Servicemembers and Veterans Empowerment and Support Act of 2021
Bill journey · stage 2 of 5
Under committee review
What it doesSummary introduced in house (Oct 21, 2021)
Servicemembers and Veterans Empowerment and Support Act of 2021
This bill modifies and implements policies and procedures related to Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care and benefits for veterans who have experienced military sexual trauma (MST), which is generally defined as physical assault of a sexual nature, battery of a sexual nature, or sexual harassment that occurred while the veteran was serving in the military.
The VA must revise its regulations to update the definition of MST to include matters relating to technological abuse.
In the case of any veteran who claims that a covered mental health condition (e.g., post-traumatic stress disorder) based on MST was incurred or aggravated by active service, the VA must accept specified diagnoses and evidence as proof of service-connection.
The VA may not deny a veteran's claim of compensation for a covered mental health condition based on MST without first (1) advising the veteran that nonmilitary evidence and behavioral evidence may constitute credible corroborating evidence, and (2) allowing the veteran an opportunity to furnish the corroborating evidence or advise the VA of potential sources of such evidence.
The Veterans Benefits Administration must conduct an annual special focus review on the accuracy of the processing of claims for disability compensation for disabilities relating to MST.
Additionally, the bill (1) expands access to mental health care at VA facilities for survivors of MST, and (2) requires the VA and the Government Accountability Office to report on access to such care for MST survivors.
What just happenedNov 2, 2021
Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
Who’s behind it
- Introduced in HouseOct 21, 2021
- Nov 2, 2021Committee
Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
Health Subcommittee - Oct 21, 2021IntroReferralH11100
Referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Armed Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Armed Services Committee - Oct 21, 2021IntroReferralH11100
Referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Armed Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Veterans' Affairs Committee - Oct 21, 2021IntroReferralIntro-H
Introduced in House
- Oct 21, 2021IntroReferral1000
Introduced in House