Summary: Support Earned Recognition for Veterans Act or the SERVe Act - Excludes from the definitions of "active duty," "active duty for training," and "inactive duty training," for veteran benefit or employment preference purposes, any service performed at a preparatory school of a service academy by a student who is not otherwise a member of the Armed Forces.

support earned recognition veterans act serve act excludes definitions active duty active duty training inactive duty training veteran benefit employment preference purposes service performed preparatory school service academy student member armed_forces


Summary:
Dignified Interment of Our Veterans Act of 2013 - Requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to conduct a study on matters relating to the identification, claiming, and interring of unclaimed remains of veterans, including: (1) estimating the number of unclaimed remains; (2) assessing the effectiveness of the procedures of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for claiming and interring unclaimed remains of veterans; (3) assessing state and local laws that affect the ability of the Secretary to identify, claim, and inter such remains; and (4) recommending appropriate legislative or administrative action.

 .

dignified interment veterans act requires secretary veterans_affairs conduct study matters relating identification claiming unclaimed remains veterans including estimating number unclaimed remains assessing effectiveness procedures department_of_veterans_affairs claiming unclaimed remains veterans assessing state local laws affect ability secretary identify claim inter remains recommending appropriate legislative administrative action


Summary:
Military Retirement Restoration Act - Repeals the provision of the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2013 that reduces the cost-of-living adjustment to the retirement pay of members of the Armed Forces under age 62.

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat a foreign corporation managed and controlled, directly or indirectly, primarily in the United States as a domestic corporation for U.S. tax purposes if the stock of such corporation is regularly traded on an established securities market or the aggregate gross assets of such corporation during the taxable year or any preceding taxable year is $50 million or more.

military retirement restoration act repeals provision bipartisan_budget_act reduces cost living adjustment retirement pay members armed_forces age amends_the_internal_revenue_code treat foreign corporation managed controlled directly indirectly primarily united_states domestic corporation tax purposes stock corporation regularly traded established securities market aggregate gross assets corporation taxable year preceding taxable year million


Summary: Repeals a provision of the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2013 that reduces the cost-of-living adjustment to the retirement pay of members of the Armed Forces under age 62.

repeals provision bipartisan_budget_act reduces cost living adjustment retirement pay members armed_forces age


Summary:
Keeping Our Promise to Our Military Heroes Act - Repeals the provision of the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2013 that reduces the cost-of-living adjustment to the retirement pay of members of the Armed Forces under age 62.

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to require taxpayers who are claiming the refundable portion of the child tax credit to include their social security number on their tax returns.

keeping promise military heroes act repeals provision bipartisan_budget_act reduces cost living adjustment retirement pay members armed_forces age amends_the_internal_revenue_code require taxpayers claiming refundable portion child tax credit include social_security number tax returns


Summary: Provides that the reduction in the annual adjustment to the retired pay of members of the Armed Forces under the age of 62 shall not apply to the retirement pay of members retired for a physical disability and to retirement pay used to compute benefit plan annuities of survivors of deceased members.

provides reduction annual adjustment retired pay members armed_forces age shall apply retirement pay members retired physical disability retirement pay compute benefit plan annuities survivors deceased members


Summary:
Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA), not later than one year after the enactment of this Act, to establish and maintain a registry to be known as the Canadian Forces Base Gagetown Health Registry (Registry) containing the name of each individual who, while serving in the Armed Forces, was stationed at or underwent training at Canadian Forces Base Gagetown, New Brunswick, Canada (Gagetown), during the period beginning on January 1, 1956, and ending on December 31, 2006, and who: (1) applies for care or services from the VA; (2) files a claim for compensation on the basis of any disability that may be associated with such service; (3) dies and is survived by a spouse, child, or parent who files a claim for dependency and indemnity compensation on the basis of such service; (4) requests a health examination from the VA; or (5) receives such examination and requests inclusion in the Registry. Requires the Secretary, upon request, to provide the examination, as well as consultation and counseling regarding examination results to the service member and counseling and consultation to family members of a deceased service member.

Directs the Secretary to: (1) notify individuals in the Registry of significant developments in research on the health consequences of potential exposure to a toxic substance or environmental hazard related to service at Gagetown; (2) carry out appropriate outreach activities with respect to such health examinations, consultation, and counseling; (3) provide for a study by an independent entity, not affiiated with the VA, on the potential exposure of individuals to toxic substances or environmental hazards related to service at Gagetown; and (4) submit to the House and Senate Committees on Veterans Affairs an annual report on the Registry.

directs secretary veterans_affairs later year enactment act establish maintain registry known canadian forces base health registry registry containing individual serving armed_forces stationed training canadian forces base new canada period beginning january ending december applies care services files claim compensation basis disability associated service dies survived spouse child parent files claim dependency indemnity compensation basis service requests health examination receives examination requests inclusion registry requires secretary request provide examination consultation counseling examination results service member counseling consultation family members deceased service member directs secretary notify individuals registry significant developments research health consequences potential exposure toxic substance environmental hazard related service carry appropriate outreach activities respect health examinations consultation counseling provide study independent entity potential exposure individuals toxic substances environmental hazards related service submit house senate_committees veterans_affairs annual report registry


Summary:
Uphold Our Promise to Veterans Act - Repeals the provision of the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2013 that reduces the cost-of-living adjustment to the retirement pay of members of the Armed Forces under age 62.

Suspends delivery of defense articles and services to the Government of Egypt until democratic elections and a peaceful transfer of power have taken place. Prohibits assistance to the Governments of Libya and Pakistan and to any country where a U.S. diplomatic facility has been attacked until the President certifies to Congress that such country has cooperated with investigations into such attack and have taken steps to prevent any future attack.

Authorizes the sale of 8% of federal land managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and 8% of National Forest System land.  Requires proceeds from the sale of such land to be used to reduce the annual federal budget deficit or the outstanding national debt. Terminates the authority for the sale of such lands when sales proceeds equal $3.5 million or at the end of FY2024, whichever occurs first.

uphold promise veterans act repeals provision bipartisan_budget_act reduces cost living adjustment retirement pay members armed_forces age suspends delivery defense articles services government egypt democratic elections peaceful transfer power taken place prohibits assistance governments libya pakistan country diplomatic facility attacked president certifies congress country cooperated investigations attack taken steps prevent future attack authorizes sale federal land managed bureau_of_land_management blm national_forest_system land requires proceeds sale land reduce annual federal budget deficit outstanding national debt terminates authority sale lands sales proceeds equal million end fy2024 whichever occurs


Summary:
Honor Our Promise Act - Repeals the provision of the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2013 that reduces the cost-of-living adjustment to the retirement pay of members of the Armed Forces under age 62.

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to require taxpayers who are claiming the refundable portion of the child tax credit to include the name and taxpayer identification number (e.g., social security number) of their qualifying child on their tax returns.

honor promise act repeals provision bipartisan_budget_act reduces cost living adjustment retirement pay members armed_forces age amends_the_internal_revenue_code require taxpayers claiming refundable portion child tax credit include taxpayer identification number social_security number qualifying child tax returns


Summary:
Streamlining Services for Older Veterans Act - Amends the Older Americans Act of 1965 to include status as a veteran among the categories of greatest social need based on noneconomic factors.

Requires state and area plans to include information on how the state and area agencies on: (1) aging will engage in outreach to veterans eligible for services under such Act, and (2) effective and efficient procedures for the coordination of services provided under that Act with services provided to veterans by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and other providers.

streamlining services older veterans act_-_amends older americans act include status veteran categories greatest social need based noneconomic factors requires state area plans include information state area agencies aging engage outreach veterans eligible services act effective efficient procedures coordination services provided act services provided veterans department_of_veterans_affairs providers


Summary:
Veterans Care Financial Protection Act of 2014 - Requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to: (1) work with federal agencies, states, and such experts as the Secretary considers appropriate to develop and implement federal and state standards that protect individuals who are eligible for increased pension for a non-service-connected disability or death or for service on the basis of need for regular aid and attendance from dishonest, predatory, or otherwise unlawful practices; and (2) submit such standards to specified congressional committees not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act.

