Issue Position: Veterans - Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Issue Position

The core of adequate and respectful veterans' health care is medical technology that can address the specific injuries and disabilities sustained during military service. Due to the ever changing face of war and defense technology, veterans' medical facilities are currently treating injuries and disabilities -- namely PSTD and TBI -- to an extent never before seen, both in sheer numbers and in scope sustained per patient.

I support legislation and efforts to provide the veterans' health system with the resources, flexibility, and integration necessary to address the changes and provide the best care possible. I believe these efforts should include cutting edge pre- and post-deployment testing, and personalized treatments for servicemembers, veterans, and military family members. Unfortunately, a stigma persists against those servicemembers who pursue mental health care during and after deployments. I am heartened by the Department of Defense's efforts to dispel this stigma. The damaging effects of the on-going wars in Iraq and Afghanistan will continue to come to light, and as a country and government, we must do all we can to mitigate these effects, and support those who have sacrificed so much.

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