[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 123 (Monday, July 30, 2007)]
[Senate]
[Pages S10320-S10335]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 WOUNDED WARRIOR ASSISTANCE ACT OF 2007

  On Wednesday, July 25, 2007, the Senate passed H.R. 1538, as amended, 
as follows:

                               H.R. 1538

       Resolved, That the bill from the House of Representatives 
     (H.R. 1538) entitled ``An Act to amend title 10, United 
     States Code, to improve the management of medical care, 
     personnel actions, and quality of life issues for members of 
     the Armed Forces who are receiving medical care in an 
     outpatient status, and for other purposes.'', do pass with 
     the following amendment:
       Strike out all after the enacting clause and insert:

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.

       (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Dignified 
     Treatment of Wounded Warriors Act''.
       (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act 
     is as follows:

Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.

                    TITLE I--WOUNDED WARRIOR MATTERS

Sec. 101. General definitions.

       Subtitle A--Policy on Care, Management, and Transition of 
           Servicemembers With Serious Injuries or Illnesses

Sec. 111. Comprehensive policy on care, management, and transition of 
              members of the Armed Forces with serious injuries or 
              illnesses.
Sec. 112. Consideration of needs of women members of the Armed Forces 
              and veterans.

                        Subtitle B--Health Care

        PART I--Enhanced Availability of Care for Servicemembers

Sec. 121. Medical care and other benefits for members and former 
              members of the Armed Forces with severe injuries or 
              illnesses.
Sec. 122. Reimbursement of certain former members of the uniformed 
              services with service-connected disabilities for travel 
              for follow-on specialty care and related services.

               PART II--Care and Services for Dependents

Sec. 126. Medical care and services and support services for families 
              of members of the Armed Forces recovering from serious 
              injuries or illnesses.
Sec. 127. Extended benefits under TRICARE for primary caregivers of 
              members of the uniformed services who incur a serious 
              injury or illness on active duty.

  PART III--Traumatic Brain Injury and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Sec. 131. Comprehensive plans on prevention, diagnosis, mitigation, and 
              treatment of traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic 
              stress disorder in members of the Armed Forces.
Sec. 132. Improvement of medical tracking system for members of the 
              Armed Forces deployed overseas.
Sec. 133. Centers of excellence in the prevention, diagnosis, 
              mitigation, treatment, and rehabilitation of traumatic 
              brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Sec. 134. Review of mental health services and treatment for female 
              members of the Armed Forces and veterans.
Sec. 135. Funding for improved diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation 
              of members of the Armed Forces with traumatic brain 
              injury or post-traumatic stress disorder.
Sec. 136. Reports.

                         PART IV--Other Matters

Sec. 141. Joint electronic health record for the Department of Defense 
              and Department of Veterans Affairs.
Sec. 142. Enhanced personnel authorities for the Department of Defense 
              for health care professionals for care and treatment of 
              wounded and injured members of the Armed Forces.
Sec. 143. Personnel shortages in the mental health workforce of the 
              Department of Defense, including personnel in the mental 
              health workforce.

                     Subtitle C--Disability Matters

                     PART I--Disability Evaluations

Sec. 151. Utilization of veterans' presumption of sound condition in 
              establishing eligibility of members of the Armed Forces 
              for retirement for disability.
Sec. 152. Requirements and limitations on Department of Defense 
              determinations of disability with respect to members of 
              the Armed Forces.
Sec. 153. Review of separation of members of the Armed Forces separated 
              from service with a disability rating of 20 percent 
              disabled or less.
Sec. 154. Pilot programs on revised and improved disability evaluation 
              system for members of the Armed Forces.
Sec. 155. Reports on Army action plan in response to deficiencies in 
              the Army physical disability evaluation system.

                   PART II--Other Disability Matters

Sec. 161. Enhancement of disability severance pay for members of the 
              Armed Forces.
Sec. 162. Traumatic Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance.
Sec. 163. Electronic transfer from the Department of Defense to the 
              Department of Veterans Affairs of documents supporting 
              eligibility for benefits.
Sec. 164. Assessments of temporary disability retired list.

         Subtitle D--Improvement of Facilities Housing Patients

Sec. 171. Standards for military medical treatment facilities, 
              specialty medical care facilities, and military quarters 
              housing patients.
Sec. 172. Reports on Army action plan in response to deficiencies 
              identified at Walter Reed Army Medical Center.

[[Page S10321]]

Sec. 173. Construction of facilities required for the closure of Walter 
              Reed Army Medical Center, District of Columbia.

        Subtitle E--Outreach and Related Information on Benefits

Sec. 181. Handbook for members of the Armed Forces on compensation and 
              benefits available for serious injuries and illnesses.

                       Subtitle F--Other Matters

Sec. 191. Study on physical and mental health and other readjustment 
              needs of members and former members of the Armed Forces 
              who deployed in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation 
              Enduring Freedom and their families.

                       TITLE II--VETERANS MATTERS

Sec. 201. Sense of Congress on Department of Veterans Affairs efforts 
              in the rehabilitation and reintegration of veterans with 
              traumatic brain injury.
Sec. 202. Individual rehabilitation and community reintegration plans 
              for veterans and others with traumatic brain injury.
Sec. 203. Use of non-Department of Veterans Affairs facilities for 
              implementation of rehabilitation and community 
              reintegration plans for traumatic brain injury.
Sec. 204. Research, education, and clinical care program on severe 
              traumatic brain injury.
Sec. 205. Pilot program on assisted living services for veterans with 
              traumatic brain injury.
Sec. 206. Research on traumatic brain injury.
Sec. 207. Age-appropriate nursing home care.
Sec. 208. Extension of period of eligibility for health care for combat 
              service in the Persian Gulf war or future hostilities.
Sec. 209. Mental health: service-connection status and evaluations for 
              certain veterans.
Sec. 210. Modification of requirements for furnishing outpatient dental 
              services to veterans with a service-connected dental 
              condition or disability.
Sec. 211. Demonstration program on preventing veterans at-risk of 
              homelessness from becoming homeless.
Sec. 212. Clarification of purpose of the outreach services program of 
              the Department of Veterans Affairs.

                               TITLE III

Sec. 301. Fiscal year 2008 increase in military basic pay.

                    TITLE I--WOUNDED WARRIOR MATTERS

     SEC. 101. GENERAL DEFINITIONS.

       In this title:
       (1) The term ``appropriate committees of Congress'' means--
       (A) the Committees on Armed Services and Veterans' Affairs 
     of the Senate; and
       (B) the Committees on Armed Services and Veterans' Affairs 
     of the House of Representatives.
       (2) The term ``covered member of the Armed Forces'' means a 
     member of the Armed Forces, including a member of the 
     National Guard or a Reserve, who is undergoing medical 
     treatment, recuperation, or therapy, is otherwise in medical 
     hold or medical holdover status, or is otherwise on the 
     temporary disability retired list for a serious injury or 
     illness.
       (3) The term ``family member'', with respect to a member of 
     the Armed Forces or a veteran, has the meaning given that 
     term in section 411h(b) of title 37, United States Code.
       (4) The term ``medical hold or medical holdover status'' 
     means--
       (A) the status of a member of the Armed Forces, including a 
     member of the National Guard or Reserve, assigned or attached 
     to a military hospital for medical care; and
       (B) the status of a member of a reserve component of the 
     Armed Forces who is separated, whether pre-deployment or 
     post-deployment, from the member's unit while in need of 
     health care based on a medical condition identified while the 
     member is on active duty in the Armed Forces.
       (5) The term ``serious injury or illness'', in the case of 
     a member of the Armed Forces, means an injury or illness 
     incurred by the member in line of duty on active duty in the 
     Armed Forces that may render the member medically unfit to 
     perform the duties of the member's office, grade, rank, or 
     rating.
       (6) The term ``TRICARE program'' has the meaning given that 
     term in section 1072(7) of title 10, United States Code.

       Subtitle A--Policy on Care, Management, and Transition of 
           Servicemembers With Serious Injuries or Illnesses

     SEC. 111. COMPREHENSIVE POLICY ON CARE, MANAGEMENT, AND 
                   TRANSITION OF MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES WITH 
                   SERIOUS INJURIES OR ILLNESSES.

       (a) Comprehensive Policy Required.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than January 1, 2008, the 
     Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs 
     shall, to the extent feasible, jointly develop and implement 
     a comprehensive policy on the care and management of members 
     of the Armed Forces who are undergoing medical treatment, 
     recuperation, or therapy, are otherwise in medical hold or 
     medical holdover status, or are otherwise on the temporary 
     disability retired list for a serious injury or illness 
     (hereafter in this section referred to as a ``covered 
     servicemembers'').
       (2) Scope of policy.--The policy shall cover each of the 
     following:
       (A) The care and management of covered servicemembers while 
     in medical hold or medical holdover status or on the 
     temporary disability retired list.
       (B) The medical evaluation and disability evaluation of 
     covered servicemembers.
       (C) The return of covered servicemembers to active duty 
     when appropriate.
       (D) The transition of covered servicemembers from receipt 
     of care and services through the Department of Defense to 
     receipt of care and services through the Department of 
     Veterans Affairs.
       (3) Consultation.--The Secretary of Defense and the 
     Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall develop the policy in 
     consultation with the heads of other appropriate departments 
     and agencies of the Federal Government and with appropriate 
     non-governmental organizations having an expertise in matters 
     relating to the policy.
       (4) Update.--The Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of 
     Veterans Affairs shall jointly update the policy on a 
     periodic basis, but not less often than annually, in order to 
     incorporate in the policy, as appropriate, the results of the 
     reviews under subsections (b) and (c) and the best practices 
     identified through pilot programs under section 154.
       (b) Review of Current Policies and Procedures.--
       (1) Review required.--In developing the policy required by 
     this section, the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of 
     Veterans Affairs shall, to the extent necessary, jointly and 
     separately conduct a review of all policies and procedures of 
     the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans 
     Affairs that apply to, or shall be covered by, the policy.
       (2) Purpose.--The purpose of the review shall be to 
     identify the most effective and patient-oriented approaches 
     to care and management of covered servicemembers for purposes 
     of--
       (A) incorporating such approaches into the policy; and
       (B) extending such approaches, where applicable, to care 
     and management of other injured or ill members of the Armed 
     Forces and veterans.
       (3) Elements.--In conducting the review, the Secretary of 
     Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall--
       (A) identify among the policies and procedures described in 
     paragraph (1) best practices in approaches to the care and 
     management described in that paragraph;
       (B) identify among such policies and procedures existing 
     and potential shortfalls in such care and management 
     (including care and management of covered servicemembers on 
     the temporary disability retired list), and determine means 
     of addressing any shortfalls so identified;
       (C) determine potential modifications of such policies and 
     procedures in order to ensure consistency and uniformity 
     among the military departments and the regions of the 
     Department of Veterans Affairs in their application and 
     discharge; and
       (D) develop recommendations for legislative and 
     administrative action necessary to implement the results of 
     the review.
       (4) Deadline for completion.--The review shall be completed 
     not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of 
     this Act.
       (c) Consideration of Findings, Recommendations, and 
     Practices.--In developing the policy required by this 
     section, the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of 
     Veterans Affairs shall take into account the following:
       (1) The findings and recommendations of applicable studies, 
     reviews, reports, and evaluations that address matters 
     relating to the policy, including, but not limited, to the 
     following:
       (A) The Independent Review Group on Rehabilitative Care and 
     Administrative Processes at Walter Reed Army Medical Center 
     and National Naval Medical Center appointed by the Secretary 
     of Defense.
       (B) The Secretary of Veterans Affairs Task Force on 
     Returning Global War on Terror Heroes appointed by the 
     President.
       (C) The President's Commission on Care for America's 
     Returning Wounded Warriors.
       (D) The Veterans' Disability Benefits Commission 
     established by title XV of the National Defense Authorization 
     Act for Fiscal Year 2004 (Public Law 108-136; 117 Stat. 1676; 
     38 U.S.C. 1101 note).
       (E) The President's Commission on Veterans' Pensions, of 
     1956, chaired by General Omar N. Bradley.
       (F) The Report of the Congressional Commission on 
     Servicemembers and Veterans Transition Assistance, of 1999, 
     chaired by Anthony J. Principi.
       (G) The President's Task Force to Improve Health Care 
     Delivery for Our Nation's Veterans, of March 2003.
       (2) The experience and best practices of the Department of 
     Defense and the military departments on matters relating to 
     the policy.
       (3) The experience and best practices of the Department of 
     Veterans Affairs on matters relating to the policy.
       (4) Such other matters as the Secretary of Defense and the 
     Secretary of Veterans Affairs consider appropriate.
       (d) Particular Elements of Policy.--The policy required by 
     this section shall provide, in particular, the following:
       (1) Responsibility for covered servicemembers in medical 
     hold or medical holdover status or on temporary disability 
     retired list.--Mechanisms to ensure responsibility for 
     covered servicemembers in medical hold or medical holdover 
     status or on the temporary disability retired list, including 
     the following:
       (A) Uniform standards for access of covered servicemembers 
     to non-urgent health care services from the Department of 
     Defense or other providers under the TRICARE program, with 
     such access to be--
       (i) for follow-up care, within 2 days of request of care;

[[Page S10322]]

       (ii) for specialty care, within 3 days of request of care;
       (iii) for diagnostic referrals and studies, within 5 days 
     of request; and
       (iv) for surgery based on a physician's determination of 
     medical necessity, within 14 days of request.
       (B) Requirements for the assignment of adequate numbers of 
     personnel for the purpose of responsibility for and 
     administration of covered servicemembers in medical hold or 
     medical holdover status or on the temporary disability 
     retired list.
       (C) Requirements for the assignment of adequate numbers of 
     medical personnel and non-medical personnel to roles and 
     responsibilities for caring for and administering covered 
     servicemembers in medical hold or medical holdover status or 
     on the temporary disability retired list, and a description 
     of the roles and responsibilities of personnel so assigned.
       (D) Guidelines for the location of care for covered 
     servicemembers in medical hold or medical holdover status or 
     on the temporary disability retired list, which guidelines 
     shall address the assignment of such servicemembers to care 
     and residential facilities closest to their duty station or 
     home of record or the location of their designated caregiver 
     at the earliest possible time.
       (E) Criteria for work and duty assignments of covered 
     servicemembers in medical hold or medical holdover status or 
     on the temporary disability retired list, including a 
     prohibition on the assignment of duty to a servicemember 
     which is incompatible with the servicemember's medical 
     condition.
       (F) Guidelines for the provision of care and counseling for 
     eligible family members of covered servicemembers in medical 
     hold or medical holdover status or on the temporary 
     disability retired list.
       (G) Requirements for case management of covered 
     servicemembers in medical hold or medical holdover status or 
     on the temporary disability retired list, including 
     qualifications for personnel providing such case management.
       (H) Requirements for uniform quality of care and 
     administration for all covered servicemembers in medical hold 
     or medical holdover status or on the temporary disability 
     retired list, whether members of the regular components of 
     the Armed Forces or members of the reserve components of the 
     Armed Forces.
       (I) Standards for the conditions and accessibility of 
     residential facilities for covered servicemembers in medical 
     hold or medical holdover status or on the temporary 
     disability retired list who are in outpatient status, and for 
     their immediate family members.
       (J) Requirements on the provision of transportation and 
     subsistence for covered servicemembers in medical hold or 
     medical holdover status or on the temporary disability 
     retired list, whether in inpatient status or outpatient 
     status, to facilitate obtaining needed medical care and 
     services.
       (K) Requirements on the provision of educational and 
     vocational training and rehabilitation opportunities for 
     covered servicemembers in medical hold or medical holdover 
     status or on the temporary disability retired list.
       (L) Procedures for tracking and informing covered 
     servicemembers in medical hold or medical holdover status or 
     on the temporary disability retired list about medical 
     evaluation board and physical disability evaluation board 
     processing.
       (M) Requirements for integrated case management of covered 
     servicemembers in medical hold or medical holdover status or 
     on the temporary disability retired list during their 
     transition from care and treatment through the Department of 
     Defense to care and treatment through the Department of 
     Veterans Affairs.
       (N) Requirements and standards for advising and training, 
     as appropriate, family members with respect to care for 
     covered servicemembers in medical hold or medical holdover 
     status or on the temporary disability retired list with 
     serious medical conditions, particularly traumatic brain 
     injury (TBI), burns, and post-traumatic stress disorder 
     (PTSD).
       (O) Requirements for periodic reassessments of covered 
     servicemembers, and limits on the length of time such 
     servicemembers may be retained in medical hold or medical 
     holdover status or on the temporary disability retired list.
       (P) Requirements to inform covered servicemembers and their 
     family members of their rights and responsibilities while in 
     medical hold or medical holdover status or on the temporary 
     disability retired list.
       (Q) The requirement to establish a Department of Defense-
     wide Ombudsman Office within the Office of the Secretary of 
     Defense to provide oversight of the ombudsman offices in the 
     military departments and policy guidance to such offices with 
     respect to providing assistance to, and answering questions 
     from, covered servicemembers and their families.
       (2) Medical evaluation and physical disability evaluation 
     for covered servicemembers.--
       (A) Medical evaluations.--Processes, procedures, and 
     standards for medical evaluations of covered servicemembers, 
     including the following:
       (i) Processes for medical evaluations of covered 
     servicemembers that are--

       (I) applicable uniformly throughout the military 
     departments; and
       (II) applicable uniformly with respect to such 
     servicemembers who are members of the regular components of 
     the Armed Forces and such servicemembers who are members of 
     the National Guard and Reserve.

