NEWS: U.S. Army Will Reconsider Discharges For Veterans With PTSD
Nov. 21, 2020
The U.S. Army will reconsider its policy of discharging soldiers because of a PTSD diagnosis. While this seems like a benign policy, it impacted many soldiers over the years. Since soldiers, like many Americans, struggle with mental health problems, it increases the likelihood of soldiers losing their standing.
"Since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, more than 150,000 Army soldiers have received less-than-honorable discharges, often based on minor misconduct linked to undiagnosed mental health problems, the plaintiffs said," (Associated Press, 2020).
Discharging veterans because of their health problems sets a bad precedent. When dealing with mental health problems, psychologists always recommend that clients express themselves freely. However, if a soldier fears they may lose their benefits, they may feel reluctant to report mental health episodes. After all, no one wants to feel judged or financially and socially penalized for struggling with an illness. This is especially troubling since most soldiers never had mental health problems until serving. Since they dedicate their hard work to protect all Americans, the US Army wants to reconsider their previous approach.
"Because of their discharge status, the veterans say they were prevented from receiving military-funded health care services and other benefits," (Associated Press, 2020).
Changing this policy represents an increased accountability by government agencies in addressing mental healthcare. As we discussed in previous articles, the 2020 Congress attempted to pass a series of veteran-driven legislation. Many focused on decreasing suicide by maintaining consistent contact with Veterans. This is great news because it means they are taking mental health care more seriously than ever before. They also stand to view mental health disorders differently, acknowledging the unintended impacts they have on human behavior.
"The U.S. Army has agreed to reconsider its issuing of thousands of less-than-honorable discharges to service members with post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental health problems, according to a lawsuit settlement announced Wednesday," (Associated Press, 2020).
Additional Reading:
"Army to review thousands of discharges of veterans who suffered from traumas"
"Army to review discharges and status-upgrade procedures for behavioral health conditions"
The U.S. Army will reconsider its policy of discharging soldiers because of a PTSD diagnosis. While this seems like a benign policy, it impacted many soldiers over the years. Since soldiers, like many Americans, struggle with mental health problems, it increases the likelihood of soldiers losing their standing.
"Since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, more than 150,000 Army soldiers have received less-than-honorable discharges, often based on minor misconduct linked to undiagnosed mental health problems, the plaintiffs said," (Associated Press, 2020).
Discharging veterans because of their health problems sets a bad precedent. When dealing with mental health problems, psychologists always recommend that clients express themselves freely. However, if a soldier fears they may lose their benefits, they may feel reluctant to report mental health episodes. After all, no one wants to feel judged or financially and socially penalized for struggling with an illness. This is especially troubling since most soldiers never had mental health problems until serving. Since they dedicate their hard work to protect all Americans, the US Army wants to reconsider their previous approach.
"Because of their discharge status, the veterans say they were prevented from receiving military-funded health care services and other benefits," (Associated Press, 2020).
Changing this policy represents an increased accountability by government agencies in addressing mental healthcare. As we discussed in previous articles, the 2020 Congress attempted to pass a series of veteran-driven legislation. Many focused on decreasing suicide by maintaining consistent contact with Veterans. This is great news because it means they are taking mental health care more seriously than ever before. They also stand to view mental health disorders differently, acknowledging the unintended impacts they have on human behavior.
"The U.S. Army has agreed to reconsider its issuing of thousands of less-than-honorable discharges to service members with post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental health problems, according to a lawsuit settlement announced Wednesday," (Associated Press, 2020).
Additional Reading:
"Army to review thousands of discharges of veterans who suffered from traumas"
"Army to review discharges and status-upgrade procedures for behavioral health conditions"
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