Curtis, L. Coy,
Deputy Under Secretary for Economic Development

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA), honors the contributions of our brave Veterans and their families for their selfless service to our great country. I would like to take a moment to recognize Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness Day.

As a Veteran myself, providing world-class care to all Veterans is of the utmost importance. Research from the National Center for PTSD indicates that PTSD occurs in approximately 15 percent or more of Veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. PTSD is an issue of great importance that VA has taken significant steps to address.

VA administers several programs that assist Veterans with PTSD - the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) VetSuccess Program is one of them. The VR&E program provides employment services, in addition to transitional and adjustment counseling, to Servicemembers and Veterans with disabilities. This includes services to assist Veterans in transition, in preparing for and seeking employment, and in living more independently. VR&E also provides access to useful resources, such as the PTSD Coach Mobile Application, to all Veterans, their friends, and family members through the VetSuccess.gov website. Together with professional medical treatment, the PTSD Coach provides Veterans with dependable resources to assist them with PTSD.

Another VA program is the VetSuccess on Campus Program, which provides outreach and transition services to all Veterans adjusting to college life. VetSuccess on Campus counselors collaborate with the Veterans Health Administration, Vet Centers, and Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs) to provide adjustment counseling and mental health treatment for Veterans. The dedicated staff within our national network understands and appreciates the experiences of our Veterans and helps them and their families adjust to civilian life.

VA has developed numerous programs to ensure the best possible care for Veterans with PTSD. It is my pledge, and the pledge of the committed VA employees for which I speak for to ensure that every Veteran and their family members will be provided the comprehensive VA benefits that they are entitled to - Our heroes deserve no less. VA is committed to following through on this promise to those who gave so much to ensure the freedom of all Americans.

Thank you for your service!