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H.R.944 / 111th Congress

Prisoner of War Benefits Act of 2009

Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs.

Official summary

Version 00 · Introduced in House · Feb 10, 2009

Prisoner of War Benefits Act of 2009 - Amends federal veterans' benefits provisions with respect to former prisoners of war (POWs) to repeal the currently required 30-day minimum period of internment prior to the presumption of service connection for certain listed diseases, for purposes of the payment of veterans' disability compensation. Adds diabetes (type 2) to the above listed diseases. Removes the requirement that, in order for osteoporosis to be included among the listed diseases, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs must determine that the veteran has post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Requires: (1) such presumption also with respect to any disease that the Secretary determines warrants such presumption by reason of having a positive association with the experience of being a prisoner of war; and (2) the Secretary to make such a determination within 60 days after a recommendation from the Advisory Committee on Former Prisoners of War that such presumption be established for a non-listed disease.

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Who introduced it

Rep. Bilirakis, Gus M. [R-FL-9] · R–FL

Committees

  • Veterans' Affairs Committee
3 cosponsorship records, including any withdrawals

Actions

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  1. Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs.

  2. Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

  3. Introduced in House

  4. Introduced in House

Bill text & related measures

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Related bills identified by Congress.gov

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Source last updated: Aug 14, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.

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Individual rights and government power

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