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Supporting Disabled National Guardsmen Act
3/21/2025, 4:08 AM
Summary of Bill HR 1824
Specifically, the bill seeks to provide National Guard members with access to disability compensation, medical care, and other benefits that are currently only available to active duty service members. This includes coverage for medical treatment, rehabilitation services, and financial assistance for disabilities incurred while on State active duty.
The purpose of this legislation is to ensure that National Guard members who sacrifice their health and well-being while serving their country on State active duty are not disadvantaged compared to their active duty counterparts. By extending these benefits to National Guard members, the bill aims to provide them with the support and resources they need to recover from their injuries and continue serving their communities and country. Overall, Bill 119 hr 1824 seeks to promote fairness and equity for National Guard members who incur disabilities while performing State active duty, recognizing their valuable contributions to national security and the protection of their fellow citizens.
Congressional Summary of HR 1824
Supporting Disabled National Guardsmen Act
This bill provides disability pay and medical care for members of the National Guard who were physically disabled as a result of state active duty. State active duty includes training or other duty in service to the governor of a state for which the member is not entitled to federal pay, but excludes required drills and field exercises.
The bill expands eligibility for Department of Defense retired pay to such members who are physically disabled as a result of state active duty after September 23, 1996. Such pay must be reduced if it is determined to duplicate any other federal or state benefit to such members based on disability.
The bill also makes such members eligible for hospital care and medical services from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to treat the disability and any illness or condition arising from the disability. The VA may provide reimbursement for hospital care or medical services provided to such members only after a member or the provider of care has exhausted (without success) all claims and remedies reasonably available against a third party.
