A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to strengthen existing benefits for certain descendants of veterans exposed to herbicide agents, and for other purposes.

To amend title 38, United States Code, to strengthen existing benefits for certain descendants of veterans exposed to herbicide agents, and for other purposes. 1. Benefits for eligible descendants of veterans exposed to herbicide agents (a) In general Chapter 18 18 Benefits for eligible descendants of veterans exposed to herbicide agents Chapter 18—Benefits for eligible descendants of veterans exposed to herbicide agents Sec. 1801. Definitions. SUBCHAPTER I—Eligible descendants of veterans exposed to herbicide agents born with spina bifida Sec. 1811. Eligibility. Sec. 1812. Health care. Sec. 1813. Vocational training. Sec. 1814. Monetary allowance. SUBCHAPTER II—Eligible descendants of women veterans exposed to herbicide agents born with certain birth defects Sec. 1821. Eligibility; definition. Sec. 1822. Covered birth defects. Sec. 1823. Health care. Sec. 1824. Vocational training. Sec. 1825. Monetary allowance. Sec. 1826. Regulations. SUBCHAPTER III—Administration Sec. 1831. Determination of eligibility. Sec. 1832. Care coordinators for eligible descendants. Sec. 1833. Duration of health care and benefits provided. Sec. 1834. Applicability of certain administrative provisions. Sec. 1835. Treatment of receipt of monetary allowance and other benefits. Sec. 1836. Nonduplication of benefits. 1801. Definitions In this chapter: (1) Covered birth defect The term covered birth defect (2) Covered veteran The term covered veteran (A) served in the active military, naval, or air service, without regard to the characterization of that individual's service; and (B) is determined by the Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense, to have been exposed to a herbicide agent during such service. (3) Eligible descendant The term eligible descendant (A) for purposes of eligibility for health care and benefits under subchapter I, an individual described in section 1811 of this title; and (B) for purposes of eligibility for health care and benefits under subchapter II, an individual described in section 1821(a) of this title. (4) Facility of the Department The term facility of the Department facilities of the Department (5) Herbicide agent The term herbicide agent I Eligible descendants of veterans exposed to herbicide agents born with spina bifida 1811. Eligibility For purposes of this subchapter, an eligible descendant is an individual, regardless of age or marital status, who— (1) (A) (i) is the natural child of a covered veteran; and (ii) was conceived after the date on which that veteran first was exposed to a herbicide agent during service in the active military, naval, or air service; or (B) is the natural child of an individual described in subparagraph (A); and (2) was born with any form or manifestation of spina bifida, except spina bifida occulta. 1812. Health care (a) In general In accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary, the Secretary shall provide an eligible descendant with health care under this section. (b) Provision of care The Secretary shall provide health care under this section— (1) through facilities of the Department; or (2) by contract or other arrangement with any health care provider, as coordinated by the care coordinator assigned under section 1832 of this title for the eligible descendant. (c) Definitions In this section: (1) Health care The term health care (A) means home care, hospital care, nursing home care, outpatient care, preventive care, habilitative and rehabilitative care, case management, and respite care; and (B) includes— (i) the training of appropriate members of an eligible descendant's family or household in the care of the descendant; and (ii) the provision of such pharmaceuticals, supplies, equipment, devices, appliances, assistive technology, direct transportation costs to and from approved sources of health care, and other materials as the Secretary determines necessary. (2) Habilitative and rehabilitative care The term habilitative and rehabilitative care (3) Health care provider The term health care provider (4) Home care The term home care (5) Hospital care The term hospital care (6) Nursing home care The term nursing home care (7) Outpatient care The term outpatient care (8) Preventive care The term preventive care (9) Respite care The term respite care 1813. Vocational training (a) Authority Pursuant to regulations prescribed by the Secretary, the Secretary may provide vocational training under this section to an eligible descendant if the Secretary determines that the achievement of a vocational goal by such descendant is reasonably feasible. (b) Program design Any program of vocational training for an eligible descendant under this section shall— (1) be designed in consultation with the descendant in order to meet the descendant's individual needs; (2) be set forth in an individualized written plan of vocational rehabilitation; and (3) be designed and developed before the date specified in subsection (d)(3) so as to permit the beginning of the program as of such date. (c) Program elements (1) In general A vocational training program for an eligible descendant under this section— (A) shall consist of such vocationally oriented services and assistance, including such placement and post-placement services and personal and work adjustment training, as the Secretary determines are necessary to enable the descendant to prepare for and participate in vocational training or employment; and (B) may include a program of education at an institution of higher learning if the Secretary determines that the program of education