timetowinarace

Without this comment, I would not have taken offence. Yes, I do understand being disagreeable. I am disagreeable in my opinions. I don't beleive I add those kind of comments to my opinions though.

I know you like disagreeing with me. Yes you have apply for IU if you WANT it. I was answering the original poster, in case you missed the first sentance. This veteran does not want it. Thus he does not have to apply for it. He is worried the VA will not allow him to work. Please put my comment into context. I will repeat. A veteran does NOT have to apply for IU. Thanks for pointing out the standard SO answer to a question though. And I appreciate the smart ass comments to go with it. I tend to direct my answers at the person that asked the question. Since you have been on my ass lately, I'll add further comments to every post so you know who's question I was answering. This TBI veteran(the poster) has reading and writing difficulties. A simple answer is much better than a complete rundown of VA policy and procedure.

For the original question. If you are rated 100% schedualar, you can still work. VA cannot and will not say you cannot work. IU is only for those that cannot work due to their SC condition but do not qualify for 100% schedualar. You do not have to apply for IU. There are plenty of 100% schedualar veterans that work.

Reading/writing should be covered in the communication facet under DC8045. It's near the bottom of my earlier post. When you go for treatment, be advised that neuro-psychological testing needs to be done for proper treatment opportunities. It is also used for more accurate ratings. Good luck and if you have anymore questions, feel free to ask. There is quite a bit of info in the TBI section here.

