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Court’s Orders May Mean Improved VA Mental Health System

The 9^th US Circuit of Appeals recently reviewed a case forcing them to examine the Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA) mental healthcare system. The Court found the VA's actions toward veterans so "egregious," they constituted violations of veterans' rights.

The Court grew tired of waiting for the VA to correct their own system, so they took it upon themselves to intervene and tell the VA how to make their system right. The Court's review focused on the VA's delays in providing treatment  for soldiers suffering from mental health conditions, to include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The Court cited these delays for contributing to the 6,500 veterans suicides that happen every year. Fed up with the VA, the 9^th Circuit panel remanded the case back down to the district court and ordered that judge to make further orders, which will result in a comprehensive restructuring of the VA's mental healthcare system.

This decision was two years in the works. During that time, the Court attempted to force the parties in the suit to negotiate with each other. Because of the government's "chronic failure" to serve the people it was designed to serve, the Court mandated it operate as it promised it would and provide the mental healthcare it promised veterans in a timely manner.

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.