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Date
State
South Dakota
Category
Joint
Type Draft
New Resolution
State Association First Name
Shane
State Association Last Name
Skinner
Resolution No.
2
Item No
A
Fiscal Year
2028
State Association Email
State Association Phone Number
6053519311
Relating To
Enhancing the Army and Air National Guard by Providing Support for all Personnel Missions - TRICARE and Medical Benefits
SME Email
SME Phone
6053519311
Task Force
Personnel-Medical
State Association Title
Executive Director
Proposal Statement
To petition Congress to amend current legislation to define injuries, illnesses, or diseases sustained while serving on State Active Duty (SAD) as a qualifying service connection for Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health benefits.
Recommendation Information
Currently, National Guard service members who are injured or become ill while serving on State Active Duty (SAD) often face administrative hurdles and legal loopholes when seeking long-term medical care through the Department of Veterans Affairs. Because SAD is frequently not recognized as a qualifying federal service for establishing a VA "service connection," Guardsmen injured while responding to state emergencies—such as natural disasters or civil disturbances—are unfairly excluded from the comprehensive VA health benefits they deserve. Expanding the umbrella of qualifying service to include SAD ensures parity in medical care, protects the welfare of our service members regardless of their specific duty status at the time of injury, and sustains the overall readiness and morale of the National Guard force.
