South OC Times

The House Committee on Veterans Affairs has advanced the Improving VA Training for Military Sexual Trauma (MST) Claims Act, a bipartisan initiative led by Representatives Young Kim, Nikki Budzinski, Don Bacon, and Chrissy Houlahan. The bill aims to enhance training for those involved in processing MST claims at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

In fiscal year 2024, the VA received 57,400 MST claims, marking an 18% increase from the previous year. Approval rates for these claims have risen to over 63%, compared to about 40% more than a decade ago.

The legislation mandates several measures:

- The VA Secretary must develop a plan to improve training for Contracted Disability Compensation Examiners (CDCEs) who assist veterans with MST.

- Annual training is required for all employees of the Veterans Benefits Administration.

- Quality assurance of CDCEs will be improved to prevent retraumatization during medical disability examinations.

- The VA is required to automatically obtain all service and personnel medical records for PTSD-based claims related to in-service personal assault.

Congresswoman Kim emphasized the importance of timely and compassionate processing of MST claims. "The bipartisan Improving VA Training for Military Sexual Trauma Claims Act aims to provide much-needed updates to training for CDCEs conducting examinations and certainty for veterans filing MST claims that they are valued and will receive the care they deserve," she stated.

Congresswoman Budzinski highlighted the need for a supportive claims process. "Veterans who come forward with Military Sexual Trauma claims have already endured profound pain — the process of seeking help should never add to that suffering," she said.

Representative Bacon noted his experience in establishing sexual assault prevention programs during his time as Wing Commander at Ramstein. He expressed support for easing burdens on service members accessing essential care through this legislation.

Rep. Chrissy Houlahan stressed the duty to ensure effective support and respect for veterans experiencing military sexual trauma. "No survivor should face unnecessary barriers or re-traumatization when seeking the benefits they need and have earned," she remarked.

Chairman Bost acknowledged Rep. Kim's leadership on this issue, stating that survivors should not face additional trauma due to ignorance from VA employees or contracted examiners during the disability claims process.