U.S. Capital

Obama Executive Actions Aim to Improve Veterans’ Mental Health Care

Oct 13, 2014

Hook Law Center (formerly Oast & Hook)

Hook Law Center (formerly Oast & Hook)

Virginia Beach, VA (Law Firm Newswire) October 13, 2014 – President Barack Obama recently announced 19 new steps to expand veterans’ access to mental health care.

The expansion follows a serious government scandal uncovered earlier this year. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) was caught hiding lengthy delays in health care access for veterans, including months-long waits for appointments. Eric Shinseki resigned as head of VA as a result. Last month, Obama signed a $16.3 billion bill to improve veterans’ access to medical care and other VA issues.

“PTSD and suicide are monumental problems affecting the veteran population,” said Andrew Hook, a Virginia veterans benefits attorney. “Treating veterans’ mental health is just as essential as providing other forms of health care.”

Obama said that the bill will improve availability of mental health care for veterans transitioning into civilian life. In addition, its measures will extend research into post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and suicide.

PTSD manifests through symptoms like flashbacks and anxiety, and it currently affects at least 20 percent of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans. About half of all veterans with PTSD do not seek treatment. People with PTSD face an increased risk of depression, suicide and substance abuse problems.

Obama’s 19 executive actions should improve veterans’ access to mental health care. The measures address a number of care issues, including the transition from VA to civilian care and an expanded health peer support network for veterans. Measures to reduce suicide risk are also planned, including programs to collect unwanted medications and to teach firearm safety.

Learn more at http://www.hooklawcenter.com/

Hook Law Center
295 Bendix Road, Suite 170
Virginia Beach, Virginia 23452-1294
Phone: 757-399-7506
Fax: 757-397-1267

SUFFOLK
5806 Harbour View Blvd.
Suite 203
Suffolk VA 23435
Phone: 757-399-7506
Fax: 757-397-1267
http://www.hooklawcenter.com/

  • To help prevent elder abuse, address caregiver stress as it emerges
    Elders are among the most vulnerable populations, and they are at special risk for abuse at the hands of their caregivers. Caregiver stress is one of the biggest contributing factors to elder abuse, and stressed-out caregivers are the most likely to abuse. Depression and anxiety are common among caregivers, who often provide hours of care […]
  • How to make homes safer for seniors
    Older adults who continue to live independently at home will need a safe space in which to live. Making the home safe is essential for preventing injuries. Each year, around 7,000 elderly people die in accidents at home, while millions more sustain serious injuries there. Falls are the most common cause of injury. Drowning in […]
  • Eye and smell tests may make early detection of Alzheimer’s possible
    Results of four new research trials suggest that changes to the eyes and ability to smell may be valuable in the early detection of Alzheimer’s.  Reports presented at the 2014 Alzheimer’s Association International Conference in Copenhagen revealed that eye exams could be used to identify build-up of beta amyloid in the brain, while a decreased […]
  • Seniors may qualify for Medicaid by spending down assets safely
    Federal law dictates that only someone below a benchmark level of assets can qualify for Medicaid, beyond which it is determined that the individual does not have the assets to pay for his or her own care. Many seniors who apply do not receive Medicaid because their asset level is too high to qualify. In […]
  • Facts to know about Medicare and retirement
    If your 65th birthday is approaching, you should make sure you are aware of your Medicare options and are prepared to enroll in Medicare if necessary. Here are a few things you should know. First, if you are receiving Social Security benefits already, then you will be enrolled in Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and […]