Summary: Troops to Nurse Teachers Act of 2008 - Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to carry out programs under which commissioned officers of the nurse corps: (1) serve as full-time faculty of accredited schools of nursing in exchange for additional service or in exchange for scholarships provided by the school to those accepting commissions in the nurse corps; (2) receive scholarships leading to a graduate degree in nursing in exchange for service as nursing school faculty and to undertake activities to encourage nurses to serve in the Armed Forces nurse corps; (3) receive nursing faculty career placement and continuing education assistance if they are retirement-eligible and have graduate degrees qualifying them as nurse instructors; or (4) receive, while serving after retirement as faculty at a nursing school, retired pay without reduction and a pay differential to ensure that compensation for faculty member service will not be less than the basic pay received before retirement.Requires: (1) any program established under this Act to last at least two years; and (2) the Secretary to assess each program to determine if it should be continued.

troops nurse teachers act authorizes secretary defense carry programs commissioned officers nurse corps serve time faculty accredited schools nursing exchange additional service exchange scholarships provided school accepting commissions nurse corps receive scholarships leading graduate degree nursing exchange service nursing school faculty undertake activities encourage nurses serve armed_forces nurse corps receive nursing faculty career placement continuing education assistance retirement eligible graduate degrees qualifying nurse instructors receive serving retirement faculty nursing school retired pay reduction pay differential ensure compensation faculty member service basic pay received retirement requires program established act years secretary assess program determine continued


Summary: Establishes in the Treasury the National Military Family Relief Fund to make grants to Armed Forces members who are serving, or have served, in Iraq or Afghanistan to assist the families of such members. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow every individual taxpayer to designate $1 or more of any overpayment to be paid to the Fund; and (2) in addition to any payment of income tax liability, make a contribution of an additional amount which shall be paid over to the Fund.

establishes treasury grants armed_forces members serving served iraq afghanistan assist families members amends internal revenue code allow individual taxpayer designate overpayment paid fund addition payment income tax liability contribution additional shall paid fund


Summary: Enhancement of Recruitment, Retention, and Readjustment Through Education Act of 2008 - Directs the Secretary of Defense to develop a plan on the coordination of current Department of Defense (DOD) educational assistance programs and the development of additional programs to enable members of the Armed Forces (members) to attain a bachelor's degree while pursuing a military career. Increases rates of educational assistance: (1) under the Montgomery GI Bill; (2) for members of the Selected Reserve; and (3) for Selected Reserve members with extended (more than 12 years) service who provide support for contingency operations and other operations. Provides an annual stipend for individuals receiving basic educational assistance and pursuing a program of education at an approved institution of higher education. Allows a member who has completed six years of service (current law allows only members who have completed six years of service and have a military skill designated as critical) to transfer to one or more dependents any unused portion of the member's educational assistance entitlement. Provides similar authority for members of the Selected Reserve. Authorizes a member on active duty and entitled to basic educational assistance to use all or a portion thereof to repay any outstanding federal student loan. Makes eligible for educational assistance an individual who, after September 30, 2009, receives a commission upon graduation of a service academy or completion of Senior Reserve Officers' Training, and completes at least five years of continuous active duty. Makes eligible for enrollment under the Montgomery GI Bill certain retired personnel originally enrolled in the veterans' educational assistance program. Requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out a supplemental educational grant program under which a participating institution of higher education provides certain veterans with the non-federal share of a percentage of such veteran's unmet educational financial need.

readjustment education act directs secretary defense develop plan coordination current department_of_defense dod educational assistance programs development additional programs enable members armed_forces members attain bachelor degree pursuing military career increases rates educational assistance montgomery bill members selected_reserve selected_reserve members extended years service provide support contingency operations operations provides annual stipend individuals receiving basic educational assistance pursuing program education approved institution higher education allows member completed years service current law allows members completed years service military skill designated critical transfer dependents unused portion member educational assistance entitlement provides similar authority members selected_reserve authorizes member active duty entitled basic educational assistance use portion thereof repay outstanding federal student loan makes eligible educational assistance individual september receives commission graduation service academy completion senior reserve officers training completes years continuous active duty makes eligible enrollment montgomery bill certain retired personnel originally enrolled veterans educational assistance program requires secretary veterans_affairs carry supplemental educational grant program participating institution higher education provides certain veterans non federal share percentage veteran unmet educational financial need


Summary: Returning Soldiers' Bill of Rights Act - Entitles to basic educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill a member of the Armed Forces or reserves who, on or after September 11, 2001, serves at least six months of active duty in support of a contingency operation and, after completion of such duty, is discharged or released under honorable conditions or for a service-connected disability, preexisting medical condition, hardship, or certain physical or mental conditions. Entitles such individuals to 36 months of educational assistance. Allows such assistance to be used for: (1) pursuit of a program of education while on active duty; (2) programs of education pursued on a less-than-half-time basis; (3) apprenticeship or other on-job training; (4) correspondence courses; (5) flight training; (6) tutorial assistance; and (7) licensure or certification tests. Makes individuals entitled to such assistance eligible for supplemental educational assistance for additional service. Allows individuals entitled to such assistance to: (1) transfer such entitlement to a spouse, one or more children, or a combination thereof; or (2) apply such assistance to the repayment of federal student loans. Requires (with exceptions) the use of such assistance within twenty years after the individual's last discharge or release from active duty. Requires individuals eligible under both the above program and the regular Montgomery GI Bill educational assistance program to elect one program for participation. Repeals the home loan guaranty fees charged to veterans. Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide to each individual entitled to assistance under this Act a readjustment housing allowance of up to $6,000. Authorizes appropriations for FY2009-FY2012: (1) for veterans' employment and training programs; and (2) to carry out the Service Members Occupational Conversion and Training Act.

returning soldiers bill rights act entitles basic educational assistance montgomery bill member armed_forces reserves september serves months active duty support contingency operation completion duty discharged released honorable conditions service connected disability preexisting medical condition hardship certain physical mental conditions entitles individuals months educational assistance allows assistance pursuit program education active duty programs education pursued half time basis apprenticeship job training correspondence courses flight training tutorial assistance licensure certification tests makes individuals entitled assistance eligible supplemental educational assistance additional service allows individuals entitled assistance transfer entitlement spouse children combination thereof apply assistance repayment federal student loans requires exceptions use assistance years individual discharge release active duty requires individuals eligible program regular educational assistance program elect program participation repeals home loan guaranty fees charged veterans directs secretary veterans_affairs provide individual entitled assistance act readjustment housing allowance authorizes appropriations fy2009 fy2012 veterans employment training programs carry service members occupational conversion training act


Summary: Creates, for veterans who were subjected to certain chemical or biological warfare testing involving Project 112 conducted through Deseret Test Center (including the Shipboard Hazard and Defense Project, also known as Project SHAD), a presumption that a disease was incurred in or aggravated by service, notwithstanding that there is no record of evidence of the disease during the period of service, if the disease warrants presumtion of service connection by reason of increased exposure to a biological, chemical, or other toxic agent.

creates veterans subjected certain chemical biological warfare testing involving project conducted including shipboard hazard defense project known presumption disease incurred aggravated service notwithstanding record evidence disease period service disease warrants service connection reason increased exposure biological chemical toxic agent


Summary: Disabled Veteran Small Business Eligibility Expansion Act of 2008 - Amends the Small Business Act to make small businesses owned and controlled by service-disabled veterans eligible for the award by the Small Business Administration (SBA) of small business development grants in the same manner as small businesses owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals.

disabled veteran small business eligibility expansion act amends small business act small businesses owned controlled service disabled veterans eligible award small_business_administration sba small business development grants manner small businesses owned controlled socially economically disadvantaged individuals


Summary: Compensation for Combat Veterans Act - Provides that, for a veteran claiming disability benefits related to combat, service in a combat zone that is recognized as such service under the Internal Revenue Code shall be considered proof that the veteran engaged in combat.

compensation combat veterans act provides veteran claiming disability benefits related combat service combat zone recognized service internal revenue code shall considered proof veteran engaged combat


Summary: Guarantees a pay increase for uniformed services members for FY2010-FY2013 of 0.5% higher than the Employment Cost Index.

guarantees pay increase uniformed services members fy2010 fy2013 higher employment cost index


Summary: Freedom to Serve Act of 2008 - Amends the federal criminal code to impose criminal penalties for: (1) using force or the threat of force or physical obstruction to injure, intimidate or interfere with anyone providing federal or state military recruiting services or anyone seeking to inquire about or volunteer for military service in the active or reserve Armed Forces or the National Guard of any state; or (2) intentionally damaging or destroying facilities that house or host military recruiting services.

