U.S. Representative Young Kim, District 40 | Official U.S. House headshot
U.S. Representative Young Kim, District 40 | Official U.S. House headshot
U.S. Representatives Young Kim, Nikki Budzinski, Don Bacon, and Chrissy Houlahan have introduced a bipartisan bill aimed at improving the Veterans Affairs (VA) training for handling Military Sexual Trauma (MST) claims. The legislation comes as the VA reports an 18% increase in MST claims in fiscal year 2024, with a total of 57,400 claims received.
The proposed Improving VA Training for Military Sexual Trauma Claims Act mandates several key measures to enhance the VA's approach to MST claims. These include requiring the VA Secretary to devise a plan to improve training for Contracted Disability Compensation Examiners (CDCEs), ensuring annual training for all Veterans Benefits Administration employees, and enhancing quality assurance for CDCEs to prevent retraumatization of veterans during medical examinations. Additionally, the act requires automatic retrieval of service and personnel medical records for PTSD-based claims related to in-service personal assault.
"Veterans filing MST claims already face unthinkable trauma. The VA’s process shouldn’t cause more pain," stated Congresswoman Kim. She emphasized that the act aims to update training for examiners and provide certainty for veterans filing MST claims.
Congresswoman Budzinski added her support by highlighting the importance of not allowing the disability claims process to exacerbate existing trauma. "Together, we can reduce red tape and enact long-overdue reform to better support our veterans," she said.
Congresswoman Houlahan stressed that providing support and respect to veterans who have experienced military sexual trauma is a duty. She noted that strengthening training for VA staff will make the claims process more effective.
Rep. Bacon shared his perspective based on his experience as Wing Commander at Ramstein Air Base, where he established a leading sexual assault prevention program. He stated that one sexual assault in the military is too many and emphasized the importance of supporting affected service members through improved processes.
The bill seeks to address these concerns by easing the burden on those navigating complex care access procedures after experiencing such assaults.
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