Some Priority 8 vets could get VA care again

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Some Priority 8 vets could get VA care again
By Rick Maze - Staff writer
Posted : Tuesday Jan 6, 2009 11:17:04 EST

Some veterans with service-connected injuries and moderate incomes will get a new chance to use Veterans Affairs Department health benefits, a key lawmaker said Monday.

Rep. Chet Edwards, D-Texas, chairman of the House appropriations panel responsible for veterans funding, said VA officials have briefed his staff about plans to re-open enrollment in the VA health care system to Priority 8 veterans, who have been excluded from new enrollments since 2003.

Edwards estimates that 265,000 veterans will benefit from the change.

VA officials acknowledged a change was coming but said it will not involve all Priority 8 veterans. Rather, limited enrollments will be allowed for some people under rules yet to be announced, officials said.

New enrollments are expected to begin in June.


Rest of article at: http://www.armytimes.com/news/2009/01/military_priority8_veterans_010609w/%2e