[House Report 118-380]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
118th Congress } { Rept. 118-380
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
2d Session } { Part 1
======================================================================
DANIEL J. HARVEY, JR. AND ADAM LAMBERT IMPROVING SERVICEMEMBER
TRANSITION TO REDUCE VETERAN SUICIDE ACT
_______
February 13, 2024.--Ordered to be printed
_______
Mr. Bost, from the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, submitted the
following
R E P O R T
[To accompany H.R. 3722]
[Including cost estimate of the Congressional Budget Office]
The Committee on Veterans' Affairs, to whom was referred
the bill (H.R. 3722) to require a pilot program on activities
under the pre-separation transition process of members of the
Armed Forces for a reduction in suicide among veterans, and for
other purposes, having considered the same, reports favorably
thereon with an amendment and recommends that the bill as
amended do pass.
CONTENTS
Page
Purpose and Summary.............................................. 2
Background and Need for Legislation.............................. 3
Hearings......................................................... 4
Subcommittee Consideration....................................... 4
Committee Consideration.......................................... 5
Committee Votes.................................................. 5
Committee Oversight Findings..................................... 5
Statement of General Performance Goals and Objectives............ 5
Earmarks and Tax and Tariff Benefits............................. 5
Committee Cost Estimate.......................................... 5
Budget Authority and Congressional Budget Office Estimate........ 6
Federal Mandates Statement....................................... 7
Advisory Committee Statement..................................... 7
Applicability to Legislative Branch.............................. 7
Statement on Duplication of Federal Programs..................... 7
Section-by-Section Analysis of the Legislation................... 7
Changes in Existing Law Made by the Bill, as Reported............ 8
The amendment is as follows:
Strike all that follows after the enacting clause and
insert the following:
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Daniel J. Harvey, Jr. and Adam Lambert
Improving Servicemember Transition to Reduce Veteran Suicide Act''.
SEC. 2. ADDRESSING MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES IN THE TRANSITION ASSISTANCE
PROGRAM OF THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE AND THE SOLID
START PROGRAM OF THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS
AFFAIRS.
(a) Transition Assistance Program of the Department of Defense.--
Section 1142(b) of title 10, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in paragraph (5), by inserting ``(11),'' before ``and
(16)''; and
(2) by striking paragraph (11) and inserting the following:
``(11) Information concerning mental health, including--
``(A) the availability of mental health services
furnished by the Secretary concerned, the Secretary of
Defense, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, or a non-
profit entity;
``(B) the treatment of post-traumatic stress
disorder, traumatic brain injury, anxiety disorders,
depression, chronic pain, sleep disorders, suicidal
ideation, or other mental health conditions associated
with service in the armed forces;
``(C) the risk of suicide, including signs, symptoms,
and risk factors (including adverse childhood
experiences, depression, bipolar disorder,
homelessness, unemployment, and relationship strain);
``(D) the availability of treatment options and
resources to address substance abuse, including
alcohol, prescription drug, and opioid abuse;
``(E) the potential effects of the loss of community
and support systems experienced by a member separating
from the armed forces;
``(F) isolation from family, friends, or society; and
``(G) the potential stressors associated with
separation from the armed forces.''.
(b) Solid Start Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs.--
Section 6320(b)(1) of title 38, United States Code, is amended--
(1) by redesignating subparagraphs (G) and (H) as
subparagraphs (I) and (J), respectively; and
(2) by inserting after subparagraph (F) the following new
subparagraphs:
``(G) assisting eligible veterans who elect to enroll in the
system of patient enrollment under section 1705(a) of this
title;
``(H) educating veterans about mental health and counseling
services available through the Veterans Health
Administration;''.
(c) Report.--Not later than one year 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 congressional
committees a report on the information and materials developed pursuant
to the amendments made by this Act.
(d) Appropriate Congressional Committees Defined.--In this section,
the term ``appropriate congressional committees'' means--
(1) the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on
Veterans' Affairs of the Senate; and
(2) the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on
Veterans' Affairs of the House of Representatives.
