Noteboom The Law Firm

Costs of War Hurting Veterans’ Resources

October 18, 2010 - Veterans are returning in droves from Iraq and Afghanistan suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injuries (TBI), which has been highlighted many times over the last couple of years. What hasn't been highlighted is:

• These two wars cost over $1 trillion;
• The US lost 5,670 soldiers at a minimum; and
• At least 91,000 have either been wounded in combat or removed from combat because of an injury.

These costs are easily put down on paper. What cannot be documented so easily are the hidden costs of the war - the mental and physical traumas from which soldiers suffer. While Congress was quick to spend that $1 trillion dollars, they are not likely able to compensate these veterans what they are now owed.

Some believe policies developed under President Bush were designed to actually block veterans from obtaining from their owed medical benefits. Many people believe the Department of Veterans affairs (VA) is not providing sufficient medical care for these injured veterans.

Because the VA is failing so many veterans, those veterans are forced to turn to alternative means in order to get necessary care and support. While non-profits play a huge role in supporting wounded veterans and supplying them with necessary care, those services should be provided by the VA. 

This phenomenon has resulted in many veterans seeking outside help in navigating the VA's maze that is disability compensation claims. Upwards of 95% of veterans have no idea the benefits to which they are entitled to.

The VA is put in the situation of dealing with the aftermath of the Bush administration starting two wars with no plan for veterans' compensation. While new rules recently passed will likely help veterans, they will not be immediately implemented. The Department of Defense (DoD) and the VA are passing the buck and the ones picking up the tab and paying the heaviest price are those mentally and physically compromised veterans.