Military and Veteran Caregiver Services Improvement Act of 2015
Expands eligibility for the family caregiver program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to include members of the Armed Forces or veterans who are seriously injured or who became ill on active duty prior to September 11, 2001 (currently, limited to service after September 11, 2001).
Expands services to caregivers of veterans under such program to include child care services, financial planning services, and legal services.
Terminates the support program for caregivers of covered veterans on October 1, 2020, except that any caregiver activities carried out on September 30, 2020, shall be continued on and after October 1, 2020.
Authorizes the transfer of entitlement to post 9/11 education assistance to family members by veterans who are retired for a physical disability or who are seriously injured veterans in need of family caregiver services, without regard to length-of-service requirements.
Authorizes the VA Secretary to pay monthly special compensation to seriously injured or ill veterans in need of personal care services and to their caregivers. Excludes from gross income, for income tax purposes, such compensation paid to injured or ill veterans.
Authorizes flexible work schedules or telework for federal employees who are caregivers of veterans.
Amends the Public Health Service Act to designate a veteran participating in the program of comprehensive assistance for family caregivers as an adult with a special need for purposes of the lifespan respite care program.
Establishes in the executive branch an interagency working group to review and report on policies relating to the caregivers of veterans and members of the Armed Forces.
Directs the Secretary to provide for studies on members of the Armed Forces who commenced service after September 11, 2001, and veterans who have incurred a serious injury or illness, including a mental health injury, and their caregivers.
[Congressional Bills 114th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 1969 Introduced in House (IH)]
114th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 1969
To expand eligibility for the program of comprehensive assistance for
family caregivers of the Department of Veterans Affairs, to expand
benefits available to participants under such program, to enhance
special compensation for members of the uniformed services who require
assistance in everyday life, and for other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
April 22, 2015
Mr. Langevin (for himself, Ms. Brownley of California, Ms. Esty, and
Mr. Carney) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the
Committee on Veterans' Affairs, and in addition to the Committees on
Armed Services, Oversight and Government Reform, Energy and Commerce,
and Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the
Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall
within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To expand eligibility for the program of comprehensive assistance for
family caregivers of the Department of Veterans Affairs, to expand
benefits available to participants under such program, to enhance
special compensation for members of the uniformed services who require
assistance in everyday life, and for other purposes.
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 ``Military and Veteran Caregiver
Services Improvement Act of 2015''.
SEC. 2. EXPANSION OF ELIGIBILITY FOR PARTICIPATION IN AND SERVICES
PROVIDED UNDER FAMILY CAREGIVER PROGRAM OF DEPARTMENT OF
VETERANS AFFAIRS.
(a) Family Caregiver Program.--
(1) Expansion of eligibility.--Subsection (a)(2)(B) of
section 1720G of title 38, United States Code, is amended by
striking ``on or after September 11, 2001''.
(2) Clarification of eligibility for illness.--Such
subsection is further amended by inserting ``or illness'' after
``serious injury''.
(3) Expansion of needed services in eligibility criteria.--
Subsection (a)(2)(C) of such section is amended--
(A) in clause (ii), by striking ``; or'' and
inserting a semicolon;
(B) by redesignating clause (iii) as clause (iv);
and
(C) by inserting after clause (ii) the following
new clause (iii):
``(iii) a need for regular or extensive instruction
or supervision without which the ability of the veteran
to function in daily life would be seriously impaired;
or''.
(4) Expansion of services provided.--Subsection
(a)(3)(A)(ii) of such section is amended--
(A) in subclause (IV), by striking ``; and'' and
inserting a semicolon;
(B) in subclause (V), by striking the period at the
end and inserting a semicolon; and
(C) by adding at the end the following new
subclauses:
``(VI) child care services or a monthly stipend for
such services if such services are not readily
available from the Department;
``(VII) financial planning services relating to the
needs of injured and ill veterans and their caregivers;
and
``(VIII) legal services, including legal advice and
consultation, relating to the needs of injured and ill
veterans and their caregivers.''.
(5) Expansion of respite care provided.--Subsection
(a)(3)(B) of such section is amended by striking ``shall be''
and all that follows through the period at the end and
inserting ``shall--
``(i) be medically and age-appropriate;
``(ii) include in-home care; and
``(iii) include peer-oriented group activities.''.