Purpose and Summary
H.R. 3722, the ``Daniel J. Harvey, Jr. and Adam Lambert
Improving Servicemember Transition to Reduce Veteran Suicide
Act,'' was introduced by Rep. Zachary Nunn of Iowa on May 25,
2023. H.R. 3722, as amended, would incorporate and improve
suicide prevention provisions into the VA Solid Start program
and the Transition Assistance Program to address some of the
issues highlighted in the bill.
Background and Need for Legislation
Section 1: Short title
This Act may be cited as the ``Daniel J. Harvey, Jr. and
Adam Lambert Improving Servicemember Transition to Reduce
Veteran Suicide Act.''
Section 2: Addressing mental health issues in the Transition Assistance
Program of the Department of Defense and the Solid Start
Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs
According to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) ``2023
National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report,'' in 2021,
6,392 Veterans died by suicide, which is an increase of 114
suicides from 2020. When looking at increases in rates from
2020 to 2021, the age- and sex-adjusted suicide rate among
veterans increased by 11.6%, while the age- and sex-adjusted
suicide rate among non-veteran U.S. adults increased by 4.5%.
The Committee believes that it is essential to address this
disparity in suicide rates and provide more outreach to
veterans who may be in crisis. One of the most vulnerable times
for a veteran is the period of transition from military to
civilian life. The Transition Assistance Program (TAP) is
designed to assist with this transition by providing
servicemembers with resources to make the transition go
smoothly. These include information on writing a resume, proper
interviewing techniques, building a business, and using
education and other benefits that are available for veterans.
Because the first year of transition is such a critical one, it
is essential to incorporate additional resources into the
Transition Assistance Program and the Solid Start program.
This section would amend 10 U.S.C. Sec. 1142 and revise TAP
for servicemembers who are leaving the military in the next
year. Through oversight hearings, roundtables, and visits to
military installations, the first year after transition is
often a difficult time for veterans as they try to determine
next steps after life in the military. Transitioning to
civilian life can lead to financial insecurity and a loss of
identity for some veterans. Stress factors include finding
employment, searching for adequate housing, or starting college
or job training. Additionally, many servicemembers may move
away from friends or family and therefore will lack a safety
net.
TAP was designed to provide valuable information to
servicemembers to ease the transition from military to civilian
life. While it currently provides helpful resources on
veterans' benefits, interviewing skills, resume building, and
academic pursuits, the Committee believes it does not provide
adequate information on how to address the stressors that come
with transition and where to get help if these stressors become
overwhelming.
Under this section, TAP would be modified to include
additional information about some of the key stressors that are
associated with this transition and military service.
Information such as the mental health factors that are
frequently associated with a higher risk of suicide and
information related to treatment for mental health conditions
that are frequently associated with service in the armed forces
would be provided. It would also provide information on
treatment options for substance use disorder as well as
information related to dealing with feelings of isolation and
the loss of community many individuals experience after
separation from the military.
The Solid Start program is an outreach service offered by
the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) that seeks to assist
servicemembers transitioning to civilian life. The program
involves outreach by phone from representatives of the VA
during the first year after separation to provide information
about benefits available to veterans. The telephone calls offer
mental health support and provide information on benefits and
resources to help with transition.
This section would also amend 38 U.S.C. Sec. 6320 to
require additional information in the Solid Start program on
enrollment in VA health care services and mental health
counseling and treatment services that are available for
veterans.
The final provision of this section would require a report
to Congress on the tools that are developed under this
legislation. The Committee believes that additional outreach to
transitioning servicemembers is essential in combatting
suicide, especially during the first year after transition.
This report would help the Committee to understand how these
tools are being utilized and whether additional resources are
necessary.
Hearings
On November 2, 2023, the Subcommittee on Economic
Opportunity held a legislative hearing on H.R. 3722 and other
bills that were pending before the subcommittee.
