New PTSD Laws = Awesome

So there I was, hunkered down in a fox hole, looking over at my battle buddy, clutching to my rifle for strength.  Mortars and rockets rained upon us in an almost constant deluge.  Poking our heads up, we confirmed the obvious; we were behind the ‘protective wall’ surrounding our FOB and there was nothing we could do to negate the threat.  As another explosion rocked the compound, we heard the sound of safety; a couple of helicopters heading towards the threat to neutralize it.  After five minutes and thinking everything was clear, we left the protective bomb shelter and started to return to our previous duties when another rocket exploded.  Less than 20 feet away from me, a tent disappeared into a cloud of smoke and concussive sound.

Years later, I’ve found out that this type of experience is considered ‘near death’.  The after effects of it can include a variety of symptoms, some of which are managed through counseling and drugs.  The United States Department of Veterans Affairs offers assistance and compensation for the wounded warriors of our society.  From assistance training for a job to a monthly stipend based on your level of disability, the VA is a one stop resource for veterans to help get back to a ‘regular’ life.  It is the only government resource available of its type.  No other organization will give you cash for being wounded in the defense of our country.

For decades, doctors have known that combat troops have frequently undergone near death experiences which have changed them mentally.  The most of common condition is called Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, PTSD.  In order to get a claim through the VA so you can receive support, financial or otherwise, it must first be validated that the condition exists.  If you are missing an arm, they want to see the stump.  A little messed up in the head?  Prove it.  The largest burden was on the actual veteran to prove that they experienced an event while in the service which has led to PTSD.  The time it took for the process was so long that most veterans gave up after the initial request is denied.  Veterans were being forced to prove that they underwent a traumatic experience in order to receive help.

July of this year, legislation was finally passed that makes the process easier and quicker.  Instead of having to prove that the story I wrote above was true, I just need to point to my deployment record to show that I was in Baghdad during several major attacks.  Unless solid evidence to the contrary is produced, a psychiatrist can evaluate the veteran and determine their qualification.  So now, instead of a lengthy process to submit a claim, have it evaluated, rejected, appealed, denied again… the veteran states their case, has it backed up by a doctor and service record and it on their way to receiving treatment.

While I’m typically against most things Obama has done or put in motion, this is definitely a clear case to back the Commander in Chief.