This week, BIAA partnered with Wounded Warrior Project to follow up with Congressional staff regarding the recent press around TRICARE’s non-coverage of cognitive rehabilitation for medically retired service members. Many initiatives spearheaded by BIAA in the past few years have been highlighted as a part of an ongoing story generated by National Public Radio (NPR).

In recent weeks, several Senators and Congressman have sent inquiries to the Department of Defense (DOD) to encourage a decision on whether or not this vital treatment should be covered. As a part of this push, BIAA has been invited to participate in a meeting held by the Institute of Medicine (IOM) Committee on Cognitive Rehabilitation Therapy for Traumatic Brain Injury. The meeting will include presentations by TRICARE Management Activity and all participants will be able to make statements before the committee.

BIAA is optimistic that its years of tireless advocacy on behalf of these service members will finally pay off and TRICARE will recognize the efficacy of Cognitive Rehabilitation as a medically necessary intervention for our wounded warriors.

Also this week, both chambers of Congress held important hearings on efforts to improve health care for returning service members, as well as to improve the veterans’ disability benefits system. BIAA submitted questions and comments in relation to several of the hearings.

The Senate Armed Services Committee held a hearing on “Care for Sick and Wounded Service Members” on Tuesday, February 13. BIAA submitted questions for the hearing regarding TRICARE coverage of cognitive rehabilitation.

On Thursday, he House Veterans Affairs Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs Subcommittee held a hearing on the VA’s disability claims system. BIAA submitted its recent Comment Letter on a Proposed Rule by the Department of Veterans Affairs to overhaul the Schedule for Rating Disability related to TBI to the House Committee on Veterans Affairs.

To view a copy of BIAA’s Comment Letter to the VA, please visit our website at http://www.biausa.org/policyissues.htm.