2022: Schweikert Voted To Require The VA To Provide Annual Training On Military Sexual Trauma And Compensation Claims To Every Member Of The Veterans' Appeals Board And Use Trauma-Informed Language When Conducting Examinations And Explaining Claim Decisions. In May 2022, according to Congressional Quarterly, Schweikert voted for the Dignity for MST Survivors Act, which would "require the Veterans Affairs Department to ensure that an annual training on military sexual trauma and resulting compensation claims is offered to each member of the Veterans' Appeals Board and prohibit the assignment of proceedings concerning such claims to any board members who have not completed the most recent training. It would also require the department to establish protocols for VA and contract medical providers to conduct examinations related to such claims using trauma-informed practices and to ensure that letters to individuals explaining a decision to deny such claims use trauma-informed language." The vote was on passage. The House passed the bill by a vote of 405-12, thus the bill was sent to the Senate. [House Vote 216, 5/18/22; Congressional Quarterly, 5/18/22; Congressional Actions, H.R. 6961]
2022: Schweikert Voted To Require The VA To Contract With The National Academies To Review Medical Examinations For Individuals Who Submit Compensation Claims Related To Military Sexual Trauma. In May 2022, according to Congressional Quarterly, Schweikert voted for a bill that would "require the Veterans Affairs Department to enter into an agreement with the National Academies to conduct a review of medical examinations for individuals who submit claims for compensation related to military sexual trauma. It would require the National Academies, within 540 days of enactment, to submit a report to Congress on the findings of its review, including legislative and administrative recommendations, and require the VA, within 90 days of the report submission, to submit a plan to carry out any recommendations." The vote was on passage. The House passed the bill by a vote of 414-2, thus the bill was sent to the Senate. [House Vote 217, 5/18/22; Congressional Quarterly, 5/18/22; Congressional Actions, H.R. 6064]
2022: Schweikert Voted To Require Training For VA Peer Support Specialists On Military Sexual Trauma Support And Annual Training For VA Peer Support Specialists And Veterans Health Administration Military Sexual Trauma Coordinators Over The Processing Of Compensation Claims Related To Military Sexual Trauma. In May 2022, according to Congressional Quarterly, Schweikert voted for the VA Peer Support Enhancement for MST Survivors Act, which would "require the Veterans Affairs Department to provide annual training for VA peer support specialists on how to provide support regarding military sexual trauma and annual training for VA peer support specialists and Veterans Health Administration military sexual trauma coordinators regarding the processing of claims for compensation related to military sexual trauma. It would require the department, in forms for such claims for compensation, to allow veterans to elect to be referred to a Veterans Health Administration military sexual trauma coordinator at the nearest VA facility to their residence. It would specify that peer support specialists are not responsible for assisting veterans with claims for compensation, other than counseling services and guidance, and may not participate in the adjudication of such claims." The vote was on passage. The House passed the bill by a vote of 420-0, thus the bill was sent to the Senate. [House Vote 224, 5/18/22; Congressional Quarterly, 5/18/22; Congressional Actions, H.R. 2724]
2022: Schweikert Voted To Require The VA To Provide Military Sexual Trauma Information And Resources To Claimants During Or Following A Medical Examination Or Board Of Veterans' Appeals Hearing. In May 2022, according to Congressional Quarterly, Schweikert voted for the MST Claims Coordination Act, which would "require the Veterans Affairs Department, during or immediately after a medical examination or Board of Veterans' Appeals hearing with respect to a claim for compensation related to military sexual trauma, to provide claimants with outreach letters, information on the Veterans Crisis Line, information on how to make an appointment with a mental health provider and other information on resources available relating to military sexual trauma." The vote was on passage. The House passed the bill by a vote of 417-0, thus the bill was sent to the Senate. [House Vote 215, 5/18/22; Congressional Quarterly, 5/18/22; Congressional Actions, H.R. 7335]