(6) Modification of stipend calculation.--Subsection
(a)(3)(C) of such section is amended--
(A) by redesignating clause (iii) as clause (iv);
and
(B) by inserting after clause (ii) the following
new clause (iii):
``(iii) In determining the amount and degree of personal care
services provided under clause (i) with respect to an eligible veteran
whose need for personal care services is based in whole or in part on a
need for supervision or protection under paragraph (2)(C)(ii) or
regular instruction or supervision under paragraph (2)(C)(iii), the
Secretary shall take into account the following:
``(I) The assessment by the family caregiver of the needs
and limitations of the veteran.
``(II) The extent to which the veteran can function safely
and independently in the absence of such supervision,
protection, or instruction.
``(III) The amount of time required for the family
caregiver to provide such supervision, protection, or
instruction to the veteran.''.
(7) Periodic evaluation of need for certain services.--
Subsection (a)(3) of such section is amended by adding at the
end the following new subparagraph:
``(D) In providing instruction, preparation, and training under
subparagraph (A)(i)(I) and technical support under subparagraph
(A)(i)(II) to each family caregiver who is approved as a provider of
personal care services for an eligible veteran under paragraph (6), the
Secretary shall periodically evaluate the needs of the eligible veteran
and the skills of the family caregiver of such veteran to determine if
additional instruction, preparation, training, or technical support
under those subparagraphs is necessary.''.
(8) Use of primary care teams.--Subsection (a)(5) of such
section is amended, in the matter preceding subparagraph (A),
by inserting ``(in collaboration with the primary care team for
the eligible veteran to the maximum extent practicable)'' after
``evaluate''.
(9) Eligibility of and assistance for family caregivers.--
Subsection (a) of such section is amended by adding at the end
the following new paragraphs:
``(11) Notwithstanding any other provision of this subsection, a
family caregiver of an eligible veteran who is eligible under paragraph
(2) solely because of a serious injury or illness (including traumatic
brain injury, psychological trauma, or other mental disorder) incurred
or aggravated in the line of duty in the active military, naval, or air
service before September 11, 2001, is eligible for assistance under
this subsection as follows:
``(A) Not earlier than October 1, 2016, if the family
caregiver would merit a monthly personal caregiver stipend
under paragraph (3)(A)(ii)(V) in an amount that is in the
highest tier specified in the schedule established by the
Secretary under paragraph (3)(C)(i).
``(B) Not earlier than October 1, 2018, if the family
caregiver would merit such a stipend in an amount that is in
the middle tier specified in such schedule.
``(C) Not earlier than October 1, 2020, if the family
caregiver would merit such a stipend in an amount that is in
the lowest tier specified in such schedule.
``(12)(A) In providing assistance under this subsection to family
caregivers of eligible veterans, the Secretary may enter into
contracts, provider agreements, and memoranda of understanding with
Federal agencies, States, and private, nonprofit, and other entities to
provide such assistance to such family caregivers.
``(B) The Secretary may provide assistance under this paragraph
only if such assistance is reasonably accessible to the family
caregiver and is substantially equivalent or better in quality to
similar services provided by the Department.
``(C) The Secretary may provide fair compensation to Federal
agencies, States, and other entities that provide assistance under this
paragraph.
``(D) In carrying out this paragraph, the Secretary shall work with
the interagency working group on policies relating to caregivers of
veterans and members of the Armed Forces established under section 7 of
the Military and Veteran Caregiver Services Improvement Act of 2015.''.
(b) Termination of General Caregiver Support Program.--
(1) In general.--Subsection (b) of such section is amended
by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(6) The authority of the Secretary to provide support services
for caregivers of covered veterans under this subsection shall
terminate on October 1, 2020.''.
(2) Continuation of certain assistance.--The Secretary of
Veterans Affairs shall ensure that any activities carried out
under subsection (b) of such section on September 30, 2020, are
continued under subsection (a) of such section on and after
October 1, 2020.
