Staff Sergeant John D. Martek Purple Heart Restoration Act

This bill lets certain veterans who suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI) from enemy action be awarded the Purple Heart, even if the injury happened long ago. It directs each military department to treat these veterans the same as those wounded or killed in action and to set up a way to apply for the medal.

Key points:

• Who is affected: Veterans who had a TBI while in the Armed Forces due to enemy action on or after December 7, 1941.
• What’s required: Either a VA-confirmed service-connected disability from that TBI or a military record showing the TBI occurred.
• What changes: The military must create an application process and award the Purple Heart to those who qualify, no matter how long ago the injury happened.