More mental health care, abuse aid in VA bill

More mental health care, abuse aid in VA bill
Audrey Hudson (Contact)
Friday, September 26, 2008

Legislation passed by the House on Thursday would expand veterans' treatment for substance abuse and mental health care, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), as well as provide counseling for families of veterans.

The House approved by voice votes the Veterans' Mental Health and Other Care Improvements Act and the Veterans' Benefits Improvements Act.

The Senate is expected to pass both measures before Congress wraps up its work this weekend.

The benefits package would provide a faster system to process claims, expand pilot programs that offer adjustable rate loans and offer legal help to military reservists who lose their jobs because they are deployed overseas.

"It's a disgrace that veterans have to wait months or years for the benefits they have earned because of a bureaucracy that simply doesn't work," said Rep. John Hall, New York Democrat.

"A nimble, responsive VA claims system could go a long way to help our nation live up to its commitment to care for wounded veterans and their families. It could prevent suicides, bankruptcies, poverty, family disruptions and homelessness among our nation's disabled veterans," Mr. Hall said.

Rep. Bob Filner, California Democrat and chairman of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee, said the bills would help modernize the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to become a "21st-century world class entity that reflects the selfless and priceless sacrifices of those it serves - our veterans, their families survivors."
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