The following witnesses testified:
Mr. Joseph Garcia, Executive Director of Education
Service, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Mr. Nick
Pamperin, Executive Director Veterans Readiness and
Employment Services, U.S. Department of Veterans
Affairs; Mr. James Ruhlman, Deputy Director of
Education Services, U.S. Department of Veterans
Affairs; Ms. Margarita Devlin, Deputy Assistant
Secretary for Operations and Management, U.S.
Department of Labor; Ms. Kristina Keenan, Deputy
Director, National Legislative Service, Veterans of
Foreign Wars of the United States; Mr. Marquis
Barefield, Assistant National Legislative Director,
Disabled American Veterans; Ms. Tammy Barlet, Vice
President of Government Affairs, Student Veterans of
America; Mr. Joseph W. Wescott II, Legislative
Director, National Association of State Approving
Agencies, Inc., and Mr. Micheal Hazard, Veterans in
Piping Program Manager, United Association of
Journeyman and Apprentices of the Plumbing and
Pipefitting Industry of the United States and Canada.
The following organizations submitted statements for the
record:
Commercial Vehicle Training Association, National
Association of State Workforce Agencies, The American
Legion, Veterans Education Project, and Veterans
Education Success.
Subcommittee Consideration
On November 15, 2023, the Subcommittee on Economic
Opportunity held a markup on H.R. 3722.
An amendment in the nature of a substitute to H.R. 3722
offered by Rep. Van Orden was adopted by voice vote. The
amendment in the nature of a substitute replaced the pilot
program in the introduced bill with changes to the Transition
Assistance Program and the Solid Start program.
A motion by Rep. Levin to favorable forward H.R. 3722, as
amended, was agreed to by voice vote.
Committee Consideration
On December 5, 2023, the full Committee met in open markup
session, a quorum being present, and ordered H.R. 3722, as
amended, to be reported favorably to the House of
Representatives by voice vote. During consideration of the bill
no amendments were considered.
A motion by Ranking Member Takano to report H.R. 3722, as
amended, favorably to the House of Representatives was agreed
to by voice vote.
Committee Votes
In compliance with clause 3(b) of rule XIII of the Rules of
the House of Representatives, no recorded votes were taken on
amendments or in connection with ordering H.R. 3722, as
amended, reported to the House.
Committee Oversight Findings
In compliance with clause 3(c)(1) of rule XIII and clause
(2)(b)(1) of rule X of the Rules of the House of
Representatives, the Committee's oversight findings and
recommendations are reflected in the descriptive portions of
this report.
Statement of General Performance Goals and Objectives
In accordance with clause 3(c)(4) of rule XIII of the Rules
of the House of Representatives, the Committee's performance
goals and objectives of H.R. 3722, as amended, are to increase
awareness and provide additional outreach through the
Transition Assistance Program and the Solid Start program on
suicide prevention.
Earmarks and Tax and Tariff Benefits
H.R. 3722, as amended, does not contain any Congressional
earmarks, limited tax benefits, or limited tariff benefits as
defined in clause 9 of rule XXI of the Rules of the House of
Representatives.
Committee Cost Estimate
The Committee adopts as its own the Congressional Budget
Office cost estimate on this measure.
Budget Authority and Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate
[GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]
H.R. 3722 would require the Department of Defense (DoD) and
the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to use DoD's Transition
Assistance Program and VA's Solid Start program to provide
certain information to servicemembers who are separating from
the U.S. Armed Forces. The information would include how to
access resources for treating mental health conditions,
substance and alcohol use disorders, homelessness, and other
risk factors for suicide.
Under current law, VA helps transitioning servicemembers
receive health care and other benefits from the department and
works with DoD and other federal agencies to offer resources to
servicemembers and their families as they transition to
civilian life. The Veterans Health Administration has 48 nurses
and social workers working as liaisons at 26 DoD installations
and military treatment facilities. Those staff members assess
various needs of separating military personnel, including the
need for services aimed at preventing suicide and homelessness.
The liaisons also help people register for VA health care and
connect them with case management teams for ongoing care and
services.
CBO expects that VA and DoD are generally satisfying the
requirements of the bill under current law; thus, CBO estimates
that implementing the bill would not significantly affect the
federal budget.