Requires the Comptroller General: (1) within one year after enactment of this Act, to report standards that would be effective in protecting such individuals if the Secretary fails to submit such standards within such 180 days; and (2) not later than 540 days after enactment of this Act, to complete a study on standards implemented under this Act and report the findings to such committees.

veterans care financial protection act requires secretary veterans_affairs work federal agencies states experts secretary considers appropriate develop implement federal state standards protect individuals eligible increased pension non service connected disability death service basis need regular aid attendance predatory unlawful practices submit standards specified congressional committees later days date enactment act requires comptroller_general year enactment act report standards effective protecting individuals secretary fails submit standards days later days enactment act complete study standards implemented act report findings committees


Summary:
21st Century Veterans Benefits Delivery Act - Revises or adds provisions concerning the submission of veterans' claims for benefits administered through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), including by:

 modifying the Transition Assistance Program to enable online participation; adding a requirement to encourage claimants to use appropriate forms; requiring specified communications to users of the eBenefits website; extending through FY2020 VA authority for the retroactive dating of awards upon the filing of fully developed claims; requiring claim decisions to explain the benefits of filing claim appeals within 180 days; requiring the use of a specified VA form in regional offices for filing notices of disagreement with claim decisions; and requiring hearings before the Board of Veterans' Appeals to be conducted, as the Board considers appropriate or, upon request by an appellant, as the appellant considers appropriate, in person or through picture and voice transmission by electronic or other means. Revises or adds provisions concerning the practices of VA regional offices, including by:

 requiring the Comptroller General to complete an audit of Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) regional offices, requiring the VA Secretary to complete a study on service-connected disabilities that worsen with age, extending the authority for the performance of medical disability examinations by contract physicians, requiring the Secretary to develop and implement a plan to establish a uniform mail processing and scanning system throughout the regional offices, requiring the VA Inspector General to conduct a review of the practices of regional offices regarding the use of suspense dates during the disability claim assessment process, requiring the Secretary to submit semiannual reports on progress in implementing the Veterans Benefits Management System, requiring the Secretary to submit an annual report on VBA capacity to process benefits claims, requiring the Secretary to include in each Monday Morning Workload Report the number of claims for benefits that have been received by a regional office and that are pending a decision, and requiring the Secretary to make the VA reports entitled "Appeals Pending" and "Appeals Workload By Station" available to the public on a VA website. Requires the Secretary of Defense (DOD), the Commissioner of Social Security, and the Archivist of the United States to appoint individuals to act as liaisons with the VA to expedite the timely provision to the VA Secretary of information required to process veterans benefits claims.

Requires the DOD and VA Secretaries to jointly submit a report that sets forth a time line with milestones for achieving interoperability between DOD's and VA's electronic health records systems.

21st century veterans benefits delivery act revises adds provisions concerning submission veterans claims benefits administered department_of_veterans_affairs including modifying transition_assistance_program enable online participation adding requirement encourage claimants use appropriate forms requiring specified communications users website extending fy2020 authority retroactive dating awards filing fully developed claims requiring claim decisions explain benefits filing claim appeals days requiring use specified form regional offices filing notices disagreement claim decisions requiring hearings board veterans appeals conducted board considers appropriate request appellant appellant considers appropriate person picture voice transmission electronic means revises adds provisions concerning practices regional offices including requiring comptroller_general complete audit veterans_benefits_administration vba regional offices requiring secretary complete study service connected disabilities age extending authority performance medical disability examinations contract physicians requiring secretary develop implement plan establish uniform mail processing scanning system regional offices requiring inspector_general conduct review practices regional offices use dates disability claim assessment process requiring secretary submit semiannual reports progress implementing veterans benefits management system requiring secretary submit annual report vba capacity process benefits claims requiring secretary include monday workload report number claims benefits received regional office pending decision requiring secretary reports entitled appeals pending appeals workload station available public website requires secretary defense dod commissioner_of_social_security archivist united_states appoint individuals act liaisons expedite timely provision secretary information required process veterans benefits claims requires dod secretaries jointly submit report sets forth time line milestones achieving interoperability dod electronic health records systems


Summary: Veterans Hiring Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an employer a 50% reduction in the rate of the employment tax for wages paid to a veteran who served on active duty in the Armed Forces and was discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable. Makes such reduced rate effective during the period of four consecutive calendar quarters beginning with the first day of the first such calendar quarter beginning after the enactment of this Act.

veterans hiring act amends_the_internal_revenue_code allow employer reduction rate employment tax wages paid veteran served active duty armed_forces discharged released conditions dishonorable makes reduced rate effective period consecutive calendar quarters beginning day calendar quarter beginning enactment act


Summary:
Veterans Entrepreneurship Act - Amends the Small Business Act to prohibit the Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA) from assessing a guarantee fee in connection with a loan made under the SBA Express Program to a veteran or spouse of a veteran on or after October 1, 2014.

Directs the Administrator to report to Congress on: (1) the feasibility of providing financial planning and counseling to owners of small business concerns who are members of a reserve component prior to deployment; (2) the level of outreach to and consultation with female veterans by women's business centers and veterans business outreach centers; and (3) the Military Reservists Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program, which shall include a discussion of SBA outreach efforts to increase participation, the number of loans made, and an analysis of the effectiveness of, and recommendations for improving, the Program.

veterans entrepreneurship act_-_amends small_business_act prohibit administrator small_business_administration sba assessing guarantee fee connection loan sba express program veteran spouse veteran october directs administrator report congress feasibility providing financial planning counseling owners small business concerns members reserve component prior deployment level outreach consultation female veterans women business centers veterans business outreach centers military reservists economic injury disaster loan program shall include discussion sba outreach efforts increase participation number loans analysis effectiveness recommendations improving program


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

 Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2014 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to increase, as of December 1, 2014, the rates of veterans' disability compensation, additional compensation for dependents, the clothing allowance for certain disabled veterans, and dependency and indemnity compensation for surviving spouses and children.

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

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


Summary:
Veterans Appeals Improvement Act of 2014 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to: (1) ensure that not fewer than three decision review officers are employed at each Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) regional office within one year after enactment of this Act; and (2) submit a notice to the House and Senate veterans' affairs committees when the number of such officers at a regional office declines to fewer than three, including a plan to increase the number to at least three and a description of the measures the Secretary plans to take to ensure that appeals before the Board of Veterans' Appeals are disposed of in a timely manner while fewer than three officers are employed at such office.

Directs the Secretary to report to such committees on the ability of the Board to conduct hearings and dispose of appeals in a timely manner. Requires such report to include: (1) whether the number of members of the Board is sufficient; and (2) an assessment of the feasibility and advisability of increasing the number of decision review officers by 10%, 15%, and 25%.

veterans appeals improvement act directs secretary veterans_affairs ensure fewer decision review officers employed department_of_veterans_affairs regional office year enactment act submit notice house senate veterans affairs committees number officers regional office declines fewer including plan increase number description measures secretary plans ensure appeals board veterans appeals disposed timely manner fewer officers employed office directs secretary report committees ability board conduct hearings dispose appeals timely manner requires report include number members board sufficient assessment feasibility advisability increasing number decision review officers


Summary: Wounded Veterans Recreation Act - Amends the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act to require the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass, which is made available without charge to any U.S. citizen or person domiciled in the United States who has been medically determined to be permanently disabled, to be made available: (1) to any veteran with a service-connected disability, and (2) for the lifetime of the passholder.

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


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

Gold Star Fathers Act of 2014 - 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.

measure amended introduced summary version repeated 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:
Improving Opportunities for Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses Act of 2014 - Amends the Small Business Act to expand the definition of "small business concern owned and controlled by service-disabled veterans" for purposes of federal agencies awarding small business contracts pursuant to Small Business Administration (SBA) programs to include: (1) a small business concern not less than 51% of which is owned by one or more veterans with service-connected disabilities that are permanent and total who are unable to manage the daily business operations of such concern; or (2) in the case of a publicly owned business, a small business concern not less than 51% of the stock of which is owned by one or more such veterans. (Currently, such veterans with permanent and total disabilities are provided for in a separate small business program under veterans' benefits laws carried out by the Department of Veterans Affairs [VA].)

