Summary:
Putting Our Veterans Back to Work Act of 2013 - Amends the: (1) VOW to Hire Heroes Act of 2011 to extend through March 31, 2016, the veterans retraining assistance program; and (2) Wounded Warrior Act to extend through 2016 the authority of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) (Secretary) to provide the same rehabilitation and vocational benefits to members of the Armed Forces (members) with severe injuries or illnesses as are provided to veterans.

Extends through: (1) March 31, 2016, additional VA rehabilitation programs for certain disabled veterans who have completed a VA rehabilitation program and have exhausted their rights to state unemployment benefits; and (2) FY2015 the collaborative veterans' training, mentoring, and placement program.

Directs the Secretary to develop a single, unified federal web-based employment portal for veterans to access information on federal programs and activities concerning veterans employment, unemployment benefits, and training.

Directs the: (1) Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) to award grants to hire veterans as firefighters, and (2) Attorney General (AG) to award grants to hire veterans as law enforcement officers.

Requires the head of each executive and defense agency to consider favorably, as an evaluation factor in federal solicitations for contracts and task or delivery orders valued at or above $25 million, the employment by a prospective contractor of veterans constituting at least 5% of the contractor's workforce.

Allows a veteran on whose behalf a complaint of a violation of employment or reemployment rights under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) is made by the AG to intervene in such action, and to obtain appropriate relief. Requires the AG, within 60 days after receiving a referral of an unsuccessful attempt to resolve a complaint relating to a state or private employer, to notify the person on whose behalf the complaint is submitted of either the decision to commence such an action or of when such decision is expected to be made. Requires, in the latter case, such decision to be made within an additional 30 days. Requires the AG to commence such an action when there is reasonable cause to believe that a state or private employer is engaged in a pattern or practice of resistance to the full enjoyment of such rights and benefits, and that the pattern or practice denies the full exercise of such rights and benefits.

Authorizes the suspension, termination, or debarment of federal contractors for repeated failures or refusals to comply with USERRA protections.

Provides the Special Counsel with subpoena power to require the attendance and testimony of, and production of documents from, federal employees, to be enforced through the Merit Systems Protection Board.

Authorizes the AG, in employment or reemployment rights investigations, to issue and serve a civil investigative demand for the production of documentary material.

putting veterans work act amends hire heroes act extend march veterans retraining assistance program wounded warrior act extend authority secretary veterans_affairs secretary provide rehabilitation vocational benefits members armed_forces members severe injuries illnesses provided veterans extends march additional rehabilitation programs certain disabled veterans completed rehabilitation program exhausted rights state unemployment benefits fy2015 collaborative veterans training mentoring placement program directs secretary develop single unified federal web based employment portal veterans access information federal programs activities concerning veterans employment unemployment benefits training directs secretary homeland_security dhs award grants hire veterans firefighters attorney general award grants hire veterans law enforcement officers requires head executive defense agency consider evaluation factor federal solicitations contracts task delivery orders valued million employment prospective contractor veterans constituting contractor workforce allows veteran behalf complaint violation employment reemployment rights uniformed_services_employment_and_reemployment_rights_act userra intervene action obtain appropriate relief requires days receiving referral unsuccessful attempt resolve complaint relating state private employer notify person behalf complaint submitted decision commence action decision expected requires case decision additional days requires commence action reasonable cause believe state private employer engaged pattern practice resistance enjoyment rights benefits pattern practice denies exercise rights benefits authorizes suspension termination debarment federal contractors repeated failures refusals comply userra protections provides special_counsel subpoena power require attendance testimony production documents federal employees enforced merit_systems_protection_board authorizes employment reemployment rights investigations issue serve civil investigative demand production documentary material


Summary:
Women Veterans and Other Health Care Improvements Act of 2013 - (Sec. 2) Includes fertility counseling and treatment within authorized Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical services.

(Sec. 3) Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (Secretary) to furnish such counseling and treatment, including the use of assisted reproductive technology, to a spouse or surrogate of a severely wounded, ill, or injured veteran who has an infertility condition incurred or aggravated in the line of duty and who is enrolled in the VA health care system, as long as the spouse and veteran apply jointly for such counseling and treatment.

(Sec. 4) Authorizes the Secretary to pay to any such veteran an amount to assist in the adoption of one or more children. Provides cost limits.

(Sec. 5) Directs the Secretary to prescribe regulations on the furnishing of such counseling, treatment, and adoption assistance.

(Sec. 6) Requires the Secretary and the Secretary of Defense (DOD) to share best practices and facilitate referrals on the furnishing of such counseling and treatment.

(Sec. 7) Directs the Secretary to facilitate research conducted collaboratively by the Secretaries of Defense and Health and Human Services (HHS) in order to improve VA's ability to meet the long-term reproductive health care needs of veterans who have a service-connected genitourinary disability or a condition that was incurred or aggravated in the line of duty, such as a spinal cord injury, that affects the veterans' ability to reproduce. Requires the Secretary to report to Congress on such research.

(Sec. 8) Directs the Secretary to report annually to the congressional veterans committees on the counseling and treatment provided under this Act.

(Sec. 9) Directs the Secretary to carry out a program of providing assistance to veterans to obtain child care during the period they are receiving mental health services. Requires the program to be carried out in at least three Veterans Integrated Service Networks selected by the Secretary. Directs the Secretary to carry out a similar program to provide assistance to the primary caretaker of a child or children who is receiving or in need of readjustment counseling and related mental health services from the VA. Requires the latter program to be carried out in at least three Readjustment Counseling Service Regions selected by the Secretary.

(Sec. 10) Directs the Secretary to provide, through the Readjustment Counseling Service of the Veterans Health Administration, reintegration and readjustment services in group retreat settings to women veterans who are recently separated from service after a prolonged deployment. Requires the receipt of services to be at the election of the veteran. Repeals superseded pilot program authority under the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2010.

women veterans health_care improvements act sec includes fertility counseling treatment authorized department_of_veterans_affairs medical services sec directs secretary veterans_affairs secretary furnish counseling treatment including use assisted reproductive technology spouse surrogate severely wounded ill injured veteran infertility condition incurred aggravated line duty enrolled health_care system long spouse veteran apply jointly counseling treatment sec authorizes secretary pay veteran assist adoption children provides cost limits sec directs secretary prescribe regulations furnishing counseling treatment adoption assistance sec requires secretary secretary defense dod share best practices facilitate referrals furnishing counseling treatment sec directs secretary facilitate research conducted collaboratively secretaries_of_defense health_and_human_services hhs order improve ability meet long term reproductive health_care needs veterans service connected disability condition incurred aggravated line duty spinal cord injury affects veterans ability reproduce requires secretary report congress research sec directs secretary report annually congressional veterans committees counseling treatment provided act sec directs secretary carry program providing assistance veterans obtain child care period receiving mental health services requires program carried veterans_integrated_service_networks selected secretary directs secretary carry similar program provide assistance primary caretaker child children receiving need readjustment counseling related mental health services requires program carried readjustment counseling service regions selected secretary sec directs secretary provide readjustment counseling service veterans_health_administration reintegration readjustment services group retreat settings women veterans recently separated service prolonged deployment requires receipt services election veteran repeals superseded pilot program authority caregivers veterans_omnibus_health_services act


Summary:
Makes eligible for interment in a national cemetery any individual who: (1) the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) determines served in combat support of the Armed Forces in Laos during the period beginning on February 28, 1961, and ending on May 15, 1975; and (2) at the time of death was a U.S. citizen or lawfully admitted alien.

.

makes eligible interment national cemetery individual secretary veterans_affairs determines served combat support armed_forces laos period beginning february ending time death citizen lawfully admitted alien


Summary:
Stolen Valor Act of 2013 - Amends the federal criminal code to rewrite provisions relating to fraudulent claims about military service to subject to a fine, imprisonment for not more than one year, or both an individual who, with intent to obtain money, property, or other tangible benefit, fraudulently holds himself or herself out to be a recipient of:

 a Congressional Medal of Honor, a distinguished-service cross, a Navy cross, an Air Force cross, a silver star, a Purple Heart, a Combat Infantryman's Badge, a Combat Action Badge, a Combat Medical Badge, a Combat Action Ribbon, a Combat Action Medal, or any replacement or duplicate medal for such medal as authorized by law.

stolen valor act amends federal criminal code provisions relating fraudulent claims military service subject fine imprisonment year individual intent obtain money property tangible benefit fraudulently holds recipient congressional medal honor distinguished service cross navy cross air_force cross silver star purple heart combat badge combat action badge combat medical badge combat action ribbon combat action medal replacement duplicate medal medal authorized law


Summary:
Retired Pay Restoration Act of 2013 - Allows the receipt of both military retired pay and veterans' disability compensation with respect to any service-connected disability (under current law, only a disability rated at 50% or more).

