WASHINGTON – Chris Pappas (NH-01), alongside Congressman Greg Steube, Congresswoman Lisa McClain, and Congressman Jerry McNerney, led 113 of his colleagues in a bipartisan call to ensure adequate care for veterans suffering from severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) who require long-term residential care.

“After sustained pressure from Congress, we are pleased to see that the Department of Veterans Affairs has made progress in implementing Veterans Care Agreements to allow private providers to contract with the VA to provide appropriate long-term care. However, more needs to be done to educate case managers and families about options available to them,” wrote the lawmakers. “Accordingly, we request [language directing VA to ensure all veterans have access to long-term care if they need it] be included in the fiscal year 2023 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies appropriations bill.”

Each year, thousands of veterans are diagnosed with a TBI. While veterans with mild or moderate TBIs may return to full health after appropriate care, veterans with severe TBIs will be affected for the rest of their lives and require an intensive level of long-term care.