Summary:
Wounded Veterans Recreation Act

Amends the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act to require the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass, which is made available for the lifetime of the passholder without charge to any U.S. citizen or person domiciled in the United States who has been medically determined to be permanently disabled, to be made available to any veteran with a service-connected disability.

wounded veterans recreation act amends federal_lands_recreation_enhancement_act require national parks federal recreational lands pass available lifetime charge citizen person domiciled united_states medically determined permanently disabled available veteran service connected disability


Summary:
Military Retiree Survivor Comfort Act

Requires the United States to forgive any overpayment of military retired or retainer pay for any period after the death of the recipient through the last day of the month in which such death occurs, if such payment is electronically deposited to a joint account bearing the name of the decedent and the decedent's designated beneficiary.

Provides a special effective date for the first annuity payment to a survivor under the Survivor Benefit Plan when an overpayment is so forgiven.

military retiree survivor comfort act requires united_states forgive overpayment military retired retainer pay period death recipient day month death occurs payment electronically deposited joint account bearing decedent decedent designated beneficiary provides special effective date annuity payment survivor survivor_benefit_plan overpayment forgiven


Summary:
Increasing the Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability to Veterans Act of 2015

Requires the reduction of the federal annuities of individuals removed from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Senior Executive Service (SES) if they are convicted of a felony that influenced their performance while employed in such position.

Authorizes the VA Secretary to order the reduction of the federal annuities of individuals who were convicted of such a felony and were subject to removal or transfer from the VA SES, but who left the VA before final action was taken.

Reduces such annuities by excluding the covered service performed after the activity that subjects such an individual to transfer or removal occurs.

Requires the performance appraisal system for VA SES employees to provide for five specified annual summary ratings of levels of performance. Provides that in any given year no more than: (1) 10% of such employees may receive the outstanding level of performance, and (2) 20% of such employees may receive the exceeds-fully-successful level of performance.

Requires the Secretary to take any complaint or report from an appropriate person or entity related to any facility or program managed by an SES employee into account in evaluating that employee's performance.

 Directs the Secretary, at least once every five years, to reassign each SES employee to a position at a different location that does not include the supervision of the same personnel or programs. Allows the Secretary to waive such requirement if the Secretary submits to Congress notice of, and the reasons for, such waiver.

Directs the Secretary to contract with a nongovernmental entity for a review of the management training program for VA SES employees.

Prohibits the Secretary from placing a VA SES employee on administrative leave, or any other type of paid non-duty status, for more than a total of 14 days during any 365-day period. Allows the Secretary to waive such prohibition with respect to such an employee if the Secretary provides Congress with a detailed explanation of the reasons the employee was placed on such leave or status and the reasons for extending that placement.

increasing department_of_veterans_affairs accountability veterans act requires reduction federal annuities individuals removed department_of_veterans_affairs senior_executive_service ses convicted felony influenced performance employed position authorizes secretary order reduction federal annuities individuals convicted felony subject removal transfer ses left final action taken reduces annuities excluding covered service performed activity subjects individual transfer removal occurs requires performance appraisal system ses employees provide specified annual summary ratings levels performance provides given year employees receive outstanding level performance employees receive exceeds fully successful level performance requires secretary complaint report appropriate person entity related facility program managed ses employee account evaluating employee performance directs secretary years reassign ses employee position different location include supervision personnel programs allows secretary waive requirement secretary submits congress notice reasons waiver directs secretary contract nongovernmental entity review management training program ses employees prohibits secretary placing ses employee administrative leave type paid non duty status total days day period allows secretary waive prohibition respect employee secretary provides congress detailed explanation reasons employee placed leave status reasons extending placement


Summary:
Efficient Service for Veterans Act

Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Secretary of Defense to jointly ensure that certain VA readjustment counseling centers have access to the Defense Personnel Record Image Retrieval system and the Veterans Affairs/Department of Defense Identity Repository system.

efficient service veterans act directs secretary veterans_affairs secretary defense jointly ensure certain readjustment counseling centers access defense personnel record image retrieval system veterans_affairs department_of_defense identity repository system


Summary:
Veterans Health Administration Management Improvement Act

Directs the Comptroller General (GAO) to: (1) conduct a five-year management review of the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA); and (2) submit annual reports to Congress on the matters reviewed, including recommendations for improving the VHA's management.

Directs the VA Secretary to establish a five-year pilot program to improve the VHA's management and accountability that:

 gives VHA employees an opportunity to learn, implement, and identify successful means of advancing the VHA's management and the delivery of care and services; and improves the management and delivery of care and services at VA medical facilities by implementing the GAO's recommendations, and any other appropriate recommendations, regarding the VHA's planning and evaluation capabilities. Requires the Secretary, during such pilot program, to: (1) establish an annual performance plan that uses logic modeling and risk assessment to coordinate the VA's operations with its goals; and (2) prepare an annual organization evaluation plan for the VHA that is informed by the GAO's recommendations.

Establishes a VA Office of the Management and Accountability Ombudsman to:

 assist the Secretary in conducting the pilot program; conduct inspections of VHA medical facilities, including non-VA facilities that provide VA contract care; and work with the Secretary and VHA employees in identifying and resolving problems with the VHA's management, administration, and delivery of care. Directs the GAO to review each budget the President submits to Congress during 2015-2020 to evaluate the proposed budget for VA health care.

Establishes a Veterans' Bill of Rights regarding health care, which is to be prominently displayed in each VA medical facility and about which the Secretary shall conduct outreach to veterans and ensure that VA employees receive training.

veterans_health_administration management improvement act directs comptroller_general gao conduct year management review veterans_health_administration vha department_of_veterans_affairs submit annual reports congress matters reviewed including recommendations improving vha management directs secretary establish year pilot program improve vha management accountability gives vha employees opportunity learn implement identify successful means advancing vha management delivery care services improves management delivery care services medical facilities implementing gao recommendations appropriate recommendations vha planning evaluation capabilities requires secretary pilot program establish annual performance plan uses modeling risk assessment coordinate operations goals prepare annual organization evaluation plan vha informed gao recommendations establishes office management accountability ombudsman assist secretary conducting pilot program conduct inspections vha medical facilities including non-va facilities provide contract care work secretary vha employees identifying resolving problems vha management administration delivery care directs gao review budget president submits congress evaluate proposed budget health_care establishes veterans bill rights health_care prominently displayed medical facility secretary shall conduct outreach veterans ensure employees receive training


Summary:
Establishes an Appeals Task Force to evaluate the backlog of appeals of claims within the Board of Veterans' Appeals and the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (Court).

Requires the Task Force to study: (1) the anticipated surge in appeals of claims; and (2) possible improvements to the appeals process, including whether substantive and structural changes to the overall appeals process are required.

Directs the Task Force to submit to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, the Chairman of the Board of Veterans' Appeals, and the Court a feasible, timely, and cost effective plan to eliminate the backlog of appeals based on the remedies and solutions it identifies. Requires the Secretary, Chairman, and Court to: (1) fully consider those remedies and solutions, (2) implement those the Secretary deems appropriate, and (3) submit to Congress justification for failing to implement any such remedy or solution.

establishes appeals task_force evaluate backlog appeals claims board veterans appeals court_of_appeals veterans claims court requires task_force study anticipated surge appeals claims possible improvements appeals process including substantive structural changes overall appeals process required directs task_force submit secretary veterans_affairs chairman board veterans appeals court feasible timely cost effective plan eliminate backlog appeals based remedies solutions identifies requires secretary chairman court fully consider remedies solutions implement secretary deems appropriate submit congress justification failing implement remedy solution


Summary:
Honoring Our WWII Merchant Mariners Act of 2015

Establishes in the Treasury the Merchant Mariner Equity Compensation Fund from which the Secretary of Veterans Affairs is to make one payment of $25,000 to each individual who, between December 7, 1941, and December 31, 1946, was a documented member of the U.S. merchant marine (including the Army Transport Service and the Naval Transport Service) serving as a crewmember of a vessel that was operated in U.S. waters by the War Shipping Administration or the Office of Defense Transportation and under contract to, or the property of, the United States. Requires such individuals to: (1) apply for such benefit within one year after the enactment of this Act, and (2) not have received benefits under the Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944.

