PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
Congressional Research Service
Version 00 · Introduced in House · Oct 7, 2004
Comprehensive Assistance for Veterans Exposed to Traumatic Stressors Act of 2004 - Extends eligibility for readjustment counseling services for Vietnam-era veterans.
Requires implementation of a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)-Department of Defense (DOD) Health Care Sharing Incentive Fund.
Requires: (1) the DOD to assist the VA with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)-related data collection; (2) routine preventative maintenance intervention for returning members of the Armed Forces; and (3) substance use disorder questions in pre- and post-deployment screens and related treatment protocols.
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Provides for a telemedicine program to support health care providers in combat theaters.
Requires a study of factors that decrease the likelihood of developing combat-related chronic PTSD.
Extends the enhanced eligibility period for VA health services for certain veterans.
Provides for participation by the VA in DOD demobilization and Transitional Assistance Program activities to enhance identification of chronic PTSD risk factors.
Requires PTSD educational materials.
Provides for a joint demonstration project that stations VA psychologists and psychiatrists at major demobilization sites and military treatment facilities.
Requires: (1) performance measures that ensure appropriate deployment of resources to implement the Iraq war clinical practice guidelines; (2) establishment of the DOD/VA Council on Post-Deployment Mental Health; (3) a plan for expanded access to specialized PTSD care; and (4) additional mental health services personnel for certain VA programs and locations.
Authorizes counseling for immediate family members of disabled veterans and Armed Forces personnel killed in action.
Establishes a National Steering Committee on PTSD Education.
Addresses deficiencies in compensation and pension examinations with regard to PTSD.
Requires development of criteria for determining which medical conditions are likely associated with PTSD and when secondary service-connection should be granted for those conditions.
Provides for an outreach program to enhance PTSD awareness.
People & committees
Rep. Evans, Lane [D-IL-17] · D–IL
Legislative record
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Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
Referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Armed Services, 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.
Referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Armed Services, 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.
Referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Armed Services, 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 in House
Introduced in House
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Aug 18, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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