With more troops committed to overseas conflict, an overwhelming number of US Veterans and caregivers are currently left in a state of limbo waiting for the programs associated with the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act to get started. Even though the act was signed into law last May and included a January 31st 2011 deadline for programs to begin, that date has since passed without any start or benefits for veterans and their caregivers.
The bill is directed toward getting better support for primary in-home caregivers to severely wounded veterans. This would include a stipend to be given to a spouse, parent, child, friend, or hired caregiver based on the amount of hours worked and care provided. The program also contains initiatives to pay lodging expenses and meal costs for caregivers who may need to accompany injured veterans on trips for VA healthcare monitoring and treatment therapy.
The growing cases of veterans and soldiers with traumatic brain injuries (TBI) have made the program crucial, as many military families have been put under some extreme financial burdens. This is because many spouses or children of veterans have been forced to quit their jobs so that they can care of their loved ones who have returned home from Iraq or Afghanistan.
The major increase and growth of TBI cases in soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan was the catalyst for the program when the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act was first drafted. Because of this, it was outlined to support only veterans of the current wars (post 2001).
One of the reasons that programs specified in the bill have yet to be implemented is possibly due to the fact that the VA is debating opening up the program to all veterans. Veterans and caregivers from previous wars are campaigning for the provisions of the bill to apply to them as well. Veterans with mesothelioma are some of the most supportive of this campaign. This is a type of cancer caused by asbestos exposure and extremely prevalent among older veterans because of the military’s heavy use of asbestos before it was discovered to be dangerous. Because the symptoms of the disease are often left undiagnosed until victims are in their late 60’s and the side effects are so debilitating, many of the veterans diagnosed with the cancer can be extremely difficult for caregivers to take care of. Unfortunately, because the mesothelioma life expectancy is only a little more than a year, many of these veterans currently pressuring for the VA to include them may not be alive to see the program implemented. Hopefully, not only will the act be pushed through sometime soon, but it could possibly include these provisions for older veterans.
Although the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act was a major step forward for VA benefits, the hurdles and obstacles in getting the bill started have prevented veterans from reaping its benefits and support. With Congress’ goal of having the program up and running by summer, there is hope that this bill will finally allow veterans and caregivers to take advantage of the support they so very much deserve.
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Taylor Dardan is a dedicated advocate of veteran’s benefits. He currently resides in the southeastern United States. You can contact him at dailydardan @ gmail dot com
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