Today, Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) applauded the Department of Veterans Affairs for simplifying the application process for veterans filing for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) benefits and health care services. The new procedures, effective this week, will significantly reduce the information a veteran needs to submit when claiming PTSD.

"This is a significant leap forward in supporting our nation’s veterans," said Congressman Cuellar. "With these new rules, we help our service men and women get the health care and benefits they need and deserve, and we uphold our obligation to those who have so honorably served our nation."

The new rules will make it easier for veterans to get treatment and financial support for PTSD. Previously, veterans had to attribute a specific combat experience with their PTSD symptoms. Now, veterans are only required to provide evidence that they served in a war zone where conditions contributed to their post-traumatic stress.

The VA expects that the new rule will reduce the amount of time it takes for a PTSD-related claim to be processed. More than 400,000 veterans currently receiving VA compensation benefits have service-connected PTSD. PTSD is a medically recognized anxiety disorder that is connected and developed by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event such as possible death or serious injury.

"This nation has a solemn obligation to the men and women who have honorably served this country and suffer from the often devastating emotional wounds of war," said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki.  "This final regulation goes a long way to ensure that Veterans receive the benefits and services they need." 

To learn more about this new benefit for veterans, please visit: http://www1.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=1922

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Congressman Henry Cuellar is a member of the U.S. House Homeland Security, Agriculture, and Government Oversight & Reform Committees in the 111th Congress. Accessibility to constituents, education, health care, economic development, and national security are his priorities. Congressman Cuellar is also a Senior Whip and member of the Blue Dog Coalition.