Summary:
Provides that, when in the opinion of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) a temporary fiduciary is needed to protect the benefits of a VA beneficiary while a determination of incompetency is being made or appealed or a fiduciary is appealing a determination of misuse, the Secretary may appoint one or more temporary fiduciaries for up to 120 days.

Requires the Secretary to provide a written statement to a beneficiary determined by the Secretary to be mentally incompetent for purposes of appointing a fiduciary. Allows the beneficiary to appeal such determination. Allows a beneficiary for whom the Secretary appoints a fiduciary to, at any time, request the Secretary to remove such fiduciary and appoint a new one. Requires the Secretary to comply with any such request made in good faith. Prohibits any such removal or new appointment from delaying or interrupting the beneficiary's receipt of benefits. Requires a appointed fiduciary appointed by the Secretary to act independently of the VA and in the interest of the beneficiary.

Provides for the predesignation of a fiduciary. Provides that, if a beneficiary does not designate a fiduciary, the Secretary shall appoint, to the extent possible, a fiduciary who is: (1) a relative, (2) a guardian, or (3) authorized to act on their behalf under a durable power of attorney. Provides for: (1) fiduciary commissions when necessary; and (2) the temporary payment of benefits to a person having custody and control of an incompetent or minor beneficiary, to be used solely for the benefit of the beneficiary.

Directs the Secretary to maintain a list of state and local agencies and nonprofit social service agencies that are qualified to act as a fiduciary.

Requires any certification of a fiduciary to be made on the basis of an inquiry or investigation of his or her fitness and qualifications. Requires the investigation to include a face-to-face interview and a background check. Allows a person convicted of a federal or state offense to serve as a fiduciary only when the Secretary finds such person to be appropriate under the circumstances. Requires each fiduciary to disclose the number of beneficiaries that the fiduciary acts on behalf of. Requires the Secretary to: (1) maintain records of any person who has previously served as a fiduciary and had such status revoked, and (2) notify the beneficiary within 14 days after learning that the fiduciary has been convicted of a crime.

Directs the Secretary, upon reason to believe that a fiduciary may be misusing all or part of a beneficiary benefit, to: (1) conduct a thorough investigation, and (2) report results to the Attorney General and the head of each federal department or agency that pays a beneficiary benefit to such fiduciary. Requires each Veterans Benefits Administration regional office to maintain specified fiduciary information.

Requires (under current law, permits) a fiduciary to file an annual accounting of the administration of beneficiary benefits. Requires the Secretary to conduct annual random audits of fiduciaries who receive a commission for such service. Requires fiduciary repayment of misused benefits.

provides opinion secretary veterans_affairs temporary fiduciary needed protect benefits beneficiary determination appealed fiduciary appealing determination misuse secretary appoint temporary fiduciaries days requires secretary provide written statement beneficiary determined secretary mentally incompetent purposes appointing fiduciary allows beneficiary appeal determination allows beneficiary secretary appoints fiduciary time request secretary remove fiduciary appoint new requires secretary comply request good faith prohibits removal new appointment delaying beneficiary receipt benefits requires appointed fiduciary appointed secretary act independently interest beneficiary provides fiduciary provides beneficiary designate fiduciary secretary shall appoint extent possible fiduciary relative guardian authorized act behalf durable power attorney provides fiduciary commissions necessary temporary payment benefits person having custody control incompetent minor beneficiary solely benefit beneficiary directs secretary maintain list state local agencies nonprofit social service agencies qualified act fiduciary requires certification fiduciary basis inquiry investigation fitness qualifications requires investigation include face face interview background check allows person convicted federal state offense serve fiduciary secretary finds person appropriate circumstances requires fiduciary disclose number beneficiaries fiduciary acts behalf requires secretary maintain records person previously served fiduciary status revoked notify beneficiary days learning fiduciary convicted crime directs secretary reason believe fiduciary beneficiary benefit conduct thorough investigation report results attorney general head federal department agency pays beneficiary benefit fiduciary requires veterans_benefits_administration regional office maintain specified fiduciary information requires current law permits fiduciary file annual accounting administration beneficiary benefits requires secretary conduct annual random audits fiduciaries receive commission service requires fiduciary repayment misused benefits


Summary: Includes as a homeless veteran, for purposes of eligibility for benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs, a veteran or veteran's family who: (1) is fleeing domestic or dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, or other dangerous or life-threatening conditions in the individual's or family's current housing situation; and (2) has no other residence and lacks the resources or support networks to obtain other permanent housing.

includes homeless veteran purposes eligibility benefits department_of_veterans_affairs veteran veteran family fleeing domestic dating violence sexual_assault stalking dangerous life threatening conditions individual family current housing situation residence lacks resources support networks obtain permanent housing


Summary:
Women Veterans and Other Health Care Improvements Act of 2013 - Includes fertility counseling and treatment within authorized Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical services. Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to furnish such counseling and treatment, including the use of assisted reproductive technology, to a spouse or surrogate of a severely wounded, ill, or injured veteran who has an infertility condition incurred or aggravated in the line of duty and who is enrolled in the VA health care system, as long as the spouse and veteran apply jointly for such counseling and treatment.

Authorizes the Secretary to pay to any such veteran an amount to assist in the adoption of one or more children.

Directs the Secretary to: (1) report annually to the congressional veterans committees on the counseling and treatment provided under this Act; (2) prescribe regulations on the furnishing of such counseling, treatment, and adoption assistance; and (3) coordinate the furnishing of such counseling and treatment with that provided by the Department of Defense (DOD).

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

Requires the Secretary to enhance the capabilities of the VA women veterans contact center: (1) to respond to requests for assistance with accessing VA health care and benefits, and (2) for referral to community resources to obtain assistance with services not furnished by the VA.

Amends the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2010 relating to a pilot program of group retreat reintegration and readjustment counseling for women veterans recently separated from service to: (1) increase from at least 3 to at least 14 the number of locations for such counseling, and (2) extend the pilot program for an additional 2 years.

Directs the Secretary to carry out a pilot program of providing child care assistance to veterans receiving or in need of VA readjustment counseling and related mental health services.

