Veterans Benefits Administration

Requires medical disability examination (MDE) contractors to provide completed Public Disability Benefits Questionnaires (DBQs) in PDF format. VA uses a standardized data exchange framework to simplify the electronic sharing of DBQs between approved users. This framework guarantees that MDE contractors, VA employees, and other stakeholders can seamlessly exchange information and evidence related to a Veteran’s claim.

The new DBQ Portal Implementation Plan, provided under Section 306(b) of the Elizabeth Dole Act, describes VA’s proposed system and process updates to allow non-VA healthcare providers to submit medical documents to VA in a digital format. The plan is in the early stages of implementation and may be subject to revisions.

Download the DBQ portal plan

Temporary expansion of eligibility for Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship

Temporarily broadens eligibility for the scholarship, which provides education benefits to the children and spouses of service members who died in the line of duty.

This applies to terms with a start date on or after August 1, 2025, and before October 1, 2027.

Removal of expiration on entitlement to Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship for surviving spouses

The time limit for surviving spouses to use the Fry Scholarship is removed, allowing them to access education benefits at any time, even after remarriage.

Sole liability for transferred educational assistance by an individual who fails to complete a service agreement

The service member—not the family member—is solely responsible for any resulting debts.

Notice to educational institutions of Risk-Based Surveys

Requires VA to inform educational institutions two days before conducting risk-based surveys, ensuring transparency and preparedness.

Relationship of Participation by an Educational Institution in Certain Federal Student Financial Aid Programs to Approval of Such Institution for Purposes of Department of Veterans Affairs Educational Assistance Programs

This section establishes that an educational institution’s participation in specific federal student aid programs is a factor in its approval for VA educational assistance programs, promoting consistency in standards.

Expansion of Department of Veterans Affairs Oversight of Certain Educational Institutions

This section enhances VA’s authority to oversee educational institutions, ensuring they meet required standards and provide quality education to Veterans.

Requirement that Educational Institutions Approved for Purposes of Department of Veterans Affairs Educational Assistance Programs Provide Digital Official Transcripts

This section mandates that some educational institutions approved for VA educational assistance programs must provide official transcripts in digital format, facilitating easier access and transfer of academic records.

Payment of full monthly housing stipend for Veterans enrolled in final semester using educational assistance under Post-9/11 educational assistance program

Helps Veterans using the Post-9/11 GI Bill® receive their full monthly housing allowance during their final semester, even if enrolled less than full-time.

Modification of rules for approval of commercial driver education programs for purposes of educational assistance programs of the Department of Veterans Affairs

Updates the criteria for approving commercial driver education programs, making it easier for Veterans to use VA educational benefits for such training.

Provision of certificates of eligibility and award letters using electronic means

Requires us to provide certificates of eligibility and award letters electronically, streamlining communication and reducing paper usage.

Retroactive effective date of law regarding charge to entitlement to educational assistance for individuals who do not transfer credits from certain closed or disapproved programs of education

Retroactively applies provisions that restore educational benefits to Veterans who couldn’t transfer credits from programs that closed or lost approval, covering closures from August 1, 2021, to September 30, 2025.

Department of Veterans Affairs High Technology Program

Establishes a program offering Veterans the opportunity to enroll in high-tech education programs that provide skills sought by employers, with VA covering associated costs.

Notice of changes to Department of Veterans Affairs policies and guidance affecting the educational assistance programs of the department

Mandates that we provide timely notice of any policy or guidance changes affecting its educational assistance programs, ensuring that Veterans and educational institutions are well-informed.

For updates to policies affecting education programs, visit
changes to education policy and guidance webpage 

Payment of VA educational assistance via electronic fund transfer to a foreign institution of higher education

Requires us to update our payment systems to allow electronic fund transfers of educational assistance to foreign higher education institutions, facilitating support for Veterans studying abroad.

Improving Transparency and Accountability of Educational Institutions for Purposes of Veterans Educational Assistance

Directs that VA maintains and enhances the GI Bill Comparison Tool, providing Veterans with relevant and timely information about approved educational programs and institutions, thereby promoting informed decision-making.