| |
|
|
|
|
|
Posts Tagged ‘Veterans Mental Health’
Friday, March 29th, 2013
The 2013 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) is being considered a boon to the elimination of military sexual assault, and could improve support for victims, which may include veterans mental health services. Many of the provisions in the bill are targeted toward better investigation and improved military reporting of cases of military sexual assault.
Some of the highlights of the bill include:
- Formation of an independent review panel to examine how the Defense Department investigates and prosecutes military sexual assault cases.
- Prohibiting recruitment of civilians who have been previously convicted of felony sexual assault.
- Improving data collection and reporting of military sexual assault cases.
- Notifying servicemembers of resources and rights following an assault.
- Extending restricted report documentation to up to 50 years (if the victim wishes) so victims can receive veterans mental health or physical treatment while remaining anonymous.
In 2011 the Department of Defense reported 3,192 cases of military sexual assault. Officials believe this number is significantly higher – potentially as high as 19,000, according to Stars and Stripes. One of the reasons the data on sexual assaults and harassment is so skewed may be due to the lingering stigma of reporting such incidents.
Veterans who have suffered trauma from a military sexual assault may develop veterans mental health issues such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Even those who file a report of the assault and seek help may still suffer mental disorders and physical harm from the incident.
The Law Offices of LaVan & Neidenberg, P.A. is ready to help disabled veterans who suffer physical or mental disorders due to injuries or exposures during their military service. To learn if you are entitled to certain programs and benefits contact our veteran’s disability rights firm today – 1-888-234-5758.
Tags: military sexual assault, PTSD, Veterans Mental Health
Posted in General, US Military Legislation | No Comments »
Monday, March 11th, 2013
Decisions on veterans’ mental health are being called into question as a new bill introduced by Congressman Tim Waltz of Minnesota urges the Department of Defense (DoD) to review thousands of decisions for veterans benefits.
The bill would require the DoD to review more than 31,000 records of veterans who received medical discharges after being diagnosed with “personality disorder” or “adjustment disorder”. Veterans who suffer from mental health disorders are typically qualified to receive veterans mental health disability benefits when the disorders are developed due to their military service.
However, personality disorder is considered a pre-existing condition under veteran’s disability classifications, and therefore would disqualify a veteran from disability benefits. Lawmakers believe that many of these veterans may actually be suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) which is covered under veterans’ mental health disability benefits.
Personality disorder causes individuals to have problems relating to situations and people. Some types of personality disorders include:
- borderline personality disorder, which causes emotional instability;
- antisocial personality disorder, which causes patients to react abnormally and destructively toward others; and
- narcissistic personality disorder, which causes an inflated sense of importance and need for admiration.
Borderline and antisocial personality disorder may cause symptoms similar to PTSD, which is why lawmakers and veterans advocates believe many disabled veterans may have been misdiagnosed and their rights to veterans’ disability benefits violated in the process.
If the Servicemembers Mental Health Review Act of 2013 passes into law, it could potentially send those thousands of veterans’ records back into review to see if they are able to qualify for veterans disability benefits. In 2008, a review of records by the Government Accountability Office found that many veterans were misdiagnosed for personality disorders due to a failure by doctors to follow required diagnostic procedures and guidelines.
Veterans’ mental health disability benefits are often available to veterans who suffer severe mental disorders such as PTSD and anxiety. When a mental health disorder is developed due to military service, it may be classified as a service-connected disability and qualify a veteran to receive veterans disability benefits.
The Law Offices of LaVan & Neidenberg, P.A. is a South Florida disability law firm focused on helping disabled military veterans receive the benefits to which they may be entitled. Contact our veteran’s disability rights firm today – 1-888-234-5758.
Tags: personality disorder, PTSD, Veterans Mental Health
Posted in Disabled Veterans, General, US Military Legislation, Veterans' Disability | No Comments »
Wednesday, February 13th, 2013
A February 11 announcement from the Department of Veterans Affairs revealed that the agency is closing in on its goal of hiring 1,600 new mental clinicians and 300 mental health support staff. Since President Obama’s executive order in August 2012, the VA has hired 1,058 mental health clinical providers and 223 administrative support staff members.
These additional positions are helping improve the mental health care available to veterans across the U.S. The Veterans Crisis Line (VCL) is also being expanded under the executive order, with more staff being hired and trained to respond to veterans’ calls. At the end of 2012, the VCL reported that it had handled over 747,000 calls, 83,000 online chats, and 5,000 texts to help save more than 26,000 veterans in imminent danger.
Mental Health Care is Available to All Veterans
The VA health care system provides free mental health care to any veteran in need of assistance. The VA mental health care system is one of the largest workforces in the nation. Veterans are able to obtain care from mental health professionals such as psychiatrists, social workers, marriage and family therapists, and addictions therapists.
Some veterans may suffer from mental health disorders such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and some may develop addictions to alcohol, drugs or prescription medications after the traumas of war. The VA can offer counseling, support and treatment for these and other mental health disorders.
