S. 1245 · In committee · Armed Forces and National Security
Servicemembers and Veterans Empowerment and Support Act of 2025
Sponsor: Richard Blumenthal (D-CT)
What it does
- Require the VA to consider diagnosis by a mental health professional, medically proven link between current symptoms and military sexual trauma (MST), and credible corroborating evidence when evaluating veteran claims fo
- Prohibit the VA from denying MST-related mental health claims without first advising veterans that nonmilitary and behavioral evidence may constitute credible corroborating evidence and allowing them to submit or identif
- Mandate an annual special focus review by the Veterans Benefits Administration to assess accuracy of disability compensation claims processing for MST-related disabilities.
- Expand eligibility for MST counseling and treatment to former members of the reserve component (reserve and National Guard).
Official summary
Servicemembers and Veterans Empowerment and Support Act of 2025 This bill modifies and implements policies and procedures related to Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care and benefits for veterans who have experienced military sexual trauma (MST), which is generally defined as physical assault of a sexual nature, battery of a sexual nature, or sexual harassment that occurred while the veteran was serving in the military. In the case of any veteran who claims that a covered mental health condition (e.g., post-traumatic stress disorder) based on MST was incurred or aggravated by active service, the VA must consider (1) a diagnosis of the condition by a mental health professional, (2) a medically proven link between current symptoms and MST, and (3) credible corroborating evidence that MST occurred. The VA may not deny a veteran's claim of compensation for a covered mental health condition based on MST without first (1) advising the veteran that nonmilitary evidence and behavioral evidence may constitute credible corroborating evidence, and (2) allowing the veteran an opportunity to furnish the corroborating evidence or advise the VA of potential sources of such evidence…
Latest action
Jul 30, 2025: Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
Committee: Senate Veterans' Affairs