Summary: Retired Pay Restoration Act - Allows the receipt of both military retired pay and veterans' disability compensation with respect to any service-connected disability (under current law, only a disability rated at 50% or more). Provides a phase-in for the concurrent receipt of retired pay with respect to retirees with service-connected disabilities rated at 40% or less. Makes eligible for the full concurrent receipt of both veterans' disability compensation and either military retired pay or combat-related special pay those individuals who were retired or separated from military service due to a service-connected disability.

retired pay restoration act allows receipt military retired pay veterans disability compensation respect service connected disability current law disability rated provides phase concurrent receipt retired pay respect retirees service connected disabilities rated makes eligible concurrent receipt veterans disability compensation military retired pay combat related special pay individuals retired separated military service service connected disability


Summary: Amends veterans' benefit provisions to provide for the payment of dependency and indemnity compensation to the survivors of veterans rated totally disabled at the time of death who were former prisoners of war (under current law, to the survivors of such veterans who died after September 30, 1999).

amends veterans benefit provisions provide payment dependency indemnity compensation survivors veterans rated totally disabled time death prisoners war current law survivors veterans died september


Summary: Military Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Act - Establishes in the Department of Defense (DOD) an Office of the Victims' Advocate to facilitate access to services for victims of domestic or family violence, sexual assault, and stalking in the military. Directs the Secretary of Defense, acting through the Director of the Office, to require DOD policies for victim assistance, family advocacy, and equal opportunity programs to provide for a victims' advocates program within each military department. Authorizes the Secretary to award contracts to: (1) support DOD crisis intervention services for victims of such violence; and (2) provide training on prevention of such violence. Prohibits any person from restricting a member of the Armed Forces in communicating with the Office or from taking or withholding a personnel action in retaliation for making such a communication. Provides for: (1) employment of a sexual assault nurse examiner, a psychiatrist, and a complimentary clinical team at each DOD military treatment facility; and (2) DOD community level programs and shelter services for active duty members and their families who are victims of such violence shelter . Specifies the rights of victims of such violence reported to a military law enforcement agency. Directs a military commanding officer who receives a qualifying complaint alleging such violence to investigate it and report. Specifies circumstances under which military law enforcement officers shall arrest a person for committing domestic violence. Establishes a Director of Special Investigations in DOD to review investigations of allegations of such violence and refer cases for prosecution.Amends the Uniform Code of Military Justice to: (1) include as "aggravated assault" and specify penalty limits for an assault involving domestic or family violence; and (2) provide for court-martial punishment of violations of no contact or protective orders. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) contract for treatment services for members of the Armed Forces who have committed such violence; and (2) ensure that sex offender treatment providers in the contracted program meet the state licensing or certification standards. Requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to: (1) ensure that Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) primary care providers receive training in the screening and referral of veterans who have suffered military sexual trauma; and (2) conduct related pilot programs. Prohibits the Secretary of the military department concerned from approving a financial award or a promotion for an officer or employee who has been convicted of or disciplined for committing such violence. Directs the Secretary to study: (1) the prevalence and nature of such violence, of intimate partner violence, and of child maltreatment, abuse, suicide, and homicide in the Armed Forces; and (2) military procedures after an incident is reported.

military domestic sexual violence response act establishes department_of_defense dod facilitate access services victims domestic family violence sexual assault stalking military directs secretary defense acting director office require dod policies victim assistance family advocacy equal opportunity programs provide victims advocates program military department authorizes secretary award contracts support dod crisis intervention services victims violence provide training prevention violence prohibits person restricting member armed_forces communicating office taking withholding personnel action retaliation making communication provides employment sexual assault nurse examiner psychiatrist complimentary clinical team dod military treatment facility dod community level programs shelter services active duty members families victims violence shelter specifies rights victims violence reported military law enforcement agency directs military commanding officer receives qualifying complaint alleging violence investigate report specifies circumstances military law enforcement officers shall arrest person committing domestic violence establishes director special investigations dod review investigations allegations violence refer cases prosecution amends uniform code military justice include aggravated assault specify penalty limits assault involving domestic family violence provide court martial punishment violations contact protective orders authorizes secretary contract treatment services members armed_forces committed violence ensure sex offender treatment providers contracted program meet state licensing certification standards requires secretary veterans_affairs ensure department_of_veterans_affairs primary care providers receive training screening referral veterans suffered military sexual trauma conduct related pilot programs prohibits secretary military department concerned approving financial award promotion officer employee convicted disciplined committing violence directs secretary study prevalence nature violence intimate partner violence child maltreatment abuse suicide homicide armed_forces military procedures incident reported


Summary: Amends the TRICARE program (a Department of Defense [DOD] managed care program) to require that, when a member of the Armed Forces dies on or after September 11, 2001, because of a combat-related injury incurred while on active duty for a period of more than 30 days, the member's dependents receiving benefits under a contract for medical and dental care shall continue to be eligible for benefits under TRICARE Prime.

amends tricare program department_of_defense dod managed care program require member armed_forces dies september combat related injury incurred active duty period days member dependents receiving benefits contract medical dental care shall continue eligible benefits tricare prime


Summary: Veterans' Medical Personnel Recruitment and Retention Act of 2009 - Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to appoint personnel for health care positions within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) not specifically listed as authorized categories for appointment, as long as the Secretary provides prior notification to the congressional veterans' committees and the Office of Management and Budget. Requires newly-appointed nurses to serve a probationary period. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) appoint nurse assistants; and (2) waive required pay offsets for federal annuitants reemployed in VA health care positions. Sets the minimum rate of basic pay for appointees to certain positions in the Office of the Under Secretary for Health at the lowest rate of basic pay for a Senior Executive Service position. Allows for the payment of: (1) comparability pay of up to $100,000 annually for Office positions which are not physicians or dentists; and (2) special incentive pay of up to $40,000 annually to a VHA pharmacist executive. Removes or waives certain pay restrictions for: (1) physicians or dentists occupying administrative or executive leadership positions; (2) nurses; and (3) certified registered nurse anesthetists. Revises locality pay scale computations. Increases from $25,000 to $100,000 the special pay for nurse executives. Makes part-time nurses eligible for additional nurse pay. Provides limitations on overtime duty, weekend duty, and alternative work schedules for nurses, with exceptions for emergency situations. Reinstates the VA's health professionals educational assistance scholarship program, and increases maximum assistance amounts. Authorizes the Secretary to provide an educational loan repayment program for clinical researchers from disadvantaged backgrounds.

retention act authorizes secretary veterans_affairs appoint personnel health care positions veterans_health_administration vha department_of_veterans_affairs specifically listed authorized categories appointment long secretary provides prior notification congressional veterans committees office_of_management_and_budget requires newly appointed nurses serve probationary period authorizes secretary appoint nurse assistants waive required pay offsets federal annuitants reemployed health care positions sets minimum rate basic pay appointees certain positions office secretary health lowest rate basic pay senior_executive_service position allows payment comparability pay annually office positions physicians dentists special incentive pay annually vha pharmacist executive removes waives certain pay restrictions physicians dentists occupying administrative executive leadership positions nurses certified registered nurse anesthetists revises locality pay scale increases special pay nurse executives makes time nurses eligible additional nurse pay provides limitations overtime duty weekend duty alternative work schedules nurses exceptions emergency situations reinstates health professionals educational assistance scholarship program increases maximum assistance amounts authorizes secretary provide educational loan repayment program clinical researchers disadvantaged backgrounds


Summary: Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out a program of job training in skills relevant to the job market for discharged veterans who are either currently not paid at more than 150% of the federal minimum wage, or: (1) had a military occupational specialty of limited transferability to the civilian job market; (2) are not otherwise eligible for veterans' education or training services; (3) have not acquired a marketable skill since leaving military service; (4) were discharged under conditions not less than honorable; and (5) have been unemployed for at least 90 of the previous 180 days. Designates the program as the MOST (military occupational specialty transition) Program. Directs the Secretary to contract with employers to provide on-the-job training or apprenticeship programs for such veterans. Limits payments under the program to $20,000 per veteran and 24 months in duration.

