Service members and veterans who sustained injury or need mental-health services as a result of their service will have easier access to care providers, under a new piece of legislation signed May 5 by President Obama. Mental-health counseling services for all Iraq and Afghanistan veterans has been bolstered, and persons needing treatment for traumatic brain injury will be able to use more hospitals and clinics outside of the Department of Veterans Affairs health-care network. Other provisions increase women’s health services, including care for newborn and young children. Veterans who are catastrophically disabled will no longer be required to make co-payments for services, and caregivers who provide help for severely wounded Afghanistan and Iraq combat veterans will receive stipends, lodging allowances, and training.
