Congressman Biggs Reintroduces Veterans' Care Legislation

Last week, Congressman Andy Biggs reintroduced the TEAM Veteran Caregivers Act and the TBI and PTSD Treatment Act.

The TEAM Veteran Caregivers Act takes three steps to increase efficiency, transparency, and accountability in the Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA) family caregivers program: First, it will formally recognize all caregivers of veterans by identifying them in the health records of the veteran. Next, it will require the VA to include specific information when notifying veterans and caregivers regarding any clinical determinations made relating to the downgrade or termination of family caregivers benefits. Finally, it will extend the family caregivers program benefits for 90 days when a veteran is no longer clinically eligible for the program, with exclusions to protect against fraud and abuse.

“Caregivers of veterans face immense burdens from unnecessary bureaucracy, “said Congressman Andy Biggs.“This bill helps streamline the VA’s family caregiver program and ensures our veterans and caregivers receive the service they rightfully deserve. I look forward to working with my colleagues, veteran advocates, and the administration to pass this bill and ensure our veterans and their caregivers get the service that they deserve.” 
 
The bill is co-sponsored by Rep. Gregory Murphy and Rep. Paul Gosar.

The TBI and PTSD Treatment Act directs the Veterans Administration (VA) to furnish Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) to veterans with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

“This legislation provides veterans an additional option to treat serious mental health conditions,” said Congressman Andy Biggs.“Veterans will be able to use their hard-earned benefits for HBOT to treat TBI and PTSD. Our veterans’ community continues to face a suicide epidemic. Expanding HBOT’s potential gets us one step closer to addressing this preventable crisis.”

The bill is co-sponsored by Rep. Dan Crenshaw, Rep. Gregory Murphy, Rep. Paul Gosar, and Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick.