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Servicemembers and Veterans Empowerment and Support Act of 2023
12/15/2023, 4:06 PM
Summary of Bill S 1028
One key aspect of the bill is the establishment of a new program called the Servicemembers and Veterans Empowerment and Support Program. This program would provide a wide range of services to servicemembers and veterans, including mental health support, financial counseling, job training, and assistance with housing and healthcare. The goal of this program is to ensure that servicemembers and veterans have access to the resources they need to successfully transition back to civilian life.
Additionally, the bill includes provisions aimed at improving access to healthcare for servicemembers and veterans. This includes expanding mental health services, increasing funding for VA hospitals and clinics, and improving coordination between the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs. The bill also seeks to address issues related to military sexual assault and harassment, by providing additional resources for survivors and implementing new prevention measures. Overall, the Servicemembers and Veterans Empowerment and Support Act of 2023 is a comprehensive piece of legislation that aims to improve the lives of servicemembers and veterans by providing them with the support and resources they need to thrive. If passed, this bill has the potential to make a significant impact on the well-being of those who have served our country.
Congressional Summary of S 1028
Servicemembers and Veterans Empowerment and Support Act of 2023
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.
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 consider (1) a diagnosis of the condition by a mental health professional, (2) a medically proven link between current symptoms and MST, and (3) credible supporting evidence that MST occurred.
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 Government Accountability Office to report on access to such care for MST survivors.
