Rockland Reporter

Congressmen Mike Lawler and Herb Conaway have introduced the Service-Connected Suicide Compensation Act, a bipartisan bill aimed at supporting families of veterans who die by suicide due to service-connected mental health conditions. The legislation ensures these families receive dependency and indemnity compensation (DIC) from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

Currently, DIC eligibility for such cases is determined individually, often requiring families to navigate a complex claims process while dealing with their loss. Congressman Lawler emphasized, "Our nation must support those who served – especially when their sacrifices continue long after the battlefield." He added that veterans' families should not face bureaucratic hurdles to access benefits.

Congressman Conaway stated, "When a veteran tragically loses their battle with a service-connected mental health condition, their family shouldn’t have to fight another battle with the VA just to receive the benefits they deserve." He noted that the bill would ensure automatic DIC for surviving spouses and children without additional bureaucracy.

Bonnie Carroll, President and Founder of TAPS, highlighted that in 2024, 29 percent of new surviving families seeking TAPS services were suicide-loss survivors. She expressed gratitude towards Representatives Lawler and Conaway for recognizing suicide as a presumptive condition for benefits.

Ken Greenberg, JWV National Executive Director, praised the initiative: “JWV appreciates your leadership in addressing the issue of mental health and suicide." He urged Congress to enact this legislation promptly.

The bill has garnered support from several organizations including Paralyzed Veterans of America, TAPS, Jewish War Veterans, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S.

Congressman Lawler represents New York's 17th Congressional District north of New York City.