Servicemembers and Veterans Empowerment and Support Act of 2025

The Servicemembers and Veterans Empowerment and Support Act of 2025 would modify how the Department of Veterans Affairs handles claims from veterans who experienced military sexual trauma (MST), defined as sexual assault, battery, or harassment during military service. The bill would require the VA to consider multiple forms of evidence when evaluating claims for mental health conditions related to MST, including professional diagnoses, medical evidence linking symptoms to the trauma, and corroborating evidence. Importantly, the VA would be prohibited from denying such claims without first informing veterans about what types of evidence count as corroboration and giving them a chance to provide additional evidence.

The bill would also expand access to MST counseling and treatment for former members of reserve components, regardless of their duty status. Additionally, it would require the VA to conduct annual reviews to ensure disability compensation claims related to MST are being processed accurately, and to conduct outreach to inform potentially eligible veterans about available MST care and support services.

Currently in committee consideration, if enacted, this bill could make it easier for veterans with MST-related mental health conditions to receive VA benefits and could broaden access to counseling and treatment services for a wider group of former military members.