,,ii  #aag? ,,congress  #a/ ,session    
,s4 #cjbe  ,,9 ,,! ,,s5ate ,,( ,,!      
,,unit$ ,,/ates  ,octob] #bj1 #bjba,mr4 
,te/] 7= himself & ,ms4 ,murk[ski7      
introduc$ ! foll[+ bill2 :i* 0 read     
twice & ref]r$ to ! ,committee on       
,vet]ans' ,affairs  ,a ,,bill  ,to am5d 
title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 to exp& 
heal? c>e & b5efits f ! ,dep>tm5t (     
,vet]ans ,affairs = milit>y sexual      
trauma1 & = o!r purposes4  #a4 ,%ort    
title2 table ( cont5ts  7a7 ,%ort title 
,?is ,act may be cit$ z ! ,s]vicememb]s 
& ,vet]ans ,emp[]m5t & ,support ,act (  
#bjba4  7b7 ,table ( cont5ts ,! table ( 
cont5ts = ?is ,act is z foll[s3 ,sec4   
#a4 ,%ort title2 table ( cont5ts4,,title
 ,i--,def9+ milit>y sexual trauma,sec4  
#aja4 ,milit>y sexual trauma def9$ = !  
digital age4,,title ,,ii--,disability   
comp5sation & claims processing,sec4    
#bja4 ,def9ition ( milit>y sexual       
trauma4,sec4 #bjb4 ,con=m+ *anges relat+
 to specializ$ teams to evaluate claims 
involv+ milit>y sexual trauma4,sec4     

#bjc4 ,/&>d ( pro( = s]vice-connection (
 m5tal heal? conditions relat+ to       
milit>y sexual trauma4,sec4 #bjd4 ,*oice
 ( location ( ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans      
,affairs m$ical exam9ation = assessm5t (
 claims = comp5sation relat+ to         
disability result+ f milit>y sexual     
trauma4,sec4 #bje4 ,communications f !  
,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs to milit>y
 sexual trauma survivors4,sec4 #bjf4    
,/udy on tra9+ & process+ relat+ to     
claims = disability comp5sation relat+  
to milit>y sexual trauma4,sec4 #bjg4    
,annual special focus review ( claims = 
disability comp5sation = disabilities   
relat+ to milit>y sexual trauma4,,title 
,,iii--,access to ,heal? ,care,sec4     
#cja4 ,expansion ( eligibility = c\nsel+
 & treatm5t = milit>y sexual trauma to  
include all =m] memb]s ( ! res]ve       
compon5ts ( ! ,arm$ ,=ces4,sec4 #cjb4   
,connection to ,vet]ans ,heal?          
,adm9i/ration :5 a disability claim     
relat$ to milit>y sexual trauma is      
submitt$ to ,vet]ans ,b5efits           

,adm9i/ration4,sec4 #cjc4 ,/udy on      
access to inpati5t m5tal heal? c>e =    
survivors ( milit>y sexual trauma4,sec4 
#cjd4 ,pilot program = int]im access to 
m5tal heal? c>e = survivors ( milit>y   
sexual trauma4,sec4 #cje4 ,comptroll]   
,g5]al /udy on access to c>e = survivors
 ( milit>y sexual trauma at ! ,dep>tm5t 
( ,vet]ans ,affairs4  ,i ,def9+ milit>y 
sexual trauma  #aja4 ,milit>y sexual    
trauma def9$ = ! digital age  7a7       
,revision to regulations requir$ ,!     
,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs %all1 9   
accordance ) subsection 7b71 revise     
regulations = ! def9ition ( milit>y     
sexual trauma = ! purposes ( access to  
heal? c>e "u *apt] #ag ( title #ch1     
,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 & comp5sation "u   
*apt] #aa ( su* title4  7b7 ,requirem5ts
  7#a7 ,te*nological abuse  7,a7 ,9     
g5]al ,! ,secret>y %all ensure t all    
regulations revis$ "u subsection 7a7    
include matt]s relat+ to te*nological   
abuse to reflect sexual h>assm5t 9 !    
digital age4  7,b7 ,inclusion ( c]ta9   

behavior & activities ,= purposes (     
subp>agraph 7,a71 ! t]m te*nological    
abuse may include-- 7i7 behavior int5d$ 
to h>m1 ?reat51 intimidate1 control1    
/alk1 h>ass1 imp]sonate1 or monitor     
ano!r p]son1 except z o!rwise p]mitt$ by
 law1 t occurs via ! int]net1 social    
network+ sites1 comput]s1 mobile        
devices1 mobile telephones1 apps1       
location track+ devices1 in/ant         
messages1 text messages1 or o!r =ms (   
te*nology2 &  7ii7 specific activities1 
includ+-- 7,i7 unwant$1 repeat$         
telephone calls1 text messages1 in/ant  
messages1 or social m$ia po/s2  7,,ii7  
noncons5sual access ( email acc\nts1    
texts or in/ant messag+ acc\nts1 social 
network+ acc\nts1 or mobile telephone   
logs2  7,,iii7 attempt+ to control or   
re/rict a p]son's ability to access     
te*nology ) ! int5t to isolate ! p]son f
 support & social connection2  7,,iv7   
us+ track+ devices or location track+   
s(tw>e = ! purpose ( monitor+ or /alk+  
ano!r p]son's location2  7,v7           