       (ii) Standard criteria and definitions for determining the 
     achievement for covered servicemembers of the maximum medical 
     benefit from treatment and rehabilitation.
       (iii) Standard timelines for each of the following:

       (I) Determinations of fitness for duty of covered 
     servicemembers.
       (II) Specialty consultations for covered servicemembers.
       (III) Preparation of medical documents for covered 
     servicemembers.
       (IV) Appeals by covered servicemembers of medical 
     evaluation determinations, including determinations of 
     fitness for duty.

       (iv) Uniform standards for qualifications and training of 
     medical evaluation board personnel, including physicians, 
     case workers, and physical disability evaluation board 
     liaison officers, in conducting medical evaluations of 
     covered servicemembers.
       (v) Standards for the maximum number of medical evaluation 
     cases of covered servicemembers that are pending before a 
     medical evaluation board at any one time, and requirements 
     for the establishment of additional medical evaluation boards 
     in the event such number is exceeded.
       (vi) Uniform standards for information for covered 
     servicemembers, and their families, on the medical evaluation 
     board process and the rights and responsibilities of such 
     servicemembers under that process, including a standard 
     handbook on such information.
       (B) Physical disability evaluations.--Processes, 
     procedures, and standards for physical disability evaluations 
     of covered servicemembers, including the following:
       (i) A non-adversarial process of the Department of Defense 
     and the Department of Veterans Affairs for disability 
     determinations of covered servicemembers.
       (ii) To the extent feasible, procedures to eliminate 
     unacceptable discrepancies among disability ratings assigned 
     by the military departments and the Department of Veterans 
     Affairs, particularly in the disability evaluation of covered 
     servicemembers, which procedures shall be subject to the 
     following requirements and limitations:

       (I) Such procedures shall apply uniformly with respect to 
     covered servicemembers who are members of the regular 
     components of the Armed Forces and covered servicemembers who 
     are members of the National Guard and Reserve.
       (II) Under such procedures, each Secretary of a military 
     department shall, to the extent feasible, utilize the 
     standard schedule for rating disabilities in use by the 
     Department of Veterans Affairs, including any applicable 
     interpretation of such schedule by the United States Court of 
     Appeals for Veterans Claims, in making any determination of 
     disability of a covered servicemember.

       (iii) Standard timelines for appeals of determinations of 
     disability of covered servicemembers, including timelines for 
     presentation, consideration, and disposition of appeals.
       (iv) Uniform standards for qualifications and training of 
     physical disability evaluation board personnel in conducting 
     physical disability evaluations of covered servicemembers.
       (v) Standards for the maximum number of physical disability 
     evaluation cases of covered servicemembers that are pending 
     before a physical disability evaluation board at any one 
     time, and requirements for the establishment of additional 
     physical disability evaluation boards in the event such 
     number is exceeded.
       (vi) Procedures for the provision of legal counsel to 
     covered servicemembers while undergoing evaluation by a 
     physical disability evaluation board.
       (vii) Uniform standards on the roles and responsibilities 
     of case managers, servicemember advocates, and judge 
     advocates assigned to covered servicemembers undergoing 
     evaluation by a physical disability board, and uniform 
     standards on the maximum number of cases involving such 
     servicemembers that are to be assigned to such managers and 
     advocates.
       (C) Return of covered servicemembers to active duty.--
     Standards for determinations by the military departments on 
     the return of covered servicemembers to active duty in the 
     Armed Forces.
       (D) Transition of covered servicemembers from dod to va.--
     Processes, procedures, and standards for the transition of 
     covered servicemembers from care and treatment by the 
     Department of Defense to care and treatment by the Department 
     of Veterans Affairs before, during, and after separation from 
     the Armed Forces, including the following:
       (i) A uniform, patient-focused policy to ensure that the 
     transition occurs without gaps in medical care and the 
     quality of medical care, benefits, and services.
       (ii) Procedures for the identification and tracking of 
     covered servicemembers during the transition, and for the 
     coordination of care and treatment of such servicemembers 
     during the transition, including a system of cooperative case 
     management of such servicemembers by the Department of 
     Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs during the 
     transition.
       (iii) Procedures for the notification of Department of 
     Veterans Affairs liaison personnel of the commencement by 
     covered servicemembers of the medical evaluation process and 
     the physical disability evaluation process.
       (iv) Procedures and timelines for the enrollment of covered 
     servicemembers in applicable enrollment or application 
     systems of the Department of Veterans with respect to health 
     care, disability, education, vocational rehabilitation, or 
     other benefits.
       (v) Procedures to ensure the access of covered 
     servicemembers during the transition to vocational, 
     educational, and rehabilitation benefits available through 
     the Department of Veterans Affairs.
       (vi) Standards for the optimal location of Department of 
     Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs liaison and case 
     management personnel at military medical treatment 
     facilities, medical centers, and other medical facilities of 
     the Department of Defense.
       (vii) Standards and procedures for integrated medical care 
     and management for covered

[[Page S10323]]

     servicemembers during the transition, including procedures 
     for the assignment of medical personnel of the Department of 
     Veterans Affairs to Department of Defense facilities to 
     participate in the needs assessments of such servicemembers 
     before, during, and after their separation from military 
     service.
       (viii) Standards for the preparation of detailed plans for 
     the transition of covered servicemembers from care and 
     treatment by the Department of Defense to care and treatment 
     by the Department of Veterans Affairs, which plans shall be 
     based on standardized elements with respect to care and 
     treatment requirements and other applicable requirements.
       (E) Other matters.--The following additional matters with 
     respect to covered servicemembers:
       (i) Access by the Department of Veterans Affairs to the 
     military health records of covered servicemembers who are 
     receiving care and treatment, or are anticipating receipt of 
     care and treatment, in Department of Veterans Affairs health 
     care facilities.
       (ii) Requirements for utilizing, in appropriate cases, a 
     single physical examination that meets requirements of both 
     the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans 
     Affairs for covered servicemembers who are being retired, 
     separated, or released from military service.
       (iii) Surveys and other mechanisms to measure patient and 
     family satisfaction with the provision by the Department of 
     Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs of care and 
     services for covered servicemembers, and to facilitate 
     appropriate oversight by supervisory personnel of the 
     provision of such care and services.
       (3) Report on reduction in disability ratings by the 
     department of defense.--The Secretary of Defense shall submit 
     a report to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate 
     and House of Representatives on the number of instances in 
     which a disability rating assigned to a member of the Armed 
     Forces by an informal physical evaluation board of the 
     Department of Defense was reduced upon appeal, and the 
     reasons for such reduction. Such report shall cover the 
     period beginning October 7, 2001, and ending September 30, 
     2006, and shall be submitted to the appropriate committees of 
     Congress by February 1, 2008.
       (e) Reports.--
       (1) Report on policy.--Upon the development of the policy 
     required by this section but not later than January 1, 2008, 
     the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans 
     Affairs shall jointly submit to the appropriate committees of 
     Congress a report on the policy, including a comprehensive 
     and detailed description of the policy and of the manner in 
     which the policy addresses the findings and recommendations 
     of the reviews under subsections (b) and (c).
       (2) Reports on update.--Upon updating the policy under 
     subsection (a)(4), the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary 
     of Veterans Affairs shall jointly submit to the appropriate 
     committees of Congress a report on the update of the policy, 
     including a comprehensive and detailed description of such 
     update and of the reasons for such update.
       (f) Comptroller General Assessment of Implementation.--Not 
     later than six months after the date of the enactment of this 
     Act and every year thereafter, the Comptroller General of the 
     United States shall submit to the appropriate committees of 
     Congress a report setting forth the assessment of the 
     Comptroller General of the progress of the Secretary of 
     Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs in developing 
     and implementing the policy required by this section.

     SEC. 112. CONSIDERATION OF NEEDS OF WOMEN MEMBERS OF THE 
                   ARMED FORCES AND VETERANS.

       (a) In General.--In developing and implementing the policy 
     required by section 111, and in otherwise carrying out any 
     other provision of this title or any amendment made by this 
     title, the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans 
     Affairs shall take into account and fully address any unique 
     specific needs of women members of the Armed Forces and women 
     veterans under such policy or other provision.
       (b) Reports.--In submitting any report required by this 
     title or an amendment made by this title, the Secretary of 
     Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall, to the 
     extent applicable, include a description of the manner in 
     which the matters covered by such report address the unique 
     specific needs of women members of the Armed Forces and women 
     veterans.

                        Subtitle B--Health Care

        PART I--ENHANCED AVAILABILITY OF CARE FOR SERVICEMEMBERS

     SEC. 121. MEDICAL CARE AND OTHER BENEFITS FOR MEMBERS AND 
                   FORMER MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES WITH SEVERE 
                   INJURIES OR ILLNESSES.

       (a) Medical and Dental Care for Members and Former 
     Members.--
       (1) In general.--Effective as of the date of the enactment 
     of this Act and subject to regulations prescribed by the 
     Secretary of Defense, any covered member of the Armed Forces, 
     and any former member of the Armed Forces, with a severe 
     injury or illness is entitled to medical and dental care in 
     any facility of the uniformed services under section 1074(a) 
     of title 10, United States Code, or through any civilian 
     health care provider authorized by the Secretary to provide 
     health and mental health services to members of the uniformed 
     services, including traumatic brain injury (TBI) and post-
     traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), as if such member or former 
     member were a member of the uniformed services described in 
     paragraph (2) of such section who is entitled to medical and 
     dental care under such section.
       (2) Period of authorized care.--(A) Except as provided in 
     subparagraph (B), a member or former member described in 
     paragraph (1) is entitled to care under that paragraph--
       (i) in the case of a member or former member whose severe 
     injury or illness concerned is incurred or aggravated during 
     the period beginning on October 7, 2001, and ending on the 
     date of the enactment of this Act, during the three-year 
     period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act, 
     except that no compensation is payable by reason of this 
     subsection for any period before the date of the enactment of 
     this Act; or
       (ii) in the case of a member or former member whose severe 
     injury or illness concerned is incurred or aggravated on or 
     after the date of the enactment of this Act, during the 
     three-year period beginning on the date on which such injury 
     or illness is so incurred or aggravated.
       (B) The period of care authorized for a member or former 
     member under this paragraph may be extended by the Secretary 
     concerned for an additional period of up to two years if the 
     Secretary concerned determines that such extension is 
     necessary to assure the maximum feasible recovery and 
     rehabilitation of the member or former member. Any such 
     determination shall be made on a case-by-case basis.
       (3) Integrated care management.--The Secretary of Defense 
     shall provide for a program of integrated care management in 
     the provision of care and services under this subsection, 
     which management shall be provided by appropriate medical and 
     case management personnel of the Department of Defense and 
     the Department of Veterans Affairs (as approved by the 
     Secretary of Veterans Affairs) and with appropriate support 
     from the Department of Defense regional health care support 
     contractors.
       (4) Waiver of limitations to maximize care.--The Secretary 
     of Defense may, in providing medical and dental care to a 
     member or former member under this subsection during the 
     period referred to in paragraph (2), waive any limitation 
     otherwise applicable under chapter 55 of title 10, United 
     States Code, to the provision of such care to the member or 
     former member if the Secretary considers the waiver 
     appropriate to assure the maximum feasible recovery and 
     rehabilitation of the member or former member.
       (5) Construction with eligibility for veterans benefits.--
     Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to reduce, 
     alter, or otherwise affect the eligibility or entitlement of 
     a member or former member of the Armed Forces to any health 
     care, disability, or other benefits to which the member of 
     former member would otherwise be eligible or entitled as a 
     veteran under the laws administered by the Secretary of 
     Veterans Affairs.
       (6) Sunset.--The Secretary of Defense may not provide 
     medical or dental care to a member or former member of the 
     Armed Forces under this subsection after December 31, 2012, 
     if the Secretary has not provided medical or dental care to 
     the member or former member under this subsection before that 
     date.
       (b) Rehabilitation and Vocational Benefits.--
       (1) In general.--Effective as of the date of the enactment 
     of this Act, a member of the Armed Forces with a severe 
     injury or illness is entitled to such benefits (including 
     rehabilitation and vocational benefits, but not including 
     compensation) from the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to 
     facilitate the recovery and rehabilitation of such member as 
     the Secretary otherwise provides to members of the Armed 
     Forces receiving medical care in medical facilities of the 
     Department of Veterans Affairs facilities in order to 
     facilitate the recovery and rehabilitation of such members.
       (2) Limitations.--The provisions of paragraphs (2) through 
     (6) of subsection (a) shall apply to the provision of 
     benefits under this subsection as if the benefits provided 
     under this subsection were provided under subsection (a).
       (3) Reimbursement.--The Secretary of Defense shall 
     reimburse the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for the cost of 
     any benefits provided under this subsection in accordance 
     with applicable mechanisms for the reimbursement of the 
     Secretary of Veterans Affairs for the provision of medical 
     care to members of the Armed Forces.
       (c) Recovery of Certain Expenses of Medical Care and 
     Related Travel.--
       (1) In general.--Commencing not later than 60 days after 
     the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the 
     military department concerned may reimburse covered members 
     of the Armed Forces, and former members of the Armed Forces, 
     with a severe injury or illness for covered expenses incurred 
     by such members or former members, or their family members, 
     in connection with the receipt by such members or former 
     members of medical care that is required for such injury or 
     illness.
       (2) Covered expenses.--Expenses for which reimbursement may 
     be made under paragraph (1) include the following:
       (A) Expenses for health care services for which coverage 
     would be provided under section 1074(c) of title 10, United 
     States Code, for members of the uniformed services on active 
     duty.
       (B) Expenses of travel of a non-medical attendant who 
     accompanies a member or former member of the Armed Forces for 
     required medical care that is not available to such member or 
     former member locally, if such attendant is appointed for 
     that purpose by a competent medical authority (as determined 
     under regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Defense for 
     purposes of this subsection).
       (C) Such other expenses for medical care as the Secretary 
     may prescribe for purposes of this subsection.
       (3) Amount of reimbursement.--The amount of reimbursement 
     under paragraph (1) for expenses covered by paragraph (2) 
     shall be determined in accordance with regulations prescribed 
     by the Secretary of Defense for purposes of this subsection.
       (d) Severe Injury or Illness Defined.--In this section, the 
     term ``severe injury or illness''

[[Page S10324]]

     means any serious injury or illness that is assigned a 
     disability rating of 30 percent or higher under the schedule 
     for rating disabilities in use by the Department of Defense.

     SEC. 122. REIMBURSEMENT OF CERTAIN FORMER MEMBERS OF THE 
                   UNIFORMED SERVICES WITH SERVICE-CONNECTED 
                   DISABILITIES FOR TRAVEL FOR FOLLOW-ON SPECIALTY 
                   CARE AND RELATED SERVICES.

       (a) Travel.--Section 1074i of title 10, United States Code, 
     is amended--
       (1) by redesignating subsection (b) as subsection (c); and
       (2) by inserting after subsection (a) the following new 
     subsection (b):
       ``(b) Follow-on Specialty Care and Related Services.--In 
     any case in which a former member of a uniformed service who 
     incurred a disability while on active duty in a combat zone 
     or during performance of duty in combat related operations 
     (as designated by the Secretary of Defense), and is entitled 
     to retired or retainer pay, or equivalent pay, requires 
     follow-on specialty care, services, or supplies related to 
     such disability at a specific military treatment facility 
     more than 100 miles from the location in which the former 
     member resides, the Secretary shall provide reimbursement for 
     reasonable travel expenses comparable to those provided under 
     subsection (a) for the former member, and when accompaniment 
     by an adult is determined by competent medical authority to 
     be necessary, for a spouse, parent, or guardian of the former 
     member, or another member of the former member's family who 
     is at least 21 years of age.''.
       (b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by subsection (a) 
     shall take effect January 1, 2008, and shall apply with 
     respect to travel that occurs on or after that date.

               PART II--CARE AND SERVICES FOR DEPENDENTS

     SEC. 126. MEDICAL CARE AND SERVICES AND SUPPORT SERVICES FOR 
                   FAMILIES OF MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES 
                   RECOVERING FROM SERIOUS INJURIES OR ILLNESSES.

