WASHINGTON — The Veterans Affairs Department reversed course Tuesday and said it will make sure that more caregivers of severely disabled Iraq and Afghanistan veterans can receive the support they need to help their wounded relatives.
President Barack Obama signed a law in May last year that provided a monthly stipend, mental health help and health insurance to family members who provide around-the-clock care to these veterans.
But when the VA announced the details this year, many said it helped fewer families than they had expected. The VA now says about 3,500 families will be eligible, which is how many Sen. Patty Murray, chairwoman of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, has said Congress wanted. Under the earlier plan, the VA said about 10 percent of the critically wounded from the recent conflicts would be eligible, which was about 850 veterans. The plan will cost about $770 million over five years. The Associated Press
