# The WINGMAN Act: What It Does

The WINGMAN Act creates a new system that lets veterans give their congressional representatives' staff members access to their VA benefits records. Here's how it works: when a veteran files a claim for benefits with the VA, they'll be offered the option to allow up to two designated staff members from their member of Congress to view their case files. This means if you're a veteran struggling to get your benefits processed or need help navigating the system, your representative's office could potentially see your medical records, claim status, rating decisions, and other VA documents to help you faster.

The key thing to understand is that this access is read-only, meaning these congressional staff members can look at your information but cannot change anything in the VA system. You have to give permission first—the VA can't just hand over your records without your say-so. The staff members who get this access have to be permanent, full-time employees whose job includes helping constituents with federal agencies, and they need to meet the same basic qualifications that VA representatives or attorneys have to meet. However, they won't be officially recognized as VA agents or attorneys, so they're essentially helping you as a courtesy through your congressional office rather than as licensed advocates.

The bill limits spending on this program to $10 million total through 2024 and doesn't require any new funding—it has to work within existing VA budgets. The practical effect is that veterans who are frustrated with their claims or need help understanding their case status could potentially get faster assistance from their representative's office, since those staff members could see exactly where things stand in the VA system without having to file separate requests for information.

WINGMAN Act

Perry, Scott

Working to Integrate Networks Guaranteeing Member Access Now Act or the WINGMAN Act This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide veterans with the option to grant read-only access to their records in the databases of the Veterans Benefits Administration to covered congressional employees. The covered congressional employees must be employed in the office of the Member of Congress who represents the district where the veteran resides. Under the bill, a covered congressional employee is (1) a permanent, full-time employee of a Member of Congress who is responsible for assisting constituents with federal agencies and departments; (2) designated by the Member; and (3) someone who satisfies the criteria required by the VA for recognition as an agent or attorney. However, the bill specifies that a covered congressional employee may not be recognized as an agent or attorney with respect to veterans' benefit claims.