Noteboom The Law Firm

President Obama’s Budget Helps VA Healthcare

The Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA) requested budget was less than what they received. President Obama raised the amount of money he requested for the VA for fiscal years 2012 and 2013, and his request was granted.

According to a Government Accountability Office (GAO) report, the VA will receive funding totaling $54.9 billion for FY 2012, a $1.4 billion increase, and $56.7 billion for FY 2013, a $1.3 billion increase. The increases were granted so the VA would be able to comply with Obama administration planned healthcare initiatives.

 

These initiatives include:

 

• increasing the number of programs dealing with homeless veterans;
• opening new health care clinics and hospitals;
• ensuring caregivers are provided additional services; and
• ensuring Veterans exposed to Agent Orange are given earned benefits.

 

The 2012 increase included more than $950 million in "contingency funding." That funding will be used should more VA healthcare be needed due to the poor economy. Funding for these increased appropriations is based on the anticipated support of multiple sources, ranging from collections and reimbursements to "unobligated balances of multiyear appropriations."

VA representatives acknowledge multiple reasons why they need more resources than originally requested to provide health care. Policy changes, funding new initiatives, and improvements made to their daily operations all serve as base reasons for the increased estimate.

If you are a disabled veteran who has been denied disability compensation or have not yet applied for benefits from the VA, a South Florida disability attorney from LaVan & Neidenberg is ready to help. To learn if you are entitled to certain programs and benefits contact our veterans disability rights firm today - 1-888-234-5758.