Wounded Warrior Project Recommends Improvements to VA's Caregiver Program

WASHINGTON, May 9, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Wounded Warrior Project^® (WWP) outlined several recommendations to improve the Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers program in a letter sent to Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary David Shulkin.

VA recently announced a comprehensive review of the program and temporarily halted removing veterans' caregivers from it. In the letter, WWP proposes items that should – at minimum – be addressed during the review and acknowledges further work with VA and veterans service organizations is needed to fully examine issues experienced by caregivers and veterans. Recommendations include:

• Ensure consistency and transparency in eligibility.
• Enhance the appeals process.
• Ensure meaningful consultation with the medical care team.
• Require communication with caregivers.
• Review removals and tier reductions.
• Improve support services for transitioning caregivers.
• Extend pause on removals until the review is complete.

"Over the past month, Wounded Warrior Project has engaged in productive dialogue with VA, lawmakers on Capitol Hill, and fellow veterans service organizations to discuss the issues with the caregiver program and to propose solutions," said WWP CEO Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Mike Linnington. "I applaud VA for taking a look into the program, and I strongly urge VA to consider these recommendations to improve consistency, fairness, and transparency, and to provide support for those transitioning out of the program."

WWP championed legislation in 2010 to create the VA family caregiver program. While it provides crucial support to numerous families, WWP continues to hear concerns from caregivers and veterans. WWP shared these concerns with VA. Additionally, WWP participated in meetings with White House officials and VA leadership; met with the House Veterans Affairs Committee Subcommittee on Health; delivered a letter to VA Secretary Shulkin offering to host a discussion with caregivers; and has met multiple times with fellow veterans service organizations to propose solutions for the program.

Caregivers provide a vital service, often giving up careers and opportunities in order to care for our nation's heroes. We owe it to them to provide the support they need. WWP is dedicated to continuing this collaborative work with VA, Congress, the administration, and partner veterans service organizations to ensure the caregiver program provides support to those who care for the most seriously injured.

About Wounded Warrior Project
Wounded Warrior Project^® (WWP) connects, serves, and empowers wounded warriors. Read more at https://newsroom.woundedwarriorproject.org/about-us.

SOURCE Wounded Warrior Project