It is unacceptable how the VA handled Mr. Nelson’s medical needs. That is why today, I introduced the Veterans Transplant Coverage Act which requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide organ transplants to Veterans from a live donor regardless of whether or not that donor is a veteran. Current VA policy excludes non-Veteran live donations from coverage under the VA Choice Program and forces Veterans to specific VA treatment facilities. My legislation directs the VA to provide the transplant operation for those veterans, in a VA facility or non-VA facility, regardless of the donor’s status. Fortunately, Mr. Nelson was finally able to receive his transplant, though with no help from the VA, and we all wish him a very speedy and healthy recovery.
