VA to offer new rules for veterans with brain injuries

The new regulations will make it easier for veterans with traumatic brain injuries to get health care. And, an agreement between the VA and the Indian Health Service will allow some vets to get care closer to home.

The New York Times: Rules Eased for Veterans' Brain Injury Benefits
The Department of Veterans Affairs will propose new regulations on Friday that will make it easier for thousands of veterans to receive health care and compensation for certain illnesses that have been linked to traumatic brain injury. The regulations, which will be published on Monday in the Federal Register, lists Parkinsonism, unprovoked seizures, certain dementias, depression and hormone deficiency diseases related to the hypothalamus, pituitary or adrenal glands as eligible for the expanded benefits (Dao, 12/7).

The Associated Press/Washington Post: Federal Agreement Aims To Increase Access To Health Care For Native American Veterans
The agreement allows for Veterans Affairs to reimburse [the Indian Health Service] for direct health care services provided to eligible American Indian and Alaska Native veterans. ... Veterans Affairs and IHS released more details Thursday, saying the agreement stemmed from much work among the agencies and tribal governments as they tried to find a more equitable solution for bolstering access to care for veterans, particularly those in rural areas (12/6).