Summary: Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to accept as proof of service-connection of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) alleged to have been incurred in or aggravated by active military service a diagnosis of PTSD by a mental health professional, together with written testimony by the veteran and a written determination by the professional that such disorder is related to the veteran's service, notwithstanding the fact that there is no official record of such incurrence or aggravation in such service, and to resolve every reasonable doubt in favor of the veteran. Allows such service-connection to be rebutted by clear and convincing evidence to the contrary. Provides the same conditions (with the same authorized rebuttal) with respect to acceptance of proof of service-connection of certain mental health conditions alleged to have been incurred or aggravated by military sexual trauma experienced during active military service.

directs secretary veterans_affairs accept proof service connection post traumatic stress disorder ptsd alleged incurred aggravated active military service diagnosis ptsd mental health professional written testimony veteran written determination professional disorder related veteran service notwithstanding fact official record incurrence service resolve reasonable doubt favor veteran allows service connection rebutted clear convincing evidence contrary provides conditions authorized rebuttal respect acceptance proof service connection certain mental health conditions alleged incurred aggravated military sexual trauma experienced active military service


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

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


Summary: Safe Haven for Heros Act of 2011 - Amends the federal criminal code to prohibit for 5 hours (currently, 60 minutes) before and after a funeral of a member of the Armed Forces that is not located at a cemetery under the control of the National Cemetery Administration or part of Arlington National Cemetery: (1) activity that disturbs the peace or good order of that funeral, and (2) activity within 2500 (currently, 300) feet of the boundary of the location of such funeral that impedes access to or egress from such location.

safe haven act amends federal criminal code prohibit hours currently minutes funeral member armed_forces located cemetery control national_cemetery_administration arlington national cemetery activity peace good order funeral activity currently feet boundary location funeral impedes access egress location


Summary: Authorizes space-available travel on military aircraft, on the same basis as active-duty members, for members of the reserves. Authorizes such travel, on the same basis as members entitled to retired pay, for: (1) a former member of the reserves who is entitled to retired pay but for attaining the required age (generally, 60); and (2) unremarried surviving spouses of such members or former members. Authorizes such travel for dependents of such members or former members, if accompanying the member.

authorizes space available travel military aircraft basis active duty members members reserves authorizes travel basis members entitled retired pay member reserves entitled retired pay attaining required age generally unremarried surviving spouses members members authorizes travel dependents members members accompanying member


Summary: Children of Military Service Members Commemorative Lapel Pin Act - Requires a lapel button, to be known as the children of military service members commemorative lapel button, to be designed, as approved by the Secretary of Defense (DOD), to identify and recognize child dependents of members of the Armed Forces who serve on active duty for more than 30 days. Expresses the sense of Congress that the Secretary should expedite the design and manufacture of the button, as well as mechanisms to facilitate its issuance. Makes such button available retroactively to the child of any member satisfying such eligibility conditions before the enactment of this Act. Requires the Secretary to notify members with qualifying service since September 30, 2001, of the availability of the button.

members commemorative lapel pin act requires lapel button known children military service members commemorative lapel button designed approved secretary defense dod identify recognize child dependents members armed_forces serve active duty days expresses sense congress secretary expedite design manufacture button mechanisms facilitate issuance makes button available retroactively child member satisfying eligibility conditions enactment act requires secretary notify members qualifying service september availability button


Summary: Treats a member of the Armed Forces or a civilian employee of the Department of Defense (DOD) who was killed or wounded in a covered attack outside a combat zone as a member killed or wounded in a combat zone or an employee killed or wounded while serving with the Armed Forces in a contingency operation, respectively, for purposes of all applicable federal laws, regulations, and policies. Defines "covered attack" as an attack at: (1) Fort Hood, Texas, on November 5, 2009; (2) a recruiting station in Little Rock, Arkansas, on June 1, 2009; or (3) the Frankfurt Airport, Germany, on March 2, 2011. Excludes from such consideration any member or DOD employee whose death or wound was the result of misconduct, as determined by the Secretary of Defense.

treats member armed_forces civilian employee department_of_defense dod killed wounded covered attack outside combat zone member killed wounded combat zone employee killed wounded serving armed_forces contingency operation respectively purposes applicable federal laws regulations policies defines covered attack attack fort hood texas november recruiting station little_rock arkansas june airport germany march excludes consideration member dod employee death wound result misconduct determined secretary defense


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: Combat Act - Increases, as of the beginning of FY2011, the maximum monthly rates of: (1) hostile fire or imminent danger pay from $225 to $260; (2) hazardous duty pay from $250 to $260; and (3) the monthly family separation allowance from $250 to $285.

beginning fy2011 maximum monthly rates hostile fire imminent danger pay hazardous duty pay monthly family separation allowance


Summary: Global Combat Zone Recognition Act - Treats a member of the Armed Forces (member) or civilian employee of the Department of Defense (DOD) (employee) who is killed or wounded in an attack outside a combat zone as a member killed or wounded in a combat zone or an employee killed or wounded while serving with the Armed Forces in a contingency operation, respectively, for purposes of all applicable federal laws, regulations, and policies. Excludes from such consideration any member or employee whose death or injury is the result of misconduct, as determined by the Secretary of Defense. Provides retroactive coverage under this Act with respect to victims of attacks at: (1) Fort Hood, Texas, on November 5, 2009; (2) a recruiting station in Little Rock, Arkansas, on June 1, 2009; and (3) the Frankfurt Airport, Germany, on March 2, 2011. Directs the Secretary to notify appropriate members and employees or their next-of-kin of the availability of benefits as the result of this Act.

recognition act treats member armed_forces member civilian employee department_of_defense dod employee killed wounded attack outside combat zone member killed wounded combat zone employee killed wounded serving armed_forces contingency operation respectively purposes applicable federal laws regulations policies excludes consideration member employee death injury result misconduct determined secretary defense provides retroactive coverage act respect victims attacks fort hood texas november recruiting station little_rock arkansas june airport germany march directs secretary notify appropriate members employees kin availability benefits result act


Summary: Universal National Service Act of 2011 - Declares that it is the obligation of every U.S. citizen, and every other person residing in the United States, between the ages of 18 and 25 to perform a 2-year period of national service, unless exempted, either as a member of an active or reserve component of the Armed Forces or in a civilian capacity that promotes national defense. Requires induction into national service by the President. Allows persons to be inducted only: (1) under a declaration of war or national emergency, or (2) when members of the Armed Forces are engaged in a contingency operation. Requires each person, before induction, to be examined physically and mentally for classification for fitness to perform. Sets forth provisions governing: (1) induction deferments, postponements, and exemptions, including exemption of a conscientious objector from combatant training and military service; and (2) discharge following national service. Amends the Military Selective Service Act to authorize the military registration of females.

declares obligation citizen person residing united_states ages perform year period national service exempted member active reserve component armed_forces civilian capacity promotes national defense requires induction national service president allows persons declaration war national emergency members armed_forces engaged contingency operation requires person induction examined physically mentally classification fitness perform sets forth provisions governing induction deferments exemptions including exemption conscientious combatant training military service discharge following national service amends military_selective_service act authorize military registration females


Summary: Veterans Equal Treatment for Service Dogs Act or VETS Dogs Act - Prohibits the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) from prohibiting the use of service dogs in or on any VA facility or property or any facility or property that receives VA funding.

secretary veterans_affairs prohibiting use service dogs facility property facility property receives funding


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: Denies a pay adjustment to civilian employees of the Department of Defense (DOJ) who have an unacceptable performance rating.

denies pay adjustment civilian employees department_of_defense doj unacceptable performance rating


Summary: Support for Survivors Act - Directs the Secretary of Defense to identify the most appropriate and effective means for the preservation by the Department of Defense (DOD) of documentary evidence of incidents of sexual assault or harassment in which a member of the Armed Forces is the victim (covered incidents), which shall be the sole means used by all the military departments. Requires the means identified to be in electronic form and to include the full protection of the victim's privacy and lifetime access to such evidence. Directs the Secretary and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to establish a joint task force to determine whether to establish a documentary evidence form, report, or document in lieu of forms, reports, and documents currently generated by DOD. Requires the Secretary to: (1) report to Congress on the means of preservation identified; and (2) provide for the implementation of such means by the military departments within 18 months after the enactment of this Act.

