Amodei introduces 'Blinded Veterans Guide Dog Assistance Act'

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Brian Baluta, 202-225-6155

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Mark Amodei (NV-2) today announced the introduction of H.R. 3647, the Blinded Veterans Guide Dog Assistance Act, to improve the provision of guide dogs to veterans blinded by a service-connected injury. It is the current policy of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to cover veterinary care for guide dogs, but not the cost of acquiring the dogs. That expense is out of pocket for veterans, who often turn to charities for such assistance.

“If you are blinded by an injury sustained in service to our country and a guide dog is the best option for overcoming your disability, then I think that is an expense that should be covered by the VA in much the same manner as a prosthetic limb would be covered,” said Amodei.

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