Spring Break
Iraqnophobia Must Be Treated
Terrence Detoy
Issue date: 9/23/05 Section: Commentary
In response, the VA began to review one-third of all registered PTSD benefits receivers and essentially nullified their status and forced them to re-seek their benefits by registering with the VA for the second time. This time the VA had a much more strict criteria that needed to be met in order to qualify. Valid documentation, among other things, was necessary. The new policy was installed with a complex series of steps and procedures designed to shut out many veterans. Others are thwarted and have no idea what is going on. Many veterans are still checking their mailboxes each morning wondering why their check from the VA hasn't come in.
CNN reports only half of all PTSD victims returning from Iraq are seeking benefits from the VA for psychological help. Many fear retribution from the military, many fear for their professional career as soldiers. The Army has become adept at dissuading individuals from collecting their benefits by means of fear while the VA invents intricate maze-work to discourage PTSD veterans from collecting. It is a disgrace that these organizations have been forced to take such aggressive measures against veterans so funding for the war effort may increase. It would seem that in order for America to support its troops in Iraq, it must sacrifice the ones at home.
Sources:
http://www.wramc.amedd.army.mil/
http://www.afscme.org/action/fy2006. htm
http://www.democracymeansyou.com
http://www.truthout.org
http://www.vaiw.org
http://www.vawatchdog.org
http://www.thenewstribune.com
http://www.commondreams.org/ views03/0328-11.htm
CNN reports only half of all PTSD victims returning from Iraq are seeking benefits from the VA for psychological help. Many fear retribution from the military, many fear for their professional career as soldiers. The Army has become adept at dissuading individuals from collecting their benefits by means of fear while the VA invents intricate maze-work to discourage PTSD veterans from collecting. It is a disgrace that these organizations have been forced to take such aggressive measures against veterans so funding for the war effort may increase. It would seem that in order for America to support its troops in Iraq, it must sacrifice the ones at home.
Sources:
http://www.wramc.amedd.army.mil/
http://www.afscme.org/action/fy2006. htm
http://www.democracymeansyou.com
http://www.truthout.org
http://www.vaiw.org
http://www.vawatchdog.org
http://www.thenewstribune.com
http://www.commondreams.org/ views03/0328-11.htm