support survivors act directs secretary defense identify appropriate effective means preservation department_of_defense dod documentary evidence incidents sexual assault harassment member armed_forces victim covered incidents shall sole means military departments requires means identified electronic form include protection victim privacy lifetime access evidence directs secretary secretary veterans_affairs establish joint task force determine establish documentary evidence form report document lieu forms reports documents currently generated dod requires secretary report congress means preservation identified provide implementation means military departments months enactment act


Summary: Reserve Retirement Deployment Credit Correction Act - Removes the requirement that days of active duty or active service used to reduce the minimum age at which a member of the reserves may retire for non-regular (reserve) service must occur in the same fiscal year.

reserve retirement deployment credit correction act removes requirement days active duty active service reduce minimum age member reserves retire non regular reserve service occur fiscal year


Summary: World War II Merchant Mariner Service Act - Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) to consider certain methods for verifying that an individual performed honorable service as a member of the merchant marine during the period beginning on December 7, 1941, and ending on December 31, 1946, for purposes of eligibility for veterans' benefits under the GI Bill Improvement Act of 1977. Requires such methods to include Social Security Administration (SSA) records and validated testimony in the case of the absence of Coast Guard shipping or discharge forms, ship logbooks, or other official employment records. Requires the Secretary to recognize masters of seagoing vessels or other command officers who were authorized to document an individual for purposes of hiring for the merchant marine or discharge therefrom, when determining whether to recognize service allegedly performed during such period.

world war merchant mariner service act directs secretary homeland_security dhs consider certain methods verifying individual performed honorable service member merchant marine period beginning december ending december purposes eligibility veterans benefits bill improvement act requires methods include social_security_administration ssa records validated testimony case absence coast_guard shipping discharge forms ship official employment records requires secretary recognize masters vessels command officers authorized document individual purposes hiring merchant marine discharge therefrom determining recognize service allegedly performed period


Summary: Ensuring Pay for Our Military Act of 2011 - Requires the Secretary of the Treasury, during a federal funding gap impacting the Armed Forces, to transfer to the Secretary of Defense (DOD), and the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) in the case of the Coast Guard, amounts necessary to continue to provide pay and allowances to members of the Armed Forces, including the reserves, who perform active service during the funding gap. Prohibits any such transfer after December 31, 2011.

ensuring pay military act requires secretary treasury federal funding gap impacting armed_forces transfer secretary defense dod secretary homeland_security dhs case coast_guard amounts necessary continue provide pay allowances members armed_forces including reserves perform active service funding gap prohibits transfer december


Summary: Jobs for Veterans Act of 2011 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an increased work opportunity tax credit for the hiring in 2011 or 2012 of veterans discharged or released from active military duty after September 11, 2001. Reduces amounts authorized to be appropriated to the Department of Veterans Affairs for general administration in FY2011 and FY2012 to offset the cost of the increased credit allowed by this Act.

jobs veterans act amends internal revenue code allow increased work opportunity tax credit hiring veterans discharged released active military duty september reduces amounts authorized appropriated department_of_veterans_affairs general administration fy2011 fy2012 offset cost increased credit allowed act


Summary: Honoring Hometown Heroes Act - Permits the flag of the United States to be flown at half-staff in the event of the death of a first responder (firefighter, police officer, or emergency medical service provider) serving in the line of duty.

honoring heroes act permits flag united_states flown half staff event death responder firefighter police officer emergency medical service provider serving line duty


Summary: Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to transfer to the Secretary of Defense (DOD), and the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) in the case of the Coast Guard, amounts necessary to provide pay and allowances to members of the Armed Forces, including the reserves, who perform active service during any funding gap during FY2011 when interim or full-year appropriations for the military personnel accounts have not been enacted. Requires: (1) such members to continue to be paid even if the debt of the U.S. government reaches its statutory limit, and (2) such pay obligation to take priority over all other government obligations.

requires secretary treasury transfer secretary defense dod secretary homeland_security dhs case coast_guard amounts necessary provide pay allowances members armed_forces including reserves perform active service funding gap fy2011 interim year appropriations military personnel accounts enacted requires members continue paid debt government reaches statutory limit pay obligation priority government obligations


Summary: Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2011 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to increase, as of December 1, 2011, 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. Andrew Connolly Veterans' Housing Act - Extends through 2016 the authority of the Secretary to provide specially adapted housing assistance to certain disabled veterans residing temporarily in housing owned by a family member.

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 authority secretary provide specially adapted housing assistance certain disabled veterans residing temporarily housing owned family member


Summary: Battlefield Excellence through Superior Training Practices Act or BEST Practices Act - Requires the Secretary of Defense (DOD), no later than: (1) October 1, 2014, to develop, test, and validate human-based training methods for training members of the Armed Forces in the treatment of combat injuries, with the goal of replacing live animal-based training methods; and (2) October 1, 2016, to use only use human-based training methods for such purposes. Prohibits the use of animals in such training after the latter date. Requires an annual report from the Secretary to the congressional defense committees on the development and implementation of the human-based training methods.

battlefield excellence superior training practices act best practices act requires secretary defense dod later october develop test validate human based training methods training members armed_forces treatment combat injuries goal replacing live animal based training methods october use use human based training methods purposes prohibits use animals training date requires annual report secretary congressional defense committees development implementation human based training methods


Summary: Prohibits: (1) more than one gravesite from being provided at Arlington National Cemetery (Arlington) to a veteran or member of the Armed Forces who is eligible for burial there and family members also eligible for burial there, and (2) a gravesite from being reserved at Arlington before an individual's death. Provides an exception under (2) above, in the case of a request submitted to the Secretary of the Army before January 1, 1962. Requires a report from the Secretary to Congress on reservations made for interment at Arlington.

prohibits gravesite provided arlington national cemetery arlington veteran member armed_forces eligible burial family members eligible burial gravesite reserved arlington individual death provides exception case request submitted secretary army january requires report secretary congress reservations interment arlington


Summary: Provides that if a funding gap occurs during FY2011 impacting the Armed Forces, amounts shall be appropriated at the rate provided for military personnel accounts by Division A of H.R. 1, for the purpose of providing pay and allowances to members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard (including their reserve components) who perform active service during the funding gap.

provides funding gap occurs fy2011 impacting armed_forces amounts shall appropriated rate provided military personnel accounts purpose providing pay allowances members army navy air_force marine_corps coast_guard including reserve components perform active service funding gap


Summary: Honor Our Fallen Heroes Act - Appropriates amounts to the Secretary of Defense (DOD) and the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) during a funding gap impacting the Armed Forces to allow for the timely payment of death gratuities under specified code provisions addressing death benefits for deceased military personnel. Defines "funding gap" as any period during FY2011 for which interim or full-year appropriations (other than as provided by this Act) for the personnel accounts of the Armed Forces for that fiscal year have not been enacted.

honor fallen heroes act appropriates amounts secretary defense dod secretary homeland_security dhs funding gap impacting armed_forces allow timely payment death gratuities specified code provisions addressing death benefits deceased military personnel defines funding gap period fy2011 interim year appropriations provided act personnel accounts armed_forces fiscal year enacted


Summary: Veterans Appeals Improvement Act of 2011 - Provides that if a veteran claimant or representative submits new evidence in support of a case for which a substantive appeal has been filed to the Board of Veterans' Appeals, such evidence shall be submitted directly to the Board and not to the agency of jurisdiction, unless the claimant or representative requests that the evidence first be reviewed by the agency of jurisdiction.

improvement act provides veteran claimant representative submits new evidence support case substantive appeal filed evidence shall submitted directly board agency jurisdiction claimant representative requests evidence reviewed agency jurisdiction


Summary: Appropriates amounts to the Secretary of Defense (DOD) (and the Secretary of Homeland Security [DHS] with respect to the Coast Guard) during a funding gap impacting the Armed Forces to allow for the timely payment of pay and allowances, and for death gratuities under specified code provisions addressing death benefits for deceased military personnel. Defines "funding gap" as any period during FY2011 for which interim or full-year appropriations (other than as provided by this Act) for the personnel accounts of the Armed Forces for that fiscal year have not been enacted.

