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Supporting Disabled National Guardsmen Act
12/15/2023, 3:58 PM
Summary of Bill HR 3628
Specifically, the bill includes provisions for increased access to healthcare services, vocational training, and job placement assistance for disabled National Guardsmen. It also establishes a program to provide financial assistance for home modifications to accommodate disabilities, as well as grants for adaptive equipment and technology.
Additionally, the bill addresses the unique challenges faced by disabled National Guardsmen in accessing benefits and services by streamlining the process and providing additional resources for navigating the system. It also includes provisions for mental health support and counseling services for those struggling with the psychological effects of their disabilities. Overall, the Supporting Disabled National Guardsmen Act seeks to honor the service and sacrifice of these individuals by ensuring they have the support they need to lead fulfilling and productive lives after their service in the National Guard.
Congressional Summary of HR 3628
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.
