H.R. 2419 (112th): COMBAT PTSD Act

HR 2419 IH

To amend title 38, United States Code, to clarify the meaning of ‘combat with the enemy’ for purposes of service-connection of disabilities.

July 6, 2011

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs

To amend title 38, United States Code, to clarify the meaning of ‘combat with the enemy’ for purposes of service-connection of disabilities.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the ‘Compensation Owed for Mental Health Based on Activities in Theater Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Act’ or the ‘COMBAT PTSD Act’.

SEC. 2. CLARIFICATION OF MEANING OF ‘COMBAT WITH THE ENEMY’ FOR PURPOSES OF SERVICE-CONNECTION OF DISABILITIES.

(a) Clarification- Section 1154(b) of title 38, United States Code, is amended--

(1) by striking ‘In the case’ and inserting ‘(1) In the case’; and

(2) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:

‘(2) For the purposes of this subsection, the term ‘combat with the enemy’ includes service on active duty--

‘(A) in a theater of combat operations (as determined by the Secretary in consultation with the Secretary of Defense) during a period of war; or

‘(B) in combat against a hostile force during a period of hostilities.’.

(b) Effective Date- Paragraph (2) of subsection (b) of section 1154 of title 38, United States Code, as added by subsection (a), shall apply with respect to a claim for disability compensation under chapter 11 of such title pending on or after the date of the enactment of this Act.

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