Summary: Help Veterans Own Franchises Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow business franchisors and veterans who purchase a franchise tax credits for a specified percentage of the fees paid to purchase the franchise. Requires the Administrator of the Small Business Administration and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide information about the tax credits in this Act to veterans service organizations and advocacy groups.

help veterans franchises act amends internal revenue code allow business veterans purchase franchise tax credits specified percentage fees paid purchase franchise requires administrator small_business_administration secretary veterans_affairs provide information tax credits act veterans service organizations advocacy groups


Summary: Makes the pension amount payable to the surviving spouses of veterans who served during a period of war equal to the pension paid to such veterans.

makes pension payable surviving spouses veterans served period war equal pension paid veterans


Summary: Military Personnel Protection Act of 2009 - Amends the federal criminal code to impose criminal penalties for willfully causing, or attempting to cause, bodily injury to any person because of the actual or perceived status of such person as an active, guard, reserve, or retired member of the Armed Forces.

military personnel protection act amends federal criminal code impose criminal penalties willfully causing attempting cause bodily injury person actual perceived status person active guard reserve retired member armed_forces


Summary: Establishes the American Veterans Congressional Internship Program, under which each Member of the House of Representatives may hire for a maximum 12-month period one additional employee who meets specified eligibility criteria to serve as the American Veteran Congressional Intern. Requires such an Intern to be honorably discharged from service in the U.S. armed forces or in their reserve components.

establishes american veterans congressional internship program member house_of_representatives hire maximum month period additional employee meets specified eligibility criteria serve requires intern honorably discharged service armed forces reserve components


Summary: Veterans and Survivors Behavioral Health Awareness Act - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide scholarships to individuals pursuing education or training in behavioral health care specialties that are critical to the operations of Vet Centers (centers for readjustment counseling and related mental health services for veterans) in order to recruit and retain individuals with such specialties for service in Vet Centers. Conditions the scholarship on the recipient's agreeing to serve in such a capacity for whatever period the Secretary specifies in the agreement. Directs the Secretary, on receipt of a request for counseling from an individual who has been discharged or released from active service, to: (1) provide referrals to assist the individual in obtaining mental health care and services outside the VA; and (2) if pertinent, advise such individual of the individual's rights to apply for review of the discharge or release. Directs the Secretary to award grants to nonprofit organizations that provide emotional support services for survivors of deceased members of the Armed Forces and deceased veterans through the survivors' peers.

veterans secretary veterans_affairs provide scholarships individuals pursuing education training behavioral health care specialties critical operations vet_centers centers readjustment counseling related mental health services veterans order recruit retain individuals specialties service vet_centers conditions scholarship recipient agreeing serve capacity period secretary specifies agreement directs secretary receipt request counseling individual discharged released active service provide referrals assist individual obtaining mental health care services outside pertinent advise individual individual rights apply review discharge release directs secretary award grants nonprofit organizations provide emotional support services survivors deceased members armed_forces deceased veterans survivors peers


Summary: Armed Forces Behavioral Health Awareness Act - Makes any member of the Armed Forces who is deployed in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom or Enduring Freedom eligible for readjustment counseling and related mental health services through Vet Centers (centers for such counseling and services for veterans), regardless of the member's duty status. Directs the Secretary of Defense to award grants to nonprofit organizations that provide emotional support services for family members of members of the Armed Forces, including members of the reserves. Requires the Secretary of the Army to carry out a pilot program to enhance awareness of post-traumatic-stress-disorder (PTSD) among members of the Army.

member armed_forces deployed support operations iraqi freedom enduring_freedom eligible readjustment counseling related mental health services vet_centers centers counseling services veterans regardless member duty status directs secretary defense award grants nonprofit organizations provide emotional support services family members members armed_forces including members reserves requires secretary army carry pilot program enhance awareness post traumatic stress disorder ptsd members army


Summary: Disabled Veterans Life Insurance Enhancement Act - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide a two-year period, beginning on the date of enactment of this Act, to allow a person who was eligible for service disabled veterans life insurance but did not apply within the required two-year period after their disability was determined to apply for such insurance. Increases from: (1) $10,000 to $100,000 the maximum authorized amount of U.S. government or National Service life insurance; and (2) $20,000 to $50,000 the maximum authorized amount of supplemental insurance for totally disabled veterans.

disabled act directs secretary veterans_affairs provide year period beginning date enactment act allow person eligible service disabled veterans life insurance apply required year period disability determined apply insurance increases maximum authorized government life insurance maximum authorized supplemental insurance totally disabled veterans


Summary: Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to reimburse family caregivers of disabled veterans for travel expenses, including lodging and subsistence, in connection with authorized VA treatment for such veterans.

directs secretary veterans_affairs reimburse family caregivers disabled veterans travel expenses including lodging subsistence connection authorized treatment veterans


Summary: Military Overpayment Fairness Act of 2009 - Reduces the maximum amount that may be deducted from the pay of a member of the Armed Forces for recovery of an overpayment of military pay paid to the member from 20% to 10% of the member's pay for that month (unless such member requests collection at an accelerated rate). Requires the Secretary of the military department concerned to consult with the member regarding the repayment rate, taking into account the financial ability of the member to pay and avoiding the imposition of undue hardship on the member and his or her dependents. Provides specified delays in collection of overpayments from members injured or wounded during hostile action or incurring a wound, injury, or illness during active duty in a combat operation or combat zone. Imposes a five-year statute of limitations on the collection of overpayments. Allows for the cancellation of repayment when the Secretary concerned determines that the person: (1) relies on social security benefits or disability compensation for more than half the person's annual income; or (2) would suffer undue hardship in repaying the indebtedness.

military overpayment fairness act reduces maximum deducted pay member armed_forces recovery overpayment military pay paid member member pay month member requests collection accelerated rate requires secretary military department concerned consult member repayment rate taking account financial ability member pay avoiding imposition undue hardship member dependents provides specified delays collection overpayments members injured wounded hostile action incurring wound injury illness active duty combat operation combat zone imposes year statute limitations collection overpayments allows cancellation repayment secretary concerned determines person relies social security benefits disability compensation half person annual income suffer undue hardship repaying indebtedness


Summary: Families of Veterans Financial Security Act - Makes permanent the two-year extension of the free Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance coverage period for totally disabled veterans following separation from active or reserve duty.

families act makes permanent year extension free coverage period totally disabled veterans following separation active reserve duty


Summary: National Guard and Reservist Suicide Prevention and Community Response Act - Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 to require the Department of Defense (DOD) Office for Reintegration Programs, as part of the Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program, to establish a program to provide National Guard and Reserve members, their families, and their communities with training in suicide prevention and community healing and response to suicide. (Under current law, suicide prevention activities are one category of activities that may be included in the Office's development of outreach services.)

national_guard reservist suicide prevention community response act amends national defense authorization act fiscal year require department_of_defense dod office reintegration programs yellow_ribbon_reintegration_program establish program provide national_guard_and_reserve members families communities training suicide prevention community healing response suicide current law suicide prevention activities category activities included office development outreach services


Summary: Protect the Homeland from North Korean and Iranian Ballistic Missiles Act - States the concern of Congress over North Korean and Iranian long-range ballistic missile technology and the spread of such technology. Expresses support for ballistic missile protection of U.S. allies and forward deployed forces but also the belief that this should not come at the expense of U.S. homeland protection. Directs the Secretary of Defense to deploy specified numbers of ground-based interceptors in Alaska and California and such number in other locations as determined to be appropriate by the President. Authorizes funding for the ground-based midcourse defense system of the Missile Defense Agency.

protect homeland north korean iranian ballistic concern congress north korean iranian long range ballistic missile technology spread technology expresses support ballistic missile protection allies forward deployed forces belief come expense homeland protection directs secretary defense deploy specified numbers ground based alaska california number locations determined appropriate president authorizes funding ground based defense system missile_defense_agency


Summary: U.S. Military Medals and Insignia Pride and Patriotism Act of 2009 - Prohibits a military exchange store or other nonappropriated fund instrumentality of DOD from purchasing for resale any military decorations, ribbons, badges, medals, insignia, or other military accoutrements not produced in the United States (Buy American requirement). Provides an exception when the Secretary determines that a satisfactory quality and sufficient quantity of an item produced in the United States cannot be procured. Includes U.S. territories and possessions within the definition of "United States" for purposes of this Act.

act prohibits military exchange store nonappropriated fund instrumentality dod purchasing resale military decorations medals insignia military produced united_states buy american requirement provides exception secretary determines satisfactory quality sufficient quantity item produced united_states procured includes territories possessions definition united_states purposes act