directs secretary veterans_affairs carry program job training skills relevant job market discharged veterans currently paid federal minimum wage military occupational specialty limited transferability civilian job market eligible veterans education training services acquired marketable skill leaving military service discharged conditions honorable unemployed previous days designates program military occupational specialty transition program directs secretary contract employers provide job training apprenticeship programs veterans limits payments program veteran months duration


Summary: Veterans Employment Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a work opportunity tax credit for the hiring in 2009 or 2010 of unemployed veterans discharged from active duty between September 11, 2001, and December 31, 2010.

veterans employment act amends internal revenue code allow work opportunity tax credit hiring unemployed veterans discharged active duty september december


Summary: Veterans Self-Employment Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to conduct a five-year pilot project to test the feasibility and advisability of the use of educational assistance under certain programs of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to pay for training costs associated with the purchase of a franchise enterprise. Prohibits the use of such assistance unless: (1) training is required and provided in connection with the purchase and operation of a franchise; and (2) such training, and the training entity, are approved by the Secretary. Provides training and entity approval requirements.

directs secretary veterans_affairs conduct year pilot project test feasibility advisability use educational assistance certain programs department_of_veterans_affairs pay training costs associated purchase franchise enterprise prohibits use assistance training required provided connection purchase operation franchise training training entity approved secretary provides training entity approval requirements


Summary: Prisoner of War Benefits Act of 2009 - Amends federal veterans' benefits provisions with respect to former prisoners of war (POWs) to repeal the currently required 30-day minimum period of internment prior to the presumption of service connection for certain listed diseases, for purposes of the payment of veterans' disability compensation. Adds diabetes (type 2) to the above listed diseases. Removes the requirement that, in order for osteoporosis to be included among the listed diseases, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs must determine that the veteran has post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Requires: (1) such presumption also with respect to any disease that the Secretary determines warrants such presumption by reason of having a positive association with the experience of being a prisoner of war; and (2) the Secretary to make such a determination within 60 days after a recommendation from the Advisory Committee on Former Prisoners of War that such presumption be established for a non-listed disease.

prisoner war benefits act amends federal veterans benefits provisions respect prisoners war pows repeal currently required day minimum period internment prior presumption service connection certain listed diseases purposes payment veterans disability compensation adds diabetes type listed diseases removes requirement order osteoporosis included listed diseases secretary veterans_affairs determine veteran post traumatic stress disorder ptsd requires presumption respect disease secretary determines warrants presumption reason having positive association experience prisoner war secretary determination days recommendation presumption established non listed disease


Summary: Repeals specified exceptions to rights of certain Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) employees to engage in collective bargaining. Requires a final decision of the (VA) with respect to the review of an adverse personnel action against a (VA) employee to be issued not later than 60 days after such action has been appealed. Subjects such decision to judicial review in the appropriate U.S. District Court or, if the decision is made by a labor arbitrator, in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.

repeals specified exceptions rights certain department_of_veterans_affairs employees engage collective bargaining requires final decision respect review adverse personnel action employee issued later days action appealed subjects decision judicial review appropriate district_court decision labor arbitrator federal_circuit


Summary: Compensation Owed for Mental Health Based on Activities in Theater Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Act or COMBAT PTSD Act - Defines "combat with the enemy," for purposes of proof of service-connection for veterans' disability compensation, as service on active duty: (1) in a theater of combat operations during a period of war; or (2) in combat against a hostile force during a period of hostilities.

compensation owed mental health based activities traumatic stress disorder act combat ptsd act defines combat enemy purposes proof service connection veterans disability compensation service active duty theater combat operations period war combat hostile force period hostilities


Summary: Cluster Munitions Civilian Protection Act of 2009 - Places specified restrictions on the use of cluster munitions. Directs the President, within 90 days after the use of such munitions, to submit to the congressional defense, appropriations, and foreign relations committees a plan for cleaning up any such munitions or submunitions which fail to explode and continue to pose a hazard to civilians.

cluster_munitions_civilian_protection act places specified restrictions use cluster munitions directs president days use munitions submit congressional defense appropriations foreign relations committees plan cleaning munitions submunitions fail explode continue pose hazard civilians


Summary: Fairness for Military Recruiters Act - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to revise the process for blocking the access of military recruiters or institutions of higher education (IHEs) to secondary school student information. Requires ESEA-assisted local educational agencies (LEAs) to notify each secondary school student's parent of the option to submit a written request to the LEA that the student's name, address, and telephone listing not be released to military recruiters or IHEs without the parent's prior written consent. Prohibits LEAs from providing military recruiters or IHEs access to such information once they have received such a request, unless the student's parent provides written consent to such access. Gives students the rights accorded to their parents when they reach age 18. Requires the Secretary of Defense to notify the Governor of the LEA's state and the Secretary of Education when an LEA denies access to military recruiters. Requires the Secretary of Education, upon receiving such notice, to determine whether: (1) the LEA has failed to comply substantially with the requirement to provide military recruiters with access to students and student information unless the parents have filed a prior consent request under this Act; and (2) the imposition of a penalty or remedy against the LEA is warranted.

fairness military recruiters act amends elementary secondary education act esea revise process blocking access military recruiters institutions higher education ihes secondary school student information requires esea assisted local educational agencies leas notify secondary school student parent option submit written request lea student address telephone listing released military recruiters ihes parent prior written consent prohibits leas providing military recruiters ihes access information received request student parent provides written consent access gives students rights accorded parents reach age requires secretary defense notify governor lea state secretary education lea denies access military recruiters requires secretary education receiving notice determine lea failed comply substantially requirement provide military recruiters access students student information parents filed prior consent request act imposition penalty remedy lea warranted


Summary: Veterans' Benefits Enhancement Act of 2009 - Title I: Insurance Matters - (Sec. 101) Increases from $20,000 to $30,000 the maximum amount of supplemental insurance provided through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for totally disabled veterans. (Sec. 102) Limits the duration of a dependent's coverage under Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (SGLI) to 120 days after the member's separation or release from service or assignment. (Sec. 103) 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. (Sec. 104) 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 qualifying loss of a nondominant hand. (Sec. 105) Increases the maximum loan guarantee amount under the veterans' mortgage life insurance program from $90,000 to $150,000, then to $200,000 after January 1, 2012. Title II: Compensation and Pension Matters - (Sec. 201) 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. 202) Revises eligibility requirements for the payment of a special monthly pension based on disability for veterans of a period of war who already qualify for a service pension and who are over age 65. (Sec. 203) Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to promulgate regulations which recognize circumstances in which lay evidence consistent with the place, conditions, dangers, or hardships associated with particular military service does not require confirming or documenting evidence in order to establish the occurrence of an event or exposure during active military service. (Sec. 204) Extends through April 30, 2016, 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. 205) 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 after suffering a severe traumatic brain injury. (Sec. 206) 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. 207) Requires a reduction in VA death pension benefits with respect to surviving adult-disabled children of veterans who are Medicaid recipients residing in nursing homes. (Sec. 208) 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. Title III: Readjustment and Related Benefit Matters - (Sec. 301) Repeals the current limitation (2600 per year) on the number of veterans who may enroll in a VA program of independent living services and assistance. (Sec. 302) Authorizes the VA to provide automobile and adaptive equipment assistance to disabled veterans and veterans with severe burn injuries. (Sec. 303) Increases from $11,000 to $22,500 per veteran the VA authority to assist severely disabled veterans in purchasing automobiles or other equipment to accommodate such disabilities. Requires such amount to be adjusted annually to coincide with new automobile cost increases. (Sec. 304) 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 with respect to the loan. Title IV: Employment and Reemployment Rights of Members of the Uniformed Services - (Sec. 401) Provides that a state's receipt or use of federal financial assistance for any program or activity shall constitute a waiver of state sovereign immunity with respect to actions brought to enforce employment or reemployment rights or benefits under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994 (USERRA). (Sec. 402) Provides additional factors for determining whether an entity is a "successor in interest" for purposes of USERRA enforcement against employers. (Sec. 403) Includes within USERRA a specific prohibition against wage discrimination against members of the Armed Forces. (Sec. 404) Amends the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 to require non-military federal agencies to notify their contractors of potential USERRA obligations. (Sec. 405) Directs the Comptroller General to study and report to Congress on the effectiveness of federal programs of education and outreach on employer obligations under USERRA. Title V: Burial and Memorial Matters - (Sec. 501) Increases from $300 to $745 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 burial in a national cemetery who is not buried in a national cemetery. Requires the annual adjustment of such amounts (based on increases in the Consumer Price Index) for FY2012 and thereafter. Makes such increase effective with respect to deaths occurring on or after October 1, 2010. Title VI: Other Matters - (Sec. 601) Directs the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) to: (1) conduct a comprehensive review of the best treatments for Gulf War Illness; and (2) report review results to the Secretary and the veterans committees. (Sec. 602) Amends the Persian Gulf War Veterans Act of 1998 to 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. Amends the Veterans Programs Enhancement Act of 1998 to extend until October 1, 2018, an NAS report on the health effects of such exposure. (Sec. 603) Extends through 2011 VA authority to operate a regional office in the Republic of the Philippines. (Sec. 604) Provides an aggregate period of 81 months for the use of VA educational assistance for the survivors and dependents of members who die while serving on active duty, in the case of survivors and dependents eligible for such assistance under both the veterans' educational assistance program and the Post-9/11 veterans' educational assistance program. Revives any such entitlement reduced or extinguished under laws in effect on September 30, 2010.