If you are suffering from mental health disorders that cause disability in your daily life, you may be eligible for veterans’ disability benefits. The veterans disability attorneys at the Law Offices of LaVan & Neidenberg, P.A. can help you apply for veterans’ disability benefits. Contact us at 1-888-234-5758.
Tags: Mental Health Care, VA health care, Veterans Mental Health
Posted in General, VA News, Veterans' Resources | No Comments »
Thursday, September 27th, 2012
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) are two of the most serious disabling conditions that can impair a soldier or veteran after combat-related injuries or traumatic events.
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Department of Defense (DoD) are joining forces to fund a $100 million research project to develop new diagnostic and treatment methods for these disabling conditions. Two research groups will participate: the Consortium to Alleviate PTSD (CAP) and the Chronic Effects of Neurotrauma Consortium (CENC). They will be managed by both the VA and the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP) for the DoD.
PTSD and TBI are among the most common combat-related injuries that soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan may suffer. Even veterans from previous military service eras may suffer from these conditions years after they have served their country. These disabling conditions can cause mental disorders and physical limitations that may qualify a veteran for a disability rating.
If you experience symptoms of any mental or physical disorder that could be related to combat trauma or injury, you should discuss your options with a veterans’ disability attorney. You may qualify for veterans’ disability benefits with the proper evidence and diagnosis.
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 veteran’s disability rights firm today – 1-888-234-5758.
Tags: health studies, PTSD, TBI, Veterans Mental Health
Posted in Disabled Veterans, General, VA News | No Comments »
Monday, August 20th, 2012
A 2007 report on the Department of Veterans’ Affairs website examined the prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among Vietnam veterans, finding that ethnic veterans suffered from this disorder at a higher rate than white veterans. The report cautioned that not all reports were consistent, but noted that the cumulative findings may suggest a higher risk of PTSD among minority servicemembers and veterans.
The report cites a 1990 study, the National Vietnam Veterans Readjustment Study, which found rates of current PTSD at the time were 28% for Hispanic Vietnam vets, 21% for African American vets, and 14% for white vets. The VA report also indicated a higher rate of lifetime PTSD events among minorities compared to white veterans – 45-57% for American Indians, 43% for African Americans, 39% for Hispanics, 38% for Native Hawaiians, and 24% for whites.
In VA reports, many experts have concluded that ethnic minority veterans, especially Hispanics and African-Americans, are exposed to more war trauma and stresses than their Caucasian counterparts. One study on PTSD rates accounted for the additional stressors to Hispanic veterans and still found that rates for the disorder were higher than Caucasian soldiers.
PTSD may occur in any servicemember regardless of ethnicity. Many veterans advocates believe that the recently higher rates of PTSD in the Iraq and Afghanistan veterans is due to the higher occurrence of servicemembers who deploy on multiple tours with little time between orders. A 2008 RAND study found that about 18.5% of veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars experience PTSD or depression.
Veterans of any era who suffer from PTSD have the right to file a veterans’ disability claim to seek benefits from the VA. Through the services and amenities offered with these benefits, a disabled veteran may cope with their symptoms and find help in leading a healthy veteran life.
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 veteran’s disability rights firm today – 1-888-234-5758.
Tags: hispanic veterans, PTSD, Veterans Mental Health
Posted in Disabled Veterans, General, Iraq-Afghanistan War, Vietnam veterans | No Comments »
Friday, August 10th, 2012
Earlier this year, the misdiagnosis or revocation of several cases of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has led to several investigations of the mental health screening process. An official policy released by the Army Surgeon General’s Office hopes to prevent situations, such as those that occurred at the Madigan Army Medical Center, from taking place again.
According to Veterans News Now, the new policy specifically criticizes the tests used to rule that a servicemember or veteran is faking the symptoms of PTSD. These tests were used at Madigan to revoke or deny hundreds of disability ratings for veterans in need of mental health care.
Another point of scrutiny identified in the policy was the use of written test questions used to determine if a servicemember was faking PTSD symptoms for financial gain. Hundreds of questions were used to make these determinations, and Army officials concluded that a poor score on the test was not always an indication of malingering for benefits, as there was no proof of intent gathered from the results.
After the Madigan investigations, it was found that servicemembers who faked PTSD symptoms were a rare occurrence and that the disabling condition is unfortunately becoming more common. Symptoms of PTSD can include flashbacks, anxiety, nightmares, depression, and emotional instability, which can all cause disability in a veterans’ daily life.
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.
Tags: PTSD, Veterans disability, Veterans Mental Health
Posted in General, US Military Legislation, Veterans' Disability | No Comments »
Tuesday, June 26th, 2012
According to Stars and Stripes, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is implementing new policies regarding the use of the Telehealth system. These policies include the removal of co-pays for appointments, and the development of 800 mobile units to help provide video consultations. These consultations for certain physical and mental conditions may help qualify a veteran for disability benefits.
The VA has set a goal of 200,000 Telehealth appointments by the end of fiscal year 2012, which would be a 30% increase from 2011. Telehealth consultations are primarily focused on diagnosing and treating the mental health of veterans who may be suffering from a disabling condition such as post-traumatic stress disorder.
