Editorial: Get with the program

[unhappycamper]

Editorial: Get with the program

In January, Congress ordered the Pentagon to drop its disability ratings rules and strictly follow the VA’s criteria in assigning ratings to injured and wounded service members.

In March, the Army said it would comply. All the other services were to follow suit.

The change in law was among the most significant changes to emerge in the wake of 2007’s Walter Reed scandal. Veterans’ groups hailed the change, having complained for years that the military had shortchanged wounded combat veterans on their disability ratings and compensation.

But seven months later, the Army still isn’t living up to its promise, at least not when it comes to assessing troops suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.

The VA ratings schedule says PTSD sufferers should receive a minimum 50-percent disability rating from the rating agency and then be reassessed within six months to determine if the initial evaulation should be changed for the longer term.


Rest of article at: http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/community/opinion/marine_editorial_program_092208/%2e