Revises the VA definition of "small business concern owned and controlled by veterans" to be the same as the SBA definition of such term, thereby making the eligibility requirements for participation in veteran-owned small business contracting programs consistent for both SBA programs and VA programs.

Provides that if the death of a service-disabled veteran causes a small business concern to be less than 51% owned by one or more such veterans, the surviving spouse of such veteran who acquires ownership rights in such small business concern shall be treated as if the surviving spouse were that veteran for the purpose of maintaining the business's eligibility for such contracting programs until the earliest of the following dates: (1) the date on which the surviving spouse either remarries or relinquishes the ownership interest, (2) 10 years after the veteran's death in the case of a surviving spouse of a veteran with a service-connected disability rated as 100% disabling or who dies as a result of a service-connected disability, or (3) 3 years after the veteran's death in the case of a surviving spouse of a veteran with a service-connected disability rated as less than 100% disabling who does not die as a result of a service-connected disability. (Currently, the SBA program does not provide such treatment for surviving spouses while the VA program provides such treatment only until remarriage, ownership relinquishment, or for 10 years with respect to surviving spouses of veterans with a 100% disabling service-connected disability or who die as a result of a service-connected disability.)

Requires a Comptroller General (GAO) report on the advisability of the SBA or the VA having government-wide responsibility for verifying businesses purporting to be small business concerns owned and controlled by service-disabled veterans.

improving opportunities service disabled veteran owned small businesses act amends small_business_act expand definition small business concern owned controlled service disabled veterans purposes federal agencies awarding small business contracts pursuant small_business_administration sba programs include small business concern owned veterans service connected disabilities permanent total unable manage daily business operations concern case publicly owned business small business concern stock owned veterans currently veterans permanent total disabilities provided separate small business program veterans benefits laws carried department_of_veterans_affairs revises definition small business concern owned controlled veterans sba definition term making eligibility requirements participation veteran owned small business contracting programs consistent sba programs programs provides death service disabled veteran causes small business concern owned veterans surviving spouse veteran acquires ownership rights small business concern shall treated surviving spouse veteran purpose maintaining business eligibility contracting programs earliest following dates date surviving spouse remarries relinquishes ownership interest years veteran death case surviving spouse veteran service connected disability rated disabling dies result service connected disability years veteran death case surviving spouse veteran service connected disability rated disabling die result service connected disability currently sba program provide treatment surviving spouses program provides treatment remarriage ownership relinquishment years respect surviving spouses veterans disabling service connected disability die result service connected disability requires comptroller_general gao report advisability sba having government wide responsibility verifying businesses purporting small business concerns owned controlled service disabled veterans


Summary: Hmong Veterans' Service Recognition Act - Authorizes burial in any open national cemetery under the control of the National Cemetery Administration of the remains of any individual: (1) who was naturalized pursuant to the Hmong Veterans' Naturalization Act of 2000 and who resided in the United States at the time of death; or (2) who the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) determines served with a special guerrilla unit or irregular forces operating from a base in Laos in support of the U.S. Armed Forces between February 28, 1961, and May 7, 1975, and who, at the time of death, resided in the United States and was a U.S. citizen or an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence.

veterans service recognition act_-_authorizes burial open national cemetery control national_cemetery_administration remains individual naturalized pursuant veterans naturalization act resided united_states time death secretary veterans_affairs determines served special unit irregular forces operating base laos support armed_forces february time death resided united_states citizen alien lawfully admitted permanent residence


Summary:
Veteran Entrepreneurship and Training Opportunities Act of 2014 - Amends the Small Business Act to the repeal the requirement that the Associate Administrator for Veterans Business Development of the Small Business Administration (SBA) increase veteran outreach by ensuring that Veteran Business Outreach Centers regularly participate, on a nationwide basis, in the workshops of the Transition Assistance Program (TAP) of the Department of Labor (DOL).

Establishes the Boots to Business Program under which the SBA Administrator shall provide entrepreneurship training to:

 members of the Armed Forces, individuals who separated from the Armed Forces during the one-year period ending on the date on which the individuals receive assistance under this Act, as well as their spouses or dependents. Requires the Administrator to make available electronically to the Secretary of Defense (DOD) all course materials created for this Program for inclusion in the TAP manual.

Requires the Administrator to establish a Veteran Women Igniting the Spirit of Entrepreneurship Program to provide specific training for female members of the Armed Forces, veterans, or female spouses or dependents of Armed Forces members or veterans who are interested in exploring careers as small business owners.

Requires the Administrator to establish an Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans with Disabilities Program to provide specific training for service-disabled veterans interested in exploring careers as small business owners.

Directs the Associate Administrator to establish an online mechanism to assist, and coordinate and leverage the work of, veterans' assistance providers.

Requires the Associate Administrator to establish a veterans' business outreach center program to provide financial assistance of between $100,000 and $300,000 per fiscal year to educational institutions, veterans' nonprofit community-based organizations, and federal, state, and local departments and agencies to conduct renewable five-year projects for the benefit of small businesses owned and controlled by veterans. Directs each assisted entity to establish a veterans' business outreach center to provide specific assistance to veterans, service-disabled veterans, and reservists, as well as their spouses, and the spouses of active duty members of the Armed Forces.

Requires the Administrator to designate at least one individual in each SBA district as a veterans business ownership representative.

Directs the Comptroller General (GAO) to: (1) report to specified congressional committees regarding the ability to access credit of small businesses owned and controlled by veterans, service-disabled veterans, reservists, as well as their spouses, or spouses of an Armed Forces member; and (2) evaluate the effectiveness of the veterans' business outreach center program after two years.

Requires the Administrator to report to Congress at least annually: (1) discussing appointments made to, and activities of, an interagency task force established for small businesses owned and controlled by veterans and service-disabled veterans; and (2) identifying and outlining a plan for outreach and promotion of programs authorized under this Act.

veteran entrepreneurship training opportunities act amends small_business_act repeal requirement associate_administrator veterans_business_development small_business_administration sba increase veteran outreach ensuring veteran business outreach centers regularly participate nationwide basis workshops transition_assistance_program tap department_of_labor dol establishes boots business program sba administrator shall provide entrepreneurship training members armed_forces individuals separated armed_forces year period ending date individuals receive assistance act spouses dependents requires administrator available electronically secretary defense dod course materials created program inclusion tap manual requires administrator establish veteran women spirit entrepreneurship program provide specific training female members armed_forces veterans female spouses dependents armed_forces members veterans interested exploring careers small business owners requires administrator establish entrepreneurship veterans disabilities program provide specific training service disabled veterans interested exploring careers small business owners directs associate_administrator establish online mechanism assist coordinate leverage work veterans assistance providers requires associate_administrator establish veterans business outreach center program provide financial assistance fiscal year educational institutions veterans nonprofit community based organizations federal state local departments agencies conduct renewable year projects benefit small businesses owned controlled veterans directs assisted entity establish veterans business outreach center provide specific assistance veterans service disabled veterans reservists spouses spouses active duty members armed_forces requires administrator designate individual sba district veterans business ownership representative directs comptroller_general gao report specified congressional committees ability access credit small businesses owned controlled veterans service disabled veterans reservists spouses spouses armed_forces member evaluate effectiveness veterans business outreach center program years requires administrator report congress annually discussing appointments activities interagency_task_force established small businesses owned controlled veterans service disabled veterans identifying outlining plan outreach promotion programs authorized act