A recent VA Inspector General report revealed a lack of accurate record keeping for mental health patients. It was also found that there had been a problem with overly long wait times for these same patients. Expanding their remote conferencing services would play a vital role in helping the VA fix these issues while remaining cost effective.
Increasing the range of mental health care services available to veterans in remote areas has been one of the focuses of the VA as more veterans return from the Iraq and Afghanistan wars suffering from mental conditions. With other situations, such as military sexual trauma, also creating mental disorders and increasing suicide risk, getting a mental health assessment and treatment is something no veteran should be unable to obtain.
Telehealth conferences are an efficient and convenient way for many disabled veterans to receive health care without the hassle of travel. To qualify for benefits such as these through the VA, a veterans’ disability attorney can help you file a claim for your rightful veterans’ disability benefits.
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 veteran’s disability rights firm today – 1-888-234-5758.
Tags: Telehealth services, Veterans Mental Health
Posted in Veterans' Benefits | No Comments »
Friday, June 15th, 2012
According to Veterans News Now, earlier this year Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA) Secretary Eric K. Shinseki announced that the VA will be hiring 1,600 mental health clinicians and 300 support staff in an effort to improve mental health care at hospitals and clinics across the U.S. To help reach this goal, the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) has developed a rapid recruitment program to fill these jobs.
The VHA is targeting their efforts in the regions where the need for mental health care is the most critical as in more rural regions. Using professional recruiters, who are themselves veterans, will ensure that those hired are adequately meeting the needs of veterans. Coupled with an aggressive marketing campaign, the VA anticipates they can complete the majority of hires within six months. More complex positions will be covered by the fall of 2013.
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has been struggling with low staff numbers in their mental health service clinics and departments at VA hospitals. Despite new remote counseling services that the Telehealth system is providing to veterans unable to travel for care, many disabled veterans struggle alone with their anxiety and emotional disorders.
With the increased mental health professionals on staff, there will hopefully be more resources available to serve veterans who suffer from mental conditions, such as post-traumatic stress disorder, qualifying them for veterans’ disability. The VA’s goal is not just to meet current demands but also to anticipate what future disabled veterans will need.
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 veteran’s disability rights firm today – 1-888-234-5758.
Tags: Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Mental Health
Posted in Disabled Veterans, General, VA News, Veterans' Disability | No Comments »
Monday, April 9th, 2012
Recent reviews of the staffing at many hospitals and clinics supported by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) have shown a serious shortage of psychiatrists available to attend to veterans with mental conditions.
The VA reports that there’s a 15% national vacancy rate for mental health professionals at VA run hospitals and clinics. This number is as high as 20% in some areas, such as the northwest and south. In September 2011, it was determined that 266 psychiatrists needed to be hired at VA facilities across the U.S. to meet increasing demands, yet the hiring process was taking an average of 8 months to complete.
This news is concerning to many disabled veterans who are seeking diagnosis and treatment for common mental health disorders connected to their military service. Many veterans are waiting weeks, even months for evaluation or treatment for conditions, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which is diagnosed to 10,000 veterans every 3 months.
Applying and qualifying for veterans’ disability benefits is an important step in becoming eligible for mental health treatment through the VA hospitals. A veteran who’s experiencing symptoms of a mental disorder should get in touch with a veterans’ disability attorney to learn about their right to evaluation and treatment for their condition, even if it may take some time to obtain service from a VA psychiatrist.
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 veteran’s disability rights firm today – 1-888-234-5758.
Tags: Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans disability, Veterans Mental Health
Posted in General, VA News, Veterans' Disability | No Comments »
Wednesday, March 21st, 2012
Drone pilots are part of the latest soldier populations to be evaluated for issues regarding soldiers’ mental health, during deployment. The role of drone pilots may seem safe from physical hazards, but the schedules, remote combat exposure, and emotional situations these soldiers are placed in can create mental hazards instead.
Soldiers involved in the drone aircraft programs fill a variety of roles, but the conditions are similar: long hours staring at computer screens where they witness combat from thousands of miles away with little or no ability to react. While most of a drone pilots’ duties involve surveillance and little enemy attack, they must bear witness to the attacks involving the ground troops.
In recent evaluations by the Air Force, drone pilots may often feel a sense of helplessness when they see ground troops in active combat and can’t intervene to help. Many reported emotional turmoil when they had to survey battle zones for casualty reports.
Facing these difficult emotional situations, during active duty, can lead to future long-term damage to a soldiers’ mental health. While the Air Force is helping current soldiers cope, by offering better access to psychologists and chaplains, for recent Iraq and Afghanistan War veterans the damage may already have been done.
Psychological disabilities are among the many conditions that may qualify veterans for disability benefits. It’s necessary to have mental health evaluations and evidence to support your claim, which an attorney can help you with.
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 veteran’s disability rights firm today – 1-888-234-5758.
Tags: drone pilots, Veterans Disability Benefits, Veterans Mental Health
Posted in General, Iraq-Afghanistan War, Veterans' Benefits, Veterans' Disability | No Comments »
|
| |
|
|
|
