Veterans returning from war find themselves facing mental health issues
Photographer: WMAR
Copyright 2011 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Posted: 03/12/2012
FREDERICK, Md. - As U.S. troops return home from war, more and more veterans are finding themselves in need of treatment for mental health issues.
The Veterans Health Administration's mental health handbook says all new patients must receive a comprehensive evaluation and treatment planning within 14 days of returning. The V.A. says ninety-five percent of cases meet those requirements.
But the department's own survey found thirty-seven percent of veterans have to wait longer than 14 days for an appointment and once referred to a specialist, fifty-two percent have to wait more than two weeks to be seen.
Lawmakers say they are putting pressure on the V.A. to improve.
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Copyright 2012 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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