The bill would require DoD and VA to jointly report on the
information and materials that support their programs' work in
providing resources. Based on costs for similar activities, CBO
estimates that satisfying that requirement would cost less than
$500,000 over the 2024-2028 period; any spending would be
subject to the appropriation of available amounts.
On April 17, 2023, CBO transmitted a cost estimate for S.
132, the Daniel J. Harvey Jr. and Adam Lambert Improving
Servicemember Transition to Reduce Veteran Suicide Act, as
ordered reported by the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs
on February 16, 2023. The requirements of the bills are similar
and the estimated costs are the same.
The CBO staff contact for this estimate is Etaf Khan. The
estimate was reviewed by Christina Hawley Anthony, Deputy
Director of Budget Analysis.
Phillip L. Swagel,
Director, Congressional Budget Office.
Federal Mandates Statement
Section 423 of the Congressional Budget and Impoundment
Control Act (as amended by Section 101(a)(2) of the Unfunded
Mandate Reform Act, P.L. 104-4 is inapplicable to H.R. 3722, as
amended.
Advisory Committee Statement
No advisory committees within the meaning of section 5(b)
of the Federal Advisory Committee Act would be created by H.R.
3722, as amended.
Applicability to Legislative Branch
The Committee finds that H.R. 3722, as amended, does not
relate to the terms and conditions of employment or access to
public services or accommodations within the meaning of section
102(b)(3) of the Congressional Accountability Act.
Statement on Duplication of Federal Programs
Pursuant to clause 3(c)(5) of rule XIII of the Rules of the
House of Representatives, the Committee finds that no provision
of H.R. 3722, as amended, would establish or reauthorize a
program of the Federal Government known to be duplicative of
another Federal program, a program that was included in any
report from the Government Accountability Office to Congress
pursuant to section 21 of Public Law 111-139, or a program
related to a program identified in the most recent Catalog of
Federal Domestic Assistance.
Section-by-Section Analysis of the Legislation
Section 1. Short title
This section would establish the short title of the bill as
the ``Daniel J. Harvey, Jr. and Adam Lambert Improving
Servicemember Transition to Reduce Veteran Suicide Act.''
Section 2. Addressing mental health issues in the Transition Assistance
Program of the Department of Defense and the Solid Start
Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs
This section would amend 10 U.S.C. Sec. 1142(b)(11) to
provide additional resources related to mental health treatment
and services into the Transition Assistance Programs.
Specifically, this section would provide information on the
following: availability of mental health services for veterans,
the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder, depression,
and other mental health conditions associated with service in
the armed forces; the risk of suicide, including signs,
symptoms, and risk factors; the availability of treatment
options and resources to address substance use disorder, the
potential effects of the loss of community and support systems
experienced during transition; possible feelings of isolation
from family and friends; and the potential stressors related to
transition.
This section would also amend the Solid Start program under
38 U.S.C. Sec. 6320(b)(1) to ensure that the outreach conducted
by VBA would include assistance for patients enrolled in
veterans' health care programs and education about the mental
health and counseling services available through the Veterans
Health Administration.
Finally, this section would require a report by the
Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to
the appropriate Congressional committees on the information and
materials developed under this legislation.
Changes in Existing Law Made by the Bill, as Reported
In compliance with clause 3(e) of rule XIII of the Rules of
the House of Representatives, changes in existing law made by
the bill, as reported, are shown as follows (existing law
proposed to be omitted is enclosed in black brackets, new
matter is printed in italics, existing law in which no change
is proposed is shown in roman):
Changes in Existing Law Made by the Bill, as Reported
In compliance with clause 3(e) of rule XIII of the Rules of
the House of Representatives, changes in existing law made by
the bill, as reported, are shown as follows (existing law
proposed to be omitted is enclosed in black brackets, new
matter is printed in italics, and existing law in which no
change is proposed is shown in roman):
TITLE 10, UNITED STATES CODE
* * * * * * *
SUBTITLE A--GENERAL MILITARY LAW
* * * * * * *
PART II--PERSONNEL
* * * * * * *
CHAPTER 58--BENEFITS AND SERVICES FOR MEMBERS BEING SEPARATED OR
RECENTLY SEPARATED
* * * * * * *
Sec. 1142. Preseparation counseling; transmittal of certain records to
Department of Veterans Affairs
(a) Requirement.--(1) Within the time periods specified in
paragraph (3), the Secretary concerned shall (except as
provided in paragraph (4)) provide for individual preseparation
counseling of each member of the armed forces whose discharge
(regardless of character of discharge) or release from active
duty is anticipated as of a specific date. A notation of the
provision of such counseling with respect to each matter
specified in subsection (b), signed by the member, shall be
placed in the service record of each member receiving such
counseling.