       (a) Medical Care.--
       (1) In general.--A family member of a covered member of the 
     Armed Forces who is not otherwise eligible for medical care 
     at a military medical treatment facility or at medical 
     facilities of the Department of Veterans Affairs shall be 
     eligible for such care at such facilities, on a space-
     available basis, if the family member is--
       (A) on invitational orders while caring for the covered 
     member of the Armed Forces;
       (B) a non-medical attendee caring for the covered member of 
     the Armed Forces; or
       (C) receiving per diem payments from the Department of 
     Defense while caring for the covered member of the Armed 
     Forces.
       (2) Specification of family members.--Notwithstanding 
     section 101(3), the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of 
     Veterans Affairs shall jointly prescribe in regulations the 
     family members of covered members of the Armed Forces who 
     shall be considered to be a family member of a covered member 
     of the Armed Forces for purposes of paragraph (1).
       (3) Specification of care.--(A) The Secretary of Defense 
     shall prescribe in regulations the medical care and 
     counseling that shall be available to family members under 
     paragraph (1) at military medical treatment facilities.
       (B) The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall prescribe in 
     regulations the medical care and counseling that shall be 
     available to family members under paragraph (1) at medical 
     facilities of the Department of Veterans Affairs.
       (4) Recovery of costs.--The United States may recover the 
     costs of the provision of medical care and counseling under 
     paragraph (1) as follows (as applicable):
       (A) From third-party payers, in the same manner as the 
     United States may collect costs of the charges of health care 
     provided to covered beneficiaries from third-party payers 
     under section 1095 of title 10, United States Code.
       (B) As if such care and counseling was provided under the 
     authority of section 1784 of title 38, United States Code.
       (b) Job Placement Services.--A family member who is on 
     invitational orders or is a non-medical attendee while caring 
     for a covered member of the Armed Forces for more than 45 
     days during a one-year period shall be eligible for job 
     placement services otherwise offered by the Department of 
     Defense.
       (c) Report on Need for Additional Services.--Not later than 
     90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the 
     Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional 
     defense committees a report setting forth the assessment of 
     the Secretary of the need for additional employment services, 
     and of the need for employment protection, of family members 
     described in subsection (b) who are placed on leave from 
     employment or otherwise displaced from employment while 
     caring for a covered member of the Armed Forces as described 
     in that subsection.

     SEC. 127. EXTENDED BENEFITS UNDER TRICARE FOR PRIMARY 
                   CAREGIVERS OF MEMBERS OF THE UNIFORMED SERVICES 
                   WHO INCUR A SERIOUS INJURY OR ILLNESS ON ACTIVE 
                   DUTY.

       (a) In General.--Section 1079(d) of title 10, United States 
     Code, is amended--
       (1) by redesignating paragraphs (2) and (3) as paragraphs 
     (3) and (4), respectively; and
       (2) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following new 
     paragraph (2):
       ``(2)(A) Subject to such terms, conditions, and exceptions 
     as the Secretary of Defense considers appropriate, the 
     program of extended benefits for eligible dependents under 
     this subsection shall include extended benefits for the 
     primary caregivers of members of the uniformed services who 
     incur a serious injury or illness on active duty.
       ``(B) The Secretary of Defense shall prescribe in 
     regulations the individuals who shall be treated as the 
     primary caregivers of a member of the uniformed services for 
     purposes of this paragraph.
       ``(C) For purposes of this section, a serious injury or 
     illness, with respect to a member of the uniformed services, 
     is an injury or illness that may render the member medically 
     unfit to perform the duties of the member's office, grade, 
     rank, or rating and that renders a member of the uniformed 
     services dependant upon a caregiver.''.
       (b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by subsection (a) 
     shall take effect on January 1, 2008.

  PART III--TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY AND POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER

     SEC. 131. COMPREHENSIVE PLANS ON PREVENTION, DIAGNOSIS, 
                   MITIGATION, AND TREATMENT OF TRAUMATIC BRAIN 
                   INJURY AND POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER IN 
                   MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES.

       (a) Plans Required.--Not later than 180 days after the date 
     of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall, 
     in consultation with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, 
     submit to the congressional defense committees one or more 
     comprehensive plans for programs and activities of the 
     Department of Defense to prevent, diagnose, mitigate, treat, 
     and otherwise respond to traumatic brain injury (TBI) and 
     post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in members of the Armed 
     Forces.
       (b) Elements.--Each plan submitted under subsection (a) 
     shall include comprehensive proposals of the Department on 
     the following:
       (1) The designation by the Secretary of Defense of a lead 
     agent or executive agent for the Department to coordinate 
     development and implementation of the plan.
       (2) The improvement of personnel protective equipment for 
     members of the Armed Forces in order to prevent traumatic 
     brain injury.
       (3) The improvement of methods and mechanisms for the 
     detection and treatment of traumatic brain injury and post-
     traumatic stress disorder in members of the Armed Forces in 
     the field.
       (4) The requirements for research on traumatic brain injury 
     and post-traumatic stress disorder, including (in particular) 
     research on pharmacological approaches to treatment for 
     traumatic brain injury or post-traumatic stress disorder, as 
     applicable, and the allocation of priorities among such 
     research.
       (5) The development, adoption, and deployment of diagnostic 
     criteria for the detection and evaluation of the range of 
     traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder in 
     members of the Armed Forces, which criteria shall be employed 
     uniformly across the military departments in all applicable 
     circumstances, including provision of clinical care and 
     assessment of future deployability of members of the Armed 
     Forces.
       (6) The development and deployment of effective means of 
     assessing traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress 
     disorder in members of the Armed Forces, including a system 
     of pre-deployment and post-deployment screenings of cognitive 
     ability in members for the detection of cognitive impairment, 
     as required by the amendments made by section 132.
       (7) The development and deployment of effective means of 
     managing and monitoring members of the Armed Forces with 
     traumatic brain injury or post-traumatic stress disorder in 
     the receipt of care for traumatic brain injury or post-
     traumatic stress disorder, as applicable, including the 
     monitoring and assessment of treatment and outcomes.
       (8) The development and deployment of an education and 
     awareness training initiative designed to reduce the negative 
     stigma associated with traumatic brain injury, post-traumatic 
     stress disorder, and mental health treatment.
       (9) The provision of education and outreach to families of 
     members of the Armed Forces with traumatic brain injury or 
     post-traumatic stress disorder on a range of matters relating 
     to traumatic brain injury or post-traumatic stress disorder, 
     as applicable, including detection, mitigation, and 
     treatment.
       (10) The assessment of the current capabilities of the 
     Department for the prevention, diagnosis, mitigation, 
     treatment, and rehabilitation of traumatic brain injury and 
     post-traumatic stress disorder in members of the Armed 
     Forces.
       (11) The identification of gaps in current capabilities of 
     the Department for the prevention, diagnosis, mitigation, 
     treatment, and rehabilitation of traumatic brain injury and 
     post-traumatic stress disorder in members of the Armed 
     Forces.
       (12) The identification of the resources required for the 
     Department in fiscal years 2009 thru 2013 to address the gaps 
     in capabilities identified under paragraph (11).
       (13) The development of joint planning among the Department 
     of Defense, the military departments, and the Department of 
     Veterans Affairs for the prevention, diagnosis, mitigation, 
     treatment, and rehabilitation of traumatic brain injury and 
     post-traumatic stress disorder in members of the Armed 
     Forces, including planning for the seamless transition of 
     such members from care through the Department of Defense care 
     through the Department of Veterans Affairs.
       (14) A requirement that exposure to a blast or blasts be 
     recorded in the records of members of the Armed Forces.
       (15) The development of clinical practice guidelines for 
     the diagnosis and treatment of blast injuries in members of 
     the Armed Forces, including, but not limited to, traumatic 
     brain injury.
       (16) A program under which each member of the Armed Forces 
     who incurs a traumatic brain injury or post-traumatic stress 
     disorder during service in the Armed Forces--
       (A) is enrolled in the program; and

[[Page S10325]]

       (B) receives, under the program, treatment and 
     rehabilitation meeting a standard of care such that each 
     individual who is a member of the Armed Forces who qualifies 
     for care under the program shall--
       (i) be provided the highest quality of care possible based 
     on the medical judgment of qualified medical professionals in 
     facilities that most appropriately meet the specific needs of 
     the individual; and
       (ii) be rehabilitated to the fullest extent possible using 
     the most up-to-date medical technology, medical 
     rehabilitation practices, and medical expertise available.
       (17) A requirement that if a member of the Armed Forces 
     participating in a program established in accordance with 
     paragraph (16) believes that care provided to such 
     participant does not meet the standard of care specified in 
     subparagraph (B) of such paragraph, the Secretary of Defense 
     shall, upon request of the participant, provide to such 
     participant a referral to another Department of Defense or 
     Department of Veterans Affairs provider of medical or 
     rehabilitative care for a second opinion regarding the care 
     that would meet the standard of care specified in such 
     subparagraph.
       (18) The provision of information by the Secretary of 
     Defense to members of the Armed Forces with traumatic brain 
     injury or post-traumatic stress disorder and their families 
     about their rights with respect to the following:
       (A) The receipt of medical and mental health care from the 
     Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs.
       (B) The options available to such members for treatment of 
     traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder.
       (C) The options available to such members for 
     rehabilitation.
       (D) The options available to such members for a referral to 
     a public or private provider of medical or rehabilitative 
     care.
       (E) The right to administrative review of any decision with 
     respect to the provision of care by the Department of Defense 
     for such members.
       (c) Coordination in Development.--Each plan submitted under 
     subsection (a) shall be developed in coordination with the 
     Secretary of the Army (who was designated by the Secretary of 
     Defense as executive agent for the prevention, mitigation, 
     and treatment of blast injuries under section 256 of the 
     National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2006 
     (Public Law 109-163; 119 Stat. 3181; 10 U.S.C. 1071 note)).
       (d) Additional Activities.--In carrying out programs and 
     activities for the prevention, diagnosis, mitigation, and 
     treatment of traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress 
     disorder in members of the Armed Forces, the Secretary of 
     Defense shall--
       (1) examine the results of the recently completed Phase 2 
     study, funded by the National Institutes of Health, on the 
     use of progesterone for acute traumatic brain injury;
       (2) determine if Department of Defense funding for a Phase 
     3 clinical trial on the use of progesterone for acute 
     traumatic brain injury, or for further research regarding the 
     use of progesterone or its metabolites for treatment of 
     traumatic brain injury, is warranted; and
       (3) provide for the collaboration of the Department of 
     Defense, as appropriate, in clinical trials and research on 
     pharmacological approaches to treatment for traumatic brain 
     injury and post-traumatic stress disorder that is conducted 
     by other departments and agencies of the Federal Government.

     SEC. 132. IMPROVEMENT OF MEDICAL TRACKING SYSTEM FOR MEMBERS 
                   OF THE ARMED FORCES DEPLOYED OVERSEAS.

       (a) Protocol for Assessment of Cognitive Functioning.--
       (1) Protocol required.--Subsection (b) of section 1074f of 
     title 10, United States Code, is amended--
       (A) in paragraph (2), by adding at the end the following 
     new subparagraph:
       ``(C) An assessment of post-traumatic stress disorder.''; 
     and
       (B) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
       ``(3)(A) The Secretary shall establish for purposes of 
     subparagraphs (B) and (C) of paragraph (2) a protocol for the 
     predeployment assessment and documentation of the cognitive 
     (including memory) functioning of a member who is deployed 
     outside the United States in order to facilitate the 
     assessment of the postdeployment cognitive (including memory) 
     functioning of the member.
       ``(B) The protocol under subparagraph (A) shall include 
     appropriate mechanisms to permit the differential diagnosis 
     of traumatic brain injury in members returning from 
     deployment in a combat zone.''.
       (2) Pilot projects.--(A) In developing the protocol 
     required by paragraph (3) of section 1074f(b) of title 10, 
     United States Code (as amended by paragraph (1) of this 
     subsection), for purposes of assessments for traumatic brain 
     injury, the Secretary of Defense shall conduct up to three 
     pilot projects to evaluate various mechanisms for use in the 
     protocol for such purposes. One of the mechanisms to be so 
     evaluated shall be a computer-based assessment tool.
       (B) Not later than 60 days after the completion of the 
     pilot projects conducted under this paragraph, the Secretary 
     shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a 
     report on the pilot projects. The report shall include--
       (i) a description of the pilot projects so conducted;
       (ii) an assessment of the results of each such pilot 
     project; and
       (iii) a description of any mechanisms evaluated under each 
     such pilot project that will incorporated into the protocol.
       (C) Not later than 180 days after completion of the pilot 
     projects conducted under this paragraph, the Secretary shall 
     establish a mechanism for implementing any mechanism 
     evaluated under such a pilot project that is selected for 
     incorporation in the protocol.
       (D) There is hereby authorized to be appropriated to the 
     Department of Defense, $3,000,000 for the pilot projects 
     authorized by this paragraph. Of the amount so authorized to 
     be appropriated, not more than $1,000,000 shall be available 
     for any particular pilot project.
       (b) Quality Assurance.--Subsection (d)(2) of section 1074f 
     of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the 
     end the following new subparagraph:
       ``(F) The diagnosis and treatment of traumatic brain injury 
     and post-traumatic stress disorder.''.
       (c) Standards for Deployment.--Subsection (f) of such 
     section is amended--
       (1) in the subsection heading, by striking ``Mental 
     Health''; and
       (2) in paragraph (2)(B), by striking ``or'' and inserting 
     ``, traumatic brain injury, or''.

     SEC. 133. CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE IN THE PREVENTION, DIAGNOSIS, 
                   MITIGATION, TREATMENT, AND REHABILITATION OF 
                   TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY AND POST-TRAUMATIC 
                   STRESS DISORDER.

       (a) Center of Excellence on Traumatic Brain Injury.--
     Chapter 55 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by 
     inserting after section 1105 the following new section:

     ``Sec. 1105a. Center of Excellence in Prevention, Diagnosis, 
       Mitigation, Treatment, and Rehabilitation of Traumatic 
       Brain Injury

       ``(a) In General.--The Secretary of Defense shall establish 
     within the Department of Defense a center of excellence in 
     the prevention, diagnosis, mitigation, treatment, and 
     rehabilitation of traumatic brain injury (TBI), including 
     mild, moderate, and severe traumatic brain injury, to carry 
     out the responsibilities specified in subsection (c). The 
     center shall be known as a `Center of Excellence in 
     Prevention, Diagnosis, Mitigation, Treatment, and 
     Rehabilitation of Traumatic Brain Injury'.
       ``(b) Partnerships.--The Secretary shall ensure that the 
     Center collaborates to the maximum extent practicable with 
     the Department of Veterans Affairs, institutions of higher 
     education, and other appropriate public and private entities 
     (including international entities) to carry out the 
     responsibilities specified in subsection (c).
       ``(c) Responsibilities.--The Center shall have 
     responsibilities as follows:
       ``(1) To direct and oversee, based on expert research, the 
     development and implementation of a long-term, comprehensive 
     plan and strategy for the Department of Defense for the 
     prevention, diagnosis, mitigation, treatment, and 
     rehabilitation of traumatic brain injury.
       ``(2) To provide for the development, testing, and 
     dissemination within the Department of best practices for the 
     treatment of traumatic brain injury.
       ``(3) To provide guidance for the mental health system of 
     the Department in determining the mental health and 
     neurological health personnel required to provide quality 
     mental health care for members of the armed forces with 
     traumatic brain injury.
       ``(4) To establish, implement, and oversee a comprehensive 
     program to train mental health and neurological health 
     professionals of the Department in the treatment of traumatic 
     brain injury.
       ``(5) To facilitate advancements in the study of the short-
     term and long-term psychological effects of traumatic brain 
     injury.
       ``(6) To disseminate within the military medical treatment 
     facilities of the Department best practices for training 
     mental health professionals, including neurological health 
     professionals, with respect to traumatic brain injury.
       ``(7) To conduct basic science and translational research 
     on traumatic brain injury for the purposes of understanding 
     the etiology of traumatic brain injury and developing 
     preventive interventions and new treatments.
       ``(8) To develop outreach strategies and treatments for 
     families of members of the armed forces with traumatic brain 
     injury in order to mitigate the negative impacts of traumatic 
     brain injury on such family members and to support the 
     recovery of such members from traumatic brain injury.
       ``(9) To conduct research on the unique mental health needs 
     of women members of the armed forces with traumatic brain 
     injury and develop treatments to meet any needs identified 
     through such research.
       ``(10) To conduct research on the unique mental health 
     needs of ethnic minority members of the armed forces with 
     traumatic brain injury and develop treatments to meet any 
     needs identified through such research.
       ``(11) To conduct research on the mental health needs of 
     families of members of the armed forces with traumatic brain 
     injury and develop treatments to meet any needs identified 
     through such research.
       ``(12) To conduct longitudinal studies (using imaging 
     technology and other proven research methods) on members of 
     the armed forces with traumatic brain injury to identify 
     early signs of Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, or 
     other manifestations of neurodegeneration in such members, 
     which studies should be conducted in coordination with the 
     studies authorized by section 721 of the John Warner National 
     Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2007 (Public Law 
     109-364; 120 Stat. 2294) and other studies of the Department 
     of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs that 
     address the connection between exposure to combat and the 
     development of Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and 
     other neurodegenerative disorders.