(c) Modification of Definition of Family Member.--Subparagraph (B)
of subsection (d)(3) of such section is amended to read as follows:
``(B) is not a member of the family of the veteran
and does not provide care to the veteran on a
professional basis.''.
(d) Modification of Definition of Personal Care Services.--
Subsection (d)(4) of such section is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``independent'';
(2) by redesignating subparagraph (B) as subparagraph (D);
and
(3) by inserting after subparagraph (A) the following new
subparagraphs:
``(B) Supervision or protection based on symptoms
or residuals of neurological or other impairment or
injury.
``(C) Regular or extensive instruction or
supervision without which the ability of the veteran to
function in daily life would be seriously impaired.''.
(e) Annual Evaluation Report.--Paragraph (2) of section 101(c) of
the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2010 (Public
Law 111-163; 38 U.S.C. 1720G note) is amended to read as follows:
``(2) Contents.--Each report required by paragraph (1)
after the date of the enactment of the Military and Veteran
Caregiver Services Improvement Act of 2015 shall include the
following with respect to the program of comprehensive
assistance for family caregivers required by subsection (a)(1)
of such section 1720G:
``(A) The number of family caregivers that received
assistance under such program.
``(B) The cost to the Department of providing
assistance under such program.
``(C) A description of the outcomes achieved by,
and any measurable benefits of, carrying out such
program.
``(D) An assessment of the effectiveness and the
efficiency of the implementation of such program,
including a description of any barriers to accessing
and receiving care and services under such program.
``(E) A description of the outreach activities
carried out by the Secretary under such program.
``(F) An assessment of the manner in which
resources are expended by the Secretary under such
program, particularly with respect to the provision of
monthly personal caregiver stipends under subsection
(a)(3)(A)(ii)(V) of such section 1720G.
``(G) An evaluation of the sufficiency and
consistency of the training provided to family
caregivers under such program in preparing family
caregivers to provide care to veterans under such
program.
``(H) Such recommendations, including
recommendations for legislative or administrative
action, as the Secretary considers appropriate in light
of carrying out such program.''.
SEC. 3. AUTHORITY TO TRANSFER ENTITLEMENT TO POST-9/11 EDUCATION
ASSISTANCE TO FAMILY MEMBERS BY SERIOUSLY INJURED
VETERANS IN NEED OF PERSONAL CARE SERVICES.
(a) In General.--Subchapter II of chapter 33 of title 38, United
States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section:
``Sec. 3319A. Authority to transfer unused education benefits to family
members by seriously injured veterans
``(a) In General.--Subject to the provisions of this section, the
Secretary may permit an individual described in subsection (b) who is
entitled to educational assistance under this chapter to elect to
transfer to one or more of the dependents specified in subsection (c) a
portion of such individual's entitlement to such assistance, subject to
the limitation under subsection (d).
``(b) Eligible Individuals.--An individual referred to in
subsection (a) is any individual who is described in paragraph (2) of
section 1720G(a) of this title and who is participating in the program
established under paragraph (1) of such section.
``(c) Eligible Dependents.--An individual approved to transfer an
entitlement to educational assistance under this section may transfer
the individual's entitlement as follows:
``(1) To the individual's spouse.
``(2) To one or more of the individual's children.
``(3) To a combination of the individuals referred to in
paragraphs (1) and (2).
``(d) Limitation on Months of Transfer.--(1) The total number of
months of entitlement transferred by a individual under this section
may not exceed 36 months.
``(2) The Secretary may prescribe regulations that would limit the
months of entitlement that may be transferred under this section to no
less than 18 months.
``(e) Designation of Transferee.--An individual transferring an
entitlement to educational assistance under this section shall--
``(1) designate the dependent or dependents to whom such
entitlement is being transferred;
``(2) designate the number of months of such entitlement to
be transferred to each such dependent; and
``(3) specify the period for which the transfer shall be
effective for each dependent designated under paragraph (1).
``(f) Time for Transfer; Revocation and Modification.--(1) Transfer
of entitlement to educational assistance under this section shall be
subject to the time limitation for use of entitlement under section
3321 of this title.
``(2)(A) An individual transferring entitlement under this section
may modify or revoke at any time the transfer of any unused portion of
the entitlement so transferred.
