Mike Bost
Representative for Illinois · Republican · United States
“(B) Elements.--The Secretary, in coordination with participating critical access hospitals, shall ensure that any contract, agreement, or other arrangement entered into under subparagraph (A) establishes criteria, as the Secretary considers appropriate, to ensure-- (i) the provision of timely, safe, and high-quality health care services t…”
“(B) Elements.--The Secretary, in coordination with participating critical access hospitals, shall ensure that any contract, agreement, or other arrangement entered into under subparagraph (A) establishes criteria, as the Secretary considers appropriate, to ensure-- (i) the provision of timely, safe, and high-quality health care services t…”
“(a) In General.--Paragraph (2) of section 2306(h) of title 38, United States Code, is amended to read as follows: ``(2) If the Secretary furnishes an urn or commemorative plaque for an individual under paragraph (1), the Secretary may not provide for such individual a headstone or marker under this section, or any interment benefit under…”
“(a) In General.--Paragraph (2) of section 2306(h) of title 38, United States Code, is amended to read as follows: ``(2) If the Secretary furnishes an urn or commemorative plaque for an individual under paragraph (1), the Secretary may not provide for such individual a headstone or marker under this section, or any interment benefit under…”
“(d) Update of Information on Providers.--Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary, through the Office of Integrated Veteran Care or successor office, shall develop a process to ensure that third party administrators regularly, not less frequently than quarterly-- (1) update their lists of communit…”
“(d) Update of Information on Providers.--Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary, through the Office of Integrated Veteran Care or successor office, shall develop a process to ensure that third party administrators regularly, not less frequently than quarterly-- (1) update their lists of communit…”
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“(b) Centralization of Process for Making Payments.--Such section is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: ``(f)(1) The Secretary shall process payments under this section through one office of the Department that the Secretary determines has the capacity and expertise to make such payments in compliance with regulations described in subsection (a)(2). ``(2) The Secretary shall accurately track and resolve payments due to sellers under this section that are more than 90 days overdue.''.”
“IMPROVEMENTS TO PROCESS FOR MAKING PAYMENTS TO AUTOMOBILE SELLERS FOR AUTOMOBILES PURCHASED FOR CERTAIN DISABLED VETERANS. (a) Timeliness of Payments.--Section 3902 of title 38, United States Code, is amended, in subsection (a)-- (1) by inserting ``(1)'' before ``The Secretary''; and (2) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: ``(2) The Secretary shall-- ``(A) make payments under this section in compliance with regulations prescribed under section 3903(a) of title 31, except that no interest penalties shall be required to be paid under this section; and ``(B) in the case of any payment under this section that is not processed during the period of 30 days following receipt by the Secretary of the final invoice for such payment, the Secretary shall publish in the Federal Register the number of days required to process the payment.''.”
“``(2) The term `school certifying official' means an employee of an educational institution with primary responsibility for certifying veteran enrollment at the educational institution.''. (e) Notification of School Certifying Officials of Handbook Updates.-- (1) In general.--Not later than 14 business days after updating the school certifying official handbook of the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall provide notice to all school certifying officials of such update. (2) School certifying official defined.--The term ``school certifying official'' means [[Page H4561]] an employee of an educational institution with primary responsibility for certifying veteran enrollment at the educational institution. SEC. 202.”
“(d) Department of Veterans Affairs Compliance Surveys.-- Section 3693 of such title is amended-- (1) in subsection (c)-- (A) by striking ``not more than 10 business days of notice''; (B) by striking ``this section.'' and inserting ``this section--''; and (C) by adding at the end the following new paragraphs: ``(1) in the case of an educational institution or training establishment with a time stamp database collection feature, not fewer than 10, and not more than 15, business days of notice; and ``(2) in the case of any other educational institution or training establishment, not more than 10 business days of notice.''; and (2) by striking subsection (d) and inserting the following new subsection (d): ``(d) Definitions.--In this section: ``(1) The terms `educational institution' and `training establishment' have the meanings given such terms in section 3452 of this title.”
“(5) Table of sections.--The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 36 of such title is amended by striking the item relating to section 3691A and inserting the following new item: ``3691A. Absence from certain education due to certain service.''.”