[[Page S10326]]

       ``(13) To develop and oversee a long-term plan to increase 
     the number of mental health and neurological health 
     professionals within the Department in order to facilitate 
     the meeting by the Department of the needs of members of the 
     armed forces with traumatic brain injury until their 
     transition to care and treatment from the Department of 
     Veterans Affairs.
       ``(14) To develop a program on comprehensive pain 
     management, including management of acute and chronic pain, 
     to utilize current and develop new treatments for pain, and 
     to identify and disseminate best practices on pain 
     management.
       ``(15) Such other responsibilities as the Secretary shall 
     specify.''.
       (b) Center of Excellence on Post-Traumatic Stress 
     Disorder.--Chapter 55 of such title is further amended by 
     inserting after section 1105a, as added by subsection (a), 
     the following new section:

     ``Sec. 1105b. Center of Excellence in Prevention, Diagnosis, 
       Mitigation, Treatment, and Rehabilitation of Post-Traumatic 
       Stress Disorder

       ``(a) In General.--The Secretary of Defense shall establish 
     within the Department of Defense a center of excellence in 
     the prevention, diagnosis, mitigation, treatment, and 
     rehabilitation of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), 
     including mild, moderate, and severe post-traumatic stress 
     disorder, to carry out the responsibilities specified in 
     subsection (c). The center shall be known as a `Center of 
     Excellence in Prevention, Diagnosis, Mitigation, Treatment, 
     and Rehabilitation of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder'.
       ``(b) Partnerships.--The Secretary shall ensure that the 
     Center collaborates to the maximum extent practicable with 
     the National Center for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder of the 
     Department of Veterans Affairs, institutions of higher 
     education, and other appropriate public and private entities 
     (including international entities) to carry out the 
     responsibilities specified in subsection (c).
       ``(c) Responsibilities.--The Center shall have 
     responsibilities as follows:
       ``(1) To direct and oversee, based on expert research, the 
     development and implementation of a long-term, comprehensive 
     plan and strategy for the Department of Defense for the 
     prevention, diagnosis, mitigation, treatment, and 
     rehabilitation of post-traumatic stress disorder.
       ``(2) To provide for the development, testing, and 
     dissemination within the Department of best practices for the 
     treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder.
       ``(3) To provide guidance for the mental health system of 
     the Department in determining the mental health and 
     neurological health personnel required to provide quality 
     mental health care for members of the armed forces with post-
     traumatic stress disorder.
       ``(4) To establish, implement, and oversee a comprehensive 
     program to train mental health and neurological health 
     professionals of the Department in the treatment of post-
     traumatic stress disorder.
       ``(5) To facilitate advancements in the study of the short-
     term and long-term psychological effects of post-traumatic 
     stress disorder.
       ``(6) To disseminate within the military medical treatment 
     facilities of the Department best practices for training 
     mental health professionals, including neurological health 
     professionals, with respect to post-traumatic stress 
     disorder.
       ``(7) To conduct basic science and translational research 
     on post-traumatic stress disorder for the purposes of 
     understanding the etiology of post-traumatic stress disorder 
     and developing preventive interventions and new treatments.
       ``(8) To develop outreach strategies and treatments for 
     families of members of the armed forces with post-traumatic 
     stress disorder in order to mitigate the negative impacts of 
     traumatic brain injury on such family members and to support 
     the recovery of such members from post-traumatic stress 
     disorder.
       ``(9) To conduct research on the unique mental health needs 
     of women members of the armed forces, including victims of 
     sexual assault, with post-traumatic stress disorder and 
     develop treatments to meet any needs identified through such 
     research.
       ``(10) To conduct research on the unique mental health 
     needs of ethnic minority members of the armed forces with 
     post-traumatic stress disorder and develop treatments to meet 
     any needs identified through such research.
       ``(11) To conduct research on the mental health needs of 
     families of members of the armed forces with post-traumatic 
     stress disorder and develop treatments to meet any needs 
     identified through such research.
       ``(12) To develop and oversee a long-term plan to increase 
     the number of mental health and neurological health 
     professionals within the Department in order to facilitate 
     the meeting by the Department of the needs of members of the 
     armed forces with post-traumatic stress disorder until their 
     transition to care and treatment from the Department of 
     Veterans Affairs.
       ``(13) To develop a program on comprehensive pain 
     management, including management of acute and chronic pain, 
     to utilize current and develop new treatments for pain, and 
     to identify and disseminate best practices on pain 
     management.
       ``(14) Such other responsibilities as the Secretary shall 
     specify.''.
       (c) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the 
     beginning of chapter 55 of such title is amended by inserting 
     after the item relating to section 1105 the following new 
     items:

``1105a. Center of Excellence in Prevention, Diagnosis, Mitigation, 
              Treatment, and Rehabilitation of Traumatic Brain Injury.
``1105b. Center of Excellence in Prevention, Diagnosis, Mitigation, 
              Treatment, and Rehabilitation of Post-Traumatic Stress 
              Disorder.''.
       (d) Report on Establishment.--Not later than 180 days after 
     the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of 
     Defense shall submit to Congress a report on the 
     establishment of the Center of Excellence in Prevention, 
     Diagnosis, Mitigation, Treatment, and Rehabilitation of 
     Traumatic Brain Injury required by section 1105a of title 10, 
     United States Code (as added by subsection (a)), and the 
     establishment of the Center of Excellence in Prevention, 
     Diagnosis, Mitigation, Treatment, and Rehabilitation of Post-
     Traumatic Stress Disorder required by section 1105b of title 
     10, United States Code (as added by subsection (b)). The 
     report shall, for each such Center--
       (1) describe in detail the activities and proposed 
     activities of such Center; and
       (2) assess the progress of such Center in discharging the 
     responsibilities of such Center.
       (e) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is hereby 
     authorized to be appropriated for fiscal year 2008 for the 
     Department of Defense for Defense Health Program, 
     $10,000,000, of which--
       (1) $5,000,000 shall be available for the Center of 
     Excellence in Prevention, Diagnosis, Mitigation, Treatment, 
     and Rehabilitation of Traumatic Brain Injury required by 
     section 1105a of title 10, United States Code; and
       (2) $5,000,000 shall be available for the Center of 
     Excellence in Prevention, Diagnosis, Mitigation, Treatment, 
     and Rehabilitation of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder required 
     by section 1105b of title 10, United States Code.

     SEC. 134. REVIEW OF MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES AND TREATMENT FOR 
                   FEMALE MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES AND 
                   VETERANS.

       (a) Comprehensive Review.--The Secretary of Defense and the 
     Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall jointly conduct a 
     comprehensive review of--
       (1) the need for mental health treatment and services for 
     female members of the Armed Forces and veterans; and
       (2) the efficacy and adequacy of existing mental health 
     treatment programs and services for female members of the 
     Armed Forces and veterans.
       (b) Elements.--The review required by subsection (a) shall 
     include, but not be limited to, an assessment of the 
     following:
       (1) The need for mental health outreach, prevention, and 
     treatment services specifically for female members of the 
     Armed Forces and veterans.
       (2) The access to and efficacy of existing mental health 
     outreach, prevention, and treatment services and programs 
     (including substance abuse programs) for female veterans who 
     served in a combat zone.
       (3) The access to and efficacy of services and treatment 
     for female members of the Armed Forces and veterans who 
     experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
       (4) The availability of services and treatment for female 
     members of the Armed Forces and veterans who experienced 
     sexual assault or abuse.
       (5) The access to and need for treatment facilities 
     focusing on the mental health care needs of female members of 
     the Armed Forces and veterans.
       (6) The need for further clinical research on the unique 
     needs of female veterans who served in a combat zone.
       (c) Report.--Not later than 90 days after the date of the 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense and the 
     Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall jointly submit to the 
     appropriate committees of Congress a report on the review 
     required by subsection (a).
       (d) Policy Required.--Not later than 120 days after the 
     date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense 
     and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall jointly develop a 
     comprehensive policy to address the treatment and care needs 
     of female members of the Armed Forces and veterans who 
     experience mental health problems and conditions, including 
     post-traumatic stress disorder. The policy shall take into 
     account and reflect the results of the review required by 
     subsection (a).

     SEC. 135. FUNDING FOR IMPROVED DIAGNOSIS, TREATMENT, AND 
                   REHABILITATION OF MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES 
                   WITH TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY OR POST-TRAUMATIC 
                   STRESS DISORDER.

       (a) Authorization of Appropriations.--
       (1) In general.--Funds are hereby authorized to be 
     appropriated for fiscal year 2008 for the Department of 
     Defense for Defense Health Program in the amount of 
     $50,000,000, with such amount to be available for activities 
     as follows:
       (A) Activities relating to the improved diagnosis, 
     treatment, and rehabilitation of members of the Armed Forces 
     with traumatic brain injury (TBI).
       (B) Activities relating to the improved diagnosis, 
     treatment, and rehabilitation of members of the Armed Forces 
     with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
       (2) Availability of amount.--Of the amount authorized to be 
     appropriated by paragraph (1), $17,000,000 shall be available 
     for the Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center of the 
     Department of Defense.
       (b) Supplement Not Supplant.--The amount authorized to be 
     appropriated by subsection (a)

[[Page S10327]]

     for Defense Health Program is in addition to any other 
     amounts authorized to be appropriated by this Act for Defense 
     Health Program.

     SEC. 136. REPORTS.

       (a) Reports on Implementation of Certain Requirements.--Not 
     later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this 
     Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the 
     congressional defense committees a report describing the 
     progress in implementing the requirements as follows:
       (1) The requirements of section 721 of the John Warner 
     National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2007 
     (Public Law 109-364; 120 Stat. 2294), relating to a 
     longitudinal study on traumatic brain injury incurred by 
     members of the Armed Forces in Operation Iraqi Freedom and 
     Operation Enduring Freedom.
       (2) The requirements arising from the amendments made by 
     section 738 of the John Warner National Defense Authorization 
     Act for Fiscal Year 2007 (120 Stat. 2303), relating to 
     enhanced mental health screening and services for members of 
     the Armed Forces.
       (3) The requirements of section 741 of the John Warner 
     National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2007 (120 
     Stat. 2304), relating to pilot projects on early diagnosis 
     and treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder and other 
     mental health conditions.
       (b) Annual Reports on Expenditures for Activities on Tbi 
     and Ptsd.--
       (1) Reports required.--Not later than March 1, 2008, and 
     each year thereafter through 2013, the Secretary of Defense 
     shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report 
     setting forth the amounts expended by the Department of 
     Defense during the preceding calendar year on activities 
     described in paragraph (2), including the amount allocated 
     during such calendar year to the Defense and Veterans Brain 
     Injury Center of the Department.
       (2) Covered activities.--The activities described in this 
     paragraph are activities as follows:
       (A) Activities relating to the improved diagnosis, 
     treatment, and rehabilitation of members of the Armed Forces 
     with traumatic brain injury (TBI).
       (B) Activities relating to the improved diagnosis, 
     treatment, and rehabilitation of members of the Armed Forces 
     with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
       (3) Elements.--Each report under paragraph (1) shall 
     include--
       (A) a description of the amounts expended as described in 
     that paragraph, including a description of the activities for 
     which expended;
       (B) a description and assessment of the outcome of such 
     activities;
       (C) a statement of priorities of the Department in 
     activities relating to the prevention, diagnosis, research, 
     treatment, and rehabilitation of traumatic brain injury in 
     members of the Armed Forces during the year in which such 
     report is submitted and in future calendar years;
       (D) a statement of priorities of the Department in 
     activities relating to the prevention, diagnosis, research, 
     treatment, and rehabilitation of post-traumatic stress 
     disorder in members of the Armed Forces during the year in 
     which such report is submitted and in future calendar years; 
     and
       (E) an assessment of the progress made toward achieving the 
     priorities stated in subparagraphs (C) and (D) in the report 
     under paragraph (1) in the previous year, and a description 
     of any actions planned during the year in which such report 
     is submitted to achieve any unfulfilled priorities during 
     such year.

                         PART IV--OTHER MATTERS

     SEC. 141. JOINT ELECTRONIC HEALTH RECORD FOR THE DEPARTMENT 
                   OF DEFENSE AND DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.

       (a) In General.--The Secretary of Defense and the Secretary 
     of Veterans Affairs shall jointly--
       (1) develop and implement a joint electronic health record 
     for use by the Department of Defense and the Department of 
     Veterans Affairs; and
       (2) accelerate the exchange of health care information 
     between the Department of Defense and the Department of 
     Veterans Affairs in order to support the delivery of health 
     care by both Departments.
       (b) Department of Defense-Department of Veterans Affairs 
     Interagency Program Office for a Joint Electronic Health 
     Record.--
       (1) In general.--There is hereby established a joint 
     element of the Department of Defense and the Department of 
     Veterans Affairs to be known as the ``Department of Defense-
     Department of Veterans Affairs Interagency Program Office for 
     a Joint Electronic Health Record'' (in this section referred 
     to as the ``Office'').
       (2) Purposes.--The purposes of the Office shall be as 
     follows:
       (A) To act as a single point of accountability for the 
     Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs 
     in the rapid development, test, and implementation of a joint 
     electronic health record for use by the Department of Defense 
     and the Department of Veterans Affairs.
       (B) To accelerate the exchange of health care information 
     between Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans 
     Affairs in order to support the delivery of health care by 
     both Departments.
       (c) Leadership.--
       (1) Director.--The Director of the Department of Defense-
     Department of Veterans Affairs Interagency Program Office for 
     a Joint Electronic Health Record shall be the head of the 
     Office.
       (2) Deputy director.--The Deputy Director of the Department 
     of Defense-Department of Veterans Affairs Interagency Program 
     Office for a Joint Electronic Health Record shall be the 
     deputy head of the office and shall assist the Director in 
     carrying out the duties of the Director.
       (3) Appointments.--(A) The Director shall be appointed by 
     the Secretary of Defense, with the concurrence of the 
     Secretary of Veterans Affairs, from among employees of the 
     Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs 
     in the Senior Executive Service who are qualified to direct 
     the development and acquisition of major information 
     technology capabilities.
       (B) The Deputy Director shall be appointed by the Secretary 
     of Veterans Affairs, with the concurrence of the Secretary of 
     Defense, from among employees of the Department of Defense 
     and the Department of Veterans Affairs in the Senior 
     Executive Service who are qualified to direct the development 
     and acquisition of major information technology capabilities.
       (4) Additional guidance.--In addition to the direction, 
     supervision, and control provided by the Secretary of Defense 
     and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, the Office shall also 
     receive guidance from the Department of Veterans Affairs-
     Department of Defense Joint Executive Committee under section 
     320 of title 38, United States Code, in the discharge of the 
     functions of the Office under this section.
       (5) Testimony.--Upon request by any of the appropriate 
     committees of Congress, the Director and the Deputy Director 
     shall testify before such committee regarding the discharge 
     of the functions of the Office under this section.
       (d) Function.--The function of the Office shall be to 
     develop and prepare for deployment, by not later than 
     September 30, 2010, a joint electronic health record to be 
     utilized by both the Department of Defense and the Department 
     of Veterans Affairs in the provision of medical care and 
     treatment to members of the Armed Forces and veterans, which 
     health record shall comply with applicable interoperability 
     standards, implementation specifications, and certification 
     criteria (including for the reporting of quality measures) of 
     the Federal Government.
       (e) Schedules and Benchmarks.--Not later than 30 days after 
     the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of 
     Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall jointly 
     establish a schedule and benchmarks for the discharge by the 
     Office of its function under this section, including each of 
     the following:
       (1) A schedule for the establishment of the Office.
       (2) A schedule and deadline for the establishment of the 
     requirements for the joint electronic health record described 
     in subsection (d), including coordination with the Office of 
     the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology in 
     the development of a nationwide interoperable health 
     information technology infrastructure.
       (3) A schedule and associated deadlines for any acquisition 
     and testing required in the development and deployment of the 
     joint electronic health record.
       (4) A schedule and associated deadlines and requirements 
     for the deployment of the joint electronic health record.
       (5) Proposed funding for the Office for each of fiscal 
     years 2009 through 2013 for the discharge of its function.
       (f) Pilot Projects.--
       (1) Authority.--In order to assist the Office in the 
     discharge of its function under this section, the Secretary 
     of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs may, acting 
     jointly, carry out one or more pilot projects to assess the 
     feasability and advisability of various technological 
     approaches to the achievement of the joint electronic health 
     record described in subsection (d).
       (2) Treatment as single health care system.--For purposes 
     of each pilot project carried out under this subsection, the 
     health care system of the Department of Defense and the 
     health care system of the Department of Veterans Affairs 
     shall be treated as a single health care system for purposes 
     of the regulations promulgated under section 264(c) of the 
     Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 
     (42 U.S.C. 1320d-2 note).
       (g) Staff and Other Resources.--
       (1) In general.--The Secretary of Defense and the Secretary 
     of Veterans Affairs shall assign to the Office such personnel 
     and other resources of the Department of Defense and the 
     Department of Veterans Affairs as are required for the 
     discharge of its function under this section.
       (2) Additional services.--Subject to the approval of the 
     Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, 
     the Director may utilize the services of private individuals 
     and entities as consultants to the Office in the discharge of 
     its function under this section. Amounts available to the 
     Office shall be available for payment for such services.
       (h) Annual Reports.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than January 1, 2009, and each 
     year thereafter through 2014, the Director shall submit to 
     the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans 
     Affairs, and to the appropriate committees of Congress, a 
     report on the activities of the Office during the preceding 
     calendar year. Each report shall include, for the year 
     covered by such report, the following:
       (A) A detailed description of the activities of the Office, 
     including a detailed description of the amounts expended and 
     the purposes for which expended.
       (B) An assessment of the progress made by the Department of 
     Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs in the 
     development and implementation of the joint electronic health 
     record described in subsection (d).
       (2) Availability to public.--The Secretary of Defense and 
     the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall make available to the 
     public each report submitted under paragraph (1), including 
     by

[[Page S10328]]

     posting such report on the Internet website of the Department 
     of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs, 
     respectively, that is available to the public.
       (i) Comptroller General Assessment of Implementation.--Not 
     later than six months after the date of the enactment of this 
     Act and every six months thereafter until the completion of 
     the implementation of the joint electronic health record 
     described in subsection (d), the Comptroller General of the 
     United States shall submit to the appropriate committees of 
     Congress a report setting forth the assessment of the 
     Comptroller General of the progress of the Department of 
     Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs in developing 
     and implementing the joint electronic health record.
       (j) Funding.--
       (1) In general.--The Secretary of Defense and the Secretary 
     of Veterans Affairs shall each contribute equally to the 
     costs of the Office in fiscal year 2008 and fiscal years 
     thereafter. The amount so contributed by each Secretary in 
     fiscal year 2008 shall be up to $10,000,000.
       (2) Source of funds.--(A) Amounts contributed by the 
     Secretary of Defense under paragraph (1) shall be derived 
     from amounts authorized to be appropriated for the Department 
     of Defense for the Defense Health Program and available for 
     program management and technology resources.
       (B) Amounts contributed by the Secretary of Veterans 
     Affairs under paragraph (1) shall be derived from amounts 
     authorized to be appropriated for the Department of Veterans 
     Affairs for Medical Care and available for program management 
     and technology resources.
       (k) Joint Electronic Health Record Defined.--In this 
     section, the term ``joint electronic health record'' means a 
     single system that includes patient information across the 
     continuum of medical care, including inpatient care, 
     outpatient care, pharmacy care, patient safety, and 
     rehabilitative care.

