Bill > HR2264

This bill aims to automatically provide dependency and indemnity compensation (DIC) to the survivors of veterans who die by suicide and have a service-connected mental disorder. Specifically, the bill would require the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to pay compensation to the surviving spouse, children, and parents of a veteran if the VA determines that the veteran had a mental health condition directly connected to their military service and subsequently died by suicide. Currently, survivors might need to go through a complex claims process to receive such compensation, but this bill would streamline the process by making the compensation automatic. The bill modifies existing law under Title 38 of the United States Code, which governs veterans' benefits, to ensure that families who have lost a loved one to suicide related to a service-connected mental health condition receive financial support without having to navigate a potentially difficult claims process. This legislation recognizes the profound impact of mental health challenges on veterans and seeks to provide more immediate support to their surviving family members.

Health and Social Services, Military Affairs and Security

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/2264/all-info