Requires the Secretary to include, in annual budget documents submitted to Congress, detailed information on the Fund's operation.

honoring merchant mariners act establishes treasury merchant mariner equity compensation fund secretary veterans_affairs payment individual december december documented member merchant marine including army_transport_service naval_transport_service serving crewmember vessel operated waters war shipping administration office defense transportation contract property united_states requires individuals apply benefit year enactment act received benefits readjustment act requires secretary include annual budget documents submitted congress detailed information fund operation


Summary:
Veterans Affairs Retaliation Prevention Act of 2015

Authorizes a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) employee to file a whistleblower complaint with his or her immediate supervisor. Gives that supervisor two business days to determine and notify the employee as to whether there is a reasonable likelihood that the complaint discloses a violation of any law, rule, or regulation, gross mismanagement, a gross waste of funds, an abuse of authority, or substantial and specific danger to public health and safety. Requires that supervisor to include in the employee notification specific actions that the supervisor will take to address a complaint deemed reasonably valid.

Authorizes an employee whose supervisor fails to make a timely determination regarding the complaint or address the complaint to the employee's satisfaction, to file such complaint with the next-level supervisor, who shall make a determination regarding the complaint in accordance with the procedures this Act requires the immediate supervisor to follow.

Authorizes an employee to file a whistleblower complaint with the VA Secretary if the employee has filed such complaint with each level of supervisors between the employee and the Secretary in accordance with such procedures.

Requires each employee who receives a positive determination from a supervisor regarding a complaint to be: (1) informed by the Secretary of the employee's ability to volunteer for a transfer, and (2) given transfer preference.

Directs the Secretary to carry out the following adverse actions against VA employees who are determined to have committed a prohibited personnel action relating to whistleblower complaints: (1) not less than a 14-day suspension, and not more than removal, for a first offense, and (2) removal for a second offense. Gives employees no more than five days following notification of such a proposed adverse action to dispute it.

Requires the Secretary to charge an offending employee a fee that takes into account the costs borne by the federal government due to such prohibited personnel action.

Requires the Secretary, when evaluating a supervisor's performance, to take into account any failure to follow this Act's procedures or any commission of a prohibited personnel action relating to a whistleblower complaint. Denies awards or bonuses to supervisors found to have committed such prohibited personnel actions.

Directs the Secretary to: (1) provide each VA employee with annual training regarding whistleblower complaints; (2) provide annual training on merit system protection that the Special Counsel certifies as satisfactory; and (3) publish on the VA's website and prominently display at VA facilities the rights of an employee to file, and to petition Congress regarding, a whistleblower complaint.

veterans_affairs retaliation prevention act authorizes department_of_veterans_affairs employee file whistleblower complaint immediate supervisor gives supervisor business days determine notify employee reasonable likelihood complaint discloses violation law rule regulation gross mismanagement gross waste funds abuse authority substantial specific danger public health safety requires supervisor include employee notification specific actions supervisor address complaint deemed reasonably valid authorizes employee supervisor fails timely determination complaint address complaint employee satisfaction file complaint level supervisor shall determination complaint accordance procedures act requires immediate supervisor follow authorizes employee file whistleblower complaint secretary employee filed complaint level supervisors employee secretary accordance procedures requires employee receives positive determination supervisor complaint informed secretary employee ability volunteer transfer given transfer preference directs secretary carry following adverse actions employees determined committed prohibited personnel action relating whistleblower complaints day suspension removal offense removal second offense gives employees days following notification proposed adverse action dispute requires secretary charge offending employee fee takes account costs borne federal_government prohibited personnel action requires secretary evaluating supervisor performance account failure follow act procedures commission prohibited personnel action relating whistleblower complaint denies awards bonuses supervisors found committed prohibited personnel actions directs secretary provide employee annual training whistleblower complaints provide annual training merit system protection special_counsel certifies satisfactory publish website prominently display facilities rights employee file petition congress whistleblower complaint


Summary:
Veterans Access to Community Care Act of 2015

Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to use the Secretary's existing authority to furnish health care to veterans at non-VA facilities to provide health care at non-VA facilities to veterans who reside more than 40 miles driving distance from the closest VA medical facility providing the care they seek.

veterans access community care act directs secretary veterans_affairs use secretary existing authority furnish health_care veterans non-va facilities provide health_care non-va facilities veterans reside miles driving distance closest medical facility providing care seek


Summary: Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to use the Secretary's existing authority to furnish health care to veterans at non-VA facilities to provide health care at non-VA facilities to veterans who reside more than 40 miles driving distance from the closest VA medical facility providing the care they seek.

directs secretary veterans_affairs use secretary existing authority furnish health_care veterans non-va facilities provide health_care non-va facilities veterans reside miles driving distance closest medical facility providing care seek


Summary:
Help Hire our Heroes Act

Amends the VOW to Hire Heroes Act of 2011 to extend, from March 31, 2014, to 180 days after this Act's enactment, the veterans retraining assistance program.

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to transfer funds for such program from the Leaking Underground Storage Tank Trust Fund.

help hire heroes act amends hire heroes act extend march days act enactment veterans retraining assistance program amends_the_internal_revenue_code transfer funds program leaking underground storage tank trust_fund


Summary:
Servicemember Assistance for Lawful Understanding, Treatment, and Education Act or the SALUTE Act

Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to authorize the Attorney General to award grants for developing, implementing, or enhancing veterans' treatment courts or expanding operational mental health or drug courts to serve veterans to ensure that such courts effectively integrate substance abuse treatment, mental health treatment, sanctions and incentives, and transitional services, in a judicially supervised court setting with jurisdiction over offenders who are veterans.

Authorizes the Attorney General to award such grants to states, state courts, local courts, local governments, and Indian tribal governments for court programs that involve

 continuing judicial supervision over offenders who are veterans with substance abuse or mental health problems; coordination with appropriate federal, state, or local prosecutors; coordination with the Veterans Health Administration; and the integrated administration of other sanctions and services, including substance abuse and mental health treatment, supervised release involving the possibility of prosecution, confinement, or incarceration based on non-compliance with program requirements or failure to show satisfactory progress, and offender management. Prohibits the use of grant funds to provide judicial supervision over, treatment of, or other services to violent offenders.

Directs the Comptroller General to conduct a study to assess the effectiveness and impact of such grant program.

servicemember assistance lawful understanding treatment education act salute act amends omnibus_crime_control_and_safe_streets_act authorize attorney general award grants developing implementing enhancing veterans treatment courts expanding operational mental health drug courts serve veterans ensure courts effectively integrate substance abuse treatment mental health treatment sanctions incentives transitional services supervised court setting jurisdiction offenders veterans authorizes attorney general award grants states state courts local courts local governments indian tribal governments court programs involve continuing judicial supervision offenders veterans substance abuse mental health problems coordination appropriate federal state local prosecutors coordination veterans_health_administration integrated administration sanctions services including substance abuse mental health treatment supervised release involving possibility prosecution confinement incarceration based non compliance program requirements failure satisfactory progress offender management prohibits use grant funds provide judicial supervision treatment services violent offenders directs comptroller_general conduct study assess effectiveness impact grant program


Summary: Makes eligible for beneficiary travel through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) a veteran whose travel to a specialized outpatient or residential program at a VA facility is in connection with treatment or care for military sexual trauma.

makes eligible beneficiary travel department_of_veterans_affairs veteran travel specialized outpatient residential program facility connection treatment care military sexual trauma


Summary:
(This measure has not been amended since it was reported to the House on July 16, 2015. The summary of that version is repeated here.)

Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2015

TITLE I--COMPENSATION COST-OF-LIVING ADJUSTMENT

(Sec. 101) This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to increase, as of November 30, 2015, the rates of:

 veterans' disability compensation, additional compensation for dependents, wartime disability compensation, the clothing allowance for certain disabled veterans, and dependency and indemnity compensation for surviving spouses and children. Each such increase shall be the same percentage as the benefits increase provided under title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act, as of December 1, 2015.

(Sec. 102) The VA shall publish such adjusted rates in the Federal Register.

TITLE II--UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS FOR VETERANS CLAIMS

(Sec. 201) The temporary expansion of the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims is extended till January 1, 2020.

(Sec. 202) Specified recall requirements for retired judges are amended. A recall-eligible judge may request a recall for a period of service of at least 90 days (or the equivalent).

(Sec. 203) A regular active service judge or a retired judge shall be treated as an employee for government life insurance purposes.

(Sec. 204) Regular service judges, retired recall-eligible judges, and certain retired but not recall-eligible judges may purchase in three-month increments up to an additional year of service credit for each year of federal judicial service completed.

(Sec. 205) The salary of Court judges is set at the rate applicable to federal appellate court judges. (Their salary is currently set at the rate applicable to federal district court judges.)