Makes eligible for the full concurrent receipt of both veterans' disability compensation and either military retired pay or combat-related special pay those individuals who were retired or separated from military service due to a service-connected disability.

retired pay restoration act allows receipt military retired pay veterans disability compensation respect service connected disability current law disability rated makes eligible concurrent receipt veterans disability compensation military retired pay combat related special pay individuals retired separated military service service connected disability


Summary: Directs the Secretary of Defense (DOD) to provide transportation on scheduled and unscheduled military flights within the United States and on scheduled overseas flights on a space-available basis for veterans with a service-connected, permanent disability rated as total.

directs secretary defense dod provide transportation scheduled unscheduled military flights united_states scheduled overseas flights space available basis veterans service connected permanent disability rated total


Summary:
Veterans Small Business Opportunity and Protection Act of 2013 - Treats the surviving spouse of a service-disabled veteran who acquires the ownership interest in a small business of the deceased veteran as such veteran, for purposes of eligibility for VA service-disabled small business contracting goals and preferences, for a period of: (1) 10 years after the veteran's death, if such veteran was either 100% disabled or died from a service-connected disability; or (2) 3 years after such death, if the veteran was less than 100% disabled and did not die from a service-connected disability.

Treats a small business acquired by the surviving spouse or dependent from a member killed during active duty as a small business owned and controlled by a service-disabled veteran, for purposes of VA small business contracting goals and preferences. Continues such treatment for the period beginning on the date of the member's death and ending on the earlier of: (1) the date on which the surviving spouse remarries or relinquishes, or the date on which the surviving dependent relinquishes, such ownership interest; or (2) ten years after the member's death.

veterans small business opportunity protection act treats surviving spouse service disabled veteran acquires ownership interest small business deceased veteran veteran purposes eligibility service disabled small business contracting goals preferences period years veteran death veteran disabled died service connected disability years death veteran disabled die service connected disability treats small business acquired surviving spouse dependent member killed active duty small business owned controlled service disabled veteran purposes small business contracting goals preferences continues treatment period beginning date member death ending earlier date surviving spouse remarries relinquishes date surviving dependent relinquishes ownership interest years member death


Summary: Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to transport individuals to and from facilities of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in connection with vocational rehabilitation, counseling, examination, treatment, or care.

authorizes secretary veterans_affairs transport individuals facilities department_of_veterans_affairs connection vocational rehabilitation counseling examination treatment care


Summary: Requires a state, as a condition for receipt of a grant or contract from the Department of Labor for support of disabled veterans' outreach specialists and local veterans' employment representatives, to establish a program which issues a license or credential to a veteran without requiring any training or apprenticeship if such veteran: (1) receives a satisfactory score on completion of an examination administered by that state, and (2) has at least 10 years of experience in a military occupational specialty that is similar to the civilian occupation for which such license or credential is required.

requires state condition receipt grant contract department_of_labor support disabled veterans outreach specialists local veterans employment representatives establish program issues license credential veteran requiring training apprenticeship veteran receives satisfactory score completion examination administered state years experience military occupational specialty similar civilian occupation license credential required


Summary:
Careers for Veterans Act of 2013 - Directs the head of each federal agency to develop a plan for exercising, during the five-year period beginning on the enactment of this Act, current Department of Defense (DOD) and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) authority to hire qualified veterans for positions within the federal government. Includes as qualified veterans those who: (1) are disabled or recently separated; (2) served on active duty during a war or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized; or (3) while serving on active duty, participated in a military operation for which an Armed Forces service medal was awarded. Requires the Director of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to ensure that, under such plans, agencies shall appoint no less than 10,000 qualified veterans during the five-year period.

Requires a state, as a condition for receipt of a grant or contract from the VA for support of disabled veterans' outreach specialists and local veterans' employment representatives, to establish a program which issues a license or credential to a veteran without requiring any training or apprenticeship if such veteran: (1) receives a satisfactory score on completion of an examination administered by that state, and (2) has at least 10 years of experience in a military occupational specialty that is similar to the civilian occupation for which such license or credential is required.

Directs the Secretary of Labor to: (1) furnish each one-stop (job search) center with a list of all Internet websites and applications identified as beneficial for veterans in pursuit of employment; and (2) coordinate with public and private entities to identify websites and applications not included on such list that match veterans seeking employment with available jobs based on skills acquired as members of the Armed Forces, and allow employers to post information about available jobs.

Expands VA small business contracting goals to include small businesses fully, but conditionally, owned by one or more veterans.

Treats the surviving spouse of a service-disabled veteran who acquires the ownership interest in a small business of the deceased veteran as such veteran, for purposes of eligibility for VA service-disabled small business contracting goals and preferences, for a period of: (1) 10 years after the veteran's death, if such veteran was either 100% disabled or died from a service-connected disability; or (2) 3 years after such death, if the veteran was less than 100% disabled and did not die from a service-connected disability.

Treats a small business acquired by the surviving spouse or dependent from a member killed during active duty as a small business owned and controlled by a service-disabled veteran, for purposes of VA small business contracting goals and preferences. Continues such treatment for the period beginning on the date of the member's death and ending on the earlier of the date on which the surviving spouse remarries or relinquishes, or the date on which the surviving dependent relinquishes, such ownership interest or ten years after the member's death.

Provides that if the Secretary determines, for purposes of VA small business contracting goals, that an individual would have had a greater degree of ownership of a small business in a state other than a community property state, then the Secretary shall treat such small business as licensed in a non-community property state.

careers veterans act directs head federal agency develop plan exercising year period beginning enactment act current department_of_defense dod department_of_veterans_affairs authority hire qualified veterans positions federal_government includes qualified veterans disabled recently separated served active duty war campaign expedition campaign badge authorized serving active duty participated military operation armed_forces service medal awarded requires director office_of_personnel_management opm ensure plans agencies shall appoint qualified veterans year period requires state condition receipt grant contract support disabled veterans outreach specialists local veterans employment representatives establish program issues license credential veteran requiring training apprenticeship veteran receives satisfactory score completion examination administered state years experience military occupational specialty similar civilian occupation license credential required directs secretary labor furnish stop job search center list internet websites applications identified beneficial veterans pursuit employment coordinate public private entities identify websites applications included list match veterans seeking employment available jobs based skills acquired members armed_forces allow employers post information available jobs expands small business contracting goals include small businesses fully conditionally owned veterans treats surviving spouse service disabled veteran acquires ownership interest small business deceased veteran veteran purposes eligibility service disabled small business contracting goals preferences period years veteran death veteran disabled died service connected disability years death veteran disabled die service connected disability treats small business acquired surviving spouse dependent member killed active duty small business owned controlled service disabled veteran purposes small business contracting goals preferences continues treatment period beginning date member death ending earlier date surviving spouse remarries relinquishes date surviving dependent relinquishes ownership interest years member death provides secretary determines purposes small business contracting goals individual greater degree ownership small business state community property state secretary shall treat small business licensed non community property state


Summary: Includes under the Yellow Ribbon G.I. Education Enhancement Program (public-private contributions for educational assistance in addition to post-9/11 educational assistance) the child of an individual who, on or after September 11, 2001, dies in the line of duty while serving on active duty.

includes yellow ribbon education enhancement program public private contributions educational assistance addition educational assistance child individual september dies line duty serving active duty


Summary:
Wounded Warrior Workforce Enhancement Act - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to award grants to eligible institutions to: (1) establish a master's or doctoral degree program in orthotics and prosthetics, or (2) expand upon an existing master's degree program in such area. Requires a grant priority for institutions in partnership with a medical center administered by the VA or a facility administered by the Department of Defense (DOD). Provides grant amounts of at least $1 million and up to $1.5 million. Defines as eligible institutions those either accredited by the National Commission on Orthotic and Prosthetic Education or demonstrating an ability to meet such accreditation requirements if receiving a grant.

Requires the Secretary to award a grant to an institution with orthotic and prosthetic research and education experience to: (1) establish the Center of Excellence in Orthotic and Prosthetic Education; and (2) improve orthotic and prosthetic outcomes for veterans, members of the Armed Forces, and civilians by conducting orthotic and prosthetic-based research.

wounded warrior workforce enhancement act_-_directs secretary veterans_affairs award grants eligible institutions establish master doctoral degree program orthotics prosthetics expand existing master degree program area requires grant priority institutions partnership medical center administered facility administered department_of_defense dod provides grant amounts million million defines eligible institutions accredited national_commission orthotic prosthetic education demonstrating ability meet accreditation requirements receiving grant requires secretary award grant institution orthotic prosthetic research education experience establish center_of_excellence orthotic prosthetic education improve orthotic prosthetic outcomes veterans members armed_forces civilians conducting orthotic prosthetic based research


Summary:
VISN Reorganization Act of 2013 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to organize the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) into 12 geographically defined Veterans Integrated Service Networks (VISNs).

