Noteboom The Law Firm

Bay Pines VA Med Center Constructing $92 Million Mental Health Facility

The Bay Pines Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center in Bay Pines, Fla. just awarded a $92 million contract for the construction of a new mental health facility on the Bay Pines campus.

Given the 9^th US Circuit Court of Appeals' recent ruling on the state of VA-provided mental health care, the timing of this contract is very significant. Being able to provide specific care for debilitating mental health conditions is critical.

VA Sec. Eric Shinseki stated one of the VA's top priorities is "providing greater access" to VA provided mental health care. Sec. Shinseki said the facility will help not only Florida veterans, but the local economy as well. The 150,000-plus square foot facility will be attached to the facility's main hospital.

The new mental health facility at Bay Pines VA Medical Center will include:

• residential rehabilitation;
• acute inpatient mental health services; and
• outpatient mental health services.

The new mental health facility will house the outpatient mental health programs, which had about 150,000 visits last year, almost 20% more visits than the year prior. Additionally, the new facility will increase the number of available beds in their inpatient acute psychiatric section.

If you are a disabled veteran who has been denied disability compensation or have not yet applied for benefits from the VA, a South Florida disability attorney from LaVan & Neidenberg is ready to help. To learn if you are entitled to certain programs and benefits contact our veterans disability rights firm today - 1-888-234-5758.