Boozman to Introduce Critical Care Bill

Press Release

Boozman to Introduce Critical Care Bill
Bill Focuses on Traumatic Brain Injuries

Tomorrow, U.S. Representative John Boozman (R-AR) will join Rep. Jerry McNerney (D-CA) to sponsor critical, bipartisan, veterans' health care legislation: the Caring for Veterans with Traumatic Brain Injury Act of 2007.

This bill would establish a special panel within the VA to assess the VA's current capacity to treat veterans with traumatic brain injuries as well as make recommendations on developing policies for care and rehabilitation. In addition, the bill would create TBI-specific education and training programs for VA's health professionals.

McNerney will introduce the bill to the House, while Boozman will be the lead Republican sponsor.

"Traumatic Brain Injuries are the hallmark injuries of the war in Iraq," said Rep. McNerney. "Though our men and women in uniform may be screened for TBI when they return home from services overseas, it is important to ensure that the Veterans Administration is equipped and ready to provide the ongoing services necessary to fully address the impact of traumatic brain injuries," Rep. McNerney said.

"This type of injury is the most common facing our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, and it is imperative we do everything we can to treat it and ensure veterans receive the rehabilitation they are due," Boozman, a member of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee, said. "Proper care and treatment for veterans is a bipartisan priority, and I am happy to be working with my friend, Mr. McNerney, to see our veterans receive it in a timely and effective manner."

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is considered by many to be the signature injury of the war. Among veterans and service members from the OEF/OIF treated at Walter Reed for injuries of any type, approximately 65 percent are diagnosed with TBI.

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