WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Mike Michaud, Ranking Member of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, commented on the announcement by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) that it will propose a new rule that will make it easier for veterans with illnesses related to Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) to qualify for benefits. More specifically, the VA stated that “if a veteran who has a service-connected TBI also has one of five illnesses, then the illness will be considered service connected as secondary to the TBI.”

“This is good news and will help a lot of veterans who are struggling with the effects of traumatic brain injuries,” said Michaud. “While this announcement is a positive step forward, the VA needs to be prepared for the new claims, which could stress an already backlogged and overwhelmed claims process. I’d also like to hear more from veterans about the restrictions this proposed rule places on those that can qualify for the additional assistance.”