Advisory Committee on Former Prisoners of War

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VA's Advisory Committee on Former Prisoners of War was established by Congress on March 12, 1981, as part of Public Law 97-37, the Former Prisoners of War Benefits Act of 1981 (38 U.S.C. §541 ).   The Committee advises the Secretary of Veterans Affairs on the administration of benefits for veterans who were held as prisoners of war (POWs).    These benefits can include compensation for service connected disabilities or illnesses, health care, and rehabilitation.

By law, the Committee is comprised of POWs from World War II, the Korean Conflict, Vietnam, and the Gulf War, as well as other individuals who are recognized authorities in such fields as psychiatry, psychology, internal medicine, nutrition, epidemiology, geriatrics, including persons knowledgeable about disabilities prevalent among former POWs, and disabled veterans.   At the present time there are twelve members appointed to serve on the Committee.    The Committee's charter is renewed every other year.

The Committee meets twice yearly, in Washington DC in the Spring, and at one other locations outside of Washington in the fall.    The meetings are open to the public.   Official notice of a pending meeting is published in the Federal Register at least 15 days prior to the meeting.

Following each meeting the minutes are posted on VA's internet site.   The Committee reports the results of its meeting and VA responds to each recommendation from the report.

Meeting Reports

Date	Version
October 2005	Word	PDF