[Nyagdu] VA Announces New Rules concerning Service animals in VA Facilities

[Marion Gwizdala]

Dear All,

 

                Over the past few years, the National Association of Guide
Dog Users has received calls from veterans who use service animals alleging
the VA has discriminated against them because of their choice to use a
service dog. NAGDU has brought this concern to the Office of Veterans'
Affairs. We are pleased to announce that the Veterans Administration has
recently promulgated new rules governing the use of service animals in VA
facilities. The news release from the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs
follows my signature.

 

Fraternally yours,

 

Marion Gwizdala, President

National Association of Guide Dog Users Inc.

National Federation of the Blind

(813) 626-2789

(888) 624-3841 (Hotline)

President at nagdu.org

http://www.nagdu.org

 

High expectations create unlimited potential for the blind!

 

VA Announces New Rules Regarding Service Animals in VA Facilities

WASHINGTON - Today the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced that it
has revised its regulation regarding the presence of animals on VA property.
The updated regulation will ensure VA practices remain consistent with
applicable federal law. It will also assist individuals entering VA
facilities in developing a clear and consistent understanding of the
criteria governing facility access for service animals.

"As I have traveled to VA facilities throughout the country, I have heard
from many Veterans about what a vital role their service animals play in
their lives," said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Robert A. McDonald. "The
revised regulation will ensure Veterans and employees have clear guidance
regarding the presence of service animals in our facilities. VA remains
committed to ensuring America's Veterans have access to the health care
benefits for which they are eligible."

 Under the revised regulation, only dogs that are individually trained to
perform work or tasks on behalf of an individual with a disability will be
considered service animals.  Other animals will not be permitted in VA
facilities, unless expressly allowed as an exception under the regulation
for activities such as animal-assisted therapy or for other reasons such as
law enforcement purposes. The regulation further confirms that service
animals may access VA property subject to the same terms that govern the
admission of the public to VA property, and  may be restricted from certain
areas on VA properties to ensure that patient care, patient safety, and
infection control standards are not compromised. 

 In accordance with required practices, the revised regulation was published
in the Federal Register in November 2014, to obtain feedback from Veterans,
advocacy organizations and other stakeholders. 

 Over the next thirty days, VA will provide training to frontline employees
and ensure policies at all facilities are consistent with the new
regulation.