Data Suggests Vast Costs Loom in Disability Claims - New York Times

Data Suggests Vast Costs Loom in Disability Claims - New York Times

"Nearly one in five soldiers leaving he military after serving in Iraq and Afghanistan has been at least partially disabled as a result of service, according to documents of the Department of Veterans Affairs..." That is more than 184,000 veterans who have been treated for various ailments, as of June 2006.

According to the report, about 35% (64,400) are filing claims for mental disorders, notably PTSD, second only to 42% filing for musculoskeletal disorders, like back injuries.

Only about 567,000 of the 1.5 million American troops who have served so far have been discharged. If the current proportions continue over time, 400,000 returning service members could eventually apply for disability benefits. At 35%, this would represent more than 140,000 veterans claiming mental disabilities.

The report goes on to state that 37% of active duty veterans have filed for disability benefits, compared to 20% of thos serving with the National Guard or Reserve units. Also, 18% of those Guard and Reserve claims are denied, compared to 8% of those filed by active duty troops. The report does not explain this discrepancy.

Once again, the hard facts about the conflict indicate that we are only at the beginning in regard to seeing the full effects of the conflict. Considering the current state of the VA and overall funding, the gap between need and resources will continue to grow into the foreseeable future.