Ruth Moore Act of 2015
Bill Summary
This bill would ease access to benefits for victims of military sexual assault. The Ruth Moore Act would relax evidentiary standards for sexual trauma victims who file claims for service-connected mental trauma. It would allows a statement from the survivor to be considered sufficient proof that the assault occurred.
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Opponents say
According to the VA, however, the bill is not necessary. The VA’s Director of Pension and Fiduciary Service David McLenachen remarked, “While we appreciate the intent behind this legislation, we would prefer to continue pursuing non-legislative actions to address the special nature” of the sexual trauma claims
Proponents say
Rep. Pingree said that the VA is not doing enough: “VA will tell you that their system accepts secondary markers as evidence to verify an assault occurred. As comforting as that sounds, we have seen time and time again that VA is vastly inconsistent in applying those standards. What one regional office will accept as proof, another will deny. The bottom line is that for too long the burden of proof has been on the veteran, and that needs to change now.”