Summary: Helping Active Duty Deployed Act of 2009 - Amends the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to prohibit a cell phone company from charging an early termination penalty for a cellular telephone contract entered into on behalf of a service member who has received orders for foreign deployment or for permanent change of station within the United States. (Current law provides such protection for a contract entered into by the service member.) Revises provisions concerning arrearages and other obligations to prohibit a lessor from charging an early termination charge with respect to a residential, professional, business, or agricultural rental lease or a motor vehicle lease entered into by a person who subsequently enters military service, or for a service member who has received orders for permanent change of station or for deployment in support of a military operation. States that: (1) lease amounts for a period preceding the lease termination shall be paid on a prorated basis; and (2) other unpaid lease charges shall be paid by the lessee. Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require an institution of higher education to refund the tuition and fees paid by a student whose absence is due to military service for the payment period or period of enrollment for which such student did not receive academic credit as a result of such absence.

helping active duty deployed act amends servicemembers civil relief act prohibit cell phone company charging early termination penalty cellular telephone contract entered behalf service member received orders foreign deployment permanent change station united_states current law provides protection contract entered service member revises provisions concerning arrearages obligations prohibit lessor charging early termination charge respect residential professional business agricultural rental lease motor vehicle lease entered person subsequently enters military service service member received orders permanent change station deployment support military operation states lease amounts period preceding lease termination shall paid prorated basis unpaid lease charges shall paid lessee amends higher education act require institution higher education refund tuition fees paid student absence military service payment period period enrollment student receive academic credit result absence


Summary: Wounded Warrior Caregiver Assistance Act - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to make interactive training sessions available for family caregivers and individuals who provide such caregivers support (including respite care providers, nursing care providers, and counselors). Directs the Secretary to provide family caregivers with information concerning public, private, and nonprofit agencies that offer support to such caregivers, including by contracting with a private entity to provide family caregivers with an Internet-based service with: (1) a directory of county level services; (2) message boards and other tools that allow interaction to foster peer support and the creation of support networks; and (3) comprehensive information explaining relevant health-related topics and issues. Directs the Secretary to conduct outreach to inform disabled veterans and their families of these services. Makes family caregivers eligible for counseling, training, and mental health services under existing provisions. Authorizes the Secretary to furnish respite care to a veteran who receives care from a family caregiver under existing provisions.

wounded warrior caregiver assistance act directs secretary veterans_affairs interactive training sessions available family caregivers individuals provide caregivers support including respite care providers nursing care providers counselors directs secretary provide family caregivers information concerning public private nonprofit agencies offer support caregivers including contracting private entity provide family caregivers internet based service directory county level services message boards tools allow interaction foster peer support creation support networks comprehensive information explaining relevant health related topics issues directs secretary conduct outreach inform disabled veterans families services makes family caregivers eligible counseling training mental health services existing provisions authorizes secretary furnish respite care veteran receives care family caregiver existing provisions


Summary: Amends requirements for the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Program to entitle an eligible veteran of the Armed Forces (including eligible dependents) pursuing a full-time educational program of apprenticeship or other on-job training to a monthly benefit payment equal to: (1) 85% of the national average cost of tuition at an institution of higher education for each of the first six months of the program; (2) 65% of such amount for each of the second six months of the program; and (3) 45% of such amount for each of the months following the first 12 months of the program. Reduces the payment an individual receives in any month in which the individual fails to complete 120 hours of training under the program of education.

amends requirements entitle eligible veteran armed_forces including eligible dependents pursuing time educational program apprenticeship job training monthly benefit payment equal national average cost tuition institution higher education months program second months program months following months program reduces payment individual receives month individual fails complete hours training program education


Summary: Kyle Barthel Veterans and Service Members Mental Health Screening Act - Directs the Secretary of Defense to ensure that each member of the Armed Forces on active duty is required to participate in confidential, in-person screenings for mental health conditions by a licensed mental health professional to reduce the prevalence of suicide among service members, future veterans, and veterans. Prohibits the Secretary from using the results of such a screening to prohibit a member from returning to the United States, prohibit a member from being discharged from the Armed Forces, or involuntarily discharge a member. Directs the Secretary to require that each member on active duty is screened for a traumatic brain injury by a licensed professional who is qualified to conduct such screening. Directs the Secretary and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a joint protocol to share existing and future reports concerning screenings conducted under this Act to help aid members and veterans who are transitioning from receiving health care and treatment through the Department of Defense to receiving such care and services through the Department of Veterans Affairs.

secretary defense ensure member armed_forces active duty required participate confidential person screenings mental health conditions licensed mental health professional reduce prevalence suicide service members future veterans veterans prohibits secretary results screening prohibit member returning united_states prohibit member discharged armed_forces involuntarily discharge member directs secretary require member active duty screened traumatic brain injury licensed professional qualified conduct screening directs secretary secretary veterans_affairs establish joint protocol share existing future reports concerning screenings conducted act help aid members veterans transitioning receiving health care treatment department_of_defense receiving care services department_of_veterans_affairs


Summary: Authorizes the payment of assignment pay in a total amount of $250,000 to members of the armed forces who agree to serve on active duty in Afghanistan for six years or for the duration of the U.S. mission in Afghanistan, whichever occurs first. Provides for an increase in the amount of such pay if such a member scores a 4.0 on the Foreign Service Institute test for the dominant languages of Pashto and Dari.

authorizes payment assignment pay total members armed forces agree serve active duty afghanistan years duration mission afghanistan whichever occurs provides increase pay member scores test dominant languages


Summary: Eliminates the required reduction in the amount of the accelerated death benefit payable to certain terminally ill persons insured under Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance or Veterans' Group Life Insurance.

eliminates required reduction accelerated death benefit payable certain terminally ill persons insured


Summary: Allows veterans' disability compensation benefits to be paid to the survivor of a veteran whose service-connected disability was continuously rated totally disabling for at least one year immediately preceding death. (Current law allows such survivor right of payment if the disability was rated total for periods of up to ten years under various circumstances.)

allows veterans disability compensation benefits paid survivor veteran service connected disability continuously rated totally disabling year immediately preceding death current law allows survivor right payment disability rated total periods years circumstances


Summary: Disabled Military Retiree Relief Act of 2009 - Title I: Compensation and Benefits for Members of the Armed Forces and Military Retirees - Subtitle A: Bonuses and Special and Incentive Pays - (Sec. 101) Extends through 2010 specified authorities currently scheduled to expire at the end of 2009 with respect to certain special pay and bonus programs within the regular and reserve Armed Forces. Subtitle B: Retired Pay Benefits - (Sec. 111) Provides for the recomputation of retired pay and adjustment of the retired grade of reserve retirees recalled to an active status in the Selected Reserve for at least two years. Authorizes the Secretary of the military department concerned to reduce the two-year service requirement for a member so recalled to serve as an adjutant or assistant adjutant general in the National Guard when the member serves for at least six months but fails to serve for two years as required by the laws of the state, district, or territory in which the member is serving. (Sec. 112) Allows members who serve in an active reserve status in the Selected Reserve for at least two years after becoming eligible for active-duty (regular) retirement to elect a non-regular retirement for which they are qualified in lieu of the active-duty retirement. Authorizes the Secretary concerned to reduce the two-year service requirement for a member so recalled to serve as an adjutant or assistant adjutant general in the National Guard when the member serves for at least six months but fails to serve for two years as required by the laws of the state, district, or territory in which the member is serving. Subtitle C: Concurrent Receipt of Military Retired Pay and Veterans' Disability Compensation - (Sec. 121) Extends through 2013 eligibility for the concurrent receipt of military retired pay and veterans' disability compensation for veterans who were retired or separated due to physical disability, regardless of their disability rating or years of service. Title II: Federal Employee Benefits - Subtitle A: General Provisions - (Sec. 201) Provides, with respect to federal employees, credit for unused sick leave for annuity computation purposes. (Sec. 202) Extends to federal employees who separated before March 1, 1991, (under current law, October 1, 1990) eligibility to receive an actuarially-reduced annuity under the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS). (Sec. 203) Revises the computation of certain annuities based on part-time service performed before April 7, 1986. (Sec. 204) Allows federal employees under the Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS) to deposit retirement refunds received, with interest. (Sec. 205) Provides limited federal retirement credit for service in the District of Columbia (D.C.) of certain employees who transferred to federal government service after the D.C. service, but prohibits any D.C. service from being included in the federal annuity computation. Outlines the types of D.C. service that will qualify for the federal retirement credit. Requires certification of performance of the qualifying service. Subtitle B: Non-Foreign Area Retirement Equity Assurance - Non-Foreign Area Retirement Equity Assurance Act of 2009 or Non-Foreign AREA Act of 2009 - (Sec. 212) Revises federal employee locality-based comparability payments provisions to include U.S. territories and possessions, including the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, within a pay locality. Sets forth maximum rates of pay for Senior Executive Service (SES) personnel in such areas. Revises the calculation of allowances based on living costs and conditions of environment for pay of employees stationed outside the continental United States or in Alaska to apply it only to areas designated as of December 31, 2009. Provides a formula for adjustment of such rate using a transition schedule for calendar years 2010 and thereafter. (Sec. 213) Requires adjustment of special rates of pay determined to be necessary to obtain or retain the services of persons specified by statute in such a cost-of-living area in accordance with regulations to be prescribed by the Director of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) under this Act. (Sec. 214) Provides a phased transition schedule for the amount of special rates during the transition period of January 1, 2010, to January 1, 2012, allowing the full amount thereafter. (Sec. 215) Expresses the sense of the Congress with respect to the correction of pay disparities for federal positions located in Alaska, Hawaii, or a U.S. territory and sets forth savings provisions. (Sec. 216) Applies the non-foreign area pay adjustment provisions of this Subtitle to certain other federal employees, including employees of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and postal employees. (Sec. 217) Allows an employee subject to this Act's transition schedule who retires from service during the period from January 1, 2010, through December 31, 2012, to elect to have any COLA paid during that period considered as basic pay for purposes of annuity computation. Provides for appropriate contributions into the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Retirement Fund. Title III: Deepwater Oil and Gas Research and Development Funding Source Repeal - (Sec. 301) Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to repeal provisions: (1) requiring the deposit of certain funds received from oil and gas leases into the Ultra-Deepwater and Unconventional Natural Gas and Other Petroleum Research Fund; and (2) establishing the Fund.

