Blog post

IAVA Endorses H.R. 952, the "Combat PTSD Act"
Posted by Tom Tarantino on February 20 2009

Rep. John Hall (D-NY 19th) has introduced H.R. 952; which clarifies the meaning of combat with the enemy for the purposes of service connected disabilities.  Currently section 1154(b) of title 38 states that the Secretary must accept service connection of an injury if it is shown to have occurred while engaged in combat with the enemy regardless if it is officially documented or not.   However, what constitutes contact with the enemy is not clearly defined in the current statute. Rep. Hall’s Bill adds a section at the end of 1154(b) that clearly defines combat with the enemy as being in a theater of combat operations during a period of war, or in combat against hostile forces during a period of hostilities.  Essentially, this bill makes contact with the enemy presumptive when claiming injuries for compensation and pension from the VA. This is one of many corrections that are needed to plug the holes and vague language that permeates the VA disability process.