``(B) The modification or revocation of the transfer of entitlement
under this paragraph shall be made by the submittal of written notice
of the action to the Secretary.
``(3) Entitlement transferred under this section may not be treated
as marital property, or the asset of a marital estate, subject to
division in a divorce or other civil proceeding.
``(g) Commencement of Use.--A dependent child to whom entitlement
to educational assistance is transferred under this section may not
commence the use of the transferred entitlement until either--
``(1) the completion by the child of the requirements of a
secondary school diploma (or equivalency certificate); or
``(2) the attainment by the child of 18 years of age.
``(h) Additional Administrative Matters.--(1) The use of any
entitlement to educational assistance transferred under this section
shall be charged against the entitlement of the individual making the
transfer at the rate of one month for each month of transferred
entitlement that is used.
``(2) Except as provided under subsection (e)(2) and subject to
paragraphs (5) and (6), a dependent to whom entitlement is transferred
under this section is entitled to educational assistance under this
chapter in the same manner as the individual from whom the entitlement
was transferred.
``(3) The monthly rate of educational assistance payable to a
dependent to whom entitlement referred to in paragraph (2) is
transferred under this section shall be payable at the same rate as
such entitlement would otherwise be payable under this chapter to the
individual making the transfer.
``(4) The death of an individual transferring an entitlement under
this section shall not affect the use of the entitlement by the
dependent to whom the entitlement is transferred.
``(5)(A) A child to whom entitlement is transferred under this
section may use the benefits transferred without regard to the 15-year
delimiting date specified in section 3321 of this title, but may not,
except as provided in subparagraph (B), use any benefits so transferred
after attaining the age of 26 years.
``(B)(i) Subject to clause (ii), in the case of a child who, before
attaining the age of 26 years, is prevented from pursuing a chosen
program of education by reason of acting as the primary provider of
personal care services for a veteran or member of the Armed Forces
under section 1720G(a) of this title, the child may use the benefits
beginning on the date specified in clause (iii) for a period whose
length is specified in clause (iv).
``(ii) Clause (i) shall not apply with respect to the period of an
individual as a primary provider of personal care services if the
period concludes with the revocation of the individual's designation as
such a primary provider under section 1720G(a)(7)(D) of this title.
``(iii) The date specified in this clause for the beginning of the
use of benefits by a child under clause (i) is the later of--
``(I) the date on which the child ceases acting as the
primary provider of personal care services for the veteran or
member concerned as described in clause (i);
``(II) the date on which it is reasonably feasible, as
determined under regulations prescribed by the Secretary, for
the child to initiate or resume the use of benefits; or
``(III) the date on which the child attains the age of 26
years.
``(iv) The length of the period specified in this clause for the
use of benefits by a child under clause (i) is the length equal to the
length of the period that--
``(I) begins on the date on which the child begins acting
as the primary provider of personal care services for the
veteran or member concerned as described in clause (i); and
``(II) ends on the later of--
``(aa) the date on which the child ceases acting as
the primary provider of personal care services for the
veteran or member as described in clause (i); or
``(bb) the date on which it is reasonably feasible,
as so determined, for the child to initiate or resume
the use of benefits.
``(6) The purposes for which a dependent to whom entitlement is
transferred under this section may use such entitlement shall include
the pursuit and completion of the requirements of a secondary school
diploma (or equivalency certificate).
``(7) The administrative provisions of this chapter shall apply to
the use of entitlement transferred under this section, except that the
dependent to whom the entitlement is transferred shall be treated as
the eligible individual for purposes of such provisions.
``(i) Overpayment.--In the event of an overpayment of educational
assistance with respect to a dependent to whom entitlement is
transferred under this section, the dependent and the individual making
the transfer shall be jointly and severally liable to the United States
for the amount of the overpayment for purposes of section 3685 of this
title.
``(j) Regulations.--(1) The Secretary shall prescribe regulations
to carry out this section.
``(2) Such regulations shall specify--
``(A) the manner of authorizing the transfer of
entitlements under this section;
``(B) the eligibility criteria in accordance with
subsection (b); and
``(C) the manner and effect of an election to modify or
revoke a transfer of entitlement under subsection (f)(2).''.