Directs the Secretary to ensure that each VISN: (1) is aligned with the mission of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the specific health care requirements of veterans in that network; (2) implements VA national goals within their network and associated medical centers; (3) maintains a regional integrated health care system; (4) identifies and reduces the duplication of functions in VHA clinical, administrative, and operational processes and practices; (5) works to achieve maximum effectiveness in patient care and safety, graduate medical education, and research; (6) assesses the consolidation or realignment of institutional functions, in collaboration and cooperation with other VISNs and specified offices or entities within their network; and (7) develops and shares innovations and best practices with each other at the local, regional, and national levels.

Prohibits more than one headquarters for each VISN, with no more than 65 full-time employees. Requires the Secretary to report at least annually to the congressional veterans committees on employment at VISN headquarters.

Directs the Secretary, at least every three years, to: (1) review and assess VISN structure and operations, and (2) submit review results to such committees.

Requires the Secretary, in order to comply with the requirements of this Act, to realign and combine the current 21 VISNs into 12 geographically defined VISNs, and to appropriately consolidate VISN headquarters. Directs the Secretary to submit to such committees a realignment implementation plan.

Provides for the relocation of leased VISN headquarters, requiring the Secretary to notify such committees if renewing or engaging in a new lease for any headquarters.

Directs the Secretary to establish up to four regional support centers within the VHA to assess the effectiveness and efficiency of the VISNs.

visn reorganization act directs secretary veterans_affairs organize veterans_health_administration vha geographically defined veterans_integrated_service_networks visns directs secretary ensure visn aligned mission department_of_veterans_affairs specific health_care requirements veterans network implements national goals network associated medical centers maintains regional integrated health_care system identifies reduces duplication functions vha clinical administrative operational processes practices works achieve maximum effectiveness patient care safety graduate medical education research assesses consolidation realignment institutional functions collaboration cooperation visns specified offices entities network develops shares innovations best practices local regional national levels prohibits headquarters visn time employees requires secretary report annually congressional veterans committees employment visn headquarters directs secretary years review assess visn structure operations submit review results committees requires secretary order comply requirements act realign combine current visns geographically defined visns appropriately consolidate visn headquarters directs secretary submit committees realignment implementation plan provides relocation leased visn headquarters requiring secretary notify committees renewing engaging new lease headquarters directs secretary establish regional support centers vha assess effectiveness efficiency visns


Summary:
(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary of that version is repeated here.)

Veterans Second Amendment Protection Act - Prohibits, in any case arising out of the administration of laws and benefits by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA), any person who is mentally incapacitated, deemed mentally incompetent, or experiencing an extended loss of consciousness from being considered adjudicated as a mental defective for purposes of the right to receive or transport firearms without the order or finding of a judicial authority of competent jurisdiction that such person is a danger to himself or herself or others.

measure amended introduced summary version repeated veterans second amendment protection act prohibits case arising administration laws benefits secretary veterans_affairs person mentally incapacitated deemed mentally incompetent experiencing extended loss consciousness considered adjudicated mental defective purposes right receive transport firearms order finding judicial authority competent jurisdiction person danger


Summary:
Authorizes payment under the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) beneficiary travel program of travel expenses in connection with medical examination, treatment, or care of a veteran with vision impairment, a spinal cord injury or disorder, or double or multiple amputations whose travel is in connection with care provided through a VA special disabilities rehabilitation program, if such care is provided: (1) on an inpatient basis, or (2) while a veteran is provided temporary lodging at a VA facility in order to make such care more accessible.

Requires a report from the Secretary to the congressional veterans committees on the travel program.

authorizes payment department_of_veterans_affairs beneficiary travel program travel expenses connection medical examination treatment care veteran vision impairment spinal cord injury disorder double multiple travel connection care provided special disabilities rehabilitation program care provided inpatient basis veteran provided temporary lodging facility order care accessible requires report secretary congressional veterans committees travel program


Summary:
Filipino Veterans Fairness Act of 2013 - Deems certain service performed before July 1, 1946, in the organized military forces of the Philippines and the Philippine Scouts as active military service for purposes of eligibility for veterans' benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, in determining eligibility under this Act, to take into account any relevant service documentation, including documentation other than the Missouri List (the list of all discharged and deceased veterans from the 20th century).

filipino veterans fairness act deems certain service performed july organized military forces philippines philippine_scouts active military service purposes eligibility veterans benefits department_of_veterans_affairs directs secretary veterans_affairs determining eligibility act account relevant service documentation including documentation missouri list list discharged deceased veterans 20th century


Summary: Veterans Paralympic Act of 2013 - Extends, until FY2018, the yearly: (1) $2 million appropriations authorization for the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to pay a monthly assistance allowance to disabled veterans training or competing for the Paralympic Team; and (2) $8 million appropriations authorization, with amounts appropriated remaining available without fiscal year limitation, for grants to U.S. Paralympics, Inc.

veterans paralympic act extends fy2018 yearly million appropriations authorization secretary veterans_affairs pay monthly assistance allowance disabled veterans training competing paralympic team million appropriations authorization amounts appropriated remaining available fiscal year limitation grants


Summary:
Repeals certain provisions which require the offset of amounts paid in dependency and indemnity compensation from Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) annuities for the surviving spouses of former military personnel who are entitled to military retired pay or would be entitled to such pay, except for being under 60 years of age.

Prohibits recoupment by the Secretary of Defense (DOD) of certain amounts previously paid to SBP recipients in the form of a retired pay refund.

Repeals the optional authority of (and instead requires) the Secretary of the military department concerned to pay an annuity to a member's dependent children when there is no eligible surviving spouse. Directs the Secretary concerned to restore annuity eligibility to a surviving spouse who earlier agreed to transfer such eligibility to a surviving child or children of a member.

repeals certain provisions require offset amounts paid dependency indemnity compensation survivor_benefit_plan sbp annuities surviving spouses military personnel entitled military retired pay entitled pay years age prohibits recoupment secretary defense dod certain amounts previously paid sbp recipients form retired pay refund repeals optional authority instead requires secretary military department concerned pay annuity member dependent children eligible surviving spouse directs secretary concerned restore annuity eligibility surviving spouse earlier agreed transfer eligibility surviving child children member


Summary:
Survivor Benefits Improvement Act of 2013 - Allows dependency and indemnity compensation (DIC) paid through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to the surviving spouses of veterans to be increased for months occurring during the five-year (under current law, two-year) period beginning on the date of entitlement.

Provides that the remarriage after age 55 of the surviving spouse of a veteran shall not bar the furnishing of VA DIC, health care, educational assistance, and housing loans.

Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide, to any spina bifida-affected child of a veteran who served on active duty in Thailand beginning on January 9, 1962, and ending on May 7, 1975, and was exposed to a herbicide agent during such service, the same health care, vocational training and rehabilitation, and monetary allowance required to be paid to a similarly-affected child of a Vietnam veteran.

Directs the Secretary to carry out a two-year pilot program to assess the feasibility and advisability of providing grief counseling services for the surviving spouses of veterans who die while serving on active duty.

survivor benefits improvement act allows dependency indemnity compensation dic paid department_of_veterans_affairs surviving spouses veterans increased months occurring year current law year period beginning date entitlement provides remarriage age surviving spouse veteran shall bar furnishing dic health_care educational assistance housing loans authorizes secretary veterans_affairs provide spina bifida affected child veteran served active duty thailand beginning january ending exposed herbicide agent service health_care vocational training rehabilitation monetary allowance required paid similarly affected child vietnam veteran directs secretary carry year pilot program assess feasibility advisability providing counseling services surviving spouses veterans die serving active duty


Summary:
Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to issue to a veteran a card, to be known as a Veterans ID Card, that identifies the veteran as a veteran and includes the veteran's name and photo. Allows the Secretary to issue such a card regardless of whether the veteran is: (1) enrolled in the VA system of annual patient enrollment; or (2) in receipt of VA educational assistance, compensation, or pension.

