West Virginia has a very proud history and long-standing leadership role in military service, and Senator Rockefeller has focused on making sure that all veterans receive the health care, benefits, and support they need and have earned. Under his leadership on the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs, Senator Rockefeller has led the charge for affordable and quality health care, and promised retirement and disability benefits. Senator Rockefeller has worked extensively to modernize Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care, and has been a strong proponent of legislation to boost educational opportunities and reduce unemployment among veterans in West Virginia and across the country.

To achieve long-term stability in VA health care, Senator Rockefeller has cosponsored legislation to provide advanced funding so veterans can get the care they need. Senator Rockefeller also authored successful legislation to encourage the VA, for the first time, to provide extended care services - such as home health care, adult day care, respite care, and hospice care - to veterans who use the VA health care system.

Senator Rockefeller also has worked to ensure that veterans have full access to health care at West Virginia's four VA Medical Centers, nine Vet Centers, and has helped to create 10 Community Based Outpatient Clinics across the state. West Virginia also has a veterans' home in Barboursville, along with a Veterans Nursing Facility in Clarksburg and the Donel Kinnard Memorial State Veterans Cemetery in Institute, both of which Senator Rockefeller worked long and hard to make realities.

Senator Rockefeller has fought for adequate resources to pay for and treat veterans suffering from Gulf War illness, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Traumatic Brain Injury. Recognizing that PTSD is a serious illness affecting many of our veterans, Senator Rockefeller has continually been a strong supporter of legislation to enhance the treatment and tracking of PTSD and suicide in service members. He believes it is essential to continue initiatives to provide veterans with quality health care - incorporating preventive and early intervention measures.

Senator Rockefeller also understands the importance of helping veterans get jobs through investments in training and hiring assistance, and he helped to champion legislation that created the Post-9/11 Bill.