(Sec. 206) The chief judge of the Court, in addition to existing qualifications, must not be older than 64 and have at least 3 years remaining in term of office as a judge of the Court in regular active service.

TITLE III--IMPROVEMENT OF CLAIMS PROCESSING

(Sec. 301) In the case of a disability compensation claim for two or more disabilities for which the VA, before completing the full adjudication, makes a decision with respect to a disability that would result in the payment of monetary benefits to the claimant, the VA shall make interim payments to the claimant based on such disability.

Upon completion of the adjudication of all the disability claims the VA will pay the full amount of accrued benefits, less the amount of the interim payments that the claimant has already received.

(Sec. 302) The VA shall: (1) establish a minimum two-year training program for newly hired claims processors, and (2) identify successful claims processors to assist in such training.

(Sec. 303) The VA shall: (1) inform each person who submits a claim for benefits that he or she is eligible to receive up to an extra year of benefits payments upon the filing of a fully developed claim; and (2) post at each VA Regional Office, claims-intake facility, and on its website information regarding the average processing time of claims and the percentage of submitted claims for which benefits are awarded.

TITLE IV--OTHER MATTERS

(Sec. 401) The VA shall pay any accrued benefits due and unpaid, as of a veteran's date of death, to the veteran's estate unless the estate will escheat.

(Sec. 402) The President shall issue an annual proclamation calling on the people of the United States to observe two minutes of silence on Veterans Day in honor of the service and sacrifice of veterans throughout the history of the nation.

measure amended reported house july summary version repeated veterans compensation cost living adjustment act title compensation cost living adjustment sec bill directs department_of_veterans_affairs increase november rates veterans disability compensation additional compensation dependents wartime disability compensation clothing allowance certain disabled veterans dependency indemnity compensation surviving spouses children increase shall percentage benefits increase provided title old age survivors disability_insurance oasdi social_security_act december sec shall publish adjusted rates federal_register title united_states_court_of_appeals veterans claims sec temporary expansion court_of_appeals veterans claims extended till january sec specified recall requirements retired judges amended recall eligible judge request recall period service days equivalent sec regular active service judge retired judge shall treated employee government life insurance purposes sec regular service judges retired recall eligible judges certain retired recall eligible judges purchase month increments additional year service credit year federal judicial service completed sec salary court judges set rate applicable federal appellate court judges salary currently set rate applicable federal district_court judges sec chief judge court addition existing qualifications older years remaining term office judge court regular active service title iii improvement claims processing sec case disability compensation claim disabilities completing adjudication makes decision respect disability result payment monetary benefits claimant shall interim payments claimant based disability completion adjudication disability claims pay accrued benefits interim payments claimant received sec shall establish minimum year training program newly hired claims processors identify successful claims processors assist training sec shall inform person submits claim benefits eligible receive extra year benefits payments filing fully developed claim post regional office claims intake facility website information average processing time claims percentage submitted claims benefits awarded title matters sec shall pay accrued benefits unpaid veteran date death veteran estate estate sec president shall issue annual proclamation calling people united_states observe minutes silence veterans day honor service sacrifice veterans history nation


Summary:
American Heroes COLA Act of 2015

(Sec. 2) This bill authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), in lieu of furnishing a headstone or marker to a deceased individual, to furnish a medallion or other device to signify the deceased individual's veteran status, to be attached to a headstone or marker furnished at private expense. A deceased individual, for the purposes of such provision, is an individual who: (1) served in the Armed Forces on or after April 6, 1917; and (2) is eligible for a headstone or marker, or who would be eligible but for his or her date of death.

(Sec. 3) "Claim" and "formal claim" (a claim submitted on a DOD- prescribed form) are defined for purposes of provisions relating to claims for benefits under laws administered by the VA.

(Sec. 4) The VA shall report quarterly to Congress for five years regarding submitted VA claims. Each report shall include the total number of:

 claims submitted, including the total number of informal and formal claims; forms indicating an intent to file a benefits claim; claim notification letters that included an invitation to submit an additional formal claim and the total number of claimants who submitted such additional formal claim; electronically filed claims submitted; and fully-developed claims submitted. It is the sense of Congress that the VA should develop a form for increasing or reopening a claim that does not require resubmittal of information previously submitted on a formal claim form.

(Sec. 5) The VA may pay burial and funeral expenses, accrued benefits, dependency and indemnity compensation, and non-service connected disability or death pension amounts to a survivor of a veteran who has not filed a formal claim if the record contains sufficient evidence to establish the survivor's entitlement to such benefits.

The date of receipt of such benefits application shall be the earlier of:

 the date on which the survivor notifies the VA of the veteran's death through a death certificate or other relevant medical evidence indicating that the death was due to a service-connected or compensable disability, or the date on which any other federal agency notifies the VA of the veteran's death. The bill requires the VA to report to Congress on benefits paid pursuant to covered claims.

(Sec. 6) The VA shall provide the following claimants priority when processing veterans benefits claims:

 veterans who have attained the age of 70; veterans who are terminally ill; veterans with life-threatening illnesses; homeless veterans; veterans who were awarded the Medal of Honor; veterans who are former prisoners of war; veterans whose claims are being reviewed again in relation to a previously denied claim relating to military sexual trauma; veterans who the VA determines, on a case-by-case basis, are seriously or very seriously injured; and veterans whom the VA determinesshould otherwise be given priority for good cause. (Sec. 7) If a veteran has submitted a medical opinion or report from a private physician in support of a disability compensation claim, the VA may not order a medical examination by a VA physician unless the VA provides the veteran with an explanation of why: (1) the submitted medical opinion or report was not sufficiently complete, and (2) additional medical evidence is necessary.

This provision shall apply to medical evidence submitted one year after enactment of this Act by veterans who have not submitted any prior VA disability compensation claims.

(Sec. 8) During the nine-year period beginning on December 1, 2016, whenever there is an increase in benefit amounts payable under title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act, the VA shall increase by the same percentage the amounts payable as veterans' disability compensation, additional compensation for dependents, the clothing allowance for certain disabled adult children, and dependency and indemnity compensation for surviving spouses and children.

(Sec. 9) The process for appointment of fiduciaries for veterans is revised.

If the VA determines a beneficiary to be mentally incompetent for purposes of appointing a fiduciary, the VA shall provide the beneficiary with a written statement detailing the reasons for such determination. A beneficiary may appeal such determination.

A beneficiary for whom the VA appoints a fiduciary may, at any time, request the VA to remove such fiduciary and appoint a new one. The VA shall comply with a good faith request if the fiduciary: (1) has received a fee from the beneficiary and a volunteer fiduciary is available to assist the beneficiary, or (2) is not acting in the beneficiary's best interests.

The VA shall ensure that any removal or new appointment shall not delay or interrupt the beneficiary's receipt of benefits.

A VA-appointed fiduciary shall act independently of the VA and in the interest of the beneficiary.

 A veteran may predesignate a fiduciary. If a beneficiary does not designate a fiduciary the VA shall appoint a fiduciary who is: (1) a relative, (2) a guardian, or (3) authorized to act on the beneficiary's behalf under a durable power of attorney.

 The VA, if it determines that a commission is necessary to obtain the services of a fiduciary in the best interests of a beneficiary, may authorize a fiduciary appointed by the VA to obtain from the monthly benefits provided to the beneficiary a reasonable commission for fiduciary services rendered. Such commission shall not exceed the lesser of: (1) 3% of the monthly monetary benefits paid on behalf of the beneficiary to the fiduciary, or (2) $35. A commission may not be authorized for a fiduciary who receives any other form of remuneration or payment in connection with rendering fiduciary services for the beneficiary.

Temporary benefit payments to a person having custody and control of an incompetent or minor beneficiary are permitted.

 Specified state and local agencies and nonprofit social service agencies may act as fiduciaries. The VA shall maintain a list of state and local agencies and nonprofit social service agencies that are qualified to act as a fiduciary.

The bill requires the investigation for the certification of a fiduciary to include criminal and credit background checks. A background check shall be performed each time a person is proposed as a fiduciary.

A person convicted of a federal or state offense may serve as a fiduciary only if the VA finds such person to be appropriate under the circumstances.

A fiduciary shall disclose the number of beneficiaries on whose behalf the fiduciary acts.

The VA shall: (1) maintain records of any person whose fiduciary status has been revoked, and (2) notify a beneficiary within 14 days after learning that the fiduciary has been convicted of a specified crime.

 The VA shall investigate alleged misuse of benefits, and if substantiated, transmit such information to the Department of Justice and each federal agency that pays benefits to fiduciaries or beneficiaries.

