|
|
ARMED FORCES NEWS |
|
The Department of Veterans Affairs is establishing priority access to health care for severely disabled veterans under new regulations announced this month. "It is unacceptable to keep veterans with service-connected medical problems waiting for care,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Anthony J. Principi. “These veterans are the very reason we exist, and everything we do should focus first on their needs." The new regulation takes effect in two phases. Under phase one, which is being implemented immediately, VA will provide priority access to health care for veterans with service-connected disabilities rated 50 percent or greater. This new priority includes hospitalization and outpatient care for both service-connected and non-service-connected treatment. VA will continue to treat immediately any veteran needing emergency care. In the second phase, which begins next year, VA will provide priority access to other service-connected veterans for their service-connected conditions. |
|