8045 Residuals of traumatic brain injury (TBI): There are three main areas of dysfunction that may result from TBI and have profound effects on functioning: cognitive (which is common in varying degrees after TBI), emotional/behavioral, and physical. Each of these areas of dysfunction may require evaluation. Cognitive impairment is defined as decreased memory, concentration, attention, and executive functions of the brain. Executive functions are goal setting, speed of information processing, planning, organizing, prioritizing, self-monitoring, problem solving, judgment, decision making, spontaneity, and flexibility in changing actions when they are not productive. Not all of these brain functions may be affected in a given individual with cognitive impairment, and some functions may be affected more severely than others. In a given individual, symptoms may fluctuate in severity from day to day. Evaluate cognitive impairment under the table titled “Evaluation of Cognitive Impairment and Other Residuals of TBI Not Otherwise Classified.” Subjective symptoms may be the only residual of TBI or may be associated with cognitive impairment or other areas of dysfunction. Evaluate subjective symptoms that are residuals of TBI, whether or not they are part of cognitive impairment, under the subjective symptoms facet in the table titled “Evaluation of Cognitive Impairment and Other Residuals of TBI Not Otherwise Classified.” However, separately evaluate any residual with a distinct diagnosis that may be evaluated under another diagnostic code, such as migraine headache or Meniere's disease, even if that diagnosis is based on subjective symptoms, rather than under the “Evaluation of Cognitive Impairment and Other Residuals of TBI Not Otherwise Classified” table Evaluate emotional/behavioral dysfunction under §4.130 (Schedule of ratings—mental disorders) when there is a diagnosis of a mental disorder. When there is no diagnosis of a mental disorder, evaluate emotional/behavioral symptoms under the criteria in the table titled “Evaluation of Cognitive Impairment and Other Residuals of TBI Not Otherwise Classified.” Evaluate physical (including neurological) dysfunction based on the following list, under an appropriate diagnostic code: Motor and sensory dysfunction, including pain, of the extremities and face; visual impairment; hearing loss and tinnitus; loss of sense of smell and taste; seizures; gait, coordination, and balance problems; speech and other communication difficulties, including aphasia and related disorders, and dysarthria; neurogenic bladder; neurogenic bowel; cranial nerve dysfunctions; autonomic nerve dysfunctions; and endocrine dysfunctions. The preceding list of types of physical dysfunction does not encompass all possible residuals of TBI. For residuals not listed here that are reported on an examination, evaluate under the most appropriate diagnostic code. Evaluate each condition separately, as long as the same signs and symptoms are not used to support more than one evaluation, and combine under §4.25 the evaluations for each separately rated condition. The evaluation assigned based on the “Evaluation of Cognitive Impairment and Other Residuals of TBI Not Otherwise Classified” table will be considered the evaluation for a single condition for purposes of combining with other disability evaluations Consider the need for special monthly compensation for such problems as loss of use of an extremity, certain sensory impairments, erectile dysfunction, the need for aid and attendance (including for protection from hazards or dangers incident to the daily environment due to cognitive impairment), being housebound, etc Evaluation of Cognitive Impairment and Subjective Symptoms The table titled “Evaluation of Cognitive Impairment and Other Residuals of TBI Not Otherwise Classified” contains 10 important facets of TBI related to cognitive impairment and subjective symptoms. It provides criteria for levels of impairment for each facet, as appropriate, ranging from 0 to 3, and a 5th level, the highest level of impairment, labeled “total.” However, not every facet has every level of severity. The Consciousness facet, for example, does not provide for an impairment level other than “total,” since any level of impaired consciousness would be totally disabling. Assign a 100-percent evaluation if “total” is the level of evaluation for one or more facets. If no facet is evaluated as “total,” assign the overall percentage evaluation based on the level of the highest facet as follows: 0 = 0 percent; 1 = 10 percent; 2 = 40 percent; and 3 = 70 percent. For example, assign a 70 percent evaluation if 3 is the highest level of evaluation for any facet. Note (1):There may be an overlap of manifestations of conditions evaluated under the table titled “Evaluation Of Cognitive Impairment And Other Residuals Of TBI Not Otherwise Classified” with manifestations of a comorbid mental or neurologic or other physical disorder that can be separately evaluated under another diagnostic code. In such cases, do not assign more than one evaluation based on the same manifestations. If the manifestations of two or more conditions cannot be clearly separated, assign a single evaluation under whichever set of diagnostic criteria allows the better assessment of overall impaired functioning due to both conditions. However, if the manifestations are clearly separable, assign a separate evaluation for each condition. Note (2):Symptoms listed as examples at certain evaluation levels in the table are only examples and are not symptoms that must be present in order to assign a particular evaluation. Note (3):“Instrumental activities of daily living” refers to activities other than self-care that are needed for independent living, such as meal preparation, doing housework and other chores, shopping, traveling, doing laundry, being responsible for one's own medications, and using a telephone. These activities are distinguished from “Activities of daily living,” which refers to basic self-care and includes bathing or showering, dressing, eating, getting in or out of bed or a chair, and using the toilet. Note (4):The terms “mild,” “moderate,” and “severe” TBI, which may appear in medical records, refer to a classification of TBI made at, or close to, the time of injury rather than to the current level of functioning. This classification does not affect the rating assigned under diagnostic code 8045. Note (5):A veteran whose residuals of TBI are rated under a version of §4.124a, diagnostic code 8045, in effect before October 23, 2008 may request review under diagnostic code 8045, irrespective of whether his or her disability has worsened since the last review. VA will review that veteran's disability rating to determine whether the veteran may be entitled to a higher disability rating under diagnostic code 8045. A request for review pursuant to this note will be treated as a claim for an increased rating for purposes of determining the effective date of an increased rating awarded as a result of such review; however, in no case will the award be effective before October 23, 2008. For the purposes of determining the effective date of an increased rating awarded as a result of such review, VA will apply 38 CFR 3.114, if applicable. Evaluation of Cognitive Impairment and Other Residuals of TBI Not Otherwise Classified Facets of cognitive impairment and other residuals of TBI not otherwise classified Level of impairment Criteria Memory, attention, concentration, executive functions 0 No complaints of impairment of memory, attention, concentration, or executive functions. 