VA Peer Support Enhancement for MST Survivors Act

United States117th CongressHR-2724House of Representatives
Updated: Dec 27, 2022

Summary

This act prescribes that a peer support specialist of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) must not be responsible for providing assistance to a veteran regarding a claim for compensation for a covered mental health condition (e.g., post-traumatic stress disorder) based on military sexual trauma (MST) experienced during active service. Such specialists must only provide counseling services, guidance, and support and must not participate in the adjudication of the claim. As part of the forms for claims for compensation for a covered mental health condition based on MST, the VA must include an option for a veteran to elect to be referred to a MST trauma coordinator at the VA facility closest to the veteran's residence. Additionally, the VA must (1) ensure that its peer support specialists receive annual training on providing peer support regarding MST, and (2) provide annual training on the processing of claims for compensation for covered mental health conditions based on MST to its MST coordinators and peer specialists.

Bill texts

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Timeline

  1. Message on Senate action sent to the House.

    Senate

  2. Presented to President.

    House of Representatives

  3. Became Public Law No: 117-271.

  4. Signed by President.