Bill Overview
Title: Dignity for MST Survivors Act
Description: This act modifies communications and procedures for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Board of Veterans' Appeals (BVA) regarding claims for compensation based on military sexual trauma (MST) experienced by veterans. The act requires the VA to ensure each member of the BVA is offered annual training on MST and proceedings that concern a claim for compensation based on MST. A proceeding that concerns a claim for compensation based on MST may not be assigned to a member of the BVA (or a panel of members) unless such persons have completed the annual training. When a notice of disagreement is filed, the BVA must promptly determine whether it is filed for a case that concerns a claim for compensation based on MST and for which the appellant has requested a hearing in the notice. The VA must audit the language used in letters sent to individuals to explain decisions denying claims for compensation based on MST. Letters must be modified to ensure (1) the use of trauma-informed language, and (2) veterans are not retraumatized through insensitive language. The VA must establish protocols for VA medical providers and contract medical providers to ensure that the medical providers use trauma-informed practices in conducting examinations in relation to claims for compensation based on MST.
Sponsors: Rep. Mrvan, Frank J. [D-IN-1]
Target Audience
Population: Veterans who have experienced military sexual trauma (MST)
Estimated Size: 102100
- The bill specifically addresses veterans who have experienced military sexual trauma (MST).
- Military sexual trauma can affect both male and female veterans.
- The procedures involved include claims for compensation, highlighting that this population may not only experience trauma but also have economic challenges due to the impact of MST.
- The bill targets elements within the Department of Veterans Affairs and Board of Veterans' Appeals, which deal with veterans' claims, indicating a focus on individuals who seek these services, i.e., claimants.
Reasoning
- The policy specifically targets veterans who have experienced MST, focusing on improved VA processes and communication, implying the primary beneficiaries are survivors undergoing or potentially undergoing claims processes.
- Given the financial constraints, only a fraction of the overall MST survivor population will directly benefit initially, suggesting considerations for commonness and scale of impact.
- We expect varied perceptions and responses depending on personal backgrounds and experiences with the VA.
- Simulation needs to ensure that the group includes both those directly affected by MST and the policy, and those who might not perceive any impact but whose opinions can reveal the broader societal viewpoint.
Simulated Interviews
Veteran, seeking employment (Texas)
Age: 34 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I have struggled with getting my claim approved because it often feels like I'm not believed or understood.
- Knowing that BVA members will be trained on MST could make the process less daunting.
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 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 3 |
Veteran, automotive technician (California)
Age: 29 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It can be really helpful if the letters explaining claim denials are written more considerately. Being retraumatized by language in such correspondence is the last thing I need.
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 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
VA counselor (New York)
Age: 42 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I see a lot of potential for this policy to help my clients feel more supported through their claims process.
- The training of BVA members is particularly significant, as many of my clients report feeling dismissed.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Unemployed veteran (Florida)
Age: 36 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 3
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I hope this policy will make the VA more compassionate and understanding when dealing with our cases.
- The yearly training for BVA members is a good step forward, but I hope it translates into real action.
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 | 5 | 2 |
| Year 10 | 4 | 2 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 2 |
Policy analyst (Washington D.C.)
Age: 31 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy is a step forward in making the VA system more sensitive to the needs of MST survivors.
- I believe it's crucial for trust-building between veterans and the VA.
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 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
VA administrative staff (Ohio)
Age: 48 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The training might not seem like a lot, but it can significantly improve how claims are processed and perceived.
- Sensitivity in communications is key; I see the effects of poorly chosen words in veterans quite often.
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 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
Veteran, retired (Virginia)
Age: 55 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's crucial that the policy not only mandates training but also measures the outcomes effectively.
- We've needed these changes for a long time, but implementation will determine success.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Veteran, advisor on military affairs (Illinois)
Age: 63 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The bill addresses very pertinent issues, especially concerning trauma-informed care.
- Veterans deserve empathy and understanding, which this policy aims to foster.
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 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Veteran, freelance writer (New Mexico)
Age: 45 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Policies like this make me cautiously optimistic for real change in the VA.
- However, the systemic change is slow; it needs to be more than paper promises.
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 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
Active military, planning retirement (Colorado)
Age: 37 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 3
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm skeptical because many policies fail to address root issues, hope this one does.
- Mandatory training is a start, but must lead to tangible support for those affected.
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 | 5 | 2 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 2 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 2 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $8500000 (Low: $6500000, High: $12000000)
Year 2: $8500000 (Low: $6700000, High: $12300000)
Year 3: $8600000 (Low: $6800000, High: $12500000)
Year 5: $8600000 (Low: $6900000, High: $13000000)
Year 10: $8700000 (Low: $7000000, High: $13500000)
Year 100: $10000000 (Low: $8500000, High: $18000000)
Key Considerations
- The implementation of trauma-informed practices could face challenges in standardization across VA facilities and providers.
- Administrative bottlenecks might occur as systems and personnel transition to the new procedures and guidelines.
- Potential savings are speculative and highly dependent on the efficiency gains in claims processing.