1 A complaint of mild loss of memory (such as having difficulty following a conversation, recalling recent conversations, remembering names of new acquaintances, or finding words, or often misplacing items), attention, concentration, or executive functions, but without objective evidence on testing. 2 Objective evidence on testing of mild impairment of memory, attention, concentration, or executive functions resulting in mild functional impairment. 3 Objective evidence on testing of moderate impairment of memory, attention, concentration, or executive functions resulting in moderate functional impairment. Total Objective evidence on testing of severe impairment of memory, attention, concentration, or executive functions resulting in severe functional impairment. Judgment 0 Normal. 1 Mildly impaired judgment. For complex or unfamiliar decisions, occasionally unable to identify, understand, and weigh the alternatives, understand the consequences of choices, and make a reasonable decision. 2 Moderately impaired judgment. For complex or unfamiliar decisions, usually unable to identify, understand, and weigh the alternatives, understand the consequences of choices, and make a reasonable decision, although has little difficulty with simple decisions. 3 Moderately severely impaired judgment. For even routine and familiar decisions, occasionally unable to identify, understand, and weigh the alternatives, understand the consequences of choices, and make a reasonable decision. Total Severely impaired judgment. For even routine and familiar decisions, usually unable to identify, understand, and weigh the alternatives, understand the consequences of choices, and make a reasonable decision. For example, unable to determine appropriate clothing for current weather conditions or judge when to avoid dangerous situations or activities. Social interaction 0 Social interaction is routinely appropriate. 1 Social interaction is occasionally inappropriate. 2 Social interaction is frequently inappropriate. 3 Social interaction is inappropriate most or all of the time. Orientation 0 Always oriented to person, time, place, and situation. 1 Occasionally disoriented to one of the four aspects (person, time, place, situation) of orientation. 2 Occasionally disoriented to two of the four aspects (person, time, place, situation) of orientation or often disoriented to one aspect of orientation. 3 Often disoriented to two or more of the four aspects (person, time, place, situation) of orientation. Total Consistently disoriented to two or more of the four aspects (person, time, place, situation) of orientation. Motor activity (with intact motor and sensory system) 0 Motor activity normal. 1 Motor activity normal most of the time, but mildly slowed at times due to apraxia (inability to perform previously learned motor activities, despite normal motor function). 2 Motor activity mildly decreased or with moderate slowing due to apraxia. 3 Motor activity moderately decreased due to apraxia. Total Motor activity severely decreased due to apraxia. Visual spatial orientation 0 Normal. 1 Mildly impaired. Occasionally gets lost in unfamiliar surroundings, has difficulty reading maps or following directions. Is able to use assistive devices such as GPS (global positioning system). 2 Moderately impaired. Usually gets lost in unfamiliar surroundings, has difficulty reading maps, following directions, and judging distance. Has difficulty using assistive devices such as GPS (global positioning system). 3 Moderately severely impaired. Gets lost even in familiar surroundings, unable to use assistive devices such as GPS (global positioning system). Total Severely impaired. May be unable to touch or name own body parts when asked by the examiner, identify the relative position in space of two different objects, or find the way from one room to another in a familiar environment. Subjective symptoms 0 Subjective symptoms that do not interfere with work; instrumental activities of daily living; or work, family, or other close relationships. Examples are: mild or occasional headaches, mild anxiety. 1 Three or more subjective symptoms that mildly interfere with work; instrumental activities of daily living; or work, family, or other close relationships. Examples of findings that might be seen at this level of impairment are: intermittent dizziness, daily mild to moderate headaches, tinnitus, frequent insomnia, hypersensitivity to sound, hypersensitivity to light. 2 Three or more subjective symptoms that moderately interfere with work; instrumental activities of daily living; or work, family, or other close relationships. Examples of findings that might be seen at this level of impairment are: marked fatigability, blurred or double vision, headaches requiring rest periods during most days. Neurobehavioral effects 0 One or more neurobehavioral effects that do not interfere with workplace interaction or social interaction. Examples of neurobehavioral effects are: Irritability, impulsivity, unpredictability, lack of motivation, verbal aggression, physical aggression, belligerence, apathy, lack of empathy, moodiness, lack of cooperation, inflexibility, and impaired awareness of disability. Any of these effects may range from slight to severe, although verbal and physical aggression are likely to have a more serious impact on workplace interaction and social interaction than some of the other effects. 1 One or more neurobehavioral effects that occasionally interfere with workplace interaction, social interaction, or both but do not preclude them. 2 One or more neurobehavioral effects that frequently interfere with workplace interaction, social interaction, or both but do not preclude them. 3 One or more neurobehavioral effects that interfere with or preclude workplace interaction, social interaction, or both on most days or that occasionally require supervision for safety of self or others. Communication 0 Able to communicate by spoken and written language (expressive communication), and to comprehend spoken and written language. 1 Comprehension or expression, or both, of either spoken language or written language is only occasionally impaired. Can communicate complex ideas. 2 Inability to communicate either by spoken language, written language, or both, more than occasionally but less than half of the time, or to comprehend spoken language, written language, or both, more than occasionally but less than half of the time. Can generally communicate complex ideas. 3 Inability to communicate either by spoken language, written language, or both, at least half of the time but not all of the time, or to comprehend spoken language, written language, or both, at least half of the time but not all of the time. May rely on gestures or other alternative modes of communication. Able to communicate basic needs. Total Complete inability to communicate either by spoken language, written language, or both, or to comprehend spoken language, written language, or both. Unable to communicate basic needs. Consciousness Total Persistently altered state of consciousness, such as vegetative state, minimally responsive state, coma.

