[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 51 (Friday, March 23, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E621-E622]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   IMPROVING COMPENSATION BENEFITS FOR VETERANS IN CERTAIN CASES OF 
                IMPAIRMENT OF VISION INVOLVING BOTH EYES

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                        HON. SHEILA JACKSON-LEE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 21, 2007

  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of 
H.R. 797, to amend

[[Page E622]]

title 38, United States Code, to improve compensation benefits for 
veterans in certain cases of impairment of vision involving both eyes. 
I strongly support veterans and more specifically blind veterans. I am 
a co-sponsor of this legislation. A few weeks ago I introduced H.R. 
1240, the ``Vision Impairment Specialist Training Act'' to help our 
Nation's blind veterans.
  Mr. Speaker, H.R. 797 modifies the standard of awarding disability 
compensation to veterans for loss of vision to require payment of 
compensation for impairment of vision involving both eyes due to a 
service-connected and non-service connected disability.
  There are 160,000 legally blind veterans in the United States, but 
only 44,000 are currently enrolled in Veterans Health Administration 
services. In addition, it is estimated that there are over 1 million 
low-vision veterans in the United States, and incidences of blindness 
among the total veteran population of 26 million are expected to 
increase by about 40% over the next few years. This is because the most 
prevalent causes of legal blindness and low vision are age-related, and 
the average age of the veteran population is increasing; the current 
average age is about 80 years old.
  Members of the armed forces are important to our Nation and we show 
them our appreciation by taking care of them after they no longer 
serve. It is important to amend title 38 to ensure that our veterans 
are taken care of and that they receive the compensation that they 
deserve. Their service to this nation could never be repaid my monetary 
means, but we can ensure that the veterans that faithfully served our 
country are taken care of and amending this legislation sends a message 
to our veterans that we care about their health and well being long 
after their duty has expired.
  In addition to enhancing compensation benefits for veterans, H.R. 797 
requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide the Secretary of 
Health and Human Services with information for comparison with the 
National Directory of New Hires to determine eligibility for certain 
benefits and services. This process ensures that the proper protocol is 
followed in issuance of these benefits and that the benefits are 
distributed to the proper recipients.
  Mr. Speaker, I support H.R. 797 and I urge all members to do 
likewise.

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