thedrifter
07-06-06, 05:23 PM
July 06, 2006
Veterans benefits commission to focus on PTSD
By Rick Maze
Times staff writer
The Veterans’ Disability Benefits Commission will focus on post-traumatic stress syndrome during its July 13 meeting.
Commissioners will look at studies being conducted by the Center for Naval Analyses and the Institute of Medicine on how the military diagnoses and assesses new PTSD cases and also at post-deployment health programs and how eligibility for benefits is verified.
On July 14, the commission will look at programs to help seriously disabled service members and veterans.
Commission meetings are held in Washington, D.C., for the 13-member group, appointed by Congress and the president, to study military and veterans’ compensation and other assistance related to service-connected deaths and disabilities. A final report from the commission is not expected until fall 2007.
Dramatic increases in the number of PTSD cases reported among Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans have been a major concern for Congress and the Bush administration, with disagreements surfacing about whether enough steps are being taken to locate and provide treatment for PTSD sufferers. Post-deployment health access has been a major concern for National Guard and reserve members who often live too far from military or veterans’ hospitals to easily receive what help is available.
Retired Army Lt. Gen. James T. Scott is chairman of the commission, which has stirred controversy by creating at least the perception that wants to cut benefits.
Commissioners have discussed cutting disability payments if a cross-check of records shows a veteran is receiving other federal benefits for the same disability. They have also talked about their interest in better job training and employment programs so disabled veterans can find work more easily.
Commissioners have denied considering cuts in benefits, saying they are just trying to get a better idea of the overall financial situation of disabled veterans.
How adequately VA benefits replace lost income is one of the core decisions facing the commission under its congressional mandate. Administration officials expect the panel to find that many disability ratings need to be updated because many service-connected disabilities no longer pose serious problems in holding down a well-paying civilian job.
The Institute of Medicine has several contracts with the commission to look at specific benefits questions. On PTSD, the institute is looking, specifically, at the accuracy of screening techniques and how to compensate and treat veterans afflicted with PTSD.
The commission’s Web site has more details about the time and location of the July 13 and 14 meeting and town meetings planned around the U.S.
Ellie
Veterans benefits commission to focus on PTSD
By Rick Maze
Times staff writer
The Veterans’ Disability Benefits Commission will focus on post-traumatic stress syndrome during its July 13 meeting.
Commissioners will look at studies being conducted by the Center for Naval Analyses and the Institute of Medicine on how the military diagnoses and assesses new PTSD cases and also at post-deployment health programs and how eligibility for benefits is verified.
On July 14, the commission will look at programs to help seriously disabled service members and veterans.
Commission meetings are held in Washington, D.C., for the 13-member group, appointed by Congress and the president, to study military and veterans’ compensation and other assistance related to service-connected deaths and disabilities. A final report from the commission is not expected until fall 2007.
Dramatic increases in the number of PTSD cases reported among Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans have been a major concern for Congress and the Bush administration, with disagreements surfacing about whether enough steps are being taken to locate and provide treatment for PTSD sufferers. Post-deployment health access has been a major concern for National Guard and reserve members who often live too far from military or veterans’ hospitals to easily receive what help is available.
Retired Army Lt. Gen. James T. Scott is chairman of the commission, which has stirred controversy by creating at least the perception that wants to cut benefits.
Commissioners have discussed cutting disability payments if a cross-check of records shows a veteran is receiving other federal benefits for the same disability. They have also talked about their interest in better job training and employment programs so disabled veterans can find work more easily.
Commissioners have denied considering cuts in benefits, saying they are just trying to get a better idea of the overall financial situation of disabled veterans.
How adequately VA benefits replace lost income is one of the core decisions facing the commission under its congressional mandate. Administration officials expect the panel to find that many disability ratings need to be updated because many service-connected disabilities no longer pose serious problems in holding down a well-paying civilian job.
The Institute of Medicine has several contracts with the commission to look at specific benefits questions. On PTSD, the institute is looking, specifically, at the accuracy of screening techniques and how to compensate and treat veterans afflicted with PTSD.
The commission’s Web site has more details about the time and location of the July 13 and 14 meeting and town meetings planned around the U.S.
Ellie