"In particular, we believe that disabled veterans from all eras could benefit from family caregiver support services and will work to see that the final legislation moves in that direction," Don't give up yet. At any rate, it's better some vets have this opportunity than no vets. It's good that it passed.

Well, for one, don't trust what they tell you on the phone. It's not uncommon for them to review already SC conditions when doing new claims. One thing they have to do is make sure they don't pyrimid ratings. In other words they don't want overlapping symptoms to get two ratings. I wouldn't worry too much about it. They will send written notification for a proposal to reduce before actually reducing the rating. You will have time to fight it then. Meanwhile, don't sweat it. The guy on the phone is just guessing.

Glad to hear it worked out. Are you going to pursue the PTSD?

You can research here. http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_08/38cfr4_08.html These are the rating criteria. It's best for you to go through these codes and see what applies to your husband then for us to give generic answers. Your doing the right thing to start researching now. Thank him for his service for us. We will be happy to answer any specific questions you may have.

I can see your point. On the other hand, I'm not sure how a vit D deficiancy will fly for rating purposes. I don't believe it would be considered an official presumptive GW related illness. Also, if it is truely a vit deficiancy, wouldn't the symptoms disapear with the suppliments? So, if SC, I see a 0% rating. It's possible to get a 'undiagnosed condition' rating as presumptive. However these condition come with allot of doubt from C&P doctors and raters. In comparison, I got a 20% rating for my 'undiagnosed condition' for the same symptoms that now get me 100% for my diagnosed TBI. On a seperate note, my dog does very well on her 'Purina Diet'. I didn't know it was made of mainly beans and other things. Kidding of course.

I only have one rating under DC9305-Dementia of unknown etiology.(should be 9304-due to trauma) but MDD and anxiaty are also listed in the Heading. No codes for the MDD or anxiaty. Don't really know the answer to your question but that is how mine appears.

I agree, this is just adding more VSO's. While it is a good thing, this is what VSO's are supposed to be doing, making sure everything needed is in the claim. I don't see how more of the same is going to help. It is good Texas has acknowledged the problem exists though. That by itself may do more in the long run. "Vets have to be pro active on their claims- that is the only solution as we cannot depend on anyone else but ourselves these days." I agree this statement is true. I highly disagree it is at all the only solution. Veterans relying on themselves throws many of us to the wolves. Most TBI veterans do not have the capacity to do this. It took me years to learn what I needed. I'm still afraid to pursue some issues I should. It is costing me to not pursue these issues. But my brain will not allow me to learn at a rate neccissary to do so. I am alone to figure out how to pursue these issues without the means to do so. This veteran(me), as his "own best advocate" is blowing in the wind. And I know allot already. What does that say about others in my shoes that are beginning this proccess? It says they are blowing in the wind because they are their "own best advocate" when it is not possible for them to be a poor advocate. You would think, with all my experience at Hadit and having been through the proccess, I would not have a problem filing a claim. Not true. There needs to be a solution.