imp]sonation ( a p]son ) ! int5t to     
deceive or cause h>m ?r\gh ! use ( spo(+
 te*nology or ! creation ( fake email or
 social m$ia acc\nts2 or  7,,vi7        
pressur+ = or %>+ ( ano!r p]son's       
private in=mation1 photographs1 or      
videos )\t ! p]son's cons5t4  7#b7      
,collaboration ,9 c>ry+ out subsection  
7a71 ! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs    
%all collaborate ) ! ,secret>y (        
,def5se4  7#c7 ,consultation ,9 c>ry+   
out subsection 7a71 ! ,secret>y (       
,vet]ans ,affairs %all consult ) vet]ans
 s]vice organizations1 milit>y s]vice   
organizations1 & o!r /akehold]s4  7c7   
,comm5cem5t ( ef=ts ,n lat] ?an "o ye>  
aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act1 !  
,secret>y %all comm5ce ef=ts to c>ry out
 subsection 7a74  7d7 ,progress report  
,n lat] ?an "o ye> aft] ! date ( !      
enactm5t ( ?is ,act1 ! ,secret>y (      
,vet]ans ,affairs %all submit to !      
,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( !    
,s5ate & ! ,committee on ,vet]ans'      
,affairs ( ! ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives a  

report on ! progress ( ! ,secret>y 9    
c>ry+ out subsection 7a74  7e7 ,f9al    
regulations ,n lat] ?an two ye>s aft] ! 
date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act1 !         
,secret>y %all-- 7#a7 issue ! revis$    
regulations requir$ by subsection 7a72 &
  7#b7 update tra9+ aids1 manuals1 &    
in=mational mat]ials = /aff1 vet]ans1   
memb]s ( ! ,arm$ ,=ces1 & /akehold]s to 
reflect ! revis$ regulations4  ,,ii     
,disability comp5sation & claims        
process+  #bja4 ,def9ition ( milit>y    
sexual trauma ,9 ?is title1 ! t]m       
milit>y sexual trauma has ! mean+ giv5  
su* t]m 9 section #aafg7;j7 ( title #ch1
 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 z add$ by section 
#bjc7;a74  #bjb4 ,con=m+ *anges relat+  
to specializ$ teams to evaluate claims  
involv+ milit>y sexual trauma ,section  
#aaff7;c7 ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates    
,code1 z r$esignat$ by section #g7;a7 ( 
! ,tra9+ 9 ,high-dem& ,roles to ,improve
 ,vet]an ,employm5t ,act 7,public ,law  
#aag-af71 is am5d$ by /rik+ ,9 ?is      
section & all t foll[s & ins]t+ !       

foll[+3 ,9 ?is section1 ! t]ms cov]$    
m5tal heal? condition & milit>y sexual  
trauma h ! mean+s giv5 ^? t]ms 9 section
 #aafg7;j7 ( ?is title44  #bjc4 ,/&>d ( 
pro( = s]vice-connection ( m5tal heal?  
conditions relat+ to milit>y sexual     
trauma  7a7 ,9 g5]al ,sub*apt] ,,vi (   
*apt] #aa ( su* title is am5d$ by add+  
at ! end ! foll[+ new section3  #aafg4  
,evaluation ( claims involv+ milit>y    
sexual trauma  7a7 ,/&>d ( pro(  7#a7 ,9
 ! case ( any vet]an :o claims t a cov]$
 m5tal heal? condition bas$ on milit>y  
sexual trauma 0 incurr$ 9 or aggravat$  
by active milit>y1 naval1 or air s]vice1
 ! ,secret>y %all accept z suffici5t    
pro( ( s]vice-connection a diagnosis (  
su* m5tal heal? condition by a m5tal    
heal? pr(essional toge!r ) satisfactory 
lay or o!r evid5ce1 9 accordance )      
subsections 7b7 & 7c71 ( su* trauma & an
 op9ion by ! m5tal heal? pr(essional t  
su* cov]$ m5tal heal? condition is      
relat$ to su* milit>y sexual trauma1 z  
specifi$ 9 subsection 7f71 not)/&+ !    

fact t !re is no (ficial record ( su*   
incurr5ce or aggravation 9 su* s]vice1  
&1 to t end1 %all resolve e reasonable  
d\bt 9 favor ( ! vet]an4  7#b7          
,s]vice-connection ( su* cov]$ m5tal    
heal? condition may be rebutt$ by cle> &
 conv9c+ evid5ce to ! contr>y4  7#c7 ,! 
reasons = grant+ or d5y+                
s]vice-connection 9 ea* case %all be    
record$ 9 full4  7b7 ,nonmilit>y s\rces 
( evid5ce  7#a7 ,9 c>ry+ out subsection 
7a71 ! ,secret>y %all ensure t if a     
claim = comp5sation "u ?is *apt] is     
receiv$ by ! ,secret>y = a cov]$ m5tal  
heal? condition bas$ on milit>y sexual  
trauma1 evid5ce f s\rces o!r ?an (ficial
 records ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,def5se reg>d+ 
! vet]an's s]vice may corroborate !     
vet]an's acc\nt ( ! trauma4  7#b7       
,examples ( evid5ce describ$ 9 p>agraph 
7#a7 include ! foll[+3 7,a7 ,records f  
law en=cem5t au?orities1 rape crisis    
c5t]s1 m5tal heal? c\nsel+ c5t]s1       
hospitals1 & physicians4  7,b7          
,pregnancy te/s & te/s = sexually       

