This legislation, known as the VA Mental Health Outreach and Engagement Act, amends title 38 of the United States Code to enhance mental health support for veterans. It directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide annual mental health consultations to veterans who receive compensation for a service-connected mental health diagnosis. These consultations are designed to assess the veteran's mental health needs and discuss various care options available through the VA. In addition to the consultations, the bill requires the Secretary to conduct outreach to inform these veterans about the availability of these annual consultations and other mental health services offered by the Department. Importantly, participating in these consultations will not lead to a reevaluation of a veteran's entitlement to disability compensation. The act also mandates the Comptroller General to submit a report within two years, evaluating the program's impact, including the number of veterans served and any barriers encountered.
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Timeline
Introduced in House
Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.
Introduced in House
Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.
Armed Forces and National Security
Congressional oversightGovernment studies and investigationsMental healthVeterans' medical careVeterans' pensions and compensation
VA Mental Health Outreach and Engagement Act
USA119th CongressHR-3863| House
| Updated: 7/23/2025
This legislation, known as the VA Mental Health Outreach and Engagement Act, amends title 38 of the United States Code to enhance mental health support for veterans. It directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide annual mental health consultations to veterans who receive compensation for a service-connected mental health diagnosis. These consultations are designed to assess the veteran's mental health needs and discuss various care options available through the VA. In addition to the consultations, the bill requires the Secretary to conduct outreach to inform these veterans about the availability of these annual consultations and other mental health services offered by the Department. Importantly, participating in these consultations will not lead to a reevaluation of a veteran's entitlement to disability compensation. The act also mandates the Comptroller General to submit a report within two years, evaluating the program's impact, including the number of veterans served and any barriers encountered.