The Wounded Warrior Bill of Rights Act of 2025 clarifies authority and accountability in the military's disability evaluation process for injured or ill service members. The bill establishes that military department secretaries—not the Defense Health Agency—maintain final authority over decisions about whether wounded service members can remain on active duty, and ensures these wounded warriors receive "full and fair" hearings if they demand them when appealing disability determinations. The legislation requires the Secretary of Defense to update disability evaluation policies within 90 days of enactment to guarantee these appeal rights, with military commanders required to complete adjudication of appeals within 90 days of initiation, escalating through the chain of command up to the general court-martial convening authority if needed. By restoring decision-making power to military leadership and establishing clearer due process protections, the bill aims to improve how the Department of Defense treats service members during the medical separation process. The Secretary of Defense must brief Congress by February 1, 2026, on implementation progress.
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