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H.R. 2724 (117th): VA Peer Support Enhancement for MST Survivors Act

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The text of the bill below is as of Apr 21, 2021 (Introduced).

I

117th CONGRESS

1st Session

H. R. 2724

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

April 21, 2021

(for himself and Ms. Mace) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs

A BILL

To amend title 38, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide for peer support specialists for claimants who are survivors of military sexual trauma, and for other purposes.

1.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the VA Peer Support Enhancement for MST Survivors Act.

2.

Peer support specialists for claimants who are survivors of military sexual trauma

(a)

Peer support specialists for claimants who are survivors of military sexual trauma

(1)

In general

Chapter 51 of title 38, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 5109B the following new section:

5109C.

Peer support specialists for claimants who are survivors of military sexual trauma

(a)

In general

The Secretary shall ensure that each claimant who files a claim relating to military sexual trauma is assigned a peer support specialist to provide the claimant with support during the claims process unless the claimant elects not to have a peer support specialist under this section.

(b)

Qualifications

A peer support specialist under this section—

(1)

shall be trained as a victims advocate; and

(2)

may not be responsible for any part of adjudicating the claim of any claimant to which the specialist is providing support under this section.

(c)

Military sexual trauma

In this section, the term military sexual trauma has the meaning given such term in section 1165(c) of this title.

.

(2)

Clerical amendment

The table of sections at the beginning of such chapter is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 5109B the following new item:

5109C. Peer support specialists for claimants who are survivors of military sexual trauma.

.

(b)

Technical correction

The second section 1164 of title 38, United States Code, as added by section 5501 of the Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020 (Public Law 116–315), is redesignated as section 1165 (and the table of sections at the beginning of chapter 11 of such title is conformed accordingly).