Summary: Wartime Treatment Study Act - Establishes the Commission on Wartime Treatment of European Americans to review U.S. government wartime treatment (from September 1, 1939, through December 31, 1948) of European Americans and European Latin Americans.Requires the Commission to review: (1) government actions with respect to European Americans and European Latin Americans pursuant to the Alien Enemies Acts, Presidential Proclamations 2526, 2527, 2655, 2662, 2685, Executive Orders 9066 and 9095, and related directives pertaining to the registration, arrest, exclusion, internment, exchange, or deportation of such people; (2) registration requirements, travel and property restrictions, internment, and forced abandonment of property; (3) participation by European Americans in the U.S. Armed Forces; and (4) appropriate remedies, including future protection of civil liberties during wartime.Establishes the Commission on Wartime Treatment of Jewish Refugees to review the U.S. government's refusal to allow entry into the United States of Jewish and other refugees fleeing persecution or genocide in Europe. Directs the Commission to include reviews of: (1) the rationale for such refusal, its perceived benefit, and its impact on refugees; and (2) federal refugee policy concerning those fleeing persecution or genocide.

wartime treatment study act establishes commission european americans review government wartime treatment september december european americans european latin americans requires commission review government actions respect european americans european latin americans pursuant presidential executive orders related directives pertaining registration arrest exclusion internment exchange deportation people registration requirements travel property restrictions internment forced abandonment property participation european americans appropriate remedies including future protection civil liberties wartime establishes_the_commission jewish refugees review government refusal allow entry united_states jewish refugees fleeing persecution genocide europe directs commission include reviews rationale refusal perceived benefit impact refugees federal refugee policy concerning fleeing persecution genocide


Summary: Expresses the sense of Congress that Congress should not take any action that will endanger U.S. military forces in the field, including the elimination or reduction of funds for troops in the field, as such action would undermine their safety or harm their effectiveness in pursuing assigned missions.

expresses sense congress congress action endanger military forces field including elimination reduction funds troops field action undermine safety harm effectiveness pursuing assigned missions


Summary: Disabled Veterans Insurance Act of 2007 - Increases from $20,000 to $40,000 the maximum amount of supplemental service disabled veterans' insurance for totally disabled veterans.

disabled veterans insurance act increases maximum supplemental service disabled veterans insurance totally disabled veterans


Summary: Provides that, in the case of a member of the Armed Forces who dies while serving on active duty or inactive duty for training, and who dies without a surviving spouse but with one or more children under age 18 who will be in the custody of a parent, brother, or sister, the death gratuity for such member shall be payable to such parent, brother, or sister as designated by the member.

provides case member armed_forces dies serving active duty inactive duty training dies surviving spouse children age custody parent brother sister death gratuity member shall payable parent brother sister designated member


Summary: Expresses the sense of Congress that all members of the Armed Forces should be permitted to select who shall receive the death gratuity (awarded for members who die while on active duty or inactive duty training), and that the Secretaries of Defense and the military departments should take appropriate action to afford members such opportunity, along with appropriate counseling. Revises the current statutory priority list of designated death gratuity beneficiaries to place first in such list any individual designated by the person (member) in writing.

expresses sense congress members armed_forces permitted select shall receive death gratuity awarded members die active duty inactive duty training secretaries defense military departments appropriate action afford members opportunity appropriate counseling revises current statutory priority list designated death gratuity beneficiaries place list individual designated person member writing


Summary: American-Owned Property in Occupied Cyprus Claims Act - Amends the International Claims Settlement Act of 1949 to urge the President to authorize the Secretary of State to begin negotiations with Turkey to allow for certain claims by U.S. nationals respecting real property in the Turkish-held portions of Cyprus. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to establish in the Treasury a Claims Fund for the payment of unsatisfied claims of U.S. nationals against Turkey. Sets forth payment procedures. Grants U.S. district court jurisdiction for civil actions against any private person (any natural person or legal entity other than Turkey) by a U.S. national who owns property in the Turkish-held portion of Cyprus. Sets forth the conditions under which an action may be brought against the government of Turkey in U.S. or state courts.

international claims settlement act urge president authorize secretary state begin negotiations turkey allow certain claims nationals respecting real property turkish held portions cyprus authorizes secretary treasury establish treasury claims fund payment claims nationals turkey sets forth payment procedures district court jurisdiction civil actions private person natural person legal entity turkey national owns property turkish held portion cyprus sets forth conditions action brought government turkey state courts


Summary: Veterans' Survivors Education Enhancement Act of 2007 - Revises provisions concerning educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill to terminate the 45-month limitation on: (1) the use of such assistance for eligible veterans' survivors and dependents; and (2) the use of such assistance for special restorative training. Makes survivors and dependents eligible for educational assistance until their 30th (currently 26th) birthday. Makes the aggregate amount of educational assistance $80,000. (Currently, there are monthly limits for full-time, three quarter-time, or half-time educational pursuit.) Includes within authorized educational pursuits in such amounts: (1) a program of apprenticeship or other on-job training; and (2) a correspondence course. Makes survivors and dependents eligible for tutorial assistance.

revises provisions concerning educational assistance montgomery bill terminate month limitation use assistance eligible veterans survivors dependents use assistance special restorative training makes survivors dependents eligible educational assistance 30th currently 26th birthday makes aggregate educational assistance currently monthly limits time quarter time half time educational pursuit includes authorized educational amounts program apprenticeship job training correspondence course makes survivors dependents eligible tutorial assistance


Summary: Public Transportation Terrorism Prevention Act of 2007 - Requires the Department of Transportation's (DOT) Federal Transit Administration, within 30 days of enactment, to submit all public transportation security assessments to the Secretary of Homeland Security (Secretary) to review and augment such assessments, not later than July 31, 2007. Requires the Secretary to: (1) establish and annually update security improvement priorities (improvement priorities), by September 30, 2007, that are consistent with relevant State Homeland Security Plans; (2) annually update the assessments and annually conduct assessments of all public transportation agencies considered to be at greatest risk of a terrorist attack; (3) by July 31, 2007, conduct security assessments of local bus-only public transportation systems and of selected transportation systems receiving grants as other than urbanized areas; and (4) use information collected from the assessments to develop security guidelines for public transportation security and design a security improvement strategy. Directs the Secretary, consistent with relevant State Homeland Security Plans, to award grants to public transportation agencies for allowable capital and operational security improvements based on the improvement priorities. Defines allowable. Requires congressional notification before the award of any grant. Sets forth public transportation agency requirements for receiving a grant. Directs the Secretary to: (1) develop and issue regulations for a public transportation worker security training program; (2) ensure that DOT receives timely notification of all credible terrorist threats against U.S. public transportation assets; (3) provide assistance for the reasonable costs of the Information Sharing and Analysis Center (ISAC) for Public Transportation to protect critical infrastructure; and (4) award grants or contracts for research and the demonstration of technologies and methods to reduce and deter terrorist threats or mitigate damages resulting from terrorist attacks. Requires public transportation agencies determined to be at significant risk of terrorist attack to participate in the ISAC and encourages all other public transportation agencies to participate in the ISAC. Prohibits charging a fee to any public transportation agency for participating in the ISAC. Sets forth reporting requirements. Authorizes appropriations through FY2010. Terminates grant authority on October 1, 2011.

public transportation terrorism prevention act requires department_of_transportation dot federal_transit_administration days enactment submit public transportation security assessments secretary homeland_security secretary review augment assessments later july requires secretary establish annually update security improvement priorities improvement priorities september consistent relevant state homeland security plans annually update assessments annually conduct assessments public transportation agencies considered greatest risk terrorist attack july conduct security assessments local bus public transportation systems selected transportation systems receiving grants urbanized areas use information collected assessments develop security guidelines public transportation security design security improvement strategy directs secretary consistent relevant state homeland security plans award grants public transportation agencies allowable capital operational security improvements based improvement priorities defines allowable requires congressional notification award grant sets forth public transportation agency requirements receiving grant directs secretary develop issue regulations public transportation worker security training program ensure dot receives timely notification credible terrorist threats public transportation assets provide assistance reasonable costs information sharing analysis center protect critical infrastructure award grants contracts research demonstration technologies methods reduce deter terrorist threats mitigate damages resulting terrorist attacks requires public transportation agencies determined significant risk terrorist attack participate encourages public transportation agencies participate prohibits charging fee public transportation agency participating sets forth reporting requirements authorizes appropriations fy2010 terminates grant authority october