“(2) Conforming amendment.--Such subsection is further amended, in paragraph (2)(A), by striking ``or takes a leave of absence'' and inserting ``, takes a leave of absence, or enters into an agreement''. (3) Agreement.--Such section is further amended-- (A) by redesignating subsection (d) as subsection (e); and (B) by inserting, after subsection (c), the following new subsection (d): ``(d) Agreement With Institution Concerned.--A covered member may enter into an agreement under subsection (a) only if the covered member has completed at least half of a course of covered education.''. (4) Section heading.--Such section is further amended by striking the heading and inserting ``Absence from certain education due to certain service''.”
“(5) Applicability.--To the extent practicable for any program requiring practical, laboratory, clinical, shop, or hands on competencies, the online portion of instruction may not substitute for the supervised in person training necessary to demonstrate such competencies. (c) Absence From Certain Education Due to Certain Service.-- (1) Options.--Section 3691A of such title is amended by striking paragraph (1) of subsection (a) and inserting the following: ``(1) A covered member may, after receiving orders to enter a period of covered service-- ``(A) withdraw from covered education; ``(B) take a leave of absence from covered education; or ``(C) subject to subsection (d), enter into an agreement with the institution concerned to complete a course of covered education to the satisfaction of such institution concerned.''.”
“(4) GAO report.--Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to the Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report on the oversight and implementation of the amendments made by paragraph (1), including-- (A) the effectiveness of oversight activities conducted by the Department of Veterans Affairs and State approving agencies; (B) institutional compliance with applicable requirements under chapter 36 of title 38, United States Code; (C) participation and outcomes of veterans enrolled in programs approved pursuant to section 3680A(a)(4)(A)(ii)(III)(cc) of such title, as added by paragraph (1); and (D) any recommendations to improve oversight, program integrity, or educational outcomes for veterans.”
“(2) Applicability.--The amendment made by paragraph (1) shall apply with respect to a quarter, semester, or term, as applicable, that begins on or after August 1, 2027. (3) Oversight.--During the first six years beginning on the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary, in coordination with State approving agencies, shall, every two years, conduct risk-based surveys or reviews of institutions approved pursuant to section 3680A(a)(4)(A)(ii)(III)(cc) of title 38, United States Code, as added by paragraph (1).”
“(b) Treatment of Certain Independent Study Programs Under Educational Assistance Programs of Department of Veterans Affairs.-- (1) In general.--Section 3680A(a)(4)(A)(ii)(III) of such title is amended-- (A) by inserting ``that requires regular and substantive interaction between students and instructors'' after ``course of study''; (B) in item (aa), by striking ``; or'' and inserting a semicolon; (C) in item (bb), by striking ``; and'' and inserting ``; or''; and (D) by adding at the end the following new item: ``(cc) an institution of higher education, as such term is defined in section 102 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1002), that is approved to participate or is participating in the student financial assistance programs authorized by title IV of that Act; and''.”
“(2) Technical corrections and conforming amendment.--Such subsection is further amended-- (A) by striking ``paragraphs (2) through (7)'' and inserting ``paragraphs (2) through (6)''; and (B) in paragraph (1), in the heading, by inserting ``for an individual eligible for a monthly housing stipend'' after ``Additional assistance''. (3) Effective date.--The amendments made by this section shall take effect on August 1, 2027.”
“(a) Repayment of Members of the Armed Forces for Contributions Towards Post-9/11 Educational Assistance: Timing; Mechanism for Individuals Not Eligible for a Monthly Housing Stipend.-- (1) In general.--Subsection (f) of section 3327 of title 38, United States Code, is amended-- (A) in paragraph (3), by striking ``together'' and all that follows through ``before'' and inserting ``not later than 60 days after''; and (B) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: ``(4) Additional assistance for an individual not eligible for a monthly housing stipend.--In the case of an individual making an election under subsection (a) who is described by subparagraph (A), (C), or (E) of paragraph (1) of that subsection, and who is not eligible for a monthly stipend payable under section 3313(c) of this title, the educational assistance payable to the individual under this chapter shall be paid-- ``(A) in a lump sum calculated by multiplying-- ``(i) the total amount of contributions described in paragraph (1)(A) with regards to such individual; and ``(ii) the sum of the number of months described in subclauses (I) and (II) of paragraph (1)(B)(i) with regards to such individual; and ``(B) to the individual not later than 60 days after the exhaustion of the individual's entitlement to educational assistance under this chapter.''.”
