Articles

VA Reform Bill Brings Optimism for Effective Change in VA Facilities

July 30, 2014

The Veterans Affairs (VA) reform bill that has been making its way through Congress may soon be passed, as legislators from both sides of the political playing field have finally come to some compromises about various aspects of this bill.

With many of the major elements of the VA reform bill no longer in debate, some legislators – including the bill’s backers Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vermont, and Rep. Jeff Miller, R-Florida – are hopeful that the passage of this bill could come this week – before legislators take a 5-week summer recess.

The VA reform bill proposes various changes that could be beneficial for veterans in the future. Here’s a look at the proposed changes in this bill.

Proposed Elements of New VA Reform Bill

Among the features of the New VA reform bill are the following:

• The allowance for veterans who’ve been waiting more than 30 days for care or who live more than 40 miles away from a VA facility to get treated at a private doctor
• The allotment of $10 billion in emergency funds that would cover veterans’ treatment at private medical facilities
• Funding for at least 27 additional leases for new VA facilities throughout the U.S. (These will reportedly mostly be community clinics for veterans.)
• Additional long-term funding to support the VA (Although testimony revealed that the VA may need as much as $17.3 billion for long-term funding, the final amount allotted has yet to be determined; however, it will likely be far less than $17.3 billion.)
• Increased authority provided to VA managers when it comes to firing people (If this is granted through the VA reform bill, then fired VA employees will reportedly have the opportunity to appeal).

Additionally, the VA reform bill will reportedly provide access to in-state tuition for military service members, as well as their spouses, under the GI bill.

While these proposed changes and funding options seem like they could trigger some real, positive change in VA facilities throughout the U.S., it remains to be seen if this bill will ultimately be passed as it stands – and, if so, how these changes may play out in the real word clinical and VA hospital settings.

Military Medical Malpractice Lawyers at the Law Firm of Brown Law

The military medical malpractice lawyers at the Law Firm of  Brown Law have the skill and expertise to get you the justice you deserve. Although no amount of money can ever make up for an injury or wrongful death caused by medical malpractice, the compensation we could help you recover will go a long way in covering medical costs and the pain and suffering you have endured. To encourage injured parties to learn more about their legal rights, our law firm provides free initial consultations, consideration even if another law firm has turned you down and availability 24 hours a day seven days a week.

When brave men and women like you take on the challenge of protecting our country’s freedom, they deserve the best in legal representation. At  Brown Law, we never charge any fees unless we are able to secure the compensation you deserve. Please call us toll-free at 1-877-695-8757 24 hours a day seven days a week. You can also email us using the online form at the upper right-hand side of the screen.

DISCLAIMER: An attorney-client relationship with us cannot be formed by transmission or receipt of the information on this Website and any information you send in an e-mail message to this website will not make you a client. We reserve the right to decline any representation for any reason. This Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide legal advice. You should not act or rely on any information in this Website without seeking the advice of a lawyer