LaHood: Proposed bill to increase access to PTSD treatment for U.S. service members         

[March 07, 2007]  WASHINGTON -- U.S. Reps. Ray LaHood, R-Peoria, Ill., and Jim Moran, D-Va., introduced legislation Tuesday that will provide U.S. servicemen and veterans better access to treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder. The legislation is titled the "Lane Evans Mental Health and Benefits Act."

"Our government has a solemn responsibility for do everything we can to care for those who have served our nation in the military," said LaHood. "Whether they be active duty in Iraq or veterans from World War II, Congress must ensure our military women and men have access to the best available health care. That is why we have introduced this legislation, which addresses serious a disorder faced by many of those who have served."

Post-traumatic stress disorder is an anxiety disorder that occurs following the experience or witnessing of a life-threatening event such as military combat, natural disasters, terrorist incidents, serious accidents, or physical or sexual assault.

Post-traumatic stress disorder often prevents returning soldiers, veterans and their families from living a normal life. A recent study from the National Center for PTSD reports that over half of PTSD sufferers had a lifetime diagnosis of alcoholism and over a third had a lifetime drug abuse diagnosis. In some cases, PTSD has led to suicide.

The Lane Evans Mental Health and Improvement Benefits Act makes five significant changes to positively impact mental health services for our nation's servicemen and women and veterans:

1. Extends VA mental health care. Currently, there is only a two-year window to provide newly returning veterans free health care screening and referral services. However, it can take many years for symptoms of PTSD and other mental health problems to manifest themselves. This bill would provide a five-year window for veterans to receive a free assessment of mental health medical needs by the VA.

2. Requires face-to-face medical exams. The Department of Defense currently requires service members to answer a basic questionnaire to determine if they need to be referred for treatment. Soldiers are typically in a rush to get back home when returning from a deployment and don't necessarily give these questions much thought. The department should instead conduct mandatory individualized mental health screenings for every service member 30 to 90 days after deployment.

3. Establishes a Global War on Terror registry to track health care data. The registry would collect aggregate data on Global War on Terror service members and veterans to monitor their health care and benefit use. The data will help lead to better budget forecasting and avoid shortfalls. A similar effort was undertaken after the Gulf War.

4. Requires equal transition services for Guardsmen and reservists. A 2005 GAO report found that demobilization for Guardsmen and reservists is accelerated, and these units get abbreviated and fewer transition assistances.

5. Requires secure electronic records. The Department of Defense should provide a full, secure electronic copy of all medical records at the time of discharge.

[Text from news release received from Rep. Ray LaHood, 18th Congressional District]