Directs the Secretary to impose, as a contract condition, a contractor user fee with respect to each contract entered into by the VA for a good or service. Provides for the determination of fee amounts. Authorizes the Secretary to waive such fee if the contractor is an individual or a small business. Establishes in the Treasury the Department of Veterans Affairs Fertility Counseling and Treatment Fund. Provides for the deposit into such Fund of all contractor user fee amounts.

women veterans health_care improvements act includes fertility counseling treatment authorized department_of_veterans_affairs medical services directs secretary veterans_affairs furnish counseling treatment including use assisted reproductive technology spouse surrogate severely wounded ill injured veteran infertility condition incurred aggravated line duty enrolled health_care system long spouse veteran apply jointly counseling treatment authorizes secretary pay veteran assist adoption children directs secretary report annually congressional veterans committees counseling treatment provided act prescribe regulations furnishing counseling treatment adoption assistance coordinate furnishing counseling treatment provided department_of_defense dod directs secretary facilitate research conducted collaboratively secretaries_of_defense health_and_human_services hhs order improve ability meet long term reproductive health_care needs veterans service connected disability condition incurred aggravated line duty spinal cord injury affects veterans ability reproduce requires secretary enhance capabilities women veterans contact center respond requests assistance accessing health_care benefits referral community resources obtain assistance services furnished amends caregivers veterans_omnibus_health_services act relating pilot program group retreat reintegration readjustment counseling women veterans recently separated service increase number locations counseling extend pilot program additional years directs secretary carry pilot program providing child care assistance veterans receiving need readjustment counseling related mental health services directs secretary impose contract condition contractor user fee respect contract entered good service provides determination fee amounts authorizes secretary waive fee contractor individual small business establishes treasury department_of_veterans_affairs fertility counseling treatment fund provides deposit fund contractor user fee amounts


Summary:
Servicemember Mental Health Review Act - Extends through 2014 (under current law, through 2009) the authority of the Physical Disability Board of Review (Board) to review the disability determinations of individuals who, since September 11, 2001, are separated from the Armed Forces due to unfitness for duty because of a mental condition with a disability rating of 20% or less and are found to be ineligible for retirement. Adds to those eligible for such review individuals who, before December 31, 2014, are separated due to unfitness because of a mental condition not amounting to disability, including separation based on a personality or adjustment disorder. Requires the Board to: (1) review, upon request, the findings and decisions of the appropriate physical evaluation board with respect to such latter individuals; and (2) include as Board members at least one licensed psychologist and one licensed psychiatrist who have had no fiduciary relationship to the Department of Defense (DOD) since December 31, 2001. Allows the Board to review disability determinations of non-requesting individuals, after obtaining their consent.

Requires the Secretary of the military department concerned to correct the military records of individuals in accordance with Board recommendations, unless such Secretary finds that the Board has made a clearly erroneous recommendation.

Requires the Secretary of Defense to ensure that eligible individuals receive notification of their right to a separation review by the Board, including the right to obtain counsel.

servicemember mental health review act extends current law authority physical disability board review board review disability determinations individuals september separated armed_forces unfitness duty mental condition disability rating found ineligible retirement adds eligible review individuals december separated unfitness mental condition disability including separation based personality adjustment disorder requires board review request findings decisions appropriate physical_evaluation_board respect individuals include board members licensed psychologist licensed psychiatrist fiduciary relationship department_of_defense dod december allows board review disability determinations non requesting individuals obtaining consent requires secretary military department concerned correct military records individuals accordance board recommendations secretary finds board clearly erroneous recommendation requires secretary defense ensure eligible individuals receive notification right separation review board including right obtain counsel


Summary:
Permits a member of the Armed Forces (member) who is involuntarily separated from active duty or the Selected Reserve and who has a service-connected disability (and the member's dependents) to use commissary and exchange stores on the same basis as a member entitled to retired or retainer pay.

Directs the Secretary of Defense (DOD) to ensure that such authority is fully implemented within 90 days after the enactment of this Act.

permits member armed_forces member involuntarily separated active duty selected_reserve service connected disability member dependents use commissary exchange stores basis member entitled retired retainer pay directs secretary defense dod ensure authority fully implemented days enactment act


Summary:
Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to establish a grant program to provide innovative transportation options to veterans in highly rural areas in order to assist such veterans in traveling to VA medical centers for medical care. Requires the Secretary to conduct outreach to educate veterans and their family members about the availability of such transportation.

Directs the Secretary to carry out a pilot program, at rural VA medical centers, for the implementation of electronic health record systems that allow for full interoperability of personal health care information between the Department of Defense (DOD) and the VA.

directs secretary veterans_affairs establish grant program provide innovative transportation options veterans highly rural areas order assist veterans traveling medical centers medical care requires secretary conduct outreach educate veterans family members availability transportation directs secretary carry pilot program rural medical centers implementation electronic health record systems allow interoperability personal health_care information department_of_defense dod


Summary: Authorizes and requests the President to award the Medal of Honor posthumously to former Major Dominic S. Gentile, U.S. Army Air Forces, for acts of valor as a pilot during World War II.

authorizes requests president award medal honor major army air forces acts valor pilot world war


Summary:
Veteran Excellence Through Education Act of 2013 - Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to make grants, during FY2014-FY2019, to minority-serving institutions for establishing verified delivery systems to address social and academic problems facing enrolled veterans.

Includes among authorized grant activities: (1) educational services, including courses in English as a second language, financial literacy workshops and courses, and health and wellness programs; (2) increased access to workforce services; (3) support services such as housing, transportation, and child care; and (4) establishing a veteran support team.

Requires an institution, in order to receive such a grant, to submit to the Secretary a program plan and strategy to meet the needs of enrolled veterans.

veteran excellence education act authorizes secretary veterans_affairs grants fy2014-fy2019 minority serving institutions establishing verified delivery systems address social academic problems facing enrolled veterans includes authorized grant activities educational services including courses english second language financial literacy workshops courses health wellness programs increased access workforce services support services housing transportation child care establishing veteran support team requires institution order receive grant submit secretary program plan strategy meet needs enrolled veterans


Summary: Sequester Pakistan Act - Prohibits foreign assistance for Pakistan until expenditures for the Department of Defense (DOD) military tuition assistance program for FY2013 are at least equal to FY2012 program expenditures.

sequester pakistan act prohibits foreign assistance pakistan expenditures department_of_defense dod military tuition assistance program fy2013 equal fy2012 program expenditures


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

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

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


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

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

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

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


Summary: Sets forth the responsibilities of each Director and Assistant Director of Veterans' Employment and Training (assigned to each state by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs [VA] from among personnel within the Veterans' Employment and Training Service), including: (1) monitoring the performance of veterans' training and employment programs, with special emphasis on services to disabled veterans; (2) addressing performance deficiencies and establishing higher performance goals; (3) reviewing program funding and assisting with funding requests; and (4) conducting outreach to inform employers of their rights and responsibilities with respect to the hiring of veterans.

sets forth responsibilities director assistant director veterans employment training assigned state secretary veterans_affairs personnel veterans employment training service including monitoring performance veterans training employment programs special emphasis services disabled veterans addressing performance deficiencies establishing higher performance goals reviewing program funding assisting funding requests conducting outreach inform employers rights responsibilities respect hiring veterans


Summary:
(This measure has not been amended since it was passed by the Senate on August 1, 2013. The summary of that version is repeated here.)

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

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

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

Declares that nothing in this Act shall affect the Assistant Secretary's authority to require additional screening of such individuals if intelligence, law enforcement, or other information indicates that it is necessary.