Summary: United States Cadet Nurse Corps Equity Act - Deems service of a person as a member of the United States Cadet Nurse Corps between July 1, 1943, and December 15, 1945 (qualified service) to be active military service for purposes of all laws administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Requires: (1) the Secretary of Defense (DOD) to issue an honorable discharge to each person whose qualified service warrants one, and (2) the discharge to be issued within one year after enactment of this Act. Prohibits benefits from being paid to persons as a result of the enactment of this Act for any period before this Act's enactment date.

united_states_cadet_nurse_corps equity act deems service person member united_states_cadet_nurse_corps july december qualified service active military service purposes laws administered department_of_veterans_affairs requires secretary defense dod issue honorable discharge person qualified service warrants discharge issued year enactment act prohibits benefits paid persons result enactment act period act enactment date


Summary:
Patriot Employer Tax Credit Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a Patriot employer a business-related tax credit for up to 10% of the first $15,000 of wages paid to any employee in a taxable year. Sets forth criteria for designation as a Patriot employer, including requirements that such employer: (1) maintains its headquarters in the United States and does not expatriate to avoid payment of U.S. income taxes, (2) complies with the employer mandate to provide minimum essential health care coverage to its employees under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, (3) compensates at least 90% of its employees at a level that is 150% of the federal poverty level for a family of three and provides 90% of its employees with a basic level of retirement benefits, (4) provides for differential wage payments to its employees who are members of the Uniformed Services, and (5) increases the number of its employees performing substantially all of their services inside the United States to offset the number of employees who work outside the United States.

Sets forth a rule for the deferral of the tax deduction for foreign-related interest expense.

patriot employer tax credit act amends_the_internal_revenue_code allow patriot employer business related tax credit wages paid employee taxable year sets forth criteria designation patriot employer including requirements employer maintains headquarters united_states avoid payment income taxes complies employer mandate provide minimum essential health_care coverage employees patient_protection affordable care act compensates employees level federal poverty level family provides employees basic level retirement benefits provides differential wage payments employees members uniformed_services increases number employees performing substantially services inside united_states offset number employees work outside united_states sets forth rule deferral tax deduction foreign related interest expense


Summary: Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs: (1) within 180 days after the Inspector General of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) submits a report to Congress in 2014 that identifies VA medical facilities at which scheduling practices did not comply with VA policies and procedures, to identify each VA employee who, during any of FY2011-FY2014, contributed to the purposeful omission of the names of veterans from an electronic wait list for health care at such a facility, who was a VA supervisor who knew or should have known that the employee contributed to such omission, and who received a bonus in part because of such omission; and (2) after notice and an opportunity for a hearing, to order such employee to repay the bonus.

directs secretary veterans_affairs days inspector_general department_of_veterans_affairs submits report congress identifies medical facilities scheduling practices comply policies procedures identify employee fy2011 fy2014 contributed omission names veterans electronic wait list health_care facility supervisor knew known employee contributed omission received bonus omission notice opportunity hearing order employee repay bonus


Summary:
Requires the termination of any employee of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) who is found to have:

 retaliated or threatened to retaliate against any employee or applicant for employment for disclosing what the employee or applicant reasonably believes to be a violation of any law, rule, or regulation, mismanagement, a gross waste of funds, an abuse of authority, or a substantial and specific danger to public health or safety (provided the disclosure is not specifically prohibited by law); retaliated or threatened to retaliate against any employee or applicant for exercising, or assisting another individual in exercising, any appeal, complaint, or grievance right granted by any law, rule, or regulation; or implemented or enforced certain nondisclosure policies, forms, or agreements that conflict with whistleblower protections and employee rights.

requires termination employee department_of_veterans_affairs found threatened retaliate employee applicant employment disclosing employee applicant reasonably believes violation law rule regulation mismanagement gross waste funds abuse authority substantial specific danger public health safety provided disclosure specifically prohibited law threatened retaliate employee applicant exercising assisting individual exercising appeal complaint grievance right granted law rule regulation implemented enforced certain nondisclosure policies forms agreements conflict whistleblower protections employee rights


Summary:
Veterans' Credit Protection Act - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to: (1) conduct outreach to inform veterans of how to resolve credit issues caused by a delayed payment (i.e., a proper invoice that is not paid by the Secretary until after the required payment date); and (2) establish a toll-free telephone number for veterans to report such issues to the Veterans Integrated Service Networks.

Requires the Secretary to report annually on the effectiveness of each Network in providing timely payment of proper invoices during both the preceding five-year period and the preceding one-year period. Requires such report to include:

 the number of veterans who contacted the Secretary regarding delayed payments that could negatively affect their credit; the total amount of interest penalties paid by the Secretary by reason of delayed payments; the number of proper invoices submitted, the amount owed for and the payment status of such invoices, and the periods that elapsed before such invoices were paid; relevant comments received from medical providers regarding delayed payments; identification of the Networks with the least and most delayed payments; and a description of the best practices to provide timely payment of a proper invoice, including a plan for under-performing Networks to improve. Directs the Comptroller General (GAO) to conduct a study that assesses the effectiveness of each Network in providing timely payment of proper invoices.

veterans credit protection act_-_directs secretary veterans_affairs conduct outreach inform veterans resolve credit issues caused delayed payment proper invoice paid secretary required payment date establish toll free telephone number veterans report issues veterans_integrated_service_networks requires secretary report annually effectiveness network providing timely payment proper preceding year period preceding year period requires report include number veterans contacted secretary delayed payments negatively affect credit total interest penalties paid secretary reason delayed payments number proper submitted owed payment status periods elapsed paid relevant comments received medical providers delayed payments identification networks delayed payments description best practices provide timely payment proper invoice including plan performing networks improve directs comptroller_general gao conduct study assesses effectiveness network providing timely payment proper


Summary: Honor Flight Act - Directs the Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security (Transportation Security Administration [TSA]) to establish a process for providing expedited and dignified passenger screening services for veterans traveling on an Honor Flight Network charter flight or that of another organization to visit war memorials built and dedicated to honor their service.

honor flight act_-_directs assistant secretary homeland_security transportation_security_administration tsa establish process providing expedited dignified passenger screening services veterans traveling honor flight network charter flight organization visit war memorials built dedicated honor service


Summary: Wounded Warrior Tax Equity Act of 2014 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to prevent any extension of the tax collection period after assessment for taxpayers who are members of the Armed Forces due to a hospitalization for combat zone injuries.

wounded warrior tax equity act amends_the_internal_revenue_code prevent extension tax collection period assessment taxpayers members armed_forces hospitalization combat zone injuries


Summary:
Honor Those Who Served Act of 2014 - Authorizes the following persons to request a headstone or marker to be furnished by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to commemorate an eligible decedent:

 the decedent's next of kin; a person authorized in writing by the decedent's next of kin to make such request; a personal representative authorized in writing by the decedent to make such request; in the case of a decedent for which no such person may be identified, a state veterans service agency, a military researcher, a local historian, or a genealogist or other person familiar with the research sources and methods necessary to prove the identity of the decedent; or in the case of a decedent who is a veteran who served on active duty in the Armed Forces at least 75 years before the date on which the headstone or marker is requested, any person (subject to a request by the decedent's next of kin to change the placement of, or to remove, such headstone or marker). Permits the last two categories of persons to request emblems of belief for such a headstone or marker only when such a person can provide sufficient evidence regarding the decedent's religious beliefs.

honor served act authorizes following persons request headstone marker furnished secretary veterans_affairs commemorate eligible decedent decedent kin person authorized writing decedent kin request personal representative authorized writing decedent request case decedent person identified state veterans service agency military local person familiar research sources methods necessary prove identity decedent case decedent veteran served active duty armed_forces years date headstone marker requested person subject request decedent kin change placement remove headstone marker permits categories persons request belief headstone marker person provide sufficient evidence decedent religious beliefs


Summary:
Toxic Exposure Research Act of 2014 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to select a medical center in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to serve as the national center for research on the diagnosis and treatment of health conditions of descendants (i.e., a biological child, grandchild, or great-grandchild) of individuals exposed to toxic substances while serving as members of the Armed Forces that are related to that exposure.

