Search Results

The Workforce Investment Act (WIA): Program-by-Program Overview and FY2007 Funding of Title I Training Programs
Title I of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (WIA) (P.L. 105-220) authorizes several job training programs, including Youth, Adult, and Dislocated Worker Activities, Job Corps, the Native American Program, the Migrant and Seasonal Farmworker Program, and the Veterans’ Workforce Investment Program. This report briefly summarizes each WIA program, the FY2007 budget request, and for comparison, the FY2006 appropriation (P.L. 109-149).
The Workforce Investment Act (WIA): Program-by-Program Overview and FY2007 Funding of Title I Training Programs
Title I of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (WIA) (P.L. 105-220) authorizes several job training programs, including Youth, Adult, and Dislocated Worker Activities, Job Corps, the Native American Program, the Migrant and Seasonal Farmworker Program, and the Veterans’ Workforce Investment Program. This report briefly summarizes each WIA program, the FY2007 budget request, and for comparison, the FY2006 appropriation (P.L. 109-149).
The Inapplicability of Limitations on Subcontracting to "Preference Contracts" for Small Businesses: Washington-Harris Group
This report discusses Washington-Harris Group, a protest filed with the Government Accountability Office (GAO) alleging, among other things, that an agency improperly awarded a "preference contract" to a service-disabled veteran-owned small business that proposed to subcontract a greater percentage of work on the contract than allowed under the Small Business Administration's limitations on subcontracting.
The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA): A Private Cause of Action
This report discusses the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA), the purpose of which is to provide for, strengthen, and expedite the national defense by protecting service members, enabling them to "devote their entire energy to the defense needs of the Nation." This report also discusses related legislation, such as the Veterans' Benefits Act of 2010, which clarifies certain SCRA protections.
The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA): A Private Cause of Action
This report discusses the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) and related legislation, such as the Veterans' Benefits Act of 2010, which clarifies certain SCRA protections.
TRICARE Modernization: Eligibility for the Federal Employee Dental and Vision Insurance Program
This report discusses the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP) and the upcoming expansion of eligibility to certain TRICARE beneficiaries. TRICARE is the health care program for uniformed service members, retirees, and their families.
Who is a "Veteran"?--Basic Eligibility for Veterans' Benefits
This report examines the basic eligibility criteria for VA administered veterans' benefits, including the issue of eligibility of members of the National Guard and reserve components.
Veterans' Benefits: Pension Benefit Programs
This report describes several pension benefit programs for veterans and their families, including the eligibility criteria and current benefit levels, and provides data on the number of pension beneficiaries and average annual benefit amounts for FY1999 through FY2013.
Veterans Benefits: Current Life Insurance Programs
This report is structured in three major areas. The first area of the report includes sections providing an overview of the VA's different life insurance programs. The second area includes sections describing the VA's management and administrative structure as well as how policy proceeds to beneficiaries are currently paid for SGLI, VGLI, and S-DVI. The third area of the report discusses major areas of congressional interest and policy issues as they pertain to SGLI, VGLI, and S-DVI.
Veterans' Benefits: An Overview of Benefits for Disabled Veterans
This report provides an overview of health care services and disability compensation benefits available to Vietnam veterans, children of Vietnam-era veterans, and non-Vietnam veterans exposed to herbicides.
Veterans' Benefits: Burial Benefits and National Cemeteries
This report provides a descriptive analysis of both nonmonetary and monetary burial benefits and national cemeteries. This report addresses congressional and constituent issues such as who is eligible to receive burial benefits; who can be buried in a national cemetery; what plans does the Department of Veterans Affairs have to build new or expand existing national cemeteries; and what benefits does the VA provide, among others.