“(2) The term ``covered entities'' includes-- (A) the Secretary of Veterans Affairs; (B) an expert in laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs; (C) a veterans service organization recognized under section 5902 of title 38, United States Code; (D) an entity that advocates for veterans; and (E) an entity that advocates for survivors of veterans. (3) The term ``claimant'' has the meaning given such term in section 5100 of title 38, United States Code. TITLE II--EDUCATION AND ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY SEC. 201. VETS OPPORTUNITY ACT.”
“(c) Report; Implementation.--Not later than 90 days after the Secretary receives the assessment under subsection (b), the Secretary shall-- (1) submit to the Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and House of Representatives a copy of such assessment; and (2) implement the recommendations in the assessment that are in compliance with the laws administered by the Secretary. (d) Deadline for Implementation.--The Secretary shall complete the implementation of such recommendations pursuant to subsection (c)(2) by not later than two years after the date on which the Secretary commences such implementation. (e) Definitions.--In this section: (1) The term ``FFRDC'' means a federally funded research and development center.”
“(3) The terms ``claimant'' and ``notice'' have the meanings given such terms in section 5100 of title 38, United States Code. SEC. 113. INDEPENDENT ASSESSMENT OF FORMS THAT THE SECRETARY OF VETERANS AFFAIRS SENDS TO CLAIMANTS. (a) Agreement.--Not later than 30 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall seek to enter into an agreement with an FFRDC for an assessment of forms that the Secretary sends to claimants. (b) Assessment.--An FFRDC that enters into an agreement under subsection (a) shall submit to the Secretary a written assessment, made in consultation with covered entities, of such forms. The assessment shall include the recommendations of the FFRDC regarding how the Secretary may make such forms clearer to claimants and better organized.”
“(d) Deadline for Implementation.--The Secretary shall complete the implementation of such recommendations pursuant to subsection (c)(2) by not later than one year after the date on which the Secretary commences such implementation. (e) Definitions.--In this section: (1) The term ``FFRDC'' means a federally funded research and development center. (2) The term ``covered entities'' includes-- [[Page H4560]] (A) the Secretary of Veterans Affairs; (B) an expert in laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs; (C) a veterans service organization recognized under section 5902 of title 38, United States Code; (D) an entity that advocates for veterans; and (E) an entity that advocates for the survivors of veterans.”
“The assessment shall include the following: (1) The determination of the FFRDC, made in consultation with covered entities, whether each such notice may be feasibly altered to reduce paper consumption by, and costs to, the Federal Government. (2) The recommendations of the FFRDC regarding how the Secretary may make such notices clearer to claimants, better organized, and more concise. (c) Report; Implementation.--Not later than 90 days after the Secretary receives the assessment under subsection (b), the Secretary shall-- (1) submit to the Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and House of Representatives a copy of such assessment; and (2) implement the recommendations in the assessment that are in compliance with the laws administered by the Secretary.”
“(6) Definition.--In this section, the term ``military sexual trauma'' has the meaning given such term in section 1166(d)(2) of title 38, United States Code. SEC. 112. INDEPENDENT ASSESSMENT OF NOTICES THAT THE SECRETARY OF VETERANS AFFAIRS SENDS TO CLAIMANTS. (a) Agreement.--Not later than 30 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall seek to enter into an agreement with an FFRDC for an assessment of notices that the Secretary sends to claimants. (b) Assessment.--An FFRDC that enters into an agreement under subsection (a) shall submit to the Secretary a written assessment of such notices.”
“(5) Reporting requirements.--(A) Not later than 2 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of Representatives a report detailing-- (i) the annual cost to implement the dashboard required by paragraph (2); (ii) areas for improvement of the dashboard; and (iii) such additional information as the Secretary considers appropriate. (B) Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall commence providing, on a quarterly basis, to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of Representatives a quarterly briefing on the Department's processing of military sexual trauma-related claims.”
