Veterans Affairs Transfer of Information and Sharing of Disability Examination Procedures With DOD Doctors Act

House Bill

H.R. 555

119th Congress

Veterans Affairs Transfer of Information and Sharing of Disability Examination Procedures With DOD Doctors Act

In Committee

Introduced:Jan 16, 2025

Primary Sponsor

Robert J. Wittman

Representative

Republican

VA-1

Cosponsors

0

Quick Stats

Policy Area

Armed Forces and National Security

Summary

This bill requires that separating service members with potential disability conditions be examined by VA-certified providers, making those determinations binding on the VA for disability rating purposes. It also requires DOD and VA to jointly create a data-sharing system for medical and personnel records.

Latest Action

Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs.

AI Summary

Plain-English explanation of this bill

This bill requires that separating service members with potential disability conditions be examined by VA-certified providers, making those determinations binding on the VA for disability rating purposes. It also requires DOD and VA to jointly create a data-sharing system for medical and personnel records.

Last updated: 1/6/2026

Official Summary

Congressional Research Service summary

Veterans Affairs Transfer of Information and Sharing of Disability Examination Procedures With DOD Doctors Act This bill addresses the sharing of medical information and disability examination procedures between the Departments of Defense (DOD) and Veterans Affairs (VA). It requires that if a member of the Armed Forces who is required to receive a physical examination upon separation from active duty has or is believed to have a medical condition that may make the member eligible for veterans' disability compensation and benefits, the examination must be performed by a VA-certified health care provider.If the condition is discovered during the physical examination and the examining health care provider is not VA-certified, the examination must be completed by a VA-certified provider. An eligibility determination made as part of such an examination shall be binding on the VA and be used as the basis for assigning the member's disability rating. The VA and DOD shall jointly establish a system to share data and maintain the medical and personnel records of Armed Forces members and veterans.

Key Points

Main provisions of the bill

Requires VA-certified examiners for separation physicals with disability conditions
Makes separation exam findings binding for VA disability ratings
Creates joint DOD-VA medical records sharing system
Streamlines transition from military service to VA care
Reduces delays in disability compensation determinations

How This Impacts Americans

Potential effects on citizens and communities

Separating service members would have disability conditions evaluated by VA-certified examiners, speeding up benefit determinations. The joint records system would ensure medical information transfers seamlessly from DOD to VA.

Policy Areas

Primary Policy Area

Armed Forces and National Security

Related Subjects

Department of Veterans Affairs

Disability and paralysis

Disability assistance

Health information and medical records

Health personnel

Medical tests and diagnostic methods

Military personnel and dependents

Personnel records

Veterans' medical care

Veterans' pensions and compensation

Scope & Jurisdiction

Jurisdiction Level

federal

Congressional Session

119th Congress

Citation Reference

555, 119th Congress (2025). "Veterans Affairs Transfer of Information and Sharing of Disability Examination Procedures With DOD Doctors Act". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-hr-555