transmitt$ diseases4  7,c7 ,/atem5ts f  
family memb]s1 roommates1 o!r memb]s ( !
 ,arm$ ,=ces or vet]ans1 & cl]gy4  7c7  
,evid5ce ( behavior *anges  7#a7 ,9     
c>ry+ out subsection 7a71 ! ,secret>y   
%all ensure t evid5ce ( a behavior *ange
 foll[+ milit>y sexual trauma is "o type
 ( relevant evid5ce t may be f\nd 9     
s\rces describ$ 9 su* subsection4  7#b7 
,examples ( behavior *anges t may be    
relevant evid5ce ( milit>y sexual trauma
 include ! foll[+3 7,a7 ,a reque/ = a   
transf] to ano!r milit>y duty assignm5t4
  7,b7 ,det]ioration 9 "w p]=mance4     
7,c7 ,sub/ance abuse or sub/ance use    
disord]4  7,d7 ,episodes ( depression1  
panic attacks1 or anxiety )\t an        
id5tifiable cause4  7,e7 ,unexpla9$     
economic or social behavior *anges4  7d7
 ,notice & opportunity ,to supply       
evid5ce ,! ,secret>y may n d5y a claim (
 a vet]an = comp5sation "u ?is *apt] = a
 cov]$ m5tal heal? condition t is bas$  
on milit>y sexual trauma )\t fir/-- 7#a7
 advis+ ! vet]an t evid5ce describ$ 9   

subsections 7b7 & 7c7 may con/itute     
cr$ible corroborat+ evid5ce ( ! milit>y 
sexual trauma2 &  7#b7 all[+ ! vet]an an
 opportunity to furni% su* corroborat+  
evid5ce or advise ! ,secret>y ( pot5tial
 s\rces ( su* evid5ce4  7e7 ,role ( lay 
/atem5ts ,9 a case :]e evid5ce describ$ 
9 subsection 7b7 or 7c7 is unavailable1 
& ! only evid5ce ( ! occurr5ce ( !      
milit>y sexual trauma is ! vet]an's own 
lay /atem5t1 ! ,secret>y %all accept su*
 lay /atem5t z cr$ible evid5ce ! ev5t   
occurr$1 unless su* /atem5t is          
inconsi/5t ) ! places1 types1 &         
circum/ances ( ! s]vice ( ! vet]an1     
includ+ evid5ce ( ! vet]an's unit       
assignm5ts1 milit>y specialty1 or dates 
& locations ( s]vice1 or unless !re is  
cle> & conv9c+ evid5ce to ! contr>y4    
7f7 ,review ( evid5ce  7#a7 ,9 review+ a
 claim = comp5sation describ$ 9         
subsection 7a77#a71 = any evid5ce       
id5tifi$ z "p ( su* claim t is describ$ 
9 subsection 7b7 or 7c71 or if          
subsection 7e7 applies1 ! ,secret>y %all

 submit su* evid5ce to su* m$ical or    
m5tal heal? pr(essional z ! ,secret>y   
consid]s appropriate1 includ+ cl9ical & 
c\nsel+ exp]ts employ$ by ! ,dep>tm5t1  
to obta9 an op9ion z to :e!r x is at    
lea/ z likely z n t !re is a nexus      
betwe5 ! milit>y sexual trauma & any    
diagnos$ cov]$ m5tal heal? condition4   
7#b7 ,9 ! case ( any vet]an :o submits )
 ! claim = a cov]$ m5tal heal? condition
 a lay /atem5t describ+ ! milit>y sexual
 trauma1 su* vet]an %all be provid$ ) a 
m$ical exam9ation & op9ion z describ$ 9 
p>agraph 7#a7 )\t delay = reque/ (      
records specifi$ 9 subsections 7b7 & 7c7
 f ! vet]an4  7#c7 ,= any vet]an        
describ$ 9 p>agraph 7#b71 if ! m$ical   
exam9ation & op9ion d n result 9 a      
diagnosis ( a cov]$ m5tal heal?         
condition & a positive op9ion t !       
milit>y sexual trauma is relat$ to su*  
diagnosis1 ! ,secret>y %all reque/ !    
records specifi$ 9 subsections 7b7 & 7c7
 &1 if su* evid5ce is receiv$1 p>agraph 
7#a7 %all aga9 apply & a subsequ5t      

m$ical exam9ation & op9ion %all be      
reque/$4  7g7 ,po9t ( contact ,!        
,secret>y %all ensure t ea* docum5t     
provid$ to a vet]an relat+ to a claim = 
comp5sation describ$ 9 subsection 7a7   
includes contact in=mation = an         
appropriate po9t ( contact ) !          
,dep>tm5t4  7h7 ,specializ$ teams ,!    
,secret>y %all ensure t all claims =    
comp5sation describ$ 9 subsection 7a7   
are review$ & process$ by a specializ$  
team e/abli%$ "u section #aaff ( ?is    
title4  7i7 ,rule ( con/ruction reg>d+  
application to nonsexual p]sonal assault
 ,! ,secret>y %all n con/rue ?is section
 z supplant+ ! /&>d ( pro( or evid5ce   
requir$ = claims = po/traumatic /ress   
disord] bas$ on non-sexual p]sonal      
assault1 :i* ! ,secret>y %all cont9ue to
 def9e 9 regulation4  7j7 ,def9itions ,9
 ?is section3 7#a7 ,! t]m cov]$ m5tal   
heal? condition means po/-traumatic     
/ress disord]1 anxiety1 depression1 or  
o!r m5tal heal? diagnosis describ$ 9 !  
curr5t v]sion ( ! ,diagno/ic &          

