Coolidge Examiner: Vets find PTSD care easier
WASHINGTON, D.C. - New U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs rules that took effect last week will significantly increase access to mental health treatment for Greater Arizona Veterans with service-connected Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) according to U.S. Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick.
Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric Shinseki, who was strongly urged by Kirkpatrick, announced the improved guidelines July 15.
The new terms will ease the process for veterans seeking help by only requiring the individual to provide proof that they are or were active service in a war-zone and that they have been diagnosed with the illness by a VA specialist.
This replaces stricter documentation requirements, which prevented thousands of service men and women from getting help in the past.
The change eliminates strict documentation requirements that have delayed and denied mental health benefits for thousands of veterans.
“I am committed to helping Greater Arizona Veterans overcome bureaucratic obstacles and cut through the red tape in the VA’s claims process,” Kirkpatrick said. “These new guidelines will enable more of our fighting men and women to receive the vital services they have earned. This is a big step in my fight to make sure Washington keep its promises and ensure treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder is accessible to every District One Veteran who needs it.”
The new guidelines will benefit rural veterans most of all, cutting down on long trips to file claims, they will be able to attend appointments and receive treatments, which were key topics during a recent discussion between Kirkpatrick and Shinseki to a Veterans Medical Facility near Flagstaff a few weeks ago.
For more information contact Kirkpatrick’s office at (928) 445-3434.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - New U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs rules that took effect last week will significantly increase access to mental health treatment for Greater Arizona Veterans with service-connected Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) according to U.S. Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick.
Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric Shinseki, who was strongly urged by Kirkpatrick, announced the improved guidelines July 15.
The new terms will ease the process for veterans seeking help by only requiring the individual to provide proof that they are or were active service in a war-zone and that they have been diagnosed with the illness by a VA specialist.
This replaces stricter documentation requirements, which prevented thousands of service men and women from getting help in the past.
The change eliminates strict documentation requirements that have delayed and denied mental health benefits for thousands of veterans.
“I am committed to helping Greater Arizona Veterans overcome bureaucratic obstacles and cut through the red tape in the VA’s claims process,” Kirkpatrick said. “These new guidelines will enable more of our fighting men and women to receive the vital services they have earned. This is a big step in my fight to make sure Washington keep its promises and ensure treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder is accessible to every District One Veteran who needs it.”
The new guidelines will benefit rural veterans most of all, cutting down on long trips to file claims, they will be able to attend appointments and receive treatments, which were key topics during a recent discussion between Kirkpatrick and Shinseki to a Veterans Medical Facility near Flagstaff a few weeks ago.
For more information contact Kirkpatrick’s office at (928) 445-3434.
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