     SEC. 142. ENHANCED PERSONNEL AUTHORITIES FOR THE DEPARTMENT 
                   OF DEFENSE FOR HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS FOR 
                   CARE AND TREATMENT OF WOUNDED AND INJURED 
                   MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES.

       (a) In General.--Section 1599c of title 10, United States 
     Code, is amended to read as follows:

     ``Sec. 1599c. Health care professionals: enhanced appointment 
       and compensation authority for personnel for care and 
       treatment of wounded and injured members of the armed 
       forces

       ``(a) In General.--The Secretary of Defense may, in the 
     discretion of the Secretary, exercise any authority for the 
     appointment and pay of health care personnel under chapter 74 
     of title 38 for purposes of the recruitment, employment, and 
     retention of civilian health care professionals for the 
     Department of Defense if the Secretary determines that the 
     exercise of such authority is necessary in order to provide 
     or enhance the capacity of the Department to provide care and 
     treatment for members of the armed forces who are wounded or 
     injured on active duty in the armed forces and to support the 
     ongoing patient care and medical readiness, education, and 
     training requirements of the Department of Defense.
       ``(b) Recruitment of Personnel.--(1) The Secretaries of the 
     military departments shall each develop and implement a 
     strategy to disseminate among appropriate personnel of the 
     military departments authorities and best practices for the 
     recruitment of medical and health professionals, including 
     the authorities under subsection (a).
       ``(2) Each strategy under paragraph (1) shall--
       ``(A) assess current recruitment policies, procedures, and 
     practices of the military department concerned to assure that 
     such strategy facilitates the implementation of efficiencies 
     which reduce the time required to fill vacant positions for 
     medical and health professionals; and
       ``(B) clearly identify processes and actions that will be 
     used to inform and educate military and civilian personnel 
     responsible for the recruitment of medical and health 
     professionals.''.
       (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the 
     beginning of chapter 81 of such title is amended by striking 
     the item relating to section 1599c and inserting the 
     following new item:

``1599c. Health care professionals: enhanced appointment and 
              compensation authority for personnel for care and 
              treatment of wounded and injured members of the armed 
              forces.''.
       (c) Reports on Strategies on Recruitment of Medical and 
     Health Professionals.--Not later than six months after the 
     date of the enactment of this Act, each Secretary of a 
     military department shall submit to the congressional defense 
     committees a report setting forth the strategy developed by 
     such Secretary under section 1599c(b) of title 10, United 
     States Code, as added by subsection (a).

     SEC. 143. PERSONNEL SHORTAGES IN THE MENTAL HEALTH WORKFORCE 
                   OF THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE, INCLUDING 
                   PERSONNEL IN THE MENTAL HEALTH WORKFORCE.

       (a) Recommendations on Means of Addressing Shortages.--
       (1) Report.--Not later than 45 days after the date of the 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit 
     to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the 
     House of Representatives a report setting forth the 
     recommendations of the Secretary for such legislative or 
     administrative actions as the Secretary considers appropriate 
     to address shortages in health care professionals within the 
     Department of Defense, including personnel in the mental 
     health workforce.
       (2) Elements.--The report required by paragraph (1) shall 
     address the following:
       (A) Enhancements or improvements of financial incentives 
     for health care professionals, including personnel in the 
     mental health workforce, of the Department of Defense in 
     order to enhance the recruitment and retention of such 
     personnel, including recruitment, accession, or retention 
     bonuses and scholarship, tuition, and other financial 
     assistance.
       (B) Modifications of service obligations of health care 
     professionals, including personnel in the mental health 
     workforce.
       (C) Such other matters as the Secretary considers 
     appropriate.
       (b) Recruitment.--Commencing not later than 180 days after 
     the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of 
     Defense shall implement programs to recruit qualified 
     individuals in health care fields (including mental health) 
     to serve in the Armed Forces as health care and mental health 
     personnel of the Armed Forces.

                     Subtitle C--Disability Matters

                     PART I--DISABILITY EVALUATIONS

     SEC. 151. UTILIZATION OF VETERANS' PRESUMPTION OF SOUND 
                   CONDITION IN ESTABLISHING ELIGIBILITY OF 
                   MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES FOR RETIREMENT FOR 
                   DISABILITY.

       (a) Retirement of Regulars and Members on Active Duty for 
     More Than 30 Days.--Clause (i) of section 1201(b)(3)(B) of 
     title 10, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:
       ``(i) the member has six months or more of active military 
     service and the disability was not noted at the time of the 
     member's entrance on active duty (unless compelling evidence 
     or medical judgment is such to warrant a finding that the 
     disability existed before the member's entrance on active 
     duty);''.
       (b) Separation of Regulars and Members on Active Duty for 
     More Than 30 Days.--Section 1203(b)(4)(B) of such title is 
     amended by striking ``and the member has at least eight years 
     of service computed under section 1208 of this title'' and 
     inserting ``, the member has six months or more of active 
     military service, and the disability was not noted at the 
     time of the member's entrance on active duty (unless evidence 
     or medical judgment is such to warrant a finding that the 
     disability existed before the member's entrance on active 
     duty)''.

     SEC. 152. REQUIREMENTS AND LIMITATIONS ON DEPARTMENT OF 
                   DEFENSE DETERMINATIONS OF DISABILITY WITH 
                   RESPECT TO MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES.

       (a) In General.--Chapter 61 of title 10, United States 
     Code, is amended by inserting after section 1216 the 
     following new section:

     ``Sec. 1216a. Determinations of disability: requirements and 
       limitations on determinations

       ``(a) Utilization of VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities in 
     Determinations of Disability.--(1) In making a determination 
     of disability of a member of the armed forces for purposes of 
     this chapter, the Secretary concerned--
       ``(A) shall, to the extent feasible, utilize the schedule 
     for rating disabilities in use by the Department of Veterans 
     Affairs, including any applicable interpretation of the 
     schedule by the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans 
     Claims; and
       ``(B) except as provided in paragraph (2), may not deviate 
     from the schedule or any such interpretation of the schedule.
       ``(2) In making a determination described in paragraph (1), 
     the Secretary concerned may utilize in lieu of the schedule 
     described in that paragraph such criteria as the Secretary of 
     Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs may jointly 
     prescribe for purposes of this subsection if the utilization 
     of such criteria will result in a determination of a greater 
     percentage of disability than would be otherwise determined 
     through the utilization of the schedule.
       ``(b) Consideration of All Medical Conditions.--In making a 
     determination of the rating of disability of a member of the 
     armed forces for purposes of this chapter, the Secretary 
     concerned shall take into account all medical conditions, 
     whether individually or collectively, that render the member 
     unfit to perform the duties of the member's office, grade, 
     rank, or rating.''.
       (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the 
     beginning of chapter 61 of such title is amended by inserting 
     after the item relating to section 1216 the following new 
     item:

``1216a. Determinations of disability: requirements and limitations on 
              determinations.''.

     SEC. 153. REVIEW OF SEPARATION OF MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES 
                   SEPARATED FROM SERVICE WITH A DISABILITY RATING 
                   OF 20 PERCENT DISABLED OR LESS.

       (a) Board Required.--
       (1) In general.--Chapter 79 of title 10, United States 
     Code, is amended by inserting after section 1554 adding the 
     following new section:

     ``Sec. 1554a. Review of separation with disability rating of 
       20 percent disabled or less

       ``(a) In General.--(1) The Secretary of Defense shall 
     establish within the Office of the Secretary of Defense a 
     board of review to review the disability determinations of 
     covered individuals by Physical Evaluation Boards. The board 
     shall be known as the `Physical Disability Board of Review'.
       ``(2) The Board shall consist of not less than three 
     members appointed by the Secretary.
       ``(b) Covered Individuals.--For purposes of this section, 
     covered individuals are members and former members of the 
     armed forces who, during the period beginning on September 
     11, 2001, and ending on December 31, 2009--
       ``(1) are separated from the armed forces due to unfitness 
     for duty due to a medical condition with a disability rating 
     of 20 percent disabled or less; and

[[Page S10329]]

       ``(2) are found to be not eligible for retirement.
       ``(c) Review.--(1) Upon its own motion, or upon the request 
     of a covered individual, or a surviving spouse, next of kin, 
     or legal representative of a covered individual, the Board 
     shall review the findings and decisions of the Physical 
     Evaluation Board with respect to such covered individual.
       ``(2) The review by the Board under paragraph (1) shall be 
     based on the records of the armed force concerned and such 
     other evidence as may be presented to the Board. A witness 
     may present evidence to the Board by affidavit or by any 
     other means considered acceptable by the Secretary of 
     Defense.
       ``(d) Authorized Recommendations.--The Board may, as a 
     result of its findings under a review under subsection (c), 
     recommend to the Secretary concerned the following (as 
     applicable) with respect to a covered individual:
       ``(1) No recharacterization of the separation of such 
     individual or modification of the disability rating 
     previously assigned such individual.
       ``(2) The recharacterization of the separation of such 
     individual to retirement for disability.
       ``(3) The modification of the disability rating previously 
     assigned such individual by the Physical Evaluation Board 
     concerned, which modified disability rating may not be a 
     reduction of the disability rating previously assigned such 
     individual by that Physical Evaluation Board.
       ``(4) The issuance of a new disability rating for such 
     individual.
       ``(e) Correction of Military Records.--(1) The Secretary 
     concerned may correct the military records of a covered 
     individual in accordance with a recommendation made by the 
     Board under subsection (d). Any such correction may be made 
     effective as of the effective date of the action taken on the 
     report of the Physical Evaluation Board to which such 
     recommendation relates.
       ``(2) In the case of a member previously separated pursuant 
     to the findings and decision of a Physical Evaluation Board 
     together with a lump-sum or other payment of back pay and 
     allowances at separation, the amount of pay or other monetary 
     benefits to which such member would be entitled based on the 
     member's military record as corrected shall be reduced to 
     take into account receipt of such lump-sum or other payment 
     in such manner as the Secretary of Defense considers 
     appropriate.
       ``(3) If the Board makes a recommendation not to correct 
     the military records of a covered individual, the action 
     taken on the report of the Physical Evaluation Board to which 
     such recommendation relates shall be treated as final as of 
     the date of such action.
       ``(f) Regulations.--(1) This section shall be carried out 
     in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary of 
     Defense.
       ``(2) The regulations under paragraph (1) shall specify 
     reasonable deadlines for the performance of reviews required 
     by this section.
       ``(3) The regulations under paragraph (1) shall specify the 
     effect of a determination or pending determination of a 
     Physical Evaluation Board on considerations by boards for 
     correction of military records under section 1552 of this 
     title.''.
       (2) Clerical amendment.--The table of sections at the 
     beginning of chapter 79 of such title is amended by inserting 
     after the item relating to section 1554 the following new 
     item:

``1554a. Review of separation with disability rating of 20 percent 
              disabled or less.''.
       (b) Implementation.--The Secretary of Defense shall 
     establish the board of review required by section 1554a of 
     title 10, United States Code (as added by subsection (a)), 
     and prescribe the regulations required by such section, not 
     later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this 
     Act.

     SEC. 154. PILOT PROGRAMS ON REVISED AND IMPROVED DISABILITY 
                   EVALUATION SYSTEM FOR MEMBERS OF THE ARMED 
                   FORCES.

       (a) Pilot Programs.--
       (1) In general.--The Secretary of Defense shall, in 
     consultation with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, carry 
     out pilot programs with respect to the disability evaluation 
     system of the Department of Defense for the purpose set forth 
     in subsection (d).
       (2) Required pilot programs.--In carrying out this section, 
     the Secretary of Defense shall carry out the pilot programs 
     described in paragraphs (1) through (3) of subsection (c). 
     Each such pilot program shall be implemented not later than 
     90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act.
       (3) Authorized pilot programs.--In carrying out this 
     section, the Secretary of Defense may carry out such other 
     pilot programs as the Secretary of Defense, in consultation 
     with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, considers 
     appropriate.
       (b) Disability Evaluation System of the Department of 
     Defense.--For purposes of this section, the disability 
     evaluation system of the Department of Defense is the system 
     of the Department for the evaluation of the disabilities of 
     members of the Armed Forces who are being separated or 
     retired from the Armed Forces for disability under chapter 61 
     of title 10, United States Code.
       (c) Scope of Pilot Programs.--
       (1) Disability determinations by dod utilizing va assigned 
     disability rating.--Under one of the pilot programs under 
     subsection (a), for purposes of making a determination of 
     disability of a member of the Armed Forces under section 
     1201(b) of title 10, United States Code, for the retirement, 
     separation, or placement of the member on the temporary 
     disability retired list under chapter 61 of such title, upon 
     a determination by the Secretary of the military department 
     concerned that the member is unfit to perform the duties of 
     the member's office, grade, rank, or rating because of a 
     physical disability as described in section 1201(a) of such 
     title--
       (A) the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall--
       (i) conduct an evaluation of the member for physical 
     disability; and
       (ii) assign the member a rating of disability in accordance 
     with the schedule for rating disabilities utilized by the 
     Secretary of Veterans Affairs based on all medical conditions 
     (whether individually or collectively) that render the member 
     unfit for duty; and
       (B) the Secretary of the military department concerned 
     shall make the determination of disability regarding the 
     member utilizing the rating of disability assigned under 
     subparagraph (A)(ii).
       (2) Disability determinations utilizing joint dod/va 
     assigned disability rating.--Under one of the pilot programs 
     under subsection (a), in making a determination of disability 
     of a member of the Armed Forces under section 1201(b) of 
     title 10, United States Code, for the retirement, separation, 
     or placement of the member on the temporary disability 
     retired list under chapter 61 of such title, the Secretary of 
     the military department concerned shall, upon determining 
     that the member is unfit to perform the duties of the 
     member's office, grade, rank, or rating because of a physical 
     disability as described in section 1201(a) of such title--
       (A) provide for the joint evaluation of the member for 
     disability by the Secretary of the military department 
     concerned and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, including 
     the assignment of a rating of disability for the member in 
     accordance with the schedule for rating disabilities utilized 
     by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs based on all medical 
     conditions (whether individually or collectively) that render 
     the member unfit for duty; and
       (B) make the determination of disability regarding the 
     member utilizing the rating of disability assigned under 
     subparagraph (A).
       (3) Electronic clearing house.--Under one of the pilot 
     programs, the Secretary of Defense shall establish and 
     operate a single Internet website for the disability 
     evaluation system of the Department of Defense that enables 
     participating members of the Armed Forces to fully utilize 
     such system through the Internet, with such Internet website 
     to include the following:
       (A) The availability of any forms required for the 
     utilization of the disability evaluation system by members of 
     the Armed Forces under the system.
       (B) Secure mechanisms for the submission of such forms by 
     members of the Armed Forces under the system, and for the 
     tracking of the acceptance and review of any forms so 
     submitted.
       (C) Secure mechanisms for advising members of the Armed 
     Forces under the system of any additional information, forms, 
     or other items that are required for the acceptance and 
     review of any forms so submitted.
       (D) The continuous availability of assistance to members of 
     the Armed Forces under the system (including assistance 
     through the caseworkers assigned to such members of the Armed 
     Forces) in submitting and tracking such forms, including 
     assistance in obtaining information, forms, or other items 
     described by subparagraph (C).
       (E) Secure mechanisms to request and receive personnel 
     files or other personnel records of members of the Armed 
     Forces under the system that are required for submission 
     under the disability evaluation system, including the 
     capability to track requests for such files or records and to 
     determine the status of such requests and of responses to 
     such requests.
       (4) Other pilot programs.--Under any pilot program carried 
     out by the Secretary of Defense under subsection (a)(3), the 
     Secretary shall provide for the development, evaluation, and 
     identification of such practices and procedures under the 
     disability evaluation system of the Department of Defense as 
     the Secretary considers appropriate for purpose set forth in 
     subsection (d).
       (d) Purpose.--The purpose of each pilot program under 
     subsection (a) shall be--
       (1) to provide for the development, evaluation, and 
     identification of revised and improved practices and 
     procedures under the disability evaluation system of the 
     Department of Defense in order to--
       (A) reduce the processing time under the disability 
     evaluation system of members of the Armed Forces who are 
     likely to be retired or separated for disability, and who 
     have not requested continuation on active duty, including, in 
     particular, members who are severely wounded;
       (B) identify and implement or seek the modification of 
     statutory or administrative policies and requirements 
     applicable to the disability evaluation system that--
       (i) are unnecessary or contrary to applicable best 
     practices of civilian employers and civilian healthcare 
     systems; or
       (ii) otherwise result in hardship, arbitrary, or 
     inconsistent outcomes for members of the Armed Forces, or 
     unwarranted inefficiencies and delays;
       (C) eliminate material variations in policies, 
     interpretations, and overall performance standards among the 
     military departments under the disability evaluation system; 
     and
       (D) determine whether it enhances the capability of the 
     Department of Veterans Affairs to receive and determine 
     claims from members of the Armed Forces for compensation, 
     pension, hospitalization, or other veterans benefits; and
       (2) in conjunction with the findings and recommendations of 
     applicable Presidential and Department of Defense study 
     groups, to provide for the eventual development of revised 
     and improved practices and procedures for the disability 
     evaluation system in order to achieve the objectives set 
     forth in paragraph (1).

