March 18, 2010 2:09 PM

VA Tries to Ease Benefits Process for Vets

By
CBSNews
(AP)  The Veterans Affairs Department is taking steps for the first time to make it easier for veterans of the Iraq or Afghanistan wars to get disability benefits for malaria, West Nile Virus and other diseases.

The VA has proposed a regulation change that lets veterans qualify for benefits by showing only that they served in the recent conflicts, or in the Gulf War, and have a diagnosis of any of nine diseases. Called "presumptive status," it's easier to prove their illness stems from war service.

Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki made the decision after a recommendation by the agency's Gulf War Veterans Illnesses Task Force.

AP
Add a Comment
by ajvw March 18, 2010 3:41 PM EDT
it won't be long until we can all expect such quality care from the inept imperial federal government
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by barbaram99 March 18, 2010 2:24 PM EDT
They should for all Vets..The young and old..Ye all served and ye all raised yer right paw.
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