freedom serve act amends federal criminal code impose criminal penalties force threat force physical obstruction injure intimidate interfere providing federal state military recruiting services seeking inquire volunteer military service active reserve state intentionally damaging destroying facilities house host military recruiting services


Summary: Adds Parkinson's disease (manifested to a degree of disability of 10% or more) to the list of diseases considered to have been incurred in or aggravated by military service in Vietnam, notwithstanding that there is no evidence of the disease during the period of service, provided a veteran served between specified dates and was exposed to an herbicide used in military operations during that period.

adds parkinson disease manifested degree disability list diseases considered incurred aggravated military service vietnam notwithstanding evidence disease period service provided veteran served specified dates exposed herbicide military operations period


Summary: Amends the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to provide for the protection of child custody arrangements for parents who are members deployed in support of a contingency operation. States that if a motion for change of custody of a child of such a member is filed while the member is so deployed, no court may enter an order modifying or amending a previous child custody judgment, except if there is clear and convincing evidence that it is in the best interest of the child. Prohibits any court from considering a member's absence due to deployment, or possible deployment, in support of a contingency operation in determining the best interest of the child.

amends servicemembers civil relief act provide protection child custody arrangements parents members deployed support contingency operation states motion change custody child member filed member deployed court enter order modifying amending previous child custody judgment clear convincing evidence best interest child prohibits court considering member absence deployment possible deployment support contingency operation determining best interest child


Summary: Military Spouses Residency Relief Act - Amends the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to prohibit, for purposes of voting for a federal, state, or local office, deeming a person to have lost a residence or domicile in a state, acquired a residence or domicile in any other state, or become a resident in or of any other state solely because the person is absent from a state because the person is accompanying the person's spouse who is absent from the state in compliance with military or naval orders. Prohibits a servicemember's spouse from either losing or acquiring a residence or domicile for purposes of taxation because of being absent or present in any U.S. tax jurisdiction solely to be with the servicemember in compliance with the servicemember's military orders if the residence or domicile is the same for the servicemember and the spouse.

military spouses residency relief act amends servicemembers civil relief act prohibit purposes voting federal state local office deeming person lost residence domicile state acquired residence domicile state resident state solely person absent state person accompanying person spouse absent state compliance military naval orders prohibits servicemember spouse losing acquiring residence domicile purposes taxation absent present tax jurisdiction solely servicemember compliance servicemember military orders residence domicile servicemember spouse


Summary: Heroes Earning Assistance and Relief Tax Act of 2008 -Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax benefits and incentives for military personnel.Title I: Benefits for Military - (Sec 101) Exempts married taxpayers who file a joint tax return from the identification requirement for the 2008 recovery tax rebate if at least one of the filers is a current member of the Armed Forces.(Sec. 102) Makes permanent the election to treat combat zone compensation as earned income for purposes of the earned income tax credit. (Sec. 103) Makes permanent the exemption from the first-time homebuyer rule for veterans using mortgage revenue bonds to purchase a residence. Increases the issuance limits on mortgage revenue bonds for veterans in Alaska, Oregon, and Wisconsin to $100 million after 2009. Revises the definition of "qualified veteran" for mortgage bond financing eligibility purposes to eliminate the pre-1977 active duty requirement and to reduce the eligibility period to 25 years.(Sec. 104) Requires tax-qualified pension plans to entitle survivors of plan participants who die while on active military duty to additional benefits and benefit accruals provided under such plans for participants who resume and then terminate employment due to death.(Sec. 105) Treats differential wage payments to an employee as a payment of wages for income tax purposes. Defines "differential wage payment" as any employer payment to an individual serving on active duty in the uniformed services for more than 30 days that represents wages such individual would have received if such individual were performing services for the employer.Treats an individual receiving differential wage payments as an employee and treats such payments as compensation for retirement plan purposes.(Sec. 106) Allows members of the uniformed services whose retired pay in any taxable year is reduced due to an award of disability compensation by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) an extension of the three-year limitation period for filing tax refund claims until one year after the date of a disability determination. Limits the period for which such refund claims may be filed to taxable years beginning more than five years before the date of a disability determination.(Sec. 107) Makes permanent the penalty exemption for premature withdrawals from retirement plans for individuals called or ordered to active military duty on or after December 31, 2007. (Sec. 108) Makes permanent the authority of the Social Security Administration (SSA) to disclose tax return information to the VA for purposes of making veterans benefit determinations. (Sec. 109) Allows a tax-free rollover of any military death gratuity and any group life insurance payment to a survivor's Roth individual retirement account (Roth IRA) or to an education savings account.(Sec. 110) Allows an active Peace Corps volunteer an election to suspend the running of the five-year period for determining ownership and use of a principal residence for purposes of the tax exclusion of the gain from the sale of such a residence.(Sec. 111) Allows certain small business employers a tax credit for up to 20% of the differential wage payments made for the benefit of active duty members of the Armed Forces.(Sec. 112) Allows an exclusion from gross income for bonus payments made by a state or political subdivision to current or former members of the uniformed services (or dependents) for service in a combat zone.(Sec. 113) Makes permanent the exclusion from the gross income of certain employees of the intelligence community of gain from the sale of their principal residences without regard to otherwise applicable five-year residential use and holding requirements.(Sec. 114) Allows a tax-free distribution of unused benefits in a health flexible spending arrangement to any member of an Armed Forces reserve component who is ordered or called to active duty.(Sec. 115) Exempts certain state and local payments to and benefits for volunteer firefighters and emergency medical responders from federal employment and unemployment taxes.Title II: Improvements in Supplemental Security Income - (Sec. 201) Amends title XVI (Supplemental Security Income for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled) of the Social Security Act to treat cash remuneration paid to a member of the uniformed services as earned income and certain housing payments to such members as in-kind support and maintenance for supplemental security income (SSI) program purposes.(Sec. 202) Excludes state annuity payments to blind, disabled, or aged veterans for purposes of SSI benefit determinations.(Sec. 203) Excludes any cash or in-kind benefit paid to an AmeriCorps participant from SSI income eligibility and benefit determinations.Title III: Revenue Provisions - (Sec. 301) Sets forth additional rules for the tax treatment of high-income individuals who relinquish U.S. citizenship or residency to avoid U.S. taxation (expatriates). Treats all property of expatriates as sold for fair market value on the day before the expatriation date and includes gain (over $600,000) or loss from such sale in their gross income. Allows expatriates to elect to defer payment of any tax resulting from expatriation if adequate security for payment of such tax is given.Requires 30% withholding of tax for certain items of deferred compensation payable to expatriates.Imposes a separate tax on gifts and bequests from expatriates exceeding $10,000, payable by the recipient of such gift or bequest.(Sec. 302) Treats certain foreign subsidiaries of U.S. companies performing services under a contract with the U.S. government as U.S. employers for purposes of Social Security and Medicare employment taxes.(Sec. 303) Increases the minimum penalty for failure to file an individual income tax return to $135 or 100% of the amount required to be shown on such return.Title IV: Parity in the Application of Certain Limits to Mental Health Benefits - Amends the Internal Revenue Code, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), and the Public Health Service Act to extend through 2008 parity requirements applicable to mental health benefits offered by group health plans.

