VA Launches Benefits for Veterans' Caregivers

The Veteran Affairs Department has launched enhanced services supporting family caregivers of seriously ill and injured veterans.

The benefits are part of the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2010, signed into law by President Obama in May, and help many in the Fort Bragg community and those leaving the service because of injuries connected to the military.

The program assists veterans who were disabled in the line of duty since Sept. 11, 2001, and provides enhanced services and benefits for their caregivers. Some of the services for those enrolled in VA care include:

• Access to VA's toll-free Caregiver Support Line at 1-855-260-3274
• Expanded education and training on caring for veterans at home
• Other support services such as counseling and support groups and referral services
• An enhanced website for caregivers

The newer benefits of the Caregivers and Omnibus Health Services Act are restricted by law to the caregivers and include:

• A monthly stipend
• Health care coverage
• Travel expenses, including lodging and per diem, while accompanying veterans undergoing care
• Respite care
• Mental health services and counseling

"The hotel trips for special appointments add up quickly, and I appreciate the new things being done to help us care for our son with a traumatic brain injury," said Marsha Covelle of Wilmington, N.C., who travels to Fort Bragg twice a month for treatment and appointments for her son.

Each VA medical center has designated caregiver support coordinators who assist eligible veterans and caregivers in applying the new benefits due them. VA also has a caregiver support website providing general information once final regulations are published.