VA Doctors Told To Make Fewer PTSD Diagnoses, Save Money
May 16, 2008
Washington (ChattahBox) - According to reports, an e-mail has surfaced which tells Veterans Affairs doctors to cut costs, and diagnose fewer veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Many advocacy groups are now coming out to stand up for veterans, as they want the Veterans Affairs Department to answer questions about the e-mail.
The e-mail was sent from a PTSD program coordinator at a Veterans Affairs hospital.
When a VA doctor gives a diagnosis of PTSD, they are automatically eligible for health benefits, as well as disability retirement pay.
When they are only diagnosed with Adjustment disorder though, they do not receive those benefits, which would save the VA money.
VA Secretary James Peake released a statement, saying the e-mail is real does not represent VA policy.
He stated “A single staff member, out of VA’s 230,000 employees, in a single medical facility sent a single e-mail with suggestions that are inappropriate and have been repudiated at the highest level of our health-care organization. The employee has been counseled and is extremely apologetic.”
Veterans advocacy groups such as VoteVets.org and Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington are still pushing the subject.
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