STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS – UNITED STATES OF AMERICA – BARRING ACT – SIX YEAR LIMITATIONS

Soto v. United States, 145 S. Ct. 1677 (Decided June 12, 2025) Thomas, Justice.
Justice Thomas delivered the opinion of the Court.
Title 31 U. S. C. §3702, known as the Barring Act, establishes a default settlement regime for certain claims brought against the Government. The Barring Act subjects most claims to a 6-year limitations period. §3702(b)(1). But, the Act includes an exception: If “another law” confers authority to settle a claim against the Government, then that law displaces the Barring Act’s settlement mechanism—including its limitations period—as to that claim. §3702(a). The question before us is whether a law providing “[c]ombat-related special compensation” (CRSC) to qualifying veterans confers authority to settle CRSC claims. 10 U. S. C. §1413a. We hold that it does, and thus that the settlement procedures and limitations established under the Barring Act do not apply to claims for CRSC payments.