Directs the Assistant Secretary to report annually to Congress on implementation of the program.

measure amended passed senate august summary version repeated helping heroes fly act_-_directs assistant secretary homeland_security transportation_security_administration tsa develop implement process ease travel extent possible provide expedited passenger screening services severely injured disabled armed_forces members veterans accompanying family members attendants requires assistant secretary maintain operations center provide movement members veterans screening boarding domestic foreign passenger aircraft directs assistant secretary establish publish certain protocols severely injured disabled armed_forces members veterans family members contact operations center request expedited screening services member veteran declares act shall affect assistant secretary authority require additional screening individuals intelligence law enforcement information indicates necessary directs assistant secretary report annually congress implementation program


Summary: Amends the VOW to Hire Heroes Act of 2011 to permit retraining assistance under the Veterans Retraining Assistance Program to be used by a veteran to pursue a program of education for training on a less than full-time basis if the program consists of at least 16 seat-time hours (or the equivalent).

amends hire heroes act permit retraining assistance veterans retraining assistance program veteran pursue program education training time basis program consists seat time hours equivalent


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 (SBP) 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 sbp overpayment forgiven


Summary:
(This measure has not been amended since it was passed by the House on December 10, 2013. The summary of that version is repeated here.)

VA Expiring Authorities Extension Act of 2013 - (Sec. 4) Extends through FY2015 the authorization of appropriations to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for: (1) payment by the VA Secretary of a monthly assistance allowance to disabled veterans (veterans) and members of the Armed Forces (members) training or competing for the U.S. Paralympic Team, and (2) a program for establishing and carrying out related programs and events.

(Sec. 5) Allows any entity with significant experience in managing large-scale adaptive sports programs (under current law, only the United States Olympic Committee) to receive VA grants for planning, developing, managing, and implementing programs to provide adaptive sports opportunities for veterans and members. Extends funding assistance to include any such opportunities occurring during FY2010-FY2016. Requires a report from the Comptroller General on the use of such funds during the first program year after the date of enactment of this Act.

(Sec. 6) Extends through 2014: (1) VA authority to transport individuals to and from VA facilities in connection with vocational rehabilitation, counseling, examination, treatment, or care; (2) VA authority to operate a regional office in the Republic of the Philippines; (3) the VA requirement to provide nursing home care to any veteran with a service-connected disability rated at 70% or more and in need of such care; (4) VA authority to provide treatment, rehabilitation, and related services for seriously mentally ill and homeless veterans; (5) VA authority to provide expanded services and housing assistance to homeless veterans; (6) the Advisory Committee on Homeless Veterans; (7) the Veterans' Advisory Commission on Education; and (8) the temporary authority for the performance of VA medical disability examinations by contract physicians.

(Sec. 13) Extends through FY2014 VA requirements resulting from default on VA-guaranteed loans.

measure amended passed house december summary version repeated expiring authorities extension act sec extends fy2015 authorization appropriations department_of_veterans_affairs payment secretary monthly assistance allowance disabled veterans veterans members armed_forces members training competing paralympic team program establishing carrying related programs events sec allows entity significant experience managing large scale adaptive sports programs current law united_states olympic committee receive grants planning developing managing implementing programs provide adaptive sports opportunities veterans members extends funding assistance include opportunities occurring fy2010 fy2016 requires report comptroller_general use funds program year date enactment act sec extends authority transport individuals facilities connection vocational rehabilitation counseling examination treatment care authority operate regional office republic_of_the_philippines requirement provide nursing home care veteran service connected disability rated need care authority provide treatment rehabilitation related services seriously mentally ill homeless veterans authority provide expanded services housing assistance homeless veterans advisory_committee homeless veterans veterans advisory commission education temporary authority performance medical disability examinations contract physicians sec extends fy2014 requirements resulting default guaranteed loans


Summary:
(This measure has not been amended since it was reported to the House on June 25, 2013. The summary of that version is repeated here.)

(Sec. 1) Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to include, within a notification to a claimant of the decision to deny a benefit sought, a form that may be used to file a notice of disagreement to such decision.

(Sec. 2) Honors as a veteran any person who is entitled to retired pay for nonregular (reserve) service or who would be so entitled, but for age. Provides that such a person shall not be entitled to any benefit by reason of such recognition.

(Sec. 3) Directs the Secretary to provide veterans' case-tracking information access to employees of a state or local governmental agency assisting veterans with benefit claims. Directs the Secretary to ensure that such access does not: (1) allow the employee to modify the data in the case-tracking system, or (2) include access to medical records. Requires such employees to complete a certification course on privacy issues before receiving such access.

(Sec. 4) Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to appoint one or more temporary fiduciaries for up to 120 days when a temporary fiduciary is needed to protect the benefits of a VA beneficiary while a determination of incompetency is being made or appealed or a fiduciary is appealing a determination of misuse. Requires the Secretary to provide a written statement to a beneficiary determined by the Secretary to be mentally incompetent for purposes of appointing a fiduciary. Allows the beneficiary to appeal such determination. Allows a beneficiary for whom the Secretary appoints a fiduciary to, at any time, request the Secretary to remove such fiduciary and appoint a new one. Requires the Secretary to comply with any such request made in good faith. Prohibits any such removal or new appointment from delaying or interrupting the beneficiary's receipt of benefits. Requires an appointed fiduciary to act independently of the VA and in the interests of the beneficiary.

Provides for the predesignation of a fiduciary. Requires the Secretary, if a beneficiary does not designate a fiduciary, to appoint a fiduciary who is a relative, a guardian, or authorized to act on their behalf under a durable power of attorney. Provides for: (1) fiduciary commissions when necessary; and (2) the temporary payment of benefits to a person having custody and control of an incompetent or minor beneficiary, to be used solely for the benefit of the beneficiary.

Directs the Secretary to maintain a list of state and local agencies and nonprofit social service agencies that are qualified to act as a fiduciary.

 Requires any certification of a fiduciary to be made on the basis of an inquiry or investigation of his or her fitness and qualifications. Requires the investigation to include a face-to-face interview and a background check. Allows a person convicted of a federal or state offense to serve as a fiduciary only when the Secretary finds such person to be appropriate under the circumstances. Requires each fiduciary to disclose the number of beneficiaries that the fiduciary acts on behalf of. Requires the Secretary to: (1) maintain records of any person who has had his or her fiduciary status revoked, and (2) notify the beneficiary within 14 days after learning that the fiduciary has been convicted of a crime.

Directs the Secretary, upon having reason to believe that a fiduciary may be misusing all or part of a beneficiary benefit, to: (1) conduct a thorough investigation, and (2) report results to the Attorney General and the head of each federal department or agency that pays a beneficiary benefit to such fiduciary. Requires each Veterans Benefits Administration regional office to maintain specified fiduciary information.

Requires (current law permits) a fiduciary to file an annual accounting of the administration of beneficiary benefits. Requires the Secretary to conduct annual random audits of fiduciaries who receive a commission for such service. Requires: (1) fiduciary repayment of misused benefits, and (2) a report from the Secretary to the congressional veterans committees on the implementation of this section.