disabled military retiree relief act title compensation benefits members bonuses special incentive pays sec extends specified authorities currently scheduled expire end respect certain special pay bonus programs regular reserve armed_forces subtitle retired pay benefits sec provides retired pay adjustment retired grade reserve retirees recalled active status selected_reserve years authorizes secretary military department concerned reduce year service requirement member recalled serve adjutant assistant adjutant general national_guard member serves months fails serve years required laws state district territory member serving sec allows members serve active reserve status selected_reserve years eligible active duty regular retirement elect non regular retirement qualified lieu active duty retirement authorizes secretary concerned reduce year service requirement member recalled serve adjutant assistant adjutant general national_guard member serves months fails serve years required laws state district territory member serving subtitle concurrent receipt military retired pay extends eligibility concurrent receipt military retired pay veterans disability compensation veterans retired separated physical disability regardless disability rating years service title federal employee benefits subtitle general provisions sec provides respect federal employees credit unused sick leave annuity computation purposes sec extends federal employees separated march current law october eligibility receive actuarially reduced annuity civil_service_retirement_system csrs sec revises computation certain annuities based time service performed april sec allows federal employees federal employee retirement system fers deposit retirement refunds received interest sec provides limited federal retirement credit service district_of_columbia certain employees transferred federal government service service prohibits service included federal annuity computation outlines types service qualify federal retirement credit requires certification performance qualifying service subtitle sec revises federal employee locality based comparability payments provisions include territories possessions including commonwealth_of_puerto_rico commonwealth_of_the_northern_mariana_islands pay locality sets forth maximum rates pay senior_executive_service ses personnel areas revises calculation allowances based living costs conditions environment pay employees stationed outside continental united_states alaska apply areas designated december provides formula adjustment rate transition schedule calendar years sec requires adjustment special rates pay determined necessary obtain retain services persons specified statute cost living area accordance regulations prescribed director act sec provides phased transition schedule special rates transition period january january allowing sec expresses sense congress respect correction pay disparities federal positions located alaska hawaii territory sets forth savings provisions sec applies non foreign area pay adjustment provisions subtitle certain federal employees including employees transportation_security_administration tsa department_of_homeland_security dhs postal employees sec allows employee subject act transition schedule retires service period january december elect cola paid period considered basic pay purposes annuity computation provides appropriate contributions title iii sec amends energy policy act repeal provisions requiring deposit certain funds received oil gas leases ultra deepwater unconventional_natural_gas petroleum_research_fund establishing fund


Summary: Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, subject to appropriations, to carry out a program of grants to public entities and private nonprofit organizations to: (1) make payments for up to three months to a covered veteran's landlord, mortgage company, or utility company for amounts of rent or mortgage that are in arrears, security deposits for rental properties, or utility bills or arrears; and (2) ensure that, when the payments begin, the veteran is in receipt of supportive services to further prevent homelessness. Allows those services to include job training, mental health and substance abuse treatment, and other services identified by the Secretary. Defines "covered veteran" as a veteran who is at risk of becoming homeless and who: (1) is in imminent danger of eviction or foreclosure; and (2) demonstrates a compromised ability to make rental or mortgage payments based on income.

directs secretary veterans_affairs subject appropriations carry program grants public entities private nonprofit organizations payments months covered veteran landlord mortgage company utility company amounts rent mortgage arrears security deposits rental properties utility bills arrears ensure payments begin veteran receipt supportive services prevent homelessness allows services include job training mental health substance abuse treatment services identified secretary defines covered veteran veteran risk homeless imminent danger eviction foreclosure demonstrates compromised ability rental mortgage payments based income


Summary: Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to make a decision on each benefits claim, and notify the claimant of the decision, by no later than 18 months after the date on which the claim is submitted. Requires approval of any claim for which a decision has not been made by that deadline. Requires that the Department's Inspector General establish a task force to monitor the process by which benefits claims are decided and to ensure that claims are not denied arbitrarily and are decided appropriately.

directs secretary veterans_affairs decision benefits claim notify claimant decision later months date claim submitted requires approval claim decision deadline requires department inspector general establish task force monitor process benefits claims decided ensure claims denied decided appropriately


Summary: Designates the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) outpatient clinic in Alexandria, Minnesota, that is expected to open in September 2009 as the "Max J. Beilke Department of Veterans Affairs Outpatient Clinic."

designates_the_department_of_veterans_affairs outpatient clinic alexandria minnesota expected open september max department veterans_affairs_outpatient_clinic


