117th Congress (2021–2023) · House bill · Sponsor: Rep. Mrvan, Frank J. [D-IN-1]
This page covers HR6961 in the 117th Congress. Bill numbers start over every Congress, so HR6961 in another Congress is a different bill.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Roll-call votes | 1 |
| Chamber | House |
| Latest vote | 2022-05-18: Passed |
| Latest action | 2022-12-27: Became Public Law No: 117-300. |
| Policy area | Armed Forces and National Security |
| Official record | Congress.gov |
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.
Subjects: Administrative remedies, Assault and harassment offenses, Crime victims, Department of Veterans Affairs, Emergency medical services and trauma care, Government studies and investigations, Medical tests and diagnostic methods, Sex offenses, Veterans' medical care, Veterans' pensions and compensation
Every recorded vote on this bill, newest first, with a link to the official tally. Member-by-member positions are on each member’s profile.
| Date | Chamber | Question | Result | Yea | Nay | Not voting | Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022-05-18 | House | 2/3 Yea-And-Nay | Passed | 281 | 8 | 6 | Official tally |
HR6961 (Dignity for MST Survivors Act) was introduced in the 117th Congress (2021–2023) by Rep. Mrvan, Frank J. [D-IN-1].
On 2022-12-27: Became Public Law No: 117-300.
1 recorded vote in the 117th Congress. The most recent, on 2022-05-18, was "2/3 Yea-And-Nay": Passed.