Today, the President signed into law the Veterans Mental Health Improvements Act of 2008 which included two key provisions championed by U.S. Rep. Ed Perlmutter (CO-07); the VA Epilepsy Centers of Excellence Act and the authorization of $568.4 million for the construction of a new VA Medical Center to be located at the Fitzsimons medical campus in Aurora.
The legislation incorporates Perlmutter’s HR 2818, which establishes up to six Epilepsy Centers of Excellence within the VA Medical system to lead the way in epilepsy diagnosis, research, treatment and surgery. Many veterans who have experienced traumatic brain injuries (TBI) will go on to develop epilepsy, and these treatment centers will provide the necessary research and medical care to these veterans. TBI is the signature injury of our soldiers returning from the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. Additionally, the legislation authorizes the Secretary of the VA to designate an individual in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) as a national coordinator for VHA epilepsy programs.
“Our service men and women bravely fought for us, now it is time to fight for them and provide them with the best, highest quality medical care available,” said Perlmutter. “As the father of a daughter with epilepsy, I understand and am committed to making sure our nation provides the critical medical care and research necessary to give these brave veterans the highest quality medical treatment by establishing up to six Epilepsy Centers of Excellence within the VA Hospital System. Furthermore, this funding authorization will move us a step closer to turning dirt on a new VA medical Center at the Fitzsimons campus.”
