CRS Issue Statement on Health Care for Military Personnel and Veterans
Abstract
Current military operations in Iraq (Operation Iraqi Freedom) and Afghanistan (Operation Enduring Freedom) present a number of policy challenges for the second session of the 111th Congress. One serious issue is the care of U.S. service members wounded during these long combat engagements. Medical technology available on the battlefields and in U.S. medical facilities is saving the lives of a high percentage of severely wounded soldiers, but they then often face long-term recovery and rehabilitation challenges. Especially prominent or problematic are cases of amputations, brain injuries, and a variety of operational stress injuries to mental health. During the first session of the 111th Congress, oversight hearings were held on the implementation of previously enacted legislation and efforts by the Departments of Defense (DOD) and Veterans Affairs (VA) to redress long-standing problems in the administrative processes affecting wounded soldiers. A major condition affecting any solution to wounded warrior care is that operational responsibilities are shared by two huge federal departments, DOD and VA, with different policies and procedures. How can the problem of transferring care responsibilities from DOD to VA be accomplished with a "seamless transition" that does not confuse, frustrate, or shortchange the patient and his or her family? Who should determine disability status? Should more of the severely wounded be given the opportunity to remain on active duty in a non-combat status? Are new "case manager" systems helping the wounded and their families navigate the transition? In terms of facilities, Congress can continue to provide important oversight on the progress of major improvements at the Bethesda Naval campus, Fort Sam Houston, and Fort Belvoir as the old Walter Reed Army Medical Center is phased out on the schedule Congress mandated in Base Realignment and Closure legislation.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 12, 2010
- Accession Number
- ADA515220
Entities
People
- Don J. Jansen
Organizations
- Library of Congress