veterans benefits enhancement_act title insurance matters sec increases maximum supplemental insurance provided department_of_veterans_affairs totally disabled veterans sec limits duration dependent coverage days member separation release service assignment sec amends benefits improvement act remove requirement service operation iraqi freedom enduring_freedom condition retroactive benefits traumatic injury coverage sgli sec permits distinguish specifying payments qualifying sgli traumatic injury losses severity qualifying loss dominant hand qualifying loss hand sec increases maximum loan guarantee veterans mortgage life insurance program january title compensation pension matters 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 revises eligibility requirements payment special monthly pension based disability veterans period war qualify service pension age sec directs secretary veterans_affairs promulgate regulations recognize circumstances lay evidence consistent place conditions dangers hardships associated particular military service require confirming documenting evidence order establish occurrence event exposure active military service sec extends april expiration date reduction pensions certain beneficiaries dependents covered medicaid plans services furnished nursing facilities sec authorizes higher levels veterans disability compensation certain veterans experience difficulty prostheses loss hands arms need regular aid attendance suffering severe traumatic brain injury 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 requires reduction death pension benefits respect surviving adult disabled children veterans medicaid recipients residing nursing homes sec requires payment dic survivors prisoners war pows died september basis survivors pows die date title iii readjustment related benefit matters sec repeals current limitation year number veterans enroll program independent living services assistance sec authorizes provide automobile adaptive equipment assistance disabled veterans veterans severe burn injuries sec increases veteran authority assist severely disabled veterans purchasing automobiles equipment accommodate disabilities requires adjusted annually new automobile cost increases sec authorizes secretary event guaranteed home loan modified bankruptcy proceedings pay mortgagor unpaid balance loan assignment delivery secretary rights interests claims respect loan title employment reemployment rights members provides state receipt use federal financial assistance program activity shall constitute waiver state sovereign immunity respect actions brought enforce employment reemployment rights benefits uniformed_services_employment_and_reemployment_rights_act userra sec provides additional factors determining entity successor interest purposes userra enforcement employers sec includes userra specific prohibition wage discrimination members armed_forces sec amends federal_property_and_administrative_services act require non military federal agencies notify contractors potential userra obligations sec directs comptroller general study report congress effectiveness federal programs education outreach employer obligations userra title burial memorial matters sec increases payment burial funeral expenses veteran dies hospital nursing home domiciliary care facility plot allowance veteran eligible burial national cemetery buried national cemetery requires annual adjustment amounts based increases consumer price index fy2012 makes increase effective respect deaths occurring october title matters sec directs institute_of_medicine_of_the_national_academy_of_sciences nas conduct comprehensive review best treatments gulf war illness 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 amends extend october nas report health effects exposure sec extends authority operate regional office republic_of_the_philippines sec provides aggregate period months use educational assistance survivors dependents members die serving active duty case survivors dependents eligible assistance veterans educational assistance program veterans educational assistance program revives entitlement reduced extinguished laws effect september


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: Mandatory Veteran Specialist Training Act of 2009 - Reduces from three years to one year the period during which a disabled veterans' outreach program specialist or a local veterans' employment representative must complete the training program provided by the National Veterans' Employment and Training Services Institute.

mandatory veteran specialist training act reduces years year period disabled veterans outreach program specialist local veterans employment representative complete training program provided


Summary: Homefront Heroes Tax Relief Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow tax credits for: (1) sending care packages to members of the Armed Forces serving in a combat zone; and (2) providing volunteer service to military families through the America Supports You program of the Department of Defense (DOD).

amends internal revenue code allow tax credits sending care packages members armed forces serving combat zone providing volunteer service military families program department_of_defense dod


Summary: Veterans' Worker Retraining Act of 2009 - Increases the amount of educational assistance payments made by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to individuals pursuing an apprenticeship or on-job training under: (1) the Montgomery GI Bill educational assistance program; (2) the Post-Vietnam Era Veterans educational assistance program; (3) the Survivors and Dependents educational assistance program; and (4) the Selected Reserve Montgomery GI Bill educational assistance program.

veterans worker retraining act increases educational assistance payments secretary veterans_affairs individuals pursuing apprenticeship job training montgomery bill educational assistance program veterans educational assistance program survivors dependents educational assistance program selected_reserve montgomery bill educational assistance program


Summary: Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a process for determining whether a geographic area is sufficiently served by the national cemeteries located in that area, taking into account, among other things: (1) the number of veterans living in the area; and (2) the average distance a resident of the area must travel to reach the nearest national cemetery. Requires the Secretary, in case of an area with insufficient land to establish a cemetery, to consider alternatives such as establishing a mausoleum.

directs secretary veterans_affairs establish process determining geographic area sufficiently served national cemeteries located area taking account things number veterans living area average distance resident area travel reach nearest national cemetery requires secretary case area insufficient land establish cemetery consider alternatives establishing


Summary: Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a national cemetery in the Sarpy County, Nebraska, region to serve the needs of veterans and their families in Nebraska, Iowa, and Missouri.

directs secretary veterans_affairs establish national cemetery nebraska region serve needs veterans families nebraska iowa missouri


Summary: Veterans Retraining Act of 2009 - Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to pay to each covered veteran an assistance allowance for each month such veteran is enrolled in an employment and training program that teaches a skill in demand, as determined the Secretary. Limits such assistance to six months for each 10-year period. Includes as a covered veteran one who is: (1) unemployed for at least four consecutive months before applying for such assistance; (2) able to successfully complete the program; and (3) ineligible for other veterans' education or training assistance. Authorizes payment of a stipend to a covered veteran for moving expenses related to the receipt of such training. Authorizes appropriations.

veterans retraining act authorizes secretary labor pay covered veteran assistance allowance month veteran enrolled employment training program teaches skill demand determined secretary limits assistance months year period includes covered veteran unemployed consecutive months applying assistance able successfully complete program ineligible veterans education training assistance authorizes payment stipend covered veteran moving expenses related receipt training authorizes appropriations


