Sep 29 2008
Also of note this week was the Department of Veterans Affairs’ publication of a Final Rule to revise the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities to provide detailed and updated criteria for evaluating residuals of traumatic brain injury (TBI). Continue Reading »
Sep 29 2008
In response to the fact that no single Fiscal Year (FY) 2009 appropriations bill has been enacted this year, the House passed on Wednesday an omnibus continuing appropriations bill to fund most government programs – including TBI and trauma-related programs - at Fiscal 2008 (last year’s) levels until March 6, 2009. Continue Reading »
Sep 22 2008
On Thursday, September 18, the House of Representatives passed, and cleared for the President’s expected signature, The ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (S. 3406). This legislation to clarify and update the Americans with Disabilities Act has been widely supported by disability advocacy organizations, including BIAA. Continue Reading »
Sep 22 2008
BIAA joined several other TBI stakeholders this week in circulating organizational sign-on letters to gather support from other advocacy groups in urging key appropriators to provide increased funding for federal TBI programs. Continue Reading »
Sep 22 2008
On Tuesday, September 16, the Congressional Brain Injury Task Force held a well-attended briefing featuring a presentation by BIA of Oklahoma Vice President Michael Paul Mason, a brain injury case manager and author of Head Cases: Stories of Brain Injury and Its Aftermath. Continue Reading »
Sep 22 2008
This week, the Co-Chairs of the Congressional Brain Injury Task Force, Rep. Bill Pascrell (D-NJ) and Rep. Todd Platts (R-PA) sent a letter, signed by over 60 House members from both parties, to Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates urging TRICARE coverage of cognitive rehabilitation. Continue Reading »
Sep 16 2008
In addition, the Senate passed The ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (S. 3406) on Thursday, September 11. This legislation to clarify and update the Americans with Disabilities Act has been widely supported by disability advocacy organizations, including BIAA. Continue Reading »
Sep 16 2008
This week, BIAA sent out a Legislative Action Alert, urging grassroots advocates to tell their elected officials in Congress to increase appropriations for federal TBI programs in the expected upcoming extended Continuing Resolution (CR). Continue Reading »
Sep 16 2008
The Brain Injury Association of America submitted formal testimony at a hearing held this week by the House Veterans Affairs Health Subcommittee. The hearing was held on Tuesday, September 9, and focused on several pieces of legislation, including H.R. 3051, The Heroes At Home Act of 2007, which BIAA has strongly endorsed. Continue Reading »
Sep 10 2008
In a case that could have broad implications for consumers, the Supreme Court this fall will consider barring liability claims involving medications approved by the FDA.
By David G. Savage, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer
September 7, 2008
WASHINGTON — Bridget Robb was awakened last December by a powerful electric shock to her chest. “It was a jolt of electricity. It felt like being shot in the chest or being hit by lightning,” said the 34-year-old mother from a Philadelphia suburb.
She knew the cause of her agony. A device implanted in her chest was supposed to shock her, but only if her heart had quit. Instead, because of frayed wires, it misfired 31 times in 13 minutes.
