NACVSO 2025 Legislative Update

1/13/2025 

Special Message from NACVSO Legislative Director, Michael McLaughlin: NACVSO Secures Key Victories in the Final Moments of the 118th Congress 

As the 118th Congress came to a close, the National Association of County Veteran Service Officers celebrated a series of significant legislative victories that will impact our members and the veterans we serve. These accomplishments represent the culmination of years of hard work, partnership, and a continued commitment to improving services for our nation’s veterans. As Legislative Director, I am proud to share these achievements with our members and reflect on the path forward. 

The CVSO Act: A Historic Victory 

One of the most momentous pieces of legislation passed as part of the Senator Elizabeth Dole Veterans Benefits Improvement Act (S. 141) is the inclusion of the Commitment to Veteran Support and Outreach Act-- otherwise known as the CVSO Act—a direct result of NACVSO’s long-standing advocacy for its members. This provision, first introduced in the early 2000s, provides the first-ever federal funding opportunity to support the operations and establishment of CVSO offices across the nation. This funding, accessed via grants, will allow us to improve existing offices and create new ones, ultimately enhancing our ability to serve veterans and their families.  

Additionally, the inclusion of Gerald’s Law, spearheaded by NACVSO Board Member Denise Formolo, addresses a critical issue by ensuring that terminally ill veterans are not penalized for choosing to return home to be with their loved ones instead of dying in a VA Medical Center. President Biden signed both provisions into law on January 2nd, 2025.  

NACVSO leadership has fought tirelessly for years to secure the resources our local advocates need to better serve veterans. With the passage of the CVSO Act, we have finally established the first-ever pathway for federal funding in CVSO offices to expand and improve across the country. This historic win will have a lasting impact on the lives of veterans and their communities! 

Veterans Benefits Improvement Act: Enhancing Communication 

The Veterans Benefits Improvement Act includes provisions we’ve long championed, particularly Section 3, which requires Compensation and Pension (C&P) examiners to simultaneously communicate with the veteran’s representative of record during the exam process. This simple but vital change will help improve the accuracy and efficiency of claims and reduce the delays that have historically harmed veterans due to a lack of communication with accredited advocates. NACVSO has repeatedly emphasized that the failure to engage with veteran representatives has led to unnecessary setbacks in veterans' claims processing. This provision, which President Biden signed into law on December 23rd, 2024, is a huge step toward ensuring that veterans’ needs are met more effectively. 

Furthermore, Section 4 of the same Act mandates that the VA provide regular reports on how it can improve communication with veterans' representatives. This includes assigning veteran liaisons to local facilities and enhancing access to VA systems, all aimed at fostering better coordination and ensuring veterans have the support they deserve throughout their benefits process. 

Keeping Military Families Together Act of 2024: Extending Burial Benefits 

NACVSO has long supported the Keeping Military Families Together Act of 2024, which extends the eligibility for veteran spouses to be interred with their loved ones in national cemeteries. Initially set to expire in 2025, this law now ensures that veterans’ spouses and dependent children will continue to receive the dignity of being buried alongside their loved ones in VA national cemeteries until at least 2032. NACVSO has proudly and strongly supported this bill throughout the legislative process. 

In my own statement published by Congressman Peters’ office, I noted:  

“One of the most widely requested benefits that our nation provides to those who have served are those concerning burial. This honor is a final display of our country’s appreciation for the service and sacrifice of our veterans. Although there is no sunset of when a service member or veteran may receive this honor, there is, unfortunately, a shelf life for eligibility provided to loved ones for interment with their veteran in a national cemetery. Thank you, Senator Peters, for leading the passage of this law, which will provide a continued and unified burial option for not only those who served our country but also for their loved ones." 

This law was signed into effect on January 4th, 2024, marking a crucial victory in the final moments of the 118th Congress. 

What Does This All Mean for NACVSO and Veterans? 

These legislative wins represent significant progress for NACVSO and our work across the country. However, they also speak to a broader principle: none of this was ever explicitly part of our job description. Much like a NACVSO member’s success in advocating for the recent Medal of Honor recipient, CVSOs don’t wait for permission to act when we know something is right. In the absence of orders, we take the initiative. It’s this very spirit that drives NACVSO’s success in the legislative arena and the success of our members in service of their veterans. Through our advocacy, we continue to shape the future of veteran services, pushing for legislation that just makes sense. These victories are a testament to the power of persistence and collaboration. We could not have achieved these results without the tireless efforts of our members, our legislative partners, and the veteran community at large. As we move forward, NACVSO will continue to advocate for improvements that enhance lives and ensure veterans have access to all of the benefits they have earned. 

While the CVSO Act mandates that the VA implement its provisions, it’s important to remember that the VA will need time to determine the best way to meet these requirements. While this process may take longer than we’d like, it presents another opportunity for NACVSO’s legislative and policy team to remain at the table, ensuring our voice is heard as the VA refines its approach. This continued partnership with the VA underscores the critical role we play in shaping the future of veteran services. 

Thank you for your ongoing commitment to our mission. The future of veteran advocacy is bright, and together, we will continue to make a difference.