Mental Health, PTS, Combat, Deploy-ability, a crippled VA system, market externalities, Can you think of a more challenging Gordian knot?

Capt Richard I P. — Wed, 28 Oct 2015 17:44:11 -0400

I know the VA and veterans care is a perennial topic here. I was struck by this story on NPR on the way home today. Please give it a listen/read. It is a very challenging topic and I don't know the answer, but I strongly believe there is something wrong here.

This one cuts across politics and normal lines of thinking. Clearly a nation that sends people into harms way bears responsibility for damage incurred both physical and mental. Which part of the national collective should address that damage? The VA? The Military? The civil mental health system?

http://www.npr.org/2015/10/28/451146230/missed-treatment-soldiers-with-mental-health-issues-dismissed-for-misconduct

And earlier year versions of the same theme:
http://www.npr.org/series/11609328/mental-health-care-at-fort-carson

Missed Treatment: Soldiers With Mental Health Issues Dismissed For 'Misconduct'

The Army has "separated" more than 22,000 soldiers for "misconduct" since 2009 — often without benefits — after they returned from war with mental health problems or brain injuries.