The VA shall, when determining whether a proposed fiduciary must furnish a bond, consider: (1) the existence of any familial or other personal relationship between the proposed fiduciary and the beneficiary, and (2) the care the proposed fiduciary has taken to protect the beneficiary's interests.

Each Veterans Benefits Administration regional office shall maintain specified fiduciary information.

A fiduciary must (currently, may) file an annual accounting of the administration of beneficiary benefits.

The VA shall conduct annual random audits of fiduciaries who receive a commission for such service.

(Sec. 10) The Board of Veterans' Appeals shall, for purposes of scheduling a veteran's appeal hearing at the earliest possible date, determine whether to provide such hearing: (1) at its principal location or at another VA facility or other federal facility within the regional VA's area, and (2) through the use of video conferencing or by an appellant's personal appearance. (Current law merely permits an appellant to request that a hearing be at the Board's principal location or at a VA facility located within the regional VA's area.)

The Board shall notify the appellant of such decisions. Upon notification, the appellant may request a different location or type of hearing, and the Board shall grant such request while ensuring that the hearing is scheduled at the earliest possible date.

(Sec. 11) The Veterans Benefits Act of 2003 is amended to extend until December 31, 2017, the VA's authority to provide for persons other than VA employees (i.e., contract physicians) to conduct medical disability examinations of applicants for VA benefits.

A VA-contracted physicians may conduct such examinations at any location in any state, the District of Columbia, or a Commonwealth, territory, or possession of the United States so long as the examination is within the scope of the contract and the physician:

 has a current unrestricted license to practice his or her health care profession; is not barred from practicing such health care profession in any state, the District of Columbia, or a U.S. commonwealth, territory, or possession; and is performing authorized duties for the VA pursuant to a contract. The Veterans' Benefits Improvement Act of 1996 is amended to provide similar authorities for examination locations under the pilot program authorizing the VA to use contract physicians to perform medical disability examinations of applicants for benefits carried out through the Under Secretary for Benefits.

(Sec. 12) The VA shall: (1) carry out a five-year pilot program to provide a faster disability compensation appeals process, and (2) inform claimants about such program.

Appeals filed under the pilot program are described as "fully developed appeals."

A claimant may elect to file a fully developed appeal by filing with the VA: (1) a notice of disagreement along with the claimant's written election to have the appeal determined under the pilot program, (2) all necessary evidence, and (3) a statement of the claim's supporting argument.

A claimant who elects to file a claim under the pilot program may elect to revert to the standard appeals process at any time. Such reversion shall be final.

Such a claimant or an electing claimant who is later determined to be ineligible for the pilot program shall revert to the standard appeals process without any penalty other than the loss of docket number.

The VA shall transfer jurisdiction over a fully developed appeal directly to the Board of Veterans' Appeals.

The Board shall:

 maintain fully developed appeals on a separate docket; hear fully developed appeals in the order received; decide not more than one fully developed appeal for each four traditional appeals decided, though this ratio may be adjusted for fairness purposes after one year; and decide each fully developed appeal within one year of a claimant's filing the notice of disagreement. A claimant may not submit or identify to the Board any new evidence relating to a fully developed appeal after filing such appeal unless the claimant reverts to the standard appeals process.

The Board shall establish an office to develop necessary federal records, independent medical opinions, and new medical exams that the Board determines are necessary to decide a fully developed appeal.

The Board may not provide hearings for fully developed appeals.

(Sec. 13) The VA shall take steps to ensure that regional offices certify VA Form 9, Appeal to Board of Veterans' Appeals forms within one year of receipt.

(Sec. 14) A commission or task force is established to evaluate the backlog of VA disability claims and appeals. The commission or task force shall: (1) carry out a comprehensive evaluation of the claims backlog and the appeals process and provide Congress and the President with initial, interim, and final reports; and (2) terminate 60 days after submission of the final report.

(Sec. 15) The Department of Defense (DOD) shall accept additional documentation for verifying active duty service as a coastwise merchant seaman between December 7, 1941-December 31, 1946, for purposes of veterans' burial benefits and medal and decorations eligibility, including:

 in the case of an individual who served on a coastwise merchant vessel seeking such recognition for whom no applicable Coast Guard shipping or discharge form, ship logbook, merchant mariner's document or Z-card, or other official employment record is available, applicable Social Security Administration records, together with validated testimony given by the individual or the primary next of kin that the individual performed such service between December 7, 1941- December 31, 1946; and in the case of such an individual for whom such employment record has been destroyed or is otherwise unavailable, other official documentation demonstrating that the individual performed such service between December 7, 1941- December 31, 1946. (These individuals shall not be entitled to other benefits based upon such service.)

 DOD, when determining whether to recognize service performed during such period, shall 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.

DOD shall verify that an individual performed such qualifying service under honorable conditions without regard to an individual's sex, age, or disability.

(Sec. 16) The VA shall designate at least one U.S. city each year as an "American World War II City" based on the city's: (1) contributions to the war effort during World War II; and (2) efforts to preserve the history of such contributions, including through establishment of preservation organizations or museums, restoration of World War II facilities, and recognition of World War II veterans. Wilmington, North Carolina, is designated as the first such city.

(Sec. 17) Congress: (1) expresses its appreciation to the men and women left permanently wounded, ill, or injured as a result of their service in the Armed Forces; and (2) supports the annual recognition of permanently disabled American veterans.

(Sec. 18) The Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2010 is amended to extend through December 31, 2021, the pilot program of providing reintegration and readjustment services in group retreat settings to certain women veterans recently separated from military service.

