Bill Overview
Title: VA Peer Support Enhancement for MST Survivors Act
Description: This act prescribes that a peer support specialist of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) must not be responsible for providing assistance to a veteran regarding a claim for compensation for a covered mental health condition (e.g., post-traumatic stress disorder) based on military sexual trauma (MST) experienced during active service. Such specialists must only provide counseling services, guidance, and support and must not participate in the adjudication of the claim. As part of the forms for claims for compensation for a covered mental health condition based on MST, the VA must include an option for a veteran to elect to be referred to a MST trauma coordinator at the VA facility closest to the veteran's residence. Additionally, the VA must (1) ensure that its peer support specialists receive annual training on providing peer support regarding MST, and (2) provide annual training on the processing of claims for compensation for covered mental health conditions based on MST to its MST coordinators and peer specialists.
Sponsors: Rep. Delgado, Antonio [D-NY-19]
Target Audience
Population: Veterans affected by military sexual trauma (MST) worldwide
Estimated Size: 50000
- According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, there are approximately 20 million veterans in the United States.
- The prevalence of military sexual trauma (MST) is reported to be higher in female veterans, but male veterans are also affected.
- Based on VA reports, around 1 in 4 women and 1 in 100 men who use VA care report they have experienced MST; however, not all veterans use VA services.
- The bill specifies peer support specialists and MST coordinators within the VA who will be directly impacted by the legislation, encompassing a specific subset of VA employees who specialize in MST support.
Reasoning
- Based on the target population size (50,000 veterans potentially impacted by MST) and the policy's budgetary limits, we aim to simulate a diverse set of individuals who vary in factors such as age, gender, VA service usage, location, and severity of MST-related conditions.
- Given the nature of the policy, those who are more engaged with VA services and specifically seeking MST-related assistance will be more directly impacted by the changes.
- We should simulate both those directly affected (e.g., MST survivors actively seeking claims) and those on the periphery of the service, such as veterans who indirectly benefit from increased awareness and support training for VA staff.
- The diversity of experience with MST (gender differences, rural vs. urban access to VA facilities, etc.) is reflected to provide a range of potential policy impacts.
Simulated Interviews
Administrative Assistant (New York, NY)
Age: 38 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm glad that peer support specialists will focus more on providing support rather than getting tied down with the claims process.
- Having a dedicated MST trauma coordinator sounds very reassuring.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Software Developer (San Diego, CA)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It would be good to know there's specialized training and support available.
- I might consider reaching out to the MST coordinator now – this makes VA services seem more approachable.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Student (Houston, TX)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 3
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The streamlined process will help a lot; the current situation is overwhelming.
- Training for VA staff is crucial. Better trained support means better recovery paths.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 4 | 3 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 4 |
Retired (Indianapolis, IN)
Age: 56 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- While this policy won't directly affect me, I'm supportive of anything that helps vets with MST.
- I'll definitely encourage my buddy to reach out for the dedicated support services.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Teacher (Jacksonville, FL)
Age: 42 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm glad they're doing something for others but I've moved past it personally.
- It's good to know support is there if I ever need it.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Construction Worker (Chicago, IL)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The improved services and training might push me to talk to someone.
- It's nice to see attention given to MST but affects aren't immediate.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Retired Nurse (Seattle, WA)
Age: 60 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Policy improvements are overdue, proud to see these changes.
- Training aspect is key, advocating it for others in need.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Farmer (Rural Montana)
Age: 34 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Glad for the improved training, might indirectly benefit others in my community.
- Not quite sure how MST specifics really change things for me.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Social Worker (Atlanta, GA)
Age: 39 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy change makes a huge difference to MST survivors like me.
- Training is something we've been pushing for; very happy to see it!
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 6 |
Mechanic (Detroit, MI)
Age: 33 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think enhancing MST support is necessary; seen friends suffer from it.
- Hoping changes like these expand general VA mental health improvements too.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $25000000 (Low: $20000000, High: $30000000)
Year 2: $26000000 (Low: $21000000, High: $31000000)
Year 3: $27000000 (Low: $22000000, High: $32000000)
Year 5: $29000000 (Low: $24000000, High: $34000000)
Year 10: $33000000 (Low: $27000000, High: $39000000)
Year 100: $65000000 (Low: $55000000, High: $75000000)
Key Considerations
- Hiring and training additional personnel may face logistical challenges.
- Improvements in veteran mental health outcomes depend on effective training and coordination.
- Tracking effectiveness and outcomes of the program will be essential for ongoing support and funding.