Released 12/6/24 | Tags:
NVLSP Applauds VA Proposed Rule to Reform PCAFC Program For Veterans and their Caregivers
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 6, 2024
ARLINGTON, VA – The National Veterans Legal Services Program (NVLSP) issued the following statement in response to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs announcement of a proposed rule to reform its Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC).
“This proposed rule is the culmination of years of promises from VA leadership to improve PCAFC and NVLSP commends the agency and administration for finally moving these proposals forward. These proposed changes reflect years of work and advocacy by caregivers, veterans, and their community,” said NVLSP Director of Litigation Renee Burbank. “However, the proposed rule is just that: a proposal, and there is still considerable room for improvement to ensure that all seriously injured veterans who need regular caregiving can choose to receive that care from a family member or loved one. We look forward to seeing VA continue to address the community’s concerns.”
NVLSP has been a steadfast champion for veterans and their caregivers. NVLSP and pro bono attorneys at Sidley Austin LLP represented Veteran Warriors, Inc., and an individual caregiver and veteran in successfully challenging part of the Caregiver Program regulation that VA promulgated in 2020. That case struck down VA’s unlawfully narrow definition of who could qualify for the program because they need supervision, protection, or instruction. In Beaudette v. McDonough, NVLSP joined Public Counsel and Paul Hastings LLP as class counsel to secure the right to appeal decisions relating to the PCAFC for hundreds of thousands of veterans and their family caregivers.
About The National Veterans Legal Services Program (NVLSP)
The National Veterans Legal Services Program (NVLSP) is an independent, nonprofit veterans service organization that has served active duty military personnel and veterans since 1981. NVLSP strives to ensure that our nation honors its commitment to its 18 million veterans and active duty personnel by ensuring they have the benefits they have earned through their service to our country. NVLSP has represented veterans in lawsuits that compelled enforcement of the law where the VA or other military services denied benefits to veterans in violation of the law. NVLSP’s success in these lawsuits has resulted in more than $5.6 billion dollars being awarded in disability, death and medical benefits to hundreds of thousands of veterans and their survivors. NVLSP offers training for attorneys and other advocates; connects veterans and active duty personnel with pro bono legal help when seeking disability benefits; publishes the nation's definitive guide on veteran benefits; and represents and litigates for veterans and their families before the VA, military discharge review agencies and federal courts. For more information, go to www.nvlsp.org.