I'm sure you saw the news already, but the VA's reaction to the increasing suicide rate amongst returning soldiers from Iraq--seems to have set them on the defensive.
Why aren't they taking this problem seriously?
2007-12-13 10:39:21 · 14 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Military
It's the way our country works. They send our youngest and best to fight in a foreign land, shoving them in front of death and destruction - then kick them to the curb when they come home.
It has always been like this....ask any Vietnam Vet or Korean Vet.
Once they can no longer shoot, kill and destroy, our government has no further use for them.
2007-12-14 05:48:56 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I still don't know how many of these suicides were committed by folks who entered the service with personality and character disorders which should have disqualified them in the first place. That category of patient is prohibited by law from being treated by the VA or receiving any monetary benefit from the VA ever since 1981.
You assert these are guys who returned from duty in Iraq. I still haven't seen one shred of evidence or empirical data to support that assertion.
From 1970-71 I served at the Naval Hospital in Philadelphia. We were a major treatment center for amputees and psychiatric patients. With few exceptions, everyone of the amputees was injured in Vietnam. There were no psychiatric patients who had ever been to Vietnam! I suspect the same sort of clinical picture is present today.
2007-12-13 12:34:32 · answer #2 · answered by desertviking_00 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because you cannot force someone to get help. There are programs available, but they're not mandatory. And think about it, you just get home from war; what do you want to do first, go to counseling or see your loved ones as much as possible? Think about it, it's not a tough choice. Also, problems such as PTSD and depression can remain hidden for weeks, months, even years.
I just did a whole bunch of research on this, and I've learned that it's not necessarily the VA's fault that the rates are so high.
2007-12-13 12:25:17 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because the government and the military need more money to buy those $125.000 vehicles to drive around Iraq, those $75.000 laser guided rockets to take out a sniper.
All that money needs to come from somewhere, so they take it from the VA funding.
The VA clinic here has only 2 psychologist and 3 psychiatrist to handle all the thousands of vets living here!
2007-12-13 12:02:03 · answer #4 · answered by Sgt Big Red 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The VA has nothing to do with Active duty Soldiers they deal with retirees and other separated vets.
And the Active Army is taking this very seriously.
2007-12-13 14:51:37 · answer #5 · answered by MP US Army 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It has been my observation& experience that the V.A. works on A self help program, as if you want help you have to ask for it from =emergency room-primary doctor. Other patiencs,friends,contacks at hosp. can enlighten you of programs at the V.A.Hospital. A good place to start is at the emergency room or contact V.A. Hospital / Veteran`s Benefits Dept. You Have To Take An Intrest In Your Care or at least let V.A. Admistration know of your need.
2007-12-13 11:08:45 · answer #6 · answered by graszhopper 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Once again, here's what I wrote for another IDENTICAL question:
We've been over this subject a million times on here. In all actuality, the military as a whole has had NO significant rise in suicide rates than from BEFORE the war started. Where were people like you about 12 years ago when it was at it's worst? Instead, you anti-war people take fabricated stories and try and use it to your advantage to fight this arguement. And of course, an AOL story is reputable? Come on, liberal hippie douch bag company!!
2007-12-13 11:48:46 · answer #7 · answered by Mac 4 · 1⤊ 2⤋
They never take anything seriously, I'm a Vietnam Veteran and they never took us serious.You need groups or Senators to confront the govt with the problems.
2007-12-13 10:57:51 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I'm sure they are. What would you have them do? What do you mean by "take it seriously?"
They have counseling services out the ying yang.
Are you saying they need to give them money? Free housing? What do you want from the government?
2007-12-13 10:44:55 · answer #9 · answered by Philip McCrevice 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
guess what,my take is that it is probably more bullshit that can be blamed on Pres. Bush.I spent 2 yrs. in Viet Nam and we had more than 500,000 troops in country,the suicide rate was insignificant ! this is all political sh*it......
2007-12-13 11:26:32 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