Summary: Increases from: (1) $12,000 to $36,000 the maximum amount authorized to be provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to certain disabled veterans for specially adapted features in a home; (2) $60,000 to $180,000 the total amount authorized to be provided per veteran for the construction of specially adapted housing; and (3) $11,000 to $33,000 the maximum amount authorized to be provided for the purchase of an automobile and adaptive automobile equipment.

increases maximum authorized provided department_of_veterans_affairs certain disabled veterans specially adapted features home total authorized provided veteran construction specially adapted housing maximum authorized provided purchase automobile adaptive automobile equipment


Summary: Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program Reauthorization Act of 2009 - Reauthorizes, through FY2014, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) homeless veterans reintegration programs (job training, counseling, and placement services to expedite the reintegration of homeless veterans into the labor force). 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 the Secretary to: (1) monitor the expenditure of such funds; and (2) report biennially to Congress an evaluation of the grant program. Authorizes appropriations.

reauthorizes fy2014 department_of_veterans_affairs homeless veterans reintegration programs job training counseling placement services expedite reintegration homeless veterans labor force 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 report biennially congress evaluation grant program authorizes appropriations


Summary: Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to include on the VA Internet website: (1) a list of organizations that provide scholarships to veterans and their survivors and, for each such organization, a link to their Internet website; (2) a statement that such list is not all-inclusive of scholarships available to veterans and their survivors; and (3) a statement that the Secretary has not verified information on the organizations' websites, and that the Secretary does not endorse any offer made by any website sponsor. Requires the Secretary to make reasonable efforts to notify schools and other appropriate entities of the opportunity to be included on the VA list.

directs secretary veterans_affairs include internet website list organizations provide scholarships veterans survivors organization link internet website statement list inclusive scholarships available veterans survivors statement secretary verified information organizations websites secretary endorse offer website sponsor requires secretary reasonable efforts notify schools appropriate entities opportunity included list


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

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


Summary: Military Spouses Residency Relief Act - Amends the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to prohibit, for purposes of voting for a federal, state, or local office, deeming a person to have lost a residence or domicile in a state, acquired a residence or domicile in any other state, or become a resident in or of any other state solely because the person is absent from a state because the person is accompanying the person's spouse who is absent from the state in compliance with military or naval orders. Prohibits a servicemember's spouse from either losing or acquiring a residence or domicile for purposes of taxation because of being absent or present in any U.S. tax jurisdiction solely to be with the servicemember in compliance with the servicemember's military orders if the residence or domicile is the same for the servicemember and the spouse. Prohibits a spouse's income from being considered income earned in a tax jurisdiction if the spouse is not a resident or domiciliary of such jurisdiction when the spouse is in that jurisdiction solely to be with a servicemember serving under military orders. Suspends land rights residency requirements for spouses accompanying servicemembers serving under military orders.

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


Summary: Federal and Military Retiree Health Care Equity Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit: (1) federal civilian and military retirees to pay Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP) and TRICARE supplemental premiums on a pretax basis (i.e., exclude premiums from gross income); and (2) a tax deduction (available to itemizers and nonitemizers) for TRICARE supplemental premiums or enrollment fees. Directs the Director of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and the Secretary of Defense to ensure that the option of paying FEHBP and TRICARE supplemental premiums on a pretax basis is available to federal civilian and military retirees for the first open enrollment period beginning not less than 90 days after the enactment of this Act.

internal revenue code permit federal civilian military retirees pay federal_employees_health_benefits_program fehbp tricare supplemental premiums basis exclude premiums gross income tax deduction available tricare supplemental premiums enrollment fees directs director secretary defense ensure option paying fehbp tricare supplemental premiums basis available federal civilian military retirees open enrollment period beginning days enactment act


Summary: Women Veterans Health Care Improvement Act - Title I: Studies and Assessments of Department of Veterans Affairs Health Services for Women Veterans - (Sec. 101) Requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to: (1) conduct a study of barriers encountered by women veterans to the provision by the VA of comprehensive health care; (2) ensure that the Center for Women Veterans and the Advisory Committee on Women Veterans review the results of the study; and (3) report to Congress on study results and the implementation of recommendations. (Sec. 102) Directs the Secretary to: (1) conduct a comprehensive assessment of all health care services and programs provided by the VA for women veterans; (2) identify relevant issues concerning such services and programs with respect to each VA medical facility; (3) develop a plan to improve the provision of health care services to women veterans and to project their future health care needs; and (4) report to Congress on the assessment and plan. Requires a report from the Comptroller General to Congress reviewing the report of the Secretary. Authorizes appropriations. Title II: Improvement and Expansion of Health Care Programs of the Department of Veterans Affairs for Women Veterans - (Sec. 201) Authorizes the Secretary to furnish hospital care and medical services to a newborn child of a woman veteran receiving VA maternity care for up to seven days after the birth of the child. (Sec. 202) Directs the Secretary to: (1) provide graduate medical education, training, certification, and continuing medical education for mental health professionals who provide counseling, care, and services to women veterans suffering from sexual trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD); and (2) report annually to Congress on the counseling, care, and services provided. (Sec. 203) Directs the Secretary to: (1) carry out a two-year pilot program of child care assistance for women veterans receiving certain mental health or other intensive health care services at VA facilities; (2) carry out the program in at least three Veterans Integrated Service Network facilities; and (3) report to Congress on the pilot program. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 204) Requires: (1) women veterans recently separated from service to be included on the Advisory Committee on Women Veterans; and (2) recently separated minority veterans to be included on the Advisory Committee on Minority Veterans.

studies sec requires secretary veterans_affairs conduct study barriers encountered women veterans provision comprehensive health care ensure advisory_committee women veterans review results study report congress study results implementation recommendations sec directs secretary conduct comprehensive assessment health care services programs provided women veterans identify relevant issues concerning services programs respect medical facility develop plan improve provision health care services women veterans project future health care needs report congress assessment plan requires report comptroller_general congress reviewing report secretary authorizes appropriations title improvement expansion health care programs department_of_veterans_affairs women veterans sec authorizes secretary furnish hospital care medical services newborn child woman veteran receiving maternity care seven days birth child sec directs secretary provide graduate medical education training certification continuing medical education mental health professionals provide counseling care services women veterans suffering sexual trauma post traumatic stress disorder ptsd report annually congress counseling care services provided sec directs secretary carry year pilot program child care assistance women veterans receiving certain mental health intensive health care services facilities carry program veterans_integrated_service_network facilities report congress pilot program authorizes appropriations sec requires women veterans recently separated service included advisory_committee_on_women_veterans recently separated minority veterans included advisory_committee_on_minority_veterans


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

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


Summary: Sustain, Support and Defend Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of the Army, by the end of FY2011, to expand the First Sergeants Barracks Initiative (FSBI) to include all Army installations. (The FSBI transfers responsibility for daily maintenance operations of barracks from their occupying units to a maintenance team working for the post command.)

sustain support directs secretary army end fy2011 expand sergeants barracks initiative include army installations transfers responsibility daily maintenance operations barracks occupying units maintenance team working post command


Summary: Far South Texas Veterans Medical Center Act of 2009 - Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to construct a major medical facility project in Far South Texas, consisting of a full-service Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) hospital, to meet the health care needs of veterans residing in such area.

authorizes secretary veterans_affairs construct major medical facility project consisting service department_of_veterans_affairs hospital meet health care needs veterans residing area


Summary: Makes an alien who is detained at the Department of Defense (DOD) detention facility at Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, permanently ineligible for: (1) U.S. admission for any purpose, including refugee admission; and (2) parole into the United States or any other physical presence in the United States that is not regarded as an admission, including transfer for detention purposes.

makes alien detained department_of_defense dod detention facility naval station guantanamo_bay cuba permanently ineligible admission purpose including refugee admission parole united_states physical presence united_states regarded admission including transfer detention purposes


