Today, April 13th, 2022, Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-02) signed on as a cosponsor of H.R. 7335, the Military Sexual Trauma (MST) Claims Coordination Act. This bipartisan bill would work to better assist survivors of sexual assault and harassment in the military access to the medical care they need and the compensation they deserve.
“Sexual assault, abuse, and harassment do not belong in our military, let alone our society. Survivors need to have access to proper care and treatment services and to have their claims treated fairly and respectfully,” said Miller-Meeks. “It is far too common for survivors to report their abuse and face a seemingly endless bureaucratic process that can do more harm than good to their mental health. As a physician and twenty-four-year Army veteran I am proud to work to support survivors.”
Background:
H.R. 7335 would require improved communication and coordination between the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) and Veterans Health Administration (VHA) when assisting veterans with filing claims. Additionally, the legislation would cut red tape and allow veterans to avoid burdensome bureaucratic processes in submitting basic information between the VBA and the VHA.
The bill also requires more advanced services, including information on the Veterans Crisis Line, information on accessing counseling and care, and the provision of additional resources specifically for survivors.
Original source can be found here
