Senator introduces Military and Caregiver Services Improvement Act.

SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. — Tue, 28 Apr 2015 09:26:00 -0400

Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., has introduced the Military and Caregiver Services Improvement Act to extend benefits to those who help injured or ill veterans of all eras.

Is this going to really help or completely overload the VA?

http://www.militarytimes.com/story/military/benefits/health-care/2015/04/27/va-veterans-caregivers-murray/26312053/

Senator unveils bill to help vets' caregivers

Nineteen-year-old Alexis Courneen was a new seaman serving on the Coast Guard buoy tender Katherine Walker when she was struck by a several-ton buoy

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 28 at 2015 9:38 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 28 Apr 2015 09:38:01 -0400

Overload just to play politics.

Response by LTC John Shaw made Apr 28 at 2015 9:56 AM

LTC John Shaw — Tue, 28 Apr 2015 09:56:37 -0400

There are plenty of Vets who need help regardless of the era they served, the trick is to show service connection. Service connection is very difficult for many, Guard and Reserve especially because we are on/off duty. Downside is loading the system with more veterans.

Response by SrA Donna Patrick made Apr 28 at 2015 10:39 AM

SrA Donna Patrick — Tue, 28 Apr 2015 10:39:12 -0400

As a caregiver and a veteran I can say that this program has been a great help to me and my family. As a matter of fact, my husband has less appointments at the VA and is able to keep most of his regularly scheduled appts. If I had to work outside of the house I would have to pay someone to take care of him. That would be a serious financial burden. I can say from experience that the caregiver support program has opened my eyes to the help that the VA actually can give but seems to hide. Not sure why I couldn't find PTSD programs, Vet centers, adaptive housing grants etc. before becoming a caregiver. Additionally, it reminds me that there are others, like me. I'm not alone even though I seriously feel like I am. Being the caregiver of a disabled veteran is a thankless and lonely job.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Apr 28 at 2015 10:54 AM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Tue, 28 Apr 2015 10:54:51 -0400

Probably. They will ask for more money and experience glitches. The VA asked for $180,000 to take care of each homeless veteran they are targeting. SS has caregiver funds as well, but you can't and should not double dip.

Response by SCPO David Lockwood made Apr 28 at 2015 12:17 PM

SCPO David Lockwood — Tue, 28 Apr 2015 12:17:04 -0400

As if the VA isn't already overwhelmed. It looks like our wonderful lawmakers are turning a blind eye to the problems the VA already has and instead of fixing them they compound the problems. What a wonderful bunch of polished turds we have in congress.

Response by SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. made Apr 28 at 2015 12:22 PM

SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. — Tue, 28 Apr 2015 12:22:30 -0400

Here is some additional info on Aid and Attendance.

http://www.veteranaid.org/

Veterans Administration Aid & Attendance Special Pension Information by VeteranAid.org

Get valuable information about the VA Aid & Attendance Special Pension from VeteranAid.org

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jun 19 at 2015 7:43 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Fri, 19 Jun 2015 19:43:06 -0400

It will be a big boost for veterans who need a tremendous amount of care by their spouse. If any family is under these circumstance, I highly recommend them to apply for the funds.

Response by PFC Lawrence Pierce made Jan 5 at 2022 8:49 PM

PFC Lawrence Pierce — Wed, 05 Jan 2022 20:49:53 -0500

Tried to become a caregiver and was told that in order to be one the veteran has to be practically dead and making sure he has the right medication and takes them when he is supposed to is not part of being a caregiver.