Summary of Bill HR 555
Bill 119 HR 555, also known as the "Comprehensive Disability Examination Act," aims to make changes to title 10 of the United States Code in order to improve the process for separating members of the Armed Forces who have disabilities. The main provision of the bill is the inclusion of a single comprehensive disability examination as part of the required Department of Defense physical examination for separating service members.
This examination would be conducted to assess the extent of any disabilities that the service member may have acquired during their time in the military. The goal is to ensure that all disabilities are properly identified and documented before the service member is discharged, so that they can receive the appropriate benefits and support.
In addition to the comprehensive disability examination, the bill also includes provisions for the Department of Defense to establish guidelines and procedures for conducting the examination, as well as requirements for reporting and tracking the results. The bill also includes provisions for the Department of Defense to provide training and resources to medical personnel who will be conducting the examinations.
Overall, the Comprehensive Disability Examination Act seeks to improve the process for separating service members with disabilities by ensuring that all disabilities are properly identified and documented before discharge. This will help to ensure that these service members receive the benefits and support they are entitled to as they transition back to civilian life.
Congressional Summary of HR 555
Veterans Affairs Transfer of Information and Sharing of Disability Examination Procedures With DOD Doctors Act
This bill addresses the sharing of medical information and disability examination procedures between the Departments of Defense (DOD) and Veterans Affairs (VA). It requires that if a member of the Armed Forces who is required to receive a physical examination upon separation from active duty has or is believed to have a medical condition that may make the member eligible for veterans' disability compensation and benefits, the examination must be performed by a VA-certified health care provider.
If the condition is discovered during the physical examination and the examining health care provider is not VA-certified, the examination must be completed by a VA-certified provider.
An eligibility determination made as part of such an examination shall be binding on the VA and be used as the basis for assigning the member's disability rating.
The VA and DOD shall jointly establish a system to share data and maintain the medical and personnel records of Armed Forces members and veterans.