S. 1245 · 119th Congress
Servicemembers and Veterans Empowerment and Support Act of 2025
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BlumenthalSponsor16 cosponsors · 13 D, 2 R, 1 I
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Fetterman
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Hirono
PM
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Murray
LM
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Murkowski
JS
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Shaheen
CV
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Van Hollen
SW
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Whitehouse
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Coons
JB
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Boozman
JH
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Hickenlooper
JO
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Ossoff
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King
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Booker
KG
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Gillibrand
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Schiff
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Wyden7 signed on when it was introduced; the rest joined later. Cosponsors who withdrew aren't shown.
Servicemembers and Veterans Empowerment and Support Act of 2025
What it does: CRS summary · Introduced in Senate · Apr 1, 2025
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.
The Veterans Benefits Administration must conduct an annual special focus review on the accuracy of the processing of claims for disability compensation for disabilities relating to MST.
Additionally, the bill (1) expands eligibility for MST counseling and treatment to former members of the reserve components regardless of duty status, and (2) requires various outreach by the VA to inform potentially eligible individuals about MST care.
Written by the nonpartisan Congressional Research Service. All summary versions on Congress.gov
About this bill and sources
Official title: Servicemembers and Veterans Empowerment and Support Act of 2025
Latest action (Jul 30, 2025): Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
Policy area: Armed Forces and National Security · Origin: Senate · Introduced: Apr 1, 2025
Official page on Congress.gov · Bill text (GovInfo) · Status record (XML)
No recorded floor vote found.