|
|
|
Akaka Urges VA to Work With DoD to Address Increase in PTSD Cases
May 28, 2008
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Daniel K. Akaka (D-HI), Chairman of the Veterans' Affairs Committee, today sent the following letter to Veterans Affairs Deputy Secretary Gordon H. Mansfield, in response to a recent report from the Army Surgeon General regarding the alarming 50 percent increase in PTSD cases in 2007. Chairman Akaka's letter is enclosed below: May 28, 2008The Honorable Gordon H. MansfieldDeputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs810 Vermont Avenue, NWWashington, DC 20420Dear Deputy Secretary Mansfield:The recent report from the Army Surgeon General that the number of PTSD cases increased by 50 percent in 2007 is alarming and cause for immediate action by the Government as a whole. I am cognizant that these cases of PTSD have been diagnosed in active duty personnel, and therefore not under your purview as Deputy Secretary of VA. However, I implore you, as Co-Chair of the Senior Oversight Committee, to use the assets and knowledge of VA to work with DoD to address this staggering increase in PTSD. VA's assets - both in terms of treatment modalities and years of experience - are substantial. Working together, I believe VA and DoD could develop a serious plan to deal with this epidemic. Given the prevalence of mental health conditions (including those going unreported) among active duty personnel and those servicemembers who have already transitioned to veterans status, we have an obligation to bring the full weight of the Government to bear on this situation. Unfortunately, we are all too familiar with the cost of untreated mental health needs, including the dissolution of families, unemployment, homelessness, and suicide. We must take all possible routes to avert such consequences for our newest warriors. Mr. Deputy Secretary, I urge you to work with DoD on this startling increase in the number of PTSD cases. I stand ready to assist you in any way necessary.
Year: [2008] , 2007 , 2006 , 2005 , 2004 , 2003 , 2002 , 2001 , 2000 , 1999 , 1900
May 2008
- Akaka Holds Hawaii Field Hearing on Federal Workers' Pay [May 29, 2008]
- Akaka Urges VA to Work With DoD to Address Increase in PTSD Cases [May 28, 2008]
- Filipino WWII Veterans to Thank Senator Akaka in Honolulu for Fighting for Recognition of Their Military Service [May 23, 2008]
- Akaka Holds Hearing on Security Clearance Reforms [May 22, 2008]
- Akaka Reacts to Votes on Iraq Policy, Funding and GI Bill [May 22, 2008]
- Committee Reviews Pending Veterans' Health Legislation [May 21, 2008]
- Akaka Cosponsors Warner Amendment Protecting Transerability of GI Bill Benefits to Family Members [May 20, 2008]
- Inspector General Report Finds That VA Continues to Inaccurately Report Patient Wait Times [May 19, 2008]
- Akaka Calls for Senate Support of 21st Century GI Bill [May 19, 2008]
- Farm Bill Draws Support of Isle Congressional Delegation [May 16, 2008]
- Akaka Requests Documents and Investigation of Veterans Affairs PTSD Diagnosis Following Disturbing Email [May 16, 2008]
- Akaka Calls VA Employee's Suggestion to Misdiagnose Veterans Disturbing and Disappointing [May 16, 2008]
- Veterans Business Resource Centers Get Critical Funding [May 15, 2008]
- Akaka Uses Oversight Authority to Formally Request Suicide Data from Department of Veterans Affairs [May 15, 2008]
- Senators Introduce Legislation to Ensure Fair Retirement Benefits for Federal Workers in Hawaii, Alaska and U.S. Territories [May 13, 2008]
- Success of Major DHS Acquisitions Depends on Clear Contract Requirements, Performance Standards [May 8, 2008]
- Hearing on Pending Veterans' Benefits Legislation [May 7, 2008]
- Senate Committee Approves Kalaupapa Memorial [May 7, 2008]
- More Data on Veteran Suicides Disclosed [May 6, 2008]
- More Data on Veteran Suicides Disclosed [May 6, 2008]
- Akaka Discusses Veteran Suicides with Veterans Affairs Secretary [May 5, 2008]
- Investigation of Veterans Nonprofit Research Corporations Finds Need for Stronger Oversight [May 5, 2008]
- Akaka Introduces Bill to Strengthen VA Medical Personnel Recruitment and Retention [May 2, 2008]
- Senators Announce Additional Funding for National Center on PTSD [May 2, 2008]
- Akaka Introduces Bill to Help Veterans Refinance Homes [May 1, 2008]
- Hearing on Guam Military Build-up [May 1, 2008]
- Akaka Urges Customs to Help Asian Visitors by Adding Japanese, Chinese and Korean Translations [May 1, 2008]
- Follow-up Inspector General Investigation Finds Unmet Needs Among Veterans with Traumatic Brain Injury [May 1, 2008]
|
|
