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House Grants Money For Veteran Anti-Suicide Bill

Thousands of veterans returning to the U.S. following deployments to the Middle East need help when they return stateside. More veterans than ever are taking their own lives following deployments. In an attempt to offer as much help to these soldiers as possible, the House recently approved $20 million in aid.

The aid money was attached to the 2012 Department of Defense Appropriations Act as an amendment. The money will help pay for such programs as the Sgt. Coleman S. Bean Individual Ready Reserve Suicide Prevention Act, which was introduced by US Rep. Rush Holt (D-NJ). This is the third time Holt has tried to pass this bill. Both previous attempts were blocked by Republicans.

Nearly 20 veterans take their own lives every day. This bill will provide trained counselors the ability to check in with veterans who are in need every 90 days.

Those check-ins will be used to asses the veterans' mental health status and address any issues requiring immediate attention. According to Rep. Holt, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will be given more money to ensure they are doing what they are supposed to do: look after veterans in need.

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.