The Disabled American Veterans (DAV) has a growing concern about the effects of wartime exposures especially those being identified in the newest generation of disabled veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Military deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan are among the most demanding since the Vietnam War over four decades ago. In addition to causing the heavy physical injuries and casualties, the rates of “invisible” wounds of war: post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, substance abuse, suicide, and family distress, for those who have served in Operations Iraqi Freedom/Operation Enduring Freedom (OIF/OEF) are dramatically high and rising. All too often these conditions go unreported and unrecognized.

There are several reasons for the emergence of PTSD in these veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan. Many studies have shown that more frequent and more intense involvement in combat operations increases the risk of developing PTSD, major depression, and other associated mental health conditions. Military commanders report that the combat environment in Iraq is very intense and service members are being returned for two, three or even four deployments. Furthermore, our military is fighting an insurgency war without clearly identifiable front or enemies; these conditions result in an environment where constant vigilance is necessary because there are no safe places and no safe roles. For an increasing number of veterans, these stressors are having devastating mental health consequences and are resulting in historically high rates of PTSD.

Since the beginning of the Global War on Terrorism, more than 1.64 million American military members have served in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Of those who have been discharged from active duty, approximately 38% have used VA healthcare services and one quarter have filed disability compensation claims. Overall, mental health conditions are the second most common category of medical conditions for which veterans apply for disability compensation. PTSD is the most common mental health diagnosis for which veterans receive disability benefits. Between fiscal year 1999-2004, PTSD compensation payments increased by 150%.

Unfortunately, for decades, the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA) has been under funded and was ill equipped to handle the increased demand for its services. However, Congress has now made funding for VA programs a priority, although annual budgets are still delayed, which puts needless pressure on VA to meet the increased demands. Until Congress addresses the need for budget reform to provide VA with a sufficient, timely and predictable budget for health care, veterans will continue to be denied timely access to the medical services they have earned. Until budget reform is implemented, VA’s attempts to outreach to veterans in need of medical care, especially mental health care will only further backlog a health care system that is overburden now.

Veterans who have earned the right to VA health care and who need VA’s special medical services deserve to receive that care when needed. Now, not later, or when it is too late.

Joseph Violante is national legislative director of Disabled American Veterans.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, April 30th, 2008 at 1:44 pm and is filed under Politics .