The CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security) Act was signed into law on March 27, 2020. Following the signing, the Department of Veterans’ Affairs began using its share of the funding to care for Veterans and strengthen its response to the pandemic.
The funding given to the VA from the CARES Act is to be used for multiple services, from medical care and telehealth to assistance for Veteran borrowers and homeowners. In a press release dated April 8, 2020, VA Secretary Robert Wilkie stated that “[s]ince the President signed the CARES Act, VA has been moving quickly to implement the President’s intent to hire new staff, take care of homeless Veterans, use our cutting-edge telehealth technology to keep appointments, help state-run Veterans homes.”
Part of the funding includes “$17.2 billion for the Veterans Health Administration, where money is already being used, to hire new staff and make sure existing personnel have the resources they need to deal with the evolving needs of the pandemic. The funding has also been used to add beds, provide overtime pay and purchase needed supplies such as ventilators, pharmaceuticals and personal protective equipment.” Another key element of the VA’s implementation of the CARES Act is the expansion of telehealth for Veterans seeking in-home care. A large portion of the telehealth resources are dedicated to providing mental health treatment and counseling for Veterans who cannot travel due to social distancing rules and regulations.
As representatives advocating for those Veterans with disabilities, we understand this is a trying time. Our office is open for calls and online assistance and will continue to help our Veterans in any way possible. If you have a claim for disability and need assistance, please call our office and speak with one of our qualified Veterans’ Disability attorneys. Gardberg and Kemmerly is committed to helping injured and disabled Veterans obtain the benefits they deserve. If you need help with a disability claim, please call the office at 251-343-1111 or 800-332-1529 for a free consultation.