appropriates amounts secretary defense dod secretary homeland_security dhs respect coast_guard funding gap impacting armed_forces allow timely payment pay allowances death gratuities specified code provisions addressing death benefits deceased military personnel defines funding gap period fy2011 interim year appropriations provided act personnel accounts armed_forces fiscal year enacted


Summary: Defense Sexual Trauma Response Oversight and Good Governance Act (Defense STRONG Act) - Amends the Ike Skelton National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011 to require the Director of the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office to be appointed from general or flag officers or Department of Defense (DOD) employees in a comparable Senior Executive Service position. Requires the assignment within each military brigade or equivalent unit level of at least one full-time Sexual Assault Response Coordinator and one full-time Sexual Assault Victim Advocate, allowing the Secretary of the military department concerned to assign additional coordinators and/or advocates based on the demographics or needs of the unit. Allows only members of the Armed Forces (members) or DOD civilian personnel to be assigned as coordinators or advocates as of October 1, 2013. Directs the Secretary of Defense to establish a professional training and certification program for such coordinators and advocates. Entitles any member, or dependent of a member, who is the victim of a sexual assault to legal assistance provided by a military legal assistance counsel and coordinator and advocate services, regardless of whether the member elects unrestricted or restricted (confidential) reporting of the assault. Makes privileged any communications between a member or dependent and a coordinator, advocate, legal counsel, or person staffing a helpline. Directs the Secretary to establish a system for tracking and maintaining for at least 100 years any medical, investigative, and other records prepared or obtained by DOD in connection with a sexual assault involving a member or dependent. Requires permanent access to such records by the victim. Requires the transfer from the Secretary to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) of certain medical records in anticipation of a member's discharge, release, retirement, or medical treatment. Provides for the expedited consideration of, and priority for, an application by victims of sexual assault for a permanent change of station or unit transfer based on humanitarian conditions. Requires each military department Secretary to develop a curriculum to provide sexual assault prevention and response training and education for members and civilian employees of that department. Directs the Secretary to: (1) provide for the inclusion of a sexual assault prevention and response training module at each level of professional military education, and (2) require managers of specialty skills associated with first responders to integrate sexual assault response training in initial and recurring first responder training courses.

defense sexual trauma response oversight defense strong act amends ike skelton national defense authorization act fiscal year require director sexual_assault_prevention response_office appointed general flag officers department_of_defense dod employees comparable senior_executive_service position requires assignment military brigade equivalent unit level time sexual assault response coordinator time sexual assault victim advocate allowing secretary military department concerned assign additional coordinators advocates based demographics needs unit allows members armed_forces members dod civilian personnel assigned coordinators advocates october directs secretary defense establish professional training certification program coordinators advocates entitles member dependent member victim sexual assault legal assistance provided military legal assistance counsel coordinator advocate services regardless member elects unrestricted restricted confidential reporting assault makes privileged communications member dependent coordinator advocate legal counsel person staffing directs secretary establish system tracking maintaining years medical investigative records prepared obtained dod connection sexual assault involving member dependent requires permanent access records victim requires transfer secretary secretary veterans_affairs certain medical records anticipation member discharge release retirement medical treatment provides expedited consideration priority application victims sexual assault permanent change station unit transfer based humanitarian conditions requires military department secretary develop curriculum provide sexual assault prevention response training education members civilian employees department directs secretary provide inclusion sexual assault prevention response training module level professional military education require managers specialty skills associated responders integrate sexual assault response training initial recurring responder training courses


Summary: Guarantee Paychecks for America's Military Families Act - Prioritizes, in the event that the public debt of the U.S. government reaches the statutory limit, the following obligations over all other obligations: (1) the Secretary of the Treasury to pay with legal tender the principal and interest on debt held by the public; (2) the Secretary of Defense (DOD) and the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) to pay members of the Armed Forces the earned pay, allowances, and other compensation paid from military personnel accounts; and (3) the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Homeland Security to carry out a contingency operation (as defined in existing provisions of federal military law), including the pay earned by civilian employees of the DOD and the Coast Guard serving in a combat zone (as defined in existing provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986). Appropriates to the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Homeland Security, for any period of lapsed appropriations, such amounts as may be necessary to allow such Secretaries to provide, during the period of lapsed appropriations and without interruption: (1) pay and allowances to members of Armed Forces, including reserve components thereof, who perform active service during the period of lapsed appropriations; and (2) pay to civilian employees of the DOD and the Coast Guard serving in a combat zone. Defines "period of lapsed appropriations" as any period during which appropriations are not available due to the absence of the timely enactment of any Act or joint resolution (whether a general appropriations Act or an Act or joint resolution making continuing appropriations) appropriating funds for the payment of the pay and allowances of members of the Armed Forces or civilian employees of the DOD and Coast Guard.

military families act prioritizes event public debt government reaches statutory limit following obligations obligations secretary treasury pay legal tender principal interest debt held public secretary defense dod secretary homeland_security dhs pay members armed_forces earned pay allowances compensation paid military personnel accounts secretary defense secretary homeland_security carry contingency operation defined existing provisions federal military law including pay earned civilian employees dod coast_guard serving combat zone defined existing provisions internal_revenue_code appropriates secretary defense secretary homeland_security period lapsed appropriations amounts necessary allow secretaries provide period lapsed appropriations interruption pay allowances members armed_forces including reserve components thereof perform active service period lapsed appropriations pay civilian employees dod coast_guard serving combat zone defines period lapsed appropriations period appropriations available absence timely enactment act joint resolution general appropriations act act joint resolution making continuing appropriations appropriating funds payment pay allowances members armed_forces civilian employees dod coast_guard


Summary: Sanctity of Eternal Rest for Veterans Act of 2011 or SERVE Act of 2011 - Amends the federal criminal code concerning the prohibition on disruptions of funerals of members or former members of the Armed Forces to increase the period covered under such prohibition from one to two hours before and after a military funeral. Includes within such unlawful conduct any disturbance or disruption occurring within 500 feet of the residence of a surviving member of a deceased's immediate family. Provides civil remedies, including actual and statutory damages. Makes identical changes under federal veterans' provisions concerning the prohibition on certain demonstrations and disruptions at national cemeteries, including Arlington National Cemetery.

sanctity rest veterans act serve act amends federal criminal code concerning prohibition disruptions funerals members members armed_forces increase period covered prohibition hours military funeral includes unlawful conduct disturbance disruption occurring feet residence surviving member deceased immediate family provides civil remedies including actual statutory damages makes identical changes federal veterans provisions concerning prohibition certain demonstrations disruptions national cemeteries including arlington national cemetery


Summary: War Powers Reform Act of 2011 - Amends the War Powers Resolution to repeal an existing framework under which the President is required to terminate, within 60 days, subject to a possible 30-day extension, any use of Armed Forces with respect to which the President has submitted (or is required to submit) a report concerning the introduction of Armed Forces into hostilities in the absence of a declaration of war, unless: (1) Congress declares war or enacts specific authorization, (2) extends the 60-day period, or (3) is physically unable to meet as a result of an armed attack upon the United States. Strikes provisions concerning congressional action to remove Armed Forces engaged in hostilities without a declaration of war or specific statutory authorization. Replaces such framework with a process that prohibits funds available for the Armed Forces from being obligated or expended for introducing the Armed Forces into hostilities, or into situations where imminent involvement in hostilities is clearly indicated, in the absence of: (1) a declaration of war; (2) specific statutory authorization or obligation under a treaty; or (3) a national emergency created by an attack or imminent threat of attack upon the United States, its territories or possessions, or the Armed Forces. Provides that such prohibition shall not be construed to prohibit the use of such funds to provide for the defense of Israel created by an attack upon Israel.

war powers reform act amends war powers resolution repeal existing framework president required terminate days subject possible day extension use armed_forces respect president submitted required submit report concerning introduction armed_forces hostilities absence declaration war congress declares war enacts specific authorization extends day period physically unable meet result armed attack united_states strikes provisions concerning congressional action remove armed_forces engaged hostilities declaration war specific statutory authorization replaces framework process prohibits funds available armed_forces obligated expended introducing armed forces hostilities situations imminent involvement hostilities clearly indicated absence declaration war specific statutory authorization obligation treaty national emergency created attack imminent threat attack united_states territories possessions armed_forces provides prohibition shall construed prohibit use funds provide defense israel created attack israel


