to Health Care

Rural Veterans’ Improved Access to Benefits Act of 2025This bill extends and expands the pilot program under which certain non-Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care professionals may be contracted to provide disability examinations to veterans, regardless of the jurisdiction of their licensure, for purposes of Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits and care. Specifically, the bill (1) expands the types of health care professionals who may provide such examinations, and (2) extends the authority for such professionals to be contracted for this purpose through January 5, 2031. Currently, such examinations may only be contracted to licensed non-VA physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, audiologists, or psychologists. The bill expands the list to include qualified health care professionals who are eligible for appointment to specified positions in the Veterans Health Administration, including hospital or clinic directors, dentists, and pharmacists. The VA must report on its use of the expanded authority under this bill.

1. This bill changes rules for health care professionals who conduct disability exams for veterans. 2. It allows more health care professionals to work under contract with the Department of Veterans Affairs. 3. The bill extends the temporary licensing rules for these professionals until September 30, 2031. 4. The Secretary of Veterans Affairs must report on the use of these contracted services within 15 months. 5. The report will include details on the number and quality of examinations conducted.