(a) The department, during the diagnostic process, shall record information relating to an inmate's military history in the inmate's admission sheet and intake screening form, or any other similar document.
(b) The department shall:
(1) in consultation with the Texas Veterans Commission, investigate and verify the veteran status of each inmate by using the best available federal data; and
(2) use the data described by Subdivision (1) to assist inmates who are veterans in applying for federal benefits or compensation for which the inmates may be eligible under a program administered by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, including mailing any related paperwork, application, or other correspondence on behalf of and at no charge to the inmate.