Summary: Eliminates the period following separation from service within which a veteran's multiple sclerosis must have developed to a degree of disability of 10% or more to be considered to have been incurred in or aggravated by such service during a period of war.

eliminates period following separation service veteran multiple sclerosis developed degree disability considered incurred aggravated service period war


Summary: Prisoner of War Benefits Act of 2007 - Amends Federal veterans' benefits provisions with respect to former prisoners of war (POW) to repeal the currently required 30-day minimum period of internment prior to the presumption of service connection for certain listed diseases, for purposes of the payment of veterans' disability compensation. Adds the following diseases to the above listed diseases: diabetes (type 2) and osteoporosis. Requires: (1) such presumption also with respect to any disease that the Secretary of Veterans Affairs determines warrants such presumption by reason of having a positive association with the experience of being a prisoner of war; and (2) the Secretary to make such a determination within 60 days after a recommendation from the Advisory Committee on Former Prisoners of War that such presumption be established for a non-listed disease.

prisoner war benefits act amends federal veterans benefits provisions respect prisoners war pow repeal currently required day minimum period internment prior presumption service connection certain listed diseases purposes payment veterans disability compensation adds following diseases listed diseases diabetes type osteoporosis requires presumption respect disease secretary veterans_affairs determines warrants presumption reason having positive association experience prisoner war secretary determination days recommendation presumption established non listed disease


Summary: Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out a five-year pilot program to assess the feasibility and advisability of awarding grants to eligible entities to assist members of the Armed Forces, particularly those with serious wounds, injuries, or mental disorders, women members, and members of the National Guard and reserves, in applying for and receiving health care benefits and services from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and otherwise after completion of military service, in order to ensure that such members receive a continuity of care and assistance in and after the transition from military service to civilian life. Requires at least one location of the pilot program to be in the vicinity of: (1) a military medical facility that treats members who are seriously wounded or injured in Afghanistan or Iraq; (2) a VA medical center located in a rural area; and (3) a VA medical center located in an urban area.

directs secretary veterans_affairs carry year pilot program assess feasibility advisability awarding grants eligible entities assist members armed_forces particularly wounds injuries mental disorders women members members national_guard reserves applying receiving health care benefits services department_of_veterans_affairs completion military service order ensure members receive continuity care assistance transition military service civilian life requires location pilot program vicinity military medical facility treats members seriously wounded injured afghanistan iraq medical center located rural area medical center located urban area


Summary: Repeals certain provisions which require the offset of amounts paid in dependency and indemnity compensation from Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) annuities for the surviving spouses of former military personnel who are entitled to military retired pay or would be entitled to such pay except for being under 60 years of age. Prohibits recoupment by the Secretary of Defense of certain amounts previously paid to SBP recipients in the form of a retired pay refund. Repeals the optional authority of (and instead requires) the Secretary of the military department concerned to pay an annuity to a member's dependent children when there is no eligible surviving spouse. Directs the Secretary concerned to restore annuity eligibility to a surviving spouse who earlier agreed to transfer such eligibility to a surviving child or children of a member. Changes to October 1, 2007 (previously October 1, 2008) the effective date for paid-up coverage provisions under the SBP and the Retired Serviceman's Family Protection Plan.

repeals certain provisions require offset amounts paid dependency indemnity compensation survivor_benefit_plan sbp annuities surviving spouses military personnel entitled military retired pay entitled pay years age prohibits recoupment secretary defense certain amounts previously paid sbp recipients form retired pay refund repeals optional authority instead requires secretary military department concerned pay annuity member dependent children eligible surviving spouse directs secretary concerned restore annuity eligibility surviving spouse earlier agreed transfer eligibility surviving child children member changes october previously october effective date paid coverage provisions sbp family protection plan


Summary: Belated Thank You to the Merchant Mariners of World War II Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to pay a monthly benefit of $1,000 to certain honorably-discharged veterans of the U.S. Merchant Marine who served between December 7, 1941, and December 31, 1946 (or to their survivors). Includes service in the Army Transport Service and the Naval Transport Service. Exempts from taxation benefits paid under this Act.

merchant mariners world war act directs secretary veterans_affairs pay monthly benefit certain honorably discharged veterans merchant marine served december december survivors includes service army_transport_service naval_transport_service exempts taxation benefits paid act


Summary: Combat-Related Special Compensation Act of 2007 - Authorizes monthly combat-related special compensation pay to any military retiree who is entitled to retired pay and has a combat-related disability. (Currently, a retiree must meet those requirements and also have completed at least 20 years of retirement-creditable military service.) Provides a special compensation rule with respect to retirees with less than 20 years of service.

authorizes monthly combat related special compensation pay military retiree entitled retired pay combat related disability currently retiree meet requirements completed years retirement creditable military service provides special compensation rule respect retirees years service


Summary: Protecting Military Family Financial Benefits Act of 2007 - 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 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: Restoring Disability Benefits for Injured and Wounded Warriors Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Defense to appoint a panel to review each case before a Department of Defense (DOD) Physical Evaluation Board in which: (1) the Board determined to discharge or release a member of the Armed Forces without assigning a rating of disability to the member; and (2) the member appealed a Board determination regarding the rating of disability. Requires the panel to report whether any additional or different action should be taken by the military department concerned with respect to such determinations. Directs the Secretary to appoint a panel to review, and take the same actions as above, cases in which a member was denied, or appealed the amount of, traumatic injury protection awarded under Servicemembers Group Life Insurance. Requires the: (1) Secretary to report to Congress on the adequacy of the number of judge advocates assigned to physical evaluation board cases; and (2) Comptroller General to report to Congress assessing and addressing deficiencies in the disability evaluation systems of the military departments.

restoring disability benefits injured wounded warriors act directs secretary defense appoint panel review case department_of_defense dod physical_evaluation_board board determined discharge release member armed_forces assigning rating disability member member appealed board determination rating disability requires panel report additional different action taken military department concerned respect determinations directs secretary appoint panel review actions cases member denied appealed traumatic injury protection awarded requires secretary report congress adequacy number judge advocates assigned physical evaluation board cases comptroller general report congress assessing addressing deficiencies disability evaluation systems military departments


Summary: Directs the President to transition the mission of U.S. forces in Iraq to the following purposes: (1) conducting limited scope and duration operations against al Qaeda and other international terrorist organizations; (2) providing security for U.S. infrastructure and personnel; and (3) training and equipping Iraqi security services. Exempts such activities from the funding and redeployment provisions of this Act. Directs the President to begin the phased redeployment of U.S. forces from Iraq not later than 120 days after the date of enactment of this Act. Prohibits funds from being obligated or expended to continue the U.S. Armed Forces deployment in Iraq after March 31, 2008.

directs president transition mission forces iraq following purposes conducting limited scope duration operations al_qaeda international terrorist organizations providing security infrastructure personnel training equipping iraqi security services exempts activities funding redeployment provisions act directs president begin phased redeployment forces iraq later days date enactment act prohibits funds obligated expended continue deployment iraq march


Summary: Traumatic Brain Injury Access to Options Act - Directs the Secretary of Defense to ensure that each member of the Armed Forces who incurs a traumatic brain injury (where the member is unable to perform activities of daily living for at least five consecutive days from the date of a medical assessment) while on active duty shall be retained on active duty for one year after the date of the assessment. Prohibits such member from being evaluated during the one-year period by a physical evaluation board for determining eligibility for retirement or separation due to such disability. Allows a member (or his or her guardian or legal advocate) to choose to make such requirements inapplicable to the member. Authorizes the Secretary of the military department concerned to extend the one-year period as appropriate in light of medical progress. Requires annual Comptroller General assessments of traumatic brain injury care and services provided by the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs.

traumatic brain injury access options act directs secretary defense ensure member armed_forces incurs traumatic brain injury member unable perform activities daily living consecutive days date medical assessment active duty shall retained active duty year date assessment prohibits member evaluated year period physical evaluation board determining eligibility retirement separation disability allows member guardian legal advocate choose requirements inapplicable member authorizes secretary military department concerned extend year period appropriate light medical progress requires annual comptroller_general assessments traumatic brain injury care services provided departments_of_defense veterans_affairs


Summary: Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out a three-year pilot program on the feasibility and advisability of delivering community reintegration support and services to veterans by assisting veterans organizations in developing and promoting veterans peer support. Designates the pilot program as the "Heroes Helping Heroes Program." Requires the Secretary to select up to 20 program participants, and to award grants to such participants in amounts from $100,000 to $300,000 per fiscal year. Requires grant recipients to contribute at least 10% of the grant funds awarded.