Disability Benefits Available Under the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Veterans Disability Compensation (VDC) Programs
Social Security Disability Insurance and Veterans Disability Compensation- administered by the Social Security Administration and the Department of Veterans Affairs respectively- are two of the largest federal disability programs, but strongly differ along several dimensions, including the populations served, how each program defines a "disability," as well as varying eligibility requirements. This report provides a description and comparative analysis of the Social Security Disability Administration and the Veterans Disability Compensation program claims.
Disability Benefits Available Under the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Veterans Disability Compensation (VDC) Programs
Social Security Disability Insurance and Veterans Disability Compensation- administered by the Social Security Administration and the Department of Veterans Affairs respectively- are two of the largest federal disability programs, but strongly differ along several dimensions, including the populations served, how each program defines a "disability," as well as varying eligibility requirements. This report provides a description and comparative analysis of the Social Security Disability Administration and the Veterans Disability Compensation programs.
Disability Benefits Available Under the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Veterans Disability Compensation (VDC) Programs
This report seeks to clarify why one group of individuals with disabilities may be eligible for benefits under Veteran's Disability Compensation (VDC), but ineligible for benefits under Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) (and vice versa), through a description and comparison of several distinguishing characteristics of the SSDI and VDC programs. This report concludes with a discussion of the challenges facing the administration of both programs, including processing delays for pending claims and appeals.
Disability Benefits Available Under the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Veterans Disability Compensation (VDC) Programs
This report seeks to clarify why one group of individuals with disabilities may be eligible for benefits under Veteran's Disability Compensation (VDC), but ineligible for benefits under Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) (and vice versa), through a description and comparison of several distinguishing characteristics of the SSDI and VDC programs. This report concludes with a discussion of the challenges facing the administration of both programs, including processing delays for pending claims and appeals.
"Who is a Veteran?"-- Basic Eligibility for Veterans' Benefits
This report examines the basic eligibility criteria for VA administered veterans' benefits, including the issue of eligibility of members of the National Guard and reserve components.
Veterans' Benefits: Pension Benefit Programs
This report describes several pension benefit programs for veterans and their families, including the eligibility criteria and current benefit levels, and provides data on the number of pension beneficiaries and average annual benefit amounts for FY1999 through FY2013.
Veterans' Benefits: The Impact of Military Discharges on Basic Eligibility
This report discusses the discharge or separation requirement for veteran status or, more specifically, how the VA assesses character of service to determine whether a former servicemember's separation from the military can be considered other than dishonorable.
A Fact Sheet on the Economic Stimulus Rebate for Social Security and Veterans’ Benefit Recipients
The Economic Stimulus Act of 2008 will provide a tax rebate to taxpayers with a net federal tax liability and certain other eligible individuals and families. This report provides information for Social Security beneficiaries and Veterans' benefit recipients and their families on eligibility for the rebate, the rebate amount, and how they can receive an economic stimulus rebate.
Veterans Benefits: A Comparison and Analysis
This report includes a Comparison and Analysis of Veterans Benefits.
Veterans' Benefits Legislation in the 93rd Congress, 1975, January 15
This report is a descriptive journey of the veterans' benefits legislation in the 93rd congress
Legal Issues Related to Proving "Service Connection" for VA Disability Compensation: Statutory Presumptions
This report focuses on several statutory presumptions that relate to the second element of a service-connected claim for disability compensation, and synthesizes the legal principles that guide the Department of Veterans Affairs' application of the statutory presumptions during the claims adjudication process. Specifically, this report will discuss the "presumption of soundness," the presumption of aggravation of a pre-existing injury or disease, the "line of duty" presumption, and finally, the "combat veteran" presumption, all of which are codified at Title 38 of the United States Code.
Expedited Removal Authority for VA Senior Executives (38 U.S.C. § 713): Selected Legal Issues
This report discusses selected legal issues relating to the authority for summary removal of individuals in senior executive positions at the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Expedited Removal Authority for VA Senior Executives (38 U.S.C. § 713): Selected Legal Issues
This report discusses selected legal issues relating to the authority for summary removal of individuals in senior executive positions at the Department of Veterans Affairs. Section 707 of the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act, P.L. 113-146, enacted on August 7, 2014, created this authority by adding Section 713 to Title 38 of the United States Code. It authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to remove an individual in a senior executive position from federal service or transfer him or her to a position in the General Schedule if the Secretary determines that the individual's performance or misconduct warrants removal.
