S. 3025117th CongressSenate Bill

Servicemembers and Veterans Empowerment and Support Act of 2021

Introduced in the SenateDead

This bill died when its Congress ended.

Bills don't carry over between Congresses. Without re-introduction in a new session, it cannot advance.

This bill modifies and implements policies and procedures related to Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care and benefits for veterans who have experienced military sexual trauma (MST), which is generally defined as physical assault of a sexual nature, battery of a sexual nature, or sexual harassment that occurred while the veteran was serving in the military. The VA must report on MST in the digital age. In the case of any veteran who claims that a covered mental health condition (e.g., post-traumatic stress disorder) based on MST was incurred or aggravated by active service, the VA must accept specified diagnoses and evidence as proof of service-connection. The VA may not deny a veteran's claim of compensation for a covered mental health condition based on MST without first (1) advising the veteran that nonmilitary evidence and behavioral evidence may constitute credible corroborating evidence, and (2) allowing the veteran an opportunity to furnish the corroborating evidence or advise the VA of potential sources of such evidence. The Veterans Benefits Administration must conduct an annual special focus review on the accuracy of the processing of claims for disability compensation for disabilities relating to MST. Additionally, the bill (1) expands access to mental health care at VA facilities for survivors of MST, and (2) requires the Government Accountability Office to report on access to such care for individuals who have experienced MST.

Introduced Oct 20, 2021
1
Introduced

Filed in the Senate

2
Passed Senate
3
Passed House
4
Became Law

This senate bill has been filed and is working its way through Congress. It will need to pass both the Senate and the House, then be signed by the President to become law.

Who introduced this

JT

Jon Tester

Democrat

U.S. Senator · MT

1 cosponsor — all Republican

Ask AI About This Bill

Get plain-language answers with direct quotes from the bill text.

to ask questions about this bill.

Your Representatives

Enter your address to see how your representatives voted on this bill.

Your address is only used to find your district and is never saved. See how it works

Votes

Public Opinion

No votes yet — be the first to weigh in.

to cast your vote

Your voice matters — let representatives know where you stand.

Comments

No comments yet. to be the first to weigh in.