Summary: Veterans' Choice in Filing Act of 2011 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out a two-year pilot program to permit a qualifying veteran filing a claim for Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits to submit such claim to any VA regional office. Includes as a qualifying veteran one who, except for the pilot program, would be required to submit such claim to one of five VA regional offices selected by the Secretary based on below-average performance. Requires reports from the Secretary to Congress on: (1) the five below-average offices selected by the Secretary; and (2) the pilot program, including recommendations on the allocation of resources among the regional offices.

filing act directs secretary veterans_affairs carry year pilot program permit qualifying veteran filing claim department_of_veterans_affairs benefits submit claim regional office includes qualifying veteran pilot program required submit claim regional offices selected secretary based average performance requires reports secretary congress average offices selected secretary pilot program including recommendations allocation resources regional offices


Summary: Force Protection and Readiness Act - Grants, in cases arising under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) for communications made between an alleged victim of sexual assault and a Sexual Assault Victim Advocate of the Department of Defense (DOD), to an individual who consulted with such an Advocate, a victim service organization, or a health care professional the privilege of refusing to disclose a confidential communication made by the individual if such communication was made for the purpose of securing advice, counseling, treatment, or assistance in connection with a sexual assault or other sexual misconduct. Allows the privilege to be claimed by the individual's guardian or conservator. Provides exceptions. Requires the Secretary of the military department concerned to provide for the expedited consideration of a request for a permanent change of military station or unit transfer submitted by a member of the Armed Forces serving on active duty who was a victim of sexual assault or other sexual offense. Codifies under federal law a required information database on sexual assault incidents involving members of the Armed Forces. Repeals a superseded requirement under the Duncan Hunter National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009. Directs the Secretary of Defense to establish a universal hotline to facilitate the reporting of sexual assault involving members of the Armed Forces. Requires: (1) at least one full-time Sexual Assault Victim Advocate to be assigned to each battalion or equivalent military unit, and (2) appropriate training and certification of such advocates. Requires a copy of the record of proceedings of a court-martial involving a sexual assault or other sexual offense to be given to the victim if the victim testified during the proceedings. Directs the Secretary to provide a training module for judge advocates who serve as trial counsel to improve their ability to investigate and prosecute cases involving a sexual assault or other sexual offense.

force protection readiness act grants cases arising uniform code military justice ucmj communications alleged victim sexual assault sexual assault victim advocate department_of_defense dod individual consulted advocate victim service organization health care professional privilege refusing disclose confidential communication individual communication purpose securing advice counseling treatment assistance connection sexual assault sexual misconduct allows privilege claimed individual guardian conservator provides exceptions requires secretary military department concerned provide expedited consideration request permanent change military station unit transfer submitted member armed forces serving active duty victim sexual assault sexual offense codifies federal law required information database sexual assault incidents involving members armed_forces repeals superseded requirement duncan hunter national defense authorization act fiscal year directs secretary defense establish universal hotline facilitate reporting sexual assault involving members armed_forces requires time sexual assault victim advocate assigned equivalent military unit appropriate training certification advocates requires copy record proceedings court martial involving sexual assault sexual offense given victim victim testified proceedings directs secretary provide training module judge advocates serve trial counsel improve ability investigate prosecute cases involving sexual assault sexual offense


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 (DOD) 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 dod 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: Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to award the Army Combat Action Badge to any member of the Army who participated in combat during which the person actually engaged, or was personally engaged by, the enemy at any time between December 7, 1941, and September 18, 2001, as long as such person has not been previously recognized for such participation.

authorizes secretary army award member army participated combat person actually engaged personally engaged enemy time december september long person previously recognized participation


Summary: Veterans Outreach Enhancement Act of 2011 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to carry out a five-year program of outreach to veterans to increase: (1) their access and use of federal, state, and local programs providing compensation and other benefits for service in the Armed Forces; and (2) their awareness of and eligibility for such programs. Allows the Secretary, under the program, to enter into agreements with other federal and state agencies and specified authorities and commissions to carry out projects to further such purposes.

veterans outreach enhancement act directs secretary veterans_affairs carry year program outreach veterans increase access use federal state local programs providing compensation benefits service armed_forces awareness eligibility programs allows secretary program enter agreements federal state agencies specified authorities commissions carry projects purposes


Summary: Veterans Health Equity Act of 2011 - Requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, with respect to each of the 48 contiguous states, to ensure that veterans eligible for hospital care and medical services through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) have access to: (1) at least one full-service VA medical center in the state, or (2) hospital care and medical services comparable to that provided in full-service VA medical centers through contract with other health providers in the state. Makes such requirement effective only to the extent and in amounts provided in advance in appropriations Acts. Directs the Secretary to report to Congress on compliance with such requirement, including its effect on improving the quality and standards of veterans' care.

requires secretary veterans_affairs respect contiguous states ensure veterans eligible hospital care medical services department_of_veterans_affairs access service medical center state hospital care medical services comparable provided service medical centers contract health providers state makes requirement effective extent amounts provided advance appropriations acts directs secretary report congress compliance requirement including effect improving quality standards veterans care


Summary: Wounded Warrior Tax Equity Act of 2011 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to prevent any extension of the tax collection period after assessment for taxpayers who are members of the Armed Forces due to a hospitalization for combat zone injuries.

wounded warrior tax equity act amends internal revenue code prevent extension tax collection period assessment taxpayers members armed_forces hospitalization combat zone injuries


Summary: Sets a maximum age limit of 40 years for an original appointment to a position as a federal law enforcement officer in the case of individuals who have been discharged or released from active duty in the Armed Forces under honorable conditions. Increases the age at which such an individual must be separated from service as an officer to 60 years of age, with an authorized exemption until age 63.

sets maximum age limit years original appointment position federal law enforcement officer case individuals discharged released active duty armed_forces honorable conditions increases age individual separated service officer years age authorized exemption age


Summary: Military Commissions Guilty Plea Adjustment Act - Permits a guilty plea made by the accused prior to the announcement of the sentence in a capital offense trial before a military commission to form the basis of an agreement to reduce the maximum approved sentence.

military commissions guilty plea adjustment act permits guilty plea accused prior announcement sentence capital offense trial military commission form basis agreement reduce maximum approved sentence


Summary: Extends for one year and 30 days after the enactment of this Act the authority of members of the Armed Forces or veterans who have completed more than 10 years of active-duty service to transfer to family members any portion of their unused post-9/11 educational assistance program benefits.

extends year days enactment act authority members armed_forces veterans completed years active duty service transfer family members portion unused educational assistance program benefits


Summary: Women's Fair and Equal Right to Military Service Act - Requires the Secretary of Defense to revise the military personnel policies of the Department of Defense (DOD) and the military departments so that such policies do not restrict members of the Armed Forces from assignment to units and positions based on gender. Prohibits any change in a military personnel policy that would exclude based on gender from taking effect until: (1) the Secretary submits to Congress a notice of the intent to make the change, and (2) the expiration of 30 legislative days after Congress receives such notice. Repeals specified existing Armed Forces personnel laws directing the Secretary to notify Congress of changes to the ground combat exclusion policy (defined in the existing provisions as military personnel policies of DOD and military departments, as in effect on October 1, 1994, by which female members of the armed forces are restricted from assignment to units and positions below brigade level whose primary mission is to engage in direct combat on the ground), assignment of females to certain military career designators, and other related personnel policy changes.

women fair secretary defense revise military personnel policies department_of_defense dod military departments policies restrict members armed_forces assignment units positions based gender prohibits change military personnel policy exclude based gender taking effect secretary submits congress notice intent change expiration legislative days congress receives notice repeals specified existing armed_forces personnel laws directing secretary notify congress changes ground combat exclusion policy defined existing provisions military personnel policies dod military departments effect october female members armed forces restricted assignment units positions brigade level primary mission engage direct combat ground assignment females certain military career related personnel policy changes


Summary: Supply Our Soldiers Act of 2011 - Directs the Secretary of Defense (DOD) to provide for a program under which postal benefits are provided to a member of the Armed Forces who is on active duty and who is either: (1) serving in Iraq or Afghanistan, or (2) hospitalized at a military medical facility as a result of such service. Provides the postal benefits in the form of coupons or other evidence of credit (vouchers) to use for postal-free mailings. Makes the benefits program applicable during FY2012-FY2017.