Authorizes the Secretary to work with national retail chains that offer veterans reduced prices on pharmaceutical and consumer products to ensure that such chains recognize the above cards when offering such prices.

authorizes secretary veterans_affairs issue veteran card known veterans card identifies veteran veteran includes veteran photo allows secretary issue card regardless veteran enrolled system annual patient enrollment receipt educational assistance compensation pension authorizes secretary work national retail chains offer veterans reduced prices pharmaceutical consumer products ensure chains recognize cards offering prices


Summary:
Improving the Lives of Children with Spina Bifida Act of 2013 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to carry out a three-year pilot program to assess the feasibility and advisability of providing contracted case management services (services) to individuals entitled to VA benefits as children of Vietnam and Korean War veterans born with spina bifida, and children of women Vietnam veterans born with certain birth defects who live in a rural area and have no access to such services through the VA or otherwise. Authorizes the Secretary to extend the program for an additional two years. Allows the services to include the coordination and management of needed health care, monetary, general care, and transportation services. Requires the Secretary to: (1) notify eligible individuals, and (2) contract with an appropriate entity for the provision of such services.

Directs the Secretary to carry out an additional pilot program (for the same period and with the same authorized extension) to assess the feasibility and advisability of providing assisted living, group home care or similar services, and transportation to the individuals described above. Requires the Secretary to: (1) notify eligible individuals, and (2) consider entering into an agreement with the appropriate service providers.

Requires preliminary and final reports with respect to, and provides funding for, each pilot program.

improving lives children spina bifida act directs secretary veterans_affairs carry year pilot program assess feasibility advisability providing contracted case management services services individuals entitled benefits children vietnam korean war veterans born spina bifida children women vietnam veterans born certain birth defects live rural area access services authorizes secretary extend program additional years allows services include coordination management needed health_care monetary general care transportation services requires secretary notify eligible individuals contract appropriate entity provision services directs secretary carry additional pilot program period authorized extension assess feasibility advisability providing assisted living group home care similar services transportation individuals described requires secretary notify eligible individuals consider entering agreement appropriate service providers requires preliminary final reports respect provides funding pilot program


Summary:
(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary of that version is repeated here.)

Caregivers Expansion and Improvement Act of 2013 - Extends to all veterans with a serious service-connected injury the eligibility to participate in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) program of comprehensive assistance to family caregivers of such veterans. (Under current law, such eligibility is limited to those veterans who incurred such an injury on or after September 11, 2001.)

measure amended introduced summary version repeated caregivers expansion improvement act extends veterans service connected injury eligibility participate department_of_veterans_affairs program comprehensive assistance family caregivers veterans current law eligibility limited veterans incurred injury september


Summary: Filipino Veterans Promise Act - Directs the Secretary of Defense (DOD) to establish a process for determining whether individuals who served in the organized military forces of the Government of the Commonwealth of the Philippines or in the Philippine Scouts while in the service of the U.S. Armed Forces during World War II and who are not included in the Missouri List are eligible for certain benefits relating to their U.S. service.

filipino veterans promise act_-_directs secretary defense dod establish process determining individuals served organized military forces government commonwealth philippines philippine_scouts service armed_forces world war included missouri list eligible certain benefits relating service


Summary:
(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary of that version is repeated here.)

 Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2013 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to increase, as of December 1, 2013, the rates of veterans' disability compensation, additional compensation for dependents, the clothing allowance for certain disabled veterans, and dependency and indemnity compensation for surviving spouses and children.

Requires each such increase to be the same percentage as the increase in benefits provided under title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act, on the same effective date.

measure amended introduced summary version repeated veterans compensation cost living adjustment act directs secretary veterans_affairs increase december rates veterans disability compensation additional compensation dependents clothing allowance certain disabled veterans dependency indemnity compensation surviving spouses children requires increase percentage increase benefits provided title old age survivors disability_insurance social_security_act effective date


Summary:
Extends from June 30, 2013, to June 30, 2016, the period during which certain work-study activities qualify for an additional veterans' educational assistance allowance under the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) educational assistance program. Expands such activities to include, for the same additional period, certain outreach services provided through U.S. congressional offices, including the distribution of information to members of the Armed Forces, veterans, and their dependents concerning available benefits and services.

Requires annual reports from the VA Secretary to Congress on work-study allowances paid.

extends june june period certain work study activities qualify additional veterans educational assistance allowance department_of_veterans_affairs educational assistance program expands activities include additional period certain outreach services provided congressional offices including distribution information members armed_forces veterans dependents concerning available benefits services requires annual reports secretary congress work study allowances paid


Summary:
Veterans Equipped for Success Act of 2013 - Directs the Secretary of Labor to carry out a three-year pilot program to assess the feasibility and advisability of providing subsidies to employers employing eligible individuals in order to provide such individuals with valuable work experience, increase their skills, and assist them in obtaining long-term employment. Makes eligible for such program an individual who:

 is a veteran who was discharged or released from service under conditions other than dishonorable, is a member of the reserves who served on active duty for more than 180 consecutive days during the two-year period ending on the date of participation in the program, is between the ages of 18 and 34 or 55 and 64, is not in receiving compensation through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) due to unemployability, is not enrolled in a federal or state job training program, and is considered by the Secretary to be unemployed or underemployed. Outlines employer eligibility requirements, and prohibits an employer from displacing current employees with program participants. Limits the program to 50,000 participants, and directs the Secretary to carry out the program in areas with high concentrations of veterans. Provides subsidy amounts as percentages of basic pay for the work performed. Limits payment duration to one year or the period of employment under the program. Expresses the sense of Congress that such subsidy should not be paid for the performance of functions that are so inherently governmental that the position would not provide the individual with the experience, training, or skills necessary for employment in the private sector. Requires pilot program reports during its duration.

Directs the VA Secretary to conduct a three-year pilot program to assess the feasibility and advisability of establishing a program of career transition services to assist eligible individuals in obtaining work experience in the private sector, increasing their marketable skills, obtaining long-term employment, and integrating into their local communities. Makes eligible for such program an individual described under (1), (2), or (6), above, who is, at the time of participation, at least 18 but no more than 30 years old. Limits the program to 50,000 participants, and directs such Secretary to especially consider areas with high concentrations of eligible individuals age 25 and younger. Outlines available career transition services under the program, and directs such Secretary to attempt to place participants in an internship with an appropriate employer. Provides mentoring and job-shadowing for program participants. Requires participants to also participate in volunteer activities related to providing assistance to, or for the benefit of, a veteran. Directs such Secretary to provide workshops for the development and improvement of professional skills of participants. Requires pilot program reports.

veterans equipped success act directs secretary labor carry year pilot program assess feasibility advisability providing subsidies employers employing eligible individuals order provide individuals valuable work experience increase skills assist obtaining long term employment makes eligible program individual veteran discharged released service conditions dishonorable member reserves served active duty consecutive days year period ending date participation program ages receiving compensation department_of_veterans_affairs unemployability enrolled federal state job training program considered secretary unemployed outlines employer eligibility requirements prohibits employer displacing current employees program participants limits program participants directs secretary carry program areas high concentrations veterans provides subsidy amounts percentages basic pay work performed limits payment duration year period employment program expresses sense congress subsidy paid performance functions inherently governmental position provide individual experience training skills necessary employment private sector requires pilot program reports duration directs secretary conduct year pilot program assess feasibility advisability establishing program career transition services assist eligible individuals obtaining work experience private sector increasing marketable skills obtaining long term employment integrating local communities makes eligible program individual described time participation years old limits program participants directs secretary especially consider areas high concentrations eligible individuals age younger outlines available career transition services program directs secretary attempt place participants internship appropriate employer provides mentoring job program participants requires participants participate volunteer activities related providing assistance benefit veteran directs secretary provide workshops development improvement professional skills participants requires pilot program reports


Summary:
Veterans' Outreach Act of 2013 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to carry out a two-year demonstration project to assess the feasibility and advisability of using state and local government agencies and nonprofit organizations to increase veteran awareness of available benefits and services, and to improve the coordination of outreach activities between the Secretary and federal, state, and local government and nonprofit providers of health care and benefit services for veterans. Allows the Secretary to extend such program for an additional two years.

Authorizes the Secretary to enter into cooperative agreements with various state departments and agencies concerning the provision of veterans' activities.

Requires the Secretary to include, in annual VA budget justification materials, a separate statement of amounts requested for outreach activities of the VA in aggregate as well as for each of the Office of the Secretary, the Veterans Health Administration, the Veterans Benefits Administration, and the National Cemetery Administration.

Directs the Secretary to establish: (1) an advisory committee on VA outreach activities; and (2) for each VA medical center, an advisory board relating to outreach activities at such center.

