Dignity for MST Survivors Act
Summary
This act modifies communications and procedures for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Board of Veterans' Appeals (BVA) regarding claims for compensation based on military sexual trauma (MST) experienced by veterans. The act requires the VA to ensure each member of the BVA is offered annual training on MST and proceedings that concern a claim for compensation based on MST. A proceeding that concerns a claim for compensation based on MST may not be assigned to a member of the BVA (or a panel of members) unless such persons have completed the annual training. When a notice of disagreement is filed, the BVA must promptly determine whether it is filed for a case that concerns a claim for compensation based on MST and for which the appellant has requested a hearing in the notice. The VA must audit the language used in letters sent to individuals to explain decisions denying claims for compensation based on MST. Letters must be modified to ensure (1) the use of trauma-informed language, and (2) veterans are not retraumatized through insensitive language. The VA must establish protocols for VA medical providers and contract medical providers to ensure that the medical providers use trauma-informed practices in conducting examinations in relation to claims for compensation based on MST.
Bill status
signed
all 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Mar 2022
Committee Review
Dec 2022
House Passage
May 2022
Senate Passage
Dec 2022
Signed into Law
Dec 2022
Introduced Mar 7, 2022
Signed Dec 27, 2022
Floor votes · House May 18, 2022
How they voted
This bill passed the Senate by voice vote (no roll call recorded).
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
22
Key actions
7
Committee
6
Amendments
3
Dec 27, 2022
Signed into law
Signed by President.
executive
Dec 19, 2022
Upper · Passed
Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S7302-7303)
upper
Dec 19, 2022
Upper · Passed
Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent.
upper
Dec 19, 2022
Upper · Passed
Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs discharged by Unanimous Consent.
upper
May 19, 2022
Committee
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
upper
May 18, 2022
Introduced
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 405 - 12 (Roll no. 216). (text: CR H5107)
lower
May 18, 2022
Lower · Passed
Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 405 - 12 (Roll no. 216).
lower
May 18, 2022
Introduced
Mr. Takano moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
lower
Apr 6, 2022
Introduced
Ordered to be Reported (Amended).
lower
Apr 6, 2022
Lower · Passed
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
lower
Apr 6, 2022
Lower · Passed
Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs Discharged.
lower
Mar 28, 2022
Committee
Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs.
lower
Mar 7, 2022
Committee
Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
lower
Mar 7, 2022
Introduced
Introduced in House
lower
1 primary · 4 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Ask Maddy
·
AI policy assistant
Ask Maddy about HR 6961
Scope: US
Hi! I can help you understand HR 6961. What would you like to know?
Try one of these
i
Maddy answers using official bill text and legislative records. Always verify before sharing.
Sources cited inline