What is the official ID of this bill?
The official print number for this legislation is S 2014.
Credit and Benefits for Female Cultural Support Team Veterans (CST)
This act ensures that women who served in Female Cultural Support Teams (CST) between 2010 and 2021 receive full credit for their service in military records and retirement calculations. Crucially, these veterans will have easier access to VA benefits for service-related injuries and illnesses, as their missions will be treated as 'engagement in combat with the enemy.' Individuals previously denied benefits have three years to reapply, and the effective date of the award may be retroactively set to the date of the initial claim.
Key points
Service Recognition: Service in Female Cultural Support Teams (CST) must be officially included in military service records and factored into the computation of military retired pay.
Easier VA Benefits Access: Claims for service-connected disability or death arising from CST service will be treated as if incurred during 'engagement in combat,' simplifying the process for obtaining compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
Reconsideration of Denied Claims: Veterans previously denied VA benefits for CST-related injuries have three years to submit a supplemental claim, with the possibility of the award's effective date being retroactively set to the original claim date.
Outreach Requirement: The VA must actively conduct outreach to inform CST veterans and their survivors about the ability to file new or supplemental claims for benefits.
Status:
Expired
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