As a result of the efforts by Congressman Henry Cuellar, the Department of Veterans’ Affairs has agreed to make improvements to increase veterans’ access to local healthcare options in South Texas.  These improvements and added services include:

 
Enhanced Local Services

• Audiology/Hearing Aids
• Dental Services
• Optometry Services/Eyeglasses

New Local Services

• CT/MRI Scans
• Diabetic Eye Photo Services
• Orthopedics
• Physical and Occupational Therapy
• Prosthetics (Evaluation & Training)
• Sleep Disorder Care
• Minor surgeries on a case-by-case basis

Options for Local Services to be Added in the Future

• Oncology and Cancer Care
 

VETERANS’ FUNDING FROM CONGRESS

Just last month, Rep. Henry Cuellar supported and voted for the passage of the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs (VA) Appropriations bill for Fiscal Year 2008.  The bill provides generously for veterans, including the largest increase in funding in the 77-year history of the VA.

Key Funding For Veterans

• The bill appropriates a total of $109.2 billion for military construction and veterans programs.

• $37.1 billion is designated for veterans’ health programs, which is a $3.1 billion increase over the current level.

• A transfer of $15 million to the Defense Department/VA Health Care Sharing Incentive Fund.  The funds will be used to improve the continuity of health care for veterans.

• $4.1 billion will be used for the operation and maintenance of veterans’ hospitals and other medical facilities.

• $41.2 billion will be spent on mandatory spending for veterans’ compensation benefits and pensions.  This will allow 3.2 million beneficiaries to receive compensation benefits and provide pension payments for over half a million veterans with disabilities.

Congressman Henry Cuellar is a member of the House Homeland Security, Small Business, and Agriculture Committees in the 110th Congress; accessibility to constituents, education, health care, economic development and national security are his priorities. Congressman Cuellar is also a Senior Whip.
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