H.R. 1588/P.L. 108-136

National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2004
(Nov. 24, 2003; 117Stat. 1392; 435 pages)

Here is the break down:

2004 DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT SIGNED TO PRESIDENT

On November 12, 2003, the Senate passed the National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2004 (H.R.1588) clearing it for the President. Signed into law 11/24/2003: Public Law 108-136

The following are some of the provisions contained in the legislation:

Concurrent Receipt of Retired Pay and VA Disability Compensation:

On January 1, 2004, all military retirees with at least 20 years of service and VA disability ratings of 50% or higher will see their military retired pay offsets phased out over a ten-year period. Combat Related Special Compensation (CRSC) will be expanded to include all combat- or operations-related disabilities from 10% to 100% ratings, also effective January 1, 2004. Currently, only those with qualifying disabilities rated 60% or higher or who have a disability associated with a Purple Heart are eligible. In both cases, Guard and Reserve retirees with 20 qualifying years of service (including those with less than 7,200 retirement points) will be eligible.

Military Pay and Allowances:

An average pay raise of 4.15%.

Enhanced TRICARE Coverage for the National Guard and Reserve:

Cost-share access to TRICARE for non-mobilized, uninsured / unemployed members of the Guard and Reserve and expanded TRICARE coverage prior to and following a mobilization. Also, immediate dental and medical screening for Selected Reservists (primarily, drilling members of the Guard and Reserve) alerted for activation.

TRICARE Standard Information Outreach:

DoD is directed to develop and implement a plan for information outreach to assist beneficiaries in obtaining access to TRICARE services.

Imminent Danger Pay (IDP) and Family Separation Allowance (FSA):

An increase in the worldwide use of IDP from $150 to $225 per month and FSA from $100 to $250 for 15 months beginning October 1, 2003.

Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) Program:

Equitable SBP coverage for survivors of active duty deaths regardless of the circumstances of the death. SBP annuities for survivors of reservists who die in the line-of-duty while performing inactive duty.

Health Protection and Surveillance:

The Secretary of Defense must establish a quality control program to ensure compliance with pre- and post-deployment medical evaluations for servicemembers.

Commissaries:

Unlimited commissary access for National Guard and Reserve servicemembers.