The House of Representatives has passed the Improving VA Training for Military Sexual Trauma (MST) Claims Act, known as H.R. 2201. This bipartisan legislation was led by U.S. Representatives Young Kim from California’s 40th district, Nikki Budzinski from Illinois’ 13th district, Don Bacon from Nebraska’s 2nd district, and Chrissy Houlahan from Pennsylvania’s 6th district.
In fiscal year 2024, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) received a total of 57,400 MST claims. This number represents an increase of 18% compared to the previous year. Of these claims, more than 63% were approved by the department, a significant rise from approximately 40% over a decade ago.
The newly passed act mandates several measures aimed at improving support for veterans dealing with MST. It requires the VA Secretary to devise a plan for enhancing training for Contracted Disability Compensation Examiners (CDCEs). The act also calls for annual training for all employees within the Veterans Benefits Administration and aims to improve quality assurance processes to prevent retraumatization during medical disability examinations. Additionally, it requires the VA to automatically obtain all service and personnel medical records when PTSD-based claims are filed due to in-service personal assault.
“MST survivors have already faced unthinkable treatment and pain. The VA examination process shouldn’t cause more stress,” stated Rep. Young Kim. “This bipartisan bill provides much-needed updates to VA training and ensures survivors receive the certainty, compassion, and care they deserve.”
Rep. Don Bacon highlighted his past experience as Wing Commander at Ramstein Air Base in establishing a leading sexual assault prevention program in the Air Force: “One sexual assault in the military is one too many and can leave behind a wake of trauma, anxiety, and depression… I’m pleased today the House passed the Improving VA Training for Military Sexual Trauma (MST) Claims Act.”
Rep. Kim expressed her commitment to furthering this initiative beyond its passage in the House.
