Senator Akaka joined Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV), and Senators Charles Schumer (D-NY), Richard Durbin (D-IL) and Patty Murray (D-WA) to present the Democratic plan to ensure proper medical care for service members and veterans. 

Statement of Senator Daniel K. Akaka, Chairman, Veterans' Affairs Committee

Over the years - and out of necessity - VA developed some of the best mental health care in the world. But is VA reaching and treating all veterans who need care?

A former Deputy Secretary for Health at VA said that long waiting lists for appointments render VA mental health care virtually inaccessible. Funding shortages have clearly played a role. And this is occurring at the worst time - when demand for care is exploding.

We know that at least 20 percent of the men and women who are currently serving in Iraq and Afghanistan will require treatment for a mental health issue - and that is a very conservative estimate. Mental disorders are the third most frequent diagnosis given in VA hospitals.

Our focus is simple - to make sure that VA is doing everything possible to guarantee that each and every veteran who needs mental health care - whether in Vermont or Hawaii - is receiving that care.

This is critical, because so often battle wounds manifest in invisible wounds - wounds which cannot be seen but are every bit as devastating as physical wounds. PTSD affects not only a veteran's mental status, it affects his or her physical well being as well. It impacts the veteran's relationships, his or her ability to work, and to interact in society.

We have tremendous work to do in reducing the stigma attached to mental health.

Given the high rate of PTSD, it is alarming that some two-thirds of servicemembers admit fear about being stigmatized if they seek help. The Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee will be addressing this.

When we talk about mental health needs of veterans, we cannot deny the reality that substance abuse looms large. We know that many veterans with PTSD turn to drugs or alcohol to self medicate. Yet, the Administration does not seem to want to be in the business of helping veterans with substance abuse problems. VA used to provide an intensive month-long program to treat substance abuse. Today, most VA substance abuse programs run for two weeks - not nearly enough time to put a veteran on the road to recovery.

Parents of a 27 year-old Iraq veteran shared a tragic story with me. After returning from combat, Justin Bailey, sought care for PTSD and substance abuse at a VA hospital. After a mere couple of weeks of treatment, he was sent to a living facility with a bag of medications prescribed to him. He was found face down in his room the day after being discharged from the hospital. His parents believe he overdosed.

Tony and Mary Kaye Bailey wrote, "Justin was our only child and we are devastated, but also angry. Everyone talks about the cost of sending troops to Iraq - what about the cost of caring for their injuries - both physical and psychological, when they return. Please help us make a change."

We need to make a change. Thank you.