Summary: Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center Act of 2009 - Authorizes the Secretary of Defense (Secretary), upon the conclusion of a resource-sharing agreement between the Secretary and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, to transfer to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) the Navy ambulatory care center, parking structure, supporting facilities, and related medical personal property and equipment in Great Lakes, Illinois, to be known as the Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center. Authorizes the Secretary to transfer to the VA functions necessary for Center operation. Extends through FY2020 a joint Department of Defense (DOD)-VA program to identify, implement, and evaluate creative health care coordination and sharing initiatives at the facility, intraregional, and nationwide levels. Deems the Center a military facility for purposes of the eligibility of members of the Armed Forces to receive care and services there.

captain authorizes secretary defense secretary conclusion resource sharing agreement secretary secretary veterans_affairs transfer department_of_veterans_affairs navy ambulatory care center parking structure supporting facilities related medical personal property equipment great_lakes illinois known captain lovell_federal_health_care_center authorizes secretary transfer functions necessary center operation extends fy2020 joint program identify implement evaluate creative health care coordination sharing initiatives facility nationwide levels deems center military facility purposes eligibility members armed_forces receive care services


Summary: Military Readiness Enhancement Act of 2009 - Repeals current Department of Defense (DOD) policy concerning homosexuality in the Armed Forces. Prohibits the Secretary of Defense, and the Secretary of Homeland Security with respect to the Coast Guard when it is not operating as a service in the Navy, from discriminating on the basis of sexual orientation against any member of the Armed Forces or any person seeking to become a member. Authorizes the re-accession into the Armed Forces of otherwise qualified individuals previously separated for homosexuality, bisexuality, or homosexual conduct. Requires such Secretaries to ensure that regulations governing the personal conduct of members of the Armed Forces are written and enforced without regard to sexual orientation.

military readiness enhancement act repeals current department_of_defense dod policy concerning homosexuality armed_forces prohibits secretary defense secretary homeland_security respect coast_guard operating service navy discriminating basis sexual orientation member armed_forces person seeking member authorizes accession armed_forces qualified individuals previously separated homosexuality bisexuality homosexual conduct requires secretaries ensure regulations governing personal conduct members armed_forces written enforced regard sexual orientation


Summary: Disabled Veterans Home Improvement and Structural Alteration Grant Increase Act of 2009 - Increases from: (1) $4,100 to $6,800 the amount authorized to be paid by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for improvements and structural alterations for homes of veterans with service-connected disabilities of 50% or more; and (2) $1,200 to $2,000 the amount authorized for such purpose for veterans with service-connected disabilities of less than 50%, and certain other veterans.

disabled veterans home improvement structural alteration grant increase act increases authorized paid department_of_veterans_affairs improvements structural alterations homes veterans service connected disabilities authorized purpose veterans service connected disabilities certain veterans


Summary: Establishes within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) the position of Director of Physician Assistant Services, who shall report to the VHA's Under Secretary for Health on all matters relating to the education and training, employment, appropriate utilization, and optimal participation of physician assistants within VHA programs and initiatives. Requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to ensure that an individual is serving in such position no later than 120 days after the enactment of this Act.

establishes veterans_health_administration vha department_of_veterans_affairs position director shall report vha secretary health matters relating education training employment appropriate utilization optimal participation physician assistants vha programs initiatives requires secretary veterans_affairs ensure individual serving position later days enactment act


Summary: Veterans Mental Health Screening and Assessment Act - Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the increasing rate of suicide among veterans returning from Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom is a serious problem; and (2) the Secretary of Defense should conduct mandatory, face-to-face, and confidential mental health and traumatic brain injury screenings for each member of the Armed Forces (member) during the period beginning 90 days after the member completes a deployment in support of a contingency operation and ending 180 days thereafter. Directs the Secretary to carry out such screenings. Prohibits the Secretary from prohibiting a member from returning to the United States due to any screening result or determination. Requires the Secretary and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a joint protocol to share existing and future reports from confidential screenings conducted to help aid members in their transition from health care and treatment provided by the Department of Defense (DOD) to health care and treatment provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

sense congress increasing rate suicide veterans returning iraqi_freedom problem secretary defense conduct mandatory face face confidential mental health traumatic brain injury screenings member armed_forces member period beginning days member completes deployment support contingency operation ending days directs secretary carry screenings prohibits secretary prohibiting member returning united_states screening result determination requires secretary secretary veterans_affairs establish joint protocol share existing future reports confidential screenings conducted help aid members transition health care treatment provided department_of_defense dod health care treatment provided department_of_veterans_affairs


Summary: Terrorist Detainees Protection Act of 2009 - Directs the President to ensure that by the end of calendar 2009 no person alleged to be an unlawful enemy combatant is detained at Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Requires a status review by a panel of three military judges of any Guantanamo detainee suspected of being an unlawful enemy combatant. Requires that any person determined, pursuant to such a review, to be an unlawful enemy combatant to be: (1) transferred to a military or civilian detention facility in the United States, charged with a violation of U.S. or international law, and tried by courts-martial or in a district court; (2) transferred to an international tribunal operating under the authority of the United Nations with jurisdiction to hold trials of such a person; (3) transferred to a NATO-run detention facility, or to a different country, provided there are adequate assurances that the person will not be subject to torture in that country; or (4) held in accordance with the law of armed conflict. Provides for the disposition of other detainees after status reviews, including possible release. Repeals the prohibition on habeaus corpus for detainees at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Expresses the sense of Congress that the judicial review of all applications for writs of habeas corpus brought by detainees that are pending as of the date of enactment of this Act should be suspended until the completion of the status reviews. Repeals the Military Commissions Act of 2006. Requires the President to report to Congress any recommendations for statutory changes necessary to implement a comprehensive federal policy governing the apprehension, detention, trial, transfer, release, or other disposition of individuals captured or apprehended in connection with armed conflicts and counterterrorism operations.

terrorist detainees protection act directs president ensure end calendar person alleged unlawful enemy combatant detained naval station guantanamo_bay cuba requires status review panel military judges guantanamo detainee suspected unlawful enemy combatant requires person determined pursuant review unlawful enemy combatant transferred military civilian detention facility united_states charged violation international law tried courts martial district court transferred international tribunal operating authority united_nations jurisdiction hold trials person transferred nato run detention facility different country provided adequate assurances person subject torture country held accordance law armed conflict provides disposition detainees status reviews including possible release repeals prohibition corpus detainees guantanamo bay cuba expresses sense congress judicial review applications writs habeas corpus brought detainees pending date enactment act suspended completion status reviews repeals military commissions act requires president report congress recommendations statutory changes necessary implement comprehensive federal policy governing apprehension detention trial transfer release disposition individuals captured apprehended connection armed conflicts counterterrorism operations


Summary: Prohibits the collection by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) of copayments or other fees for hospital or nursing home care in the case of catastrophically disabled veterans.

prohibits collection department_of_veterans_affairs copayments fees hospital nursing home care case catastrophically disabled veterans


Summary: VET Corps Act of 2009 - Amends the National and Community Service Act of 1990 to direct the Corporation for National and Community Service to establish the Veterans Engaged for Tomorrow Corps (VET Corps), composed of veterans, retired military personnel, and their family members to: (1) help veterans, retired military personnel, and their family members obtain training, certification, or access to education or employers and otherwise to serve their communities through national and community service programs; (2) support existing outreach efforts to inform veterans about available services and benefits; (3) act as a clearinghouse for persons desiring to serve the veteran population; (4) coordinate with other departments and agencies to identify and address existing and future needs and challenges of veterans; and (5) provide veterans with opportunities to adjust to civilian life. Allows individuals to serve as VET Corps members for up to 24 months. Outlines VET Corps membership requirements and authorized benefits while performing or participating in VET Corps projects. Directs the Corporation to make grants to veteran service organizations, nonprofit organizations, federal agencies, state or local governments, or institutions of higher education for establishing, operating, and supporting VET Corps projects.

