The Veterans Affairs Department is broadening a small program designed to help veterans with moderate to severe brain injuries live their lives to their fullest.

VA announced Tuesday it is looking to hire more private rehabilitation centers to provide assisted living and rehabilitation services to veterans with traumatic brain injury.

Among the provisions in a massive veterans bill passed in August by Congress was an extension of VA's Assisted Living Pilot Program for Veterans with Traumatic Brain Injury.

The program, launched in 2011, has provided neurobehavioral therapy to 187 veterans at more than 20 private facilities nationwide.

But it was set to expire this year. Under the $16.3 billion Veterans Access, Choice and Accountability Act of 2014, the program has been extended for three years.

"Due to the severity and complexity of their injuries, veterans with TBI can require an extraordinary level of care and other support services," Dr. Carolyn Clancy, interim undersecretary for health, said in a news release. "The AL-TBI program provides specialized assisted living services to eligible veterans with traumatic brain injury to enhance their rehabilitation, quality of life and community integration."

Ninety-four veterans are enrolled in the program, receiving mobility, speech and cognitive therapy in residential settings geared toward increasing their independence.

According to VA, the program extension will allow more facilities to participate and serve more veterans in need. VA is accepting proposals from facilities that are accredited in brain injury and residential rehabilitation through Nov. 20.

More information on the call for providers can be found at the federal government's contract opportunities web site, fedbizopps.gov; additional information on the pilot program can be found on the VA's website.

About Patricia Kime

Patricia Kime is a senior writer covering military and veterans health care, medicine and personnel issues.

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