Vets' Families Seek Pay as Caregivers

Say disability money doesn't cover needs for injured troops

By Katherine Thompson, Newser Staff

Posted Nov 12, 2008 9:39 AM CST

(Newser) – Wounded soldiers receive disability pensions based on the extent of their injuries, but for many families that money doesn't come close to covering the costs of caregiving. After Matt Keil returned home a quadriplegic, his wife, Tracy, quit her job to care for him, losing a $58,000 per-year income to do so, she tells the New York Times.

Keil and others are seeking compensation for the time they spend, and the jobs they gave up, but the Veterans Affairs Department worries about the liability of training family members. And some suspect that the government is reluctant to pay them as it would outside caregivers simply because it's obvious they would do the work anyway.

[Images (4)]

[Quotes (1)]

In the image provided by the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America and the Ad Council, a public service announcement promoting veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan is seen. (AP Photo/Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, Ad Council)

Barack Obama talks with Iraq war veteran Tammy Duckworth, the director of Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

President Bush right, passes 2-month-old Hailey Gardner back to her mother, Beverly, during his visit with patients at the physical therapy wing of Walter Reed Army Medical Center. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

President Bush, left, shakes hands with Marine Capt. Ray Baroni after the ceremonial groundbreaking for Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on Thursday, July 3, 2008. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

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I am here and I take wonderful care of Matt and I enjoy it. He is my full-time job now. I just feel like I should be compensated for that. They should value what I do. - Tracy Keil, who quit her accounting job to care for her wounded husband

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Nov 11, 2008 10:42 PM CST

These men and women , Quite a few who the LAW says there are not old enough to drink , who In the Governments eternal wisdom,maintains they are however old enough to risk LIFE & LIMB to protect us and Democracy throughout the "free" world. They go out of Patriotism or pure frustration that the Great Country they live in could not loan them the money to go to even a state college. So they look around and see no hope now along comes the recruiter , Promises and contracts that would put any used car salesman to shame and jail in most states. The Devil is in envy of some of these deals. Hey we will give you a pittance lock you in we want it all. BUT, yes BUT we can opt out if you have a problem, sure we will give you a little but we don't have alot > we the USA well we are broke yes we have 12 billion(not counting all the CIA,AID agencies and the like) for Iraq. Yes they have over 80 billion in the bank, but they will need that for later on when we leave(you believe that right soldier, or do I have to call you names,or pull out a flag to cover it with? what? oh, that's right son, USA ALL the way Semper Fi Boo YA) So you understand here is your flag, You HERO. Stop complaining,hey just think you will be able to drink in 2 more years and try to forget how your own country screwed you. You have a nice day soldier and GOD BLESS AMERICA. And make sure you Frame that letter from the President. These Men and Women Deserve the best that is what they gave for us. Please Call your Senator,Rep, . Tell them these people are not responsible enough to drink and some states drive But they believed the lies (both WMD's and the recruiter ...) It is time for America to stand up for Americans first and foremost those who risked and Gave their life,limb, mind to this WAR. Stand up America for our Military for once.

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Vets' Families Seek Pay as Caregivers