amends national_and_community_service_act direct corporation_for_national_and_community_service establish composed veterans retired military personnel family members help veterans retired military personnel family members obtain training certification access education employers serve communities national community service programs support existing outreach efforts inform veterans available services benefits act clearinghouse persons desiring serve veteran population coordinate departments agencies identify address existing future needs challenges veterans provide veterans opportunities adjust civilian life allows individuals serve members months outlines membership requirements authorized benefits performing participating projects directs corporation grants veteran service organizations nonprofit organizations federal agencies state local governments institutions higher education establishing operating supporting projects


Summary: Southern New Jersey Veterans Comprehensive Health Care Act - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to determine, and notify Congress, whether the needs of veterans in southern New Jersey (the counties of Ocean, Burlington, Camden, Gloucester, Salem, Cumberland, Atlantic, and Cape May) for full-service medical care shall be met through a project for: (1) inpatient and outpatient services and long-term care to veterans at an existing facility in southern New Jersey; or (2) construction of a new full-service, Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical center to provide inpatient and outpatient services and long-term care to veterans in southern New Jersey. Directs the Secretary: (1) if the existing facility option is chosen, to enter into an appropriate agreement for the provision of such care and services; or (2) if the new construction option is chosen, to carry out an appropriate major medical facility construction project for such purpose.

secretary veterans_affairs determine notify congress needs veterans southern new_jersey counties ocean cumberland atlantic cape service medical care shall met project inpatient outpatient services long term care veterans existing facility southern new_jersey construction new service department_of_veterans_affairs medical center provide inpatient outpatient services long term care veterans southern new_jersey directs secretary existing facility option chosen enter appropriate agreement provision care services new construction option chosen carry appropriate major medical facility construction project purpose


Summary: Firefighter Fatality Reduction Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to conduct a survey of, and report to Congress on, the compliance of fire departments in the United States with national voluntary consensus standards for staffing, training, safe operations, personal protective equipment, and fitness. Requires the Secretary to establish a Task Force to Enhance Firefighter Safety to: (1) consult with the Secretary to conduct such survey; and (2) develop a plan to enhance firefighter safety by increasing compliance with such standards, including by reviewing and evaluating the report to determine the extent of and barriers to achieving compliance and by considering ways the federal government, states, and localities can promote, encourage, or require compliance.

firefighter fatality reduction act directs secretary homeland_security conduct survey report congress compliance fire departments united_states national voluntary consensus standards staffing training safe operations personal protective equipment fitness requires secretary establish task force enhance firefighter safety consult secretary conduct survey develop plan enhance firefighter safety increasing compliance standards including reviewing evaluating report determine extent barriers achieving compliance considering ways federal government states localities promote encourage require compliance


Summary: Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to increase, as of December 1, 2009, the rates of veterans' disability compensation, additional compensation for dependents, the clothing allowance for certain disabled veterans, and dependency and indemnity compensation for surviving spouses and children. Requires each such increase to be the same percentage as the increase in benefits provided under title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act, on the same effective date.

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


Summary: United States Cadet Nurse Corps Equity Act - Deems service of a person as a member of the United States Cadet Nurse Corps between July 1, 1943, and December 15, 1945 (qualified service), to be active military service for purposes of all laws administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Requires: (1) the Secretary of Defense to issue an honorable discharge to each person whose qualified service warrants one; and (2) the discharge to be issued before the end of the one-year period beginning on the enactment of this Act.Prohibits benefits from being paid to persons as a result of such enactment for any period before the enactment date.

united_states_cadet_nurse_corps equity act deems service person member united_states_cadet_nurse_corps july december qualified service active military service purposes laws administered department_of_veterans_affairs requires secretary defense issue honorable discharge person qualified service warrants discharge issued end year period beginning enactment act prohibits benefits paid persons result enactment period enactment date


Summary: Removes the requirement that the person detailed as Chief of the Navy Dental Corps be of a rank not less than rear admiral (lower half) at the time of the detail. Requires an appointee to such position holding a lower grade to be appointed in the regular grade of rear admiral.

removes requirement person detailed chief navy dental corps rank rear admiral lower half time detail requires appointee position holding lower grade appointed regular grade rear admiral


Summary: Directs the Secretary of Defense to conduct a study evaluating and comparing the effectiveness of programs designed to diagnose, treat, and prevent post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

directs secretary defense conduct study evaluating comparing effectiveness programs designed diagnose treat prevent post traumatic stress disorder ptsd


Summary: Caring for Veterans with Traumatic Brain Injury Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) the Committee on Care of Veterans with Traumatic Brain Injury to continually assess VHA capability to meet the treatment and rehabilitation needs of veterans with traumatic brain injury.

caring veterans traumatic brain injury act directs secretary veterans_affairs establish veterans_health_administration vha traumatic brain injury continually assess vha capability meet treatment rehabilitation needs veterans traumatic brain injury


Summary: Guarantees a pay increase for uniformed services members for FY2011-FY2014 of 0.5% higher than the Employment Cost Index.

guarantees pay increase uniformed services members fy2011 fy2014 higher employment cost index


Summary: Military Personnel Income Tax Exclusion Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from the gross income of members of the uniformed services for income tax purposes certain military benefits and basic pay.

military personnel income tax exclusion act amends internal revenue code exclude gross income members uniformed services income tax purposes certain military benefits basic pay


Summary: Includes participation in clean-up operations at Eniwetok Atoll as a radiation-risk activity for purposes of laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.

includes participation clean operations radiation risk activity purposes laws administered secretary veterans_affairs


Summary: Honor the Written Intent of our Soldier Heroes Act or Honor the WISH Act - Includes, as a person authorized to direct disposition of the remains of a member of the Armed Forces who dies while on active duty, the person identified by the decedent on the record of emergency data maintained by the Secretary of the military department concerned as the Person Authorized to Direct Disposition, regardless of the relationship of the designee to the decedent.

honor written intent soldier heroes act honor wish act includes person authorized direct disposition remains member armed_forces dies active duty person identified decedent record emergency data maintained secretary military department concerned regardless relationship designee decedent


Summary: Veterans' Employment Transition Support Act of 2009 or the VETS Act of 2009- Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers a general business tax credit for hiring certain veterans certified by designated local agencies as having served on active duty (other than for training) in the Armed Forces for a period of more than 180 days or having been discharged or released from active duty for a service-connected disability. Sets the amount of such credit at 40% of the first-year wages of such veterans and increases the percentage of such credit for disabled veterans based upon their disability ratings.

vets act amends internal revenue code allow employers general business tax credit hiring certain veterans certified designated local agencies having served active duty training days having discharged released active duty service connected disability sets credit year wages veterans increases percentage credit disabled veterans based disability ratings


Summary: House Reservists Pay Adjustment Act of 2009 - Requires the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) of the House of Representatives to pay an eligible House employee, who is also a member of a Reserve component of the Armed Forces, for each active duty month the amount by which the employee's regular compensation from the House would have exceeded (if at all) the total monthly military compensation paid to the employee for the active duty month by the Secretary of Defense. Limits employee eligibility for such adjusted compensation to those employed by the House each day of the 90 days ending on the day on which the employee reports for active duty under an involuntary mobilization order. Requires the CAO to reduce the amount of any payment to such employee for an active duty month by the amount of any pay and allowances received by the individual from any other source as replacement of lost income. Prohibits the CAO from making a required payment under this Act unless the payment, taking into account any reduction, is at least $50. Amends Rule XXIII (Code of Official Conduct) of the Rules of the House of Representatives to declare that nothing in such Rule may be construed to prohibit the disbursement or receipt of any payment authorized under this Act. Amends the Legislative Branch Appropriation Act, 1955 to declare that nothing in the Act may be construed to prohibit the CAO from paying a gratuity to the widow, widower, or heirs-at-law of a House employee who dies during an active duty month.