(2) In carrying out this section, the Secretary concerned
shall use the services available under section 1144 of this
title.
(3)(A) In the case of an anticipated retirement,
preseparation counseling shall commence as soon as possible
during the 24-month period preceding the anticipated retirement
date. In the case of a separation other than a retirement,
preseparation counseling shall commence not later than 365 days
before the anticipated date. Except as provided in subparagraph
(B), in no event shall preseparation counseling commence later
than 365 days before the date of retirement or other
separation.
(B) In the event that a retirement or other separation is
unanticipated until there are 365 or fewer days before the
anticipated retirement or separation date, or in the event a
member of a reserve component is being demobilized under
circumstances in which (as determined by the Secretary
concerned) operational requirements make the 365-day
requirement under subparagraph (A) unfeasible, preseparation
counseling shall begin as soon as possible within the remaining
period of service.
(4)(A) Subject to subparagraph (B), the Secretary concerned
shall not provide preseparation counseling to a member who is
being discharged or released before the completion of the first
180 continuous days of active duty of the member.
(B) Subparagraph (A) shall not apply in the case of a member
who is being retired or separated for disability.
(C) For purposes of calculating the days of active duty of a
member under subparagraph (A), the Secretary concerned shall
exclude any day on which--
(i) the member performed full-time training duty or
annual training duty; and
(ii) the member attended, while in the active
military service, a school designated as a service
school by law or by the Secretary concerned.
(b) Matters To Be Covered By Counseling.--Counseling under
this section shall include the following:
(1) A discussion of the educational assistance
benefits to which the member is entitled under the
Montgomery GI Bill and other educational assistance
programs because of the member's service in the armed
forces.
(2) A description (to be developed with the
assistance of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs) of the
compensation and vocational rehabilitation benefits to
which the member may be entitled under laws
administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, if
the member is being medically separated or is being
retired under chapter 61 of this title.
(3) An explanation of the procedures for and
advantages of affiliating with the Selected Reserve.
(4) Provision of information on civilian occupations
and related assistance programs, including information
concerning--
(A) certification and licensure requirements
that are applicable to civilian occupations,
including State-submitted and approved lists of
military training and skills that satisfy
occupational certifications and licenses;
(B) civilian occupations that correspond to
military occupational specialties; and
(C) Government and private-sector programs
for job search and job placement assistance,
including information regarding the placement
programs established under sections 1152 and
1153 of this title and the Troops-to-Teachers
Program.
(5) If the member has a spouse, inclusion of the
spouse, at the discretion of the member and the spouse,
when counseling regarding the matters covered by
paragraphs (9), (10), (11), and (16) is provided, job
placement counseling for the spouse, and the provision
of information on survivor benefits available under the
laws administered by the Secretary of Defense or the
Secretary of Veterans Affairs.
(6) Information concerning the availability of
relocation assistance services and other benefits and
services available to persons leaving military service,
as provided under section 1144 of this title.
(7) Information concerning the availability of
medical and dental coverage following separation from
active duty, including the opportunity to elect into
the conversion health policy provided under section
1145 of this title.
(8) Counseling (for the member and dependents) on the
effect of career change on individuals and their
families and the availability to the member and
dependents of suicide prevention resources following
separation from the armed forces.
(9) Financial planning assistance, including
information on budgeting, saving, credit, loans, and
taxes.
