WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman André Carson today commended plans by the Veterans Administration (VA) to improve care for veterans suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). These new policies will make it easier for veterans - including those who may have been denied benefits in the past - to receive the care and benefits they need and have earned.

"We have a responsibility to do all that we can to support our soldiers," said Congressman Carson. "We hear from struggling Hoosier veterans every day in our office - men and women who have sacrificed for this nation, yet still were denied the benefits they need and deserve."

Before this change in policy, veterans had to undergo lengthy investigations in order to apply for disability benefits for PTSD. The VA required extensive documentation of the specific cause of the disorder in addition to a doctor's diagnosis. This ultimately resulted in the denial of benefits to thousands of veterans. The new reforms will simplify the process by only requiring a VA doctor's diagnosis for veterans who served in a combat zone.

"PTSD or major depression affects nearly one in five veterans," Congressman Carson said. "This overdue change will go a long way toward helping these veterans of both current and past wars to receive VA health care and disability compensation."