Dignity for MST Survivors Act
USA117th CongressHR-6961| House
| Updated: 12/27/2022
Frank J. Mrvan
Democratic Representative
Indiana
Cosponsors (4)
Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs Subcommittee, Veterans' Affairs Committee, Veterans' Affairs Committee
- Introduced
- In Committee
- On Floor
- Passed Chamber
- Enacted
This act modifies communications and procedures for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Board of Veterans' Appeals (BVA) regarding claims for compensation based on military sexual trauma (MST) experienced by veterans. The act requires the VA to ensure each member of the BVA is offered annual training on MST and proceedings that concern a claim for compensation based on MST. A proceeding that concerns a claim for compensation based on MST may not be assigned to a member of the BVA (or a panel of members) unless such persons have completed the annual training. When a notice of disagreement is filed, the BVA must promptly determine whether it is filed for a case that concerns a claim for compensation based on MST and for which the appellant has requested a hearing in the notice. The VA must audit the language used in letters sent to individuals to explain decisions denying claims for compensation based on MST. Letters must be modified to ensure (1) the use of trauma-informed language, and (2) veterans are not retraumatized through insensitive language. The VA must establish protocols for VA medical providers and contract medical providers to ensure that the medical providers use trauma-informed practices in conducting examinations in relation to claims for compensation based on MST.
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Timeline
Introduced in House
Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Ordered to be Reported (Amended).
Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs Discharged.
Mr. Takano moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H5107-5108)
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 6961.
At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H5142)
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 405 - 12 (Roll no. 216). (text: CR H5107)
View VoteMotion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent.
Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S7302-7303)
Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs discharged by Unanimous Consent.
Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Presented to President.
Signed by President.
Became Public Law No: 117-300.
Armed Forces and National Security
Administrative remediesAssault and harassment offensesCrime victimsDepartment of Veterans AffairsEmergency medical services and trauma careGovernment studies and investigationsMedical tests and diagnostic methodsSex offensesVeterans' medical careVeterans' pensions and compensation
Dignity for MST Survivors Act
USA117th CongressHR-6961| House
| Updated: 12/27/2022
This act modifies communications and procedures for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Board of Veterans' Appeals (BVA) regarding claims for compensation based on military sexual trauma (MST) experienced by veterans. The act requires the VA to ensure each member of the BVA is offered annual training on MST and proceedings that concern a claim for compensation based on MST. A proceeding that concerns a claim for compensation based on MST may not be assigned to a member of the BVA (or a panel of members) unless such persons have completed the annual training. When a notice of disagreement is filed, the BVA must promptly determine whether it is filed for a case that concerns a claim for compensation based on MST and for which the appellant has requested a hearing in the notice. The VA must audit the language used in letters sent to individuals to explain decisions denying claims for compensation based on MST. Letters must be modified to ensure (1) the use of trauma-informed language, and (2) veterans are not retraumatized through insensitive language. The VA must establish protocols for VA medical providers and contract medical providers to ensure that the medical providers use trauma-informed practices in conducting examinations in relation to claims for compensation based on MST.
Suggested Questions
Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better
Timeline
Introduced in House
Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Ordered to be Reported (Amended).
Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs Discharged.
Mr. Takano moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H5107-5108)
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 6961.
At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H5142)
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 405 - 12 (Roll no. 216). (text: CR H5107)
View VoteMotion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent.
Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S7302-7303)
Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs discharged by Unanimous Consent.
Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Presented to President.
Signed by President.
Became Public Law No: 117-300.
Frank J. Mrvan
Democratic Representative
Indiana
Cosponsors (4)
Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs Subcommittee, Veterans' Affairs Committee, Veterans' Affairs Committee
Armed Forces and National Security
- Introduced
- In Committee
- On Floor
- Passed Chamber
- Enacted
Administrative remediesAssault and harassment offensesCrime victimsDepartment of Veterans AffairsEmergency medical services and trauma careGovernment studies and investigationsMedical tests and diagnostic methodsSex offensesVeterans' medical careVeterans' pensions and compensation