Caregivers must be providing in-home care for veterans who suffered a qualifying injury either on or after Sep. 11, 2001 OR before May 5, 1975 and who have at least a 70% disability.

That phase will kick-in after the VA certifies to Congress that it has updated its computer systems to be able to handle the processing of new caregiver benefits.

“By extending this pause, post-9/11 veterans and caregivers who have been enrolled in VA’s Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers since before it was expanded to pre-9/11 veterans ...

The VA rolled out the plan under pressure from Sen. Patty Murray, chairwoman of the Veterans Affairs' Committee, and some veterans' service organizations frustrated by the VA's pace.

Congress told the VA to expand its caregiver program to include pre-Sept. 11 vets, but the VA has failed to meet a deadline in the law.