Summary: Veterans' Benefits Act of 2010 - Title I: Employment, Small Business, and Education Matters - (Sec. 101) Extends through June 30, 2013, the authority for work-study as part of the veterans' educational assistance program provided through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Permits four new authorized work-study activities. (Sec. 102) Reauthorizes through 2013 the Veterans' Advisory Committee on Education. (Sec. 103) Reduces from 3 years to 18 months the authorized period for the National Veterans' Employment and Training Services Institute to complete the training of new disabled veterans' outreach program specialists and local veterans' employment representatives. (Sec. 104) Veterans Small Business Verification Act - Prohibits the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (Secretary) from including a small business in a VA-maintained database of small businesses owned and controlled by veterans until the Secretary has verified that: (1) the small business is owned and controlled by veterans; and (2) if the small business owner claims to be a service-disabled veteran, that such person is a veteran with a service-connected disability. Authorizes the Secretary, upon a person's application for inclusion in the database, to access the person's personal information to verify information contained in the application. Requires such application and verification procedures to be followed with respect to small businesses currently included in the database but not yet verified. (Sec. 105) Directs the Secretary of Labor and the Office of Special Counsel (Office) to carry out a three-year demonstration project under which claims against federal agencies brought about under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994 (USERRA) are referred to the Office for assistance, including claim investigation and resolution and enforcement of rights. Requires the referral to the Office of related claims under USERRA. Requires the Secretary of Labor and the Office to: (1) jointly establish methods and procedures to facilitate the review of their relative performance during the demonstration project; and (2) jointly report such methods and procedures to the congressional veterans committees and the Comptroller General (CG). Directs the CG to: (1) report to such committees on such methods and procedures; (2) review the relative performance of the Secretary of Labor and the Office under the demonstration project; and (3) after such review, submit a final report to the veterans committees on such performance. (Sec. 106) Directs the Secretary of Labor to establish a three-year pilot program (to be known as the Veterans Energy-Related Employment Program) to award competitive grants to up to three states to establish and administer grants to energy industry employers that provide training, apprenticeships, and certification classes to veterans employed by an energy employer. Requires annual reports from such Secretary to Congress for the duration of the pilot program. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 107) Requires the Secretary, by June 1, 2011, to include on the VA Internet website a list of organizations that provide scholarships to veterans and their survivors and, for each such organization, a link to their website. Title II: Housing and Homelessness Matters - (Sec. 201) Extends through FY2011 the VA's homeless veterans reintegration program. (Sec. 202) Directs the Secretary of Labor to make grants to programs and facilities that provide dedicated services for homeless women veterans and homeless veterans with children. Requires grant funds to be used to provide job training, counseling, placement services, and child care services to expedite the reintegration of such veterans into the labor force. Directs such Secretary to: (1) monitor the expenditure of such funds; and (2) submit biennially to Congress an evaluation of the grant program. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 203) Directs the Secretary to make grants to encourage the development of new assistive technologies for specially adapted housing for disabled veterans. Limits grant amounts to $200,000 annually per recipient. Requires an annual report from the Secretary to Congress on grants awarded. Provides grant funds and authorizes grant authority from FY2012-FY2016. (Sec. 204) Waives the fee required of veterans for VA-guaranteed housing loans in the case of veterans who, but for the receipt of active service pay, would be entitled to compensation for a service-connected disability. Title III: Servicemembers Civil Relief Act Matters - (Sec. 301) Amends the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to prohibit lessors from charging early termination fees with respect to residential, business, agricultural, or motor vehicle leases entered into by servicemembers who subsequently enter military service or receive orders for a permanent change of station or deployment in support of a military operation. (Sec. 302) Allows a servicemember to terminate a contract for cellular or home telephone service at any time after receiving military orders to deploy for at least 90 days to a location that does not support the contract. Requires the return of any advance payments made by a deploying servicemember under such a contract. (Sec. 303) Provides for enforcement by the Attorney General with respect to rights provided under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act. Limits civil penalties to $55,000 for the first violation and $110,000 for subsequent violations. Allows aggrieved persons to intervene in a civil action that has already commenced. Provides a private right of action for such enforcement, allowing any appropriate relief, including monetary damages. Provides that any actions so brought shall not preclude or limit any other available remedies under federal or state law, including consequential and punitive damages. Provides misdemeanor penalties against persons who knowingly take certain actions (evictions, foreclosures or seizures of property, etc.) in violation of rights provided under such Act. Title IV: Insurance Matters - (Sec. 401) Increases from $20,000 to $30,000, effective as of October 1, 2011, the maximum authorized amount of VA supplemental insurance for totally disabled veterans. (Sec. 402) Extends, for those separated or released on or after June 15, 2005, the termination of Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (SGLI) coverage for totally disabled veterans to two years after their separation or release from active duty or active duty for training of at least 30 days. (Sec. 403) Limits the duration of a dependent's coverage under SGLI to 120 days after the member's separation or release from service or assignment. (Sec. 404) Allows a person insured under Veterans' Group Life Insurance (VGLI), once every five years, to elect to increase such insurance by $25,000 if the person is under age 60 and the total amount of VGLI coverage will not exceed $400,000. (Sec. 405) Eliminates an authorized reduction in the amount of SGLI or VGLI received as an accelerated death benefit by a terminally-ill insured. (Sec. 406) Permits the VA to distinguish, in specifying payments for qualifying SGLI traumatic injury losses, between the severity of a qualifying loss of a dominant hand and a nondominant hand. (Sec. 407) Increases the maximum loan guarantee amount under the veterans' mortgage life insurance program from $90,000 to $150,000 and, after January 12, 2012, to $200,000. (Sec. 408) Amends the Veterans' Housing Opportunity and Benefits Improvement Act of 2006 to remove the requirement of service in either Operation Iraqi Freedom or Enduring Freedom as a condition for retroactive benefits under the traumatic injury coverage of SGLI. Title V: Burial and Cemetery Matters - (Sec. 501) Increases from $300 to $700 the VA payment for: (1) burial and funeral expenses of a veteran who dies in a VA hospital, nursing home, or domiciliary care facility; and (2) a plot allowance for a veteran eligible for, but not buried in, a national cemetery. Requires the annual adjustment of such amounts (based on increases in the Consumer Price Index). Prohibits any such adjustment for FY2012. Makes such increase effective with respect to deaths occurring on or after October 1, 2011. (Sec. 502) Corey Shea Act - Authorizes the Secretary to provide VA burial benefits to parents of individuals who died in combat or from a combat-related training injury, are interred in a national cemetery, and have no other eligible survivors. Allows the Secretary to provide such benefit only if there is available gravesite space. (Sec. 503) Directs the Secretary to report to Congress on the selection of sites in the following areas for establishing new national cemeteries: (1) southern Colorado; (2) Melbourne and Daytona, Florida; (3) Omaha, Nebraska; (4) Buffalo and Rochester, New York; and (5) Tallahassee, Florida. Requires annual progress reports until each new site is established. Title VI: Compensation and Pension - (Sec. 601) Authorizes higher levels of veterans' disability compensation for certain veterans who experience difficulty using prostheses after the loss of hands, arms, or legs and those in need of regular aid and attendance from residuals of traumatic brain injury. (Sec. 602) Establishes an annual cost-of-living adjustment, based on increases in amounts payable under title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act, for the temporary payment of dependency and indemnity compensation (DIC) to a veteran's surviving spouse with one or more children under the age of 18. (Sec. 603) Requires the payment of DIC to the survivors of former prisoners-of-war (POWs) who died on or before September 30, 1999, on the same basis as survivors of former POWs who die after such date. (Sec. 604) Excludes monetary payments from a state or municipality as a veterans' benefit due to injury or disease from consideration as income for purposes of pension benefits paid by the Secretary. (Sec. 605) Requires that, in the case of a veteran who is retired or separated from active duty due to a catastrophic disability, payment of VA disability benefits based on an original claim shall be made on the date the award becomes effective (thereby eliminating certain procedural delays in such payments). (Sec. 606) Makes limitations to pension payable to certain children of veterans of a period of war the same as those applied to a veteran having neither spouse nor child. (Sec. 607) Extends through May 31, 2015, the expiration date for the reduction of VA pensions for certain beneficiaries with no dependents who are covered by Medicaid plans for services furnished by nursing facilities. (Sec. 608) Codifies under federal law pension rate increases for disabled veterans and surviving spouses and children that became effective as of December 1, 2009. Title VII: Employment and Reemployment Rights of Members of the Uniformed Services - (Sec. 701) Includes within USERRA a specific provision prohibiting wage discrimination against members of the Armed Forces. (Sec. 702) Provides additional factors for determining whether an entity is a "successor in interest" for purposes of USERRA enforcement against employers. Title VIII: Benefits Matters - (Sec. 801) Increases from 2,600 to 2,700 per year the number of veterans who may enroll in a VA program of independent living services and assistance. (Sec. 802) Authorizes the Secretary, in the event that a VA-guaranteed home loan is modified under bankruptcy proceedings, to pay the mortgagor the unpaid balance of the loan, but only upon the assignment and delivery to the Secretary of all rights, interests, and claims under the loan. (Sec. 803) Authorizes the VA to provide automobile and adaptive equipment assistance to disabled veterans and veterans with severe burn injuries. (Sec. 804) Increases from $11,000 to $18,900 per veteran VA authority to assist severely disabled veterans to purchase automobiles or other equipment to accommodate such disabilities. Requires such amount to be adjusted annually by the percentage increase in the Consumer Price Index. (Sec. 805) Requires: (1) the Secretary to enter into an agreement with the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) to conduct a comprehensive review of best treatments for chronic multisymptom illness in Persian Gulf War veterans; and (2) the Institute to report review results to the Secretary and the veterans committees. (Sec. 806) Amends the Persian Gulf War Veterans Act of 1998 to: (1) extend until October 1, 2015, an NAS review and evaluation concerning associations between illnesses and exposure of Gulf War veterans to toxic agents, environmental or wartime hazards, or preventive medicines or vaccines; (2) require such review and evaluation to include service in any post-9/11 global theater of operations; and (3) require review and evaluation results to be listed separately for Gulf War service and post-9/11 service. Amends the Veterans Programs Enhancement Act of 1998 to: (1) extend until October 1, 2018, an NAS report on the health effects of such exposure; and (2) make the same service inclusion and separate listing requirements as above. (Sec. 807) Extends through 2011 VA authority to operate a regional office in the Republic of the Philippines. Requires a report from the CG to the veterans committees on office activities, as well as the costs and benefits of maintaining such office there in lieu of the United States. (Sec. 808) Extends through 2014 a report from the Secretary to Congress on cases of equitable relief in the disposition of veterans' benefits necessitated by VA administrative error. (Sec. 809) Amends the Veterans Benefits Act of 2003 to extend through 2012 VA authority for the performance of medical disability evaluations by contract physicians. Title IX: Authorization of Medical Facility Projects and Major Medical Facility Leases - (Sec. 901) Authorizes the Secretary to carry out specified FY2011 major medical facility leases (leases) in California, Massachusetts, Montana, and Puerto Rico. (Sec. 902) Amends the Veterans Benefits, Health Care, and Information Technology Act of 2006 to increase the amounts authorized for major medical facility projects (projects) at VA medical centers in New Orleans, Louisiana, and Long Beach, California. (Sec. 904) Authorizes appropriations for FY2011 for projects and leases authorized under this title, with a funding limitation for the New Orleans and Long Beach projects. (Sec. 905) Requires bid savings from VA major medical facility projects to be utilized only for other VA major medical facility construction projects. Directs the Secretary to notify the veterans committees of such uses. Title X: Other Matters - (Sec. 1001) Makes technical corrections to federal veterans provisions. (Sec. 1002) Requires the budgetary effects of this Act to be determined by reference to the latest statement entitled "Budgetary Effects of PAYGO Legislation" for this Act, provided that such statement has been submitted prior to the vote on passage.