“(C) Information regarding the availability of services from military sexual trauma coordinators of the Veterans Benefits Administration. (D) Information on availability of specialized care, services, and benefits from the Department for individuals who have experienced military sexual trauma. (E) Such additional information as the Secretary considers appropriate. (4) Availability.--The Secretary shall ensure that the dashboard established pursuant to paragraph (1) is available to the public from the website of the Department of Veterans Affairs and is updated not less frequently than once every 30 days.”
“(G) The most frequent conditions or disabilities for which a claim relating to military sexual trauma is denied. (H) The most frequent conditions or disabilities for which a claim relating to military sexual trauma is submitted to the Secretary for disability compensation under chapter 11 of title 38, United States Code, including the grant rate for such contentions. (3) Additional resource information.--The Secretary shall make available via the performance dashboard established pursuant to subsection (a) the following information: (A) Veterans Crisis Line contact information. (B) Information regarding the availability of services from military sexual trauma coordinators of the Veterans Health Administration.”
“(ii) Average number of days for completed adjudication. (iii) Total number of pending claims, disaggregated by whether the claims have been partially adjudicated or not adjudicated at all. (iv) Total number of claims completely adjudicated. (v) Of the number specified in clause (iv), the percentage that were approved, denied, or appealed. (D) The total number of claims relating to military sexual trauma submitted to the Secretary for benefits under laws administered by the Secretary. (E) The methods used for submittal of claims relating to military sexual trauma to the Secretary for benefits under laws administered by the Secretary. (F) The most frequent reasons the Secretary denies a claim relating to military sexual trauma submitted to the Secretary for a benefit under a law administered by the Secretary.”
“(2) Elements.--The dashboard established pursuant to paragraph (1) shall cover the following: (A) Claims relating to military sexual trauma submitted to the Secretary for benefits under laws administered by the Secretary that have been submitted, completed, or appealed, including appeals pending at the agency of jurisdiction and at the Board of Veterans' Appeals. (B) For comparison purposes with subparagraph (A), claims not relating to military sexual trauma submitted to the Secretary for benefits under laws administered by the Secretary that have been submitted, completed, or appealed. (C) Overall, cumulative information relating to claims relating to military sexual trauma submitted to the Secretary for benefits under laws administered by the Secretary, including the following: (i) Average number of days a claim is pending review.”
“(5) Review and implementation.--Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Under Secretary for Benefits of the Department and the Secretary shall-- (A) review the recommendations submitted under paragraph (3)(C); and (B) implement the recommendations that, as determined by the Under Secretary and the Secretary, would improve the claims process for individuals who file claims described in paragraph (1). (f) Military Sexual Trauma Claims Performance Dashboard.-- (1) Establishment.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall establish an interactive performance dashboard displaying information about claims relating to military sexual trauma submitted to the Secretary for benefits under laws administered by the Secretary.”
“(4) Report.--Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report that includes the following: (A) The views of the working group on efforts by the Department to eliminate re-traumatization of individuals who file claims described in subsection (a). (B) Legislative proposals to improve the experience of such individuals in pursuing such claims. (C) The recommendations submitted under paragraph (3)(C). (D) The plan of the Under Secretary for Benefits of the Department and the Secretary to implement such recommendations.”
“(3) Duties.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the working group shall-- (A) review the quality of medical examinations described in paragraph (1); (B) review the feasibility of minimizing re-examinations for conditions relating to military sexual trauma; and (C) submit to the Under Secretary for Benefits of the Department and the Secretary recommendations on how to-- (i) eliminate re-traumatization of individuals who file claims described in paragraph (1); and (ii) reduce the overdevelopment of such claims.”
“(2) Membership.--The working group shall be composed of the following: (A) Staff of the operations center for military sexual trauma of the Department of Veterans Affairs who have experience reviewing the quality of medical examinations in support of claims for disability compensation under chapter 11 of title 38, United States Code. (B) Staff of the Medical Disability Examination Office of the Department. (C) Veterans service officers who have experience with claims described in paragraph (1). (D) Medical examiners who have experience with such claims. (E) Staff of the Veterans Experience Office of the Department. (F) Such other individuals as the Secretary considers appropriate.”
