Press Releases

Washington, D.C. - 3/21/2025… Today, Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) and Congressman Herb Conaway (NJ-03) introduced the Service-Connected Suicide Compensation Act, a bipartisan bill that ensures the families of veterans who die by suicide due to service-connected mental health conditions receive dependency and indemnity compensation (DIC) from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

Currently, DIC eligibility for family members of veterans who commit suicide is determined on a case-by-case basis. And too often, these families are caught in a must navigate a complicated claims process, while they are dealing with the abrupt death of a loved one. If a veteran already has a VA-designated service-connected mental disorder, there should be no question- their suicide is unfortunately service-connected. 

“Our nation must support those who served – especially when their sacrifices continue long after the battlefield,” said Congressman Lawler (NY-17). “Veterans struggling with service-related mental health conditions have given so much for our country, and when tragedy strikes, their families should not be left fighting bureaucratic red tape just to access the benefits they are owed. This bill ensures that the families of veterans who tragically pass due to service-connected mental health struggles receive the support they deserve.” 

“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,” said Congressman Conaway (NJ-03). “This bill ensures that surviving spouses and children are automatically granted Dependency and Indemnity Compensation—without added bureaucracy or delays. It’s a straightforward, compassionate step to honor our veterans and support their loved ones in their time of grief.”

“Battling suicide is the main mission of the Dwyer program. As the Director for Rockland County, I see the pain it causes on a daily basis. As we continue the fight, this bill we go a long way to help those effected when a veteran unfortunately loses their mental health battle. Thank you so much Congressman," said Marc Carlo, Director of Veteran Services for Rockland County BRIDGES and

“In 2025, TAPS will work with Congress to introduce and pass the Service-Connected Suicide Compensation Act and prioritize mental health as essential to the overall wellness and readiness for veterans, service members, families, caregivers, and survivors. In 2024, 29 percent of new surviving families coming to TAPS for services were suicide-loss survivors.  The families of suicide loss face massive struggles when it comes to applying for benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). While many illnesses are considered presumptive conditions to prevent families from having to prove that the cause of death is related to service, suicide is not a presumptive condition. TAPS believes it is time to finally recognize it as such and thanks Representatives Lawler and Conaway for their leadership on this life-changing issue,” said Bonnie Carroll, TAPS President and Founder.

“JWV appreciates your leadership in addressing the issue of mental health and suicide. Suicide prevention and addressing the mental health needs of veterans, their families, and survivors remains a JWV priority issue,” said JWV National Executive Director Ken Greenberg. “Now is the time for Congress to enact this legislation requiring the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide automatic DIC for survivors of a veteran who dies by suicide when the veteran had a service-connected mental condition.”

The Service-Connected Suicide Compensation Act is supported by Paralyzed Veterans of America, the Tragedy Assistance Program For Survivors (TAPS), Jewish War Veterans, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S.

Congressman Lawler is one of the most bipartisan members of Congress and represents New York's 17th Congressional District, which is just north of New York City and contains all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties.

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Full text of the bill can be HERE.