veterans benefits act title employment small business education matters sec extends june authority work study veterans educational assistance program provided department_of_veterans_affairs permits new authorized work study activities sec reauthorizes veterans advisory_committee_on_education sec reduces years months authorized period complete training new disabled veterans outreach program specialists local veterans employment representatives sec secretary veterans_affairs secretary including small business maintained database small businesses owned controlled veterans secretary verified small business owned controlled veterans small business owner claims service disabled veteran person veteran service connected disability authorizes secretary person application inclusion database access person personal information verify information contained application requires application verification procedures followed respect small businesses currently included database verified sec directs secretary labor carry year demonstration project claims federal agencies brought uniformed_services_employment_and_reemployment_rights_act userra referred office assistance including claim investigation resolution enforcement rights requires referral office related claims userra requires secretary labor office jointly establish methods procedures facilitate review relative performance demonstration project jointly report methods procedures congressional veterans committees comptroller_general directs report committees methods procedures review relative performance secretary labor office demonstration project review submit final report veterans committees performance sec directs secretary labor establish year pilot program known award competitive grants states establish administer grants energy industry employers provide training apprenticeships certification classes veterans employed energy employer requires annual reports secretary congress duration pilot program authorizes appropriations sec requires secretary june include internet website list organizations provide scholarships veterans survivors organization link website title housing homelessness matters sec extends fy2011 homeless veterans reintegration program sec directs secretary labor grants programs facilities provide dedicated services homeless women veterans homeless veterans children requires grant funds provide job training counseling placement services child care services expedite reintegration veterans labor force directs secretary monitor expenditure funds submit biennially congress evaluation grant program authorizes appropriations sec directs secretary grants encourage development new assistive technologies specially adapted housing disabled veterans limits grant amounts annually recipient requires annual report secretary congress grants awarded provides grant funds authorizes grant authority fy2012-fy2016 sec waives fee required veterans guaranteed housing loans case veterans receipt active service pay entitled compensation service connected disability title iii servicemembers civil relief act matters sec amends servicemembers civil relief act prohibit lessors charging early termination fees respect residential business agricultural motor vehicle leases entered servicemembers subsequently enter military service receive orders permanent change station deployment support military operation sec allows servicemember terminate contract cellular home telephone service time receiving military orders deploy days location support contract requires return advance payments deploying servicemember contract sec provides enforcement attorney general respect rights provided servicemembers civil relief act limits civil penalties violation subsequent violations allows aggrieved persons intervene civil action commenced provides private right action enforcement allowing appropriate relief including monetary damages provides actions brought shall preclude limit available remedies federal state law including punitive damages provides misdemeanor penalties persons knowingly certain actions foreclosures seizures property etc violation rights provided act title insurance matters sec increases effective october maximum authorized supplemental insurance totally disabled veterans sec extends separated released june termination coverage totally disabled veterans years separation release active duty active duty training days sec limits duration dependent coverage sgli days member separation release service assignment sec allows person insured years elect increase insurance person age total coverage exceed sec eliminates authorized reduction sgli received accelerated death benefit terminally ill insured sec permits distinguish specifying payments qualifying sgli traumatic injury losses severity qualifying loss dominant hand hand sec increases maximum loan guarantee veterans mortgage life insurance program january sec amends veterans housing opportunity benefits improvement act remove requirement service operation iraqi freedom enduring_freedom condition retroactive benefits traumatic injury coverage sgli title burial cemetery matters sec increases payment burial funeral expenses veteran dies hospital nursing home domiciliary care facility plot allowance veteran eligible buried national cemetery requires annual adjustment amounts based increases consumer price index prohibits adjustment fy2012 makes increase effective respect deaths occurring october sec secretary provide burial benefits parents individuals died combat combat related training injury interred national cemetery eligible survivors allows secretary provide benefit available gravesite space sec directs secretary report congress selection sites following areas establishing new national cemeteries southern colorado florida nebraska buffalo rochester new_york florida requires annual progress reports new site established title compensation pension sec authorizes higher levels veterans disability compensation certain veterans experience difficulty prostheses loss hands arms need regular aid attendance residuals traumatic brain injury sec establishes annual cost living adjustment based increases amounts payable title survivors disability insurance social security act temporary payment dependency indemnity compensation dic veteran surviving spouse children age sec requires payment dic survivors prisoners war pows died september basis survivors pows die date sec excludes monetary payments state municipality veterans benefit injury disease consideration income purposes pension benefits paid secretary sec requires case veteran retired separated active duty catastrophic disability payment disability benefits based original claim shall date award effective eliminating certain procedural delays payments sec makes limitations pension payable certain children veterans period war applied veteran having spouse child sec extends expiration date reduction pensions certain beneficiaries dependents covered medicaid plans services furnished nursing facilities sec codifies federal law pension rate increases disabled veterans surviving spouses children effective december title vii employment reemployment rights members includes userra specific provision prohibiting wage discrimination members armed_forces sec provides additional factors determining entity successor interest purposes userra enforcement employers title viii benefits matters sec increases year number veterans enroll program independent living services assistance sec authorizes secretary event guaranteed home loan modified bankruptcy proceedings pay mortgagor unpaid balance loan assignment delivery secretary rights interests claims loan sec authorizes provide automobile adaptive equipment assistance disabled veterans veterans severe burn injuries sec increases veteran authority assist severely disabled veterans purchase automobiles equipment accommodate disabilities requires adjusted annually percentage increase consumer price index sec requires secretary enter agreement institute_of_medicine_of_the_national_academy_of_sciences nas conduct comprehensive review best treatments chronic illness persian_gulf_war veterans institute report review results secretary veterans committees sec amends persian_gulf_war veterans act extend october nas review evaluation concerning associations illnesses exposure gulf war veterans toxic agents environmental wartime hazards preventive medicines vaccines require review evaluation include service global theater operations require review evaluation results listed separately gulf war service service amends extend october nas report health effects exposure service inclusion separate listing requirements sec extends authority operate regional office republic_of_the_philippines requires report veterans committees office activities costs benefits maintaining office lieu united_states sec extends report secretary congress cases equitable relief disposition veterans benefits necessitated administrative error sec amends veterans benefits act extend authority performance medical disability evaluations contract physicians title authorization medical facility projects sec authorizes secretary carry specified fy2011 major medical facility leases leases california massachusetts montana puerto_rico sec amends veterans benefits health_care information technology act increase amounts authorized major medical facility projects projects medical centers new_orleans louisiana long_beach california sec authorizes appropriations fy2011 projects leases authorized title funding limitation new_orleans long_beach projects sec requires bid savings major medical facility projects utilized major medical facility construction projects directs secretary notify veterans committees uses title matters sec makes technical corrections federal veterans provisions sec requires budgetary effects act determined reference latest statement entitled budgetary effects paygo legislation act provided statement submitted prior vote passage


Summary: Requires (under current law, allows) a contracting officer of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) award a contract to a small business concern owned and controlled by veterans using other than competitive procedures (often referred to as a sole source contract) in specified circumstances. Prohibits using ownership and control by a veteran or veterans of more than one small business as grounds for disqualification from inclusion in an existing database of veteran-owned businesses.

requires current law allows contracting officer department_of_veterans_affairs award contract small business concern owned controlled veterans competitive procedures referred sole source contract specified circumstances prohibits ownership control veteran veterans small business grounds disqualification inclusion existing database veteran owned businesses


Summary: Military Family Leave Act of 2009 - Entitles an employed family member of a member of the Armed Forces who receives notification of a call or order to active duty in support of a contingency operation, or who is deployed in connection with a contingency operation, to two workweeks of leave per year for each family member who is so called or deployed. Allows such leave to: (1) be taken intermittently or on a reduced leave schedule; and (2) consist of paid or unpaid leave, as the employer considers appropriate. Allows an employer to require certification of entitlement to such leave within a leave request. Provides employment and benefits protection for employees upon their return from such leave. Prohibits an employer from interfering with or otherwise denying the exercise of such leave rights.