directs secretary veterans_affairs carry year pilot program feasibility advisability delivering community reintegration support services veterans assisting veterans organizations developing promoting veterans peer support designates pilot program requires secretary select program participants award grants participants amounts fiscal year requires grant recipients contribute grant funds awarded


Summary: Sets $19 million as the maximum amount per fiscal year for reimbursement to states and local agencies administering veterans' education benefits. Extends through FY2007 a pilot program of on-job training for veterans' claims adjudicators. Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to waive, for public interest purposes on a case-by-case basis, the residency requirement for a Director for Veterans' Employment and Training. Includes veterans of the Global War on Terror within an ongoing veterans' unemployment study. Amends the Veterans Benefits Improvement Act of 2004 to extend through 2009 an increase in benefits for veterans pursuing apprenticeships or on-job training.

sets million maximum fiscal year reimbursement states local agencies administering veterans education benefits extends fy2007 pilot program job training veterans claims authorizes secretary veterans_affairs waive public interest purposes case case basis residency requirement director training includes veterans global war terror ongoing veterans unemployment study amends veterans benefits improvement act extend increase benefits veterans pursuing apprenticeships job training


Summary: Reduces from 60 to 55 the minimum age for the receipt of military retired pay for non-regular service.

reduces minimum age receipt military retired pay non regular service


Summary: Requires the: (1) Secretary of Defense to prescribe standards for determinations of ratings of military disability to assure that such ratings are consistent across the military departments; and (2) standards to take into account all medical conditions incurred by members of the Armed Forces while in military status. Directs the: (1) Secretary of each military department to utilize the standard schedule for rating disabilities used by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in making disability determinations; and (2) Secretary to prescribe training requirements for personnel making such determinations.

requires secretary defense prescribe standards determinations ratings military disability assure ratings consistent military departments standards account medical conditions incurred members armed_forces military status directs secretary military department utilize standard schedule rating disabilities department_of_veterans_affairs making disability determinations secretary prescribe training requirements personnel making determinations


Summary: Veterans' Dignified Burial Assistance Act of 2007 - Increases from $300 to $400 the burial plot allowance paid for veterans interred in cemeteries other than national cemeteries. Waives the requirement that, for a state to receive such allowance for the reimbursement of burial costs, it must file for such within two years after the burial or cremation of the veteran. Authorizes the use of up to $5 million per year under the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) state cemetery grant program for operating and maintaining state cemeteries.

dignified burial assistance act increases burial plot allowance paid veterans interred cemeteries national cemeteries waives requirement state receive allowance reimbursement burial costs file years burial veteran authorizes use million year department_of_veterans_affairs state cemetery grant program operating maintaining state cemeteries


Summary: Revises provisions concerning Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) use of state approving agencies (agencies) for approving courses of education for veterans under the Montgomery GI Bill veterans' educational assistance program. Authorizes (current law requires) the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to promote the development of veterans' apprenticeship and on-job training programs. Authorizes the Secretary to determine the criteria and contract conditions for reimbursing agencies for salary and travel costs incurred on behalf of the VA, including the condition that the agencies report annually to the Secretary and the congressional veterans' committees on resources expended and personnel qualification and performance standards. Limits the annual authorized amount for the VA for such expenses.Requires the Secretary to establish performance measures to assess the effectiveness of agencies in: (1) the services for which they are reimbursed; and (2) coordinating with other entities to reduce overlap and improve efficiency in approval activities.Requires the Secretary to establish standards of approval for accredited and nonaccredited courses offered by an educational institution, based on specified measures. Authorizes an agency, in approving courses for which such standards have been met, to rely upon determinations made by other entities, including the Departments of Labor and Education. Allows approval to be revoked by the Secretary or the agency, under conditions established by the Secretary.

revises provisions concerning department_of_veterans_affairs use state approving agencies agencies approving courses education veterans montgomery bill veterans educational assistance program authorizes current law requires secretary veterans_affairs promote development veterans apprenticeship job training programs authorizes secretary determine criteria contract conditions reimbursing agencies salary travel costs incurred behalf including condition agencies report annually secretary congressional veterans committees resources expended personnel qualification performance standards limits annual authorized expenses requires secretary establish performance measures assess effectiveness agencies services reimbursed coordinating entities reduce overlap improve efficiency approval activities requires secretary establish standards approval accredited courses offered educational institution based specified measures authorizes agency approving courses standards met rely determinations entities including departments_of_labor education allows approval revoked secretary agency conditions established secretary


Summary: Veterans' Education and Vocational Benefits Improvement Act of 2007 - Authorizes the accelerated payment of veterans' educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill for individuals who, during the period beginning October 1, 2008, and ending September 30, 2012, first enroll in an approved program of education not exceeding two years and not leading to an associate, bachelors, masters, or equivalent degree (in effect, for vocational school). Provides the same benefit for: (1) participants under the survivors' and dependents' educational assistance program; (2) members of the Selected Reserve; and (3) reserve personnel supporting contingency and other combat-related operations. Authorizes, for the latter personnel, the payment of 80% of the total educational assistance allowance for those serving an aggregate of three years or more in support of such contingency or related operations. Authorizes such personnel to make pay contributions for an increased amount of educational assistance.

vocational benefits improvement act authorizes accelerated payment veterans educational assistance montgomery bill individuals period beginning october ending september enroll approved program education exceeding years leading associate masters equivalent degree effect vocational school provides benefit participants survivors dependents educational assistance program members selected_reserve reserve personnel supporting contingency combat related operations authorizes personnel payment total educational assistance allowance serving aggregate years support contingency related operations authorizes personnel pay contributions increased educational assistance


Summary: Veterans Outreach Improvement Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans to establish a separate account for the funding of outreach activities of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and a separate subaccount for the funding of outreach activities of the Veterans Health Administration, the Veterans Benefits Administration, and the National Cemetery Administration. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish and maintain procedures for ensuring the effective coordination of VA outreach activities between and among such elements, the Office of the Secretary, and the Office of Public Affairs; and (2) ensure that outreach is provided in locations proximate to populations of veterans and other individuals in states that offer a high probability of improving veterans' outreach and assistance. Authorizes the Secretary to award grants to appropriate state veterans agencies for such purpose.

veterans outreach improvement act directs secretary veterans establish separate account funding outreach activities department_of_veterans_affairs separate subaccount funding outreach activities veterans_health_administration veterans_benefits_administration national_cemetery_administration directs secretary establish maintain procedures ensuring effective coordination outreach activities elements office_of_the_secretary office_of_public_affairs ensure outreach provided locations proximate populations veterans individuals states offer high probability improving veterans outreach assistance authorizes secretary award grants appropriate state veterans agencies purpose


Summary: Veterans' Benefits Enhancement Act of 2008 - Title I: Insurance Matters - (Sec. 101) Allows administrative costs of the Service-Disabled Veterans' Insurance program to be paid through premiums. (Sec. 102) Includes all (under current law, only certain active-duty) members of the Individual Ready Reserve under the Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (SGLI) program. Revises provisions relating to the termination of SGLI coverage for a dependent to provide that such coverage may terminate upon termination of the dependent's status as an insurable dependent of the member. (Under current law, such coverage may terminate 120 days following termination of such status.) (Sec. 103) Requires the Secretary of Defense to develop a form for the designation of a recipient of funds for traumatic injury coverage under SGLI in cases where the member is mentally incapacitated or experiencing an extended loss of consciousness. Title II: Housing Matters - (Sec. 201) Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (Secretary), in the case of a member determined to have a total and permanent disability incurred or aggravated in the line of active duty, to furnish home improvements and structural alterations for the member for such disability while the member is hospitalized or receiving outpatient care, medical services, or treatment, if the Secretary determines that the member is likely to be discharged or released from the Armed Forces due to the disability. Title III: Labor and Education Matters - (Sec. 301) Directs the Secretary to ensure the coordination of educational course approval activities by state approving agencies with approval activities performed by the Departments of Labor and Education and other appropriate entities. Requires a report from the Secretary to the congressional veterans' committees on actions taken to establish outcome-oriented performance standards for, and a tracking and reporting system for resources expended by, approving agencies. (Sec. 302) Authorizes the Secretary to waive, for public interest purposes on a case-by-case basis, the residency requirement for a Director for Veterans' Employment and Training. (Sec. 303) Includes veterans of the Post 9/11 Global War on Terror within an annual (currently, biennial) veterans' unemployment study. Title IV: Court Matters - (Sec. 401) Eliminates the 180-day per-year limit on service of retired judges of the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (Court) who voluntarily return to such service. Establishes a three-tiered retirement pay structure for Court judges appointed after the enactment of this Act. Requires recalled judges to receive the pay of current judges during the period of recall, less the amount of any applicable annuity. Prohibits recall service in excess of five years for judges recalled involuntarily. (Sec. 402) Removes the $30 annual limit on practice and registration fees for those admitted to practice before the Court. Requires any fees charged to be reasonable. (Sec. 403) Requires an annual report from the chief judge to the veterans' committees summarizing the Court's workload. (Sec. 404) Expresses the sense of Congress that the Court should be provided with appropriate office space, without undue disruption, inconvenience, or cost. Requires a report from the Administrator of General Services to the veterans' committees on the feasibility of leasing additional space for the Court, and on using the entire building in which the Court is housed as a Veterans Courthouse and Justice Center. Title V: Other Matters - (Sec. 501) Revises provisions concerning the VA's program of outreach to veterans to: (1) include members of the National Guard and reserves; and (2) define "outreach" as the proactive provision of information, services, and benefits counseling to veterans, and to the spouses, children, and parents of veterans who may be eligible to receive benefits through the VA. (Sec. 502) Amends the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to allow members of the Armed Forces who receive orders to deploy outside the United States for not less than 90 days to terminate or suspend their cell phone contracts without incurring early termination or reactivation fees if their ability to fulfill the service contract or to utilize the service will be materially affected by such deployment. (Sec. 503) Directs the Medical Follow-Up Agency of the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies to maintain and manage the assets (including electronic data files and biological specimens of study participants) transferred to the Agency from the Air Force Health Study. Authorizes the Agency, during FY2008-FY2012, to conduct additional research on such assets toward the goal of understanding the determinants of health, and promoting wellness, in veterans. Requires an Agency report to Congress assessing the feasibility and advisability of conducting additional research on such assets after the end of FY2012. Provides funding. (Sec. 504) Requires: (1) the Secretary to contract with the Institute, above, to conduct a comprehensive epidemiological study to identify any increased risk of developing multiple sclerosis as a result of service in the Persian Gulf or in the Post 9/11 global operations theaters; and (2) an interim and final results report from the Institute to the Secretary and the veterans' committees. (Sec. 505) Directs the Comptroller General to report to the veterans' and appropriations committees on the adequacy of dependency and indemnity compensation in replacing a deceased veteran's income for surviving spouses and dependents of veterans who die from service-connected disabilities.

veterans benefits enhancement act title insurance matters sec allows administrative costs program paid premiums sec includes current law certain active duty members individual_ready_reserve program revises provisions relating termination sgli coverage dependent provide coverage terminate termination dependent status insurable dependent member current law coverage terminate days following termination status sec requires secretary defense develop form designation recipient funds traumatic injury coverage sgli cases member mentally incapacitated experiencing extended loss consciousness title housing matters sec authorizes secretary veterans_affairs secretary case member determined total permanent disability incurred aggravated line active duty furnish home improvements structural alterations member disability member hospitalized receiving outpatient care medical services treatment secretary determines member likely discharged released armed_forces disability title iii labor education matters sec directs secretary ensure coordination educational course approval activities state approving agencies approval activities performed departments_of_labor education appropriate entities requires report secretary congressional veterans committees actions taken establish outcome oriented performance standards tracking reporting system resources expended approving agencies sec authorizes secretary waive public interest purposes case case basis residency requirement director training sec includes veterans post global war terror annual currently biennial veterans unemployment study title court matters sec eliminates day year limit service retired judges veterans claims court voluntarily return service establishes tiered retirement pay structure court judges appointed enactment act requires recalled judges receive pay current judges period recall applicable annuity prohibits recall service excess years judges recalled involuntarily sec removes annual limit practice registration fees admitted practice court requires fees charged reasonable sec requires annual report chief judge veterans committees summarizing court workload sec expresses sense congress court provided appropriate office space undue disruption inconvenience cost requires report administrator general_services veterans committees feasibility leasing additional space court entire building court housed veterans courthouse justice center title matters sec revises provisions concerning program outreach veterans include members national_guard reserves define outreach proactive provision information services benefits counseling veterans spouses children parents veterans eligible receive benefits sec amends servicemembers civil relief act allow members armed_forces receive orders deploy outside united_states days terminate suspend cell phone contracts incurring early termination reactivation fees ability fulfill service contract utilize service materially affected deployment sec directs medical follow agency institute_of_medicine_of_the_national_academies maintain manage assets including electronic data files biological specimens study participants transferred agency authorizes agency fy2008 fy2012 conduct additional research assets goal understanding determinants health promoting wellness veterans requires agency report congress assessing feasibility advisability conducting additional research assets end fy2012 provides funding sec requires secretary contract institute conduct comprehensive epidemiological study identify increased risk developing multiple sclerosis result service persian_gulf post global operations theaters interim final results report institute secretary veterans committees sec directs comptroller general report veterans appropriations committees adequacy dependency indemnity compensation replacing deceased veteran income surviving spouses dependents veterans die service connected disabilities


Summary: Comprehensive Veterans Benefits Improvements Act of 2007 - Makes various changes or additions to veterans' compensation, pension, health care, housing, burial, and other benefits, including: (1) a report on veterans who were misclassified as not being catastrophically disabled; (2) a pilot program on veterans' lung cancer screening; (3) a repeal of the prohibition against the concurrent receipt of veterans' disability compensation or pension and military retired pay; (4) an increase in the rates of veterans' disability compensation; (5) a repeal of the reduction of Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) annuities by the amount of veterans' dependency and indemnity compensation (DIC) received; (6) a report on the adequacy of DIC for survivors of veterans who die from service-connected disabilities; (7) a reduction in premiums under the service-disabled veterans life insurance program; (8) an increase in the veterans' burial plot allowance; (9) an FY2008 authorization of appropriations for the state cemetery grants program; (10) an increase in grant amounts for specially adapted housing for veterans; (11) an increased coverage amount under the veterans' mortgage life insurance program; (12) adjusted veterans' home loan fees; (13) judicial review of the adoption or revision of veterans' disability ratings; (14) establishment of the DOD/VA Clinical Information Data Exchange Bureau; (15) a study and report concerning the disability ratings systems of the Department of Defense (DOD) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA); and (16) a report on the provision of assisted living benefits for veterans.

comprehensive veterans benefits makes changes additions veterans compensation pension health care housing burial benefits including report veterans catastrophically disabled pilot program veterans lung cancer screening repeal prohibition concurrent receipt veterans disability compensation pension military retired pay increase rates veterans disability compensation repeal reduction survivor_benefit_plan sbp annuities veterans dependency indemnity compensation dic received report adequacy dic survivors veterans die service connected disabilities reduction premiums service disabled veterans life insurance program increase veterans burial plot allowance fy2008 authorization appropriations state cemetery grants program increase grant amounts specially adapted housing veterans increased coverage veterans mortgage life insurance program adjusted veterans home loan fees judicial review adoption revision veterans disability ratings establishment dod study report concerning disability ratings systems department_of_defense dod department_of_veterans_affairs report provision assisted living benefits veterans


Summary: Makes permanent (under current law, expires December 31, 2007) the requirement that the Secretary of Veterans Affairs furnish, upon request, an appropriate government headstone or marker for the graves of certain veterans eligible for burial in national cemeteries, but buried in private cemeteries.

makes permanent current law expires december requirement secretary veterans_affairs furnish request appropriate government headstone marker graves certain veterans eligible burial national cemeteries buried private cemeteries


Summary: Military and Veterans Traumatic Brain Injury Treatment Act - Directs the Secretaries of Defense and Veterans Affairs to jointly establish a program of treatment and rehabilitative services for traumatic brain injury (TBI) with respect to members of the Armed Forces and veterans. Requires the: (1) Secretary of Defense to establish protocols for the detection and diagnosis of TBI; (2) Secretaries to inform members and veterans with TBI and their families as to treatment rights and options available; (3) Secretaries to assign a qualified lead case manager and lead primary care physician to each member and veteran that participates in the program; and (4) Secretaries to enter into cooperative agreements with entities with expertise in the treatment and rehabilitation needs of individuals with TBI. Directs the Secretaries to establish protocols to ensure that members receive continuity of care and assistance during and after the transition from military service to civilian life. Requires the Secretary of Defense to: (1) review certain previous decisions of discharge from the Armed Forces under other than honorable conditions to determine whether a TBI was a cause of action that precipitated the discharge and, if so, reconsider and redesignate the discharge; and (2) conduct specified TBI research.

