Servicemembers and Veterans Empowerment and Support Act of 2017

Bill: 115-hr-1954
Sponsor: Rep. Pingree, Chellie [D-ME-1]
Introduced: 2017-04-05 in the House
Policy area: Armed Forces and National Security
Subjects: Assault and harassment offenses
Congressional oversight
Crimes against women
Criminal justice information and records
Disability assistance
Evidence and witnesses
Health information and medical records
Internet and video services
Internet, web applications, social media
Medical tests and diagnostic methods
Mental health
Military education and training
Military personnel and dependents
Sex offenses
Sexually transmitted diseases
Veterans' medical care
Veterans' pensions and compensation
Women's health

Summary:
action_date: 2017-04-05
text: 

Servicemembers and Veterans Empowerment and Support Act of 2017

 
This bill expands Department of Defense (DOD) sexual trauma counseling and treatment to include: (1) cyber harassment of a sexual nature, and (2) members of the Armed Forces on active duty for training or inactive duty training.
 
The bill sets forth the standard of proof, which may be rebutted, in the case of a veteran who claims that a covered mental health condition was incurred in or aggravated by military sexual trauma during active service. The reasons for granting or denying service-connection in each case shall be recorded in full.
 
DOD shall ensure that: (1) in a compensation claim for post-traumatic stress disorder based on sexual assault, battery, cyber harassment, or harassment experienced during active military service, non-DOD evidence may corroborate the veteran's account of such assault, battery, or harassment; and (2) behavior changes may be considered as corroborating evidence.
 
DOD shall: (1) report annually through 2027 on submitted claims to identify and track the consistency of decisions across regional offices, (2) inform members of the Armed Forces of their eligibility for services at Vet Centers, and (3) ensure that Sexual Assault Response Coordinators advise members of the Armed Forces who report instances of military sexual trauma about their eligibility for Vet Center services. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2017-04-24
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.
action_date: 2017-04-06
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs.
action_date: 2017-04-05
text: Referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Armed Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
action_date: 2017-04-05
text: Referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Armed Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
action_date: 2017-04-05
text: Referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Armed Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
action_date: 2017-04-05
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2017-04-05
text: Introduced in House