(10) The creation of a transition plan for the member
to attempt to achieve the educational, training,
employment, and financial objectives of the member and,
if the member has a spouse, the spouse of the member.
[(11) Information concerning the availability of
mental health services and the treatment of post-
traumatic stress disorder, anxiety disorders,
depression, suicidal ideations, or other mental health
conditions associated with service in the armed forces
and information concerning the availability of
treatment options and resources to address substance
abuse, including alcohol, prescription drug, and opioid
abuse.]
(11) Information concerning mental health,
including--
(A) the availability of mental health
services furnished by the Secretary concerned,
the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of
Veterans Affairs, or a non-profit entity;
(B) the treatment of post-traumatic stress
disorder, traumatic brain injury, anxiety
disorders, depression, chronic pain, sleep
disorders, suicidal ideation, or other mental
health conditions associated with service in
the armed forces;
(C) the risk of suicide, including signs,
symptoms, and risk factors (including adverse
childhood experiences, depression, bipolar
disorder, homelessness, unemployment, and
relationship strain);
(D) the availability of treatment options and
resources to address substance abuse, including
alcohol, prescription drug, and opioid abuse;
(E) the potential effects of the loss of
community and support systems experienced by a
member separating from the armed forces;
(F) isolation from family, friends, or
society; and
(G) the potential stressors associated with
separation from the armed forces.
(12) Information concerning the priority of service
for veterans in the receipt of employment, training,
and placement services provided under qualified job
training programs of the Department of Labor.
(13) Information concerning veterans small business
ownership and entrepreneurship programs of the Small
Business Administration.
(14) Information concerning employment and
reemployment rights and obligations under chapter 43 of
title 38.
(15) Information concerning veterans preference in
Federal employment and Federal procurement
opportunities.
(16) Information on home loan services and housing
assistance benefits available under the laws
administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and
counseling on responsible borrowing practices.
(17) A description, developed in consultation with
the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, of health care and
other benefits to which the member may be entitled
under the laws administered by the Secretary of
Veterans Affairs, and information regarding the means
by which the member can receive additional counseling
regarding the member's actual entitlement to such
benefits and apply for such benefits.
(18) A description, developed in consultation with
the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, of the assistance
and support services for family caregivers of eligible
veterans under the program conducted by the Secretary
of Veterans Affairs pursuant to section 1720G of title
38, including the veterans covered by the program, the
caregivers eligible for assistance and support through
the program, and the assistance and support available
through the program.
(19) Information regarding how to file claims for
benefits available to the member under laws
administered by the Secretaries of Defense and Veterans
Affairs.
(c) Counseling Pathways.--(1) Each Secretary concerned, in
consultation with the Secretaries of Labor and Veterans
Affairs, shall establish at least three pathways for members of
the military department concerned receiving individualized
counseling under this section. The Secretaries shall design the
pathways to address the needs of members, based on the
following factors:
(A) Rank.
(B) Term of service.
(C) Gender.
(D) Whether the member was a member of a regular or
reserve component of an armed force.
(E) Disability.
(F) Character of discharge (including expedited
discharge and discharge under conditions other than
honorable).
(G) Health (including mental health).
(H) Military occupational specialty.
(I) Whether the member intends, after separation,
retirement, or discharge, to--
(i) seek employment;
(ii) enroll in a program of higher education;
(iii) enroll in a program of vocational
training; or
(iv) become an entrepreneur.
(J) The educational history of the member.
(K) The employment history of the member.
(L) Whether the member has secured--
(i) employment;
(ii) enrollment in a program of education; or
(iii) enrollment in a program of vocational
training.
(M) Other factors the Secretary of Defense and the
Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation with
the Secretaries of Labor and Veterans Affairs,
determine appropriate.
(2) Each member described in subsection (a) shall meet in
person or by video conference with a counselor before beginning
counseling under this section to--
(A) take a self-assessment designed by the Secretary
concerned (in consultation with the Secretaries of
Labor and Veterans Affairs) to ensure that the
Secretary concerned places the member in the
appropriate pathway under this subsection;
(B) receive information from the counselor regarding
reenlistment in the armed forces; and
(C) receive information from the counselor regarding
resources (including resources regarding military
sexual trauma)--
(i) for members of the armed forces
separated, retired, or discharged;
(ii) located in the community in which the
member will reside after separation,
retirement, or discharge.
