The VA: Protect the Budget Policy Breeds Barriers to Care for Veterans

Photo by Scott Lee

On August 19, 2009 at 2:22 PM, I had a conversation with a Combat Veteran's Mother pleading for help with the criminal charges her Combat PTSD son received during a flashback. Incarcerated Combat Vet Mom makes a critical connection on why so many veterans are not receiving the care they scream out for in the night.

Anonymous said,

My son is just begining to show signs of something after being placed in jail for domestic violence and robbery II. He's been in jail for over 4 months with a bail high as the sky and the VA Med Ctr not willing to accept him with a felony charge. My son, who was bail out 2 times in one week was place there for allegly attacking the victim again. My question is, he's wanting the bail lowered so we can get him out. Can I trust him?

Scott A. Lee said,

I would like to direct you to a woman who has been going through a similar situation. Her name is Sue, click here, her email is on her blogger profile.

I have been talking to her for about a year now and she has come a long way and making the best of her situation. She has become active in this area of concern and has gained some wisdom and insights that may help you.

Anonymous said,

Thank you! After working like a dog for 6 months calling everybody who's anybody connected to the VAMC, I've finally gotten them to go to the jail to evaluate my son. He is suffering from PTSD. Hopefully, the report will lessen his charge and we can get him into treatment and probation or something. Anything except prison. If you have any tips or stories on PTSD soldiers and the legal system on how to present illness to prosecutors and judge, let me hear it.

I want everybody to know that you must push through everyone who says, they can't do anything, or their hands are tied. I overstepped everyone of them and went straight to the top, and low and behold, all those who said they couldn't, was made to do it by the top dog. I now have them doing what they said they couldn't do. Just press on! The VAMC know what they need to do, and what's going on with our soldiers. I believe the problem or barrier with the VAMC is "cost". Keeping down the cost of care and the overall budget of the VAMC. So, if you don't pressure them, pushing like hell, they don't know of you and your problem. So, keep pushing through until you get to the top. In other words. Worry the shit out of them.

The most important thing is to PRAY! Pray for the soldier to have peace in his/her mind, heart and Spirit, and believe that The Most High God will deliver him/her through this mess. When you pray, and your heart is content with peace, then everythng will be okay. Just pray and believe and don't worry. Just hang on through all the anger......knowing that it is the illness, and not the person.
LIFE!

Scott A. Lee said,

Keep fighting the good fight!! Together we can change lives. In the right column you will find what you are looking for, titled "CHARGED WITH A CRIME, DIAGNOSED WITH PTSD?"