Changes from biennial to annual a required report to Congress on VA outreach activities. Requires the inclusion in each report of recommendations: (1) to maximize resources for VA outreach activities, and (2) to focus such efforts on activities proven to be more effective.

veterans outreach act directs secretary veterans_affairs carry year demonstration project assess feasibility advisability state local government agencies nonprofit organizations increase veteran awareness available benefits services improve coordination outreach activities secretary federal state local government nonprofit providers health_care benefit services veterans allows secretary extend program additional years authorizes secretary enter cooperative agreements state departments agencies concerning provision veterans activities requires secretary include annual budget justification materials separate statement amounts requested outreach activities aggregate office_of_the_secretary veterans_health_administration veterans_benefits_administration national_cemetery_administration directs secretary establish advisory_committee outreach activities medical center advisory_board relating outreach activities center changes biennial annual required report congress outreach activities requires inclusion report recommendations maximize resources outreach activities focus efforts activities proven effective


Summary:
Claims Processing Improvement Act of 2013 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to establish: (1) a working group to assess and develop recommendations for improving the employee work credit and work management systems of the Veterans Benefits Administration, and (2) a task force to assess the retention and training of claims processors and adjudicators employed by the VA and other federal departments and agencies.

Requires the Secretary, in providing assistance to a VA benefits claimant, to make no fewer than two attempts to obtain needed records from another federal department or agency, and to notify the claimant of the inability to obtain all of the records sought. Requires a record sought before the adjudication of a claim but received after such adjudication to be considered part of the original record.

Authorizes the Secretary to recognize representatives of Indian tribes in the preparation, presentation, and prosecution of VA claims.

Directs the Secretary to: (1) carry out a pilot program of including the participation of local governments and tribal organizations in improving the quality of disability compensation claims submitted to the VA, and (2) report quarterly through 2015 to the congressional veterans committees on the backlog of submitted claims.

Changes from one year to 180 days the filing period of a notice of disagreement to a decision on a claim, after which appellate review will be initiated. Allows the Secretary to waive such deadline for good cause shown, as long as such notice is filed within 186 days after the original deadline.

Revises the manner of appearance (in person, through picture and voice transmission, etc.) and appropriate location of a hearing before the Board of Veterans' Appeals.

Authorizes the Secretary to disclose VA patient medical records, as appropriate under an appeal, to the Supreme Court, a U.S. Court of Appeals, or the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims.

Extends: (1) VA authority to operate a regional office in the Republic of the Philippines, (2) the period for the scheduling of VA medical exams for veterans receiving temporary disability ratings due to severe mental disorders, (3) the marriage delimiting date for surviving spouses of Persian Gulf War veterans to qualify for a VA death pension, and (4) the temporary authority for the performance of VA medical disability examinations by contract physicians.

Requires a report from the Secretary to the veterans committees on: (1) the furnishing of general and specialty medical examinations by the VA for purposes of adjudicating benefits claims, and (2) progress of the VA's acceptable clinical evidence initiative in reducing the necessity for in-person disability examinations and other efforts to comply with requirements concerning the acceptance of reports of private physicians.

claims processing improvement act directs secretary veterans_affairs establish working_group assess develop recommendations improving employee work credit work management systems veterans_benefits_administration task_force assess retention training claims processors employed federal departments agencies requires secretary providing assistance benefits claimant fewer attempts obtain needed records federal department agency notify claimant inability obtain records sought requires record sought adjudication claim received adjudication considered original record authorizes secretary recognize representatives indian tribes preparation presentation prosecution claims directs secretary carry pilot program including participation local governments tribal organizations improving quality disability compensation claims submitted report quarterly congressional veterans committees backlog submitted claims changes year days filing period notice disagreement decision claim appellate review initiated allows secretary waive deadline good cause shown long notice filed days original deadline revises manner appearance person picture voice transmission etc appropriate location hearing board veterans appeals authorizes secretary disclose patient medical records appropriate appeal supreme_court court_of_appeals court_of_appeals veterans claims extends authority operate regional office republic_of_the_philippines period scheduling medical exams veterans receiving temporary disability ratings severe mental disorders marriage date surviving spouses persian_gulf_war veterans qualify death pension temporary authority performance medical disability examinations contract physicians requires report secretary veterans committees furnishing general specialty medical examinations purposes adjudicating benefits claims progress acceptable clinical evidence initiative reducing necessity person disability examinations efforts comply requirements concerning acceptance reports private physicians


Summary:
Putting Veterans Funding First Act of 2013 - Authorizes the provision of advance appropriations for the following discretionary (under current law, medical care) accounts of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA): (1) Veterans Health Administration Medical Services, Medical Support and Compliance, Medical Facilities, and Medical Research and Support; (2) National Cemetery Administration; and (3) Veterans Benefits Administration, Native American Veteran Housing Loan Program.

Authorizes the provision of advance appropriations for the following VA discretionary administration accounts: (1) general operating expenses, (2) information technology systems, (3) the Office of the Inspector General, (4) construction for major and minor projects, and (5) grants for the construction of state extended care facilities and veterans cemeteries.

putting veterans funding act authorizes provision advance appropriations following discretionary current law medical care accounts department_of_veterans_affairs veterans_health_administration medical services medical support compliance medical facilities medical research support national_cemetery_administration veterans_benefits_administration native american veteran housing loan program authorizes provision advance appropriations following discretionary administration accounts general operating expenses information technology systems office_of_the_inspector_general construction major minor projects grants construction state extended care facilities veterans cemeteries


Summary:
Quicker Veterans Benefits Delivery Act of 2013 - Prohibits the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA), during the six-year period after the enactment of this Act, from requesting a medical examination in connection with a claim for veterans' disability compensation when the claimant submits medical evidence provided by a non-VA medical professional that is competent, credible, probative, and otherwise adequate for making a claim decision.

Requires the Secretary, during the same period: (1) to assign a prestabilization disability rating of total, 50%, or 30%, as appropriate; (2) to provide temporary minimum disability ratings for veterans not assigned a permanent rating; and (3) to not count any veteran assigned a prestabilization or temporary minimum rating under any backlog of unassigned ratings.

Authorizes the Secretary, during the same period, to certify benefit payments by mail or account deposit before the first day of the month for which such payments are due.

veterans benefits delivery act prohibits secretary veterans_affairs year period enactment act requesting medical examination connection claim veterans disability compensation claimant submits medical evidence provided non-va medical professional competent credible adequate making claim decision requires secretary period assign disability rating total appropriate provide temporary minimum disability ratings veterans assigned permanent rating count veteran assigned temporary minimum rating backlog ratings authorizes secretary period certify benefit payments mail account deposit day month payments


Summary:
Provides that if a person adversely affected by a final decision of the Board of Veterans' Appeals who has not filed a notice of appeal with the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims within the required 120-day period files a document with the Board or the agency of original jurisdiction within 120 days after the Board's decision expressing disagreement with the decision, such document shall be treated as a motion for reconsideration by the Board.

Provides that such a document shall not be considered a motion for reconsideration if the Board or agency of original jurisdiction receives the document, determines that it expresses an intent to appeal the decision to the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, and forwards the document to such Court within the 120-day period.

provides person adversely affected final decision board veterans appeals filed notice appeal united_states_court_of_appeals veterans claims required day period files document board agency original jurisdiction days board decision expressing disagreement decision document shall treated motion reconsideration board provides document shall considered motion reconsideration board agency original jurisdiction receives document determines expresses intent appeal decision united_states_court_of_appeals veterans claims forwards document court day period


Summary: Authorizes and requests the President to award the Medal of Honor to James Megellas for acts of valor on January 28, 1945, during the Battle of the Bulge in World War II.

authorizes requests president award medal honor james acts valor january battle world war


Summary:
Help Veterans Own Franchises Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a business-related tax credit of up to $100,000 for 25% of the franchise fees paid or incurred by a veteran for the purchase of a franchise.

Directs the Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA) and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide information about the tax credit allowed by this Act to veterans service organizations and veteran advocacy groups.

help veterans franchises act amends_the_internal_revenue_code allow business related tax credit franchise fees paid incurred veteran purchase franchise directs administrator small_business_administration sba secretary veterans_affairs provide information tax credit allowed act veterans service organizations veteran advocacy groups


Summary:
Spouses of Heroes Education Act - Entitles to post-9/11 veterans' educational assistance the spouse (under current law, only the child) of a person who, on or after September 11, 2001, dies in the line of duty while serving on active duty as a member of the Armed Forces. Terminates such spouse's entitlement on the earlier of: (1) the date that is 15 years after the date on which the member died, and (2) the date of the spouse's remarriage.

Requires an individual entitled to such assistance and also to veterans' educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill to elect a single coverage.

spouses heroes education act entitles veterans educational assistance spouse current law child person september dies line duty serving active duty member armed_forces terminates spouse entitlement earlier date years date member died date spouse remarriage requires individual entitled assistance veterans educational assistance montgomery bill elect single coverage


Summary:
Veterans Legal Support Act of 2013 - Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide support to at least one university law school program that is designed to provide legal assistance to veterans.