Requires the national research center to employ at least one licensed clinical social worker to coordinate the access of individuals to appropriate federal, state, and local social and health care programs and to handle case management.

Directs the Secretary to establish an advisory board to: (1) advise the national research center, (2) determine which health conditions in the descendants of individuals who were exposed to toxic substances while serving in the Armed Forces result from such exposure for purposes of determining those descendants' eligibility for VA medical care, and (3) study and evaluate claims of service-related exposure to toxic substances by current and former members of the Armed Forces.

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

Directs the Secretary, the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), and the DOD Secretary to jointly conduct a national outreach and education campaign directed at members of the Armed Forces, veterans, and their family members to communicate information on: (1) incidents of exposure to toxic substances, health conditions resulting form such exposure, and the potential long-term effects of such exposure; and (2) the national research center.

toxic exposure research_act directs secretary veterans_affairs select medical center department_of_veterans_affairs serve national center research diagnosis treatment health conditions descendants biological child grandchild great grandchild individuals exposed toxic substances serving members armed_forces related exposure requires national research_center employ licensed clinical social worker coordinate access individuals appropriate federal state local social health_care programs handle case management directs secretary establish advisory_board advise national research_center determine health conditions descendants individuals exposed toxic substances serving armed_forces result exposure purposes determining descendants eligibility medical care study evaluate claims service related exposure toxic substances current members armed_forces authorizes secretary defense dod documents documents materially immediately threaten national security related known incident members armed_forces exposed toxic substance resulted case disability directs secretary secretary health_and_human_services hhs dod secretary jointly conduct national outreach education campaign directed members armed_forces veterans family members communicate information incidents exposure toxic substances health conditions resulting form exposure potential long term effects exposure national research_center


Summary:
Connect with Veterans Act of 2014 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to: (1) establish a program to facilitate outreach to veterans by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the primary agencies of states for the administration of veterans' benefits and services, political subdivisions of states, and Indian tribes; and (2) publicize such program and the benefits to such entities of participating.

Requires the Secretary, to carry out such program, to: (1) establish a national directory of veterans, and (2) share information in the directory with any such entities from whom a participating individual has expressed interest in receiving information.

Prohibits: (1) the Secretary from selling information collected under this Act, (2) the Secretary or any participating entity from sharing such information with a non-participating entity, or (3) any participating entity from using any such information for any political communication or from requiring any participating individual to purchase any product or service.

Requires the Secretary of Defense (DOD) to: (1) provide to each member of the Armed Forces separating from service a form for the collection of information to be included in the directory, (2) ensure that completion of the form is voluntary, and (3) protect the privacy of individuals who submit information and the security of information.

Directs the Secretaries of Defense and Labor to jointly take appropriate steps to integrate the collection of information under this Act into the Transition Assistance Program.

connect veterans act directs secretary veterans_affairs establish program facilitate outreach veterans department_of_veterans_affairs primary agencies states administration veterans benefits services political subdivisions states indian tribes publicize program benefits entities participating requires secretary carry program establish national directory veterans share information directory entities participating individual expressed interest receiving information prohibits secretary selling information collected act secretary participating entity sharing information non participating entity participating entity information political communication requiring participating individual purchase product service requires secretary defense dod provide member armed_forces separating service form collection information included directory ensure completion form voluntary protect privacy individuals submit information security information directs secretaries_of_defense labor jointly appropriate steps integrate collection information act transition_assistance_program


Summary:
Amends the federal charter of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States to describe the organization as a national association of veterans (currently, an association of men) who, as soldiers, sailors, marines, and airmen, served this Nation in wars, campaigns, and expeditions on foreign soil or in hostile waters.

Expands its purpose of assisting widows to that of assisting surviving spouses.

amends federal charter veterans foreign wars united_states describe organization national association veterans currently association men soldiers airmen served nation wars campaigns foreign soil hostile waters expands purpose assisting widows assisting surviving spouses


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

Authorizes the President to award the Medal of Honor to Henry Johnson for acts of valor during World War I for which he was previously awarded the Distinguished Service Cross.

measure amended introduced summary version repeated authorizes president award medal honor henry johnson acts valor world war previously awarded distinguished service cross


Summary: Veterans Small Business Enhancement Act of 2014 - Amends the Small Business Act to require the interagency task force that is responsible for coordinating federal efforts to improve the business development and federal contracting opportunities available to small business concerns owned and controlled by veterans to coordinate administrative and regulatory activities and develop proposals to provide access to, and manage the distribution of, excess or surplus U.S. property located outside the United States to small business concerns owned and controlled by veterans, pursuant to a memorandum of understanding with the applicable state agency.

veterans small business enhancement_act amends small_business_act require interagency_task_force responsible coordinating federal efforts improve business development federal contracting opportunities available small business concerns owned controlled veterans coordinate administrative regulatory activities develop proposals provide access manage distribution excess surplus property located outside united_states small business concerns owned controlled veterans pursuant memorandum understanding applicable state agency


Summary:
Service Members Transition Improvement Act of 2014 - Requires the Secretary of Defense (DOD) to develop procedures to share with state veterans agencies information, in electronic data format, on members of the Armed Forces who are separating from service in order to facilitate the transition of such members to civilian life. Identifies that information as military service and separation data and specified contact information.

Requires the member's consent before that information may be shared.

Directs the Secretary to ensure that the state veterans agencies only share such information with county veterans service offices for such purposes as the Secretary specifies for the administration and delivery of benefits.

service members transition improvement act requires secretary defense dod develop procedures share state veterans agencies information electronic data format members armed_forces separating service order facilitate transition members civilian life identifies information military service separation data specified contact information requires member consent information shared directs secretary ensure state veterans agencies share information county veterans service offices purposes secretary specifies administration delivery benefits


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

Dignified Interment of Our Veterans Act of 2014 - Requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to study and report to Congress on matters relating to the interring of veterans' unclaimed remains in national cemeteries under the control of the National Cemetery Administration, including:

 the scope of the issues relating to veterans' unclaimed remains, including the estimated number of such remains; the effectiveness of VA procedures for working with persons or entities having custody of unclaimed remains to facilitate the interment of such remains in such cemeteries; state and local laws that affect the Secretary's ability to inter unclaimed veterans' remains in such cemeteries; and recommendations for appropriate legislative or administrative action.

measure amended introduced summary version repeated dignified interment veterans act requires secretary veterans_affairs study report congress matters relating veterans unclaimed remains national cemeteries control national_cemetery_administration including scope issues relating veterans unclaimed remains including estimated number remains effectiveness procedures working persons entities having custody unclaimed remains facilitate interment remains cemeteries state local laws affect secretary ability inter unclaimed veterans remains cemeteries recommendations appropriate legislative administrative action


Summary:
Protect Veterans Employment and Training Services Act of 2014 - Amends the disabled veterans' outreach program to authorize the Secretary of Labor to establish an order of priority for furnishing program services if state disabled veterans' outreach program specialists are unable to assist every eligible veteran seeking assistance.

Requires that priority order to be consistent with the program's purposes and the existing priority order of special disabled veterans, other disabled veterans, and other eligible veterans.

Allows a state disabled veterans' outreach program specialist to perform an initial intake and assessment of each veteran who seeks program services.

Authorizes local veterans' employment representatives to provide employment, training, and placement services directly to eligible veterans and eligible persons.

Requires those representatives to spend a majority of their time carrying out their principal duties of: (1) conducting outreach to local employers to assist veterans in gaining employment; and (2) facilitating the provision of state employment, training, and placement services to veterans.

