II 111th CONGRESS 1st Session S. 1394 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES July 6, 2009 Mrs. Gillibrand introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs A BILL To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to acknowledge the receipt of medical, disability, and pension claims and other communications submitted by claimants, and for other purposes.

1.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the Veterans Entitlement to Service Act of 2009 or the VETS Act of 2009.

2.

Acknowledgment by Secretary of Veterans Affairs of receipt of medical, disability, and pension claims and other communications submitted by claimants

(a)

In general

Chapter 51 of title 38, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 5102 the following new section:

5102A.

Acknowledgment of claims

(a)

In general

The Secretary shall acknowledge the receipt of any claim for medical services, disability compensation, or pension under the laws administered by the Secretary, or other communication relating to such services, compensation, or pension, submitted to the Secretary by a claimant within 30 days of receiving the claim or other communication. (b)

Record of date received

The acknowledgment required by subsection (a) shall specify the date on which the Secretary received the claim or other communication described in such subsection. (c)

Manner of acknowledgment

The acknowledgment required by subsection (a) shall be communicated via written or electronic means, as the Secretary considers appropriate. Such electronic means may include communication via email.

. (b)

Clerical amendment

The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 51 of such title is amended by inserting after the item related to section 5102 the following new item: 5102A. Acknowledgment of claims. .