VA suspends changes to caregiver program

The Department of Veterans Affairs recently asked for public comment about proposed changes to the Family Caregiver program, and many of you must have replied because it has now issued a press release.

Officials declared a moratorium on its practice of discharging or decreasing caregivers, citing the “inconsistent application of eligibility requirements by VA medical centers.” Meanwhile, the VA will continue processing applications for caregivers based on current eligibility criteria.

Since 2011, the caregiver program has assisted more 38,000 family members, mostly wives and mothers, who receive a monthly stipend ranging from $600 to $2,600, depending on what assistance the veteran needs and where they live.

Are you eligible for caregiver services? You might qualify if you have a serious injury (for example, loss of limbs, psychological trauma, mental disorder, traumatic brain injury) suffered in the line of duty and you need personal care for one or more activities of daily living. Currently the eligibility date is injury on or after Sept. 11, 2001.

The proposed changes to the caregiver program would take place over two years. The clock starts when the VA proves to Congress that it has implemented the required information technology system upgrades. Changes also include expanding the caregiver program to include veterans from World War II, Korea and the Vietnam era.

A new addition to the program will include veterans who need regular or extensive instruction or supervision to be able to function in daily life. Another proposal would expand services for financial planning and legal services for injured veterans and their caregivers.

Go online to www.caregiver.va.gov and click around to find more information and to download an application. You also can learn about qualifying as a caregiver. Each veteran can have one primary and two secondary caregivers as backup.