house reservists pay adjustment act requires chief administrative officer house_of_representatives pay eligible house employee member reserve component armed_forces active duty month employee regular compensation house exceeded total monthly military compensation paid employee active duty month secretary defense limits employee eligibility adjusted compensation employed house day days ending day employee reports active duty involuntary mobilization order requires reduce payment employee active duty month pay allowances received individual source replacement lost income prohibits making required payment act payment taking account reduction amends rule xxiii code official conduct rules house_of_representatives declare rule construed prohibit disbursement receipt payment authorized act amends declare act construed prohibit paying gratuity widow widower heirs law house employee dies active duty month


Summary: Veterans Transitional Assistance Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Defense to establish in the Department of Defense (DOD) the Office of Technical Assistance to carry out the Secretary's responsibilities of establishing and operating a wounded warrior resource (support) center, as required under the Wounded Warrior Act. Requires the Office, upon the discharge or release of a member of the Armed Forces, to transmit the member's service record and contact information to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs who shall in turn contact and provide such person necessary information to apply for any benefits to which the person may be entitled through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

veterans transitional assistance act directs secretary defense establish department_of_defense dod carry secretary responsibilities establishing operating wounded warrior resource support center required wounded warrior act requires office discharge release member armed_forces transmit member service record contact information secretary veterans_affairs shall turn contact provide person necessary information apply benefits person entitled department_of_veterans_affairs


Summary: Allows an individual to elect to receive retired pay for non-regular (reserve) service upon retirement for service performed in an active reserve status after attaining eligibility for regular retirement, as long as the individual successfully completes at least two years of active reserve status service. Allows the Secretary of the military department concerned to reduce the two-year active reserve status requirement in certain cases. Requires the recomputation of reserve retired pay and, if appropriate, the adjustment of the retired grade of reserve retirees to reflect the successful completion of at least two years of post-retirement service in an active reserve status.

allows individual elect receive retired pay non regular reserve service retirement service performed active reserve status attaining eligibility regular retirement long individual successfully completes years active reserve status service allows secretary military department concerned reduce year active reserve status requirement certain cases requires reserve retired pay appropriate adjustment retired grade reserve retirees reflect successful completion years post retirement service active reserve status


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

reduces minimum age receipt military retired pay non regular service


Summary: Disabled Veterans Commissary and Exchange Store Benefits Act - Permits a veteran with any compensable service-connected disability (and the veteran's dependents) to use commissary and exchange stores on the same basis as a member of the Armed Forces entitled to retired or retainer pay.

disabled veterans commissary exchange store benefits act permits veteran compensable service connected disability veteran dependents use commissary exchange stores basis member armed_forces entitled retired retainer pay


Summary: Waives, during FY2010, the basic military pay adjustment tied to increases in the Employment Cost Index. Increases, effective January 1, 2010, such basic pay by 3.4%.

waives fy2010 basic military pay adjustment tied increases employment cost index increases effective january basic pay


Summary: Secure Electronic Military Separation Act - Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 to direct the Secretary of Defense to develop and implement a secure electronic method of forwarding DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) to the appropriate office of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in which the former member of the Armed Forces will first reside.

national defense authorization act fiscal year direct secretary defense develop implement secure electronic method forwarding form certificate release discharge active duty appropriate office department_of_veterans_affairs member armed_forces reside


Summary: Providing Real Outreach for Veterans Act of 2009 or PRO-VETS Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (Secretary) to enter into an agreement with the Secretary of Defense for the transfer of data to the Secretary for providing members of the Armed Forces and veterans with individualized information concerning veterans' benefits that each member and veteran may be eligible for. Requires the Secretary, after receiving such data, to: (1) compile a list of all benefits for which each member or veteran may be eligible; (2) notify the member or veteran (or their legal representative) of such benefits; and (3) provide a second notification if the member or veteran does not apply for a listed benefit within 60 days, as well as annual notifications thereafter. Requires additional notifications based on changed circumstances. Allows each member or veteran the option to decline further notifications. Directs the Secretary to use transferred data to reduce the amount of information that a member or veteran must provide when applying for benefits. Requires the Secretary of Defense to provide a member or veteran the opportunity to decline authorization for the transfer of information under this Act.

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


Summary: Amends the Military Construction Act, 1974 to repeal the prohibition against use of the former bombardment area on the island of Culebra (Puerto Rico) for any purpose that would require decontamination of the area at U.S. expense.

amends military construction act repeal prohibition use area island puerto_rico purpose require decontamination area expense


Summary: Modifies the requirement that the Secretary concerned provide preseparation counseling to members of the Armed Forces whose discharge or release from active duty is anticipated as of a specific date. Directs the Secretary concerned, including the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Homeland Security, to require such members to receive, as part of their preseparation counseling, employment assistance, job training assistance, and other transitional services under a specified program established by the Secretary of Labor. Directs the Secretary concerned to require separating Armed Forces members to undergo a psychological evaluation (as well as a physical examination, as under current law).

modifies requirement secretary concerned provide preseparation counseling members armed_forces discharge release active duty anticipated specific date directs secretary concerned including secretary defense secretary homeland_security require members receive preseparation counseling employment assistance job training assistance transitional services specified program established secretary labor directs secretary concerned require separating armed_forces members undergo psychological evaluation physical examination current law


Summary: Veterans Entitlement to Service (VETS) Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to acknowledge the receipt of any claim for medical services, disability compensation, or pension under laws administered by the Secretary, or any other communication relating to such services, compensation, or pension, within 60 days after its receipt.

vets act directs secretary veterans_affairs acknowledge receipt claim medical services disability compensation pension laws administered secretary communication relating services compensation pension days receipt


Summary: Citizen Soldier Equality Act of 2009 - Requires that, in the case of a member of the reserves who is retired or placed on the temporary disability retired list because of an incurred disability for which the member is awarded the Purple Heart, the member shall be credited with the number of years of service that would be counted under the computation of years of service for retired pay for non-regular service.

citizen soldier equality act requires case member reserves retired placed temporary disability retired list incurred disability member awarded purple heart member shall credited number years service counted computation years service retired pay non regular service


Summary: Correspondence With Our Heroes Act - Directs the Secretary of Defense to provide for a one-year program under which postal benefit vouchers are provided for the benefit of members of the Armed Forces on active duty in Iraq or Afghanistan, or hospitalized at a military facility as a result of a disease or injury incurred as a result of such service. Entitles voucher users to make free mailings to such individuals. Limits vouchers to one per month. Requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to transfer to the Postal Service an amount representing the amount of the vouchers used.

correspondence heroes act directs secretary defense provide year program postal benefit vouchers provided benefit members armed_forces active duty iraq afghanistan hospitalized military facility result disease injury incurred result service entitles voucher users free mailings individuals limits vouchers month requires department_of_defense dod transfer postal_service representing vouchers


Summary: Veterans Travel Equity Act of 2009 - Prohibits the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, effective 90 days after the enactment of this Act, from imposing any income or pension eligibility requirement, or requiring any service-connected disability rating, in order for a veteran to be eligible for an allowance or reimbursement under the beneficiary travel program (a program authorizing a travel allowance or reimbursement for the transportation of veterans to obtain medical care).

veterans_travel equity act prohibits secretary veterans_affairs effective days enactment act imposing income pension eligibility requirement requiring service connected disability rating order veteran eligible allowance reimbursement beneficiary travel program program authorizing travel allowance reimbursement transportation veterans obtain medical care


Summary: Surviving Spouses' Benefit Improvement Act of 2009 - Increases the monthly rates of veterans' dependency and indemnity compensation payable to surviving spouses through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Prohibits benefits under any other law (other than duplication of benefits) from being reduced or offset because the surviving spouse is eligible for dependency and indemnity compensation.

surviving spouses benefit improvement act increases monthly rates veterans dependency indemnity compensation payable surviving spouses department_of_veterans_affairs prohibits benefits law duplication benefits reduced offset surviving spouse eligible dependency indemnity compensation


