Noteboom The Law Firm

Suicide Rate Increasing in Military Soldiers and Veterans

A new study on the rate of military suicides was released on Care2.com showing a sharp increase in the amount of soldiers and veterans taking their own lives and veterans with disabilities. Between 2005 and 2010, 1 soldier or veteran committed suicide every 36 hours. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) now estimates that number has jumped to 1 every 80 minutes.

The study looked at current VA and Department of Defense suicide prevention programs in place, and made suggestions as to how to address some of the existing obstacles in effective suicide prevention.

One obstacle the study found was having mental health treatment interrupted by soldiers transferring around the country. The study suggested there be a period of time following deployment where soldiers aren't transferred and instead given a chance to engage in necessary therapy.

The study also found there weren't enough care providers to provide the necessary care. Considering the long-term hiring process, the military has been using private sector counselors on a temporary basis, which serves as nothing more than a band-aid as that does nothing for those with issues requiring long-term counseling. Without mental health help, soldiers with suicidal tendencies are in a real danger zone.

Prescription pills were another issue the survey addressed. Specifically, that soldiers and veterans are given pain killers, specifically opiates, on an excessive scale. Soldiers and veterans considering suicide and an abundance of available pain pills isn't a positive combination.

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.