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Public Law117th CongressArmed Forces and National Security
H.R. 6961Became Law

Dignity for MST Survivors Act

This bill became law

Filed
Comm.
Floor
Both
Law

What it doesSummary public law (Dec 27, 2022)

This act modifies communications and procedures for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Board of Veterans' Appeals (BVA) regarding claims for compensation based on military sexual trauma (MST) experienced by veterans.

The act requires the VA to ensure each member of the BVA is offered annual training on MST and proceedings that concern a claim for compensation based on MST. A proceeding that concerns a claim for compensation based on MST may not be assigned to a member of the BVA (or a panel of members) unless such persons have completed the annual training.

When a notice of disagreement is filed, the BVA must promptly determine whether it is filed for a case that concerns a claim for compensation based on MST and for which the appellant has requested a hearing in the notice.

The VA must audit the language used in letters sent to individuals to explain decisions denying claims for compensation based on MST. Letters must be modified to ensure (1) the use of trauma-informed language, and (2) veterans are not retraumatized through insensitive language.

The VA must establish protocols for VA medical providers and contract medical providers to ensure that the medical providers use trauma-informed practices in conducting examinations in relation to claims for compensation based on MST.

What just happenedDec 27, 2022

Became Public Law No: 117-300.

Who’s behind it

Rep. Mrvan, Frank J. [D-IN-1](D-IN)Sponsor
4 cosponsors4 D
Read on Congress.gov
4cosponsors2committees27actions10subjects
  1. Dec 27, 2022President

    Became Public Law No: 117-300.

  2. Dec 27, 2022BecameLaw36000

    Became Public Law No: 117-300.

  3. Dec 27, 2022President

    Signed by President.

  4. Dec 27, 2022BecameLaw36000

    Signed by President.

  5. Dec 23, 2022Floor

    Presented to President.

  6. Dec 23, 2022President28000

    Presented to President.

  7. Dec 20, 2022Floor

    Message on Senate action sent to the House.

  8. Dec 19, 2022Floor

    Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S7302-7303)

  9. Dec 19, 2022Floor17000

    Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent.

  10. Dec 19, 2022Discharge

    Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs discharged by Unanimous Consent.

    Veterans' Affairs Committee
  11. Dec 19, 2022Committee14500

    Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs discharged by Unanimous Consent.

    Veterans' Affairs Committee
  12. May 19, 2022IntroReferral

    Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

    Veterans' Affairs Committee
  13. May 18, 2022FloorH38310

    Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

  14. May 18, 2022FloorH37300

    On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 405 - 12 (Roll no. 216). (text: CR H5107)

  15. May 18, 2022Floor8000

    Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 405 - 12 (Roll no. 216).

  16. May 18, 2022FloorH30000

    Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H5142)

  17. May 18, 2022FloorH37220

    At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.

  18. May 18, 2022FloorH8D000

    DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 6961.

  19. May 18, 2022FloorH30000

    Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H5107-5108)

  20. May 18, 2022FloorH30300

    Mr. Takano moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

  21. Apr 6, 2022Committee

    Ordered to be Reported (Amended).

    Veterans' Affairs Committee
  22. Apr 6, 2022Committee

    Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.

    Veterans' Affairs Committee
  23. Apr 6, 2022Committee

    Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs Discharged.

    Veterans' Affairs Committee
  24. Mar 28, 2022Committee

    Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs.

    Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs Subcommittee
  25. Mar 7, 2022IntroReferralH11100

    Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

    Veterans' Affairs Committee
  26. Mar 7, 2022IntroReferralIntro-H

    Introduced in House

  27. Mar 7, 2022IntroReferral1000

    Introduced in House

Public LawDec 27, 202249

This act modifies communications and procedures for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Board of Veterans' Appeals (BVA) regarding claims for compensation based on military sexual trauma (MST) experienced by veterans.

The act requires the VA to ensure each member of the BVA is offered annual training on MST and proceedings that concern a claim for compensation based on MST. A proceeding that concerns a claim for compensation based on MST may not be assigned to a member of the BVA (or a panel of members) unless such persons have completed the annual training.

When a notice of disagreement is filed, the BVA must promptly determine whether it is filed for a case that concerns a claim for compensation based on MST and for which the appellant has requested a hearing in the notice.

The VA must audit the language used in letters sent to individuals to explain decisions denying claims for compensation based on MST. Letters must be modified to ensure (1) the use of trauma-informed language, and (2) veterans are not retraumatized through insensitive language.

The VA must establish protocols for VA medical providers and contract medical providers to ensure that the medical providers use trauma-informed practices in conducting examinations in relation to claims for compensation based on MST.

Passed SenateDec 19, 202255

This bill modifies communications and procedures for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Board of Veterans' Appeals (BVA) regarding claims for compensation based on military sexual trauma (MST) experienced by veterans.

The bill requires the VA to ensure each member of the BVA is offered annual training on MST and proceedings that concern a claim for compensation based on MST. A proceeding that concerns a claim for compensation based on MST may not be assigned to a member of the BVA (or a panel of members) unless such persons have completed the annual training.

When a notice of disagreement is filed, the BVA must promptly determine whether it is filed for a case that concerns a claim for compensation based on MST and for which the appellant has requested a hearing in the notice.

The VA must audit the language used in letters sent to individuals to explain decisions denying claims for compensation based on MST. Letters must be modified to ensure (1) the use of trauma-informed language, and (2) veterans are not retraumatized through insensitive language.

The VA must establish protocols for VA medical providers and contract medical providers to ensure that the medical providers use trauma-informed practices in conducting examinations in relation to claims for compensation based on MST.

Passed HouseMay 18, 202253

This bill modifies communications and procedures for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Board of Veterans' Appeals (BVA) regarding claims for compensation based on military sexual trauma (MST) experienced by veterans.

The bill requires the VA to ensure each member of the BVA is offered annual training on MST and proceedings that concern a claim for compensation based on MST. A proceeding that concerns a claim for compensation based on MST may not be assigned to a member of the BVA (or a panel of members) unless such persons have completed the annual training.

When a notice of disagreement is filed, the BVA must promptly determine whether it is filed for a case that concerns a claim for compensation based on MST and for which the appellant has requested a hearing in the notice.

The VA must audit the language used in letters sent to individuals to explain decisions denying claims for compensation based on MST. Letters must be modified to ensure (1) the use of trauma-informed language, and (2) veterans are not retraumatized through insensitive language.

The VA must establish protocols for VA medical providers and contract medical providers to ensure that the medical providers use trauma-informed practices in conducting examinations in relation to claims for compensation based on MST.

Introduced in HouseMar 7, 2022

Dignity for MST Survivors Act

This bill modifies communications and procedures for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Board of Veterans' Appeals (BVA) regarding claims for compensation based on military sexual trauma (MST) experienced by veterans.

The bill requires the VA to ensure each member of the BVA is offered annual training on MST and proceedings that concern a claim for compensation based on MST. A proceeding that concerns a claim for compensation based on MST may not be assigned to a member of the BVA (or a panel of members) unless such persons have completed the annual training.

When a notice of disagreement is filed, the BVA must promptly determine whether it is filed for a case that concerns a claim for compensation based on MST and for which the appellant has requested a hearing in the notice.

The VA must audit the language used in letters sent to individuals to explain decisions denying claims for compensation based on MST. Letters must be modified to ensure (1) the use of trauma-informed language, and (2) veterans are not retraumatized through insensitive language.

The VA must establish protocols for contract medical providers to ensure that the medical providers use trauma-informed practices in conducting examinations in relation to claims for compensation based on MST.

Dignity for MST Survivors Act — Informed