Noteboom The Law Firm

New Law Increases Veterans’ Benefits for Families and Caregivers

June 12, 2010 - Within the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act are clauses providing for many different aspects of veterans' lives. Some of the provisions are directed right to the veteran and some are directed at those people around the veteran, like their family and caregivers.

More than 1 million soldiers have served in Iraq and Afghanistan since the begging of the war on terrorism. Training soldiers to walk into combat is not the end of the government's responsibility to these soldiers. It's just as important to adequately train soldiers for combat as it is to ensure they make a smooth transition back into civilian life.  

The news over the last couple years has detailed just how hard transitioning back into a civilian role has been on many soldiers. Daily stories shock readers with tales of horrible periods of adjustments. Among the most talked about problems with veterans' transitions are:

• Increased suicide rates;
• Domestic violence;
• Divorce;
• Homelessness;
• Substance abuse;
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs); and
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

 The new law dramatically increases funding for Iraq and Afghanistan veterans for mental health services and counseling. Additionally, the law:

• Allows injured veterans to be treated in clinics outside the VA;
• Lends more support to veterans in rural areas;
• Eliminates co-pays for catastrophically disabled veterans;
• Increases support for programs helping homeless veterans; and
• Develops brand new programs specifically for female veterans to include child care provisions.

 This bill passed unanimously through Congress, so there is no question of the importance of this bill. Congress' job is not done, however. Their job now is to watch the VA and ensure they are carrying out Congress' vision for this bill.