H.R. 5509 would amend titles 10 and 38, United States Code, to improve and enhance procedures for the retirement of members of the Armed Forces for disability and to improve and enhance authorities for the rating and compensation of service-connected disabilities in veterans.
Detailed Summary
Noble Warrior Act - Amends federal armed forces provisions to add new provisions concerning the retirement for disability of members of the Armed Forces (members) following the implementation of an enhanced Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) disability compensation system (implemented under this Act).
Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to continue after discharge or separation from active duty respite care and aid and other extended care benefits for members who incur a serious injury or illness while serving on such duty.
Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (Secretary) to conduct a study to determine the appropriate: (1) amount of compensation for service-connected disability payable to veterans for each assigned rating of disability; and (2) amounts and duration of transition payments and rehabilitation transition allowances payable to veterans participating in a rehabilitation program.
Requires the Secretary to conduct a study on measures to assist and encourage veterans in the completion of their vocational rehabilitation plans.
Directs the Secretary to submit to Congress a proposal on the purposes and amounts of veterans' disability compensation and veterans' transition benefits. Provides for congressional consideration (by way of a joint resolution) of such proposal.
Makes the effective date of implementation of the enhanced VA disability compensation system the date on which the authority of Congress to disapprove the Secretary's proposal expires, as long as Congress does not disapprove the proposal before such date.
Revises the current VA schedule of disability ratings to take into account losses of earning capacity and quality of life as a result of the disability. Provides revised compensation and transition payments in connection with service-connected disabilities.
Allows a retired veteran entitled to compensation for a service-connected disability to elect to provide a monthly supplemental survivor benefit to the veteran's surviving spouse and/or children. Authorizes such election by veterans: (1) at the time of award of the disability compensation; (2) not married at the time of award of the compensation who later marry; and (3) married at the time of award of the compensation who later remarry. Allows a veteran to revoke the election of a benefit to a surviving spouse. Provides for the receipt of such benefit on the first day of the first month after the veteran dies. Requires the: (1) reduction of disability compensation due to the election of the supplemental survivor benefit; and (2) offset of the supplemental survivor benefit by the amount of dependency and indemnity compensation received.
Status of the Legislation
Latest Major Action: 3/14/2008: Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.
Points in Favor
(Log in to edit the wiki and be the first to show why the bill should pass!)
Points Against
(Log in to edit the wiki and be the first to show why the bill should not pass!)
Visitor Comments
Ncharity
March 2, 2008, 1:07am (report abuse)RE: There should be a new BILL To Be Amended, how about those Veterans that have committed SUICIDE and those of us LEFT BEHIND. The Girlfriennd, Fiance, Wifes, And The CHILDREN. Whats the government going to do about US. Myself, and my Three CHILDREN left behind. Their Fathers INCOME WAS OUR INCOME. Due To the Army/Service and the places he was sent to did more damage and does more damage on the mental well being of our soilders and the soilders family has to suffer for it. Even if they had been HONORABLY DISCHARGED AT ANY PRIOR TIME in the PAST. My situation he was discharged in 2002 What is the government going to do to help us and those in the same situation? There are many Thousands and everyday the numbers are growing. Catch the SIGNS BEFORE THE SERVICE LETS THEM IN>>>>
Stu Steinberg
March 9, 2008, 12:33am (report abuse)I am a National Service Officer for Vietnam Veterans of America. This bill is horrendous and is geared to reduce the amount of money disabled veterans are entitled to. The fact that it has been introduced by Rep. Buyer should say it all. The companion bill, S2764, introdiced by Sen. Burr is equally flawed. These people are pushing the agenda of right wing groups like the American Enterprise Institute and the Heritage Foundation who are on the record stating that veterans disability benefits are welfare and that many veterans commit fraud to receive benefits, particularly when it comes to claims for mental illnesses like Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Rep. Buyer is not now and never has been a friend to veterans. This bill should be rejected.
dave carmean
April 21, 2008, 7:33pm (report abuse)THIS IS A BILL NOT WORTHY OF BEING PUT FORTH TO A VOTE. ALL THIS IS TO DO IS TO TAKE VETERANS BENEFITS AWAY. EVEN WORSE IS S-2674 BILL.
Melvin Leon Gill
August 25, 2008, 2:38pm (report abuse)This bill is just one more way to steal social security benefits from veterans that have paid into it. we've had our retired pay taken from us in order to receive disability from the VA. In effect this has deprived Veterans of the pay they have earned for years of service. This bill should never have been written. It should be rejected in committe and not allowed to go to the floor for a vote.