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Alabama woman works to help returning citizens rebuild their lives; Marist polls: Harris leads Trump in Michigan, Wisconsin; they're tied in Pennsylvania; UAW contract negotiations at VW focus on healthcare, safety, wages; NC dentists warn of crisis due to low Medicaid reimbursement rates.

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Rising threats of political violence, a Federal Reserve rate cut, crypto industry campaign contributions and reproductive rights are shaping today's political landscape.

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A USDA report shows a widening gap in rural versus urban health, a North Carolina county remains divided over a LGBTQ library display, and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz' policies are spotlighted after his elevation to the Democratic presidential ticket.

Veterans Call for Equal Access to Caregivers Benefits

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Friday, November 10, 2017   

NEW YORK – This year, Veterans Day is being marked by the launch of a petition drive aimed at getting those who care for veterans with disabilities from all wars access to the same levels of caregiver benefits.

More than five-and-a-half-million caregivers are helping seriously injured or ill veterans and service members.

But, Adrian Atizado, the deputy national legislative director for the group, Disabled American Veterans, says that under federal law, Veterans Administration caregiver benefits are only available to those severely injured after September 11, 2001.

"This means that in the states of Pennsylvania, New York and Connecticut, only 17 percent of wartime veterans in those three states would be eligible for this program," he says. "And DAV is working to change this."

The petitions will be delivered to Congress urging passage of the Military and Veterans Caregiver Services Improvement Act, which Atizado says would extend caregiver benefits to all veterans.

He points out that the caregiver benefits, available only to some veterans now, provide real support to those who help them through their daily lives.

"Things like respite care to the caregiver, a modest stipend to mitigate financial impacts of caregiving," he adds. "They have access to mental health care if they don't have any, and they also get some caregiver education and training."

He also adds that Vietnam veterans, many still suffering the effects of exposure to Agent Orange, are still the majority of those seeking care from the Veterans Administration.

Atizado says the complex health issues these veterans face mean that their caregivers often experience greater challenges than other family caregivers.

"These caregivers need all the support they can get because they stay in this role for the lifetime of the veteran," explains Atizado.


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