Noble Warrior Act

To amend titles 10 and 38, United States Code, to improve and enhance procedures for the retirement of members of the Armed Forces for disability and to improve and enhance authorities for the rating and compensation of service-connected disabilities in veterans, and for other purposes.

2/28/2008--Introduced.
Noble Warrior Act - Amends federal armed forces provisions to add new provisions concerning the retirement for disability of members of the Armed Forces (members) following the implementation of an enhanced Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) disability compensation system (implemented under this Act). Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to continue after discharge or separation from active duty respite care and aid and other extended care benefits for members who incur a serious injury or illness while serving on such duty. Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (Secretary) to conduct a study to determine the appropriate:
(1) amount of compensation for service-connected disability payable to veterans for each assigned rating of disability; and
(2) amounts and duration of transition payments and rehabilitation transition allowances payable to veterans participating in a rehabilitation program. Requires the Secretary to conduct a study on measures to assist and encourage veterans in the completion of their vocational rehabilitation plans. Directs the Secretary to submit to Congress a proposal on the purposes and amounts of veterans' disability compensation and veterans' transition benefits. Provides for congressional consideration (by way of a joint resolution) of such proposal. Makes the effective date of implementation of the enhanced VA disability compensation system the date on which the authority of Congress to disapprove the Secretary's proposal expires, as long as Congress does not disapprove the proposal before such date. Revises the current VA schedule of disability ratings to take into account losses of earning capacity and quality of life as a result of the disability. Provides revised compensation and transition payments in connection with service-connected disabilities. Allows a retired veteran entitled to compensation for a service-connected disability to elect to provide a monthly supplemental survivor benefit to the veteran's surviving spouse and/or children. Authorizes such election by veterans:
(1) at the time of award of the disability compensation;
(2) not married at the time of award of the compensation who later marry; and
(3) married at the time of award of the compensation who later remarry. Allows a veteran to revoke the election of a benefit to a surviving spouse. Provides for the receipt of such benefit on the first day of the first month after the veteran dies. Requires the:
(1) reduction of disability compensation due to the election of the supplemental survivor benefit; and
(2) offset of the supplemental survivor benefit by the amount of dependency and indemnity compensation received.


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Sponsor

• Rep. Stephen Buyer [R, IN-4]
• and 3 Co-Sponsors
  • Rep. Henry Brown [R, SC-1]
  • Rep. Doug Lamborn [R, CO-5]
  • Rep. Christopher Shays [R, CT-4]
  close

Committees

• House Veterans' Affairs
• 4 more
  • House Armed Services
  • House Armed Services
  • House Rules
  • House Veterans' Affairs
  close

Amendments

This bill has no amendments.

Amendments to H.R.5509

Number	Status	Purpose

Bill Status

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Introduced		Voted on by House		Voted on by Senate		Considered By President		Bill Becomes Law
February 28, 2008

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All Bill Actions

• Mar 14, 2008: Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.
• Feb 29, 2008: Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs.
• Feb 28, 2008: Referred to House Rules
• Feb 28, 2008: Referred to House Armed Services
• Feb 28, 2008: Referred to House Veterans' Affairs
• Feb 28, 2008: Referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, and in addition to the Committees on Armed Services, and Rules, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
• Introduced on Feb 28, 2008.

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Related Bills:

• S.2674

Related Issue Areas:

• War casualties
• Vocational rehabilitation
• Veterans' rehabilitation
• Veterans' pensions
• 19 more
• Veterans' medical care
• Veterans' disability compensation
• Survivors' benefits
• Retired military personnel
• Respite care
• Pensions
• Medicine
• Medical care
• Legislative resolutions
• Legislation
• Governmental investigations
• Disabled
• Disability retirement
• Defense policy
• Congressional reporting requirements
• Congressional oversight
• Congress
• Armed forces
• Veterans

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In the News

February 28, 2008 Bills call for action on disability systems

Steve Buyer, R-Ind., HR 5509, but they have a similar overall goal: a fundamental overhaul of service-connected disability benefits. ...

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Source: ArmyTimes.com, VA

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Blog Coverage

March 13, 2008 Custom List: Kelley's Information & More

March 17 Kelley's Comments on S. 2674/HR 5509. You need to read this. March 19 Comments from Kelley on the Civilian AO Bill. March 19 Letter from Kelley on Civilian AO Bill. March 20 Letter from Kelley on State VA Assistance ...

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Source: The Bottom Line

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February 27, 2008 HR 5509, To amend titles 10 and 38, United States Code, to improve ...

HR 5509 would amend titles 10 and 38, United States Code, to improve and enhance procedures for the retirement of members of the Armed Forces for disability and to improve and enhance authorities for the rating and compensation of ...

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