To require the Comptroller General of the United States to conduct a study on disparities associated with race and ethnicity with respect to certain benefits administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.

Bill: 117-hr-3856
Sponsor: full_name: Rep. Takano, Mark [D-CA-41]
Introduced: 2021-06-11
Policy area: Armed Forces and National Security
Subjects: Congressional oversight

Disability and paralysis

Government studies and investigations

Racial and ethnic relations

Veterans' pensions and compensation
Latest action: action_date: 2021-09-07
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations.

Summaries:
action_date: 2021-06-11
action_desc: Introduced in House
text: <p>This bill requires the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to conduct a study to assess whether there are disparities associated with race and ethnicity with respect to (1) compensation benefits administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), (2) disability ratings determined by the VA, and (3) the rejection of fully developed claims for VA benefits. Additionally, the study must assess whether there is any relationship between such disparities associated with race and ethnicity and other demographic characteristics such as gender and age. The GAO must also develop recommendations to facilitate better data collection on such disparities associated with race and ethnicity.</p> <p>Within one year, the GAO must brief Congress on the initial results of the study. The GAO must also submit a final report on the study following the briefing.</p>

tv_txt: I 117th CONGRESS 1st Session H. R. 3856 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES June 11, 2021 Mr. Takano introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs A BILL To require the Comptroller General of the United States to conduct a study on disparities associated with race and ethnicity with respect to certain benefits administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.

1. Government Accountability Office study on disparities associated with race and ethnicity with respect to certain benefits administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (a) Study required The Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct a study— (1) to assess whether there are disparities associated with race and ethnicity with respect to— (A) compensation benefits administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs; (B) disability ratings determined by the Secretary, with specific consideration of disability evaluations based on pain; and (C) the rejection of fully developed claims for benefits under laws administered by the Secretary; (2) to assess whether there is any relationship between disparities associated with race and ethnicity identified under paragraph (1) and other demographic characteristics such as gender and age; and (3) to develop recommendations to facilitate better data collection on the disparities described in paragraphs (1) and (2). (b) Initial briefing Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall brief Congress on the initial results of the study conducted under subsection (a). (c) Final report Not later than 240 days after the date on which the briefing required by subsection (b) is conducted, the Comptroller General shall submit to Congress a final report setting forth the results of the study conducted under subsection (a), including the recommendations developed under paragraph (3) of such subsection.