VA to Offer Mental Health Services for Veterans With Bad Paper

VA Secretary David Shulkin recently announced that the VA will start offering mental health services for veterans with bad paper, or other-than-honorable discharges.  Shulkin said that the new policy will be implemented as soon as possible.  There is also an effort underway in Congress to legally mandate this treatment, but Shulkin pointed out that the VA has the authority to do it without waiting for legislation and that he did not want to wait for Congress.

The rationale for providing this treatment is that many service members were discharged from service for behaviors that were actually symptoms of mental disorders that would have opened the door to VA covered treatment and benefits but that were precluded by the bad discharges.  This is something veterans advocates like Veterans Help Group have argued for years.

Shulkin’s effort are another example of recent recognition by the federal government to recognize these issues and bring help to these veterans.  In addition to the efforts toward treatment there is also legislation pending in Congress to halt bad military discharges for PTSD and TBI.

MORE INFORMATION: PTSD and TBI Claims

• Veterans’ Traumatic Brain Injury
  Traumatic brain injuries can range from mild to severe. If you believe you may have brain trauma stemming from your military service, learn about the the most common symptoms of TBI.
• VA Disability Claims for PTSD
  VA claims for PTSD are frequently denied and under rated. Read about the various ways the VA is not fairly evaluating PTSD claims and how the veterans advocates at Veterans Help Group may be able to help your case.
• Free Evaluation of Your Claim or Denial
  You have a right to disability compensation if injuries from your service are affecting your ability to live a normal life. We offer a free consultation and case evaluation for all veterans who need help getting VA benefits