american heroes cola act sec bill authorizes department_of_veterans_affairs lieu furnishing headstone marker deceased individual furnish medallion device signify deceased individual veteran status attached headstone marker furnished private expense deceased individual purposes provision individual served armed_forces april eligible headstone marker eligible date death sec claim formal claim claim submitted prescribed form defined purposes provisions relating claims benefits laws administered sec shall report quarterly congress years submitted claims report shall include total number claims submitted including total number informal formal claims forms indicating intent file benefits claim claim notification letters included invitation submit additional formal claim total number claimants submitted additional formal claim electronically filed claims submitted fully developed claims submitted sense congress develop form increasing reopening claim require information previously submitted formal claim form sec pay burial funeral expenses accrued benefits dependency indemnity compensation non service connected disability death pension amounts survivor veteran filed formal claim record contains sufficient evidence establish survivor entitlement benefits date receipt benefits application shall earlier date survivor notifies veteran death death certificate relevant medical evidence indicating death service connected compensable disability date federal agency notifies veteran death bill requires report congress benefits paid pursuant covered claims sec shall provide following claimants priority processing veterans benefits claims veterans attained age veterans terminally ill veterans life threatening illnesses homeless veterans veterans awarded medal honor veterans prisoners war veterans claims reviewed relation previously denied claim relating military sexual trauma veterans determines case case basis seriously seriously injured veterans given priority good cause sec veteran submitted medical opinion report private physician support disability compensation claim order medical examination physician provides veteran explanation submitted medical opinion report sufficiently complete additional medical evidence necessary provision shall apply medical evidence submitted year enactment act veterans submitted prior disability compensation claims sec year period beginning december increase benefit amounts payable title old age survivors disability_insurance social_security_act shall increase percentage amounts payable veterans disability compensation additional compensation dependents clothing allowance certain disabled adult children dependency indemnity compensation surviving spouses children sec process appointment fiduciaries veterans revised determines beneficiary mentally incompetent purposes appointing fiduciary shall provide beneficiary written statement detailing reasons determination beneficiary appeal determination beneficiary appoints fiduciary time request remove fiduciary appoint new shall comply good faith request fiduciary received fee beneficiary volunteer fiduciary available assist beneficiary acting beneficiary best interests shall ensure removal new appointment shall delay beneficiary receipt benefits appointed fiduciary shall act independently interest beneficiary veteran fiduciary beneficiary designate fiduciary shall appoint fiduciary relative guardian authorized act beneficiary behalf durable power attorney determines commission necessary obtain services fiduciary best interests beneficiary authorize fiduciary appointed obtain monthly benefits provided beneficiary reasonable commission fiduciary services rendered commission shall exceed lesser monthly monetary benefits paid behalf beneficiary fiduciary commission authorized fiduciary receives form remuneration payment connection rendering fiduciary services beneficiary temporary benefit payments person having custody control incompetent minor beneficiary permitted specified state local agencies nonprofit social service agencies act fiduciaries shall maintain list state local agencies nonprofit social service agencies qualified act fiduciary bill requires investigation certification fiduciary include criminal credit background checks background check shall performed time person proposed fiduciary person convicted federal state offense serve fiduciary finds person appropriate circumstances fiduciary shall disclose number beneficiaries behalf fiduciary acts shall maintain records person fiduciary status revoked notify beneficiary days learning fiduciary convicted specified crime shall investigate alleged misuse benefits substantiated transmit information department_of_justice federal agency pays benefits fiduciaries beneficiaries shall determining proposed fiduciary furnish bond consider existence familial personal relationship proposed fiduciary beneficiary care proposed fiduciary taken protect beneficiary interests veterans_benefits_administration regional office shall maintain specified fiduciary information fiduciary currently file annual accounting administration beneficiary benefits shall conduct annual random audits fiduciaries receive commission service sec board veterans appeals shall purposes scheduling veteran appeal hearing earliest possible date determine provide hearing principal location facility federal facility regional area use video conferencing appellant personal appearance current law merely permits appellant request hearing board principal location facility located regional area board shall notify appellant decisions notification appellant request different location type hearing board shall grant request ensuring hearing scheduled earliest possible date sec veterans benefits act amended extend december authority provide persons employees contract physicians conduct medical disability examinations applicants benefits contracted physicians conduct examinations location state district_of_columbia commonwealth territory possession united_states long examination scope contract physician current unrestricted license practice health_care profession barred practicing health_care profession state district_of_columbia commonwealth territory possession performing authorized duties pursuant contract veterans benefits improvement act amended provide similar authorities examination locations pilot program authorizing use contract physicians perform medical disability examinations applicants benefits carried secretary benefits sec shall carry year pilot program provide faster disability compensation appeals process inform claimants program appeals filed pilot program described fully developed appeals claimant elect file fully developed appeal filing notice disagreement claimant written election appeal determined pilot program necessary evidence statement claim supporting argument claimant elects file claim pilot program elect revert standard appeals process time reversion shall final claimant electing claimant later determined ineligible pilot program shall revert standard appeals process penalty loss docket number shall transfer jurisdiction fully developed appeal directly board veterans appeals board shall maintain fully developed appeals separate docket hear fully developed appeals order received decide fully developed appeal traditional appeals decided ratio adjusted fairness purposes year decide fully developed appeal year claimant filing notice disagreement claimant submit identify board new evidence relating fully developed appeal filing appeal claimant reverts standard appeals process board shall establish office develop necessary federal records independent medical opinions new medical exams board determines necessary decide fully developed appeal board provide hearings fully developed appeals sec shall steps ensure regional offices certify form appeal board veterans appeals forms year receipt sec commission task_force established evaluate backlog disability claims appeals commission task_force shall carry comprehensive evaluation claims backlog appeals process provide congress president initial interim final reports terminate days submission final report sec department_of_defense dod shall accept additional documentation verifying active duty service coastwise merchant seaman december december purposes veterans burial benefits medal decorations eligibility including case individual served coastwise merchant vessel seeking recognition applicable coast_guard shipping discharge form ship logbook merchant mariner document card official employment record available applicable social_security_administration records validated testimony given individual primary kin individual performed service december december case individual employment record destroyed unavailable official documentation demonstrating individual performed service december december individuals shall entitled benefits based service dod determining recognize service performed period shall recognize masters vessels command officers authorized document individual purposes hiring discharging merchant marine dod shall verify individual performed qualifying service honorable conditions regard individual sex age disability sec shall designate city year american world war city based city contributions war effort world war efforts preserve history contributions including establishment preservation organizations museums restoration world war facilities recognition world war veterans wilmington north_carolina designated city sec congress expresses appreciation men women left permanently wounded ill injured result service armed_forces supports annual recognition permanently disabled american veterans sec caregivers veterans_omnibus_health_services act amended extend december pilot program providing reintegration readjustment services group retreat settings certain women veterans recently separated military service


Summary:
Veterans Access to Speedy Review Act

Requires the Board of Veterans' Appeals, for purposes of scheduling a veteran's appeal hearing at the earliest possible date, to determine whether to provide such hearing: (1) at its principal location or at another Department of Veterans Affairs facility or other federal facility, and (2) through the use of videoconferencing or by an appellant's personal appearance.

Requires the Board to notify the appellant of such decisions. Allows the appellant to request a different location or type of hearing. Requires the Board to grant such request and ensure that the hearing is scheduled at the earliest possible date.

veterans access review act requires board veterans appeals purposes scheduling veteran appeal hearing earliest possible date determine provide hearing principal location department_of_veterans_affairs facility federal facility use videoconferencing appellant personal appearance requires board notify appellant decisions allows appellant request different location type hearing requires board grant request ensure hearing scheduled earliest possible date


Summary:
Express Appeals Act

Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to: (1) carry out a five-year pilot program to provide the option of an alternative appeals process to determine appeals of claims for disability compensation more quickly, and (2) inform claimants about such program.

Describes appeals filed under the pilot program as "fully developed appeals."

Authorizes a claimant to elect to file a fully developed appeal by filing with the Secretary: (1) a notice of disagreement along with the claimant's written election to have the appeal determined under the pilot program, (2) all evidence that the claimant believes is needed for the appeal, and (3) a statement of the argument in support of the claim. Requires the Secretary to transfer jurisdiction over a fully developed appeal directly to the Board of Veterans' Appeals.

Requires a claimant to make such election: (1) at any time during the traditional appeal process if the claimant has filed a traditional appeal before the pilot program commences, or (2) when the claimant files the notice of disagreement if the claimant has not filed a traditional appeal.

Directs the Secretary to inform a claimant who seeks to change a traditional appeal to a fully developed appeal as to whether any time will be saved. Allows a claimant who elects to file a fully developed appeal to elect to revert to a traditional appeal at any time.

Requires the Board of Veterans' Appeals to: (1) maintain fully developed appeals on a separate docket; (2) hear fully developed appeals in the order received; (3) decide not more than one fully developed appeal for each four traditional appeals decided, though this ratio may be adjusted for fairness purposes beginning one year after the pilot program begins; and (4) decide, to the extent practicable, each fully developed appeal within one year of a claimant's filing the notice of disagreement.

Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) the effects of new evidence submitted or additional information needed after a fully developed appeal is filed, and (2) a prohibition against the Board providing hearings for fully developed appeals.

Directs the Board to establish an office to develop federal records, independent medical opinions, and new medical exams that the Board deems necessary to decide a fully developed appeal.

express appeals act directs secretary veterans_affairs carry year pilot program provide option alternative appeals process determine appeals claims disability compensation quickly inform claimants program describes appeals filed pilot program fully developed appeals authorizes claimant elect file fully developed appeal filing secretary notice disagreement claimant written election appeal determined pilot program evidence claimant believes needed appeal statement argument support claim requires secretary transfer jurisdiction fully developed appeal directly board veterans appeals requires claimant election time traditional appeal process claimant filed traditional appeal pilot program commences claimant files notice disagreement claimant filed traditional appeal directs secretary inform claimant seeks change traditional appeal fully developed appeal time saved allows claimant elects file fully developed appeal elect revert traditional appeal time requires board veterans appeals maintain fully developed appeals separate docket hear fully developed appeals order received decide fully developed appeal traditional appeals decided ratio adjusted fairness purposes beginning year pilot program begins decide extent practicable fully developed appeal year claimant filing notice disagreement sets forth provisions effects new evidence submitted additional information needed fully developed appeal filed prohibition board providing hearings fully developed appeals directs board establish office develop federal records independent medical opinions new medical exams board deems necessary decide fully developed appeal


Summary: Authorizes 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 president award medal honor james acts valor january battle world war


Summary:
Veterans Employment and Training Service Longitudinal Study Act of 2015

Directs the Secretary of Labor to enter into a contract with a non-governmental entity to conduct a longitudinal study of a statistically valid sample of each of the following groups of individuals over a period of at least five years: (1) veterans who have received intensive job counseling, training, and placement services; (2) veterans who did not receive intensive services but who otherwise received services; and (3) veterans who did not seek or receive services.

