CA SB815

Expands county veterans service officer duties to assist "qualified former members" (former U.S. Armed Forces members eligible for federal veterans benefits) in addition to veterans in presenting and pursuing claims against the United States.

Updates obsolete statutory references throughout the Military and Veterans Code by replacing "Director of the Veterans Administration" and "Veterans Administration" with "Secretary of Veterans Affairs" and "United States Department of Veterans Affairs."

Broadens the Department of Veterans Affairs' authority to assist veterans with claims arising from "military service" rather than limiting it to "war service."

Clarifies procedures for veterans' remains organizations to access veteran status information and unclaimed cremated remains of veterans from cemetery entities for proper burial, with civil liability protection if conditions are met.

Makes technical amendments to provisions regarding county veterans service officer appointments, educational benefits for veteran students (capped at $1,200), and veterans home operations.