Information About Severely Injured U.S. Military and Veterans

The following are excellent sources of information on the nature and scale of the humanitarian problems associated with the inadequate care of American troops and veterans who suffer from the mental health and physical costs of war and the corresponding inadequate support of their families. These sources also describe many of the significant private and public sector efforts aimed at bringing about life-changing solutions.

Injured veterans engaged in new combat

In a little-noticed regulation change, the Pentagon's definition of combat-related disabilities is narrowed, costing some wounded veterans thousands of dollars in lost benefits.

By DAVID ZUCCHINO, Los Angeles Times, Nov 25, 2008

Marine Cpl. James Dixon was wounded twice in Iraq -- by a roadside bomb and a land mine. He suffered a traumatic brain injury, a concussion, a dislocated hip and hearing loss. He was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder. Army Sgt. Lori Meshell shattered a hip and crushed her back and knees while diving for cover during a mortar attack in Iraq. She has undergone a hip replacement and knee reconstruction and needs at least three more surgeries. In each case, the Pentagon ruled that their disabilities were not combat-related. In a little-noticed regulation change in March, the military's definition of combat-related disabilities was narrowed, costing some injured veterans thousands of dollars in lost benefits -- and triggering outrage from veterans' advocacy groups. (Read entire story)

General Bucks Culture of Silence on Mental Health

By PAULINE JELINEK, Associated Press Writer

U.S. Military WASHINGTON -- It takes a brave soldier to do what Army Maj. Gen. David Blackledge did in Iraq. It takes as much bravery to do what he did when he got home. Blackledge got psychiatric counseling to deal with wartime trauma, and now he is defying the military's culture of silence on the subject of mental health problems and treatment. (Read entire story)

Iraq vets and post-traumatic stress: No easy answers

By A. CHRIS GAJILAN,CNN Senior Producer

BELLMORE, New York (CNN) -- Walking through a crowded shopping mall can bring back memories of war. The shifting crowds, the jostle of passers-by and the din can all trigger Army Sgt. Kristofer Goldsmith's post-traumatic stress disorder. "You get used to scanning what everybody's doing. Your brain just starts working so fast and it's purely instinctual because you want to know what everyone's intent is around you," said Goldsmith, who served four years in active duty.

"You want to know if anyone has the intent to harm you or the capabilities to harm you."(Read entire story)

Soldiers risk ruin while awaiting benefit checks

By Associated Press June 16, 2008

"The injury alone didn't put him in a homeless shelter. Instead, it was military bureaucracy - specifically, the way injured soldiers are discharged on just a fraction of their salary and then forced to wait six to nine months, and sometimes even more than a year, before their full disability payments begin to flow." (Read Story)

Veterans Administration Needs To Offer Veterans, Caregivers and Families Much Greater Support

In June 2007 an independent committee was established to advise the Department of Veterans Affairs on the current situation of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom (OIF/OEF) veterans and families and in June 2008 the committee published its first interim report. In this document the committee describes what it views are the most important issues facing veterans and their families and a preliminary list of observations and recommendations. One major issue relates directly to Rebuild Hope's mission - the support of veterans, caregivers and families as they transition from active service to civilian life. The section of the report that deals with this issue can be downloaded from our website. The entire report is also available at the VA website.

National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

The PTSD Information Center contains in-depth information on PTSD and traumatic stress for a general audience. We answer commonly asked questions about the effects of trauma, including basic information about PTSD and other common reactions. You can find out about treatment and coping or view videos to learn more. Visit website.

Post-War Suicides May Exceed Combat Deaths, U.S. Says (Update1)

By AVRAM GOLDSTEIN, Bloomberg - May 5, 2008

WASHINGTON - The number of suicides among veterans of wars in Iraq and Afghanistan may exceed the combat death toll because of inadequate mental health care, the U.S. government's top psychiatric researcher said. Community mental health centers, hobbled by financial limits, haven't provided enough scientifically sound care, especially in rural areas, said Thomas Insel, director of the National Institute of Mental Health in Bethesda, Maryland. He briefed reporters today at the American Psychiatric Association's annual meeting in Washington. View entire article

Nearly 1 in 5 troops has mental problems after war service

By PAULINE JELINEK, Associated Press Writer - April 17, 2008

WASHINGTON - Roughly one in every five U.S. troops who have survived the bombs and other dangers of Iraq and Afghanistan now suffers from major depression or post-traumatic stress, an independent study said Thursday. It estimated the toll at 300,000 or more. As many or more report possible brain injuries from explosions or other head wounds, said the study, the first major survey from outside the government. Only about half of those with mental health problems have sought treatment. Even fewer of those with head injuries have seen doctors.

Army Surgeon General Eric Schoomaker said the report, from the Rand Corp., was welcome. View article

Our Nation's Veterans Deserve Better from America's Charities

The American Institute of Philanthropy (AIP), a leading charity watchdog, issued a report card this month for 29 veterans and military charities. Letter grades were based largely on the charities' fundraising costs and the percentage of money raised that was spent on charitable activities. Rebuild Hope provides excerpts from Daniel Borochoff's (President, American Institute of Philanthropy) testimony before the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Hearing on Veterans Charities (December 13, 2007) plus a summary of his key findings and conclusions. View now

You can also view the entire report at the American Institute for Philanthropy website.

The American Institute of Philanthropy (AIP) at www.charitywatch.org is a nonprofit charity watchdog and information resource dedicated to helping its members and the general public make wise giving decisions. Since 1993 it has been America's toughest and most independent watchdog of the accountability, finances, governance and promotional practices of charities.

Other News

Visit the Iraq & Afghanistan Veterans of America website.