Robert Wittman (R-VA)
Veterans Affairs Transfer of Information and Sharing of Disability Examination Procedures With DOD Doctors Act
A Republican bill with no cosponsors
Last activity — Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the ``Veterans Affairs Transfer of Information and Sharing of Disability Examination Procedures With DOD Doctors Act'', seeks to amend title 10 of the United States Code. It aims to include a single comprehensive disability examination as part of the required Department of Defense physical examination for members of the Armed Forces who are separating. The bill specifies that if a member has a condition that might make them eligible for benefits, the exam must be performed by a provider certified by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Furthermore, it requires the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs to create a joint system for maintaining medical and personnel records. This new system would allow for data sharing between the two departments.
Yes· 3 of 4
- Scored +8
Would veterans be better off under this, taking everything together?
The bill secures more certain disability ratings and better data continuity for service members transitioning to veteran status.
- Scored +7
Does this increase the pay, pensions or support veterans receive?
The bill mandates that disability eligibility determinations made during DOD physicals are binding on the VA, ensuring more reliable benefit assignments.
- Scored +5
Does this make health care easier to get in general?
The bill streamlines the disability examination process for separating service members through integrated medical record sharing.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Standardized Disability Determinations: Under Section 2, if a medical condition is discovered that could lead to disability compensation, the examination will be completed by a health care provider certified by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. This ensures the provider is qualified to determine eligibility.
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Binding Disability Ratings: According to Section 2, an eligibility determination made during the physical examination will be binding on the Department of Veterans Affairs and used to assign a disability rating for the separating member.
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Improved Record Keeping and Data Sharing: As stated in Section 3, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and the Secretary of Defense will jointly establish a system to maintain medical and personnel records. This system will provide for data sharing between the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No specific negative impacts or burdens are explicitly stated in the provided text.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would veterans be better off under this, taking everything together? — The bill secures more certain disability ratings and better data continuity for service members transitioning to veteran status.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this increase the pay, pensions or support veterans receive? — The bill mandates that disability eligibility determinations made during DOD physicals are binding on the VA, ensuring more reliable benefit assignments.
- Healthcare
- Does this make health care easier to get in general? — The bill streamlines the disability examination process for separating service members through integrated medical record sharing.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The establishment of a joint recordkeeping system improves data sharing and administrative coordination between the DOD and VA.
- 2/20/2025
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs.
- 1/16/2025
- Referred to the Committee on Armed Services, and in addition to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Introduced in House