Allows programs of university law schools which may receive support under this Act to include those that assist veterans with: (1) filing and appealing claims for benefits under laws administered by the Secretary; and (2) such other civil, criminal, and family legal matters as considered appropriate.

Permits the support provided to a program to include financial support.

Limits the total amount of financial support provided in any fiscal year to $1 million.

veterans legal support act authorizes secretary veterans_affairs provide support university law school program designed provide legal assistance veterans allows programs university law schools receive support act include assist veterans filing appealing claims benefits laws administered secretary civil criminal family legal matters considered appropriate permits support provided program include financial support limits total financial support provided fiscal year million


Summary:
Veterans Benefits Claims Faster Filing Act - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to post in a conspicuous place in each VA regional office and claims intake facility and on the VA website information on: (1) the average processing time for fully developed and not fully developed VA benefits claims submitted in specified forms, and (2) the percentage of such claims filed by specified methods for which benefits are awarded.

Requires the Secretary to notify each person submitting a claim for a VA benefit of such information and of the person's eligibility to receive up to an extra year of benefit payments if the person files a claim that is fully developed.

Requires the notice information to be updated at least quarterly.

veterans benefits claims faster filing act_-_directs secretary veterans_affairs post conspicuous place regional office claims intake facility website information average processing time fully developed fully developed benefits claims submitted specified forms percentage claims filed specified methods benefits awarded requires secretary notify person submitting claim benefit information person eligibility receive extra year benefit payments person files claim fully developed requires notice information updated quarterly


Summary:
Improving Job Opportunities for Veterans Act of 2013 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA), for a certain four-year period, to require training establishments applying for state approval of on-the-job training programs to certify that the wages to be paid an eligible veteran or person upon entrance into training will be increased in regular periodic increments until, by the last full month of the training period, they will be at least 75% (currently 85%) of the wages paid for the job for which such eligible veteran or person is being trained.

Requires the Secretary to enter into agreements with the heads of other federal departments and agencies to operate similar on-the-job training programs to train eligible veterans or persons to perform skills necessary for employment by the department or agency operating the program.

Extends from November 30 through December 31, 2016, the requirement of a reduced pension ($90 per month) for veterans (with neither spouse nor child) or surviving spouses (with no child) covered by Medicaid plans under title XIX of the Social Security Act for services furnished by nursing facilities.

improving job opportunities veterans act directs secretary veterans_affairs certain year period require training establishments applying state approval job training programs certify wages paid eligible veteran person entrance training increased regular periodic increments month training period currently wages paid job eligible veteran person trained requires secretary enter agreements heads federal departments agencies operate similar job training programs train eligible veterans persons perform skills necessary employment department agency operating program extends november december requirement reduced pension month veterans spouse child surviving spouses child covered medicaid plans title xix social_security_act services furnished nursing facilities


Summary: Veterans Travel Tax Relief Act of 2013 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow veterans a deduction from gross income, up to $400 a year, for their travel expenses, including those of a family member, to a Department of Veterans Affairs medical center for treatment related to a service-connected disability or for an examination related to a claim for disability compensation or a pension.

veterans_travel tax relief_act amends_the_internal_revenue_code allow veterans deduction gross income year travel expenses including family member department_of_veterans_affairs_medical_center treatment related service connected disability examination related claim disability compensation pension


Summary: Authorizes the President to award the Medal of Honor to First Lieutenant Alonzo H. Cushing for acts of valor during the Civil War.

authorizes president award medal honor lieutenant acts valor civil war


Summary: Requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, during and as part of any electronic process for the filing of applications for benefits provided through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), to: (1) notify each claimant or claimant representative that application services may be available from veterans service organizations (VSOs), and (2) provide such claimant or representative with a list of such VSOs.

requires secretary veterans_affairs electronic process filing applications benefits provided department_of_veterans_affairs notify claimant claimant representative application services available veterans service organizations provide claimant representative list


Summary:
World War II Merchant Mariner Service Act - Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) to accept additional documentation for verifying that an individual performed honorable service as a coastwise merchant seaman during the period beginning on December 7, 1941, and ending on December 31, 1946, for purposes of eligibility for veterans' benefits under the GI Bill Improvement Act of 1977. Requires such documentation to include Social Security Administration (SSA) records and validated testimony in the case of the absence of Coast Guard shipping or discharge forms, ship logbooks, documents, or other official employment records.

Requires the Secretary, when determining whether to recognize service allegedly performed during such period, to recognize masters of seagoing vessels or other command officers who were authorized to document an individual for purposes of hiring for or discharging from the merchant marine.

Considers any service so recognized as active-duty service for purposes of veterans' burial benefits. Makes such veterans eligible for any appropriate military medals, ribbons, and decorations. Requires the Secretary to verify that an individual performed such service under honorable conditions without regard to their sex, age, or disability during the service period.

world war merchant mariner service act_-_directs secretary homeland_security dhs accept additional documentation verifying individual performed honorable service coastwise merchant seaman period beginning december ending december purposes eligibility veterans benefits bill improvement act requires documentation include social_security_administration ssa records validated testimony case absence coast_guard shipping discharge forms ship documents official employment records requires secretary determining recognize service allegedly performed period recognize masters vessels command officers authorized document individual purposes hiring discharging merchant marine considers service recognized active duty service purposes veterans burial benefits makes veterans eligible appropriate military medals decorations requires secretary verify individual performed service honorable conditions regard sex age disability service period


Summary:
Helping Heroes Fly Act - Directs the Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security (Transportation Security Administration [TSA]) to develop and implement a process to ease travel and to the extent possible provide expedited passenger screening services for severely injured or disabled Armed Forces members and veterans, and their accompanying family members or nonmedical attendants.

Requires the Assistant Secretary also to maintain an operations center to provide for the movement of such members and veterans through screening before boarding a domestic or foreign passenger aircraft.

Directs the Assistant Secretary to establish and publish certain protocols for severely injured or disabled Armed Forces members and veterans or their family members and others to contact the operations center to request expedited screening services for the member or veteran.

helping heroes fly act_-_directs assistant secretary homeland_security transportation_security_administration tsa develop implement process ease travel extent possible provide expedited passenger screening services severely injured disabled armed_forces members veterans accompanying family members attendants requires assistant secretary maintain operations center provide movement members veterans screening boarding domestic foreign passenger aircraft directs assistant secretary establish publish certain protocols severely injured disabled armed_forces members veterans family members contact operations center request expedited screening services member veteran


Summary:
(This measure has not been amended since it was passed by the Senate on November 18, 2013. The summary of that version is repeated here.)

Alicia Dawn Koehl Respect for National Cemeteries Act - Authorizes the appropriate federal official (either the Secretary of Veterans Affairs [VA] or the Secretary of the Army) to reconsider a decision to inter or honor the memory of a person in the National Cemetery Administration or in Arlington National Cemetery upon receiving information that such person may have committed a federal or state capital crime but was not convicted by reason of unavailability for trial due to death or flight to avoid prosecution.

Requires such official, upon finding, after an opportunity for a hearing, that the person committed but was not convicted of such crime, to provide notice to the individual's next of kin or other person authorized to arrange burial or memorialization of the deceased person of the decision to disinter such person's remains or remove a memorial headstone or marker. Allows such next of kin or other person 60 days to file a notice of disagreement, which shall initiate appellate review. Authorizes the appropriate federal official, when a decision becomes final, to disinter the remains or remove the memorial headstone or marker.

Modifies the exception to the prohibition against interment or memorialization in the National Cemetery System or Arlington National Cemetery of a person convicted of a federal or state capital crime to require receipt of written notice of a conviction before interment or memorialization takes place (currently, receipt of such notice is required before the appropriate federal official approves an application for interment or memorialization).

Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs: (1) to disinter the remains of Michael LaShawn Anderson from Fort Custer National Cemetery (Michigan); (2) to notify his next of kin of the impending disinterment; and (3) upon disinterment, to relinquish the remains to the next of kin or, if the next of kin of record is unavailable, arrange for the appropriate disposition of the remains.

measure amended passed senate november summary version repeated dawn respect national cemeteries act_-_authorizes appropriate federal official secretary veterans_affairs secretary army reconsider decision inter honor memory person national_cemetery_administration arlington national cemetery receiving information person committed federal state capital crime convicted reason trial death flight avoid prosecution requires official finding opportunity hearing person committed convicted crime provide notice individual kin person authorized arrange burial deceased person decision person remains remove memorial headstone marker allows kin person days file notice disagreement shall initiate appellate review authorizes appropriate federal official decision final remains remove memorial headstone marker modifies exception prohibition interment national cemetery system arlington national cemetery person convicted federal state capital crime require receipt written notice conviction interment takes place currently receipt notice required appropriate federal official approves application interment directs secretary veterans_affairs remains michael fort national cemetery michigan notify kin impending relinquish remains kin kin record unavailable arrange appropriate disposition remains


Summary: Includes among the circumstances under which the federal government shall not be entitled to recover a portion of the value of state home facilities that received a grant for, but that the state has ceased to operate for, furnishing domiciliary or nursing home care to veterans the provision by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) of a contract or grant for veterans' residential care in such facilities.

includes circumstances federal_government shall entitled recover portion value state home facilities received grant state ceased operate furnishing domiciliary nursing home care veterans provision secretary veterans_affairs contract grant veterans residential care facilities


Summary: Veterans Outreach Enhancement Act of 2013 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to carry out a five-year program of outreach to veterans to increase: (1) their access and use of federal, state, and local programs providing compensation and other benefits for service in the Armed Forces; and (2) their awareness of and eligibility for such programs. Allows the Secretary, under the program, to enter into agreements with other federal and state agencies and specified authorities and commissions to carry out projects to further such purposes.

veterans outreach enhancement_act directs secretary veterans_affairs carry year program outreach veterans increase access use federal state local programs providing compensation benefits service armed_forces awareness eligibility programs allows secretary program enter agreements federal state agencies specified authorities commissions carry projects purposes


Summary: Benefits Fairness for Filipino Veterans Act of 2013 - Provides that, with respect to eligibility for benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) of Filipino veterans who are lawful U.S. residents, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs may not determine that such a person is not an individual residing in the United States solely because the person is outside the United States for any period of less than one year.

benefits fairness filipino veterans act provides respect eligibility benefits department_of_veterans_affairs filipino veterans lawful residents secretary veterans_affairs determine person individual residing united_states solely person outside united_states period year


Summary:
Military Family Relief Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to pay temporary (not to exceed six months) dependency and indemnity compensation (DIC) to the surviving spouse of a veteran if, at the time of death, the veteran was in receipt of or entitled to receive compensation for a service-connected disability rated as total for at least one year preceding the veteran's death.

Authorizes the payment to such survivor, for the same period, of any veteran's pension that the deceased was receiving at the time of death, without regard to the annual income and net worth of the surviving spouse.

Allows a surviving spouse who is entitled to pension or DIC under any other VA provision to be paid the amount by which such pension or DIC exceeds the amount of pension paid under this Act.

military family relief act_-_authorizes secretary veterans_affairs pay temporary exceed months dependency indemnity compensation dic surviving spouse veteran time death veteran receipt entitled receive compensation service connected disability rated total year preceding veteran death authorizes payment survivor period veteran pension deceased receiving time death regard annual income net worth surviving spouse allows surviving spouse entitled pension dic provision paid pension dic exceeds pension paid act


Summary:
Improved Compensation for Hearing Loss Act of 2013 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to report to the congressional veterans committees on actions taken to implement the findings and recommendations included in the 2006 report by the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies entitled "Noise and Military Service: Implications for Hearing Loss and Tinnitus."

Requires the Secretary's report to include an evaluation of the extent to which veterans who had a military occupational specialty that is not included on the Duty Military Occupational Specialty Noise Exposure Listing are precluded from receiving VA benefits related to hearing loss.

Directs the Secretary to report to Congress on joint VA-Department of Defense (DOD) programs concerning the prevention, early detection, and treatment of hearing loss of members of the Armed Forces and veterans, as well as related matters.

improved compensation hearing loss act directs secretary veterans_affairs report congressional veterans committees actions taken implement findings recommendations included report institute_of_medicine_of_the_national_academies entitled noise military service implications hearing loss tinnitus requires secretary report include evaluation extent veterans military occupational specialty included duty military occupational specialty noise exposure listing precluded receiving benefits related hearing loss directs secretary report congress joint department_of_defense dod programs concerning prevention early detection treatment hearing loss members armed_forces veterans related matters


Summary: Expands the entitlement of disabled veterans and members of the Armed Forces to automobiles and other conveyances to: (1) allow two replacements of such automobiles and conveyances; (2) allow unlimited replacements if the automobile or other conveyance was destroyed due to a natural or other disaster and through no fault of the veteran or member; and (3) increase the maximum amount allowed for an automobile or conveyance to the lesser of its total purchase price or $30,000 (currently, $18,900).

expands entitlement disabled veterans members armed_forces automobiles conveyances allow replacements automobiles conveyances allow unlimited replacements automobile conveyance destroyed natural disaster fault veteran member increase maximum allowed automobile conveyance lesser total purchase price currently


Summary: Requires premium rates and cash, loan, paid-up, and extended values for service-disabled veterans life insurance to be based on the Commissioners 2001 Standard Ordinary Mortality Table (currently, the Commissioners 1941 Standard Ordinary Table of Mortality).

requires premium rates cash loan paid extended values service disabled veterans life insurance based commissioners standard ordinary mortality table currently commissioners standard ordinary table mortality


Summary:
Toxic Exposure Research and Military Family Support Act of 2013 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to:

 select a medical center in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to serve as the national center for the diagnosis, treatment, and research of health conditions of descendants (i.e., a biological child, grandchild, or great-grandchild) of individuals exposed to toxic substances while serving as members of the Armed Forces that are related to that exposure; establish an advisory board to advise the center, to determine which health conditions result from exposure to toxic substances, and to study and evaluate cases of exposure of current and former members of the Armed Forces to toxic substances; and establish an Office of Extramural Research to conduct research on wounds, illnesses, injuries, and other conditions suffered by active members of the Armed Forces resulting from exposure to toxic substances and to assist the advisory board in considering claims of exposure to toxic substances. Extends eligibility for medical care and caregiver assistance to descendants of a veteran who was exposed to toxic substances while serving as a member of the Armed Forces if: (1) the descendant has a health condition resulting from exposure to toxic substances and is homebound due to such condition, and (2) the veteran has or had the same health condition.

Authorizes the Secretary of Defense (DOD) to declassify documents (other than documents that would materially and immediately threaten national security) related to any known incident in which not less than 100 members of the Armed Forces were exposed to a toxic substance that resulted in at least one case of disability.

Directs the VA Secretary, the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), and the DOD Secretary to jointly conduct a national outreach and education campaign directed at members of the Armed Forces, veterans, and their family members to communicate information on incidents of exposure to toxic substances, health conditions resulting form such exposure, and the potential long-term effects of such exposure.

toxic exposure research military family support act directs secretary veterans_affairs select medical center department_of_veterans_affairs serve national center diagnosis treatment research health conditions descendants biological child grandchild great grandchild individuals exposed toxic substances serving members armed_forces related exposure establish advisory_board advise center determine health conditions result exposure toxic substances study evaluate cases exposure current members armed_forces toxic substances establish office extramural research conduct research wounds illnesses injuries conditions suffered active members armed_forces resulting exposure toxic substances assist advisory_board considering claims exposure toxic substances extends eligibility medical care caregiver assistance descendants veteran exposed toxic substances serving member armed_forces descendant health condition resulting exposure toxic substances homebound condition veteran health condition authorizes secretary defense dod documents documents materially immediately threaten national security related known incident members armed_forces exposed toxic substance resulted case disability directs secretary secretary health_and_human_services hhs dod secretary jointly conduct national outreach education campaign directed members armed_forces veterans family members communicate information incidents exposure toxic substances health conditions resulting form exposure potential long term effects exposure


Summary:
VOW to Hire Heroes Extension Act of 2013 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) extend through 2017 the work opportunity tax credit for hiring a qualified veteran (defined as an unemployed veteran who is certified as being a member of a family receiving food stamp assistance and who is entitled to compensation for a service-connected disability), (2) revise tax credit eligibility requirements for documenting the status of veterans and their receipt of unemployment compensation, and (3) extend the payroll tax offset for such credit to certain for-profit employers.

 Directs the Commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service, in consultation with the Secretary of Labor, to make annual reports on the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of this Act in increasing the employment of veterans.

Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to pay: (1) each U.S. possession (i.e., American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands) with a mirror code tax system amounts equal to the loss to such possession due to this Act; and (2) each U.S. possession without such a tax system an amount estimated to equal the loss to such possession that would have occurred due to this Act if such a tax system had been in effect in such possession.

hire heroes extension act amends_the_internal_revenue_code extend work opportunity tax credit hiring qualified veteran defined unemployed veteran certified member family receiving food stamp assistance entitled compensation service connected disability revise tax credit eligibility requirements documenting status veterans receipt unemployment compensation extend payroll tax offset credit certain profit employers directs commissioner internal_revenue_service consultation secretary labor annual reports effectiveness cost effectiveness act increasing employment veterans requires secretary treasury pay possession american_samoa guam commonwealth_of_the_northern_mariana_islands commonwealth_of_puerto_rico virgin_islands code tax system amounts equal loss possession act possession tax system estimated equal loss possession occurred act tax system effect possession


Summary:
United We Stand to Hire Veterans Act - Requires the Secretary of Labor, in conjunction with the Secretaries of Defense (DOD) and Veterans Affairs (VA), to consolidate government Internet portals on employment for current and former members of the Armed Forces into one comprehensive portal for the purposes of connecting members who are seeking employment with employers who want to employ them.

Authorizes the Secretaries, in order to expedite implementation of such consolidated portal, to carry out pilot projects to evaluate the feasibility and advisability of various portal options by continuing or modifying existing programs.

united stand hire veterans act_-_requires secretary labor conjunction secretaries_of_defense dod veterans_affairs consolidate government internet portals employment current members armed_forces comprehensive portal purposes connecting members seeking employment employers want employ authorizes secretaries order expedite implementation consolidated portal carry pilot projects evaluate feasibility advisability portal options continuing modifying existing programs


Summary:
Veterans Education Counseling Act of 2013 - Modifies provisions relating to educational and vocational counseling for veterans to provide a program of counseling services to be known as the Academic Counseling and Educational Information Service. Requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to: (1) make available to veterans information about the definitions, eligibility requirements, and services provided by such counseling and how such counseling services differ from those provided as part of rehabilitation and readjustment assistance programs for veterans; and (2) maintain a website on which a person is able to request such counseling services.

Establishes as the primary goal of such counseling services to provide individuals with assistance in: (1) pursuing postsecondary education and training opportunities, (2) obtaining information about and data on such opportunities, (3) selecting a program of education or training, and (4) addressing other needs relating to education.

veterans education counseling act modifies provisions relating educational vocational counseling veterans provide program counseling services known academic counseling educational information service requires secretary veterans_affairs available veterans information definitions eligibility requirements services provided counseling counseling services differ provided rehabilitation readjustment assistance programs veterans maintain website person able request counseling services establishes primary goal counseling services provide individuals assistance pursuing postsecondary education training opportunities obtaining information data opportunities selecting program education training addressing needs relating education


Summary: Servicemembers Transition Improvement Act of 2013 - Requires the Secretary of Defense (DOD) to carry out a pilot program to assess the feasibility and advisability of providing information on members of the Armed Forces who are separating from service to state veterans agencies to facilitate the transition of such members to civilian life. Authorizes such agencies to share such information with appropriate county veterans service offices.

servicemembers transition improvement act requires secretary defense dod carry pilot program assess feasibility advisability providing information members armed_forces separating service state veterans agencies facilitate transition members civilian life authorizes agencies share information appropriate county veterans service offices


Summary:
Directs the Secretaries of the military departments to ensure that information concerning the availability of mental health services to members of the Armed Forces (members), as well as privacy rights related to the receipt of such services, is provided to: (1) each officer candidate during initial training, (2) each recruit during basic training, and (3) each other member at such time as the Secretary of Defense (DOD) considers appropriate.

Requires each department Secretary to: (1) seek to eliminate perceived stigma associated with seeking and receiving mental health services, and (2) promote the use of such services on a basis comparable to the use of other medical and health services.

Directs the Secretary of Defense to ensure that such information is also provided to current members, including members of the reserve components.

directs secretaries military departments ensure information concerning availability mental health services members armed_forces members privacy rights related receipt services provided officer candidate initial training recruit basic training member time secretary defense dod considers appropriate requires department secretary seek eliminate perceived stigma associated seeking receiving mental health services promote use services basis comparable use medical health services directs secretary defense ensure information provided current members including members reserve components


Summary:
Vulnerable Veterans Housing Reform Act - Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to exclude as family income for Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) housing assistance purposes any Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) payments made to veterans in need of regular aid and attendance for expenses related to such aid and attendance.

Prohibits, in determining the monthly rental assistance payment for low-income families, the amount for tenant-paid utilities from exceeding the appropriate utility allowance for that family unit size as determined by the public housing agency (PHA), regardless of the size of the unit leased by the family. Requires the PHA, upon request by a family that includes a person with disabilities, an elderly family, or a family that includes a person less than 18 years old, to approve a higher utility allowance, except that in the case of a family with a disabled person the PHA shall approve the higher amount only when needed as a reasonable accommodation to make the unit accessible to and usable by that person.

Directs the HUD Secretary to regularly publish data regarding local utility consumption and costs in order to establish appropriate allowances for tenant-paid utilities for assisted families.

vulnerable veterans housing reform_act_-_amends united_states_housing_act exclude family income department_of_housing_and_urban_development hud housing assistance purposes department_of_veterans_affairs payments veterans need regular aid attendance expenses related aid attendance prohibits determining monthly rental assistance payment low income families tenant paid utilities exceeding appropriate utility allowance family unit size determined public housing agency pha regardless size unit leased family requires pha request family includes person disabilities elderly family family includes person years old approve higher utility allowance case family disabled person pha shall approve higher needed reasonable accommodation unit accessible usable person directs hud secretary regularly publish data local utility consumption costs order establish appropriate allowances tenant paid utilities assisted families


Summary:
Servicemember Education Reform and Vocational Enhancement Act of 2013 or the SERVE Act of 2013 - Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs or a state approving agency (SAA) to approve, for purposes of veterans' educational assistance provided through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), a course that leads to an associate or higher degree only when such course is an eligible program offered by an institution of higher education that has entered into and is complying with a program approved by the Secretary of Education. Provides conditions under which the VA Secretary or an SAA may approve a course that does not lead to an associate or higher degree or is not approved by the Secretary of Education.

Requires educational institutions that enroll veterans to: (1) provide, upon the request of the VA Secretary, information about their educational programs, including accreditation, tuition, and graduation rates for disclosure to veterans; and (2) provide academic or career counseling to such veterans.

Requires each SAA, as a condition of receiving VA reimbursement for program approval activities, to conduct education and outreach activities to assist veterans in making well-informed choices about their education and successful transition into an educational environment. Requires: (1) SAAs to conduct annual audits of educational institutions that have VA program participants, and (2) the VA Secretary to conduct mandatory compliance reviews of such institutions.

Requires the VA Secretary, in cooperation with specified federal officials and state agencies, to commence a five-state pilot program to assess the feasibility and advisability of developing policy, processes, and best practices to: (1) ensure the availability of educational assistance providing on-job or vocational training for military personnel who served on active duty on or after September 11, 2001, and (2) encourage veterans to pursue such educational assistance. Requires the VA Secretary, under such pilot program, to conduct outreach to members of the Armed Forces and veterans on the availability of such educational assistance, the benefits of such assistance, and the process for obtaining such assistance.

Requires reports by the VA Secretary and the Secretary of Defense (DOD) under the post 9/11 educational assistance program to: (1) be disaggregated by for-profit and not-for-profit educational institutions; (2) include all substantiated reports of misrepresentation, waste, fraud, abuse by educational institutions at which veterans are enrolled in an educational program administered by VA or DOD; and (3) provide a list of all previously approved educational institutions serving veterans that are no longer in compliance with VA or DOD requirements for educational assistance programs.

servicemember education reform vocational enhancement_act serve act authorizes secretary veterans_affairs state approving agency saa approve purposes veterans educational assistance provided department_of_veterans_affairs course leads associate higher degree course eligible program offered institution higher education entered complying program approved secretary education provides conditions secretary saa approve course lead associate higher degree approved secretary education requires educational institutions enroll veterans provide request secretary information educational programs including accreditation tuition graduation rates disclosure veterans provide academic career counseling veterans requires saa condition receiving reimbursement program approval activities conduct education outreach activities assist veterans making informed choices education successful transition educational environment requires conduct annual audits educational institutions program participants secretary conduct mandatory compliance reviews institutions requires secretary cooperation specified federal officials state agencies commence state pilot program assess feasibility advisability developing policy processes best practices ensure availability educational assistance providing job vocational training military personnel served active duty september encourage veterans pursue educational assistance requires secretary pilot program conduct outreach members armed_forces veterans availability educational assistance benefits assistance process obtaining assistance requires reports secretary secretary defense dod post educational assistance program disaggregated profit profit educational institutions include substantiated reports misrepresentation waste fraud abuse educational institutions veterans enrolled educational program administered dod provide list previously approved educational institutions serving veterans longer compliance dod requirements educational assistance programs