Our veterans sacrificed for our freedom, and they deserve the best support we can offer as a thank you. We need to make sure veterans have timely access to the best quality physical and mental health services possible. Veterans are some of the greatest among us and should be treated as such.
I introduced H.R. 9005, the Innovative Cognitive Care for Veterans Act to address the needs of veterans suffering from cognitive impairments through a pilot program initiative. This bill instructs the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to implement a program that partners with private organizations to provide Veterans access to new and innovative care solutions.
I voted in support of S. 3373, the bipartisan SFC Heath Robinson Honoring Our PACT Act of 2022 with has been signed into law. This landmark legislation expands VA healthcare and benefits for many veterans who were not previously covered by the VA, to include individuals exposed to radiation, burn pits, and dangerous toxins. The PACT Act builds on the comprehensive framework the VA has been piloting that streamlines benefits for future generations of veterans and surviving family members by establishing a framework for presumptions of service connection for toxic exposure. As a result, the VA now recognizes over 20 new presumptions of service connection for toxic exposure-related conditions.
The VA’s website provides more information and instructions on filing a claim as well the FAQ resources below:
- Vietnam Era and Cold War Era veterans
- Health Care Eligibility
- Vietnam Era and Cold War Era veterans
- Gulf War and Post 9-11 veterans
- Camp Lejeune: Veteran and Family Health & Disability Benefits
I have co-sponsored the following bills that will help veterans:
H.R. 1282, the Major Richard Star Act to expand eligibility to certain military retirees for full concurrent receipt of veterans' disability compensation and retired pay or combat-related special compensation. I believe an incremental approach toward a solution of correcting the statutory offset of benefits begins with our combat-related Chapter 61 retirees. Under current law, certain medically retired veterans with less than 20 years of service who are wounded in combat have Department of Defense (DoD) retirement pay offset by their VA disability compensation. Many had the full intention of serving for 20 or more years and gaining full retirement benefits, but, through no fault of their own, were unable to due to their service and sacrifice in the line of duty. Veterans served this country well and deserve to be compensated for their service, which is why I and my colleagues on both sides of the aisle are working to advance this important bill.
H.R. 1014, the Veterans National Traumatic Brain Injury Treatment Act to require the VA to implement a pilot program that would provide hyperbaric oxygen therapy to veterans with traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This could provide important additional treatment options to these veterans through the VA healthcare system. The funding would come from donations to the VA and would not be at taxpayer expense. We must expand innovative treatment options to help veterans recover from the wounds of war.
H.R. 2530, the Enewetak Atoll Cleanup Radiation Study Act to authorize the VA to direct the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to conduct a study on radiation exposure relating to the cleanup of Enewetak Atoll.
H.R. 855, the VETS Safe Travel Act to authorize expedited security screening under the Transportation Security Administration's (TSA’s) PreCheck program to certain qualified, severely injured, or disabled veterans.
H.R. 3994, the Addressing Care Timelines (ACT). Currently, if a veteran is eligible for treatment and suffering a condition preventing them from physically contacting the VA within 72-hours, the VA may deny payment. This means if they do not notify the VA in time, a veteran may be on the hook for medical bills that should have been covered! The legislation would help fix this issue by extending veterans an additional 24-hour period, at minimum, to notify the VA when receiving care at a non-VA facility. This additional time-period will allow for flexibility if a veteran needs additional time to recoup from a severe medical condition or if they are experiencing other challenging issues.
H.R. 707, the Ghost Army Congressional Gold Medal Act. This bipartisan act has passed the House and now awaits consideration by the Senate. It would award a Congressional Gold Medal to the 23d Headquarters, Special Troops and the 3133d Signal Service Company, in recognition of their unique and highly distinguished service as a “Ghost Army” that conducted deception operations in Europe during World War II.
H.R. 310, this bipartisan bill posthumously awards a Congressional Gold Medal to Glen Doherty, Tyrone Woods, J. Christopher Stevens, and Sean Smith, who were attacked and murdered by militants on September 11, 2012, in Benghazi. This bill to commemorate these four men for their brave contributions has passed the House and awaits consideration by the Senate.
H.R.3577, the bipartisan Army Rangers Veterans of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act awards a Congressional Medal for their extraordinary selfless service during World War II.
H.R.2568, the Cadet Nurse Corps Service Recognition Act recognizes the individuals in service to U.S. Cadet Nurse Corps during World War II. This bill authorizes the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) to design and produce service medals, memorial plagues, grave markers, and other duly earned commendations to ensure these front-line wartime nurses are honored presently and posthumously.