(b) Conforming Amendments.--
(1) Transfers by members of armed forces.--The heading of
section 3319 of such title is amended by inserting ``by members
of the Armed Forces'' after ``family members''.
(2) Bar to duplication of educational assistance
benefits.--Section 3322(e) of such title is amended by
inserting ``or 3319A'' after ``and 3319''.
(c) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of
chapter 33 of such title is amended by striking the item relating to
section 3319 and inserting the following new items:
``3319. Authority to transfer unused education benefits to family
members by members of the Armed Forces.
``3319A. Authority to transfer unused education benefits to family
members by seriously injured veterans.''.
SEC. 4. ENHANCEMENT OF SPECIAL COMPENSATION FOR MEMBERS OF THE
UNIFORMED SERVICES WITH INJURIES OR ILLNESSES REQUIRING
ASSISTANCE IN EVERYDAY LIVING.
(a) Expansion of Covered Members.--Subsection (b) of section 439 of
title 37, United States Code, is amended--
(1) by striking paragraphs (1) through (3) and inserting
the following new paragraphs:
``(1) has a serious injury or illness that was incurred or
aggravated in the line of duty;
``(2) is in need of personal care services (including
supervision or protection or regular instruction or
supervision) as a result of such injury or illness; and''; and
(2) by redesignating paragraph (4) as paragraph (3).
(b) Nontaxability of Special Compensation.--Such section is further
amended--
(1) by redesignating subsections (e), (f), (g), and (h) as
subsections (g), (h), (i), and (j), respectively; and
(2) by inserting after subsection (d) the following new
subsection (e):
``(e) Nontaxability of Compensation.--Monthly special compensation
paid under subsection (a) shall not be included in income for purposes
of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.''.
(c) Provision of Assistance to Family Caregivers.--Such section is
further amended by inserting after subsection (e), as amended by
subsection (b) of this section, the following new subsection (f):
``(f) Assistance for Family Caregivers.--(1) The Secretary of
Veterans Affairs shall provide family caregivers of a member in receipt
of monthly special compensation under subsection (a) the assistance
required to be provided to family caregivers of eligible veterans under
section 1720G(a)(3)(A) of title 38 (other than the monthly personal
caregiver stipend provided for in clause (ii)(V) of such section). For
purposes of the provision of such assistance under this subsection, the
definitions in section 1720G(d) of title 38 shall apply, except that
any reference in such definitions to a veteran or eligible veteran
shall be deemed to be a reference to the member concerned.
``(2) The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall provide assistance
under this subsection--
``(A) in accordance with a memorandum of understanding
entered into by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and the
Secretary of Defense; and
``(B) in accordance with a memorandum of understanding
entered into by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and the
Secretary of Homeland Security (with respect to members of the
Coast Guard).''.
(d) Expansion of Covered Injuries and Illnesses.--Subsection (i) of
such section, as redesignated by subsection (b)(1) of this section, is
amended to read as follows:
``(i) Serious Injury or Illness Defined.--In this section, the term
`serious injury or illness' means an injury, disorder, or illness
(including traumatic brain injury, psychological trauma, or other
mental disorder) that--
``(1) renders the afflicted person unable to carry out one
or more activities of daily living;
``(2) renders the afflicted person in need of supervision
or protection due to the manifestation by such person of
symptoms or residuals of neurological or other impairment or
injury;
``(3) renders the afflicted person in need of regular or
extensive instruction or supervision in completing two or more
instrumental activities of daily living; or
``(4) otherwise impairs the afflicted person in such manner
as the Secretary of Defense (or the Secretary of Homeland
Security, with respect to the Coast Guard) prescribes for
purposes of this section.''.
(e) Clerical Amendments.--
(1) Heading amendment.--The heading for such section is
amended to read as follows:
``Sec. 439. Special compensation: members of the uniformed services
with serious injuries or illnesses requiring assistance
in everyday living''.
(2) Table of sections amendment.--The table of sections at
the beginning of chapter 7 of such title is amended by striking
the item relating to section 439 and inserting the following
new item:
``439. Special compensation: members of the uniformed services with
serious injuries or illnesses requiring
assistance in everyday living.''.