is predominantly vocational in content. (2) Exclusions A vocational training program under this section may not include the provision of any loan or subsistence allowance or any automobile adaptive equipment. (d) Program duration (1) In general Except as provided in paragraph (2) and subject to subsection (e)(2), a vocational training program under this section may not exceed 24 months. (2) Extensions The Secretary may grant an extension of a vocational training program for an eligible descendant under this section for up to 24 additional months if the Secretary determines that the extension is necessary in order for the descendant to achieve a vocational goal identified (before the end of the first 24 months of such program) in the written plan of vocational rehabilitation formulated for the descendant pursuant to subsection (b). (3) Commencement A vocational training program under this section may begin on the eligible descendant's 18th birthday, or on the successful completion of the descendant's secondary schooling, whichever first occurs, except that, if the descendant is above the age of compulsory school attendance under applicable State law and the Secretary determines that the descendant's best interests will be served thereby, the vocational training program may begin before the descendant's 18th birthday. (e) Relationship to other programs (1) In general An eligible descendant who is pursuing a program of vocational training under this section and is also eligible for assistance under a program under chapter 35 of this title may not receive assistance under both such programs concurrently. The descendant shall elect (in such form and manner as the Secretary may prescribe) the program under which the descendant is to receive assistance. (2) Aggregate period The aggregate period for which an eligible descendant may receive assistance under this section and chapter 35 of this title may not exceed 48 months (or the part-time equivalent thereof). 1814. Monetary allowance (a) Monetary allowance The Secretary shall pay a monthly allowance under this section to an eligible descendant for any disability resulting from spina bifida suffered by such descendant. (b) Schedule for rating of disabilities (1) In general The amount of the allowance paid to an eligible descendant under this section shall be based on the degree of disability suffered by the descendant, as determined in accordance with such schedule for rating disabilities resulting from spina bifida as the Secretary may prescribe. (2) Levels of disability The Secretary shall, in prescribing the rating schedule for purposes of this section, establish three levels of disability upon which the amount of the allowance provided by this section shall be based. (c) Amount of monthly allowance (1) In general The amounts of the allowance shall be $200 per month for the lowest level of disability prescribed, $700 per month for the intermediate level of disability prescribed, and $1,200 per month for the highest level of disability prescribed. (2) Adjustment Amounts under paragraph (1) are subject to adjustment under section 5312 of this title. II Eligible descendants of women veterans exposed to herbicide agents born with certain birth defects 1821. Eligibility; definition (a) Eligibility For purposes of this subchapter, an eligible descendant is an individual, regardless of age or marital status, who— (1) (A) (i) is the natural child of a covered woman veteran; and (ii) was conceived after the date on which that veteran first was exposed to a herbicide agent during service in the active military, naval, or air service; or (B) is the natural child of an individual described in subparagraph (A); and (2) was born with one or more covered birth defects. (b) Covered woman veteran defined In this subchapter, the term covered woman veteran 1822. Covered birth defects (a) Identification The Secretary shall identify the birth defects of eligible descendants that— (1) are associated with the service of covered woman veterans; and (2) result in permanent physical or mental disability. (b) Exclusions The birth defects identified under subsection (a) may not include birth defects resulting from the following: (1) A familial disorder. (2) A birth-related injury. (3) A fetal or neonatal infirmity with well-established causes. (c) Other cause In any case where affirmative evidence establishes that a covered birth defect of an eligible descendant results from a cause other than the active military, naval, or air service of a covered woman veteran, no benefits or assistance may be provided the descendant under this subchapter. 1823. Health care (a) Needed care The Secretary shall provide an eligible descendant such health care as the Secretary determines is needed by the descendant for that descendant's covered birth defects or any disability that is associated with those birth defects. (b) Provision of care The Secretary shall provide health care under this section— (1) through facilities of the Department; or (2) by contract or other arrangement with a health care provider, as coordinated by the care coordinator assigned under section 1832 of this title for the eligible descendant. (c) Definitions For purposes of this section, the definitions in section 1812(c) of this title shall apply with respect to the provision of health care under this section, except that for such purposes— (1) the reference to vocational training under section 1813 of this title (2) the reference to specialized spina bifida clinic 1824. Vocational training (a) Authority The Secretary may provide a program of vocational training to an eligible descendant if the Secretary determines that the achievement of a vocational goal by the descendant is reasonably feasible. (b) Applicable provisions Subsections (b) through (e) of section 1813 of this title shall apply with respect to any program of vocational training provided under subsection (a). 