military veterans traumatic brain injury treatment act directs secretaries defense veterans_affairs jointly establish program treatment rehabilitative services traumatic brain injury tbi respect members armed_forces veterans requires secretary defense establish protocols detection diagnosis tbi secretaries inform members veterans tbi families treatment rights options available secretaries assign qualified lead case manager lead primary care physician member veteran participates program secretaries enter cooperative agreements entities expertise treatment rehabilitation needs individuals tbi directs secretaries establish protocols ensure members receive continuity care assistance transition military service civilian life requires secretary defense review certain previous decisions discharge armed_forces honorable conditions determine tbi cause action discharge reconsider redesignate discharge conduct specified tbi research


Summary: 21st Century GI Bill of Rights Act of 2007 - Entitles to basic educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill certain members of the Armed Forces or reserves who, after September 11, 2001: (1) are deployed overseas; or (2) serve for an aggregate of at least two years or, before such period, are discharged due to a service-connected disability, hardship, or certain medical conditions. Entitles such individuals to 36 months of educational assistance. Authorizes: (1) specialized training and certification programs for veterans with service-connected disabilities; and (2) payments for tutorial assistance and licensure and certification tests. Requires (with exceptions) the use of such assistance within ten 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. Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to increase the maximum guaranty amount under the veterans' home loan program with respect to residences of a particular size in an area for which the median price for such size exceeds the normal guaranty maximum. Repeals the home loan guaranty fees charged to veterans. Amends the Small Business Act relating to the microloan program to authorize small business loans to veterans in amounts up to $100,000 at an interest rate of no more than 2.5%.

21st century bill rights act entitles basic educational assistance montgomery bill certain members armed_forces reserves september deployed overseas serve aggregate years period discharged service connected disability hardship certain medical conditions entitles individuals months educational assistance authorizes specialized training certification programs veterans service connected disabilities payments tutorial assistance licensure certification tests requires exceptions use assistance years individual discharge release active duty requires individuals eligible program regular educational assistance program elect program participation directs secretary veterans_affairs increase maximum guaranty veterans home loan program respect residences particular size area median price size exceeds normal guaranty maximum repeals home loan guaranty fees charged veterans amends small_business_act relating microloan program authorize small business loans veterans amounts interest rate


Summary: Supply Our Soldiers Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Defense to provide for a program under which postal benefits are provided to a member of the Armed Forces who is on active duty and who is either: (1) serving in Iraq or Afghanistan; or (2) hospitalized at a military medical facility as a result of such service. Provides the postal benefits in the form of coupons or other evidence of credit (vouchers) to use for postal-free mailings.

supply soldiers act directs secretary defense provide program postal benefits provided member armed_forces active duty serving iraq afghanistan hospitalized military medical facility result service provides postal benefits form coupons evidence credit vouchers use postal free mailings


Summary: Veterans Burial Benefits Improvement Act of 2007 - Increases the authorized allowance for burial and funeral expenses for deceased veterans who: (1) at the time of death were in receipt of veterans' disability compensation or veterans' pension benefits; or (2) were veterans of any war or were discharged or released from active military service for a service-connected disability and for whom there is no next of kin or sufficient resources to cover funeral and burial costs. Increases the burial plot allowance for veterans who, at the time of death, were receiving hospital or nursing home care in or through the Department of Veterans Affairs.Authorizes the annual adjustment of such allowances based on increases in the Consumer Price Index.

veterans burial benefits improvement act increases authorized allowance burial funeral expenses deceased veterans time death receipt veterans disability compensation veterans pension benefits veterans war discharged released active military service service connected disability kin sufficient resources cover funeral burial costs increases burial plot allowance veterans time death receiving hospital nursing home care department_of_veterans_affairs authorizes annual adjustment allowances based increases consumer price index


Summary: Gold Star Parents Annuity Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Defense to pay a special pension to each person who has received a Gold Star lapel button as a parent of a member of the Armed Forces who died while serving.

directs secretary defense pay special pension person received lapel button parent member armed_forces died serving


Summary: Defenders of Freedom Tax Relief Act of 2007 - Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions relating to military personnel to: (1) extend the limitation period for filing tax refund claims resulting from Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) disability determinations; (2) make permanent the taxpayer election to treat combat zone compensation as earned income for purposes of the earned income tax credit; (3) treat differential wage payments made to active duty members of the uniformed services as wages for retirement plan purposes; (4) make permanent the exemption from the 10% penalty for premature retirement plan distributions made by active duty military personnel; (5) treat state payments to members of the uniformed services as qualified military benefits for purposes of the tax exclusion of such benefits; (6) make permanent the authority of the Social Security Administration to disclose tax return information to the VA for purposes of determining eligibility for certain veterans benefit programs; (7) extend through 2010 mortgage bond financing exemption rules for certain veterans; (8) make permanent the tax exclusion of gain from the sale of a principal residence by certain members of the Intelligence Community; (9) allow unlimited tax-free rollovers of military death gratuities to Roth individual retirement accounts (Roth IRAs); (10) allow employers a tax credit for differential wage payments made to active duty military personnel; and (11) set forth tax rules for U.S. citizens and certain permanent residents (expatriates) who relinquish their citizenship or residency to avoid U.S taxation.

defenders freedom tax relief act 2007_-_amends_internal_revenue code provisions relating military personnel extend limitation period filing tax refund claims resulting department_of_veterans_affairs disability determinations permanent taxpayer election treat combat zone compensation earned income purposes earned income tax credit treat differential wage payments active duty members uniformed services wages retirement plan purposes permanent exemption penalty premature retirement plan distributions active duty military personnel treat state payments members uniformed services qualified military benefits purposes tax exclusion benefits permanent authority social_security_administration disclose tax return information purposes determining eligibility certain veterans benefit programs extend mortgage bond financing exemption rules certain veterans permanent tax exclusion gain sale principal residence certain members intelligence_community allow unlimited tax free rollovers military death gratuities roth individual retirement accounts roth iras allow employers tax credit differential wage payments active duty military personnel set forth tax rules citizens certain permanent residents expatriates relinquish citizenship residency avoid taxation


Summary: National Guard and Reservists Financial Relief Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the exemption from tax penalties for premature distributions from retirement plans by members of the National Guard or Ready Reserve called to active duty.

national_guard reservists financial relief act amends internal revenue code permanent exemption tax penalties premature distributions retirement plans members called active duty


Summary: Military Family Support Act of 2007 - Directs the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to establish a program to authorize a caregiver (a federal employee at least 21 years of age capable of providing care to a child or other dependent family member of a member of the Armed Forces) to use: (1) any available sick leave for the provision of such care in the same manner as annual leave is used; and (2) any federal leave available to that caregiver as though that period of caregiving is a medical emergency. Requires the service member for whom the caregiving is provided to be performing service in support of a contingency operation or in situations for which hostile fire or imminent danger pay is authorized and to designate the caregiver for his or her family. Terminates the program on December 31, 2012.Directs the Secretary of Labor to: (1) establish a program to authorize employees of private businesses to use sick or any other leave for caregiving in the same manner as above; and (2) solicit businesses to voluntarily participate in the program. Requires caregiver designation. Terminates the program on December 31, 2012. Provides for an offsetting reduction in FY2008 appropriations for the Department of Defense (DOD) for research, development, test and evaluation.

military family support act directs establish program authorize caregiver federal employee years age capable providing care child dependent family member member armed_forces use available sick leave provision care manner annual leave federal leave available caregiver period caregiving medical emergency requires service member caregiving provided performing service support contingency operation situations hostile fire imminent danger pay authorized designate caregiver family terminates program december secretary labor establish program authorize employees private businesses use sick leave caregiving manner solicit businesses voluntarily participate program requires caregiver designation terminates program december provides offsetting reduction fy2008 appropriations department_of_defense dod research development test evaluation


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 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 support contingency operation determining best interest child


Summary: Provides that, in the case of a member with minor dependents who has a spouse who is also a member and that spouse is deployed in an area for which imminent danger pay is authorized, the member may request a deployment deferment from such an area until the spouse returns from such deployment.

provides case member minor dependents spouse member spouse deployed area imminent danger pay authorized member request deployment deferment area spouse returns deployment