“(4) Sunset.--On the date that is 5 years after the enactment of this Act, paragraph (1)(A) shall cease to be in effect. (e) Working Group on Medical Examinations for Claims for Disability Compensation for Disabilities Relating to Military Sexual Trauma.-- (1) In general.--Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall establish a working group on medical examinations for claims for disability compensation under chapter 11 of title 38, United States Code, for disabilities relating to military sexual trauma (in this section referred to as the ``working group'').”
“5048) is amended-- (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``through 2027'' and inserting ``until the day described in section 109(d)(4) of the Take Care of America's Veterans Act''; and (B) in paragraph (2), by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: ``(I) The findings of the most recent special focus review conducted under subsection (d)(1)(A) of section 109 of the Take Care of America's Veterans Act, including-- ``(i) the elements under subsection (d)(1)(B) of such section; ``(ii) the number of claims returned for reprocessing under subsection (d)(2) of such section; and ``(iii) the number of claims described in clause (ii) for which the decision relating to service-connection or entitlement to compensation changed as a result of reprocessing the claim.''.”
“(2) Reprocessing of claims.--If the Under Secretary finds, pursuant to a special focus review conducted under paragraph (1)(A), that an error was made with respect to the entitlement of a veteran to a benefit under the laws administered by the Secretary, the Secretary shall return the relevant claim of the veteran to the appropriate office of the Department for reprocessing to ensure that the veteran receives an accurate decision with respect to the claim. (3) Report.--Section 5501(b) of the Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act [[Page H4559]] of 2020 (Public Law 116-315; 134 Stat.”
“(B) Elements.--Each review conducted under subparagraph (A) shall include a review of the following: (i) A statistically significant, nationally representative sample of all claims for benefits under the laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs relating to military sexual trauma filed during the fiscal year preceding the fiscal year in which the report is submitted. (ii) The accuracy of each decision made with respect to each claim described in clause (i). (iii) The types of benefit entitlement errors found, disaggregated by category. (iv) Trends from year to year. (v) Training completion rates for personnel of the Department who process claims described in subparagraph (A).”
“(3) Report required.--Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of Representatives a report detailing the findings of the Secretary with respect to the study conducted under paragraph (1). (d) Annual Special Focus Review of Claims for Disability Compensation for Disabilities Relating to Military Sexual Trauma.-- (1) Annual special focus review.-- (A) In general.--Each year, the Under Secretary for Benefits of the Department of Veterans Affairs shall conduct a special focus review on the accuracy of the processing of claims for disability compensation under chapter 11 of title 38, United States Code, for disabilities relating to military sexual trauma.”
“(ii) Whether the training has resulted in improvements to the processing of claims described in such subsection and issue-based accuracy. (iii) Such recommendations as the Secretary may have for improving the training. (B) With respect to the quality of procedures described in paragraph (2) of such subsection: (i) Whether the procedures of the Department for reviewing the accuracy of the processing of claims described in such subsection comport with generally accepted statistical methodologies to ensure reasonable accuracy of such reviews. (ii) Whether such procedures adequately include mechanisms to correct errors found in such reviews. (iii) A summary of quality assurance reviews and reports conducted as part of such procedures. (iv) Such recommendations as the Secretary may have for improving such procedures.”
“(c) Study on Training and Processing Relating to Claims for Disability Compensation Relating to Military Sexual Trauma.-- (1) Study required.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall conduct a study on-- (A) the quality of training provided to personnel of the Department of Veterans Affairs who review claims for disability compensation under chapter 11 of title 38, United States Code, for disabilities relating to military sexual trauma; and (B) the quality of the procedures of the Department for reviewing the accuracy of the processing of such claims. (2) Elements.--The study required by subsection (a) shall include the following: (A) With respect to the quality of training described in paragraph (1) of such subsection: (i) Whether the Department ensures personnel complete such training on time.”
