Service-Connected Suicide Compensation Act

# Service-Connected Suicide Compensation Act Summary **What the Bill Would Do:** The Service-Connected Suicide Compensation Act (HR 2264) would provide financial compensation to the families of military veterans who die by suicide. Currently, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides disability benefits to living veterans with service-connected conditions, but does not automatically provide death benefits specifically for suicide-related deaths. This bill would establish a new compensation program to address that gap. **Who It Affects:** The legislation would directly benefit the surviving families—spouses, children, and dependents—of veterans whose suicides are determined to be service-connected (meaning linked to injuries or conditions incurred during military service, such as PTSD or traumatic brain injury).

This reflects broader concerns about veteran suicide rates, which remain significantly higher than the general population. **Current Status:** The bill is currently in committee, meaning it has been introduced but has not yet been voted on by the full House of Representatives. No detailed provisions are publicly available at this stage, so the specific benefit amounts and eligibility criteria have not been finalized. The bill would need to move through committee review, amendments, and a House vote before potentially advancing to the Senate.