military family leave act entitles employed family member member armed_forces receives notification order active duty support contingency operation deployed connection contingency operation workweeks leave year family member called deployed allows leave taken intermittently reduced leave schedule consist paid unpaid leave employer considers appropriate allows employer require certification entitlement leave leave request provides employment benefits protection employees return leave prohibits employer interfering denying exercise leave rights


Summary: Directs the Secretaries of Defense (DOD) and Veterans Affairs (VA) to jointly establish the Wounded Warrior K-9 Corps program for the awarding of grants to nonprofits to assist them in establishing programs to provide assistance dogs to certain members of the Armed Forces and veterans who have certain disabilities. Defines the term "assistance dog" to mean a dog specifically trained to perform physical tasks to mitigate the effects of such a disability, except that such term does not include a dog specifically trained for comfort or personal defense.

directs secretaries_of_defense dod veterans_affairs jointly establish program awarding grants nonprofits assist establishing programs provide assistance dogs certain members armed_forces veterans certain disabilities defines term assistance dog mean dog specifically trained perform physical tasks mitigate effects disability term include dog specifically trained comfort personal defense


Summary: Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to establish a grant program to provide innovative transportation options to veterans in highly rural areas. Requires an annual report concerning such grants.

directs secretary veterans_affairs establish grant program provide innovative transportation options veterans highly rural areas requires annual report concerning grants


Summary: Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to carry out demonstration projects to examine alternatives for expanding care for veterans in rural areas. Requires a report on such projects.

directs secretary veterans_affairs carry demonstration projects examine alternatives expanding care veterans rural areas requires report projects


Summary: Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to pay travel expenses for veterans receiving treatment at Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities at the rate of 41.5 cents per mile. (Under current law the rate is that provided to federal employees in connection with the performance of official duties.) Requires an annual report concerning such expenses.

authorizes secretary veterans_affairs pay travel expenses veterans receiving treatment department_of_veterans_affairs facilities rate cents mile current law rate provided federal employees connection performance official duties requires annual report concerning expenses


Summary: Stable Future for Veterans' Children Act - Authorizes monthly annuity payments under the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) to a supplemental or special needs trust established for the sole benefit of a disabled dependent child who is incapable of self-support because of mental or physical incapacity.

stable future veterans children act authorizes monthly annuity payments survivor benefit plan sbp supplemental special needs trust established sole benefit disabled dependent child incapable self support mental physical incapacity


Summary: Post-9/11 Veterans' Job Training Act of 2009 - Amends requirements for the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Program to entitle an eligible veteran of the Armed Forces (including eligible dependents) pursuing a full-time educational program of apprenticeship or other on-job training to a monthly benefit payment equal to: (1) 75% of the monthly benefit payment otherwise payable to such individual for each of the first six months of the program; (2) 55% of such payment for each of the second six months of the program; and (3) 35% of such payment for each of the months following the first 12 months of the program. Reduces the payment an individual receives in any month in which the individual fails to complete 120 hours of training under the program of education. Entitles an eligible veteran of the Armed Forces receiving such monthly benefit to receive also a monthly housing stipend equal to the basic allowance for housing payable for an Armed Forces member with dependents in pay grade E-5 residing in the military housing area that encompasses the ZIP code area in which the individual resides. Requires an individual's entitlement for each monthly benefit payment to be charged at the rate of: (1) 75% of a month for each of the first six months of the program; (2) 55% of a month for each of the second six months of the program; and (3) 35% of a month for each of the months following the first 12 months of the program.

amends requirements entitle eligible veteran armed_forces including eligible dependents pursuing time educational program apprenticeship job training monthly benefit payment equal monthly benefit payment payable individual months program payment second months program payment months following months program reduces payment individual receives month individual fails complete hours training program education entitles eligible veteran armed_forces receiving monthly benefit receive monthly housing stipend equal basic allowance housing payable armed_forces member dependents pay grade residing military housing area encompasses zip code area individual resides requires individual entitlement monthly benefit payment charged rate month months program month second months program month months following months program


Summary: Troops' Soft Landing, Employment, and Rural Transportation Act - Requires that a member of a reserve component of the Armed Forces who was deployed for more than 179 days for a contingency operation or a homeland defense mission be: (1) retained on active duty in the Armed Forces for 90 days after the end of the member's demobilization from a deployment; (2) allowed to use accrued leave; and (3) paid specified pay and allowances. Allows a member to be released from such retention if the member requests release after the first 15 days of the retention. Directs the Secretary of the military department concerned to provide each member so retained (and, as practicable, appropriate family members) reintegration counseling and services. Amends Internal Revenue Code work opportunity tax credit provisions, with regard to unemployed veterans living in counties where the unemployment is over a specified national threshold, to increase the credit from 40% to 50% and the maximum first-year wages which may be taken into account from $6,000 to $10,000. Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a competitive grant program to assist veterans in rural areas to travel to Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical facilities.

troops soft landing employment member reserve component armed_forces deployed days contingency operation homeland defense mission retained active duty end member demobilization deployment allowed use accrued leave paid specified pay allowances allows member released retention member requests release days retention directs secretary military department concerned provide member retained practicable appropriate family members reintegration counseling services amends internal revenue code work opportunity tax credit provisions regard unemployed veterans living counties unemployment specified national threshold increase credit maximum year wages taken account directs secretary veterans_affairs establish competitive grant program assist veterans rural areas travel department_of_veterans_affairs medical facilities


Summary: Honor Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out a program to provide scholarships for the pursuit of a graduate or postgraduate degree in behavioral health sciences to veterans who performed active-duty service in a theater of combat or during a contingency operation overseas. Requires the veteran, following completion of the degree requirements, to serve for an agreed-upon period with either the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) or Department of Defense (DOD) furnishing mental health services to veterans or to members of the Armed Forces (members). Directs the Secretary of Defense to carry out a program to employ and train former members who performed service described above as DOD psychiatric technicians and nurses providing mental health counseling and related services to members deployed to a combat zone. Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, upon request, to provide: (1) referral and related assistance to former members not otherwise authorized for counseling through the VA; and (2) readjustment counseling and mental health services to former members through Vet Centers. Requires the suicide of a former member with a medical history of a combat-related mental health condition, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or traumatic brain injury (TBI) that occurs within a two-year period after separation or retirement to be treated as a death in the line of active duty for purposes of eligibility for active-duty survivors' benefits provided through the VA. Requires the Secretaries of Defense and Veterans Affairs, jointly and annually, to: (1) review and assess their respective programs for the reintegration of members and veterans into civilian life following their retirement, discharge, or release; and (2) report review and assessment results to Congress.

directs secretary veterans_affairs carry program provide scholarships pursuit graduate postgraduate degree behavioral health sciences veterans performed active duty service theater combat contingency operation overseas requires veteran following completion degree requirements serve agreed period department_of_veterans_affairs department_of_defense dod furnishing mental health services veterans members armed_forces members directs secretary defense carry program employ train members performed service described dod psychiatric technicians nurses providing mental health counseling related services members deployed combat zone directs secretary veterans_affairs request provide referral related assistance members authorized counseling readjustment counseling mental health services members vet_centers requires suicide member medical history combat related mental health condition post traumatic stress disorder ptsd traumatic brain injury tbi occurs year period separation retirement treated death line active duty purposes eligibility active duty survivors benefits provided requires secretaries defense veterans_affairs jointly annually review assess respective programs reintegration members veterans civilian life following retirement discharge release report review assessment results congress


Summary: Bring Assistance to Heroes Act of 2009 - Extends the first-time homebuyer credit (credit) through December 1, 2010, for certain military personnel stationed outside the United States. Excludes credit-recipient military personnel from: (1) the increased tax credit recapture provision; and (2) accelerated credit recapture regarding disposition of a principal residence if such member receives extended duty orders after the residence's purchase and before the date that such recapture would apply.

bring assistance heroes act extends time homebuyer credit credit december certain military personnel stationed outside united_states excludes credit recipient military personnel increased tax credit recapture provision accelerated credit recapture disposition principal residence member receives extended duty orders residence purchase date recapture apply


