Letter to the Hon. Robert Wilkie, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs - Rutherford, Cox Lead Letter Supporting Assisted Living Programs for Veterans with TBI

Letter

Dear Secretary Wilkie,

We are writing to you today in reference to the Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA) final report on the Assisted Living Pilot Program for Veterans with Traumatic Brain Injury (AL-TBI). We are pleased to see the positive gains your Department reports for participants within the first 24 months of their participation.

Additionally, the unique contributions to veteran rehabilitation provided by the pilot program, outside the scope of other services already provided by the VA, demonstrates that there is a need for residential care tailored to veterans living with severe TBI.

However, we believe that some questions remain regarding the sunset of the AL-TBI program and how the VA will continue to provide rehabilitation and long-term care for veterans, particularly those at young ages, living with traumatic brain injuries. We respectfully request that you promptly provide answers to the following questions:

1. The AL-TBI pilot program was conducted with roughly 95% male participants. What were the causes for the higher rate of male participation? Did this pilot program take into consideration the different impact TBI may have on male and female veterans?

2. Section 133(a) of the MISSION Act required the VA to establish standards and requirements for TBI care by non-VHA providers. We have heard reports that these standards are due out this fall. What progress has been made on those standards?

3. We understand that the VA has programs to support families and caregivers of veterans with severe TBI. How do you coordinate and provide care to veterans with severe TBI for whom family care is not an option?

4. What policies exist regarding the referral of veterans with TBI to community-based residential care? Does the VA believe additional authorities or funding is required to improve the referral process, particularly when a family caregiver is not an option?

5. What efforts are made to inform and educate case workers about community-based residential care options in their regions?

6. Given that there are 4.7 million veterans living in rural communities, what does the VA currently do to ensure that all veterans have access to severe TBI rehabilitation and care?

We appreciate the thoroughness of your report and continued efforts to care for our wounded veterans. As members who care deeply about ensuring adequate resources are given to veterans suffering from TBI, we look forward to your answers and continued cooperative efforts.

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