heroes earning assistance relief tax act internal revenue code provide tax benefits incentives military personnel title benefits military sec exempts married taxpayers file joint tax return identification requirement recovery tax rebate filers current member armed makes permanent election treat combat zone compensation earned income purposes earned income tax credit sec makes permanent exemption time homebuyer rule veterans mortgage revenue bonds purchase residence increases issuance limits mortgage revenue bonds veterans alaska oregon wisconsin million revises definition qualified veteran mortgage bond financing eligibility purposes eliminate active duty requirement reduce eligibility period requires tax qualified pension plans entitle survivors plan participants die active military duty additional benefits benefit accruals provided plans participants resume terminate employment treats differential wage payments employee payment wages income tax purposes defines differential wage payment employer payment individual serving active duty uniformed services days represents wages individual received individual performing services employer treats individual receiving differential wage payments employee treats payments compensation retirement plan allows members uniformed services retired pay taxable year reduced award disability compensation department_of_veterans_affairs extension year limitation period filing tax refund claims year date disability determination limits period refund claims filed taxable years beginning years date disability makes permanent penalty exemption premature withdrawals retirement plans individuals called ordered active military duty december sec makes permanent authority social_security_administration ssa disclose tax return information purposes making veterans benefit determinations sec allows tax free rollover military death gratuity group life insurance payment survivor roth individual retirement account roth ira education savings allows active peace_corps volunteer election suspend running year period determining ownership use principal residence purposes tax exclusion gain sale allows certain small business employers tax credit differential wage payments benefit active duty members armed allows exclusion gross income bonus payments state political subdivision current members uniformed services dependents service combat makes permanent exclusion gross income certain employees intelligence community gain sale principal residences regard applicable year residential use holding allows tax free distribution unused benefits health flexible spending arrangement member armed_forces reserve component ordered called active exempts certain state local payments benefits volunteer firefighters emergency medical responders federal employment unemployment taxes title improvements supplemental security income sec amends title xvi supplemental security income aged blind disabled social security act treat cash remuneration paid member uniformed services earned income certain housing payments members kind support maintenance supplemental security income ssi program excludes state annuity payments blind disabled aged veterans purposes ssi benefit excludes cash kind benefit paid americorps participant ssi income eligibility benefit determinations title iii revenue provisions sec sets forth additional rules tax treatment high income individuals relinquish citizenship residency avoid taxation expatriates treats property expatriates sold fair market value day expatriation date includes gain loss sale gross income allows expatriates elect defer payment tax resulting expatriation adequate security payment tax given requires withholding tax certain items deferred compensation payable expatriates imposes separate tax gifts bequests expatriates exceeding payable recipient gift treats certain foreign subsidiaries companies performing services contract government employers purposes social_security medicare employment increases minimum penalty failure file individual income tax return required shown return title parity benefits amends internal revenue code employee retirement income security act erisa public_health_service_act extend parity requirements applicable mental health benefits offered group health plans


Summary: Carmelo Rodriguez Military Medical Accountability Act of 2008 - Amends the Federal Tort Claims Act to allow claims for damages to be brought against the United States for personal injury or death of a member of the Armed Forces arising out of a negligent or wrongful act or omission in the performance of medical, dental, or related health care functions that: (1) takes place other than in the context of combat; and (2) is provided by persons acting within the scope of their office or employment by or at the direction of the Armed Forces, whether inside or outside the United States. Provides for a reduction of claims under this Act by the present value of other benefits attributable to such death or injury received by the member and by that member's estate, survivors, and beneficiaries pursuant to other federal law.

military medical accountability act amends federal tort claims act allow claims damages brought united_states personal injury death member armed_forces arising negligent wrongful act omission performance medical dental related health care functions takes place context combat provided persons acting scope office employment direction armed_forces inside outside united_states provides reduction claims act present value benefits attributable death injury received member member estate survivors beneficiaries pursuant federal law


Summary: Directs the Secretary of the Army to implement the First Sergeants Barracks Initiative (FSBI) throughout the Army. (The FSBI transfers responsibility for daily maintenance operations of barracks from their occupying units to a maintenance team working for the post command.)

directs secretary army implement sergeants barracks initiative army transfers responsibility daily maintenance operations barracks occupying units maintenance team working post command


Summary: PROTECT Act or Protecting the Retirement of Our Troops by Ensuring Compensation is Timely Act - Prohibits the Secretary of a military department, regarding a participant in the Survivor Benefit Plan who the Secretary of State has determined was kidnapped in Iraq or Afghanistan on or after October 7, 2001, from making a determination that the participant is missing, with the presumption of death, until the earlier of: (1) at least seven years after the Secretary of State's determination; or (2) the date on which the participant is confirmed dead. Directs the Secretary of a military department, regarding such a participant who was presumed to be dead before enactment of this Act, to pay retired pay for periods before and after enactment of this Act until one of the above conditions is met.

protect act protecting retirement troops ensuring compensation timely act prohibits secretary military department participant survivor benefit plan secretary state determined iraq afghanistan october making determination participant missing presumption death earlier seven years secretary state determination date participant confirmed dead directs secretary military department participant presumed dead enactment act pay retired pay periods enactment act conditions met


Summary: Entitles a member of the uniformed services to additional pay of $1,500 per month while the member's service is extended, or eligibility for retirement is suspended, by the exercise of any provision of law commonly referred to as a "stop-loss authority."

entitles member uniformed services additional pay month member service extended eligibility retirement suspended exercise provision law commonly referred stop loss authority


Summary: Improving SCRA and USERRA Protections Act of 2008 - (Sec. 2) Requires (current law authorizes) the appropriate U.S. district court to use its equity powers in any case in which the court determines it is appropriate, including injunctive relief, to fully vindicate a veteran's employment or reemployment rights under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) with respect to a state or private employer. (Sec. 3) Amends the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) to require an institution of higher education, when a servicemember is ordered to military service and withdraws or takes a leave of absence from such institution, to: (1) provide a credit or refund to the servicemember of tuition and fees paid for the portion of the program of education for which the servicemember did not receive academic credit after such withdrawal or leave; and (2) provide the servicemember an opportunity to reenroll with the same educational and academic status the servicemember had when activated for service. Extends the current interest rate cap in SCRA to student loan obligations of members called to military service. (Sec. 4) Allows servicemembers with deployment orders to terminate or suspend, without fee or penalty, service contracts for services such as phones, utilities, cable television, and Internet access. (Currently, such servicemembers are only permitted to terminate or suspend residential or automobile lease agreements.) (Sec. 5) Provides penalties under SCRA against creditors for violations of interest rate limits for servicemembers. (Sec. 6) Allows a military spouse to vote in the same location as the servicemember with respect to federal, state, and local elections. (Sec. 7) Allows a military spouse to pay taxes in the same state as the servicemember. (Sec. 8) Provides that compensation of a spouse of a servicemember shall not be considered income within a tax jurisdiction of the United States if, when the compensation is earned, the spouse is not a resident or domiciliary of that jurisdiction, and the jurisdiction is where the servicemember is serving in compliance with military orders.

improving scra userra protections act sec requires current law authorizes appropriate district court use equity powers case court determines appropriate including injunctive relief fully veteran employment reemployment rights uniformed_services_employment_and_reemployment_rights_act userra respect state private employer sec amends servicemembers civil relief act scra require institution higher education servicemember ordered military service withdraws takes leave absence institution provide credit refund servicemember tuition fees paid portion program education servicemember receive academic credit withdrawal leave provide servicemember opportunity reenroll educational academic status servicemember activated service extends current interest rate cap scra student loan obligations members called military service sec allows servicemembers deployment orders terminate suspend fee penalty service contracts services phones utilities cable television internet access currently servicemembers permitted terminate suspend residential automobile lease agreements sec provides penalties scra creditors violations interest rate limits servicemembers sec allows military spouse vote location servicemember respect federal state local elections sec allows military spouse pay taxes state servicemember sec compensation spouse servicemember shall considered income tax jurisdiction united_states compensation earned spouse resident domiciliary jurisdiction jurisdiction servicemember serving compliance military orders


Summary: Veterans Disability Benefits Claims Modernization Act of 2008 - Requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to conduct a study on adjusting the schedule for rating veterans' disabilities in order to base such schedule on current standards, practices, and codes in common use by the medical, mental health, and disability professions. Establishes in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) the Advisory Committee on Disability Compensation to consult with and advise the Secretary with respect to the maintenance and periodic readjustment of the above schedule. Directs the Secretary to conduct a study on the: (1) employee work credit system of the VA's Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA), which is used to measure the work production of VBA employees; and (2) VBA work management system, with the goal of improving accountability, quality, and accuracy and reducing the time for processing claims. Requires the Secretary to: (1) develop a certification examination for VBA employees and managers responsible for processing benefits claims; and (2) evaluate the training of VBA employees responsible for matters relating to veterans' compensation or pension benefits. Directs the Secretary to conduct a study of the use of information technology at the VBA, including the technology known as "VistA." Allows a claim beneficiary to be substituted as a claimant in the case of the death of a veteran claimant while a claim is awaiting adjudication or appeal.

benefits claims modernization act requires secretary veterans_affairs conduct study adjusting schedule rating veterans disabilities order base schedule current standards practices codes common use medical mental health disability professions establishes department_of_veterans_affairs consult advise secretary respect maintenance periodic readjustment schedule directs secretary conduct study employee work credit system veterans_benefits_administration vba measure work production vba employees vba work management system goal improving accountability quality accuracy reducing time processing claims requires secretary develop certification examination vba employees managers responsible processing benefits claims evaluate training vba employees responsible matters relating veterans compensation pension benefits directs secretary conduct study use information technology vba including technology known allows claim beneficiary substituted claimant case death veteran claimant claim awaiting adjudication appeal


Summary: SMOCTA Reauthorization Act of 2008 - Authorizes appropriations for FY2009-FY2018 to carry out the Service Members Occupational Conversion and Training Act of 1992.