“``(3) In this subsection: ``(A) The term `individual who has experienced military sexual trauma' means-- ``(i) an individual who has filed a claim for compensation under chapter 11 of this title relating to military sexual trauma; ``(ii) a veteran who has been awarded compensation under such chapter relating to military sexual trauma; or ``(iii) a member of the Armed Forces (including a member of the National Guard or Reserves), a former member of the Armed Forces, or a veteran who is receiving care from the Department relating to military sexual trauma. ``(B) The term `military sexual trauma' has the meaning given that term in section 1166(d)(2) of this title. ``(C) The term `Veterans Crisis Line' means the toll-free hotline for veterans established under section 1720F(h) of this title.''.”
“``(B) Information on the eligibility of the individual for services provided through the Readjustment Counseling Service location described in subparagraph (A)(iv). ``(2) The Secretary shall ensure that any written communication under this section from the Department to an individual who has experienced military sexual trauma that includes notification of an award of compensation under chapter 11 of this title relating to military sexual trauma includes-- ``(A) the contact information described in paragraph (1); and ``(B) the contact information for the military sexual trauma coordinator of the Veterans Benefits Administration.”
“(D) Board of veterans' appeals.--Section 7104 of title 38, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: ``(g)(1) The Secretary shall ensure that any written communication under this section from the Department to an individual who has experienced military sexual trauma includes each of the following: ``(A) Contact information for each of the following: ``(i) The military sexual trauma coordinator of the Veterans Health Administration. ``(ii) The Veterans Crisis Line. ``(iii) The facility of the Veterans Health Administration closest to where the individual resides. ``(iv) The Readjustment Counseling Service location closest to where the individual resides.”
“``(3) In this subsection: ``(A) The term `individual who has experienced military sexual trauma' means-- ``(i) an individual who has filed a claim for compensation under chapter 11 of this title relating to military sexual trauma; ``(ii) a veteran who has been awarded compensation under such chapter relating to military sexual trauma; or ``(iii) a member of the Armed Forces (including a member of the National Guard or Reserves), a former member of the Armed Forces, or a veteran who is receiving care from the Department relating to military sexual trauma. ``(B) The term `military sexual trauma' has the meaning given that term in section 1166(d)(2) of this title. ``(C) The term `Veterans Crisis Line' means the toll-free hotline for veterans established under section 1720F(h) of this title.''.”
“``(B) Information on the eligibility of the individual for services provided through the Readjustment Counseling Service location described in subparagraph (A)(iv). ``(2) The Secretary shall ensure that any written communication under this section from the Department to an individual who has experienced military sexual trauma that includes notification of an award of compensation under chapter 11 of this title relating to military sexual trauma includes-- ``(A) the contact information described in paragraph (1); and ``(B) the contact information for the military sexual trauma coordinator of the Veterans Benefits Administration.”
“(C) Higher-level review by the agency of original jurisdiction.--Section 5104B of title 38, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: ``(f) Written Communications to Individuals Who Have Experienced Military Sexual Trauma.-- ``(1) The Secretary shall ensure that any written communication under this section from the Department to an individual who has experienced military sexual trauma includes each of the following: ``(A) Contact information for each of the following: ``(i) The military sexual trauma coordinator of the Veterans Health Administration. ``(ii) The Veterans Crisis Line. ``(iii) The facility of the Veterans Health Administration closest to where the individual resides. ``(iv) The Readjustment Counseling Service location closest to where the individual resides.”
“``(3) In this subsection: ``(A) The term `individual who has experienced military sexual trauma' means-- ``(i) an individual who has filed a claim for compensation under chapter 11 of this title relating to military sexual trauma; ``(ii) a veteran who has been awarded compensation under such chapter relating to military sexual trauma; or ``(iii) a member of the Armed Forces (including a member of the National Guard or Reserves), a former member of the Armed Forces, or a veteran who is receiving care from the Department relating to military sexual trauma. ``(B) The term `military sexual trauma' has the meaning given that term in section 1166(d)(2) of this title. ``(C) The term `Veterans Crisis Line' means the toll-free hotline for veterans established under section 1720F(h) of this title.''.”
