Exam process for veterans affected by military sexual trauma improved under Bost bill

U.S. Rep. Mike Bost (R-IL) on Nov. 19 introduced bipartisan legislation to improve the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) disability exam process for veterans who have experienced military sexual trauma.

“Survivors of military sexual trauma deserve a supportive VA system that works for them,” said Rep. Bost. “This bill will help Congress determine where the current disability exam process could be strengthened to better serve those who have survived this devastating trauma.”

H.R. 6064, which Rep. Bost introduced with bill sponsor U.S. Rep. Troy Nehls (R-TX) and fellow original cosponsors including U.S. Rep. Elaine Luria (D-VA), would require the VA to partner with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to review examinations of individuals who submit claims to the VA Secretary for compensation for mental and physical conditions linked to military sexual trauma, according to the congressional record bill summary.

“VA estimates that approximately one-in-three veteran women and one-in-50 veteran men have experienced military sexual trauma,” Rep. Bost said on Nov. 23. “Following an oversight hearing just last week on military sexual trauma, it’s clear that there are far too many gaps in the process for serving these veterans.” 

If enacted, the review required under H.R. 6064 would determine the adequacy of Disability Benefits Questionnaires and the schedule of rating disabilities; whether certain conditions linked to military sexual trauma should require referral for both a mental health and physical health examination; and what credentialing and training would be necessary for disability examiners to complete exams related to mental health conditions and physical health conditions linked to the trauma, according to a bill summary provided by Rep. Bost’s office.

H.R. 6064 also would require the VA to provide the U.S. House Veterans’ Affairs Committee and the U.S. Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee with a report on any actions planned related to the study’s findings and recommendations, the summary says.