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


Summary: Hiring Heroes Act of 2011- Amends the Wounded Warriors Act to extend until January 1, 2015, the authority of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide the same rehabilitation and vocational benefits to members of the Armed Forces with severe injuries or illnesses as are provided to veterans. Expands the authority of the VA Secretary to make payments to employers to provide on-job training to veterans to include veterans who have not been rehabilitated to the point of employability. Entitles certain veterans with service-connected disabilities who have exhausted their rights to unemployment benefits to participation in an additional VA rehabilitation program. Limits the duration of such a program to 24 months. Makes the 12-year period of eligibility for a VA rehabilitation program inapplicable under such an additional program. Instructs the VA Secretary to follow-up on the employment status of veterans who participate in a VA rehabilitation program. Requires (current law encourages) participation by eligible members in the Transitional Assistance Program (TAP) of the Department of Defense (DOD). Requires (under current law, authorizes) the provision of preseparation counseling to members whose discharge or release is anticipated. Instructs the Secretary of Labor to follow-up on the employment status of members who complete their participation in the TAP. Directs the VA Secretary to award grants to up to three nonprofit organizations under a collaborative veterans' training, mentoring, and placement program for eligible veterans seeking employment. Requires participants in the TAP to receive individualized assessments of civilian positions for which they may be qualified based on a joint DOD, VA, and Department of Labor study of the equivalencies between military skills and civilian employment requirements. Authorizes the appointment of an honorably discharged member of the uniformed services to a position in the civil service, without regard to specified civil service examination, certification, and appointment provisions, if otherwise qualified. Requires executive agencies to establish programs to provide employment assistance to members who are being separated from active duty. Directs the Secretary of Labor to carry out an outreach program to provide employment assistance to certain veterans who have been receiving assistance under the Unemployment Compensation for Ex-servicemembers program. Authorizes a pilot program to assess the feasibility of providing work experience to certain members of the Armed Forces who are on terminal leave. Requires (under current law, authorizes) a VA demonstration project on the credentialing and licensing of veterans.

hiring heroes act amends wounded warriors act extend january authority secretary veterans_affairs provide rehabilitation vocational benefits members armed_forces severe injuries illnesses provided veterans expands authority secretary payments employers provide job training veterans include veterans rehabilitated point employability entitles certain veterans service connected disabilities exhausted rights unemployment benefits participation additional rehabilitation program limits duration program months makes year period eligibility rehabilitation program inapplicable additional program instructs secretary follow employment status veterans participate rehabilitation program requires current law encourages participation eligible members tap department_of_defense dod requires current law authorizes provision preseparation counseling members discharge release anticipated instructs secretary labor follow employment status members complete participation tap directs secretary award grants nonprofit organizations collaborative veterans training mentoring placement program eligible veterans seeking employment requires participants tap receive individualized assessments civilian positions qualified based joint dod department_of_labor study military skills civilian employment requirements authorizes appointment honorably discharged member uniformed services position civil service regard specified civil service examination certification appointment provisions qualified requires executive agencies establish programs provide employment assistance members separated active duty directs secretary labor carry outreach program provide employment assistance certain veterans receiving assistance unemployment compensation servicemembers program authorizes pilot program assess feasibility providing work experience certain members armed_forces terminal leave requires current law authorizes demonstration project credentialing licensing veterans


Summary: 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). Repeals provisions phasing in the full concurrent receipt of such pay through December 31, 2013. 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. Repeals certain provisions which require the offset of amounts paid in dependency and indemnity compensation from Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) annuities for the surviving spouses of former military personnel who are entitled to military retired pay or who would be entitled to retired pay except for being under 60 years of age. Prohibits requiring repayment of certain amounts previously paid to SBP recipients in the form of a retired pay refund. Repeals the optional authority of (and instead requires) the Secretary of the military department concerned to pay an annuity to a member's dependent children when there is no eligible surviving spouse. Directs the Secretary concerned to restore annuity eligibility to a surviving spouse who earlier agreed to transfer such eligibility to a surviving child or children of a member. Removes the requirement that days of active duty or active service used to reduce the minimum age at which a member of the reserves may retire for non-regular (reserve) service must occur in the same fiscal year.

allows receipt military retired pay veterans disability compensation respect service connected disability current law disability rated repeals provisions phasing concurrent receipt pay december makes eligible concurrent receipt veterans disability compensation military retired pay combat related special pay individuals retired separated military service service connected disability repeals certain provisions require offset amounts paid dependency indemnity compensation survivor_benefit_plan sbp annuities surviving spouses military personnel entitled military retired pay entitled retired pay years age prohibits requiring repayment certain amounts previously paid sbp recipients form retired pay refund repeals optional authority instead requires secretary military department concerned pay annuity member dependent children eligible surviving spouse directs secretary concerned restore annuity eligibility surviving spouse earlier agreed transfer eligibility surviving child children member removes requirement days active duty active service reduce minimum age member reserves retire non regular reserve service occur fiscal year


Summary: Permits the posthumous transfer of Post 9/11 Educational Assistance (an educational assistance entitlement for certain members of the Armed Forces serving on or after September 11, 2001) to the spouse or children of eligible Armed Forces members when the application of a member electing to transfer such assistance was not approved before the member died in the line of duty. Allows transfers of such entitlements by individuals honorably discharged or released from active duty in the Armed Forces due to a service-connected disability or after sustaining an injury in line of duty requiring hospital, nursing home, or domiciliary care or treatment. (Current law requires an individual to be serving as a member of the Armed Forces when the transfer is executed.) Sets forth extended and alternative eligibility periods for such individuals. Applies this Act to individuals who become eligible to transfer such benefits on or after August 1, 2009.

permits posthumous transfer educational assistance entitlement certain members armed forces serving september spouse children eligible armed_forces members application member electing transfer assistance approved member died line duty allows transfers entitlements individuals honorably discharged released active duty armed_forces service connected disability sustaining injury line duty requiring hospital nursing home domiciliary care treatment current law requires individual serving member armed_forces transfer executed sets forth extended alternative eligibility periods individuals applies act individuals eligible transfer benefits august


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 (DOD) and the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS), 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.

modifies requirement secretary concerned provide preseparation counseling members armed_forces discharge release active duty anticipated specific date directs secretary concerned including secretary defense dod secretary homeland_security dhs require members receive preseparation counseling employment assistance job training assistance transitional services specified program established secretary labor


Summary: Amends the Dr. James Allen Veteran Vision Equity Act of 2007 to apply specified provisions of the Veterans Education and Benefits Expansion Act of 2001 and the Veterans Benefits, Health Care, and Information Technology Act of 2006 concerning the provision of government markers for marked graves of veterans at private cemeteries to headstones, markers, and medallions for individuals dying before, on, or after November 1, 1990. (Current law applies only to headstones and markers for individuals dying on or after that date.)

amends veteran vision equity act apply specified provisions benefits expansion act veterans benefits health_care information technology act concerning provision government markers marked graves veterans private cemeteries headstones markers individuals dying november current law applies headstones markers individuals dying date


Summary: Veterans Missing in America Act of 2011 - Recognizes the tireless work and dedication of the Missing in America Project, in conjunction with numerous veterans service organizations, in identifying unclaimed remains of veterans. Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to cooperate with such organizations to assist entities in possession of unclaimed or abandoned human remains in determining if any such remains are the remains of veterans or other individuals eligible for burial in a national cemetery. Requires the Secretary, upon a positive determination with respect to any such remains, to provide for and cover the cost of the burial and funeral expenses if the Secretary determines that: (1) there is no next of kin or other person claiming the remains, and (2) there are no other sufficient resources to cover such expenses. Directs the Secretary to establish a publicly accessible database of the names of any veteran or other individual so identified.

