"The Army’s appeals process, which we fully support, can take over a year to resolve—an unacceptably long wait for veterans seeking proper recognition of their injuries.”
Texas Insider Report: WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Tony Gonzales (R-Texas) joined Congressman Juan Ciscomani (R-Ariz.) in a bipartisan effort to get the U.S. Army to review regulations that prevent eligible veterans and service members from receiving one of our nation’s most distinguished military honors, the Purple Heart.
A Purple Heart is given to current and former members of the Armed Forces who have been wounded or killed as a result of enemy action while serving. In a letter to Secretary Driscoll, the lawmakers wrote that veterans and service members who have been diagnosed with traumatic brain injuries have been denied a Purple Heart because they lack proper documentation.
The lawmakers wrote, “While we recognize the difficulty in establishing clear guidelines for every combat scenario, greater flexibility is urgently needed. The Army’s appeals process, which we fully support, can take over a year to resolve—an unacceptably long wait for veterans seeking proper recognition of their injuries.”
The Purple Heart is the oldest military award presented to American service members. According to Army Regulation 600-8-22, a Purple Heart can be presented to an individual who suffered a wound, injury, or death as a result of an enemy or hostile act, international terrorist attack, or friendly fire. The individual must have also received treatment by medical officials and have official records of medical treatment. Unfortunately, that last requirement does not account for situations where a medical officer may not be present to provide treatment.
In addition to Congressmen Tony Gonzales and Juan Ciscomani, U.S. Representatives Jeff Hurd (R-Co.), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.), Pat Fallon (R-Texas), Diana Harshbarger (R-Tenn.), Don Davis (D-N.C.), Jen Kiggans (R-Va.), Scott Peters (D-Calif.), and Mike Haridopolos (R-Fla.) also signed onto the letter.
The full text of the letter can be viewed here.