,/ati/ical ,manual ( ,m5tal ,disord]s   
publi%$ by ! ,am]ican ,psy*iatric       
,association t ! ,secret>y det]m9es to  
be relat$ to milit>y sexual trauma & :i*
 may be s]vice-connect$4  7#b7 ,! t]m   
milit>y sexual trauma means1 ) respect  
to a vet]an1 a physical assault ( a     
sexual nature1 batt]y ( a sexual nature1
 or sexual h>assm5t t occurr$ :ile !    
vet]an 0 s]v+ 9 ! active milit>y1 naval1
 or air s]vice4  4  7b7 ,outrea* ,n lat]
 ?an #ahj days aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t 
( ?is ,act1 ! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans      
,affairs %all implem5t1 ) input f !     
vet]an community1 an in=mative outrea*  
program = vet]ans reg>d+ ! /&>d ( pro( =
 evaluation ( claims relat$ to milit>y  
sexual trauma1 includ+ consid]ation (   
lay /atem5ts & requirem5ts = a m$ical   
exam9ation & op9ion4  7c7 ,cl]ical      
am5dm5t ,! table ( sections at ! beg9n+ 
( su* *apt] is am5d$ by add+ at ! end ! 
foll[+ new item3  #aafg4 ,evaluation (  
claims involv+ milit>y sexual trauma4  4
  #bjd4 ,*oice ( location ( ,dep>tm5t ( 

,vet]ans ,affairs m$ical exam9ation =   
assessm5t ( claims = comp5sation relat+ 
to disability result+ f milit>y sexual  
trauma  7a7 ,9 g5]al ,section #aafe (   
title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is      
am5d$-- 7#a7 9 ! section head+1 by      
ins]t+ & location ( m$ical exam9ation   
aft] exam9]2  7#b7 9 subsection 7a71 by 
/rik+ a physical assault ( a sexual     
nature1 batt]y ( a sexual nature1 or    
sexual h>assm5t & ins]t+ milit>y sexual 
trauma 7z def9$ 9 section #aafg7;j7 (   
?is title72  7#c7 by r$esignat+         
subsection 7c7 z subsection 7d72 &  7#d7
 by ins]t+ aft] subsection 7b7 ! foll[+ 
new subsection 7c73  7c7 ,*oice (       
exam9ation location  7#a7 ,! ,secret>y  
%all ensure t a vet]an :o requires a    
m$ical exam9ation 9 support ( a claim   
describ$ 9 subsection 7a7 may reque/ t !
 m$ical exam9ation take place at a      
facility ( ! ,dep>tm5t by a qualifi$    
employee ( ! ,dep>tm5t4  7#b7 ,!        
,secret>y-- 7,a7 %all grant any reque/  
"u p>agraph 7#a72 &  7,b7 may n issue a 

decision on a claim describ$ 9 su*      
p>agraph be=e ! reque/$ exam9ation is   
complet$4  4  7b7 ,cl]ical am5dm5t ,!   
table ( sections at ! beg9n+ ( *apt] #aa
 ( su* title is am5d$ by /rik+ ! item   
relat+ to section #aafe & ins]t+ !      
foll[+ new item3  #aafe4 ,*oice ( sex ( 
m$ical exam9] & location ( m$ical       
exam9ation = c]ta9 disabilities4  4     
#bje4 ,communications f ! ,dep>tm5t (   
,vet]ans ,affairs to milit>y sexual     
trauma survivors  7a7 ,review bo>d  7#a7
 ,9 g5]al ,! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans       
,affairs %all e/abli% a bo>d to review  
correspond5ce relat+ to milit>y sexual  
trauma4  7#b7 ,memb]%ip ,! ,secret>y    
%all appo9t memb]s ( ! bo>d f among     
exp]ts 9 milit>y sexual trauma & m5tal  
heal?1 includ+-- 7,a7 m5tal heal?       
provid]s ( ! ,dep>tm5t2  7,b7 exp]ts on 
sexual assault & sexual h>assm5t2 &     
7,c7 memb]s f bo? ! ,vet]ans ,heal?     
,adm9i/ration & ,vet]ans ,b5efits       
,adm9i/ration4  7#c7 ,duties ,! bo>d    
e/abli%$ "u p>agraph 7#a7 %all-- 7,a7   