“``(B) Information on the eligibility of the individual for services provided through the Readjustment Counseling Service location described in subparagraph (A)(iv). ``(2) The Secretary shall ensure that any written communication under this section from the Department to an individual who has experienced military sexual trauma that includes notification of an award of compensation under chapter 11 of this title relating to military sexual trauma includes-- ``(A) the contact information described in paragraph (1); and ``(B) the contact information for the military sexual trauma coordinator of the Veterans Benefits Administration.”
“(B) Decisions and notices of decisions.--Section 5104 of title 38, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: ``(e)(1) The Secretary shall ensure that any written communication under this section from the Department to an individual who has experienced military sexual trauma includes each of the following: ``(A) Contact information for each of the following: ``(i) The military sexual trauma coordinator of the Veterans Health Administration. ``(ii) The Veterans Crisis Line. [[Page H4558]] ``(iii) The facility of the Veterans Health Administration closest to where the individual resides. ``(iv) The Readjustment Counseling Service location closest to where the individual resides.”
“``(2) In this subsection: ``(A) The term `individual who has experienced military sexual trauma' means-- ``(i) an individual who has filed a claim for compensation under chapter 11 of this title relating to military sexual trauma; ``(ii) a veteran who has been awarded compensation under such chapter relating to military sexual trauma; or ``(iii) a member of the Armed Forces (including a member of the National Guard or Reserves), a former member of the Armed Forces, or a veteran who is receiving care from the Department relating to military sexual trauma. ``(B) The term `military sexual trauma' has the meaning given that term in section 1166(d)(2) of this title. ``(C) The term `Veterans Crisis Line' means the toll-free hotline for veterans established under section 1720F(h) of this title.''.”
“``(iv) The facility of the Veterans Health Administration closest to where the individual resides. ``(v) The Readjustment Counseling Service location closest to where the individual resides. ``(B) Information on the eligibility of the individual for services provided through the Readjustment Counseling Service location described in subparagraph (A)(v).”
“(2) Contents of certain written communications to individuals who have experienced military sexual trauma.-- (A) Notice to claimants of required information and evidence.--Section 5103 of title 38, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: ``(c) Written Communications to Individuals Who Have Experienced Military Sexual Trauma.-- ``(1) The Secretary shall ensure that any written communication under this section from the Department to an individual who has experienced military sexual trauma includes each of the following: ``(A) Contact information for each of the following: ``(i) The military sexual trauma coordinator of the Veterans Benefits Administration. ``(ii) The military sexual trauma coordinator of the Veterans Health Administration. ``(iii) The Veterans Crisis Line.”
“(D) Individual who has experienced military sexual trauma defined.--In this subsection, the term ``individual who has experienced military sexual trauma'' means-- (i) an individual who has filed a claim for compensation under chapter 11 of title 38, United States Code, relating to military sexual trauma; (ii) a veteran who has been awarded compensation under such chapter relating to military sexual trauma; or (iii) a member of the Armed Forces (including a member of the National Guard or Reserves), a former member of the Armed Forces, or a veteran who is receiving care from the Department relating to military sexual trauma.”
“(C) Duties.--The working group established under subparagraph (A) shall-- (i) review standard correspondence, which may include templates for notices under sections 5103, 5104, 5104B, and 7104 of title 38, United States Code, from the Department to individuals who have experienced military sexual trauma for sensitivity; and (ii) ensure that the correspondence-- (I) treats such individuals with dignity and respect; and (II) does not re-traumatize such individuals.”
“(B) Membership.--The working group established under subparagraph (A) shall be composed of members who shall be appointed by the Secretary from among employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs who are experts in military sexual trauma and mental health, of whom-- (i) one or more shall be appointed from among mental health providers of the Veterans Health Administration; (ii) one or more shall be appointed from among experts on sexual assault and sexual harassment of the Veterans Benefits Administration; and (iii) one or more shall be appointed from among experts on sexual assault and sexual harassment of the Board of Veterans' Appeals.”
“Evaluation of claims involving military sexual trauma.''. (b) Communications From the Department of Veterans Affairs to Individuals Who Have Experienced Military Sexual Trauma.-- (1) Review working group.-- (A) In general.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall establish a working group to review correspondence relating to military sexual trauma.”