Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Combat veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan are at high risk for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other psychological wounds. Reported in the Journal of the American Medical Association, a 2006 Department of Defense study evaluated relationships between combat deployment and mental health care use in the first year following return from the war. The study found that about two out of ten soldiers and Marines returned from Iraq screened positive for mental health problems. These mental health problems self-reported by servicemembers were associated significantly with combat experiences and subsequent mental health care referral and treatment. In fact thirty-five percent of Iraq war veterans have received mental health services in the year after returning home. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Readjustment Counseling program has recorded more than 250,000 visits by veterans of these wars, but many believe that this underestimates the demand for care, which could lead to a shortfall in funding necessary to meet that demand.

Although VA has improved access to mental health services at its 800-plus community-based outpatient clinics, these services are still not readily available at all sites. Likewise, VA has not yet achieved its goal of integrating mental health staff into all its primary care facilities. Also, there are concerns about the lack of capacity in specialized PTSD programs and the decline in availability of VA substance-use disorder programs of all kinds. Although additional funding has been dedicated to improving capacity in some programs, VA mental health providers continue to express concerns about inadequate resources to support, and consequent rationed access to, these specialized services. In a time of war, we know with certainty that demand for mental health care will continue to rise.

We must hold VA accountable to fulfill its commitment to veterans by providing them the quality and quantity of mental health care they need following their military service. We must ensure that pre- and post-deployment self-assessment tools are a prominent part of the veteran’s transition to VA health care, including a requirement that each self-assessment be analyzed by a military or VA mental health professional to ensure those with needs are identified early in the transition. Finally, Congress must extend the time limit for which veterans may obtain no-cost mental health services at VA facilities from two years to five years after military discharge.

Help Ensure That VA Has Sufficient Funding for Veterans With Mental Health Problems – Contact Congress to Support Assured Funding for VA Health Care