Squeaky Wheel Gets the Care

It's well known that one of the best facilities in the world for traumatic brain injury is the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, also known as RIC. A senior congressional source says the challenge is for the Veterans Administration (VA) to figure out how to do what RIC does or give vouchers to soldiers so they can seek private treatment.

So far the facility has only treated one soldier from the Iraq war- his name is Spc. Eric Edmundson. Originally from Alaska, Edmundson was seriously injured in northern Iraq and sent to Walter Reed. But his father was dissatisfied with the care and pushed for his son to be transferred. He went to the VA Medical Center in Richmond, Virginia. Once there, Spc. Edmundson lost weight and his father, Ed Edmundson, complained again - apparently to the right people in Washington. Now his son has some of the best care in the world. He remains on active duty status even though his return to service in the near future is unlikely. By remaining active, all of his medical expenses can be paid for by the Pentagon.

Treatment at RIC is not available to veterans who are relegated to the Veterans Administration, even though better care in the private sector may be available. Tomorrow, RIC officials say their CEO will meet with Pentagon officials to offer help in solving the dilemma of traumatic brain injury.