(Sec. 5) Prohibits the Secretary from paying more than $345 million in VA employee awards or bonuses during each of FY2014-FY2018.

measure amended reported house june summary version repeated sec directs secretary veterans_affairs include notification claimant decision deny benefit sought form file notice disagreement decision sec honors veteran person entitled retired pay nonregular reserve service entitled age provides person shall entitled benefit reason recognition sec directs secretary provide veterans case tracking information access employees state local governmental agency assisting veterans benefit claims directs secretary ensure access allow employee modify data case tracking system include access medical records requires employees complete certification course privacy issues receiving access sec authorizes secretary veterans_affairs appoint temporary fiduciaries days temporary fiduciary needed protect benefits beneficiary determination appealed fiduciary appealing determination misuse requires secretary provide written statement beneficiary determined secretary mentally incompetent purposes appointing fiduciary allows beneficiary appeal determination allows beneficiary secretary appoints fiduciary time request secretary remove fiduciary appoint new requires secretary comply request good faith prohibits removal new appointment delaying beneficiary receipt benefits requires appointed fiduciary act independently interests beneficiary provides fiduciary requires secretary beneficiary designate fiduciary appoint fiduciary relative guardian authorized act behalf durable power attorney provides fiduciary commissions necessary temporary payment benefits person having custody control incompetent minor beneficiary solely benefit beneficiary directs secretary maintain list state local agencies nonprofit social service agencies qualified act fiduciary requires certification fiduciary basis inquiry investigation fitness qualifications requires investigation include face face interview background check allows person convicted federal state offense serve fiduciary secretary finds person appropriate circumstances requires fiduciary disclose number beneficiaries fiduciary acts behalf requires secretary maintain records person fiduciary status revoked notify beneficiary days learning fiduciary convicted crime directs secretary having reason believe fiduciary beneficiary benefit conduct thorough investigation report results attorney general head federal department agency pays beneficiary benefit fiduciary requires veterans_benefits_administration regional office maintain specified fiduciary information requires current law permits fiduciary file annual accounting administration beneficiary benefits requires secretary conduct annual random audits fiduciaries receive commission service requires fiduciary repayment misused benefits report secretary congressional veterans committees implementation section sec prohibits secretary paying million employee awards bonuses fy2014-fy2018


Summary:
(This measure has not been amended since it was passed by the Senate on September 23, 2013. The summary of that version is repeated here.)

Department of Veterans Affairs Expiring Authorities Act of 2013 - (Sec. 2) Authorizes specified appropriations for the period October 1-December 31, 2013, to pay a monthly assistance allowance to a veteran with a disability invited by the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) to compete for a slot on, or selected for, the Paralympic Team for any month in which the veteran is training or competing in any event sanctioned by the USOC, or who is residing at a USOC, training center.

Extends for the same period the authorization for grants to USOC for an integrated adaptive sports program for disabled veterans and disabled members of the Armed Forces.

Applies the same grant authorization, in the same manner and to the same degree as to the USOC, to: (1) the American Samoa National Olympic Committee, (2) the Guam National Olympic Committee, (3) the Comite Olimpico de Puerto Rico, and (4) appropriate entities representing the interests of the Northern Mariana Islands and the United States Virgin Islands.

Extends through FY2014 a veteran's liability for copayments of $10 for every day the veteran receives hospital care and of $5 for every day he or she receives nursing home care.

Extends through FY2014 the right of the United States to recover or collect from a third party reasonable charges for care or services for a non-service-connected disability of a veteran with a service-connected disability who is entitled to care (or payment of the expenses of care) under a health-plan contract.

Extends through FY2014 the authority of the Secretary of Labor for homeless veterans reintegration programs, and of the same Secretary and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to contract for referral and counseling services for veterans at risk of homelessness who are transitioning from certain institutions.

Extends through FY2015 the authorization of appropriations for comprehensive service programs for homeless veterans.

Extends through FY2014 the availability of funds for: (1) financial assistance for supportive services for very low-income veteran families in permanent housing, and (2) the grant program for homeless veterans with special needs.

Extends through FY2014 specially adapted housing assistance for a disabled veteran whose permanent and total service-connected disability causes difficulty with ambulating. Limits to 30 applications during FY2014 approval of such assistance for any such disabled veterans who served in the Armed Forces on or after September 11, 2001.

Extends through FY2014 the authority to calculate, for liquidation purposes, the net value of real property securing a defaulted guaranteed housing or small business loan to a veteran.

Amends the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2010 to extend through FY2014 the pilot program to assess the feasibility and advisability of providing assistance to veterans receiving regular or intensive mental health services and other intensive health care services in order to obtain child care while receiving such services.

(Sec. 3) Amends part D (Child Support and Establishment of Paternity) of title IV (Temporary Assistance to Needy families) (TANF) of the Social Security Act to revive for a specified 180-day period the authority of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to furnish the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) with VA information for comparison with information in the National Directory of New Hires about individuals applying for or receiving needs-based veterans pension benefits, parents' dependency and indemnity compensation, veterans health care services, or compensation based on 100% unemployability.

Authorizes for the same 180-day period the authority of the VA Secretary to terminate, deny, suspend, or reduce any of such veterans benefits or services, with respect to an applicant or recipient under age 65, by reason of information obtained from the HHS Secretary, but only if the VA Secretary takes appropriate steps to verify independently information relating to the individual's employment and employment income.

(Sec. 4) Makes this Act effective on October 1, 2013, except for the authorization of appropriations for monthly assistance for disabled veterans invited to compete for a slot on, or selected for, the Paralympic Team, which shall be effective September 30, 2013.

Deems ratified any VA actions undertaken before enactment of this Act under the authorities extended by this Act, if this Act is not enacted on or before September 30, 2013.

measure amended passed senate september summary version repeated department_of_veterans_affairs expiring authorities act sec authorizes specified appropriations period october december pay monthly assistance allowance veteran disability invited united_states olympic committee compete slot selected paralympic team month veteran training competing event sanctioned residing training center extends period authorization grants integrated adaptive sports program disabled veterans disabled members armed_forces applies grant authorization manner degree american_samoa national olympic committee guam national olympic committee puerto_rico appropriate entities representing interests northern_mariana_islands united_states_virgin_islands extends fy2014 veteran liability copayments day veteran receives hospital care day receives nursing home care extends fy2014 right united_states recover collect party reasonable charges care services non service connected disability veteran service connected disability entitled care payment expenses care health plan contract extends fy2014 authority secretary labor homeless veterans reintegration programs secretary secretary veterans_affairs contract referral counseling services veterans risk homelessness transitioning certain institutions extends fy2015 authorization appropriations comprehensive service programs homeless veterans extends fy2014 availability funds financial assistance supportive services low income veteran families permanent housing grant program homeless veterans special needs extends fy2014 specially adapted housing assistance disabled veteran permanent total service connected disability causes difficulty limits applications fy2014 approval assistance disabled veterans served armed_forces september extends fy2014 authority calculate liquidation purposes net value real property securing defaulted guaranteed housing small business loan veteran amends caregivers veterans_omnibus_health_services act extend fy2014 pilot program assess feasibility advisability providing assistance veterans receiving regular intensive mental health services intensive health_care services order obtain child care receiving services sec amends child support establishment paternity title temporary_assistance needy families tanf social_security_act revive specified day period authority secretary veterans_affairs furnish secretary health_and_human_services hhs information comparison information national_directory_of_new_hires individuals applying receiving needs based veterans pension benefits parents dependency indemnity compensation veterans health_care services compensation based unemployability authorizes day period authority secretary terminate deny suspend reduce veterans benefits services respect applicant recipient age reason information obtained hhs secretary secretary takes appropriate steps verify independently information relating individual employment employment income sec makes act effective october authorization appropriations monthly assistance disabled veterans invited compete slot selected paralympic team shall effective september deems ratified actions undertaken enactment act authorities extended act act enacted september


Summary:
Equal Justice for Our Military Act of 2013 - Amends the federal judicial code to allow for review by writ of certiorari of certain cases denied relief or review by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces.