[[Page S10330]]

       (e) Utilization of Results in Updates of Comprehensive 
     Policy on Care, Management, and Transition of Covered 
     Servicemembers.--The Secretary of Defense and the Secretary 
     of Veterans Affairs shall jointly incorporate responses to 
     any findings and recommendations arising under the pilot 
     programs required by subsection (a) in updating the 
     comprehensive policy on the care and management of covered 
     servicemembers under section 111.
       (f) Construction With Other Authorities.--
       (1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (2), in carrying out 
     a pilot program under subsection (a)--
       (A) the rules and regulations of the Department of Defense 
     and the Department of Veterans Affairs relating to methods of 
     determining fitness or unfitness for duty and disability 
     ratings for members of the Armed Forces shall apply to the 
     pilot program only to the extent provided in the report on 
     the pilot program under subsection (h)(1); and
       (B) the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans 
     Affairs may waive any provision of title 10, 37, or 38, 
     United States Code, relating to methods of determining 
     fitness or unfitness for duty and disability ratings for 
     members of the Armed Forces if the Secretaries determine in 
     writing that the application of such provision would be 
     inconsistent with the purpose of the pilot program.
       (2) Limitation.--Nothing in paragraph (1) shall be 
     construed to authorize the waiver of any provision of section 
     1216a of title 10, United States Code, as added by section 
     152 of this Act.
       (g) Duration.--Each pilot program under subsection (a) 
     shall be completed not later than one year after the date of 
     the commencement of such pilot program under that subsection.
       (h) Reports.--
       (1) Initial report.--Not later than 90 days after the date 
     of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall 
     submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report on 
     the pilot programs under subsection (a). The report shall 
     include--
       (A) a description of the scope and objectives of each pilot 
     program;
       (B) a description of the methodology to be used under such 
     pilot program to ensure rapid identification under such pilot 
     program of revised or improved practices under the disability 
     evaluation system of the Department of Defense in order to 
     achieve the objectives set forth in subsection (d)(1); and
       (C) a statement of any provision described in subsection 
     (f)(1)(B) that shall not apply to the pilot program by reason 
     of a waiver under that subsection.
       (2) Interim report.--Not later than 150 days after the date 
     of the submittal of the report required by paragraph (1), the 
     Secretary shall submit to the appropriate committees of 
     Congress a report describing the current status of such pilot 
     program.
       (3) Final report.--Not later than 90 days after the 
     completion of all the pilot programs described in paragraphs 
     (1) through (3) of subsection (c), the Secretary shall submit 
     to the appropriate committees of Congress a report setting 
     forth a final evaluation and assessment of such pilot 
     programs. The report shall include such recommendations for 
     legislative or administrative action as the Secretary 
     considers appropriate in light of such pilot programs.

     SEC. 155. REPORTS ON ARMY ACTION PLAN IN RESPONSE TO 
                   DEFICIENCIES IN THE ARMY PHYSICAL DISABILITY 
                   EVALUATION SYSTEM.

       (a) Reports Required.--Not later than 30 days after the 
     date of the enactment of this Act, and every 120 days 
     thereafter until March 1, 2009, the Secretary of Defense 
     shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report 
     on the implementation of corrective measures by the 
     Department of Defense with respect to the Physical Disability 
     Evaluation System (PDES) in response to the following:
       (1) The report of the Inspector General of the Army on that 
     system of March 6, 2007.
       (2) The report of the Independent Review Group on 
     Rehabilitation Care and Administrative Processes at Walter 
     Reed Army Medical Center and National Naval Medical Center.
       (3) The report of the Department of Veterans Affairs Task 
     Force on Returning Global War on Terror Heroes.
       (b) Elements of Report.--Each report under subsection (a) 
     shall include current information on the following:
       (1) The total number of cases, and the number of cases 
     involving combat disabled servicemembers, pending resolution 
     before the Medical and Physical Disability Evaluation Boards 
     of the Army, including information on the number of members 
     of the Army who have been in a medical hold or holdover 
     status for more than each of 100, 200, and 300 days.
       (2) The status of the implementation of modifications to 
     disability evaluation processes of the Department of Defense 
     in response to the following:
       (A) The report of the Inspector General on such processes 
     dated March 6, 2007.
       (B) The report of the Independent Review Group on 
     Rehabilitation Care and Administrative Processes at Walter 
     Reed Army Medical Center and National Naval Medical Center.
       (C) The report of the Department of Veterans Affairs Task 
     Force on Returning Global War on Terror Heroes.
       (c) Posting on Internet.--Not later than 24 hours after 
     submitting a report under subsection (a), the Secretary shall 
     post such report on the Internet website of the Department of 
     Defense that is available to the public.

                   PART II--OTHER DISABILITY MATTERS

     SEC. 161. ENHANCEMENT OF DISABILITY SEVERANCE PAY FOR MEMBERS 
                   OF THE ARMED FORCES.

       (a) In General.--Section 1212 of title 10, United States 
     Code, is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)(1), by striking ``his years of 
     service, but not more than 12, computed under section 1208 of 
     this title'' in the matter preceding subparagraph (A) and 
     inserting ``the member's years of service computed under 
     section 1208 of this title (subject to the minimum and 
     maximum years of service provided for in subsection (c))'';
       (2) by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (d); and
       (3) by inserting after subsection (b) the following new 
     subsection (c):
       ``(c)(1) The minimum years of service of a member for 
     purposes of subsection (a)(1) shall be as follows:
       ``(A) Six years in the case of a member separated from the 
     armed forces for a disability incurred in line of duty in a 
     combat zone (as designated by the Secretary of Defense for 
     purposes of this subsection) or incurred during the 
     performance of duty in combat-related operations as 
     designated by the Secretary of Defense.
       ``(B) Three years in the case of any other member.
       ``(2) The maximum years of service of a member for purposes 
     of subsection (a)(1) shall be 19 years.''.
       (b) No Deduction From Compensation of Severance Pay for 
     Disabilities Incurred in Combat Zones.--Subsection (d) of 
     such section, as redesignated by subsection (a)(2) of this 
     section, is further amended--
       (1) by inserting ``(1)'' after ``(d)'';
       (2) by striking the second sentence; and
       (3) by adding at the end the following new paragraphs:
       ``(2) No deduction may be made under paragraph (1) in the 
     case of disability severance pay received by a member for a 
     disability incurred in line of duty in a combat zone or 
     incurred during performance of duty in combat-related 
     operations as designated by the Secretary of Defense.
       ``(3) No deduction may be made under paragraph (1) from any 
     death compensation to which a member's dependents become 
     entitled after the member's death.''.
       (c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section 
     shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act, 
     and shall apply with respect to members of the Armed Forces 
     separated from the Armed Forces under chapter 61 of title 10, 
     United States Code, on or after that date.

     SEC. 162. TRAUMATIC SERVICEMEMBERS' GROUP LIFE INSURANCE.

       (a) Designation of Fiduciary for Members With Lost Mental 
     Capacity or Extended Loss of Consciousness.--The Secretary of 
     Defense shall, in consultation with the Secretary of Veterans 
     Affairs, develop a form for the designation of a recipient 
     for the funds distributed under section 1980A of title 38, 
     United States Code, as the fiduciary of a member of the Armed 
     Forces in cases where the member is medically incapacitated 
     (as determined by the Secretary of Defense in consultation 
     with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs) or experiencing an 
     extended loss of consciousness.
       (b) Elements.--The form under subsection (a) shall require 
     that a member may elect that--
       (1) an individual designated by the member be the recipient 
     as the fiduciary of the member; or
       (2) a court of proper jurisdiction determine the recipient 
     as the fiduciary of the member for purposes of this 
     subsection.
       (c) Completion and Update.--The form under subsection (a) 
     shall be completed by an individual at the time of entry into 
     the Armed Forces and updated periodically thereafter.

     SEC. 163. ELECTRONIC TRANSFER FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE 
                   TO THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS OF 
                   DOCUMENTS SUPPORTING ELIGIBILITY FOR BENEFITS.

       The Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans 
     Affairs shall jointly develop and implement a mechanism to 
     provide for the electronic transfer from the Department of 
     Defense to the Department of Veterans Affairs of any 
     Department of Defense documents (including Department of 
     Defense form DD-214) necessary to establish or support the 
     eligibility of a member of the Armed Forces for benefits 
     under the laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans 
     Affairs at the time of the retirement, separation, or release 
     of the member from the Armed Forces.

     SEC. 164. ASSESSMENTS OF TEMPORARY DISABILITY RETIRED LIST.

       Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of 
     this Act, the Secretary of Defense and the Comptroller 
     General of the United States shall each submit to the 
     congressional defense committees a report assessing the 
     continuing utility of the temporary disability retired list 
     in satisfying the purposes for which the temporary disability 
     retired list was established. Each report shall include such 
     recommendations for the modification or improvement of the 
     temporary disability retired list as the Secretary or the 
     Comptroller General, as applicable, considers appropriate in 
     light of the assessment in such report.

         Subtitle D--Improvement of Facilities Housing Patients

     SEC. 171. STANDARDS FOR MILITARY MEDICAL TREATMENT 
                   FACILITIES, SPECIALTY MEDICAL CARE FACILITIES, 
                   AND MILITARY QUARTERS HOUSING PATIENTS.

       (a) Establishment of Standards.--The Secretary of Defense 
     shall establish for the military facilities referred to in 
     subsection (b) standards with respect to the matters set 
     forth in subsection (c). The standards shall, to the maximum 
     extent practicable--
       (1) be uniform and consistent across such facilities; and

[[Page S10331]]

       (2) be uniform and consistent across the Department of 
     Defense and the military departments.
       (b) Covered Military Facilities.--The military facilities 
     referred to in this subsection are the military facilities of 
     the Department of Defense and the military departments as 
     follows:
       (1) Military medical treatment facilities.
       (2) Specialty medical care facilities.
       (3) Military quarters or leased housing for patients.
       (c) Scope of Standards.--The standards required by 
     subsection (a) shall include the following:
       (1) Generally accepted standards for the accreditation of 
     medical facilities, or for facilities used to quarter 
     individuals that may require medical supervision, as 
     applicable, in the United States.
       (2) To the extent not inconsistent with the standards 
     described in paragraph (1), minimally acceptable conditions 
     for the following:
       (A) Appearance and maintenance of facilities generally, 
     including the structure and roofs of facilities.
       (B) Size, appearance, and maintenance of rooms housing or 
     utilized by patients, including furniture and amenities in 
     such rooms.
       (C) Operation and maintenance of primary and back-up 
     facility utility systems and other systems required for 
     patient care, including electrical systems, plumbing systems, 
     heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, 
     communications systems, fire protection systems, energy 
     management systems, and other systems required for patient 
     care.
       (D) Compliance with Federal Government standards for 
     hospital facilities and operations.
       (E) Compliance of facilities, rooms, and grounds, to the 
     maximum extent practicable, with the Americans with 
     Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq.).
       (F) Such other matters relating to the appearance, size, 
     operation, and maintenance of facilities and rooms as the 
     Secretary considers appropriate.
       (d) Compliance With Standards.--
       (1) Deadline.--In establishing standards under subsection 
     (a), the Secretary shall specify a deadline for compliance 
     with such standards by each facility referred to in 
     subsection (b). The deadline shall be at the earliest date 
     practicable after the date of the enactment of this Act, and 
     shall, to the maximum extent practicable, be uniform across 
     the facilities referred to in subsection (b).
       (2) Investment.--In carrying out this section, the 
     Secretary shall also establish guidelines for investment to 
     be utilized by the Department of Defense and the military 
     departments in determining the allocation of financial 
     resources to facilities referred to in subsection (b) in 
     order to meet the deadline specified under paragraph (1).
       (e) Report.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than December 30, 2007, the 
     Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense 
     committees a report on the actions taken to carry out this 
     section.
       (2) Elements.--The report under paragraph (1) shall include 
     the following:
       (A) The standards established under subsection (a).
       (B) An assessment of the appearance, condition, and 
     maintenance of each facility referred to in subsection (a), 
     including--
       (i) an assessment of the compliance of such facility with 
     the standards established under subsection (a); and
       (ii) a description of any deficiency or noncompliance in 
     each facility with the standards.
       (C) A description of the investment to be allocated to 
     address each deficiency or noncompliance identified under 
     subparagraph (B)(ii).

     SEC. 172. REPORTS ON ARMY ACTION PLAN IN RESPONSE TO 
                   DEFICIENCIES IDENTIFIED AT WALTER REED ARMY 
                   MEDICAL CENTER.

       (a) Reports Required.--Not later than 30 days after the 
     date of the enactment of this Act, and every 120 days 
     thereafter until March 1, 2009, the Secretary of Defense 
     shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report 
     on the implementation of the action plan of the Army to 
     correct deficiencies identified in the condition of 
     facilities, and in the administration of outpatients in 
     medical hold or medical holdover status, at Walter Reed Army 
     Medical Center (WRAMC) and at other applicable Army 
     installations at which covered members of the Armed Forces 
     are assigned.
       (b) Elements of Report.--Each report under subsection (a) 
     shall include current information on the following:
       (1) The number of inpatients at Walter Reed Army Medical 
     Center, and the number of outpatients on medical hold or in a 
     medical holdover status at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, 
     as a result of serious injuries or illnesses.
       (2) A description of the lodging facilities and other forms 
     of housing at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, and at each 
     other Army facility, to which are assigned personnel in 
     medical hold or medical holdover status as a result of 
     serious injuries or illnesses, including--
       (A) an assessment of the conditions of such facilities and 
     housing; and
       (B) a description of any plans to correct inadequacies in 
     such conditions.
       (3) The status, estimated completion date, and estimated 
     cost of any proposed or ongoing actions to correct any 
     inadequacies in conditions as described under paragraph (2).
       (4) The number of case managers, platoon sergeants, patient 
     advocates, and physical evaluation board liaison officers 
     stationed at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, and at each 
     other Army facility, to which are assigned personnel in 
     medical hold or medical holdover status as a result of 
     serious injuries or illnesses, and the ratio of case workers 
     and platoon sergeants to outpatients for whom they are 
     responsible at each such facility.
       (5) The number of telephone calls received during the 
     preceding 60 days on the Wounded Soldier and Family hotline 
     (as established on March 19, 2007), a summary of the 
     complaints or communications received through such calls, and 
     a description of the actions taken in response to such calls.
       (6) A summary of the activities, findings, and 
     recommendations of the Army tiger team of medical and 
     installation professionals who visited the major medical 
     treatment facilities and community-based health care 
     organizations of the Army pursuant to March 2007 orders, and 
     a description of the status of corrective actions being taken 
     with to address deficiencies noted by that team.
       (7) The status of the ombudsman programs at Walter Reed 
     Army Medical Center and at other major Army installations to 
     which are assigned personnel in medical hold or medical 
     holdover status as a result of serious injuries or illnesses.
       (c) Posting on Internet.--Not later than 24 hours after 
     submitting a report under subsection (a), the Secretary shall 
     post such report on the Internet website of the Department of 
     Defense that is available to the public.

     SEC. 173. CONSTRUCTION OF FACILITIES REQUIRED FOR THE CLOSURE 
                   OF WALTER REED ARMY MEDICAL CENTER, DISTRICT OF 
                   COLUMBIA.

