August 18, 2008 - This week's update examines how VA needs to take better care of our veterans. As you know, Veterans for Common Sense sued VA on behalf of all veterans to get them to stop turning away suicidal veterans. Judge Conti agreed with the veterans that VA is in a crisis situation, but he ruled that the courts do not have jurisdiction to fix VA; that is Congress' job. VCS filed our appeal in late July. We are now moving forward with this time-consuming endeavor, because we believe it is imperative that VA be ready, willing, and able to care for all veterans!

On Thursday, U.S. Rep. Phil Hare said "American soldiers in Iraq are getting the best care in the world, but more needs to be done when they get home.

The Congressional Budget Office is now examining a bill that would open VA's 232 centers to active duty soldiers so they have access to mental health counseling. Veterans for Common Sense supports this effort.

Veterans for Common Sense works tirelessly to make sure that VA can take care of our veterans and our soldiers. We want a safety net in place so that no veteran falls through the cracks again. Please, make a monthly contribution today so we can continue with our work.

Marine Commanders told to Remove Stress Stigma, a sign that our hard work is paying off. VCS encourages removing all stigma associated with PTSD and TBI. We want our soldiers and veterans to ask for help and receive help when they need it.

PTSD Causes Early Death from Heart Disease, study finds. "Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) significantly raises the risk of premature death from heart disease, according to results of a long-term study of Vietnam veterans."

PTSD and TBI are serious war injuries. Soldiers and veterans exhibiting symptoms need to seek help right away. VCS works hard to make sure veterans, active duty personnell, and military families are all aware of the symptoms of both these diseases. Our lawsuit, if successful, will make sure VA is better able to care for veterans living with these injuries. Please, contribute to VCS today.

In this moving account, a military wife talks about living with her husband's PTSD. "The PTSD did not surface right away after my husband returned to the United States..."

Veterans for Common Sense is appealing Judge Conti's decision in our landmark lawsuit against VA so that no veterans has to wait a day longer than necessary to recieve the help and treatment they need. Please, click here to help offset the costs of our lawsuit.

Comment here (No comments yet).