Statement: New Veterans Applaud Long Overdue PTSD Change at VA

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sunday, July 11, 2010
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NEW YORK - Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), the country's first and largest non-partisan, nonprofit organization for veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, released the following statement in support of the new rule change that eases the burden of proof on servicemembers filing a disability claim for service-connected Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD):

"IAVA strongly supports the rule change relating to service-connected Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). We have advocated for this change for years through our legislative agendas, congressional testimonies and ongoing awareness building in the media. Months after announcing the proposed change, the VA and the White House have finally enacted this vital rule to address the needs of modern warriors. While the disability claims system overall remains ill-equipped and outdated, this is a step in the right direction. This change removes a key bureaucratic obstacle to care and will go a long way toward helping men and women coming home from Iraq and Afghanistan with invisible wounds.

It was important and meaningful to the military and veterans community to hear from the President on this critical issue. Going forward, it is imperative that the President continues to be vocal and visible. He must remind Americans that just as we support our warriors when they are in combat, their health and safety are a national priority when they come home. And he must encourage the American public to do more.

The Administration must also address how they plan to provide mental health care to the nearly 50% of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans who currently do not use the VA. In doing so, the President must acknowledge that the VA cannot do it alone and urge the country to support the non-profit and veteran service organizations that play an invaluable role in helping our newest veterans.

IAVA commends the White House and VA for taking an important step and we look forward to working with them to implement this new standard."

To arrange an interview with IAVA Executive Director Paul Rieckhoff, Deputy Executive Director Todd Bowers, or an IAVA Member Veteran, contact Chrissy Stevens; (917) 836-1483; chrissy@iava.org

Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) is the country's first and largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization for veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and has more than 180,000 veteran members and civilian supporters nationwide. Its mission is to improve the lives of this country's newest generation of veterans and their families.