       (a) Assessment of Acceleration of Construction of 
     Facilities.--The Secretary of Defense shall carry out an 
     assessment of the feasibility (including the cost-
     effectiveness) of accelerating the construction and 
     completion of any new facilities required to facilitate the 
     closure of Walter Reed Army Medical Center, District of 
     Columbia, as required as a result of the 2005 round of 
     defense base closure and realignment under the Defense Base 
     Closure and Realignment Act of 1990 (part A of title XXIX of 
     Public Law 101-510; U.S.C. 2687 note).
       (b) Development and Implementation of Plan for Construction 
     of Facilities.--
       (1) In general.--The Secretary shall develop and carry out 
     a plan for the construction and completion of any new 
     facilities required to facilitate the closure of Walter Reed 
     Army Medical Center as required as described in subsection 
     (a). If the Secretary determines as a result of the 
     assessment under subsection (a) that accelerating the 
     construction and completion of such facilities is feasible, 
     the plan shall provide for the accelerated construction and 
     completion of such facilities in a manner consistent with 
     that determination.
       (2) Submittal of plan.--The Secretary shall submit to the 
     congressional defense committees the plan required by 
     paragraph (1) not later than September 30, 2007.
       (c) Certifications.--Not later than September 30, 2007, the 
     Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense 
     committees a certification of each of the following:
       (1) That a transition plan has been developed, and 
     resources have been committed, to ensure that patient care 
     services, medical operations, and facilities are sustained at 
     the highest possible level at Walter Reed Army Medical Center 
     until facilities to replace Walter Reed Army Medical Center 
     are staffed and ready to assume at least the same level of 
     care previously provided at Walter Reed Army Medical Center.
       (2) That the closure of Walter Reed Army Medical Center 
     will not result in a net loss of capacity in the major 
     military medical centers in the National Capitol Region in 
     terms of total bed capacity or staffed bed capacity.
       (3) That the capacity and types of medical hold and out-
     patient lodging facilities currently operating at Walter Reed 
     Army Medical Center will be available at the facilities to 
     replace Walter Reed Army Medical Center by the date of the 
     closure of Walter Reed Army Medical Center.
       (4) That adequate funds have been provided to complete 
     fully all facilities identified in the Base Realignment and 
     Closure Business Plan for Walter Reed Army Medical Center 
     submitted to the congressional defense committees as part of 
     the budget justification materials submitted to Congress 
     together with the budget of the President for fiscal year 
     2008 as contemplated in that business plan.
       (d) Environmental Laws.--Nothing in this section shall 
     require the Secretary or any designated representative to 
     waive or ignore responsibilities and actions required by the 
     National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et 
     seq.) or the regulations implementing such Act.

        Subtitle E--Outreach and Related Information on Benefits

     SEC. 181. HANDBOOK FOR MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES ON 
                   COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS AVAILABLE FOR SERIOUS 
                   INJURIES AND ILLNESSES.

       (a) Information on Available Compensation and Benefits.--
     The Secretary of Defense shall, in consultation with the 
     Secretary of Veterans Affairs, the Secretary of

[[Page S10332]]

     Health and Human Services, and the Commissioner of Social 
     Security, develop and maintain in handbook and electronic 
     form a comprehensive description of the compensation and 
     other benefits to which a member of the Armed Forces, and the 
     family of such member, would be entitled upon the member's 
     separation or retirement from the Armed Forces as a result of 
     a serious injury or illness. The handbook shall set forth the 
     range of such compensation and benefits based on grade, 
     length of service, degree of disability at separation or 
     retirement, and such other factors affecting such 
     compensation and benefits as the Secretary of Defense 
     considers appropriate.
       (b) Update.--The Secretary of Defense shall update the 
     comprehensive description required by subsection (a), 
     including the handbook and electronic form of the 
     description, on a periodic basis, but not less often than 
     annually.
       (c) Provision to Members.--The Secretary of the military 
     department concerned shall provide the descriptive handbook 
     under subsection (a) to each member of the Armed Forces 
     described in that subsection as soon as practicable following 
     the injury or illness qualifying the member for coverage 
     under that subsection.
       (d) Provision to Representatives.--If a member is 
     incapacitated or otherwise unable to receive the descriptive 
     handbook to be provided under subsection (a), the handbook 
     shall be provided to the next of kin or a legal 
     representative of the member (as determined in accordance 
     with regulations prescribed by the Secretary of the military 
     department concerned for purposes of this section).

                       Subtitle F--Other Matters

     SEC. 191. STUDY ON PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH AND OTHER 
                   READJUSTMENT NEEDS OF MEMBERS AND FORMER 
                   MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES WHO DEPLOYED IN 
                   OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM AND OPERATION ENDURING 
                   FREEDOM AND THEIR FAMILIES.

       (a) Study Required.--The Secretary of Defense shall, in 
     consultation with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, enter 
     into an agreement with the National Academy of Sciences for a 
     study on the physical and mental health and other 
     readjustment needs of members and former members of the Armed 
     Forces who deployed in Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation 
     Enduring Freedom and their families as a result of such 
     deployment.
       (b) Phases.--The study required under subsection (a) shall 
     consist of two phases:
       (1) A preliminary phase, to be completed not later than 180 
     days after the date of the enactment of this Act--
       (A) to identify preliminary findings on the physical and 
     mental health and other readjustment needs described in 
     subsection (a) and on gaps in care for the members, former 
     members, and families described in that subsection; and
       (B) to determine the parameters of the second phase of the 
     study under paragraph (2).
       (2) A second phase, to be completed not later than three 
     years after the date of the enactment of this Act, to carry 
     out a comprehensive assessment, in accordance with the 
     parameters identified under the preliminary report required 
     by paragraph (1), of the physical and mental health and other 
     readjustment needs of members and former members of the Armed 
     Forces who deployed in Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation 
     Enduring Freedom and their families as a result of such 
     deployment, including, at a minimum--
       (A) an assessment of the psychological, social, and 
     economic impacts of such deployment on such members and 
     former members and their families;
       (B) an assessment of the particular impacts of multiple 
     deployments in Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation Enduring 
     Freedom on such members and former members and their 
     families;
       (C) an assessment of the full scope of the neurological, 
     psychiatric, and psychological effects of traumatic brain 
     injury (TBI) on members and former members of the Armed 
     Forces, including the effects of such effects on the family 
     members of such members and former members, and an assessment 
     of the efficacy of current treatment approaches for traumatic 
     brain injury in the United States and the efficacy of 
     screenings and treatment approaches for traumatic brain 
     injury within the Department of Defense and the Department of 
     Veterans Affairs;
       (D) an assessment of the effects of undiagnosed injuries 
     such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic 
     brain injury, an estimate of the long-term costs associated 
     with such injuries, and an assessment of the efficacy of 
     screenings and treatment approaches for post-traumatic stress 
     disorder and other mental health conditions within the 
     Department of Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs;
       (E) an assessment of the particular needs and concerns of 
     female members of the Armed Forces and female veterans;
       (F) an assessment of the particular needs and concerns of 
     children of members of the Armed Forces, taking into account 
     differing age groups, impacts on development and education, 
     and the mental and emotional well being of children;
       (G) an assessment of the particular needs and concerns of 
     minority members of the Armed Forces and minority veterans;
       (H) an assessment of the particular educational and 
     vocational needs of such members and former members and their 
     families, and an assessment of the efficacy of existing 
     educational and vocational programs to address such needs;
       (I) an assessment of the impacts on communities with high 
     populations of military families, including military housing 
     communities and townships with deployed members of the 
     National Guard and Reserve, of deployments associated with 
     Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, and 
     an assessment of the efficacy of programs that address 
     community outreach and education concerning military 
     deployments of community residents;
       (J) an assessment of the impacts of increasing numbers of 
     older and married members of the Armed Forces on readjustment 
     requirements;
       (K) the development, based on such assessments, of 
     recommendations for programs, treatments, or policy remedies 
     targeted at preventing, minimizing or addressing the impacts, 
     gaps and needs identified; and
       (L) the development, based on such assessments, of 
     recommendations for additional research on such needs.
       (c) Populations To Be Studied.--The study required under 
     subsection (a) shall consider the readjustment needs of each 
     population of individuals as follows:
       (1) Members of the regular components of the Armed Forces 
     who are returning, or have returned, to the United States 
     from deployment in Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation 
     Enduring Freedom.
       (2) Members of the National Guard and Reserve who are 
     returning, or have returned, to the United States from 
     deployment in Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation Enduring 
     Freedom.
       (3) Veterans of Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation 
     Enduring Freedom.
       (4) Family members of the members and veterans described in 
     paragraphs (1) through (3).
       (d) Access to Information.--The National Academy of 
     Sciences shall have access to such personnel, information, 
     records, and systems of the Department of Defense and the 
     Department of Veterans Affairs as the National Academy of 
     Sciences requires in order to carry out the study required 
     under subsection (a).
       (e) Privacy of Information.--The National Academy of 
     Sciences shall maintain any personally identifiable 
     information accessed by the Academy in carrying out the study 
     required under subsection (a) in accordance with all 
     applicable laws, protections, and best practices regarding 
     the privacy of such information, and may not permit access to 
     such information by any persons or entities not engaged in 
     work under the study.
       (f) Reports by National Academy of Sciences.--Upon the 
     completion of each phase of the study required under 
     subsection (a), the National Academy of Sciences shall submit 
     to the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans 
     Affairs a report on such phase of the study.
       (g) DoD and VA Response to NAS Reports.--
       (1) Preliminary response.--Not later than 45 days after the 
     receipt of a report under subsection (f) on each phase of the 
     study required under subsection (a), the Secretary of Defense 
     and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall jointly develop a 
     preliminary joint Department of Defense-Department of 
     Veterans Affairs plan to address the findings and 
     recommendations of the National Academy of Sciences contained 
     in such report. The preliminary plan shall provide 
     preliminary proposals on the matters set forth in paragraph 
     (3).
       (2) Final response.--Not later than 90 days after the 
     receipt of a report under subsection (f) on each phase of the 
     study required under subsection (a), the Secretary of Defense 
     and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall jointly develop a 
     final joint Department of Defense-Department of Veterans 
     Affairs plan to address the findings and recommendations of 
     the National Academy of Sciences contained in such report. 
     The final plan shall provide final proposals on the matters 
     set forth in paragraph (3).
       (3) Covered matters.--The matters set forth in this 
     paragraph with respect to a phase of the study required under 
     subsection (a) are as follows:
       (A) Modifications of policy or practice within the 
     Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs 
     that are necessary to address gaps in care or services as 
     identified by the National Academy of Sciences under such 
     phase of the study.
       (B) Modifications of policy or practice within the 
     Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs 
     that are necessary to address recommendations made by the 
     National Academy of Sciences under such phase of the study.
       (C) An estimate of the costs of implementing the 
     modifications set forth under subparagraphs (A) and (B), set 
     forth by fiscal year for at least the first five fiscal years 
     beginning after the date of the plan concerned.
       (4) Reports on responses.--The Secretary of Defense and the 
     Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall jointly submit to 
     Congress a report setting forth each joint plan developed 
     under paragraphs (1) and (2).
       (5) Public availability of responses.--The Secretary of 
     Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall each make 
     available to the public each report submitted to Congress 
     under paragraph (4), including by posting an electronic copy 
     of such report on the Internet website of the Department of

[[Page S10333]]

     Defense or the Department of Veterans Affairs, as applicable, 
     that is available to the public.
       (6) GAO audit.--Not later than 45 days after the submittal 
     to Congress of the report under paragraph (4) on the final 
     joint Department of Defense-Department of Veterans Affairs 
     plan under paragraph (2), the Comptroller General of the 
     United States shall submit to Congress a report assessing the 
     contents of such report under paragraph (4). The report of 
     the Comptroller General under this paragraph shall include--
       (A) an assessment of the adequacy and sufficiency of the 
     final joint Department of Defense-Department of Veterans 
     Affairs plan in addressing the findings and recommendations 
     of the National Academy of Sciences as a result of the study 
     required under subsection (a);
       (B) an assessment of the feasibility and advisability of 
     the modifications of policy and practice proposed in the 
     final joint Department of Defense-Department of Veterans 
     Affairs plan;
       (C) an assessment of the sufficiency and accuracy of the 
     cost estimates in the final joint Department of Defense-
     Department of Veterans Affairs plan; and
       (D) the comments, if any, of the National Academy of 
     Sciences on the final joint Department of Defense-Department 
     of Veterans Affairs plan.
       (h) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is hereby 
     authorized to be appropriated to the Department of Defense 
     such sums as may be necessary to carry out this section.

                       TITLE II--VETERANS MATTERS

     SEC. 201. SENSE OF CONGRESS ON DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS 
                   EFFORTS IN THE REHABILITATION AND REINTEGRATION 
                   OF VETERANS WITH TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY.

       It is the sense of Congress that--
       (1) the Department of Veterans Affairs is a leader in the 
     field of traumatic brain injury care and coordination of such 
     care;
       (2) the Department of Veterans Affairs should have the 
     capacity and expertise to provide veterans who have a 
     traumatic brain injury with patient-centered health care, 
     rehabilitation, and community integration services that are 
     comparable to or exceed similar care and services available 
     to persons with such injuries in the academic and private 
     sector;
       (3) rehabilitation for veterans who have a traumatic brain 
     injury should be individualized, comprehensive, and 
     interdisciplinary with the goals of optimizing the 
     independence of such veterans and reintegrating them into 
     their communities;
       (4) family support is integral to the rehabilitation and 
     community reintegration of veterans who have sustained a 
     traumatic brain injury, and the Department should provide the 
     families of such veterans with education and support;
       (5) the Department of Defense and Department of Veterans 
     Affairs have made efforts to provide a smooth transition of 
     medical care and rehabilitative services to individuals as 
     they transition from the health care system of the Department 
     of Defense to that of the Department of Veterans Affairs, but 
     more can be done to assist veterans and their families in the 
     continuum of the rehabilitation, recovery, and reintegration 
     of wounded or injured veterans into their communities;
       (6) in planning for rehabilitation and community 
     reintegration of veterans who have a traumatic brain injury, 
     it is necessary for the Department of Veterans Affairs to 
     provide a system for life-long case management for such 
     veterans; and
       (7) in such system for life-long case management, it is 
     necessary to conduct outreach and to tailor specialized 
     traumatic brain injury case management and outreach for the 
     unique needs of veterans with traumatic brain injury who 
     reside in urban and non-urban settings.

     SEC. 202. INDIVIDUAL REHABILITATION AND COMMUNITY 
                   REINTEGRATION PLANS FOR VETERANS AND OTHERS 
                   WITH TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY.

       (a) In General.--Subchapter II of chapter 17 of title 38, 
     United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 
     1710B the following new section:

     ``Sec. 1710C. Traumatic brain injury: plans for 
       rehabilitation and reintegration into the community

       ``(a) Plan Required.--The Secretary shall, for each veteran 
     or member of the Armed Forces who receives inpatient or 
     outpatient rehabilitation care from the Department for a 
     traumatic brain injury--
       ``(1) develop an individualized plan for the rehabilitation 
     and reintegration of such individual into the community; and
       ``(2) provide such plan in writing to such individual 
     before such individual is discharged from inpatient care, 
     following transition from active duty to the Department for 
     outpatient care, or as soon as practicable following 
     diagnosis.
       ``(b) Contents of Plan.--Each plan developed under 
     subsection (a) shall include, for the individual covered by 
     such plan, the following:
       ``(1) Rehabilitation objectives for improving the physical, 
     cognitive, and vocational functioning of such individual with 
     the goal of maximizing the independence and reintegration of 
     such individual into the community.
       ``(2) Access, as warranted, to all appropriate 
     rehabilitative components of the traumatic brain injury 
     continuum of care.
       ``(3) A description of specific rehabilitative treatments 
     and other services to achieve the objectives described in 
     paragraph (1), which description shall set forth the type, 
     frequency, duration, and location of such treatments and 
     services.
       ``(4) The name of the case manager designated in accordance 
     with subsection (d) to be responsible for the implementation 
     of such plan.
       ``(5) Dates on which the effectiveness of the plan will be 
     reviewed in accordance with subsection (f).
       ``(c) Comprehensive Assessment.--
       ``(1) In general.--Each plan developed under subsection (a) 
     shall be based upon a comprehensive assessment, developed in 
     accordance with paragraph (2), of--
       ``(A) the physical, cognitive, vocational, and 
     neuropsychological and social impairments of such individual; 
     and
       ``(B) the family education and family support needs of such 
     individual after discharge from inpatient care.
       ``(2) Formation.--The comprehensive assessment required 
     under paragraph (1) with respect to an individual is a 
     comprehensive assessment of the matters set forth in that 
     paragraph by a team, composed by the Secretary for purposes 
     of the assessment from among, but not limited to, individuals 
     with expertise in traumatic brain injury, including the 
     following:
       ``(A) A neurologist.
       ``(B) A rehabilitation physician.
       ``(C) A social worker.
       ``(D) A neuropsychologist.
       ``(E) A physical therapist.
       ``(F) A vocational rehabilitation specialist.
       ``(G) An occupational therapist.
       ``(H) A speech language pathologist.
       ``(I) A rehabilitation nurse.
       ``(J) An educational therapist.
       ``(K) An audiologist.
       ``(L) A blind rehabilitation specialist.
       ``(M) A recreational therapist.
       ``(N) A low vision optometrist.
       ``(O) An orthotist or prostetist.
       ``(P) An assistive technologist or rehabilitation engineer.
       ``(Q) An otolaryngology physician.
       ``(R) A dietician.
       ``(S) An opthamologist.
       ``(T) A psychiatrist.
       ``(d) Case Manager.--(1) The Secretary shall designate a 
     case manager for each individual described in subsection (a) 
     to be responsible for the implementation of the plan, and 
     coordination of such care, required by such subsection for 
     such individual.
       ``(2) The Secretary shall ensure that such case manager has 
     specific expertise in the care required by the individual to 
     whom such case manager is designated, regardless of whether 
     such case manager obtains such expertise through experience, 
     education, or training.
       ``(e) Participation and Collaboration in Development of 
     Plans.--(1) The Secretary shall involve each individual 
     described in subsection (a), and the family or legal guardian 
     of such individual, in the development of the plan for such 
     individual under that subsection to the maximum extent 
     practicable.
       ``(2) The Secretary shall collaborate in the development of 
     a plan for an individual under subsection (a) with a State 
     protection and advocacy system if--
       ``(A) the individual covered by such plan requests such 
     collaboration; or
       ``(B) in the case such individual is incapacitated, the 
     family or guardian of such individual requests such 
     collaboration.
       ``(3) In the case of a plan required by subsection (a) for 
     a member of the Armed Forces who is on active duty, the 
     Secretary shall collaborate with the Secretary of Defense in 
     the development of such plan.
       ``(4) In developing vocational rehabilitation objectives 
     required under subsection (b)(1) and in conducting the 
     assessment required under subsection (c), the Secretary shall 
     act through the Under Secretary for Health in coordination 
     with the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Service of 
     the Department of Veterans Affairs.
       ``(f) Evaluation.--
       ``(1) Periodic review by secretary.--The Secretary shall 
     periodically review the effectiveness of each plan developed 
     under subsection (a). The Secretary shall refine each such 
     plan as the Secretary considers appropriate in light of such 
     review.
       ``(2) Request for review by veterans.--In addition to the 
     periodic review required by paragraph (1), the Secretary 
     shall conduct a review of the plan of a veteran under 
     paragraph (1) at the request of such veteran, or in the case 
     that such veteran is incapacitated, at the request of the 
     guardian or the designee of such veteran.
       ``(g) State Designated Protection and Advocacy System 
     Defined.--In this section, the term `State protection and 
     advocacy system' means a system established in a State under 
     subtitle C of the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and 
     Bill of Rights Act of 2000 (42 U.S.C. 15041 et seq.) to 
     protect and advocate for the rights of persons with 
     development disabilities.''.
       (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the 
     beginning of chapter 17 of such title is amended by inserting 
     after the item relating to section 1710B the following new 
     item:

