House Bill Would Allow Veterans who were Raped to Receive PTSD Benefits

[The Straight Story]

House Bill Would Allow Veterans who were Raped to Receive PTSD Benefits

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is not only a result of combat experience, but also rape, argues U.S. Representative Chellie Pingree (D-Maine). That’s why the congresswoman wants the Department of Veterans Affairs to cover PTSD claims by military personnel who have been sexually assaulted.

Under legislation introduced by Pingree, the VA would pay for treatment and disability benefits for soldiers suffering from rape-related PTSD. Such claims would have to be accepted by the VA if the individual provides a written statement about their assault and a mental health professional’s diagnosis.

The VA could reject the claims only if it presents “clear and convincing evidence to the contrary” that the PTSD was caused by a rape during a person’s service.

At least 3,000 cases of sexual assault occurred last year in the military—a figure that likely is much lower than the true total, because of the tendency of women to not report incidents of rape.

http://www.allgov.com/Controversies/ViewNews/House_Bill_Would_Allow_Veterans_who_were_Raped_to_Receive_PTSD_Benefits_110314