Noteboom The Law Firm

Importance of U.S. Veterans Needing Speedy Mental Health Care

The Miami Herald released a report about an open hearing by the U.S. Senate that focused on the importance for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to speed up the services it provides for U.S. veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as well as other mental health issues.

Approximately 34% more veterans have sought help for mental health issues from the VA since 2006. According to Sen. Patty (D-Wash.), the VA has failed to keep up with the demand, even with Congress giving $5.7 billion towards it. Veterans waiting far too long for appointments, and among other things resulted in: 

• ·        a dramatic increase in the number of veterans committing suicide; and
• ·        an increase in the number of veterans abusing drugs in an effort to self-medicate their PTSD symptoms. 

Sen. Murray requested a survey be completed, which showed almost 40% of veterans cannot even schedule an appointment with their hometown VA clinic within the government’s guidelines of 14 days. Further, 70% of the VA clinics couldn’t meet the mental health demands placed on them due to lack of staff and/or space.

There was a 48% increase in the “number of mental health professionals assigned to veterans” in need of care, but the VA admits there’s still much work to be done.

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.