review all /&>d correspond5ce & o!r     
mat]ials1 :i* may include templates =   
notices "u sections #eajc & #eajd;,b (  
title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 z well z
 outrea* mat]ials & vet]an-fac+ website 
cont5t1 f ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans        
,affairs to survivors ( milit>y sexual  
trauma = s5sitivity2 &  7,b7 ensure t ! 
communications-- 7i7 treat survivors )  
dignity & respect2 &  7ii7 d n          
re-traumatize survivors4  7b7 ,cont5ts (
 writt5 communications to milit>y sexual
 trauma survivors ,! ,secret>y %all     
ensure t any writt5 communication f !   
,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs to a      
milit>y sexual trauma survivor %all     
include contact in=mation = ! foll[+3   
7#a7 ,! milit>y sexual trauma coord9ator
 ( ! ,vet]ans ,b5efits ,adm9i/ration4   
7#b7 ,! milit>y sexual trauma coord9ator
 = ! ,vet]ans ,heal? ,adm9i/ration4     
7#c7 ,! ,vet]ans ,crisis ,l9e4  7#d7 ,! 
facility ( ! ,vet]ans ,heal?            
,adm9i/ration close/ to :]e ! survivor  
resides4  7c7 ,def9itions ,9 ?is        

section3 7#a7 ,milit>y sexual trauma    
survivor ,! t]m milit>y sexual trauma   
survivor means-- 7,a7 a vet]an :o has   
fil$ a claim = comp5sation "u *apt] #aa 
( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 relat+
 to milit>y sexual trauma2  7,b7 a      
vet]an :o has be5 aw>d$ comp5sation "u  
su* *apt] relat+ to milit>y sexual      
trauma2 or  7,c7 a =m] memb] ( ! ,arm$  
,=ces or a vet]an :o is receiv+ c>e f ! 
,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs relat+ to 
milit>y sexual trauma4  7#b7 ,vet]ans   
,crisis ,l9e ,! t]m ,vet]ans ,crisis    
,l9e means ! toll-free hotl9e = vet]ans 
e/abli%$ "u section #agbj;,f7h7 ( title 
#ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code4  #bjf4 ,/udy  
on tra9+ & process+ relat+ to claims =  
disability comp5sation relat+ to milit>y
 sexual trauma  7a7 ,/udy requir$ ,!    
,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs %all      
conduct a /udy on-- 7#a7 ! quality (    
tra9+ provid$ to p]sonnel ( ! ,dep>tm5t 
( ,vet]ans ,affairs :o review claims =  
disability comp5sation "u *apt] #aa (   
title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 =       

disabilities relat+ to milit>y sexual   
trauma2 &  7#b7 ! quality ( ! proc$ures 
( ! ,dep>tm5t = review+ ! accuracy ( !  
process+ ( su* claims4  7b7 ,elem5ts ,! 
/udy requir$ by subsection 7a7 %all     
include ! foll[+3 7#a7 ,) respect to !  
quality ( tra9+ describ$ 9 p>agraph 7#a7
 ( su* subsection3 7,a7 ,:e!r !         
,dep>tm5t ensures p]sonnel complete su* 
tra9+ on "t4  7,b7 ,:e!r ! tra9+ has    
result$ 9 improvem5ts to ! process+ (   
claims describ$ 9 su* subsection &      
issue-bas$ accuracy4  7,c7 ,su*         
recomm5dations z ! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans 
,affairs may h = improv+ ! tra9+4  7#b7 
,) respect to ! quality ( proc$ures     
describ$ 9 p>agraph 7#b7 ( su*          
subsection3 7,a7 ,:e!r ! proc$ures ( !  
,dep>tm5t = review+ ! accuracy ( !      
process+ ( claims describ$ 9 su*        
subsection comport ) g5]ally accept$    
/ati/ical me?odologies to ensure        
reasonable accuracy ( su* reviews4  7,b7
 ,:e!r su* proc$ures adequately include 
me*anisms to correct errors f\nd 9 su*  

reviews4  7,c7 ,su* recomm5dations z !  
,secret>y may h = improv+ su* proc$ures4
  7c7 ,report requir$ ,n lat] ?an "o ye>
 aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act1 ! 
,secret>y %all submit to ! ,committee on
 ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,s5ate & !      
,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( !    
,h\se ( ,repres5tatives a report detail+
 ! f9d+s ( ! ,secret>y ) respect to !   
/udy conduct$ "u subsection 7a74  #bjg4 
,annual special focus review ( claims = 
disability comp5sation = disabilities   
relat+ to milit>y sexual trauma  7a7    
,annual special focus review  7#a7 ,9   
g5]al ,ea* ye>1 ! ,"u ,secret>y =       
,b5efits ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans       
,affairs %all conduct a special focus   
review on ! accuracy ( ! process+ (     
claims = disability comp5sation "u *apt]
 #aa ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 =
 disabilities relat+ to milit>y sexual  
trauma4  7#b7 ,elem5ts ,ea* review      
conduct$ "u p>agraph 7#a7 %all include a
 review ( ! foll[+3 7,a7 ,a /ati/ically 
significant1 nationally repres5tative   

