Noteboom The Law Firm

Study Determines What Services Veterans Need

October 8, 2010 - The amount of soldiers and veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and/or depression grows daily and is quickly approaching uncomfortable levels. Of Virginia's 800,000 veterans, over 250,000 have been in service since 2001. No state has a higher ratio. As many as 83,000 of Virginia's veterans suffer from either:

• PTSD;
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs); or
• Major depression.
  
  A Virginia Tech survey, requested by the Virginia Wounded Warrior Program (VWWP) of the Virginia Department of Veterans Services, looked at U.S. military health screening procedures. Researchers looked at 2,000 veterans from Virginia and concluded many veterans suffering from injuries blatant enough to be diagnosed were able to slip through the screening process's net. The study's results will be used by the VWWP to determine where to best focus their efforts and resources.
  
  When soldiers cycle back to the U.S. from deployments, they are screened for both mental and physical health problems. Many veterans with PTSD or TBIs seemingly slip through the process without raising red flags, however. This is because PTSD and TBI symptoms do not always surface right away. Many times symptoms may not become apparent for 3-6 months.
  
  There are also reasons soldiers do not volunteer they are suffering from PTSD or TBIs returning from deployments. First, a diagnosis of either may cause irreparable damage to a military career. Second, soldiers will likely be held longer for mental health treatment, which delays them getting back to their family. Third, there is a general pressure in the military community to not only refrain from admitting to PTSD, but to not seek treatment.
  
  The study revealed that the areas demonstrating the highest number of indicators of depression exist where there are the fewest service providers. The Wounded Warrior Program will use the study's results to apply for federal grants and to tailor veterans' services to specific areas of need.