WASHINGTON -- The Veterans Affairs Department has unveiled a long-awaited plan to give extra help to family members of severely disabled Iraq and Afghanistan veterans who provide them around-the-clock care.
Health insurance, mental health help and a monthly stipend will be offered to some families of those critically injured.
A law signed last year by President Barack Obama instructed the VA to provide help not just to veterans, but also directly to their family members.
Senators and service groups have said the VA hasn't moved fast enough. While the VA says it's offering more help for caregivers of vets from all eras, the law only gives the stipend to caregivers of newer veterans - those from Iraq and Afghanistan.
A caregivers' hotline the VA started last week has received 700 calls.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
VA unveils plan to aid family members with care of disabled vets
From The Associated Press:
