An internal email written by a Veterans' Affairs Department employee seems to suggest intentionally avoiding diagnosing veterans with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, in order to avoid higher disability payments.
The e-mail has the subject title "Suggestion."
"Given that we are having more and more compensation seeking veterans, I'd like to suggest that we refrain from giving a diagnosis of PTSD straight out. Consider a diagnosis of Adjustment Disorder, R/O PTSD," the e-mail said.
It also said, "Additionally, we really don't or have time to do the extensive testing that should be done to determine PTSD."
Veterans' Affairs Secretary James Peake says he will not fire the employee responsible for the email. "We are committed to absolute accuracy in a diagnosis and unwavering in providing any and all earned benefits," Peake said. "PTSD and the mental health arena is no exception."
Jon Soltz, an Iraq War Veteran who is chairman of VoteVets.org, said some veterans have suspected they received a diagnosis of an adjustment disorder instead of the correct diagnosis of PTSD because the payout to them would be less.
A recent study reported that nearly one in five soldiers returning from Iraq or Afghanistan displayed symptoms of either PTSD or major depression. In addition, a survey said three of five soldiers were concerned that seeking help for mental health issues could have some impact on their careers.