Summary: Veterans' Authorities Expansion Act of 2007 - Makes permanent the authority of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to: (1) provide hospital care, medical services, and nursing home care to veterans who participated in tests conducted by the Department of Defense Deseret Test Center as part of a program for chemical and biological warfare testing; and (2) provide government markers or memorial headstones for the graves of veterans buried in private cemeteries. Amends the Veterans Benefits Improvement Act of 2004 to extend through December 30, 2010, the authority for an increase in basic educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill for individuals pursuing apprenticeship or on-job training. Extends through FY2010 the VA's work-study allowance program.

makes permanent authority department_of_veterans_affairs provide hospital care medical services nursing home care veterans participated tests conducted program chemical biological warfare testing provide government markers memorial headstones graves veterans buried private cemeteries amends veterans benefits improvement act extend december authority increase basic educational assistance montgomery bill individuals pursuing apprenticeship job training extends fy2010 work study allowance program


Summary: Allows members of the Armed Forces and veterans who are out of uniform to render the military salute during the hoisting, lowering, or passing of the flag.

allows members armed_forces veterans uniform render military salute lowering passing flag


Summary: Military Family Job Protection Act - Prohibits a covered family member who is caring for a servicemember who is undergoing medical treatment for an injury, illness, or disease incurred or aggravated while on active military duty from being denied retention in employment, promotion, or any employment benefit by an employer on the basis of the family member's absence from such employment for a period of not more than 52 weeks. Includes as a covered family member one who, while caring for the recovering servicemember, is: (1) on invitational orders; (2) a non-medical attendee; or (3) receiving per diem payments from the Department of Defense (DOD).

military family job protection act prohibits covered family member caring servicemember undergoing medical treatment injury illness disease incurred aggravated active military duty denied retention employment promotion employment benefit employer basis family member absence employment period weeks includes covered family member caring recovering servicemember orders non medical receiving diem payments department_of_defense dod


Summary: Support for Injured Servicemembers Act - Amends the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 to entitle an eligible employee who is the spouse, son, daughter, parent, or next of kin of a covered servicemember to a total of 26 workweeks of leave during a single 12-month period to care for the servicemember. Defines covered servicemember as a member of the U.S. Armed Forces, including a member of the National Guard or a Reserve, who is undergoing medical treatment, recuperation, or therapy, is otherwise in medical hold or medical holdover status, or is otherwise on the temporary disability retired list, for a serious injury or illness incurred in the line of duty on active duty that may render the member medically unfit to perform his or her duties. Provides for the substitution of accrued paid vacation, personal, family leave, or medical or sick leave for any part of the 26-week period. Declares that nothing in this Act shall be construed to limit the availability of such leave during any other 12-month period. Amends federal civil service law to entitle civilian federal employees to the same leave allowance. Provides for the substitution of accrued paid annual or sick leave for any part of the 26-week period.

support injured servicemembers act amends family medical leave act entitle eligible employee spouse son daughter parent kin covered servicemember total workweeks leave single month period care servicemember defines covered servicemember member including member national_guard_or_a_reserve undergoing medical treatment recuperation therapy medical hold medical holdover status temporary disability retired list injury illness incurred line duty active duty render member medically unfit perform duties provides substitution accrued paid vacation personal family leave medical sick leave week period declares act shall construed limit availability leave month period amends federal civil service law entitle civilian federal employees leave allowance provides substitution accrued paid annual sick leave week period


Summary: Authorizes the payment of an additional special monthly pension, to a veteran already eligible for a basic pension due to service during a period of war and having a permanent and total non-service-connected disability, if such veteran either: (1) has an additional disability or disabilities rated at 60% or more; or (2) by reason of a disability or disabilities is permanently housebound but does not qualify for pension at the aid and attendance rate.

authorizes payment additional special monthly pension veteran eligible basic pension service period war having permanent total non service connected disability veteran additional disability disabilities rated reason disability disabilities permanently qualify pension aid attendance rate


Summary: Veterans' Pride Initiative Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish and promote programs and activities for honoring veterans, increasing public awareness and appreciation of veterans' service, and encouraging veterans and their families to express pride in such service. Authorizes the next-of-kin of a deceased veteran to wear awards and decorations earned by the veteran during programs and activities in connection with Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Veterans Day events, as well as such other patriotic observances as the Secretary may prescribe.

initiative act authorizes secretary veterans_affairs establish promote programs activities honoring veterans increasing public awareness appreciation veterans service encouraging veterans families express pride service authorizes kin deceased veteran wear awards decorations earned veteran programs activities connection memorial day independence day veterans day events patriotic secretary prescribe


Summary: Veterans Emergency Care Fairness Act of 2008 - Requires (current law authorizes) the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to reimburse certain veterans without a service-connected disability enrolled as active participants of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care plan for the cost of emergency treatment received in a non-VA facility until such time as such veterans are transferred to a VA or other federal facility. Requires (current law authorizes) the Secretary to reimburse certain veterans with a service-connected disability or a non-service-connected disability associated with or aggravating a service-connected disability for the customary and usual charges of emergency treatment for which such veterans have made payment from sources other than the VA.

veterans emergency care fairness act requires current law authorizes secretary veterans_affairs reimburse certain veterans service connected disability enrolled active participants department_of_veterans_affairs health care plan cost emergency treatment received non-va facility time veterans transferred federal facility requires current law authorizes secretary reimburse certain veterans service connected disability non service connected disability associated aggravating service connected disability customary usual charges emergency treatment veterans payment sources


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: Wounded Warrior Bonus Equity Act - Provides that, in the case of a member of the Armed Forces who is retired or separated for disability due to a combat-related injury, the Secretary of Defense shall require the continued payment of any covered bonuses or special pay to which the member: (1) was entitled to immediately before the retirement or separation; and (2) would continue to be entitled to if not retired or separated. Requires such payment in a lump sum within 90 days after such retirement or separation.

wounded warrior bonus equity act provides case member armed_forces retired separated disability combat related injury secretary defense shall require continued payment covered bonuses special pay member entitled immediately retirement separation continue entitled retired separated requires payment lump sum days retirement separation


Summary: USERRA Enforcement Improvement Act of 2007 - Amends provisions concerning uniformed services members' employment or reemployment rights or benefits to: (1) require complainants to be notified of their rights within five days after receipt of the complaint by the Secretary of Labor; (2) require investigation and resolution of complaints to be completed no later than 90 days after receipt of the complaint; and (3) impose a 15-day deadline on referral to the Attorney General or to the Office of Special Counsel of an unsuccessful effort to resolve a complaint against a state or private employer or a federal executive agency, respectively. Requires the Attorney General or the Special Counsel, as appropriate, to make a decision and provide notification concerning representation of a complainant within 45 days of a referral.Modifies requirements for annual case reporting by the Secretary to include data of the National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve and data concerning those with disabilities.Requires the Comptroller General to make quarterly reports on claims processing.Requires the Secretary to ensure that: (1) report information is categorized in a uniform way; and (2) the Secretary and the Secretaries of Defense and Veterans Affairs, the Attorney General, and the Special Counsel each have electronic access to case files reviewed under the uniformed services employment and reemployment rights provisions.

userra enforcement improvement act amends provisions concerning uniformed services members employment reemployment rights benefits require notified rights days receipt complaint secretary labor require investigation resolution complaints completed later days receipt complaint impose day deadline referral attorney general office_of_special_counsel unsuccessful effort resolve complaint state private employer federal executive agency respectively requires attorney general special_counsel appropriate decision provide notification concerning representation complainant days referral modifies requirements annual case reporting secretary include data data concerning disabilities requires comptroller general quarterly reports claims processing requires secretary ensure report information categorized uniform way secretary attorney general special counsel electronic access case files reviewed uniformed services employment reemployment rights provisions


Summary: Amends the Uniform Code of Military Justice to require, when a court-martial sentence that resulted in forfeiture of pay and allowances is later set aside or disapproved or, as finally approved, does not provide for a punishment resulting in forfeiture, that the restoration of the forfeited amounts be adjusted for inflation.

amends uniform code military justice require court martial sentence resulted forfeiture pay allowances later set aside disapproved finally approved provide punishment resulting forfeiture restoration forfeited amounts adjusted inflation


Summary: Military Housing Privatization Initiatives Projects Oversight and Accountability Act of 2007 - Requires each military housing privatization initiative project to be carried out under a guaranteed maximum price contract (to be reviewed by an independent third party) and accompanied by a performance schedule. Requires each Secretary concerned to prescribe regulations for effective oversight and management of projects under the Secretary's jurisdiction.Establishes requirements for: (1) combining projects in the event of termination of a lease or foreclosure on a project; (2) funding reserves; (3) sequestration and release of funds to be paid under a contract; (4) community meetings to convey project information; (5) certification of construction experience; (6) bonding levels; and (7) communication, review, and the effect of unsatisfactory performance or default (including the selection of a successor contractor).Requires annual reports on lessons learned regarding the operation of military housing privatization initiative projects.

