US HB1039

Secretary of Veterans Affairs must seek an agreement with a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC) within 30 days of enactment to assess notice letters sent to benefits claimants

FFRDC assessment must evaluate whether notices can be altered to reduce paper consumption and federal costs, and provide recommendations to make notices clearer, better organized, and more concise

Secretary must submit the assessment to congressional Veterans' Affairs committees within 90 days of receiving it and implement compliant recommendations within one year of starting implementation

Assessment must be developed in consultation with VA, legal experts, veterans service organizations, and veteran/survivor advocacy groups

Extends certain pension payment limits under 38 U.S.C. 5503(d)(7) from November 30, 2031 to December 31, 2031