I've been active with Operation Helmet. Did you know that the PASGT helmet, in use for the last 25 years, would stop a 9mm bullet? Unfortunately, the impact deformed the helmet four inches, resulting in a lethal traumatic impact.
Until a few years ago, when new protective inserts prevented the blunt trauma (and made the helmet a lot more comfortable to wear). Operation Helmet was formed to get the military (mostly the civilian program leadership) off the dime, and get the pads out of lab, and into helmets.
That task is pretty much complete, but I learned a lot about bullet protection in the process. For one thing, vest manufacturers (and the military itself) are constantly tinkering with their designs. Depending on how they are tested, some designs may be 5-10% better than the current IBA. There is no "magic bullet" on the horizon, but the Army Natick Lab evaluates designs submitted to it too consider for future upgrades.
The next "big" item may be a trauma pad that is stuck to the back of the SAPI plate, or in a pocket behind "soft" body armor. It reduces blunt trauma injury after the bullet has been defeated.
Troops are hearing rumors that they will be issued these pads shortly.
I've heard the claims and counter-claims on Dragon Skin. I treat their claims with some skepticism. As with every other armor design, it may have its advantages and disadvantages, but there is no miraculous breakthrough on the horizon.