sample ( all claims = b5efits "u ! laws 
adm9i/]$ by ! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans      
,affairs relat+ to milit>y sexual trauma
 fil$ dur+ ! fiscal ye> prec$+ ! fiscal 
ye> 9 :i* ! report is submitt$4  7,b7 ,!
 accuracy ( ea* decision made ) respect 
to ea* claim describ$ 9 subp>agraph     
7,a74  7,c7 ,! types ( b5efit entitlem5t
 errors f\nd1 disaggregat$ by category4 
7,d7 ,tr5ds f ye> to ye>4  7,e7 ,tra9+  
completion rates = p]sonnel ( !         
,dep>tm5t :o process claims describ$ 9  
p>agraph 7#a74  7b7 ,reprocess+ ( claims
 ,if ! ,"u ,secret>y f9ds1 pursuant to a
 special focus review conduct$ "u       
subsection 7a77#a71 t an error 0 made ) 
respect to ! entitlem5t ( a vet]an to a 
b5efit "u ! laws adm9i/]$ by !          
,secret>y1 ! ,secret>y %all return !    
relevant claim ( ! vet]an to !          
appropriate regional (fice ( ! ,dep>tm5t
 = reprocess+ to ensure t ! vet]an      
receives an accurate decision ) respect 
to ! claim4  7c7 ,re-,review+ ( claims  
,if ! ,"u ,secret>y f9ds1 pursuant to a 

special focus review conduct$ "u        
p>agraph 7#a7 ( subsection 7a71 t !     
accuracy rate1 "u p>agraph 7#b77;,b7 (  
su* subsection1 is less ?an #ij p]c5t1 !
 ,secret>y %all conduct a review ( ea*  
claim = b5efits "u ! laws adm9i/]$ by ! 
,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs relat+ to 
milit>y sexual trauma fil$ dur+ ! fiscal
 ye> prec$+ ! fiscal ye> 9 :i* ! report 
is submitt$4  7d7 ,report ,section      
#eeja7;b77#b7 ( ! ,johnny ,isakson &    
,david ,p4 ,roe1 ,m4,d4 ,vet]ans ,heal? 
,c>e & ,b5efits ,improvem5t ,act ( #bjbj
 7,public ,law #aaf-cae2 #acd ,/at4     
#ejdh7 is am5d$ by add+ at ! end !      
foll[+ new subp>agraph3  7,i7 ,! f9d+s (
 ! mo/ rec5t special focus review       
conduct$ "u subsection 7a77#a7 ( section
 #bjg ( ! ,s]vicememb]s & ,vet]ans      
,emp[]m5t & ,support ,act ( #bjba1      
includ+-- 7i7 ! elem5ts "u subsection   
7a77#b7 ( su* section2  7ii7 ! numb] (  
claims return$ = reprocess+ "u          
subsection 7b7 ( su* section2 &  7iii7 !
 numb] ( claims describ$ 9 clause 7ii7 =

 :i* ! decision relat+ to               
s]vice-connection or entitlem5t to      
comp5sation *ang$ z a result (          
reprocess+ ! claim4  4  ,,iii ,access to
 ,heal? ,c>e  #cja4 ,expansion (        
eligibility = c\nsel+ & treatm5t =      
milit>y sexual trauma to include all =m]
 memb]s ( ! res]ve compon5ts ( ! ,arm$  
,=ces ,section #agbj;,d ( title #ch1    
,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$ by /rik+  
subsections 7f7 & 7g7 & ins]t+ ! foll[+ 
new subsection 7f73  7f7 ,9 ?is section3
 7#a7 ,! t]m =m] memb] ( ! ,arm$ ,=ces  
means a p]son :o s]v$ on active duty1   
active duty = tra9+1 or inactive duty   
tra9+1 & :o 0 dis*>g$ or releas$ !refrom
 "u any condition t is n-- 7,a7 a       
dis*>ge by c\rt-m>tial2 or  7,b7 a      
dis*>ge subject to a b> to b5efits "u   
section #ecjc ( ?is title4  7#b7 ,! t]m 
milit>y sexual trauma means1 ) respect  
to a =m] memb] ( ! ,arm$ ,=ces1 a       
physical assault ( a sexual nature1     
batt]y ( a sexual nature1 or sexual     
h>assm5t :i* occurr$ :ile ! =m] memb] ( 

! ,arm$ ,=ces 0 s]v+ on duty1 reg>dless 
( duty /atus or l9e ( duty det]m9ation  
7z t t]m is us$ 9 section #abcbc ( title
 #aj74  7#c7 ,! t]m sexual h>assm5t     
means unsolicit$ v]bal or physical      
contact ( a sexual nature :i* is ?reat5+
 9 "*4  4  #cjb4 ,connection to ,vet]ans
 ,heal? ,adm9i/ration :5 a disability   
claim relat$ to milit>y sexual trauma is
 submitt$ to ,vet]ans ,b5efits          
,adm9i/ration  7a7 ,9 g5]al ,n lat] ?an 
#ad days aft] ! date on :i* a vet]an    
submits a claim = disability comp5sation
 to ! ,vet]ans ,b5efits ,adm9i/ration = 
a disability relat$ to milit>y sexual   
trauma1 ! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs 
%all s5d a communication to ! vet]an ) !
 foll[+ in=mation3 7#a7 ,! contact      
in=mation = ! ne>e/ milit>y sexual      
trauma coord9ator = ! vet]an at !       
,vet]ans ,b5efits ,adm9i/ration & a     
description ( ! assi/ance su* coord9ator
 c provide4  7#b7 ,! contact in=mation =
 ! ne>e/ milit>y sexual trauma          
coord9ator = ! vet]an at ! ,vet]ans     

