Bill > HR1671

This bill establishes a presumption of service-connection for certain medical conditions potentially linked to COVID-19 vaccines for members of the Armed Forces who received the vaccine between August 24, 2021, and January 10, 2023. Specifically, the bill covers diseases including myocarditis, pericarditis, thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome, Guillain-Barré Syndrome, and any other disease the Secretary of Veterans Affairs determines is associated with the COVID-19 vaccine. Under this legislation, these conditions would be considered service-connected, even without documented evidence during military service, which means affected veterans would be eligible for disability compensation. The bill requires the VA to submit detailed quarterly reports to Congressional Veterans Affairs Committees, tracking the number and status of claims related to vaccine-associated diseases, and mandates public access to these reports. The bill provides context by referencing the 2021 Department of Defense mandate that required COVID-19 vaccination for military personnel, which resulted in over 8,400 service members being discharged for refusing the vaccine, and notes that the mandate was rescinded in January 2023. The legislation aims to provide support and medical benefits to veterans who may have experienced adverse health effects from mandated COVID-19 vaccines during their military service.

Health and Social Services, Military Affairs and Security

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/1671/all-info