Congresswoman Fudge Applauds Reforms to Care for Vets with PTSD
July 20, 2010 by mlfudge
Filed under News, Veteran Affairs
Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Marcia L. Fudge (OH-11) welcomes the Veterans Administration (VA) plan to improve care for veterans suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The new reforms make it easier for veterans, including those denied benefits in the past, to receive their earned benefits.
“Nearly one in five veterans suffer from PTSD. Many men and women were tripped up by red tape when trying to access care. That’s a shame, but it won’t continue on the Democrats’ watch,” said Congresswoman Marcia L. Fudge. “Now, Northeast Ohio vets can go to the Wade Park PTSD VA Medical Center in Cleveland, receive a diagnosis, and immediately receive the disability compensation they deserve.”
Previously, veterans had to undergo lengthy investigations while applying for PTSD disability benefits. The VA required extensive documentation of the specific cause of PTSD along with a doctor’s diagnosis. Unable to document their experiences, thousands of veterans were denied PTSD benefits. The proposed reforms simplify the process, requiring only a VA doctor’s diagnosis for veterans who served in a combat zone.
“Our soldiers sacrifice immensely for our freedom, and it’s our duty to ensure they’re supported when they return home,” said Congresswoman Fudge. “I’m proud that, finally, our veterans suffering from PTSD will receive the necessary care, with no hassles or red tape.”
Congressman John Hall (NY-19), Chairman of the House Veteran’s Affairs Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs, spearheaded this effort alongside President Obama. The Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America strongly supports the new rule.
Fudge, Kucinich Request Investigation into Possible Discriminatory Practices at DFAS
CLEVELAND -U.S. Representatives Marcia L. Fudge (D-Ohio) and Dennis Kucinich (D-Ohio) today called on the Acting Comptroller General of the United States and the Inspector General of the Department of Defense (DOD) to investigate possible violations of fair labor practices and possible discrimination against African American employees at the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS). A significant number of employees at the Cleveland and other DFAS locations have been indefinitely suspended or terminated, despite long-term employment with the agency.
“We are writing to apprise you of a policy at the Defense Finance and Accounting Service…which may be discriminatory, in violation of fair labor practices, and otherwise illegal,” wrote Fudge and Kucinich. “The DFAS employees who were fired have allegedly gotten behind on some of their personal credit payments. However, very few employees could withstand the scrutiny DFAS has imposed, especially during the current recession and the financial and housing crisis which caused it.”
“It is noteworthy that 85% of the DFAS employees suspended or terminated…are African Americans. The African American community in Cleveland and elsewhere has been disproportionately affected by predatory lending and the foreclosure crisis which followed.”
Congressman Kucinich and Congresswoman Fudge are expected to hold a joint press conference on Monday to discuss these actions and other actions that will be taken.
