VA Chief Likens PTSD to "High School Football Injury"
By ItsNeverOver - June 4, 2008, 6:48PM
http://tpmcafe.talkingpointsmemo.com/talk/2008/06/va-chief-likens-ptsd-to-high-s.php
I recently traveled to Madison, WI, to interview Rachel and Josh, two young Iraq War veterans about the health issues they've dealt with, due to poor accountability for both the private contractors who are supposed to be supporting our troops, and for the mental health needs of returning soldiers.
When I interviewed Josh about his difficulties seeking help for his PTSD, he recounted the whole horrific process with a smile on his face and a self-effacing laugh. It took me a while to realize that Josh laughed about his troubles because the seriousness of the situation was overpowering. Unfortunately, even the VA is starting to turn its back on the gravity of this problem, even as it escalates to frightening proportions.
Apparently, VA Secretary James Peake is not troubled by the fact that one in five veterans are diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, or that every day, 18 veterans commit suicide.
In a statement last week, Peake first referred to the growing concern surrounding the veterans' mental health crisis as “overblown,” then went on to say, “Many of the brain injuries are serious but some of them are akin to what anyone who played football in their youth might have suffered.”
Peake continued to belittle the devastating effects of war-induced brain injuries and mental disorders by saying, "Just because someone might need a little counseling when they get back, doesn't mean they need the PTSD label their whole lives."
Addressing the stigma of PTSD is one thing; downplaying the prevalence and devastation of this problem in order to deflect any responsibility of the VA is another. PTSD is an effect of our troops living through horrific scenes, burdened with stop-loss and extra tours of duty; left untreated, it can mark the lives of these young men and women for years and even decades.
The fact that the VA's mental health services are grossly insufficient is a problem that the VA needs to address before more veterans slip through the cracks .
Friday, June 6, 2008
VETERANS ADMINISTRATION CHIEF LIKENS PTSD TO "HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL INJURY"
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4 comments:
Decent coverage on the never ending three ring political circus called the VA Bro.
What gets my goat as a former Life Member of both DAV and VVA, is that as forward looking and thinking Vets groups like Vets for America, and VCS go after the VA Secretary, the leadership of the DAV takes a photo op with their arms wrapped around the General. In fact, in the recent issue of DAV Magazine, they have an article on testimony before Congress in which the DAV quotes Secretary of Veterans Affairs Peak as being concerned about the stigma of PTSD being applied to all Iraq and Afghanistan war Vets in the public eye. That is shear Stolen Valor Bullshit, and I for one am ashamed that the DAV, and too many other mainstream VSOs have been, and continue to be part of the problem instead of the solution.
Either they are blinded by Natonalism or kowtowing to a few members who just might happen to be as REPUBLICAN as Secretary Peak is.
PLEASE don't even try convincing the Mustang Major that VA management AND the upper leadership of Old Fashion VSO are not highly politicized. That's about the only thing keeping most of these Old Fart going. Their funny looking c--t caps and NATIONALISM.
That combination is going to spell DOOM for Vietnam the Next Generaton, unless Iraq and Afghanistan Vet organizers vow not to make the same MISTAKE VVA made and BECOME the American Legion and VFW, then brag about it.
Bobby Hanafin
Major, U.S. Air Force-Retire
Thanks Major Hanafin. I couldn't agree with you more.
Bill Corcoran, former cpl U.S. Army Combat Engingeer and host of this blog.
I HAVE A T.B.I. , LIVE NEAR CAMP PENDELTON AND WAS A CIVILIAN PSYCHOLOGIST FOR THE D.O.D., years ago . The P.T.S.D./T.B.I. Iraq soldiers i talk to are now being sent to the V.A.in Palo Alto/ Menlo Park from the Naval Hospital in San Diego . Where they'll get final evaluations and determination of % disability . My micro-lesions type of T.B.I. wasn't detected by C.T. or M.R.I. SCANS . I wonder about my experience that brain injuries didn't really impact me until i tryed to learn new skills and adjust to new settings . Most of these soldiers can do many military skills that are 2nd nature . Yet they're leaving the military and that's when it will hit them , trying to master civilian living skills .. The V.A./ D.O.D. is still a giant H.M.O. and won't want to do the more expensive P.E.T. & S.P.E.C.T. BRAIN SCANS . William Cummings, Oceanside Calif.
To: William Cummings:
Thanks for sharing your personal experiences with the readers of my blog and with me. You have provided valuable information.
Thanks, also, for your service to our country.
Bill Corcoran, editor of CORKSPHERE
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