reauthorization act authorizes appropriations carry service members occupational conversion training act


Summary: Veterans and Survivors Dental Insurance Act of 2008 - Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide a dental insurance plan for any veteran enrolled in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) annual patient enrollment system, as well as their survivors and dependents. Provides for: (1) the payment of premiums for plan enrollment; and (2) voluntary plan disenrollment.

veterans survivors dental insurance act authorizes secretary veterans_affairs provide dental insurance plan veteran enrolled department_of_veterans_affairs annual patient enrollment system survivors dependents provides payment premiums plan enrollment voluntary plan disenrollment


Summary: Veterans Travel Equity Act of 2008 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, in determining the amount of allowance or reimbursement under the beneficiary travel program (a program authorizing a travel allowance or reimbursement for the transportation of veterans to obtain medical care), to use the mileage reimbursement rates for the use of privately owned vehicles by government employees traveling on official business. Prohibits the Secretary, effective 90 days after the enactment of this Act, from imposing any income or pension eligibility requirement, or requiring any service-connected disability rating, in order for a veteran to be eligible for such allowance or reimbursement.

veterans_travel equity act directs secretary veterans_affairs determining allowance reimbursement beneficiary travel program program authorizing travel allowance reimbursement transportation veterans obtain medical care use mileage reimbursement rates use privately owned vehicles government employees traveling official business prohibits secretary effective days enactment act imposing income pension eligibility requirement requiring service connected disability rating order veteran eligible allowance reimbursement


Summary: Veterans Education Improvement Act of 2008 - Amends the Montgomery GI Bill educational assistance program for veterans to: (1) increase the rates of basic educational assistance and the time limit for entitlement to and use of such assistance; (2) provide a stipend for individuals using such assistance to pursue a program of education at an institution of higher learning; (3) extend the period for the collection of a fee for the use of such assistance; (4) authorize the use of such assistance for business courses and seminars, courses taken to prepare for licensing or certification tests, and the repayment of federal student loans; (5) allow for withdrawal of the election not to enroll in the program; (6) state that such assistance shall not reduce eligibility for other financial aid; (7) extend the increase in benefits for certain individuals pursuing apprenticeships or on-job training; (8) modify the amount for reimbursement of state and local agencies administering veterans' education benefits; (9) provide educational assistance for veterans discharged under a general discharge; (10) increase the reporting fee payable to educational institutions that enroll veterans receiving assistance; (11) provide additional areas of work-study for veterans; (12) require a five-year pilot program for on-campus work-study positions; (13) increase the number of employees in the Education Service of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA); (14) require an action plan for upgrading VA information technology used in the administration of educational benefits; (15) modify the advance payment of initial educational assistance or subsistence allowance; (16) modify the period of eligibility for educational assistance applicable to spouses of individuals with service-connected disabilities considered permanent; (17) increase the amount of educational assistance for reserve personnel supporting contingency and other operations; and (18) expand the programs of education eligible for the accelerated payment of educational assistance. Revises federal employment provisions with respect to: (1) a voucher plan for Federal Employees Health Benefits Plan (FEHBP) participants; (2) the basis for government contributions for annuitants under the FEHBP; (3) the computation of benefits under the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) and the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS); and (4) the elimination of the annuity supplement under FERS and related retirement systems. National Environment and Energy Development Act - Declares without force or effect all federal prohibitions against the expenditure of appropriated funds to conduct natural gas leasing and preleasing activities for any area of the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS). Revokes all withdrawals of federal submerged lands from leasing for natural gas exploration and production. Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to prohibit the Secretary of the Interior from: (1) granting a natural gas lease for any OCS located within 25 miles of a state coastline; (2) issuing any lease for natural gas exploration or development in any OCS area within 50 miles of a state coastline unless the state has enacted a law approving such lease; or (3) issuing a lease for natural gas exploration or development in any OCS area more than 50 and less than 100 miles from the coastline of a state if the state has enacted a law disapproving such lease issuance. Authorizes the Secretary to issue leases for development and production of natural gas and associated condensate. American Energy Independence and Price Reduction Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to implement a competitive leasing program for the exploration, development, and production of the oil and gas resources on the Coastal Plain of Alaska. Amends the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act of 1980 to repeal the prohibition against leasing or other development leading to production of oil and gas from the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR). Deems any oil and gas leasing programs and activities authorized by this Act to be in compliance with ANWR purposes. Authorizes the Secretary, after certain consultation, to designate up to 45,000 acres of the Coastal Plain as a Special Area. Permits directional drilling in the Special Area. Prescribes procedures governing Coastal Plain lease sales, including: (1) environmental protection; (2) federal and state distribution of revenues; (3) rights-of-way; and (4) local government impact aid and community service assistance. Sets forth: (1) a "no significant adverse effect" standard to govern Coastal Plain activities; and (2) guidelines for expedited judicial review of complaints. Establishes the ANWR Alternative Energy Trust Fund.

veterans education improvement act amends montgomery bill educational assistance program veterans increase rates basic educational assistance time limit entitlement use assistance provide stipend individuals assistance pursue program education institution higher learning extend period collection fee use assistance authorize use assistance business courses seminars courses taken prepare licensing certification tests repayment federal student loans allow withdrawal election enroll program state assistance shall reduce eligibility financial aid extend increase benefits certain individuals pursuing apprenticeships job training modify reimbursement state local agencies administering veterans education benefits provide educational assistance veterans discharged general discharge increase reporting fee payable educational institutions enroll veterans receiving assistance provide additional areas work study veterans require year pilot program campus work study positions increase number employees require action plan upgrading information technology administration educational benefits modify advance payment initial educational assistance subsistence allowance modify period eligibility educational assistance applicable spouses individuals service connected disabilities considered permanent increase educational assistance reserve personnel supporting contingency operations expand programs education eligible accelerated payment educational assistance revises federal employment provisions respect voucher plan federal_employees_health benefits plan fehbp participants basis government contributions annuitants fehbp computation benefits civil_service_retirement_system csrs federal_employees_retirement_system fers elimination annuity supplement fers related retirement systems force effect federal prohibitions expenditure appropriated funds conduct natural gas leasing preleasing activities area outer_continental_shelf ocs revokes withdrawals federal submerged lands leasing natural gas exploration production amends outer_continental_shelf_lands_act prohibit secretary interior granting natural gas lease ocs located miles state coastline issuing lease natural gas exploration development ocs area miles state coastline state enacted law approving lease issuing lease natural gas exploration development ocs area miles coastline state state enacted law disapproving lease issuance authorizes secretary issue leases development production natural gas associated condensate american_energy_independence price reduction act directs secretary interior implement competitive leasing program exploration development production oil gas resources coastal_plain_of_alaska amends alaska_national_interest_lands_conservation_act repeal prohibition leasing development leading production oil gas arctic_national_wildlife_refuge anwr deems oil gas leasing programs activities authorized act compliance anwr purposes authorizes secretary certain consultation designate acres coastal_plain special_area permits directional drilling special_area prescribes procedures governing coastal_plain lease sales including environmental protection federal state distribution revenues rights way local government impact aid community service assistance sets forth significant adverse effect standard govern coastal_plain activities guidelines expedited judicial review complaints establishes anwr_alternative_energy_trust_fund


Summary: Veterans Advocacy Act of 2008 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out a program to assess the feasibility and advisability of utilizing legal entities to provide legal services to assist veterans and members of the Armed Forces in applying for and receiving health care, benefits, and services. Requires the Secretary to award ten grants to legal entities to provide such services. Limits grant duration to one year.

veterans directs secretary veterans_affairs carry program assess feasibility advisability utilizing legal entities provide legal services assist veterans members armed_forces applying receiving health care benefits services requires secretary award grants legal entities provide services limits grant duration year


Summary: Private First Class Billy MacLeod Respectful Return Act - Amends the John Warner National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2007 to provide that requirements for the military transportation to the United States of the remains of a member of the Armed Forces who dies in a combat theater of operations shall also apply to the remains of any member found after the date of enactment of this Act in any theater of U.S. combat operations since April 6, 1917, who died while participating in such operations.

private class john_warner_national_defense_authorization_act fiscal year provide requirements military transportation united_states remains member armed_forces dies combat theater operations shall apply remains member found date enactment act theater combat operations april died participating operations


Summary: Department of Veterans Affairs Electronic Reporting Act of 2008 - Requires that, whenever the Secretary of Veterans Affairs or any other official of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is required to submit to Congress (or any committee thereof) a report, such Secretary or official shall submit a copy in an electronic format.

