II 111th CONGRESS 2d Session S. 3286 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES April 29, 2010 Mr. Specter introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs A BILL To require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out a pilot program on the award of grants to State and local government agencies and nonprofit organizations to provide assistance to veterans with their submittal of claims to the Veterans Benefits Administration, and for other purposes.

1.

Pilot program on grants to State and local agencies and nonprofit organizations to provide assistance to veterans with submittal of claims for veterans benefits

(a)

Grant program

(1)

In general

Not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall commence a pilot program to assess the feasibility and advisability of awarding grants to eligible entities to provide assistance to veterans with their submittal of claims to the Veterans Benefits Administration for purposes of facilitating reduction in the amount of time required by the Veterans Benefits Administration to process such claims. (2)

Duration of program

The pilot program shall be carried out during the two-year period beginning on the date of the commencement of the pilot program. (3)

Amount of grant awards

The amount of a grant awarded to an eligible entity under the pilot program shall be such amount as the Secretary considers appropriate after considering the number of veterans expected to receive assistance from the eligible entity under the pilot program. (b)

Eligible entities

For purposes of this section, an eligible entity is any State or local government agency or nonprofit organization that the Secretary considers appropriate to provide assistance under the pilot program. (c)

Application

An eligible entity seeking a grant under the pilot program shall submit to the Secretary an application therefor in such form and in such manner as the Secretary considers appropriate. (d)

Assistance

The assistance provided to a veteran by an eligible entity under the pilot program shall include assistance with the following: (1)Collecting evidence in support of the claim of a veteran. (2)Submitting a claim to the Veterans Benefits Administration. (3)Such other matters as the Secretary considers (e)

Model

To the degree practicable, the Secretary shall model the pilot program on the comprehensive service programs under subchapter II of chapter 20 of title 38, United States Code.