PDA

View Full Version : VA Broadens Benefits for Partial Loss of Breast



CAS3
10-24-03, 01:41 AM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 20, 2003

VA Broadens Benefits for Partial Loss of Breast
WASHINGTON – The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is broadening its coverage of special monthly compensation for women who suffer loss of breast tissue related to their military service.
The new regulation replaces a policy that limited the special compensation to women veterans losing one or both breasts.
The new rule liberalizes the benefit to cover those losing 25 percent or more tissue from a single breast or from both breasts in combination. It includes loss by mastectomy or partial mastectomy, or following radiation treatment.
Payments retroactive to Jan. 1, 2003, may be made to eligible women. Women veterans with service-connected breast tissue loss who are not receiving the special monthly compensation may contact VA to find out if they are eligible under the new provisions.
The current special compensation rate of $81 monthly for breast loss is in addition to the underlying disability compensation for a condition arising or worsening while in the military.
In addition to breast tissue loss, special monthly compensation rates also apply when a veteran loses one or more of the senses of sight, hearing and speech, experiences loss of a reproductive organ or its use, or suffers severe injuries such as loss of limbs.
Base rates of disability payments before special monthly compensation generally range from $104 to $2,193 per month for a single veteran depending on the degree of disability.


- More -

Breast Tissue Loss 2/2/2/2


The breast benefit provision was included in the Veterans Benefits Act of 2002. In enacting the provisions, President Bush and Congress recognized the physical, emotional and financial challenges women face as they return to health and acknowledged their need for increased medical attention.
The rule is the latest in a series of changes that have improved VA's services to women veterans, including changes to make it easier for women to establish service-connection for gynecological and breast disorders and to provide more consistent evaluations.

# # #

People wishing to receive e-mail from VA with the latest news releases and updated fact sheets can subscribe at the following Internet address:
http://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/opalist_listserv.cfm