FRAUD in VA Disability Exams Act

Summary#

This bill would add a new section to title 38 of the U.S. Code requiring the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to identify and report fraud involving Department of Veterans Affairs disability benefit questionnaire (DBQ) forms. The Secretary must set up a process so VA staff who process claims can flag and report suspected fraud to investigative bodies, including the VA Office of Inspector General (OIG). The bill also requires recurring audits of DBQ submissions, requires the VA to notify individuals when a form or claim is suspected of fraud, and allows the OIG to use inspector general authorities it determines necessary to investigate suspected fraud. The bill says the VA generally may not reopen or change a final claim decision because of an OIG investigation, except if the investigation leads to a criminal conviction related to the fraudulent submission. The Secretary must send an annual report on administering this section to the House and Senate Veterans' Affairs Committees.

What it means for you#

  • VA claims processors would have a formal process to identify and submit reports of suspected fraudulent DBQs.
  • People who submit DBQs or claims may be told if the VA suspects fraud in their form or claim.
  • The VA Inspector General can investigate suspected fraud using inspector general authorities it finds necessary.
  • Final benefit decisions generally would not be reopened because of an OIG investigation unless there is a related criminal conviction.

Expenses#

No publicly available information.

Proponents' View#

Supporters would say the bill creates standard steps to detect and report fraudulent DBQ submissions, increases auditing of forms, gives the OIG authority to investigate suspected fraud, and requires annual reporting to congressional veterans committees.

Opponents' View#

No publicly available information.