(The Center Square) – Budget burdens, pharmaceutical options and hyperbaric oxygen therapy are concerns North Carolina congressmen in the Senate and House of Representatives are raising with Veterans Affairs.

The budget shortfall could impact veterans across the nation with a disruption in payments as soon as October. Needed is $2.88 billion for disability and education benefits. Secretary Denis McDonough told Congress this month the projection for shortfall this year and next is $15 billion, of which $11.97 billion is for medical care next year.