Declares that the time for application for such a writ shall be as prescribed by rules of the Supreme Court.

equal_justice military act amends federal judicial code allow review writ certiorari certain cases denied relief review court_of_appeals armed_forces declares time application writ shall prescribed rules supreme_court


Summary: Veterans Pensions Protection Act of 2013 - Excludes from annual income, for purposes of eligibility for pensions for veterans and their surviving spouses and children, reimbursements resulting from: (1) any accident; (2) any theft or loss; (3) any casualty loss; (4) medical expenses resulting from any such accident, theft, or loss; and (5) pain and suffering (including insurance settlement payments and general damages awarded by a court) related to such accident, theft, or loss.

veterans pensions protection act excludes annual income purposes eligibility pensions veterans surviving spouses children reimbursements resulting accident theft loss casualty loss medical expenses resulting accident theft loss pain suffering including insurance settlement payments general damages awarded court related accident theft loss


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

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

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


Summary: Work-Study for Student Veterans Act - Reauthorizes through June 30, 2018 (under current law, the authorization expires as of June 30, 2013) certain qualifying work-study activities for individuals receiving educational assistance through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

work study student veterans act reauthorizes june current law authorization expires june certain qualifying work study activities individuals receiving educational assistance department_of_veterans_affairs


Summary: Recovering Service Members Disability Benefits Act - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act to create an exception from the required waiting period for disability insurance benefits in the case of recovering service members (of the Armed Forces, including a member of the National Guard or a Reserve component, who is undergoing medical treatment, recuperation, or therapy while recovering from a serious bodily injury or physical illness related to the member's military service).

recovering service members disability benefits act_-_amends title old age survivors disability_insurance oasdi social_security_act create exception required waiting period disability_insurance benefits case recovering service members armed_forces including member national_guard_or_a_reserve component undergoing medical treatment recuperation therapy recovering bodily injury physical illness related member military service


Summary: Establishes as an independent commission the Commission on America and its Veterans to: (1) submit to the President and Congress suggestions for ceremonies and events to acknowledge the wars recently fought and the heroism displayed by members of the Armed Forces; (2) report to the President and Congress on Commission findings, conclusions, and recommendations with respect to any deficiency in how the United States welcomes back such members; (3) begin convening conversations on the effect of war on members, their families, and the local communities, as well as addressing the reintegration experience and the gap between the military, veterans, and civilian life; and (4) submit to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) recommendations regarding activities of the Office of Armed Services and Veterans Public Outreach (established under this Act).

establishes independent commission commission america veterans submit president congress suggestions ceremonies events acknowledge wars recently displayed members armed_forces report president congress commission findings conclusions recommendations respect deficiency united_states members begin convening effect war members families local communities addressing reintegration experience gap military veterans civilian life submit secretary veterans_affairs recommendations activities office armed services veterans public outreach established act


Summary: Veteran's I.D. Card Act - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to issue a veteran's identification card to any veteran who requests such card and is neither entitled to military retired pay nor enrolled in the VA system of patient enrollment. Requires such card, among other things, to: (1) display their name and photograph, and (2) serve as proof that the veteran honorably served in the Armed Forces and has a DD-214 form or other official document in their personnel file that describes their military service. Directs the Secretary to charge a card fee. States that such card shall not serve as proof of entitlement to any benefits.

veteran card act_-_directs secretary veterans_affairs issue veteran identification card veteran requests card entitled military retired pay enrolled system patient enrollment requires card things display photograph serve proof veteran honorably served armed_forces form official document personnel file describes military service directs secretary charge card fee states card shall serve proof entitlement benefits


Summary:
VA Claims Efficiency Through Information Act of 2013 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to maintain on the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) website publicly accessible information concerning pending and completed claims of compensation for a veteran's service-connected disability or death. Requires such information to include the number of claims pending and completed, and the average number of days between submission and completion, within certain periods.

Requires the information provided to be updated at least every seven days.

claims efficiency information act directs secretary veterans_affairs maintain department_of_veterans_affairs website publicly accessible information concerning pending completed claims compensation veteran service connected disability death requires information include number claims pending completed average number days submission completion certain periods requires information provided updated seven days


Summary: Veterans Transportation Service Act - Makes permanent (under current law, expires on January 10, 2014) the authority of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to transport individuals to and from facilities of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in connection with vocational rehabilitation, counseling, examination, treatment, or care.

veterans transportation service act makes permanent current law expires january authority secretary veterans_affairs transport individuals facilities department_of_veterans_affairs connection vocational rehabilitation counseling examination treatment care


Summary:
VA Claims, Operations, and Records Efficiency Act - Directs the Secretary of Defense (DOD) to make the service treatment records, personal records, unit records, and medical records (service records) of each member of the Armed Forces available to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) in an electronic format. Provides post-discharge or release timelines for such availability. Requires each service record provided to include a DOD certification of the record's completeness.

Deems such service record release a permitted disclosure under requirements of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996.

claims operations records efficiency act_-_directs secretary defense dod service treatment records personal records unit records medical records service records member armed_forces available secretary veterans_affairs electronic format provides post discharge release timelines availability requires service record provided include dod certification record completeness deems service record release permitted disclosure requirements health_insurance_portability_and_accountability_act


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

Vulnerable Veterans Housing Reform Act of 2013 - Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to exclude as family income for Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) housing assistance purposes any Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) payments made to veterans in need of regular aid and attendance for expenses related to such aid and attendance.

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

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

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


Summary: Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to submit to Congress quarterly reports on the number of, and average response time to, requests made by the Secretary to the head of another federal department or agency for information required in adjudicating a claim for veterans' disability compensation.

directs secretary veterans_affairs submit congress quarterly reports number average response time requests secretary head federal department agency information required adjudicating claim veterans disability compensation


Summary:
Veterans Accountability Act of 2013 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to report semiannually to the congressional veterans committees on covered travel made by VA employees while on official business. Defines covered travel as travel: (1) outside the United States or its territories, possessions, or territorial waters, if paid for by the VA or another element of the government; or (2) to any location, if paid for by any person or entity other than the government. Requires each report to include the name of each employee and the destination, purpose, duration, total cost, and identity of a payor other than the government.

Directs the Secretary to report each case of reportable infectious disease or condition (a disease or condition that a state requires to be reported) that occurs at a VA medical facility to the appropriate state entity and to report to the accrediting organization of such facility each case classified as a health-care-associated infection sentinel event. Requires the Secretary, upon a failure to report, to pay to a state the same penalty that a non-federal facility of such state would pay for a failure to report. Allows a state to file a civil action against the VA for the recovery of such amount. Requires the VA Inspector General to investigate and suspend and impose other appropriate administrative disciplinary action against a director of a Veterans Integrated Service Network who has failed to comply with such requirement.

