Senate Panel Passes Comprehensive Legislation to Improve Care of Wounded Soldiers

Press Release

Senate Panel Passes Comprehensive Legislation to Improve Care of Wounded Soldiers

The Senate Armed Services Committee today reported out the Dignified Treatment for Wounded Warriors Act, cosponsored by U.S. Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-AL), comprehensive legislation that would ease the transition for wounded warriors from active duty to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

The bill addresses numerous issues that have been raised by soldiers after they have transitioned from active duty to VA status. Among its provisions, the bipartisan bill requires the development of a comprehensive plan to prevent, diagnose and treat traumatic brain injuries. The legislation also requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to adopt current VA standards for disability ratings, addressing major discrepancies between the departments.

"I am pleased that the members of the committee worked together on this important bill to ensure wounded troops receive the medical care they deserve. Our troops fought terrorism overseas; they shouldn't have to fight bureaucracy at home," Sessions said. "By requiring DOD to use VA standards for disability determination, we will ensure that our injured troops are treated in the fairest way possible."

The bill passed by the committee included an amendment offered by Sessions that would eliminate paperwork for wounded soldiers making the transition from active duty to veteran status, reducing the delay in processing time.

The current process requires that wounded soldiers or their families submit hard copies of service records to the VA. Until the VA receives and processes a veteran's record of service, he or she is not eligible to receive VA benefits, including medical treatment. Sessions' amendment would require DOD to submit an electronic copy of a soldier's record of service to the VA, thereby facilitating a smoother transition between departments.

"The biggest problem wounded soldiers and their families have shared with me is that the transition from DOD to VA medical care is not as seamless as it should be," Sessions said. "My amendment would eliminate paperwork and allow the departments to process soldiers' service records electronically, reducing delays."

The committee, of which Sessions is a member, reported the bill (S. 1606) out by a vote of 25-0. The legislation now awaits action on the Senate floor.

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