AMVETS SPEAKS OUT ON TBI, AGENT ORANGE, AND “DON’T ASK, DON’T TELL”

LANHAM, Md. March 3, 2010—Yesterday, the Pentagon issued updates on its policy toward traumatic brain injury in the combat zone and the potential review of the controversial “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy. VA also indicated that it needs more time to implement Agent Orange presumptions for service-connected conditions and the Senate indicated plans to introduce legislation to repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” AMVETS issued the following statements regarding each of these critical issues.

Traumatic Brain Injury:

Yesterday, USA Today reported that the Pentagon plans to issue a new policy for troops in the combat zone exposed to improvised explosive device blasts. Under the new policy, troops would be removed from combat duty for 24 hours to allow for quick treatment and monitoring of potential TBI.

AMVETS National Legislative Director Ray Kelley, a veteran of the war in Iraq who now receives treatment for TBI applauded the concept, but expressed concern over the logistics behind potential implementation.

"It's a great step since many of these injuries can be lost--guys go on a mission, get their bell rung, go back and do it the next day," said Kelley. "Unfortunately, practical application may difficult in the war zone. Simply passing a policy that says service members exposed to these blasts will be removed from combat really isn't enough."

Kelley went on to say that many of our military's most remote bases currently may not have access to the resources or manpower to accommodate the new policy given the operational tempo.

Though the policy is a move in the right direction in the military's efforts to better identify and treat TBI, Kelley hopes that the military ensures such resources are available at all forward bases prior to a new policy roll-out.

Agent Orange:

This morning, Military Times reported that several veterans’ organizations are threatening legal action against VA, should new Agent Orange presumptions for service-connected disability benefits not be clarified by March 12.

VA has asked for patience in an effort to implement the new presumptions correctly, considering a potential influx of more than 200,000 Agent Orange-related claims from Vietnam-era veterans.

AMVETS supports VA's call for more time, citing lessons-learned from rushed implementation of the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill.

"It's more important that VA do this right than do it quickly," said Kelley. "The Vietnam veterans that will be affected by the new presumptions will be better served to wait a short time longer to initiate the process, rather than play catch-up in a flawed system. If it's not ready to be implemented, it's not ready to be implemented."

Kelley cited hiccups in VA's fall implementation of the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill as one instance where rushed delivery of a new benefit resulted in only more headaches for affected veterans, but went on to say that VA still needed to act quickly to best serve those who are waiting on their presumptions.

"VA still needs to clarify this benefit in a timely manner, as many of the affected veterans have already waited decades to receive the benefits to which they are entitled," said Kelley, "but rather than giving VA an unattainable deadline, AMVETS wants to see a transparent plan of action in order to hold VA accountable for timely implementation."

"Don't Ask, Don't Tell:"

In the ongoing debate on the military's controversial "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy, the Senate has indicated it plans to introduce legislation to overturn it, while Defense Secretary Robert Gates issued a memo outlining DoD's plans to review the policy.

AMVETS recently voiced support for the Pentagon's review, citing the concern that should Congress repeal DADT, affected service members would not serve as equals alongside their heterosexual counterparts.

AMVETS’ argument centers around benefits-delivery for service members and their families—one of the military's most critical retention tools.

AMVETS prides itself on being the nation's largest and most inclusive veterans' organization and does not want to see emotion play a role in dictating military policy, which is why AMVETS leaders will continue to support the Pentagon's review and the recommendations of the nation's top military leaders.

“As Gates indicated during his recent Congressional testimony, the Pentagon does not know how overturning the policy would impact military readiness,” said Kelley, “which is why AMVETS calls on Congress to hold off on repealing the policy with knee-jerk, emotionally-charged legislative action.”

AMVETS leaders will monitor each of these issues closely in the coming months. Check back regularly with the AMVETS National Web site and the blog for American Veteran magazine for updates.

About AMVETS:
A leader since 1944 in preserving the freedoms secured by America’s armed forces, AMVETS provides support for veterans and the active military in procuring their earned entitlements, as well as community service and legislative reform that enhances the quality of life for this nation’s citizens and veterans alike. AMVETS is one of the largest congressionally-chartered veterans’ service organizations in the United States, and includes members from each branch of the military, including the National Guard and Reserves. To learn more visit www.amvets.org.