SEC. 5. FLEXIBLE WORK ARRANGEMENTS FOR CERTAIN FEDERAL EMPLOYEES.
(a) Definition of Covered Employee.--In this section, the term
``covered employee'' means an employee (as defined in section 2105 of
title 5, United States Code) who--
(1) is a caregiver, as defined in section 1720G of title
38, United States Code; or
(2) is a caregiver of an individual who receives
compensation under section 439 of title 37, United States Code.
(b) Authority To Allow Flexible Work Arrangements.--The Director of
the Office of Personnel Management may promulgate regulations under
which a covered employee may--
(1) use a flexible schedule or compressed schedule in
accordance with subchapter II of chapter 61 of title 5, United
States Code; or
(2) telework in accordance with chapter 65 of title 5,
United States Code.
SEC. 6. LIFESPAN RESPITE CARE.
(a) Definitions.--Section 2901 of the Public Health Service Act (42
U.S.C. 300ii) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)--
(A) by redesignating subparagraphs (A) through (C)
as clauses (i) through (iii), respectively, and
realigning the margins accordingly;
(B) by striking ``who requires care or supervision
to--'' and inserting ``who--
``(A) requires care or supervision to--'';
(C) by striking the period and inserting ``; or'';
and
(D) by adding at the end the following:
``(B) is a veteran participating in the program of
comprehensive assistance for family caregivers under
section 1720G(a) of title 38, United States Code.'';
and
(2) in paragraph (5), by striking ``or another unpaid
adult,'' and inserting ``another unpaid adult, or a family
caregiver as defined in section 1720G of title 38, United
States Code, who receives compensation under such section,''.
(b) Grants and Cooperative Agreements.--Section 2902(c) of the
Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 300ii-1(c)) is amended by
inserting ``and the interagency working group on policies relating to
caregivers of veterans established under section 7 of the Military and
Veteran Caregiver Services Improvement Act of 2015'' after ``Human
Services''.
(c) Authorization of Appropriations.--Section 2905 of the Public
Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 300ii-4) is amended by striking ``There
are'' and all that follows through ``2011.'' and inserting ``There are
authorized to be appropriated to carry out this title $15,000,000 for
each of fiscal years 2016 through 2020.''.
SEC. 7. INTERAGENCY WORKING GROUP ON CAREGIVER POLICY.
(a) Establishment.--There shall be established in the executive
branch an interagency working group on policies relating to caregivers
of veterans and members of the Armed Forces (in this section referred
to as the ``working group'').
(b) Composition.--
(1) In general.--The working group shall be composed of the
following:
(A) A chair selected by the President.
(B) A representative from each of the following
agencies or organizations selected by the head of such
agency or organization:
(i) The Department of Veterans Affairs.
(ii) The Department of Defense.
(iii) The Department of Health and Human
Services.
(iv) The Department of Labor.
(v) The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid
Services.
(2) Advisors.--The chair may select any of the following
individuals that the chair considers appropriate to advise the
working group in carrying out the duties of the working group:
(A) Academic experts in fields relating to
caregivers.
(B) Clinicians.
(C) Caregivers.
(D) Individuals in receipt of caregiver services.
(c) Duties.--The duties of the working group are as follows:
(1) To regularly review policies relating to caregivers of
veterans and members of the Armed Forces.
(2) To coordinate and oversee the implementation of
policies relating to caregivers of veterans and members of the
Armed Forces.
(3) To evaluate the effectiveness of policies relating to
caregivers of veterans and members of the Armed Forces,
including programs in each relevant agency, by developing and
applying specific goals and performance measures.
(4) To develop standards of care for caregiver services and
respite care services provided to a caregiver, veteran, or
member of the Armed Forces by a non-profit or private sector
entity.
(5) To ensure the availability of mechanisms for agencies,
and entities affiliated with or providing services on behalf of
agencies, to enforce the standards described in paragraph (4)
and conduct oversight on the implementation of such standards.
(6) To develop recommendations for legislative or
administrative action to enhance the provision of services to
caregivers, veterans, and members of the Armed Forces,
including eliminating gaps in such services and eliminating
disparities in eligibility for such services.
