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VA Testimony Shows Mental Health Care for Disabled Veterans Takes too Long

Thousands of veterans are diagnosed with mental health conditions such as traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following their overseas deployments. For many of those veterans, however, the amount of time they have to wait for help has been described as "unconscionable."

That waiting period, unfortunately, leaves many of these suffering veterans at risk of taking their own lives. This unfortunate situation was brought to light through Senate hearing testimony as well as Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Office of Inspector General (OIG) reports.

The demand the VA is currently facing for mental health treatment among veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan is unparalleled. As of March 31, 2011, there were 10,000 more veterans seeking help for PTSD than the pervious quarter. There are more than 200,000 veterans currently in need of help with their various mental health conditions.

The VA system is so troubled, according to testimony, many feel better walking away from it altogether. This is where the danger of suicide emerges; no other alternative seems realistic to many suffering veterans. The pain and frustration is passed on to the veterans' loved ones as they suddenly find themselves immersed in doing nothing but keeping their veterans alive.

Mental health care must be rapidly available for those veterans in need of help. The VA's OIG found many VA clinics with "unacceptable" wait times. This is despite site managers being aware of those wait times.

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.