Prohibits the Secretary from imposing restrictions on the duties that a state disabled veterans' outreach program specialist or a local veterans' employment representative may perform or the individuals they may assist other than those set forth in the law providing veterans with job counseling, training, and placement services.

protect veterans employment training services act amends disabled veterans outreach program authorize secretary labor establish order priority furnishing program services state disabled veterans outreach program specialists unable assist eligible veteran seeking assistance requires priority order consistent program purposes existing priority order special disabled veterans disabled veterans eligible veterans allows state disabled veterans outreach program specialist perform initial intake assessment veteran seeks program services authorizes local veterans employment representatives provide employment training placement services directly eligible veterans eligible persons requires representatives spend majority time carrying principal duties conducting outreach local employers assist veterans gaining employment facilitating provision state employment training placement services veterans prohibits secretary imposing restrictions duties state disabled veterans outreach program specialist local veterans employment representative perform individuals assist set forth law providing veterans job counseling training placement services


Summary:
Veterans Dignified Burial Act - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA): (1) upon confirming the veteran status of a deceased veteran in the custody of a local medical examiner, funeral director, county service group, or other similar entity, to request from such entity the specific date of the scheduled interment of such veteran; and (2) during each 30-day period following such request, to repeat the request until such entity confirms that such veteran has been interred.

Requires the Secretary, by January 31 of each year, to submit to the House and Senate Veterans' Affairs Committees a report on deceased veterans who were interred after the 30-day period following the date on which the Secretary made such request. Requires the report to include: (1) the number of deceased veterans who were not interred in such 30-day period during the prior year, (2) the number of such deceased veterans who are not interred as of the date of the report, and (3) the entity with custody of each such deceased veteran.

veterans dignified burial act_-_directs secretary veterans_affairs confirming veteran status deceased veteran custody local medical examiner funeral director county service group similar entity request entity specific date scheduled interment veteran day period following request repeat request entity confirms veteran interred requires secretary january year submit house senate veterans affairs committees report deceased veterans interred day period following date secretary request requires report include number deceased veterans interred day period prior year number deceased veterans interred date report entity custody deceased veteran


Summary:
Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to designate at least one city in the United States each year as an "American World War II City" based on: (1) contributions to the war effort during World War II; and (2) efforts to preserve the history of such contributions, including preservation organizations or museums, restoration of World War II facilities, and recognition of World War II veterans.

Designates Wilmington, North Carolina, as the first such city.

directs secretary veterans_affairs designate city united_states year american world war city based contributions war effort world war efforts preserve history contributions including preservation organizations museums restoration world war facilities recognition world war veterans designates wilmington north_carolina city


Summary:
Wounded Warriors Federal Leave Act of 2014 - Entitles any federal employee who is a veteran with a service-connected disability rated at 30% or more, during the 12-month period beginning on the first day of employment, to up to 104 hours of leave, without loss or reduction in pay, for purposes of undergoing medical treatment for such disability for which sick leave could regularly be used. Requires the forfeiture of any such leave that is not used during such 12-month period.

Requires such employee to submit to the head of the employing agency certification that such employee used such leave for purposes of being furnished treatment for such disability by a health care provider.

wounded warriors federal leave act entitles federal employee veteran service connected disability rated month period beginning day employment hours leave loss reduction pay purposes undergoing medical treatment disability sick leave regularly requires forfeiture leave month period requires employee submit head employing agency certification employee leave purposes furnished treatment disability health_care provider


Summary:
Helping to Encourage Real Opportunity for Veterans Transitioning from Battlespace to Workplace Act of 2015 or the HERO Transition from Battlespace to Workplace Act of 2015

 Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers a business-related tax credit for $1,000 times the number of veterans (not more than 25 in a taxable year) who begin work resulting from the efforts of a military relations manager.

Deems as a reasonable effort of an employer to employ veterans, for purposes of veteran employment and reemployment programs, the designation of an employee as a military relations manager and the use of the military skills translator database (database for assisting veterans in relating military skills, experience, and training to civilian skills, experience, and training). Defines a "military relations manager" as an expert in the process of transitioning from being a member of the Armed Forces to being a civilian and in translating the skills, experience, and training gained in the Armed Forces to skills, experience, and training needed in the private sector.

Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to: (1) ensure that the military skills translator database may be used by civilian employers, and (2) conduct outreach to inform civilian employers of such database.

helping encourage real opportunity veterans transitioning workplace act hero transition workplace act amends_the_internal_revenue_code allow employers business related tax credit times number veterans taxable year begin work resulting efforts military relations manager deems reasonable effort employer employ veterans purposes veteran employment reemployment programs designation employee military relations manager use military skills translator database database assisting veterans relating military skills experience training civilian skills experience training defines military relations manager expert process transitioning member armed_forces civilian translating skills experience training gained armed_forces skills experience training needed private sector directs secretary veterans_affairs ensure military skills translator database civilian employers conduct outreach inform civilian employers database


Summary:
Veterans Healthcare Improvement Act

 Requires the Comptroller General, for each of FY2016-FY2018, to: (1) review the budget requests for the Department of Veterans Affairs' Medical Services, Medical Support and Compliance, and Medical Facilities accounts contained in the President's budget request for that fiscal year; and (2) report review results to the congressional veterans, appropriations, and budget committees.

veterans healthcare improvement act requires comptroller_general fy2016 fy2018 review budget requests department_of_veterans_affairs medical services medical support compliance medical facilities accounts contained president budget request fiscal year report review results congressional veterans appropriations budget committees


Summary:
(This measure has not been amended since it was passed by the Senate on June 22, 2015. The summary of that version is repeated here.)

Veteran's Identification Card Act of 2015

(Sec. 2) Directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to issue a veteran's identification card to a requesting veteran who 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 the veteran's name and photograph, and (2) serve as proof that the veteran has a DD-214 form or other official document in his or her military personnel file that describes the veteran's military service.

Directs VA to charge a card fee.

States that such card shall not serve as proof of entitlement to any benefits.

measure amended passed senate june summary version repeated veteran identification card act sec directs department_of_veterans_affairs issue veteran identification card requesting veteran entitled military retired pay enrolled system patient enrollment requires card things display veteran photograph serve proof veteran form official document military personnel file describes veteran military service directs charge card fee states card shall serve proof entitlement benefits


Summary: Amends the Internal Revenue Code, with respect to the work opportunity tax credit, to: (1) make such credit permanent, and (2) allow the transfer of credit amounts to an individual other than the employer for computer services performed by a qualified veteran (i.e. an unemployed veteran with a service-connected disability).

amends_the_internal_revenue_code respect work opportunity tax credit credit permanent allow transfer credit amounts individual employer computer services performed qualified veteran unemployed veteran service connected disability


Summary:
Amends veterans' educational assistance program reporting requirements under which enrolled veterans (or eligible persons) and educational institutions must report enrollment information to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Requires individuals and educational institutions participating in the post-Vietnam era and post-9/11 veterans' educational assistance programs to report to the Secretary such enrollment and any updates on interruption or termination of the education (thereby making the enrollment reporting requirements for the post-Vietnam and post-9/11 programs consistent with other veterans' educational programs).

Defines "educational institution" to permit the inclusion of groups, districts, or consortiums of separately accredited educational institutions located in the same state that are organized in a manner facilitating the centralized reporting of enrollments.

amends veterans educational assistance program reporting requirements enrolled veterans eligible persons educational institutions report enrollment information secretary veterans_affairs requires individuals educational institutions participating post vietnam era veterans educational assistance programs report secretary enrollment updates interruption termination education making enrollment reporting requirements post vietnam programs consistent veterans educational programs defines educational institution permit inclusion groups districts consortiums separately accredited educational institutions located state organized manner facilitating centralized reporting enrollments


Summary:
Department of Veterans Affairs Budget Planning Reform Act of 2015

(Sec. 2) Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to submit annually to Congress a Future-Years Veterans Program (Program) reflecting estimated expenditures and proposed appropriations included in the budget for that fiscal year.

Requires the Program to: (1) set forth a five-year VA plan to address the U.S. commitment to veterans and the resources necessary to meet that commitment; (2) be included in VA's annual budget submission to the Congress, starting with the FY2020 budget submission; and (3) be published on a publicly available VA website.