Additionally, I am against proposed guidance from the Biden Administration that would classify firearms with certain stabilizing braces as “short-barreled rifles.” Stabilizing braces were inspired by the needs of disabled combat veterans who still enjoy recreational shooting but may not be able to reliably control a heavy pistol. Should this guidance go into effect, a disabled combat veteran who has chosen the best stabilizing brace for their disability is now a felon unless they turn in or destroy the firearm, destroy the brace, or pay a $200 tax! After seeing the proposed guidance, I joined my colleagues in urgingthe Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) to withdraw this guidance which would tax and infringe upon the constitutionally protected rights of law-abiding citizens and disabled veterans.
Caring for our Vietnam Veterans
Vietnam War Commemoration Pin: I have partnered with the 50th Anniversary Vietnam War Commemoration to ensure that the service of Vietnam War veterans in our district are recognized and honored appropriately. As part of this program veterans and/or family members will receive a commemorative lapel pin and special certificate of recognition to show the gratitude of our nation. If you or a family member served in the Vietnam War, please complete this short form right away, as it is of my utmost priority that Service members receive the recognition they deserve.
Veteran Casework Services
I consider it one of my highest priorities to provide exceptional casework service to our veterans and military families. My Veteran Constituent Services Director Angie Jarnagin has years of experience and will do everything she can to assist on my behalf. If you are a veteran and need assistance, please fill out our Privacy Release formso my office can get started!
Some of the ways that we may be able to assist veterans are as follows:
- Rank promotion, retirement, act of heroism and honoring life congressional commendations
- Record Requests
- Compensation, pension, survivor, and insurance benefits
- Medical treatment for Veterans and dependents
- Vocational rehabilitation, education, and employment benefits
- Burial and Death benefits, headstone, and memorial marker applications
- Purchasing a home or VA-acquired property
More on Veterans
U.S. Rep. Diana Harshbarger thanked veterans and responded to questions on topics ranging from the debt ceiling to digital currency during a “Coffee with the Congresswoman” visit at Jefferson County High Tuesday afternoon.
MOUNTAIN HOME, Tenn.— United States Senator Marsha Blackburn, Congresswoman Diana Harshbarger, Washington County Mayor Joe Grandy, and Johnson City Mayor Todd Fowler visited James H. Quillen VA Medical Center (JHQVAMC) April 4, 2023, to learn more about Veteran health care and services, here.
SEYMOUR, Tenn. (WVLT) - The Silver Star Medal is one of the most prestigious honors a veteran can receive.
On Wednesday, an East Tennessee man finally accepted his father’s Silver Star, after it had been missing for decades.
“He’s the hero here,” said Ray Mull, talking about his father Sgt. Harrison Mull, who died in combat during World War II.
JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WCYB) — Congresswoman Diana Harshbarger and State Senator Rusty Crowe honored Korean War Veteran, Sergeant James Lee Baker, Monday.
U.S. Representatives Diana Harshbarger, R-TN, and Chip Roy, R-TX, introduced the Innovative Cognitive Care For Veterans Act to address the needs of veterans suffering from cognitive impairments through a pilot program initiative. This bill instructs the U.S.
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Representatives Diana Harshbarger (R-TN) and Chip Roy (R-TX) introduced the Innovative Cognitive Care For Veterans Act to address the needs of veterans suffering from cognitive impairments through a pilot program initiative. This bill instructs the U.S.
CHURCH HILL — When Hiram Bowlin celebrated his 100th birthday in 2020 he told his good friend and fellow World War II veteran James “Edgar” Alley he’d be there in two years to celebrate Alley’s 100th birthday.
Earlier this month Mr. Bowlin kept his word.
BLOUNTVILLE, Tenn. – U.S. Rep. Diana Harshbarger (R-TN-01) made an appearance Thursday in Blountville where she spoke to more than 100 constituents about a range of topics impacting the country.
Well, after a week of putting thousands of veterans and family members through hell, the S. 3373 (H.R. 3967), as amended, the “Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2021” or “Honoring our PACT Act” or simply, the “PACT Act” has left the Senate.
Rep. Diana Harshbarger voted Wednesday in support of the “Honoring Our PACT Act of 2022”, which passed through the House of Representatives with bipartisan support.
The PACT Act is landmark legislation that will expand VA healthcare and benefits for many veterans who were not previously covered by VA, to include individuals exposed to radiation, burn pits, and dangerous toxins.