Concern Over Mental Care for Iraq War Vets
The Times account of decreased funding for veterans’ mental healthcare (March 20) leaves the impression that the state of this care is a matter of “debate.” But the Government Accountability Office and the Veterans Administration’s own special committee on post-traumatic stress disorder in October 2004 warned that the “VA does not have sufficient capacity to do this.”
Approximately 15% of Iraq veterans will experience this disorder and another 15% will experience major depression, both conditions associated with severe morbidity, prolonged disability and significant mortality (suicide).
Despite the existence of highly effective treatment for these disorders, most veterans will not receive effective treatments because of fear, stigma and lack of treatment facilities and providers. The VA has repeatedly cut funding for mental health and post-traumatic stress disorder. There has been no significant spending to accommodate the 300,000-plus soldiers who will suffer from severe mental health disorders upon their return from Iraq. As a psychiatrist specializing in this combat-related disorder, I have witnessed the profound suffering of hundreds of veterans over the last 15 years.
The brave young people who risked their lives to defend our country deserve more.
Bruce L. Kagan MD
Staff Psychiatrist
Greater L.A. VA
Healthcare System
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