(3) At the meeting under paragraph (2), the member may elect
to have the Secretary concerned (in consultation with the
Secretaries of Labor and Veterans Affairs) provide the contact
information of the member to the resources described in
paragraph (2)(C).
(d) Transmittal of Medical Information to Department of
Veterans Affairs.--In the case of a member being medically
separated or being retired under chapter 61 of this title, the
Secretary concerned shall ensure (subject to the consent of the
member) that a copy of the member's service medical record
(including any results of a Physical Evaluation Board) is
transmitted to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs within 60 days
of the separation or retirement.
(e) Joint Service Transcript.--The Secretary concerned shall
provide a copy of the joint service transcript of a member
described in subsection (a) to--
(1) that member--
(A) at the meeting with a counselor under
subsection (c)(2); and
(B) on the day the member separates, retires,
or is discharged; and
(2) the Secretary of Veterans Affairs on the day the
member separates, retires, or is discharged.
* * * * * * *
----------
TITLE 38, UNITED STATES CODE
* * * * * * *
PART IV--GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS
* * * * * * *
CHAPTER 63--OUTREACH ACTIVITIES
* * * * * * *
SUBCHAPTER II--OTHER OUTREACH PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES
Sec. 6320. Solid Start program
(a) In General.--The Secretary shall carry out a program, to
be known as the ``Solid Start program'', under which the
Secretary shall--
(1) build the capacity of the Department to
efficiently and effectively respond to the queries and
needs of veterans who have recently separated from the
Armed Forces; and
(2) systemically integrate and coordinate efforts to
assist veterans, including efforts--
(A) to proactively reach out to newly
separated veterans to inform them of their
eligibility for programs of and benefits
provided by the Department; and
(B) to connect veterans in crisis to
resources that address their immediate needs.
(b) Activities of the Solid Start Program.--(1) The
Secretary, in coordination with the Secretary of Defense, shall
carry out the Solid Start program of the Department by--
(A) collecting up-to-date contact information during
transition classes or separation counseling for all
members of the Armed Forces who are separating from the
Armed Forces, while explaining the existence and
purpose of the Solid Start program;
(B) calling each veteran, regardless of separation
type or characterization of service, three times within
the first year after separation of the veteran from the
Armed Forces;
(C) providing information about the Solid Start
program on the website of the Department and in
materials of the Department, especially transition
booklets and other resources;
(D) ensuring calls are truly tailored to the needs of
each veteran's unique situation by conducting quality
assurance tests;
(E) prioritizing outreach to veterans who have
accessed mental health resources prior to separation
from the Armed Forces;
(F) providing women veterans with information that is
tailored to their specific health care and benefit
needs;
(G) assisting eligible veterans who elect to enroll
in the system of patient enrollment under section
1705(a) of this title;
(H) educating veterans about mental health and
counseling services available through the Veterans
Health Administration;
[(G)] (I) as feasible,
providing information on access
to State and local resources,
including Vet Centers and
veterans service organizations;
and
[(H)] (J) gathering and analyzing data assessing the
effectiveness of the Solid Start program.
(2) The Secretary, in coordination with the Secretary of
Defense, may carry out the Solid Start program by--
(A) encouraging members of the Armed Forces who are
transitioning to civilian life to authorize alternate
points of contact who can be reached should the member
be unavailable during the first year following the
separation of the member from the Armed Forces; and
(B) following up missed phone calls with tailored
mailings to ensure the veteran still receives similar
information.
(3) In this subsection:
(A) The term ``Vet Center'' has the meaning given
that term in section 1712A(h) of this title.
(B) The term ``veterans service organization'' means
an organization recognized by the Secretary for the
representation of veterans under section 5902 of this
title.
* * * * * * *
[all]