Requires the study to include the collection of specified information for each individual who participates in the study, including:

 the average number of months served on active duty, the distribution of disability ratings, unemployment benefits received, the average number of months employed and average individual and household annual income, employment status, whether the individual believes that any service received helped the individual to become employed, use of educational assistance, participation in a vocational rehabilitation program, conditions of discharge or release from the Armed Forces, and demographic information. Directs the Secretary to submit annual reports on the outcomes of the study that include any information the Secretary determines is necessary to determine long-term outcomes of the individuals in such groups.

veterans employment training service longitudinal study act directs secretary labor enter contract non governmental entity conduct longitudinal study statistically valid sample following groups individuals period years veterans received intensive job counseling training placement services veterans receive intensive services received services veterans seek receive services requires study include collection specified information individual participates study including average number months served active duty distribution disability ratings unemployment benefits received average number months employed average individual household annual income employment status individual believes service received individual employed use educational assistance participation vocational rehabilitation program conditions discharge release armed_forces demographic information directs secretary submit annual reports outcomes study include information secretary determines necessary determine long term outcomes individuals groups


Summary:
Requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide collaborative recovery coordinator training at a qualified nursing or medical school selected by the VA, to lead the systematic evidence review of care coordination and a consensus conference to build the model on evidence-based guidelines. Designates such school to lead: (1) the literature review and development of evidence-based guidelines for recovery coordination, training modules for care coordination, and software that is compatible with VA systems for recovery coordination; and (2) a consensus conference on evidence-based care coordination.

Directs the VA to: (1) subcontract with an appropriate entity for the development of care coordination software, (2) carry out a conference for recovery coordinator tool validation, and (3) carry out a software pilot program.

Authorizes the qualified nursing or medical school to train 45 recovery coordinators.

Directs the VA and the Department of Defense (DOD), in carrying out the Federal Recovery Coordination Program, to jointly develop, and enter a memorandum to carry out, a plan to ensure that:

 the Program is operated jointly by the Secretaries; the administration of the Program is not delegated to an individual outside the respective office of each Secretary; the Program assists members of the Armed Forces with severe or catastrophic injuries or illnesses who are unlikely to return to active duty and who will most likely be medically separated and members and veterans whose individual circumstances (including illness, injury, mental health, family situation, and unique benefit needs) cause difficulties in transitioning to civilian life; the VA Secretary and the Secretaries of the military departments refer members and veterans to the Program at the earliest possible time; and each federal agency provides a Federal Recovery Coordinator of the Program with the information, coordination, and cooperation necessary for the Coordinator to assist participating members and veterans.

requires department_of_veterans_affairs provide collaborative recovery coordinator training qualified nursing medical school selected lead systematic evidence review care coordination consensus conference build model evidence based guidelines designates school lead literature review development evidence based guidelines recovery coordination training modules care coordination software compatible systems recovery coordination consensus conference evidence based care coordination directs subcontract appropriate entity development care coordination software carry conference recovery coordinator tool validation carry software pilot program authorizes qualified nursing medical school train recovery coordinators directs department_of_defense dod carrying federal recovery coordination program jointly develop enter memorandum carry plan ensure program operated jointly secretaries administration program delegated individual outside respective office secretary program assists members armed_forces severe catastrophic injuries illnesses unlikely return active duty likely medically separated members veterans individual circumstances including illness injury mental health family situation unique benefit needs cause difficulties transitioning civilian life secretary secretaries military departments refer members veterans program earliest possible time federal agency provides federal recovery coordinator program information coordination cooperation necessary coordinator assist participating members veterans


Summary: Requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide trained guide dogs to veterans who are blind by reason of a service-connected disability, are enrolled for VA hospital care and medical services, and elect to receive such a dog.

requires secretary veterans_affairs provide trained guide dogs veterans blind reason service connected disability enrolled hospital care medical services elect receive dog


Summary: Amends the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014 to extend indefinitely the requirement that the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) furnish hospital care and medical services through non-VA facilities to veterans who reside: (1) in a state without a VA medical facility that provides hospital care, emergency medical services, and surgical care; and (2) more than 20 miles from such a facility.

amends veterans access choice accountability_act extend indefinitely requirement secretary veterans_affairs furnish hospital care medical services non-va facilities veterans reside state medical facility provides hospital care emergency medical services surgical care miles facility


Summary:
Children of Military Service Members Commemorative Lapel Pin Act

Requires a lapel button, to be known as the children of military service members commemorative lapel button, to be designed, as approved by the Department of Defense (DOD), to identify and recognize child dependents of members of the Armed Forces who serve on active duty for more than 30 days. Expresses the sense of Congress that DOD should expedite the design and manufacture of the button, as well as mechanisms to facilitate its issuance.

Makes such button available retroactively to the child of any member satisfying such eligibility conditions before the enactment of this Act.

Requires DOD to notify members with qualifying service since September 11, 2001, of the availability of the button.

children military service members commemorative lapel pin act requires lapel button known children military service members commemorative lapel button designed approved department_of_defense dod identify recognize child dependents members armed_forces serve active duty days expresses sense congress dod expedite design manufacture button mechanisms facilitate issuance makes button available retroactively child member satisfying eligibility conditions enactment act requires dod notify members qualifying service september availability button


Summary:
Veterans Air Travel Streamlining Act of 2015

Requires: (1) the Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to waive the application fee for veterans with a service-connected disability rated at 50% or more who apply to participate in TSA's Pre-check program, and (2) the Administrator and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a system to verify such a veteran's disability rating and whether such veteran's disability is service-connected.

veterans air travel streamlining act requires administrator transportation_security_administration tsa waive application fee veterans service connected disability rated apply participate tsa pre check program administrator secretary veterans_affairs establish system verify veteran disability rating veteran disability service connected


Summary:
Deems Milton Holland (who, while a sergeant major of the 5th Regiment, United States Colored Infantry, was awarded the Medal of Honor for gallantry during the Civil War) to have held the grade of captain in the regular Army, effective as of September 29, 1864, and continuing until his separation from the Army.

Prohibits any entitlement to bonuses, gratuity, pay, or allowances because of  such posthumous commission.

deems sergeant major united_states awarded medal honor civil war held grade captain regular army effective september continuing separation army prohibits entitlement bonuses gratuity pay allowances posthumous commission


Summary:
Protecting Business Opportunities for Veterans Act of 2015

Extends subcontracting limitations that apply to certain small businesses awarded contracts under various Small Business Administration (SBA) programs to small business concerns owned and controlled by veterans with or without service-connected disabilities who are awarded Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) contracts.

Requires, for purposes of applying such subcontracting limitations to veterans with small businesses awarded such VA contracts, that: (1) small businesses owned and controlled by veterans be treated in the same manner as small businesses owned and controlled by veterans with service-connected disabilities, and (2) "similarly situated entities" include subcontractors for small businesses owned and controlled by a veteran with or without a service-connected disability (contract amounts expended by small businesses on subcontractors that are similarly situated entities are not considered toward subcontracting limits).

Directs the VA Secretary, before awarding such a contract, to obtain from the offeror a certification: (1) specifying and promising to comply with the subcontracting performance requirements applicable to such offeror, and (2) acknowledging that the certification is subject to criminal laws concerning false or fraudulent statements or representations. Subjects small businesses to fines, imprisonment, or both for not acting in good faith.

Requires the VA's Chief Acquisition Officer and the Director of the Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization to: (1) establish a process to monitor the subcontracting requirement compliance of veterans' small businesses that are awarded VA contracts, and (2) refer violations to the VA's Inspector General. Directs the Inspector General to submit annual reports to Congress regarding such violations.

protecting business opportunities veterans act extends subcontracting limitations apply certain small businesses awarded contracts small_business_administration sba programs small business concerns owned controlled veterans service connected disabilities awarded department_of_veterans_affairs contracts requires purposes applying subcontracting limitations veterans small businesses awarded contracts small businesses owned controlled veterans treated manner small businesses owned controlled veterans service connected disabilities similarly situated entities include subcontractors small businesses owned controlled veteran service connected disability contract amounts expended small businesses subcontractors similarly situated entities considered subcontracting limits directs secretary awarding contract obtain offeror certification specifying promising comply subcontracting performance requirements applicable offeror acknowledging certification subject criminal laws concerning false fraudulent statements representations subjects small businesses fines imprisonment acting good faith requires chief acquisition officer director office_of_small disadvantaged_business_utilization establish process monitor subcontracting requirement compliance veterans small businesses awarded contracts refer violations inspector_general directs inspector_general submit annual reports congress violations


Summary:
Biological Implant Tracking and Veteran Safety Act of 2015

 Directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to: (1) adopt the unique device identification system developed for medical devices by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), or implement a comparable standard identification system, for identifying biological implants intended for use in medical procedures conducted in VA medical facilities; (2) permit a vendor to use any of the accredited entities identified by the FDA as an issuing agency in adopting or implementing such a system; (3) implement a compatible system for tracking the implants from the human donor or animal source to implantation; and (4) implement inventory controls compatible with such tracking system so that all patients who have received, in a VA medical facility, a biological implant subject to a recall by the FDA can be notified of the recall.