Requires the Secretary, in 2019 and quadrennially thereafter, to conduct a review of the strategy for meeting such commitment and resources requirement (Quadrennial Veterans Review) which shall include a comprehensive examination of U.S. policies and strategies for veterans, including recommendations regarding the long-term strategy and priorities for veterans programs, services, and benefits, and guidance on VA programs, assets, budget, and policies.

Requires each Review to be coordinated with the Program.

Directs the Secretary to: (1) report to Congress regarding each Review, and (2) publish each Review on a public ally available VA website.

Directs the Secretary to establish an Independent Veterans Review Panel for each year in which a Review is conducted which shall review the process by which the review is formulated and submit a related report to Congress.

Directs the Secretary to provide annually to the appropriate VA officials written policy guidance for the preparation and review of the planning and program recommendations and budget proposals of the VA elements of such officials.

(Sec. 3) Directs the Secretary to designate a Chief Strategy Officer to: (1) advise the Secretary on long-range VA strategy and implications, and (2) develop and execute the Program.

(Sec. 4) States that: (1) no additional funds are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this Act, and (2) this Act shall be carried out using funds otherwise available to VA.

department_of_veterans_affairs budget planning reform_act sec directs secretary veterans_affairs submit annually congress future years veterans program program reflecting estimated expenditures proposed appropriations included budget fiscal year requires program set forth year plan address commitment veterans resources necessary meet commitment included annual budget submission congress starting fy2020 budget submission published publicly available website requires secretary conduct review strategy meeting commitment resources requirement quadrennial veterans review shall include comprehensive examination policies strategies veterans including recommendations long term strategy priorities veterans programs services benefits guidance programs assets budget policies requires review coordinated program directs secretary report congress review publish review public ally available website directs secretary establish independent veterans review panel year review conducted shall review process review formulated submit related report congress directs secretary provide annually appropriate officials written policy guidance preparation review planning program recommendations budget proposals elements officials sec directs secretary designate chief strategy officer advise secretary long range strategy implications develop execute program sec states additional funds authorized appropriated carry act act shall carried funds available


Summary:
Describes an "informal claim" for a veterans' benefit as a communication in writing requesting a determination of entitlement or evidencing a belief in entitlement to such benefit that is submitted by a claimant, or an authorized party on the claimant's behalf, in a format other than on an application form submitted by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA). Requires an informal claim to also indicate an intent to apply for an identified benefit.

Requires the Secretary to:

 provide a claimant who submits an informal claim with an application form on which to submit a formal claim; maintain in the claimant's claim file a dated copy of the letter accompanying that application form; and consider an application to have been filed, for benefit purposes, on the date on which an informal communication relating to such benefit is submitted, unless the claimant fails to file the application form within 180 days after the Secretary provides that form. Requires an informal request for increasing or reopening a claim to be accepted and treated in the same manner as a formal claim.

Defines a "reasonably raised claim" for a veterans' benefit as evidence of an entitlement to such benefit that is not explicitly raised in a claim but is logically placed at issue upon a sympathetic reading of the claim and the record developed with respect to the claim.

Directs the Secretary to identify, address, and adjudicate reasonably raised claims that are placed at issue in the course of addressing or adjudicating any claim, including evidence relating to entirely separate conditions never identified as part of a formal claim.

describes informal claim veterans benefit communication writing requesting determination entitlement evidencing belief entitlement benefit submitted claimant authorized party claimant behalf format application form submitted secretary veterans_affairs requires informal claim indicate intent apply identified benefit requires secretary provide claimant submits informal claim application form submit formal claim maintain claimant claim file dated copy letter accompanying application form consider application filed benefit purposes date informal communication relating benefit submitted claimant fails file application form days secretary provides form requires informal request increasing reopening claim accepted treated manner formal claim defines reasonably raised claim veterans benefit evidence entitlement benefit explicitly raised claim placed issue reading claim record developed respect claim directs secretary identify address adjudicate reasonably raised claims placed issue course addressing adjudicating claim including evidence relating entirely separate conditions identified formal claim


Summary:
Families of Fallen Servicemembers First Act

This bill provides a permanent appropriation for the payment of death gratuities and related benefits to survivors of deceased members of the uniformed services during a period of lapsed appropriations.

The bill provides the appropriations at the rate and under the conditions provided for the most recent fiscal year for which an Act making appropriations for the uniformed services has been enacted.

The appropriations are provided during a period of lapsed appropriations, in which appropriations are unavailable due to the absence of the timely enactment of an Act or joint resolution providing appropriations or continuing appropriations for the death gratuity and related benefits.

families fallen servicemembers act bill provides permanent appropriation payment death gratuities related benefits survivors deceased members uniformed_services period lapsed appropriations bill provides appropriations rate conditions provided recent fiscal year act making appropriations uniformed_services enacted appropriations provided period lapsed appropriations appropriations unavailable absence timely enactment act joint resolution providing appropriations continuing appropriations death gratuity related benefits


Summary:
Incentives for our Nation's Veterans in Energy Sustainability Technologies or the INVEST Act

 Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow the work opportunity tax credit for the hiring of a specified veteran who works in a field of renewable energy. Defines "specified veteran" as any veteran who is certified as: (1) having received a credential or certification from the Department of Defense of a military occupational specialty or skill in a field of renewable energy or with respect to advanced manufacturing, machinist or welding, or engineering; (2) having completed a vocational degree in a field of renewable energy; or (3) having completed a LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) certification with the United States Green Building Council.

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

incentives nation veterans energy sustainability technologies invest act amends_the_internal_revenue_code allow work opportunity tax credit hiring specified veteran works field renewable energy defines specified veteran veteran certified having received credential certification department_of_defense military occupational specialty skill field renewable energy respect advanced manufacturing engineering having completed vocational degree field renewable energy having completed leed leadership energy environmental design certification united_states green building council requires secretary treasury pay possession american_samoa guam commonwealth_of_the_northern_mariana_islands commonwealth_of_puerto_rico virgin_islands code tax system amounts equal loss possession act possession tax system estimated equal loss possession occurred act tax system effect


Summary:
Authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to issue an order directing a VA employee to repay the amount, or a portion of the amount, of an award or bonus paid to the employee if: (1) the VA determines that such repayment is appropriate, and (2) the employee is afforded notice and an opportunity for a hearing conducted by another federal agency. Makes such repayment decisions final and unreviewable.

Makes this Act applicable to awards or bonuses paid before, on, or after the date of this Act's enactment.

authorizes department_of_veterans_affairs issue order directing employee repay portion award bonus paid employee determines repayment appropriate employee afforded notice opportunity hearing conducted federal agency makes repayment decisions final makes act applicable awards bonuses paid date act enactment


Summary:
Veterans Medical Access Act

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.

veterans medical access act 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:
Retired Pay Restoration Act

Expresses the sense of Congress that military retired pay should not be reduced because a military retiree is also eligible for veterans' disability compensation awarded for a service-connected disability.

Allows the receipt of both military retired pay and veterans' disability compensation with respect to any service-connected disability (under current law, only a disability rated at 50% or more). Repeals provisions phasing in the full concurrent receipt of such pay through December 31, 2013.

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

retired pay restoration act expresses sense congress military retired pay reduced military retiree eligible veterans disability compensation awarded service connected disability allows receipt military retired pay veterans disability compensation respect service connected disability current law disability rated repeals provisions phasing concurrent receipt pay december makes eligible concurrent receipt veterans disability compensation military retired pay combat related special pay individuals retired separated military service service connected disability


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

Wounded Warriors Federal Leave Act of 2015

(Sec. 2) Entitles any federal employee who is a veteran with a service-connected disability rated at 30% or more, during the 12-month period beginning on the first day of employment, to up to 104 hours of leave, without loss or reduction in pay, for purposes of undergoing medical treatment for such disability for which sick leave could regularly be used. Requires the forfeiture of any such leave that is not used during such 12-month period.

