HR 1824

This bill, the Supporting Disabled National Guardsmen Act, aims to provide better support for National Guard members who become physically disabled while performing State active duty. It expands eligibility for retirement pay and medical care from the Department of Veterans Affairs. Specifically, it clarifies that State active duty – which includes training and other duties not covered by federal pay – qualifies for benefits, and it establishes a process for reducing retired pay if it duplicates other disability benefits. Additionally, it ensures National Guard members with disabilities resulting from State active duty are eligible for hospital care and medical services from the VA, with reimbursement only after other potential claims are exhausted.