Directs the Secretary to prescribe regulations to ensure that any visual recording made by the Secretary of a patient during the course of furnishing care through the VA is carried out only with the full and informed consent of that patient. Allows the Secretary to waive such requirement if the recording is made: (1) upon a determination by a physician or psychologist that the recording is medically necessary or necessary for the patient's safety, (2) pursuant to a warrant or order of a court of competent jurisdiction, or (3) in a public setting where a person would not have a reasonable expectation to privacy (such as a waiting room or hallway) and the recording is for general security purposes not particularized to the patient.

veterans accountability_act directs secretary veterans_affairs report semiannually congressional veterans committees covered travel employees official business defines covered travel travel outside united_states territories possessions territorial waters paid element government location paid person entity government requires report include employee destination purpose duration total cost identity payor government directs secretary report case reportable infectious disease condition disease condition state requires reported occurs medical facility appropriate state entity report accrediting organization facility case classified health care associated infection event requires secretary failure report pay state penalty non federal facility state pay failure report allows state file civil action recovery requires inspector_general investigate suspend impose appropriate administrative disciplinary action director veterans_integrated_service_network failed comply requirement directs secretary prescribe regulations ensure visual recording secretary patient course furnishing care carried informed consent patient allows secretary waive requirement recording determination physician psychologist recording medically necessary necessary patient safety pursuant warrant order court competent jurisdiction public setting person reasonable expectation privacy waiting room recording general security purposes patient


Summary: Veterans Claims Efficiency Through Automation Act - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to include in a required annual VA activities and costs report to Congress a report on the automatic processing of claims for compensation during the preceding year, including each medical condition for which claims were processed and the number of claims for each condition.

veterans claims efficiency automation act_-_directs secretary veterans_affairs include required annual activities costs report congress report automatic processing claims compensation preceding year including medical condition claims processed number claims condition


Summary:
Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to post notices of average times for the processing of compensation claims, as well as the percentage of claims approved, in a conspicuous place in each VA regional office and claims intake facility and on the VA website.

Requires the Secretary to notify each person submitting a claim of the above information, as well as the person's eligibility to receive up to an extra year of benefit payments upon filing a claim that is fully developed.

Requires the notice information to be updated at least quarterly.

directs secretary veterans_affairs post notices average times processing compensation claims percentage claims approved conspicuous place regional office claims intake facility website requires secretary notify person submitting claim information person eligibility receive extra year benefit payments filing claim fully developed requires notice information updated quarterly


Summary: VA Regional Office Accountability Act - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to include in a required annual report on Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) expenditures and activities a report on each VA regional office that failed to reach administrative goals concerning the timeliness and accuracy of veterans' claims adjudication.

regional office accountability act_-_directs secretary veterans_affairs include required annual report department_of_veterans_affairs expenditures activities report regional office failed reach administrative goals concerning timeliness accuracy veterans claims adjudication


Summary: Gold Star Fathers Act of 2013 - 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: Directs the Secretary of Defense (DOD) to establish a process for determining whether individuals who served in the organized military forces of the Government of the Commonwealth of the Philippines or in the Philippine Scouts while in the service of the U.S. Armed Forces during World War II and who are not included in the Missouri List are eligible for certain benefits relating to their U.S. service.

directs secretary defense dod establish process determining individuals served organized military forces government commonwealth philippines philippine_scouts service armed_forces world war included missouri list eligible certain benefits relating service


Summary:
Honoring Our WWII Merchant Mariners Act of 2013 - Establishes in the Treasury the Merchant Mariner Equity Compensation Fund for payments by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) of a monthly benefit of $1,000 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 payments secretary veterans_affairs monthly benefit 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: Volunteer Veterans for Cemetery Service Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) or the Secretary of the military department concerned to accept voluntary services performed by a veteran or veterans organization at a national cemetery, including the veteran's sharing with visitors of the story of the veteran's military service.

volunteer veterans cemetery service act_-_authorizes secretary veterans_affairs secretary military department concerned accept voluntary services performed veteran veterans organization national cemetery including veteran sharing visitors story veteran military service


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

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

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

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


Summary: Veterans' Dignity and Honor Act - Increases the amounts payable through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for: (1) burial and funeral expenses of certain veterans, and (2) such expenses in connection with a veteran's death due to a service-connected disability.

veterans dignity honor act increases amounts payable department_of_veterans_affairs burial funeral expenses certain veterans expenses connection veteran death service connected disability


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

Veterans' Advisory Committee on Education Improvement Act of 2013 - Extends through the end of 2015 the Veterans' Advisory Committee on Education.

Requires the Committee to include veterans representative of the post-9/11 operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.

measure amended introduced summary version repeated veterans advisory_committee_on_education improvement act extends end veterans advisory_committee_on_education requires committee include veterans representative operations iraq afghanistan


Summary:
Honor Those Who Served Act of 2013 - Revises veterans' burial benefits provisions to allow a person to request a headstone or marker from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to commemorate an eligible individual if such person is: (1) the decedent's next of kin; (2) a person authorized by the next of kin to make such request; (3) a personal representative authorized by the decedent to make such request; (4) in the case of a decedent for whom there is no person under (1) through (3) identified, a state veterans agency, a military researcher, a local historian, a genealogist, or other person familiar with methods necessary to prove the identity of the decedent; or (5) in the case of a veteran who served on active duty at least 62 years before the date on which the headstone or marker is requested, any person.

Allows for the request of a headstone or marker without an emblem of religious belief.

honor served act revises veterans burial benefits provisions allow person request headstone marker department_of_veterans_affairs commemorate eligible individual person decedent kin person authorized kin request personal representative authorized decedent request case decedent person identified state veterans agency military local person familiar methods necessary prove identity decedent case veteran served active duty years date headstone marker requested person allows request headstone marker emblem religious belief


Summary: Authorizes enrollment in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) patient enrollment system (and thereby, eligibility for VA hospital care and medical services) for veterans who served during World War II who are not otherwise eligible for such care.

authorizes enrollment department_of_veterans_affairs patient enrollment system eligibility hospital care medical services veterans served world war eligible care


Summary: Safe Housing for Homeless Veterans Act - Prohibits the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) from making a grant or providing other assistance to any entity for the provision of housing or housing services to homeless veterans unless such entity submits to the Secretary a certification that the building proposed for such housing or services is in compliance with all local codes relevant to operations and level of care provided, as well as any other local requirements regarding the condition of the structure and the operation of the supportive housing or service center. Directs the Secretary to include, in a currently-required annual report on assistance to homeless veterans, an evaluation of the safety and accessibility of such facilities.

safe housing homeless veterans act prohibits secretary veterans_affairs making grant providing assistance entity provision housing housing services homeless veterans entity submits secretary certification building proposed housing services compliance local codes relevant operations level care provided local requirements condition structure operation supportive housing service center directs secretary include currently required annual report assistance homeless veterans evaluation safety accessibility facilities


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

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


Summary:
Pay As You Rate Act - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA), prior to adjudicating a claim which requires decisions with respect to two or more disabilities, to make interim payments based on any disability for which the Secretary has already made a decision.

