Bill gives ‘breathing room’ to veterans with complicated diagnoses

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Barrasso is fighting to help a Wyoming veteran and others suffering from Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) receive the help they deserve from the Veterans Administration (VA).

“Earlier this year I was honored to pin the Purple Heart on a Wyoming veteran returning from Iraq. He is now experiencing a delay in getting a permanent disability rating and the help he needs,” Barrasso said. “It has been over a year since this veteran was discharged from the service and he has yet to receive an adequate rating for his TBI injuries — this is unacceptable.”

Barrasso has introduced a bill, S. 3388, requiring the VA to immediately assist veterans with injuries needing extensive evaluation by streamlining the disability rating process.

“This war is unlike any other the U.S. has seen. The VA assistance program is swimming in red tape and isn’t tailored to the kinds of injuries our men and women in uniform are facing.”

“The Improvised Explosive Device (IED) has transformed the battlefield for this generation of warriors,” Barrasso said. “IED injuries require extensive evaluation, not simply a one time visit to the VA.”

Barrasso worked closely with the American Legion and the Wyoming Veterans of Foreign Wars in crafting the bill.  

“It’s about keeping our commitment to our service men and women – thanking them for their service and sacrifice to our country.”