VA wrongly sent letters to veterans' caregivers

VA wrongly sent letters to caregivers warning of sequestration cuts
By LEO SHANE III AND MEGAN MCCLOSKEY
Stars and Stripes
Published: September 21, 2012

WASHINGTON – Caregivers of wounded veterans mistakenly received letters recently warning that automatic spending cuts set for January could stop their monthly stipends, creating more concern about the problems that sequestration might bring.

Veterans Affairs spokesman Josh Taylor said department officials have contacted all of the caregivers who received the notifications, clarifying that their stipends are not in danger and apologizing for the confusion.

“The letter has no bearing on the VA Caregiver Support Program or the stipend benefit,” he said.

About 6,000 spouses and parents of seriously injured veterans currently receive the monthly caregiver stipend, which can total more than $30,000 a year. Congress put the program in place to make sure that families of veterans who need constant care aren’t left destitute.

The letter, signed by the VA’s acting chief acquisition officer, caused panic and confusion in the caregiver community, especially before VA contacted the families to explain the mistake.
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