military housing privatization initiatives projects oversight accountability_act requires military housing privatization initiative project carried guaranteed maximum price contract reviewed independent party accompanied performance schedule requires secretary concerned prescribe regulations effective oversight management projects secretary jurisdiction establishes requirements combining projects event termination lease foreclosure project funding reserves sequestration release funds paid contract community meetings convey project information certification construction experience bonding levels communication review effect unsatisfactory performance default including selection successor annual reports lessons learned operation military housing privatization initiative projects


Summary: Kendell Frederick Citizenship Assistance Act - (Sec. 2) Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security (Secretary) to use the fingerprints provided by an individual at the time of military enlistment or at the time of applying for (immigration) status adjustment to satisfy any naturalization background or security requirements if: (1) the individual may be naturalized under the Immigration and Nationality Act, was fingerprinted in accordance with Department of Defense (DOD) requirements, and submits a naturalization application within 24 months of enlistment or provides the required biometric information at the time of application for status adjustment if filed within 24 months after enlistment; and (2) the Secretary determines that the biometric information provided, including fingerprints, is sufficient to conduct the naturalization background and security checks. Directs the Secretary to: (1) determine the format for biometric information, including fingerprints; (2) implement procedures for electronic transmission of biometric information that will safeguard privacy and civil liberties; and (3) provide for centralization of naturalization applications of active duty personnel serving abroad and such applications' expedited processing. (Sec. 3) Directs the Secretary to update the appropriate Internet websites to reflect naturalization law changes. Expresses the sense of Congress that the Secretary should make necessary updates to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) application forms. (Sec. 4) Directs the Secretary to report to the appropriate congressional committees with respect to the adjudication of military service-related naturalization applications. Directs the Comptroller General to conduct a study and report to the appropriate congressional committees with respect to implementation of this Act by the Secretaries of Homeland Security and Defense.

sec directs secretary homeland_security secretary use fingerprints provided individual time military enlistment time applying immigration status adjustment satisfy naturalization background security requirements individual naturalized immigration nationality act fingerprinted accordance department_of_defense dod requirements submits naturalization application months enlistment provides required biometric information time application status adjustment filed months enlistment secretary determines biometric information provided including fingerprints sufficient conduct naturalization background security checks directs secretary determine format biometric information including fingerprints implement procedures electronic transmission biometric information safeguard privacy civil liberties provide naturalization applications active duty personnel serving abroad applications expedited processing sec directs secretary update appropriate internet websites reflect naturalization law changes expresses sense congress secretary necessary updates department_of_homeland_security dhs application forms sec directs secretary report appropriate congressional committees respect adjudication military service related naturalization applications directs comptroller general conduct study report appropriate congressional committees respect implementation act secretaries_of_homeland_security defense


Summary: Combat Veterans Debt Elimination Act of 2008 - Prohibits the Secretary of Veterans Affairs from collecting debts owed to the United States by certain veterans who die as a result of a service-connected disability incurred or aggravated on active duty in a war after the Persian Gulf War or a combat zone after September 11, 2001, if the Secretary determines, in his or her discretion, that the termination of collection is in the best interest of the United States. Excepts any amounts owed the United States under federal housing and small business loan programs from such prohibition on debt collection.

prohibits secretary veterans_affairs collecting debts owed united_states certain veterans die result service connected disability incurred aggravated active duty war persian_gulf_war combat zone september secretary determines discretion termination collection best interest united_states excepts amounts owed united_states federal housing small business loan programs prohibition debt collection


Summary: Combat Veterans Debt Elimination Act of 2008 - Prohibits the Secretary of Veterans Affairs from collecting debts owed to the United States by certain members of the armed forces or veterans who die as a result of an injury incurred or aggravated on active duty in a war or a combat zone after September 11, 2001. Excepts any amounts owed the United States under federal housing and small business loan programs from such prohibition on debt collection.

prohibits secretary veterans_affairs collecting debts owed united_states certain members armed forces veterans die result injury incurred aggravated active duty war combat zone september excepts amounts owed united_states federal housing small business loan programs prohibition debt collection


Summary: Semper Fi Act - Rescinds all amounts appropriated by the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2008 for the city of Berkeley, California, or entities in such city. Transfers the rescinded amounts to the Operation and Maintenance, Marine Corps account of the Department of Defense (DOD) for FY2008, to be used for recruiting.

act rescinds amounts appropriated consolidated_appropriations_act city california entities city transfers rescinded amounts marine_corps account department_of_defense dod fy2008 recruiting


Summary: Military Valor Roll of Honor Act of 2008 - Directs the Secretary of Defense to establish the Military Valor Roll of Honor registry which shall: (1) contain the names and citations of all members of the Armed Forces, members of the U.S. merchant marine (including the Army Transport Service and the Naval Transport Service), and civilians affiliated with the Armed Forces who have been awarded the medal of honor or any other medal authorized by Congress for the Armed Forces, the U.S. merchant marine, or affiliated civilians; and (2) be a publicly available database.

military valor roll honor act directs secretary defense establish registry shall contain names citations members armed_forces members merchant marine including army_transport_service naval_transport_service civilians affiliated armed_forces awarded medal honor medal authorized congress armed_forces merchant marine affiliated civilians publicly available database


Summary: Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2008 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to increase, as of December 1, 2008, 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. Codifies rate amounts as increased under the Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2007.

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 codifies rate amounts increased veterans compensation cost living adjustment act


Summary: Authorizes the Secretary of the military department concerned to reimburse or provide transportation to a member of the reserves on active duty for more than 30 days who is performing duty at a temporary duty station for travel from the temporary duty station to the permanent duty station in connection with authorized leave pursuant to a suspension of training or to meet minimal staffing requirements at the temporary station. Sets minimum distance requirements and reimbursement limits. Allows such reimbursement or transportation only in connection with leave of more than 96 hours.

authorizes secretary military department concerned reimburse provide transportation member reserves active duty days performing duty temporary duty station travel temporary duty station permanent duty station connection authorized leave pursuant suspension training meet minimal staffing requirements temporary station sets minimum distance requirements reimbursement limits allows reimbursement transportation connection leave hours


Summary: Veterans' Benefits Enhancement Act of 2008 - Revises veterans' insurance benefits matters to: (1) direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (Secretary) to grant level-premium term life insurance to certain service-disabled veterans; (2) increase the maximum amount of supplemental service disabled veterans' insurance for totally disabled veterans; (3) provide retroactive traumatic injury coverage under the Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (SGLI) program for certain members of the Armed Forces who incurred a traumatic injury in the line of duty; (4) provide for the designation of a recipient of funds for traumatic injury coverage when the member is mentally incapacitated or experiencing an extended loss of consciousness; and (5) increase the maximum loan guarantee amount under the veterans' mortgage life insurance program.Revises veterans' housing benefits matters to: (1) allow home improvements and structural alterations for totally disabled members likely to be discharged or released from service; (2) make eligible for specially adapted housing benefits and assistance members with certain severe service-connected disabilities and veterans with such disabilities residing outside the United States; (3) authorize the provision of such assistance for veterans with a severe burn disability and disabled veterans residing temporarily in housing owned by a family member; and (4) increase specially adapted housing benefits for disabled veterans.Revises veterans' employment and education matters to: (1) require coordination of veterans' educational course approval activities with those performed by the Departments of Labor and Education and other appropriate entities; (2) enhance the authority for reimbursing expenses of state approving agencies; (3) waive the residency requirement for a Director for Veterans' Employment and Training; (4) extend through 2009 an increase in benefits for veterans pursuing apprenticeships or on-job training; and (5) increase supplemental educational assistance for members of the Selected Reserve with certain skills or specialties.Deems certain service performed with the military forces of the Philippines and the Philippine Scouts as active U.S. military service for purposes of eligibility for veterans' benefits. Entitles children of such Filipino veterans to the same rate of educational assistance entitlement as children of other veterans.Revises provisions concerning the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims to: (1) eliminate the service limit for retired judges who voluntarily return to the Court; (2) remove the annual limit on Court registration and practice fees; and (3) require reports on Court workloads and expansion of Court facilities.Revises veterans' compensation and pension matters to: (1) add osteoporosis to the disabilities presumed to be service-connected in former prisoners of war with post-traumatic stress disorder; and (2) provide an annual cost-of-living adjustment to temporary dependency and indemnity compensation (DIC) payable to surviving spouses with dependent children under 18 years old.Provides an annual adjustment for veterans' burial benefits.Increases eligibility for, and the amount of, assistance provided to disabled veterans for the purchase of automobiles and adaptive equipment.Allows for the termination or suspension of cellular phone contracts for members undergoing deployments of 90 days or more outside the United States.Provides for the maintenance, management, and availability for research of assets of the Air Force Health Study.Requires: (1) a study on the risk of developing multiple sclerosis as a result of certain military service; and (2) a report on the adequacy of DIC to support survivors of veterans who die from service-connected disabilities.

