Rep. Chet Edwards, D-Waco, who has secured millions of dollars for a joint VA research project into post-traumatic stress disorder, said Wednesday he’s “appalled” by an internal e-mail written by an employee of a Central Texas VA hospital that suggests avoiding a diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder for veterans.
The VA has identified the sender of the e-mail as a post-traumatic stress disorder team leader at the Olin Teague VA Medical Center in Temple.
The email suggests an alternative diagnosis of adjustment disorder, which might result in a lower disability payment.
“Give that we are having more and more compensation seeking veterans,” the e-mail writer says, “I’d like to suggest that you refrain from giving a diagnosis of PTSD straight out.”
“Additionally, we really don’t have time to do the extensive testing that should be done to determine PTSD.”
Edwards released a statement late Wednesday afternoon responding to the memo.
“I am appalled at even the possibility that the health care diagnosis of a veteran could be influenced by anything other than an objective medical evaluation,” Edwards said.
“I believe the VA owes a clear explanation of this memo to the public and all actions taken to correct it.”