Sets forth requirements for vendors from which the VA may procure biological implants of human origin, and for vendors from which the VA may procure biological implants of non-human origin, including that such a vendor:

 uses the standard identification system adopted or implemented by VA under this Act; is registered as required by FDA procedures; consents to periodic inspections and audits by the VA regarding the accuracy of records and the handling of products; agrees to cooperate with all biological implant recalls conducted on the vendor's own initiative, on the initiative of the original product manufacturer used by the vendor, by the request of the FDA, or by a statutory order of the FDA; agrees to notify the VA of any adverse event report it provides to the FDA, or of any warning letter from the FDA issued to the vendor, by not later than 60 days after the vendor receives such report or warning letter; and agrees to retain all records associated with the procurement of a biological implant by the VA for at least five years after the date of the procurement. Requires the VA to: (1) procure such implants under General Services Administration Federal Supply Schedules if they are available under such Schedules, (2) accommodate reasonable vendor requests to undertake specified outreach efforts to educate VA medical professionals about the use and efficacy of implants that are listed on such Schedules, and (3) procure biological implants that are unavailable under such Schedules using competitive procedures in accordance with the Federal Acquisition Regulation.

Makes any VA procurement employee found responsible for a biological implant procurement transaction with intent to avoid, or with reckless disregard of, the requirements of this Act ineligible to hold a certificate of appointment as a contracting officer or to serve as the representative of an ordering officer, contracting officer, or purchase card holder.

biological tracking veteran safety act directs department_of_veterans_affairs adopt unique device identification system developed medical devices food_and_drug_administration fda implement comparable standard identification system identifying biological intended use medical procedures conducted medical facilities permit vendor use accredited entities identified fda issuing agency adopting implementing system implement compatible system tracking human donor animal source implement inventory controls compatible tracking system patients received medical facility biological subject recall fda notified recall sets forth requirements vendors procure biological human origin vendors procure biological non human origin including vendor uses standard identification system adopted implemented act registered required fda procedures consents periodic inspections audits accuracy records handling products agrees cooperate biological recalls conducted vendor initiative initiative original product manufacturer vendor request fda statutory order fda agrees notify adverse event report provides fda warning letter fda issued vendor later days vendor receives report warning letter agrees retain records associated procurement biological years date procurement requires procure general_services_administration federal supply schedules available schedules accommodate reasonable vendor requests undertake specified outreach efforts educate medical professionals use efficacy listed schedules procure biological unavailable schedules competitive procedures accordance federal_acquisition_regulation makes procurement employee found responsible biological procurement transaction intent avoid reckless disregard requirements act ineligible hold certificate appointment contracting officer serve representative ordering officer contracting officer purchase card holder


Summary:
Veterans Information Security Improvement Act

Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to: (1) carry out certain information security activities, (2) ensure that officials and staff of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) possess specified qualifications in such areas, and (3) coordinate the staffing of related information technology and security offices.

Requires the Secretary to ensure that: (1) the Assistant Secretary for Information and Technology, the head of the Office of Information Security (OIS), and relevant field staff possess certain levels of information technology education, certifications, and experience; (2) Office of Information and Technology (OIT) staff are assigned to the OIS; and (3) subordinate OIT offices maintain appropriate information security functions.

Directs the Secretary to ensure that subordinate OIT offices maintain functions to: (1) integrate the VA's security architecture into the VA's overall enterprise architecture strategy, (2) restrict the development of new data warehouses and data marts holding sensitive personal information of veterans, (3) reduce the number of data marts holding such personal information, and (4) deploy an incident response capability.

Defines:

 "data mart" as a subset of a data warehouse that contains information for a specific entity of an organization rather than the entire organization, and "data warehouse" as a collection of data designed to support management decision making that contains a wide variety of data presenting a coherent picture of business conditions for an entire organization at a single point in time and whose development includes systems to extract data from operating systems plus installation of a warehouse database system that provides managers with flexible data access. Requires the Secretary to safeguard VA network infrastructure, computers, and servers.

Directs the Secretary to protect the confidentiality of sensitive personal information of veterans by:

 providing upgrades or phaseouts of outdated or unsupported operating systems to protect against harmful viruses and malicious software; and securing VA web applications and the Veterans Health Information Systems and Technology Architecture (commonly referred to as the "Vista system," which allows for an integrated inpatient and outpatient electronic health record for patients and provides administrative tools to VA employees). Directs the Secretary to submit certifications to Congress regarding the VA's compliance with information security requirements, including actions required by the National Institute of Standards and Technology and the Office of Management and Budget.

Requires the Secretary to submit monthly reports to Congress regarding security vulnerabilities discovered after performing regular scans of VA computers and servers.

veterans information security improvement act directs secretary veterans_affairs carry certain information security activities ensure officials staff department_of_veterans_affairs possess specified qualifications areas coordinate staffing related information technology security offices requires secretary ensure assistant secretary information technology head office information security relevant field staff possess certain levels information technology education certifications experience office information technology staff assigned subordinate offices maintain appropriate information security functions directs secretary ensure subordinate offices maintain functions integrate security architecture overall enterprise architecture strategy restrict development new data data holding sensitive personal information veterans reduce number data holding personal information deploy incident response capability defines data subset data warehouse contains information specific entity organization entire organization data warehouse collection data designed support management decision making contains wide variety data presenting coherent picture business conditions entire organization single point time development includes systems extract data operating systems plus installation warehouse database system provides managers flexible data access requires secretary safeguard network infrastructure computers servers directs secretary protect confidentiality sensitive personal information veterans providing upgrades outdated operating systems protect harmful viruses malicious software securing web applications veterans health information systems technology architecture commonly referred vista system allows integrated inpatient outpatient electronic health record patients provides administrative tools employees directs secretary submit certifications congress compliance information security requirements including actions required national_institute_of_standards_and_technology office_of_management_and_budget requires secretary submit monthly reports congress security vulnerabilities discovered performing regular scans computers servers


Summary:
(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.)

Ensuring VA Employee Accountability Act

(Sec. 2) Requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to retain a copy of any reprimand or admonishment received by a VA employee in the employee's permanent record.

measure amended introduced summary expanded action occurred measure ensuring employee accountability_act sec requires department_of_veterans_affairs retain copy received employee employee permanent record


Summary:
U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims Reform Act

 This bill extends the temporary expansion of the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims.

 Specified recall provisions for retired Court judges are amended, including changing the recall period from 90 days in a calendar year to 90 days.

 A regular service judge and a retired judge shall be treated as an employee for government life insurance purposes.

 Regular service judges, retired recall eligible judges, and certain retired but not recall-eligible judges may purchase up to an additional year of service credit for each year of federal judicial service completed.

The salary of Court judges is set at the rate applicable to federal appellate court judges. (Currently, their salary is set at the rate applicable to federal district court judges.)

court_of_appeals veterans claims reform_act bill extends temporary expansion court_of_appeals veterans claims specified recall provisions retired court judges amended including changing recall period days calendar year days regular service judge retired judge shall treated employee government life insurance purposes regular service judges retired recall eligible judges certain retired recall eligible judges purchase additional year service credit year federal judicial service completed salary court judges set rate applicable federal appellate court judges currently salary set rate applicable federal district_court judges


Summary:
Chris Kyle Medal of Honor Act

Authorizes the President to award the Medal of Honor posthumously to Navy Seal Christopher Scott Kyle for acts of valor during Operation Iraqi Freedom, notwithstanding otherwise applicable time limitations.

medal honor act authorizes president award medal honor navy seal christopher scott acts valor operation iraqi_freedom notwithstanding applicable time limitations


Summary:
Real Choice for Veterans Act

Amends the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014 to change a criterion for eligibility of certain veterans to receive medical care and services from non-Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities to a requirement that the veteran resides more than 40 miles from the closest VA medical facility that is able to provide the care and services the veteran seeks (currently, more than 40 miles from the closest VA medical facility).

real choice veterans act amends veterans access choice accountability_act change criterion eligibility certain veterans receive medical care services non-department_of_veterans_affairs facilities requirement veteran resides miles closest medical facility able provide care services veteran seeks currently miles closest medical facility


Summary:
Department of Veterans Affairs Cyber Security Protection Act

 Directs the Assistant Secretary of Veterans Affairs for Information and Technology to submit to the congressional veterans committees (under current law only to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs) quarterly reports on Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) compliance with federally-required information security improvements.