Requires the Secretary, upon claim adjudication, to pay the benefits awarded less the amount of the interim payments.

pay rate act_-_directs secretary veterans_affairs prior adjudicating claim requires decisions respect disabilities interim payments based disability secretary decision requires secretary claim adjudication pay benefits awarded interim payments


Summary:
Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to carry out a three-year pilot program to establish 12 VA claims adjudication centers of excellence by selecting the three highest performing regional offices in each of the four areas of the Veterans Benefits Administration. Requires each center to focus on adjudicating claims relating to one medical condition selected by the Secretary.

Provides for appropriate employee specialized training with respect to such medical conditions. Prohibits any employee from working concurrently at more than one center, but allows an employee to move from one center to another as long as the employee receives the training appropriate for that center.

Authorizes the Secretary to assign additional full-time employees to a center as necessary.

Requires the Secretary to select the focus medical conditions within 90 days after the enactment of this Act.

directs secretary veterans_affairs carry year pilot program establish claims adjudication centers_of_excellence selecting highest performing regional offices areas veterans_benefits_administration requires center focus adjudicating claims relating medical condition selected secretary provides appropriate employee specialized training respect medical conditions prohibits employee working concurrently center allows employee center long employee receives training appropriate center authorizes secretary assign additional time employees center necessary requires secretary select focus medical conditions days enactment act


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

authorizes requests president award medal honor lieutenant acts valor civil war


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 (VA) 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: (1) the appellant to request a different location or type of hearing, and (2) the Board to grant such request while ensuring 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 board grant request ensuring hearing scheduled earliest possible date


Summary:
Defense Base Act Insurance Improvement Act of 2013 - Amends the Defense Base Act (the Act) to require satisfaction through the Government Defense Base Act self-insurance program of insurance and benefits requirements imposed on defense contractors with respect to on-job injuries.

Directs the Secretaries of Defense (DOD) and Labor to jointly: (1) develop and execute an implementation strategy for a self-insurance program for insurance required by the Act, and (2) report to Congress on such strategy and on the implementation of this Act.

defense base act insurance improvement act amends defense base act act require satisfaction government defense base act self insurance program insurance benefits requirements imposed defense contractors respect job injuries directs secretaries_of_defense dod labor jointly develop execute implementation strategy self insurance program insurance required act report congress strategy implementation act


Summary: Veterans Back to Work Act of 2013 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) make permanent the work opportunity tax credit for hiring qualified veterans (veterans receiving compensation for a service-connected disability and other federal assistance), and (2) allow employers who hire qualified veterans an exemption from employment and railroad retirement taxes for such veterans' first-year wages. Appropriates amounts to the Social Security Old-Age and Survivors Trust Fund and the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund to cover any revenue loss to such Funds resulting from this Act.

veterans work act amends_the_internal_revenue_code permanent work opportunity tax credit hiring qualified veterans veterans receiving compensation service connected disability federal assistance allow employers hire qualified veterans exemption employment railroad retirement taxes veterans year wages appropriates amounts social_security old age survivors trust_fund federal_disability_insurance_trust_fund cover revenue loss funds resulting act


Summary:
Ending VA Claims Disability Backlog and Accountability Act - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to implement the Strategic Plan to Eliminate the Compensation Claims Backlog (Plan) to ensure that, by Memorial Day (May 25) 2015, each VA disability claim is approved or denied within 125 days after its submission, with an accuracy rate of 98%. Requires a supplemental report from the Secretary to Congress on specific measures to assess implementation of the Plan and a detailed timeline to implement each initiative contained in the Plan.

Directs the Secretary to enter into agreements with the Commissioner of the Social Security Administration and the Secretary of Defense (DOD) to ensure that such Commissioner and DOD Secretary transfer to the VA disability or medical records the VA Secretary will use to evaluate a disability claim by not later than 30 days after the VA Secretary requests such records.

Requires the two Secretaries to submit to Congress, and implement, a plan to reduce to 30 days the time needed to provide members of the National Guard and the VA Secretary with the medical records of such members.

Requires the VA Secretary to establish a three-year training program for newly-hired VA claims processors.

Directs the Comptroller General to report to Congress every 90 days on the Secretary's progress in implementing the Plan.

ending claims disability backlog accountability act_-_directs secretary veterans_affairs implement strategic plan eliminate compensation claims backlog plan ensure memorial day disability claim approved denied days submission accuracy rate requires supplemental report secretary congress specific measures assess implementation plan detailed timeline implement initiative contained plan directs secretary enter agreements commissioner social_security_administration secretary defense dod ensure commissioner dod secretary transfer disability medical records secretary use evaluate disability claim later days secretary requests records requires secretaries submit congress implement plan reduce days time needed provide members national_guard secretary medical records members requires secretary establish year training program newly hired claims processors directs comptroller_general report congress days secretary progress implementing plan


Summary: Includes within authorized work-study activities, for individuals entitled to work-study allowances through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in connection with VA rehabilitation, education, or training programs, the following activities carried out at offices of Members of Congress: (1) the distribution of information to members of the Armed Forces, veterans, and their dependents concerning available benefits and services under governmental and nongovernmental programs; and (2) the preparation and processing of papers and other documents, including those used to assist in the preparation and presentation of veterans' benefits claims.

includes authorized work study activities individuals entitled work study allowances department_of_veterans_affairs connection rehabilitation education training programs following activities carried offices members congress distribution information members armed_forces veterans dependents concerning available benefits services governmental nongovernmental programs preparation processing papers documents including assist preparation presentation veterans benefits claims


Summary: Makes eligible for interment at Arlington National Cemetery (Virginia) an individual who: (1) served honorably in the U.S. Army, (2) served at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier as a Tomb Guard, and (3) was awarded the Tomb Guard Identification Badge or a certificate of participation if service occurred prior to the introduction of such Badge.

makes eligible interment arlington national cemetery virginia individual served honorably army served tomb unknown soldier tomb guard awarded tomb guard identification badge certificate participation service occurred prior introduction badge


Summary:
Veterans Education Flexibility Act - Provides that if an individual eligible for educational assistance under the all-volunteer force educational assistance program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is enrolled in an educational institution and the period of such individual's entitlement (ten years after discharge or release from active duty) would expire during a quarter or semester of enrollment, that period shall be extended to the end of that quarter or semester. Allows such an extension until the earlier of the end of the course or 12 weeks, in the case of an educational institution not regularly operated on a quarter or semester basis.

Repeals the delimiting period for the use of assistance under the post-Vietnam era veterans' educational assistance program (generally 10 years after the veteran's last discharge or release from active duty).