veterans missing america act recognizes work dedication missing america project conjunction numerous veterans service organizations identifying unclaimed remains veterans directs secretary veterans_affairs cooperate organizations assist entities possession unclaimed abandoned human remains determining remains remains veterans individuals eligible burial national cemetery requires secretary positive determination respect remains provide cover cost burial funeral expenses secretary determines kin person claiming remains sufficient resources cover expenses directs secretary establish publicly accessible database names veteran individual identified


Summary: Fort McClellan Health Registry Act - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to establish and maintain a special record to be known as the Fort McClellan Health Registry containing the name of each individual who, while serving in the Armed Forces, was stationed at Fort McClellan, Alabama, during the period beginning on January 1, 1935, and ending on May 20, 1999, and who: (1) applies for care or services from the VA; (2) files a claim for compensation on the basis of any disability which may be associated with such service; (3) dies and is survived by a spouse, child, or parent who files a claim for dependency and indemnity compensation on the basis of such service; (4) requests a health examination from the VA; or (5) receives such health examination and requests inclusion in the Registry. Requires the Secretary, upon request, to provide such health examination, as well as consultation and counseling with respect to examination results. Directs the Secretary to: (1) notify individuals in the Registry of significant developments in research on the health consequences of potential exposure to a toxic substance or environmental hazard related to service at Fort McClellan; and (2) carry out appropriate outreach activities with respect to such health examinations, consultation, and counseling.

secretary veterans_affairs establish maintain special record known containing individual serving armed_forces stationed alabama period beginning january ending applies care services files claim compensation basis disability associated service dies survived spouse child parent files claim dependency indemnity compensation basis service requests health examination receives health examination requests inclusion registry requires secretary request provide health examination consultation counseling respect examination results directs secretary notify individuals registry significant developments research health consequences potential exposure toxic substance environmental hazard related service fort carry appropriate outreach activities respect health examinations consultation counseling


Summary: Veterans' Disability Claims Efficiency Act of 2011 - Allows the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA), in the case of a disability claim with multiple conditions, to assign an interim disability rating for the condition(s) that can be assigned without further development and to continue development of the remaining condition(s). Requires an interim disability rating to remain in effect unless the Secretary later assigns an increased rating for such condition. Prohibits the continuation of such rating if the rating was based on fraud or the condition improves. Directs the Secretary to establish a process for the rapid identification of initial claims for disability compensation that should, in adjudication, receive priority in the order of review. Requires the Secretary to identify whether claims have the potential of being adjudicated quickly, the claims qualify for priority treatment, and a temporary disability rating could be assigned for such claims. Authorizes the Secretary to provide priority based on the effect such priority would have on a claimant.

allows secretary veterans_affairs case disability claim multiple conditions assign interim disability rating assigned development continue development remaining requires interim disability rating remain effect secretary later assigns increased rating condition prohibits continuation rating rating based fraud condition improves directs secretary establish process rapid identification initial claims disability compensation adjudication receive priority order review requires secretary identify claims potential adjudicated quickly claims qualify priority treatment temporary disability rating assigned claims authorizes secretary provide priority based effect priority claimant


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: Military Leaders Enhancement Act - Directs Secretary of Defense (DOD) and the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) in the case of the Coast Guard to: (1) prepare and implement a plan to achieve, between 2031 and 2041, a dynamic, sustainable level of Armed Forces members (including reserve components) that, among both commissioned officers and senior enlisted personnel of each armed force, reflects the diverse population of the United States eligible to serve in the Armed Forces, including gender specific, racial, or ethnic populations and diversified language and cultural skills; and (2) develop a standard set of metrics and collection procedures, uniform across the Armed Forces, to capture the inclusion and capability aspects of the Armed Forces' broader diversity plans and to verify and systematically link to strategic plans. Requires: (1) the DOD and DHS Secretaries, at least biannually, to meet with the Secretaries of the military departments, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Commandant of the Coast Guard, and senior enlisted members of the Armed Forces to discuss progress on the plan; and (2) the DOD Secretary to coordinate with the National Guard Bureau and states in tracking the National Guard's progress on the plan. Directs the DOD Secretary to include in its annual defense manpower requirements report to Congress a discussion of: (1) the progress on implementing the plan while still being able to prevail in any war, prevent and deter any conflict, defeat any adversary, succeed in wide ranges of contingencies, and preserve and enhance the all-volunteer force; (2) the available pool of qualified candidates for the general officer grades of general and lieutenant general and the flag officer grades of admiral and vice admiral, including an assessment of the qualified racial or ethnic minority and female candidates. Directs the DHS Secretary to submit to Congress a related annual report.

military leaders enhancement act directs secretary defense dod secretary homeland_security dhs case coast_guard prepare implement plan achieve dynamic sustainable level armed_forces members including reserve components commissioned officers senior enlisted personnel armed force reflects diverse population united_states eligible serve armed_forces including gender specific racial ethnic populations diversified language cultural skills develop standard set metrics collection procedures uniform armed_forces capture inclusion capability aspects broader diversity plans verify systematically link strategic plans requires dod biannually meet secretaries military departments joint_chiefs_of_staff commandant coast guard senior enlisted members armed_forces discuss progress plan dod secretary coordinate national_guard_bureau states tracking national_guard progress plan directs dod secretary include annual defense manpower requirements report congress discussion progress implementing plan able prevail war prevent deter conflict defeat succeed wide ranges contingencies preserve enhance volunteer force available pool qualified candidates general officer grades general lieutenant general flag officer grades admiral vice admiral including assessment qualified racial ethnic minority female candidates directs dhs secretary submit congress related annual report


Summary: Directs the Secretary of Defense (DOD) and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to submit, at least annually until January 1, 2021, separate reports to Congress on the operation of the educational assistance program with respect to members of the Armed Forces whose service commenced on or after September 11, 2001. Requires the reports to include information concerning the utilization of benefits, as well as how benefit levels affect recruitment and retention. Repeals reporting requirements concerning the all-volunteer force educational assistance program.

directs secretary defense dod secretary veterans_affairs submit annually january separate reports congress operation educational assistance program respect members armed_forces service commenced september requires reports include information concerning utilization benefits benefit levels affect recruitment retention repeals reporting requirements concerning volunteer force educational assistance program


Summary: Caring for Military Kids with Autism Act - Requires the autism spectrum disorder treatment authorized for dependents in uniformed services facilities under TRICARE (a Department of Defense [DOD] managed health care system) to include behavioral health treatment, including applied behavior analysis, when prescribed by a physician.

caring military kids autism act requires autism spectrum disorder treatment authorized dependents uniformed services facilities tricare department_of_defense dod managed health care system include behavioral health treatment including applied behavior analysis prescribed physician


Summary: Extends, until FY2018, the yearly $2 million appropriations authorization for the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to pay a monthly assistance allowance to disabled veterans training or competing for the Paralympic Team.

extends fy2018 yearly million appropriations authorization secretary veterans_affairs pay monthly assistance allowance disabled veterans training competing


Summary: Medal of Honor Stipend Increase Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA), subject to the availability of appropriations, to increase by up to $500 a month the rate of the Medal of Honor special pension.

medal honor stipend increase act authorizes secretary veterans_affairs subject availability appropriations increase month rate medal honor special pension


