Senate panel OKs Group 8 use of VA system for TBI and PTSD
The Senate Armed Services and Veterans’ Affairs Committee approved legislation Wednesday 27Jun that would reopen the Department of Veterans Affairs health system to 1.7 million veterans in Priority Group 8, those who have adequate incomes and no service-connected ailments. The Group 8 provision is in the Traumatic Brain Injury and Other Health Programs Enhancement Act (S 1233). Other provisions would:
· Require the VA to develop individualized plans for rehabilitation and reintegration of veterans who suffer traumatic brain injury (TBI)
· Extend eligibility for VA health care for all combat veterans from two years up to five years after release or discharge. This would provide more time to identify and treat TBI and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
· Direct that VA enter into agreements with non-VA care facilities to provide TBI care and rehabilitation when VA care is not available at a reasonable distance from the veteran’s home.
· Direct that VA conduct a five-year pilot program to assess the effectiveness of providing assisted living services to veterans with TBI to enhance rehabilitation and quality of life.