Summary: Supporting Military Families Act of 2009 - Amends the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 to revise its requirements for exigency leave with respect to employees belonging to the family of members of the Armed Forces, particularly the requirement that an employee's spouse, son, daughter, or parent be on active duty in the Armed Forces in support of a contingency operation. Repeals the condition "in support of a contingency operation," and requires only that the Armed Forces member be on duty during deployment to a foreign country. Entitles to coverage by the Act an eligible employee who is a family member caring for a veteran undergoing medical treatment, recuperation, or therapy for a serious injury or illness who was a member of the Armed Forces (or of the National Guard or Reserves) at any time during the five-year period preceding the date on which the veteran undergoes that treatment, recuperation, or therapy. Defines a veteran's serious injury or illness of a veteran to be one: (1) incurred by the veteran as an Armed Forces member in the line of duty while on active duty in the Armed Forces, or which existed before the beginning of the member's active duty but was aggravated by service in line of duty on active duty in the Armed Forces; and (2) that manifested itself before or after the Armed Forces member became a veteran. Amends federal civil service law to entitle civilian federal employees to the same leave allowance with respect to family members who are: (1) members of the Armed Forces in deployment to a foreign country; or (2) ill or injured veterans for whom they are caring.

amends family medical leave act revise requirements leave respect employees belonging family members armed_forces particularly requirement employee spouse son daughter parent active duty armed_forces support contingency operation repeals condition support contingency operation requires armed_forces member duty deployment foreign country entitles coverage act eligible employee family member caring veteran undergoing medical treatment recuperation therapy injury illness member armed_forces national_guard_or_reserves time year period preceding date veteran undergoes treatment recuperation therapy defines veteran injury illness veteran incurred veteran armed_forces member line duty active duty armed_forces existed beginning member active duty aggravated service line duty active duty armed_forces manifested armed_forces member veteran amends federal civil service law entitle civilian federal employees leave allowance respect family members members armed_forces deployment foreign country ill injured veterans caring


Summary: Severely Injured Veterans Benefit Improvement Act of 2009 - Increases rates of the following veterans' benefits: (1) wartime disability compensation for veterans in need of regular aid and attendance or higher levels of care; and (2) the non-service-connected disability pension for veterans of a period of war whose disability is rated permanent and total and who are permanently housebound. Makes disabled veterans with severe burn injuries eligible for automobile and adaptive equipment assistance. Makes veterans who suffer traumatic brain injury eligible for wartime disability compensation. Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to increase the rate of the special pension for persons entered on Medal of Honor rolls. Extends to September 30, 2021, provisions concerning the treatment of pension amounts of Medicaid-covered veterans who are receiving nursing facility services.

severely injured veterans benefit improvement act increases rates following veterans benefits wartime disability compensation veterans need regular aid attendance higher levels care non service connected disability pension veterans period war disability rated permanent total permanently makes disabled veterans severe burn injuries eligible automobile adaptive equipment assistance makes veterans suffer traumatic brain injury eligible wartime disability compensation authorizes secretary veterans_affairs increase rate special pension persons entered medal honor rolls extends september provisions concerning treatment pension amounts medicaid covered veterans receiving nursing facility services


Summary: Supporting Uniformed Personnel by Providing Oversight and Relevant Treatment for Substance Use Disorders Act or SUPPORT for Substance Use Disorders Act - Directs the Secretary of Defense to conduct a comprehensive review of Department of Defense (DOD) programs and activities for the prevention, diagnosis, mitigation, treatment, and management of, and research on, substance use disorders among members of the Armed Forces. Requires the Secretary to submit to the congressional defense and appropriations committees a plan for the improvement and enhancement of such programs and activities for members and their dependent family members, which shall include mechanisms to ensure the availability of appropriate treatment for such disorders and facilitate their prevention and reduction. Requires the plan to include instructions on: (1) the prevention of such disorders; (2) the appropriate training of health care professionals in the treatment of such disorders; (3) services for the dependents of members with such disorders; and (4) the dissemination of disorder prevention materials. Directs the Secretary to study such disorders in members and establish within DOD a Center of Excellence in the Prevention, Diagnosis, Mitigation, Treatment, and Management of Substance Use Disorders.

providing oversight relevant treatment substance use disorders act support substance use disorders act directs secretary defense conduct comprehensive review department_of_defense dod programs activities prevention diagnosis mitigation treatment management research substance use disorders members armed_forces requires secretary submit congressional defense appropriations committees plan improvement enhancement programs activities members dependent family members shall include mechanisms ensure availability appropriate treatment disorders facilitate prevention reduction requires plan include instructions prevention disorders appropriate training health care professionals treatment disorders services dependents members disorders dissemination disorder prevention materials directs secretary study disorders members establish dod center excellence prevention diagnosis mitigation treatment


Summary: Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to automatically enroll in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical system certain veterans who served on active duty in combat operations during a period of war after the Persian Gulf War or in combat against a hostile force during a period of hostilities after November 11, 1998. Gives such veterans the option of declining enrollment.

directs secretary veterans_affairs automatically enroll department_of_veterans_affairs medical system certain veterans served active duty combat operations period war persian_gulf_war combat hostile force period hostilities november gives veterans option declining enrollment


Summary: Ensuring Military Readiness Through Stability and Predictability Deployment Policy Act - Prohibits any unit of the regular Armed Forces from being deployed for Operations Iraqi Freedom or Enduring Freedom unless the period between the most recent previous deployment and a subsequent deployment is equal to or longer than the period of the most recent previous deployment. Expresses the sense of Congress that the optimal minimum period between such deployments should be equal to or longer than twice the period of the most recent previous deployment. Prohibits any unit of the reserves from being deployed for such Operations unless the period between the most recent previous deployment and a subsequent deployment is at least three times longer than the period of the most recent previous deployment. Expresses the sense of Congress that units of the reserves should not be mobilized continuously for more than one year, and that the optimal minimum period between such deployments should be five years. Provides exceptions from deployment requirements. Authorizes the President or chief of staff of the military department concerned to waive such requirements under certain circumstances.

predictability deployment policy act prohibits unit regular armed_forces deployed operations iraqi freedom enduring_freedom period recent previous deployment subsequent deployment equal longer period recent previous deployment expresses sense congress optimal minimum period deployments equal longer twice period recent previous deployment prohibits unit reserves deployed operations period recent previous deployment subsequent deployment times longer period recent previous deployment expresses sense congress units reserves mobilized continuously year optimal minimum period deployments years provides exceptions deployment requirements authorizes president chief staff military department concerned waive requirements certain circumstances


Summary: Veterans Pensions Protection Act - Excludes monetary veterans' benefits paid to a veteran from a state or municipality from consideration as income for purposes of pension benefits paid by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA).

act excludes monetary veterans benefits paid veteran state municipality consideration income purposes pension benefits paid secretary veterans_affairs


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

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


Summary: Increases the monthly rates of the educational assistance allowance payable on behalf of veterans' survivors and dependents.

increases monthly rates educational assistance allowance payable behalf veterans survivors dependents


Summary: Veterans Hardship Outreach for Priority Eights (HOPE) Act - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide grants and other assistance to states for the purpose of providing outreach to veterans who may be able to apply for a change in priority under the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) patient enrollment system due to hardship. Requires priority for such grants and assistance be given to states with: (1) veteran populations of at least 500,000; and (2) unemployment rates exceeding the national average unemployment rate. Sets a limit on the amount of such grants and assistance provided to any one state in any fiscal year.

hope act directs secretary veterans_affairs provide grants assistance states purpose providing outreach veterans able apply change priority department_of_veterans_affairs patient enrollment system hardship requires priority grants assistance given states veteran populations unemployment rates exceeding national average unemployment rate sets limit grants assistance provided state fiscal year


Summary: National Cemeteries Expansion Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA), in selecting a location for the establishment of a new national cemetery, to give priority to a location where at least 110,000 veterans reside within a 75-mile radius. Requires the Secretary, in conducting an annual performance measure of the percentage of veterans served by a cemetery, to: (1) use census tracts, rather than counties, to test and identify potential cemetery locations and to determine the percentage of veterans served; (2) use methods to avoid the double counting of veterans in overlapping service areas; and (3) count veterans who reside in counties bisected by a service area using a proportional overlay method.

directs secretary veterans_affairs selecting location establishment new national cemetery priority location veterans reside mile radius requires secretary conducting annual performance measure percentage veterans served cemetery use census tracts counties test identify potential cemetery locations determine percentage veterans served use methods avoid double counting veterans overlapping service areas count veterans reside counties service area proportional overlay method


Summary: Hiring Heroes Tax Incentive Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers a tax credit for up to 15% of the first $10,000 of wages paid to a Ready Reserve-National Guard employee or a recently-separated veteran (i.e., honorably discharged within the past five years). Terminates such credit after 2012.

amends internal revenue code allow employers tax credit wages paid ready_reserve-national_guard employee recently separated veteran honorably discharged past years terminates credit


