Requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to set standard wait-time and travel-distance limits for veterans seeking VA care, notify veterans in writing of their eligibility and any denials, and expand mental health residential treatment access and oversight.

• Sets eligibility standards for community care: primary and mental health care within 30 minutes' average drive and 20 days, specialty care within 60 minutes and 28 days, unless the veteran agrees to longer.
• Requires written notice to veterans of community care eligibility and of any denial within two business days, including the reason and how to appeal.
• Requires the VA to screen veterans for priority or routine admission to mental health residential treatment within 48 hours and to offer non-VA placement when VA cannot meet the deadline.
• Requires a three-year pilot program in at least five locations letting veterans access outpatient mental health and substance use services without referral or pre-authorization.

• Veterans' Affairs Committee (House)

Armed Forces and National Security