VA Press Release for OTH vets with MH issues

[Berta]

VA Secretary Announces Intention to Expand Mental Health Care to Former Service members With Other-than-honorable Discharges and in Crisis

WASHINGTON – Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Dr. David J. Shulkin while testifying in a House Veterans Affairs Committee hearing on March 7, 2017, announced his intention to expand provisions for urgent mental health care needs to former service members with other-than-honorable (OTH) administrative discharges.  This move marks the first time a VA Secretary has implemented an initiative specifically focused on expanding access to assist former OTH service members who are in mental health distress and may be at risk for suicide or other adverse behaviors.

“The president and I have made it clear that suicide prevention is one or our top priorities," Shulkin said. “We know the rate of death by suicide among Veterans who do not use VA care is increasing at a greater rate than Veterans who use VA care. This is a national emergency that requires bold action. We must and we will do all that we can to help former service members who may be at risk. When we say even one Veteran suicide is one too many, we mean it.”

It is estimated that there are a little more than 500,000 former service members with OTH discharges. As part of the proposal, former OTH service members would be able to seek treatment at a VA emergency department, Vet Center or contact the Veterans Crisis Line.

“Our goal is simple: to save lives,” Shulkin continued. “Veterans who are in crisis should receive help immediately. Far too many Veterans have fallen victim to suicide, roughly 20 every day. Far too many families are left behind asking themselves what more could have been done. The time for action is now.”

Before finalizing the plan in early summer, Shulkin will meet with Congress, Veterans Service Organizations and Department of Defense officials to determine the best way forward to get these former service members the care they need.

“I look forward to working with leaders like Congressman Mike Coffman from Colorado, who has been a champion for OTH service members,” Shulkin added. "I am grateful for his commitment to our nation’s Veterans and for helping me better understand the urgency of getting this right.”

Veterans in crisis should call the Veterans Crisis Line at 800-273-8255 (press 1), or text 838255.

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[CaravanDan]

This by far was long over due... This will save many lives... This comes on the heels of my (Anniversary) 40 years ago while I was in the Military I was a Tetraplegia laying in a Hospital fighting for my Life.. The grace of God I was given another chance at Living an Normal life,, He has saved my Life more than Once and I owe my Life to the lord!.. I made mistakes while in Medical Hold AWOL for a few weeks and cost me with a OTH discharge.. All these years later after getting a hold of my Mental Paper work from that that amazingly didn't get shredded I at the time was Found UNFIT Mentally for Duty by MEB .. I knew they had me found unfit MEB physically never knew Mental,, also in my mental report they said I was suicidal and to be given Treatment ,,They never told me anything about mental Nor did they give me treatment and while AWOL I tried to commit suicide,, Now 40 years later I'm still fighting for Compensation,, They have service connected me PTSD... Sleep apnea with CPAP.. All my weakness.. swallowing ect,,Loss of Use..ect.. Thanks Berta for Posting!!

 

[seminoles]

I think this is wonderful news,  the crappy thing is (at least where I am) that getting mh care is BAD.  I waited 8 months after my psychiatrist transferred to get a new one and she is terrible and I only get seen once every 4 months.  PTSD therapy is group only and if you are lucky you can get individual therapy once a month and I am 100% sc.  Oh, and the doctor they assigned me, she is leaving before my next appointment so I will be without a psychiatrist again.  At some point they need to hire more providers.

[CaravanDan]

49 minutes ago, seminoles said:

I think this is wonderful news,  the crappy thing is (at least where I am) that getting mh care is BAD.  I waited 8 months after my psychiatrist transferred to get a new one and she is terrible and I only get seen once every 4 months.  PTSD therapy is group only and if you are lucky you can get individual therapy once a month and I am 100% sc.  Oh, and the doctor they assigned me, she is leaving before my next appointment so I will be without a psychiatrist again.  At some point they need to hire more providers.

I tried the VA thing,, 60 miles away and veterans travel reimbursement for me and local county used to take me riding in my wheelchair in the back of their County Vet Van for hours picking others up and dropping off the end of Day wasn't working so for years Now I go to one I picked that took my Wife's Insurance.. I have been going 2 times a month for years just have to pay a Co-pay.. I kept receipts so one day I'll make VA pay all that back to me..

[CaravanDan]

This is a opportunity for some OTH Discharged Veterans to get their Stressor in the system and get (Mental) service connected PTSD,TBI ect..,, Some can get help at VA once service connected,, This just opened that door for them,, Also will help their discharge Upgrades!!! Great News!!