Bill Aimed At Helping Soldiers

(Washington, DC) U.S. Representative John Boozman (R-AR) today introduced legislation which focuses on the early start of vocational rehabilitation and employment of injured troops returning home. The "Early Access to Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Act of 2007" will expand eligibility for vocational rehabilitation benefits for severely injured service members undergoing long-term care and recovery. The Boozman bill will make it easier for injured veterans with service-connected disabilities by allowing the Veterans Administrations vocational rehabilitation and employment (VR&E) benefits to be received before discharge. Under current law, the VA is not permitted to provide VR&E benefits until after a service member is discharged from Armed Forces. Rep. Boozmans legislation would allow the benefits to begin for any member of the Armed Forces who is hospitalized or receiving outpatient medical care, services or treatment, as long as he or she is determined to have service-connected disabilities that are likely to lead to their discharge or release from the Armed Forces. VR&E benefits focus on veterans with service-connected disabilities, and are designed to enable injured soldiers, sailors, airmen, and other veterans to experience a seamless transition from military service to rehabilitation and suitable employment opportunities. For the most severely disabled veterans, the primary focus is to enable them to live as independently as possible. (Copyright 2007 Newsroom Solutions, LLC)