July 15, 2010
Rahall Urges Vets to Seek PTSD Treatment Following VA Rule Change
Special to Huntingtonnews.net
Washington, DC (HNN) - U.S. Rep. Nick Rahall (D-WV) applauded the Veterans Administration’s (VA) plan to improve care for our nation’s veterans suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The new rules announced yesterday will make it easier for veterans – including those who may have been denied benefits in the past – to receive the care and benefits they need and have earned.
“The VA has removed a huge roadblock between our veterans and the help and benefits they deserve,” said Rahall. “I urge veterans suffering with PTSD to apply or re-apply for VA Disability Benefits as quickly as possible. Veterans are eligible for the VA health care and disability compensation package regardless of their period of service. This is a major victory for veterans. Nearly one in five veterans suffer from PTSD or major depression, and many veterans in West Virginia have been silently suffering without the care they need and have earned. We have taken action to fix that, and maintain the sacred promise we make to our veterans.”
Previously, veterans had to undergo lengthy investigations in order to apply for disability benefits for PTSD. The Veterans Administration had required extensive documentation of the specific cause of the disorder in addition to a doctor’s diagnosis, and ultimately denied benefits to thousands of veterans who were unable to document their experiences. The new reforms will simplify the process requiring a VA doctor’s diagnosis for veterans who served in a combat zone.
Rep. Rahall was instrumental in establishing a new VA outpatient site in Lewisburg, which was announced last December. Rahall collaborated with the Beckley VAMC to establish the new center – slated to open later this summer – to ensure that southern West Virginia Veterans have more readily-accessible healthcare options, particularly our veterans in need of mental health services.
“I have been working hard to see to it that West Virginia Veterans have access to the medical attention they need,” said Rahall. “I commend the work of the Beckley VAMC in making sure that our veterans – who deserve so much gratitude for their sacrifices, have ready access to top notch quality care close to home.”
The VA rule change announcement builds on a series of Congressional legislative achievements for West Virginia veterans and members of the military – including the new G.I. Bill to provide returning troops with the promise of a college education; historic investments in veterans’ health care and providing that funding one year in advance to prevent political or legislative delays; increasing military pay and expanding economic opportunities for returning soldiers; and “landmark legislation” providing support to family members and others who care for wounded veterans and enhancing health services for the 1.8 million women veterans. The Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America has expressed strong support for the new rule.
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Rahall Urges Vets to Seek PTSD Treatment Following VA Rule Change
Special to Huntingtonnews.net
Washington, DC (HNN) - U.S. Rep. Nick Rahall (D-WV) applauded the Veterans Administration’s (VA) plan to improve care for our nation’s veterans suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The new rules announced yesterday will make it easier for veterans – including those who may have been denied benefits in the past – to receive the care and benefits they need and have earned.
“The VA has removed a huge roadblock between our veterans and the help and benefits they deserve,” said Rahall. “I urge veterans suffering with PTSD to apply or re-apply for VA Disability Benefits as quickly as possible. Veterans are eligible for the VA health care and disability compensation package regardless of their period of service. This is a major victory for veterans. Nearly one in five veterans suffer from PTSD or major depression, and many veterans in West Virginia have been silently suffering without the care they need and have earned. We have taken action to fix that, and maintain the sacred promise we make to our veterans.”
Previously, veterans had to undergo lengthy investigations in order to apply for disability benefits for PTSD. The Veterans Administration had required extensive documentation of the specific cause of the disorder in addition to a doctor’s diagnosis, and ultimately denied benefits to thousands of veterans who were unable to document their experiences. The new reforms will simplify the process requiring a VA doctor’s diagnosis for veterans who served in a combat zone.
Rep. Rahall was instrumental in establishing a new VA outpatient site in Lewisburg, which was announced last December. Rahall collaborated with the Beckley VAMC to establish the new center – slated to open later this summer – to ensure that southern West Virginia Veterans have more readily-accessible healthcare options, particularly our veterans in need of mental health services.
“I have been working hard to see to it that West Virginia Veterans have access to the medical attention they need,” said Rahall. “I commend the work of the Beckley VAMC in making sure that our veterans – who deserve so much gratitude for their sacrifices, have ready access to top notch quality care close to home.”
The VA rule change announcement builds on a series of Congressional legislative achievements for West Virginia veterans and members of the military – including the new G.I. Bill to provide returning troops with the promise of a college education; historic investments in veterans’ health care and providing that funding one year in advance to prevent political or legislative delays; increasing military pay and expanding economic opportunities for returning soldiers; and “landmark legislation” providing support to family members and others who care for wounded veterans and enhancing health services for the 1.8 million women veterans. The Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America has expressed strong support for the new rule.
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