HR 8879 United States House · 118th Congress

Improving VA Training for Military Sexual Trauma Claims Act

This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to implement annual sensitivity training for all VA employees handling military sexual trauma (MST) claims, including staff processing claims, communicating about evidence, and making decisions. It also mandates that the VA automatically obtain a veteran's service records when processing MST claims and directs the VA to report on improving training for contracted health care professionals who examine veterans filing such claims. The changes aim to ensure VA staff and contracted medical personnel are properly trained to avoid retraumatizing veterans during the claims process. The VA must submit a report to Congress within 90 days detailing current training and future plans for these requirements.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jun 2024
Committee Review
Floor Vote
President
Introduced Jun 28, 2024 Last action Jul 23, 2024
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Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
6
Key actions
3
Committee
5
Jul 23, 2024
Lower · Passed
Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote.
lower
Jul 23, 2024
Lower · Passed
Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
lower
Jul 10, 2024
Lower · Passed
Subcommittee Hearings Held
lower
Jul 10, 2024
Committee
Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs.
lower
Jun 28, 2024
Committee
Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
lower
Jun 28, 2024
Introduced
Introduced in House
lower
1 primary · 3 co-sponsors

Sponsors