TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

VA Raises Some Disability Pay

ADVERTISEMENT

The Associated Press

Published: September 24, 2008

WASHINGTON - The government is more than quadrupling monthly payments to some veterans suffering brain injuries, as the number of such war wounds mounts from the roadside bombings of Iraq and Afghanistan.

The new compensation is based on the assessment that even some troops who have the mildest form of traumatic brain injury could end up with chronic headaches, memory loss, anxiety or other symptoms that will hurt their chances of getting a job or job advancement, thus reducing their lifetime earnings by 40 percent.

In a regulation announced Tuesday by the Department of Veterans Affairs, officials changed the way they evaluate the injuries. Depending on the extent of their injuries, veterans now can be judged up to 40 percent disabled in such cases. The previous rating of 10 percent for such injuries was set by a 1961 regulation.

The rating change means an unmarried veteran, who now receives $117 monthly in compensation, could receive as much as $512. Extra money would also be calculated for troops with spouses and children.

Mild traumatic brain injury is a form of concussion that results from severe shaking of the brain after a blast. It can cause blurred vision, insomnia, irritability and other problems.

The change goes into effect in 30 days, and those receiving compensation under the old system can have their cases reviewed.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT