SAYS PTSD VETS CAN BE TREATED AND "RECOVER"  -- 

AND SPEAKS OF A NEVER-ENDING APPEALS PROCESS

VA Secretary Jim Nicholson just proved that "you don't need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows."

Veterans who currently have been awarded PTSD compensation can look for more hassles and "new" veterans can expect a trip through hell if they file a claim for PTSD.

Speaking on a cable TV show yesterday in El Paso, Texas, Nicholson showed his ignorance of PTSD issues and cemented his place in history as just another unqualified crony holding a position of power in the Bush administration.

Nicholson's most amazing statement regarding PTSD was, "We need to try to restore them to the extent that we can. People can be treated for that and most people can recover from that."

Which medical authority says you can recover from PTSD?  Nicholson did not cite any medical authority when giving this bizarre assessment.

Nicholson also said that a "vast" number of veterans who get PTSD compensation don't continue therapy. 

Again, Nicholson shows his ignorance of the issue.  The major stress on PTSD veterans is financial.  They can't get a job or hold a job.  Once a PTSD claim is awarded and the compensation begins, that stress has been removed and the need for continuing therapy diminishes.  So, Nicholson has taken good news and tried to turn it into bad news...and disses veterans at the same time.

And, Nicholson said, "Every veteran has a right to appeal their claim indefinitely for the rest of their lives."

Great!  It appears the VA, under Nicholson's brilliant guidance, has adopted the "Groundhog Day" philosophy when it comes to PTSD claims.

In the movie "Groundhog Day", the character played by Bill Murray kept reliving the worst day of his life until he got it right.  Now, veterans with PTSD claims will be forced to do the same by constantly having to appeal their claim. 

The most disgusting part of this is that Nicholson means it.  His attitude is:  "Hey, don't worry.  We just denied your claim.  So appeal it!"

The constant stress of reviews and denials and appeals is tantamount to torture for veterans who suffer from PTSD.

It's all about money.  The VA can save billions of dollars a year by reducing or denying "big money" PTSD claims.  Also, look for this same type of operation with IU claims.  (Note this:  http://vawatchdog.org/old%20newsflashes/newsflash10-25-2005-3.htm  )

THIS HAS GOT TO STOP!

Here is the article about Nicholson's statements... http://www.borderlandnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051028/NEWS/510280362/1001

Larry Scott

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