http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/C/CONGRESS_VETERANS?SITE=INLAF&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULTSenators Push Disability Boost for Vets
By HOPE YEN
Associated Press Writer
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Responding to shabby treatment of wounded soldiers at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, a group of senators moved on Wednesday to boost disability pay to those hurt in combat and improve care for brain injury.
The 93-page measure, introduced by 30 senators from both parties, also would expand medical care and counseling to family members and require better cooperation to end red tape for disabled service members moving from Pentagon to Veterans Affairs care.
The bill would affect some of the more than 25,000 U.S. service members wounded in hostile action since military operations began in Iraq and Afghanistan.
"The nation's shock and dismay at the deplorable conditions unveiled at Walter Reed reflected our people's support, respect and gratitude for the men and women who put on our nation's uniform," said Sen. Carl Levin, D-Mich., chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee.
"They deserve the best care and support we can muster, not shoddy medical care and bureaucratic snafus," he said.
more...