VA: Billions needed to expand caregiver benefit

Caregivers of seriously wounded veterans — those who need help with daily activities such as feeding, bathing and dressing — are eligible for some help from the VA regardless of the war the veteran fought in, but not the financial stipend, now averaging about $2,000 a month. The amount of respite care available is also more generous for those caring for veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. Under the enhanced benefit, caregivers also can get their health care through the VA.

The Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs passed a bill that would expand the caregiver benefit to all generations of soldiers. The bill also went a step further, increasing the types of injuries and illnesses that would qualify for extra help. Any veteran with a "serious-service connected disability" who needed help with basic activities of daily living would qualify.

But concerns about costs will be difficult to overcome, especially in the fiscal climate on Capitol Hill. Currently, about 11,000 caregivers are enrolled in the program. The Congressional Budget Office estimated that an additional 70,000 caregivers would participate by 2016 if the bill, sponsored by Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., becomes law.

So far, the VA has escaped much of the cost-cutting that has hit other government departments. It was exempt from the mandatory budget cuts under sequestration, and agency employees were able to avoid furloughs. In fact, some were required to work overtime to speed processing of disability claims.

See also:

• Labor rules to boost employment for disabled
• GAO Eyes VA LTC Quality Efforts
• New Program To Support Veterans' Caregivers