A recent study by the Rand Corp. concludes that about 33 percent of troops who have served in Iraq or Afghanistan returned with mental health problems, such as post-traumatic stress disorder or traumatic brain injury.
In response, Sen. Kit Bond, a Missouri Republican, has proposed a bill that would allow many of these troops to receive needed treatment. It’s a reasonable reaction to a growing problem.
Bond’s legislation would allow active-duty personnel, along with reservists and National Guard members, to receive treatment at community-based, walk-in centers operated by the Veterans Affairs Department. The bill is co-sponsored by Democratic Sen. Barbara Boxer of California.
In another sign of recognition that more must be done for troops dealing with combat-related mental-health problems, Defense Secretary Robert Gates says steps will be taken to reduce any stigma for combat vets who seek treatment and then apply for security clearances.
Gates says a query on a background questionnaire for those seeking security clearances will be revised. Under a new policy, applicants who sought mental-health treatment could still obtain clearances if the treatment was for problems stemming from service in a combat zone.
Soldiers and Marines who put themselves in harm’s way shouldn’t be penalized solely because they had to endure post-traumatic stress. With so many troops returning with mental-health problems, such adjustments in existing policy only make sense.