1825. Monetary allowance (a) Monetary allowance The Secretary shall pay a monthly allowance to any eligible descendant for any disability resulting from the covered birth defects of that descendant. (b) Schedule for rating of disabilities (1) In general The amount of the monthly allowance paid under this section shall be based on the degree of disability suffered by the eligible descendant concerned, as determined in accordance with a schedule for rating disabilities resulting from covered birth defects that is prescribed by the Secretary. (2) Levels of disability In prescribing a schedule for rating disabilities for purposes of this section, the Secretary shall establish four levels of disability upon which the amount of the allowance provided by this section shall be based. The levels of disability established may take into account functional limitations, including limitations on cognition, communication, motor abilities, activities of daily living, and employability. (c) Amount of monthly allowance The amount of the monthly allowance paid under this section shall be as follows: (1) In the case of an eligible descendant suffering from the lowest level of disability prescribed in the schedule for rating disabilities under subsection (b), $100. (2) In the case of an eligible descendant suffering from the lower intermediate level of disability prescribed in the schedule for rating disabilities under subsection (b), the greater of— (A) $214; or (B) the monthly amount payable under section 1814(c) of this title for the lowest level of disability prescribed for purposes of that section. (3) In the case of an eligible descendant suffering from the higher intermediate level of disability prescribed in the schedule for rating disabilities under subsection (b), the greater of— (A) $743; or (B) the monthly amount payable under section 1814(c) of this title for the intermediate level of disability prescribed for purposes of that section. (4) In the case of an eligible descendant suffering from the highest level of disability prescribed in the schedule for rating disabilities under subsection (b), the greater of— (A) $1,272; or (B) the monthly amount payable under section 1814(c) of this title for the highest level of disability prescribed for purposes of that section. (d) Indexing to Social Security benefit increases Amounts under paragraphs (1), (2)(A), (3)(A), and (4)(A) of subsection (c) shall be subject to adjustment from time to time under section 5312 of this title. 1826. Regulations The Secretary shall prescribe regulations for purposes of the administration of this subchapter. III Administration 1831. Determination of eligibility (a) Notification Each director of a facility of the Department shall notify each covered veteran who receives care at the facility of the health care and benefits available to eligible descendants under this chapter. (b) Medical evaluation (1) In general The Secretary shall ensure that each descendant of a covered veteran who seeks health care or benefits under this chapter receives a medical evaluation conducted at a facility of the Department. (2) Determination Each director of a facility at which a medical evaluation for a descendant is conducted under paragraph (1) shall determine whether such descendant is eligible for health care or benefits under this chapter. 1832. Care coordinators for eligible descendants (a) Assignment (1) In general If a director of a facility of the Department determines that a descendant of a covered veteran is eligible for health care and benefits under this chapter under section 1831(b)(2), except as provided in paragraph (2), the director shall assign to the eligible descendant a social worker or registered nurse employed by the Department at the facility to serve as the care coordinator for the descendant. (2) Alternate location If another facility of the Department is more geographically convenient for an eligible descendant than the facility at which the descendant received a medical evaluation under section 1831(b)(1), the director of such other facility shall assign to the descendant a social worker or registered nurse employed by the Department at the facility to serve as the care coordinator for the descendant. (b) Functions (1) In general A care coordinator assigned under subsection (a) shall ensure that each eligible descendant to which the care coordinator is assigned receives all health care, vocational training, and monetary compensation for which the descendant is eligible. (2) Home modifications and equipment A care coordinator assigned under subsection (a) shall ensure that, for each eligible descendant to which the care coordinator is assigned— (A) any home modifications that the care coordinator determines are necessary, in consultation with the primary care provider and physical therapist of the descendant, are completed; and (B) any durable medical equipment that the care coordinator determines is required, in consultation with the primary care provider and physical therapist of the descendant, is provided. (3) Home visits A care coordinator assigned under subsection (a) shall conduct not fewer than two home visits each year for each eligible descendant to which the care coordinator is assigned— (A) to evaluate the support and care being provided; and (B) to make improvements as needed. (4) Arrangements with health care providers (A) In general A care coordinator assigned under subsection (a) shall ensure that each eligible descendant to which the care coordinator is assigned