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Military Psychiatric-Care Overhaul Urged
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According to Cruz, VA officials told him that a records search yesterday had confirmed that his Army Commendation Medal With Valor -- awarded for his help in catching the Iraqi leader -- had been left off his records. Cruz said he was told that his application for disability compensation would be reopened and expedited.
VA officials said they are aware of the growing PTSD problem. Last week, for instance, Nicholson directed the department's 153 medical centers to extend their hours to ensure that veterans can reach VA's more than 9,000 mental-health professionals when they need them.
This month, William F. Feeley, VA's deputy undersecretary for health, directed top department officials to implement new mental-health initiatives by Aug. 1, including a requirement that all veterans asking for mental-health or substance-abuse care be evaluated within 24 hours.
"The VA takes its role as the leader in mental health in this country very seriously," Mondello said.
Lawmakers in Congress also noted the PTSD crisis.
"Certainly you need a whole new attitude from the top leadership on mental health," said Rep. Bob Filner (D-Calif.), chairman of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Military leaders "have got to say, 'It's okay to admit this and get treated for it. It's not going to affect your promotions.' "
Sen. Daniel K. Akaka (D-Hawaii), chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs, said the committee is scheduled to consider legislation next week that would extend automatic health-care coverage for combat veterans to five years, up from two, so they can receive treatment for mental illnesses that can take years to surface.
A congressionally mandated Pentagon mental-health task force issued a report with 90 recommendations on Friday, and Rep. John M. McHugh (R-N.Y.), who was involved in establishing the panel, said he is hopeful that the Pentagon "will use the task force findings to straighten this ship up and do a better job."
Rep. Susan A. Davis (D-Calif.), a member of the House Armed Services Committee, said she is encouraged that the Pentagon report called for overhauling the system of care for mentally wounded service members. "They seem to take the issue for what it is, which is a need to transform the way we respond," said Davis, who has introduced legislation to create two Defense Department centers dedicated to understanding and treating military mental health.
