II 110th CONGRESS 1st Session S. 1096 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES April 12, 2007 Mr. Cornyn (for himself, Mr. Craig, Mr. Akaka, and Mrs. Hutchison) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs A BILL To amend title 38, United States Code, to provide certain housing benefits to disabled members of the Armed Forces, to expand certain benefits for disabled veterans with severe burns, and for other purposes.

1.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the Veterans' Housing Benefits Enhancement Act of 2007.

2.

Home improvements and structural alterations for totally disabled members of the Armed Forces before discharge or release from the Armed Forces

Section 1717 of title 38, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: (d)(1)In the case of a member of the Armed Forces who, as determined by the Secretary, has a total disability permanent in nature incurred or aggravated in the line of duty in the active military, naval, or air service, the Secretary may furnish improvements and structural alterations for such member for such disability or as otherwise described in subsection (a)(2) while such member is hospitalized or receiving outpatient medical care, services, or treatment for such disability if the Secretary determines that such member is likely to be discharged or released from the Armed Forces for such disability. (2)The furnishing of improvements and alterations under paragraph (1) in connection with the furnishing of medical services described in subparagraph (A) or (B) of subsection (a)(2) shall be subject to the limitation specified in the applicable subparagraph. .

3.

Specially adapted housing assistance for disabled veterans with severe burns

Section 2101 of title 38, United States Code, is amended— (1)in subsection (a)(2), by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: (E)The disability is due to a severe burn injury (as determined pursuant to regulations prescribed by the Secretary). ; and (2)in subsection (b)(2)— (A)by striking either and inserting any; and (B)by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: (C)The disability is due to a severe burn injury (as so determined). .

4.

Report on specially adapted housing for disabled veterans

(a)

In general

Not later than December 31, 2007, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of Representatives a report that contains an assessment of the adequacy of the authorities available to the Secretary under law to assist disabled veterans in acquiring— (1)suitable housing units with special fixtures or movable facilities required for their disabilities, and necessary land therefor; (2)such adaptations to their residences as are reasonably necessary because of their disabilities; or (3)residences already adapted with special features determined by the Secretary to be reasonably necessary as a result of their disabilities. (b)

Focus on particular disabilities

The report required by subsection (a) shall pay particular attention to the needs of veterans who have disabilities that are not described in subsections (a)(2) and (b)(2) of section 2101 of title 38, United States Code.

5.

Eligibility of disabled veterans and members of the Armed Forces with severe burn injuries for automobiles and adaptive equipment

Section 3901(1) of title 38, United States Code, is amended— (1)in subparagraph (A)— (A)in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking or (iii) and inserting (iii), or (iv); and (B)by adding at the end the following new clause: (iv)A severe burn injury (as determined pursuant to regulations prescribed by the Secretary); or ; and (2)in subparagraph (B), by striking or (iii) and inserting (iii), or (iv).

6.

Adapted housing assistance for disabled members of the Armed Forces residing temporarily in housing owned by a family member

(a)

In general

Subsection (a) of section 2102A of title 38, United States Code, is amended— (1)by inserting (1) before In the case; (2)by striking disabled veteran who is described in subsection (a)(2) or (b)(2) of section 2101 of this title and and inserting person described in paragraph (2); (3)by striking such veteran's and inserting the person's; (4)by striking the veteran and inserting the person; (5)by striking the veteran's and inserting the person's; and (6)by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (2)A person described in this paragraph is— (A)a veteran who is described in subsection (a)(2) or (b)(2) of section 2101 of this title; or (B)a member of the Armed Forces who— (i)has, as determined by the Secretary, a disability permanent in nature described in subsection (a)(2) or (b)(2) of section 2101 of this title that has incurred in the line of duty in the active military, naval, or air service; (ii)is hospitalized or receiving outpatient medical care, services, or treatment for such disability; and (iii)is likely to be discharged or released from the Armed Forces for such disability. . (b)

Conforming amendments

Such section is further amended— (1)in subsection (b), by striking veteran both places it appears and inserting person with a disability; and (2)in subsection (c), by striking veteran and inserting person. (c)

Report on assistance for disabled veterans and members of the Armed Forces who reside in housing owned by family member on permanent basis

Not later than December 31, 2007, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of Representatives a report on the advisability of providing assistance under section 2102A of title 38, United States Code, to veterans and members of the Armed Forces described in subsection (a) of such section, as amended by subsection (a) of this section, who reside with family members on a permanent basis.