,heal? ,adm9i/ration & a description ( !
 assi/ance su* coord9ator c provide4    
7#c7 ,! types ( s]vices t survivors (   
milit>y sexual trauma are eligible to   
receive f ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans        
,affairs1 includ+ ! ne>e/ locations & ! 
contact in=mation = su* s]vices4  7#d7  
,! contact in=mation = ! ,vet]ans       
,crisis ,l9e e/abli%$ "u section        
#agbj;,f7h7 ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates  
,code4  7#e7 ,su* o!r in=mation on      
s]vices1 c>e1 or res\rces = milit>y     
sexual trauma z ! ,secret>y det]m9es    
appropriate4  7b7 ,def9ition ( milit>y  
sexual trauma ,9 ?is section1 ! t]m     
milit>y sexual trauma has ! mean+ giv5  
su* t]m 9 section #aafg7;j7 ( title #ch1
 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 z add$ by section 
#bjc7;a74  #cjc4 ,/udy on access to     
inpati5t m5tal heal? c>e = survivors (  
milit>y sexual trauma  7a7 ,9 g5]al ,!  
,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs %all      
conduct a /udy on access to inpati5t    
m5tal heal? c>e = curr5t & =m] memb]s ( 
! ,arm$ ,=ces :o are survivors ( milit>y

 sexual trauma4  7b7 ,elem5ts ,! /udy   
requir$ by subsection 7a7 %all include !
 foll[+3 7#a7 ,an assessm5t ( !         
availability ( b$ spaces 9 ! m5tal heal?
 resid5tial rehabilitation treatm5t     
programs ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans       
,affairs = survivors ( milit>y sexual   
trauma1 includ+ ! suitability ( ^?      
programs = su* survivors & ! wait times 
= s]vices "u ^? programs4  7#b7 ,an     
assessm5t ( geographic disp>ities 9     
access to ^? programs = survivors (     
milit>y sexual trauma1 includ+ by region
 & by rural & urban areas4  7#c7 ,an    
assessm5t ( alt]native c>e options      
provid$ :5 a survivor ( milit>y sexual  
trauma is wait+ = inpati5t c>e1 !       
efficacy ( ^? alt]natives1 & !          
satisfaction ( pati5ts ) ^? alt]natives4
  7#d7 ,recomm5dations = r$uc+ ! av]age 
wait "t = s]vices "u ^? programs to #ad 
days or less1 includ+ by increas+ b$    
space or address+ /aff+ ne$s4  7#e7 ,an 
assessm5t ( ! satisfaction ( pati5ts ) !
 tracks ( ^? programs specific to       

milit>y sexual trauma1 ! wait times =   
s]vices "u ^? tracks1 & recomm5dations =
 increas+ or *ang+ ! numb] ( locations =
 s]vices "u ^? tracks to bett] meet !   
ne$s ( survivors ( milit>y sexual       
trauma4  7c7 ,report ,n lat] ?an "o ye> 
aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act1 !  
,secret>y %all submit to ! ,committee on
 ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,s5ate & !      
,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( !    
,h\se ( ,repres5tatives a report detail+
 ! f9d+s ( ! /udy requir$ by subsection 
7a74  7d7 ,def9ition ( milit>y sexual   
trauma ,9 ?is section1 ! t]m milit>y    
sexual trauma has ! mean+ giv5 su* t]m 9
 section #agbj;,d7f7 ( title #ch1 ,unit$
 ,/ates ,code1 z add$ by section #cja4  
#cjd4 ,pilot program = int]im access to 
m5tal heal? c>e = survivors ( milit>y   
sexual trauma  7a7 ,9 g5]al ,comm5c+ n  
lat] ?an "o ye> aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t
 ( ?is ,act1 ! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans     
,affairs %all c>ry out a pilot program  
to provide int5sive outpati5t m5tal     
heal? c>e to curr5t & =m] memb]s ( !    

,arm$ ,=ces :o are survivors ( milit>y  
sexual trauma :5 ! wait times = inpati5t
 m5tal heal? c>e f ! ,dep>tm5t (        
,vet]ans ,affairs = ! survivor is m ?an 
#ad days4  7b7 ,duration ,! ,secret>y   
%all c>ry out ! pilot program "u        
subsection 7a7 = a ?ree-ye> p]iod beg9n+
 on ! comm5cem5t ( ! pilot program4  7c7
 ,locations  7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,! ,secret>y 
%all c>ry out ! pilot program "u        
subsection 7a7 at n few] ?an f\r        
,vet]ans ,integrat$ ,s]vice ,networks ( 
! ,dep>tm5t4  7#b7 ,selection (         
locations ,9 select+ locations = ! pilot
 program "u subsection 7a71 ! ,secret>y 
%all select locations t h ! longe/ wait 
times = inpati5t m5tal heal? c>e1       
p>ticul>ly = survivors ( milit>y sexual 
trauma4  7#c7 ,notification ,be=e       
comm5c+ ! pilot program "u subsection   
7a71 ! ,secret>y %all notify !          
,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( !    
,s5ate & ! ,committee on ,vet]ans'      
,affairs ( ! ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives ( !
 locations select$ = ! pilot program4   

