Today, Rep. Clarke applauded the Veterans Administration’s plan to improve care for our veterans suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The new rules will make it easier for veterans – including those who may have been denied benefits in the past – to receive the care and benefits they need and have earned.

“Our soldiers sacrifice tremendously for our country, and we have a responsibility to do all we can to support them,” said Rep. Clarke. “For too long, our brave men and women in uniform suffering from PTSD have gone without the care they need and deserve. House Democrats and the Obama Administration have taken action to address this, and maintain the sacred promise we make to our veterans.”

Previously, veterans had to undergo lengthy investigations in order to apply for disability benefits for PTSD. The Veterans Administration (VA) required extensive documentation of the specific cause of the disorder in addition to a doctor’s diagnosis, and ultimately denied benefits to thousands of veterans who were unable to document their experiences. The new reforms will simplify the process, requiring a VA doctor’s diagnosis for veterans who served in a combat zone.

“Nearly one in five veterans suffer from PTSD or major depression, and many veterans in New York have been silently suffering without the care they need and have earned,” said Rep. Clarke. “In Brooklyn, it is estimated that more than 18,000 of our veterans are afflicted by this disorder. Finally, veterans of both current and past wars will receive the VA health care and disability compensation they deserve.”

For additional information, go to www.va.gov or call VA’s toll free benefits number at 1-800-827-1000.

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