Noteboom The Law Firm

New Legislation Will Force VA Facilities To Accept Service Dogs

March 21, 2011 - As it stands, Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities allow service dogs on their property only if they are servicing the blind. Legislation (HR 1154) introduced last week will completely change that however, and require every VA facility across the country to accept service dogs for other ailments.

The bill pertains to service dogs used by those with hearing and mobility impairments. Additionally, dogs specifically trained to help veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental health conditions will also be required admittance.

As long as blind veterans using guide dogs are not denied access to VA facilities and health care, neither should a veteran using a service dog. Denying veterans such access is akin to denying access to a veteran requiring a prosthetic for assistance, according to AmVet representatives.

Sponsored by Rep. John Carter (R-Texas), bill is bipartisan and co-sponsored by 35 lawmakers. The bill is not expected to draw debate or serious disagreement; the focus is ensuring disabled veterans are given access to the care they need.

The change will occur department-wide and could be in effect as soon as June. Many lawmakers believe, however, there are still "loopholes that need to be addressed and corrected." Passing this bill is a step in the right direction so deserving veterans are given access to the care they earned.