Napa Valley Register-Federal budget amendment could benefit The Pathway Home

Congressman Mike Thompson announced the passage by the House of Representatives Friday of a budget amendment that would fund innovative treatments for veterans and active duty soldiers suffering traumatic brain injuries and post-traumatic stress disorder.

The amendment creates a new five-year $10 million pilot program that allows military patients to receive treatment from health care facilities outside of the Department of Veterans Affairs that are utilizing an array of leading-edge, successful therapies.

Physicians and residential treatment centers like The Pathway Home on the grounds of the Veterans Home of California in Yountville may qualify for payment from the Department of Defense or Veterans Affairs through a “pay-for-performance” plan, Thompson said in a press release.

Treatment and reimbursement safeguards in the amendment ensure access to innovative private treatments while reserving payment only for treatments that work, he said.

Between 2000 an 2011, more than 230,000 service members have been diagnosed with traumatic brain injuries. Up to 18 percent of U.S. military personnel returning from deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan have PTSD symptoms.

Fred Gusman, executive director of The Pathway Home, praised the budget amendment as a way for the VA to collaborate with non-government organizations.

Thompson, D-St. Helena, who is co-chair of the bipartisan Military Veterans Caucus, sponsored the amendment with Rep. Pete Sessions, R-Texas.

The budget amendment was adopted by the House as part of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013. The bill now goes to the Senate for consideration.