Summary: (This measure has not been amended since it was reported to the House on October 6, 2011. The summary of that version is repeated here.) Veterans' Benefits Act of 2011 - (Sec. 2) Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to conduct a four-year pilot program to: (1) biennially assess the skills of appropriate Veterans Benefits Administration employees and managers responsible for processing VA compensation and pension benefit claims; (2) develop and implement individualized training plans related to such skills; (3) provide remediation for deficiently skilled employees or managers receiving a less than satisfactory result on any portion of the assessment; and (4) take appropriate disciplinary actions with respect to individuals failing to receive a satisfactory result after being given two opportunities for such remediation. Authorizes appropriations. Requires the Secretary to report annually during the program period to the congressional veterans committees on such assessment and the training conducted. (Sec. 3) Excludes from annual income, for purposes of eligibility for pensions for veterans and their surviving spouses and children, reimbursements resulting from: (1) any accident; (2) any theft or loss; (3) any casualty loss; (4) medical expenses resulting from any such accident, theft, or loss; and (5) pain and suffering (including insurance settlement payments and general damages awarded by a court) related to such accident, theft, or loss. Extends through November 18, 2011, VA authority to obtain veterans' income verification information from the Secretary of the Treasury or the Commissioner of Social Security. (Sec. 4) Directs the Secretary to notify VA benefits claimants by the most effective means available, including electronic communication or notification in writing, of any information or medical or lay evidence not previously provided to the Secretary that is necessary to substantiate a claim. (Current law does not specify the means of notice.) (Sec. 5) Requires the Secretary, in assisting claimants in obtaining relevant records in support of a claim, to make at least two requests to a custodian of a private medical record, unless it is made evident by the first request that a second request would be futile. Directs the Secretary to encourage claimants to submit relevant private medical records if such submission does not burden the claimant. Allows the claimant to instead authorize the Secretary to obtain such records. Provides procedures for the obtaining of public records by the Secretary. (Sec. 6) Prohibits, in any case arising out of the administration of laws and benefits by VA, considering any person who is mentally incapacitated, deemed mentally incompetent, or experiencing an extended loss of consciousness from being considered adjudicated as a mental defective for purposes of the right to receive or transport firearms without the order or finding of a judge, magistrate, or other judicial authority of competent jurisdiction that such person is a danger to himself or herself or others. (Sec. 7) Provides criminal penalties against any person who solicits, contracts for, charges, or receives any fee or compensation from a veteran, other than that currently permitted under law, for: (1) advice on how to file a benefits claim; or (2) the preparation, presentation, or prosecution of a claim before the date on which a notice of disagreement is filed in a proceeding on the claim. (Sec. 8) Prohibits the Secretary from paying more than $2 million in Senior Executive Service performance awards for each of FY2012-FY2016.

measure amended reported house october summary version repeated veterans benefits act sec directs secretary veterans_affairs conduct year pilot program biennially assess skills appropriate veterans_benefits_administration employees managers responsible processing compensation pension benefit claims develop implement individualized training plans related skills provide remediation skilled employees managers receiving satisfactory result portion assessment appropriate disciplinary actions respect individuals failing receive satisfactory result given opportunities remediation authorizes appropriations requires secretary report annually program period congressional veterans committees assessment training conducted sec excludes annual income purposes eligibility pensions veterans surviving spouses children reimbursements resulting accident theft loss casualty loss medical expenses resulting accident theft loss pain suffering including insurance settlement payments general damages awarded court related accident theft loss extends november authority obtain veterans income verification information secretary treasury commissioner_of_social_security sec directs secretary notify benefits claimants effective means available including electronic communication notification writing information medical lay evidence previously provided secretary necessary substantiate claim current law specify means notice sec requires secretary assisting claimants obtaining relevant records support claim requests custodian private medical record request second request directs secretary encourage claimants submit relevant private medical records submission burden claimant allows claimant instead authorize secretary obtain records provides procedures obtaining public records secretary sec prohibits case arising administration laws benefits considering person mentally incapacitated deemed mentally incompetent experiencing extended loss consciousness considered adjudicated mental defective purposes right receive transport firearms order finding judge magistrate judicial authority competent jurisdiction person danger sec provides criminal penalties person solicits contracts charges receives fee compensation veteran currently permitted law advice file benefits claim preparation presentation prosecution claim date notice disagreement filed proceeding claim sec prohibits secretary paying million senior_executive_service performance awards fy2012 fy2016


Summary: Authorizes the American Legion under its federal charter to provide guidance and leadership to the individual Departments and Posts. Prohibits it from controlling or otherwise influencing the specific activities and conduct of independent, autonomous Departments and Posts.

authorizes federal charter provide guidance leadership individual departments posts prohibits controlling influencing specific activities conduct independent autonomous


Summary: Directs the Chief of Engineers to develop a Veterans' Curation Program to hire veterans and members of the Armed Forces to assist in carrying out curation and historic preservation activities.

directs chief engineers develop veterans curation program hire veterans members armed_forces assist carrying curation historic preservation activities


Summary: Rating and Processing Individuals' Disability Claims Act or the RAPID Claims Act - Requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA), if a veteran's claim is submitted that is determined to be a fully developed claim, to provide: (1) the claimant with the opportunity to waive any claim development period with respect to such claim, and (2) expeditious treatment of such claim. Provides that: (1) if a person notifies the Secretary of the intention to submit a fully developed claim and does so within a one-year period thereafter, the Secretary shall provide expeditious treatment to the claim; and (2) if the Secretary determines that a claim submitted as fully developed is not fully developed, the Secretary shall notify such person within 30 days of the information and evidence required to fully develop the claim. Requires the Secretary, when denying a benefit, to notify the claimant of any form or application required to appeal such decision.

rating rapid claims act requires secretary veterans_affairs veteran claim submitted determined fully developed claim provide claimant opportunity waive claim development period respect claim expeditious treatment claim provides person notifies secretary intention submit fully developed claim year period secretary shall provide expeditious treatment claim secretary determines claim submitted fully developed fully developed secretary shall notify person days information evidence required fully develop claim requires secretary denying benefit notify claimant form application required appeal decision


Summary: Modernizing Notice to Claimants Act - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide VA benefits claimants, by the most expeditious means available, including electronic communication or notification in writing, of any information or medical or lay evidence not previously provided to the Secretary that is necessary to substantiate a claim. (Current law does not specify the means of notice.) Requires the Secretary, whenever private records relevant to a claim are unable to be obtained after making reasonable efforts in response to a claimant's request for assistance, to, subject to waiver: (1) notify the claimant that the claim will be decided based on evidence of record, but that this Act does not prohibit submission of records at a later date if such submission is otherwise allowed, and (2) make at least two requests to a private record custodian before an effort to obtain relevant private records may be treated as reasonable. (Current law requires only an identification and explanation of the Secretary's efforts to obtain such records with a description of any further action to be taken on the claim.) Directs the Secretary, when attempting to assist a disability compensation claimant in obtaining relevant records from a federal agency, to continue such efforts unless it is reasonably certain that the records are nonexistent or that further efforts would be futile.

modernizing notice claimants act directs secretary veterans_affairs provide benefits claimants expeditious means available including electronic communication notification writing information medical lay evidence previously provided secretary necessary substantiate claim current law specify means notice requires secretary private records relevant claim unable obtained making reasonable efforts response claimant request assistance subject waiver notify claimant claim decided based evidence record act prohibit submission records later date submission allowed requests private record custodian effort obtain relevant private records treated reasonable current law requires identification explanation secretary efforts obtain records description action taken claim directs secretary attempting assist disability compensation claimant obtaining relevant records federal agency continue efforts reasonably certain records efforts


Summary: Accountability in Contract Execution Act - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to: (1) conduct a cost-benefit analysis and notify Congress of each contract awarded by the Secretary valued over $100 million, including sole-source, undefinitized, split, or indefinite delivery-indefinite quantity contracts; and (2) submit such analysis to Congress upon request. Requires such an analysis to address: (1) economic and technical feasibility, (2) cost effectiveness, (3) adherence to best industry practices, and (4) written certification that the Secretary considered all alternatives in a fair, competitive, and ethical environment during the contracting process.

accountability contract execution act directs secretary veterans_affairs conduct cost benefit analysis notify congress contract awarded secretary valued million including sole source undefinitized split indefinite delivery indefinite quantity contracts submit analysis congress request requires analysis address economic technical feasibility cost effectiveness adherence best industry practices written certification secretary considered alternatives fair competitive ethical environment contracting process