``1710C. Traumatic brain injury: plans for rehabilitation and 
              reintegration into the community.''.

[[Page S10334]]

     SEC. 203. USE OF NON-DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS 
                   FACILITIES FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF REHABILITATION 
                   AND COMMUNITY REINTEGRATION PLANS FOR TRAUMATIC 
                   BRAIN INJURY.

       (a) In General.--Subchapter II of chapter 17 of title 38, 
     United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 
     1710C, as added by section 202 of this Act, the following new 
     section:

     ``Sec. 1710D. Traumatic brain injury: use of non-Department 
       facilities for rehabilitation

       ``(a) In General.--Subject to section 1710(a)(4) of this 
     title and subsection (b) of this section, the Secretary shall 
     provide rehabilitative treatment or services to implement a 
     plan developed under section 1710C of this title at a non-
     Department facility with which the Secretary has entered into 
     an agreement for such purpose, to an individual--
       ``(1) who is described in section 1710C(a) of this title; 
     and
       ``(2)(A) to whom the Secretary is unable to provide such 
     treatment or services at the frequency or for the duration 
     prescribed in such plan; or
       ``(B) for whom the Secretary determines that it is optimal 
     with respect to the recovery and rehabilitation of such 
     individual.
       ``(b) Standards.--The Secretary may not provide treatment 
     or services as described in subsection (a) at a non-
     Department facility under such subsection unless such 
     facility maintains standards for the provision of such 
     treatment or services established by an independent, peer-
     reviewed organization that accredits specialized 
     rehabilitation programs for adults with traumatic brain 
     injury.
       ``(c) Authorities of State Protection and Advocacy 
     Systems.--With respect to the provision of rehabilitative 
     treatment or services described in subsection (a) in a non-
     Department facility, a State designated protection and 
     advocacy system established under subtitle C of the 
     Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act 
     of 2000 (42 U.S.C. 15041 et seq.) shall have the authorities 
     described under such subtitle.''.
       (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the 
     beginning of chapter 17 of such title is amended by inserting 
     after the item relating to section 1710C, as added by section 
     202 of this Act, the following new item:

``1710D. Traumatic brain injury: use of non-Department facilities for 
              rehabilitation.''.
       (c) Conforming Amendment.--Section 1710(a)(4) of such title 
     is amended by inserting ``the requirement in section 1710D of 
     this title that the Secretary provide certain rehabilitative 
     treatment or services,'' after ``extended care services,''.

     SEC. 204. RESEARCH, EDUCATION, AND CLINICAL CARE PROGRAM ON 
                   SEVERE TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY.

       (a) Program Required.--Subchapter II of chapter 73 of title 
     38, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 
     7330 the following new section:

     ``Sec. 7330A. Severe traumatic brain injury research, 
       education, and clinical care program

       ``(a) Program Required.--The Secretary shall establish a 
     program on research, education, and clinical care to provide 
     intensive neuro-rehabilitation to veterans with a severe 
     traumatic brain injury, including veterans in a minimally 
     conscious state who would otherwise receive only long-term 
     residential care.
       ``(b) Collaboration Required.--The Secretary shall 
     establish the program required by subsection (a) in 
     collaboration with the Defense and Veterans Brain Injury 
     Center and other relevant programs of the Federal Government 
     (including other Centers of Excellence).
       ``(c) Education Required.--As part of the program required 
     by subsection (a), the Secretary shall, in collaboration with 
     the Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center and any other 
     relevant programs of the Federal Government (including other 
     Centers of Excellence), conduct educational programs on 
     recognizing and diagnosing mild and moderate cases of 
     traumatic brain injury.
       ``(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized 
     to be appropriated to the Secretary for each of fiscal years 
     2008 through 2012, $10,000,000 to carry out the program 
     required by subsection (a).''.
       (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the 
     beginning of chapter 73 is amended by inserting after the 
     item relating to section 7330 the following new item:

``7330A. Severe traumatic brain injury research, education, and 
              clinical care program.''.
       (c) Report.--Not later than 18 months after the date of the 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs 
     shall submit to Congress a report on the research to be 
     conducted under the program required by section 7330A of 
     title 38, United States Code, as added by subsection (a).

     SEC. 205. PILOT PROGRAM ON ASSISTED LIVING SERVICES FOR 
                   VETERANS WITH TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY.

       (a) Pilot Program.--Not later than 90 days after the date 
     of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans 
     Affairs shall, in collaboration with the Defense and Veterans 
     Brain Injury Center, carry out a pilot program to assess the 
     effectiveness of providing assisted living services to 
     eligible veterans to enhance the rehabilitation, quality of 
     life, and community integration of such veterans.
       (b) Duration of Program.--The pilot program shall be 
     carried out during the five-year period beginning on the date 
     of the commencement of the pilot program.
       (c) Program Locations.--
       (1) In general.--The pilot program shall be carried out at 
     locations selected by the Secretary for purposes of the pilot 
     program. Of the locations so selected--
       (A) at least one shall be in each health care region of the 
     Veterans Health Administration that contains a polytrauma 
     center of the Department of Veterans Affairs; and
       (B) any other locations shall be in areas that contain high 
     concentrations of veterans with traumatic brain injury, as 
     determined by the Secretary.
       (2) Special consideration for veterans in rural areas.--
     Special consideration shall be given to provide veterans in 
     rural areas with an opportunity to participate in the pilot 
     program.
       (d) Provision of Assisted Living Services.--
       (1) Agreements.--In carrying out the pilot program, the 
     Secretary may enter into agreements for the provision of 
     assisted living services on behalf of eligible veterans with 
     a provider participating under a State plan or waiver under 
     title XIX of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1396 et seq.).
       (2) Standards.--The Secretary may not place, transfer, or 
     admit a veteran to any facility for assisted living services 
     under this program unless the Secretary determines that the 
     facility meets such standards as the Secretary may prescribe 
     for purposes of the pilot program. Such standards shall, to 
     the extent practicable, be consistent with the standards of 
     Federal, State, and local agencies charged with the 
     responsibility of licensing or otherwise regulating or 
     inspecting such facilities.
       (e) Continuation of Case Management and Rehabilitation 
     Services.--In carrying the pilot program under subsection 
     (a), the Secretary shall continue to provide each veteran who 
     is receiving assisted living services under the pilot program 
     with rehabilitative services and shall designate Department 
     health-care employees to furnish case management services for 
     veterans participating in the pilot program.
       (f) Report.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 60 days after the 
     completion of the pilot program, the Secretary shall submit 
     to the congressional veterans affairs committees a report on 
     the pilot program.
       (2) Contents.--The report required by paragraph (1) shall 
     include the following:
       (A) A description of the pilot program.
       (B) An assessment of the utility of the activities under 
     the pilot program in enhancing the rehabilitation, quality of 
     life, and community reintegration of veterans with traumatic 
     brain injury.
       (C) Such recommendations as the Secretary considers 
     appropriate regarding the extension or expansion of the pilot 
     program.
       (g) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) The term ``assisted living services'' means services of 
     a facility in providing room, board, and personal care for 
     and supervision of residents for their health, safety, and 
     welfare.
       (2) The term ``case management services'' includes the 
     coordination and facilitation of all services furnished to a 
     veteran by the Department of Veterans Affairs, either 
     directly or through contract, including assessment of needs, 
     planning, referral (including referral for services to be 
     furnished by the Department, either directly or through a 
     contract, or by an entity other than the Department), 
     monitoring, reassessment, and followup.
       (3) The term ``congressional veterans affairs committees'' 
     means--
       (A) the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate; and
       (B) the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of 
     Representatives.
       (4) The term ``eligible veteran'' means a veteran who--
       (A) is enrolled in the Department of Veterans Affairs 
     health care system;
       (B) has received treatment for traumatic brain injury from 
     the Department of Veterans Affairs;
       (C) is unable to manage routine activities of daily living 
     without supervision and assistance; and
       (D) could reasonably be expected to receive ongoing 
     services after the end of the pilot program under this 
     section under another government program or through other 
     means.
       (h) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized 
     to be appropriated to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to 
     carry out this section, $8,000,000 for each of fiscal years 
     2008 through 2013.

     SEC. 206. RESEARCH ON TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY.

       (a) Inclusion of Research on Traumatic Brain Injury Under 
     Ongoing Research Programs.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs 
     shall, in carrying out research programs and activities under 
     the provisions of law referred to in subsection (b), ensure 
     that such programs and activities include research on the 
     sequelae of mild to severe forms of traumatic brain injury, 
     including--
       (1) research on visually-related neurological conditions;
       (2) research on seizure disorders;
       (3) research on means of improving the diagnosis, 
     rehabilitative treatment, and prevention of such sequelae;
       (4) research to determine the most effective cognitive and 
     physical therapies for the sequelae of traumatic brain 
     injury; and
       (5) research on dual diagnosis of post-traumatic stress 
     disorder and traumatic brain injury.
       (b) Research Authorities.--The provisions of law referred 
     to in this subsection are the following:
       (1) Section 3119 of title 38, United States Code, relating 
     to rehabilitation research and special projects.
       (2) Section 7303 of such title, relating to research 
     programs of the Veterans Health Administration.
       (3) Section 7327 of such title, relating to research, 
     education, and clinical activities on

[[Page S10335]]

     complex multi-trauma associated with combat injuries.
       (c) Collaboration.--In carrying out the research required 
     by subsection (a), the Secretary shall collaborate with 
     facilities that--
       (1) conduct research on rehabilitation for individuals with 
     traumatic brain injury; and
       (2) receive grants for such research from the National 
     Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research of the 
     Department of Education.
       (d) Report.--Not later than 90 days after the date of the 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the 
     Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and the 
     Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of 
     Representatives a report describing in comprehensive detail 
     the research to be carried out pursuant to subsection (a).

     SEC. 207. AGE-APPROPRIATE NURSING HOME CARE.

       (a) Finding.--Congress finds that young veterans who are 
     injured or disabled through military service and require 
     long-term care should have access to age-appropriate nursing 
     home care.
       (b) Requirement To Provide Age-Appropriate Nursing Home 
     Care.--Section 1710A of title 38, United States Code, is 
     amended--
       (1) by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (d); and
       (2) by inserting after subsection (b) the following new 
     subsection (c):
       ``(c) The Secretary shall ensure that nursing home care 
     provided under subsection (a) is provided in an age-
     appropriate manner.''.

     SEC. 208. EXTENSION OF PERIOD OF ELIGIBILITY FOR HEALTH CARE 
                   FOR COMBAT SERVICE IN THE PERSIAN GULF WAR OR 
                   FUTURE HOSTILITIES.

       Section 1710(e)(3)(C) of title 38, United States Code, is 
     amended by striking ``2 years'' and inserting ``5 years''.

     SEC. 209. MENTAL HEALTH: SERVICE-CONNECTION STATUS AND 
                   EVALUATIONS FOR CERTAIN VETERANS.

       (a) Presumption of Service-Connection of Mental Illness for 
     Certain Veterans.--Section 1702 of title 38, United States 
     Code, is amended--
       (1) by striking ``psychosis'' and inserting ``mental 
     illness''; and
       (2) in the heading, by striking ``psychosis'' and inserting 
     ``mental illness''.
       (b) Provision of Mental Health Evaluations for Certain 
     Veterans.--Upon the request of a veteran described in section 
     1710(e)(3)(C) of title 38, United States Code, the Secretary 
     shall provide to such veteran a preliminary mental health 
     evaluation as soon as practicable, but not later than 30 days 
     after such request.

     SEC. 210. MODIFICATION OF REQUIREMENTS FOR FURNISHING 
                   OUTPATIENT DENTAL SERVICES TO VETERANS WITH A 
                   SERVICE-CONNECTED DENTAL CONDITION OR 
                   DISABILITY.

       Section 1712(a)(1)(B)(iv) of title 38, United States Code, 
     is amended by striking ``90-day'' and inserting ``180-day''.

     SEC. 211. DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM ON PREVENTING VETERANS AT-
                   RISK OF HOMELESSNESS FROM BECOMING HOMELESS.

       (a) Demonstration Program.--The Secretary of Veterans 
     Affairs shall carry out a demonstration program for the 
     purpose of--
       (1) identifying members of the Armed Forces on active duty 
     who are at risk of becoming homeless after they are 
     discharged or released from active duty; and
       (2) providing referral, counseling, and supportive 
     services, as appropriate, to help prevent such members, upon 
     becoming veterans, from becoming homeless.
       (b) Program Locations.--The Secretary shall carry out the 
     demonstration program in at least three locations.
       (c) Identification Criteria.--In developing and 
     implementing the criteria to identify members of the Armed 
     Forces, who upon becoming veterans, are at-risk of becoming 
     homeless, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall consult 
     with the Secretary of Defense and such other officials and 
     experts as the Secretary considers appropriate.
       (d) Contracts.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs may enter 
     into contracts to provide the referral, counseling, and 
     supportive services required under the demonstration program 
     with entities or organizations that meet such requirements as 
     the Secretary may establish.
       (e) Sunset.--The authority of the Secretary under 
     subsection (a) shall expire on September 30, 2011.
       (f) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized 
     to be appropriated $2,000,000 for the purpose of carrying out 
     the provisions of this section.

     SEC. 212. CLARIFICATION OF PURPOSE OF THE OUTREACH SERVICES 
                   PROGRAM OF THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.

       (a) Clarification of Inclusion of Members of the National 
     Guard and Reserve in Program.--Subsection (a)(1) of section 
     6301 of title 38, United States Code, is amended by inserting 
     ``, or from the National Guard or Reserve,'' after ``active 
     military, naval, or air service''.
       (b) Definition of Outreach.--Subsection (b) of such section 
     is amended--
       (1) by redesignating paragraphs (1) and (2) as paragraphs 
     (2) and (3), respectively; and
       (2) by inserting before paragraph (2) the following new 
     paragraph (1):
       ``(1) the term `outreach' means the act or process of 
     reaching out in a systematic manner to proactively provide 
     information, services, and benefits counseling to veterans, 
     and to the spouses, children, and parents of veterans who may 
     be eligible to receive benefits under the laws administered 
     by the Secretary, to ensure that such individuals are fully 
     informed about, and assisted in applying for, any benefits 
     and programs under such laws;''.

                               TITLE III

     SEC. 301. FISCAL YEAR 2008 INCREASE IN MILITARY BASIC PAY.

       (a) Waiver of Section 1009 Adjustment.--The adjustment to 
     become effective during Fiscal year 2008 required by section 
     1009 of title 37, United States Code, in the rates of monthly 
     basic pay authorized for members of the uniformed services 
     shall not be made.
       (b) Increase in Basic Pay.--Effective on January 1, 2008, 
     the rates of monthly basic pay for members of the uniformed 
     services are increased by 3.5 percent.

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