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Bill seeks more counseling to prevent PTSD

Fort Carson, Colo., and Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., would become test beds for predeployment counseling programs aimed at reducing the risk of combat stress under legislation sponsored by two Colorado lawmakers.

Reps. Mark Udall and John Salazar, both Democrats, are urging the creation of pilot programs at the two Army bases to try to prevent post-traumatic stress disorder in combat troops, and to provide early detection and treatment for PTSD when it happens.

“Providing prompt and effective treatment to our returning troops can help prevent many of the negative effects related to PTSD and depression,” Udall said. “It is the least we can do to repay them for the sacrifices they have made.”

The bill they introduced June 12, HR 6268, also gives active-duty service members access to readjustment and mental health counseling from veterans centers, provide grants for nonprofit groups who provide counseling services for the survivors of service members or veterans, extends military survivor benefits to families of service members who commit suicide after a history of combat-related health problems, and creates a new scholarship program to train behavioral health specialists about mental health treatment for service members and veterans.

The wide swath of initiatives complicates passage. The bill was referred to the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, but its provisions fall under the jurisdiction of two other panels — the Armed Services Committee that is responsible for military benefits, and the Ways and Means Committee that oversees grants for nonprofit groups.

The bill is similar to S 3008, a measure introduced May 12 by Sens. Barbara Boxer, D-Calif., and Christopher Bond, R-Mo. Boxer and Bond might offer their package as an amendment to the 2008 defense authorization bill when the Senate takes up that measure in about two weeks. Senate passage of the legislation would provide a legislative shortcut that would avoid giving three House panels the chance to consider — and possibly change — the bill.

Udall said Congress needs to do more. About 40,000 Iraq and Afghanistan veterans have been diagnosed with PTSD, with more than 600,000 reporting symptoms of PTSD or severe depression.

“With many of our service members deploying for their third or fourth tours to Iraq, we can expect these numbers will continue to rise,” Udall said.

Udall, who serves on the House Armed Services Committee, said the Defense Department and Veterans Affairs Department are not doing enough.

“It is clear that Congress needs to step in to ensure that our service members and veterans suffering from the invisible wounds of PTSD and major depression are getting the support they deserve,” Udall said. “They should not have to fight another war to get proper care once they return home.”