March 18, 2026
Mr. Carbajal (for himself and Mr. Bacon) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs
To amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for the retroactive payment of benefits for veterans with covered mental health conditions based on military sexual trauma, and for other purposes.
Section 1. Short title
This Act may be cited as the Moral Injury Recognition and Restitution Act
.
Sec. 2. Department of Veterans Affairs retroactive benefits payments for veterans with covered health conditions based on military sexual trauma
(a) In general
Subchapter II of chapter 51 of title 38, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section:
5114. Claims involving military sexual trauma: retroactive benefits payments
(a) In general
If the Secretary approves a claim for compensation for a covered health condition based on military sexual trauma experienced by a veteran during active military, naval, or air service, notwithstanding sections 5110 and 5111 of this title—
(1)
the effective date of the award of the claim shall be the date of the day after the date on which the veteran is discharged from such service; and
(2)
payment of monetary benefits based on such award shall be made beginning on such date and shall be payable retroactively.
(b) Definitions
In this section:
(1)
The term military sexual trauma has the meaning given such term in section 1166(c)(2) of this title.
(2)
The term covered health condition means—
(A)
a covered mental health condition, as such term is defined in section 1166(c)(1) of this title; or
(B)
any physical injury or disease resulting in disability that was incurred as a result of, or aggravated by, military sexual trauma.
(b) Clerical amendments
The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 51 of such title is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 5113 the following new item: