Veterans Get Better Access to PTSD Treatment

Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is on the rise, particularly within members of the armed forces who have been deployed to war zones in Iraq and Afghanistan. It is predicted that the number of veterans suffering from PTSD could double in the next ten years, making it welcome news that the Department of Veteran Affairs is eliminating and streamlining the process for Vets to receive mental health benefits and treatment for post traumatic stress.

The new guidelines could take affect as early as next week, and remove the requirement that forced Veterans to document specific incidents of stress that led to PTSD. Prior to the change, Veterans would be required to provide specific evidence of actual bombs, firefights, or other conflicts that directly led to PTSD. Not only was the evidence extremely difficult – and often impossible – to provide but it dismissed those who did not serve in combat roles but were still affected by the disorder.

Post traumatic stress disorder is caused by being in extremely high-stress situations and causes symptoms like flashbacks, irritability, and emotional isolation. It can impact every part of the sufferer’s life, making relationships and employment difficult to manage. With the new guidelines, any veteran who served during war time in a position that could have resulted in conditions likely to cause PTSD will be eligible for treatment and other benefits.

Many veterans would be eligible for compensation even if they did not suffer symptoms of PTSD, which has some concerned about the number of fraudulent claims that may be filed. The Department of Veteran’s Affairs will still have a review system in place that will prevent false claims. Others complain about the cost – about $42 billion over the next ten years – of implementing the program, but most agree that the vets deserve to have the treatment and compensation they’ve earned for defending the country.

Shadra Bruce is a contributing writer for Mental Health News.