Mr. Chairman and Members of the Subcommittee:

Thank you for this opportunity to present The American Legion's view on the three pieces of draft legislation being considered by the Subcommittee today.  The American Legion commends this Subcommittee for holding a hearing to discuss these very important and timely issues. 

Prohibition on Collection of Copayments from Veterans Catastrophically Disabled

This bill seeks to prohibit the Secretary of Veterans Affairs from collecting certain copayments from veterans who are catastrophically disabled.  Veterans who are categorized by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) as Priority Group Four are also the catastrophically disabled.  These veterans depend on the VA health care system as their primary source of health care support. 

The American Legion, in this case, believes VA should discontinue and further disallow the collection of copayments and other relative fees as this unconscionable action is warrantless when measured against the sacrifices veterans made in serving this nation.  We hereby urge the enactment of this bill, which will alleviate the added fiscal strain veterans and their families are enduring.

Veterans Nonprofit Research and Education Corporations Enhancement Act of 2008

This bill seeks to modify and update the provisions of law relating to nonprofit research and education corporations, and for other purposes. 

The American Legion has no position on this piece of legislation.

Provision of Counseling for Family Members of Veterans Receiving Non Service-Connected Treatment

This bill seeks to expand the authority of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide counseling for family members of veterans receiving nonservice-connected treatment.  During site visits to various VA Medical Centers, Vet Centers, and Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs), The American Legion has recognized many gaps in services to families of veterans; mainly due to the absence of legislation which would allow complete counseling of the veteran’s loved ones throughout the VA Medical System. 

After all, the family, who began as a support system, may potentially suffer as a result of illnesses and injuries sustained by the veteran during his or her deployment in theater.  If lack/absence of counseling is the result, this in turn weakens the family unit; subsequently the veteran may suffer further ordeals, which renders the veteran’s transition futile. 

The American Legion therefore urges this Subcommittee to pass this legislation, which would allow the provision of adequate counseling for family members of veterans receiving nonservice-connected treatment.  We also urge DOD and VA to enhance and further create family support programs to improve the quality-of-life for all veterans and their families.

Again, thank you Mr. Chairman for allowing The American Legion this opportunity to present its views on the aforementioned issues.  We look forward to working with the Subcommittee to help increase and improve access to quality care for our nation’s veterans.