Yeah, I have lots of thoughts. 1st thought. Don't go back to the quack. It is 100% not true that TBI only lasts 5 years. GWI is a vitimin D deficiancy? Wow, after millions of dollars and years of research, all we need is a little sunshine. QUACK! 2nd thought. Get private evaluation. You are going to have to find a neuro-psychologist. Explain your symptoms and functional problems with memory, cognative issues. If you have recieved a head injury, concusion tell them about it. Tell them you want to know what axactly is causing these issues. That you need answers. 3rd thought. Assuming from your post that you are a GW1 vet, be aware that one of the GWI symtoms is cognative disorder. A large portion of GW vets with GWI have cognative problems. 4th thought. Your situation requires you to pursue all sources. If you have not had an MRI, get one. Do not get one through the VA as the MRI probably will not show anything and they will close the door on you for TBI. Get one through private means. If something does end up showing on MRI, it will help. But pursue neuro-psych testing first and foremost. 5th thought. I don't know what the 'inner ear problem' is. If you are having a problem with your ear, have balance and/or dizziness problems, go to an ENT. This "natural virus" theory sounds as wacky as his TBI and GWI theories. I can't know if you'll be diagnosed with TBI or any other cognative issues, but these are the stepps to take. I hope it helps.

No, it's not too personal. A bit embarressing to me but I talk about it openly. I was rated under the old rating criteria. DC9304-Dementia due to trauma. My memory is intact however my executive functions are very slow, thus messing up my memory. I have poor verbal abilities. My speach is fine but I simply cannot think fast enough to follow a real time conversation. I take several breaks when writng posts like this. The full scope of my cognative problems would take a while to explain. I also have some depression and anxiaty. I think the anxiaty is worse than the depression as far as functioning goes. I have daily headaches and often quite severe migraines. Dizziness, fatigue, my hands and body shake sometimes worse than other times, weakness, nausea, photosenstive, sound sensitive, tinnitus, I have periods of what I call irritation where for no reason everything and anything makes me mad. I know when this is happening but cannot stop it, even though I know I'm mad at nothing I can't stop being mad. And yes, my personality changed. Keep in mind I did not know I had cognative problems untill I was tested. This turned out to be what got me the rating. I have one rating for cognative disorder, MDD and Anxiaty. I am not rated for my migraines, tinnitus nor do I have a rating for TBI residuals(8045). It sounds like he may get neuro-psych testing. If not, push for it. While allot has changed for the better for rating TBI residuals, it is a far from perfect system as far as I'm concerned. Most of the facet's are subjective and are still seriously underrated. About the only objective means we have of a decent rating is with neuro-psych. When undiagnosed I recieved a 20% rating for my symptoms. They are subjective and simply not believed by others if they choose not to, and the VA don't believe. But the tests prove that I was not lieing about my symptoms. So 20% became 100%. That is the difference between subjective and objective. That is why I stress the testing.

I'm with you there. I went 14 years undiagnosed/misdiagnosed. I know a bit about CSF leaks because I feel I had one. Terrible headaches. I know I had one in my spine after a surgery once, so I know how they feel. But I also believe I had one in my ear. It would drain into my throat, the fluid would not come out of the ear though. It could be seen behind the eardrum but I couldn't get a doctor to put a needle in to test it. They pretty much told me I was nuts to be able to feel it dripping in my head. It won't make you feel much better but for TBI and CSF leak problems the VA is not the only ones that don't have a clue. Private docs were no better for me and there are many many people that have had diagnoses problems, even non-veterans. There are Docs that specialize in leaks though, I think one is at the Mayo clinic. Go here for CSF leak info. http://brain.hastypastry.net/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=126 I don't know what can be done for rating purposes for the leak. I'll see what I can find when I get some time. For the TBI, you will need to review the C&P. Read the DC8045 guidelines and look for anything you disagree with. PS Most people go years before a leak is diagnosed.

I agree with your position and wish you already had these opportunities. I also do not want to hold others back who may benifit from the current version. They deserve my support. No one benifits if it dies in committe and does not return. I'd rather see it pass in it's current version than disappear. I'm not in the 'if I can't have it neither can you' camp.

I don't disagree with you. I have a thought though. Would it be better to kill this bill and chance that it not resurface? Or would it better if it passed, got put on the books, then put pressure on them to include the rest of us? I feel it is much easier to change a law to make it fair, then to create one out of nothing. Just my thought's. I'm also pre-9/11. I don't want to exclude a veteran in need just because I don't have the same opportunity at this time. I would rather get that veteran what he/she needs and then fight for the rest of us.

The evaluation was thorough. I can't think of anything they missed. Yes the X-ray and even a MRI would be useless for rating purposes. Mainly because you are already SC and imaging could not address functional impairment. I don't know how long it will take for a decision. Good luck, I think you have a good chance at an increase.

I don't see a regional problem. I see a national problem. People in Idaho are Vet friendly. Think of it this way if you like, Say everyone that visits a stream throws a rock or two into it. These rocks will never dam the stream because they are thrown at spaced out random intervals at different areas along it's bank. The stones simply wash away. However, if all these people were to get together, meet at a designated spot on the bank, and toss their rocks at the same time, there is a far greater chance of damming the stream. In my opinion, as a group, we are tossing random rocks into the stream, all along it's bank. The stones get washed away. We need to toss the rocks at the same time, in the same place.

Oh it's true. No need to file a complaint. The statement is true also. SL VA is not set up for TBI. There is no expertise there. That is why the video is bunk. I had gone to my congress critters and senator. In person. Both for claims and to get a simple referance to be evaluated for TBI. In all it took me 14 years to be rated 100% P&T. I do not discouarge anyone from contacting elected officials and/or the media. Elected officials may help each individual that contacts them. The media does the same when a particular story get's national attention, the VA fixes that particular vets problem, then can say, see we helped him. We here at Hadit help each individual veteran. the same goes for the VSO's. These tactics have done little to change the claims proccess. The problem is not funding in my opinion. It is accountability. The only thing that will bring accountability to the VA is full scale protest. A march. Otherwize we continue to help one veteran at a time. The courts? The VA does not abide by the laws of the country as it is. We know it. They know it. The government knows it. The courts know it.

This is a very convincing post. Thank you.

Yep, what Halos2 said.

I don't really know much about stroke ratings. I feel for you about the migraines though. Mine are terrible. I think you'll fall in the 50% for the migraines. I'm just thinking out loud here(well okay, with my fingers) but if you feel your still having memory problems you may be able to get that rated also. Berta can chime in if she wants. DC930something is dementia due to stroke I believe. Dementia is memory problems ect. Just a thought.

It's good they are doing research. As the article says, "It's work that one day may allow far easier diagnosis" When will that day come?

