Veterans with physical impairments can get reimbursed for the cost of a service dog, but a new Veterans Administration directive is delaying compensation for veterans with mental and emotional concerns until further research is completed.
U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer is releasing a letter to the VA asking that it rescind its directive. He says the benefit of service dogs for veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder and other emotional concerns is already clear and no further research is needed.
The VA issued a statement that it hasn't been able to determine a medical benefit for the dogs to veterans with mental illness. The agency says research is needed and should be completed by 2014 to justify the expense.
Copyright AP - Associated Press
