VA Watchdog dot Org - VA NEWS FLASH - 02-19-2008 #8 -- PUBLISHED REPORT: PTSD VICTIMS WILL NO LONGER NEED TO PROVE TRAUMA TO VA -- New policy would accept a medical examination and diagnosis of PTSD with no further proof needed.

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PUBLISHED REPORT: PTSD VICTIMS WILL NO LONGER NEED TO

PROVE TRAUMA TO VA -- New policy would accept a medical

examination and diagnosis of PTSD with no further proof needed.

Story below:

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by Larry Scott

A report published by the Military Times Group says that the VA has changed its policy on PTSD claims.

According to the story, (here:
http://www.airforcetimes.com/news/2008/02/military_ptsdproof_080218w/ )
veterans would only need a medical exam and a diagnosis of PTSD to be awarded VA compensation.

This would appear to do away with the proof of "stressor" incident requirement.

Article continues below:

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The announcement came from Sen. Daniel Akaka (D-HI), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

Because of the federal holiday, Akaka's office and the VA were not available for comment and released no information on their web sites.

The article used the phrase "in the future," indicating that this would not apply automatically to old PTSD claims.

Also confusing is a reference early in the article to "combat" veterans. Then, later in the article, that reference is dropped.

What appears to be a major change in VA policy needs to be clarified, and that is expected in the next few days.

We will get more information as it becomes available.

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posted by Larry Scott
Founder and Editor
VA Watchdog dot Org

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