Summary: Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to include on the main page of the Internet website of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) a hyperlink with a drop-down menu titled "Veterans Employment" that includes a direct hyperlink to the VetSuccess Internet website, USA Jobs Internet website, Job Central website, and any other appropriate employment Internet websites, especially those that focus on jobs for veterans. Requires the purchase of advertising in national media outlets to promote awareness of the VetSuccess Internet website to veterans. Provides for outreach to veterans of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom to inform them of the VetSuccess Internet website.

directs secretary veterans_affairs include main page internet website department_of_veterans_affairs hyperlink drop menu titled veterans employment includes direct hyperlink internet website usa jobs internet website website appropriate employment internet websites especially focus jobs veterans requires purchase advertising national media outlets promote awareness internet website veterans provides outreach veterans operation iraqi freedom operation enduring freedom inform internet website


Summary: Seniors and Veterans Economic Stimulus Act of 2009 - Amends the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 to extend through the first three months of 2010 the Secretary of the Treasury's authority to make a payment of $250 to each eligible individual age 18 or over who, during the three-month period immediately preceding enactment of such Act (for purposes of payments made for calendar year 2009), or the three-month period beginning with December 2009 (for purposes of payments made for calendar year 2010), was entitled to Social Security benefits, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, railroad retirement benefits, or veterans disability compensation or pension benefits. Repeals the limitation to one payment only to an individual regardless of whether the individual is entitled to, or eligible for, more than one benefit or cash payment. Entitles such individual to a payment in each of calendar years 2009 and 2010. Rescinds from the unobligated balance of the discretionary appropriations made available by division A of such Act the amount determined by the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to be required to offset the increase in spending resulting from this Act.

seniors veterans economic stimulus act amends american_recovery_and_reinvestment_act extend months secretary treasury authority payment eligible individual age month period immediately preceding enactment act purposes payments calendar year month period beginning december purposes payments calendar year entitled social_security benefits supplemental security income ssi benefits railroad retirement benefits veterans disability compensation pension benefits repeals limitation payment individual regardless individual entitled eligible benefit cash payment entitles individual payment calendar years rescinds unobligated balance discretionary appropriations available division act determined director office_of_management_and_budget omb required offset increase spending resulting act


Summary: Prohibits any funds from being obligated or expended to increase the number of U.S. Armed Forces serving in Afghanistan on the date of enactment of this Act.

prohibits funds obligated expended increase number serving afghanistan date enactment act


Summary: Armed Forces Tax Relief Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt from employment taxes combat zone compensation of members of the Armed Forces which is excludable from gross income. Appropriates amounts to cover Social Security trust fund deficits resulting from such tax exemption.

amends internal revenue code exempt employment taxes combat zone compensation members armed_forces excludable gross income appropriates amounts cover social_security trust fund deficits resulting tax exemption


Summary: Strengthening America's Military Families Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow spouses of members of the Armed Forces to exclude from their gross income an amount equal to that amount which such members are able to exclude as combat zone compensation.

strengthening_america military families act amends internal revenue code allow spouses members armed_forces exclude gross income equal members able exclude combat zone compensation


Summary: Veterans Economic Opportunity Administration Act of 2009 - Establishes in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) a Veterans Economic Opportunity Administration, headed by the Under Secretary for Veterans Economic Opportunity, to administer VA programs of economic opportunity assistance to veterans and their dependents and survivors. Requires the Administration to administer the following VA programs: (1) vocational rehabilitation and employment; (2) educational assistance; (3) veterans' housing loan and related programs; (4) veterans' entrepreneurship; and (5) homeless veterans. Establishes as an interagency committee the Department of Veterans Affairs-Department of Labor-Small Business Administration Joint Executive Committee on Economic Opportunity to recommend to the Secretaries of Veterans Affairs and Labor and the Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA) strategic direction for the joint coordination and sharing of efforts to promote and administer veterans economic opportunity programs for education and training, vocational rehabilitation, employment, small business, and homelessness, and to oversee implementation of those efforts.

establishes department_of_veterans_affairs headed secretary administer programs economic opportunity assistance veterans dependents survivors requires administration administer following programs vocational rehabilitation employment educational assistance veterans housing loan related programs veterans entrepreneurship homeless veterans establishes interagency committee recommend secretaries veterans_affairs labor administrator small_business_administration sba strategic direction joint coordination sharing efforts promote administer veterans economic opportunity programs education training vocational rehabilitation employment small business homelessness oversee implementation efforts


Summary: Service Members' Homebuyer Tax Credit Extension Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend the first-time homebuyer tax credit and related provisions through November 30, 2009, for members of the uniformed services, members of the Foreign Service of the United States, and employees of the intelligence community serving on official extended duty outside the United States for at least 180 days in 2009.

service members amends internal revenue code extend time homebuyer tax credit related provisions november members uniformed services members employees intelligence community serving official extended duty outside united_states days


Summary: Honors as a veteran any person entitled to retired pay for nonregular (reserve) service or, but for age, would be so entitled. Provides that such person shall not be entitled to any benefit by reason of such recognition.

honors veteran person entitled retired pay nonregular reserve service age entitled provides person shall entitled benefit reason recognition


Summary: Makes the rate of per diem payments provided by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to organizations assisting homeless veterans the greater of: (1) the daily cost of care, as adjusted by other sources of income received by the organization; or (2) $60 per bed provided by the organization. Directs the Secretary to ensure that 25% of the funds available for such payments are made available to organizations that: (1) meet each, some, or at least one of the transitional and supportive services criteria prescribed by the Secretary; and (2) furnish services to homeless individuals, of which less than 75% are veterans. Provides a higher priority in the making of such per diem payments for organizations that meet all or most of the transitional and supportive services criteria.

makes rate diem payments provided secretary veterans_affairs organizations assisting homeless veterans greater daily cost care adjusted sources income received organization bed provided organization directs secretary ensure funds available payments available organizations meet transitional supportive services criteria prescribed secretary furnish services homeless individuals veterans provides higher priority making diem payments organizations meet transitional supportive services criteria


Summary: Transparency for America's Heroes Act - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to make available on the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) website redacted records and documents (but not personal identifying information) created by the VA as part of a medical quality-assurance program. Requires the Secretary to ensure that any such records or documents created during the two-year period before the enactment of this Act are also made available in the same manner.

transparency america heroes act directs secretary veterans_affairs available department_of_veterans_affairs website redacted records documents personal identifying information created medical quality assurance program requires secretary ensure records documents created year period enactment act available manner


Summary: Veterans Dog Training Therapy Act - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to carry out a pilot program for assessing the effectiveness of addressing post-deployment mental health and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms through a therapeutic medium of assistance dog training and handling for veterans with disabilities. Requires the pilot program to be carried out at: (1) at least three and not more than five VA medical centers over a five-year period; and (2) centers that provide a training area for educating veterans with mental health conditions in the art and science of assistance dog training and handling. Directs the Secretary, in hiring instructors under the program, to give a preference to veterans who have successfully graduated from PTSD or other residential treatment programs and received certification in assistance dog training. Requires the Secretary to report annually to Congress during the duration of the program.

veterans dog training therapy act directs secretary veterans_affairs carry pilot program assessing effectiveness addressing post deployment mental health post traumatic stress disorder ptsd symptoms therapeutic medium assistance dog training handling veterans disabilities requires pilot program carried medical centers year period centers provide training area educating veterans mental health conditions art science assistance dog training handling directs secretary hiring instructors program preference veterans successfully graduated ptsd residential treatment programs received certification assistance dog training requires secretary report annually congress duration program


Summary: Providing Military Honors for our Nation's Heroes Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to reimburse a member of a veterans' service organization or other organization approved by the Secretary for transportation and other appropriate expenses incurred in connection with the voluntary provision of a funeral honors detail at the funeral of a veteran, including when requested by a funeral home.

nation heroes act authorizes secretary veterans_affairs reimburse member veterans service organization organization approved secretary transportation appropriate expenses incurred connection voluntary provision funeral honors detail funeral veteran including requested funeral home


Summary: Families of Disabled Veterans Work Opportunity Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a work opportunity tax credit for wages paid to a certified family member of a veteran with a service-connected disability who is unable to work.

families disabled veterans work opportunity act amends internal revenue code allow work opportunity tax credit wages paid certified family member veteran service connected disability unable work


Summary: Armed Forces Breast Cancer Research Act - Directs the Secretaries of Defense and Veterans Affairs to jointly conduct a study on the incidence of breast cancer among members of the Armed Forces and veterans and report study results to Congress.

jointly conduct study incidence breast cancer members armed_forces veterans report study results congress