Paralyzed Former Servicemen Tell of Their Needs to House and Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committees

Charlie Brown (national president of Paralyzed Veteran of America) spoke at the Joint House/Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee in March 1st about the importance long-term support and assistance for veterans with disabilities.

“In order to be here today, I had to have help from my paid caregiver,” Brown sustained a serious spinal cord injury from a diving accident while serving as a Marine Corps officer in Cherry Point (N.C.) in 1986.

“He helped me get dressed, get out of bed and into my wheelchair. He helped me take my medicine. He helped me groom. My story’s not unique.”

Brown added, “It’s the story of,” He gestured at those seated behind him and said, “Hi!” “Robert, of Tammy, and Josue.”

Important Issues For Veterans

Robert Thomas, Tammy Jones and Josue Corova, all paralyzed veterans, serve alongside Brown on the executive committee of PVA.

Charlie Brown testified at the “Legislative Presentation of the American Legion and Multi VSOs.”

VSOs stand for Veterans Service Organizations.

This hearing was second in a series of three held by the Senate Veterans’ Committees at every Congress session. It allowed VSO representatives to address lawmakers and answer questions about their public policies and priorities.

Additionally, Congress members ask their representatives how they can help veterans and VSOs better.

House Chairman Mike Bost (R.Ill.), who is a Marine Corps Veteran, and Senate Chair Jon Tester (R.Mont.) presided over the hearing. The hearing was presided over by Mike Bost (Republican-Ill.), a Marine Corps veteran, and Jon Tester (Republican-Mont.)

Apart from the American Legion, which is the largest VSO in America by members, and Paralyzed Veterans of America the following groups participated: Vietnam Veterans of America [VVA], Veterans Committee for National Congress of American Indians; Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America [IAVA], Black Veterans Empowerment Council], National Guard Association, National Association of State Directors of Veterans Affairs (“NASDVA”), Fleet Reserve Association “FRA” and Student Veterans of America („SVA”)

VSO representatives and committee members talked about a variety of veterans issues and concerns.

Veterans and legislators emphasized the importance of staffing and quality of service, as well as the upkeep of Veterans Affairs Department (VA), hospitals. They also focused on assisting active duty military personnel in the transition to civilian life, mental health and suicide prevention, disability payments and compensation, the aging veteran population, veteran housing, homelessness, and educational benefits.

These topics included improving veterans’ access to benefits and other services, as well speeding up support and help.

Predatory Law Firms: Protections

The hearing also addressed the issue of untrustworthy businesses and lawyers representing veterans seeking to receive compensation for illness and injury resulting from exposure to toxins.

Congress approved the Sergeant First Class Act (SFC), on August 2, while President Joe Biden signed it into law on August 10.

The PACT Act increases and expands healthcare options and benefits—including $300 billion in new financial benefits—for those who while serving in the U.S. armed forces were exposed to toxins.

Advertising has become a major part of law firm marketing to attract clients.

Some firms will charge veterans for this service, which is a 40 percent fee on any settlement.

Senator Dan Sullivan (R. Alaska), a U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Colel, got emotional talking about lawyers exploiting Camp Lejeune Justice Act. This legislation was folded into PACT Act in an attempt to prey on veterans.

Camp Lejeune Act pays compensation to servicemen who were exposed to water contaminated at the Marine Corps base, North Carolina.

One million veteran could have been affected.

Sullivan was critical of the involvement of trial lawyers when he established the Camp Lejeune Act. He also lamented the excessive fees they charge veterans.

The Protect Camp Lejeune Victims Ensnared By Trial-lawyers’ Scams Act (VETS Act) is co-sponsored by Sullivan. This legislation would limit the fees that lawyers could charge vets for the Camp Lejeune Act benefit fund.  The previous senate had stopped the bill, but Sullivan and Sen. Kevin Cramer (R.N.D.) reintroduced it last month.

Sullivan pitched his bill and said: “For those who don’t know what this is about, all you got to do is turn on the TV. It’s really disgusting in my view. You got the trial lawyers of America who are working to rip off the veterans and families of sick Marines.

“You have the option of making a decision. You have the option of paying for sick Marines, their families, or enriching lawyers on trial.”