Directs the Assistant Secretary to submit to such committees: (1) quarterly, a plan of action to address critical known VA information security vulnerabilities; and (2) annually, a plan for identifying and replacing VA operating systems that are out-of-date or unsupported.

 Directs the Assistant Secretary to ensure that any software or Internet applications used on VA operating systems are secure from vulnerabilities that could affect the confidentiality of sensitive personal information on veterans.

Directs the Secretary to:

 report quarterly to such committees on any incidents of failure to comply with established information security policies, any actions taken in response to such incidents, and certain related information; submit a strategic plan to such committees for improving VA information security and to update such plan at least every two years; and report to such committees within five years on information security protection and accountability of the VA for information security breeches and incidents. Requires VA contractors with access to sensitive personal information to provide protective measures to safeguard from possible information security threats any information provided by the VA that will be resident on, or transiting through, information systems controlled by that contractor.

department_of_veterans_affairs cyber security protection act directs assistant secretary veterans_affairs information technology submit congressional veterans committees current law secretary veterans_affairs quarterly reports department_of_veterans_affairs compliance federally required information security improvements directs assistant secretary submit committees quarterly plan action address critical known information security vulnerabilities annually plan identifying replacing operating systems date directs assistant secretary ensure software internet applications operating systems secure vulnerabilities affect confidentiality sensitive personal information veterans directs secretary report quarterly committees incidents failure comply established information security policies actions taken response incidents certain related information submit strategic plan committees improving information security update plan years report committees years information security protection accountability information security incidents requires_va contractors access sensitive personal information provide protective measures safeguard possible information security threats information provided resident transiting information systems controlled contractor


Summary:
Veterans' Whistleblower and Patient Protection Act of 2015

Establishes within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) an Office of Whistleblower and Patient Protection.

Requires the Director of such Office to establish a dedicated Internet website and toll-free telephone number for any individual to file a complaint regarding an alleged prohibited personnel practice committed by a VA officer or employee or the safety of a patient at a VA medical facility.

Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to refer to the Director for investigation any such complaint the Secretary receives directly. Prohibits the Secretary from referring any such complaint to any other element of the VA.

Requires the Secretary to ensure that VA employees located at a medical facility are able to efficiently refer any such complaints received to the Director. Prohibits the Director from disclosing the identity of any individual who files such a complaint without the individual's consent, except when necessary because of an imminent danger to public health or safety or imminent violation of any criminal law.

Requires the Director to: (1) investigate each complaint to determine whether there is a substantial likelihood that it discloses a violation of any law, rule, or regulation, gross mismanagement, gross waste of funds, abuse of authority, or substantial and specific danger to public health and safety; (2) make such determination within 240 days after its receipt; (3) notify the Secretary upon making a positive determination and refer the complaint, as appropriate, to the head of the appropriate federal department or agency; and (4) coordinate with the VA's Inspector General and Special Counsel to avoid duplicative actions.

veterans whistleblower patient_protection act establishes department_of_veterans_affairs office whistleblower patient_protection requires director office establish dedicated internet website toll free telephone number individual file complaint alleged prohibited personnel practice committed officer employee safety patient medical facility directs secretary veterans_affairs refer director investigation complaint secretary receives directly prohibits secretary referring complaint element requires secretary ensure employees located medical facility able efficiently refer complaints received director prohibits director disclosing identity individual files complaint individual consent necessary imminent danger public health safety imminent violation criminal law requires director investigate complaint determine substantial likelihood discloses violation law rule regulation gross mismanagement gross waste funds abuse authority substantial specific danger public health safety determination days receipt notify secretary making positive determination refer complaint appropriate head appropriate federal department agency coordinate inspector_general special_counsel avoid duplicative actions


Summary: Amends the Federal Credit Union Act to exclude loans made to veterans from the definition of a "member business loan," thus excluding them from the limit on the total amount of member business loans a credit union may have outstanding.

amends federal_credit_union_act exclude loans veterans definition member business loan excluding limit total member business loans credit union outstanding


Summary:
Access to Timely Information Act

Deems the submission of information by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of either the House of Representatives or the Senate in response to a request by the chairman or ranking member (or designee) of such Committees or of a subcommittee such Committees to be: (1) a covered disclosure of certain records maintained on individuals submitted without the written request or prior written consent of the individual to whom the record pertains; and (2) a permitted disclosure under regulations promulgated under specified provisions of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, including certain authorized oversight activities.

Directs the Secretary, when responding to a request for information by such a member other than a chairman, to also submit such information to the relevant House or Senate Committee chairman.

access timely information act deems submission information secretary veterans_affairs committee veterans affairs house_of_representatives senate response request chairman ranking member designee committees subcommittee committees covered disclosure certain records maintained individuals submitted written request prior written consent individual record pertains permitted disclosure regulations promulgated specified provisions health_insurance_portability_and_accountability_act including certain authorized oversight activities directs secretary responding request information member chairman submit information relevant house senate_committee chairman


Summary:
Veterans Cemetery Benefit Correction Act

Extends the requirement that the Department of Veterans Affairs  provide an outer burial receptacle for each new grave of a veteran, a veteran's spouse, or a veteran's dependent in which remains are interred in a casket in Arlington National Cemetery or in an open cemetery under the control of the the National Cemetery Administration to each such grave in an open cemetery under the control of the National Park Service.

veterans cemetery benefit correction act extends requirement department_of_veterans_affairs provide outer burial new grave veteran veteran spouse veteran dependent remains interred casket arlington national cemetery open cemetery control national_cemetery_administration grave open cemetery control national_park_service


Summary:
Gold Star Fathers Act

Includes as a preference eligible for federal employment purposes a parent (currently, the mother only) of either an individual who lost his or her life under honorable conditions while serving in the Armed Forces during a war, in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized, or during the period beginning April 28, 1952, and ending July 1, 1955, or a service-connected permanently and totally disabled veteran, if: (1) the spouse of such parent is totally and permanently disabled; or (2) such parent, when preference is claimed, is unmarried or legally separated from his or her spouse.

gold star fathers act includes preference eligible federal employment purposes parent currently mother individual lost life honorable conditions serving armed_forces war campaign expedition campaign badge authorized period beginning april ending july service connected permanently totally disabled veteran spouse parent totally permanently disabled parent preference claimed unmarried legally separated spouse


Summary:
Work for Warriors Act of 2015

 Authorizes the Department of Defense (DOD) to carry out a pilot program to enhance DOD's efforts to provide job placement assistance and related employment services to members of the National Guard and Reserves and veterans of the Armed Forces. Requires the program to follow a job placement program model that focuses on working one-on-one with a member of a reserve component to cost-effectively provide job placement services.

Requires DOD to: (1) develop outcome measurements to evaluate the success of the program, and (2) report to the congressional defense committees on program results.

Terminates the authority to carry out the program on September 30, 2018, with an authorized extension for up to two additional fiscal years.

work warriors act authorizes department_of_defense dod carry pilot program enhance dod efforts provide job placement assistance related employment services members national_guard reserves veterans armed_forces requires program follow job placement program model focuses working member reserve component cost effectively provide job placement services requires dod develop outcome measurements evaluate success program report congressional defense committees program results terminates authority carry program september authorized extension additional fiscal years


Summary:
World War II Merchant Mariner Service Act

Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security 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 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 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 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:
Disabled Veterans Commissary and Exchange Store Benefits Act

Permits a veteran with any compensable service-connected disability (and the veteran's dependents) to use commissary and exchange stores on the same basis as a member of the Armed Forces entitled to retired or retainer pay.

disabled veterans commissary exchange store benefits act permits veteran compensable service connected disability veteran dependents use commissary exchange stores basis member armed_forces entitled retired retainer pay


Summary:
VA Appeals Backlog Relief Act

Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to ensure that a Department of Veterans Affairs regional office certifies a VA Form 9, Appeal to Board of Veterans' Appeals, submitted by a veteran to appeal a decision relating to a claim, within one year after receiving such form.

appeals backlog relief_act directs secretary veterans_affairs ensure department_of_veterans_affairs regional office certifies form appeal board veterans appeals submitted veteran appeal decision relating claim year receiving form


Summary:
(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.)

Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business Relief Act

(Sec. 2) 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: (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.

measure amended introduced summary expanded action occurred measure service disabled veteran owned small business relief_act sec treats surviving spouse service disabled veteran acquires ownership interest small business deceased veteran veteran purposes eligibility service disabled small business contracting goals preferences years veteran death veteran disabled died service connected disability years death veteran disabled die service connected disability