Sponsors (11)
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Strengthens support for people affected by military sexual trauma by directing the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to improve claims accuracy, expand access to counseling and treatment, and notify claimants quickly about available help. It also requires a comprehensive report on how online and technology‑enabled harms affect access to VA care and benefits, with recommendations to close gaps. The VA must run continuous accuracy reviews of MST‑related disability claims, fix identified errors, and enhance medical exam standards through a new workgroup. Eligibility for MST counseling and treatment is broadened, veterans who file MST claims must be contacted within 14 days with service information, and people who leave service academies get coordinated outreach and easier record access. Key terms are defined to ensure consistent implementation.
Require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to submit a report on military sexual trauma in the digital age to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the House of Representatives.
The report must include a comprehensive evaluation and assessment of current Department of Veterans Affairs statutes, regulations, and agency guidance relating to military sexual trauma for the purposes of access to health care under title 38, United States Code, and compensation under chapter 11 of such title.
As part of the evaluation, identify gaps in coverage for health care and compensation eligibility relating to military sexual trauma involving online or other technological communications.
As part of the evaluation, assess the feasibility and advisability of expanding health care and compensation for nonsexual trauma involving online or other technological communications.
The report must include recommendations for revising statutes, regulations, and agency guidance in response to the evaluation and assessment.
Amends section 1166: broadened language in subsection (a)(1) to cover conditions 'which may include a covered mental health condition' and revises subsection (d) definitions to reference section 1166A(i).
Adds new section 1166A establishing evaluation rules for claims involving military sexual trauma, definitions, required consideration of corroborating evidence, requirement to use specialized teams, notice/opportunity to supply evidence, review procedures, and point-of-contact information.
Amends section 1165: updates definition language to reference 'military sexual trauma' and adds subsection (c) authorizing veterans to request VA facility examinations by qualified VA employees rather than contractor-designated locations.
Amends section 5103 by adding a new subsection requiring written communications to individuals who have experienced military sexual trauma to include specified contact information and Vet Center eligibility information.
Amends section 5104 by adding a new subsection requiring specified contact information in written communications to individuals who have experienced military sexual trauma, and additional requirements for notices of award.
Amends section 5104B by adding a new subsection requiring specified contact information in written communications to individuals who have experienced military sexual trauma, and additional requirements for notifications of awards.
Amends section 7104 by adding a new subsection requiring specified contact information in written communications to individuals who have experienced military sexual trauma, and additional requirements for notifications of awards.
Clerical amendments to the table of sections: insert new section 1166A after section 1166 and update the entry for section 1165.
Amends section 5501(b) to replace a 'through 2027' phrase and to add reporting requirements to include findings from the new special focus review under section 207, including elements, number of claims returned for reprocessing, and number of decisions changed as a result.
Amends 38 U.S.C. 1720D by revising language in subsection (a) and replacing subsections (f) and (g) with a new subsection (f) that provides definitions (including 'former member of the Armed Forces', 'military sexual trauma', and 'sexual harassment').
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Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
Introduced April 1, 2025 by Chellie Pingree · Last progress April 1, 2025
Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
Introduced in House