veterans benefits enhancement act veterans insurance benefits matters direct secretary veterans_affairs secretary grant level premium term life insurance certain service disabled veterans increase maximum supplemental service disabled veterans insurance totally disabled veterans provide retroactive traumatic injury coverage program certain members armed_forces incurred traumatic injury line duty provide designation recipient funds traumatic injury coverage member mentally incapacitated experiencing extended loss consciousness increase maximum loan guarantee veterans mortgage life insurance program revises veterans housing benefits matters allow home improvements structural alterations totally disabled members likely discharged released service eligible specially adapted housing benefits assistance members certain severe service connected disabilities veterans disabilities residing outside united_states authorize provision assistance veterans severe burn disability disabled veterans residing temporarily housing owned family member increase specially adapted housing benefits disabled veterans revises veterans employment education matters require coordination veterans educational course approval activities performed departments_of_labor education appropriate entities enhance authority reimbursing expenses state approving agencies waive residency requirement director training extend increase benefits veterans pursuing apprenticeships job training increase supplemental educational assistance members selected_reserve certain skills specialties deems certain service performed military forces philippines philippine_scouts active military service purposes eligibility veterans benefits entitles children filipino veterans rate educational assistance entitlement children veterans revises provisions concerning veterans claims eliminate service limit retired judges voluntarily return court remove annual limit court registration practice fees require reports court workloads expansion court facilities revises veterans compensation pension matters add osteoporosis disabilities presumed service connected prisoners war post traumatic stress disorder provide annual cost living adjustment temporary dependency indemnity compensation dic payable surviving spouses dependent children years old provides annual adjustment veterans burial benefits increases eligibility assistance provided disabled veterans purchase automobiles adaptive equipment allows termination suspension cellular phone contracts members undergoing deployments days outside united_states provides maintenance management availability research assets requires study risk developing multiple sclerosis result certain military service report adequacy dic support survivors veterans die service connected disabilities


Summary: Citizen Soldier and Military Veteran Travel Reimbursement Act of 2008 - Repeals the requirement that the Secretary of Veterans Affairs adjust the amount (similar to a copay or deductible) charged to a member who is reimbursed by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for travel expenses connected with the receipt of vocational rehabilitation, counseling, or required medical care. Requires the Secretary, in determining the amount of the allowance or reimbursement, to use the reimbursement rate for the use of privately-owned vehicles by government employees on official business. Authorizes the Secretary of the military department concerned to reimburse a member of the reserves for expenses incurred in connection with round-trip travel in excess of 100 miles to an inactive duty training location, requiring the same reimbursement rate as above.

reimbursement act repeals requirement secretary veterans_affairs adjust similar deductible charged member reimbursed department_of_veterans_affairs travel expenses connected receipt vocational rehabilitation counseling required medical care requires secretary determining allowance reimbursement use reimbursement rate use privately owned vehicles government employees official business authorizes secretary military department concerned reimburse member reserves expenses incurred connection round trip travel excess miles inactive duty training location requiring reimbursement rate


Summary: Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt veterans with a disability rated as total from the tax on social security benefits. Requires the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to amend federal housing regulations to exclude the disability and pension benefits of veterans with a disability rated as total from income for purposes of determining eligibility for certain public housing programs.

amends internal revenue code exempt veterans disability rated total tax social security benefits requires secretary housing_and_urban_development hud amend federal housing regulations exclude disability pension benefits veterans disability rated total income purposes determining eligibility certain public housing programs


Summary: Amends the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act of 1940 to extend from 90 days to one year the period following release from active duty during which a member of the Armed Forces shall be protected from mortgage foreclosure.

amends servicemembers civil relief act extend days year period following release active duty member armed_forces shall protected mortgage foreclosure


Summary: America's Wounded Warriors Act - Amends federal armed forces provisions to add new provisions concerning the retirement for disability of members of the Armed Forces (members) following the implementation of an enhanced Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) disability compensation system (implemented under this Act). Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to continue after discharge or separation from active duty respite care and aid and other extended care benefits for members who incur a serious injury or illness while serving on such duty. Directs the Secretary of Defense to conduct a study to determine the number of retired members who will be eligible for medical and dental care following implementation of the enhanced VA disability compensation system. Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (Secretary) to conduct a study to determine the appropriate: (1) amount of compensation for service-connected disability payable to veterans for each assigned rating of disability; and (2) amounts and duration of transition payments and rehabilitation transition allowances payable to veterans participating in a rehabilitation program. Requires the Secretary to conduct a study on measures to assist and encourage veterans in the completion of their vocational rehabilitation plans. Directs the Secretary to submit to Congress a proposal on the purposes and amounts of veterans' disability compensation and veterans' transition benefits. Provides for congressional consideration (by way of a joint resolution) of such proposal. Makes the effective date of implementation of the enhanced VA disability compensation system the date on which the authority of Congress to disapprove the Secretary's proposal expires, as long as Congress does not disapprove the proposal before such date. Revises the current VA schedule of disability ratings to take into account losses of earning capacity and quality of life as a result of the disability. Provides revised compensation and transition payments in connection with service-connected disabilities. Allows a retired veteran entitled to compensation for a service-connected disability to elect to provide a monthly supplemental survivor benefit to the veteran's surviving spouse and/or children. Authorizes such election by veterans: (1) at the time of award of the disability compensation; (2) not married at the time of award of the compensation who later marry; and (3) married at the time of award of the compensation who later remarry. Allows a veteran to revoke the election of a benefit to a surviving spouse. Provides for the receipt of such benefit on the first day of the first month after the veteran dies. Requires the: (1) reduction of disability compensation due to the election of the supplemental survivor benefit; and (2) offset of the supplemental survivor benefit by the amount of dependency and indemnity compensation received.

america wounded warriors act amends federal armed forces provisions add new provisions concerning retirement disability members armed_forces members following implementation enhanced department_of_veterans_affairs disability compensation system implemented act authorizes secretary defense continue discharge separation active duty respite care aid extended care benefits members incur injury illness serving duty directs secretary defense conduct study determine number retired members eligible medical dental care following implementation enhanced disability compensation system directs secretary veterans_affairs secretary conduct study determine appropriate compensation service connected disability payable veterans assigned rating disability amounts duration transition payments rehabilitation transition allowances payable veterans participating rehabilitation program requires secretary conduct study measures assist encourage veterans completion vocational rehabilitation plans directs secretary submit congress proposal purposes amounts veterans disability compensation veterans transition benefits provides congressional consideration way joint resolution proposal makes effective date implementation enhanced disability compensation system date authority congress disapprove secretary proposal expires long congress disapprove proposal date revises current schedule disability ratings account losses earning capacity quality life result disability provides revised compensation transition payments connection service connected disabilities allows retired veteran entitled compensation service connected disability elect provide monthly supplemental survivor benefit veteran surviving spouse children authorizes election veterans time award disability compensation married time award compensation later marry married time award compensation later remarry allows veteran revoke election benefit surviving spouse provides receipt benefit day month veteran dies requires reduction disability compensation election supplemental survivor benefit offset supplemental survivor benefit dependency indemnity compensation received


Summary: Amends federal provisions concerning veterans' educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill to: (1) allow the accelerated payment of such assistance for the pursuit of education leading to employment in high-technology industry only for programs of education which do not lead to an associate or higher degree; (2) terminate the June 30, 2010, delimiting period on an expanded scope of work activities that may be assigned to individuals participating in Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) work-study programs; and (3) authorize appropriations for VA payments to state agencies which approve programs of education for purposes of participation in the VA educational assistance program.

amends federal provisions concerning veterans educational assistance montgomery bill allow accelerated payment assistance pursuit education leading employment high technology industry programs education lead associate higher degree terminate june period expanded scope work activities assigned individuals participating department_of_veterans_affairs work study programs authorize appropriations payments state agencies approve programs education purposes participation educational assistance program