Bill > HR2885

This bill, the Veterans Collaboration Act, directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to carry out a two-year pilot program to promote and encourage collaboration between the VA, nonprofit organizations, and institutions of higher learning that provide administrative assistance to veterans. The bill emphasizes collaboration with veterans service organizations that help veterans file disability compensation claims and appeals, as well as educational institutions that provide pro bono legal assistance to veterans. The VA will establish metrics to determine which organizations and institutions provide the best service to veterans and encourage their participation in the pilot program, which will be implemented in states with the highest veteran populations. The VA will also use social media to promote the collaboration efforts and notify veterans of these opportunities, with quarterly reports provided to the Veterans Affairs Committees on the reach of the social media efforts and the number of veterans who use the program.