Applies the assistance extension provided under the all-volunteer force educational assistance program to the post-9/11 veterans' educational assistance program.

veterans education flexibility act provides individual eligible educational assistance volunteer force educational assistance program department_of_veterans_affairs enrolled educational institution period individual entitlement years discharge release active duty expire quarter semester enrollment period shall extended end quarter semester allows extension earlier end course weeks case educational institution regularly operated quarter semester basis repeals period use assistance post vietnam era veterans educational assistance program generally years veteran discharge release active duty applies assistance extension provided volunteer force educational assistance program veterans educational assistance program


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: (1) continuing judicial supervision over offenders who are veterans with substance abuse or mental health problems; (2) coordination with appropriate federal, state, or local prosecutors; (3) coordination with the Veterans Health Administration; and (4) 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.

Sets forth application and reporting requirements.

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 sets forth application reporting requirements directs comptroller_general conduct study assess effectiveness impact grant program


Summary: Directs the Secretary of the Army to establish a chain of command for Army national military cemeteries, including a military commander of the Army National Military Cemeteries to replace the current civilian director upon the termination of the tenure of such director.

directs secretary army establish chain command army national military cemeteries including military commander army national military cemeteries replace current civilian director termination tenure director


Summary: Honoring Ezeagwula and Long Act or the HEAL Act - Designates the attack that occurred at a recruiting station in Little Rock, Arkansas, on June 1, 2009, in which Private William Long of the U.S. Army was killed and Private Quinton Ezeagwula was wounded, as an international terrorist attack carried out by an enemy of the United States. Entitles Long and Ezeagwula to be awarded the Purple Heart.

honoring long act heal act designates attack occurred recruiting station little_rock arkansas june private william long army killed private wounded international terrorist attack carried enemy united_states entitles long awarded purple heart


Summary:
Veterans Economic Opportunity Administration Act of 2013 - Establishes in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) a Veterans Economic Opportunity Administration (VEOA), headed by the Under Secretary for Veterans Economic Opportunity, to administer VA programs of economic opportunity assistance to veterans and their dependents and survivors. Requires VEOA to administer the following VA programs: (1) vocational rehabilitation and employment programs; (2) educational assistance programs; (3) veterans' housing loan and related programs; and (4) veterans' small business programs, including the program to increase participation in VA contracts by small business concerns owned and controlled by veterans who have service-connected disabilities and by veterans who do not have such disabilities.

Limits the aggregate number of full-time equivalent employees authorized for the Veterans Benefit Administration and VEOA for FY2014.

veterans economic opportunity administration act establishes department_of_veterans_affairs veterans economic opportunity administration headed secretary veterans economic opportunity administer programs economic opportunity assistance veterans dependents survivors requires administer following programs vocational rehabilitation employment programs educational assistance programs veterans housing loan related programs veterans small business programs including program increase participation contracts small business concerns owned controlled veterans service connected disabilities veterans disabilities limits aggregate number time equivalent employees authorized veterans benefit administration fy2014


Summary:
Proper Replacement Of Medals and Performance Tracking Act or the PROMPT Act - Directs the Secretary of the military department concerned, when recipients of certain military decorations or medals (or in some cases when the recipient's immediate next of kin) requests a replacement of such decoration (e.g., when the original medal is lost, stolen, or destroyed), to ensure that: (1) all actions to be taken with respect to the request, including verification of the service record of the recipient, are completed within one year; and (2) the replacement is mailed to the person making the request within a specified period after such verification.

Directs the Secretary of Defense (DOD) to submit to Congress: (1) an annual report regarding compliance by the military departments with such replacement performance standards; and (2) a plan to implement such standards, including an estimate of FY2015 funds necessary to meet or exceed such standards.

proper replacement medals performance tracking act prompt act_-_directs secretary military department concerned recipients certain military decorations medals cases recipient immediate kin requests replacement original medal lost stolen destroyed ensure actions taken respect request including verification service record recipient completed year replacement mailed person making request specified period verification directs secretary defense dod submit congress annual report compliance military departments replacement performance standards plan implement standards including estimate fy2015 funds necessary meet exceed standards


Summary:
Preference for Local Veteran Contractors Act - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to give a preference to a local (within a 60-mile radius) contractor in the award of a contract for: (1) the construction or maintenance of a VA facility, or (2) services provided to a particular VA facility or campus. Requires the Secretary, upon awarding such a contract to a non-local contractor, to publish a public explanation of why a local contractor was not awarded the contract.

Includes veterans who are local contractors within a required VA priority for awarding contracts to small businesses.

preference local veteran contractors act_-_directs secretary veterans_affairs preference local mile radius contractor award contract construction maintenance facility services provided particular facility campus requires secretary awarding contract non local contractor publish public explanation local contractor awarded contract includes veterans local contractors required priority awarding contracts small businesses


Summary: Prioritizing Urgent Claims for Veterans Act - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA), in processing veterans claims for compensation, to provide priority over other claimants to: (1) veterans who have attained age 70, (2) veterans who are terminally ill, and (3) veterans who have life-threatening illnesses.

prioritizing urgent claims veterans act_-_directs secretary veterans_affairs processing veterans claims compensation provide priority claimants veterans attained age veterans terminally ill veterans life threatening illnesses


Summary: Veterans Health Access Act - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, when it is determined that Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities are not capable of furnishing economic hospital care or medical services because of geographical inaccessibility or the care or services required, to determine whether or not to furnish such care or services to a veteran in a non-VA facility. Requires such determination to be made within 30 days following the request for such care or services.

veterans health access act_-_directs secretary veterans_affairs determined department_of_veterans_affairs facilities capable furnishing economic hospital care medical services geographical inaccessibility care services required determine furnish care services veteran non-va facility requires determination days following request care services


Summary:
Disabled Veterans' Access to Medical Exams Improvement Act - Amends the Veterans Benefits Act of 2003 to extend until December 31, 2016, the authority of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide for persons other than VA employees (i.e., contract physicians) to conduct medical disability examinations of applicants for benefits under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.

Permits licensed, VA-contracted physicians to 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 authorized under the contract.

Amends the Veterans' Benefits Improvement Act of 1996 to provide similar authorities with respect to permissible examination locations to licensed physicians under the pilot program authorizing the VA to use contract physicians to perform medical disability examinations of applicants for benefits under laws carried out through the Under Secretary for Benefits. Expands from 10 to 15 the maximum number of VA regional offices through which the Secretary is authorized to carry out such pilot program.

Directs the Secretary to conduct an annual data analysis (including an analysis of backlogged claims, pending workloads, and the timeliness of completed cases) to determine the regional offices requiring support.

disabled veterans access medical exams improvement act_-_amends veterans benefits act extend december authority department_of_veterans_affairs provide persons employees contract physicians conduct medical disability examinations applicants benefits laws administered secretary veterans_affairs permits licensed contracted physicians conduct examinations location state district_of_columbia commonwealth territory possession united_states long examination authorized contract amends veterans benefits improvement act provide similar authorities respect permissible examination locations licensed physicians pilot program authorizing use contract physicians perform medical disability examinations applicants benefits laws carried secretary benefits expands maximum number regional offices secretary authorized carry pilot program directs secretary conduct annual data analysis including analysis claims pending workloads timeliness completed cases determine regional offices requiring support