Last week, Veterans Affairs secretary Robert Wilkie announced that disability claims by veterans who earned a Purple Heart will now be prioritized amongst other requests saying, “Those who hold…the recognition of wounds taken in battle, will now receive priority consideration when it comes to claims,”
Effective on April 1st, the new policy follows existing department rules which give priority to Purple Heart veterans who request medical appointments at VA hospitals. In addition to the priority status, these veterans are also exempt from all co-payments for their medical care.
According to an article published by MilitaryTimes.com, “The Military Order of the Purple Heart estimates more than 35,000 Iraq War veterans and more than 22,000 Afghanistan War veterans have received the medal, one of the best known military honors in the country. It’s the oldest U.S. military decoration, first presented as the Badge of Military Merit by Gen. George Washington during the American Revolution.”
To learn more about Purple Heart veterans benefits, click here.
Relevant pages: Veterans Disability