Supporting Disabled National Guardsmen Act

This bill helps National Guard members who are hurt while serving under a governor on “state active duty,” like during emergencies. It would give them disability pay and access to medical care for their injury. It does not cover injuries from regular drills or field exercises.

It also lets these members qualify for military retired pay if their disability came from state active duty after September 23, 1996. That pay would be lowered if it would duplicate other federal or state disability benefits. The bill allows Veterans Affairs (VA) hospital care for the injury and any health problems caused by it. VA would only reimburse care after the member or provider has tried and failed to collect from any other responsible party.

• Who is affected: National Guard members disabled while on state active duty under a governor, not during drills or field training.
• What changes: Adds disability pay, opens access to VA care for the injury and related conditions, and expands eligibility for military retired pay (with offsets to avoid double payment).
• When: Covers disabilities from state active duty after September 23, 1996.