requires secretary veterans_affairs official department_of_veterans_affairs required submit congress committee thereof report secretary official shall submit copy electronic format


Summary: Providing Real Outreach for Veterans Act of 2008 or PRO-VETS Act of 2008 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (Secretary) to enter into an agreement with the Secretary of Defense for the transfer of data to the Secretary for providing members of the Armed Forces and veterans with individualized information concerning veterans' benefits that each member and veteran may be eligible for. Requires the Secretary, after receiving such data, to: (1) compile a list of all benefits for which each member or veteran may be eligible; (2) notify the member or veteran (or their legal representative) of such benefits; and (3) provide a second notification if the member or veteran does not apply for a listed benefit within 60 days, as well as annual notifications thereafter. Requires additional notifications based on changed circumstances. Allows each member or veteran the option to decline further notifications. Directs the Secretary to use transferred data to reduce the amount of information that a member or veteran must provide when applying for benefits. Requires the Secretary of Defense to provide a member or veteran the opportunity to decline authorization for the transfer of information under this Act.

providing real outreach veterans act pro vets act directs secretary veterans_affairs secretary enter agreement secretary defense transfer data secretary providing members armed_forces veterans individualized information concerning veterans benefits member veteran eligible requires secretary receiving data compile list benefits member veteran eligible notify member veteran legal representative benefits provide second notification member veteran apply listed benefit days annual notifications requires additional notifications based changed circumstances allows member veteran option decline notifications directs secretary use transferred data reduce information member veteran provide applying benefits requires secretary defense provide member veteran opportunity decline authorization transfer information act


Summary: Authorizes a military chaplain, if called upon to lead a prayer outside of a religious service, to close the prayer according to the dictates of the chaplain's conscience.

authorizes military chaplain called lead prayer outside religious service close prayer according chaplain conscience


Summary: Agent Orange Equity Act of 2008 - Includes as part of the Republic of Vietnam, for purposes of the presumption of service connection for diseases associated with exposure by veterans to certain herbicide agents while in Vietnam, such Republic's inland waterways, waters offshore, and airspace above.

agent orange equity act includes republic_of_vietnam purposes presumption service connection diseases associated exposure veterans certain herbicide agents vietnam republic inland waterways waters offshore airspace


Summary: Hubbard Act - Amends federal employment, armed forces, military pay, and veterans' benefits law to authorize the provision of the following benefits to a member of the Armed Forces who is discharged at the member's request pursuant to a Department of Defense (DOD) policy permitting the early discharge of a member who is the only surviving child in a family in which the father or mother, or one or more siblings, served in the Armed Forces and, incident to such service, was killed, died as a result of wounds, accident, or disease, is in a captured or missing in action status, or is permanently disabled: (1) continued payment, through the original agreed-upon service period, of any bonus, incentive, or similar benefit to which the member was entitled during service; (2) separation pay, even though the member has completed less than six years of active service before discharge; (3) transitional health care, on the same basis as an active-duty member, for 180 days after discharge; (4) transitional commissary and exchange benefits, on the same basis as an active-duty member, for two years after discharge; (5) veterans' housing loan, employment and training, and basic educational assistance; (6) federal unemployment compensation; and (7) veteran's preference for federal employment purposes. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal the limitation on contributions to funeral trusts. Makes this Act effective with respect to any such discharge granted after September 11, 2001.

act amends federal employment armed forces military pay veterans benefits law authorize provision following benefits member armed_forces discharged member request pursuant department_of_defense dod policy permitting early discharge member surviving child family father mother siblings served armed_forces incident service killed died result wounds accident disease captured missing action status permanently disabled continued payment original agreed service period bonus incentive similar benefit member entitled service separation pay member completed years active service discharge transitional health care basis active duty member days discharge transitional commissary exchange benefits basis active duty member years discharge veterans housing loan employment training basic educational assistance federal unemployment compensation veteran preference federal employment purposes amends internal revenue code repeal limitation contributions funeral trusts makes act effective respect discharge granted september


Summary: Authorizes the Secretary of the Navy to pay the balance on any federal educational loan of an officer of the Marine Corps who was commissioned on or after September 11, 2001, and is not in default on such loan.

authorizes secretary navy pay balance federal educational loan officer marine_corps commissioned september default loan


Summary: Filipino Veterans Assistance Act of 2008 - Authorizes the President to provide assistance to the Republic of the Philippines to provide benefits to persons (and certain dependents thereof) who served: (1) before July 1, 1946, in the organized military forces of the government of the Commonwealth of the Philippines, while in the service of the Armed Forces of the United States; or (2) in the Philippine Scouts. Includes within the benefits to be provided: (1) compensation for service-connected disabilities; (2) dependency and indemnity compensation; (3) medical care; (4) education benefits; and (5) death pensions.

filipino veterans assistance act authorizes president provide assistance republic_of_the_philippines provide benefits persons certain dependents thereof served july organized military forces government service philippine_scouts includes benefits provided compensation service connected disabilities dependency indemnity compensation medical care education benefits death pensions


Summary: Fallen Hero Commemoration Act - Directs the Secretary of Defense to grant access to accredited members of the media: (1) at military commemoration ceremonies and military memorial services for members of the Armed Forces who have died on active duty; and (2) when the remains of such members arrive at U.S. military installations. Authorizes the Secretary to establish the policy for media accreditation.

fallen hero commemoration act directs secretary defense grant access accredited members media military commemoration ceremonies military memorial services members armed_forces died active duty remains members arrive military installations authorizes secretary establish policy media accreditation


Summary: Combat Operations and Medical Benefit Authorization for Our Troops Act of 2008 or COMBAT Act - Increases the maximum monthly rates of: (1) hazardous duty pay; (2) hostile fire or imminent danger pay; (3) special pay for service as a member of a Weapons of Mass Destruction Civil Support Team; (4) special pay for members extending duty at designated overseas locations; (5) combat-related injury rehabilitation pay; and (6) the family separation allowance. Increases the maximum annual rates of special pay for: (1) officers serving as psychologists and nonphysician health care providers; and (2) special warfare officers extending their active-duty period.

medical benefit authorization troops act combat act increases maximum monthly rates hazardous duty pay hostile fire imminent danger pay special pay service member weapons mass destruction civil support team special pay members extending duty designated overseas locations combat related injury rehabilitation pay family separation allowance increases maximum annual rates special pay officers serving psychologists health care providers special warfare officers extending active duty period


Summary: Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, in determining the amount of any allowance or reimbursement to be paid under the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) veterans beneficiary travel program, to use the mileage reimbursement rates for the use of privately owned vehicles by government employees traveling on official business. Authorizes the Secretary to use a rate in excess of such rate. Prohibits the Secretary from making payments for travel performed by a special mode unless it is: (1) medically required and previously authorized; or (2) in connection with a medical emergency of such a nature that delay would have been hazardous to the person's life or health. Eliminates required deductions in connection with travel under the program. Allows such payments in connection with all veterans and family members eligible for examination, treatment, care, rehabilitation, or counseling through the VA.

directs secretary veterans_affairs determining allowance reimbursement paid department_of_veterans_affairs veterans beneficiary travel program use mileage reimbursement rates use privately owned vehicles government employees traveling official business authorizes secretary use rate excess rate prohibits secretary making payments travel performed special mode medically required previously authorized connection medical emergency nature delay hazardous person life health eliminates required deductions connection travel program allows payments connection veterans family members eligible examination treatment care rehabilitation counseling


Summary: Guaranteed Benefits for Our Troops Act - Directs the Secretary of the military department concerned to provide uncharged leave or a monetary benefit to any member or former member of the Armed Forces who, on any day beginning on January 19, 2007, and ending on the date of implementation of the Post-Deployment/Mobilization Respite Absence program, would have qualified for a day of administrative absence under such program had it been in effect. Makes such benefit: (1) an amount not to exceed $200 for each day, in the case of a former member; and (2) either one day of administrative absence or an amount not to exceed $200, in the case of a current member. Excludes from such benefit any members discharged or released under other than honorable conditions. Sets at 40 the maximum number of days for which such benefit may be provided.

guaranteed benefits troops act directs secretary military department concerned provide uncharged leave monetary benefit member member armed_forces day beginning january ending date implementation program qualified day administrative absence program effect makes benefit exceed day case member day administrative absence exceed case current member excludes benefit members discharged released honorable conditions sets maximum number days benefit provided


Summary: Defines "combat with the enemy," for purposes of proof of service-connection for veterans' disability compensation, as service on active duty: (1) in a theater of combat operations during a period of war; or (2) in combat against a hostile force during a period of hostilities.