7d7 ,types ( s]vices ,subject to !      
pref]5ce ( ! survivor p>ticipat+ 9 !    
pilot program "u subsection 7a7 & !     
capacity ( facilities ( ! ,dep>tm5t1 !  
,secret>y may provide s]vices "u ! pilot
 program via teleheal? or at            
community-bas$ outpati5t cl9ics ( !     
,dep>tm5t4  7e7 ,p>ticipation  7#a7     
,cl>ification on p>ticipation           
,p>ticipation by a survivor 9 ! pilot   
program "u subsection 7a7 %all be dur+ !
 p]iod 9 :i* ! survivor is wait+ = an   
inpati5t b$ op5+ & %all n disqualify !  
survivor f receiv+ inpati5t m5tal heal? 
c>e foll[+ _! p>ticipation 9 ! pilot    
program4  7#b7 ,decisions on            
p>ticipation ,decisions ab\t !          
p>ticipation ( a survivor 9 ! pilot     
program & ! transition ( ! survivor to  
inpati5t m5tal heal? c>e %all be made by
 ! survivor & _! heal? c>e provid]4  7f7
 ,report ,n lat] ?an #ahj days aft] !   
conclusion ( ! pilot program "u         
subsection 7a71 ! ,secret>y %all submit 
to ,congress a report on-- 7#a7         

p>ticipation 9 ! pilot program2  7#b7   
cl9ical outcomes "u ! pilot program2 &  
7#c7 su* recomm5dations = cont9uation or
 t]m9ation ( ! program z ! ,secret>y may
 h1 includ+ recomm5dations = legislative
 or adm9i/rative action4  7g7 ,def9ition
 ( milit>y sexual trauma ,9 ?is section1
 ! t]m milit>y sexual trauma has ! mean+
 giv5 su* t]m 9 section #agbj;,d7f7 (   
title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 z add$  
by section #cja4  #cje4 ,comptroll]     
,g5]al /udy on access to c>e = survivors
 ( milit>y sexual trauma at ! ,dep>tm5t 
( ,vet]ans ,affairs  7a7 ,9 g5]al ,!    
,comptroll] ,g5]al ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates    
%all conduct a /udy on access to m5tal  
heal? c>e = survivors ( milit>y sexual  
trauma at facilities ( ! ,dep>tm5t (    
,vet]ans ,affairs4  7b7 ,elem5ts ,! /udy
 conduct$ "u subsection 7a7 %all include
 an assessm5t ( ! foll[+3 7#a7 ,!       
availability ( inpati5t & outpati5t     
s]vices1 includ+ wait times & geographic
 disp>ities = su* s]vices4  7#b7 ,!     
availability ( o!r types ( tra9+ &      

support s]vices = survivors ( milit>y   
sexual trauma1 su* z ! ,p>5t+ ,,/air    
program ( ! ,dep>tm5t4  7#c7 ,!         
communication & adv]tisem5t by !        
,dep>tm5t ( ! c>e1 s]vices1 & res\rces  
available = su* survivors4  7#d7 ,!     
b>ri]s to access+ m5tal heal? c>e at a  
facility ( ! ,dep>tm5t = su* survivors1 
includ+ transportation1 *ild c>e1 lack (
 teleheal?1 & m4  7#e7 ,! b>ri]s to     
m5tal heal? c>e at facilities ( !       
,dep>tm5t = su* survivors ( ea* g5d]1   
includ+ ! unique consid]ations = male   
survivors v]sus female survivors4  7#f7 
,! ext5t to :i* ! ,secret>y has assess$ 
! quality ( ! tra9+ provid$ to provid]s 
( ! ,dep>tm5t on milit>y sexual trauma &
 made any adju/m5ts 9 response to su*   
assessm5t4  7#g7 ,! role ( ,vet ,c5t]s 9
 provid+ c>e to su* survivors1 includ+  
curr5t & =m] memb]s ( ! ,arm$ ,=ces4    
7#h7 ,! role ( milit>y sexual trauma    
coord9ators ( ! ,vet]ans ,heal?         
,adm9i/ration 9 coord9at+ & provid+ c>e 
= su* survivors at facilities ( !       

,dep>tm5t4  7#i7 ,any curr5t actions by 
! ,secret>y to /r5g!n access to         
high-quality c>e = su* survivors & su*  
recomm5dations = improv+ access to c>e =
 su* survivors z ! ,comptroll] ,g5]al   
consid]s appropriate4  7c7 ,report ,n   
lat] ?an two ye>s aft] ! date ( !       
enactm5t ( ?is ,act1 ! ,comptroll]      
,g5]al %all submit to ,congress a report
 on ! f9d+s ( ! /udy conduct$ "u        
subsection 7a74  7d7 ,def9itions ,9 ?is 
section3 7#a7 ,milit>y sexual trauma ,9 
?is section1 ! t]m milit>y sexual trauma
 has ! mean+ giv5 su* t]m 9 section     
#agbj;,d7f7 ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates  
,code1 z add$ by section #cja4  7#b7    
,vet ,c5t] ,! t]m ,vet ,c5t] has ! mean+
 giv5 t t]m 9 section #agab;,a7h7 (     
title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code4