Dignity for MST Survivors Act
This bill 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 bill 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 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.
| Action Date | Type | Text | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022-12-27 | President | Became Public Law No: 117-300. | Library of Congress |
| 2022-12-27 | President | Signed by President. | Library of Congress |
| 2022-12-23 | Floor | Presented to President. | House floor actions |
| 2022-12-20 | Floor | Message on Senate action sent to the House. | Senate |
| 2022-12-19 | Floor | Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S7302-7303) | Senate |
| 2022-12-19 | Discharge | Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs discharged by Unanimous Consent. | Senate |
| 2022-05-19 | IntroReferral | Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. | Senate |
| 2022-05-18 | Floor | Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. | House floor actions |
| 2022-05-18 | Vote | 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) | House floor actions |
| 2022-05-18 | Floor | Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H5142) | House floor actions |
| 2022-05-18 | Floor | 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. | House floor actions |
| 2022-05-18 | Floor | DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 6961. | House floor actions |
| 2022-05-18 | Floor | Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H5107-5108) | House floor actions |
| 2022-05-18 | Floor | Mr. Takano moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. | House floor actions |
| 2022-04-06 | Committee | Ordered to be Reported (Amended). | House committee actions |
| 2022-04-06 | Committee | Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held. | House committee actions |
| 2022-04-06 | Committee | Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs Discharged. | House committee actions |
| 2022-03-28 | Committee | Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs. | House committee actions |
| 2022-03-07 | IntroReferral | Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs. | House floor actions |
| 2022-03-07 | IntroReferral | Introduced in House | Library of Congress |