Mr. Chair, I'd like to speak to the critical injury benefit.
The establishment of a critical injury benefit is a positive step forward in responding to the needs of those who suffer from severe or traumatic injuries. We're concerned, however, that the criteria are highly restrictive and make no reference to people with post-traumatic stress disorder, which marginalizes them yet again. It excludes those who suffer operational stress injuries and PTSD, unless those injuries are immediately incapacitating.
Evidence shows that these types of injuries often reveal themselves over time, which means that sufferers often won't qualify for the critical injury benefit. Countless veterans have told us that disabling PTSD, traumatic brain injury, or loss of organ function are being lowballed below the $40,000 average lump sum payment for pain and suffering. The critical injury benefit continues to marginalize many veterans who are enduring lifelong disabilities. Therefore, we are proposing an amendment, in fact to clause 214, to address that.