is connected with appropriate health care— (i) by locating health care providers; (ii) by educating those providers about the health care and benefits provided to eligible descendants under this chapter; and (iii) by arranging health care for the descendant from those providers. (B) Health care included Health care arranged under subparagraph (A)(iii) shall include such in-home support as an eligible descendant may need for assistance in completing all activities of daily living. (5) Administrative responsibilities (A) In general A care coordinator assigned under subsection (a) shall ensure, with respect to each eligible descendant to which the care coordinator is assigned, any necessary preauthorizations, payments to providers, and travel reimbursements are completed in a timely manner. (B) Resolution of issues The care coordinator shall work with the eligible descendant and the office of the Department that administers health care and benefits under this chapter to resolve any issues relating to the matters described in subparagraph (A). (6) Assignment of fiduciary If the Under Secretary for Benefits determines that a fiduciary is required for an eligible descendant for purposes of managing compensation provided under section 1814 or 1825 of this title, the care coordinator assigned to the descendant under subsection (a) shall ensure that the descendant has such a fiduciary. (c) Local contract care coordinator (1) In general In the case of an eligible descendant who lives a significant driving distance from a facility of the Department, the care coordinator assigned to the descendant under subsection (a) may arrange for a local contract care coordinator to coordinate care for the descendant from sources other than a facility of the Department. (2) Oversight Each care coordinator who arranges for a local contract care coordinator under paragraph (1) shall oversee the local contract care coordinator, including through home visits required by subsection (b)(3). (d) Performance and effectiveness Each director of a facility of the Department at which a care coordinator assigned under subsection (a) is located shall be responsible for the performance and effectiveness of the care coordinator. 1833. Duration of health care and benefits provided The Secretary shall provide an eligible descendant with health care and benefits under this chapter— (1) for the duration of the life of the descendant; and (2) notwithstanding any death of a parent of the descendant that precedes the death of the descendant. 1834. Applicability of certain administrative provisions (a) Applicability of certain provisions relating to compensation The provisions of this title specified in subsection (b) apply with respect to benefits and assistance under this chapter in the same manner as those provisions apply to compensation paid under chapter 11 of this title. (b) Specified provisions The provisions of this title referred to in subsection (a) are the following: (1) Section 5101(c). (2) Subsections (a), (b)(3), (g), and (i) of section 5110. (3) Section 5111. (4) Subsection (a) and paragraphs (1), (6), (9), and (10) of subsection (b) of section 5112. 1835. Treatment of receipt of monetary allowance and other benefits (a) Coordination with other benefits paid to the recipient Notwithstanding any other provision of law, receipt by an individual of a monetary allowance under this chapter shall not impair, infringe, or otherwise affect the right of the individual to receive any other benefit to which the individual is otherwise entitled under any law administered by the Secretary. (b) Coordination with benefits based on relationship of recipients Notwithstanding any other provision of law, receipt by an individual of a monetary allowance under this chapter shall not impair, infringe, or otherwise affect the right of any other individual to receive any benefit to which such other individual is entitled under any law administered by the Secretary based on the relationship of such other individual to the individual who receives such monetary allowance. (c) Monetary allowance not To be considered as income or resources for certain purposes Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a monetary allowance paid an individual under this chapter shall not be considered as income or resources in determining eligibility for, or the amount of benefits under, any Federal or federally assisted program. 1836. Nonduplication of benefits (a) Monetary allowance In the case of an eligible descendant under subchapter II of this chapter whose only covered birth defect is spina bifida, a monetary allowance shall be paid under subchapter I of this chapter. In the case of an eligible descendant under subchapter II of this chapter who has spina bifida and one or more additional covered birth defects, a monetary allowance shall be paid under subchapter II of this chapter. (b) Vocational training An individual may only be provided one program of vocational training under this chapter. . (b) Conforming amendments Such title is further amended— (1) in section 5312, by striking 1805 1814 (2) in section 1116B(c), by striking has the meaning given such term in section 1821(d) of this title means a chemical in a herbicide used in support of United States and allied military operations in or near the Korean demilitarized zone, as determined by the Secretary in consultation with the Secretary of Defense, during the period beginning on September 1, 1967, and ending on August 31, 1971

Summary: This bill makes modifications to Department of Veterans Affairs benefits available to certain descendants of veterans who were exposed to herbicide agents, including descendants born with spina bifida or other birth defects.