FYI - Mark

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PTSD UPDATE 17: The Veterans Affairs Department has dumped a policy requiring combat vets to verify in writing that they have witnessed or experienced a traumatic event before filing a claim for post-traumatic stress disorder, said the chairman of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee. In the past, a veteran has had to provide written verification — a statement from a commander or doctor, or testimony from co-workers — that he or she was involved in a traumatic situation in order to receive disability compensation for PTSD from VA. The Defense Department uses the same rules in evaluating PTSD for disability retirement pay. The rule also slows the process as veterans wait for yet more documentation before their claims may be processed. Sen. Daniel Akaka [D-HI] said he asked VA Secretary James Peake if the rule was necessary, and asked that it be removed. Peake agreed. In the future, veterans will be diagnosed with PTSD through a medical examination with no further proof necessary, Akaka said, adding that he’s been told that Peake has already informed VA regional offices of the decision.

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