Expedited Removal Authority for VA Senior Executives (38 U.S.C. § 713): Selected Legal Issues
This report discusses selected legal issues relating to the authority for summary removal of individuals in senior executive positions at the Department of Veterans Affairs.
VA Accountability Act of 2015 (H.R. 1994), as Reported to the House
This report describes the VA Accountability Act of 2015 (H.R. 1994) as reported to the House by the Committee on Veterans' Affairs on July 23 2015 and compares it to current law where appropriate.
Iraq: Summary of U.S. Casualties
This report provides statistics on fatalities during Operation Iraqi Freedom, which began on March 19, 2003, and is ongoing, as well as on the number of fatalities since May 1,2003, plus statistics on those wounded, but not killed, since March 19, 2003.
Coast Guard Polar Icebreaker Modernization: Background and Issues for Congress
This report provides background information and issues for Congress on the sustainment and modernization of the Coast Guard's polar icebreaker fleet. Congress's decisions on this issue could affect Coast Guard funding requirements, the Coast Guard's ability to perform its polar missions, and the U.S. shipbuilding industrial base.
Coast Guard Polar Icebreaker Modernization: Background and Issues for Congress
This report provides background information and issues for Congress on the sustainment and modernization of the Coast Guard's polar icebreaker fleet. Congressional decisions on this issue could affect Coast Guard funding requirements, the Coast Guard's ability to perform its polar missions, and the U.S. shipbuilding industrial base.
Military Funeral Honors and Military Cemetaries: Frequently Asked Questions
This report is written in response to frequently asked questions about military funeral honors and military cemeteries. The report also provides information on the eligibility criteria, required components of the honor detail, and the funeral ceremony. It also cites legislation that mandates that the Department of Defense (DOD) make military funeral honors available to every eligible veteran upon request.
Health Care for Dependents and Survivors of Veterans
This report is categorized into six categories: (I) Overview, (II) Questions and Answers, (III) Eligibility, (IV) Benefits, (V) Payments and (VI) Other Payments.
Veterans’ Medical Care: FY2008 Appropriations
This report discusses the veterans' health benefits. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides benefits to veterans who meet certain eligibility rules. Benefits to veterans range from disability compensation and pensions to hospital and medical care. The VA provides these benefits through three major operating units: the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA), and the National Cemetery Administration (NCA).
Veterans' Medical Care: FY2014 Appropriations
This report focuses on funding for the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). The VHA is primarily a direct service provider of primary care, specialized care, and related medical and social support services to veterans through the nation's largest integrated health care system. Eligibility for VA health care is based primarily on previous military service, disability, and income.
Veterans' Medical Care: FY2014 Appropriations
This report focuses on funding for the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). The VHA is primarily a direct service provider of primary care, specialized care, and related medical and social support services to veterans through the nation's largest integrated health care system.
Advance Appropriations for Veterans' Health Care: Issues and Options for Congress
This report discusses issues regarding authorization of an advanced appropriation for certain medical care accounts of the Veterans Health Administration.
Department of Veterans Affairs FY2016 Appropriations: In Brief
This report discusses budget issues for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), which provides a range of benefits and services to veterans who meet certain eligibility rules.
Department of Veterans Affairs FY2016 Appropriations: In Brief
This report discusses budget issues for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), which provides a range of benefits and services to veterans who meet certain eligibility rules.
Health Care for Dependents and Survivors of Veterans
This report discusses the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA), which is primarily a health insurance program where certain eligible dependents and survivors of veterans receive care from private sector health care providers. The report provides information regarding eligibility requirements, available benefits, and payment structures.
