Dignity for MST Survivors Act
Dec 27, 2022
Statute: 136 Stat. 4379
Became law: Dec 27, 2022
Dec 27, 2022
Statute: 136 Stat. 4379
Became law: Dec 27, 2022
Summary
Requires special training for officials and updates procedures to make the claims process more sensitive for military sexual trauma survivors.
What problem does this solve?
Veterans filing claims for military sexual trauma often faced an insensitive process that could cause more harm. This law requires trauma-informed training and practices to ensure survivors are treated with dignity and respect.
What does this law do?
Mandatory training for board members
Requires that all members of the Board of Veterans' Appeals receive annual training on military sexual trauma (MST) and how to handle claims related to it.
Restricts who can hear MST cases
Prevents a claim involving military sexual trauma from being assigned to a board member who has not completed the most recent annual training on the topic.
Requires sensitive language in denial letters
Orders the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to review and change the wording in letters that deny MST claims to ensure the language is sensitive and does not re-traumatize veterans.
Ensures trauma-informed medical exams
Directs the VA to create rules for its doctors and contracted medical providers to use trauma-informed practices when conducting examinations for MST-related claims.
Who does this affect?
- Veterans who are survivors of military sexual trauma
- Board of Veterans' Appeals members
- VA medical providers
What is the real world impact?
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Creates a more supportive claims process
Makes the process for veterans who survived military sexual trauma (MST) less stressful. It requires officials to be trained in trauma-informed care and to use sensitive language when communicating with survivors.
When does this start?
This law sets several deadlines for changes to be made, most of which must happen within 180 days of the law being passed.
First training for board members
The first annual training on military sexual trauma must be offered to all Board of Veterans' Appeals members no later than 180 days after the law is enacted.
New case assignment rules begin
Starting 180 days after the law is enacted, MST-related cases cannot be assigned to board members who have not completed the required training.
Denial letters must be updated
The VA must update the language in denial letters for MST claims to be trauma-informed within 180 days of the law's enactment.