“The Humanitarian Service Members Benefit Act” VA Humanitarian Rating

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A BILL

To expand Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits and resources for humanitarian service members to better address the physical, mental, and environmental challenges faced by those who complete humanitarian missions while serving in the United States Armed Forces.

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as “The Humanitarian Service Members Benefit Act” or “THSBA.”

SECTION 2. FINDINGS AND PURPOSE.

(a) Findings. Congress finds that:

  1. Humanitarian service members, while executing their duties, are frequently exposed to conditions hazardous to both their physical and mental health, including:

• Polluted water sources and toxic air.

• Long-term solar radiation and exposure to extreme weather.

• Mental trauma from recovering disaster victims and witnessing death tolls.

• Environmental allergens and other factors harmful to physical health.

  1. Despite these risks, humanitarian service members often face greater challenges in qualifying for and receiving VA benefits compared to their combat-oriented counterparts.

(b) Purpose.

This Act aims to:

  1. Ensure that humanitarian service members receive fair access to VA benefits and services.

  2. Enhance rural access and preventive care for all service members.

  3. Strengthen the network of resources for the long-term health and wellbeing of veterans who have completed humanitarian missions.

SECTION 3. AUTOMATIC VA BENEFIT ELIGIBILITY FOR HUMANITARIAN SERVICE MEMBERS.

  1. Automatic Rating of 10% Disability:

(a) Humanitarian service members who have:

• Successfully completed their term of service; and

• Been honorably or generally discharged;

Shall be granted an automatic 10% VA disability rating, irrespective of combat deployment.

(b) The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall develop guidance for how this automatic rating will be implemented to account for additional claims arising from the unique exposures in humanitarian missions.

  1. Expanded Recognition of Service-Connected Conditions:

VA policies shall reflect a presumption of service connection for injuries and conditions such as:

• Chronic exposure to environmental toxins.

• Long-term effects of solar radiation.

• PTSD linked to high-casualty humanitarian missions.

SECTION 4. ENHANCING RURAL ACCESS TO VA FACILITIES.

  1. Increased Facility Investment:

(a) No later than two years after the enactment of this Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs, in collaboration with the Departments of Defense (DOD) and Health and Human Services (HHS), shall expand VA facilities or implement mobile clinics in underserved rural areas.

(b) Grants may be issued to state and local governments for cooperative medical facilities.

  1. Mobile Healthcare Units:

The VA shall establish mobile healthcare units equipped to serve rural areas by providing physical care, mental health support, and preventative services.

SECTION 5. STRENGTHENING VA STAFFING AND SERVICES.

  1. Staffing Improvements:

(a) VA facilities shall recruit additional medical professionals, mental health providers, and social workers to address current staffing shortages.

(b) Recruitment incentives, including loan repayment programs and competitive salaries, shall be expanded.

  1. Mental Health Resources:

VA facilities shall offer additional programming for trauma recovery and mental health support, including specific group therapy tailored for those with humanitarian mission backgrounds.

SECTION 6. EXPANDING PREVENTIVE CARE OPTIONS.

  1. Wellness and Fitness Benefits:

(a) Veterans shall have access to gym memberships, organized fitness classes, and physical therapy services to encourage preventative care and enhance physical well-being.

(b) Partnerships with local gyms, recreational centers, and sports leagues may be authorized.

  1. Nutrition and Lifestyle Counseling:

Facilities must offer dietary and nutrition assistance programs, led by certified professionals, to improve the quality of life for veterans.

SECTION 7. FUNDING PROVISIONS.

  1. Funding shall be made available by reallocating resources within the following departments:

• Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

• Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

• Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

• Department of Defense (DOD).

  1. Congress shall authorize necessary appropriations. Federal grants may also be distributed to local organizations supporting the expansion of healthcare services under this Act.

SECTION 8. AUTHORIZATION AND ENACTMENT.

  1. Congressional Authorization:

(a) This Act is authorized and shall be codified following a majority vote of both chambers of Congress.

  1. Presidential Action or Departmental Orders:

In lieu of Congressional vote delays, this Act may be temporarily enacted via Executive Order or directives issued by the Secretaries of relevant departments, pending full congressional approval.

  1. Effective Date:

This Act shall take effect 180 days after the date of enactment.

SUBMITTED BY:

Rev. Will Webb, LCM

Founder of Cor12Mission

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