Edwards introduces bill to improve mental health care for veterans on Memorial Day

U.S. Congressman Chuck Edwards (NC-11) today, in honor of every fallen soldier, including those lost to their silent struggle with mental health, introduced the Justice for America’s Veterans and Survivors Act to enhance data collection on the causes of death among veterans, with the goal of helping to prevent veteran suicide. Congresswoman Kelly Morrison (MN-03) is co-leading this bipartisan legislation.

Congressman Edwards said, “Many veterans carry invisible wounds after their time of service, and we need to better understand the root causes surrounding the loss of our veterans to suicide. Currently, the Department of Veterans Affairs lacks accurate data on the cause of death for deceased veterans, which impacts our ability to draft policy and create effective interventions.

“My bill, the Justice for America’s Veterans and Survivors Act, would improve data collection on the mental health challenges faced by veterans so we can prevent these tragedies and make sure that surviving families are properly taken care of. Our veterans give everything to defend our great nation and citizens, and we owe it to them to make sure that they have the support and resources they need as they transition back to civilian life.”

Congresswoman Morrison said, "The mental health crisis among our nation's veterans requires immediate action. As a physician, I know that having thorough and accurate data is a critical step in being able to deliver the best possible care for our patients. I'm proud to cosponsor this bipartisan legislation to increase data accuracy and transparency, improve care for our veterans, support their mental health, and ensure they and their families get the benefits they have earned. Our brave veterans and their families who have sacrificed so much for our country deserve nothing less."

“The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) is grateful to Representatives Chuck Edwards and Kelly Morrison for introducing the Justice for America's Veterans and Survivors Act to ensure that the Department of Veterans Affairs collects cause of death data for deceased veterans. While the VA currently supports 506,000 surviving spouses, the VA does not know what percentage are suicide, illness, combat or training accident loses. This information is critical to ensure that the VA and other organizations are providing necessary care and programs for surviving families, as well as research into suicide prevention, toxic exposures, and illnesses that have led to the tragic deaths of many of our nation's veterans,”said Bonnie Carroll, president and founder, TAPS.

The Justice for America’s Veterans Survivors Act would require the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to annually report on the cause of death among veterans, with a specific focus on whether suicide was a primary or secondary factor contributing to the veteran’s cause of death. Requiring accurate cause-of-death reporting will also ensure proper access to benefits and resources for surviving family members.

Background

• According to the VA, an average of 22 veterans commit suicide every day.
• Suicide is the second leading cause of death for veterans under the age of 45.
• These tragedies are often the result of service-connected injuries and mental health conditions.
• Underreporting and misclassification have in some instances prevented family members from accessing survivor benefits.
  • The VA relies on county reporting regarding cause of death, which fails to identify veteran status in 18 percent of cases.
  • Suicide data excludes many self-harm deaths, especially drug overdoses.
    • New research from America’s Warrior Partnership suggests 40–44 veterans die by suicide every day, nearly 15,000 annually.

Endorsements

• Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS)
• Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)
• Military Officers Association of America (MOAA)