Health Care for Veterans: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
This report provides responses to frequently asked questions about health care provided to veterans through the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). It is intended to serve as a quick reference to provide easy access to information. Where applicable, it provides the legislative background pertaining to the question.
Veterans' Health Care Issues in the 109th Congress
This report provides an overview of major issues facing veterans' health care during the 109th Congress. The report's primary focus is on veterans and not military retirees.
Veterans Medical Care: FY2010 Appropriations
This report focuses on funding for the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). The VHA is primarily a direct service provider of primary care, specialized care, and related medical and social support services to veterans through the nation's largest integrated health care system. Eligibility for VA health care is based primarily on previous military service, disability, and income.
Veterans' Medical Care: FY2013 Appropriations
This report focuses on appropriations for the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). It begins with a brief overview of the Veterans Affairs' (VA) budget for FY2012 and the President's request for FY2013 as a whole. It then presents a brief overview of VHA's budget formulation, a description of the accounts that fund the VHA, and a summary of the FY2012 VHA budget. The report ends with a section discussing recent legislative developments pertaining to the FY2013 VHA budget.
TRICARE and VA Health Care: Impact of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA)
This report addresses key questions concerning the impact of enactment of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) on the TRICARE and VA health care programs. To provide some context to this discussion, the report begins with a brief overview of the two health systems and eligibility for care under each system.
Veterans Affairs: Health Care and Benefits for Veterans Exposed to Agent Orange
This report provides an overview of health care services and disability compensation benefits available to Vietnam veterans, Children of Vietnam Era veterans, and non-Vietnam veterans exposed to herbicides. This is followed by a discussion of the recent litigation pertaining to Navy veterans of the Vietnam Era who served offshore and were never physically present on Vietnamese soil.
Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014 (H.R. 3230; P.L. 113-146)
This report begins with a brief overview of the legislative history that lead up to the enactment of the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014 (P.L. 113-146), and discusses subsequent amendments to the act. The Act was largely in response to issues pertaining to delays in patient care and patient wait time manipulation at various Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care system facilities.
CRS Issue Statement on Veterans' Benefits
Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom are the largest sustained ground combat missions undertaken by the United States since the Vietnam War. Over 1.7 million service members have been deployed to these two theaters of operation. Since FY2002, more than 1.0 million veterans have left active duty making them potentially eligible for benefits and services provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs. The Obama Administration has begun the process of drawing down forces from Iraq and surging the number of combat forces in Afghanistan. These factors will have a continued impact on VA health care, disability, education, vocational rehabilitation, employment and housing benefits. The 2nd Session of the 111th Congress will continue to focus on the treatment and compensation of this latest generation of veterans as well as aging veterans from previous conflicts.
Department of Veteran Affairs: Information Security and Information Technology Management Reorganization
On May 3, 2006, the home of a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) data analyst was burglarized, resulting in the theft of a laptop computer and an external data storage device that was reported to contain personal information on more than 26 million veterans and United States military personnel. The VA Secretary testified that he was not informed of the incident until May 16, 2006, almost two weeks after the data had been stolen. VA publicly announced the theft on May 22. On June 29, VA announced that the stolen laptop computer and external hard drive had been recovered intact and that, based on a forensic examination conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the files on the external hard drive had not been compromised.
Department of Veterans Affairs Fiscal Year 2017 Appropriations
This report provides an overview of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) appropriations for fiscal year 2017 which total $176.94 billion.
Department of Veterans Affairs Fiscal Year 2018 Appropriations
This report focuses on FY2018 appropriations and FY2019 advance appropriations for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). It includes an overview of the VA, a description of the appropriations, other funding developments through the Veterans Choice Program (VCP), presidential budget requests, and congressional actions.
Department of Veterans Affairs FY2016 Appropriations: In Brief
This report discusses budget issues for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), which provides a range of benefits and services to veterans who meet certain eligibility rules.
Back to Top of Screen