Bill Overview
Title: MST Claims Coordination Act
Description: This act modifies the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) claims process for claims related to military sexual trauma (MST). During or immediately after a medical examination, hearing before the Board of Veterans' Appeals, or other relevant event, the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) must coordinate with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) to provide veterans who elect to receive materials with outreach letters, information on the Veterans Crisis Line, information on how to make an appointment with a mental health provider, and other information on available resources relating to MST. Additionally, the VHA and the VBA must provide such materials with the determination the VA provides to the claimant in connection with a claim for compensation. In a claim for compensation arising from MST experienced by a veteran who is enrolled in the VA health care system and consents to the notification system, the VBA must automatically notify the VHA before the veteran (1) participates in a medical examination, hearing, or other relevant event; or (2) receives a determination from the VA in connection with the claim for compensation.
Sponsors: Rep. Luria, Elaine G. [D-VA-2]
Target Audience
Population: People worldwide who are veterans and might be affected by claims of military sexual trauma (MST)
Estimated Size: 500000
- The bill specifically addresses the VA claims process for claims related to military sexual trauma (MST).
- Military sexual trauma is experienced by veterans who have served in the military, affecting both male and female service members.
- According to a 2021 report, around 1 in 4 women and 1 in 100 men responded "yes" that they experienced MST when screened by their VA health care provider.
- The total number of veterans registered for benefits with the VA is around 9 million, with varying amounts that may be affected by such claims processes.
- Given data on MST, potentially hundreds of thousands of veterans might have experienced MST and thus might be impacted by changes in claims processing for MST.
Reasoning
- The policy aims to enhance support for veterans suffering from military sexual trauma (MST) through better coordination between the Veterans Benefits Administration and the Veterans Health Administration.
- Given the high number of veterans potentially affected by MST, approximately 500,000, the policy is well within budget to provide substantial improvements in support materials and notification systems.
- This policy primarily targets a subset of the 9 million veterans enrolled in the VA system, specifically those dealing with MST claims.
- The budget of $1,205,000,000 over 10 years allows for infrastructure improvements, staff training, and the dispersal of informational material, focusing on indirect and direct care for MST-claims processing.
- While the exact cost of providing information and resources is uncertain, the coordination effort indicated by the budget suggests that a substantial fraction of MST-affected veterans can receive focused assistance, positively influencing their wellbeing.
Simulated Interviews
veteran advocate (California)
Age: 36 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy is a step in the right direction but does not go far enough in addressing the root causes of MST.
- Focusing on coordination helps, but more preventative measures should be taken.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
construction worker (Texas)
Age: 29 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I haven't experienced MST, but it's good to know the VA is supporting my fellow veterans.
- I hope this leads to more comprehensive mental health care for all veterans eventually.
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 |
psychologist (Florida)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy can improve outreach and coordination, potentially leading to better outcomes in my sessions.
- However, effective mental health support needs continuous funding beyond initial coordination efforts.
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 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 6 |
retired (New York)
Age: 52 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Receiving quick and coordinated support can make a big difference in dealing with past traumas.
- It's encouraging to see the VA addressing these issues.
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 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 4 |
VA claims officer (Virginia)
Age: 40 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy should streamline processes and reduce claimant stress.
- Our team needs more training to handle MST cases sensitively.
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 | 8 | 6 |
freelance writer (Colorado)
Age: 34 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 3
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The real impact will be if this policy translates into lasting support and improved mental health services.
- It's a tough journey, and comprehensive care is crucial.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 4 | 3 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 3 |
retired military (Montana)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I support the idea but have seen many policies come and go.
- Hopefully, this one makes a real difference.
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 |
student (Illinois)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy might speed up processing and improve my access to resources.
- I've faced long waits in the past; this needs to change.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
teacher (Washington)
Age: 38 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I hope this policy makes a difference for those who need it.
- Increasing awareness might also lead to more support initiatives for other veteran needs.
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 |
social worker (Ohio)
Age: 48 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This could help reduce the backlog in MST claims processing that I've seen.
- Effective execution is key; it should be more than just paperwork.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $150000000 (Low: $120000000, High: $180000000)
Year 2: $140000000 (Low: $110000000, High: $170000000)
Year 3: $130000000 (Low: $100000000, High: $160000000)
Year 5: $120000000 (Low: $90000000, High: $150000000)
Year 10: $100000000 (Low: $80000000, High: $130000000)
Year 100: $50000000 (Low: $40000000, High: $70000000)
Key Considerations
- Coordination between the VBA and VHA is crucial for the bill's success, necessitating significant administrative collaboration.
- The act aims to improve support for veterans experiencing military sexual trauma, enhancing their access to mental health resources.
- Costs will be heavily influenced by the need for system upgrades and information dissemination.