All Roll Calls
Yes: 405 • No: 12
117-hr-6961117th CongressWALLET
Dignity for MST Survivors Act
Sponsored By: Representative Mrvan, Frank J. [D-IN-1]
Became Law
Summary
Strengthening the VA's handling of military sexual trauma (MST) claims. This law requires annual MST training for each Board of Veterans' Appeals member and creates trauma‑informed rules to speed and standardize MST compensation claims.
Show full summary
- Veterans and appellants get faster, clearer handling of MST compensation claims and hearing requests, with notices and exams rewritten to avoid retraumatization.
- Board members and adjudicators must be offered annual MST training and complete it before assignments to proceedings; the first training is to be offered within 180 days and the assignment rule applies to proceedings 180 days after enactment.
- VA and contract medical examiners must follow trauma‑informed examination protocols when evaluating MST claims, and the Secretary must audit and update denial letters within 180 days in consultation with veterans service organizations.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Faster military sexual trauma appeals, trained Board
If you appeal an MST compensation claim and request a hearing, the Board must quickly decide if it is a covered case. Covered cases receive expedited, standardized handling at the Board. Every Board member must complete yearly training on military sexual trauma. The first training is offered within 180 days after enactment. For cases assigned on or after that date, the Board cannot assign an MST case to a member who has not completed the most recent training.
Trauma-informed MST exams and letters
The law requires trauma‑informed care for military sexual trauma (MST) compensation exams. VA and contract doctors must follow protocols that avoid re‑traumatizing veterans. The VA must audit and rewrite denial letters for MST claims to use trauma‑informed language. The VA must finish these letter changes within 180 days after enactment. The law also defines key terms, like “covered claim” and “contract medical provider.”
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Mrvan, Frank J. [D-IN-1]
IN • D
Cosponsors
Rep. Underwood, Lauren [D-IL-14]
IL • D
Sponsored 3/8/2022
Rep. Trone, David J. [D-MD-6]
MD • D
Sponsored 3/9/2022
Rep. Pappas, Chris [D-NH-1]
NH • D
Sponsored 3/21/2022
Rep. Levin, Mike [D-CA-49]
CA • D
Sponsored 3/28/2022
Roll Call Votes
house vote • 5/18/2022
On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended
Yes: 405 • No: 12