House VA Committee approves Veterans Pain Care Act of 2008

Another day of Walz in Washington, another day of progress for vets, another congressional press release:

Today, the Veterans Pain Care Act of 2008, authored by Congressman Tim Walz was approved by the House Veterans Affairs Committee clearing the way for the legislation to go before the full House of Representatives.  Walz's bill, H.R. 6122, was incorporated into the Veterans Health Care Policy Enhancement Act of 2008 (H.R. 6445).

"I am very pleased that today the House Veterans Affairs Committee approved my legislation, bringing it one step closer to passage by the full House of Representatives," said Walz.  "Far too many men and women who have risked life and limb in defense of our country are returning home from military service with painful, life-changing combat injuries. We have a moral obligation to care for these disabled veterans with the most innovative pain management techniques we have available and this bill has the potential to significantly improve their quality of life. Doing so can help these courageous injured soldiers enjoy the highest quality of life possible." 

Walz's bill would establish a comprehensive and integrated pain care initiative across the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care system. Walz said his legislation will address concerns raised by veterans in southern Minnesota regarding the need for improved and expanded pain care services within the VA. 

The legislation would also establish a VA program of research, training and education on acute and chronic pain - education both for VA health care personnel and for the veterans and their families.

Walz said the legislation, which enjoys wide support from dozens of pain care organizations and from numerous Veterans Service Organizations, would lay a stronger foundation for addressing the acute and chronic pain that is a leading cause of disability among veterans. "Improving pain management is a crucial part of improving military and veteran health care," said Walz. "This bill will build on the work the VA is already doing and require the VA to develop a more comprehensive approach to pain care management. We've got to make sure that the VA is addressing the needs of veterans who suffer from acute and chronic pain."

Virtually identical language has already passed as part of a larger package of legislation in the Senate.

We posted about this proposed legislation back in early May when Congressman Walz announced it at the state Disabled American Veterans convention in Rochester.

Photo: DAV members listen to Walz speak in May.