WASHINGTON   -  U.S. Representative Jo Ann Emerson (MO-08) today commented on the report of the presidential commission convened to investigate failings in Department of Defense health care facilities for wounded servicemembers and the VA.

“I think this is an important report, and our nation needs to seriously examine the reforms suggested in it.  I’ve done surprise inspections of our own VA facilities in Southern Missouri and held round tables with veterans and servicemembers throughout the Eighth District, and there is no question that the system could and should be doing a better job for our veterans,” Emerson said.

The presidential commission visited 23 DoD, VA and private sector facilities, conducted a national survey of injured servicemembers, and met with injured servicemembers, their families, veterans and health care personnel before issuing the final report on July 25, 2007.

The commission’s report recommended reshaping recovery plans for injured servicemembers, restructuring the disability system, strengthening support for families, and aggressively working to prevent and treat Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs).

“TRICARE is going to be an important part of the solution to expand respite care and attendant care, as well as granting lifetime benefits for combat-injured troops.  As the commission points out, care for PTSD is a pressing priority for our military and veterans systems of care,” Emerson said.  “With 1.5 million servicemembers deployed, and many of them serving in Iraq in Afghanistan, there is a short timeframe to get care for PTSD and brain injuries up to snuff.”

Still, Emerson says congressional action should go further to support members of the military and veterans who require care.

 
“I am glad the commission is examining these problems, but we also have to attack the systemic problems in military and VA health care.  One of the major problems I see is the difficulty patients have communicating with their doctors when there is not enough time to ask questions or English is not a first language,” Emerson said.  “We also have to take a hard look at ways we can get veterans in to see private doctors in their communities instead of repeatedly traveling three hours or more each way to a VA facility.”

In March, Emerson pressed Congress to begin reforms by passing the Wounded Warrior Assistance Act, H.R. 1538.  The legislation provides for weekly review of each case in the military health care system and targets PTSD and TBIs.  It also would raise the number of resident physicians at Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities nationwide and limit to 17 the number of outpatient cases a caseworker may manage at the same time.  H.R. 1538 was approved by the Senate on Wednesday.  If President Bush signs the bill, it will become law.