I received this e-mail a little while back about this. Once again AVBI is asking for your help! I am not asking for much, just a few minutes of your time, and a CALL FOR ACTION that would greatly help our severely wounded veterans and their family caregivers! A top priority of American Veterans with Brain Injuries (AVBI) is getting desperately needed legislation passed by Congress to provide critical support to family caregivers of severely wounded veterans, those with catastrophic injuries such as severe Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), amputations, Spinal Cord Injury, and other life altering injuries. Respite care, mental health counseling, technical assistance, health care coverage and a modest stipend, can make the difference between a veterans being able to receive the care and services they need in their own homes and communities rather than in institutional or nursing home settings. AVBI is a strong supporter of S. 801 and we know that it would alleviate many of the daily difficulties these families are currently facing. A strong bipartisan caregiver-assistance bill, S. 801, has been recently approved by the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee and is now in the process of being cleared for either floor action or “Unanimous Consent” passage. The “Unanimous Consent” legislative process would put S. 801 on the fast track of potentially being approved and implemented sooner, rather than later. For this to happen it must have the full support of your Senators, however at this time AVBI understands that there is a little hold up. To read the full text (w/ amendments) of S. 801 follow this link http://www.govtrack.us/congress/billtext.xpd?bill=s111-801 ACTION NEEDED: 1) Contact your Senators NOW to let them know how strongly you support the Caregiver and Veterans Health Services Act of 2009 (S. 801) and its supports and stipend for family caregivers. To do so, please call the US Capitol Switchboard, at 202-224-3121, and ask to speak with the Senator from your state or Use the following link to look up your senator(s) and call directly to their office. http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_info...enators_cfm.cfm (Below are a few pertinent talking points that may be used, if you so desire.) 2) Contact Senator Tom Coburn (R-OK), a key figure in this process, and respectfully urge him to support movement on the bill. Senator Coburn’s office can be reached at 202- 224-5754. 3) Once you have called, follow up by sending an email or a letter. You can use or adapt the text of a sample letter (below), or click on this link to email the letter directly. http://www.kintera.org/site/c.ipIJKTOCJsG/...e_Bill_S801.htm 4) Pass this message on to anyone and everyone and encourage them to do the same. Your grassroots action can make the difference! [Talking Points for Family Caregivers] As a family caregiver to a wounded veteran I am calling to ask for your immediate support for S. 801. The bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to waive charges for humanitarian care provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs to family members accompanying veterans severely injured after September 11, 2001. Family members, like me, have left the workforce to become full-time caregivers to their loved ones, America’s severely injured servicemembers. I provide 24/7 care to my ___________ (son, daughter, husband, wife, etc) who suffered _____________ (a traumatic brain injury, severe burns, blindness, amputations, paralysis, etc) on ______________ (date) while in the United States ___________ (Army, Marines, Air Force, Navy, Etc.). I provide the necessary care and support out of love for my __________ (son, daughter, husband, wife, etc); however in doing so, I no longer have financial stability or healthcare to meet my own needs. The passing of S. 801 would be a main component in assuring I can continue to care for my loved one in our home. I need your support and encourage you to rally behind and pass S. 801. [Talking Points for Concerned Citizen(s) Supporters] As a concerned citizen I am calling to ask for your immediate support for S. 801. I am well aware that many family members are giving up their careers to become full time caregivers to wounded veterans of the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. As Americans we owe much to those who give of themselves to serve this Country, we also owe it to the family members who sacrificing to care for our wounded. I stand beside these families and encourage you to do the same by supporting and passing S. 801. [sample letter:] Dear Senator/Representative: I am writing to ask that you help remedy a serious problem facing a relatively small number of veterans who were severely injured in Iraq and Afghanistan. Some of the most grievously injured of those who have sacrificed themselves for this Country, require assistance with the most basic needs of daily living. Loved ones have often left the workforce to become full-time caregivers of our wounded veterans who live with multiple injuries including traumatic brain injury, severe burns, blindness, amputations, and often co-occurring PTSD or depression. These veterans are receiving loving care at home. However, the years-long strain of providing 24/7 care can take a severe emotional, physical, psychological and financial toll on the family unit. There is grave concern that without adequate supports families may be unable to sustain home-caregiving indefinitely. Veterans’ champions in the Senate and House have recognized the need to provide supports for these family caregivers, and caregiver-assistance legislation has seen important movement in both bodies. Senate Bill 801 (S. 801) has been recently approved by the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee and is now in the process of being cleared for either floor action or “Unanimous Consent” passage. I urge that you make enactment of this bill a top legislative priority this year and press your Senate colleagues to act quickly to enact this legislation. I am very concerned that we not fail these young people and the families who are caring for them. Please support our wounded by urging your leadership to support S. 801 and to make passing this bill top priority in the upcoming weeks. Sincerely,