Disabled Veterans National Foundation Praises Extension of VA’s TBI Pilot Program
Washington, DC (PRWEB) April 17, 2015 -- The Disabled Veterans National Foundation (http://www.dvnf.org), a nonprofit veterans service organization that provides critically needed support to disabled and at-risk veterans who leave the military wounded—physically or psychologically—after defending our safety and our freedom, is praising the Department of Veterans Affairs’ extension of a pilot program for assisted living for veterans with traumatic brain injury (TBI).
The Assisted Living Pilot Program for Veterans with Traumatic Brain Injury (AL-TBI) was originally set to expire at the end of 2014, but a recently announced extension will run through 2017, with 20 new contracts issued for assisted living care providers of veterans with TBI.
The AL-TBI program places veterans who meet the program’s criteria into a private sector neurobehavioral care facility, where they rehabilitate from brain injuries. Intensive, team-based care is given to these individuals, where they work on improving their mobility, speech, and memory affected by TBI.
Around 200 veterans have participated in this program thus far. 20 contracts to care providers in 27 states have been awarded under the extension, and are accepting new patients for those who meet the criteria.
“This is one of the more underrated initiatives the VA is piloting, in my opinion,” said DVNF CEO, Joseph VanFonda (USMC SgtMaj Ret.). “I know how difficult even mild cases of this injury can be to cope with, but for those with more severe injuries, it can be utterly debilitating and options can seem limited. That’s why I believe in this program and wish for further expansion and success.”
According to the Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center (DVBIC), over 320,000 service members have been diagnosed with TBI since 2000. While most of these brain injuries are classified as mild, 8.3 percent were considered moderate, with1 percent labeled as severe.
About DVNF:
The Disabled Veterans National Foundation exists to provide critically needed support to disabled and at-risk veterans who leave the military wounded—physically or psychologically—after defending our safety and our freedom.
We achieve this mission by:
• Offering direct financial support to veteran organizations that address the unique needs of veterans, and whose missions align with that of DVNF.
• Providing supplemental assistance to homeless and low-income veterans through the Health & Comfort program and various empowerment resources.
• Providing an online resource database that allows veterans to navigate the complex process of seeking benefits that they are entitled to as a result of their military service, as well as additional resources they need.
• Serving as a thought leader on critical policy issues within the veteran community, and educating the public accordingly.
Doug Walker, Disabled Veterans National Foundation, http://www.dvnf.org, +1 202-737-0522, [email protected]
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