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Akaka Reacts to Report on VA PTSD Compensation
May 8, 2007
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Daniel K. Akaka (D-HI), Chairman of the Veterans' Affairs Committee, released the following statement today in response to a report by the Institute of Medicine and National Research Council on "PTSD Compensation and Military Service." The report raised questions about the effectiveness of VA's system of assessing and rating post-traumatic stress disorder, a condition that afflicts a large number of combat veterans: "Our nation's veterans need to have confidence that the assessment and rating systems used to diagnose and treat PTSD are appropriate and consistent, whether they live in Hawaii or Virginia," Akaka said. "Over one million servicemembers have been sent overseas to fight the Global War on Terrorism, and unfortunately, the number of PTSD claims is certain to continue increasing. To ensure that veterans returning home from Iraq and Afghanistan receive the care they need and deserve, VA must take action now." Specifically, Chairman Akaka says the VA should implement the following recommendations made by the Institute of Medicine and the National Research Council today: - Establish a specific certification program for raters who deal with PTSD claims, with the training to support it and periodic recertification.
- Make compensation decisions based on the overall affect of PTSD rather than on a veteran's ability to be "gainfully employed." (The focus on occupational impairment in the current rating scheme penalizes veterans who can and do work despite their symptoms, and may serve as a disincentive to work.)
- Require a thorough, initial evaluation performed by an experienced professional to improve PTSD compensation ratings decisions.
- Establish a standard amount of time to be devoted to PTSD evaluations, to ensure proper initial examinations and detailed diagnosis, as well as consistency in care and treatment.
"VA must follow-up on the report's recommendation and make a concerted effort to help disability raters better address the management of PTSD claims, "Chairman Akaka said. -30-
Year: 2008 , [2007] , 2006 , 2005 , 2004 , 2003 , 2002 , 2001 , 2000 , 1999 , 1900
May 2007
- Akaka Reviewing Proposal to Replace Non-Foreign COLA with Locality Pay for Federal Workers in Hawaii, Alaska, Territories [May 30, 2007]
- The Iraq Accountability Project: A Wrap-Up of This Week's Senate Oversight on Iraq [May 25, 2007]
- Senate Approves Akaka Amendment to Immigration Bill: Filipino Veterans Family Reunification Act [May 24, 2007]
- Senate Floor Statement: Akaka introduces amendment to immigration bill, the "Filipino Veterans Family Reunification Act" [May 24, 2007]
- Akaka Legislation on Traumatic Brian Injury and Combat Veterans' Access to Care Recieve Strong Support [May 23, 2007]
- Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Approves Nomination of Dr. Michael Kussman to Be Va Undersecretary of Health [May 22, 2007]
- Chairman Akaka Praises VA Agreement to Notify Injured Vets of Potential Medical Expense Reimbursement [May 18, 2007]
- Akaka Holds Hearing to Discuss the Impact of Health Care Premiums on Federal Workers [May 18, 2007]
- Akaka Applauds Final Passage of Budget Resolution Conference Report [May 17, 2007]
- Chairman Akaka Praises Placement Of Blinded Care Specialist For Hawaii Veterans [May 16, 2007]
- Akaka Holds Hearing On Nomination Of Dr. Michael Kussman To Be Veterans Affairs Under Secretary For Health [May 16, 2007]
- Akaka Introduces Legislation to Help Homeless Veterans [May 14, 2007]
- More than $2.4 Million in Homeland Security Funds For Hawaii and Honolulu, Inouye and Akaka Announce
[May 10, 2007]
- "Akaka Bill" & Hawaiian Homeownership Act Approved by Senate Committee [May 10, 2007]
- More Than $2.4 Million in Homeland Security Funds for Hawaii and Honolulu, Inouye and Akaka Announce [May 10, 2007]
- Akaka Applauds Creation of Advisory Committee for Iraq/Afghanistan Veterans and Families [May 9, 2007]
- Akaka Introduces Bill to Protect Federal Employees Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination [May 9, 2007]
- Akaka Holds Hearing to Review Veterans' Benefits Legistation [May 9, 2007]
- Akaka Reacts to Report on VA PTSD Compensation [May 8, 2007]
- Honolulu Star-Bulletin Editorial: "Prepare for a battle to pass Akaka Bill" [May 4, 2007]
- Senate Indian Affairs Committee Holds Hearing on "Akaka Bill" [May 3, 2007]
- Senators Durbin, Akaka, and Cochran Introduce Bipartisan Homeland Security Education Act to Increase Math, Science, and Foreign Language Instruction [May 3, 2007]
- Akaka Resolution Honoring Government Employees Passes Senate [May 2, 2007]
- Audio News Release: Akaka Calls President Bush’s Veto of Iraq Funding Bill a “Huge Mistake” [May 1, 2007]
- Akaka Introduces Legislation to Solve Problems with Department of Defense Disability Evaluation System [May 1, 2007]
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