defines combat enemy purposes proof service connection veterans disability compensation service active duty theater combat operations period war combat hostile force period hostilities


Summary: Department of Defense Service Dog Pilot Program Act of 2008 - Directs the Secretary of Defense to establish and carry out a two-year pilot program to furnish service dogs to any member of the Armed Forces: (1) who has a service-connected disability, including a disability that limits mobility; and (2) for whom a service dog may be of substantial benefit in the treatment of such disability.

directs secretary defense establish carry year pilot program furnish service dogs member armed_forces service connected disability including disability limits mobility service dog substantial benefit treatment disability


Summary: Combat Bonus Act - Requires the payment of a one-time bonus of $1,500 to each active-duty and reserve member of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, or Merchant Marines who: (1) serves for 90 days or more on or after October 7, 2001, in a combat zone designated in connection with Operations Iraqi Freedom or Enduring Freedom; and (2) if discharged or released, is done so under conditions other than dishonorable. Makes individuals eligible for such bonus for qualifying service of less than 90 days if the individual: (1) dies of injuries incurred in connection with such service; or (2) is evacuated from a theater of combat due to an injury incurred in connection with such service.

combat bonus act requires payment time bonus active duty reserve member army navy air_force marine_corps coast_guard serves days october combat zone designated connection operations iraqi freedom enduring_freedom discharged released conditions dishonorable makes individuals eligible bonus qualifying service days individual dies injuries incurred connection service evacuated theater combat injury incurred connection service


Summary: Protecting Military Family Financial Benefits Act of 2007 [sic] - Allows an unmarried member of the Armed Forces with one or more dependent children, upon becoming eligible to participate in the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP), to elect to provide an SBP annuity to an individual who acts as a guardian or caretaker to the dependent child or children.Directs the Secretary of Defense to appoint a panel to review and identify best practices among pre-deployment counseling and services provided by the military departments to unmarried members of the Armed Forces with dependent children.

benefits act sic allows unmarried member armed_forces dependent children eligible participate survivor benefit plan sbp elect provide sbp annuity individual acts guardian caretaker dependent child children directs secretary defense appoint panel review identify best practices pre deployment counseling services provided military departments unmarried members armed_forces dependent children


Summary: Presumes to be service-connected, and therefore compensable through veterans' disability compensation, cancers of any tissues through the opening of the gastrointestinal tract to the end, becoming manifest to a degree of disability of 10% or more.

presumes service connected compensable veterans disability compensation cancers tissues opening tract end manifest degree disability


Summary: Veterans' Authorities Extension Act of 2008 - Makes permanent the authority of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to: (1) include noninstitutional extended care services within authorized services; (2) provide hospital care, medical services, and nursing home care to veterans who participated in certain chemical and biological testing conducted by the Department of Defense (DOD); (3) carry out certain income verification in order to verify eligibility for needs-based care and services; and (4) establish research corporations. Extends through: (1) FY2013 VA authority to conduct recovery audits with respect to benefit overpayments; and (2) 2009 VA authority to provide nursing home care to certain service-connected disabled veterans in need of such care.

makes permanent authority department_of_veterans_affairs include extended care services authorized services provide hospital care medical services nursing home care veterans participated certain chemical biological testing conducted department_of_defense dod carry certain income verification order verify eligibility needs based care services establish research corporations extends fy2013 authority conduct recovery audits respect benefit overpayments authority provide nursing home care certain service connected disabled veterans need care


Summary: Veterans Entrepreneurial Transition Business Benefit Act - Allows a veteran who is eligible to receive financial educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill to elect to use (with the approval of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs) any such assistance to establish and operate a business that the veteran will own and operate as his or her primary source of income.

veteran eligible receive financial educational assistance montgomery bill elect use approval secretary veterans_affairs assistance establish operate business veteran operate primary source income


Summary: Filipino Veterans Equity Act of 2008 - Establishes in the Treasury the Filipino Veterans Equity Compensation Fund, whose amounts shall be available to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs without fiscal year limitation to make payments to specified eligible persons who served: (1) before July 1, 1946, in the organized military forces of the government of the Commonwealth of the Philippines, while in the service of the Armed Forces of the United States; or (2) in the Philippine Scouts. Sets the payment amounts at $15,000 for U.S. citizens and $9,000 for non-U.S. citizens. States that acceptance of such payment shall constitute a release of any claim against the United States for such service. Requires the Secretary to include information concerning compensation fund operation within annual budget documents submitted to Congress. Authorizes appropriations.

filipino veterans equity act establishes treasury filipino veterans equity compensation fund amounts shall available secretary veterans_affairs fiscal year limitation payments specified eligible persons served july organized military forces government service philippine_scouts sets payment amounts citizens citizens states acceptance payment shall constitute release claim united_states service requires secretary include information concerning compensation fund operation annual budget documents submitted congress authorizes appropriations


Summary: Modifies the requirement that the Secretary of Labor provide employment assistance, job training assistance, and other transitional services to each member of the Armed Forces who is being separated from active duty (and the member's spouse). Directs the Secretary concerned (the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of Homeland Security, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs), where such services are available on a routine basis, to require each member to receive such services.

modifies requirement secretary labor provide employment assistance job training assistance transitional services member armed_forces separated active duty member spouse directs secretary concerned secretary defense secretary homeland_security secretary veterans_affairs services available routine basis require member receive services


Summary: Revises TRICARE (a Department of Defense [DOD] managed health care program) to authorize the Secretary of Defense to provide extended health care services and treatment, by way of contract with private providers, for dependent autism-diagnosed children of military retirees not entitled to hospital insurance benefits under Part A (Hospital Insurance) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act and not enrolled under part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of such title.

revises tricare department_of_defense dod managed health care program authorize secretary defense provide extended health care services treatment way contract private providers dependent autism diagnosed children military retirees entitled hospital insurance benefits title xviii medicare social security act enrolled title


Summary: Amends federal veterans law to authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, subject to the availability of appropriations, to increase by up to $1,000 a month the rate of the Medal of Honor special pension. Terminates such authority at the end of FY2013.

amends federal veterans law authorize secretary veterans_affairs subject availability appropriations increase month rate medal honor special pension terminates authority end fy2013


Summary: Authorizes the burial in a national cemetery of a parent of a deceased veteran or qualified reserve member if there is no eligible spouse, minor child, or unmarried adult child of such veteran or member.

authorizes burial national cemetery parent deceased veteran qualified reserve member eligible spouse minor child unmarried adult child veteran member


Summary: Wounded Veteran Job Security Act - Prohibits any employment discrimination or acts of reprisal against any person who has, or who has been treated for, an injury, illness, or disability determined by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to have been incurred in or aggravated by military service.

wounded veteran job security act prohibits employment discrimination acts reprisal person treated injury illness disability determined secretary veterans_affairs incurred aggravated military service


Summary: Combat-Related Special Compensation Technical Corrections Act of 2008 - Revises the formula for determining the payment of combat-related special compensation for certain eligible combat-related disabled members of the Armed Forces who are retired for disability.

revises formula determining payment combat related special compensation certain eligible combat related disabled members armed_forces retired disability


Summary: Services, Education, and Rehabilitation for Veterans Act or the SERV Act - Requires the Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy to delegate to the Department of Justice (DOJ) the authority to administer the veteran's treatment courts program established by this Act. Authorizes the Attorney General to make grants to states and other entities: (1) to develop, implement, or enhance veteran's treatment courts or to expand operational drug courts to serve veterans; and (2) for programs that involve continuing judicial supervision over nonviolent offenders with substance abuse or mental health problems who have served in the U.S. military. Requires such programs to include mandatory periodic testing for the use of drugs, substance abuse and mental health treatment, opportunities for diversion, probation, or supervised release, and programmatic, offender management, and aftercare services. Directs the National Drug Court Institute to conduct national training programs for state and local communities to improve the professional skills of drug court practitioners and provide comprehensive technical assistance to adult, juvenile, and family dependency drug courts.

services education act requires director office_of_national_drug_control_policy delegate department_of_justice doj authority administer veteran treatment courts program established act authorizes attorney general grants states entities develop implement enhance veteran treatment courts expand operational drug courts serve veterans programs involve continuing judicial supervision nonviolent offenders substance abuse mental health problems served military requires programs include mandatory periodic testing use drugs substance abuse mental health treatment opportunities diversion probation supervised release programmatic offender management aftercare services directs conduct national training programs state local communities improve professional skills drug court practitioners provide comprehensive technical assistance adult juvenile family dependency drug courts