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: Veterans Opportunity to Work Act of 2011 - Title I: Retraining Veterans - (Sec. 101) Directs the Secretary of Labor (Secretary), from June 1, 2012, through March 31, 2014, to provide for monthly payments, through the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA), of up to 12 months of retraining assistance to certain veterans from 35 to 60 years of age applying by October 1, 2013, who: (1) were last discharged from active duty service with an honorable discharge, (2) have been unemployed for a designated period, and (3) are ineligible for specified veterans' educational assistance. Sets forth the maximum number of eligible veteran participants and the authorized forms of education and training. Requires a joint report from such Secretaries to the congressional veterans committees on such assistance. Title II: Improving the Transition Assistance Program - (Sec. 201) Revises guidelines for stationing Transition Assistance Program (TAP) personnel to require the Secretary to contract with a private entity or entities to provide specified counseling, employment, and training services. (Under current law, the Secretary is required to station such personnel at member transition assistance offices located on military installations.) Requires such contract to be entered into within 24 months after the enactment of this Act. (Sec. 202) Directs the Secretary of Defense (DOD) and the Secretary of the Transportation (DOT) to require participation of all members eligible for employment assistance and other transitional services unless a documented urgent operational requirement prevents attendance or a member declines due to post-service employment or acceptance to an education program. (Sec. 203) Directs the Secretary to: (1) report to the veterans committees on TAP, including the number of individuals who participated within 30, 90, and 180 days after separation; and (2) contract with a small business owned and controlled by veterans or service-disabled veterans for a TAP audit at least every three years. Requires audit results to be submitted to the Secretaries of Labor, DOD, and VA, as well as the veterans committees. (Sec. 204) Requires the Secretaries of Labor to develop a method to assess the outcomes of individuals participating in TAP. (Sec. 205) Directs the Comptroller General (CG) to review TAP, and submit review results to Congress. Title III: Improving the Transition of Veterans to Civilian Employment - (Sec. 301) Modifies the demonstration project on credentialing for active duty service members transitioning to civilian employment by requiring the Assistant Secretary for Veterans' Employment and Training to: (1) select at least 5 but not more than 10 (currently, at least 10) military occupational specialties; and (2) enter into a contract with an appropriate entity representing a coalition of state governors to identify credentialing, certification, and licensing requirements incorporating the necessary skills for such specialties. Establishes a new period, ending on September 30, 2014, for carrying out the demonstration project and limits funding to $180,000 each fiscal year from specified sources. Requires annual implementation reports over the project period from such Assistant Secretary to the veterans committees. (Sec. 302) Requires, in an annual report on job counseling, training, and placement services for veterans, the inclusion of performance measures for the provision of such assistance. (Sec. 303) Revises the priority of service in Department of Labor training programs. Requires the Secretary to annually evaluate whether certain qualifying veterans are receiving priority service and are being fully served by qualified job training programs. Prohibits the Secretary from using the proportion of representation of veterans as the basis for such evaluation. (Sec. 304) Directs the Secretary to require that each individual receiving training by the National Veterans' Employment and Training Services Institute be given a final examination to evaluate their performance. (Sec. 305) Requires that each full-time disabled veterans' outreach program specialist and local veterans' employment representative perform only duties relating to the employment and training needs of veterans, and not other non-veteran-related duties. Directs the Secretary to conduct regular audits of such duties to ensure compliance. (Sec. 306) Directs the Secretary and the DOD Secretary to jointly: (1) contract to complete a previous study of 10 military occupational specialties aimed at reducing barriers to certification and licensure for transitioning members and veterans, and (2) submit study results to Congress. Title IV: Improvements to Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights - (Sec. 401) Includes the terms, conditions, or privileges of employment within the benefits and rights of employment for purposes of the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act. Title V: Other Matters - (Sec. 501) Extends through: (1) FY2014 the VA adjustable and hybrid adjustable mortgage rate demonstration projects, (2) 2016 the authority of the VA Secretary to guarantee the principal and interest on securities evidencing an interest in a pool of veterans' mortgage loans, and (3) October 1, 2017, the authority to collect fees for certain housing loans made, insured, or guaranteed by the VA. Amends the Veterans Benefits Improvement Act of 2008 to extend through 2014 a temporary adjustment in the maximum VA single-family residence home loan guaranty amount. (Sec. 502) Authorizes the VA to guarantee home loans for the surviving spouses of veterans who: (1) were eligible for veterans' dependency and indemnity compensation due to a total disability rating, or (2) were former prisoners of war who were totally disabled for at least one year preceding death. (Sec. 503) Limits VA payments for ambulance services to the lesser of the actual charges or the rates permitted under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act. (Sec. 504) Directs the DOD and VA Secretaries to report annually to Congress on the effectiveness of education and training offered under the post-9/11 educational assistance program and the survivors' and dependents' educational assistance program, respectively. Terminates such report requirements after January 1, 2021. (Sec. 505) Limits to $385 million the FY2012 VA funding for travel, printing, and fleet vehicle costs. (Sec. 506) Extends through May 31, 2016, the current $90 limit on VA pension paid to veterans residing in nursing homes when their nursing costs are paid through title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act.

title retraining veterans sec directs secretary labor secretary june march provide monthly payments secretary veterans_affairs months retraining assistance certain veterans years age applying october discharged active duty service honorable discharge unemployed designated period ineligible specified veterans educational assistance sets forth maximum number eligible veteran participants authorized forms education training requires joint report secretaries congressional veterans committees assistance title improving transition assistance program sec revises guidelines stationing transition_assistance_program tap personnel require secretary contract private entity entities provide specified counseling employment training services current law secretary required station personnel member transition assistance offices located military installations requires contract entered months enactment act sec directs secretary defense dod secretary transportation dot require participation members eligible employment assistance transitional services documented urgent operational requirement prevents attendance member declines post service employment acceptance education program sec directs secretary report veterans committees tap including number individuals participated days separation contract small business owned controlled veterans service disabled veterans tap audit years requires audit results submitted secretaries labor dod veterans committees sec requires secretaries labor develop method assess outcomes individuals participating tap sec directs comptroller_general review tap submit review results congress title iii improving transition veterans sec modifies demonstration project credentialing active duty service members transitioning civilian employment requiring assistant secretary training select currently military occupational specialties enter contract appropriate entity representing coalition state governors identify credentialing certification licensing requirements incorporating necessary skills specialties establishes new period ending september carrying demonstration project limits funding fiscal year specified sources requires annual implementation reports project period assistant secretary veterans committees sec requires annual report job counseling training placement services veterans inclusion performance measures provision assistance sec revises priority service department_of_labor training programs requires secretary annually evaluate certain qualifying veterans receiving priority service fully served qualified job training programs prohibits secretary proportion representation veterans basis evaluation sec directs secretary require individual receiving training given final examination evaluate performance sec requires time disabled veterans outreach program specialist local veterans employment representative perform duties relating employment training needs veterans non veteran related duties directs secretary conduct regular audits duties ensure compliance sec directs secretary dod secretary jointly contract complete previous study military occupational specialties aimed reducing barriers certification licensure transitioning members veterans submit study results congress title sec includes terms conditions privileges employment benefits rights employment purposes uniformed_services_employment_and_reemployment_rights_act title matters sec extends fy2014 adjustable hybrid adjustable mortgage rate demonstration projects authority secretary guarantee principal interest securities evidencing interest pool veterans mortgage loans october authority collect fees certain housing loans insured guaranteed amends veterans benefits improvement act extend temporary adjustment maximum single family residence home loan guaranty sec authorizes guarantee home loans surviving spouses veterans eligible veterans dependency indemnity compensation total disability rating prisoners war totally disabled year preceding death sec payments ambulance services lesser actual charges rates permitted title xviii medicare social security act sec directs dod report annually congress effectiveness education training offered educational assistance program survivors dependents educational assistance program respectively terminates report requirements january sec limits million funding travel printing fleet vehicle costs sec extends current limit pension paid veterans residing nursing homes nursing costs paid title xix medicaid social security act


Summary: Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to award a decoration called the Department of Veterans Affairs Medal for Distinguished Public Service to a veteran who, during the period after the date of the veteran's discharge or release from the active military, naval, or air service, has: (1) made remarkable and distinguished contributions to the community of the veteran, and (2) exemplified the virtues of honor, duty, and commitment to service that originally led the veteran to service in the Armed Forces. Allows the Secretary to award such medal posthumously to such a veteran who is deceased.

authorizes secretary veterans_affairs award called department_of_veterans_affairs medal distinguished public service veteran period date veteran discharge release active military naval air service distinguished contributions community veteran honor duty commitment service originally led veteran service armed_forces allows secretary award medal veteran deceased