(7) To coordinate with State and local agencies and
relevant non-profit organizations on maximizing the use and
effectiveness of resources for caregivers of veterans and
members of the Armed Forces.
(d) Reports.--
(1) In general.--Not later than December 31, 2015, and
annually thereafter, the chair of the working group shall
submit to Congress a report on policies and services relating
to caregivers of veterans and members of the Armed Forces.
(2) Elements.--Each report required by paragraph (1) shall
include the following:
(A) An assessment of the policies relating to
caregivers of veterans and members of the Armed Forces
and services provided pursuant to such policies as of
the date of submittal of the report.
(B) A description of any steps taken by the working
group to improve the coordination of services for
caregivers of veterans and members of the Armed Forces
among the entities specified in subsection (b)(1)(B)
and eliminate barriers to effective use of such
services, including aligning eligibility criteria.
(C) An evaluation of the performance of the
entities specified in subsection (b)(1)(B) in providing
services for caregivers of veterans and members of the
Armed Forces.
(D) An evaluation of the quality and sufficiency of
services for caregivers of veterans and members of the
Armed Forces available from non-governmental
organizations.
(E) A description of any gaps in care or services
provided by caregivers to veterans or members of the
Armed Forces identified by the working group, and steps
taken by the entities specified in subsection (b)(1)(B)
to eliminate such gaps or recommendations for
legislative or administrative action to address such
gaps.
(F) Such other matters or recommendations as the
chair considers appropriate.
SEC. 8. STUDIES ON POST-SEPTEMBER 11, 2001, VETERANS AND SERIOUSLY
INJURED VETERANS.
(a) Longitudinal Study on Post-9/11 Veterans.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall
provide for the conduct of a longitudinal study on members of
the Armed Forces who commenced service in the Armed Forces
after September 11, 2001.
(2) Grant or contract.--The Secretary shall award a grant
to, or enter into a contract with, an appropriate entity
unaffiliated with the Department of Veterans Affairs to conduct
the study required by paragraph (1).
(3) Plan.--Not later than one year after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the
Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and the Committee
on Veterans' Affairs of the House of Representatives a plan for
the conduct of the study required by paragraph (1).
(4) Reports.--Not later than October 1, 2019, and not less
frequently than once every four years thereafter, the Secretary
shall submit to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the
Senate and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of
Representatives a report on the results of the study required
by paragraph (1) as of the date of such report.
(b) Comprehensive Study on Seriously Injured Veterans and Their
Caregivers.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall
provide for the conduct of a comprehensive study on the
following:
(A) Veterans who have incurred a serious injury or
illness, including a mental health injury.
(B) Individuals who are acting as caregivers for
veterans.
(2) Elements.--The comprehensive study required by
paragraph (1) shall include the following with respect to each
veteran included in such study:
(A) The health of the veteran and, if applicable,
the impact of the caregiver of such veteran on the
health of such veteran.
(B) The employment status of the veteran and, if
applicable, the impact of the caregiver of such veteran
on the employment status of such veteran.
(C) The financial status and needs of the veteran.
(D) The use by the veteran of benefits available to
such veteran from the Department of Veterans Affairs.
(E) Any other information that the Secretary
considers appropriate.
(3) Grant or contract.--The Secretary shall award a grant
to, or enter into a contract with, an appropriate entity
unaffiliated with the Department of Veterans Affairs to conduct
the study required by paragraph (1).
(4) Report.--Not later than two years after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the
Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and the Committee
on Veterans' Affairs of the House of Representatives a report
on the results of the study required by paragraph (1).
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Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, and in addition to the Committees on Armed Services, Oversight and Government Reform, Energy and Commerce, and Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, and in addition to the Committees on Armed Services, Oversight and Government Reform, Energy and Commerce, and Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, and in addition to the Committees on Armed Services, Oversight and Government Reform, Energy and Commerce, and Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, and in addition to the Committees on Armed Services, Oversight and Government Reform, Energy and Commerce, and Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, and in addition to the Committees on Armed Services, Oversight and Government Reform, Energy and Commerce, and Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
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Referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, and in addition to the Committees on Armed Services, Oversight and Government Reform, Energy and Commerce, and Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.