Summary: Veterans Outreach Improvement Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans to establish a separate account for the funding of outreach activities of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and a separate subaccount for the funding of outreach activities of the Veterans Health Administration, the Veterans Benefits Administration, and the National Cemetery Administration. Directs the Secretary to establish and maintain procedures for ensuring the effective coordination of VA outreach activities between and among such elements, the Office of the Secretary, and the Office of Public Affairs. Authorizes the Secretary to award grants to state veterans agencies to carry out, coordinate, and improve outreach by the VA and the states.

veterans outreach improvement act directs secretary veterans establish separate account funding outreach activities department_of_veterans_affairs separate subaccount funding outreach activities veterans_health_administration veterans_benefits_administration national_cemetery_administration directs secretary establish maintain procedures ensuring effective coordination outreach activities elements office_of_the_secretary office_of_public_affairs authorizes secretary award grants state veterans agencies carry coordinate improve outreach states


Summary: Benefits for Qualified World War II Veterans Act of 2009 - Establishes in the Treasury the Qualified World War II Veterans Equity Compensation Fund for making monthly payments of $1,000 to World War II veterans who: (1) have not received benefits under the Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944; and (2) performed active duty service pursuant to the GI Bill Improvement Act of 1977.

benefits qualified world war veterans act establishes treasury qualified world war veterans equity compensation fund making monthly payments world war veterans received benefits performed active duty service pursuant bill improvement act


Summary: Defense Communities Assistance Act of 2009 - Expresses the sense of Congress on the necessity of assisting local communities coping with the impact of base closures and realignments and other military actions. Extends permanently (under current law, terminated at the end of FY2008) the authority of the Secretary of the military department concerned to convey, for certain purposes, real property on a military installation determined to be excess to the needs of the Department of Defense (DOD). Authorizes the Secretary concerned to contract for the procurement of municipal services for a U.S. military installation from a county, municipal government, or other local governmental unit in the area. Authorizes such Secretary to so contract using procedures other than competitive procedures, under certain conditions and after congressional notification. Amends the Ronald W. Reagan National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2005 to extend through FY2020 a pilot program for the purchase of certain municipal services for military installations. Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1993 to broaden the indemnification provided to transferees of military properties. Reinstates provisions of the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Act of 1990 which allow military departments to transfer surplus real and personal property at closed or realigned military installations without consideration to local redevelopment authorities when used for economic development purposes, without the requirement to assess the property's value.

defense communities assistance act expresses sense congress necessity assisting local communities coping impact base closures realignments military actions extends permanently current law terminated end fy2008 authority secretary military department concerned convey certain purposes real property military installation determined excess needs department_of_defense dod authorizes secretary concerned contract procurement municipal services military installation county municipal government local governmental unit area authorizes secretary contract procedures competitive procedures certain conditions congressional notification amends national defense authorization act fiscal year extend fy2020 pilot program purchase certain municipal services military installations amends national_defense_authorization_act fiscal year broaden indemnification provided transferees military properties reinstates provisions defense base closure realignment_act allow military departments transfer surplus real personal property closed realigned military installations consideration local redevelopment authorities economic development purposes requirement assess property value


Summary: Military Retired Pay Fairness Act of 2009 - Provides limitations on the recoupment of separation pay, special separation benefits, and voluntary separation incentive payments from members of the Armed Forces subsequently receiving military retired or retainer pay. Authorizes the Secretary of Defense or Homeland Security, as applicable, to waive such recoupments in cases of financial hardship.

military retired pay fairness act provides limitations recoupment separation pay special separation benefits voluntary separation incentive payments members armed_forces subsequently receiving military retired retainer pay authorizes secretary defense homeland_security applicable waive cases financial hardship


Summary: Soldiers Targeted by Offensive Profiteering Act of 2009 (STOP Act) - Prohibits any person, except with permission, from using the name or image of a protected individual in connection with any merchandise, retail product, impersonation, solicitation, or commercial activity in a manner calculated to connect the protected individual with that individual's service in the Armed Forces. Defines as a "protected individual" any person who: (1) is a member of the Armed Forces; or (2) was a member at any time after April 5, 1917, and, if not living, has a surviving spouse, child, parent, grandparent, or sibling. Authorizes the Attorney General to bring actions to enjoin violations of this Act.

soldiers targeted stop act prohibits person permission image protected individual connection merchandise retail product solicitation commercial activity manner calculated connect protected individual individual service armed_forces defines protected individual person member armed_forces member time april living surviving spouse child parent grandparent sibling authorizes attorney general bring actions enjoin violations act


Summary: Wounded Warrior Project Family Caregiver Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, as part of authorized Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) home health care services for veterans, to furnish to a family member or other designated individual advanced instruction and training and certification as a family caregiver for a veteran who incurred serious wounds on active duty during, or in training for, Operations Enduring Freedom or Iraqi Freedom and is determined to be in need of personal care services. Requires the Secretary to provide to such caregiver: (1) appropriate support services; and (2) a monthly family caregiver allowance. Authorizes the Secretary to provide medical care to such caregiver.

wounded warrior project family caregiver act directs secretary veterans_affairs authorized department_of_veterans_affairs home health care services veterans furnish family member designated individual advanced instruction training certification family caregiver veteran incurred wounds active duty training operations enduring freedom iraqi_freedom determined need personal care services requires secretary provide caregiver appropriate support services monthly family caregiver allowance authorizes secretary provide medical care caregiver


Summary: Veterans' Group Life Insurance Improvement Act of 2009 - Allows veterans insured under Veterans' Group Life Insurance, no more than once in each five-year period, to increase such coverage amount if: (1) the veteran is under 60 years of age; (2) the increase is not more than $25,000; and (3) the total amount of such insurance does not exceed $400,000 (the limit authorized for a veteran under Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance).

allows veterans insured year period increase coverage veteran years age increase total insurance exceed limit authorized veteran


Summary: Health Care for Members of the Armed Forces Exposed to Chemical Hazards Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Defense, for each occupational and environmental health chemical hazard of particular concern, to establish and administer a registry of members and former members of the Armed Forces who were exposed to such hazard in the line of duty on or after September 11, 2001. Requires the Secretary to: (1) notify a member or former member who may have been exposed to such a hazard; and (2) provide a complete physical and medical examination of such individual. Directs the Secretary to enter into an agreement with the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies for the Institute of Medicine under which the Institute, for each incident of exposure reported in a registry, shall review and summarize the scientific evidence, and assess the strength thereof, concerning the association between the exposure to such hazard and acute and long-term health consequences of such exposure. Requires the Institute to: (1) make recommendations for necessary additional scientific studies; and (2) conduct periodic subsequent reviews of such evidence. Requires members and former members listed in registries to be notified of any conclusive determinations with respect to such exposure, as well as any other significant related developments. Makes any veteran who was exposed in the line of duty to an occupational and environmental health chemical hazard of particular concern eligible for hospital care, medical services, and nursing home care through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for any disability, notwithstanding insufficient medical evidence to conclude that the disability may be associated with such exposure.

health care members chemical hazards act directs secretary defense occupational environmental health chemical hazard particular concern establish administer registry members members armed_forces exposed hazard line duty september requires secretary notify member member exposed hazard provide complete physical medical examination individual directs secretary enter agreement institute incident exposure reported registry shall review summarize scientific evidence assess strength thereof concerning association exposure hazard acute long term health consequences exposure requires institute recommendations necessary additional scientific studies conduct periodic subsequent reviews evidence requires members members listed registries notified conclusive determinations respect exposure significant related developments makes veteran exposed line duty occupational environmental health chemical hazard particular concern eligible hospital care medical services nursing home care department_of_veterans_affairs disability notwithstanding insufficient medical evidence conclude disability associated exposure


Summary: Requires contracting officers of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to use purchases of goods or services through the federal supply schedules for the purpose of meeting the government-wide goal for participation by small businesses owned and controlled by veterans and service-disabled veterans.

requires contracting officers department_of_veterans_affairs use purchases goods services federal supply schedules purpose meeting government wide goal participation small businesses owned controlled veterans service disabled veterans