The Department of Veterans Affairs recently announced a new health care policy that will make it easier for veterans to receive military benefits and treatment for various illnesses related to traumatic brain injuries, The New York Times reported.
When it takes affect Jan. 16, the new policy will expedite the claims process for former servicemembers who sustained a TBI during combat. While current VA rules state that servicemembers must provide evidence that their health complications stem from a brain injury received during service, the new regulations will only require that veterans prove they have a service-connected injury without any further evidence. Once that is established, veterans will be able to receive compensation and treatment for their illness.
While this new policy will make life after service easier for many veterans, the news source reported that the policy has some limitations. Former servicemembers with Parkinson's disease, unprovoked seizures, hormone deficiency diseases or dementia are only eligible for the benefits if their TBI was moderate or severe, which account for only two out of 10 brain injuries.
"We must always decide veterans' disability claims based on the best science available and we will," Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric K. Shinseki said in a statement. "Veterans who endure health problems deserve timely decisions based on solid evidence that ensure they receive benefits earned through their service to the country."