Requires such employee to submit to the head of the employing agency certification that such employee used such leave for purposes of being furnished treatment for such disability by a health care provider.

measure amended introduced expanded summary house reported version repeated wounded warriors federal leave act sec entitles federal employee veteran service connected disability rated month period beginning day employment hours leave loss reduction pay purposes undergoing medical treatment disability sick leave regularly requires forfeiture leave month period requires employee submit head employing agency certification employee leave purposes furnished treatment disability health_care provider


Summary:
Filipino Veterans Promise Act

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

filipino veterans promise act directs secretary defense 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:
Disabled Veterans Tax Termination Act

Amends federal military retired pay provisions to: (1) permit veterans with a service-connected disability of less than 50% to concurrently receive both retired pay and disability compensation; (2) eliminate provisions requiring a phase-in between January 1, 2004, and December 31, 2013, of concurrent receipt of retired pay and disability compensation; (3) eliminate a phase-in of concurrent receipt of retired pay and disability compensation for disabled veterans determined to be individually unemployable; and (4) require a limited reduction in retired pay for qualified disability retirees with less than 20 years of retirement-creditable service.

disabled veterans tax termination act amends federal military retired pay provisions permit veterans service connected disability concurrently receive retired pay disability compensation eliminate provisions requiring phase january december concurrent receipt retired pay disability compensation eliminate phase concurrent receipt retired pay disability compensation disabled veterans determined individually require limited reduction retired pay qualified disability retirees years retirement creditable service


Summary:
Requires a state, as a condition for receipt of a grant or contract from the Department of Labor for support of disabled veterans' outreach specialists and local veterans' employment representatives, to:

 establish a program that issues a license or credential to a veteran without requiring any training or apprenticeship if such veteran receives a satisfactory score on completion of an examination administered by that state and has at least 10 years of experience in a military occupational specialty that is similar to the civilian occupation for which such license or credential is required; and submit a report each year on the exams administered that includes the number of veterans who completed such exams and a description of the results of such exams, disaggregated by occupational field.

requires state condition receipt grant contract department_of_labor support disabled veterans outreach specialists local veterans employment representatives establish program issues license credential veteran requiring training apprenticeship veteran receives satisfactory score completion examination administered state years experience military occupational specialty similar civilian occupation license credential required submit report year exams administered includes number veterans completed exams description results exams disaggregated occupational field


Summary:
Permits a member of the Armed Forces 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 to ensure that such authority is fully implemented within 90 days after the enactment of this Act.

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


Summary:
Manufacturing Jobs for Veterans Act

Directs the Secretary of Labor, as part of the Veteran's Workforce Investment Program, to carry out a five-year pilot program (to be known as the Veterans Manufacturing Employment Program) to award competitive grants to three states for the establishment and administration of a State Manufacturing Employment Program to make grants to manufacturing employers and labor-management organizations that provide training, on-job training, apprenticeships, and certification classes to eligible veterans.

manufacturing jobs veterans act directs secretary labor veteran workforce investment program carry year pilot program known veterans manufacturing employment program award competitive grants states establishment administration state manufacturing employment program grants manufacturing employers labor management organizations provide training job training apprenticeships certification classes eligible veterans


Summary:
Wounded Warrior Employment Improvement Act

Directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to develop and publish an action plan for improving the training and rehabilitation services and assistance provided by the VA for veterans with service-connected disabilities.

Requires such plan to include:

 a comprehensive analysis of, and recommendations and a proposed implementation plan for remedying, workload management challenges at VA regional offices, including steps to reduce counselor case loads of veterans participating in a rehabilitation program; a comprehensive analysis of the reasons for the disproportionately low percentage of veterans with service-connected disabilities who served in the Armed Forces after September 11, 2001, who opt to participate in a VA rehabilitation program relative to the percentage of such veterans who use their entitlement to VA educational assistance; recommendations and a proposed implementation plan for encouraging more veterans with service-connected disabilities who served in the Armed Forces after September 11, 2001, to participate in VA rehabilitation programs; and a national staff training program for vocational rehabilitation counselors, that includes the provision of training to assist counselors in understanding the very profound disorientation experienced by warriors because of their injury, training to assist counselors in working in partnership with veterans on individual rehabilitation plans, and training on post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental health conditions and on moderate to severe traumatic brain injury that is designed to improve the ability of such counselors to assist veterans with such conditions.

wounded warrior employment improvement act directs department_of_veterans_affairs develop publish action plan improving training rehabilitation services assistance provided veterans service connected disabilities requires plan include comprehensive analysis recommendations proposed implementation plan workload management challenges regional offices including steps reduce counselor case loads veterans participating rehabilitation program comprehensive analysis reasons disproportionately low percentage veterans service connected disabilities served armed_forces september opt participate rehabilitation program relative percentage veterans use entitlement educational assistance recommendations proposed implementation plan encouraging veterans service connected disabilities served armed_forces september participate rehabilitation programs national staff training program vocational rehabilitation counselors includes provision training assist counselors understanding experienced warriors injury training assist counselors working partnership veterans individual rehabilitation plans training post traumatic stress disorder mental health conditions moderate severe traumatic brain injury designed improve ability counselors assist veterans conditions


Summary:
Veterans Dog Training Therapy Act

Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to carry out a five-year pilot program to assess the effectiveness of addressing veterans' post-deployment mental health and post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms through the therapeutic medium of educating those veterans in the training and handling of service dogs for veterans with disabilities.

Requires: (1) the Secretary to carry out the pilot program through contracts with appropriate nongovernmental entities located in close proximity to at least three but no more than five VA medical centers, and (2) each of those entities to be certified in the training and handling of service dogs and to have a training area that would be appropriate for use in educating veterans with mental health conditions in the art and science of service dog training and handling.

veterans dog training therapy act directs secretary veterans_affairs carry year pilot program assess effectiveness addressing veterans post deployment mental health post traumatic stress disorder symptoms therapeutic medium educating veterans training handling service dogs veterans disabilities requires secretary carry pilot program contracts appropriate nongovernmental entities located close proximity medical centers entities certified training handling service dogs training area appropriate use educating veterans mental health conditions art science service dog training handling


Summary:
Putting Our Veterans Back to Work Act of 2015

Amends the: (1) VOW to Hire Heroes Act of 2011 to extend through 2018 the veterans retraining assistance program, and (2) Wounded Warrior Act to extend through 2018 the authority of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) (Secretary) to provide the same rehabilitation and vocational benefits to members of the Armed Forces with severe injuries or illnesses as are provided to veterans.

Extends through: (1) March 31, 2018, additional VA rehabilitation programs for certain disabled veterans who have completed a VA rehabilitation program and have exhausted their rights to state unemployment benefits; and (2) FY2019 the collaborative veterans' training, mentoring, and placement program.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

putting veterans work act amends hire heroes act extend veterans retraining assistance program wounded warrior act extend authority secretary veterans_affairs secretary provide rehabilitation vocational benefits members armed_forces severe injuries illnesses provided veterans extends march additional rehabilitation programs certain disabled veterans completed rehabilitation program exhausted rights state unemployment benefits fy2019 collaborative veterans training mentoring placement program directs secretary develop single unified federal web based employment portal veterans access information federal programs activities concerning veterans employment unemployment benefits training directs secretary homeland_security award grants hire veterans firefighters attorney general award grants hire veterans law enforcement officers requires head executive defense agency consider evaluation factor federal solicitations contracts task delivery orders valued million employment prospective contractor veterans constituting contractor workforce allows veteran behalf complaint violation employment reemployment rights uniformed_services_employment_and_reemployment_rights_act userra intervene action obtain appropriate relief requires days receiving referral unsuccessful attempt resolve complaint relating state private employer notify person behalf complaint submitted decision commence action decision expected requires case decision additional days requires commence action reasonable cause believe state private employer engaged pattern practice resistance enjoyment rights benefits pattern practice denies exercise rights benefits authorizes suspension termination debarment federal contractors repeated failures refusals comply userra protections provides special_counsel subpoena power require attendance testimony production documents federal employees enforced merit_systems_protection_board authorizes employment reemployment rights investigations issue serve civil investigative demand production documentary material