A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to expand the eligibility of former prisoners of war for certain health-care benefits provided by the Veterans' Administration, and for other purposes.
Former Prisoners of War Benefits Act of 1981 - Directs the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to establish the Advisory Committee on Former Prisoners of War to consult with concerning the administration of benefits and activities related to veterans held as prisoners of war (POW's). Requires that such committee include former POW's, disabled veterans, and individuals who are recognized authorities in certain fields of medicine. Directs the Committee to submit to the Administrator for transmittal to Congress a biennial report on such programs and activities.
Reduces from six months to 30 days the minimum period of imprisonment necessary to trigger the presumption that specified diseases and disabilities are confinement-related. Makes POW's held for any period of time, with the disease of psychosis which becomes manifest to a degree of ten percent, presumptively eligible for wartime disability benefits. Entitles former POW's to hospital, nursing home, and domiciliary care. Entitles such veterans to priority in the furnishing of medical services.
Directs the Administrator, after consulting with the Advisory Committee to conduct and report to Congress on a further study of the health of former POW's.
Permits former POW's to file a claim for disability compensation based upon a mental disorder previously disallowed.
Became Public Law No: 97-37.
Introduced in Senate
Read second time and referred to Senate Committee on Veterans.
Committee on Veterans requested executive comment from OMB.
Committee on Veterans requested executive comment from VA.
Committee on Veterans. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
Committee on Veterans. Reported to Senate by Senator Simpson under the authority of the order of May 13, 81 favorably with an amendment in the nature of a substitute and an amendment to the title. With written report No. 97-88.
Committee on Veterans. Reported to Senate by Senator Simpson under the authority of the order of May 13, 81 favorably with an amendment in the nature of a substitute and an amendment to the title. With written report No. 97-88.
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under Regular Orders. Calendar No. 112.
Senate incorporated this measure in H.R. 1100 as an amendment.
Indefinitely postponed by Senate by Voice Vote.
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