Summary: Servicemembers Access to Justice Act of 2008 - Waives a state's sovereign immunity with respect to the enforcement of uniformed services members' employment or reemployment rights or benefits under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994 (USERRA). Makes unenforceable agreements between an employer and employee requiring arbitration of disputes arising under USERRA. Provides exceptions. Requires the validity and enforceability of such an agreement to be determined by a court (as opposed to the arbitrator). Provides increased liquidated damages, and authorizes punitive damages, against state or private employer violations of USERRA. Provides a right to a jury trial in such cases. Requires (current law authorizes) the award of attorney fees in actions to enforce USERRA. Defines "successor in interest" for USERRA purposes. Prohibits: (1) any statute of limitations from applying to USERRA proceedings; and (2) wage discrimination against members covered under USERRA. Requires (current law authorizes) a court to use equitable relief, including injunctions and restraining orders when appropriate, for USERRA violations.

servicemembers access justice act waives state sovereign immunity respect enforcement uniformed services members employment reemployment rights benefits uniformed_services_employment_and_reemployment_rights_act userra makes unenforceable agreements employer employee requiring arbitration disputes arising userra provides exceptions requires validity enforceability agreement determined court opposed arbitrator provides increased liquidated damages authorizes punitive damages state private employer violations userra provides right jury trial cases requires current law authorizes award attorney fees actions enforce userra defines successor interest userra purposes prohibits statute limitations applying userra proceedings wage discrimination members covered userra requires current law authorizes court use equitable relief including injunctions restraining orders appropriate userra violations


Summary: Requires Office of Personnel Management (OPM) regulations governing determinations of ineligibility for appointment to a position in an executive agency because of deliberate failure to register with the selective service to provide an exception for the appointment of an individual who was discharged or released from active duty in the armed forces under honorable conditions.Requires the Director of the Selective Service System to prescribe procedures: (1) for the adjudication of determinations of whether a failure to register was knowing and willful; and (2) under which such a determination may not be made if the individual concerned shows by a preponderance of the evidence that the failure to register was neither knowing nor willful. Allows any individual whose case was adjudicated under the earlier regulations from February 21, 2007, through the effective date of regulations prescribed under this Act to have his or her case readjudicated.

requires office personnel management opm regulations governing determinations ineligibility appointment position executive agency deliberate failure register selective service provide exception appointment individual discharged released active duty armed forces honorable conditions requires director selective_service_system prescribe procedures adjudication determinations failure register knowing willful determination individual concerned shows preponderance evidence failure register knowing willful allows individual case adjudicated earlier regulations february effective date regulations prescribed act case


Summary: Security Clearance Oversight and Accountability Act - Amends the National Security Act of 1947 to direct the President: (1) every four years, to conduct an audit of how the executive branch determines whether a security clearance is required for a particular position in the federal government, and report audit results to Congress; (2) every year, to report to Congress on the security clearance process with respect to government employees, government contractors, and intelligence community personnel; and (3) to submit a one-time report to Congress on security clearance investigations and adjudications. Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to report annually to Congress on security clearance determinations completed or ongoing during the preceding fiscal year that have taken longer than one year to complete.

security clearance oversight accountability act amends national security act direct president years conduct audit executive branch determines security clearance required particular position federal government report audit results congress year report congress security clearance process respect government employees government contractors intelligence community personnel submit time report congress security clearance investigations adjudications requires director office_of_management_and_budget omb report annually congress security clearance determinations completed ongoing preceding fiscal year taken longer year complete


Summary: Extends the authorized concurrent receipt of disability severance pay from the Department of Defense (DOD) and compensation for the same disability under any law administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to include all veterans with a combat-related disability. (Under current law, such concurrent receipt is limited to those veterans who incur a disability in the line of duty in a combat zone or during the performance of duty in combat-related operations.) Makes such amendment effective as of January 28, 2008 (the date of enactment of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008).

extends authorized concurrent receipt disability severance pay department_of_defense dod compensation disability law administered department_of_veterans_affairs include veterans combat related disability current law concurrent receipt limited veterans incur disability line duty combat zone performance duty combat related operations makes amendment effective january date enactment national_defense_authorization_act fiscal year


Summary: Directs the Secretaries of Defense and Veterans Affairs to: (1) each establish a process to provide payments for treatments of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) received by members of the Armed Forces or veterans in health care facilities other than Department of Defense (DOD) or Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities; (2) jointly develop and maintain a patient database involving the use of a treatment under this Act; and (3) ensure that the database ensures patient confidentiality.

directs secretaries defense veterans affairs establish process provide payments treatments traumatic brain injury tbi post traumatic stress disorder ptsd received members armed_forces veterans health care facilities department_of_defense dod department_of_veterans_affairs facilities jointly develop maintain patient database involving use treatment act ensure database ensures patient confidentiality


Summary: Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to conduct, and report to Congress on, a study on the acquisition of a specified parcel of land in Beaufort, South Carolina, to be used for expansion of the Beaufort National Cemetery.

directs secretary veterans_affairs conduct report congress study acquisition specified parcel land beaufort south_carolina expansion


Summary: Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to: (1) acquire a specified parcel of land in Beaufort, South Carolina, to be used for expansion of the Beaufort National Cemetery; and (2) report to Congress on the acquisition.

directs secretary veterans_affairs acquire specified parcel land beaufort south_carolina expansion report congress acquisition


Summary: Rebuilding America's Military Act of 2007 - Expresses the sense of Congress that Congress should enact legislation to: (1) restore and enhance the capabilities of the Armed Forces for deterrence, combat, and post-conflict operations; (2) enhance the readiness of the Armed Forces, including the reset of military equipment; and (3) support the men and women of the Armed Forces, including members of the National Guard and Reserves.

rebuilding america military act expresses sense congress congress enact legislation restore enhance capabilities armed_forces deterrence combat post conflict operations enhance readiness armed_forces including reset military equipment support men women armed_forces including members national_guard reserves


Summary: Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2007 - Amends federal veterans' benefits provisions to entitle to educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill individuals in certain length-of-service categories who, commencing on or after September 11, 2001, serve on active duty in the Armed Forces. Establishes the duration of such assistance (in most cases 36 months) and assistance amounts. Requires programs of education pursued with such assistance to be approved by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Allows for the pursuit of an approved program of education while on active duty. Allows, under such assistance, for the pursuit of: (1) programs on less than a half-time basis; (2) apprenticeship or other on-job training; (3) correspondence courses; (4) flight training; (5) tutorial assistance; and (6) licensure and certification tests. Makes individuals entitled to assistance under this Act also eligible for supplemental educational assistance for additional active duty service.Requires the Secretary to carry out a program, to be known as the "Yellow Ribbon G.I. Education Enhancement Program," under which colleges and universities may enter into an agreement with the Secretary to cover, for certain individuals, a portion of established charges not otherwise covered and match contributions toward such costs.Requires educational assistance under this Act to be used within 15 years of the individual's discharge or release from active duty (with exceptions). Allows individuals currently under the Montgomery GI Bill educational assistance program to elect to participate in the post-9/11 educational assistance program with respect to any unused entitlement.

amends federal veterans benefits provisions entitle educational assistance montgomery bill individuals certain length service categories commencing september serve active duty armed_forces establishes duration assistance cases months assistance amounts requires programs education pursued assistance approved secretary veterans_affairs allows pursuit approved program education active duty allows assistance pursuit programs half time basis apprenticeship job training correspondence courses flight training tutorial assistance licensure certification tests makes individuals entitled assistance act eligible supplemental educational assistance additional active duty service requires secretary carry program known colleges universities enter agreement secretary cover certain individuals portion established charges covered match contributions costs requires educational assistance act years individual discharge release active duty exceptions allows individuals currently montgomery bill educational assistance program elect participate educational assistance program respect unused entitlement


Summary: Filipino Veterans Equity Act of 2007 - Deems certain service performed before July 1, 1946, in the organized military forces of the Philippines and the Philippine Scouts as active military service for purposes of eligibility for veterans' benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs. Repeals certain provisions discounting such service as qualifying service.

filipino veterans equity act deems certain service performed july organized military forces philippines philippine_scouts active military service purposes eligibility veterans benefits department_of_veterans_affairs repeals certain provisions discounting service qualifying service


Summary: Directs the Secretary of Defense to permit any former member of the armed forces who is entitled to compensation for a service-connected disability rated total by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to travel on military aircraft to the same extent as retired members of the armed forces.

directs secretary defense permit member armed forces entitled compensation service connected disability rated total secretary veterans_affairs travel military aircraft extent retired members armed forces


Summary: Authorizes use of Department of Defense commissary and exchange stores by former prisoners of war who have been honorably separated from service and have a service-connected disability rated at 30 percent or more.

authorizes use department_of_defense commissary exchange stores prisoners war honorably separated service service connected disability rated percent


Summary: Lane Evans Veterans Health and Benefits Improvement Act of 2007 - Makes a veteran who served on active duty during a period of war eligible for a mental health evaluation and hospital care, medical services, nursing home care, and family and marital counseling for any identified mental health condition, notwithstanding insufficient medical evidence to conclude that the condition is attributable to such service. Requires: (1) post-deployment medical and mental health screenings to be conducted within 30 days after a deployment; (2) each member, upon discharge, to be provided an electronic copy of all military records of such member; and (3) the Secretary of Defense to ensure appropriate outreach to members of the National Guard and reserves concerning benefits and services available upon discharge or deactivation. Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish and maintain a Global War on Terrorism Veterans Information System. Requires quarterly reports from the Secretaries of Veterans Affairs, Labor, and Defense on the effects on veterans and on each such department of participation in the Global War on Terrorism.

benefits improvement act makes veteran served active duty period war eligible mental health evaluation hospital care medical services nursing home care family marital counseling identified mental health condition notwithstanding insufficient medical evidence conclude condition attributable service requires post deployment medical mental health screenings conducted days deployment member discharge provided electronic copy military records member secretary defense ensure appropriate outreach members national_guard reserves concerning benefits services available discharge directs secretary veterans_affairs establish maintain global war terrorism veterans information system requires quarterly reports secretaries veterans_affairs labor defense effects veterans department participation global war terrorism


Summary: Veterans' Disability Compensation Automatic COLA Act - Requires that, whenever there is an increase in benefit amounts payable under title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall increase by the same percentage the amounts payable as veterans' disability compensation, additional compensation for dependents, the clothing allowance for certain disabled adult children, and dependency and indemnity compensation for surviving spouses and children.

cola act requires increase benefit amounts payable title survivors disability insurance social security act secretary veterans_affairs shall increase percentage amounts payable veterans disability compensation additional compensation dependents clothing allowance certain disabled adult children dependency indemnity compensation surviving spouses children


Summary: Voluntary Support for Reservists and National Guard Members Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow taxpayers to designate that a portion (but not less than $1) of any income tax overpayment be paid over to the Reserve Income Replacement Program to benefit reservists and National Guard members.

reservists national guard members act amends internal revenue code allow taxpayers designate portion income tax overpayment paid benefit reservists national_guard members


Summary: Prohibits the U.S. government from obligating or expending funds to increase the number of U.S. military forces in Iraq above the number for such forces which existed as of January 9, 2007, without a specific congressional authorization for such increase.

prohibits government obligating expending funds increase number military forces iraq number forces existed january specific congressional authorization increase


Summary: Energy Fairness for America Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to terminate: (1) the tax deduction for oil and gas intangible drilling and development costs; (2) the percentage depletion allowance for oil and gas wells; and (3) the tax credit for enhanced oil recovery costs. Repeals provisions of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 relating to: (1) oil and gas royalties in-kind; (2) marginal property production incentives; (3) incentives for natural gas production in the Gulf of Mexico; (4) royalty suspension for deep water production; (5) the inventory of Outer Continental Shelf oil and natural gas resources; (6) Alaska offshore royalty suspension; (7) accelerated depreciation of electric transmission property, natural gas distribution lines, and natural gas gathering lines and expensing of liquid fuel refinery property; (8) the exemption of small oil refiners from limitations on the oil depletion allowance; and (9) two-year amortization of geological and geophysical expenditures. Requires certain large integrated oil companies to revalue their LIFO inventories of crude oil, natural gas, or other petroleum productions using a specified formula. Limits or denies the foreign tax credit and tax deferrals for dual capacity taxpayers (taxpayers receiving economic and tax benefits from certain foreign jurisdictions), foreign oil and gas income, and foreign oil and gas extraction income.

energy fairness america act amends internal revenue code terminate tax deduction oil gas intangible drilling development costs percentage depletion allowance oil gas wells tax credit enhanced oil recovery costs repeals provisions energy policy act relating oil gas royalties kind marginal property production incentives incentives natural gas production gulf_of_mexico royalty suspension deep water production inventory outer_continental_shelf oil natural gas resources alaska offshore royalty suspension accelerated depreciation electric transmission property natural gas distribution lines natural gas gathering lines expensing liquid fuel refinery property exemption small oil refiners limitations oil depletion allowance year amortization geological geophysical expenditures requires certain large integrated oil companies revalue lifo inventories crude oil natural gas petroleum productions specified formula limits denies foreign tax credit tax deferrals dual capacity taxpayers taxpayers receiving economic tax benefits certain foreign jurisdictions foreign oil gas income foreign oil gas extraction income


Summary: Amends the District of Columbia Access Act of 1999 to authorize the public school and private school tuition assistance programs established under the Act through FY2012.

amends district_of_columbia access act authorize public school private school tuition assistance programs established act fy2012


Summary: Keeping Families Together Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to allow the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Administrator of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, to award competitive matching grants to states to establish systems of care to treat and provide services to all children who are in the custody of the state or at-risk of entering into the custody of the state for the purpose of receiving mental health services. Requires states to use grant funds for certain activities, including to: (1) expand public health insurance programs to cover community-based mental health and family support services for such children and their families that will be sustainable after the grant has expired; (2) provide outreach and public education concerning available programs and activities; and (3) provide training and professional development for personnel who work with such children. Requires the Administrator to establish a task force to examine: (1) problems of mental health in the child welfare and juvenile justice systems; (2) issues with respect to access by children and youth to mental health services; and (3) the role of federal agencies in promoting access by children and youth to mental health services.

keeping families act amends public_health_service_act allow secretary health_and_human_services acting administrator substance_abuse_and_mental_health_services_administration award competitive matching grants states establish systems care treat provide services children custody state risk entering custody state purpose receiving mental health services requires states use grant funds certain activities including expand public health insurance programs cover community based mental health family support services children families sustainable grant expired provide outreach public education concerning available programs activities provide training professional development personnel work children requires administrator establish task force examine problems mental health child welfare juvenile justice systems issues respect access children youth mental health services role federal agencies promoting access children youth mental health services


Summary: Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to increase, as of December 1, 2007, the rates of veterans' disability compensation, additional compensation for dependents, the clothing allowance for certain disabled adult children, and dependency and indemnity compensation for surviving spouses and children. 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.

directs secretary veterans_affairs increase december rates veterans disability compensation additional compensation dependents clothing allowance certain disabled adult children dependency indemnity compensation surviving spouses children requires increase percentage increase benefits provided title survivors disability insurance social security act effective date


Summary: Retired Pay Restoration Act of 2007 - Allows the receipt of both military retired pay and veterans' disability compensation with respect to any service-connected disability (currently, only a disability rated at 50 percent or more). States that, in the case of a qualified retiree receiving veterans' disability compensation for a disability rated as total by reason of unemployability, payment of military retired pay is subject to a phase-in of concurrent receipt of both only during the period beginning on January 1, 2004, and ending on December 31, 2007 (currently September 30, 2009). 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 allows receipt military retired pay veterans disability compensation respect service connected disability currently disability rated percent states case qualified retiree receiving veterans disability compensation disability rated total reason unemployability payment military retired pay subject phase concurrent receipt period beginning january ending december currently september makes eligible concurrent receipt veterans disability compensation military retired pay combat related special pay individuals retired separated military service service connected disability


Summary: Active Duty Military Tax Relief Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow certain small business owners (with 100 or fewer employees) and self-employed individuals a tax credit for wages paid to members of the Ready Reserve of the Armed Forces and to temporary replacement employees for such members while on active military duty; (2) treat differential wage payments made to members of the Ready Reserve as earned income for tax withholding and retirement plan purposes; (3) allow the rollover of military death gratuities to individual retirement accounts, health savings accounts, Archer medical savings accounts, and education savings accounts; (4) increase the standard tax deduction by $1,000 in 2007 and 2008 for members of the uniformed services on active duty for more than 30 days; and (5) make permanent the taxpayer election to treat combat pay as earned income for purposes of computing the earned income tax credit.

active duty military tax relief act amends internal revenue code allow certain small business owners fewer employees self employed individuals tax credit wages paid members ready_reserve_of_the_armed_forces temporary replacement employees members active military duty treat differential wage payments members ready_reserve earned income tax withholding retirement plan purposes allow rollover military death gratuities individual retirement accounts health savings accounts archer medical savings accounts education savings accounts increase standard tax deduction members uniformed services active duty days permanent taxpayer election treat combat pay earned income purposes computing earned income tax credit