VA and DoD Working to Prevent Long Term Mental Health Casualties

Shinseki Emphasizes Addressing Mental Health Issues Early 04/08/2010. Close collaboration between the Defense and Veterans Affairs departments, plus proactive military screening policies, are helping to identify and treat mental-health issues in returning combat veterans before they escalate into more serious, long-term problems, Veteran Affairs Secretary Eric K. Shinseki told American Forces Press Service. Shinseki credited Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates’ leadership in addressing mental-health concerns early, before they spill over into the VA health care system. Defense.gov